Note: I write this article a day after I just wrote an article about not reading too much into events. I see the hypocritical nature in this article however I want to establish that this article is just proposing a thought, a what if scenario, and then extrapolating it. I don't want to this to be confused an article where my arguments are being offered as fact and as a definite conclusion.
In the second inning in last night's game, Francoeur made an incredible catch. It was then followed later by another fantastic catch, this time by Jason Bay. Both of these catches saved runs and made what could have been a big inning for Philly turn into just one run. It kept the game as a Mets dominated ball game. From the pitching side, Niese went back to the dugout after that inning with only 1 run 2 innings of work and then turned out another 5 great innings.
What if those catches don't happen?
If those catches don't happen, Niese lets up more runs in the inning. Then we have to see how Niese responds that later in the game. The Mets bats feel more pressure and maybe they don't hit after that inning. These catches are a turning point in last night's game.
However, lets consider the rest of the season. What if these catches actually have an effect on the rest of the season. What if this start is the start that starts Niese on an incredible run. This was of course the first time he really played in a hostile environment. This start gave him that crucial winning experience in high pressure. It is the game that will be quoted for him for the rest of the season as something to look back to.
And if Bay and Francoeur don't make those catches, all of this changes. Now, obvisously and I can't make any real predictions of what would happen if they don't make those catches because thats another time line, another universe*. But, we are in this universe where those to OF made those catches, Niese pitched a fantastic game where he was able to use his talent to crush the Phillies. I'm glad to be living in this universe.
*For more on altnerate universes where time is used to explain further dimensions rather than the general use of space, please watch check out these two videos.
