I have had this date circled on my calendar since November 2nd, when the Mets season ended at the hands of the Kansas City Royals in last year’s World Series. There is not a more fitting opponent for the Mets to face to open the season, than the Royals after how last season ended. The Mets will play two games in Kansas City, and they will be forced to watch a World Series banner raising, and a ring ceremony each game. There is so much intrigue surrounding this series, not just because it’s a World Series rematch, but there has been speculation that the Royals will retaliate after Noah Syndergaard’s brushback pitch. Lucas Duda has stepped up and said the team will not be bullied by any of the Royals antics in this series, and Duda is now in a war of words with Royals first-base coach Rusty Kuntz, regarding Duda’s errant throw that allowed Eric Hosmer to score in the World Series. As if the media needed anymore storylines to sell this series.

If the Mets ever wanted to add anymore fuel to their own fire, opening the season in Kansas City with everything that is surrounding this series helps. There are many high expectations surrounding the Mets this season, expectations we have not seen since 2007. The Mets will be playing with a bullseye on their back and will get the best shot from every club they play night after night. The first month of the Mets schedule is favorable which can allow them to string some wins together early, and start their run to another NL East crown. I believe the Mets can win 90 games this season, and win the World Series with the amount of depth this team has this year.

Buckle up Mets fans, it’s going to be a great season! Let’s Go Mets!