Opinion: The Value of Chemistry
There is an intangible that Omar Minaya has to take into consideration this offseason: Team chemistry.
The 2008 Rays had it. The Red Sox of recent years had it. In fact, any great dynasty, such as the Yankees, Chicago Bulls, or Dallas Cowboys had it. Good team chemistry is the difference between being a great team on paper, and being a great team on the field.
In 1986, there was in-fighting between Keith and Darryl, but they shared a common vision…to win. Every player knew their role, and performed it to the best of their ability in order to win despite any differences they may have had.
When they were on the field, they were one cohesive unit and it showed. They didn’t need to be friends; they just needed an equal desire to win a championship.
A team’s ability to stick together, have each others’ backs, and fight to win during pressure-filled situations and losing streaks is what makes a championship team. They aren’t affected by the media or the fans as they strive unwaveringly towards their common goal.
The Mets need to acquire players with a ‘winner’s mentality’ to supplement David Wright. Lenny Dykstra was an example of a win-at-all-costs type of player that they need. Cliff Floyd also had a ‘winner’s mentality,’ and was a positive clubhouse presence that contributed to team solidarity. It’s about more than talent alone.
The Mets showed heart in many of their games this year, such as on September 25 when Ryan Church‘s nifty slide and Carlos Beltran‘s walkoff hit won them a game against the Cubs. But there were just as many games where they seemed distracted, as if they weren’t playing together with any true sense of purpose.
Obviously pitching is the team’s greatest need, but as Minaya considers new additions this winter, he needs to be conscious of chemistry so the team can finally get to where it needs to be.
