MMO Roundtable: Scherzer or Verlander on Opening Day?
Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized
It’s already March! Spring training is here. The regular season is right around the corner. We can’t wait.
Now for the big question – who’s going to be the Opening Day starting pitcher? With arms like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer on the team, it’s a tough choice — and arguably one of the best problems to have.
Who do you think should start? Here’s our picks.
John Sheridan
Scherzer
Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander are future Hall of Famers who will forever merit the honor. For the Mets, Scherzer paved the way for Verlander. Scherzer the first big free agent Steve Cohen landed. He was the player who changed the dynamics of what this franchise was a could be. Scherzer deserves the ball.
Chris Bello
Verlander
Justin Verlander should start opening day on the sole basis that he is better than Max Scherzer. Neither has done anything significant for the organization, therefore the reigning Cy Young should display his stuff to start 2023.
Dan Quiñones
Scherzer
Scherzer should get the Opening Day nod. I think a new pitcher joining a rotation should only start Opening Day when he’s the clear best pitcher on the staff (like Cole when he joined the Yankees.) Scherzer has already established himself as a leader on this team and deserves to start the season for them. I also think Senga should pitch the second game so Verlander can be lined up for the home opener. That would allow the Mets to still give their reigning Cy Young winner a big game in early April while giving Opening Day to the more tenured pitcher.
Ricky Keeler
Scherzer
Since Max Scherzer didn’t get the chance to start Opening Day a year ago, he should get the ball to start the season. Whenever a matchup is close like this to decide the Opening Day starter, it’s normal to want to go with the guy who has been with the team the longest. Yes, Scherzer has only been here 1 more year than Verlander, but Scherzer should get the nod. If it works out that Verlander gets the home opener, then everyone wins in the end.
Patrick Glynn
Scherzer
Health is obviously the main variable here, but Scherzer should get Opening Day. I feel like, especially when it’s a toss up like this, getting the Opening Day start is more symbolic than anything. Scherzer is already one of the more vocal clubhouse leaders after one season, and he’s certainly the leader of the pitchers. And when you’ve got two pitchers who deserve the start based on ability, you give it to the guy who’s the leader, too.
Michelle Ioannou
Scherzer
Part of me wants to say Verlander just because he’s totally the underdog here (and by here, I mean in this article). But I do agree that it should be Scherzer. He’s already been on the team and has made an impact. Give him the respect he deserves.
Andrew Steele-Davis
Scherzer
Getting the start on Opening Day is a special moment in any pitcher’s career and, given that he has already been a member of this franchise for a year, I think it is only right Max Scherzer gets the start. Scherzer has emerged as a real leader in the clubhouse, he was the first real big free agent signing of the Steve Cohen era and he should get the Opening Day assignment.
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