Matt Harvey was almost universally bashed for his decision to not have Tommy John surgery to repair a torn UCL in his right elbow. Well, Harvey has now decided to go ahead with the surgery. He'll miss all of the 2014 season.
Harvey was the best thing to happen in years for the Mets, posting a 2.27 ERA in 178 1/3 innings this year, his first full season in the majors. Harvey struck out 191 and walked 31, touching triple digits with a fastball that opponents could merely flail at. Harvey started the All-Star Game for the National League at Citi Field in July, and Mets fans were finally starting to feel good about themselves. Whoops.
The news comes at the end of a week that saw manager Terry Collins get a two-year extension from the club. Collins and GM Sandy Alderson have led the club to three straight below .500 seasons while shedding $50 million in payroll from 2011 to 2013. The team only has $33.55 million committed to payroll in 2014, with $8.5 million dedicated to Johan Santana and Jason Bay. Bay was released by the club last winter, while Santana's career in New York is likely done after shoulder surgery.
