Francisco Lindor wasted no time in showing the New York fans that this season could go very differently from the last.
After a trying debut campaign that saw career-worst numbers, booing fans and a thumbs-down retaliation, Lindor and the Citi Field crowd was all smiles in the Mets home opener on Friday, as the team's superstar shortstop played like one, to the tune of two home runs, one from each side of the plate, to pace New York's 10-run attack.
"He's a special player," Friday's starter Chris Bassitt said after Lindor helped give him all the run support he would need. "Lindor was unbelievable today. It was a good read of what this team can be for a lot of games this year."
After struggling in front of the home fans last season, Buck Showalter believes Lindor is in a much more comfortable place after having the benefit of a full offseason and a year of experience in New York under his belt.
He certainly seemed comfortable in the box on Friday, and the fan response was much different from last April, when Lindor stumbled out of the gate and never recovered.
"Our fans, they're waiting to embrace you and he gave them something to embrace him about," Showalter said. "He hasn't been talking once about what he's gonna do this year…we have a show-me city, and he's willing to take that on. He's quietly been on a mission since spring training.
"You can tell he's comfortable with the challenge of playing shortstop for the New York Mets and not having to be everything to everybody every day, every second."
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