Newcomer Eddie Kunz is the Mets’ first top overall draft pick to join the Cyclones to start his professional career in Brooklyn since Scott Kazmir in 2002 — so the reliever knows expectations will be high.
“I’m going to come out and do my best,” said the 6-foot-5, 250-pound Oregon native. “I had some success in college, so I just want to take it from there.”
Pitching in front of a typical crowd of 5,000 at Oregon State University — where he had 12 saves and a 2.91 ERA this season — Kunz feels he’s ready to step up at Keyspan.
“I’ve never played in front of 9,000 people, so it’s going to be different,” said Kunz, who threw a scoreless inning in his first appearance on Aug. 4. Since then, he’s notched two saves, though his ERA is 7.36. “New York is so different from Oregon, but I love it here so far. I think it’s going to be fun and I think I’m ready. I can’t wait to pitch here.”
He had to wait seven weeks while his agent and the Mets hammered out the details of his contract, but at least he has his priorities straight.
“I’ve never had a Nathan’s hot dog before,” said Kunz. “That’s the first thing on my to-do list once I have some free time.”
