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'Lowest of lows': After Max Scherzer combusts, the Mets suddenly have an identity crisis

NEW YORK — Max Scherzer is more than his reputation as Mad Max. Oh, he’s still plenty competitive away from the mound — the fire-spitting fierce competitor is less an alter ego and more an outlet — but he’s not some one-dimensional monster. He’s also endlessly curious, surprisingly approachable and a father of three with a fourth on the way.

“I wouldn’t have bitten your heads off!” he protested last weekend when he learned none of the assembled reporters had cut him off to correct him when he misspoke.

See, self-aware, too.

And yet Mets reliever Trevor May called him “almost an urban legend,” as if he exists somewhere between man and myth.