Throughout the entire season, the Mets were in search of a big bat, and it seemed that nothing was going to happen until the Detroit Tigers decided to become sellers, as they would trade David Price to the Toronto Blue Jays and deal Yoenis Cespedes to the Mets. With their new outfielder on board, the Mets are seeing how much Cespedes has to offer, as he is about to enter free agency after this season.
In only 14 games with the Mets, we have already seen his two biggest strengths on display. We have seen his ability to hit the long ball and his ability to throw runners out with ease. In Friday’s game against Pittsburgh, Cespedes crushed a ball to left field that ended up tying the game in the sixth inning. Even though no one was on base, Cespedes has shown to be a force in the middle of the lineup, as he can drive runs and hit the ball over the fence.
Saturday’s game was a tough one for the Mets, but fans had to be amazed when seeing Cespedes throw out Sean Rodriguez trying to leg out a triple from deep centerfield. It brought back memories of when Jeff Francoeur was in right field throwing out base runners with his cannon arm.
There will be rumors and speculation of whether the Mets should re-sign Cespedes, as the Mets have Michael Conforto, Michael Cuddyer, Curtis Granderson, Juan Lagares and possibly Brandon Nimmo has outfielders next season. With all these options and a payroll that may or may not be increased, it seems unlikely that the Mets will bring back Cespedes, but his addition to the ballclub has provided a spark in the lineup, while adding a great arm to the outfield.
We have seen what Lagares can do, but he has not been healthy this year, which has led to a low batting average and a slight decline in defense (although we have been spoiled by some of the amazing web gems by Lagares throughout the years). The ironic point to consider is that Lagares’ game has improved tremendously ever since the move was made, although his role has changed. He went from being the starting centerfielder to getting spot starts while serving as a late-inning defensive replacement. His offense has improved, as he is hitting .412 in his last 17 at-bats, with a homer and has driven in five runs in that span. It could be that Cespedes, Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe have enabled Lagares to see better pitches, which has led to his increase in offensive production. Maybe Lagares needed more rest, and is now getting it thanks to the Cespedes acquisition.
Ever since the Trade Deadline passed, the Mets have been one of the best offensive teams, and their lineup is actually fun to watch. Cespedes has been worth the trade (so far) and it will be interesting to see how contract negotiations play out after this season. Either way, the Mets are playing solid baseball, and we get to enjoy watching a great defensive and offensive outfielder perform until the end of the season.
Two things.
People are amazed at the Cespedes throw, and it was a great throw, but am i the only one who cares that he took a terrible route to the ball, overshot the ball, and couldn’t cut it off?
Lagares has a career 759 OPS against lefties (802 this year), so it should be no surprise that this “hot” stretch is simply because the last 12 of 16 PAs have come against lefties. His role for the rest of the year should be no more than to platoon against lefties.
Gary called it a bad bounce, but not doubt that was a bad route. At least he had the arm to recover.
It’s like a Honda Civic driver who rents a Maserati to drive to his high school reunion.
He looked a triffled bit frustrated in that series. Hopefully moving forward, he makes the adjustment to the better pitching of the NL.
Yes, indeed. 15 total bases, 7 RBI, 3 HR? Are you kidding me?
Was that the best single offensive performance for a Met ever?
Edgardo Alfonzo went 6-6 with 3 HRs and 1 double, 16 total bases and 5 RBI on August 30, 1999 at the AstroDome.
Once you factor in the Coors field effect i think Alfonzo easily ranks higher.