Last night’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies showcased how much Juan Lagares impacts this Mets offense. Everyone knows how good he plays on the defensive side on the ball, as he makes plays that leave everyone watching in awe. There is an excitement watching Lagares play that can remind fans of watching Jose Reyes play, and there are some similarities between the two.
While watching the SNY broadcasts during Jose Reyes’ tenure with the Mets, there were often statistics at the bottom of screen that had the Mets record when Jose Reyes scored a run versus when he did not score. The record when he scored a run overshadowed the record when he did not score by quite a large margin. The offense seemed to revolve around how Jose Reyes performed, and the same is happening with Juan Lagares.
During an 0-16 slump the past three games, the Mets managed without Lagares’ production as they swept a two-game series against the Baltimore Orioles, but the team struggled to get anything going against Cole Hamels, as Matt Harvey lost his first start of the season. Lagares’ two-run homer in the 7th inning on Saturday proved to be the deciding point in the game as the Mets would go on and win 3-2. This moment showed how important it is for Lagares to score runs for the team.
Over the course of this season, the Mets are 11-1 when Lagares scores a run, and they are 8-10 when he does not score. We know that correlation does not imply causation, but this statistic may show one key aspect of the team’s performance. Pitching performances must be considered, and there has to be someone driving in runs, which could contribute to determining the key factor when the Mets end the game with a victory. This statistic should not be overlooked though, as the differential in records is pretty significant.
Other similarities between Lagares and Reyes are that both players are free swingers, but do not strike out a whole bunch. In fact, both players do not walk a whole lot either, making each at-bat exciting to watch, as we know the ball is going to be put into play. This hurts and helps both of their games, as the ball is going in play, however the lack of walks create less opportunities for both players to get on base and make something happen.
When Reyes entered the Mets lineup, he was only 20 years of age, and had wheels unlike any other player in the game during that time. We remember Jose for speeding around the base paths while providing great enthusiasm for the game. The lineup has not had a similar presence ever since he left, but it seems that Juan can become a player who impacted the Mets offense just as Jose did.
Lagares is not as flashy, but he gets the job done, and has been playing phenomenal defense since being called up in 2013. It is hard to believe that he started out as a shortstop and carried his middle infield instincts to the outfield smoothly ever since he changed positions in 2009. His bat continues to be consistent, and we hope to see more stolen bases from him, as he stole seven out of his thirteen bases last September, but has only stolen one base this season. Hopefully he can get on base and show off his wheels when he is on the bases, which will help manufacture runs in an offense that needs as much help as it can get.
I love Lagares. But I really loves Reyes. I’m hoping Herrera and maybe another player we acquire via trade can help fill the speed void.
Seriously?
No. Really?
Seriously???
Lagares is not Reyes…But, he has the potential to be his own special player..I’m certain he ‘s on the right track
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“This statistic should not be overlooked though, as the differential in records is pretty significant.”
Yes it should be overlooked and filed under the random and useless category.
The Mets are 11-1 when Wilmer Flores scores a run and 6-8 when he doesn’t.
Make that 11-2!
Here’s a negative way to interpret that “stat”.
They are so bad that when they get on base and score, that must mean the other pitcher must really be struggling.
Lagares offers some of the similar excitement that Reyes used to, but otherwise they are pretty different. Reyes has a career .340 OBP, while Lagares is still .302. Reyes had tremendous speed which altered the entire way teams approached the Mets once he was on base. Lagares, while a good bad-ball hitter, and a tremendous defender, doesn’t represent that kind of speedy threat. Very different types of players, but if Lagares can help bring a championship to Queens, you can call him whatever you want.