Sandy Alderson deserves a lot of credit for this win streak

First place in August! Are you kidding me? Wow. Stunning. And we have Sandy Alderson to thank for what is shaping up to be a very special season in Mets history. Beyond the standings, the momentum is there, the schedule is there, the flame throwers are peaking and big bats are coming off the DL. It’s a good time to be a Mets fan.

While this writer was extremely critical of Sandy Alderson for his off-season transactions, and then again on is handling of the Wilmer Flores and Zack Wheeler for Carlos Gomez non-trade, the Mets GM redeemed himself with a series of shrewd moves at the trade deadline that have helped propel this team back into playoff contention.

Move #1 – the rotation juggle
Among the smartest moves Alderson made was perhaps the least heralded. At the All-Star break, he took a look ahead at the upcoming schedule and noted two upcoming series against the then first place Washington Nationals. Knowing how much weight these games carry, Alderson wisely reconfigured the rotation schedule so that he’d have his three best pitchers taking the mound in those critical six games. The first series didn’t work out quite as planned – mainly because Daniel Murphy’s two errors and Alex Torres’ turd of a relief performance spoiled Matt Harvey’s game and Bobby Parnell’s turd spoiled Noah Syndergaard’s turn, but they at least took the middle game with another great performance from Jacob deGrom. The Mets were able to trot out the big three again at home for the second series against the Nationals, and this time the offense was clicking and the bullpen held their own in a phenomenal sweep that got Citi Field rocking and put the team back in first place in the NL East.

Move #2 – reinforcements
While the minor trade of marginal prospects to the Atlanta Braves for veteran journeymen Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson barely garnered any the national sports coverage, the impact of this deal was immediately felt in the clubhouse and in the stands. Terry Collins’ hands were tied with injuries and a lack of depth forcing him play guys who don’t belong in the majors. Players like the light-hitting infielder Danny Muno, Johnny “I hit like Babe Ruth in spring training and like Ruth Bader Ginsberg in season” Monell, Eric “I can play every position except hitter” Campbell, Anthony “I can’t hit much but aint I handsome” Recker, and John “even my dad wasn’t that good” Mayberry, Jr were not just coming off the bench, but often filling out the starting lineup. And it showed in the box scores where night after night the Mets were wasting terrific pitching performances to lose 1-0 and 2-1.

Rather than waiting for the big deal (which would come later) Alderson recognized the immediate need for help. Uribe and Johnson are no All-Stars, but as Keith Hernandez likes to say, they’re professional hitters. Uribe can fill in admirably at third base until David Wright returns to action and as a bonus, he brings a winning attitude and a fun clubhouse personality. Johnson brings versatility and experience to a team that was relying too much on guys who weren’t delivering in that role. Corresponding with this move, Mayberry was released, Muno was sent down and Collins gave the best team speech of his career, announcing simply but firmly that the run producers will play and the rally killers will sit.

Move #3 – a real setup man
At one time Met fans were geeked up at the prospect of shutting down close games Kansas City style with 2013 closer Bobby Parnell, 2014 closer Jennry Mejia and 2015 closer Jeurys Familia. However, Parnell’s return from Tommy John surgery and rehab has been inconsistent and Mejia’s now gone for the year and possibly forever from the Mets following his second PED suspension. Whether that factored into Alderson’s decision to trade a good lower level pitching prospect for proven closer and setup man Tyler Clippard may be up for debate, but what’s not is how much of an important hole the big right hander fills in the pen. Clippard is the ideal 8^th inning pitcher who can get out lefties and righties, get a big strikeout when needed, get out of bases loaded jams, and close out games when needed. Many games are won and lost in the 8^th and playoff teams have strong setup men.

Move #4 – the big bat at last
While many Mets fans and writers, including this one, were perplexed and angry about the reneged Carlos Gomez trade, Alderson made the smart play in going for the best available bat on the market – Yoenis Cespedes. The Cuban outfielder brings power, solid defense and an infectious attitude to this team and it shows. Since we made the trade, the team has rattled off six straight wins to wrestle back first place. Yes, he may only be a rental and yes we gave up Michael Fulmer, a legitimate pitching prospect who may be in a rotation in a year or so, but Cespedes gives this team and its fans a sense of hope that hasn’t been felt around here in seven years.

With Wright on the DL and Cuddyer struggling most of the year, the Mets lineup was sorely lacking balance and the lefties – Lucas Duda, Curtis Granderson and Daniel Murphy – have been exposed, both due to lack of protection and the onslaught of late inning LOOGYs.  Beyond his production and protection, Cespedes has lengthened the lineup and strengthened the bench. When this team is at full-strength in September with Wright and Cuddyer back, they may have the best offense they’ve seen since we had two guys named Carlos on the team.

Imagine a tight September game in the late innings. Men on base and the pitcher is due up. Collins turns to the bench for a pinch hitter and looking back at him is Murphy, Cuddyer, Uribe, Johnson, Michael Conforto or Juan Lagares, and Kevin Plawecki. Decisions, decisions.