The Mets hold the MLB record for opening day games at 36-20 (.643) despite being 21st in the majors for overall team record at a .471 winning percentage. What does this mean? Part of it is most likely due to the team being fortunate enough to have some of the greatest aces in the game wear the blue and orange. The list could go on for another paragraph, but all we are worried about is if Jacob deGrom can continue that success today on the mound at 1:05pm.
It looks promising that he can. Fresh off a Cy Young season where he had the 11th lowest qualifying ERA of all time, and in an era of starters going less and less innings he became only the third pitcher since 1969 to have an ERA of 1.70, 30 starts, and 210 innings. While the Mets hope he can replicate those number, especially the durability metrics, for today we are only focused on whether he can outduel fellow Cy Young winner Max Scherzer.
Winning the two previous NL Cy Young’s, Scherzer must be after revenge today for the Nationals. His team has disappointedly faded from post season contention or underperformed when playing in October, but nevertheless Scherzer has been playing himself into hall of fame consideration. It certainly is a dreamy matchup of two of the best the NL and MLB have to offer.
Other pitchers to look out for are the revamped bullpens for the two teams. After deGrom exits, expect the Mets new-look endgame of Justin Wilson, Jeurys Familia, and Edwin Diaz to hopefully close it out. All with closer experience, it hopefully should be tough for any team to forge a comeback. The Nationals may have added less star power to their pen but made some real smart moves to sure up their bullpen depth, which has been an issue in the last few years.
Now to the lineup. It appears the Mets will be using Brandon Nimmo once again in the leadoff spot. The on-base machine is just the second Met to start consecutive opening days at leadoff since 2009. Some interesting names on that list are Collin Cowgill (remember that opening day grand slam!) and now Red Sox manager Alex Cora.
Alonso was announced to be batting second for his major league debut, which honestly may come as a shock to some people (this writer included). A month ago, it seemed he would be starting the year in Triple-A Syracuse, but the move to start him second is just the latest move the Mets have made to express their confidence and desire to win. The full lineup is presented below:
Nimmo – LF
Pete Alonso – 1B
Robinson Cano – 2B
Michael Conforto – RF
Wilson Ramos – C
Jeff McNeil – 3B
Amed Rosario – SS
Juan Lagares – CF
deGrom – RHP
The Nationals lineup is missing one big name, but young phenoms Juan Soto and Victor Robles should scare any team, especially when complimented by stars Anthony Rendon and Ryan Zimmerman. Hopefully deGrom and the Mets can further their MLB best opening day record, and top off the Nationals and Scherzer like they did back in 2015 where they later went on and made the World Series.
I think Lugo is the 6-7th inning reliever when they are tied or leading instead of Wilson.
When Lowrie gets back and bats 2nd then don’t be surprised when Alonso bats cleanup followed by Conforto, Ramos, McNeil and Rosario. That is a formidable line up.