Please use this thread all week to discuss any Mets-specific topic you wish.
For years we heard about how the Mets were too reliant on the HR and how they chose to punt defense in an effort to get better bats in the lineup. And it’s funny to consider that it’s their rivals that are doing that this season. The Braves lead the league in homers and the Phillies are playing sub-par defenders all over the diamond. The Braves are 11-15 and the Phillies are 11-13 so early returns are not encouraging. Of course, April is typically a tough month for offense, so we should have a better feel for both of these rivals when May is over.
Speaking of May, that’s when the pitching starting to cave for the Mets last year. After using just five starters in April, the Mets used four relievers as openers in May. The results were still fairly good – and the record was excellent thanks to the bench mob – but in hindsight, the cracks that developed in May were not easily patched. This year, the Mets were down two starters in the majority of April, which is nothing to dismiss lightly, yet their replacements pitched better than anyone had a right to expect. Will Tylor Megill and David Peterson continue to flourish? And if so, how do the Mets handle the rotation if Jacob deGrom is able to return in late June?
It’s too soon to worry about that now. But it is something to keep on the back burner.
The Mets starting pitchers doing so well must have an interesting effect on deGrom. On the one hand, it takes pressure off him rushing to get back. On the other hand, is he more motivated to become relevant again. Both may be good things.
It’s clear to me that Megill is for real. It’s not just the numbers. I’m watching the opposing hitters looking inadequate against his fastball and his sage-like demeanor while he cuts through their lineups.
Carrasco is slowly but steadily arriving on the scene. If the guy can keep trotting out there, what a bonus. He has an uncanny way of frustrating hitters. Another zen master.
Clearly, Peterson and Walker are the unknowns going down the road.
If Walker can stay fit, he is a boost to the rotation. Peterson will present a challenge to Buck and Billy… keep him, spot start him, or send him down to start regularly… obviously he can only get better in Syracuse, painful as it may be for him.
This year’s team is a much faster team than in year’s past. They go from first to third and also score from second on a single. Therefore they don’t have to hit homerun and doubles to score runs. They just need to made contact generate more offense. It is an exciting brand of baseball and more enjoyable to watch.
The defense is improved. There is an average or better than average player in each position.
The pitching is lights out and will work it self out when all starters are healthy. Even if they have a 5 men rotation they can used sixth starter as a substitute in the rotation for a different starter every time around . The rest would keep the rotation fresh. Too much pitching is a blessing and not a problem.