Never in the history of calming down has anyone calmed down by being told to calm down.
So, clearly, we need another word or phrase. How about the words of wisdom from mob boss Jimmy Serrano, who in the movie “Midnight Run” said, Relax, have a cream soda.
Alright, alright, alright – a round of cream sodas, on the house.
The Mets are 18-20 and people are losing their minds. It’s not even ¼ of the season and a lot can change between now and game 162. For those who may have forgotten:
2022 Braves: Started 17-21, finished 101-61
2022 Phillies: Started 18-20, finished with 87 wins and made it to the World Series
2021 Braves: Started 18-20, finished with 88 wins and won the World Series
2019 Nationals: Started 15-23, finished with 93 wins and won the World Series
That’s four teams – within our own division! – that got off to starts equal to or worse than the 2023 Mets who rebounded and put it all together and made the playoffs. Plus, that’s just within the last three full seasons. And the common thread was that they didn’t make panic moves in May.
That’s not to say the Mets are going to do the same. It’s just a reminder that the current situation is far from hopeless.
Before hitting the panic button, perhaps we should see what’s the prognosis with Max Scherzer. Maybe we can see if Carlos Carrasco can come back and offer some stability to the rotation. It’s among the possibilities that either Joey Lucchesi or Tylor Megill can be a reasonable fifth starter.
And there are internal options with the hitters if the offensive malaise continues for much longer.
No one likes the way the Mets are playing right now, especially when the year started with dreams of 100 wins dancing in our heads. But there is no prize for being the first one to panic. Instead, use this like a hitter who just got a bad strike call against him to make the count 1-2. Use your time out, step out and clear your head, then get back in the box and smoke a double into the gap.
As Alfred E Newman would say, “What, me worry?”.
They are one game out of the playoffs on May 12th. There is no reason to panic.
Sure there are concerning signs but there are also some good signs. Baty at third base and Alvarez at catcher are two positions that are filled for the next 6 years. Their core of McNeil, Nimmo and Lindor are signed with multi-year contracts. Alonso isn’t a free agent until 2025. Mauricio and Vientos are still in the minors. There is no reason to panic, now or in the future.
The starting rotation has been injured/ suspended since the beginning of the season. Scherzer and Carrasco apparently were pitching with injuries. Quintana hasn’t even pitched. The depth starters, Lucchesi, Megill and Butto (not Peterson) are like most teams 5th starter. Isn’t that the definition of a good depth starter? Sure it’s frustrating to see them pitch badly sometimes, but isn’t it expected? Robertson, Ottavino and Smith are a lockdown bullpen. There is no reason to panic. The injuries will heal, the batting slumps will disappear and they will make up that one game deficit and make the playoffs. Relax, have a cream soda.
Hahaha……OK, guilty as charged.