MY FINAL SPRING TRAINING THOUGHTS
As the Mets get ready to go to war tomorrow in real games against the Nationals, let's take one more peek at some things important from spring training.
Spring training team stats are not a great barometer of anything. But that does not mean they mean nothing.
Pitching?
The Mets' pitching ended up with a 5.38 ERA - just 24th best - but the pitching guys going north are in my opinion collectively strong, above average, and ready to pitch. A top 10 staff, easily.
Looking, to me, to be a lot better than in 2018's staff.
Hitting?
Ditto - spring games are not a great barometer - but consider the following:
Mets' spring training hitting splits in 2019 and 2018:
2019: .271/.340/.439
2018: .250/.326/.410
Significantly better this spring.
The .271 was in fact the 5th best team mark in the spring.
But just 13 hitters out of 50 who got to the plate in the spring actually made the team.
Those 13 hitters went 207 in 657 at bats (.315).
Now THAT is hitting, folks.
All that without Jed Lowrie, who had 99 RBIs last year.
End result? I'm excited - let's go Mets circa 2019.
I am ready.
ReplyDeleteSpring training, like winter, always seems two weeks too long.
ReplyDeleteThey don't think so in Tokyo, Adam. A week shorter there. Thought I heard someone say that teams make a lot of $$, in spring due to not being subject to profit sharing restrictions. If true, owners would want it to be long.
ReplyDeleteMoney first? Perish the thought!
ReplyDeleteLGM! Play ball!
ReplyDeleteLGM! LGM! LGM! LGM!
ReplyDeleteJane Jarvis would like this team.
Agreed.....I am ready for the real thing (finally).
ReplyDeleteLots to be excited about, especially the debut of The Pounder!