Picture of an unassuming, humble squirrel
As Pete Alonso hits 49 homer runs with 10 games to go, most of them titanic like the ones on Tuesday and Wednesday, and either rips off his shirt or rips another player's shirt off after an amazing win, he has become the de facto leader of the this team.
Meanwhile, the other Mets star, Jeff McNeil, goes about his stunning excellence more quietly.
His is an amazing story, a guy who, while hitting .306 over his first 3 minor league seasons from 2013-15, had just 4 home runs in nearly 1,200 plate appearances. One every 300 times up.
But, baby, look at him now:
Not only hitting .318, but sporting a terrific .388 OBP - AND a jaw-dropping .531 slugging %, an amazing number when you do look back on a guy who started out with a homer every 300 plate appearances in the minors.
He has 35 doubles and 22 homers this year in 127 games - project that over 162 games, and you get 45 doubles and 28 HRs - from a former slap hitter.
Even more amazing:
20 HRs over his last 76 games, a 43 HR pace over 162 games.
While playing multiple positions more than adequately.
If not for Pete, the Squirrel is the Mets' MVP.
He trails Anthony Rendon by just 12 points for the NL batting title.
So, Jeff - an ode to honor you:
May a Hot Streak Rise Up To Meet You.
May the Hits fall in Everywhere for you.
May the Wind be Always at Your Back (so you can hit more dingers).
May the Sun Blind Your Opponent's Face (so more hits may drop in).
The Rains not Fall Upon (Your Ballfields While You Play).
And Until We Interview Again, May God Hold You in the Palm of His Hand.
And Hold Your Batting Title Trophy in His Free Hand.
And to think Lowrie was signed in part because they weren't sure about him.
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame his recent slump will cost him the batting title.
ReplyDeleteMack, once Jeff got injured, it slowed him up average-wise. The day before he was hurt enough for the DL he was at .334.
ReplyDeleteBut his home run hitting remains remarkable.
As bizarre as it might be to say so, he could possibly contend for the home run title next season. 20 HRs his last 76 games says, "why not?"
Compared to other contenders, he likely will hit lead off, mostly, so he'd get more at bats.
Who knows if this current HR pace might become his new normal? He may have been thinking, I established myself as a very successful spray hitter, and indespensible to the Mets. Now I have the luxury of swinging more for the fences.
Of course, if they un-juice the ball in 2020, he will adjust as needed.
Reese, since Lowrie has been up 4 times, it is safe to say that McNeil took away his at bats, and not vice versa - LOL
ReplyDeleteHas he had 4 ABs? I wouldn't have guessed even that many. I don't call him Waldo for nothing.
ReplyDeleteLowrie has a .250 OBP - who could ask for anything more from the Iron Man turned Tin Man?
ReplyDeleteTom, thanks for channeling Bob Dylan's Forever Young.
ReplyDeleteMcNeil has a single, double and homer after my article...hmmm, maybe I will write another today.
ReplyDeleteAnd McNeil is now just 8 points behind the 2 co-batting leaders, and just 7 points behind Rendon. His batting title aspirations remain alive.
ReplyDelete