Reese Kaplan -- More Observations on This Bizarre Season

An ongoing discussion among Met fan friends this week had to do with the statistical output from this 2020 season.  A lot of the deliberation concerned whether or not the records by the players and teams would need to be considered with an asterisk to signify the oddity that is the Pandemic season.  

While we’ve pondered quite a bit about the rapid changes the Mets have had to make with both their starters and relievers, the fact is that without the injuries and opt-outs it would have been highly unlikely for players like David Peterson, Franklyn Kilome and others to have gotten the opportunities that arose out of necessity.  Yes, we saw more of Corey Oswalt and Robert Gsellman than anyone would have liked, and there is surely a team of people looking for a GoFundMe site to inspire a contract be put out on Steven Matz to prevent him from losing any more ballgames.  

However, if you look at the bullpen there have been some very good signs of late as well.  Dellin Betances is finally starting to show why he’d built up such a stellar reputation during his pre-injury days.  Seth Lugo has been his usual quality self.  Jeurys Familia has been more good than bad (though not great).  Edwin Diaz has started to show his All Star form as well.  Drew Smith and other relievers that may not have been pushed into duty have also had long intervals of quality when given the opportunity.  Brad Brach and Jared Hughes have turned in credible work at times as well.  Who’da thunk it?

What’s particularly interesting for this year is the evolution of the bats.  Some started slowly before heating up but lately there have been some terrific performances to watch during the fan-less games.  Dom Smith is doing so well, in fact, that many are pondering whether he belongs at 1B with Pete Alonso moving full time into the DH role.

He’s not alone, fortunately.  Robinson Cano is showing why he was considered far from done when the team acquired him last year.  Wait, think about that a minute -- in this 2020 season no one is actively campaigning for Brodie Van Wagenen’s head when both Cano and Diaz are showing their worth.

J.D. Davis is another one picking up the mantle of good hitter and (surprisingly) capable fielder at 3rd base.  He’s shown people already that much of what was seen in 2019 was not a fluke and the team had better find a way to get him into the lineup on a regular basis.  If it wasn’t for Yoenis Cespedes needing to play based upon his paycheck...oh wait!  Nevermind.

Brandon Nimmo started slowly as did Michael Conforto, Amed Rosario, Pete Alonso and Wilson Ramos.  Little by little they have started coming alive and the scores lately reflect both bad competition and good hitting.  Considering they’re operating on a pitching staff held together with duct tape and fan prayers, it’s good to see the offense coming to life.  Even Luis Guillorme is showing what he can do with the bat.  Hot starter Andres Gimenez has cooled off a bit, but his defense and baserunning are as valuable as ever.  

Perhaps the biggest surprise was rock steady Jeff McNeil suddenly looking human in between injuries.  He’s doing better than his numbers would indicate and there’s not a fan in New York who would suggest removing him from the lineup unless injury dictated it happen.  

My conclusion is not whether the stats merit an asterisk.  I don’t even mind if the team misses the playoffs.  I’m seeing enough positive signs that the 2021 season promises (with some starting pitching fortification) to be a promising one.