This year, the Mets are 10th of 30 teams with a .272 average with RISP. That is very much improved over the last two years (.245 in 2020; .238 in 2021) and the Mets are scoring at a much higher rate as can be expected. The Mets boast three players in the top 20 National Leaguers in batting average with RISP.
• Jeff McNeil is 4th at .340
• Pete Alonso is 9th at .322
• Francisco Lindor is 18th at .308. He is hitting .381 (1.078 OPS) with RISP and two outs.
Hitting in the clutch is not an easy thing to do – pressure has an adverse effect on a player’s ability to focus on what they need to. I think that the hitting approach Chavez has brought to the team this year helps in that regard. He has tried to simplify everything so when the batters are at the plate, they have a clear mind and use their trained muscles to make contact. When contact is made consistently, good things will happen on a regular basis. Good things include hits (.272 average), sacrifice flies (Mets are 8th in baseball with 33), and run-scoring ground-outs (can’t find a stat for that).
The clutch hitting is important, as it has led the Mets to a 16-12 record in one-run games, and a 9-2 record in extra innings. The team also leads MLB in a very interesting stat called “Luck” according to Baseball Reference. “Luck” is the difference between the number of wins the team has recorded and the number of wins they “should have” according to a formula that considers runs scored and runs given up. There is a famous expression in sports that you “make your own luck” by having a good plan and executing to it.
The Mets have made their own luck this year in several different ways:
- Steve Cohen, Billy Eppler, and the front office have worked to change the culture of the organization. They have brought in complementary players, improved the talent development process, and excelled in the draft.
- Buck Showalter has utilized the full roster to create an “all-for-one” mentality that has everyone on the team contributing.
- Eric Chavez has brought an improved hitting approach to the team and has the players excelling in situational hitting.
- The players are doing their part by embracing the team-first mentality.
- Oh, by the way, this is a really talented group of players!
So, let’s hope that the “luck” they have created extends to remaining healthy because that is one area that can derail even the best of teams. Their improved ability to score runs helped them get through a difficult part of the season with deGrom, Scherzer, and Megill down. Their depth and versatility has allowed them to seamlessly work through individual player injuries. As the post season gets nearer, they are going to need all of their talent to muster a deep run into the playoffs. Let’s Go Mets!
Morning Paul
ReplyDeleteLove luck. Got me here and keeps me going.
As for the Mets, any luck helps. Won us a series against the Braves.two series ago.
Luck won an Atlanta game last night.
This is a tough division. We sort of dropped the ball this last Braves series and their train keeps running closer. They haven't lost since we played them.
First, win today. MAKE IT A SURPRISE BUTTO DAY
Then, keep your top three starters healthy.
The rest of the talent on this team will get us to the playoffs.
Jake, Max. and Chris will take it from there.
Mack and Paul, relying on the luck of the Irish is March Madness when you are being pursued to a team that defies baseball's rules that say every team must lose a minimum number of games.
ReplyDeleteThe Braves feel like 1985 John Tudor who went 1-7 thru Memorial Day and 20-1 thereafter.
In my article later this morning, I bring up the name of a guy who might have helped them not falter against Falter.
The way the Braves are playing, any Mets loss is a Falter. We are clearly a cinch for the playoffs. I want the Division. Period.
I still sting a bit that the Cards in 1985 fended the great 1985 Mets off. I want the Mets to fend the Braves off. I guess they will, if they're lucky - and smart.
McNeil has been fantastic. Marte, too, but I wish he had not tried to steal on Rifle Realmuto in the first inning. They got 1 run, but that might have prevented multiple runs.
You can't put me in a bad mood.today
DeleteSaquan plays today at.7pm on the NFL Network
Mack, I am so out of the football loop, I don't even know what a Saquan is.
ReplyDeleteThat's OK
DeleteThe Giants are so far out if the loop, they don't know who he is either.
Luck would also be a win by the Stros like come on guys geez AND not getting our "Butto" kicked this afternoon. Not playing 4 games in 48 hours would help also. Max and Jake against the Yanks and then a much needed day off but I still see this coming down to the wire because it can't be easy for us right? Hey I noticed Alvarez not in last night's lineup and we've all noticed a big offensive drop off you guys have any more info on him? Interesting that Baty said he's the best player he's ever played with. Mack at least they have a backup QB who might be better than their starter as it was insane having no backup last year and hopefully both my Giants and Jets have FINALLY aced a draft but of course time will tell.
ReplyDeleteUsually young prospects pushed to AAA have huge HEAD ADJUSTMENTS for awhile.
DeleteLuck, skill, and lots of perseverance played a role in today's marathon Mets win.
ReplyDeleteWow - those guys believe!! There is no such thing as down and out. Not even Jean (Mets Kryptonite) Segura could rattle them.
Last night they looked tired. Today they still looked a little tired. But these guys want to win and know they can, so this is not your grandfather's Mets. They came out of that rain delay looking refreshed and they needed every ounce of energy to hold off a game Philadelphia team.
Time to write about Mark Canha.
Mets fans .... REJOICE - The Mets win with 7 innings from Butto and the Banker!
ReplyDelete