SAVAGE VIEWS – Ready or Not

 

READY OR NOT

Remember me? I’m the one who predicted the Mets would not only qualify for the playoffs this season but actually get past round one.  Also, last year, around this time, I said the 2023 Mets were not a playoff team.  

When I make my forecasts, I try to take a clear eyed approach by eliminating emotion whenever possible.  However, I am a passionate fan of the Mets, Giants and Rangers and it’s hard to eliminate all biases.

To be honest, I am a bit concerned as we enter the new season.  

My forecasts are based on the core group of Mets improving on rather disappointing results in 2023.  Each of Lindor, Alonso, McNeil, Marte did not live up to expectations.  Baty, Alvarez and Vientos were all underwhelming although it’s evident that Alvarez is a budding star.  

I sensed there was a toxic clubhouse that had a negative impact on Baty, etc.  The position players underperformed in spring training as nearly all of our core players were under the Mendoza line.  Wonder if they can turn it on once the opening day bell rings.

A number of pundits are down on this team even suggesting the season will be over once we hit July and that we will be massive sellers.  Obviously, I disagree.  Although I was not in favor of signing JD Martinez and wanted Vientos to be given the opportunity to shine, I understand the reasons for the move.  The Mets lineup has the potential to be formidable.

Clearly the Braves are the class of the division with the Phillies ranked second.  In fact, some suggest that Philly will challenge the Braves for the title.  In my opinion, the Mets match up well with Philly as shown below:

Position	Mets	Philly	Edge
1B	Alonso	Harper	Even
2B	McNeil	Stott	Even
SS	Lindor	Turner	Even
3B	Baty	Bohm	Philly
C	Alvarez	Realmuto	Even
LF	Nimmo	Castellanos	Mets
CF	Bader	Rojas	Even
RF	Marte	Marsh	Mets
DH	Martinez	Schwarber	Mets
SP1	Senza	Nola	Philly
SP2	Severino	Wheeler	Philly
SP3	Quintana	Suarez	Philly
SP4	Manaea	Sanchez	Even
SP5	Houser	Turnbill	Mets
SP6	MeGill	Walker	Mets
Closer	Diaz	Alvarado	Mets
RP			Even
Bench			Philly

A lot depends on our guys remaining relatively healthy since there are few position player options available at this time in our minor league system.  On the other hand, we have quite a bit of pitching depth that few teams can match.  

It’s a good bet that we will see the likes of Peterson, Butto, Lucchesi, Scott and Lavender at some point this year with Hamil and Vasil in the wings.  Obviously, the top three starters for Philly are better than what the Mets have to offer.  

Don’t be surprised if the Mets win the season series from Philly.

Ray

March 28 2024