Here we are at the midway point of the season and the Mets are a mediocre 40-41. At the start of the season, many contributors to this site would have been happy to be sitting where we are now. We easily, though, could have won at least another 6-7 games if the bullpen was simply average.
While our pen has performed below
expectations, much of the blame can be laid at the feet of Diaz. Clearly, entering a crucial point of the year
without our closer has had a negative impact.
Funny, but in just a few weeks we went from vying for a lottery pick in next year’s draft to being one of the better teams in baseball. Remember when we were considered to be light years away from the Braves? Now we are in competition with them for a wild-card spot. Injuries can be a great equalizer.
The Yankees are ranked as a top five
team. The reality is that we field a
stronger lineup one through nine with a better bench. Except for the dynamic
duo of Judge and Soto the Yankees’ lineup is underwhelming. The Yankees pen is
the difference maker.
Prior to the
season, I projected the Mets as a playoff bound team. I also predicted they
would average about 5 runs per game – they are just short of that number. Their
offensive numbers are up in spite of below average production from McNeil and
Alonso, although there have been recent signs of each improving. In my wildest
imagination I could not have forecast Nimmo leading the team in RBIs at the
half-way point.
There’s no disagreement on what needs to be done to remain competitive. The starting rotation needs to provide greater depth and the bullpen needs to be greatly improved. Getting Diaz back is a major plus, but more is needed.
We have the resources to
acquire a top-of-the-line reliever whether it’s trading from our surplus of SPs
or moving prospects. Help may already be
in our system if Megill and Peterson are moved to the pen, as they should
be. Neither has shown the capability to
get past four innings as starters.
It befuddles
me that Stewart is making his way into the lineup and in the five spot no less.
We should look for an upgrade. Also, I
would take offers for JD Martinez. JD
has had a nice stretch where he was the best hitter on the team. His trade
value is probably high and perhaps will result in a nice return. It’s time to
bring back Baty to determine if he’s a viable option for 2025.
Once again,
another interesting week lies ahead. I
would not be satisfied with anything less than winning five of seven.
8 comments:
Funny, who would have pictured pre-season that Garrett would have a major pen role, Dedniel a significant role, and guys like Tyler Jay, Matt Festa and Ty Adcock pitching in significant spots? Losing Raley and Lavender and Smith, and Edwin and Foley being in and out, has led to a bizarre situation, compounded by Senga missing 2/3 of the season, which locks a starter from being rotated to the pen.
Hurry up, Fujinama and Oca. The last 2 outings for each in rehab have statistically been very promising. Maybe there is some real help from those two, could we possibly hope for that?
Stewart has been awful after a decent April. He has got to go. .165, slug % in the mid 2s.
What are they waiting for?
Mendoza continues to baffle me. Short pen and pulling SPs after 79 and 82 pitches. Where's the logic.
There is none.
I agree with Ray and Tom. When you have a strong, rested pen you can pull a starter earlier to save his arm. Due to injury the pen is no longer strong and due to the amount of innings pitched by relievers every night the pen is certainly not rested. Meanwhile, some of these starters are not worth babying. Make them earn their money by going six or more innings, or send them to the pen or trade them or DFA them. Get tough, Carlos Mendoza.
Amen.
Current JD Martinez seems to be the heart of the lineup. You trade him and the whole offense might collapse again.
The way the Mets are hitting, extend JD with an exit right into our new hitting coach. Seems to be that guy now anyways. Not sure there has been a better hitting resource near our team. I am all for seeing Baty back up but JD might be the guy he needs in his ear to help.
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