Paul Articulates - The realities of the final 19

The weekend has passed, with the Mets dropping the rubber game in an underwhelming series in Cincinnati.  Although there were some dramatic moments and some memorable plays on both offense and defense in the series, neither team stood out like a team of destiny that was ready to make a long run in the playoffs.  

The Mets had more than ample opportunity to leave town with a series win.  Instead, they exposed weakness in the back of their bullpen as Diaz almost blew game one and Helsley coughed up another ugly inning.  Offensively, the team that was on a tear against Detroit was very docile in the last two games of this series, scoring only two runs in each contest.

Cincinnati also did not impress me as a team that was on a mission.  Except for their dominant start by Hunter Greene, they did not seem to have the pitching or the run support to beat good teams.  Sad to say that since they beat the Mets.

Roaring up behind both teams are the San Francisco Giants, winners of seven of their last ten games.  With a roster full of former Mets, it would be very painful to watch them blow by us in the final 19 games.

So what will it take for the Mets to not only hold on to a wildcard berth, but to make something of it like they did last year in an exciting run to the NLDS?

First, it will take some good pitching.  Although the three rookie Mets starters have impressed in their initial starts, Senga and Manaea must find themselves for the team to have a legitimate shot in the playoffs.  After all of the work done by the front office to improve this team, I just cannot see them having to rely on fresh call-ups to succeed.  

The players that are getting paid have to step up and deliver some strong starts.  Senga accepted his demotion to AAA to work on what he needs, which is admirable, but the timing is poor with only about three cycles of the rotation remaining.  

Second, the bats have to arrive every day.  Francisco Lindor has been extremely streaky lately, Alonso and Nimmo are not locked in, and the baby Mets seem close, but not quite consistent.  Only Juan Soto is crushing it on a daily basis.  It is time to follow his lead.

Third, the Mets need to play a strong defense every day.  Cedric Mullins’ arm was exposed in this recent series, and that is a liability that the Mets cannot afford in close games down the stretch.  If that means more McNeil in CF and more Acuna at second base, then do it every day.  

Worried about Acuna’s bat (.242/.296/.285)?  It is no worse than Mullins’ .178/.290/.278 line and Acuna utilizes his speed more when he is on base.  I would much rather have him in the 9 spot running in front of Lindor and Soto.

Fourth and finally, Carlos Mendoza has to let the pitchers pitch.  I know that when crunch time arrives, the manager doesn’t want to be accused of inactivity, but with this revamped bullpen still not performing as expected, the starters need to finish at least six innings and get out of a few jams.  Yes, there will be exceptions when they just can’t throw a strike or have thrown 40 pitches in an inning, but these should be few and far between.  When and if October arrives, no team can afford to have tired arms in the pen.

I can’t predict with any certainty that these four essential items will be fulfilled.  I will definitely be rooting for that outcome because it will mean the team is on a roll heading into October.  If not, there may be no October for this team.