I SAVAGE VIEWS – THREE WEEKS TO GO
Here we are with three weeks to go in the season and the Mets are in contention for a wild card spot to the surprise of many. The path to the playoffs is rather simple. Win 12 games of the remaining 19.
That means winning each of the six series coming
up. It’s not going to be easy with 13 games against the Phillies, Braves and
Brewers. While I can’t articulate as well as Paul, I’ve got to give him credit for
his analysis showing the Mets coming up short.
The ride to the playoffs has been lead by strong starting pitching as the big four are routinely pitching into the seventh and the bullpen has been pretty solid. As we have seen since the all-star break, Lindor, Vientos, Iglesias and McNeil have carried the offense. Contributions from the rest of the position players has been minimal.
The media must
love Alonso because how can anyone explain the lack of scrutiny following his
lackluster performance this season. His overall numbers are down about 40% from
expectations. Nimmo has fallen into a
funk and has shown no signs of making progress. And what ever became of Alvarez
who we all thought would be a major force? Not only has his offense hit a new
low, his defensive metrics are not good. Losing McNeil is a major blow and he
will be missed.
Carlos
Mendoza is a candidate for Manager of the Year. The training wheels are off and
his on-field decisions have been mostly solid. However, I had difficulty
understanding why Diaz was used in a non-save opportunity on Saturday thus
making him unavailable on Sunday. Maton on Saturday would have made more sense.
Francisco
Lindor deserves serious consideration for MVP. However, it’s likely the award
goes to Otani who is having a strong season. I realize Otani is on his way to a
50/50 season but as a DH he is a one-dimensional player. Lindor’s exceptional
defense and leadership should make him the overall choice, but it won’t happen.
I’ll be disappointed if Lindor comes in lower than second.
If the Mets
do make the playoff they could turn out to be serious contenders to make some noise.
This year there are no truly exceptional teams. The Mets strong starting staff
can compete with any team. Once again, another interesting week ahead. It’s
great to be playing meaningful games in September.
This Saturday
I’ll be off to NYC with my son, Matt. We will be at next Monday’s game against
the Nats.
Ray
September 10,
2024
5 comments:
I just noted that since Acuna went down, the Braves are 48-46 and the Mets are 57-35, and the Mets are 55-30 in their last 85. I want them to pass the other 3 wild card candidates and takea run at the Follies. They are 7 ahead of the Mets, but the Mets face them 7 more times. Time for miracles. Enjoy the Nats game.
Interestingly, Ray, Alonso was 2nd in the majors in RBIs in 2023, but now he is 33rd. He looked bad flailing at 3 sliders low and outside in the inning where they took the lead.
Pete has been done in by his urge to chase pitches that start middle-to-outside and break away from the plate. Alvarez has been exhibiting the same behavior. I think that both are not recognizing pitches - either because their vision is not good enough to see spin or they are guessing too much. If it is not a vision issue, it should be correctable. No better time than now for these two to go on a tear - it could carry the team over the top.
Can only hope so. Time is running out.
That is the book on both at this point. But Martinez fans a lot, too…131 times in 108 games. Pitching is tough.
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