At the time of this writing the Mets have completed two games thus far and the Sunday game will be completed long after I’ve gone to sleep. It’s obviously too early to draw definitive conclusions about anything but the opening pair of victories against the Pirates certainly showed some good, some bad and some inconclusive things about how the 2026 squad is assembled.
Speaking of which, for all of us doubters about whether or not the seemingly overpaid Luis Robert, Jr. was a good acquisition or not had their Hollywood cinematic moment in the bottom of the 12th inning when behind by a score of 2-1 the Mets started with a runner on second, then a go ahead runner on first in the form of Polanco. What most folks hoped for was perhaps a long double that could drive both runners home and result in a victory. What no one expected was the long ball flying over the left center field fence that gave the Mets a miraculous and happy 4-2 win. One great AB does not make a season, but it sure was a welcome sight from one of the newcomers with major question marks.
On the positive side of the ledger the Mets got a terrific opening salvo from questionable number two starter David Peterson who threw zeroes for the duration of his time on the mound. Perhaps the front office and Carlos Mendoza are banking on his early season effectiveness over what could happen later in the year (and/or attempting to build up his trade value for a mid season deal elsewhere before he becomes a free agent at year’s end).
Jorge Polanco at the plate is showing the type of selectivity as a hitter that will keep him on base at a high percentage, something many of the past Mets never before had demonstrated. He had three walks in a row in the Saturday game and with the kind of offensive players surrounding him in the order it means he’s making it more possible to push runners across the plate.
Oh, by the way, did anyone notice that the horrific Spring Training non-hitter Mark Vientos was asked to do a lefty/righty pinch hitting swap with Carson Benge and delivered a base hit? Trade him now while he’s still batting 1.000.
On the flip side, defensive acumen has not been on display from either of the corner infielders, though Polanco already saved Bo Bichette from an errant throw going into foul territory. Ace starter Freddy Peralta did not pitch like the unhittable All Star he’d shown during Spring Training. Some of the hitters particularly on Saturday were struggling to catch up to what the Pittsburgh hurlers had to offer.
The true down side thus far (and take it with an entire silo of salt) is the performance of some of the relief pitchers. Heading this dubious list if elder statesman Luis Garcia who thus far has appeared in both games having thrown two innings during which he’s given up five hits and is pitching to the tune of a 9.00 ERA. Granted, a good week this early in the season would make these numbers disappear, but bear in mind the front office decided it was a wise choice to pay the 39 year old $1.75 million for his career .255 BAA and 4.09 ERA (neither of which are likely to improve with age). Both he and Dicky Lovelady are on bullpen thin ice when AJ Minter and/or Craig Kimbrel are deemed healthy and capable enough to take the ball regularly.
Not having the fences 5 feet closer in cost the Mets 2 HRs and the ballgame. But I have said my piece on that in the past, falling on deaf ears.
ReplyDeleteSyracuse Mets win 10-8, playing inside a FRIGIDAIRE. MAURICIO 2 for 13 so far, Clifford up 13 times, on base 4 times, fanned 7 times.
ReplyDeleteLambert was as wild yesterday as he was in his last spring outing. Just call him Bryce Montes de Lambert. One out by K, 3 walks.