Reese Kaplan --- Observations From the Early Mets Game Play

After the anemic offense in the third game against the Pirates it was somewhat refreshing and energizing to see the bats awaken when necessary against the Cardinals kicking off the Mets road trip after opening with a series win at Citifield.  Everyone was certainly happy to see an odd and ugly base hit by thus far struggling Bo Bichette to help bring in some runs when needed most.

Clay Holmes had a decent start, just giving up two runs but not looking totally dominant in the first few innings. That late home run did him in for the day and he settled for a 5.1 IP performance which turned out to be enough for the win after relievers Tobias Myers, Brooks Raley and Devin Williams all held St. Louis scoreless for the remainder of the Mets victory.  Of them all, the Devin Williams three up and three down performance was especially gratifying to the fans and media who still are not over the departure of Edwin Diaz.

In that game came the further revelation of the Achilles heel strain suffered by Jorge Polanco who has been shifted to DH duties until his foot is deemed sufficiently recovered and able to resume on-the-field duties.

What was very interesting was the lineup chosen for this game with Polanco off first base opening up a need there, Luis Robert, Jr. given a day off creating a need in center field and shifting outfielders around with Carson Benge moving to cover for Robert opened up right field for now apparently super utility player Brett Baty to get the start in place of Benge on that side of the outfield. 

Carlos Mendoza’s lineup included a somewhat surprising selection of Jared Young at first base rather than Mark Vientos.  Another approach could have been Baty at 1B with Tyrone Taylor taking over the vacant outfield position.  Part of the decision making may have been the belief that Young’s greater defensive experience there than either Baty or Vientos.  Another part may be the need to evaluate who might stay and who might go when roster adjustments are made.  You can’t tell how good Young would be unless he plays.  (For the record, on Monday night he went 1-4 with an RBI, so it was a good day for the now 30 year old fringe player with a career .200 average). 

To hear many folks grouse about it, Mark Vientos needs to be banished from the team as his 2025 season was a pale comparison to what he’d done in 2024.  In fact, some are quick to point out he has become the new J.D. Davis who had power but little else to offer.  As bad as he was, bear in mind his trade brought back to the Mets none other than the AAAA mediocrity known as Darin Ruf.  Is that the kind of return folks hope to get for a guy who had 27 HRs as a mostly full time player just 2 years ago?  Or would it make more sense to identify another player who has never shown the ability to be a strong offensive player?

It’s great seeing the Mets win 3 of their first 4 but at the same time questions continue to arise.