HERE I GO AGAIN!
As I sit down to write this column the Mets are a couple of hours away from facing the Yankees in a three-game series. I’m finally starting to feel better about the season. Many pundits have written the Mets off and have determined that it’s only a matter of time before the team starts selling off key assets. Me? I’m feeling optimistic.
The addition of AJ Ewing has provided the team with a sparkplug that has been missing. I compare him to a combination of Lenny Dykstra and Wally Backman. He’s has the potential of being our leadoff man for the next decade. All of a sudden, the “baby Mets” have started to produce. Carson Benge has been the best hitter after a brutal start. Mark Vientos has been solid over the past few weeks, averaging about a RBI per game. It was delightful to see Baty hit a homerun to the opposite field. Now, if only the vets can pick up the pace, we are going to be tough to beat.
I’ve made the point before – there are only about a half a dozen good teams in MLB. That means if we split games against the good teams and dominate the rest, we have a good chance of being a playoff team. It’s going to be interesting when Lindor returns to shortstop. Baty is your best third baseman and he should remain there for the rest of the season. Perhaps Bo Bichette should be moved to second with Semien relegated to the bench.
The starting pitching is good enough to keep the team in most games. It’s fair to expect Jack Wennniger getting promoted within the next couple of weeks to fill the number five slot. The bullpen has been mostly solid recently and should get better once Minter arrives.
David Stearns has been rightly criticized for the roster construction. I don’t disagree with letting Alonso walk – I would not have offered him a five-year contract. The trade to bring Semien on board has been a disaster. The move that I was most against was trading for Robert, Jr. His injury history should have set off all kinds of red flags.
I’ve decided to curtail my criticism against Mendoza. There’s little chance of him being replaced before the end of the season. In fact, if we make the playoffs, he will probably be awarded an extension.
Ray
May 16, 2026
7 comments:
When talking about this team, never, ever, say that you’re starting to feel good about it. Strange, dark, dastardly things happen when those words are put in print or uttered out loud in Queens. The Mets most effective starter this year, Clay Homes, breaks his leg. Oh joy!
And we all saw what happens to the Mets offense when it faces a tough pitcher, like Schlitter.
Nah, I’m not feeling good. And when I am feeling good about this team, I try not to say it out loud. Demons may be listening.
Any success this season will be based on starting pitching.
The loss of Holmes is a big setback for your happiness Ray.
I assume it is now Wenninger time.
FYI folks
I have been cleared to resume writing
Look for my weekly column to return on Friday at 6am
Hitting is the problem. That has been the case for the Mets and also their minor league affiliates What's to explain an entire organization's failure at the plate.
Glad to have u back Mack because we need regular Mack attacks! Look we already hit the iceberg and then a fire breaks out it sucks but lets use this to try out the kids so thats an upside right? Oops did I just jinx us.
Feeling less good this morning.
Opf
Just took a nut job from your phone
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