The Mets have shown well in back-to-back series with the potent Padres. Don’t be surprised if this doesn’t carry forward to a runaway in the NL East.
While the Mets may give pause to the Philadelphia Phillies for being the first team in the NL East to climb back to an even.500 record, they’re taking care of business for themselves, and that’s all that matters.
The Mets have already locked up back-to-back weekend showings with the San Diego Padres, helping to spin them back as they drop to four games behind the Dodgers and Giants in the NL West Standings.
A win this afternoon means a sweep of the Padres and an 18-5 record at Citi Field that counts as the best winning percentage at home for all teams in baseball (others have more wins, but the Mets have played fewer games due to rainouts).
Home advantage for the Mets continues for the remainder of June as they will play only six games away from Citi Field before the close of the month, as opposed to eleven at home.
Although the competition is formidable during that span, with series against the Cubs, Braves, and Phillies, the way the Mets are playing, they can easily sprint out to a lead in the NL East that no one will be able to overcome.
The Mets And Those Silver Linings
For the Mets, there are not one, but two silver linings as the games begin today.
First, they have a whopping seven-game difference between themselves and the second-place Phillies in the all-important loss column.
To make that up, the Phillies have to win seven times on days the Mets are losing…not the kind of bet I would take.
And second, as everyone knows, the Mets are not playing with a full team yet, still lacking the presence of major components like Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo, J.D. Davis, and Jeff O’Neil.
This handicap has been negated by the work of acting GM Zack Scott in bringing in Billy McKinney, Mason Williams, and Brandon Drury to complement other members of the Bench Mob like Kevin Pillar, Jose Peraza, Luis Guillorme, and Jonathan Villar – all of whom are daily making contributions to the Mets team.
Put that together with the Jacob deGrom and Marcus Stroman one-two punch that greets every team coming the Mets way, and now you’ve really got somethin’ cookin’. Add Taijuan Walker, and you’ve got the makings of a runaway Mets team.
On the question mark side, between David Peterson and Joey Luchessi, at least one needs to step it up – unless Zack Scott has something working in a trade that brings a serviceable starter at the deadline.
The dog days of summer are coming, and regulars like Pete Alonso, Dominic Smith, and Francisco Lindor will need monitoring with adequate rest given to them by manager Luis Rojas.
But overall, there can’t be a Mets fan who isn’t permitted to be a bit giddy at this point in the 2021 season.
The Mets: Taking Case Of Business Themselves
Everyone says to look out for the Braves because sooner or later they’re going to put it together, and given their propensity to beat the Mets in head-to-head competition, they’ll crush the upstart Mets when all is said and done.
Well, we’re halfway through June, and no one has seen it yet as the Braves continue to stumble and grumble, four games under .500, losers of four in a row, and carrying a negative team run differential.
This is not a Mets team built to wilt and die of its own accord. Rather, they will continue to take care of business themselves, letting the rest of the division try to play catch-up.
It ain’t gonna happen – not this year…
Bits And Pieces
- An MRI shows no damage to Jacob deGrom. He played catch before yesterday’s game and is expected to make his next starts against the Cubbies.
- deGrom has more RBI (5) than he has earned runs allowed (4).
- Billy McKinney as 12 RBI in his first thirteen games with the Mets. Don’t be surprised if he gets playing time in centerfield, even when Conforto gets back.
- The Mets collective ERA of 3.18 is second only to the Padres 2.96.
Here’s What Readers Are Saying…
Deborah Crane No jinxing!!!
Dom A Cappella Could happen. Something tells me it won’t be that easy.
Raymond W. Dusch John Davies Forgot to mention Diaz and the rest of the bullpen
Dylan Skriloff they may run away with it if Jake makes most of his starts
George Carman Pitching and defense wins ball games and that’s how the Mets have been winning great starting pitching with the big 3 a lockdown pen and incredible defense, those things usually stay constant whereas hitters are up and down, we have all the makings to run away with the division, this team just feels different, uncle Stevie has put a new culture in place and it’s resonating with the fans and players
Emory Davis The next 2 games you have Luchessi and Peterson against potent offenses. I also expect Tropeano and Scapucki to make doubleheader starts… let’s see where they are next weekend and hope for the best.
Gregory Bradler Interesting article. Note the Mets did not take the series in San Diego, they split it, but yes, it felt like a series win when they won 2 after losing the first 2. The interesting thing about the returning regulars is that they are better offensively than their replacements, but generally not as good defensively. This should balance out in our favor, though, and Rojas will have more flexibility to mix and match to accommodate the needs of the day. Already, the return of Lugo has been a huge help to an already formidable bullpen. Looking forward to the weeks ahead!
Michael Bloodgood Phillies are starting to heat up. Two walk-off against the braves and came back and beat the Yankees last night. Braves seem to be flat so far this year but could get a piece or two at the trading deadline
Christopher Wos If we pull this off, Rojas is Manager of the Year. Guaranteed.
Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. Not all holes, or games, are created equal.
