Mets off to rough start in NL East
The New York Mets were supposed to be one of the main threats to the Chicago Cubs this season. Chicago, which entered the season as the odds-on favorite to get back to the World Series and win another title, likely had to be heading footsteps out of New York, Los Angeles and Washington.
As it turns out, the Dodgers are playing decent enough but remain behind the Colorado Rockies in the National League West, while the Nationals have the best record in the Senior Circuit. The Mets, on the other hand, come into Sunday’s action with a rancid 18-23 mark, sitting in third place of the East.
On Saturday, the team almost blew a five-run lead against the Los Angeles Angels, only to hold on thanks to a highwire act that included Addison Reed pitching to Mike Trout, up 7-4, with the bases loaded and nobody out. After the win, manager Terry Collins actually admitted to thinking of an intentional walk in that spot, the epitome of playing scared. Per ESPN:
“Those are the kind of situations where you look back at the time when Buck Showalter walked Bonds with the bases loaded rather than pitch to him,” Collins said. “It was the same feeling — ‘I might want to walk, pitch around this guy, [rather] than give him a chance to hit.’ But fortunately [Reed] made some good pitches.”
Almost nothing has gone right for the Mets this year. Noah Syndergaard is likely on the DL through the All-Star break after injuring his lat muscle. This coming a start after he tweaked the muscle but refused to take a precautionary MRI. Somehow, despite this, the Mets still allowed him to pitch, leading to his extended absence. Outfielder and MVP candidate Yoenis Cespedes is also on the disabled list with a hamstring problem that has been plaguing him throughout the year. Factor in other injuries including Steven Matz and Asdrubal Cabrera, and New York has been Amazin’ in all the wrong ways.
Then there is the Matt Harvey situation, which has been well-documented.
If there is any good news, all the players mentioned above are expected to come back at some point. In addition, some of the regulars who have been struggling can only get better. While the Nationals do have a 6.5-game lead in the division, it is nothing insurmountable considering there are another 120 games to go.
If the Mets can find their way into the playoffs, in any fashion, they will be dangerous thanks to top-notch talent on the mound and an ability to hit home runs. Still, those dreams seem like something of the pipe variety at the moment, with everything playing out as a nightmare.
