Mets Update

In recent memory, the Mets have went on a dive, not being able to catch up in the end. This would be a "June swoon." Last season, the weird Big V fraction of one, was a lost one, even though the Marlins getting to the postseason showed the potential.

This season, there was not really a June swoon. More of a period of mediocre play that continued into July. The Nats had a lousy time of it, this time not coming out of their hole. The Marlins are the Marlins. The Phils are the Phils (sorta a .500 team, but something of a tease). And, the Braves with injuries etc. would appreciate actually being over .500.

Net result, especially with so many injuries (e.g., deGrom has been out for a while now and it's like he is almost an forgotten man), the Mets seem pretty comfortable, even if their lead is only around four games.  Like they just lost another series to a divisional rival (Braves, 2-3), but it was like "who cares?"   The Phils struggled to come up even versus the Nats.  I simply am not worried about them.  The Braves?  They are four games back and this series underlines their problem having an extended winning streak -- the opening to put a scare was there. Gained a game.

Someone on Twitter challenged me, saying it was an opportunity to move ahead by six games or something.  I guess.  But, the competitive difference is not so much that I really expected much more anyway.  Yes, with so many games and injuries, they tossed in some AAA guy that gave the Braves a laugher.  Even there, the guy in the past wasn't THAT bad.  

I noted last season that I was not really into baseball with the Big V delaying the season and so on.  The Mets struggling to gain traction didn't help.  This time, the Mets are showing something, managing to win no matter how many people are injured.  But, the division is so middling.  It's depressing on a competitive level to see so few (other than three NL West teams) good teams.  The Cubs showed some life and now they are giving away the store.  Will the Reds show something?  Didn't look too scary when they played the Mets the first time. 

The Mets wasn't really expected to make the playoffs (shades of 2015?) yet. But, why not? They picked up old vet Rick Hill and Trevor Williams (back-ended fill-in starter material). And, with Lindor hurt, they have his pal Javier Báez as a rental. When Lindor is back, seems a bit crowded, since McNeil already gives you a pretty good second baseman.

And, if Carrasco actually is healthy (he starts today -- the Mets are also bringing back black jerseys), we still have deGrom and maybe Thor too add arms later on.  Someone starting now (a guy named Megill is the new wonder, the new Matz, but more calm) can go into the pen.  And, the pen now is rather good, no one (other than Seth Lugo, off an injury) really struggling.  Also, if Walker -- who hasn't pitched much the last few years -- needs a break (he is struggling after his All Star appearance), he can get a rest too.  So, I think the pick-ups at the trade deadline are okay. 

You got a couple arms, will get some back, and JB is a nice bat. In 2015, they picked up Cespedes (who they should have then let go) and some bench guys.  They already have some good bench guys.  Overall, the Mets should be able to win the division (knock on wood) and no reason they cannot beat a team like the Reds/Brewers.  The rest is gravy.

And, if the Phils/Braves go on roll, the Mets still should be okay unless they go into a freefall.  This is not that likely with the mediocrity as a whole.  The pick-ups, people coming back, and not too many make-ups left will help there too.  Average play until further notice should be enough with a burst of late season energy -- also quite possible -- providing an edge. 

I would actually welcome a threat, finding the current situation a bit boring. One more thing: the on the cusp team to root for in my book are the Mariners. They very well might not quite make it, already having slumps. But, with the Twins and "Cleveland Guardians" out of it, the Mariners are aiming for at least a Wild Card. More likely than Toronto, who seems to be paying some money/prospects for hope and prestige. 

And, they might actually be able to play at home, deprived of the privilege so far because of stricter Canadian Big V rules. 

ETA: In somewhat suspicious timing -- reports are that the Mets tried to get a better starter (with Walker iffy of late, Stroman is the one safe top three guy until Carrasso -- love how he has a nickname (Cookie) as if he has been around all season -- proves himself) but the asking price was too high -- deGrom now is reportedly out to at least September.  

Again, this is not too shocking -- I saw a note that suggested he was getting along, but it's like he was totally MIA after what I thought would be like a short injury stint.  And, though he nasty for the first half, he repeatedly showed signs of being human. One reporter kept on saying "stop worrying," but it was worry-some. 

deGrom out, Walker scuffling, and they still are doing okay pitching-wise (it is not like the losses tend to be blowouts).  Shows a certain depth, especially a pen that even has "B" teamers holding people down. No "waiver moves" this time after the deadline -- rule change.  Let's see if that means something.