Mets Update: We Have A Real DH

Many people have low expectations about this year's Mets season. The core reason would be the starting pitching, especially with the one ace hurt. 

Some people, including myself, think the doom-sayers are somewhat too negative. The team as a whole is comparable to other wild card teams. The starting pitching is questionable. But, the ultimate problem is somewhat limited.

The problem is at the top of the rotation. Slots three to five are decent. Mr. Q. would be a fine #3. The newbies are decent back-end types. Severino has pitched well so far, to cite a reclamation project. Megill and company are good swing guys. Senga is a fine top guy. But, he's hurt.

As you can see, there is currently a hole at the top. Mr. Q. will be pushed to be the ace. He pitched like one part of last season. Still, who is your #2? The guy with a lot of vowels? Severino? They each have potential. It's risky.

I think the pitching staff, at least in the short term, should be credible. The goal here is to get enough runs and hold leads. The pen with Diaz at the back is fine. Again, I am not talking SCARY here. It's not laughable or anything. 

Ditto the line-up. Still (a lot of "stills"), you are relying on some rookies and so forth. The biggest questionable mark was DH. Well, they have that covered now, with the signing of J.D. Martinez on a year deal cheaper than money he turned down from the Giants. 

The Giants took Snell, the pitcher who has been waiting a long time for a team. And, for only two years. That leaves Montgomery as the only big-name pitcher left. We will see, with their ace out for a while, if the Yankees will wow him enough to attract him to a team he rather not play for. 

The Mets had a good offseason given their plan not to break the bank as various parts are developing. They tried the spend big thing with Scherzer and Verlander, with limited results. Scherzer helped them become relevant fast and then they fell down the next year. 

The one big Japanese pitcher (not a good first experience in the opener in South Korea) went to the Dodgers. Fine enough.  They picked up some helpful parts. It is unclear who else was realistically available to help in the starting department. Snell and Montgomery were asking for too much. They had no other takers at their rates.

J.D.  Martinez should help the Mets make a realistic push at the wild card, let some young guys shine, and other parts show their stuff. I said it before and will say it again, it should be a team fun enough to watch without expecting so much that it would lead to disappointment. 

In hindsight, the Verlander signing was a dubious undertaking. The owner talked about winning the World Series in five years. 2022 looked like it would be shades of 2015 until the top guys (with help) decided to not pitch in the clutch in the final two series. It was not to be.

Back to building for the future without totally stripping down akin to a team like the Nationals or something. This includes spending some money for a DH. Let's play ball! LGM!