3 UP
1. Late Inning Mets Magic
On Tuesday, the Mets and Indians were tied 2-2 when Michael Conforto hit a go-ahead two run homer to put the Mets up 4-2. In the seventh, the Mets would put the game away allowing the team to rest their top bullpen arms.
On Wednesday, after Carlos Santana hit a clutch go-ahead homer in the top of the 10th, Amed Rosario responded by hitting a leadoff double. After Joe Panik sacrificed him to third, the Indians wanted no part of Pete Alonso intentionally walking him in front of Conforto.
Conforto made them pay with a game tying fielder’s choice. The Indians would then really pay for putting the go-ahead run on base when later in the inning J.D. Davis would have an excellent at-bat driving home the game winning run in his first career walk-off hit.
In the second half, the Mets 125 wRC+ from the seventh inning on is the second best in all of baseball, and they have the third most runs scored. With this split, they have the best batting average in the majors, the fourth best OBP, and the second best slugging.
When looking at the Mets resurgence, their tenacious play and ability to battle back is one of the key reasons why they are winning games. It is a big reason to believe in this team’s chances to not only make the postseason but to also go deep if they make it there.
2. J-Wil Get You Out of a Jam
Looking beyond the numbers, Justin Wilson has been put in the highest of high leverage situations lately, and someone he finds a way to escape the jam.
On August 20, he entered the game with two on and one out. He’d strike out Francisco Lindor and Oscar Mercado to escape the jam.
He had two similar appearances against the Nationals last week. He’s currently on a five appearance stretch where he has not allowed a run or an inherited runner to score.
Since coming off the IL, he’s made 21 appearances going 2-0 with seven holds. Over this stretch, he has a 1.06 ERA, 1.294 WHIP, and a 9.5 K/9. He’s been as reliable a reliever as there’s been in the Mets bullpen, and as odd as it may sound, he’s the guy you trust to bail the Mets out of a jam.
3. A Team You Want To Root For
After Conforo hit the go-ahead homer on Tuesday, he went to Cohen’s Children’s Hospital to give the sick children better hospital gowns, sign autographs, and in general to spend time with pediatric cancer patients as part of his Conforto Cares program.
We have also seen Todd Frazier donated money to help build a special needs ballpark in his hometown of Toms River. Steven Matz continues his work with first responders. Really, this is just the tip of the iceberg with how Mets players are giving of their time with the community.
In addition to their charitable endeavors, we see a group of players who love being Mets and engaging with Mets fans. Pete Alonso started #LFGM. After his walk-off hit, Davis screamed “Lets Go Mets!” louder than any fan has yelled it since the opening of Citi Field.
As fans, we are always going to cheer for the Mets, but sometimes there are a group of players who make it all the more fun and rewarding to root for. This 2019 team is that type of group, and that makes this team’s run all the more fun.
3 DOWN
1. Stroman Departs Game Early
Marcus Stroman‘s fourth start with the Mets was looking like it was going to be his best one to date. Over four innings, he had allowed one earned on just one hit, and at 62 pitches, he seemed poised to go deep in the game and have his first quality start for the Mets.
That never happened as Stroman was forced to depart the game early with what has been characterized as a sore hamstring. Early indications are the Mets aren’t too concerned. Although, it should be noted the Mets have yet to say Stroman is going to make it next start.
It’s also noteworthy there was video of Mets trainer Brian Chicklo examining Stroman’s hand when before he was removed from the game. On that topic, Stroman has had a history of blister issues during his time in Toronto.
No matter how you look at it, the Mets need Stroman in the rotation pitching everyday because the minor league depth behind him hasn’t instilled confidence in anyone. The Mets also need him pitching and going deep into games because the length from the Mets starters is one of the reasons why the bullpen has been able to remain sharp and pitch well lately.
2. Needs To Be Altherr Options
One of the reasons why the Mets are winning games is they are getting contributions from everybody, especially the role players. Luis Guillorme had a pinch hit RBI double. Rajai Davis had an RBI double too. Joe Panik and Juan Lagares have been hot at the plate and playing defense back at the level they played at when they were considered very good defenders.
Aaron Altherr, well, maybe we should say the Mets are getting contributions from 23 out of the 25 players on their roster.
Altherr has hit 133/.206/.267 in his 25 games with the Mets, and he has a -1.0 WAR.
Seeing his play makes the Mets not putting in a claim for Billy Hamilton inexcusable. His going to the Braves makes it all the worse. Sure, you can point out all the areas in which Hamilton struggles, but all told, he does everything better than Alterr while providing an elite level defense and base running.
The hope for the Mets going forward is Brandon Nimmo and Jed Lowrie have no setbacks in their rehab assignments despite their both previously having setbacks and having injuries which have arguably not fully healed. On that note, it should be noted Lowrie has been limited soley to DHing. Ultimately, time will tell how wise the Mets have been in their decision making process.
3. Is the Game Still Delayed?
The Mets and Indians game had a rain delay of over two-and-a-half hours after the sixth inning. This effectively removed Noah Syndergaard from the game despite his being perfect for the first 5.1 innings and only being at 73 pitches.
The teams returned to play a little over an inning before the rain came again washing out a Mets rally. Seeing how the game was called soon after this, you really have to wonder why they bothered.
These are field conditions which can lead to player injuries (just like Lagares last year). It pushes the game deeeeep into the night with attendance and ratings dwindling. It makes you wonder if Rob Manfred still cares about pace of play and declining attendance.
