3 UP
1. CyGrom Times Two
No, we don’t know how the voting will go, but with Jacob deGrom pitching seven shutout innings against the Marlins, he extended his scoreless streak to 23 innings, and he may extended his streak of winning the Cy Young award to two.
When you break down the numbers, it certainly appears to be the case.
He now leads the league in bWAR, strikeouts, WHIP, opponents OBP and OPS, and other categories. He’s second in ERA, FIP, innings, and other categories.
If he wins it, he’ll become the first Mets pitcher to ever accomplish the feat and just the 11th in Major League history.
2. Fifty-One
With his hitting his 51st homer, Pete Alonso furthered his records for most homers by a National League rookie, rookie first baseman, and in a player’s debut season.
He’s also tied Willie Mays and Johnny Mize for most homers by a New York National League player. Alonso joins Mays, Mickey Mantle, Jimmie Foxx, and Ralph Kiner as the only players 24 and under who have 50 homers and 118 RBI. He and Foxx are the only two to do it while hitting 30 homers.
There are more records he’s set, and he has three more to pass Aaron Judge for the rookie record. Hopefully, Mickey Callaway will get his way and bat Alonso leadoff to allow him to as many at-bats he needs to hit homers 52, 53, and possibly more.
3. Clutch Conforto
The Mets were down 4-0, and they were staring elimination in the eyes. That’s when Michael Conforto would hit a two run homer in the seventh to pull the Mets to within 4-2. Then, in the ninth, he would launch a game tying homer to send the game into extra innings. He then drew a leadoff walk in the 11th to start the game winning rally.
Yes, the team would be eliminated the next day, but that was only because Conforto rose up and made sure of it.
This was an important year for Conforto with this being his first full year without his having to deal with his shoulder injury. He responded by hitting .257/.363/.497 with 29 doubles, one triple, 33 homers, and 92 RBI. He played a good right field, and he was able to move to center when needed.
When all is said and done, Conforto proved himself to be a true cornerstone player. He has emerged as a team leader. This is a player who is a face of the franchise caliber player. He has said he wants to stay a member of the Mets. As a result, the Mets should work towards making that happen by signing him to a long term extension.
3 DOWN
1. Postseason Hopes Officially Over
It was a valiant effort, but the Mets dig themselves too deep a hole, and they blew one too many games they couldn’t afford to blow.
Considering the dismantling of the farm system and the hype, it’s hard to classify this as anything but a disappointment. At least, that’s what it is according to the standards which Brodie Van Wagenen set forth in an interview with WFAN.
The question now is how you fix this roster. This organization has no pitching depth, and will likely have to replace at least one starter while having to fix the bullpen. They will also have to pay all of Yoenis Cespedes‘ salary whether or not he plays.
While there’s still plenty of talent here, you do have to wonder if the Mets blew their best chance with this group.
2. Good-bye?
Reports are Curtis Granderson wants to play next year, and Zack Wheeler would be willing to stay with the Mets. Still, we don’t know what the future holds, and with that in mind, Thursday felt like a long good-bye.
Granderson is the personification of what you want every player to be. He’s charitable, a leader, and someone who goes out of his way for fans. It’s no wonder he’s a beloved Mets player who was also a very good player on the field.
Wheeler was the first big piece obtained in the Mets rebuild. He told the team he didn’t want to be traded because he wanted to be a part of the Mets winning. He got his chance this year, and he pitched great down the stretch.
Hopefully, this isn’t good-bye to either player, but if it is, Mets fans will always love and appreciate these two for all they’ve done for this team.
3. Diaz In, Baseball Out
This is beyond the worst case scenario anyone imagined for Edwin Diaz. You can point to any number of career worst stats to show just how much he’s struggled his first year with the Mets.
Ultimately, the one which truly stands out is his homers allowed. After Austin Dean took him deep, Diaz has now allowed 15 homers this year.
To put it into perspective, prior to Diaz, Armando Benitez had the two worst seasons among relievers. in terms of keeping the ball in the ballpark. His two worst years combined total 15 homers, which is what Diaz allowed this year alone.
While we saw flashes, it’s clear Diaz hasn’t figured anything out this year. Hopefully, he will rediscover himself this offseason. They Mets desperately need him in 2020.
