Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
3 UP
Record Setting Lindor
With a homer in the second game of this series, Francisco Lindor became the first shortstop in Mets history with two 20 home run seconds. Of course, Lindor is the only Mets shortstop with one 20 home run season.
He tied Jose Reyes‘ single season RBI record for a shortstop, and he tied David Wright’s record for consecutive games scoring a run. Notably, Lindor is sixth overall in the majors in RBI.
Finally, as noted by Moses Massena on Twitter, Lindor has become the 12th player in Major League history with streaks of 10+ consecutive games with a run scored and a 10+ consecutive games with an RBI. Other players to accomplish this feat include Babe Ruth, Mel Ott, Rogers Hornsby, Hack Wilson, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, and Joe Morgan.
Seeing his name amongst that group, it’s yet another indication Lindor is a future Hall of Famer. As for this season, he is increasingly strengthening his case to be the first Mets player to win the NL MVP.
Saving the Bullpen
The Mets bullpen needed a break after that five game set against the Braves, but there wasn’t an off day. Chris Bassitt took care of that on his own by pitching eight scoreless innings.
Carlos Carrasco followed with 6 2/3, and Taijuan Walker went six. Between the starter innings and the Mets large margin of victory, Buck Showalter was able to rest Edwin Díaz and not use his high leverage guys more than once.
This keeps the bullpen fresh allowing it to dominate. That’s what we should see in Philadelphia.
No Letdown
After dominating the Braves and creating some real separation in the standings, you might’ve expected the Mets to letdown a bit. After all, the Reds are dreadful.
Instead, the Mets just completely dominated the Reds. It speaks volumes not only about how good this team truly is, but it also speaks to their professionalism.
Certainly, this is part of Showalter’s leadership. It’s also an indication on the type of clubhouse the Mets have. All told, this is what you see from teams who win the World Series.
3 DOWN
No Keith in Philly
Keith Hernandez let us know he won’t be in Philadelphia for the next series. In typical Keith fashion, he needled Philadelphia saying he doesn’t want to watch them anyway because of their bad fundies.
Truth is, he will be at a reunion for the 1982 Cardinals World Series. That means no listening to Keith over the weekend, which is always a letdown.
It may not be the Apple TV Game of the Week level of letdown, but it’s still a letdown.
Dom’s Troubles
Dominic Smith talked with Anthony DiComo of MLB.com to discuss his frustrating season and future with the Mets organization. He spoke about his poor mental state on and off the field.
In fact, Smith described how he was struggling to even find joy in success. Fortunately, Smith says he is now at peace due to the work he has put in to address his mental health.
This may or may not be a root cause for his struggles on the field. In reality, it doesn’t matter because there is a bigger picture here where Smith sought help back in January.
This is just a reminder these players are real human beings with real problems aside from their wRC+ or OAA. Like many of us, they need help dealing with their problems, and like Smith spoke about, finding ways to make peace with everything.
Overall, the hope is he’s truly alright. Moreover, the hope is other players seek and receive help much in the same way Smith has.
Where’s My Kid?
The Diaz family came to Citi Field in special jerseys to see Edwin and Alexis. Hopefully, they got some family time before and/or after the games.
With Edwin pitching three times in the Atlanta Braves series, the Mets were understandably holding him back. Alexis seems rested, so there is no telling why he was not used in this series.
It must be difficult for the family to make a special trip to see Edwin and Alexis play and not get to see them pitch. Hopefully, they will get to make a special trip in October just to get to see Edwin close out a World Series.
