3 UP

1. Dominant Starting Pitching

In the three game series, Mets starters combined to pitch 23 innings, allowing three earned runs while walking just two and striking out 31 Giants. What makes this three game stretch all the more impressive was Jacob deGrom did not pitch in the series.

In the series, we saw Noah Syndergaard throw his first complete game, Steven Matz strike out a career high (11), and Zack Wheeler have his third straight start of allowing one or fewer runs in seven innings pitched.

Seeing how the starters have been pitching and improving all year, you really have to wonder why everyone is discussing how this Mets team should rebuild.

2. Doing a Nido Job

With Kevin Plawecki on paternity leave and Devin Mesoraco dealing with a neck issue, Tomas Nido has been given a chance to show what he can do with some extended playing time. During the series, he was a pleasant surprise at the plate going 3-for-8 with a run, double, and an RBI.

More than that, his work behind the plate was received rave reviews with Matz talking about how Nido kept him in a good rhythm during the game. That’s important because Nido has an excellent reputation as a good defensive catcher, and if his pitching staff feels comfortable with him being the plate, it will increase his chances of getting a chance to be a part of the Mets next year.

3. Gsellman Making Case to Close

Robert Gsellman has had an uneven year in the bullpen, but he seems to be finishing the season strong. Since August 1, Gsellman has pitched 12.2 innings in 12 appearances. In that stretch, he is 4-for-4 in save chances with three holds. He also has a 1.42 ERA, and he is limiting batters to a .156/.174/.267 batting line.

Since Jeurys Familia was traded, there has been an debate who should be the Mets closer going forward, and Gsellman is making his case. In addition to this current stretch, Gsellman has a 1.25 ERA in the ninth inning or later.

3 DOWN

1. Cannot Hit Lefties

No offense to them, but when Andew Suarez (4.19 ERA) and Derek Holland (3.56 ERA) completely shut you down, it is quite evident the Mets have a real issue against left-handed pitching. And they do, the Mets .233 batting average against left-handed pitchers is currently tied with the Angels for the worst in the majors.  Also, their 78 wRC+ is the worst in the National League.

Even with Michael Conforto hitting left-handed pitching much better and Wilmer Flores‘ historical numbers, this is something the Mets are really going to have to address this upcoming offseason.

2. Need Zamora from Daniel

After an impressive start to his Major League career, Daniel Zamora has struggled over his past few appearances.

With him participating in that bullpen meltdown Friday, he now has a 5.40 ERA and a 1.400 WHIP. Worse yet, left-handed batters are hitting .333/.333/.750 against him.

We’ve seen real promise with him. That’s due in part to his terrific slider which has helped Zamora strike out 14.4 batters per nine.

The next step for him is to get him to be more consistent so he can potentially be a big part of that bullpen next year.

3.  Bungling Another Trade Deadline

On Saturday, Jerry Blevins pitched a scoreless inning in the Mets 2-1 win in 11 innings. Of course this meant the Mets did not trade Blevins.

It’s bizarre the Mets were not able to move him. In the second half, he has a 1.42 ERA with a 0.789 WHIP and a 10.7 K/9. In six scoreless postseason appearances, he has a 0.143 WHIP.

In addition to Blevins, the Mets also held onto Austin Jackson and Devin Mesoraco. All told, the Mets played veterans over young players in the hopes of boosting trade value, and at the end of the day, they’re awaiting cash (or a player to be named later) from the Phillies.

Meanwhile, the Nationals were able to move their impending free agents and infuse their system with some prospects.