Even though Eric Young Jr.’s role with the team has been limited so far, he’s confident that he will make the postseason roster. Young says that his dynamic speed will be even more valuable in October, and it could potentially make a huge impact like it did for the Royals last season.
“I believe so,” he said. “I think the most recent playoffs always shown that some kind of speed threat – even if it is a small role – you definitely want to have that on. Just a weapon to have in those situations. I’m trying to – one – make sure we get there first and trying to help the team as much as possible. I’ll let those guys mold out how they want the roster.”
“Come the playoffs, runs are going to come at a minimum,” he said. “It’s going to be those one-run games and tight games. If you could squeeze across one more it would be huge.” (Mike Vorkunov, NJ.com)
Young only has six at bats this year for the Mets, but he’s scored nine runs in a pinch running role. While he’s been caught twice in four attempts, there’s no denying his ability on the bases.
In 2013, he led the National League in steals with 46, and he also stole 30 bases in 36 attempts during 2014 season.
The problem for Young is that there might not be enough room for him to make it. However, the injury to Juan Uribe may have just opened a spot.
With the Mets scheduled to face Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke in the NLDS, Young is right that there should be a lot of tight and low scoring games. His speed late in the game could be exactly the type of edge the Mets need in order to make it on to the next round.
