Just Keep Winning….
A motto any team can get behind, the above mantra is especially pertinent for the 2016 New York Mets. Every win counts the same, regardless of when it comes or who it comes against. Despite the surprising Phillies, it has been clear for some time now that the NL East is currently far from a gauntlet.
On the eve of their first of two west coast trips this season, the Mets need to look to accumulate wins. Plain and Simple. Going 9-6 vs the NL East thus far is a nice start. The next eleven games, though, could prove to be quite pivotal.
Though the current team is considerably different than in 2015, let’s use last year as an example.
The Mets’ torrid April in 2015 (15-8) was quickly erased after the May/June swoon where they went 25-30. Most of the damage to their winning percentage came at the hands of non-division opponents. In that two month stretch, the Mets went 16-20 vs foes not in the east.
Of the current Mets next 26 games, 20 of them are against such teams.
It all starts this Thursday with an 11 game stretch vs the NL West. In 2015, the Mets were an impressive 21-12 vs the west coast opponents. To accumulate the target goal of 92 wins to almost assure a playoff appearance, it is imperative that they do some damage this trip.
Conveniently, the Mets should miss Dodger’s ace Clayton Kershaw during their 4 game tilt as he is due to start their Sunday match-up in Toronto. If you think the Dodgers look soft at just one game over .500 entering play Wednesday, think again. Remember, it was only eight short months ago that the Mets bounced LA from the NLDS at Chavez Ravine in an exhilarating game five.
Seven games combined with the Rockies and Padres also headline this road trip.
I am not in the business of making predictions. Therefore, I will allow you to do it for me.
11-0: This is the best team ever!
10-1: Mets take off from Laguardia and never come down
9-2: At least one sweep
8-3: Winning/Splitting Every Series
7-4: Very Nice Trip
6-5: Over .500 on the Road is a Success
5-6: Bump in the Road, Can’t Wait to Come Home
4-7: I am So Glad I Didn’t Stay Up for These Late Starts
3-8: Uh-Oh
2-9: Did They Leave Half the Team Behind?
1-10: The Sky is Falling
0-11: Season is Over Trade EVERYONE
So how many wins will the Mets wrangle up during this west coast swing? Share your predictions in the comments.
