Jenn 23 asks…
This is basically the same team as last year minus Zack Wheeler and Josh Edgin. How did they get so good? Or is this just a dream? Thanks for all you do and Let’s Go Mets!
Rob replies…
Hey, Jenn! Thanks for the question.
One major thing that differentiates this year’s team from last year’s team is a healthy Matt Harvey. When you have a guy of that caliber in your rotation, it does wonders for a team’s confidence. You know that every fifth day you are going out there with a very good chance of winning, which gives guys a sense of swagger.
Apart from Harvey’s performance on the mound, which ignites a spark in everyone else on the field due to his bulldog mentality, he is also a great clubhouse guy. He has a winning attitude and is so emotionally invested in being the best that it rubs off on everyone else.
Another key acquisition that I believe is having an effect in the clubhouse is Michael Cuddyer. He’s a seasoned veteran who knows the in’s and out’s of this game, and is very focused on winning. His performance on the field hasn’t been spectacular this season, but having veteran’s like him around does have a positive impact on a team’s morale.
Yes, this is a very similar team to last year’s, but last year we saw the emergence of Jacob deGrom, Lucas Duda, Jeurys Familia, Juan Lagares as well as Travis d’Arnaud who really turned it on during the second half of the season. These players have continued their strong showing and built on their success from last year (d’Arnaud is down with a broken hand of course, but was off to a hot start at the time of his injury). And when you have fewer question marks at positions, and have guy’s coming into their own, you’re going to be a much better team.
The reason that the Mets have the best record in baseball isn’t just a fluke, it’s because they have a talented team and a lot of depth, which is something they lacked for several years.
We all know the Mets have had an unfortunate series of injuries this year, but the players they’ve called upon in the time of need have lived up to the task. Jenrry Mejia went down with a suspension, and Jeurys Familia has been outstanding taking his spot closing games. Kevin Plawecki gets called up to replace Travis d’Arnaud and has showed us a glimpse of what he is capable of. Alex Torres fills the LOOGY role after Jerry Blevins has his arm broken, Eric Campbell – while no means a superstar – has filled in admirably for David Wright, and so forth.
This team is resilient and believes it can win. It’s amazing what a positive mindset can do for a club, and I believe the Mets aren’t even scratching the surface. Just wait until everyone is healthy again. 🙂
Let’s Go Mets!
