Tim Lavigne played with the Binghamton Mets for five seasons (’02–’05, ’08) and amassed 36 career saves with them — a franchise record. It took Jeff Walters all of one season to make a run at that record — and he finished the task last night after picking up save number 37 on the season. In the same game, the Binghamton Mets won their 83rd game, setting a new franchise record for wins in the process.
Sticking to Walters, however, the year he is having is practically off the charts. He has made 52 appearances, finishing 51 games for the B-Mets, with 37 of them resulting in saves. Amassing a 4-3 record, he has pitched to a 2.13 ERA with a 16/58 BB/K ratio in 55.0 innings. Opposing hitters are hitting just .224 against him and he has surrendered just two longballs all season. His lefty/righty splits are solid (.221 vs .226) and he seems to have really found himself in Binghamton this season. Of course, he’s not the only one enjoying a special season for this B-Mets team.
Outside of his struggles in his last start, Noah Syndergaard has provided quality innings for this Binghamton squad with a 3.00 ERA in 54.0 innings and a gaudy 69 strikeouts.
And what would pitching be without offensive support? Cesar Puello may be on the sidelines, but his .326/.403/.547 slash helped lead the B-Mets to many wins. Sticking to the outfield, Darrell Ceciliani has quietly led the Mets organization in stolen bases with an even 30 after last night, and Cory Vaughn has had some hot streaks of his own. The oft-forgotten Allan Dykstra, who was acquired for Eddie Kunz, has been having the best year of his career for the Binghamton Mets, with 20 home runs, 79 RBI, and an OBP around .440 all season.
In short, this is the best squad the Binghamton Mets have ever fielded in their history — enjoy it while you can. I hope they steamroll the rest of the EL in the playoffs!
(Photo Credit: Gordon Donovan)
