Second Half Run

By Mark Halpern

So here we are returning from the All-Star break and looking at how things are going for the Mets are trending up. The Mets, during the first half, had the worst luck with Injuries, rainouts, and some really under performances from some players. Now we look to the second half of baseball, and things are starting to look up.On the injury side of things, the Mets starting lineup will look like the opening day lineup with McNeil, Conforto, Davis, and Nimmo now back in the lineup.

However, we might not see a ton of Davis because Villar has made a name for himself this season. Villar has filled in at various spots on the diamond and has not been disappointed. Kevin Pillar filled in for Nimmo while he was down and did a great job with not only his stellar defense but his bat as well. The addition of Billy McKinney helped fill in for the injured Conforto, and his speed on the basepaths has not disappointed. So, the Mets have a deep group of players that can fill in most positions. The second half also raises the question that if the trade market would heat up, would they move someone to bring a more considerable talent. Currently, the Mets need Starting Pitching.

The Mets are still missing two noticeably big names in the rotation. Starting Pitching has been an issue this season except for Jacob deGrom and Taijan Walker. Noah “Thor” Syndergaard, who was recovering from Tommy John surgery, was doing extended spring training when he began to feel discomfort in that repaired arm. He is currently starting to work his way back, but September is the earliest if he returns this season at all. We could see that lightning come from his arm. Carlos Carrasco has resumed baseball activities as he has recovered from his torn hamstring injury, has been doing simulated games, and will be starting a minor league rehab stint as soon as next week. We could see him by the end of July.

As for my comments at the beginning of underperformers, Francisco Lindor so far has not been himself. He is currently hitting a poor .227 batting average when he has hit close or over .300 most of his career. My take on it is that he is trying to do too much, and NY’s pressure can do that. I am hoping to see a real resurgence from him in the second half. Also, McNeil and Conforto have not caught on as of yet. Both are returning from injury, so hoping they can return to form.

The Mets are currently 47-40 and have a 3-game lead over the Phillies and a 4-game lead over the Braves. With the Mets getting their team back and other vital pieces returning over the next few weeks, I see the Mets making a huge run and winning the NL East by a wide margin. However, the NL East division has many stellar teams, and anything can happen on the diamond, and that is how the old man sees it.