BY Mark Halpern
The term “Golden Sombrero” is used as a term in baseball for when a player strikes out in four at bats in a game. Now this happens way more than major league players want you to know about but, in this case the New York Mets open the season losing four straight games (three to the Brewers and one to the Tigers) and have earned this moniker.
For the first time since 2005 the Mets opened 0-4 to start the season but, if you remember the Mets went on a tear winning their next six. You can’t really compare that team to this current team because they actually had pitching. To the Mets credit the starting pitching with exception of Severino has been okay. I was beyond encouraged with Sean Manaea’s start against the Tigers Monday night. The Mets problem is that they can’t keep teams off the board whether its starting pitching or the bullpen. When you have a team that doesn’t really have one reliable starter (at the current moment) it’s hard to take this team seriously.
As for the lineup I am encouraged with Francisco Alvarez. He has been making solid contact. The Mets are using him right by letting him DH while getting a break here or there when they give Navarez the start behind the dish. The Mets are in desperate need of J.D. Martinez right now cause like last year there is no way to make sure Pete is seeing the pitches he needs. Martinez is progressing and there have a been a few different reports that he will be moved up by middle of next week or at the end of April. I have been happy with the play from Baty at third. Zach Short and Joey Wendle each have gotten a start and have made defensive blunders. Starling Marte is starting to resemble why the Mets got him 2 years ago. This lineup is capable of much better things and a slow start for Lindor and McNeil is not what the Mets need but we are only four games into the season.
Mets fans are wondering what is the next step? Right now, the next step is to get Martinez up and playing games and a getting another solid bat into this lineup. Kodai Senga is improving and his most recent M.R.I. came back clean and he has been given permission to begin his spring training so to speak and build up his arm strength to be able to pitch. I would NOW think that Senga will be on some type of limits for this season to make sure he is 100% for next season. If the Mets find them in contention for a Playoff spot that could be arranged.
As for the rookies who are in the wings. Drew Gilbert is major league ready and I will expect to see him come up and help the Mets especially if Marte begins to falter a little. Luis Angel Acuna has rapidly moved his way through the Mets organization. I do not think he will be seen until September call ups or if there is series of injuries. Acuna reminds me of a young Lindor watching him play. His athleticism and determination will help spark the Mets clubs in the future. Mark Vientos was left off the roster because he was just beaten out by Zack Short. Vientos I still love and the more time he gets to play down there he might see a call up if the Mets need DH help or depth. Ryan Clifford has been another solid minor leaguer for the Mets and they also have Jett Williams, Kevin Parada, Roony Mauricio and Alex Ramirez all moving solidly through the minors and just getting better every day. This is why Steve Choen and David Sterns said the farm system is “Stacked.” For now, you have to support this team and things will get better for this Mets team when certain players return. Just remember YOU GOTTA BELIVE!
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