BY MARK HALPERN
After missing out in the playoffs the Mets went into the offseason and made changes in the front office and to the roster as well. The Mets have the BEST general manager in the sport in David Stearns. Most Mets fans were ecstatic because knows how he can put a team together. Once Stearns signed the focus (as Mets thought) Stearns was going to make a huge splash with hiring Craig Counsel as the next manager. He passed and the Mets hired Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza. Mendoza has great experience and is doing a commendable job so far. Mets fans had high hopes he was going to trade for superstar Corbin Burnes but Burnes ultimately signed a one-year deal with Baltimore. If he becomes a free agent expect the Mets to be heavy on him. David Sterns has not Band Aided this team by any means.
The Lineup was off to a good start but, as recently Lindor, Alonso and McNeill were underperforming. Over the last week we have started to see a resurgence in all three of these players and with Lindor is starting to come alive being the leadoff hitter (which he did well in Cleveland) and he is getting pitches to hit because you don’t want to put him on and then now face a giant Polar Bear with a thunderous roar. With exception to Navarez and Nido (being the weakest hitters) are just better defensively and fit the role until Alvarez returns from the IL. Bader, Marte, Nimmo, have all been doing great whether at the plate or in the field. So this lineup is here and I fully expect it to turn around.
Now for the weakest part of the Mets and that is the pitching. I have honestly enjoyed watching Sean Manea pitch (Mike Rifkin and myself wanted him two years ago), Luis Severino has had mixed reviews but he is showing that he has healed from his injuries and is doing well. The Mets lost their ace Kodai Senga due to the same injury the Justin Verlander had and the Mets are taking it very carefully and the prediction for him is mid-end of June. As for the rest, Houser is 0-4, Jose Quintana who has shown signs of flash is 1-4, Butto 1-3 and Edwin Diaz blowing three consecutive saves are why this Mets team is faltering. The Mets got Megill back the other night and he pitched well, David Peterson is finishing his rehab stint and you have to think he will go into the starting rotation easily. By mid-June the rotation should be Senga, Megil,Peterson,Quintana,Scott and will definitely be a great Improvement heading into June. I BELIEVE in this Mets team and as of yesterday they are 3 games back of the 3rd wild card spot. Let’s face it the Mets are not catching the Braves, Philly will be tough and expects to get at least 1 spot and then you have to look at these teams Padres, Diamondbacks, Giants and the Cubs all have similar records and if the Mets are in striking difference don’t be surprised if the Mets trade one of the coveted rookies (Baty, Vientos, Jett or Possibly Ryan Clifford) to help gain a pitcher or infielder. My one proposal is calling the Houston Astros and see what they would take for Bregman (with him having to sign a who is on his last year and will most likely test the Market. The Mets can ill afford to be lazy when it comes to a huge position player and the way the Astros are playing it might be worth a call and see if he is available. Obviously he will be required to sign an extension and go through a physical and we know how thorough the Mets medical staff is (EX Carlos Correa) and they will make sure he is good to go. This Mets team might not look like much now but just wait, great things are coming and the Mets will aim to be an elite team in the NL East.
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