MLB
Mets Weekly Wrap-Up #3: Mets Remain First In NL East
As we wrap-up week three of the MLB season, the Mets still remain in first place in the NL East. They currently hold a record of 9-5 with a 0.5 game lead over the second place Phillies. The Mets also hold the third best record in the National League, only trailing the Milwaukee Brewers and the San Diego Padres. What has contributed to their early success? And what changes can be made to continue their success throughout the year?
Early Contributors For The Mets
From top to bottom, the Mets have had guys step-up consistently. The most noticeable has to be rookie-slugger Pete Alonso. Alonso has absolutely raked to start his big league career. His is currently hitting .360 (good for second on the team among qualified hitters) and has seven doubles, six homers, and 17 RBIs (all currently lead the Mets). His home run and RBI total also gave him a tie for fifth and sole-possession of fifth in all of baseball respectively. Three other key contributors in the early-going are Jeff McNeil, Michael Conforto, and Wilson Ramos. All three are hitting well over .300 to start the year and are on-base at a clip of over .400. At the top of the Mets lineup, these four guys are consistently producing and getting on base allowing the bottom of the lineup to help contribute, especially in key situations.
What Can Be Done To Help Continue Their Success?
Of course, the Mets also have some areas of improvement needed to help continue their success. The biggest is their fifth starter. Jason Vargas has struggled to start the year (1-0 with a 14.21 ERA). Will the Mets go after a Dallas Keuchel or will they look inside the team for a solution? Corey Oswalt or Chris Flexen can certainly be an option for the team, however, Oswalt struggled in relief last night and Flexen is still starting the year in the minors. Another idea could be putting Seth Lugo or Robert Gsellman back in the rotation and moving Vargas into the bullpen. All are intriguing ideas but the Mets will need to make a decision if they are serious contenders in 2019.
Another key area is getting Robinson Canó and Brandon Nimo going offensively. It is safe to say both are underperforming to start the year. However, fans should not be too discouraged yet as it is only week three of the season. If these two can get their offense working, the Mets have one of the most dangerous lineups in all of baseball. Don’t press the panic button yet, it is still too early in the season.
Preview For This Upcoming Week
The Mets will finish up their series in Atlanta tonight before heading to Philadelphia to take on the Phillies for the first time this year. Monday’s game in Philadelphia will also feature Jackie Robinson Day across Major League Baseball. The team will wrap-up their road trip in St. Louis before heading home for a 10-game homestand.
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