To say the Mets have had their fare share of issues this season is an understatement, yet, on July 14, 2015, the Mets are just two games behind the division-leading Washington Nationals and one game behind the second Wild Card team, the Chicago Cubs.
Here’s some of the adversity the Mets have overcome this season. If you had seen this list before the year began, you’d bet that the Amazins’ would be battling for last place with the woeful Philadelphia Phillies. For a safer bet, visit http://www.betfair.com.
Obstacles in 2015
- David Wright: The Mets have been without their captain for the majority of the season. Since he’s been out with Spinal Stenosis, the Mets have juggled third base like a hot potato. It seems like Daniel Murphy has settled in after the likes of Ruben Tejada, Eric Cambell and Danny Muno all game it a shot before him.
- Zack Wheeler: Before the season even began, we learned that Wheeler would be the latest Met to go under the knife for Tommy John Surgery. He joins fellow teammates Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, Steven Matz and Bobby Parnell, all who have had the procedure.
- Josh Edgin/Jerry Blevins: After the Mets lost Edgin before the season, Blevens was perfect in his tenure with the Mets. Unfortunately, I got to witness first-hand a ball get lined off of his pitching arm, which ultimately broke it. He hasn’t even been cleared to resume throwing yet.
- Jenrry Mejia: Suspended due to steroid use, the Mets’ bullpen looked like it’d be in shambles without Mejia, Blevins, Edgin and Bobby Parnell, who was making his way back from surgery. Thanks to a masterful first half from Jeurys Familia, the Mets’ bullpen has been one of the best in baseball, even though they just recently welcomed back Parnell and Mejia.
- Travis d’Arnaud: This is one of the more frustrating cases, for sure. d’Arnaud has boatloads of talent, which I don’t think anyone will argue, but he hasn’t been able to stay on the field. Word is he is not close to returning, so the Mets will rely on Kevin Plawecki and Johnny Monell to hold down the fort.
- Steven Matz: Although the prognosis is currently unknown for the Long Island product, any time a pitcher has a tear, even if it’s partial, it sends alarming signals. Last we heard, Matz was shut down for three weeks before being reevaluated. This is after he not only pitched like an ace, but hit like a cleanup hitter with 5 RBI in his first two MLB games.
- Another Expensive Letdown: Michael Cuddyer seemed like the perfect fit in the off-season, and many people lauded the signing after Sandy Alderson only gave him a two-year deal. Unfortunately, the Mets had to give up a first-round pick to sign him, and he’s played like he should never have been drafted. While the Jason Bay comparisons continue, Cuddyer needs a strong second half to earn the love of the fanbase.
- Dillon Gee: Last winter, Sandy Alderson opted to keep Gee in hopes that his value would rise, but now he’s collecting dust in Las Vegas. Teams didn’t even want to put a claim on him, despite his reasonable contract. Instead of dealing him for a useful piece, Sandy clearly waited this one out for too long. Odds are on him being a September call-up before his somehow dumped in the off-season.
- Gold Glove Hangover: Plain and simple, Juan Lagares has not been the same player for the Mets that he was last year, and a lot of that is due to injury. He’s not tracking down the same fly balls, and his plate discipline leaves much to be desired. This is a tough project for Kevin Long, but there’s talent there, and the Mets are certainly going to have a long leash, especially since they just gave him a reasonably priced extension.
- Power Outage: Up until recently, the Mets have been inconsistent at the plate, which is probably a huge understatement. One man who I tend to focus on is Lucas Duda, who has shown some bright spots recently. Prior to the last few games, Duda had just one homer since June 1, something that’s not acceptable for a clean-up hitter.
There are other obstacles the Mets are still working through, but they’re in striking distance. I thought earlier in the year that they needed a big splash via trade, but I think a supplemental piece or two could get the job done.
What do you make of the 2015 Mets? Will they be playing serious baseball down the stretch? Tell us in the comments section below.
