After months of hard work and dedication, the New York Mets have accomplished the first part of their goal — they’re going to the playoffs.
Towards the end of July, the Mets were floundering. The Mets had guys like John Mayberry Jr. hitting cleanup, and the offense couldn’t muster three runs per game, never mind six. The dominoes started falling when the Mets and Braves agreed to a deal for the Mets to get Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson, two glue guys who have had a big impact since they were acquired.
Then, the Mets swung a deal with the Athletics to get Tyler Clippard, the former Washington National, in the fold to sure up the eighth inning.
But the most important trade was with the Detroit Tigers to get Yoenis Cespedes.
Here’s what he’s done in Queens (as of post-game Friday): 51 games, .296 BA, 17 HR, 44 RBI, 38 R, 38 XBH.
In case you’re wondering, Cespedes has been in the playoffs with Oakland before. In two stint, he has 14 hits in 30 at-bats (.350) with 1 HR and 6 RBI.
Another important addition was that of Addison Reed, who the Mets got for pennies on the dollar from Arizona. All he’s done is allow no runs since the trade, being almost perfect in the process.
Let’s not forget about Michael Conforto, the prospect the Mets called up to fill a place before the trades. He wouldn’t allow the Mets to send him back down. His performance not only dictated that he remain with the team, but he’s now the primary left fielder against right handed pitching. In 152 at-bats, he is hitting .283 with 8 HR and 23 RBI to go along with a .355 OBP. His defense has been better than expected as well.
While this feeling is special, it’s hard to be satisfied. With an inevitable date with Clayton Kershaw, Zach Greinke and the Dodgers, special things could be on the horizon. Either way, it’s a beautiful thing to have the Mets playing serious October baseball once again, clinching their first NL Eastern Division title since 2006.
As Steve Somers says on WFAN, it’s good to be king. Check below for the latest time the Mets could say that.
