Mets in First, Fluke? Don't Think So

by user Alanschech

It is June 7th, and the Mets sit atop the National League East. Last year, the Mets were in contention for a wild card spot, before falling apart at the end of the season. Now they are flying high, and standing up to the Yankees here in New York. Watching this team, I believe this team can contend for the division right to the end.

This team has the perfect mix of age and youth. What better nucleus could you build your team around that Jose Reyes and David Wright? Jose Reyes is one of the most dyamic players to come through Queens in years. He is wonderfully surehanded with the glove, and runs like a jack rabbit around the bases. Watch him go when he hits one in the gap, turning a double into a triple, and you will see why this kid is lighting up NY. David Wright is a budding superstar. This guy can flat out hit, and hit in all situations. He may make you wonder with the glove once in a while, but that will improve over time. The defense has improved many times over with Paul Lo Duca behind the plate. I loved Mike Piazza, but the bases were like a merry go round once someone was on first. Anchoring the team in the field are vets like Cliff Floyd and Carlos Beltran. Guys for kids like Wright to look up to.

And if you want to talk veterans, you couldn't have better influences in Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine. These are two guys that know how to win, and bring that confidence into the clubhouse with them. The bullpen improved as well with the likes of Billy Wagner and Duaner Sanchez. Wagner has some blown saves already, but he will work himself out. That is his history. He will be just fine.

This team has an amazing chemistry about it as well. Every night, there is a different hero for this team. Everyone from David Wright to John Valentin have been heroes for this team on any given night. That is the mark of a team on the brink of doing something special.

The Mets do need to win now. Although the nucleus of the team is young, the front of the pitching rotation is not getting any younger. They are in first place now, and if they play like this all year, there is no reason why they can't contend for a division, and for going deeply into the playoffs.

Date

Wed 06/07/06, 7:56 pm EST

BoxTreeSoccer Kid

1252 days ago

Score 0

I agree with most of your comments, but I think a few of your details are misguided. David Wright is bad with a glove. He presently has a FPCT of .952 which puts him at #17 (of 25) for qualified 3B in the majors. He'll probably improve over time, but it's hard to say how much.

Reyes has an OBP of .310. That's lame for a leadoff hitter.

As for Cliff Floyd, there's too great a chance that he'll be injured come October. It's hard to be an anchor when you're on the bench.

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Patrickburke1980All-American

1251 days ago

Score 3

Watching Reyes run out a triple is the best 10 seconds in baseball.

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JuTMSY4Legend

1251 days ago

Score 0

Good article, but I question things like the value of Cliff Floyd or Carlos Beltran. Both of whom have their moments at the place but aren't anything to brag about, especially floyd. Your assessment of the pitching is right on target though, except they have a weak backend of the rotation. You guys have a good shot at the division, but Atlanta will always be around and the phils are starting to look good again.

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ChristofMVP

1251 days ago

Score -3

Delusional. That is the term that best describes this post. It is true that the Mets are in first place in the NL East. It is also true that the Mets 4th starter for a while was Jose Lima. It is also true that the Mets play in one of the worse, if not worse, divisions in baseball in 2006. Really, as I have told friends, and as I write now, NO ONE from the NL East deserves a spot in the NL playoffs. So, my friend, enjoy the Mets being in first, but do not get too excited. It is more by luck than by talent.

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Anonymous Fanatic #1

1251 days ago

Score 1

To: JuTMSY4 Beltran's OPS this season is among the league leaders. He's been fantastic. But, yes, Floyd's been disappointing.

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Ben agm

1251 days ago

Score 0

I agree...but I worry about the back end of the rotation. I have to think another trade for a starter would be in the works.

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WrightsmyboyTee-Baller

1251 days ago

Score 0

Anyone who thinks the Mets being first is a fluke, they're ignorant. With the Yankess injuries they have the best team on paper other than the back end of the rotation.

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JuTMSY4Legend

1251 days ago

Score 2

Hey AF, you're right, sorta. Beltran is 19th in the league in OPS, but many (including myself) think the OPS stat is a little overrated. Theres more value in his OBP which is around 30th. I guess my major problem is, unless beltran puts up pujols like numbers (or even arod #s) he's overpaid for what he does. I, however, would not use fantastic to describe him. I would suggest Rowand brings more to the table, with his ability to play defense, even though his batting #s are a lot less.

Also, they are not the best team on paper. Floyd isn't good. I question what Nady will be like when he comes back. Wright is still young, but i love what i see when it counts (He's a keeper). Reyes is good on base, but he's not a leadoff hitter so he has issues getting on the bags. and to start the debate Ryan Howard > Carlos Delgado

Alright stat the negative scores now!

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Bball3345Draft Pick

1251 days ago

Score 0

You think Rowand brings more to the table than Beltran? I don't think so. Beltran brings a lot more to the offensive game, which you admit too, and I would suggest Beltran is just as good a fielder as Rowand.

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JuTMSY4Legend

1251 days ago

Score 1

Technically Rowand has a higher fielding pct .987 versus beltran's .983, but that's very miniscule. I'd like to point out the great plays rowand makes that beltran doesn't always seem to, but beltran does have his share of gems. They both have good gloves but I think Rowand's is better, plus rowand brings a lot of intangibles. We're obviously going to disagree. THe last major difference is pay, as beltran makes about 10 mil more this year...so, my question would be, is that 10mil for those differences worth it. To make my point less valid though. Beltran is the best hitter of the mets OF, whereas rowand is probably the worst hitter of the phils. In effect, they play different positions as a hitter...

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XinophDraft Pick

1251 days ago

Score -1

It's not a fluke, it's just not going to last.

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Anonymous Fanatic #1

1250 days ago

Score 0

JuTMSY4: OK, OPS is overrated. How about runs created? Beltran is tops in the NL for center fielders (#2 in MLB), second on the Mets behind Wright (49 to 48) and is 13th in all of baseball. That, to me at least, qualifies for elite status. Add in his above average defense in a difficult position, and he's one of the top players in the league. Overpaid? Sure. But he's playing for the Mets, not the A's. Signing Beltran didn't prevent Minaya from paying Wagner ($43 million/4 years) and acquiring Delgado ($30+ million next three years). So how much he gets paid is largely irrelevant.

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