New York Mets: best team in baseball?
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by user Jgov05
The New York Mets have been on a tear as of late, with 8 straight wins including a recent sweep of the Phillies. Their free-agent signings, who had been largely unsuccessful up until this year, are really beginning to shine. Their hitting, starting pitching, and bullpen all appear to be solid.
BATTING
The Mets have some huge stars in their lineup. David Wright is likely their best all-around threat, with a .335 average, 14 homers, and 50 RBIs year. He is a part of the lethal 3-4-5 combination in the Mets' batting order, which also includes Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado.
Beltran is a big-time MVP candidate, with a .300 average, 18 homers, and 53 RBIs. What sets him apart is his speed--he has 12 steals. Beltran was signed after the 2004 season to a huge contract, but he dissappointed many in 2005. This year, he's earned every penny of his $13 million salary.
The other 'Carlos' in the Mets' lineup is Delgado, who was signed from Florida in the offseason. He has provided the exact production the Mets expected, with 19 homers and 49 RBIs. Another vital cog in this order is Jose Reyes, who leads the majors with 29 steals and has a team-high 54 runs from the leadoff spot. With this kind of all-around production, it could be argued that the Mets feature the best offense in all of baseball.
PITCHING
New York's pitching, which in previous years had been terrible, has been successful if not spectacular this year. As a team they have posted a 3.84 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP, both among the best marks in the NL.
They have been led (obviously) by Pedro Martinez, who has been lights-out this year. Oddly Pedro is just 6-2, but he has a 2.94 and a league-leading .90 WHIP. The other major component of the Mets' rotation is Tom Glavine, who is 9-2 this season.
But they are not the reason for the Mets' success this season. Arguably the most important player on the team is Billy Wagner, with 14 saves and a 2.20 ERA. He has provided the bullpen threat the Mets sorely needed, especially after 2005's Braden Looper debacle. Wagner, acquired from Philly in the offseason, has been one of the most reliable closers in the majors.
So that is how the Mets have fought their way to the best record in baseball. The only question is, "Can they keep it up?" The answer is, "probably yes." Their division is weakened from the poor play of the Braves, as they lead the NL East by nearly a double-digit margin. They appear to be complete, and they will reach the playoffs. The obstacle for them there will be the St. Louis Cardinals, who by then will have a healthy Albert Pujols. Until the Mets beat St. Louis, they will remain the class of the NL.
Date
Fri 06/16/06, 7:02 pm EST
