Did everyone miss the memo that Kevin Plawecki and Travis d’Arnaud would be splitting time this season?
I guess so. The same people who wanted the Mets to sign Jonathan Lucroy this year, were furious at Travis d’Arnaud’s inclusion in the lineup.
Guess who hit the Mets first home run of 2018 today?
It would be a real stretch to call me a Travis d’Arnaud fan. Kevin Plawecki was one of the biggest standouts of the spring and had a huge game on Opening Day. Callaway clearly has a plan though and I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Now…
If you to talk about Juan Lagares in the lineup over Brandon Nimmo today…I’ll listen to what you have to say. Callaway explained he wanted Juan Lagares in Centerfield today because of Jacob deGrom‘s fly ball rate. You know what? Every time I’m completely ready to get on the Brandon Nimmo bandwagon 100%, I watch him try and throw home. Then I remember why i appreciate Lagares. Hey, I love Nimmo. You know it’s true though.
I really do think Nimmo is something special though. I still believe he pushes the envelope and demands every day playing time even when Michael Conforto returns. And that’s something Lagares wasn’t able to do. Lagares did have two hits, and honestly…is there a better 4th or 5th outfielder in the league?
I say all that to say this. Let’s give Mickey a chance. I think it’s clear that struggling players won’t be left to rot.
Another decision which had Mets fans up in arms was Asdrubal Cabrera in the leadoff spot. Cabrera had three hits, including a pair of doubles, an RBI and scored once.
Is there anything worse than an off day after Opening Day? Come on. What a tease.
So it’s safe to say Noah Syndergaard is a tough act to follow. But who better to try than Jacob deGrom?
Jacob had one of those performances today that have really endeared him to Mets fans. He had to battle. Pitch count was definitely an issue as he was over 100 pitches in the sixth inning. He didn’t necessarily have his best stuff, but he made it work. He left after 5²/³ to a standing ovation from the Citi Field crowd. When deGrom exited the game the Mets were beating the Redbirds 4-1. Here’s his line.
I’m starting to like this Todd Frazier signing more and more. I think he has certain intangibles that are really going to make him valuable. I just love his presence on the field and in the clubhouse. I’d imagine he’s behind the salt and pepper celebration which I kinda like.
More importantly I love his defense. After what was a year full of atrocious defense at third base, Frazier is a welcome sight. He also got the ball rolling for the offense today. His two run double in the first inning drove in Jay Bruce and Yoenis Cespedes and gave the Mets a lead they would never relinquish.
We may have avoided an injury with Frazier. Todd was hit by a fifth inning pitch that grazed his finger before hitting the bat. He seemed to be in a great deal of pain, but stayed in the game. We will definitely monitor that.
As stated above, d’Arnaud hit the first Mets homerun of 2018. Yoenis Cespedes followed shortly afterwards with the 2nd.
I’m sorry, but I really think this lineup can do damage. It’s only going to get better when Conforto returns, so I’m pretty optimistic.
The first man out of the bullpen was Robert Gsellman, just like in the first game. He immediately struck out Jose Martinez to retire the side.
Gsellman got in a little trouble in the 7th inning, giving up singles to the first two batters. After inducing a ground out, Mickey Callaway came to the mound and Anthony Swarzak made his Mets debut. Swarzak was perfect in the seventh. The eighth inning however, might be the biggest story of the day.
After striking out Tommy Pham, Matt Carpenter hit a solo home run cutting the Mets lead to 5-2. Swarzak walked Jose Martinez and then winced and grabbed his back. Mickey Callaway and the training staff came out and Swarzak was removed. I’m tempted to make a Ray Ramirez joke but I’m very worried right now. Anthony Swarzak was our only bullpen addition this off-season, and AJ Ramos scares the hell out of me. More on this obviously when we hear anything.
Swarzak was replaced by Jeurys Familia who promptly struck out Mets Public Enemy #1, Yadier Molina to end the inning.
Familia lost the strike zone in the ninth inning at times, but didn’t allow a run as he notched a four out save. The save was Familia’s first of the season.
Offense showed up again today as the Mets scored 6 runs. Amed Rosario drew a walk! The pitching was good, only allowing 2 runs to a very good Cardinals lineup. Now we pray that Swarzak is ok, because it would be a huge blow to lose him for any period of time. The Mets want to be more aggressive on the base paths, and it worked out multiple times today. But can we be a little less aggressive with Adrian Gonzalez? I don’t think Glenn Sherlock knows how to put up a stop sign.
Jacob deGrom now has the lowest ERA of any pitcher in day games since 1950.
Mets are 2-0 and we go for the sweep tomorrow with Steven Matz on the hill.
