It’s taken a month, but Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom have arrived.
The Mets sit at 16-15, 1.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. It’s not the worst place to be after a month. Especially when you factor in the team pitching ERA of 5.07.
In most cases, the league’s fifth worst pitching stats would be a cause for concern. I truly don’t believe that’s the case here.
I know I know. The “what if I told you” posts are supremely annoying. But indulge me.
What if I told you before the season that on May 2nd Jacob deGrom would have an ERA of almost 4? What if I told you that Syndergaard’s ERA would be over 6?
Think it’s safe to say you’d take that 16-15 record.
I truly believe this team can be special. To a man, almost every position player has contributed positively. AHEM Keon Broxton and Wilson Ramos.
We were just waiting for deGrom and Syndergaard to arrive. And you don’t want to count your chickens before they hatch, but it certainly looks like they are both in the building now.
Last night, deGrom looked like the 2018 version of himself. And by that, I mean he gave up no runs and walked away with a no decision.
Today, Syndergaard tossed a complete game shutout with 10 strikeouts. He also was responsible for the Mets’ only run. It was the first time in 36 years — since the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Bob Welch in 1983 — that a pitcher had homered in a complete-game, 1-0 shutout.
Up until now, Steven Matz has been the most consistent Met pitcher. If he can continue to stay on the field and provide stability, the sky is the limit in 2019.
The bullpen, as always, is a concern. Jason Vargas is averaging 4 innings a start, and Zack Wheeler has been very up and down.
We have a legitimate lineup now, however. And if deGrom and Syndergaard pitch the way they are capable of pitching, good times are on the way.