How about those Mets?
I know, I know.
It’s only April.
Still. You gotta like what you see.
Mets are getting terrific starting pitching, (with their ace on the shelf) timely hitting and are capitalizing on mistakes.
All hallmarks of a GOOD team, imo.
The jury is still out on the bullpen, but the Amazin’s have won every series they’ve played so far.
So, what’s the problem?
I wouldn’t necessarily call it a problem, but the Mets do have an embarrassing holdover from the previous regime.
Robinson Canó.
The second baseman is one of the most talented players to ever wear a Met uniform.
But as my colleague pointed out yesterday, it looks like “he is swinging underwater.” The 39 year old is hitting .184 with an OPS of .488.
Simply put, he is undeserving of the at bats he is getting.
Buck Showalter has done a good job of shuffling the lineup and getting everyone at bats. Although the starting lineup looks pretty set, every player on the roster is getting opportunities to contribute.
With the National League officially adopting the designated hitter, the Mets have even more options to fill out the lineup card.
Following a disappointing campaign in 2021, it seems the Mets have some questions about Dominic Smith. He was very nearly shipped to San Diego in a deal which would have netted a very underwhelming return from the Padres.
It was revealed that he played hurt last season, but the pressure is definitely on Smith to prove himself.
What about JD Davis? What is his role on this team if not the designated hitter?
Smith is the best defensive first baseman on the roster. You take a leap of faith every time you ask Davis to put a glove on his left hand.
Similarly, you have to hold your breath a bit every time Smith is penciled in as the left fielder, so his road to playing time isn’t without it’s own obstacles. Not to mention Pete Alonso who is the team’s primary first baseman.
The Mets would be well served to identify their roles. Are they part of the equation?
I’m sure there are teams who would like for Smith to be their everyday first baseman. Davis would be welcomed somewhere as the primary designated hitter.
Maybe their role is here in Queens.
Robinson Canó? Not so much. Mets need him to ride off into the sunset. Willingly or by force.