It's Clobbering Time as Mets Soar into DC
Pivotal stretch versus all-divisional foes begins Friday night
Took a full 48 hours off from writing. Felt great, if we’re putting our cards on the table. We’re back now. Let’s do it.
Over the next two weeks, the New York Mets will play 16 games against only National League East opponents. In the words of Marvel’s The Thing, it’s clobbering time.
The Mets head into the weekend with a four-and-a-half-game lead in the division over the Phillies, with six-and-a-half separating themselves and Atlanta and seven games between New York and their counterparts in DC this weekend, the Nationals.
Separation in the division is within arm’s reach. Taking five-of-seven versus the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs this week — two very talented ballclubs — has only added more steam to this freighter. We love to see it.
Over the last two-and-a-half months, this team has succeeded in spite of every obstacle that’s been thrown in front of them. The gauntlet that lays ahead necessitates the same level of zeal they’ve exhibited leading up to this point.
In the last month alone, the Mets have seen the most unexpected of contributors emerge and help propel this team to a handful of wins.
Billy McKinney, a 26-year-old former first-round draft pick, was acquired from the Brewers on May 26 to assist in filling the gaps left in the wake of injuries to Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo, and Kevin Pillar.
Over 62 plate appearances with the Mets since then, Billy Mac is hitting .273/.355/.636 with four home runs, six doubles, a triple, 11 runs scored, and 12 driven in.
McKinney’s 170 wRC+ leads the team since beginning his Mets tenure. That’s what we’re talking about, friends. Next man up, in the flesh. And McKinney hasn't been the only one.
Jonathan Villar, brought on this offseason to act solely as depth around the infield, has taken the opportunity presented to him and run with it.
The 30-year-old hadn’t played third base since 2016 (-10 OAA with Milwaukee) but has adjusted without much of a hiccup (-2 OAA; not terrible, all things considered).
As the SNY broadcast booth pointed out during Thursday’s loss to the Cubs, hitting in the leadoff spot (in the absence of regular one-hole options Nimmo and McNeil) is where Villar has shone.
Villar is hitting .333/.545/.400 with six walks in 22 plate appearances leading off games this year and .346/.452/.615 with eight walks in 62 plate appearances starting off an inning. Talk about setting the vibe.
As we’ve seen so far, a bunch of little things being done right can result in one big goal being accomplished.
It’s fair to assume this team’s aspirations are far higher than leading the division in June, but the journey has to begin somewhere.
McKinney and Villar are just two individual examples of how all it takes is a spark to start a fire. Or many fires, in this team’s case. Little freaking pyros.
If the pitching continues to dominate (3.10 staff ERA and 2.68 starters ERA lead MLB; 3.69 bullpen ERA is eighth in baseball) and, as guys like McNeil and Conforto return, the offense can find another gear, good things will continue to happen.
McNeil is expected back this weekend. Conforto isn’t too far behind him. Let’s keep this thing going, boys. LFGM.
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Soooooooooooo EXCITED!!!