Mets Coming Together and It's Glorious
Capturing momentum when they can, Rojas' boys have something special brewing
Following the Mets’ win over the Phillies in the first game of Tuesday’s doubleheader in Queens, manager Luis Rojas was pleased with the team’s enlivening in the late innings.
“That was good. We got two hits there [in the eighth],” he said. “It’s good to see those big hits in those moments, even though we didn’t get them in a couple of chances that we had in the game. But we did see a couple of better at-bats. Walking, some good swings. You can see the guys’ timing, just, kinda like, coming together.”
Encouraging stuff, indeed.
With the constant pauses in the Mets’ early schedule, timing is likely the toughest challenge they’re going to face over the next few games. Rojas has intimated the importance of getting reacclimated to game-speed situations repeatedly in recent days.
It appears those wheels are collectively turning. Pete Alonso’s game-tying hit in the first game. Francisco Lindor’s first-inning double in the night tilt. Dominic Smith carrying over his 2020 breakout into the 2021 season. Brandon Nimmo’s electric start. All good things.
Michael Conforto — out of the lineup in the second game — and Jeff McNeil finding their respective strokes would be a cherry on top. All in due time.
Luis Guillorme’s development into the full-service utility tool that the organization had in mind as he bubbled through the minors has been a plus. His ability to plug in anywhere defensively — and terrifically — and/or kick in a 1-for-3 day makes the 26-year-old a valuable piece. His worth was on full display late Tuesday afternoon.
“Luis makes plays like this. He’s always thinking.” Rojas said, referring to Guillorme’s leaping grab on James McCann’s high throw to save a run in the fifth inning of the first game. “He had three great at-bats […] He’s taking quality at-bats. He’s playing really good.”
The cogs are in place. This engine has been built for spend and power, with capable replacement parts in reserve. And that’s on both sides of the chalk.
Taijuan Walker continues on a trajectory toward steal of the offseason. Marcus Stroman is pitching at his highest level since coming to Flushing, if not in his career (the guy just never stops adapting). And, of course, Jacob deGrom is Jacob deGrom.
Outside of an awkward roller that caught Lindor in no-man’s-land in the first game, Miguel Castro nearly navigated his way out of two two-one, none-out spots on Tuesday. Give this guy all the leveraged spots. Please and thank you.
Edwin Diaz continues to unleash that high-voltage, horizontally-awry four-seamer to splendid results. Trevor May, despite early hiccups, is still a redwood-sized leg in the Mets’ bullpen and his stuff is on par with his responsibility to the group.
Coming together, family.
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