The Mets are in a unique position that no other team in the MLB is close to being in. The Mets will not play a meaningful game until October. Even with the injury to the Duaner Sanchez, the Mets are still on Easy Street to the World Series. Billy Wagner recently blew a game against the Marlins, but then recovered with a save the next night, but it doesnt really matter! They are so far ahead in their division, that they could play sub .500 ball the rest of the way and probably win the division by ten games. The Mets do have to play somewhat decent the rest of the way though, so that they have homefield advantage for the ALDS and ALCS. With a ton of games left against their pathetic divisional opponents, and a majority of the remaining games at home, the Mets should have no problem finishing with the best record in the NL. There are only a few things that are worth paying attention to for the Mets in August and September, and heres a run-down of them. - The health of Tom Glavine and Pedro Martinez. Neither of these guys have been all that great since their fantastic starts to the season. In many starts this year, Glavine has been downright awful. Pedro has been, well himself, missing pretty much an entire month of the season with an injury. Glavines ERA has been over 5.00 since the month of April, and he hasnt shown any signs of improvement. Pedro is going to need a little more rest down the stretch so that hes effective in the postseason. Glavine and Pedro wont have to pitch gems in the postseason for the Mets to coast to the World Series, but they will have to pitch well. Their starts down the stretch should be a sign of things to come for these guys in October. - Development of Lastings Milledge. With the injury to Duaner Sanchez, the Mets had to deal Xavier Nady and now Milledge will get significant playing time in right-field for the Mets. Hell be sharing playing time in the regular season and playoffs with Endy Sanchez, so its important for Milledge to be hot, heading into the playoffs. I know that Milledge is a young kid, but much like Melky Cabrera, well get to see how he handles pressure-filled situations. Things have worked out for Melky and the Yankees, with him immediately making an impact on the field and at the plate; well have to wait and see what Milledge brings to the table. - Carlos Beltrans bid for the MVP. Carlos Beltran is having an absolute monster year, following his absolutely pitiful initial year in the blue Met pinstripes. Beltran doesnt seem to be playing all that well at home still, with an average well below .250 in Flushing. Beltran plays his best ball on the road, but the Mets will be playing more games at home down the stretch, and in the postseason. If Beltran wants to win that MVP from Albert Pujols, hes going to have to beat up on the inferior teams at home. |
