5 Biggest X-Factors For New York Mets to Make 2015 MLB Playoffs

5 Biggest X-Factors For New York Mets to Make 2015 MLB Playoffs

By Matt Turner

August 9, 2015

+Read full article

5 Biggest X-Factors For New York Mets to Make 2015 MLB Playoffs

Noah Syndergaard New York Mets — At 59-51, the New York Mets sit atop their division this late in the season for the first time since September 2008. They’re on a hot streak right now but there are still plenty of things that need to go right for them to reach the playoffs. Here are the biggest x-factors.

At 59-51, the New York Mets sit atop their division this late in the season for the first time since September 2008. They’re on a hot streak right now but there are still plenty of things that need to go right for them to reach the playoffs. Here are the biggest x-factors.

5. Jeurys Familia’s Return To Dominance

Jeurys Familia New York Mets

5. Jeurys Familia’s Return To Dominance

Jeurys Familia New York Mets — In the first half of the season, Familia racked up 27 saves with a 1.25 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP. Since then, he’s managed only three saves (while blowing three straight to start the second half) to the tune of a 5.23 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. The Mets added some depth to the bullpen with Tyler Clippard and Eric O’Flaherty, but Familia will need to be the rock in the ninth inning for the Mets to keep winning.

In the first half of the season, Familia racked up 27 saves with a 1.25 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP. Since then, he’s managed only three saves (while blowing three straight to start the second half) to the tune of a 5.23 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. The Mets added some depth to the bullpen with Tyler Clippard and Eric O’Flaherty, but Familia will need to be the rock in the ninth inning for the Mets to keep winning.

4. Defense

Curtis Granderson New York Mets

Advertisement

4. Defense

Curtis Granderson New York Mets — Defense, along with hitting, have given the Mets fits throughout the season. However, surprising play from Curtis Granderson and Kevin Plewecki (11 defensive runs saved each), and the addition of Yoenis Cespedes actually have the Mets ranked 10th in the MLB in the category. Their inability to turn a double play has become troubling, however.

Defense, along with hitting, have given the Mets fits throughout the season. However, surprising play from Curtis Granderson and Kevin Plewecki (11 defensive runs saved each), and the addition of Yoenis Cespedes actually have the Mets ranked 10th in the MLB in the category. Their inability to turn a double play has become troubling, however.

3. Maintaining Their Hot Bats

Lucas Duda New York Mets

3. Maintaining Their Hot Bats

Lucas Duda New York Mets — Lucas Duda was about as hot as anyone could be (nine home runs in eight games), Granderson has been surging in the second half, and Cespedes and Michael Conforto are hitting well since joining the team. It’s a lineup much improved from even only a month ago, and it’s made a tremendous impact (Mets are 7-1 since acquiring Cespedes). This season the Mets are nearly perfect when scoring four or more runs, which is only the Major League average.

Lucas Duda was about as hot as anyone could be (nine home runs in eight games), Granderson has been surging in the second half, and Cespedes and Michael Conforto are hitting well since joining the team. It’s a lineup much improved from even only a month ago, and it’s made a tremendous impact (Mets are 7-1 since acquiring Cespedes). This season the Mets are nearly perfect when scoring four or more runs, which is only the Major League average.

2. Keeping Their Young Arms In The Rotation

Jacob deGrom New York Mets

2. Keeping Their Young Arms In The Rotation

Jacob deGrom New York Mets — Shutting down Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz exactly when they hit their magic number of innings pitched (as the Washington Nationals did with Steven Strasburg in 2012) is something the Mets are trying to avoid. Having them fresh through October will be the key to the Mets making the playoffs as pitching has been their bread and butter all season.

Shutting down Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz exactly when they hit their magic number of innings pitched (as the Washington Nationals did with Steven Strasburg in 2012) is something the Mets are trying to avoid. Having them fresh through October will be the key to the Mets making the playoffs as pitching has been their bread and butter all season.

1. David Wright’s Return

David Wright New York Mets

1. David Wright’s Return

David Wright New York Mets — It’s impressive how well the Mets have played without their captain. It was only a very small sample size but Wright was hitting well before his injury, and anything that he can give at the plate when he returns will be much welcomed. The Mets have been finding impressive ways to win games (perhaps none more impressive than Wilmer Flores’ recent heroics) but the return of Wright could give them even a little more motivation.

It’s impressive how well the Mets have played without their captain. It was only a very small sample size but Wright was hitting well before his injury, and anything that he can give at the plate when he returns will be much welcomed. The Mets have been finding impressive ways to win games (perhaps none more impressive than Wilmer Flores’ recent heroics) but the return of Wright could give them even a little more motivation.

Teams in this article »

New York Mets

Share On Facebook

Share