Welcome to the all star break, clearly the most depressing week on the sports calendar. The Mets had another so so week. After a huge win Tuesday in Baltimore the Mets gave 2 away in a doubleheader at Camden Yards. But they saved face by winning 2 out of 3 in Kansas City. Let’s elaborate more on the good and the bad. But first we’ll do some grades.
Position Players
Francisco Alvarez (F)- The first half was a total failure for Alvy. After a hand injury sidelined him to start the season Francisco never found his offensive game. The good news is he’s been finding his power swing in the minors. I’m not giving up on a guy who has had a 25 home run season already in his young career but we need more consistency.
Luis Torrens (D+)- Steady defense behind the plate and a strong arm cover a ton of struggles at the plate for Torrens. When Alvarez was sent down and Torrens was elevated to a starting role he just hasn’t been able to hack it offensively. He’s a solid back up catcher, sadly nothing more than that.
Pete Alonso (A)- He’s had some defensive gaffes but Pete’s production has been undeniable. Well earned all star nod for the polar bear.
Jeff McNeil (B+)- Jeff’s been asked to play multiple defensive positions and the offense has steadily improved. Jeff’s bat is essential for this lineup as the Mets are still struggling in the bottom half.
Luisangel Acuña (C-)- Acuña started off the season exceptionally well hitting for average, being a demon on the base paths and playing solid defense. But with almost no power to speak of, when the average dropped it became increasingly difficult to justify playing Acuña. He’s got talent but I don’t know if he’s anything more than a role player in the bigs.
Mark Vientos (F)- My goodness was there a ton of hope for Vientos coming into the season. Rightly so he was great last season and then he rolled it into an incredible postseason. He then proceeded to completely destroy all that good will by being terrible at the plate and somehow worse in the field. Vientos is at a crossroads in his career. The second half will be critical for Mark.
Brett Baty (C-)– At this point you just have to accept Brett Baty for what he is. Never consistent enough at the plate but very quietly a good glove at the hot corner.
Ronny Mauricio (C+)- Ronny really struggled when he first came up. There were a ton of flat out bad at bats. But the last few weeks he’s played some really good ball. For me he’s a clear starter at 3rd especially against right handed pitching.
Francisco Lindor (A)- Lindor was exceptional to start the season but surprise surprise the team’s struggles coincided with Lindor’s struggles. This team goes as the captain goes. We need elite Lindor.
Jesse Winker (INCL)- Injuries
Starling Marte (B)- Currently on the IL with a knee sprain Marte is missed in this lineup. I’ve got a lot of time for Marte as a player. Professional hitter and seemingly great in the clubhouse. He’s got a little Curtis Granderson as a Met to him in that sense.
Jared Young (N/A)- Not a big leaguer, sorry.
Brandon Nimmo (B+)- For about 2 months now Brandon Nimmo has been flat out awesome. 18 home runs in the first half, he’s pacing for a 30 home run season. Sadly some of the injuries took away his fielding ability in center but the bat is alive and well.
Tyrone Taylor (D)- I don’t think anyone roots for Tyrone Taylor more than me. But the bat just doesn’t cut it. He can be a late inning defensive replacement, nothing more.
Jose Siri (Incl.)- Injuries
Juan Soto (A)- Since Memorial Day weekend Juan Soto has been an absolute superstar. Long may it continue.
Starting Pitchers
David Peterson (A)- After a few tough starts Peterson came back to form. He’s been a rock in a very injured rotation. Gotta love the lefty.
Clay Holmes (C+)- I’ve had a really tough time trying to figure out what I’d give Holmes for a grade. First of all I totally commend him for transitioning from the pen to be a starter. He’s been healthy which for the Mets staff this season has been nearly unthinkable. But he gets himself into a lot of trouble. He’s conceded 11 home runs already and his control is shaky at times. But 8 wins and a 3.31 ERA is nothing to scoff at.
Kodai Senga (A-)- If we can just keep Senga healthy. He’s a scary talent. Borderline unhittable at times. But availability is an issue.
Griffin Canning (B)- Canning was doing a bang up job before his Achilles injury. Once again get well soon Griff.
Sean Manaea (N/A)- Great to see Manaea back on the hill today.
Tylor Megill (C)- You appreciate Tylor Megill a little more when you watch a bullpen game every 5th day. Still only 1 quality start this season isn’t good enough.
Bullpen
Note the Mets have used so many bullpen guys I cannot be bothered to give a grade to the likes of Dickie Lovelady. So I’ll grade a few of the key conspirators.
Ryne Stanek (D)- One of the biggest disappointments this season. Stanek was a lynch pin in the pen last season this year he’s been super inconsistent.
Reed Garrett (D+)- From about April to sometime in late May Reed Garrett was a locked on A. From the start of June on he’s been an absolute F. Need Reed Garrett to regain form.
Huascar Brazoban (D)- Another one who started off brilliantly and has been super inconsistent though June into July.
Edwin Diaz (A+)- The best closer in baseball. More on him later.
Manager Carlos Mendoza (B-)- Mendoza has had to navigate a ton of injuries. He has made some big mistakes so far this season but I trust him still.
GM David Stearns (B+)- Stearns did well to set this team up for the season. The real test will be the trade deadline.
The Good
Not too late for Vientos?- As I said before it has been a nightmare season for Mark Vientos to this point. Then he came through in a big spot last Friday. He went 5-12 in the series overall. This team needs Vientos to get going.
Avengers Assemble- Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga made their triumphant returns over the weekend in Kansas City. More importantly both of them pitched well. Manaea sadly came out on the short end of a loss. But Senga threw 4 scoreless innings. Manaea Senga Holmes Peterson and Montas is a rotation you feel pretty decent about.
Highlight of the Week
Edwin Diaz is Dominant- Simply put this man is the best closer in the sport at the minute. Saturday he was asked to deliver six outs and boy did he deliver. The numbers are out of this world.
Long may it continue.
The Mets return to action at home tomorrow night for a series at home against Cincinnati. This should be fun.
On twitter you can find Mike @Mike_Sheerin, Tyler @TMon_19 and Sean @SeanMartinNFL. Subscribe to the site by hitting the follow button in the bottom right corner and entering your email address. Check out our Instagram feed @thebroadwaybreakdownsports for special gameday and promotional content. Our podcasts are available on Spotify. Visit the Rangers Ed Shop by clicking the link on our homepage. Check out our mailbag page to join the conversation here on the site and on our partners show, The Rangers Ed Podcast! We’ll be back with more soon.
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