The 2017 season has been very cruel to the fourth place, 63-80 injury-plagued New York Mets. Nearly everyone has been injured to say the least. The season is one that they look to bury in 2018. Here are a few things that are notable in the 2017 collapse of a year.
Grading the 2017 New York Mets
The Unfortunate and Unavoidables
A few injuries were simply freak incidents. Outfielder Michael Conforto went down swinging. He injured himself swinging during an at bat and could miss six months or more rehabbing from his operation.
Wilmer Flores fouled a ball off of his nose; if this doesn’t spell freak accident I don’t know what else would. Flores’ nose is broken. He is expected to be out for the remainder of the season.
Staffing Issues
The Mets indeed have a manager problem. Skipper Terry Collins’ contract is up at the end of the season and it’s obvious that there is a significant need for a change in that department. Fans are growing angry and uneasy and it’s unlikely we will see Collins back again in 2018. He continues to struggle to stop the bleeding after all that has already and is still happening under his control.
The Good
It is very important to see the good even and especially in tough times. Up-and-coming rookies are a wonderful thing to watch, even if they are entering a scene where it’s nearly impossible to watch or attend the games. Consider shortstop Amed Rosario and first baseman Dominic Smith. They are expected to have incredible futures, but it is vital and essential to be patient with them. Fans should be patient and not expect these two to immediately lead this team to the World Series as that is just not fair or realistic.
The Bad
What more can be said except: “2017.” The injuries to Yoenis Cespedes, Noah Syndergaard, David Wright, Matt Harvey, T.J. Rivera, Zack Wheeler, Steven Matz, Jeurys Familia, Flores, Conforto and countless others is what has made this whole season a mess.
The Needs of 2018
The needs of 2018 grow bigger by the second. A third baseman with stamina, full capability, and a solid playing resume is one. A few relievers with solid pitching statistics will solidify the imploding and atrocious bullpen situation. A new manager would be a change for the better. Changes in the team’s medical staff may help limit the injuries. One more outfielder wouldn’t hurt a injury-riddled outfield either.
A catcher who can be of assistance defensively and offensively would help as Kevin Plawecki and Travis d’Arnaud just won’t do. Plawecki may finally be finding himself as he is hitting great lately. However, he is still not a starting-caliber catcher who will thrive a whole season in 2018. It took him quite a while to get to this point and who knows how long this offensive surge may last or when he will cool off.
All in all, it’s very fair to grade this team now, because let’s be real, it’s over.
Grade: F
