Midseason Awards for the Mets, Who Probably Aren’t Going to Win 90 Games as Alderson Targeted
The Mets paused for this week’s All-Star break with a record of 45-50, leaving them seven games out of first place in the National League East standings. This puts them on pace for 76.7 victories this season—or, even with some generous rounding, a total significantly below 90.
Daniel Murphy has been the MVP of the Mets so far this season. Getty Images
It seems unfair to evaluate the Mets using that number as the standard. Considering the obvious flaws checkering their roster from the outset, they probably never stood a chance at accomplishing that goal.
But when general manager Sandy Alderson stood before the media on opening day and challenged his team to “change the conversation” by winning 90, he established a new standard for the Mets in 2014. After such an emphatic declaration, anything less, fairly or unfairly, would constitute failure.
And yet, judging the Mets through the prism of Alderson’s statement ignores their progress, especially in recent days. They headed into their midsummer vacation with eight wins in their past 10 tries, bolstered by a revamped bullpen and a resurgent lineup. They own a run differential of plus-19, seven better than the 52-43 Atlanta Braves.
A strong second half would allow the Mets to make a bid at reaching the .500 mark for the first time since 2008. For a franchise that finished with 74 wins in each of the past two years, anything close to that would represent major progress.
“I know what it looks like, what the perception is, that we’re not very good,” manager Terry Collins said. “I disagree with it.”
Midseason MVP: Daniel Murphy
Murphy, the Mets’ lone representative in Minnesota for Tuesday’s All-Star Game, epitomizes consistency. While his teammates struggled with the dimensions at Citi Field and suffered through miserable cold streaks, Murphy never wavered.
He hit .294 in the first half, appearing in 92 of the Mets’ 95 games. His defense at second base remains serviceable, if not spectacular, and thanks to improved plate discipline, he owns an on-base percentage of .342—above his career mark of .334.
Over the next few weeks, the Mets will weigh whether trading Murphy would help the team in the long term. But in the short term, they need him as much as anybody.
Biggest letdown: Chris Young
Young’s first half went about as poorly as possible, leaving his role on the team moving forward in flux. He hit just .202 and found himself relegated almost exclusively to platoon duties.
Young’s awful production hurts all the more because of the Mets’ investment in him: Alderson awarded Young a $7.25 million contract this winter, hefty by the Mets’ standards. Even worse, fellow outfielder Nelson Cruz, who signed an $8 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, entered Sunday with 28 home runs and 74 RBIs.
Nonetheless, Young insists he can bounce back. If he doesn’t, he will go down as one of the worst acquisitions of Alderson’s tenure as GM.
“I know that the belief in myself and what I feel like I bring to the table will show,” Young said.
Biggest surprise: Lucas Duda
After months of debate and consternation, the Mets tapped Duda as their first baseman of the future and finally parted ways with Ike Davis. At this point, it appears they made the right decision.
Duda goes into the break leading the Mets’ regulars in slugging percentage (.480), on-base-plus-slugging percentage (.832) and RBIs (49). His 14 home runs are tied for the team lead with outfielder Curtis Granderson.
It took a while, but Duda suddenly looks like a viable middle-of-the-order hitter, which makes the Mets’ lineup stronger.
Reason for optimism: The newfound power stroke
When did the Mets’ offense become a powerhouse?
Over the past 10 days, the Mets started hitting for the first time all season, with everybody in the lineup living up to his potential. Catcher Travis d’Arnaud seems poised to make the transition from talented prospect to talented major leaguer, and shortstop Ruben Tejada resembles Ruben Tejada circa-2012, rather than 2013.
Considering their strong rotation, the offense remains the last piece of the puzzle. If this keeps up, the Mets will keep winning.
Reason for pessimism: Natural regression
The Mets’ fate in 2014 hinges on one question: Will this offensive explosion last?
Ultimately, it depends on whether this represents a hot streak—or a new normal for a group of hitters starting to come into their own. After three months of futility, a few good weeks don’t mean all that much. Logic says the Mets will eventually come back to Earth.
But, hey, why not dream?
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