5 Observations from the Mets' Season so Far

As April comes to a close this week, the Mets have been off to wonderful start to their 2015 season and currently have the best record of any team at 15-6.

The Mets' success has been headlined by an 11-game winning streak between April 12-April 23. Great pitching and timely hitting have helped a lot as well.

Sure, it's still very early in the season and a lot can happen from now through September, but the Mets have certainly exhibited what they can do if they are playing very well.

Here are five observations that can be made about the Mets' season thus far.

The Mets Can Still Win a Lot Despite Various Injuries

Kathy Kmonicek/Associated Press

The best part of the Mets having the best record in baseball right now is that they've done so without some of their most significant players regularly being on the field.

Already without Zack Wheeler and Josh Edgin for the entire season due to Tommy John surgeries, the Mets have also been without David Wright, Travis d'Arnaud and Jerry Blevins for a few weeks. Bobby Parnell and Vic Black both have yet to appear in a Mets game this season and then there's Jenrry Mejia, who originally was injured but was later suspended for 80 games shortly after going on the DL.

Obviously, these were some big holes for the Mets in the lineup and bullpen. Eric Campbell and Kevin Plawecki, however, have been solid replacements for Wright and d'Arnaud, respectively. In the bullpen, Alex Torres has done well as the primary left-handed specialist, with a 2.45 ERA in nine appearances. Sean Gilmartin, another southpaw, has a 3.18 ERA in seven appearances, while the veteran right-hander Buddy Carlyle also sports a 3.18 ERA in eight appearances.

The recent injuries will eventually take a toll on the Mets but, so far, they have shown that they can still win a lot of games despite missing some of their most important players.

2. The Mets Have Enjoyed Playing at Citi Field More Than Ever Before

Kathy Kmonicek/Associated Press

The Mets have not had a winning record at Citi Field since the ballpark's second season in 2010. This was one of many reasons why the Mets have not been in the playoffs for a while. Teams need to play particularly well in their home parks in order make a postseason run.

However, 2015 could be different. The Mets are a perfect 10-0 at Citi Field and have a chance to cap off an undefeated month at home on April 30 against the Nationals.

The Mets have averaged over five runs scored at home and if they can continue to hit this well it would make a big difference. In the past, the Mets have relied mostly on their pitching to be successful. If the offense can step up as well, however, that would help turn the Mets into an elite NL team.

Time will tell if the Mets can continue to provide more fireworks for the fans at Citi Field but, so far, they have been unstoppable at home.

Matt Harvey Has Not Missed a Beat

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

Any concerns regarding Matt Harvey's arm after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2013 should be put to rest. The Mets' ace is back.

In his first four starts this season, Harvey is 4-0 with a 3.04 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 26.2 innings pitched.

Harvey's innings are likely to be limited at times in order to preserve his arm throughout the season. When he has pitched, however, he has been very effective and is still the same ace that the Mets can consistently rely upon to help them win a big game.

Jeurys Familia Has Emerged as a Very Reliable Closer

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Despite the Mejia suspension, the Mets' bullpen has been very good. This is largely due to Jeurys Familia's great start to what could be his first of many seasons as the Mets' closer.

In 11 appearances, Familia has a 1.69 ERA and is a perfect nine-for-nine in save opportunities. Familia's nine saves lead the NL and are tied for the most in all of baseball. He has All-Star potential and could break out as another young closer who can throw hard and consistently get outs.

Having a reliable closer is very important for a team that is trying to make a postseason run and Familia has shown that when he is at his best, he can be very effective as a closer.

Juan Lagares and Wilmer Flores Have Already Shown Offensive Improvement

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

Two big keys to the Mets' offense this season will be the developments of Juan Lagares and Wilmer Flores. To date, both have done very well at the plate.

Lagares is hitting .310 with three doubles and 11 RBI. He leads the Mets with 26 hits, but has only drawn two walks. While Lagares still needs to be more patient at the plate, he has hit well enough to become a force both while batting and in the outfield.

Flores, on the other hand, is hitting .270 with one double, three home runs (which currently leads the team) and eight RBI. Flores has not done as well defensively, but his clutch home runs have, in a way, made up for his defensive miscues. Flores has a good amount of power potential and this is hopefully the year in which he starts to become more of a run producer.

All statistics shown are courtesy of MLB.com.