New York Mets: Hot Start a Byproduct of Great Pitching

When you look at the NL East standings, you'll see two surprising teams occupying the top two positions. The Washington Nations are off to an 8-3 start, leading the NL East early on and turning heads with their superb pitching (best ERA in MLB with a 2.08 ERA).

The team in second? That would be the New York Mets.

Let that sink in a little.

Picked by most to finish last in their division and have a terrible year, the New York Mets have stormed off to a 7-3 start after 10 games, nearly sweeping the Philadelphia Phillies—one of the favorites to win the NL East—over the weekend. The team has gotten contributions offensively, specifically from David Wright, but that isn't the reason for the Mets' early season success.

It's been the team's pitching that is largely responsible for their stellar start.

Anchored by a healthy Johan Santana and his 0.90 ERA through two starts, the Mets pitching staff has the third best team ERA (2.33 ERA) in the MLB. A rotation that had question marks all spring training long, the Mets' five-man group has been exceptional early on.

Out of their five starting pitchers, only Mike Pelfrey has an ERA over three (3.09 ERA). The knuckleballer R.A. Dickey leads the pitching staff with two wins in his first two starts. Youngsters Jonathon Niese and Dillon Gee have both given the Mets exactly what the team needs—quality starting pitching.

How's this for numbers—the Mets are one of six teams with two shutouts, sixth in the entire league in quality starts (six), fifth in Ks (83) and, out of their seven wins, only two have come from relievers.

Despite all the great numbers, the Mets have some areas that will need improvement. Otherwise, their great start could turn sour really quickly.

New York isn't very good at limiting baserunners. Through 10 games, the Mets are 20th in WHIP (1.33) and 16th in .BAA (.245) overall. To date, Mets pitchers have figured out ways to pitch out of jams. But, if the numbers continue, the team can't expect to have every bounce go their way over 162 games. 

It's been a great two weeks to start the season for the New York Mets. Will it continue is anyone's guess, but the main thing to remember is quality pitching is what a baseball team needs in order to win consistently.

For Mets fans, it's time to just enjoy the ride and see what happens.

Follow @TheWrage