New York Mets: Time For Some Wild Card Magic

The Mets need to stay afloat until Jose Reyes and company returns.

BY MICHAEL GANCI
EDITOR

I woke up today to see various stories about how the Mets need to take notice to how the Rockies won all of those games in a row when Jim Tracy took over for Clint Hurdle earlier in the season. With last night’s win, the Mets moved to within six and a half games of the Wild Card leading Rockies, and it ain’t over until the fat lady sings.

Most sensible people believe that the Mets will not contend for the division, and I definitely agree with that. The Phillies would have to enter one heck of a slump to get such a miracle accomplished. In fact, that might qualify as a bigger choke than the Mets last two seasons if the Phillies accomplished such a feat, but don’t count on it.

I decided to take a look at the teams that are in contention for the Wild Card right now, and I have compiled a list of nine teams. I will briefly go through each one and explain how I feel about their chances.

First, we have the leaders in Colorado. They are currently in the middle of a four-game set with our Metsies, and it doesn’t get much easier for them after that. Their easiest series come against the Pirates and Nationals, but the rest of their schedule is pretty tough. The Phillies, Cubs, Reds, Marlins, Giants and Dodgers will round out their August. Their place in the standings could be very different once that stretch is finished. I just don’t think their pitching is strong enough to hold up.

San Francisco is another team that has a pretty tough August ahead of them. After finishing their current set with Pittsburgh, they will face Philly, Houston, Cincinatti, Los Angeles and then the Mets. It doesn’t get much easier for them after that. I have faith in them though because of their phenomenal pitching staff. Although the Mets seem to hit him well, Lincecum is quickly emerging as a top five pitcher in baseball. I think San Francisco will content up to the very end, and the title may very well be theirs.

Tony LaRussa’s Cardinals definitely have a favorable schedule as the season winds down. They get the Nationals, Pirates, Padres and some tougher assignments as well. This is another team I am not convinced about, and it is because of their pitching. Other then Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright, the rotation remains a question. Also, I don’t love their bullpen. All Star or not, I wouldn’t want Ryan Franklin in the game for a big spot. I expect them to either win the NL Central or not make the playoffs.

Atlanta has an interesting schedule coming down the stretch. While they have two big series against the Padres in which they can gain some ground, they have some immediate issues. They are in a series with Florida now, which is no easy task, and then they play seven of the next 10 against Manny and the Dodgers. Depending on how motivated the California boys are, Atlanta could be either higher in the standings or lower. I don’t love their pitching, so I will bet on the ladder. They won’t fall too far out, but this isn’t going to be their year.

The remaining teams that will contend but not succeed include the Marlins, Astros and Brewers. I could put the Mets on the list as well, but call me crazy. I have faith. For the Marlins, it all starts with pitching. We all know they can hit, but the bullpen has been a bit suspect at points this season. They have one of the best young hurlers in Josh Johnson, but the other guys need to step up to give them a chance. The Astros don’t impress me either. Wandy Rodriguez is not a high end of the rotation guy, and they seem too inconsistent to get the job done, which can also be said for the Brewers. Both of these teams can hit the ball, but their pitching leaves much to be desired.

Did I leave anyone out? Just kidding. The Mets have a tough schedule as well, which is why they need to beat up on the NL West. Later in August, they face division foes, and they need to start making their move now. If they get a little better, Reyes and Delgado might provide the oomph they need to make the next step.

Remember, YA GOTTA BELIEVE!