How ‘bout those Mets
 
So after not believing in them at all during the beginning of the year, the NY Mets are in first place after slapping the Nats in a head to head series and have kept going.  Everyone loves the pitching, especially the youngsters and rightfully so, BUT is anyone thinking of an innings cap for Harvey, Syndergaard & Matz come September? It’s a great story what the team is doing as they built their team and waited for the kids to be ready to make this run.  Take a note from the team you are battling for the division and either go to a 6 man rotation or skip some turns in the rotation.  To be a real October threat they better figure out the back end of the bullpen as Jeurys Familia has been shaky since the All Star break. 

Speaking of the Mets

The addition of Yoenis Cespedes and the call up of Michael Conforto has sparked the offense, (relatively speaking), and with Michael Cuddyer and David Wright-allegedly coming off the DL soon the team is primed to put some distance between themselves and the Nats.  I think the real story is the moving of Curtis Granderson to the leadoff spot as his play has elevated and made up for the regression of Juan Lagares.  The interesting thing to watch for is if they do get passed in the division will they still make a Wild Card spot?  They are currently on par with the Pirates and Giants for in terms of wins and with the next two weeks against weaker division opponents the time is right now for the Amazins to solidify their post season spot because those other two teams aren’t going anywhere. 

Post Trade Deadline Thoughts

-The Mets did a nice job with Cespedes but also getting Tyler Clippard as insurance for the back end of the ‘pen. 
- The Giants addition of Mike Leake puts them in the playoffs, at the Mets expense, and could help to push the Dodgers for the division.
- The Blue Jays are all in and if they pony up $200 plus million for an extension for David Price this offseason they will be immediately considered division favorites for next year. 
- The Orioles must like where they are, even with pending free agents all over.  I’m not sold, and no Wild Card spot would show miscalculation on management’s part. 
- The Astros hot start and 2nd half surge have put them all in this year, which is probably two years ahead of when they thought they would contend.  Kazmir and Fiers bolster the rotation enough to at least secure a Wild Card spot. 

Top 5 teams right now:

  1. Toronto Blue Jays- Team responding well to Tulo and Price acquisitions.  Getting Hawkins in Tulo deal to stabilize the pen was the real steal though. 
  2. Kansas City Royals- Johnny Cueto gives them the ace arm that should help them close out series in October, mostly because it will push Jeremy Guthrie out of the rotation.  Don’t discount the return of Kris Medlen and his long relief ability.
  3. New York Mets- Yeah they are doing it right now.  Can they manage their pitching staff workload to stay a threat into fall?
  4. New York Yankees- Their deadline approach was set when they reworked CC Sabathia ‘s deal four years ago, which is to say they couldn’t do anything they needed to do despite what GM saying they like their team as is.  Definitely hear the Jays coming up behind them. 
  5. Arizona Diamondbacks- Yes really.  Did you notice they are within 2 games of .500? They were also in the buyers market at the trade deadline, strange but look out next year.  Tony LaRussa and Dave Stewart have something cooking in the desert. 
Bottom 5 teams right now:
  1. Colorado Rockies- Good for them for realizing Tulo had to go.  Bad for the fans that the return wasn’t enough, or flipped for other prospects (Reyes).
  2. Miami Marlins- Will be interesting to see who the next manager is and how much ownership will affect that choice.  That doesn’t even begin to think about how free agents view the franchise. 
  3. Oakland Athletics- See Miami.  How do guys go there knowing they will be traded if they show any glimmer of talent?  Reclamation projects welcome in Billy Beane’s house, just don’t unpack your bags. 
  4. Cleveland Indians- Just an all around disappointing year in Cleveland.  Good thing Francona has respect of clubhouse and management. 
  5. Boston Red Sox- I wonder if the front office learned anything about putting their season in the hands of that pitching staff. Clearly the answer was yes as Larry Lucchino has been shown the door at the end of the season.  What isn’t being said enough is that the Sox are chasing the Yankees for getting too old real fast moniker placed on the positional roster.