New York Mets “implosion” is overblown
Lets us head back in time to June 1. On that day, the New York Mets had a 35-17 record as they held a 10.5 game lead on the Atlanta Braves. They certainly appeared to be in a great place to not just reach the postseason, but to win the division and claim one of the two first round byes.
What a difference a few weeks makes. The Braves entered Saturday with a half game lead over the Mets, invoking memories of 2021. After all, the Mets had started out hot that year and were 11 games over .500 in the middle of June. The division had appeared to be well in hand that season before they imploded in the second half.
New York Mets are not repeating 2021 script as Atlanta Braves charge forth
It certainly appears as though the Mets are following the same script. The Braves got healthy and stormed back to take the division lead. Based on the reaction, one would expect that doom and gloom are inevitable for the Mets and that they are, somehow, going to implode their way right out of a playoff spot.
Except the Mets are not imploding. Despite numerous injuries to their rotation, they have been plugging along. Their 54-35 record since the beginning of June is certainly commendable. It is not like 2021 when the Mets were 21-37 over the final two months of the season.
Instead, it is a statement as to how hot the Braves have been. They have been able to overcome that deficit in impressive fashion, making the Mets appear as though they are struggling once more due to their torrid pace. The Braves got hot at the right time last year and it appears as though they have done so again in 2022.
But that does not mean that the Mets are in trouble. They are playing very good baseball and have one of the best records in the game. It just happens that they are in the same division as one of the hottest teams in baseball, making their success pale in comparison.
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The New York Mets have seen their lead in the division evaporate, invoking images of 2021. This time, it is more that the Atlanta Braves seized the opportunity.