With a season defining trip to Atlanta starring them in the face, many are wondering ‘will the real New York Mets please stand up?’
It feels like it is now or never right now for the Amazin’s. They face the first place Atlanta Braves this week, before traveling up to Pittsburgh to meet up with the upstart, first place Pirates.
Yes, I wrote “first place’ and “Pirates” in the same sentence.
Come next Tuesday and Wednesday, the Subway Series holds its first session at Citi Field, and there is a chance we could see Luis Severino vs. Max Scherzer and Gerrit Cole vs. Justin Verlander in those two games. Hot damn, that’s gonna be a tough ticket.
But for the Mets it really is must win time. They sit at 30-30, 5.5 games back of the Braves in the NL East. The Miami Marlins are 2.5 games ahead of the Mets for a wild card. And, the Marlins have already proven they are not going to go away quietly.
For all the talent the Mets have, and for all the money owner Steve Cohen has poured into this team — the Mets own baseball’s highest payroll at $345 million-plus — New York just can’t get out of its own way.
The Mets have been swept in a three-game series for the third time this season.
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) June 4, 2023
They were only swept in two three-game series all of last year. pic.twitter.com/YndtYBiJOc
Whether it be injures to their starting pitchers ala Verlander, Scherzer, Carlos Carrasco and Jose Quintana, or inconsistent performances from said starters (minus Quintana who hasn’t pitched this year), or a bullpen that misses Edwin Diaz, and a lineup that can’t find any consistency; frustrating would be an understatement.
One thing we did know about the Mets this year was this: if they were going to go anywhere, they needed Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso to have huge years.
That hasn’t happened.
Alonso — despite crushing 21 home runs so far this year — is hitting .231. That is well below his career average of .258. In the last 30 days alone, Alonso is hitting only .219. In the month of June, the Mets first baseman is hitting only .133 with a homer and an RBI.
“I don’t want to block them out. They’re expressing their frustration and I hear them. I’m right there with them.” #LGM
— GENY Mets Report (@genymets) June 5, 2023
~ Francisco Lindor on being booed at Citi Field. pic.twitter.com/Bh3wUQYux6
Lindor has been no better, and is hearing it from the fans. They booed the Mets All-Star shortstop on Sunday. Despite solid production (10 homers, 40 RBI), Lindor is hitting only .213 on the year. He has not hit over .230 all season; moreover, Lindor is hitting .202 in the last 30 days, and .067 in the month of June.
If the Mets can’t get these two guys going, it doesn’t matter what youngsters like Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty and Mark Vientos do. The Mets are built to win around Lindor and Alonso. That’s where it starts. When those two hit, it makes life easier for Jeff McNeil, and Brando Nimmo. When those two hit, it can mask the struggles of veterans like Mark Canha and Starling Marte.
It all starts tonight down in the ATL. The Mets must *(MUST)* find a way to win two of three against their arch rivals, the Braves. If they don’t, it will start to get late early.
Plus One Protocol: 5 Behaviors You Should Avoid As A Plus One
Ditch the Shy Act: Embrace Socializing
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Just because you’re tagging along with someone you know doesn’t mean you should stick to them like glue and avoid talking to anyone else. The non-socializing plus one is the epitome of wallflower behavior. They often stand or sit on the sidelines, observing the interactions but rarely engaging in conversations. As a plus one, you want to avoid being glued to your phone or standing on the outskirts of the party. Try joining in conversations and mingling with guests.
Dress Code Rebellion
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Dismissing the dress code as a plus one is a dangerous game to play. Whether it’s showing up to a formal affair in casual attire or wearing something outrageously attention-grabbing that steals the spotlight from the host or guest of honor, you don’t want to do this. If you’re unsure of what the dress code is, you should ask the person who invited you.
Party Hard, But Not Too Hard
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When you’re someone’s plus one, it’s crucial to keep an eye on your drink intake. Being the drunk plus one is a big no-no. So, remember to pace yourself and avoid going overboard on the alcohol. Nobody wants to deal with a sloppy mess at the event. Stay in control, have a good time, and keep the party vibe going without crossing the line into a drunken disaster zone.
No Rudeness Allowed
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Show good manners, steer clear of offensive jokes, and treat others with respect as a plus one. Remember, the event is a time to connect and have fun, so be kind and considerate to everyone involved. Steering clear of topics like politics and religion. You probably don’t know most of the people there, so you shouldn’t make assumptions about their beliefs. Also – and this should go without saying, but we’ll say it — avoid publicly critiquing the person you came with.
Negative Nancy Alert
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Don’t fall into the trap of constantly complaining, picking apart every detail from food to music to ambiance. Instead, focus on enjoying the event and making the most of the experience. A positive attitude goes a long way in creating a fun and memorable time for everyone involved. Don’t be a “Debbie Downer” or a “Bob Bummer.”
