New York Mets Series Preview vs. Miami Marlins April 16-19

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Defending Against Speed

Apr 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon (9) scores a run against the Atlanta Braves in the fourth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Thus far this season, the Mets have not been challenged much on the basepaths. Much of that has to do with how well their pitchers have performed, as there just hasn’t been many base runners against them. Part of it also is the teams they have faced, as the Nationals and Phillies don’t really light up the base paths.

The Braves on the other hand were a little more aggressive, and they were successful at it, successfully swiping a bag on all three attempts. That is something the Mets will have to keep an eye on against the Marlins, as they will be the most aggressive team on the base paths the Mets have played thus far.

The biggest reason for that is Dee Gordon. Gordon, who the Marlins acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the offseason, burns up the base paths like very few players are capable of in baseball. Last season he swiped 64 bags in a breakout season, and in 2015 he has picked up right where he left off in 2014.

In nine games, Gordon already has six steals as he has been on base frequently, getting a hit or walk in eight of nine games. His speed is a game changing trait, and if he is on base he will not be afraid to show it off. It is something the Mets will have to keep an eye on, as it could change the tide of the series. He essentially turns a single in a double, as it is a good bet that he will be attempting to steal second.

The struggles of d’Arnaud behind the plate have been well documented, as he allowed the most passed balls in the majors last season, but he also struggles throwing runners out. Last season, there was 58 bases stolen against d’Arnaud, while he threw out only 14. His 19.4 caught stealing percentage was only better than one other catcher that registered at least 900 innings behind the plate.

This season, d’Arnaud has thrown out one of four attempted base stealers, but he has not gone up against a player like Gordon yet. If the Mets cannot keep him off base, it could be a long weekend chasing him around the bases.

Next: New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies Series Recap

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