New York Mets Vault Into Top-Five Of MLB Power Rankings

The New York Mets have shot up ESPN’s MLB Power Rankings despite a tough end to Week 2.

The 2017 season has been a mixed bag for the New York Mets thus far. They have a record of 7-6 after two weeks but could have a few more wins. They have been unable to put together many full games yet; either their pitching staff is one but the offense doesn’t wake up, or the offense performs and the pitching falls short.

Part of the struggles can be attributed to injuries. The Mets are without two starting pitchers in Steven Matz and Seth Lugo. David Wright remains sidelined as well, and Juan Lagares just made his season debut in the weekend series against the Miami Marlins.

The Mets have gotten inconsistent performances from some starters, namely Jose Reyes and Curtis Granderson. The two veterans have combined for only 12 hits in 92 at-bats, striking out 17 times. New York needs more from their veterans, or Terry Collins needs to shake up his lineup.

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Michael Conforto has played very well in the early going, but there isn’t a spot in the lineup for him. Jay Bruce has also done well, and Yoenis Cespedes has looked to find his power stroke. But, with Lagares back from the disabled list, it will be even tougher for Conforto to find at-bats.

While finding playing time for everyone is tough enough, Collins has found trouble navigating through the end of games with his bullpen. The Mets bullpen is gassed after a 16-inning affair with the Marlins. They fell apart in the final three games. But, they will get a much-needed boost with Jeurys Familia returning to the lineup from his suspension later this week.

Despite all of the inconsistencies and shortcomings thus far, the Mets still have a winning record. They have also played well enough that they have shot up the MLB Power Rankings at ESPN.

Despite the tough finish to the week, the Mets moved up multiple spots, going from No.11 in Week 2 into the top-five at No.4 in Week 3. Here is what was said about the Mets ranking.

"Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom have combined for a 1.42 ERA in six starts, but the Mets are 3-3 in those games. A bullpen taxed by a 16-inning game on Thursday couldn’t get the outs it needed the next two nights. That should change after closer Jeurys Familia returns this week from his suspension, which will slot Addison Reed back to the eighth inning and allow Fernando Salas to split the seventh with Hansel Robles and Jerry Blevins. — Mark Simon, ESPN Stats & Information"

The Mets are getting dominant performances from their starting pitching, which is expected given the talent. But, they are not making the most of them. Losing three games with Syndergaard and deGrom pitching the way they are is disappointing, to say the least.

Matt Harvey has also done well, but received a no-decision in his last start despite giving up only two runs, one earned, in six innings; the Mets would go on to lose that game.

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Once the Mets offense gets going, they will be a tough team to beat. Even with the struggles at the plate, the Mets still find themselves in the upper echelon on the MLB Power Rankings. In a couple of weeks, it would not be surprising to see them take over the No.1 spot.

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