New York Mets: Mickey Callaway can be a difference maker

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 23: Michael Conforto
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 23: Michael Conforto /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 17: Todd Frazier (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 17: Todd Frazier (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Improvements

The newly-acquired Frazier will likely take over full-time at third base, which will move Asdrubal Cabrera to second base. Frazier will help add stability to the recently vacant third base position. Although still on the active roster, much uncertainty still surrounds team captain David Wright. Even if the Mets can’t get Wright back on the field, his experience and leadership in the clubhouse has proven to be critical to Mets success in the past.

More from Empire Writes Back

The organization made improvements to the always-shaky bullpen by adding Anthony Swarzak. With last year’s acquisition of AJ Ramos, the Mets have a solid relief contingent.

With this, the Mets have a solid opening day roster.  Not the best in the league. Not the worst in the league.

However, the component of the team that can make the Mets legitimate contenders is their pitching staff. As has been the case for the last several seasons, the Mets enter the year with an enormous amount of potential from their starting rotation.

The Mets will have returning the following starters: Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, Steven Matz, Zack Wheeler, Seth Lugo, Robert Gsellman, and Rafael Montero.

Again, the vast potential for this rotation is enough the get Mets fans’ hopes up year in and year out. So far, the staff has failed to stay healthy and live up to their expectations, let alone their potential. The window for the Mets to capitalize on this young, outstanding group of pitchers is also quickly closing. Now, the success of this staff, and of the team, depends on newly hired manager Mickey Callaway.