New York Mets: The long ball and pitching are the keys to success

The New York Mets will be driven by pitching and the long ball.

New York Mets fans are pretty numb to high expectations for their team. This offseason is not much different. But, there is still some optimism and hope because the pitching staff is reportedly healthy and the Mets added some sluggers.

We are almost at the latest part of the offseason. It looks again like the Mets will go into another season with a classic baseball approach: Hit home runs and mow down opposing offenses. Mickey Callaway is a pitching guy so the writing on the wall is practically yelling that pitching is going to be this team’s specialty.

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The Mets’ defense won’t be terrible and would only be shockingly elite.

Matt Harvey is someone Mickey Callaway really wants to work with. Noah Syndergaard is back from a fluke injury. Jacob deGrom is going to be his usual stud self.

On the roster, there are few players who are going to hit for average.

This is the Mets’ offseason approach too. The Mets did not do much but they signed relief pitchers and home run hitters.

They brought back Jay Bruce and his offensive production relies on power. Jose Reyes is back on as a utility player.

Todd Frazier never hits for average. He is a good leader but mostly a home run hitter. Adrian Gonzalez was a signing that does not really do much but if he can find traces of his old self then he will hit home runs.

The Mets do not need to hit for average. But, they do not have amazing baserunners besides Jose Reyes who won’t even play every day. We have not seen enough out of Amed Rosario to predict how much he can steal bases or hit for average.

There will inevitably be a few guys who hit over .300. T.J. Rivera can. Michael Conforto probably will. Yoenis Cespedes is capable of it.

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The Mets’ success is going to be one swing of the bat for runs and having the pitching hold the lead. It all comes down to discipline and execution of this. The way the roster is built, beating teams by smart base running, generating a lot of hits, or drawing walks is not likely.

Hit home runs and pitch lights out. It is simple and can work. So, that is how the team can succeed.