Terry Collins thinks Mets will make playoffs in 2015
It’s November, which means optimism is running wild around Major League Baseball.
Yes, that even includes the New York Mets camp. Despite six straight losing seasons, there’s a real feeling within the organization that they’ve finally turned the corner after winning 79 games and tying for second place in the NL East in 2014. A feeling manager Terry Collins is so confident about, he’s already planning on playing games beyond the first weekend in October next season.
“We should be playing in October,” the manager said this week, not referring to the four regular-season October games the Mets have in 2015. “Our young guys are starting to grow, with the addition of some offense, and … we’re not done. I don’t think (GM) Sandy (Alderson) by any means (is done)… we’re going to make some more moves before spring training starts,” Collins said. “I think 2015 is going to be a good year for us.”
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson pulled off the first stunning move of the offseason, signing Michael Cuddyer to a two-year, $21 million deal on Nov. 10. Committing that money to a 35-year-old outfielder – and giving up a draft pick for a qualifying free agent – was a clear indication Alderson and company feel they’re just a few pieces away from contending in the short term.
Where they look next for offensive help will be interesting to see. They’re rumored to be seeking a trade for a proven shortstop, with names like Troy Tulowitzki and Alexei Ramirez being connected. New York already has a pair of offensive cornerstones locked in at the corners with All-Star David Wright at third and Lucas Duda emerging at first base.
Of course, it’s New York’s strong core of young pitching that really has people excited. Jacob deGrom moved to the head of that class by earning NL Rookie of the Year honors in 2014. Zack Wheeler, 24, is another young arm who performed well in his first full season, posting a 3.54 ERA. They also fully expect to get a healthy Matt Harvey back following Tommy John surgery in October 2013. That trio, along with veterans Bartolo Colon and Dillon Gee, makes for a respectable rotation.
You read Collins’ comments and your instinct might be to shrug them off. However, New York may be positioned as well as anyone to take the next step toward 85-90 wins. They aren’t there quite yet. Not with the Washington Nationals holding firm atop the division, the Atlanta Braves still hanging around, and the Miami Marlins improving. But another big move, or two, may be all that’s needed.
Indeed, optimism abounds. And that’s why we so enjoy the game of baseball.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
