The Soft Spot of the Schedule – Calm Before the Storm?
Looking at the Mets schedule, something occurred to me: they’re smack in the middle of one of the softest sections of their season. Three games against the Pirates followed by four games with the lowly Padres — a seven-game span of less than mediocre opponents. What makes it all the more intriguing is that this stretch is “the calm before the storm” in that it comes right before perhaps the toughest section of their season — the next 8 series include facing the Phillies, Cardinals (for four), first-place Nationals, Yankees, Rays, Reds, first-place Orioles, and Yankees again. Whew!
Based on that collection of opponents, we’ll have a good idea of what kind of team these Mets really are by the end of June.
What do you think? Is it vital that the Mets take at least three from the Padres this weekend — both to build their confidence and also beef up their won-loss record as they head into that tough stretch? Or does it not make a difference? In contrast, what if the Mets lose three (or four) to San Diego — can we expect them to fare well against more talented opponents? Or am I making too much of this? Post your thoughts in the comments.
If we are a contender we have to sweep the Padres.
Wouldn’t Beltran in RF be nice?
And why not take a chance on Jason Marquis? Are Jeremy Hefner and/or Chris Schwinder or Young any better or more risky options?