So we’re ten games into the season, and I know it’s early, but there are a few teams surprisingly playing much better than expected. The Mets, Angels, Pirates, and Braves have all somehow turned the tables on the naysayers, but are they legit contenders, in regards to making a playing push? Below, I'll give the reasons why each team will and won't make the playoffs, and then give my prediction.
The Mets:
Yes.
Simply put, they arguably have the best pitching staff in baseball, featuring the likes of Degrom and Syndegaard. Steven Matz, Matt Harvey, and Zach Wheeler (especially after the gem he threw tonight) might not scream “ace” but they are reliable starters, with plenty of upside. I think people forgot just how dominate of a staff this has been over the years, as most of the time, injuries have ruined the Met’s season. Not to mention Jeurys Familia is finally healthy, only a year removed from having saved 51 games. Adding to this, AJ Ramos, as a setup man, greatly benefits a bullpen that was severely lacking that eighth inning fireballer needed in order to get to Familia (or Addison Reed last year).
No.
The pitching staff is great, but their arms are made of paper. All five could end up on the disabled list at some point. Yes, resigning Jay Bruce was a great move, and the rise of Ahmed Rosario (if he makes that next leap) and Michael Conforto could combat a Degrom or Syndegaard injury, but it’s asking a lot out of an offense that is also injury prone.
My conclusion:
The East is the Nationals division. I just don’t see how the Mets could possibly take down Harper and company. But if the injuries don’t flare up, I certainly believe they could garner a wild card bid.
The Angels:
Yes.
I wrote an article about how the Yankees won’t make the playoffs this year, and in that article I picked the Angels as one of the wild card teams preventing the bombers from getting to October. My reason for this was hitting. They flat out can hit. With Trout, Upton, Cozart, Shohei, Calhoun, Simmons, Kinsler (when he gets healthy), and I guess Pujols (he still drove in a hundred runs last year), this is a top to bottom solid lineup that will score a lot of runs. They also get to play against the A’s and Ranger’s a good bit, which bodes well, considering both of the aforementioned teams in the west are looking at down years.
No.
Their pitching is kinda terrible. Garret Richards could be great, but injuries and inconsistency has plagued his career. Shohei has looked dominate so far, but will teams eventually pick up on something they can take advantage of? Tyler Skaggs has also looked good out of the gate, but again, there is a lot of uncertainty. What the Angels need is a legit ace, and a good bit of bullpen help too, considering their closer woes of Bedrosian and Blake Parker. Really, besides a closer, the bullpen is pretty solid, but a few blown saves here and there, really has a way of nullifying momentum.
My Conclusion:
I think the Angels will be in the race, by the time the trade deadline comes around, and will buy a solid number one or two starter. With this in mind, they will make the playoffs.
The Pirates:
Yes.
The acquisition of Corey Dickerson, and the resurgences of Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco seem to bode well for the Pirates. This is one of the most excited outfields in baseball right now with loads of potential. Josh Bell is another exciting player, and Josh Harrison can do everything. Jamison Taillon is looking like an ace so far, and they have an elite closer in Felipe Rivero (I mean Vasquez). Not to mention, the NL Central looks like a big mess of things, the Cubs struggling, the Cardinals struggling, the Brewers being the Brewers and all, regardless of talent.
No.
There isn’t another pitcher on the Pirate’s, besides Taillon, that you can trust. Adding to this, Polanco and Marte and Dickerson, while they have played well in the past, have all had their struggles just the same. I think the Pirate’s are an exciting team. But there are a lot of holes.
My Conclusion:
I thought the Pirate’s would win seventy games this year. It’s looking like they could get over .500, but to climb over the likes of Arizona, Colorado, and now a healthy Mets team, is too much to ask of them. If the Cubs tank, and they certainly have problems, and if the Brewers hitting doesn’t continue, and if the pesky Cardinals suddenly flop (they very well could), then perhaps, but that’s a lot to ask out of the NL Central division.
The Braves:
Yes.
There isn’t a more exciting team in baseball. The hitters are young. The pitchers are young. Freddie Freeman is awesome. Acuna and Albies could be future superstars. Swanson is finally starting to live up to his potential (somewhat).
No.
They’re just too young. It’s as simple as that. Given the Atlanta farm system, they’ll be a sneaky pick next year. But the bullpen needs a ton of help. Folty and Newcomb look good, but they have walk issues and need to grow as pitchers, not rocket throwers.
My Conclusion:
I’ll be rooting for the Brave’s all year. I just don’t think they’re ready yet to make the leap. I don’t believe anyone does. Think of the Cubs a few years ago, on the cusp, but not quite there, tons of talent, just in need of experience. But goodness, you Braves fans out there finally have something to be excited about again.
