Season Record: 9-6, 2nd NL East (as of 4/14)
Week in the Review: Split 2-game series with Twins; split 4-game series with Braves
Dude of the week: Jeff McNeil (.462 BA, 2 2B; 5 RBI; 1.020 OPS)
Dud of the week: Jason Vargas (0.1 IP, 2 H, 4 ER, 3 BB vs Braves)
Snapshot: After going .500 for the week the Mets are still near the top of the NL East. Although it is still early in the season, they continue to show that their offense is legit and can keep them in game if their pitching falters. Rookie first baseman Pete Alonso continues to make an early case for NL rookie of the year being among the NL leaders in most major categories. Second baseman Jeff McNeil, who technically is not a rookie due to his promotion mid 2018, finds himself 3rd in the NL with a .404 BA and tied for 5th with 21 hits. Along with Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo, and free acquisition catcher Wilson Ramos, the Mets have a core that can put up runs.
Jacob deGrom proved that he is human when he gave up home runs in his loss to the Braves, however still only gave up 3 runs and is at the top of the NL in strikeouts. Noah Syndergaard found his way into the win column and is close to looking like Thor! Steven Matz is finally looking like the top flight pitcher the Mets thought he would be with a 1.65 ERA good for 4th in the NL, and the opposition batting a stingy .203 BA, good for 8th in the NL. Edwin Diaz continues to be a professional closer going 6 for 6 in save opportunities. But alas, it's not all good with the Metropolitans. The middle relief still needs to bridge to Diaz without the sky falling. I don't care if he is a #5 starter. Please, for the love of God, get rid of Jason Vargas!
Due up: 4/15-4/17 at Philadelphia; 4/19-4/21 at St. Louis
What to Watch for : Mets pay a visit to old friend Bryce Harper in his new home at Citizens Bank Park in Philly, then travel west to St. Louis to reintroduce themselves to perennial NL MVP candidate Paul Goldschmidt with his new team the Cardinals. Keep your eye on Dallas Keuchel.
Photo:Getty Images