Back in 2012, when I wrote about my hope for the 2nd Half, I used a photo of Jordany Valdespin after he scored the winning run against the Phillies in the Jonathan Papelbon game, July 5.
The fact Jordany Valdespin is no longer on the team is not the ONLY difference between 2012, but it does interestingly offer a fitting symbol between the difference of this year, and the last year the Mets crashed and burned in July.
2013 and 2014 were miserable first halves with 2nd halves to build on. 2012 was the last time the Mets were in a position to contend, but they fell apart, and too quickly to even think about making a deal to support them.
Like 2010...
And kinda 2009, but that was the culmination of the mess of post-2006.
When you look at 2012, however, you remind yourselves of where the Mets were.
Johan Santana completely broke down.
Lucas Duda, still in the outfield, and Kirk Nieuwenhuis stopped hitting and were sent back to AAA.
The completely unsustainable rampage of 2-out hits predictably dried up.
And Frank Francisco was the closer.
It's crazy to think of how bad the offense currently is, but when you look at the lineup, even without Wright or d'Arnaud in there, it should be much better. Is how historically bad they've been really sustainable?
The pitching is world's and world's above where it was in the 2nd half of 2012, when Johan Santana, a great 1st half, was a non-factor, Matt Harvey was getting his feet wet, Dillon Gee was an anchor and R.A. Dickey was the only true ace. And Jeremy Hefner was getting innings.
Plus, now, there is Jeurys Familia, arguably the best closer in baseball currently.
The Mets are in a MUCH better position to continue to contend heading into these final games of the year.
It's up to Sandy Alderson and the Wilpons, however, if they want to make 2015 it's own special thing...
Or they want to have another 2012.
LET'S. GO. BASEBALL.
LET'S. GO. METS.
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