Usually around this time of year, New York Mets fans have high hopes for a solid season only to have those dreams dashed by the reality that the Amazins are, well...not so Amazing. (Sometimes heavy drinking and depression follow).
But could this year be different? The Mets enter Thursday's matinee against the Atlanta Braves riding a 10-game winning streak—marking the first time since July 2008 that they've won 10 straight—and a Major League Baseball-best record at 12-3. That's right, the Mets are the best team in baseball right now.
Of course, we've seen hot April starts fade, but there's reason to believe that the Mets could string together a winning season—and dare we say—even make the playoffs. Looking at the Mets' string of victories, we're offering five reasons why they've won 10 straight games and why they own the best record in the Majors.
Matt Harvey's Return Was Well Worth The Wait
After having the dreaded Tommy John surgery in October 2013, Matt Harvey missed the entire 2014 season and baseball fans wondered how the right-handed pitcher would fare in his return. Well, so far, so good. Harvey is 3-0 with a 3.50 ERA and 24 strikeouts. As advertised, The Dark Knight is back and possibly ready to have his best season yet.
Bartolo Colon Can Still Pitch
Never underestimate a veteran pitcher. They're savvy, crafty and know how to work hitters and get out of jams. That seems to be the case with Bartolo Colon. Yes, he's still in the Majors. The 41-year-old pitcher with over 17 years of experience has been rock solid for the Mets this season, posting a 3-0 record with 2.25 ERA and 18 strikeouts through three starts. He even had an RBI his last start on April 17. How his 41-year-old body can hold up over the course of a season remains to be seen, but for right now, Colon is playing great.
Home-field ADVANTAGE
Citi Field is giving the Mets a new definition to home-field advantage this season. The Mets are a flawless 9-0 at home this season. Flushing, New York's finest are making a difference.
Lucas Duda is Swinging The Lumber
Jeopardy answer: This New York Mets first baseman ranks within the top-15 National League hitters for best batting average. Question: Who is Lucas Duda? Ding, ding, ding! Yes, Duda is off to a hot start at the plate, hitting .339 (19-for-56) with one home run and nine RBI. He's more than shouldering the Mets' offensive load in the absence of David Wright, who remains on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring.
Winning is Contagious
Let Matt Harvey tell it.
"It's awesome. The atmosphere in the dugout. Everybody is showing up to the ballpark thinking we're going to win," Harvey told ESPN on Wednesday. "It's a lot different than it has been in the past. I haven't obviously been here that long. But just in the short period that I have been, everybody is coming here ready to play, ready to pick each other up. Despite the injuries that we have, there are guys here that still believe we're going to win and still believe that we're on the cusp of doing a lot of things. With winning, I think, you can get into a rhythm of winning and have it kind of be contagious."
Can the Mets keep it up? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.
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