With the call-up of Michael Conforto and additions of Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson, the New York Mets lineup is suddenly decent.
By Robby Sabo
New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson didn’t go out and succumb to the pressure. He didn’t pick up the phone to call Colorado and ask the Rookies what it would take to foolishly acquire Troy Tulowitzki. He hasn’t acquired Justin Upton or Yoenis Cespedes.
Alderson has not wilted under the pressure of New York City. Instead, he’s decided to stay the course and add depth, proving what most fans have been saying all along: a little can go a long way.
Something needed, had to change for a lineup currently dead last in MLB with a .236 batting average.
These changes included the promotion of prospect Michael Conforto from Double-A Binghamton, as well as the acquisitions of Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson from the Braves for minor league talent.
No, these aren’t moves that’ll initially smack somebody in the face with enthusiasm. They are, however, smart additions that completely change the landscape of a Quadruple-A lineup.
Right away the presence of Conforto has paid major dividends, and perhaps that was the one area where Alderson caved under pressure (as it previously sounded like they were content leaving him in the minors for now).
In three games as a Met, Conforto’s collected four hits and two walks in nine at-bats. His batting average is .444 and is currently sporting a .538 on-base percentage. As Keith Hernandez already said during Saturday’s broadcast, “we’re looking at the Mets next No. 3 hitter.”
This youthful enthusiasm and professionalism the 22-year old has exhibited has really gone a long way since Friday.
Adding onto this new-found enthusiasm is Uribe and Johnson.
Johnson made his presence felt as he smacked a home run in the Mets 15-2 lopsided victory on Saturday against the Dodgers. And of course, we all know what Uribe did on Sunday.
Oh, so THIS is why the @Mets got Juan Uribe: http://t.co/z41PLFSIcj #Walkoff pic.twitter.com/TOlBrfyO5D
— MLB (@MLB) July 26, 2015
Juan Uribe reacts to his game-winning hit and suggests it had an October feel. Details: http://t.co/K9a19teuOW #mets #dodgers #braves — Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) July 26, 2015
Juan Uribe knows how to make friends in a brand new city. http://t.co/XoCVZekAqL #Walkoff pic.twitter.com/LxvJ7DmLGh
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 26, 2015
So in essence, not only has Alderson brought up a kid who could be the future No. 3 hitter, he infused a veteran guy in Uribe who’s won two World Series Championships and has always been a money player. Watching the guy over the years, the only thing that comes to mind is how tough an out he is when times get tough and the weather gets colder.
Both have been smart and calculating moves by Alderson. It’s taken a team who lost six of eight since the MLB All-Star break to a club who plated 18 runs in the last two contests.
The lineup depth is now there. If only Travis d’Arnaud and David Wright can somehow get back in the mix and Lucas Duda can get through his issues.
If that happens, this lineup will be one serious October offense to deal with (to go along with this pitching that any NL team would be fearful of in a short series).
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