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The 2017 New York Mets’ X-factors: What needs to go right

Chris Thompson •
The 2017 New York Mets' X-factors: What needs to go right 1
Apr 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (21) and shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (13) and third baseman David Wright (5) and second baseman Neil Walker (20) during a pitching change against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Phillies won 5-4 in the eleventh inning. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets rightfielder Curtis Granderson (3) is congratulated after hitting a two run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Grandy’s hungry for some rib-eyes

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his could be perhaps the biggest under-the-radar necessary change that the Mets need to become a stronger lineup. Curtis Granderson projects to bat near or at the top of the lineup next year, and he needs more RBIs there. Badly.

His absurdly weak 59 rib-eyes in 2016 set a record for the lowest RBI total in a 30 homer season in MLB history. So a .152 average with runners in scoring position needs to improve in order for the Metropolitans to gain hitting ground in the NL.

The Grandy-man had no such issue in 2015, hitting .297 with a .950 OPS in the same situations then. That propelled him to place 18th in the NL MVP vote that season.

So while TC would love to see that out of him again, if he can just get back to being at least average in RBI spots, the lineup would be forever grateful.

[sc name=”Mets Link Slideshow” link=”elitesportsny.com/2016/12/28/the-2017-new-york-mets-x-factors-what-needs-to-go-right/5/” text=”The bullpen needs Robles and Smoker” ]
Chris Thompson
Chris Thompson

Chris recently graduated with a Journalism degree from Montclair State University. Baseball is his love and he hopes to bring back some of the old-school popularity to the game.

Chris Thompson covers the NY Jets and NY Mets for Elite Sports NY. You can interact with him on Twitter @Time2Topher.

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