New York Mets starter Noah Syndergaard's case for 2017 NL Cy Young 1
Aug 5, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) in the dugout during the second inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

New York Mets news brings along a beautiful day as Noah Syndergaard continues to throw bolts and D’Arnaud unleashes his “Unlethal Weapon.”

A Lack of Power Can’t Aid Thor

The Metropolitans dropped yesterday’s friendly against the Houston Astros at First Data Field 2-0. The outing was filled with mixed results, as Syndergaard struck out five in six innings of pitching without surrendering a walk.

The inability of Thor and d’Arnaud to stop the running game has yet to develop, after the game Collins hinted that Rene Rivera may get the catching nod on opening day, via John Harper of the New York Daily News. This isn’t a new issue for the Syndergaard-d’Arnaud battery. The struggles last season to temper opposing team stolen base totals prompted the move to make Rivera, Syndergaard’s personal catcher.

Not all blame can fall on d’Arnaud when it comes to the holding of runners during Syndergaard’s outings. Thor has yet to develop a pick off move to keep runners from taking advantage of his long delivery to the plate.

As Syndergaard dazzled on the mound yesterday, it was the absolute frozen rope from Mets right fielder, John Mora that grabbed the highlight of the game. Mora who has been productive in a small window of opportunity could be a name to look for in the future, especially holstering a gun like that.

Fortifying the Bullpen

There is growing chatter in MLB that the Jeurys Familia suspension may not be as long as expected. In the interim, Sandy Alderson is examining multiple options to fill out his bullpen over the remaining weeks of Spring Training.

Rafael Montero, Josh Smoker and Paul Sewald have all been consistently good in their opportunities. Especially Sewald, who has been able to showcase a very good slider to leave hitters off balanced in late inning scenarios.

Gut-feeling is that Alderson starts the season with Montero as part of the big league club. His strikeout ability far surpasses that of Smoker and Sewald. The righty throws a heavy ball, and his splits against right and left handed batters makes him an ideal long relief option.

Smoker’s major league experience will certainly provide him a leg up on Sewald in the eyes of the Mets brass. But even though Sewald may start the season in Las Vegas, he has earned the right to be first pitcher up in the event of early struggles by any of the bullpen role pitchers.

Met’s Role Players Lit up the WBC

A tip of the cap to all 13 New York Mets players who participated in the World Baseball Classic:

The New York Mets youth was prominent throughout the many participants in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. The tandem of Seth Lugo and T.J. Rivera played prominent roles in driving the team representing Puerto Rico to the championship game against a star-filled United States team.

Though Puerto Rico came up short, Lugo opened up eyes, especially the Mets brass, as he continues to battle for the fifth starter spot in New York’s pitching rotation. The Shreveport, Louisiana native’s grandfather was born on the island that prior to the Classic, he had never visited. His performance may have earned him an honorary residency.

T.J. Rivera also gained a memory that will last a lifetime, as he homered in a win against Venezuela to set the date with the United States. Rivera has become somewhat of a folk legend for the New York Mets after his call up in relief of the injured Neil Walker. Rivera seemed to just keep hitting, a talent that will make him a viable bat off the bench come the 2017 season.

Who Needs Rogaine When You Can Get Thor Hair

New York Mets Twitter announced today that Saturday, May 6 will be Noah Syndergaard Hair Hat day. The game against the Miami Marlins will be a 7:30 p.m. start. One way to keep that Cinco de Mayo celebration rolling, would be get out for the fish fry at Citi.

Saturday’s Matinee

The Mets will hit the road for the Saturday, 1:05 p.m. ET, start at Champion Field, when they play visitors to the Atlanta Braves. Rafael Montero will get another opportunity to solidify his place in the New York bullpen as he faces former Met, R.A. Dickey.

Montero has a great opportunity today to add to his spring strikeout total against a mediocre Braves lineup. Montero has 20 strikeouts in 13 innings pitched so far this spring. His 2.70 ERA has also been a revelation for the once touted prospect which has been a sign that he may be finally putting it together.

The Sports Fan's . . .Sports Fan. Passionate about the Mets, Jets, and Rangers, but more importantly a fan that gets excited for any big game.