John Smoltz thinks the New York Mets can reach the World Series in 2018 while Big Sexy himself, Bartolo Colon, could return to Queens.
John Smoltz sees Mets winning NL Pennant
Hall of Famer John Smoltz went on MLB Tonight to boldly pick the New York Mets as the team representing the National League in the World Series.
⚾ 70 home runs for @Giancarlo818!
⚾ The #Mets are headed to the #WorldSeries!
⚾ @JoseAltuve27 will hit .400!What other outlandish predictions did our guys throw out there on #MLBTonight? pic.twitter.com/Sx5QfP6GPl
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 21, 2018
This is the best news Smoltz has given the Mets since the day he retired, as he tortured the team throughout his career. He pitched to a 3.44 ERA against them while picking up 24 saves and 18 wins. He spent most of his career with NL East rival the Atlanta Braves.
Smoltz obviously feels very strongly that the Mets rotation is good enough to take this team far. Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom are both clear aces, and the rotation behind them is loaded with talented arms.
The problem for the team will be keeping their arms healthy. Steven Matz has never made more than 22 starts in a season in the MLB, Matt Harvey has made less than 20 appearances each of the last two seasons, and Zack Wheeler made only 17 appearances last season after not pitching in either 2015 or 2016 due to Tommy John surgery.
If they can stay healthy, as well as getting Michael Conforto back from his shoulder injury and keep Yoenis Cespedes’ legs healthy, then they have a shot.
Big Sexy may return to the Big Apple
The Mets have had talks with the agent of fan favorite Bartolo Colon, according to Mike Berardino of the Twin Cities Pioneer Press. Colon spent 2014-2016 with the Mets, making his fourth All-Star game in 2016. He went 44-34 with a 3.90 ERA in his three years with the team. He also hit one of the most memorable home runs in recent years as a Met.
For his career, Colon has gone 240-176 with a 4.04 ERA, winning the AL Cy Young in 2005. He spent 2011 with the Yankees, going 8-10 with a 4.00 ERA.
He struggled last season with the Braves and Minnesota Twins, going 7-14 with a 6.48 ERA. However, he is only five wins shy of Dennis Martinez for the most ever by a Latin-born pitcher.
Other Mets News:
- Cory Claus breaks down what could have been for the team in 2018.
- Greg Cambareri questions the team’s refusal to trade Brandon Nimmo.
- Nicholas Santuccio argues that the team is showing faith in Dominic Smith.
