Mets poor April start makes May wins an absolute necessity

Fast starts in April previously sustained the Mets through leaner spring months to follow.

You might be familiar with me saying: you can’t win pennants in April, but you can lose them.

After a poor start, where do they go from here?

Soon after the Opening Day 6-0 whitewashing of the Braves, the 2017 season quickly devolved into an epic struggle.  Recent history says this year’s 10-14 April record and deteriorating health forewarn yet another problematic, albeit indeterminable conclusion for spring.

Two seasons ago the Mets opened with a 15-8 April record, but went 14-15 in May, then followed with another sub par 12-15 record in June.  After last season’s 15-7 start last season, the Mets again slumped with same 12-15 records in both May and June.  However, the Mets were able to bounce back each season with .500 records in July.

This season, Mets enter Cinco de Mayo in fourth place with, not incidentally, a 12-15 record.  But after losing six in a row, they’re 4-2 in their last six games.  All things considered, the situation could be much worse.

This evening, weather permitting, the boys from Queens will open their third series of the still young season against the Miami Marlins.  This series also concludes five straight weeks playing exclusively against their N.L. East opponents.  That said, despite suffering a 23-5 trouncing against Washington on the last day of April, it has been the Marlins whom have inflicted the most damage against the Mets (taking five of the first seven games).

Therefore, much lies in the balance this series which can turn much of April into a mere afterthought.  For starters, there’s a matter of revenge against Miami. After all, that’s what in-season rivalries are all about. The Mets are also presently only six games out of first place. With a kind roll of the dice, perhaps there’s incremental ground to gain on the division leading Nats.

Then there’s fan and media perception. Should the Mets let the Fish slip away, again, allegations of front office indecision, training staff induced injuries, managerial ineptitude, and overall organizational dysfunction, will surely continue spreading throughout Flushing like four plagues of the METropolis.

Next: Mets have discussed switching Reyes and Cabrera in the infield

A much needed sweep of the Marlins would certainly change the narrative. I’d even be agreeable with a series win.

Boy, do they need it.