Mets should pitch the “big three” versus the Nationals this week

The New York Mets have a chance to pounce on the Washington Nationals and give them their big three pitchers this week. I absolutely believe it’s time to pounce on D.C. and bury them as much as possible.

In Spring Training, the New York Mets didn’t let the Washington Nationals see their big three. The strategy was a wise one in my opinion. The Nationals added several new players this winter from American League teams. Even those returning wouldn’t know what other tricks they may have up their sleeves.

Fortunately, the Mets can give the Nationals their best three in the upcoming series which begins on Tuesday. The rainout on Sunday and scheduled off-day on Monday allow them a chance to pitch Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, and Jacob deGrom in a row.

Alternatively, the Mets would put Syndergaard and Wheeler on the mound for the first and last game with Wilmer Font sandwiched in between. Oddly enough, this pits Font against Patrick Corbin—the lone “ace” the Nationals will deliver this week. Jeremy Hellickson is scheduled for game one and Anibal Sanchez for game three.

More from Rising Apple

• NY Mets News: Marcus Stroman sees “potential fit” with the Angels
• NY Mets were too “seek” and not enough “destroy” last winter
• NY Mets: 1 trade target to consider from each 100-loss team
• NY Mets: Top 12 free agents the team should look to sign this winter
• NY Mets: Jeff Wilpon’s legacy continues to plague the Amazins

Much like the Mother of Dragons in the most recent episode of Game of Thrones, I want to see the Mets show no mercy to the struggling Nationals. Give them lots of fire and subdue them completely. Destroy them in their own ballpark before you get a chance to do it four more times next week in your own.

If the Mets keep the rotation order they currently have, deGrom would pitch Friday against the Miami Marlins. I like the extra day of rest, but at this point in the season, he shouldn’t need it. The year is young and ensuring victory over someone who may actually contend is far more important. It’s sickening to lose against a team as bad as the Marlins. However, I would prefer to drop a game with Font on the mound versus them than Washington. I’m not writing the Nationals off yet. Every loss for them is one closer to getting eliminated. Let’s take advantage now while we can.

Looking over the Nationals numbers, I see a depleted team. In many ways, they look like a version of the Mets in an alternative universe. Their three best pitchers have done well and they have a few players with good offensive numbers. Sean Doolittle has been fantastic with many other members of the bullpen putting together an epically bad year.

This isn’t the same Nationals team we saw in the past. They got old real fast. Despite the excitement of an outfield featuring youngsters Victor Robles and Juan Soto for many years brings, many other key components are beyond their best days.

Want your voice heard? Join the Rising Apple team!

Write for us!

Last week, I wrote about a few goals for the Mets to accomplish during this stretch of games where they play sub-.500 squads. Though I didn’t specifically say so, I want to see them stomp on their opponent. The Nationals have been a pain for years, often triumphing over the orange and blue. Take advantage and kick them while they’re down.