5 truths about the Mets the fans don’t want to hear

4) The NY Mets are further behind than the Phillies than we ever imagined

The Mets are clearly in a different class than the Atlanta Braves. What about the Philadelphia Phillies? It’s easy to rip on them. They’re more beer league than major league at times. Where the Braves thrive at building young talent and finding good free agents, the Phillies seem to stumble into some success; at least this is the perception they’ve had.

The Phillies are actually much more than this. Far from perfect, they do have a solid starting rotation and a bullpen of far more competent relievers than the Mets had at any point this year. It’s the starting lineup where we can be the most envious. Their mix of power hitting veterans and younger players with pop and the ability to get on base is something the team in Queens hasn’t had for a while.

Mets fans aren’t fearing the Phillies because they’re a beatable team. Their best attribute is what happens when they get hot. They can defeat you with their bats or their arms. Unlike last year’s team when they seemed to be assembled to win via home runs and maybe outpitch you with Aaron Nola or Zack Wheeler, they’re much more balanced. They added the speed of Trea Turner. Bryson Stott can become the next Chase Utley if we give it time.

Compared to the Mets, the Phillies are far superior. It’s not really even all that close. Even in the areas where the Mets may be better, the Phillies aren’t far behind.