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5 Postseason keys for the New York Mets

By Jason Evans

Sep 26, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; The New York Mets celebrate in the clubhouse after clinching the National League East Championship at Great American Ball Park. The Mets beat the Cincinnati Reds 10-2. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; The New York Mets celebrate in the clubhouse after clinching the National League East Championship at Great American Ball Park. The Mets beat the Cincinnati Reds 10-2. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jeurys Familia (27) reacts after after the last out against the New York Yankees at Citi Field. The New York Mets defeated the New York Yankees 5-1.Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jeurys Familia (27) reacts after after the last out against the New York Yankees at Citi Field. The New York Mets defeated the New York Yankees 5-1.Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bullpen

One part that is the weak link of the team is the bullpen. The Mets have a dynamite rotation, one that could carry them to the crown, but if they are going to do anything in the postseason, the bullpen is going to be one of the keys.

Their main problem is they don’t have a lefty to match up with the other team’s lefties. If Adrian Gonzalez or Andre Eithier or Carl Crawford come up in a big spot, they don’t have a lefty to put out the fire.

Jerry Blevens was supposed to be that guy, but he broke his arm, not once but twice. The Mets traded for Eric O’Flaherty in August, but he has been abysmal in his Mets tenure, posting and ERA of 13.50 in 13 games.

Could Jon Niese be that guy? Niese won’t be starting for the Mets, but could end up being a very important part of the bullpen.

Can Addison Reed, Tyler Clippard and Jeurys Familia lock down games? Only Clippard has playoff experience but Clippard has battled a back injury of late. Bartolo Colon is going to find himself in the bullpen too. If a starter falters, can he be the guy who comes in and settles things down and gives the Mets a chance to come back, or be that guy in an extra inning game to pitch for a while?

This may be the lone weak link on this club, but it’s important. Just ask the Royals and the Giants last year.

Next: Young Guns

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