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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 29, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets left fielder Michael Conforto (30) makes a diving catch in front of shortstop Ruben Tejada (11) during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets left fielder Michael Conforto (30) makes a diving catch in front of shortstop Ruben Tejada (11) during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Platoon

One of the things that has helped the Mets since their flurry of acquisitions is their platoon advantage at multiple positions.

At first base, Lucas Duda or Daniel Murphy could play there. Daniel Murphy/Kelly Johnson or Juan Uribe (if he is healthy enough to go) can play at second. Even Wilmer Flores when Ruben Tejada plays short. In the outfield, Michael Conforto or Juan Lagares could play depending on the match-up. Cuddyer could see some time in the outfield as well.

The Mets have so many moving parts that they have to take advantage of that.  They have to use it. If Kelly Johnson or Wilmer Flores gets hot they have to ride it out. They have to play the matchups.

Look, against Clayton Kershaw or Zack Greinke it may not mean as much. Those guys get everyone out. Against the bullpen or Alex Wood in Game three, it’s something the Mets can use. They can make Don Mattingly maybe make a panic move in the bullpen and use the wrong guy in the wrong spot.

Sometimes in the playoffs, players emerge out of nowhere to contribute. Maybe Johnson or Lagares gets them a big hit in a big spot? You never know.

If these five things break for the Mets, there may be a parade down the Canyon of Heroes in November and for the first time since 1986, the Mets will be the team receiving it.

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