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NLCS 2015: 5 reasons why the Mets will beat the Cubs

By Ian O'Brien

October 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson (3) celebrates the 3-2 victory against Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
October 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson (3) celebrates the 3-2 victory against Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson (3) celebrates with center fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) after scoring a run in the first inning against Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
October 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson (3) celebrates with center fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) after scoring a run in the first inning against Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Yoenis Cespedes

Before critics can point to the Cubs’ 7-0 record against the Mets, they should consider many factors that prevented the Mets from being as good then as they are now. They played the Cubs before the Mets acquired Yoenis Cespedes at the trade deadline.

Since moving to New York, the Cuban superstar put together a blistering second half for the Mets with 17 home runs and 44 RBIs. Cespedes finished with 35 home runs and 105 RBIs, and he has carried his power into the postseason, even hitting a home run off of Greinke who made a case for another Cy Young Award this season.

In the NLDS, Cespedes hit two home runs against the Dodgers, demonstrating his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. The Mets were lacking consistent hitting early in the season, but their acquisition of Cespedes changed everything because he brought a major power boost to their lineup. He has provided protection for other power hitters such as first baseman Lucas Duda and outfielder Curtis Granderson, and his mere presence takes pressure off of the Mets’ pitchers.

This is essential for even the deepest of rotations, as the Cardinals proved in their NLDS loss to the Cubs after fielding a knee-deep rotation in the regular season while masking a struggling lineup.

Next: 3. Home-field advantage

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