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

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October 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jeurys Familia (27) celebrates the 3-2 victory against Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Better closer

The Mets and Cubs will surely be locked in close games with two strong pitching staffs battling it out, but the bullpens will ultimately make the difference in this series. The Cubs have a bullpen that can get the job done, and Hector Rondon emerged as a solid closer in the regular season with 30 saves. However, in the playoffs Rondon had a hiccup and gave up a home run to the Cardinals that boosted his postseason ERA to 6.00, despite making two saves.

Mets closer Jeurys Familia may be the best closer in baseball though, and he is definitely the most dangerous one remaining in the playoffs. Familia put together one of the biggest breakout seasons in baseball with 43 saves and a 1.85 ERA for the Mets, and he greatly outmatches Rondon. His NLDS performance was outstanding as he did not allow a single run while making two saves and striking out three batters in 5.1 innings.

The only possible criticism of Familia is that his strikeout rate plummeted, but he is fully capable of bringing it back up. He logged 86 strikeouts in 78 innings during the regular season, and he figures to be a challenge for any Cubs hitter.

Next: 1. Improved bullpen

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