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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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Sep 13, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Addison Reed (43) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the tenth inning at Turner Field. The Mets defeated the Braves 10-7 in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Addison Reed (43) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the tenth inning at Turner Field. The Mets defeated the Braves 10-7 in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Improved bullpen

While the Mets went to work on their hitting at the trade deadline, they also made a strong effort to revamp their bullpen despite pitcher Jeurys Familia emerging as one of the best closers. They added Tyler Clippard and Addison Reed at the deadline, and they will provide seventh and eighth-inning options at worst. If anything happens to Familia, they are both capable of filling in at closer since they already have prior experience.

While Reed has struggled recently in his career, being traded to the Mets proved to be a great change of scenery for him, as he allowed just two runs in 15.1 innings and even pitched 14 shutout innings in September. His struggles briefly resurfaced against the Dodgers, as he allowed a run in 1.1 innings of work.

Meanwhile, Clippard is still looking to regain his form since being traded by the Oakland A’s, but he has already shown All-Star ability in his time with the A’s and Washington Nationals. While his recent struggles are cause for concern, Clippard provides more bullpen depth for the Mets than they had before the trade deadline.

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