Mets vs Braves: 3 bold predictions for vital NL East series
By John Buhler
The Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets will battle for NL East supremacy this week.
So the Atlanta Braves are going to face the New York Mets at Truist Park this week…
While New York has maintained the best record in the NL East through the first half of the season, the red-hot Braves have gotten within a game and a half of their most hated rival. This is not the first time these two teams will face each other this year, and it sure won’t be the last. However, this series in Atlanta could be special. Expect for The Battery to be absolutely electric this week.
With so much at stake before the All-Star break, here are three things that are totally happening.
New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves: 3 bold predictions for critical NL East series
3. Three cheers for Robinson Cano sweet revenge, as he makes his presence felt
In a shocking turn of events, the former well-compensated second baseman of the Mets is now playing for the enemy. That’s right. Robinson Cano is now working for the Braves, as he was acquired from the San Diego Padres for cash considerations. Atlanta is paying the minimum for him, while the Mets are still on the hook for whatever else is left on his albatross of a contract.
Cano may be a shell of himself, but he does provide the Braves with a potential spark at a position of need. While Orlando Arcia has done a fine job filling in for an injured Ozzie Albies at second base, Atlanta’s infield depth is in a bad spot presently. With a power bat from the left side of the plate and a slick glove at second, Atlanta can afford to bring an aging player like Cano into the fold here.
In what will be a surprise to absolutely no one, Cano will make his presence felt in the Atlanta lineup right away. He will be penciled into the starting lineup by Braves manager Brian Snitker right away to toy with the Amazins. With one swing of the bat, Cano will make himself a Braves Country cult hero for helping Atlanta win a tight game it needed over its most hated division rival.
Not saying Cano is going to walk off on his former team, but he will drive in a crucial run or two.