Philadelphia Phillies Weekend Preview: New York Mets

A preview of the series between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets

The Philadelphia Phillies‘ 2016 season will mercifully come to an end this weekend. They are sputtering to the finish line having lost their last four games, and seven of their last ten. While this series means little for the Phillies, it does provide them a chance to play spoiler.

New York Mets

Record: 85-74 (Second place in National League East)

Manager: Terry Collins

The last time they met

The Phillies traveled to Citi Field last weekend and lost three out of four games. It was not a great showing by Phillies pitching. In the one game they won, they almost blew a 10-0 lead. They followed that up by losing the finale 17-0, which was one of the worst defeats in team history. (They at least had the courtesy to do that while most fans were distracted by Carson Wentz and the Eagles.)

What’s the deal with the Mets?

The Mets currently hold the first wild-card spot in the National League. They are tied with the Giants, and the Cardinals sit one game behind them, so this weekend’s series is of utmost importance to them. They know that if they sweep the Phillies, they make it in, while even one loss might bring all sorts of tiebreakers into play.

Reason to hate the Mets

I shouldn’t have to tell you why it would be satisfying for the Phillies to knock the Mets out of the playoffs.

Mets player who isn’t entirely horrible

Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera has been the team’s best hitter over the past month. In September, he has recorded a .404 on-base percentage with six home runs. Cabrera has been a solid player throughout his ten-year career, making two All-Star teams, but this may be his finest offensive season yet.

Mets player who is horrible

Sep 18, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets catcher Travis d /

Six seasons after the Phillies traded him as part of the Roy Halladay deal, we’re still waiting for Travis d’Arnaud to make them regret giving him away. Most of his problems seem to stem from the fact that he can’t stay healthy for a full season.

As the Mets make their playoff push, d’Arnaud has sputtered. He’s batted only .158 over the past two weeks.

Ryan Howard‘s last stand

This weekend will likely mark the final three games for Ryan Howard in a Phillies uniform. Wouldn’t it be awesome if Howard could come through in the clutch one more time? Nothing would be sweeter than seeing Howard hit a walk-off home run to knock the Mets out of the playoffs.

Reasons for pessimism

The Phillies are utilizing a dreaded “bullpen” game on Saturday where they split the nine innings among several relievers. Considering how bad the bullpen has been lately, this could get ugly.
If that wasn’t bad enough, the Mets’ starter on Saturday will be Bartolo Colon. Yes, the schedule-makers have gifted us one last opportunity to watch the Phillies’ lineup get shut down by a fat, old pitcher.
If the Phillies can’t win the first two games, all they have to do on Sunday is beat Noah Syndergaard. Piece of cake, right?

Reasons for optimism

When other members of the 2008 Phillies departed, fans didn’t get a chance to officially say goodbye. Everyone should relish the opportunity to bid farewell to one of the team’s all-time greats.
This is the last time we’ll get to watch the Phillies play until next April. The season hasn’t gone all that well, but you’ll soon find yourself missing the Fightins’, so enjoy them while you can.

Tweet of importance

Phillies now have the same run differential (-183) as 2015. Unless they outscore the Mets, this year's team will be worse (using that stat).
— Joe Giglio (@JoeGiglioSports) September 30, 2016

Remember, people, rebuilds can be slow and painful.

Next: Maybe the Ryan Howard Contract Wasn’t Such a Mistake

Prediction

The Phillies will win on Friday, but the fans will have to suffer as the Mets win the next two and clinch a playoff spot in Citizens Bank Park.

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