There has been some movement recently on the always-moving New York Mets depth chart. The instant performances of certain players have them, at least theoretically, going up or down from day to day, but this is just as much speculative as it is genuine. The Mets this season insert players into games for tactical reasons. But we have also seen them progressively become biased toward one player over the other, even when it goes against splits and other rational approaches to the game.
We can confidently state that these two moves are rising up the depth chart and these other two are falling down as we approach Sunday’s game against the Chicago Cubs.
Jose Iglesias is climbing the ladder of depth
To give Mark Vientos a break, Jose Iglesias started at third base for the Mets on Saturday. Iglesias, the only middle infielder on the bench, is developing into more than just a backup. Actually, he ought to be getting started.
It is impossible to overlook the slash line that runs through 38 plate appearances at.400/.447/.457. He’s been shown enough for us to know what he brings to every game. A specific energy is present. In addition to being an excellent fielder, his remarkable hitting abilities have made the Mets’ lineups more comprehensive when he takes the field.
Playing Iglesias as much as possible would be the key to getting the most out of him. He’s blended right in with his colleagues. They were lacking at the beginning of the year in the presence and attitude of veterans.
Iglesias going up the depth chart means that someone has to fall, of course. He may take over for the Mets hitter who is still not producing much at all.
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