Mets release Opening Day lineup

The day has arrived! The New York Mets open up their 2019 season in D.C. to take on the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. 2018 Cy Young award winner Jacob deGrom takes on Max Scherzer this afternoon to kick the season off. This is how the Mets line up:

1. Nimmo LF
2. Alonso 1B
3. Cano 2B
4. Conforto RF
5. Ramos C
6. McNeil 3B
7. Rosario SS
8. Lagares CF
9. deGrom RHP

Job well done by Mickey Callaway and the rest of the coaching staff in structuring this Opening Day lineup. There is no question that Brandon Nimmo and his .404 OBP should be the first guy up at the plate to start off the 2019 season.

With Robinson Cano preferring to hit third, it’s understandable why Mickey chose not to place Cano second, despite the fact that most spectators would probably prefer him in that spot.

Due to the overload of lefties, it seems the Mets felt they needed to add a big right-handed bat to the top of their lineup. Which is why the 24-year-old Pete Alonso, in his first major league baseball game, will be the second guy up to face the three-time Cy Young award winner, Max Scherzer. The excitement is there for young Pete Alonso, according to Mike Puma, when asked about facing Max in his first major league at-bat he responded, “Let’s do it!”

With Wilson Ramos not only being a right-handed hitter, but also having one of the best sticks on the team, it would seem as though he could be slotted in that two-hole position. But it’s important for Michael Conforto to have proper protection behind him. If that isn’t Cano, then Ramos is the next best option. Excellent decision placing Ramos in the five spot, making sure that four hitter, Michael Conforto, is protected.

Lastly, despite Juan Lagares’s poor offensive Spring Training, it’s important that this player is in the starting lineup every day. Juan’s Gold Glove defense is worth waiting around for some offensive production. Before getting injured last season, Lagares was impressive at the plate, hitting well above .300. There is no telling what Juan can do given a secure position and a full healthy season. Also, for the first time in many years, the Mets have a deep lineup. This will take the pressure off of Lagares, and even a .250 batting average will be more than enough for the stellar center fielder. The number of runs saved by Juan throughout a year will make up for any lack of offensive production. It is satisfying to know that Mickey feels the same.

At one point, it was tough for fans to ever believe that the Mets can make something of themselves. However, with this lineup, and powerhouse arms in the rotation and bullpen, this could be an exciting year for the Mets and their fans.