The Mets keep on rolling along, winning series with half the team on the injured list. They are now 27-21 and have the biggest lead in baseball, at 4.5 games up in the woeful NL East. The bats have finally come alive and the bullpen continues to get the job done. They got themselves a potential playoff preview this weekend with four games against a tough team in the Padres. This will be a test for the short-handed Mets, who are finding new ways to win every night.
To talk about the series win in Arizona, the weekend ahead in San Diego and have a terrific conversation with R.A. Dickey, we bring you a new episode of the “Amazin’ But True” podcast with Nelson Figueroa and me.
Amazin’ But True Podcast with Jake & Figgie:
- FIRST PLACE/HOT LINEUP: Mets have biggest first-place lead in baseball. Was nice to see Seth Lugo back on the mound. Mets could have swept the series, but will take every series win they can get with all the injuries. Jonathan Villar is the latest hamstring injury victim. Francisco Lindor and James McCann are hot at the plate. Dom Smith’s bat is alive with Pete Alonso back.
- DAVID PETERSON/MARCUS STROMAN: Peterson was terrible on Wednesday. The Mets can’t keep throwing him out there if he’s going to be that bad. Sean Reid-Foley could end up being an option as an opener if Peterson struggles. Josh Rojas got to Marcus Stroman and he gave up a bomb after that to Pavin Smith. Why wasn’t Lugo in over Trevor May in the 10th inning? This weekend will be a good test for the Mets against the Padres.
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R.A. Dickey Interview:
Former Mets pitcher (2010-12), 2012 NL Cy Young Award winner, 2012 All Star, 2012 NL Strikeout Leader, 2013 Gold Glove Award winner, 15 seasons in MLB (2001-17)
- KNUCKLEBALL: How did it come about? Being in the knuckleball family with Phil Niekro, Tim Wakefield. Being only knuckleballer to win a Cy Young. Teaching the pitch to younger pitchers. Taught Brian Wilson how to throw it as he was attempting a comeback. Why no knuckleballers in the game anymore?
- CATCHING THE KNUCKLEBALL: Josh Thole was his favorite catcher to throw to because he could catch the pitch consistently. Many catchers did not want to catch the day he pitched.
- PITCHING IN 40s: Says he can still pitch today at 46, would just need a few months to prepare. Thought he could still pitch more and Braves wanted him, but he wanted to be with family. Missed a lot of family stuff over the years.
- METS MEMORIES: Loved pitching for the Mets. Wanted to stay with the Mets, but understood why they made the trade. Thole was part of trade because he wanted him to come with him to Toronto to catch. Loved the blue collar mentality in NY. Had a special relationship with the fans.
Catch up on all episodes of “Amazin’ But True,” a New York Mets podcast, by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Jake Brown on Twitter and Instagram @JakeBrownRadio and Nelson Figueroa @FiggieNY. New episodes are every Monday and Thursday.
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