Will the Mets Rewrite History and Close out the Braves?

The New York Mets are on the brink of a pivotal MLB series against the Atlanta Braves, with playoff implications hanging in the balance.
As the Mets hold a two-game lead, fans are eager to see if they can clinch a playoff berth or face a repeat of their 2022 heartbreak.
Host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the series dynamics, comparing the current Mets lineup, featuring rising stars like Francisco Alvarez and Luisangel Acuña, to the Braves' roster.
With key matchups like Luis Severino versus Spencer Schwellenbach and Chris Sale's anticipated performance, the stakes are high.
Can the Mets' depth and recent momentum carry them through, or will the Braves' resilience prevail?
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[@RichardFrey1975]

Good morning Ryan. I believe that no matter how we perform in Atlanta the Diamondbacks will continue to falter down the stretch. LFGM!!!

[@LockedOnMets]

It’s certainly possible that the Mets and Braves both make it while the Diamondbacks fall out. Regardless of what happens in this series, it would help the Mets a lot for Arizona to keep losing.

[@docnoc66]

Good morning Ryan - if the Mets just play within themselves, they should not lose this series, but realistically, all they really need is one win. So don’t get swept.

[@Standdividedfalltogether]

No we need at least 2. No way just one. Smell the magic my brother. Enjoy it.

[@IdliAmin_TheLastKingofSambar]

Yeah, one win’s not going to do it. I don’t trust them to maintain a one-game lead while playing in house-of-horrors Milwaukee, while Atlanta gets to play the reeling Royals at home. And really, they need to win the FIRST two games, because Thursday is going to get hurricaned out, which takes Manaea out of the equation (and unless the Mets miraculously clinch in Atlanta, it’ll also take him out of the equation for a potential Wild Card Game 1, because he’ll pitch Friday in Milwaukee). And unless they play a doubleheader today or tomorrow, they’ll have to come back Monday for the series finale, if it’s still necessary, likely started by Peterson. Doesn’t fill me with optimism. Then again, nothing does.

[@Standdividedfalltogether]

@@IdliAmin_TheLastKingofSambar na we got this. And royals are fighting for their lives while the brewers are on vaca mode since they are locked in their spots. But we do need two just to bury the Braves for once in my 45 year lifetime!!! LGM!

[@IdliAmin_TheLastKingofSambar]

@@Standdividedfalltogether The Royals are fighting, but they’re getting creamed, and those games are in Atlanta, while the Mets never play well in Milwaukee. It’s not like the Brewers have dominant starting pitchers whom they’ll be resting. What they do have is a dominant bullpen, so it’ll be 4-5 innings of Tobias Meyers or Colin Rea or whoever, followed by that shutdown bullpen (including Tylor’s big bro Trevor Megill). And winning that series may not matter because the finale of THIS series, if necessary, probably won’t be played until Monday, back in Atlanta, which likely means a Peterson vs. Sale rematch for all the marbles. Doesn’t make me feel all warm and fuzzy. Not that anything does. 😆

[@benjaminwatlers1848]

If the Mets only win 1; than the Braves win the season series meaning that if Sunday comes and the Mets went like 2 and 1 vs the Brewers and the Braves swept the Royals and the records were tied Atlanta goes to post season and the Mets go home.

[@ThinKwiQ]

I've said it before, but I really think the difference in expectations between the '22 team and this squad is a big factor. On paper, that '22 team was World Series or bust. The pressure to win was enormous. This '24 team feels more organic and relaxed, and I think they can make a deeper run as a result.

[@benjaminwatlers1848]

I think it depends on tonight; I think if the Braves find a way to win tonight that the media headlines Wednesday from New York will be the "Mets choke again". Than with Sales going Wednesday the media be having a blast that they Mets are going get knocked out. I think if the loss happens tonight that players may try and do too much Wednesday against Sale.

[@Standdividedfalltogether]

2006 was supposed to be Mets tigers. Get ready!

[@benjaminwatlers1848]

Feels like this is the most important game of the series for the Mets to win. If the Mets loose tonight the media that has been waiting for them to collapse will be all over the headlines with the Mets choking. Especially facing Chris Sale in game 2. I think the added pressure on the Mets would be a x factor.

[@matthewguzda4075]

It sure seems like they have all the momentum right? No way things could change now, right?!!

[@miguelcordero1014]

Good morning Ryan Let's go Mets Don't be surprised that we make WS God bless you

[@johncummings5350]

Mets do have more depth in the lineup.....no question....but the reality is you can't necessarily argue that it matters because this series is a SAMPLE SIZE of the entire season. Hopefully the depth factor pays off but the truth is that anybody on the field can over or under achieve..... obviously that's why they play the game. Lindor should be the DH if he's not swinging with pain. I wouldn't play him in the field. It's simply too risky making him bend for 9+ innings. He can stay warm in the dugout with a jacket to avoid his back flaring up on him. JD can sit one out.... his struggles are real at the moment. Obviously....if Lindor feels really good.... they could go a different direction but from the interviews I've seen it's quite apparent that Lindor is not pain free. If he's still battling at 70-80 percent I would be inclined to let him rest. You simply can't take a chance of losing him for the playoffs. By the way....the discussion of Peterson or Quintana pitching in this series is a toss up..... Peterson has been awesome but had a recent bad outing. Quintana has been up and down but recently has been excellent. Regardless.... the brewers series will likely see Quintana on the mound and that series very well may have implications. Therefore they both will have their opportunity.

[@aharonbrand8044]

Good morning Ryan let's go Mets don't be surprised 🙀😱😯😳😯😳😯😳😯😳😯😳😯 that we make ws god bless you

[@Mitchropolitan]

I have watched this team for decades longer than some of the people who comment here. I was blessed to see the 1 championship during my life. From that year on I have seen the very lows & the painful just wasn’t enough. From the dodger in, 88. There was a season I want to say it was 97 where the Mets had to beat the Braves just 1 time to get into the playoffs. They were swept. In 1999 the Mets were down 3-0 & the grand single from Robin Ventura. If anyone was a team of destiny it was that one & they didn’t make it to game 7 of NLCS comeback after comeback ending in a walk from rogers. This was a better team offensively than the 2000 NLCS with 1 in the subway series. 2006 was the year they finally ended the braves dominance (for a little while). Endy’s great catch, wainwright’s curve to Beltran.The phenomenal choking if there ever was 1 in a season kissing a 7 game lead goodbye in 17 games. Then in 2015, watching Familia pretty much single handedly blow every game in 2015 costing them the World Series & the overachieving Mets in 2022 setting up the disaster that was 2023. From generation k to Wright & Reyes to that insane rotation that fizzled out except for Degrom & wheeler. This young core the Mets have complete control for years to come have so much potential. So, I hope I reverse jinx them when I say tonight is the game that they have to win to have any chance against sale (cy young winner) or fried, I thought the Mets couldn’t split the series with the Phillies & they won a 4 game set. This is a different team. I think the Mets are at best going to win tonight, but schewwllenbach (sp) can be very tough. He did extremely well early on. I think if they lose tonight, this magical season is over. I think the Braves pitching stymies this team & may barely win 1 game. Bring out the Tums for the next 6 games, Win or lose as always #LFGM!

[@IdliAmin_TheLastKingofSambar]

The season you’re talking about-when the Mets needed to beat Atlanta once, and failed-was 1998. The defense behind Familia completely abandoned him in the 2015 WS, which didn’t help matters. And I’m not ready to say the Mets have a good young core. There’s potential, but Vientos has WAY overperformed (expect more golden and platinum sombreros, because his zone contact rate is HORRIBLE), Álvarez has been underwhelming, Acuña has benefited from teams not pitching him tough yet, and…well, that’s it for the young guys. Lindor will be 31, Nimmo will be 32, McNeil will be 33, Alonso will be on another team, and we don’t know where those HRs are going to come from. Mauricio missed the entire year, and he swings at everything. Baty looks like he might need a change of scenery. Jett Williams and Drew Gilbert could be solid, if unspectacular regulars, but we don’t even know that yet. There could be some serious growing pains next year.

[@benjaminwatlers1848]

I think your 100% right is the Mets loose tonight the media coverage; the this is happening again headlines will cause pressure

[@Standdividedfalltogether]

This feel nothing like 2022. I’m not waiting for the shoe to drop like 2022. We all felt it coming in 22. This year I feel the steam engine on the tracks!! LFGM!

[@Standdividedfalltogether]

We were the undertaker and Braves were AJ styles this year.

[@LockedOnMets]

That’s a good point. 2022 felt like a slow buildup where the Braves were inching closer to us all year. This year the roles were reversed. This team plays more confident and has more fun.

[@aharonbrand8044]

Good Ryan if the Mets just play within themselves they should not lose this series but realistically All they need is one win so don't get sweept

[@Standdividedfalltogether]

Can’t wait to smoke these woooaaass tonight!!!! LETS GOOO!!!

[@aharonbrand8044]

Good morning Ryan i believe that no matter how we perform in Atlanta the diamond k will continue to falter down the strech lfgm!!!!

[@TK0_23_]

The Phillies are 30-30 since in the 2nd half. The Mets are 35-23. So maybe it wasn't such a big surprise the Mets handled them. The Braves are 32-29. The Mets have scored 13 more runs and given up 35 fewer. So maybe it won't be a big surprise if the Mets win this series. Frankly, I'm not that concerned with the Braves. They are flawed this year. Losing Acuna AND Strider may have damaged their soul. The team that does concern me is the Padres. They are 40-17 (best in the NL) and we will travel to SD for three in the 1st round. They have a 291-206 RS-RA to our 285-216, showing as good as the Mets have been the Friars have been a bit better. After years of great promise and inexplicable disappointment, they have been quietly dominating since the All Star break. What I would like to see is for them to sweep the Dodgers while we sweep the Braves and the Padres win the Division so we don't have to travel to San Diego just yet. Team Aug Sep Mets 15-13 15-5 Braves 16-13 11-9 Padres 18-10 13-5 Dodgers 19-8 11-9 Remaing games Mets 3 @ Atl 3 @ Mil Padres 3 @ LA 3 @ Ari

[@aharonbrand8044]

Its All in the Mets hands at this point don't have to depend on anyone at All but themselves

[@johncummings5350]

Just one thought in comparing this series with 2022..... different pitching.....a different manager.... and different injuries suggest the two seasons are not comparable......i personally don't think its a worthy discussion regardless of the outcome.

[@aharonbrand8044]

They will clinch it for this series Mets Will go far don't be surprised that we make the ws

[@fr2ncm9]

It's possible. I definitely think that they make it to the LCS.

[@gmann67able]

The storm could be a blessing in disguise. What if we go 1-1 against the Braves and then we take 2-3 from the Brewers and either the braves lose the series against the Royals and the Diamond backs lose to the Padres the game three might not be a must win

[@jeffreysuarez8734]

They will clinch it for this series. Mets will go far. Don't be surprised that we make the WS.

[@davidjackson2832]

Didn't you say the same thing in 2015?

[@jeffreysuarez8734]

You must love the NY Mets very much

[@jeffreysuarez8734]

@@davidjackson2832You must love the Mets very much. You got plenty of company. Haters are really lovers in disguise

[@wilfredotorres6628]

Hoi Ryan, I asked Ai Copilit what are the odds of the Mets getting to the wildcard It told me 13.3 % pretty scary.

[@Rob-gy1dd]

Well my Magic 8 Ball said we’re going to win the World Series. And it’s never wrong.

[@wilwhite8557]

It’s all in the Mets hands at this point, don’t have to depend on anyone at all but themselves.

[@eddieperez4548]

Why don't play Lindor as the DH ?

[@aharonbrand8044]

First game is must win game two sale is probably a loos and game three is a toss up by far

[@davidjackson2832]

Ryan, do you think mlb will move the Thursday game to a neutral site?

[@IdliAmin_TheLastKingofSambar]

Nope. They’ll make them come back Monday to play it, if it’s necessary. Atlanta doesn’t have to go anywhere, and they’ll get to face David Peterson for a second time inside of a week, while the Mets will probably have to face Chris Sale again. I expect Atlanta to clinch before that though, so I doubt that game even happens, but they’re screwed either way.

[@KurtPratt-r4n]

I will happy if Lindor come back but If he can't field the ball then jus let him hit dh

[@wilwhite8557]

Serious question here is Pete Alonso the new Ryan Howard the Phillies former first baseman? Big power hitting first baseman who fell off the charts out of nowhere, what do you think Ryan 🤔

[@TheWilster11]

dang, thats on point. feels like that’ll be the case.

[@alandesgrange9703]

I'm not sure this is just an off year. This may be what he is for age 30.

[@wilwhite8557]

😂😂this coming from fans who wanted Quintana off the team, rewind the video 😂😂😂😂😂

[@jamesbuckley8917]

The league has to move that Thurs game to an early game, or double-header on Wed to avoid the hurricane. Playing a make-up game on the 30th would be horrible, where we could see Sale a 2nd time in this series.

[@dashx1103]

Good point.

[@MadelaineSchmidt]

@@dashx1103they better make the adjustment soon !

[@johncummings5350]

Exactly.....the league shouldn't allow Sale and the Braves to pitch him twice in the series......the league knows the backlash would not be good for MLB. You almost have to make an immediate decision on a rain date.....

[@dashx1103]

@@johncummings5350 They should do everything possible to avoid the need for a makeup game. But if it comes to that … and if Sale beats the Mets twice to keep them out of the playoffs… that’d be like the most “Mets thing” ever. And I doubt there would be much “backlash.” Outside of Mets World, anyway. I guess it is like a “battered spouse syndrome” sort of deal, but I have a feeling of dread. I genuinely believe the Mets MUST win tonight.

[@Thagomizer-U235]

1st game is a must win. Game 2 Sale is probably a loss. And game 3 is toss up.

[@stanfromwestport2024]

Sale is having a great year...But, he is overdue for a bad game...Remember, as a Red Sox, Sale had his good moments and his VERY BAD moments...Here's to hoping the METS knock him out in the 4th by putting 5 or 6 on the Braves by the time the BP gets called

[@johncummings5350]

Predictions are like buttocks..... everyone has one and they often stink. We will find out the outcome once they play. I could actually see just about anything happening..... the first game is the key..... momentum goes a long way and I certainly don't want to let Atlanta walk into the front door by starting with a victory. Don't let the Atlanta fan base become energized....it gets more difficult if that occurs.

[@IdliAmin_TheLastKingofSambar]

If the Mets don’t win the first two games (and I don’t expect they will), they’re cooked, because they’ll likely have to come back to Atlanta to play the third game on Monday (if it’s still necessary). And it would be Peterson vs. Sale again. Even if the Mets have a one-game lead going into that game, a loss gives the Braves the tiebreaker, and thus the WC. I don’t like the Mets’ chances.

[@aharonbrand8044]

The braves are desperate it's important to make the first game tonight to keep them from getting momentum

[@aharonbrand8044]

I believe the Mets are better than the braves

[@HinesEdventures]

Another hurricane is coming

[@Thagomizer-U235]

If Lindor comes back, what happens with Acuna?0

[@matthewguzda4075]

This is an amazing problem for them. Too many good players. Stick em at 2nd and platoon with Iglesias?

[@jamesbuckley8917]

The ONLY answer is put Acuna in CF, Taylor in RF.

[@IdliAmin_TheLastKingofSambar]

@@jamesbuckley8917 This is the correct answer-until pitchers stop treating Acuña like a 9th place hitter, and stop throwing him strikes, at which point he will plummet back to earth.

[@brandonin_ny]

JD Martinez is unfortunately washed. Great guy, great career, but it’s over. Pulling the plug on him seems like the only logical thing to do.

[@lordt78]

Mets will win if the Braves don't cheat like they did in 2022.

[@benjaminwatlers1848]

How did the braves cheat in 2022?

[@RG4l0824]

We will sweep them and Lindor is coming back i hope , we will play inspired baseball let’s go beat the braves !!!

[@benjaminwatlers1848]

I don't see the Mets being able to sweep or the Brave either being able to sweep

[@IdliAmin_TheLastKingofSambar]

I expect the Mets to get swept. Pessimism forever!

[@benjaminwatlers1848]

I think it will go game 1 to mets; game 2 to braves and game 3 deciding everything

[@IdliAmin_TheLastKingofSambar]

@@benjaminwatlers1848 In that case, HUGE advantage to Atlanta, because unless they reschedule today or tomorrow as a doubleheader, game 3 (if necessary) won’t be played until Monday, thanks to the hurricane. So Atlanta gets to stay put, while the Mets have to fly back in from Milwaukee. And it’ll very likely be Peterson vs. Sale again.

[@RaulAlmanzar1234]

Let’s Go Mets World Champs 2024..

[@aharonbrand8044]

I will be optimistic the Mets are better than the braves for sure

[@IdliAmin_TheLastKingofSambar]

Why?! You’re just setting yourself up for disappointment. Better to be a pessimist; at least that way, you might be pleasantly surprised.

[@RockPaperScissors13]

These are the series that d'arnaud likes to do what he could never do when he was in Flushing Meadow: channel his inner buster posey/joe Mauer. I remain cautiously optimistic but this is the shi+ Atlanta was built for.

[@aharonbrand8044]

I believe deap down in My heart the Mets are better than the braves because there a different team then two years ago plus The braves have lot's of injures

[@alandesgrange9703]

The braves are desperate. It's important to take the first game tonight to keep them from getting momentum.

[@LockedOnMets]

Good point. Don’t let them feel like they have a chance.

[@aharonbrand8044]

Good point don't let them feel like they have a chance