Tablesetter

Brandon Nimmo is one of the very few Mets who've exceeded expectations in 2018. The former first round draft pick, not considered ready for a fulltime spot before the season began, has taken over as Mickey Callaway's leadoff batter.
With injuries to Yoenis Cespedes and Juan Lagares, Michael Conforto's slow recovery from shoulder surgery and a slow start from Jay Bruce, Nimmo has stepped it up.
Hitting close to .300 and getting on base 45% of the time, Nimmo is rewarding the faith shown him by Sandy Alderson who made him his top choice in 2011.
It's been a long path to the majors for the Wyoming native. Most first rounders don't need seven years to become a regular. But in this case, the Mets are tapping the rewards of their patience.
Thursday night, in the opener of their four game series at Milwaukee, Nimmo was the Mets catalyst. He went 4-for-4, to extend his on-base streak. Over the last two games, he's reached base safety eight straight times! His offensive outburst backed impressive pitching by Steven Matz in the 5-0 shutout victory.
It's no secret that since the Mets haven't had the success developing young players the way the Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies and Braves had. As a result, the team depends on a lot of older players, many on the downside of their careers.
Nimmo adds that splash of youth and exuberance to a Mets team that with all their drama, stands just two games back of the Phils and Braves this morning in the NL East.

(This image of Nimmo comes from the Mets/Rockies game on May 4th.)