Unrealistic Expectations
Francisco Alvarez's meteoric rise through the Mets farm system, from Single-A Brooklyn a year ago to the starting lineup Friday night against the Braves, is impressive and commendable. But was the last step premature?
Hoping that the power-hitting prospect, who'd crushed 27 homers between Binghamton and Syracuse, could be the weekend difference-maker was a bit of a reach. Alvarez went 0 for 8, with three strikeouts as the Mets were swept by the Braves, who nearly locked down their fifth straight division title.
Don't blame the still 20-year old. His stats, on field presence and engaging personality speak for themselves. I saw plenty of Alvarez this year as Mirabito Stadium and NBT Bank Park became my "home fields." There are plenty of other culprits as the Mets fell flat in their biggest series of the season.
A temporary setback for the Mets and Alvarez, whose address in 2023 will very likely be 41 Seaver Way in Flushing.
(My images are from last Wednesday's final game of the minor league regular season in Syracuse.)
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