Re-Meet the Mets

It's easy to forget that the New York Mets were World Series contenders four years ago, and that they constructed a team based on ideals that have since changed in Queens. Pretty much the only real element that has stayed the same from the 2015 team is the youth-based pitching staff, which is almost entirely intact save for Matt Harvey (who was replaced by Jason Vargas, ironically from the team that beat them in the World Series that year).

And yet, the lineup has completely rebuilt itself and is ready to contend again, with an entirely clean slate from the 2015 lineup, with the exception of Juan Lagares. There's more of an emphasis on youth than there has been in years, thanks to Pete Alonso FINALLY getting a call-up-, the Smith-Rosario combo finally working, JD Davis and Jeff McNeil doing good work in the infield, and even ripe old Robinson Cano having a comeback season. It's the sort of rebuilt lineup that you'd think wouldn't work, but is doing a bang-up job so far, rivaling the Phillies for the top spot and looking impressive early.

Arguably the biggest offensive performer so far is Wilson Ramos, continuing his offensive reign from the last few years. This is a guy who you can fit in pretty much any offense and can still rely on, while also being an awesome defensive catcher. Even in an era ruled by backstops like Salvador Perez and Buster Posey, Ramos is still one of the strongest catchers in baseball, and is already off to a .407 average after a week of gameplay. If he can stay this strong, and potentially nab another ASG start, then the Mets will be in business.

The fact that the Mets are off to this kind of start without Jed Lowrie or Yoenis Cespedes says even more for their outlook. In this division, it could be tough, but they definitely have a lot that their opponents don't have.

Coming Tomorrow- The defining DH of the post-Ortiz era? Sure. And suiting up for Papi's old-old team doesn't hurt either.