Mets Plan Paying Off

After Noah Syndergaard took the mound Monday in spring training against opposing hitters for the first time in 2014, one thing should be readily apparent to Mets fans.

The Mets have a plan. They are in a position to be good -- sooner rather than later.

The 21-year-old Syndergaard started Monday afternoon and tossed two scoreless innings against the Braves. He had two strikeouts (Jason Heyward and Evan Gattis). He allowed just one hit to Ryan Doumit. His fastball command was solid. His velocity was stellar, touching 98 mph.

The Mets won 6-2.

And while this was ultimately just a meaningless spring game in March, it does open eyes to the Mets’ future. With Zack Wheeler, a hopefully healthy Jon Niese, and Syndergaard likely making his debut at some point this season, the Mets could be in a position to turn some heads.

There are many more wins on the horizon.

Last week general manager Sandy Alderson said he thought the Mets could win 90 games. That may be a stretch this season in a division that features the Braves and the hype-filled Washington Nationals, but when Matt Harvey returns in 2015, pencil me in as a believer in the Amazin’s.

As for 2014, I think the Mets could be in the mix for a while. I think they’ll hang around before ultimately falling out of the NL East race.

That said, if the offense shows some life and David Wright stays healthy, it’s going to be an exciting next six months in Queens, even if a playoff berth doesn’t come about.

The plan is in place. And the plan is working. This season is the beginning of many good ones to come.

Read more about Syndergaard's outing from the New York Times.