4 Players Key to the

Playoff Chances in 2015

LUCAS DUDA• In 2014, Duda led the Mets in Home

Runs, hitting 30 for the first time in his career – twice as much as his previous high of 15.

• Duda posted a batting average of .253 last year, an improvement from the last two years in which he hit .239 and .223.

• In 2011, he hit .292, which shows he does have the ability to hit for average as well as power. With one more year under his belt, Duda should be able to find a comfortable balance between the two.

MATT HARVEY• Harvey sat out the 2014 season

after undergoing tommy john surgery on his right elbow.

• In 2013, his sophomore year, he posted a 2.27 Earned Run Average before being shut down late in the season due to his injury.

• For his career, Harvey has averaged 9.9 strikeouts per 9 innings.

• The Mets have been conservative in bringing Harvey back from a historically risky injury. While pitchers tend to perform slightly worse after coming back from tommy john, Harvey’s youth, athletic capability and determination should see him return as one of the premier starting pitchers in baseball.

MICHAEL CUDDYER

• Cuddyer, previously on the Rockies, signed with the Mets this offseason as a much needed bat in the middle of the lineup.

• The Mets play at Citi Field, one of the biggest MLB stadiums, which has raised questions about the productivity of big bats coming in from other teams .

• The Rockies, in Particular, play at Coors Field, one of the most home run friendly parks in the league.

• The last two years, Cuddyer has hit .331 and .332, totaling 30 home runs and 115 RBIs while missing significant time both years.

• Because his production has relied less on the home run unlike other Rockies stars Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, Cuddyer’s ability to hit for a high average should help him adjust well to Citi field.

JUAN LAGARES• Lagares is a defensive superstar, and on a

team whose strength lies mostly in their pitching, formidable defense is a necessity.

• In 2014, Lagares won the Gold Glove award for his play in center field, off the strength of spectacular catches on a consistent basis as well as a cannon for an arm. He has thrown out 21 runners over the past two years.

• Lagares’ bat also shows signs of improvement. In 2013, Lagares hit .242 with 96 strikeouts. The next year he hit .281 with 9 less strikeouts in 24 more at-bats.

• His superior speed, evident from his outfield defense, promises improvement in his stolen base potential, as do the stats. In 2014, Lagares stole 13 bases, more than double his previous career total of 6.

• As he grows into a more mature, patient hitter, Lagares should continue to see his strikeouts decrease and his offensive output should be more than adequate when taking into account his defense.

Statistics from http://www.baseball-reference.com/