When the Cardinals aren’t hitting, they’re not very good.
The Cardinal’s once-great defense, with its regular Gold Glover at corner, now ranks in the bottom 10 in defensive runs saved and above-average outs.
Their bullpen has had an ERA above 5 the past two weeks. Their rotation is terrifying.
And unfortunately, the Redbirds are not hitting.
They rank 26th among MLB lineups. Weighted execution creation plus (83) and hits poorly against southpaws (69), which doesn’t bode well for Monday’s matchup against left-hander Sean Manaea.
Paul Goldschmidt is off to a great start (68 OPS+) while Nolan Arenado is having an average at-bat (115 OPS+).
Youngsters Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman have combined for 29 hits and 58 strikeouts in 188 at-bats, with the former currently on the IL.
On the other hand, there’s a lot to like about the Mets.
Mets vs. Cardinals predictions
(7:45 p.m. ET, New York)
The Mets boast an above-average batting line (102 wRC+, 15th in MLB) and an elite bullpen (2.90 ERA in relief, 4th).
The return of Edwin Diaz, coupled with a breakout from Reid Garrett and strong performances from Jorge Lopez, Adam Ottavino and Jake Diekman, made the Mets’ bullpen deep and difficult to penetrate — Sunday. This was despite Diaz making the save in a walk-off loss. Rays.
Although the Mets don’t rate well in advanced defensive metrics (25th in points allowed, 17th in outs above average), I think it’s an underrated unit.
Do you want to bet on baseball?
Francisco Lindor is an elite shortstop, Brandon Nimmo is a solid left fielder, and both catchers are building well.
I think the Cardinals are a terrible team, so I want to fade them out as much as possible.
The Play: Mets (+108, Bet Rivers)
