There’s not much to like about the Cardinals when they’re not hitting.
The once-great Cardinal defense, anchored by perennial Gold Glovers at the corners, now ranks bottom-10 in Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average.
Their bullpen has posted an ERA north of five over the past fortnight. Their rotation is dreadful.
And unfortunately for the Redbirds, they’re not hitting.
They rank 26th among MLB lineups in weighted Runs Created Plus (83) and hit worse against southpaws (69), which doesn’t bode well against lefty Sean Manaea on Monday.
Paul Goldschmidt is off to a brutal start (68 OPS+), while Nolan Arenado has been average in his at-bats (115 OPS+).
Youngsters Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman have combined for 29 hits and 58 strikeouts in 188 plate appearances, and the former is now on the IL.
Meanwhile, there’s plenty to like about the Mets.
Mets vs. Cardinals prediction
(7:45 p.m. ET, SNY)
The Mets boast an above-average lineup (102 wRC+, 15th in MLB) and an elite bullpen (2.90 relief ERA, fourth).
The return of Edwin Diaz, combined with a breakout from Reed Garrett and strong showings from Jorge Lopez, Adam Ottavino and Jake Diekman have made the Mets’ bullpen deep and impenetrable — even with Diaz blowing a save Sunday in a walk-off loss to the Rays.
The Mets don’t grade out well by the advanced defensive metrics (25th in Defensive Runs Saved, 17th in Outs Above Average), but I think it’s an undervalued unit.
Betting on Baseball?
Francisco Lindor is an elite shortstop, Brandon Nimmo is a rock-solid left fielder and both catchers frame nicely.
I think the Cardinals are an awful team and am looking to fade them whenever possible.
THE PLAY: Mets (+108, BetRivers)
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