MIKE & THE MAD DOG ARE BACK!

 Here’s a transcript from the new Mike & the Mad Dog radio pwogram:

Mad Dog: Mike, I'll tell you what, the New York Mets are a mess! They've got a losing record and they're struggling to score runs. I don't see them making the playoffs this year.

Mike: Hold on, Mad Dog. I agree the Mets have had a rough start, but it's still early in the 2023 season. They're dealing with injuries to some key players, including Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo, and they're working to get some of their new acquisitions up to speed.

Mad Dog: I hear you, but their pitching staff is a far cry from what it used to be. Without deGrom, who's the ace now?

Mike: Well, they've got Marcus Stroman who's been pitching well, and they just brought up top prospect Matthew Allan. Plus, their bullpen has been solid so far.

Mad Dog: Okay, but what about their offense? They're still struggling to score runs, even with some of their key players back in the lineup.

Mike: Yes, their offense has been inconsistent, but they've got some young talent that's starting to come into its own, like Brett Baty and Francisco Alvarez. And they've got some veteran guys like Pete Alonso who can carry the team when they need it.

Mad Dog: I don't know, Mike. It just seems like the Mets are a team without an identity this year. They're not really hitting, their pitching isn't dominant, and their defense is shaky.

Mike: I understand where you're coming from, Mad Dog, but I think it's too early to count them out.

Mad Dog: I hope you're right, Mike. But I'm just not seeing it yet. The Mets have a long way to go if they want to make a run at the playoffs this year. Let’s see if Girardi can turn the ship around. 

Mike: Dog, I think you might be a little bit behind on your Mets news. Joe Girardi is not the manager of the Mets, it's actually Buck Showalter. And while you're right that deGrom is no longer on the team, the Mets did make some big moves in the offseason to acquire Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, who are both pitching very well. Except when they’re hurt. Which is always. 

Mad Dog: Oh, my mistake. But even with Scherzer and Verlander, the Mets are still struggling to win games. Their record is below .500 and they've been inconsistent on offense.

Mike: Yes, the Mets have had some ups and downs this season, but they've also dealt with some injuries and COVID protocols that have disrupted their roster. And while their offense has been inconsistent, they've got some key players like Michael Conforto and Pete Alonso who are starting to heat up.

Mad Dog: That may be true, but their defense has also been a liability at times. They lead the league in errors and it's cost them some games.

Mike: I agree that their defense has been an issue, but they're also working to make improvements there. They've made some adjustments in the infield and they've got some good defensive players in the outfield like Kevin Pillar and Brandon Nimmo.

Mad Dog: I just think the Mets have a lot of work to do if they want to be contenders this year. It's not just about having big names like Scherzer and Verlander, they need to play like a team and find some consistency.

Mike: I hear you, Mad Dog, but I think it's still early in the season and the Mets have the talent and experience to turn things around. Showalter is a great manager and he'll get this team going in the right direction. Let's give them some time before we count them out.