The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies are both entering 2015 with expectations of improving off a disappointing 2014 season. While the Mets look better equipped to do that than the Phillies, both teams have gotten off to inconsistent starts as they prepare to face off for the first time this season with the National League East getting off to a slow start.
The New York Mets will get a second look at free agent pickup Jacob DeGrom. He excelled in spring training and earned a spot in the lineup for the start of the year. His first start went well as he gave up just two runs over six innings, but got no run support and was handed a 2-1 loss. Coming off a successful rookie season, the Mets have high expectations for DeGrom who is expected to be a leader in the rotation. He will get his first look at the Philadelphia Phillies and could improve off their weaker bats.
"I think everybody has goals, and you gotta set the bar high. So I think every pitcher wants to go out there and be in the running to win a Cy Young and go out there for the team, win a World Series, stuff like that. Those are all part of my goals," DeGrom said, via the New York Post.
The Phillies will place their own free agent pickup on the mound in Aaron Harang. The pitcher looked solid in his first outing of the year as he gave up just two hits while striking out eight against the Boston Red Sox. Harang appears to be picking up where he left off in 2014 after a career year with the Atlanta Braves. The pitcher put up a personal-best 3.57 ERA while eclipsing 200 innings. With Cole Hamels struggling to make an impact on the mound, these are the kind of numbers that the Phillies need if they are going to be competitive and it starts against the Mets.
