Mets Fans Should Temper Their Expectations for Incredibly Tough Stretch Ahead

We never thought we'd say it, but the New York Mets are in the thick of the tightly-packed National League Wild Card Race.

There's no doubting the Queens faithful would love to give that assessment a few moments to breathe, but that's exactly what their club doesn't have time to do given their gauntlet of upcoming series.

Are we telling the fanbase not to be enthralled that the Amazins' are (finally) playing meaningful ball again? Absolutely not. But, it'd be irresponsible on our part to not advise them to temper their expectations.

Remaining strength of schedule, by winning percentage: Phillies .513, Mets .511, Nationals .500, Braves .490
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) August 8, 2019

After three games against Washington, the Mets head to Atlanta for three against the streaking Braves -- a six-game stretch that could seal or doom New York's fate in 2019.

And it doesn't get much easier after that as Mickey Callaway's men are slated for consecutive sets against the Indians, Braves (again), Cubs, Phillies, Nationals (again), Phils (again), Diamondbacks and Dodgers.

Anyone still harping on the schedule, just stop. You don’t go on a 13-1 run against major league teams, unless you’re playing at an elite level as a group.

That’s not to say that it’s not about to get tougher. It is. But this hot streak is legit.
— Steve Gelbs (@SteveGelbs) August 7, 2019

Thanks to 13-1 stretch, the Metropolitans sit just a half-game back of Philly and Milwaukee for the second Wild Card. The Nats hold the first WC spot with a 61-53 mark, whom the Metsies are just 1.5 games behind and play six times in the next month.

To confirm: this is what you wanted, right Mets fans? Playing relevant ball in August against baseball's best? If so, then fasten your seat belts.

The boys are undoubtedly hot. But for how much longer?