5question for ... Jessica Mendoza
Q: What impressed you about the Mets?
A: Of course there’s Yoenis Cespedes, and you can go off about him. But I see a guy like Michael Conforto, they brought him up and he’s just been consistent with power, in the field. He’s one example of the team seamlessly adding players and becoming successful. With everything that’s going on with Matt Harvey, being in the clubhouse, talking to all the guys I am impressed with the conversation that’s happening internally. Dealing with that adversity now ... will be a boost in the postseason.
Q: How have they dealt with it?
A: David Wright has been the one handling Harvey, and the way he talks and teammates listen is telling. For example, a guy like Michael Cuddyer: Conforto said Cuddyer was the first one to say “this is how it works, let me help you.” And that’s the guy Conforto is replacing. It sends the message: It’s not about you, it’s about this team and this is how I am going to prove it. The Harvey situation is a big deal. My biggest concern is if this becomes a thing in the postseason. I know as a teammate that’s when it changes. When it’s the postseason and you absolutely have to win – and you’re really going to come out (of the lineup). As a teammate it’s tough to get behind that.
Q: How have the Yankees been able to stay in the AL East race and atop the wild card?
A: The Yankees right now are not getting as much credit with the Blue Jays getting David Price and all that, but there is relentlessness to this team. They deserve credit because of all the injuries they’ve had. Their offense is still able to produce in a huge way with guys like Greg Bird.
Q: Is the lineup good enough to carry them to a postseason run?
A: (Jacoby) Ellsbury and (Brett) Gardner absolutely have to figure out a way. I really liked Jacoby’s atbats Sunday and in Toronto. That line drive he hit right back to (David) Price, to me that’s his swing. When he’s rolling over and hitting ground balls, that’s not him. With (Mark) Teixeira out and ARod unpredictable they absolutely have to have the top two guys on base. They don’t need to hit home runs, don’t even try. Just get on base, bunt, whatever it takes. Q: Any team you are looking at as a World Series favorite? A: The Blue Jays’ entire lineup is so tough, and they have a humility behind them. They are confident, but they are not too cocky. You just feel a sense of urgency and they bring that to the entire game and it’s not just against the Yankees. If I had to pick a team, every time I watch them I know I am going to see every ounce of what they have.