Lindsanity Takes Over Toronto

Many of us New York fans remember the famed “Linsanity” run, as Knicks guard Jeremy Lin took over New York media for the better part of a month.

Now, thanks to Mets play-by-play commentator Gary Cohen, we’ve got a new and improved version:

Lindsanity. 

Named after Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who inserted himself further into the National League MVP conversation with another great performance on Wednesday afternoon.

Entering the rubber game of a must-win series in Toronto, the Mets offense looked bleak. In fact, they looked so bleak, the eighth inning came and went without the orange and blue ever mustering a hit.

However, Lindor was leading off the ninth, and he had some new plans in mind for the Jays.

After falling behind 0-2 to starting pitcher Bowden Francis, Lindor turned on a hanging breaking ball and smashed it to left field, clearing the wall for a home run. With just one swing, he had broken up the no-hitter, ended the shutout, and tied the game.

THAT SEEMED PRETTY VALUABLE@Lindor12BC | #LGM pic.twitter.com/CRRB1g7aMq

— New York Mets (@Mets) September 11, 2024

And just like that, the dam broke.

Lindor’s statement of a home run spread like a virus to the rest of the lineup, who continued to work walks, hits, and sacrifices as the Mets batted around the order. When all was said and done, New York had themselves a series win, topping the Jays 6-2.

The Mets’ star shortstop has solidified himself as a leading, captain-like presence in the clubhouse, as he continues to set the tone of this run at the National League Wild Card. 

“It was only big because we ended up winning,” Lindor said of his home run. “We just have to stay the course and climb the mountain,” he added later. 

He also raved about his teammates, crediting them with jumping onto the energy of his home run and continuing the rally.

Lindor, now 30, holds ownership over a Baseball Savant page that is COVERED in red. His xwOBA, xBA, and xSLG all rank in the top 10 percent of the league. His barrel percentage and hard-hit percentage fall in the top 20 percent. 

And don’t forget about his fielding, which ranks as quite simply the best defensive range in the league, sitting at the 99th percentile. 

Lindor’s work at the plate and in the field thus far has resulted in 7.4 fWAR, good for fifth in the MLB and the leader in the NL. 

Needless to say, he’s been good. Now, as Shohei Ohtani inches closer and closer to a 50-50 season, the NL MVP voting could be decided down the stretch. 

But, Lindor’s play surely warrants him being in the conversation. 

“It was only big because we ended up winning,” Lindor said.

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