SIGNAL OR NOISE?

Small samples can sometimes be deceiving. Other times they can be predictive.

For example, a pair of rookies shined in the final two months of the 2018 season to set the stage for fantasy production in 2019.

■ Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil hit .335 after Aug. 1 in 2018 to rank eighth in the majors. He followed up with a terrific all-around 2019 season in which he challenged for a National League batting title (.318) and also chipped in 23 home runs, 75 RBIs and 83 runs.