Month: September 2016

The Mets Better Watch Their Backs

On By themetssiahLeave a comment



Final Score: Mets 5, Marlins 2

The Mets concluded one of the most emotional series in recent memory by winning last night’s rubber game against the Marlins. Seth Lugo gave the Mets another decent outing, Jay Bruce continues to show his previously lost power, and Curtis Granderson reached base five times. After watching some of the video from the Jose Fernandez funeral on Wednesday, I’m honestly amazed the Marlins were able to suit up and take the field for these games. I really wish they could just call it a season a focus on grieving. I’m happy the Mets handled this series the right way, and now they can focus on finishing strong against the Phillies.

Which brings me to my next point. The Mets better watch their damn backs.

The Phillies are horrible and have nothing to lose. They basically said they’re coming for us. The Mets better keep their heads on a damn swivel. Terry better wake the hell up. Watch out for dirty pitches, late slides, and every other form of cheating that the Phillies can use this weekend in the hopes of ruining our chances of clinching this Wild Card playoff berth. Protect Yoenis Cespedes. Double the number of pads on Yo’s elbow and have Ty Kelly and Eric Campbell guarding him at all times since they serve no other purpose.

Loney In, Duda Fine: Lucas Duda was supposed to start at first base last night, but he was scratched with back soreness. It’s unfortunate because Terry had just appointed Loney his special assistant in charge of reminding him to pinch run for slow guys. I’m sure Duda’s back is fine. The Mets promised he was fine when they rushed him back from the DL, so I obviously believe them. They never lie about injuries ever. Anyway, it worked out because James Loney hit a two-run homer in the second inning to tie the game after Lugo had surrendered a two-run shot to Martin Prado in the first inning.

Lugo: Seth Lugo pitched 5.1 innings and other than the two-run homer to Prado he was fairly effective. He walked three Marlins and gave up five hits. He was definitely forced to escape a few jams. People were angry with Terry for his quick hook because Lugo had a low pitch count when he was removed. In theory I agree that Terry should have left him in the game a bit longer. But I also read that fatigue has been an issue with Lugo because he was previously a reliever. In this particular case I trust Terry. I assume he had some insider knowledge. It worked out because the pen shut the Marlins down. Seth Lugo also had some nice ABs and added a two out double in the fourth inning. Jose Reyes drove him in with an RBI double of his own to make it 3-2 Mets.

Bruce is Loose: In the fifth inning, Curtis Granderson singled and then Jay Bruce followed that with a two-run homer to make it 5-2 Mets. Fans can sit there and debate all day whether Michael Conforto was “cheated” out of ABs while Bruce was struggling. The bottom line is what I said weeks ago. Bruce is an established streaky veteran slugger, and he was on an ice cold streak. The Mets were always going to continue playing him in the hopes that his bat would heat up during the final weeks/the playoffs. Well it looks like that’s actually happening.

Hot For Grandy: Curtis Granderson had four hits and a walk in this game. A hot Grandy is one of the most welcome sights of the season. Grandy is getting on base and Bruce is rediscovering his power stroke while hitting behind him. I like the sound of that.

Loving This .350 Thing: T.J. Rivera had another hit last night. I must say, I’m a big fan of his whole guy batting .350 thing. He’s been mashing for around 100 ABs now, and he hasn’t slowed down much. I really hope he continues to rake. At least keep it up in the short term. That would be oh so sweet.

Unlimited Innings: Hansel Robles, Fernando Salas, Addison Reed, and Jeurys Familia shut down the Marlins. Fernando Salad has been fantastic since his arrival. Salas/Reed/Familia are all among the league leaders in innings pitched out of the pen. Pray for their arms. We need them now more than ever.

Bartolo Shagging Fly Balls: Bartolo Colon supposedly has a strained tendon in his foot and before last night’s game he was in the outfield shagging fly balls. Next thing you know the Wilpons will be challenging Tolo and Thor to a pickup basketball game. Ummm let’s keep the non-pitching activities to a minimum okay Tolo?

I Like It: The Mets need to handle their own business this weekend. But the Dodgers play the Giants and they are shooting to have a better record than the Nationals so they can have home field advantage in the NLDS. The Cardinals play the Pirates, and I have to believe the Pirates will be extra bitter this weekend considering the letdown this season has been for them. Nothing is guaranteed but I like these matchups. I like our chances.

The Thor Debate: Terry actually said before the game that he was debating whether he’d prefer Noah Syndergaard on the mound in a road Wild Card playoff game or some other pitcher going at Citi Field. Let me clear this one up for you Terry. You go with Thor. Sometimes I feel like I’d rather have a random Mets fan in the stands making the big decisions. Moron.

Tebow: In Tim Tebow’s first at-bat in the instructional league he hit an opposite field homer off of a left-handed pitcher. In his second AB he grounded out. In his third AB he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right-hand of the Father.

Today: Day off today. Rest. Let’s crush Philly. Let’s clinch. Please finish this the right way Mets.

Mets Need To Finish Strong

On By themetssiah1 Comment
Let’s go baby! Four more! Four more!

Final Score: Mets 12, Marlins 1

The Marlins were emotionally drained after Monday’s game, and it showed last night. For the most part Thor cruised, and the Mets put up 12 runs against the Marlins pitching staff. Here’s the bottom line. There are four games left. The Mets are 0.5 games up on the Giants for the first Wild Card and 1.5 up on the Cardinals. Win and we’re in. We own the home field tiebreaker against the Giants. So if we coast, we host. Winning the final four games is obviously easier said than done. But I’ve tried reading all the Wild Card tiebreaker scenarios. I’m done with tiebreaker talk. Win out. No excuses. Finishing the season with 88 wins would be a decent accomplishment considering all the injuries to the pitching staff. Pray.

Strep-less Wonder: Noah Syndergaard pitched 6 innings and gave up 1 run on 5 hits with 8 Ks. His velocity was slightly down. Hopefully that was due to some residual fatigue after his battle with strep throat. He also had two hits in the game. We need to clinch before Sunday. We need Thor for the Wild Card game.

It’s Still About Homers: Jay Bruce hit a two-run homer in the second inning to make it 2-1 Mets. Bruce had two hits last night. If he’s coming out of his funk, the league better watch out. That’s assuming we actually win enough games to continue playing beyond Sunday. Yoenis Cespedes hit a two-run bomb to left center field in the third inning to make it 4-1. It was a classic Yo blast and bat flip situation.

It Was About RISP Until It Wasn’t: The Mets were 0 for 9 with RISP until the 8th inning when they broke the game open. Curtis Granderson hit a two-run single to make it 6-1 and with two outs Lucas Duda hit a bases loaded double that scored three more runs to make it 9-1. The Mets piled on 3 more runs in the 9th inning. Grandy added another double.

Bent Ankle: Jose Reyes rolled his ankle in the 8th inning after he hit a double and slammed on the breaks after rounding second base because Ty Kelly was holding at third base. Jose shook it off.

Why No Subs?: The Mets continued to play Asdrubal Cabrera and Jose Reyes until the end of the game despite having a huge lead. They also pitched Addison Reed and Jeurys Familia in a blowout. After all, we definitely need to get the league’s most overworked relievers more work.

It Changes Everything: A healthy Lucas Duda and hot Jay Bruce would really stretch out this Mets lineup. When the home run ball is flying out, the idea of adding two more all or nothing sluggers to the mix feels like a genius move in theory. I’m salivating at the prospect of a home run fueled playoff run. For now I’ll take a home run fueled five game winning streak to finish the season.

The Pitchers Are Injured: Yesterday, the Mets announced Steven Matz will miss the rest of the season. I announced it a week ago. They also mentioned that Bartolo Colon hurt his foot running the bases two weeks ago and is playing through a sprained tendon. Try not to put too much weight on it Tolo.

Today: Seth Lugo pitches tonight. I’m excited to see more of that Lugo curve. Another top notch performance from Lugo will really help calm the nerves before this must win final weekend in Philly. A loss will set off the Panic City alarms.

The Marlins Won For Jose Fernandez 

On By themetssiahLeave a comment



Final Score: Marlins 7, Mets 3

The Marlins were always going to win last night’s game. I know life doesn’t always have a happy fairytale ending. The world isn’t a fair place. It’s never fair when someone so young, charismatic, and talented is taken from the earth at 24 years old. But the Marlins were always going to win. I knew it. I knew it because when life refuses to give you the storybook feel good ending you crave, baseball often does. It was a night where all baseball fans needed the Marlins to come through in a big way. And they did it. They did it for Jose Fernandez. To honor him. The baseball gods made sure of it. They inspired the Marlins. They gave them the strength and energy to win this game after one of the most emotional pregame tributes I have ever witnessed. Dee Gordon set the tone right away with his clutch and moving lead-off homer. He came up to the plate from the right side to honor Jose and then channeled Jose’s strength when he hit his home run to right field off of Bartolo Colon. The Marlins then piled on 6 more runs over the first 2.1 innings. That was all they needed to win. Last night’s Marlins victory was for the people of Miami, the people of Cuba, and the Marlins organization. Hell, it was for all of baseball.

Game Notes: Bartolo Colon was rocked. He gave up 7 runs on 8 hits over 2.1 innings. He better shake last night’s performance off because the Mets need the elite Bartolo if they have any hope of finishing this week strong and making the playoffs. Marlins starter Adam Conley has really owned the Mets this season. I have to be honest, without Wilmer Flores our lineup against lefties stinks. Nobody wants to face Madison Bumgarner under any circumstances, but if the Mets plan to play a Wild Card game against MadBum with Eric Campbell in the lineup then someone needs to hide Soup’s car keys on October 5th so he can’t get to the game. Lucas Duda came in the game as a pinch hitter in the 5th inning, and in the 8th inning he hit an RBI single. Let’s just start Lucas the rest of the way okay? Terry?!? Can you hear me?!? Lucas should play if he’s healthy. Asdrubal Cabrera also had two more hits. He drove in two runs with a double in the 5th inning. There are no more words left to describe how hot Cabby is.

Tonight: The Mets need to move on and refocus on winning baseball games. The Cardinals lost yesterday to the Reds. I’m always quick to criticize the Mets, but the Cardinals and Giants really don’t deserve a playoff berth. They have been awful. The Mets need to come out strong and prepared tonight. Based on everything I’ve read about his character and personality, Jose Fernandez would want these teams on the field competing as we approach the end of the season. The Mets need to continue honoring his memory by taking the field tonight and competing at the highest level. RIP Jose.

1-877-Runs4Fans, The Mets Scored Runs Today

On By themetssiahLeave a comment
runs4fans
1-877-Runs4Fans/R-U-N-S, Runs for fans/ 1-877-Runs4Fans/The Mets scored runs today!

Final Score: Mets 17, Phillies 0

What an explosive day at the plate for the New York Mets. Thank the gods for the Phillies. The Las Vegas 51s pitching staff and hitters made Philly look like they belonged in the Pacific Coast League this weekend. The Mets earned many of the runs on Sunday, but Philly also handed us runs left and right. Walks and wild pitches and hit by pitches. Sweet Jesus it was an ugly game for Philly. I’ll take it though! The other Wild Card teams lost. The Cardinals and Giants continue to struggle, and the Mets continue to excel against the bad teams during this crucial stretch of baseball. That reality has to be acknowledged. As much as it feels like “nobody wants the Wild Card”, the Mets have been among the best teams in baseball (record wise) for the last month. Let’s keep it up.  Also, I’m excluding the Braves from the “bad teams” because 1) They destroyed us and 2) Seemingly they aren’t as bad as their record would indicate. Look out for them next season.

The Runs They Gave Us: The Phillies handed the Mets so many runs on Sunday it was hard to keep up. With the bases loaded in the fourth inning, they walked Jose Reyes to force in a run. In the fifth inning with the bases loaded, they hit Rene Rivera with a pitch to force in a run. They also added a two out wild pitch in the fifth inning with Jose Reyes batting that allowed Jay Bruce to score. They walked in a run with bases loaded again in the 7th with Jose at the plate. The gifts just kept coming and coming.

The Big Hitters: There were many notable performances on Sunday including two hits from Jay Bruce. In the second inning Bruce led off with a double and T.J. Rivera followed that with a single. Bruce wound up scoring when James Loney hit into a double play. Curtis Granderson hit his 30th homer of the season in the fourth inning. In the fifth inning T.J. Rivera hit an RBI single. In the seventh inning Asdrubal Cabrera added the big time Grand Slam to make it 11-0 Mets. In the 8th inning Jose Reyes doubled in two runs. He had 4 RBIs on the day. Eric Campbell even got in on the action with a two-run single in the 8th inning. Michael Conforto had the final RBIs with a two-run double to cap off the 8th inning.

I’m Excited But…: I’m excited to see Robert Gsellman off to an incredible major league start. He pitched 7 scoreless innings and gave up 3 hits with 8 strikeouts. I’m excited but…I’m keeping my expectations low. I’m hoping he keeps this up, but I ain’t about to crown him as a new young ace. I made the mistake of doing that with Conforto. I don’t want to make that mistake again. Is he a playoff caliber starter? I don’t know. But it doesn’t matter does it? If we get there he’s pitching. So yeah he could be a playoff starter. We shall see if he gets the chance.

Today: The game tonight will be very emotional. Jose Fernandez was supposed to start before his tragic passing in a boating accident on Sunday. I will remember him tonight. I will remember him always.

Mets’ Comeback: Close, But No Cigar

On By themetssiahLeave a comment



Final Score: Phillies 10, Mets 8

I’ll be honest. As soon as I heard that Noah Syndergaard was scratched with strep throat, I had a feeling that last night’s game had the potential to be one of those sacrificial lamb pitcher nights. A night where the team concedes and a pitcher or two are offered up as tribute to the baseball gods. The arms are brought in and the manager allows them to get crushed because the team has already conceded the game and the manager wants the pitchers to eat up innings. Last night Sean Gilmartin and Rafael Montero were serving in that role. Sean Gilmartin took the mound in the first inning, and he gave up 5 runs before the inning was even over. He was lifted for Montero. As soon as Montero entered we all knew 1) He would give up more runs. 2) He was giving the team innings no matter how many runs he gave up. Montero ended up serving up another 5 runs over 3.1 innings. By the end of the 10th inning it was 10-0 Phillies and the game felt completely over. 

Sub-a-dee-doo-dah-day: Prior to the top of the 5th inning, Terry waved the official white flag by pulling all the regulars. T.J. Rivera came in for Jose Reyes, Ty Kelly came in for Yoenis Cespedes, Gavin Cecchini replaced Asdrubal Cabrera, and Brandon Nimmo replaced Curtis Granderson. Sub-city. And that crew of subs started a comeback that lasted until the 9th inning. In the 5th inning, the Mets added runs on a Philly error, a T.J. Rivera RBI single, a Brandon Nimmo RBI double, and a Ty Kelly sac fly. In the 6th, Cecchini added an RBI double and Rivera added an RBI on an infield hit. In two innings it went from 10-0 to 10-6 and the comeback was underway. 

The Last Chance: In the 8th inning, Cecchini added his second RBI double to make it 10-7, and that extra run at least gave the Mets a fighting chance to tie the game in the 9th. In the 9th, Jay Bruce hit a surprise pinch hit solo homer to make it 10-8. Then the Phillies walked Eric Campbell and Michael Conforto with one out and gave Lucas Duda a chance to win the game with one swing. Duda failed and then so did Travis d’Arnaud after him. The Mets comeback effort fell short but at least the B-squad really showed some fight yet again. Also the Phillies stink. 

Today: The Mets look to win the series against Philly today with Robert Gsellman on the mound. The Giants and Cardinals won yesterday. So the Mets and Giants are tied and the Cards are a half game back in the Wild Card race. We all know this race is going down to the final day. Don’t kid yourselves. This week is going to be drama city. Let’s go. 

Serious Note: My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez who died in a tragic boating accident last night. The news is just heartbreaking and a reminder of how precious life is. Rest in peace Jose. 

Hungry Mets B-Squad Leading The Wild Card

On By themetssiahLeave a comment


Final Score: Mets 10, Phillies 5

This Mets team full of veteran hitters and B-squad arms continues to show resilience in these final games against the worst teams in the National League. They can smell a playoff spot, and they refuse to roll over and die. This season has been a disaster, but at least this crew will keep things interesting until the season’s final day. 

A Bunch Of B-Squad Arms: Terry used six pitchers to get through this game.  He had the shortest leash in the world for every pitcher, and that was completely justified in my mind. Starting pitcher Gabriel Ynoa gave up 2 runs in the second inning and Terry yanked him. 

D’Arnaud Did Something: In the second inning Travis d’Arnaud hit an RBI double to make it 2-1 Phillies. It was shocking to see Travis do anything considering how horrendous he’s been this year. 

A Bunch of B-Squad Arms Part 2: Logan Verrett gave up an insta-solo homer when he entered the game in the third inning. Then he escaped a bases loaded jam in the 4th, and Terry yanked him. Josh Smoker pitched a solid 5th inning. 

Marching Back: In the top of the 5th inning, Curtis Granderson hit an RBI single to make it 3-2 Phils. Then Kelly Johnson hit a 2-RBI single to give the Mets a 4-3 lead. Michael Conforto capped off the inning with a 3-run homer to make it 7-3 Mets. I’m guessing that’s the official death blow for any Jay Bruce starts the rest of the way. Good riddance. 

A Bunch of B-Squad Arms Part 3: In 6th inning Smoker walked a guy, and then gave up a two-run Jack to Darin Ruf. Terry yanked him and went straight to Erik Goeddel. Goeddel pitched a scoreless 6th, and then in the 7th he pitched like crap. He put the first two men on base before retiring a batter and being lifted for Josh Edgin. Edgin gave up a single to load the bases with one out. Then Hansel Robles came in and fortunately induced an inning ending double play. Robles pitched the rest of the way and saved the day. 

Put It Away: In the 7th inning, the Mets put the game away. Juan Lagares hit a run scoring sac bunt, Eric Campbell hit an RBI single, and T.J. Rivera hit a sac fly to make it 10-5 Mets. 

Today: Oh I forgot to mention that Noah Syndergaard has strep throat and was scratched from today’s start. Sean Gilmartin will pitch and Thor will probably miss the Wild Card playoff game now. Surprise, surprise! This season has been a complete joke. Go B-Squad Arms! 

Flip Them All Off

On By themetssiahLeave a comment

Final Score (in 11 innings): Mets 9, Phillies 8

What a goddamn game. Mets fans went from thoughts of drinking bleach to dancing along with the Bleach Boys as Jose Reyes and Asdrubal Cabrera propelled this team to a shocking extra innings victory. Yesterday I had one of the worst regular season baseball hangovers in recent memory. The Braves snatching that Yoenis Cespedes near homer away from the Mets and handing us the L sent me and the fan base into a goddamn depression spiral. Then the Mets announced that Steven Matz ain’t coming back this year. The game was a painful rollercoaster full of blown leads and what felt like false hope. And then all of a sudden we were back. The Mets gave us a classic walk-off home run amphetamine-esque regular season energy boost, and now I am soooooooo back. I’m back! I’m ready for the final 9 games. Let’s go!!!!

Grandyman: Curtis Granderson hit a two-run homer in the second inning. He’s probably going to hit 30 homers and have under 60 RBIs. That’s insane. He’s so freaking hot too.

The Savior: Yoenis Cespedes tied the game at 3 with an RBI single in the 5th inning and gave the Mets the lead with an RBI double in the 7th inning. He had 3 hits. He’s the reason Jose Reyes and Asdrubal Cabrera are absolutely raking at the top of the order. Pay him now.

The Bleach Boys: Jose Reyes hit a game-tying two-run homer in the bottom of the 9th inning, and he went ballistic. He was fist pumping and dancing. Then in the 11th inning after the Phillies took the lead 8-6, Asdrubal Cabrera came up with two men on base and launched a game-winning three run homer. He added the most incredible bat flip I’ve ever seen and limped around the bases. Pray for that knee. He’s en fuego. Apparently Terry wanted to bat him 4th in the order last night. Ummm please keep him in front of Yo. Does Terry not realize it’s because of Yo? Jesus.

Props To The Young Outfielders: Brandon Nimmo singled in the 9th inning to set up the Reyes homer and Michael Conforto walked in the 11th (before Jose singled) to set up the Cabrera game winner. They will probably have a bigger role next year once the Mets pull the plug on Jay Bruce. The METS disease has Jay looking like a vegetable. Poor Jay.

I Won’t Get Into It: I just want to focus on the positive walk-off home run energy in this post. I won’t get into the fact that this was the first time in 2016 that the Mets came back to win in a game they were trailing after 8 innings. I won’t get into Eric Campbell being in moron Terry’s starting lineup and striking out with two men on base in the bottom of the 4th inning. I won’t get into Seth Lugo looking pretty mediocre over 5 innings in this game. I don’t want to talk about Ryan Howard, despite being dunzo as a player, hitting a game tying solo homer in the 5th inning to make it 2-2. Cameron Rupp followed that with a solo shot to take the lead. I refuse to dwell on the reality that Addison Reed and Jeurys Familia are burning out as we approach the finish line. I won’t get into the 8th inning three-run homer Maikel Franco hit off of Addison Reed. Sure he’s on my friend’s fantasy team who I am currently playing in my league’s semi-final. But I can’t dwell on that crap. I won’t get into Jay Bruce stepping up to the plate in the 9th inning as the tying run and striking out and being the worst midseason acquisition in baseball history. I won’t get into Lucas Duda missing a game winning pinch hit homer in the 10th inning by inches as it just missed the right field foul pole. I also won’t get into the mystery of why Duda isn’t playing for James Loney (if he’s actually healthy). I won’t get into mook A.J. Ellis continuing to burn the Mets (and nobody else) with an RBI single in the 11th that gave the Phillies a 7-6 lead. I refuse to focus on Jim Henderson walking in a goddamn run in the 11th to make it 8-6. Our bullpen loves walking in goddamn runs now.

Today: No I won’t get into any of the negative stuff from last night’s game because we won, and I feel great today. Let’s spank the Phillies tonight. Let’s hit more home runs. I need more of that good stuff.

Matz Out For Good (Of Course)

On By themetssiah1 Comment

There’s no real breaking news in this post. Earlier this week the Mets said Steven Matz was feeling better and looking to come back from his shoulder injury on Friday. Today Terry Collins called a team meeting before the game. I figured he was calling it to explain to the 40 players in the clubhouse why the hell Eric Campbell is in tonight’s starting lineup. But he actually announced that Matz is being scratched from Friday’s start and is unlikely to be available for the playoffs (i.e. he’s out forever). This isn’t news. This is just standard operating procedure for the Mets. Every single pitcher and position player that we lost for the season this year was ready to go one day and then out forever the next day.

I’m totally desensitized to all these injury stories at this point. I don’t care anymore. The Braves Citi Field sweep was actually an enormous wake up call for me. It was like somebody poured a bucked of ice water over my head. It shocked me back to reality. The 2016 team has broken me. They break me every season, but they really broke the hell out of me this year. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be optimistic about a Mets baseball season ever again. Morgan Freeman in The Shawshank Redemption was right. “Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.” I hoped the Mets would fully transform the narrative for the franchise this year. Nope.

Shut down Steven Matz. The Mets should have shut down Matz weeks ago. Let’s just enjoy these final 10 game since they may be the last 10 games with Yoenis Cespedes in a Mets uniform. If the Cardinals and Giants screw up so much that the Mets actually stumble into a Wild Card playoff berth then let’s all enjoy a Noah Syndergaard start. And that’s all I have to say about that…

2016 Mets: I’m Approaching My Innings Limit 

On By themetssiahLeave a comment


Final Score: Braves 4, Mets 3

I could not be happier that there are 10 games left. The pain stemming from this torturous 2016 campaign has finally done so much damage to my mind and body that I’m nearly ready to shut it all down. I’m approaching my innings limit with this team folks. The Mets haven’t tortured me like this in years. This may be the toughest season in recent memory.

If you didn’t feel like last night’s game summed up the entire year then you must have missed the season. The Mets were only in the game because of the long ball. Check. Big Sexy reminded everyone that’s he’s the most reliable starting pitcher on our team. Check. A former Mets player from last year’s NL Championship club embarrassed us. Check. Terry Collins made awful bullpen and bench choices that cost us the game. Check. And then finally, Yoenis Cespedes nearly hit a homer to launch the team to a stunning victory over a bad team, but instead he was robbed at the wall by an amazing catch and we lost. So we failed to beat a bad team (three times in a row). Check.

Homers, Our Favorite: Asdrubal Cabrera hit a two run homer in the first inning to make it 2-0 Mets. Rene Rivera added a solo shot in the 5th inning to make it 3-0.

Big Sexy Dominance/Recked: Bartolo Colon was dominant for 6 scoreless innings. In the 7th inning with one out and a man on, he gave up a two run opposite field homer to Anthony Recker. What an embarrassing blunder. I felt a disturbance in the Mets Force at that moment. At that moment my dream of a Big Sexy complete game and a Mets victory was fading. I knew we were in big trouble.

The Pen Snafu: Terry asked Addison Reed to get more than 3 outs in this game when he brought him into the game in the 7th. It was a totally reasonable request. Reed has been arguably the game’s best reliever this year. He’s been even more dominant than Jeurys Familia. So Reed retired a batter to end the 7th inning. Then in the 8th inning, James Loney made a pathetic fielding error that allowed Ender Inciarte to reach first base to start the inning. James Loney is terrible. I never want to watch him play baseball again. Reed recovered to retire the next batter. But then Terry Collins removed the best reliever in the game in favor of rookie Josh Smoker to face the lefty Freddie Freeman. Let’s be clear here. You don’t take out your best reliever in the name of splits. You wouldn’t take Familia out in that situation, and you don’t take Reed out. Especially considering Smoker walked in a run on Tuesday. Nope. If you’re removing Reed in the 8th, the only acceptable move is go to Familia. Smoker served up a single immediately, and then Terry went to Familia. Total bullpen mismanagement. He put Familia into a terrible situation. Ender Inciarte and Freedie Freeman executed a double steal and then Matt Kemp hit a sac fly to tie the game at 3.

Terry The Unimaginable Fool: Terry gave up the lead, but the Mets had a chance to score in the bottom of the 8th. And Terry blew that too. Yo hit a one out double and Curtis Granderson was intentionally walked. Then with T.J. Rivera up, the Mets executed a double steal. The Mets actually had the opportunity for a sac fly, but Rivera struck out. Then Terry played a ridiculous little game of mix and match with the Braves. Terry pinch hit Kelly Johnson for Matt Reynolds and the Braves responded by bringing in a lefty reliever. So what does Terry do? Well he couldn’t bring in Wilmer Flores because he killed him in that home plate collision. We really miss Wilmer. Instead of letting the established veteran hitter Johnson face a lefty reliever, he brings in Soup. Eric Campbell was intentionally walked so the Braves could get to the next lefty Loney. Instead of letting Loney hit Terry brought in the worst hitter on the team Kevin Plawecki, and he struck out in obvious fashion. The reporters said nothing about this horrible stretch of bench burning decision-making after the game.

Soup Note: If you don’t remember Eric Campbell, he was formerly public enemy number one for the fan base before he was used as a pinch hitter for Jay Bruce two nights ago. Talk about a symbolic passing of the baton of hate.

Make It Stop: In the top of the 9th inning Familia coughed up a run to make it 4-3 Braves. In the bottom of the 9th, Yo came up with two men on and two outs. He had a chance to come through with yet another signature moment at the plate. He launched a ball with home run distance and Ender Inciarte robbed the homer with a game saving catch.

Awful, All Awful: The Mets, Giants, and Cardinals all lost. I honestly hope these teams finish in a three way tie for both Wild Card spots and fans across the country are forced to watch them play one awful tiebreaker game after another. None of these abysmal squads deserve a playoff berth. The Giants are in the midst of the worst second half collapse in the history of baseball, and the Mets still can’t claim a playoff spot. Pull the plug. End this season.

Today: Philly comes to Citi Field tonight. I’m watching the game on mute. I can’t handle the crowd noises and commentary anymore. Just get me to the 2016 finish line.

Old Man Collins Fell Asleep

On By themetssiah1 Comment


Final Score: Braves 5, Mets 4

There are many factors that will ultimately determine whether or not the Mets win the Wild Card. One major factor will be Terry Collins’ handling of the bullpen. As we all know, bullpen management isn’t exactly one of his strengths. Hell he pretty much sucks at most aspects of in-game management. Well last night Terry fell asleep at the wheel again. He botched the hook of his starting pitcher, he screwed up the management of his bullpen, and he missed key spots to pinch hit. Those blunders combined with some on field mistakes cost the Mets a close game. Also Yo is ice cold right now and consequently the Mets offense has shut down. There’s a shocker!

Terry Fell Asleep: Robert Gsellman did a nice job getting through 5 scoreless innings. By the 6th inning the Mets were only up 1-0, and Terry should have had a short leash with his young starter. There’s no reason whatsoever to take chances with these young guys, especially considering Terry has the 40-man roster at his disposal. Other than Julio Teheran, the top of the order was due up in the 6th. Terry should have had his bullpen cranking and ready to go. He did not. He was asleep. By the time Gsellman had surrendered two straight singles to Ender Inciarte and Adonis Garcia, Terry realized he blew it. Warthen visited the mound to give the pen some warmup time but the lefty wasn’t ready to face Freddie Freeman. Gsellman ended up walking Freeman to load the bases.

Mold Glovers: Then Gsellman gave up a gift single to Matt Kemp that fell between our horrible outfielders Curtis Granderson in center and Jay Bruce in right field.

Squeezed: Josh Smoker then came in and was squeezed by the home plate umpire. He walked Nick Markakis to force in a run and make it 2-1 Braves. Fernando Salas then entered and managed to escape further damage.

Nap Time: In the 7th inning, Fernando Salas was pulled after giving up a single and then retiring the pitcher. Terry brought in Jerry Blevins to face Inciarte, and he gave up a single. Then he left Blevins in to face the righty Met Killer Adonis Garcia. I saw the home run coming. He’s hit like .300 against the Mets this year with multiple soul crushing homers. I saw it coming a mile away. The three run shot made it 5-1. Goddamn the Braves.

The Runs and Final Mistakes: In the 8th inning, Asdrubal Cabrera walked and Yoenis Cespedes was hit by a pitch. Then Grandy doubled to make it 5-2 and T.J. Rivera added a sac fly to make it 5-3. Then the Braves brought in the lefty for Jay Bruce and the Mets pinch hit for him. Bruce’s early onset METS disease has become so bad that he’s being pinch hit for!!! Pray for Bruce! He’s dunzo. Anyway Terry pinch hit Eric Campbell, and I don’t care that he hit an RBI single to make it 5-4. It’s still the wrong move. The lefties on the bench are better major league hitters. Period.

D’Arnaud is Garbage: In the second inning with two men on and one out Travis d’Arnaud failed to deliver a hit. In the 8th inning, he came up with runners on the corners and two outs. Terry should have pinch hit for him. He’s terrible. He grounded out and failed to tie the game. He has one of the worst cases of METS disease I’ve ever seen. He’s lost all his skills in one offseason. He has to be hiding an injury. Book it.

METS Disease: Ray Ramirez will need to study the bodies of Bruce and d’Arnaud in the offseason to see what he can learn about METS disease prevention. Speaking of our legendary training staff, the Mets fired former assistant trainer Mike Herbst from the organization. Herbst was best known for his use of bloodletting to cure the plague of sweat sickness that swept through the Mets clubhouse in the early 2000s. His medieval methods will not be missed.

Yo Ain’t Hitting So We Out: Yo came up with a man on and two outs in the 9th inning and struck out on a breaking ball. He missed the pitch before his strikeout so badly that he fell over while swinging. He’s cold right now. And as a result the offense is bad again. It ain’t rocket science. Without Yo we’ve got nada. The Mets failed to hit with runners in scoring position throughout the game.

Braves Have Nothing To Lose: In the third inning, Asdrubal Cabrera doubled and the Braves threw over to second base so many times. They forced Cabrera and his bum knee to dive back and forth. He looked like he badly aggravated his knee multiple times. Then in the 8th inning they nailed Yoenis Cespedes on the arm with a pitch. Screw the Braves. They’ve got nothing to lose, and they are successfully punishing and embarrassing the Mets.

Today: The Wild Card race is a three way tie. Let’s salvage a game against the Braves at home. You gotta love how once again we can’t take advantage of our “easy schedule”.