Two Cent Tuesday- On Rick Ankiel, the Call-up Problem and The Harvey Hangover

When I first learned that Rick Ankiel was a Met, it got me thinking that there is no bottom that comes with the fall this team is experiencing. Things are only getting worse and the signing of Ankiel is telling of so many things about this organization that they are almost nauseating to bring up. But I'm going to try anyway.

This has nothing to do with Ankiel as a person. It merely has to do with his skills. That is to say he has few left. Right now, he has always been prone to striking out, he will always flirt with the Mendoza line and he has serviceable defensive ability (when he has his own equipment). He has a wonderful story and it was truly ironic that his first game coming off what some thought would be his final release from the Houston Astros would be against the team that helped him become the player he is, the St. Louis Cardinals.

It is so rare to see a player like Ankiel make the switch from pitcher to positional player. Most of you know the story by now. In 2000, he amassed 194 strikeouts at the age of 20 and suddenly he couldn't find the plate. After unsuccessfully trying to regain his form on the mound, he took to the outfield, where he would stay as a power hitter and one of the better centerfield arms over the last couple of years. I always found it odd that he couldn't throw a strike, but he could throw base runners out with pinpoint throws. Rick Ankiel is a great story of not giving up and doing whatever is necessary to play the kid's game. 

All that being said, Ankiel didn't play particularly well in his Mets debut and it begs the question. Why sign him in the first place? Surely there has to be someone who is ready to contribute in the Mets organization that could bring better numbers to the table than Ankiel. Do we really need the placeholder? Apparently, it is the only option.

Andrew Brown was just demoted, Juan Lagares has been overwhelmed at the major league level and we are waiting for Matt den Dekker to return from injury. And don't even get me started and mention Jordany Valdespin. I am sick and tired of his antics and I am a firm believer that no matter what his contributions on the field are, he will always be more of a hindrance than anything. He needs to be traded immediately. Maybe they can get some bullpen help? Last week I mentioned this team needed a shot in the arm, but I didn't mean a gunshot. With injury news for Scott Atchison and Frank Francisco, there seems to be no reinforcements on the way to Flushing. Send Valdespin packing now, please. For anyone. Seriously. 

I feel bad for Jeremy Hefner. The team has lost in every single one of his starts. The Mets just can't seem to get it together when he plays. Even more strange, the Mets are 0-8 in games following Matt Harvey starting. What is it that makes the Harvey Hangover? It is a confusing stat, but one could argue that this team is putting all their hopes into Matt Harvey and they try their best to pull the win out on a night they know they have some chance of winning. This leads to the game after where emotions are not as high and I think it is an indictment on the team that they can't get up for anyone but Harvey. Sounds far-fetched, no? I can't think of another reason. I wonder how long this unfortunate streak will continue.

What makes the Harvey Hangover? Please leave your comments.