The New York Mets must be exhausted. Last night’s game was the fourth of the season to get into the 15th inning or later and they are the first team in history to have this many games before the All-Star Break. They finally won one of those games when Brandon Crawford committed an error in the 16th allowing Eric Young Jr. to score the winning run. If Crawford hadn’t mishandled the ball, I’m worried that they might still be playing. The Mets are now 5-6 in extra inning games and while that isn't a bad record, I am surprised it isn't worse.
The Mets are not built for extra innings in any way. They have been atrocious with runners in scoring position since day one, their bullpen has allowed the second most runs in the majors and they simply don’t have enough talent that will rise up to take the game over. There is no one in the lineup that makes you worried enough to say, this guy can end the game right now. And yet, this team has found its way into these situations more often than not. The Mets trudge their way into excruciatingly long games and it is having an effect on everyone. During the 15 inning loss to Arizona on the Fourth of July, did anyone hear the exasperation in Keith Hernandez’s voice? He could not wait to have anyone put an end to this game. Don’t lie; I know you all felt the same way.
This All-Star break is needed in the worst way for everyone involved. Matt Harvey showed that he was human yesterday by admitting that he has a blister and he might be skipped over this coming Saturday to help prepare him for the spotlight of next Tuesday. David Wright will need some rest before his showcase on Monday after picking the oddest Home Run Derby lineup in years. And don’t tell me that either of these players shouldn’t care about this coming break. They will both be starters of the All Star game in front of a home crowd. They will be front and center for each event and I hope they enjoy these moments because it is a rare opportunity and they should embrace it as such.
The Mets are going to sputter into the break with a bad record and tired legs. They have endured horrific weather, flight problems and long nights. Despite all that, they have been playing some good baseball as of late. It will be good to have the team recharge themselves to finish out a season that means almost nothing. These players will be fighting for jobs next year and it all starts in a couple of days.
Matthew, this makes for interesting baseball, but there simply isn't enough bats to make it to the playoffs...
ReplyDeleteit has been fun in the last 30 days though...