Mets Game 48: Loss to Rockies
Rockies 4 Mets 1
The Mets lost yet another ballgame.
Isn’t it fascinating that the Mets seem to be “tipping their cap”, and “giving credit” to opposing pitchers several times a week? Makes you wonder — is it a coincidence, or is it time to start looking in the mirror and thinking, “hmm, maybe we stink” ?
John Maine allowed four runs, but actually pitched quite well — going six innings, allowing only three hits, four walks, three earned runs, and striking out eight. But, one big blow off the bat of Seth Smith was the deciding factor in the game, and seemed to take the air out of the Mets.
In the bottom of the fourth, with one out, Maine walked Todd Helton, and induced a double-play grounder from Ryan Spilborghs. However, the ball went through Jose Reyes’ legs — literally, right through the wickets — and Smith followed with long fly ball that landed beyond the outfield fence.
After Jose Reyes drove in the first run of the game in the top of the third, the Mets bats went to sleep — managing only one base hit (a single by Carlos Beltran in the eighth) for the rest of the ballgame. Ironically, the Mets outhit the Rockies 4 to 3, but obviously were not nearly as efficient.
Notes
Reyes is having a tough time lately. His hitting is slow to come around, he was picked off again today, he let a ball go through his legs … one might wonder if a) he’s on drugs or b) he needs some drugs (kidding on both counts). Personally, I think the heat put on Willie Randolph is causing Reyes to press, or otherwise affecting his focus.
Rockies starter (and finisher) Aaron Cook allowed only four hits and one walk, expending 118 pitches in his 9-inning stint. That’s 13 pitches an inning, folks. You can “tip your cap” all you want to Cook, but the bottom line is this: the Mets hitters continue to have an over-aggressive approach, expand their strike zone, and walk into the batter’s box without a plan. One thing is crystal clear: what they’re doing, ain’t working. If Willie Randolph wants to keep his job, he has to lose the laissez-faire style of managing. It’s time for him to directly control the batter’s decisions, because they aren’t making the correct ones on their own. That means, instituting the “take” sign, and sitting players for stupidity — such as first-pitch swinging late in the game when you’re down by three and no one is on base. In case you missed it, David Wright, Fernando Tatis, and Carlos Beltran were all guilty of stupidity in this game — and Beltran swung from his heels to start the last at-bat of the game. Again, tell me how one hits a three-run homer with nobody on?
Next Game
The Mets return home — not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing — to start a three-game set against the first-place Marlins. Mike Pelfrey goes against Ricky Nolasco in a 7:10 PM start, so enjoy the afternoon barbecue. You can watch it on SNY or listen to it on WFAN or XM 188.
About the Author
Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers.
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Does this sound familiar? http://www.metsblog.com/2008/05/26/buzz-mets-consider-heilman-to-nola/
If Heilman indeed has options, he should be in the minors as of yesterday. He needs to be able to go down, dominate the kids at AAA, regain confidence, and come back to NY not only refreshed but refocused.
I’m also hearing from the SNY crew that, when Pedro comes back from injury, it will be Claudio Vargas demoted and not Pelfrey. That’s a head-scratcher to me. Pelfrey has had, what, maybe 2 good games in 10 this year? Meantime, Vargas has had 3 starts and looked good all 3 times. With the perception that Pelfrey should have started the year in AAA if Martinez and El Duque had both started the season healthy, I think he would be the logical choice to go to the minors when the roster room is needed. Am I alone in this thinking? Not only does it make sense from the point of view of Pelfrey needing further development, but also because the Mets are in a position where they need players who give them the best opportunities to win, and I think Vargas has shown his ability to consistently help the Mets win more than Pelfrey has.
You’re right–it is a head-scratcher. I’d go with Vargas (either one!) over Big Pelf, too.
And, Heilman should go down, and one thing that he should definitely work on is his slider. If the FO wants to stretch him out, they should do that down there, too.
First, I was incorrect about reporting Heilman’s option … he does have one remaining, but he has to pass through waivers before going down. So, if he passes through without being claimed, he has to report (unlike Sosa who had the right to refuse and become a FA).
Second, if he does make it to NOLA, they’ll keep him in the pen. The decision makers still think Heilman is more valuable at the back end of a game, and also think Pelfrey, Vargas, Bostick, and Armas are much better options at the front end. Whatever. You guys know what I think.
Also agree – Pelf staying up and Vargas going down makes zero sense. I suppose they are worried about shaking Pelf’s confidence, and/or are completely blinded by his two good outings.
First heilman: GREAT NEWS! thaat translates to me as TRADE VALUE. My guess is Omar has a trade(s) if he wants to pull that trigger. I agree that heilman is a premier set up man. BUT i think its time he changed scenery.
2. This weekend NOLA beat alberquerque (3 straight). I was in the area so read the papers. In sundays games ahern and Val provided all the offense against one gabby hernandez………….. interesting that Gabby stalled just enuff now is blocked from the majors.
3. Dude: I agree that Pel needs to get out of dodge for a bit. Whether its pedro or Figs that comes up.