Mets Game 93: Loss to Dodgers
Dodgers 7 Mets 6
In a rare role reversal, the Mets starter shat the bed and the bullpen gave the team a chance to win. It was like watching Seinfeld’s Bizarro Jerry episode.
Mets Game Notes
Johan Santana was terrible — pure and simple. Santana allowed six earned runs on seven hits and three walks in three innings. Yikes! Generally speaking, allowing over three runners per inning will result in a loss.
For once, though, the bullpen rolled up their sleeves and kept the Mets in the game, spinning six innings and allowing only one run on three hits and a walk. Now, if only the ‘pen and a starter can put together both halves of strong performance in the same game, the Mets might have something.
During the postgame, Terry Collins did not deny that Johan Santana had a “physical” issue, but also said “he’s not hurt,” and, “we’re going to talk about options.” Um … hmmm … OK? Stay tuned …
Collins also mentioned that R.A. Dickey would be available out of the bullpen for Saturday’s game. What?
Is it me or is this smelling like the beginnings of full-blown panic?
Clearly, this is not the same Dodgers team that rolled over and begged for mercy a few weeks back. This LA team has all-world Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, and a nondescript contributor named Mark Ellis.
What was frustrating was that Dodgers starter Aaron Harang kept giving the Mets wonderful opportunities to get back into the game, and they squandered them. With a four-run lead, Harang was doing silly, illogical things like walking singles hitters and throwing sliders on full counts. It was as though he was trying to let the Mets back into the game, and they just couldn’t take advantage of the gesture.
Jordany Valdespin hit yet another pinch-hit homerun; I believe it is his 17th of the season. When is this guy going to play every day? #RubenGotay
Daniel Murphy had four hits, including two doubles. As mentioned in a recent post, he’s finally taking full swings once in a while.
Next Mets Game
The Mets and Dodgers do it again on Saturday afternoon at 1:10 p.m. Miguel Batista goes to the mound against Chris Capuano.
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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Harang wore a giant “beat me” sign out there. Wright and Davis just missed homering off him in the first on absolute meatballs. We were one hit away in the 5th, but with an ice-cold Duda up.
It was clear from the first 10 pitches of the game that Santana was missing up and left with every single pitch. I mean, every single pitch. When he came out to start the 3rd inning, I interpreted it as a “this game’s already lost” punt. Too bad. With a guy who can actually throw the ball close to where he wants, no way Cruz goes yard, and the Mets might win this one.
Of course, if Thole makes a decent throw, or Torres makes a decent throw, or the ump sees Murphy’s tag, then the Dodgers don’t score in the 7th. That run bothered me most, because the Dodgers were running into easy outs, counting on the Mets to screw up, and the Mets obliged.
Good ABs, 6 runs, and a ton of solid relief pitching… and no W? This whole “finding ways to lose” thing had better stop soon…
Argon,
Good point about that 7th run, where a guy slow as you-know-what took both 2B where Thole had him by a mile and home plate where Torres had him by a mile. In a game where Santana imploded, that ticked me off more than anything and cost them a great chance at winning the game.
Is Santana’s problem mechanical or physical or mental?
Are we seeing the residual effects stemming from his over-extending himself pitching the no-hitter?
Is it possible that last year’s operation has left Santana in a weakened state where can’t handle the rigors of a full season?
Am I reading too much into Santana’s slump?
Santana’s mechanics were definitely off; his forearm was at 10:00 with the ball cocked forward at foot strike. In English, that means his arm was lagging behind, and as a result, he was releasing the ball too early, which was why his pitches were flying high and to the left (up and in to LH / up and away to RH).
The question is whether his mechanics were screwy because of the ankle injury — which is what the Mets are suggesting — or because of something else, such as shoulder fatigue. I don’t know, and plan to confer with Angel Borrelli to find out if she can see anything from the outing.
The over/under on Batista’s start today is 4 innings ..I will take the under.I guess as soon as Matt Harvey throws back tk back perfect games, he will be deemed ready for a promotion.
This season is over. Time to sell. I’ll bet sending Dickey and Murphy to contenders could fetch some nice prospects at the deadline.
Love how this organization loves ignoring lightning in a bottle, by keeping it ON THE SHELF!! Always.
#FREE’SPIN
(Torres fits in nicely, in his CF role as Luis Castillo.)
P.S. – Johan hits the D.L. with a sprained ankle.
Sounds like damage control to me, since no one in their right mind expected him to make more than 10-12 starts this season.
The other foot’s about to drop.