Mets Game 96: Loss to Nationals
Nationals 8 Mets 2
This game was actually much closer than the final score would indicate. No, really. REALLY.
Mets Game Notes
Chris Young had a rough first frame, allowing a leadoff single and then a two-run homer to wunderkind Bryce Harper. The Nationals then went 0-for-23 with a pair of walks until Adam LaRoche singled with one out in the ninth. Would you have guessed such a streak could have occurred, based on the final score?
Young finished seven innings of two-run ball, and though it hasn’t been completely his fault, the Mets have now lost seven of his nine starts. He’s gone at least six innings in six of his last seven starts, and I wonder if it makes sense to sell him now, while his stock is high, to a pennant contender for a prospect. Unless, of course, the Mets hold on to the “we’re buyers” stance — in which case, I fully expect to see Young pitching in relief three days from now.
The Mets drew one walk in 36 plate appearances, despite seeing 142 pitches (a hair less than four pitches per plate appearance, which is a pretty good rate). Not sure what to make of that. Likely, it means nothing.
David Wright has a 1.000 slugging percentage against the Nats thus far this year. However, the Mets have 3 wins and 7 losses against the Nationals, so … what’s the difference?
The Yankees acquired Ichiro Suzuki. The Mets did not. They’re going to wait and see what happens over the next seven days; no need to rush into anything, after all.
Next Mets Game
The Mets and Nationals do it again on Tuesday evening at 7:10 p.m. R.A. Dickey faces Gio Gonzalez. I’ll be in attendance at the Field at Shea Bridge / (Harry) Chiti Field, so most likely, my post-game will be either really late, or posted on Wednesday morning.
The Padres’ haul for Jake Peavy was Dexter Carter, Aaron Poreda, Clayton Richard and Adam Russell. Ya never know.
hopefully Davey will have some compassion and euthanize the 2012 Mets by Wednesday evening. I am going to give Sandy and the others the benefit of doubt regarding buildig towards 2013 and 2014. How the hell is this team going to compete with the Nationals? They are so much better than the Mets and have young hit end talent that barring injury is poised to dominate for years to come. Are we supposed to believe that guys who are unproven even at the high minor league level are going to be the answer? The Nationals have a billionaire owner, a huge TV market, two of the best young players in the game, and the best pitching in the NL. They have held first place virtually all year without their closer, have lost their starting catcher for the year, and their big outfield bat for over half the year. The few holes they have can be filled easily with trades or an offseason FA. Their payroll this year is lower than the Mets, and that includes paying Lannan $5 mil to pitch in AAA. Their payroll commitments next year are lower than the Mets as well, and that is before the Mets exercise Wright’s and Dickey’s options.
Second, you’re assuming Young doesn’t bring back a MLB or MLB-ready starter. Who knows? Maybe Young could fetch someone like Brian Matusz — a former prospect whose stock has dropped but still is young enough to turn it around.