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August 2, 2012 Mets 2012 Games Joe Janish

Mets Game 105: Win Over Giants

Mets 2 Giants 1

It wasn’t pretty, but it’s a win. And a win’s a win, right?

Mets Game Notes

This was a difficult win to be happy about, because there were so many frustrating moments and missed opportunities. The score really should have been more like 5-1 or 6-1.

The quick analysis: it was a rare off night by Matt Cain, whose command was terrible (for him). In contrast, Jonathon Niese used a more overhand motion that allowed him to throw a consistently sharp-breaking curveball, and as a result, he kept the Giants batters in check.

However, the Mets couldn’t convert multiple opportunities to score, and literally ran into trouble. Ike Davis thrown out stealing third? David Wright running into the third baseman as he fielded a grounder? Daniel Murphy trying to steal second? This isn’t following the prescribed script — didn’t Terry Collins see Moneyball? Maybe he got up for popcorn when Brad Pitt was explaining that stolen bases were bad. There’s a time and a place for “small ball,” of which I’m an advocate. But it doesn’t involve sending Ike Davis on a steal of third. Even if it was a hit and run — why in the world are you calling such a play with Ike Davis as the lead runner?

The Mets were running wild on the bases all night, and it did nothing toward advancing the final score. I’m not sure if this is a last-ditch attempt to “make things happen” or what, but it’s mysterious considering the team doesn’t have much speed and even less smarts. They actually got a break in the 8th when they attempting another double steal but succeeded when Buster Posey threw to second base instead of nailing Jason Bay at third; Bay would’ve been out by five feet. It worked, so you can call it “aggressive.” If it failed, it gets filed under “stupid.”

In each of the last three innings, the Mets had the bases loaded with less than two out, and didn’t score a run. In one of those innings they drew three walks and stole two bases. You had to see it to believe it.

The Mets left 13 runners on base and were 1-for-13 with RISP.

Next Mets Game

The final game of the series begins at the civilized time of 3:45p.m. on Thursday afternoon. Pitching matchup is Chris Young vs. Barry Zito.

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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. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
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  1. Walnutz15 August 2, 2012 at 8:40 am
    If anyone ever needed an explanation of what “fugly” meant, you’d instruct them to watch last night’s ballgame.

    However, a win is a win.

  2. gary s. August 2, 2012 at 10:34 am
    With all our defects, we spiit with the Backs and have taken 2 out of 3 vs the Giants, who lead the West.A few moves to keep the BP afloat when Francisco got hurt and we would still be alive for 2nd wild card.Nice job Alderson.What an arrogant loathsome creep this guy has turned out to be.There is no way you can defend a GM who refuses to help his team and talks about 2013 and 2014 like a broken record.That might fly in Kansas City or Pittsburgh or Oakland.Not in NYC!!!!
    • Dan B August 2, 2012 at 11:14 am
      I wouldn’t mind him talking about 2013 and 2014 if he was talking about the moves he has made to set themselves up for the future. One Beltran trade isn’t enough when you don’t have money for free agents.
      • Joe Janish August 2, 2012 at 9:36 pm
        c’mon Dan, don’t you know that Wheeler and Harvey are going to finish 1-2 in the Cy Young vote next year? Those two plus another 16 wins from RA and a full return to health from Johan and Gee and the Mets clearly have the best pitching in MLB. Have faith!
      • Joe August 5, 2012 at 12:27 pm
        It’s not Alderson’s money, so again, people are blaming the wrong person here. The target is ownership.

        In 2014, Bay and Santana will be off the table, so that would entail over 40M. Meanwhile, you have a SS, at least one (maybe two if you have Wheeler) starters, probably some relievers (Edgin and/or someone else), just to start.

        What Alderson is supposed to do if the ownership is not willing to spend money is unclear. The other route is trades. Apparently, a two month rental of Hairston and Brydak won’t get you TOO much.