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September 1, 2012 Mets 2012 Games Joe Janish

Mets Game 133: Win Over Marlins

Mets 5 Marlins 3

Josh Johnson beat the Mets. Unfortunately for him, his Marlins team could not.

Mets Game Notes

Johnson dominated the Mets through 8 innings, allowing one run on three hits and two walks, striking out four. The usually flaccid Mets bats were rendered completely impotent by Johnson. However, Miami manager Ozzie Guillen chose to remove Johnson after the eighth; he did throw 105 pitches, after all. The perpetually constipated-looking Pat Cishek came in to pitch the ninth, and with that move, the Mets batters heaved a sigh of relief and saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Within ten minutes, they reached the light, and then some.

Actually, the game was over when Andres Torres watched strike three whiz past him, but home plate umpire Jerry Meals called the pitch ball three. He walked on the next pitch to load the bases, and Kelly Shoppach followed with the game-winning blow, a single ripped up the middle and played into a two-base, three-run error by centerfielder Justin Ruggiano.

With none out, down by two, and men on first and second in the top of the ninth, Terry Collins called for the bunt with Ike Davis at the plate. Let me try this again: with none out, down by two, and men on first and second in the top of the ninth, Terry Collins called for the bunt with Ike Davis at the plate. Really, this happened — it’s no syntax error or anything. I realize that in-game strategy calls are not the end-all / be-all of measuring a manager’s value, but, um, REALLY? I’m not sure I’ve seen a sillier, logic-lacking call at the Major League level in 25 years.

Next Mets Game

The Mets go for the sweep against the Marlins on Sunday afternoon. Game time is 1:10 p.m. and the starting pitching matchup is Chris Young vs. Mark Buehrle.

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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. JoeBourgeois September 2, 2012 at 1:34 am
    Did Collins call for that? Or was Davis just trying to fake it? Is it something that got addressed in the press conference after the game? Certainly should have been.
  2. Dan September 2, 2012 at 6:11 am
    That bunt attempt has to be at the top of all the boneheaded calls I’ve ever seen (and since forgotten). You forgot to mention that the pitcher was RH, throwing sidearm, and has a lot of trouble with LH batters. The only logical explanation is that Terry was trying to return Ozzie’s gift, and even things out, but even that failed. Pray for severe cash flow problems, that’s the only hope for this team since it will continue to be a bad joke as long as it is Wilpon run.
  3. Joe September 2, 2012 at 8:58 am
    SI/CNN noted in its recap that Baxter walked on three pitches on Friday night (I remember thinking the count was 3-2) so walking on a 4-3 count isn’t that bad.

    ” I’m not sure I’ve seen a sillier, logic-lacking call at the Major League level in 25 years. ”

    Yeah. I think you have. I didn’t watch the game but I see he struck out. Ike Davis is hitting better these days, but he is something of a feast or famine hitter still. I also see that Duda hit a single afterward. This could have scored two if it was 2 and 3rd. Now, I’m sure you can have Davis hitting there & hope for a HR or a hit. But …

    well, you are the expert.

    • Joe Janish September 2, 2012 at 10:24 pm
      No, I haven’t. Not both that silly AND lacking in logic.
  4. Crozier September 2, 2012 at 9:26 am
    True, their 3 latest opponents are an aggregate 71 games under .500, but the Mets have now won 3 consecutive series, 6 of their last 7 games, and just achieved their 21st come-from-behind victory. The bullpen is on such a spectacular run that even woeful Manny A can strike out the side. In sum, this is a nice reminder of how the Mets played when they were surprising everyone.

    Yet, what do I find here? Bitch, bitch, bitch.

    What I would be interested in, Joe J., is your analysis of Hefner, who appears to have something decent going on lately.

  5. DaveSchneck September 2, 2012 at 9:37 am
    Joe,
    Pitch f/x had Torres ball 3 as a strike, but the ump had a small strike zone all night, and the SNY crew did mention this earlier in the game. Mets are due a few ump breaks anyhow. Whether Collins’s, Teufel’s, or Ike’s idea, bunting in that spot was pure lunacy. Treating your cleanup hitter like a pitcher. I did not see the post game but the Mets would be best off explaining that one as a blown sign, as any attempt at explaining would only make things worse.