Mets Game 122: Loss To Padres
Padres 4 Mets 3
Can’t blame Matt Harvey for this one.
Mets Game Notes
Harvey pitched fairly well. Not exactly the dominant Matt Harvey we’re used to — especially against a AAA lineup like San Diego’s, and especially on a lazy Sunday afternoon. He was hitting all four quadrants of the strike zone — as per usual — but with slightly less precision than he had in the first half of the year. For example, his fastball would be letters-high when it needed to be shoulder-high, or his change-up would be middle-out instead of painting the black. But still, he was as effective as he needed to be, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits, walking none, striking out 6, in 6 innings.
Liked seeing great fundies and a great bunt laid down by Harvey.
The game came down to the bullpen — one that is without closer Bobby Parnell and never had a backup plan. The turning point of the game was Chase Headley‘s tremendous at-bat in the eighth against Gonzalez Germen that resulted in a double. Even if Will Venable didn’t hit that leadoff, walkoff homer in the bottom of the ninth, my bet is that the Mets would have lost the battle of the bullpens in extras. So don’t get too upset with Pedro Feliciano — the quick gopher ball may have put all of us out of the agony of watching several frames of offensive ineptitude on both sides before putting us out of our collective misery.
Another extra-base hit for Andrew Brown, who came in as a pinch-hitter and hit a double. Despite the fact lefthander Eric Stults started the game for San Diego, there was no room for Brown in the lineup. Why, again, is he buried at the end of the bench?
Next Mets Game
The Mets move up to Minnesota to play a make-up game starting at 2:10 PM. Dillon Gee faces Kyle Gibson.
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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Another quesiton – given management’s willingness to pull the trigger on bullpen guys this year, why is Aardsma Not Living in Las Vegas? And what do you think of Pedro Lopez taking the reins next year? I read a nice piece on him and he seems like he’s earned an opportunity even though I love Wally and his intensity.
I think they’re hoping against hope that Aardsma will figure it out, combined with the fact there isn’t much help in the minors.
I don’t think anything of Pedro Lopez — I have no opinion as I haven’t watched him in action.
Did you watch this game, Joe? I’m shocked by the lack of railing against the horrible defense.
Also, curious to hear your thoughts on d’Arnaud’s receiving. He looks pretty quick back there to me, moves his body side to side well, is willing to block a ball, doesn’t stab with the backhand.
I did watch the game, and I know what you’re talking about. I feel like I’ve been harping on this subject to the point where I’m stomping on the horse. It’s tiresome for me to keep repeating it. At this point, it’s fairly obvious, right? I hope?
I’m reserving judgment on d’Arnaud for now. I want to watch several more games first. Catching is really, really difficult when you aren’t familiar with pitchers. I want to see him after he’s caught a few guys a few times and can start anticipating the movement of their pitches, their tendencies, strengths and weaknesses, etc.
I didn’t see much, only eighth and ninth innings, but I have to agree that the feeling that this game was lost was there. Satin got a pitch down the pipe and smacked it to fairly deep left. Byrd got robbed on a nice play by Venable. Other than that, nothing.
Been saying that about Brown for two weeks. EY is ice cold, give him a game or two off. Murphy has disappeared. Mets land.
Trade Parnell, right?
I do agree that Brown should be hitting first as Eric Young jr is answering the question as to how he was undiscovered all these years. If Brown could hit .280 or better he could be part of the solution for next year or even serve as trade bait as part of a package for a basher at a corner outfield position or 1B. Need to play him to find out.
Or Lagares could hit first with Brown sixth or seventh.
I agree Brown should be playing more (at least now) instead of EY. However, Brown is a 4th outfielder at best. He will NOT be part of any package. Our trade pieces are our best players. We will see how Sandy does in the other capacity. We know he can trade vets for prospects BUT can he trade prospects for VETs and make it work out for the Mets. We’ll see this off season.
I agree. I don’t think there is a player on the Mets roster who should be starting in 2015. I also fear they won’t trade for a quality outfielder this offseason due to money restraints. However if they don’t get final pieces this offseason and start spending money it will only add another yearr to the rebuilding process.
Oops. I meant to say there isn’t an outfielder on their current roster that I want starting in 2015.