Mets Game 142: Loss To Nationals
Nationals 9 Mets 0
As a kid growing up, one of my favorite shows to watch on TV were the reruns of Home Run Derby. That said, I was thrilled to see the series rekindled in Flushing on Monday night.
Mets Game Notes
Someone forgot to inform Carlos Torres that batting practice was over and the first inning had officially begun. As a result, Torres threw a couple of BP pitches to Denard Span and Ryan Zimmerman, who obliged the gesture by depositing those pitches over the fence to give the Nats a quick 2-0 lead. That pair of dingers was the first of five the Nats would hit before the final out of the contest.
Not that the homerun barrage mattered much — the Mets didn’t record a hit off Gio Gonzalez until pinch-hitter Zach Lutz placed a ball on the first-base chalk to lead off the seventh. Gonzalez went the distance, recording a one-hit shutout with a highly efficient 110 pitches — 79 for strikes.
Lutz, in fact, reached base in both of his plate appearances, following up his no-hitter-breaking single with a walk in the ninth. The only other baserunner was Daniel Murphy, who also walked.
It was a beautiful night in Queens — clear sky, gentle breeze, temperature in the high 60s. Could it have been more comfortable and ideal to take in an evening game at the ballpark? Yet, the Field at Shea Bridge had many, many empty seats. Apparently, not many Nationals fans in New York this week — or maybe, everyone who considered going to a baseball game chose tennis instead.
Next Mets Game
The Mets and Nationals do it again on Tuesday night at 7:10 PM. Dillon Gee takes the ball against Jordan Zimmerman.
Mets Item of the Day
Old-schoolers like me refer to the home run as a “tater.” Considering that, and the fact the Mets gave up more homeruns in this game than any other in 2013, I find it fitting to offer the New York Mets Mr. Potato Head
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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Two batters in, I texted a friend, “If you aren’t watching, don’t. Torres is auditioning for next year’s home run derby pitcher.”
Too bad. Torres has had moments where he looked like a find, a potentially valuable piece for the future. Now he’s looking more like an up and down guy for the middle of the bullpen. That’s worth something, but not the sort of difference-maker we need.
Hi, I’m DanB and I am a Met junkie. My low point was last night’s game when I actually listened to the Met game while driving home, almost causing an accident by repeatedly hitting my head on the dashboard. Then I find myself reading the recap at MetsToday. I need help.
DanB,
Fortunately, or unfortunately, this is your help…thankfully Joe J leads the group therapy for people like us.
Joe,
Your mention of the fans dressed as empty seats led me to check the stats. Per ESPN, the “paid” attendance last night was 20K. With 14 more home games, and attendance at 1,815,000, Mets will break the 2 million mark for “paid” attendance, but in reality there probably haven’t been more than 1.5 million in the park this year. This can be looked at two ways – lower payroll in 2014 due to less revenues, or the blantant need to re-ignite the fan base with significant improvements for the 2014 team. At this time, despite my disdain for the ownership, I think they are more inclined to pursue and actually make significant improvments.
DaveSchneck,
I would like to think that you are correct concerning “significant improvements”. However, the FA market has few chips, and those available may cost more than Sandy would/could/should pay.
The trade market usually calls for a team to give up something of significant value to get a like return.
What does he have that is attractive enough? Pitching, David Wright? Wright’s not going anywhere and with Harvey’s injury the pitching is a little thinner than Sandy may like. He could package a bunch of utility/second stringers, but what would that bring?
“Significant” may be a tough goal.
Norm, not only is the FA market weak, but more teams have money as the new network contract has kicked in. A lot more teams will be looking to get better via FA. In addition, the Met have huge loans to refinance this offseason.
By the way, as soon as Wright signed his contract, I worried he would be traded this offseason because of the reason you stated and because his back end loaded contract starts getting expensive next year.
I completely agree with the skepticism, and I am skeptical as well, and ultimately the Wilpons will only act in a self-serving manner. I just think spending on the 2014 team is more self-serving than not spending, and I think Alderson is savvy enough to spend wisely without going overboard. I also agree that the FA market is not that deep, and that everyone has more money. This can be a benefit to the Mets. They can stay away from the $100 mil deals and fill a few holes, kind of like the Red Sox did last year. There is no reason why they can’t field a team on opening day 2014 capable of winning 88 games.
Fro under $100 mil in payoll.
Agreed. But do you think they can win 88 games with a $70 million payroll? Just because it is smarter to invest doesn’t mean they have the money to invest.
Not sure if anyone just saw the post, but the Mets are ending their relationship with WFAN, which had been their station for as long as I can remember. The Yankees may step into their slot…which would be heresy. In any event, as a resident of Virginia, I always enjoyed the evening skip that enabled me to listen to the FAN broadcasts of Mets games. Now I guess that I’ll have to rely on XM radio. My biggest fear is that Howie Rose and his incredible team of voices will end up being dumped at the new station…wherever they land. Does anyone have any insight into what will happen to the current set of voice talent? They’re so darned good, that I hate to think about losing them.
WFAN dumped the Mets…..Losing money they said. But you would have lost the feed anyway as WFAN is gradually converting to FM, and will most likely then sell 660 as WCBS is already a CBS station on AM in NYC.
More reasons to hate the Wilpons.
Rob,
I think it is more like WFAN ending its relationship with the Mets, in favor of the Yankees. I can’t imagine that the new network wouldn’t retain Howie Rose at the bequest of the team.
Just another reason why the Mets need to start spending. They cannot cost cut their way out of the mess that they have made of their brand.
But what will they do with the jingle? Let’s go Mets…F.A.N!
Countless summer nights growing up I feel asleep listening to the Mets on WFAN from the clock radio on my nightstand. To this day, driving to my parents’ home from Boston is always better at night in the summer time because I could get the Mets on the radio about as soon as I crossed over into Connecticut from Massachusetts. Being on WFAN was always, in my mind at least, one of the few bright spots of being a Mets fan. This makes me sad.
I have to think this will have long term effect on the financial health of the Mets. Not only does it effect revenue, but it will make refinancing a bit harder. Considering the Wilpons seem focused on their debts, it leaves me unsure about their financial commitment to this off season. I am not saying radio income is that important as I am saying it reflects a negative view of the financial health of the Mets by business community.
Agreed, it does not reflect postively on the team. The bottom line is that, until they actually start spending again, their statements mean nothing – to the fans, the advertisers, the business partners.