Last night’s game was rough; a true roller coaster. If you read my recap, you know it started with this:

“Late-inning dramatics are entertaining, for sure. But if they don’t result in a win, well … what value do they have, other than entertainment?”

Loyal MetsToday reader and commenter NormE made a great point in response:

NormE says:
July 18, 2012 at 7:20 am

“what value do they have, other than entertainment?”

Isn’t entertainment the reason we spend our money/time on an elected activity?
The game was exciting. Yes, it would have been nice to win, but we were entertained—even though the entertainment was largely due to some very poor bullpen work by both teams.

Norm’s right: the most basic, fundamental reason we watch anything — whether it’s baseball, football, a reality show, a rock concert, etc. — is to be entertained. And from the perspective of a pure baseball fan — one who doesn’t have a vested interest in one team or the other — last night’s game was entertaining. For diehard Mets fans, games like this are akin to going to a movie where the hero dies at the end. All one can do is throw popcorn at the screen on the way out of the theater — and tell everyone that it’s a terrible movie, don’t bother wasting your money.

The late-inning comeback is one of the elements that makes baseball thrilling, turns casual observers into fans of the sport, and keeps people tuning in night after night. You never know for sure what the outcome will be, even in the final inning. As Yogi Berra said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.”

In the first half of the season, the Mets’ ability to come from behind — and win — was defined as “resiliency.” When they lost, it was OK, because they showed tenacity, determination, and an inspiring “never say day” attitude. But how long will this character trait — on its own — hold your interest? At what point will you stop tuning in? Continue reading →

After dropping three straight in Atlanta, there is one thing that the Mets cannot do in D.C.: Continue reading →