David Wright Should Not Be Booed

There’s no sugar coating it. David Wright is struggling. Since the West Coast trip, he’s hitting .129/.325/.258 with 16 strikeouts in 31 at bats. He had to sit out Tuesday’s game as his back wouldn’t let him play. When he played yesterday, he went 0-4 with three strikeouts. He looked over matched last night. He particularly looked so when he struck out to end the eighth. 

Somehow and for some reason Wright was booed after his last strikeout. Hasn’t Wright earned a pass? 

Wright arrives at the ballpark six hours before a game to get ready. He needs a few hours to get ready just to get to the point where he can take infield and batting practice. With his grueling routine, no one would blame him if he wanted to walk away. Instead, he does this day in and day out to try to bring the Mets a World Series. 

Remember, he wants to be here to do it. Even with all the losing and the tough times, Wright stayed a Met. Rather than test free agency, he signed what was then a discounted deal to stay with the team. The Mets were his team growing up, and they will forever be his team. Mets fans are lucky it is. 

We’ve seen 30/30 seasons from him. We’ve seen Gold Gloves and Silver Slugger Awards. We’ve seen him put together some of the best seasons a Mets player as ever had. He’s the best position player the Mets have ever produced. 

Lost in that shuffle is the fact that Wright is still the Mets best choice at third base. Lost in every strikeout is the fact that he still leads the team in OPS. Lost in his poor at bats is the fact that he’s surrounded by a lineup of people having the same issues he has. 

Understandably, Wright is the Captain and presumable face of the franchise. Accordingly, he’s bound to face the brunt of the Mets fans frustrations. With that said, with everything he’s done, with all he’s meant to the franchise, doesn’t he deserve a pass?  

David Wright should not be booed. 

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Harvey Rebound?

Throughout this season, Matt Harvey has struggled. His velocity is down. He’s having trouble with his mechanics. He’s bad in the fifth inning. He’s horrendous in the sixth inning. He’s yet to pitch into the seventh inning. The Mets now send him out for the rubber game tonight against the Nationals. 

This could be the best thing that has happened to Harvey. 

In his career, Harvey has upped his game when he has faced the Nationals. It’s a good thing too not only because they’re the Mets main obstacle to repeating in the NL East, but also because he’s faced them more than any other team. In his 10 starts against them, he has a 1.77 ERA, a 0.937 WHIP, a 9.6 K/9, and a 7.03 K/BB ratio. The Nationals only hit .197/.249/.259 against him. 

Even better, Harvey is facing off against Stephen Strasburg. The first time that happened was April 19, 2013. In that game, Harvey pitched seven innings allowing four hits, one earned, and three walks while striking out seven. Harvey recorded the win as the Citi Field faithful serenaded Strasburg with “HARVEY’S BETTER!” chants. Last year in Harvey’s first start back from Tommy John, he again bested Strasburg going six innings allowing four hits, no earned, one walk, and nine strikeouts. 

Strasburg has yet to get the better of Harvey.  He’s still done better against Harvey than Bryce Harper has. Harper is 0-20 against Harvey with seven strikeouts. 

Harvey has pitched extremely well against the Nationals in his career.  Maybe, just maybe, going up against the Nationals is exactly what Harvey needs to figure it all out. If he can do that, he just might have the terrific 2016 most assumed he would. 

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Nationals Walked Away With This One

On what must’ve been a trying day for Bartolo Colon and both of his families, he just didn’t have it. 

For the first time since 2005, Colon walked five batters. Twice he walker back to back batters. He only lasted 4.2 innings allowing five hits, three earned, and the aforementioned five walks with our strikeouts. At times, it did look as if he was getting squeezed by the home plate umpire. At this point it should be mentioned that umpires are human:

Colon had his chance to come out of the game with a no decision. In the fourth  Yoenis Cespedes had tied the game at 1-1. 

Up until that point, the Mets had been one-hit through 3.2 innings by Gio Gonzalez, who has dominated the Mets. In his career, Gonzalez is 9-4 with a 2.66 ERA. At Citi Field, he’s 6-1 with a 1.54 ERA. Tonight was more of the same with him pitching 6.1 innings allowing five hits, one earned, and one walk with five strikeouts. 

As mentioned before, Colon entered the fifth tied 1-1. Colon allowed the first two batters to reach base, and Daniel Murphy stepped to the plate. In his prior at bat, Murphy singled home a run past a diving David Wright. This time, he pulled one down the first base line, but he was robbed of an extra base hit by Eric Campbell, who made his second terrific defensive play of the game. Colon would strike out Ryan Zimmerman, but he just couldn’t put Anthony Rendon away. 

There were a few times Terry Collins looked as if he would lift Colon in the fifth. He even sent Dan Warthen to talk to him, but he never pulled the trigger apparently wanting to get Colon through five innings. While the move was understandable, it cost the Mets. 

By the way, speaking of stealing hits from Murphy, Juan Lagares showed he really is back to his Gold Glove form by doing his best Willie Mays impersonation

 https://vine.co/v/i09PLrLFExB

Murphy finished the night 1-4 with two RBI (including the above sacrifice fly). His batting average dropped to .395. 

The Mets tried to muster a rally in the seventh after falling behind 5-1. They loaded the bases with one out. However, both Kevin Plawecki and Michael Conforto grounded out against the lefty Felipe Rivero. It all but assures Collins will never hit Conforto against a lefty again.  

When all was said and done, the Mets pitching failed the offense that failed them. The Mets entered the game allowing the least amount of walks. Tonight, they allowed 11 walks and hit two batters. They would lose 7-1. The Mets not only dropped the game, but also dropped back down to third place. Still, they are only 1.5 games back with plenty of games against the Nstionals and the season. 

Game Notes: For the second straight game, Plawecki was successful throwing out a base stealer. Just to bring some levity to a frustrating game, here’s Cespedes making a goofy play in LF:

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Collins Was Wright to Sit His Captain

Day in and day out, we simply do not know if David Wright is going to play.  We do not know if his back will allow him to play. There’s always the possibility that he can’t go.

Wright said as much himself when he said, “It’s just day to day. And I think that’s the most frustrating thing — you just never know how it’s going to feel waking up. You try to go through the preparation.”  (ESPN). 

For the first time since his spinal stenosis diagnosis, Wright had to be scratched from a game. He couldn’t get ready to play the game. As Wright said, “I basically did everything today to get it somewhat manageable. I just couldn’t get there.”  Wright classified his back as being worse than it usually is saying, “This is the first time this year where I’ve come to the ballpark where I’ve felt the significance of it — the back. Most of the days have been fairly mediocre. Today was more toward the bad.”  

The trainer tipped off Terry Collins. Despite Wright’s pregame issues, he still wanted to play. He was willing to do what was necessary saying, “I thought the extra treatment and extra preparation that I put in helped. And I wanted to give it a go.”  

To his credit, Terry Collins wouldn’t let him no matter how much Wright tried to change his mind: “In batting practice he came up to me and told me he couldn’t play me. I was trying to change his mind, because obviously you want to play everyday, especially under these circumstances, with Lucas being out and us having a short bench. I just tried to see if there was any leeway there. I tried to be honest with them all year. I wanted to give it a go. And he just thought better of it.”

Collins benched Wright and started Matt Reynolds. It was the right decision, and Wright has to know better. 

It was just a month ago that Wright tried to push his back beyond the point he should’ve. As a result, Wright couldn’t stand up straight the next morning. After the incident, he swore up and down he wouldn’t do that again. He said that he knew he needed to be there for the whole season rather than just one game. Wright should’ve remembered how he felt a month ago before trying to force his way into the lineup against the Nationals. 

In reflection, Wright admitted Collins made the right call. Wright said, “It’s probably the right call [to scratch Wright]. I mean, it is the right call. It’s probably the best way to go about it. At the time, when you get the news that you’re being taken out of the lineup, obviously here everyone has a competitive streak Wherw you try to push it.”

Wright needs to understand the Mets need him for a full season. He’s the Captain. He leads the team in OBP. He’s still their best option at third base. It’s not about one game against the Nationals. It’s about all 18 games against the Nationals. It’s about the remaining 124 games left on the schedule. 

No one wants to see a lineup with Eric Campbell and Matt Reynolds at the corners. No one wants to see it for multiple games. It’s reminiscent of the feckless lineups the Mets sent out there last July. Those lineups were in part due to Wright’s absence. It’s why Wright needs to make sure he’s available for a full season. 

Wright does the work day in and day out to try to be ready each and every game. He wants to be out there with his teammates. When that can’t happen like it did today, Wright says, “I’m mad at the situation. But there’s nothing you can do. It is what it is.” While he’s mad, Wright is learning, and he’s listening to his manager. 

Wright acknowledged Collins is keeping his best interests in mind saying, “Maybe Terry saved me a trip to the DL. Maybe he saved me missing multiple games. We’ll see how I feel tomorrow. And hopefully it’s better.”

Editors Note: this was first published on metsmerizedonline.com

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Bartolo Colon Should Be Booed

Since Bartolo Colon has come to the Mets, he’s had the monicker of a lovable character. He’s been dubbed “Big Sexy.”  Well, Colon has taken it too far. 

Colon is married to the woman he met as a poor 13 year old boy in the Dominican Republic. With the strength of his right arm, they were able to come to America and build a life together. Together, they have four children. According to the New York Post, Colon has two other children he refuses to acknowledge or support. 

He’s been having an affair with a woman. Together, they have two children ages seven and eight. There is an ongoing lawsuit seeking Colon provide financial support for his children.  He’s not providing support despite, according to Spotrac, Colon making over $101 million in his career.  He’s making $7.25 million this year. For his start today, he’s making a little over $44,000. 

When he does toe the rubber tonight, in the words of Dick Young, “Stand Up and Boo!”

No, it doesn’t mean you’re rooting against the Mets. It doesn’t mean you want him to lose the game. No, you’re booing the man, not the player. 

This isn’t about Colon’s extramarital affair. That’s between him, his wife, and his paramour. No, this is about Colon failing to do the right thing here. He’s failing to provide child support for two of his children. He deserves to be booed when he takes the mound, and when he steps up to the plate. 

Shame on Bartolo Colon. 

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Not the Right Time for Reynolds

There is no such thing as a bad time to get called-up to the majors. Everything about the majors is better. The money. The travel. The women have long legs and brains. Mostly, it’s what you’ve worked for your entire life. 

You don’t want to blow your shot. It’s why now may not be the best time for Matt Reynolds to get called-up. 

In Reynold’s last 10 games, he’s hit .175/.214/.275 with no homers and four RBI. He has struck out 15 times. That means Reynolds has struck out 37.5% of the time over his last 10 games. He’s 0-1 in stolen base attempts. After this slump, Reynolds is now hitting .238/.303/.369. Simply put, Reynolds has not played well enough to earn a promotion. 

However, he’s getting the promotion because it’s a numbers game. Wilmer Flores is on the DL, and the Mets need a reserve infielder that can play second, third, and short. Reynolds is the only minor league player on the Mets 40 man roster who can do that. So now with Reynolds playing the worst ball he ever has, he’s getting called up. 

This is his shot to impress. Considering who the Mets manager is, he’s going to have to impress if he’s going to have a future with the Mets. 

Terry Collins has some shortcomings as a manager. The first is he typically relies heavily upon his veterans. The second is that he’s quick to put players in his doghouse. We’ve seen it this season with Collins potentially dangerous use of Jim Henderson rather than using Rafael Montero. 

Montero has been in Collins’ doghouse for being injured last year and not pitching effectively this Spring Training. Collins only used Montero when he absolutely had to use him and no more. Montero didn’t produce in his limited chances, and he moved into Collins’ doghouse. 

Right now, Reynolds is scuffling. He’s going to get very limited chances, especially with six of the next nine against the Nationals. When Reynolds does get his shot, it’s going to leave a huge impression with his manager. If he gets a basehit, Collins may be inclined to use him more. If he doesn’t get hits, Collins will bury him on the bench. If and when he’s recalled, Collins will again bury him on the bench.

Whether it’s fair or not, Reynolds’ performance will have a big impact on the rest of his Mets career. With the way he’s been playing lately, this chance could not have come at a worse time. 

Yesterday’s 0-3 with a strikeout certainly isn’t going to help his cause. 

Editor’s Note: this was first published on metsminors.net

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Thor Wins Pitcher’s Duel

Tonight promised to be a pitcher’s duel, and it did not disappoint. The difference in the game was Max Scherzer made two mistakes and Noah Syndergaard made none. 

Curtis Granderson took the first pitch from Scherzer, and he homered to right. Scherzer would be careful with Granderson the rest of the game. Granderson would finish the night 2-2 with a run, RBI, the aforementioned homerun, and two walks. It appears that Granderson is breaking out of his May slump. 

The Mets needed it too. Before the first pitch, the Mets discovered neither Lucas Duda or David Wright would be available. Wright’s back flared up necessitating he sit. Duda’s own back issues re-emerged requiring him to receive an injection and sit. In their stead, Eric Campbell and Matt Reynolds manned the corners. It was Reynold’s major league debut. He played third, batted ninth, and wore Wright’d glove. Campbell and Reynolds each went 0-3. Campbell struck out twice, and Reynolds struck out once. 

It was a lineup reminiscent of last July. Like last July, Granderson provided the offense. Like last July, Michael Conforto came to the rescue. In the third, he homered to right to make it a 2-0 game. Syndergaard did the rest. 

Syndergaard pitched seven innings only allowing five hits, no earned, and no walks while striking out 10. He had the pitches coming in at 100 MPH. Before the game, Bryce Harper said at the ESPN Upfront event he was curious as to what would happen against the 100 MPH fastball. The answer was an 0-3 night with two strikeouts against Syndergaard. 

Aside from the two mistakes, Scherzer matched Syndergaard pitch for pitch. He allowed three hits, two earned, and three walks while striking out 10. He did all he could do, but he didn’t get much help from anyone other than Daniel Murphy. 

It was Murphy’s first game back at Citi Field since signing with the Nationals in the offseason. In the first inning, he made a sparkling defensive play robbing Campbell of a hit:

After that play, Murphy would get his first official at bat against the Mets. Before the at bat, Murphy would get a well deserved ovation:

Murphy would foul out to third. Before his next at bat, he would be booed. Murphy responded by dropping a single over the head of his replacement, Neil Walker. Overall, Murphy would go 1-3 dropping his batting average from .400 to .399. 

Despite Murphy’s and Scherzer’s efforts, the Mets shut down the Nationals. Addison Reed and Jeurys Familia came on and slammed the door shut. The Mets won 2-0, took sole possession of second place, and moved within a half-game of the Nationals. The Mets can take over first place with a win tomorrow. 

Game Notes: Kevin Plawecki had a nice game going 1-3 and throwing out Ben Revere trying to steal a base. It was only the fourth runner in 33 attempts thrown out while Syndergaard was on the mound. Of course, Oliver Perez entered the game and got his only batter out. Here was the Mets pregame video tribute to Murphy:

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Thor-Scherzer a Pitching Duel Tonight

Lost in Daniel Murphy’s return to Citi Field is the fact that we have a good old fashioned pitching duel between the two best teams in the NL East. 

The Nationals have Max Scherzer who is coming off a historic 20 strikeout game. The last time he faced the Mets he threw a no-hitter. 

The Mets have Noah Syndergaard or 

So far this year, Syndergaard is doing things we’ve never seen before and may never see since. In his last start, Syndergaard allowed two earned over eight innings with six strikeouts. By the way, he also hit two homeruns. In his last start against the Nationals, he allowed only two hits and one run over seven innings while striking out 10. 

Tonight should be a terrific pitcher’s duel amongst two of the game’s best. Looking over the rosters, just about every time these teams meet, we should see a pitcher’s duel. These 19 games are going to be fun . . . especially when the Mets win them. 

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Can Murphy Hit .400?

Sooner or later someone is going to hit .400. It’s been 75 years since Ted Williams famously played both ends of a double header bumping his batting average from .400 to .406. It was the last time anyone has hit over .400 in a season. 

There have been some famous chases for that elusive .400 batting average. In 1980, George Brett was hitting .400 until September 19th. He finished the year hitting .390. In 1994, Tony Gwynn was hitting .394 until August 11th, which was also the last game of the season due to the strike. These were two Hall of Fame players, and they fell short. 

Daniel Murphy isn’t a Hall of Famer, but he’s making a charge to hit .400. A big reason why is there is no safe place to pitch him:

Right now, there’s no way to neutralize him. He’s hitting .385 off of righties and .452 off of lefties. He’s hitting .415 at home and .387 on the road. He hit .370 in April, and he’s currently hitting .441 in May. He has played in 38 games, and he’s sitting exactly at .400. Accordingly, he’s 23% of the way there. 

In 1941, Williams played in all of the Red Sox 154 games. It wouldn’t be until 1961 that MLB changed to the 162 game schedule. When Williams had played his 38th game, he was hitting .422. He was in the middle of a 16 game stretch where he hit .557 raising his average from .369 to .436. 

So Murphy is far off Williams’ pace. Murphy’s chase to .400 is further complicated by his having to face the Mets pitchers 19 times this season. With that said, as we saw last October, with Murphy, anything is possible. 

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Mets Decision on Murphy Not Looking Good

Coming into this season, Fangraphs showed how the Mets switch from Daniel Murphy to Neil Walker would hurt the Mets in 2016. The projections were that Murphy would have a better year in Washington than Walker would have in New York. 

So far, the projections were right. Murphy has been better with the Nationals than Walker has been with the Mets.  Much better. 

Coming into a three game litmus test for both the Mets and Nationals, Murphy is having a career year. He’s leading the big leagues with 56 hits. A month and a half into the season, he’s still hitting a major league leading .400.  Among major league second basemen, he’s among the leaders in nearly every statistical category:

  • Doubles (13) – 1st NL & 2nd MLB
  • Triples (2) – 2nd NL & MLB
  • Homers (5) – 3rd NL & 9th MLB
  • RBI (3) – 2nd NL & 3rd MLB
  • OBP (.433) – 2nd NL & MLB
  • SLG (.629) – 1st NL & MLB
  • WAR (1.7) – 1st NL & 5th MLB

Murphy is a big reason why the Nationals are in first place. It is unrealistic to expect Murphy to keep up this pace. He’s never been this type of hitter. With that said, it’s a month and a half into the season, and Murphy is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, he’s been better in May than April. Even without facing the Mets once, he’s been a thorn in their side. 

No matter how you look at it, Murphy been the best second baseman in the National League. He’s been the best second baseman to switch teams. Even with Walker tying the Mets record for homers in a single month, the Mets decision to pass on Murphy doesn’t look good. 

However, the Mets moving on from Murphy wasn’t about 2016. It was about the future. The Mets, a win-now team, made a decision in Murphy based on the future. 

The wisdom of the Mets decision will be judged by how Walker plays this year in comparison to how Murphy plays. It will be judged by how Dilson Herrera plays when he becomes the full time second baseman. It will be judged by how the compensation pick the Mets received for Murphy develops. 

Ultimately, the Mets decision will be judged upon whether the Mets win the World Series. Murphy was the Mets best player in the postseason last year. The Mets don’t beat the Dodgers without him. They don’t go to the World Series without him. 

It’s too soon to judge the Mets decision on passing on Murphy. However, with him helping the Mets biggest competition in the NL East, the early returns aren’t good. 

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