Well, that was ugly. In a game that took 3:37 minutes and was filled with poor command and lousy defense, the Mets took a five-run lead into the ninth but had to sweat out a 7-5 win. All’s well that ends well, at least today.
- Jose Reyes had a nice game, with three hits and a walk. In the process, he also collected the 2,000th hit of his career. It was a good game for the top of the order, as Michael Conforto had three walks, a double and three runs scored. The top two hitters get on base eight times and the team scores seven runs.
- The Mets had some quality relief pitching after Zack Wheeler fell apart in the sixth inning. Fernando Salas came on with the bases loaded and no outs and only allowed one of the inherited runners to score. Robert Gsellman came on to pitch two scoreless innings. Too bad they pinch-hit for him in the bottom of the eighth and he couldn’t come out for the ninth.
- We saw the Mets’ debut of Neil Ramirez and the results were not pretty. He got ahead of batters but could not put them away. He left with the bases loaded and all three runners eventually came around to score. Addison Reed came on and allowed a walk and two hits but came up with a strikeout with the bases loaded to end the game.
From Matt Ehalt, Mets beat writer for the Bergen Record:
Mets have played just 12 of 41 games vs. winning teams. Easy sked.
2-10 vs. winning teams.
16-13 vs. losing teams.
Yes, the Mets have had an easy schedule but I think this is overstating it. Angels had won 5 of their last 6 and were over .500 when the series started.
Besides, let’s see how things shake out when the Mets are healthier.
Congratulations to Manager Terry Collins on being the longest tenured manager in franchise history. It is an accomplishment in a baseball world where the manager is the scapegoat for every losing streak. He has a two year playoff streak while working under some adverse conditions. His perseverance and patience has added stability to a franchise that did not have those traits prior to his arrival.
Wheeler imploded. Was it conditioning or mental? TC have him the same opportunity as JDG the day before. Wheeler hit the next batter!
Ramirez, with a five run lead, walks the first batter. Not a good sign.
Salas early and Reed late saved this game with the G-Man showing positive signs in between.
Reyes has a .340 OPS over the last 30 days. Conforto and him should flip flop in the order for that reason.
TC’s continuance on this team is more of an indication of the fact that we’ve been employing one of the laziest GMs ever.
Back before everyone got hurt, I opined that Gsellman might be an asset in the bullpen — that he could maybe get some extra zip on the fastball and be effective in the back end.
I also thought that he’d be good as a starter, so I had no complaints when he won that job during Spring Training.
I believed that Wheeler might be good in the pen, too, given the innings limitations.
I wonder if come July we’ll see one or both of those things happen. Would need Matz to return — beginning to doubt if he’ll ever see a full, healthy season — and possibly Lugo. Or pick up another arm somewhere.
I’ve always wanted to see the Mets “good” bullpen become a great one.
I know that some people here have their knives out for Wheeler, but I’m very encouraged by the way he’s pitched thus far. Yes, it’s frustrating that he can’t get over the hump. That was an awful 6th inning last night. But the first 5 were pretty effective. After missing two full seasons, and with less than 45 innings back on the hill, we are seeing progress and glimpses of greatness. I enjoy him, like the raw talent. He needs to stay healthy.
I saw no reason to take Gsellman out. Next in line would have been Edgin for me. There’s a reason Ramirez has been cut twice. This game should not have been a nail biter at the end. With Millone going today we really could have used a rested bullpen. At least Blevins didn’t pitch for once.
That’s a reasonable take, Matty.
OTOH, Ramirez is the new guy brought in by the GM, minimally to eat a few innings here and there to help save the other guys.
Up 7-2 seems like it should be a reasonable time to give it a shot. I mean, if you can’t use him at that point, why is he on the roster?
I guess with all this bullpen stuff, there are many areas where a manager has several different ways of going. All of them reasonable at the time.
One factor might have been a sense that it would be a positive for Gsellman to close the book on a successful outing. His first in a long time. Pat him on the back, say good job, begin the process of building him back up. I don’t know.
True, there’s “a reason Ramirez has been cut twice.” But also, there’s a reason why TC’s boss put Ramirez on the roster. Up 7-2 with only 3 outs to go seemed like a reasonable time to test that reasoning.
I’m with JP on this one. Ramirez didn’t get the job done but that was the perfect spot to use him. Plus, there were two runners on base in the 8th inning when Gsellman’s spot came to bat. That’s pretty much a slam dunk to insert a pinch-hitter. I think all of us would have preferred a 5-run lead with Ramirez to a two-run lead with Gsellman going for his third inning of work.
Living proof that a longevity record isnt linked to performance in the Alderson administration nearly as much as loyalty.
Sorry Metsense, we have a leadoff hitter doing great on both sides of the ball. If it aint broke, dont fix it. Hes getting on base, and scoring runs, and driving in runs. He still has 27 RBI and a 42% on base. Hes scores 31 runs. Is he ideal lead off? Im leaning towards yes. Hes a unique table setter with power, or a power guy that can run like a scalded cat. Does he make it uncomfortable for pitchers from the get go? Yes. Im happy for now, but I do understand where you are coming from.
ARod’s contributions to the broadcast were outstanding, apart from his comment about “The Great Oner of the Mets” (Fred Wilpon).
He has an especially interesting insight about building teams and lineups exclusively based on power, versus OBP and Contact…. he focused a good deal on guys with 150 strikeouts apiece throughtout any lineup, and the Value of good contact hitters regaining appreciation in the game. He also shared some great insights on Pitch mix and approach of a Pitcher and a batter based on situations.
Not Gospel, but some interesting thoughts from Alex. I’d love to hear him in a Broadcast with Smoltz or Darling.
To my surprise, A-Rod turned out to be a great commentator in 2015, I think, during the postseason. He’s modest, thoughtful, generous, insightful. A natural talent.
Who knew!
I think it speaks to his love of the game that despite all the money he’s made, he still wants to be a part of it. Same thing with Frank Thomas, who does lots of studio work for Fox.