If you like lousy hitting, poor baserunning, bad umpiring and terrible defense, boy this game was for you. It sure didn’t resemble major league baseball, which is fitting since the game was played in Buffalo. The Blue Jays won the game on a pickoff play, one that was originally called safe and overruled by replay, escaping with a 3-2 win over the Mets Saturday night.

There really isn’t anything good to say about this game and it’s certainly not worth going into a blow-by-blow recap of how the runs for both teams scored.

Seth Lugo was really good the first three innings. But he pitched 5.1 innings, allowed three runs and took the loss. Chasen Shreve wasn’t particularly sharp, either. Perhaps the most surprising thing is that Miguel Castro looked good. And Jeurys Familia pitched a high-leverage eighth inning and did not allow a run, even if it took a high-wire act.

Jake Marisnick was credited with an RBI double on a ball that an MLB 3B really should catch. And he ended up leaving the game with a barking hamstring. Amed Rosario had three hits but was the one who got picked off first base to end the game. Pete Alonso, Robinson Cano and J.D. Davis were a combined 0-11 with six strikeouts.

It was just pitiful all the way around.

19 comments on “Gut Reaction: Blue Jays 3, Mets 2 (9/12/20)

  • TexasGusCC

    Someone from another website commenting on Lugo’s postgame presser:

    “Lugo said it’s tough to get beat by that many singles. A subtle dig at the poor defense.

    Wouldn’t be shocked if he requests Guillorme and Giminez at 2B and SS for his next start“

  • Michael

    Not to mention what an intelligent team we have. Tied game in the 5th, Rosario leads off with a double. Instead of moving him over, McNeill hits a lazy fly to LF. Not that it mattered with 2 Ks by Davis and Conforto. Like you said lousy hitting. Murders’Row in the 8th and Alonso Ks on a pitch more than a foot outside. Man on first in the 9th, 2-0 on Ramos and presto, GIDP on Ball 3. Pick-off brought the game to a merciful close.

  • David Klein
  • TJ

    I caught the bottom of the 8th and top of the 9th. Thankfully, I didn’t see the rest based on Brian’s recap. Yes, Rosario getting picked off was a total no no, but being fast doesn’t make you a good baserunner. Mr. Ramos gets the goat award from me. At 2-0 with a closer that cant find the plate, you just can’t swing there. And, if you actually do, there is no way the pitch can be a ball that you turn into 2 outs. I’ve seen this act before from Wilson, and simply put, it’s losing baseball. There are times to pounce on a 2-0 pitch and times to make the pither throw a strike. I expect every single big leaguer to know the difference, they get paid to play. For sure, my expectations are too high.

    • TexasGusCC

      TJ, these are the Mets. Don’t expect too much. Why do we the fans have a better grip on game situation than the players most times? Not saying it’s an easy game, but they are professionals and should be able to let a pitcher throw a strike..l

      • TJ

        Gus,
        It’s not just the Mets, from what I see. Guys like us have seen thousands of games and understand the basics. Some of the younger guys, while professional, may not have secured the basics. I saw the Rojas presser after the game, and he noted that the closer showed the same move earlier in the inning. Rosario himself said he had a red light, so he just didn’t pay attention to the details. Ramos bothers me the most. He is a veteran and a catcher, he should have been totally tuned in to the pitcher being upset about getting squeezed, and having a history of wildness. Rojas knew this and seemed disappointed that his catcher did not take advantage.

        • Jennifer Corozza

          I am so tired of Rosario. He has had to learn so much at the big league level from bunting to baserunning and he has no range as a shortstop. I don’t want to watch him anymore even knowing he had a multi-hit game as he doesn’t seem to get it. His presser comments indicate that. Surprised he was benched? Okay.

          As for Ramos, I had a feeling of foreboding seeing him in the lineup as I didn’t feel comfortable with him catching Lugo for the first time transitioning to starting. And of course, his turtle like running making him an instant DP candidate in the 9th after swinging at the 2-0 pitch. I also want him gone. Rosario and Ramos, please don’t be on the 2021 roster.

          • Metsense

            The Mets offense is constructed that it could withstand a weak hitting catcher that is very good defensively. They should replace Ramos in 2021.
            Rosario should be traded this winter.

            • Jennifer Corozza

              Exactly. Can we finally get a defensive-minded starting catcher that actually helps the pitching staff? Realmuto embodies both, but if not him, someone defensive-minded, please.

            • TJ

              On Ramos, I have a feeling of disappointment overall in his play, but from a WAR value the Mets got their money’s worth, at least last year. Coming in, his limitations were well known, and he has lived up to them. What bothers me most is he feel for the game, offensively and defensively. The pitchers clearly aren’t thrilled with him but have learned to accept him. At bat, the numerous times he has helped a pitcher is surprising. As Metsense well noted, the lineup is good enough to carry a weak C bat. If Realmuto isn’t acquired, I’d prefer to seek out a strong receiver, even if it means a step down offensively.

              On Rosario, it is frustrating to watch a guy at the big league level that still has a lot of rough edges, and is missing a “knack” for the game relative to other big leaguers. That said, he is still only 24, controllable for 3 years, has a lot of athleticism, and played well for an extended period of time last year. I would certainly be willing to trade him, but would not give him away in a purge.

  • David Klein

    Cano, Alonso and Davis went 0-11 with six strike outs. Ramos swinging at a garbage 2-0 pitch and wtf Rosario he had a good offensive and defensive game, but that’s unforgivable. Lugo got killed slowly by soft hits and lack of shifts he’ll be fine he needs to throw more curves next start. Castro looked great and was really the only highlight. The team just isn’t going anywhere really.

  • NYM6986

    I try to stay positive but we simply gave this winnable game away. Even if we get into the playoffs we don’t have the skill set to move forward. Can’t wait for new ownership and the money to fill in our holes.

  • Mike W

    2020, the year of bad pitching, inconsistent play and inability to string wins together.

    Guys, the fat lady is going to sing soon.

    Looking forward to the excitement of a new roster next year.

    Can you imagine if we got Arod winning the bid and Jlo running the team.

  • Metsense

    Gut Reaction: the RHB have come up short this season and the result is a losing record against LHP starters.
    RHB vs LHP = .764 OPS whereas LHB vs LHP = .798 OPS.
    Rosario is a gifted talent but he hasn’t utilized his talent and that why he is only statistical an average major league shortstop at this point of his career. Gimenez has shown maturity, good instincts and a better fielding glove. This is why he is the starting more. Gimenez has more upside than Rosario.
    Lugo has earned a 2021 rotation spot. He needs to stretch out to six plus innings and he will produce quality starts for the Mets.
    There is still hope to make the playoffs.

  • TexasGusCC

    Jennifer and others that want Rosario traded this winter, two things: 1. What can they get for him? At his present value, it would not be much and the Mets have thrown away plenty of talent for nothing and I’m tired of seeing that. 2. Is Gimenez the real deal? After a month, can we just forget the .257 batting average in AA?

    The first thing Cohen needs to do is hire a good and disciplined baseball person to run the show. Not many available, but I have a certain Korean heritage woman in mind…

    • Metsense

      1. Ramos has a $10m team option in 2021. The Mets will have to sign him to trade him. There is no trade value in a 33 yoa defensively challenged catcher looking for an offensive rebound. Buy him out for the $1.5 m and spend the $8.5m elsewhere.
      2. Gimenez in his age 22 season, 106 OPS+, .875% SB, +1 DRS, 2026 free agent
      Rosario in his age 22 season, 88 OPS+, .686% SB, -16 DRS, 2024 free agent
      Gimenez has more upside, better baseball skills and a better glove. He should have a better career and is controlled for two years more.

  • Chris F

    The Mets scored 5x as many runs in 2 games, yet split the pair. This is the Mets. Imbalanced and lacking consistency.

    Gus, you are right, it’s a sell low on Rosario, but if you can get a prospect that has upside and fills a hole in our system, then it’s worth it. Maybe it’s not about Giminez, but with Mauricio coming behind, Rosario is gone. Can’t expect much. Or he’s guillorme, a bench guy.

    • Jennifer Corozza

      I agree, it probably is a sell low on Rosario. I’ve watched him since 2017 now and his improvements if real are not sustainable. I have a problem, my bias, with players having to learn so much at this level. It’s a huge problem. Rosario has great speed and some pop, but he’s not a consistent player. Mets have overlooked defense for so long and they need to stop doing that. I want my SS to be defensive first, along with catcher. If there’s offense to be had in these positions, that’s a plus for me.

  • TJ

    On Ramos, I have a feeling of disappointment overall in his play, but from a WAR value the Mets got their money’s worth, at least last year. Coming in, his limitations were well known, and he has lived up to them. What bothers me most is he feel for the game, offensively and defensively. The pitchers clearly aren’t thrilled with him but have learned to accept him. At bat, the numerous times he has helped a pitcher is surprising. As Metsense well noted, the lineup is good enough to carry a weak C bat. If Realmuto isn’t acquired, I’d prefer to seek out a strong receiver, even if it means a step down offensively.

    On Rosario, it is frustrating to watch a guy at the big league level that still has a lot of rough edges, and is missing a “knack” for the game relative to other big leaguers. That said, he is still only 24, controllable for 3 years, has a lot of athleticism, and played well for an extended period of time last year. I would certainly be willing to trade him, but would not give him away in a purge.

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