Offense is still hard to come by for these Mets, but it proved just enough to top the lowly Phillies in the second game of the series. Juan Lagares broke out of his 0-15 slump in a big way with his go-ahead two-run home run in the seventh inning. The only other Mets run came from an error off the bat of Lucas Duda, who’s now batting .120 over his last seven games. He’s also collected six strikeouts and zero walks in that span. Ruben Tejada provided two hits, a walk and some spectacular play at shortstop, and with Ron Darling‘s declaration that Wilmer Flores should stay on the bench, Mets fans now have to deal with a resurfacing conversation nobody wants.
It certainly helped that the Mets were up against a Phillies team that sat both Chase Utley and Ryan Howard until the ninth, so it’s not like the win was terribly impressive. Jon Niese was extremely effective again, and fought his way through seven innings, struck out six, walked only one, and lowered his ERA to 1.95, best in the rotation and eighth-best in baseball. The two runs that scored against him came after a Dilson Herrera error in the sixth. Jeurys Familia was dynamite again to earn his league-leading 12th save.
All in all it was a win, and that’s what matters. But it wasn’t pretty, and the team as a whole is still struggling to score. With little offensive reinforcements on the way, it’s up to this group to put together more runs more often to support the best rotation in the National League. The Mets look to take the rubber match tomorrow in Philadelphia before moving on to Chicago.
Mets offense showed some signs tonight. Bunch of hits, some hard-hit outs and if they had cashed either of their chances with the bases loaded, the storyline would have been different.
I wonder how all of those teams who passed on trading for Jon Niese because of injury concerns feel about that now?
Interesting thought Brian. But truth be told, I can’t envision many being too upset is mt guess.
I don’t know, Brian. About two weeks ago you wrote a semi-convincing article highlighting how all of Niese’s peripheral numbers were awful, negative enough that some of us commented in his defense. But you made some good points. Last night, that Philly lineup was terrible.
He’s been very good this year, and he’s become a better competitor, but if I were a GM I’d still be wary of his health. But clearly he could help a lot of teams if he can stay on the mound. A tough call. OTOH, I bet there’s a lot of GMs wishing they kicked the tires on Bartolo.
And since then he’s had 14 Ks, 3 BB, 1 HR in 19 IP
Just numbers, streaks, dubious sample sizes. He’s the same guy.
Didn’t see the game, only some highlights. Tejada did make a nice play on the DP, I contemplated endorsing him for more playing time despite my disdain for his results. Niese’s reactions to anything adverse makes me think of Isaac Davis, especially with the beard.
With all due respect, who are you to determine whether a win is “terribly impressive”. I’m not even sure what that means.
Lagares
Yes, on Lagares. I would love to see him pull the ball more often. Untapped power. I’m surprised Kevin Long wasn’t rushing to be interviewed, claiming “I taught him that.” Interesting how he disappears and the narrative shifts.
One other thing: Perhaps we’ve entered the “competition” phase at the shortstop position. On the downside, the maddening spectacle of watching Terry try to made up his mind each and every lineup card, then explain it to reporters; on the positive, may the best man win. Play the hot hand, force Flores to swim or sink, and compel Ruben to focus and play hard. Neither is a meaningful solution, but these are the guys that Sandy inherited 5 years ago so . . . I guess that’s the only option other than “patience.”
I think Keith is dead on with Lagares. Give him time. The power is there, and his strength will continue to improve. I encourage him to continue to battle and be a good hitter. Once that pressure is off he can work on more power. It will come. He clearly enjoyed that blast last night. In an homage to Brian’s recent offerings: I would guess the exit speed on that ball to have been pretty high…that went out in a hurry.
Saw the highlights. Flores-Murphy can’t make that DP and never will.
Tejada,at best, is only average defensively. Flores is not a starting defensive SS.
The authors gut reaction is that the offense is still hard to come by. My gut reaction is to get Tulo, solidify the offense and defense, and increase the odds of winning the division. Tejada’s play on the DP only proved to me what Tulo would bring to the table as the Met SS.