The Mets snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, allowing four runs in the ninth inning en route to a 6-5 loss to the last-place Giants. For the third time in the last four series, the Mets had a chance for a sweep, only to lose the last game.
- Plenty of blame to go around here in a game the Mets should have won. Jeurys Familia, pitching for the third straight day because he was used yesterday when the team was up five runs, had nothing and was unable to close the door when handed a 3-2 lead.
- Even without his best stuff, Familia coaxed a groundball to the third baseman that should have been a game-ending double play. But Wilmer Flores threw wildly to second base and did not get even one out on the play. A single, walk and a double then resulted in four runs and a loss.
- Flores almost redeemed himself in the ninth, with a blast that just missed being a homer. Instead, it was a two-run double that cut the deficit to a single run. However, Kevin Plawecki squelched the comeback with a dribbler in front of the plate for the final out.
- Tommy Milone acquitted himself well in his Mets debut, allowing 2 ER in 5 IP. He also had an RBI single.
Milone pitching pretty well was the most positive development of this game, if he can fortify the back end of the rotation that will be a big plus.
Listening to the radio, Howie and Josh had a hard time understanding how a team that only allowed one run and two hits yesterday used 5 pitchers and today allowing two runs had to use 9 pitchers, and this was way before the Giants hit in the ninth inning. They make a good point. Further, Josh Lewin asked the magic question: “What’s going to happen in August?”
This game was totally on Flores. He has no business lining up at third base ever again. He doesn’t have any defensive instincts and I have mentioned several times that he doesn’t look “into it” defensively. I don’t know what defensive drills the Mets do and how hard Flores actually works. I’m down on him because this is the big leagues and he needs to make those plays. Of course, Familia could have picked him up better, but I’ll leave that to you folks. If a player wants to be taken seriously, he must take himself seriously. Wake up Wilmer.
“This game was totally on Flores. He has no business lining up at third base ever again. He doesn’t have any defensive instincts…”
Honestly everyone, I have not hacked Gus’ M360 account!
That said, ol Gump is about the worst “third baseman” in all of organized baseball. Id put TJ there when The Dude returns.
Some thoughts:
Gotta give Brian credit for his criticism of TC’s use of the bullpen on Tuesday—it led to the Familia failure today.
Milone pitched well enough, but the Giants are a poor hitting team right now. Let’ see how Milone does against better teams.
Many of the Mets360 contributors have been critical of Flores’ ability to handle 3rd base. Today was a prime example. Too slow—poor footwork—erratic arm.
Duda has to play when he comes back. The Mets have to build up his value if their plan is to replace him with Dom Smith down the line.
As one who was born, lived and worked in the Bronx, I’ve got to root for TJ. But, he has to go around the league a bit more. The sample is still too small.
With Duda back, I’d put TJ at 3rd and platoon Lucas with Flores at 1st. Reyes becomes the super sub who can give Cabrera and Walker additional rest. Right now Jose isn’t doing enough offensively to be a regular.
When Cespedes does eventually get back, Granderson should sit. He just isn’t productive enough to play regularly.
Thanks NormE
As for Rivera, I’m extremely happy for his success. But we have to keep in mind that everyone looks good when the hits are falling in. Coming into today’s game, he had a .364 BABIP. Last year there were 146 hitters in MLB with another PA to qualify for the FG leaderboards. Only eight of those 146 had a BABIP of .360 or more.
But as long as he hits, he should play.
Some have been clamoring for Reyes to return to the leadoff spot. Today’s 0-4 makes him 1-33 when batting first in a game. I look forward to Conforto’s return to the top of the lineup.
All lead off hitters combined other than Conforto: 4-77. The defense rests.
TJ has always hit .300+ and since his barrel pct. is high, his BABIP avg. will probably always be high. Or, at least higher than the norm by a considerable margin.
At this point, play Duda everyday, play Flores at second a few times to market him as a second baseman and move him and Granderson. What really incensed me today was listening to Josh Lewin explain to Mets fans that the Mets want to get Granderson back up to the top spot, since Reyes is not working out at leading off. The Mets don’t deserve the good fortunes they’ve had with players because they like to mess with success. If Conforto and Rivera at the top are producing, leave them there and stop reliving 2011 in 2017.
Tommy Milone pitched a nice game but he only lasted 87 pitches. He gave by two singles in the 6th and he was gone. He had a two run lead and an eleven day rest since his last start. The team needs distance in their starting pitching so maybe he should have been pushed a little farther. It would have been interesting to see how he responded in a high leverage situation
If Flores turns two on what Keith and Gary called a tailor made double play then there is no blown save and the Mets sweep. Flores was playing third because of his bat not his glove otherwise Matt Reynolds would have been starting the game if the Mets wanted a better defensive player. TC made the right choice starting Flores (who had a three hit game) over Reynolds. Flores doesn’t pass the eye test at third base mainly because of his throwing but he does pass as a first baseman. TJ Rivera has played 149 minor league games at third base and 139 games at SS. Maybe TJ should start at 3B when Flores plays. Yes Flores blew it but even the best players make errors and even good managers sometimes don’t put their players in a position to succeed.
Many critics (including Gary and Ron) are alarmed about TC’s extreme use of match ups and appearances by the bullpen.
On the positive, four series wins in a row, the offense is still scoring, Duda is due back Friday and Tommy Milone may be a decent 5th starter.
All I can think is that Flores is basically a DH in a division with a lot of lefty starters. He has almost zero value otherwise. No baseball instincts. No on-field skills. Even his throw home (on a double play ball) was bailed out by Plawecki who made a fantastic catch on a bounced ball from 3B. Its agony to watch an individual so suited for golf “play” baseball. Id trade him for a bag of bag of balls a full game’s worth of new bases.
Hey, Brian, my crazy prediction from last night just got a little less crazy. That’s not a good thing!
Hopefully, Familia’s will resemble Glavine’s where he takes aspirin and is back on the mound in a couple of weeks.
+1