When you see that stat line of 8.1 innings pitched, with no runs, three hits, and 8 strikeouts from a Mets pitcher, you’d probably expect it to come from Jacob deGrom. Against the Reds tonight though, those stats were produced by Rafael Montero, who earned his third win of the season. He did not let his four walks affect him, and he had great deception in the 2-0 victory. If Montero was able to produce at a clip like this throughout the whole season, he likely would not fall under all of the criticism that he has become accustomed to receiving.
The offense only put up two runs this evening, which was enough to get the job done. Jose Reyes, Brandon Nimmo, Asdrubal Cabrera, Wilmer Flores, and Kevin Plawecki each produced a hit. Reyes, Flores, and Plawecki each had a double. Reyes stole his 16th base of the season. Both runs were curtesy of back to back doubles in the first inning by Plawecki and Flores.
A.J Ramos came into a very sticky situation in the ninth, and shut the door. Coming into the game with a runner on second and third with one out, Ramos struck out both Adam Duvall and Scooter Gennett to end the game. My Gut Reaction is that as this season draws to a close, there will be a battle between Ramos Jeruys Familia to determine who will be the closer in 2018. The Mets will try to win the series from the Reds tomorrow at 1:10 when deGrom takes the hill.
Some real positives that Mets fans can embrace from tonight:
1. Montero was mean and controlled a very good Reds offense, as Brian pointed out this morning in his article. Also, although we see 4 walks in the box score, the fourth was intentional to Joey Votto to load the bases in the ninth.
2. Ramos was outstanding with much pressure. Coming in with a 2-0 lead, the bases juiced and only one out against a good team in a launching pad, he struck out both guys and got the Mets into the clubhouse with the win.
3. Nothing breaks an opposing team’s spirit like two out RBI. The Mets had consecutive two out doubles by Flores and Plawecki, and both just looked to make good contact and not be over-swinging as this team was ought to do. Two line drive doubles, one to right center and one down the line in left, against a pitcher that didn’t make many mistakes were the difference.
4. Against a good lineup, pitchers need their fielders to be alert and make the plays that need to be made. Cabrera made a nice double play and Smith also made a great grab of a rocket by Joey Votto. Can’t help but wonder had this defense been there earlier in the year how things could have been.
i am stunned by Montero’s in-season transformation….even more than his previous and absolute failures. The subsequent starts by deGrom, Harvey, Montero, and Thor provide the best direction for the 2018 off season plans. Quality and Health would point to a reload and a spending commitment— Bruce and The Moose.
Bruce makes a lot of sense to me. But that raises the question of why trade him in the first place? Why risk him finding happiness with a new team, or raising his stock with a strong post-season performance? If Mets wanted him in 2018, wasn’t keeping him the right play? Or just so eager to pocket that $3 million?
You are going to have to explain to me the appeal of Moose. Seems like he’s destined to be wildly overpaid. I have mixed feelings about him. I anticipate the Mets showing “interest” in Moustakas and then pushing away from the table when the bidding gets real. He reminds me of Joe Foy.
Here’s an alternative: This winter, take that money and extend Jake deGrom.
If other holes are filled effectively, I could live with Cabrera at 3B to start 2018. Another reason why Flores at 3B strikes me as monumentally wrong-minded. Oh well.
I turned the game on late expecting to catch the final three inning. Instead, I seeing the happy recap.
Rafael Montero pitching like a professional last night and perhaps for the rest of the year causes me even more confusion about next year’s team. Is this real in any sense or is it a blip on his career’s radar?
Montero pitched great last night with the last two hits occurring on his 116th and 117th pitch. He has a 4.15 ERA in August and in his last four starts he has given up just six earned runs in 26 innings. A strong September would personally advance his career. He is out of options for 2018 so he will probably be making the team out of spring training. Right now he could slot in as a fifth starter. Who would have thought.
Plawecki with another good game trying to earn the 2018 backup catcher spot. He too is out of options. Flores keeps hitting also.
Reyes attempted two steals of third base with two out, one successful and one not. There is no advantage in taking that risk.
Ramos again closed the door and he appears to be a good Alderson move.
Reyes is an idiot. He needs to go away. This is not veteran leadership.
I don’t know what to think of Montero, but he’s certainly making a case at this point. Too bad he only wants to be a starter. Given the contract status, I guess he makes club as #5 out of Spring Training or is part of a March trade.
Good that Plawecki is getting ABs, showing progress. He might be a legitimate backup. I think defense at this position needs to get stronger. Sorry, Travis, but I’m looking at you.
You criticize Them, claiming they’re making moves to Only Save Money….then you suggest that they extend deGrom Instead of signing a good ballplayer—and let’s forget whether that good ballplayer is Moose or not….You of all poeople should believe they can do all of those things!
As for the Bruce Trade—you’ve decided that it’s just a dump and that they received Nothing for Him—it’s a ridiculously unsubstantiated position. You’re just pissing on anything they do—I get it—you’re angry.
BTW. teams that trade Vets for young player Always save money!