The Mets fell behind early and came out on the wrong end of a 5-3 score Wednesday afternoon in Washington against the Nationals.
After last night’s debacle, the Mets hoped that having Noah Syndergaard on the mound against Tommy Milone would end up being just what the doctor ordered. But Syndergaard struggled early and after giving up a two-run homer to Anthony Rendon, the Mets trailed, 3-0.
But Syndergaard settled down and completed seven innings without giving up any other runs. Meanwhile, Jose Reyes hit his second solo shot of the game to make it 3-2 in the eighth inning.
Seth Lugo relieved Syndergaard and the Nationals tacked on two unearned runs. Reyes made a low throw that Wilmer Flores was unable to corral. It was scored an E4 but all three Mets announcers thought that Flores should have fielded the ball that bounced right in front of him. Then, with the bases loaded, a ball was hit to Flores, who instead of throwing home, opted to get an out at second base. Compounding the matter is that the throw was high and everyone was safe. Then to complete the ugly inning, Flores was nowhere to be found as the cutoff man on a ball hit to the outfield.
Flores batted in the ninth inning and had a well-struck ball to left field that Juan Soto made a leaping try on. The ball hit him in the glove, but instead of in the pocket, it hit in the palm of his hand and he was unable to hold on. Not only was Soto unable to make the catch, he Jose Cansecoed the ball over the wall. Hey, at least it didn’t hit him in the head. Soto was disgusted with himself and Flores trotted around the bases. But the Mets did not add any more runs and the two unearned runs in the eighth proved to be the difference.
Flores. Hes the future…at every infield position. If only he could play more.
Wilmer…good kid, good bat, but has too many brain farts in the field, he is not the answer at 1st base
Reyes hits two home runs, earning himself even more playing time while the youngsters rot….ugh
The Mets essentially stood pat at the trade deadline and are more than likely going to stand pat this winter as well.
First base: Alonso/Smith/Wilmer
Second base: TJR/McNeil
Shortstop: Rosario (probably Gimenez gets an ST invite)
Third base: Frazier/DW?
Outfield: Conforto/Nimmo/Bruce/Lagares/???
Catcher: ??? TdA is likely non-tendered, Plawecki is a backup
Starting Pitchers: Thor/Jake/Wheeler/Matz (unless TJS)/Vargas or Lugo
Closer: ??
RHRP: Swarzak/Drew Smith/Bashlor/Gsellman/maybe Lugo
LHRP: Maybe Vargas/??
Ideally the team is almost completely gutted, but I can’s see them giving up on Nimmo, Conforto, Rosario or Alonso (lots of “o’s”— or is it zeros) this quickly. They have announced plans to keep Thor and Jake. Wheeler likely stays. Likewise Lugo. Dom Smith, Wilmer and Matz probably have no value. Lagares, Bruce and Frazier are albatross contracts, just like Cespedes and DW, should either ever come back.
Maybe they add a catcher and a true center fielder. More likely the former than the latter, as Lagares is owed $9M. A bullpen lefty or two, probably a vet like Tony Sipp. I could see them bringing back Familia to close, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Swarzak and Jennry Mejia competing for that role next Spring.
Good times, good times
Standing pat is downright scary…they do need to determine a direction once Jeff’s subordinate is named.
Five high quality additions are needed. They don’t need to be superstar level, but they can’t be middling thirty-somethings either. That is a difficult task that leaves no margin for error. But, they need to finish 218 first, as injuries (Matz, Bruce, etc) and individual performances will impact the decision.
I am becoming a Yankees fan(no,not really but I almost wish I could)
Things look darkest before the dawn…Yogi Berra
Wilmer lost all of his good Karma.
Nimmo hit into a game ending double play. He lost all of his good Karma.
Yet I’m still drawn into watching the game?
No one said being a fan would make sense.
You should join us in the Game Chatters – misery loves company. There are usually half a dozen of us dropping in and out during various points of the game. If no one’s there, just leave a few comments and someone will likely join you there shortly.
It’s August – why are we still playing Reyes? I think he has something on the management of the team. The Mets have sent better players back to re minors – maybe it’s because he hits well (no – less than .200), maybe it’s his power (no he has 3 HRs), it must be his defense…….