The Giants decided they had enough of the pitchers’ duel and they exploded for six runs in the eighth inning, leading to a 7-0 win in the series opener in San Francisco Friday night.
Zack Wheeler put in another terrific outing, allowing just one run in seven innings. He struck out nine and did not surrender a walk.
The Mets’ bullpen, which had been good for most of August, ended the month with another horrible outing. Robert Gsellman, Daniel Zamora and Drew Smith each allowed two runs in the eighth inning.
It was a poor day for the offense, which managed just three hits. The Mets had one good scoring opportunity in the game, getting their first two runners on in the seventh inning. But a fly ball and a double play killed that rally.
As far as I’m concerned, the game was lost in that seventh inning. After the deep fly to right center by Flores advanced McNeil to third, Bruce has to get that run in. Instead, while he hit it hard, it was a grounder to 1B and a 3-6-3. The air came out of the balloon right there. Hard to understand why the Mets suck so much offensively on some nights, and it all clicks on other nights. This guy wasn’t a great pitcher, but they made him look like one.
If there is one player that absolutely must be platooned it’s Jay Bruce. Having hit in the .220’s or lower against lefties the last five years, he isn’t a player on the rise but rather the slide. Usable against righties to some extent, he is not a player to play against lefties especially with the defensive liability he brings wherever you put him. He has value in the AL, as many teams could use his offense. But, the Mets are going to have to eat some of the contract to open space on the roster and start bringing in more versatile offensive players.
On the plus side, Wheeler continues to show that he is worth a moderate extension and may be able to give the Mets a reliable top three next year but if this team doesn’t have a better plan offensively, five Cy Young winners won’t put them in the playoffs.
The Bruce double play took the air out of the game. Bruce has been a professional hitter and RBI man. I just think he is a little rusty. In 2018 I think Bruce and Flores should share first base on platoon. Unfortunately, one of my favorite Mets Flores should be traded this winter. He will be too expensive for his arbitration. He also is a right-handed batter and would be blocking Alonso when Alonso is ready. Dominic Smith should not be in the conversation. His boat has sailed. The Mets will probably platoon Smith and Bruce in 2019. The Mets just seem to make the same mistakes over and over again.
My gut reaction: the Mets should get 2 closers for 2019. Although the offense can be inconsistent I still think it’s enough especially with Cespedes on the horizon midseason. Spend the money on the closing pitching.
Spend the money on every day players. Players who are good defensively and start with CF and catcher. Defense up the middle and maybe the pitchers will be what we all thought they would be!