The Mets blew a game they could have won with a decent bullpen, but there’s a bit more to unpack from this game.
- David Wright was officially activated in time for the game, but though fans at Citi Field were chanting for him to come in as a pinch hitter, it didn’t happen.
- The game was delayed by rain and the Mets and Braves played the first few innings in a down pour.
- Noah Syndergaard battled through the rain, his hair a mop, to toss six scoreless innings. He left with a 3-0 lead courtesy of RBI hits from Michael Conforto and Jay Bruce.
- The Mets bullpen is increasingly looking like the weak link on this team in most need of off-season help (more on that in my Friday post). Despite looking completely gassed, Robert Gsellman continues to find himself getting his number called by Mickey Callaway. Why hasn’t Seth Lugo pitched since Friday, but Gsellman has made three appearances since then?
- Gsellman gave up four runs (three earned) on two hits and a walk in the seventh inning. Drew Smith entered to close out the ugly inning but allowed all three inherited runners to score, thanks to a wild pitch and a two-run double.
- In the eighth inning it was Jerry Blevins turn to handle the gas can as he allowed two hits, including a long home run. Todd Frazier‘s error didn’t help.
- Tyler Bashlor and Jacob Rhame looked better, but the damage was done.
- Meanwhile, the Mets could only muster one run in four innings against the Braves struggling bullpen after tagging rookie Touki Toussaint for two runs.
- The bullpen deserves most, but not all of the blame for this loss. The defense was terrible. Austin Jackson also made an error and Michael Conforto looked less than stellar in left field.
- The series continues tomorrow night with Jacob deGrom opposing Sean Newcomb.
3 more times on base for the number 6 hitter and no Lugo,good thing they are bringing Mickey back next year.
He seems like a wonderful person, but it’s time to say “Good-bye Jer-rey.”
Just finished watching the Mariners best the A’s in extras, where the Mariners tied it up in the bottom of the ninth on a two out single. This was the first, the very first game that Oakland has lost when leading after 7 innings. They are 68-1. What did Cohen say tonight, the Mets have lost 12 games they led in the eighth inning? Also, they are last in baseball with a .600something winning percentage when leading in the seventh, when the average team is in the .800’s in win percentage? It was refreshing to hear the Mets TV guys speaking honestly about the Mets bullpen and saying that they would like the Mets to at least sign a good closer, if nothing more.
I’d have Gsellman on a short leash next year, and let’s say that he might have just hit a wall this year as he got used to working so frequently. I wish they would cut some of those bullpen guys right now because I never want to see them on a Mets mound again.
On the radio side, I heard something interesting: The guys brought up Dansby Swanson’s first year when he came up in August and was very good while also hitting .302, but now has struggled the next two full seasons. Let’s keep that in mind when we are referring to McNeil as a sure thing, or in that light.
This is generally a great point…it takes time to establish a true baseline for young players. I’ve pasted the stat lines for 3 guys who came up as young heralded Shortstops because I think it’s good guidance for young debuting Star Prospects— Rosario, Alonzo, etc. It’s especially instructive because the SS position is seldom a Platoon— these guys don’t get the benefit of Platoon Protection early in their careers in the same way that an OF’er or 1st baseman might.
As for McNeill, he is no doubt a usable part going forward….especially with the possibility that Cheech and TJ might provide some platoon advantage. However, I’ve done a Clunky Math projection on the result of a dip in his .378 BABIP to more normal .300-320 , and it brings The Secret Squirrel’s OPS down to the 750 range. He has exposure and opportunity from there, but it provides a more realistic framing of any expectations.
I think the below provides a sober view of the reality of young players… these are all high pedigree, highly heralded and top shelf talents—
The Instant Stars are the exception.
Profar http://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/31117/jurickson-profar
Simmons http://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/31728/andrelton-simmons
Didi
http://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/31376/didi-gregorius
I imagine the reason Lugo wasn’t used is that he is being saved to be used for a couple of innings if needed when Jacob deGrom pitches today
One game is more valuable than another!