Driving my son back to college, I ask him to check the Mets score for me. He tells me it’s 3-2 Mets. I ask him if it’s a final and he says eight innings. Mentally put the game in the win column. Turns out this is what they mean when they talk about a distracted driver. You forget who your closer is and how he struggles in road games. Just the wrong time for the closer to falter.
The outcome of this game was driven by three main themes. First, the offense that just doesn’t generate runs, regardless of whether it gets hits or not. Yeah, they put up 13 the day before, and 11 the day before that. Still, just too many missed opportunities that wind up in many many close losses, a hallmark of mediocre to bad teams. Second, the Mets played with fire this entire series, and mostly escaped, but again, they play to the level of the competition. If the hitting is on, the pitching and/or defense is off. Another hallmark of pretenders. Lastly, with the mindset of acting vs. reacting, and without giving up on 2021 just yet, for 2022 Uncle Stevie and his gang need to upgrade the closer position. We all know Diaz has electric stuff, and at times is unhittable, but two blown saves in this series is just plain bad. And, walking replacement-level leadoff hitter on 4 pitches (yes, he was squeezed, but sorry) ahead of Juan Soto in a must win game is simply inexcusable. And, follow it up with another walk. Imagine Diaz in a tight playoff spot? I can’t. In general, the pen has been very good, but Lugo seems to have slipped and Diaz is just too hot/cold. They need another backend arm, preferably a dominant arm but most certainly steadier.