On the 22nd year anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy here in New York, the Mets looked to get today’s victory for the city.
Pitching wise, the game had a familiar feel. Jose Quintana started and had another stellar outing. He pitched five innings and gave up two runs. In 10 starts this season, he has given up 2 earned runs or less in 8 of those starts, continuing to solidify himself for the rotation next year.
Offensively, the Mets scored all three of their runs in the 4th inning, courtesy of a Jeff McNeil solo home run and a 2 run double by Ronny Mauricio. McNeil finished the night, going 3 for 4 and Mauricio continues to provide some spark since being finally brought up to the majors a little more than a week ago.
However in a familiar 2023 scene, the Mets bullpen promptly coughs up the lead. After their more reliable relievers in Sean Reid-Foley and Brooks Raley each throws a scoreless inning in the 6th and 7th innings, respectively, the lesser reliable ones come in to blow it. First, Trevor Gott gives up the tying home run to former Met Tommy Pham in the 8th inning. Then Mr Inconsistency Drew Smith gives up the go ahead run in the 9th inning to make it 4-3 DBacks.
The Mets did have a chance in the bottom of the 9th inning. Mauricio walked to begin the inning, advanced to second base on the Brett Baty sacrifice bunt, and then provided more spark by stealing third base, representing the tying run with one out. But Daniel Vogelback struck out looking. Omar Narvaez walked and was pinch run by Tim Locastro, who stole second base without an attempt by Arizona. But Brandon Nimmo flied out to end the threat and the game.
The bullpen continues its futility, but another strong start by Quintana, McNeil’s strong night, and Mauricio continuing to show what he can do, provided some bright moments during another frustrating defeat.
The mets will look to bounce back tomorrow behind starter Jose Butto, who will look to build upon his strong start vs the Washington Nationals last week.
David, it’s a good thing you did the gut reaction tonight because if Brain did it, he would have been somewhat cranky about it. I can tell you that my opinion of this game is the following: The Mets just had Thursday off and then lost two of three in Minneapolis. Hence, the back end of the bullpen should be pretty rested. Raley pitched yesterday, and if he’s available today, why is he pitching in the seventh inning? This guy was closing a month ago. Then, Ottavino has pitched one time in a week – yesterday – and threw 16 pitches. He isn’t available at all? As for Vogelbach failing in the ninth inning and tying run on third to shorten up his swing and put the ball in play when he was up on the count 2-0… ain’t there some kid in Syracuse that deserves a couple of at bats in MLB? Palka? Cortes? Anybody?
I’m hoping de Oca and Diaz next year will help fix this mess. The inconsistency with the relievers is nerve wracking and honestly, I’m wondering what exactly Hefner brings to the table. Who has he helped improve? Phil Regan helped many pitchers find their way and he got the boot because he was 83 years old.
Let’s not pretend that Diaz is some model of consistency.
From 2017-2022, he had three seasons with an ERA in the 1s and three seasons with an ERA over 3.00 and alternated between the two each year, never posting great years or meh years back to back. And one of those great years was the Covid year, where he appeared in 40 fewer games than the season before.
As for Montes de Oca, he’ll be trying to come back at age 28 with all of 3 MLB games under his belt. He’s allowed 4 ER, 7 H and 2 BB in 3.1 IP in those games. He’s just like Stephen Riddings or Sam Coonrod – a guy who throws hard that you hope can catch magic in a bottle and be better than he’s ever been before. You need guys like this in the system, preferably in the minors and not being counted on for the Opening Day pen.
This was another winnable game against a team looking to secure a wildcard spot that really needed the win. Our lack of offense is as pronounced as our crappy pen. There will be a lot of relief pitchers changing teams next year hoping that the change in scenery will make them get batters out. Back up the truck at Citifield. Perhaps we should all share the pain and offer to write a recap every now and then to spare Brian the pain.
Gut Reaction: Another well pitch game for Quintana. If Nimmo delivers is would have been a Happy Recap. If I’m generous, Smith (90 ERA+) and Gott (85 ERA+) should be the 6th and 7th relievers in 2024. If I’m being generous.
McNeil has in OPS to .700. He has to build from that.
Nice Gut Reaction write-up , David.
Bottom line,it’s not a very good team. Something to think about,it might not be a Very good team next season either.
It looks like Stewart is playing himself onto the 2024 roster. If they resign him he could provide some pop off of the bench.
It would be great if Mauricio and Butto could make the squad next year. If Butto could be even an average pitcher it would be a huge help.
McNeil in left field, Mauricio at second. Maybe they find a taker for Marte. Time to put Acuna in the outfield.
What will our Wonderboy Stearns do ? Here are my guesses.
Signs Yamamoto
Rebuilds the bullpen, maybe he signs Hader
Signs Alonso to an extension
Brings in a veteran for DH
Trades for a third baseman
Trades Parada for a starting pitcher
I don’t think he signs Ohtani