This morning the Mets record stands at 35-30 after 65 games in sole possession of first base and a game and a half lead over the Washington Nationals – the team that almost every sports analyst predicted to run away with the National League East . Yes I should be pumped. Yes I should be psyched. Yes my pores should be oozing with euphoria.
Then why am I finding it hard to believe ?
Maybe it’s the fact that the infield defense has been shoddy at best, stealing losses from the jaws of victory ( see this past Saturday’s brutal loss).
Maybe it’s the fact that even though with the exception of a few hiccups,the starting pitching has been as close to lights out.
Maybe it’s because with the exception of Juan Lagares the outfield defense has been creaky.
It’s safe to say the bench is a joke.
Third base has been an even bigger joke since David Wright has been sidelined with this possible career threatening back condition ( I will believe he’s back when I see his name penciled into the lineup). It feels like the Mets have gone back to the bad old days where third base was revolving door of band aids and desperation.
And lastly the lack of ability- or willingness to obtain a big bat to solidify the offense. I don’t claim to know the financial liquidity of ownership but If I was either Fred or Jeff I would give Sandy the mandate to open up the purse strings to import a difference making bat. That’s what happened with Donn Clendennon in ’69, and Piazza in ’98.
I cannot and will not say this team is overachieving, but I feel that something is missing, something that will make this team a lock for the playoffs instead of falling off of the cliff by late July.
And with that said… HERE COMES THE INFAMY !!!!
Mets alumni celebrating a birthday today includes:
Middle reliever from the ’72 season, Bob Rauch is 66 (1949).
Spot starter/middle reliever pitcher from ’04-’05, Calvin Schiraldi turns 53(1962). Calvin would become a big contributor for the Mets after his Mets career had ended. First he was the player that netted us Bob Ojeda in ’96. And secondly watch game 6 of the ’86 World Series again.
*Goon here- I see I have to clean up Ed’s mess again. I can’t wait to see the excuse for this one. The dates should read for Shiraldi 1984-1985 as a spot starter/middle reliever and “netted us Ojeda in 1986”.
Oh Ed.
Other transactions of note include:
The Baltimore Orioles claimed reserve outfielder, Rich Becker of the New York Mets on waivers on June 16, 1998.
The New York Mets signed free agent reliever, Heath Bell on June 16, 1998. Bell would spend the better part of three mediocre seasons in the Mets bullpen (’04-’06) before becoming a lock down closer when he was traded to the San Diego Padres in ”06 for outfielder, Ben Johnson and pitcher, Josh Adkins.
Mo Vaughn and Bartolo Colon are hooking up to create the ultimate tag team wrestling duo. They intend to call themselves the “CO MO Connection” !!!!!
So, if the Mets run to second base, will they not be in sole possession of first base anymore?