Aug
8
2011

The Straw That Broke The Camels Back

An article by Former Writers

As much as it pains me to say, yesterday’s loss meant more than just an “L” in the loss column. It pretty much signified the end of the Mets playing somewhat meaningful baseball in 2011.

The loss dropped the Mets back below .500 and nine back in the wild card. Couple that with the loss of their hottest hitter over the past month and a half in Daniel Murphy (torn MCL), plus shortstop Jose Reyes (hamstring), and it’s pretty easy to see the writing on the wall. This team does not have the talent nor the magic they once had to make this season any sort of success.

However it’s not just that. This team has been playing well below the standards it somewhat had before the all-star break. Half the team looks plain lost in the field and the offense goes through lulls even more frequently. Expect those lulls to escalate for the rest of the season without Murphy, because say what you want about his defense and baseball IQ, the man could flat out hit. Also this team has completely forgotten how to win at home, which boggles my mind more than anything else seeing as this team was “built” to succeed at Citi Field.

There is, as they say, always some good in everything. The Mets for the rest of the season will have the chance to play some of their younger players in Triple A and such. Expect Ruben Tejeda to get the reps at short while Reyes recovers from his latest injury, one that ESPNNY’s Adam Rubin stated doesn’t seem to be serious (so in Met land that means his season is done). Also, Fernando Martinez may come up to fill an empty roster spot, something that could be beneficial seeing as he may very well be looked at as this team’s starting right fielder next season.

Hopefully I am wrong. Maybe seeing it’s two best players go down in one day will spark this team. Maybe Jason Bay will remember what the team is paying him to do. Maybe Lucas Duda will continue making strides to becoming a serviceable major league ballplayer. Who knows, Mike Pelfrey may even become the ace of the staff that some expected him to be. These all, save for Duda, are remote but as John Sterling always says, That’s Baseball, Susan.

Perhaps the biggest silver lining in all this is with Reyes. Another hamstring concern means maybe it will take less money for the Mets to sign him and keep enough teams out of the hunt. But that’s something we won’t know for sure until after the season, which after yesterday isn’t too far down the road.

About the Author: Former Writers

5 Comments + Add Comment

MetFan Lou August 8, 2011 at 8:06 am

Very insighful and an excellent analysis on what the rest of the season will be like. We’ll find out what Triple AA and AAA guys will make up the ’11 season , who on the major league roster will still wear a Met uniform but just as important, this will test the loyalty of the MET fan base. As a MET fan since ’62 I have seen the best and worst but love them more than ever. By yhe way Citi Field gave up a lot of home runs in the Braves’ series so to me that is a cunard the Citi Field needs to be changed. Reyes is proving to be too fragile for a long term contract and Parnell is Aaron Heilmann reincarnated and should be gone now if not sooner. We will be “spoilers” for the remainder of the season. (Red Sox and Phillies in the WS, Phillies in 7 based on their pitching staff).
Metsie August 8, 2011 at 12:18 pm

Didn’t I read something similar when Wright and Davis went down?

Why is everyone so quick to bury this team and what is the obsession to be the first Miss Cleo to predict the doom?
- Original Met Fan August 8, 2011 at 12:53 pm
  
  The season is still worth watching especially for true baseball fans who tune in win or lose. But let’s face it Metsie, that Murphy injury was the final nail in the coffin.
  - Metsie August 8, 2011 at 1:06 pm
    
    Granted the final nail in his coffin…
    But here is the point I would like to get accross here…(and you seem to get it so it’s not really directed at you)
    
    Is watching only fun if there is a chance to win a WS?
    Is the fun only in seeing them win?
    
    I think not!
    
    As much as some people are ready to give up on the season and clear house to get all new players I am taking great pride and Joy in watching this team fight its way through the season because I have not seen such TEAM PLAY in quite a while with our Mets.
    
    Murphy has been hurt, his season is likely over. But that to me means we get to see more of guys like Duda and Evans And maybe a few others from the MiL that we do not know if they are good bad or just plain ugly!
    
    Thats exciting to watch in and of itself no?
Dusty August 8, 2011 at 1:37 pm

I too feel our season came to a close last night.
I told my husband, this is the end of our season.
However, we both felt they have been fun to watch and have given us some great moments.
I will continue to watch and root for them.
I am a fan 4evr.

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