We've Got Stallions - Home Improvement
It's easy to focus on how lazy the Mets are playing lately. I can't even tell you when they last won two games in a row. It's a sad state of affairs. But rather than dwell on a team as exciting as a bottle of bleach these days, I'll summon my inner Omar and give you five things I'd like to see happen to help jump-start this team. It's so easy to make comments and point fingers when they're losing!
1. KEEP LASTINGS: Trade rumors are swirling over and over again on Milledge, but I honestly feel - in my gut - he could really rejuvenate this team. His attitude is exactly what this team needs. They need edge. They need confidence. They need to slap some fans five. June has been like those old Jeff McKnight nights at Shea.
2. SHAVE THOSE HEADS: Hey it worked the last time. Shave them again or start a new movement... dye their hair orange and blue. We need to see some kind of team spirit from this gang. If not, I again say, grow a stache like Valentin.
3. FOCUS ON HITTING/NOT STARTING PITCHING: Who wouldn't want Buehrle or an ace? Seriously, pitching wins games. Still, I feel with Pedro coming back soon, and the rotation as it is, the Mets should focus on another arm for the pen and a new slugger to carry the team on their backs, and if it means trading Pelfrey, Humber and/or Heilman - I say do it. Try to get Dye. Take a shot at Dunn. Ask Texas about Texiera and start fielding offers for Delgado, who would make a nice American League DH. Yeah, it's gutsy to trade away a leader like Delgado - but he's not getting any younger, and the Mets aren't getting any better. I'd also try to pawn off Green to an American League club when Milledge comes up from the minors and gets himself healthy. This isn't just a losing streak. This could be the season right here. It's time to be ballsy.
4. KEEP LODUCA SECOND: Willie has been really odd this year with his lineup. It's time for him to stick with what works. Bat LoDuca second. It worked last year - and we all know how last year went.
5. CUT FRANCO: Everyone's said it, but Willie has earmuffs on. It's time for the Mets to turn Franco into a coach. If Jerry Manuel goes to Baltimore (highly unlikely) - shift Franco to bench coach and actually get a guy who can hit off the bench.
Comments
I agree. We are playing like we don't care. We have played good teams all this month to be fair here but have looked lost ALOT in the losses. I think we need a big bat and I am tired of Delgado being the goat. I would trade him for Texiera and then sign Texiera to a three year deal. Milledge should be traded right now for Oswalt along with Humber and Pelfrey. It will be a huge collapse if we don't make the postseason.
Posted by: Keith | June 20, 2007 4:25 PM
I cant take the losing anymore!
Posted by: Nick | June 20, 2007 9:17 PM
Another day, another loss. When will this madness end?
Posted by: Devin | June 20, 2007 9:19 PM
Julio Franco is a drag, but it's our regular players that screwing up during this losing stretch. It's getting so frustrating to see them struggle like this. Because the slump is also affecting the starting pitching and bullpen, it's hard to get out of this rut.
Posted by: Walter | June 20, 2007 9:39 PM
I agree that they should all grow mustaches like Valentin! Speaking of mustaches, check some more on www.thecheappop.com
Posted by: Alison | June 20, 2007 9:47 PM
I agree with everything except keeping Milledge. He's going to be nothing but trouble, trust me. Definitely keep LoDuca batting second. He is by far the best man in the lineup to take pitches and allow Reyes to do his thing (steal bases). I like Julio Franco as a person, but he's too old to be playing. Bench coach would be the perfect spot for him should the opportunity arise.
Posted by: MetsWrighter | June 20, 2007 11:30 PM
I also have the gut feeling on MIlledge, the kid needs a chance to shine. He gets all the negative press in NY, but he still has a ton of talent and with our shortage of outfielders right now, this is the perfect time to see what the kid is made of.
Definalty shave those head or do something for cryin out loud.
I definalty think it might be time to see what kinda offers we could get for Delgado. I like the guy last year, but this year he's a rally killer.
LoDuca batting second, leave it alone Willie.
And hell yeah get rid of Franco, or at least stop pinch hitting with him in key situations.
Posted by: Chris | June 20, 2007 11:38 PM
The fact the mets lost to a kid with an ERA of almost 7 is sad. Willie needs to get in these guys faces and wake them up real fast because a 1.5 game lead ain't much. I also have a feeling Glavine has seen better days and Schoenweis shouldn't even be on the roster.
Posted by: oren | June 21, 2007 8:42 AM