For the first time in six years, the Mets began the second half of the season with a loss, falling a season-low 7 1/2 games behind the division leading Phillies. As if that wasn’t enough, last night the Mets were handed their second straight loss after the break, their eighth shutout of the season, and their fourth shutout in the last nine games. Oh, did I mention that they broke their own season-low record from just one night earlier, falling 8 1/2 games behind Philadelphia? Let me spell it out for you … E L E V E N – N O T H I N G !!
It doesn’t end there. While the Mets may insist it’s just leg cramps with Gary Sheffield, we all know what’s coming. A 15-day stint (if not longer) on the DL, with no one, absolutely no one in the minor leagues, to replace him on the roster.
What I am about to say is going to cause a stir but it needs to be said. Keep in mind, it doesn’t make me any less of a Mets fans. It’s just time to accept reality. The Mets are done and the Phillies are going to run away with this division, yet again. Even if and when we get a healthy Reyes, Delgado, Maine and Beltran back, the Mets will be too far behind to come back. We may as well begin to look towards the football season and the 2010 baseball campaign.
Message to Ownership: Time for a change boys. Get rid of Omar. Since there is no sense of urgency on his part, then how about on yours? Do we have to get as bad as the Nationals before we wake up?
Message to Omar: Since you are still fortunate enough to have your job, how about showing us that you have earned that right by growing some nuggets and getting on your manager for the way he is handling this team. Remember how fans ripped apart Willie Randolph for not flipping over spread tables and not getting angry enough at this team for losing night after night. What makes Jerry any different?
Message to Manuel: I know you aren’t the one out there on the field and can only make the best of what you have. But stop making excuses for this team. Get mad, admit they suck and don’t accept anything less than perfection. I don’t want to hear how Ollie pitched so well on Thursday and how they played hard but just came up short. These “moral victories” don’t mean squat in the standings. And quite frankly, they don’t mean much to the fans when a team has been failing miserably all year.
Message to fans: Hang in there. True fans don’t turn their backs on their team. But it is okay to get angry and frustrated, and even give up hope and move on to next year, when you know the end has come.
