I applaud Buster Olney of ESPN for the thorough summation of the state of the Mets and his conclusion that the inaction by Mets leadership has been inexplicable and inexcusable.
Olney implored the Mets front office to be creative and try something different. “Do something. Add something. Get some help.”
He points to the Washington Nationals as a team that has endured for more impacting injuries than the Mets, but instead of having a pity-party they made moves, had solid reserves to step in, and have proven themselves as a team with fight, and heart, and perseverance.
“This is what is particularly galling about the failure of the Mets’ leadership during the past three months while their offense has evaporated. It’d be nice if they would be willing to take on the salary of an expensive star, but at the very least, where are the crucial extra infielders and outfielders, who aren’t expensive?”
“Day after day after day, manager Terry Collins has had to pick lineups from the same group of struggling players. Eric Campbell is batting .179; John Mayberry Jr. is hitting .170; backup catcher Anthony Recker, .137. Kirk Nieuwenhuis had a great three-homer day earlier this month, but he’s hitting .169 — and the Mets had brought him back after unloading him earlier this season.”
Olney also points out how all over baseball, other teams are adding and subtracting and trying alternatives that have worked out wonderfully; Chris Colabello by the Jays, Alejandro De Aza by the Red Sox, and even Juan Uribe by the Braves who the Mets should have jumped on when they lost David Wright.
“But in these last days before the trade deadline, and into the August waiver period, it would behoove the Mets to add some relatively inexpensive help, the extras that can go a long way.”
He suspects that if the Mets fail to make the postseason, the narrative from the team would probably be: Oh, the injuries were too much to overcome. The loss of Wright and Travis d’Arnaud and the knee problems of Michael Cuddyer were too much to overcome.
I can’t disagree with anything he just said. So far all we’ve heard are rumors, speculation and lots of big talk and hot air. It’s really time to stop talking and start doing.
