File photo /TheNYExtra.com
Mets Fall to 9 Under 500 Losing Another One Run Game by Rich Coutinho/TheNYExtra.com
The numbers are an eyesore for the Mets as they have not won a series since late May and have lost their last five games decided by a run. They are 9 games under 500, 17 games back of the Braves in the NL East and trail 7 teams for the last wild card spot 9 games off the pace.
Questions abound on what has gone wrong but Francisco Lindor said it best after the game when he uttered, “We did all the little things last year but are just not doing them this year. For my part I should have taken the force out at third in that inning where the Brewers took the lead because that could have gotten us out of the inning.” In truth, Lindor is likely being a bit too hard on himself but the point is clear. For whatever reason, focus is missing on this team and to win games focus needs to be a priority in this sport.
On the other side of the clubhouse Max Scherzer got a bit testy when asked if after Steve Cohen’s comments of potentially being a seller at the deadline would that make the Met pitcher waive his no-trade clause. Scherzer said, “When Steve says the sell word I will approach it then and only then as I refuse to be click bait.” Max was referring to another reporter tweeting earlier this week that he was indeed ready to waive his no-trade. The Met pitcher said after the media session that a reporter that is here every day should have a conversation with him and not just tweet it out. He went on to say that if it were a national writer that is rarely here he might understand it but not in this case.
The harsh reality is this organization has to consider being sellers. They are 9 games under 500 and really can not even begin to think about a strong second half comeback until they get to that 500 mark. Players like Starling Marte, David Robertson and yes-Max Scherzer–could bring some prospects and the Met farm system that is beginning to produce talent could really push that talent base further skyward with that thinking. It could also provide a budget surplus that could make players like Ohtani and Soto much more affordable to the team. It could even catalyze a long term deal with Pete Alonso.
These are all things that must be considered as we are approaching the All-Star break which is a great time for this team to have honest and direct discussions about the present and the future. In my wildest dreams, I never thought the Mets could play a 4 game series and lose 3 of 4 with David Peterson starting the only win while Verlander, Scherzer and Senga could not get one win from that trio.
Lindor also told me that frustration sets in when things go wrong and baseball is a humbling game because simple things could create complex issues. I really appreciate how direct and honest Lindor was about the situation as he really cares about this team and really wants the Mets turn it around.
If they do not in the next 3 weeks or so, the trading deadline could become something nobody ever imagined for this team. A selling spree so this organization could get a little something out of one of the most disappointing times in franchise history.
