As the Mets continue looking for a playoff spot and return to Washington for the season’s final series with the Nationals, we turned to Eric at Amazin’ Avenue for a series preview.
Without dwelling too much on last year’s collapse, what’s different about the 08 Mets that can help them finish strong this September?
Nothing, really. There was nothing particularly un-magical about the collapse; a convergence of horrible pitching and bad luck did them in, mostly. It wasn’t a lack of heart or guts or character or any of that. They played poorly and had very few things go their way. If they surrender the lead this time around (they’re dang close to doing just that), it’ll again be poor play that does them in.
How big of a loss has Billy Wagner been this season? How do you think the bullpen will fare in his absence for the remaining weeks of the season and for potential playoff baseball?
It’s huge. He was their best reliever by a good ways, and his absence hurts the bullpen immensely. Luis Ayala pitched well until Sunday, and he’s a nice pitcher, but he’s nothing spectacular (sorry!). I think the rest of the Mets’ bullpen is decent, but they lack a real ace reliever that the other NL playoff contenders – Cubs, Phillies, etc. – have a guy you can mostly count on out there. The Mets don’t, and that might be a problem.
What are your thoughts on the short-term Closer solution (Ayala) and any long-term solutions?
I have mostly bad thoughts about the short-term situation. Again, Ayala has been fine, mostly, but he’s not Billy Wagner. Long-term, Francisco Rodriguez is out there. So is Kerry Wood and some other guys. The Mets will have a number of holes to fill in 2009 and I don’t think spending huge money on a closer is at the top of their list, but they’re going to have to do something.
Has Johan Santana been all that you dreamed of? Has anything surprised you about his performance this season?
He’s been pretty great. If the Mets’ offense and bullpen had given him a little more support over the course of the season we would all be talking about how Santana is one of the two-or-three top Cy Young candidates. That said, he has rarely disappointed and, even on his off-days, he almost always manages to keep the Mets in the game. His strikeouts have declined a bit since last season, which is a little surprising considering he moved to the league where pitchers hit. Otherwise, I don’t have any right to complain.
What do you make of any correlation with the team’s performance under Willie Randolph and Jerry Manuel? Will Manuel be back with the Mets next season or do you anticipate that the organization will bring in a fresh face?
I think it’s happenstance, mostly. Maybe Manuel’s demeanor is a better fit for that clubhouse, but I find that managers tend to get far too much credit when a team succeeds and far too much blame when a team fails. If the Mets make the playoffs I think Manuel will be back; if they fall short again after holding a 3.5 game lead, well, it might be a tougher sell.
After trading away some youth last off season, how has the farm system developed this year and what did you think of the 08 draft?
The Mets’ farm system is still among the worst in the big leagues, but they had a few early draft picks this season and drafted some high-upside guys. They spent a lot of picks over the past couple of drafts on college players, and a couple of them have already made their debuts with the team. They continue to be strong in Latin America, and their big wallets will always make them players on the international market.
Since the Nats and Mets are one big family, can you offer your quick thoughts on:
Lastings Milledge – Always been a fan and I think the Mets sold low on him. He still has plenty of time to get better, but 2008 wasn’t a great start.
Anderson Hernandez – Hit in the minors, never in the majors. His .347 average is an aberration, and I can’t imagine he’ll ever be more than a backup middle-infielder.
Jesus Flores – This one still burns. For a catcher, his power has been very good, though his batting eye hasn’t progressed as I would have hoped. Still young and there’s plenty of potential in his bat.
Manny Acta – Would look damned good in a Mets uniform (again). I feel bad for him because he really hasn’t been given much to work with in Washington. Jim Bowden isn’t doing him any favors.
Luis Ayala – As I said before, had been good until Sunday. Is probably miscast as a closer, but should be a fine contributor to the bullpen.
Brian Schneider – Not much of a hitter, and his defense has been worse than advertised. Throws fine, but oddly has some trouble catching the ball on throws home as well as pitches. Not excited about another year of his services behind the plate.
Ryan Church – Concussions derailed his season, but he has been very good offensively and defensively when healthy. Definitely excited to have him around for the next couple of years.
What are you looking for in this 4-game series? What do you need to get out of it?
Anything less than three wins will be a big disappointment, considering how important every game is right now. I don’t derive any pleasure from saying this, but the Nationals are a lousy team, and if you can’t take three-of-four from them in the waning days of the season you probably don’t deserve to make the playoffs.
You can check out our take on the Nationals later today at Amazin’ Avenue.
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