Trivia time.
On May 17, 2007, Jason Vargas was the starting pitcher for the Mets in a game against the Chicago Cubs. Vargas must have been on his “A game” that day because when he left, the Mets were only trailing 5-1. The Amazins had a furious 9th inning comeback and wound up winning 6-5. Who had the game winning hit that day?
Answer: Carlos Delgado.
This off-season the Mets could not convince Carlos Delgado to come out of retirement. Luckily, they were able to sign Jose Reyes and Adrian Gonzalez. Also, they decided to bring back Jason Vargas, more than a decade after they originally cut ties with him.
The day started off so promising. We got good news about Jacob deGrom, and the temperature was in the mid 80s. Then the Mets put out the lineup.
I know Jason Vargas is pitching for the Mets again, but Jose Reyes in the leadoff spot? It’s not 2007. I guess Vargas didn’t get the memo.
After a leadoff single by Ozzie Albies, Vargas retired the next two Braves hitters. Nick Markakis doubled to put the Braves on the board, and then Kurt Suzuki hit a homerun to left. 3-0.
The score remained 3-0 until the top of the 5th. Ronald Acuña led off with a homerun. A few batters later, Nick Markakis hit a two run homerun and the Mets were trailing 6-0. That was all for Jason Vargas, as Matt Harvey came in to relieve him.
Jason Vargas pitched 4²/³ and gave up 6 runs on 11 hits. He walked 2 and struck out 3. The good news? He actually lowered his ERA to 16.20.
The Braves went back to work in the 6th.
Matt Harvey walked Nick Markakis and Johan Camargo. He gave up a base hit to Charlie Culberson. After the pitcher, Julio Teheran hit a sacrifice fly, Ozzie Albies hit a 3 run homerun.
Harvey pitched 2 innings, and gave up 5 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks. He struck out a batter.
That strikeout apparently was important, as Harvey said that was a positive sign after the game.
Now to get to the Mets offense. They got their first hit in the 7th inning, and haven’t scored a run since Tuesday.
The Atlanta Braves came in to Citi Field and absolutely dominated the Mets, sweeping the 3 game series. The Mets have now played the Braves 6 times this season and have won once.
The Braves’ rebuild is nearly complete and they may be ahead of schedule. The Phillies are right behind them. It looks like 2018 might be Washington’s last shot, and they are red-hot at the moment, getting back to .500 after a slow start.
How did the Mets capitalize on this short window they have? By signing Jay Bruce which has created an outfield logjam, Adrian Gonzalez and Jose Reyes. I shudder at the thought of Jay Bruce chasing down Ronald Acuña doubles in 2020.
Steven Matz pitched 66 innings last year. Zack Wheeler pitched 86 innings last year, after missing all of 2014 and 2015. Noah Syndergaard pitched 30 innings last year. Matt Harvey has been atrocious the last 2 years.
So with that in mind, you make one starting pitching acquisition? And that acquisition is Jason Vargas?
We got great news about Jacob deGrom. An extended absence probably would have been the end of the season.
But while we are on the topic, your best pitcher tells you he hurt his elbow and can’t swing the bat anymore and you let him pitch the next inning? Same old Mets.
The bottom of the lineup is a black hole. I have more faith in the pitchers getting a hit than Nido or Lobatòn. And now Kevin Plawecki is going to come and save the day?
I still believe that the Mets will be battling the Washington Nationals for the NL East crown this year. With that being said, you can see that Atlanta’s plan is coming to fruition, and they have plenty more talent in the pipeline. What is the Mets plan?
Aside from moving a guy who has played outfield his whole life to first base, what is the Mets plan?
The Mets welcome Colorado to Citi Field this weekend for a 3 game set. Let’s hope Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler can get past the 5th inning.
