And then depression set in
Well, it was fun while it lasted - what, 20 minutes of festivities and six innings of baseball?
Then that curse of the Phillies stuff kicked in and the Mets were left, six games into the season, to explain how this wasn't going to end just like last season.
In today's Record we detailed Groundhog Shea. And Bob Klapisch warned that the ghosts are still floating around Shea.
So how do the Mets get out of this malaise? Fire the manager? Okay, okay, don't get ahead of yourself. It is just six games into the season. Beating the Phillies would be a nice start, something they haven't done in nine straight games - and if David Wright thinks it's just a one-game streak he's using a different math than fans.
The task falls today to Mike Pelfrey, who was anticipating a trip to New Orleans, the Mets' Class AAA affiliate a few weeks ago. Oh, and he's going to have to do it on 11 days rest - something he's never done in his career.
Pelfrey now had better be ready because Pedro Martinez is gone for probably another five weeks at least. And Orlando Hernandez just might be done. The aging righthander spent most of the spring revising his delivery to take the pressure off his ailing right foot. But he panicked at the end, seeing that he couldn't generate the power he needed without his high leg kick, and reverted to a delivery pretty close to his old form. He just needed a couple weeks to get his arm strength ready and refine his location. Except now he's having problems again with his right foot.
If he can't get this right, I don't know exactly how he's going to get back to the majors again. It might be time for El Duque to hang it up. He's not there yet, but it's heading in that direction.
Given this latest setback, I'm no longer counting on anything from El Duque anymore.
As far as firing Willie, I've heard growing calls for that since last summer which I'm no longer able to just brush off. The team is laden with talent but since the end of May 2007, including this year, they are 56-60 overall.
The team needs a wake-up call. Perhaps firing the manager will accomplish that.
Posted by: GravediggerHebner | 04/09/2008 at 10:55 AM
I'm not one to panic either, but this team needs some fire, someone to take charge, and get these guys back on track. I like Willie, but he might not be the pill the Mets need right now. The offense is sputtering, and the bullpen has exploded. I know the injury bug has been a factor, but every club goes through it year in, year out. It's time they got rowdy, and played with a purpose. I still have faith in this club, but something has to give. 9 straight to the Phils, 3 in a row to fall to 2-4. Maybe hire Mex, and let him whip this crew into shape! These guys are playing like wussies!
Posted by: L.J.Phipps | 04/09/2008 at 11:38 AM
Fire Willie and hire Wally Backman!! Wally's minor league record is great, he's a fierce competitor, and I think he can get more out of this talented team than Willie can. This team needs a kick in the tail and Wally can do it.
I also think Wally deserves a 2nd chance to manage in the majors.
http://sportslocker.blogspot.com/
Posted by: JRJ | 04/09/2008 at 02:38 PM
A quick STRIPES aside...
the next time you watch the film keep an eye out for the continuity error in the 'push up challenge scene.' when bill murray's character wins the bet he is showered with one dollar bills that fall on his chest. when the camera cuts away from him for a moment and then comes back...the bills are not in the same places they were seconds before!
well, it's official. i have no life.
Posted by: Lou Brutus | 04/10/2008 at 08:37 AM