Jerry Manuel, who I like, and think has had, for the most part, a positive influence on the Mets, has been drinking too much from the Willie Randolph Kool Aid.
Daniel Murphy, who according to talk radio pundits, is fighting for his 2009 life, was sat on the pine after driving in five runs and hitting a (controversial) home run.
Let's go back to 2005 where Willie Gump sat Cliff Floyd during a 20 game hitting streak. In his next game, Floyd's streak came to an end.
Granted, the Mets had an exciting 11 inning victory over the Marlins tonight, but there was so much wrong in the decisions made
Why was Mike Pelfrey removed with two outs in the eighth? He was still pitching well.
Why was JJ Putz removed with two outs in the 10th? He was pitching well also, and deserved to finish out the inning. Putz looked quite miffed when Jerry called for the ball.
Some may feel Metsfan73 has no right to complain with a 1/2 game lead in the NL East, and with a nice four game winning streak going, but what I see is not only an instability in this team due to injuries, but an instability in their starting teams. David Wright will continue to play even if he goes 0-15, Carlos Beltran will continue to play even though he is only playing on one wheel, but Murphy has the game of his life, and is rewarded with a seat on the bench.
Jerry always claims to play the hot hand, but that isn't true. You need to look no further than tonight's starting line-up which was conspicuously missing Daniel Murphy.
Another point: Jose Reyes gets killed for not running out hits maybe two or three times per year, and is either benched, or rightfully reprimanded. But not only can David Wright, Carlos Beltran, Gary Sheffield, etc. get excused for a lack of hustle, but rookie Fernando Martinez is excused for the worst possible indiscretion imaginable. Here is a rookie looking to make his mark, sitting like a spectator instead of running out a pop-up, which was ultimately dropped.
I am very proud the way this team is plugging along during such a difficult time of accruing frequent flier miles to the disable list, but the Mets need to be consistent. This coaching/managing a-la-carte is a sure fire recipe for disaster.
Lastly, I am sorry to see Ramon Castro depart to the ChiSox, but am glad the Mets are showing confidence in Omir Santos, who was responsible for both Met runs tonight, in their 2-1 11 inning victory over Florida. As I stated in a previous post, I believe in Santos, and think he deserves the chance. That being said, I think Schneider should have been the catcher to change locations. Good Luck Ramon, I will miss your clutch performances and your fun loving attitude in the clubhouse.
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