Last night the Mets had opportunities to defeat the Cincinnati Reds, but as they did in Philadelphia, they fell short.
With the game tied at 2 in the top of the 11th and one out, Jose Reyes singled to center. I thought for sure Reyes would take off during one of the first two or three pitches to Jason Bay…didn’t happen. Bay struck out on three pitches.
The next batter was Wright, who reached first on an infield single on the second pitch, after a pick-off attempt and a ball.
Reyes went to second, and was left there after Davis ended the inning by striking out.
My problem, and concern, is two things; why didn’t Reyes attempt to steal, and why didn’t Bay take a pitch or two to afford Reyes the opportunity to swipe a bag?
The game was tied in the top of the 11th, your leadoff hitter, er, your #3 hitter reaches base. He is the fastest guy on the team, and he doesn’t take off for second? It’s baffling.
A true contender would have done everything possible to get from first to second…to scoring position to afford his team a chance to win. The Mets after all these years still don’t seem to get it. We, as fans, want to see aggressive play. The Mets did a nice job tying the game at one and at two, but failed not only in the outcome of the game, but in forcing the play and taking advantage of a situation afforded them.
A true contending team forces their opponents into mistakes so that they can win. They apply constant pressure so that chips will fall their way. They do not sit around and wait for “something big” to happen.
Reyes did his job by singling. But, his job didn’t stop there. I wonder if Reyes wasn’t in the three hole if he would have attempted the theft of second. Obviously we will never know, but it does present a logical question.
We don’t expect this team to win 100 games, but we do expect to see 100% effort every night. Unfortunately, last night was only about 95% effort, and the final outcome reflected that.
It’s time for a change in attitude; a change to an attitude that defies opponents to try and beat us; an attitude that shows we are going to win this game; an attitude that shows no fear, and proves that we will win at all costs. Don’t let your starting RF get drilled twice in one series without sending a message. Don’t let teams walk all over you.
What do you say guys? Do you have that ‘tude in you?
Source: CBS Sportsline
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