The New York Mets lost another close game yesterday. If they made the right pitch, got one timely hit, or made the right decision they could have won a lot of these games they've lost. But they haven't. Now they are 4-7, and have dropped three in a row and six of their last seven. So far, thy have lost two one-run games, a two-run game, a three-run game, and one game in extra innings, all them could have been winnable games.
The Mets are right there in most of these games, they just need something to put them over the top. When Jason Bay comes back, that might be that extra boast they need. With Bay back in the line-up it adds a lot of depth and makes the line-up much stronger. Then again, if Bay performs like he did last season, they might be better over with Willie Harris in there instead. But hopefully last year was just a fluke, and when Bay comes back he's going to be blasting balls out of Citi Field…
Here's the line-up with Bay:
- Reyes – SS
- Pagan – CF
- Wright – 3B
- Beltran – RF
- Bay – LF
- Davis – 1B
- Murphy – 2B
- Thole – C
That's a solid line-up one through eight and can go out there and compete against any one. It's going to come down to starting pitching and the bullpen for the Mets, which has been failing them so far this season.
I feel like there has been a bright light during this bad stretch for the Mets and that's been Daniel Murphy. He's shown that he is a valuable bat in the line-up and that he can play second base, and pretty well at that. His range isn't great and he may look awkward at times, but more often than not he'll get to the game and make a strong throw to get the runner out.
Also, the Mets have faced two elite teams of the NL East to start the season in the Phillies and Rockies. They blew the Phillies out in game one, had a close game in game two, and got blown out in game three. Against the Rockies they had two one-run games that could have gone either way. If they can sweep today's doubleheader, this series will be a success.
Bottom line is the Mets need Bay back in the line-up.
