It must not be easy to be Mets manager Terry Collins. His owner Fred Wilpon lost a zillion dollars to Bernie Madoff and then went and ripped half the roster. The uncertain ownership situation would be bad enough (ok, it’s horrifying), but the Mets players do indeed stink and are vastly overpaid. Carlos Beltran is being paid $19 million dollars this season. Jason Bay is getting paid $9 million dollars per home run so far (a whopping 2). In fairness, Francisco Rodriguez is being paid $12 million to close and has pitched fairly well. At least he hasn’t had a season ending injury due to an assault case yet.
Yes, the Mets are in turmoil. Their $120 million dollar payroll sit 4th in the NL East, barely outpacing the Washington Nationals and looking nowhere close to challenging for the division or a playoff berth. The Mets were 3-7 in their last 10 heading into Wednesday’s game at home against the Pirates, which they led 2-0 before allowing 9 runs in the 7th and 8th innings. Terry Collins finally had enough…
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IcLSSuoLofE?hd=1
After that tirade, you would think the Mets would have responded with motivation yesterday. And, they did… the Mets trailed 7-0 after the top of the 3rd. It looked like all the world that it would be another typical Mets disappointment and they would go wandering aimlessly throughout the summer months. Somehow though, the Mets made an unbelievable comeback that rivaled Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks for its sheer improbability. A home run from Carlos Beltran and 3 RBIs from Ruben Tejada keyed the comeback, which ended in a 9-8 win and was the biggest Mets comeback since June 30, 2000 against the Atlanta Braves. Also, Jason Isringhausen (he still pitches?!?!?!) picked up his first win for the Mets since June 8, 1999 according to Elias and his first overall win since 2008. Certainly a strange day in New York, and one that may be a turning point for the Mets in 2011.
Elsewhere: King Felix struck out 11 Rays in an M’s win. The Giants outslugged the Cardnials in St. Louis. The Rangers won in Cleveland thanks to 4 hits from Endy Chavez. Full scoreboard here.
What To Look For Tonight: Texas’ Alexi Ogando (5-0) looks to continue his perfect start against Justin Masterson (5-3) and the Indians. Jered Weaver and the Angels host the Yankees. The Cubs and Cardinals renew their rivalry in St. Louis. The Brewers and Marlins begin an interesting series in Miami. Full schedule with pitching matchups here.
