Those Mets

RED-HOT FRENCHY & MANUEL'S METS WIN 8TH CONSECUTIVE AT HOME & COMPLETE HUGE SWEEP
HUGE CROWD WITNESSES CLASSIC COMEBACK

Of all the strategic decisions a manager makes over the course of a game, whether calling for a pitching change, switching a defensive alignment or ordering an unexpected dash on the basepaths, there are also the less-nuanced motivational tools to employ. For Jerry Manuel, who has operated all season under the public scrutiny regarding his job security, pushing his players’ emotional buttons may be his greatest strength. In the Mets’ 7-6 victory over the Florida Marlins on Sunday, Manuel’s positive outlook was cited as one of the reasons for a triumph that extended their home winning streak to eight games. Manuel has faced some withering criticism this season, but he has also provided some evidence of a job well done, and players were quick to note how Sunday offered a strong case. With the Mets trailing by 5-0 in the sixth inning, Manuel refused to allow his players the luxury of conceding the game, even though they had overcome that large a deficit only once this season. And even though they had only eight outs left, Manuel remained vocally enthusiastic in the dugout. Apparently, it had an effect. “I give Jerry credit on that one,” Jeff Francoeur said, “because he was in the dugout cheering us on: ‘Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go.’ ” Francoeur was one of the players who responded. He continued his hot streak, hitting a three-run homer with one out in the seventh inning that tied the game at 6-6 and saved starter Hisanori Takahashi from taking the loss after he had allowed five runs in five and a third innings. Francoeur went 2 for 4 and raised his batting average to .268 from a low of .211 on May 23. He has hit in 10 straight games, going 18 for 36. Francoeur credited the hitting instructor Howard Johnson and Manuel for their assistance with his swing. But other players, too, have noted how Manuel, despite the pressure he has worked under this season, has never changed his upbeat approach. Whether it is the unusual step of calling the entire team into his office back in May to urge it to stick together, or cheering on his players in the dugout, his upbeat vibe has taken root, especially at home, where the Mets are 22-9. “He’s by far the most positive guy I’ve ever played for,” the first-year Met Jason Bay said, “and I don’t care if you’re playing Little League or major league baseball, positivity goes a long way. It tends to be contagious. That’s no slight to anybody else. That’s just, given the market, the uncertainties, the ups and downs we’ve gone through. “He’s never wavered on his stance of being positive and standing behind guys. I know it’s easy to get caught up in certain things, but he hasn’t. He’s really been the same guy to us, from spring training until now, and I understand how difficult that is and I respect that.” Manuel also had success Sunday making in-game decisions. With the score at 6-6 with two outs in the eighth and a Marlins runner at second, Manuel chose to intentionally walk Hanley Ramirez, then bring in the left-handed reliever Pedro Feliciano to face the left-handed-hitting Chris Coghlan. While by no means a radical maneuver, the move was significant because it worked. Feliciano struck out Coghlan to end the inning, and Manuel’s explanation for the move was as simple and effective as the move itself. “Feliciano is our guy,” he said. Then, in the bottom of the eighth, with the speedy Angel Pagan on first base and Bay batting with no outs, Manuel had Pagan running on a 3-2 pitch. Bay had already struck out 55 times, so the possibility of a strikeout-thrown out double play was a distinct possibility. But Manuel noted that Bay had just fouled off a fastball, also on a 3-2 pitch, and correctly predicted that the next pitch would be a breaking ball. So even if Bay struck out, the chances were high that Pagan would still land safely at second. Bay ended up grounding a single to left field, sending Pagan to third with no outs. Marlins Manager Fredi Gonzalez decided to leave his infield back against Ike Davis, meaning it would be nearly impossible to throw home on a ground ball and get the lead runner. The Marlins turned the double play, but the decisive run scored. Gonzalez chose a defense that did not work, and Manuel chose an offensive play that did. “That’s the stuff we have to do to win ballgames,” Francoeur said. That, and hitting three-run homers. (NY Times)