Mets Swept by Red-Hot Rockies

From MetsBlog.com:

The least you should know from game 2:

• The Mets led the game 4-2, until a botched double play in the sixth inning led to back-to-back home runs and a blown lead.
• Chris Capuano was charged with 7 runs and 8 hits through 5.2 innings.
• Mike Nickeas had an 2-RBI double.
• Francisco Rodriguez pitched the final inning for the Mets.
• The Mets have lost 5 in a row.
• The Mets blew 7 different leads in the four-game series. 7.

Quick thoughts and observations on the day:

When the ball boy makes the best play of the day, you know things didn’t go well.

Here’s the thing, now what? When the manager, Terry Collins, lets everyone know that their style of play is unacceptable, and says the Mets need to go 9-2 in their next 11 games, what happens when you drop the first 2 of that stretch in today’s doubleheader. Well, I guess you need to go 11-0. Now, obviously, that doesn’t reallymatter, especially with 148 games left to play. They’re just words. But, he did spend a bit of capital there, and I’m sure that won’t be wasted on any one if he tries that approach again next time and the team still loses.

Speaking of Terry, why in the world is he pitching K-Rod in the ninth inning, in a game they are down 5 runs, knowing full well he’ll get a Game Finished and become that much closer to attaining his $17.5 million option for 2012? I know, I know, he needs work. But, really? He can’t get work some other time? I realize the MLBPA is probably watching, and Terry probably doesn’t care all that much about contractual issues, etc., but, dude, come on now. It’s called Cot’s Baseball Contracts, check it out.

Lastly, while I’m venting, and I hate to be this way, but, when the other team’s best player is 10 for 16 with four HR and 8 RBI in the four-game series, you’ve got to knock him off the plate a bit.I mean, at least throw inside and spook him. He’s clearly too comfortable in the box against you, and that shouldn’t be tolerated. I wonder what other team’s think when they see him dig in like that, all while Jose Lopez or Ty Wigginton hits behind him.

In the end, the Mets need to play better in the field, and make better pitches, basically just make better choices, especially when facing a team like the Rockies, who are clearly the best team in the NL West and, right now, playing like the best team in the National League. The Mets lead the league in walks. They’re making rushed decisions in the field. And, I agree with Bob Ojeda, who said on SNY after the game, that team looks like they’re playing tight, as it seems they’re forcing mistakes. And, that’s not good, and it needs to change… and quick.

The Mets begin a three-game series with the Braves tomorrow night in Atlanta. DJ Carrasco (0-0, 4.05 ERA) will make his first start of the season, in place of Chris Young, while Derek Lowe (1-2, 1.45 ERA) pitches for the Braves.