You won't find a better guy in the Mets' clubhouse than Nelson Figueroa. A class act all the way and as professional as they come. But he let his frustration get the best of him after last night's 10-4 loss to the Nationals.
There's no question the Nats were out of line with their cheerleading from the dugout. I mean, chanting "Let's Go Austin!" is ridiculous. But Figueroa has to just let it go -- take his beating and move on. Calling the Nats "softball girls" is just another dumb distraction for the Mets in a season that is piling up with them already. If the Mets have a problem with their behavior, then drop Ryan Zimmerman at some point with a fastball under the chin. Problem solved.
As for Figueroa belittling the Nats, and saying, "that's why they are who they are," the Mets should look in the mirror. They're only two games over .500 (19-17) while Washington is 16-23. I'm not seeing much of a gap there. And when you factor in the two payrolls, the Mets at $140 million and the Nats at $55 million, these two clubs should not even be within shouting distance of each other.
Anyway, it's hardly surprising that Lastings Milledge was chirping again last night, but I'm not sure I understand why the Shea fans get on him so much. First, everyone hated the trade, now everyone hates Milledge instead? I don't get it.
The Mets better take two out of the next three against the Nats, or this homestand will be a disappointment, as far as I'm concerned. Then it's time for a drive across the Triborough to face the Yankees, with Johan Santana leading off. That should make for an interesting Subway Series opener.
Speaking of drama, Pedro Martinez is making incremental progress in Port St. Lucie. But with Figueroa flaming out up here, the Mets obviously need Pedro now more than ever.
Comments (11)
I've seen on other blogs that the mets will send down joe smith on thursday to activate a spot starter and then matt wise will come up thereafter...please tell me with your precise knowledge that this is false and the mets are sending down figgy and sosa and if they get picked up then who cares...they'll lose games for other teams...Give me some good news david.
i mean wednesday...but you get the point
Hey Vin ... It's all about roster flexibility at this point and Smith is the easy move for them. Sosa can refuse the assignment and become a free agent, so they risk losing him if he is DFA'ed. I know Sosa doesn't seem like he's worth much at this point, but the Mets feel like they can't afford to just cut people loose right now.
SINCE WHEN DOES TOTAL PAYROLL EQUIVOCATE INTO SOME SORT OF INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE CHART? IF THIS RAG WERE TO DOUBLE YOUR SALARY WOULD YOU SUDDENLY HAVE FRESHER IDEAS? DOUBLE THE VOCABULARY? OR MOST LIKELY "NONE OF THE ABOVE"
IN BASEBALL, A TEAM GAME DEPENDENT UPON INDIV ACCOMPLISHMENTS. WHEN JOURNEYMEN ARE GIVEN THE CONTROL OF THE GAME WITH THE BALL IN THEIR HANDS, A ROLLS ROYCE LINEUP CAN DRIVE LIKE A USED YUGO.
I was referring to expectations. I assume you would expect more from a team that has spent $140 million rather than $55 million. And the Yankees and Red Sox make the playoffs every year because their rosters are filled with plucky overachievers, I'm sure ...
I don't think the booing of Milledge has anything to do with the actual trade. Doesn't everyone remember his *nothing could be worse than New York* comments? He was traded and then proceeded to rip the entire organization with his immature and unprofessional remarks. I think that is why fans get on him so much. I'm surprised the media doesn't seem to remember this. Every newspaper and blog has remarks today in the vein of, 'he didn't trade himself...why are fans getting on him so much."
Good point, JP.
You know what. Is anyone else besides me tired of the sleepwalking this team does? There is no excuse. That falls directly on the manager and the coaching staff. Every time this team is down by 3 runs or more, they put the bats to sleep for the rest of the game and play it on Autopilot. "We'll get 'em tomorrow" - a favorite Willieism. David, I'm not much for cleaning house but I think some changes need to be made.
I've been saying the same thing for over a year Metsfan. Check this out and you'll see.
http://www.hopelessmetsfan.blogspot.com/
Agreed, and I do not think Omar is capable of making these changes.
Disclaimer: I am a Nats fan.
What is ridiculous about a group of players cheering on their teammates? Its a game. Whats strange about shouting "lets go Austin?"