Mets' Bell Gets Rung in Rubber Game

In a match-up of unreliable bullpens, the Mets’ relievers faltered last in a 4-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs in the rubber game of a three-game series Wednesday. Derek Lee took Health Bell deep to lead off the tenth, after the Mets tied the game 3-3 in the 9th off new Cubs closer Ryan Dempster. Bell's mistake wasted a decent outing from Victor Zambrano, who lasted six innings.

When Gothamist gets concerned about the Mets, it’s because of pitchers like Victor Zambrano. His lack of control (25 walks in 38 innings!) should make more than us concerned. He pitched well on Wednesday, and so did the bullpen until Bell surrendered the home run. Losses are always tougher in games where even the fine efforts of struggling players cannot bring a victory.

Also struggling is Jose Reyes, who has no business hitting leadoff. Yes, he’s fast, but that is his only qualification for the role. He is 4 for his last 29, dropping his average down to .250. His on base percentage is a woeful .275, and it took him until May 3 to get his first walk of the year. Gothamist wonders when Willie Randolph, who’s done a fine job otherwise, will realize that the worst hitter in the line-up should not be batting lead-off. The Mets flew back to New York after Wednesday’s game and will host St. Louis in a three-game series beginning Friday.

Photo by AP via Newsday

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By Tom Boorstein on May 12, 2005 10:57 AM

Comments [rss]

Tim N.

... eyechart a look...

Boo.

King Hippo

I agree... why not give eyechart a look?

KeithS

OBP-heavy Dougie eye-chart might be their best leadoff option at this point.

tien

yeah, diaz was merely an option. but then you wouldn't be playing floyd or cameron who have both been playing well.

at least randolph has options, something that the mets haven't had recently.

JT

It would be interesting to see Matsui lead-off. Diaz would be wasted there - he's hitting well, but he's a big guy who might not be the best base-runner at the top of the order. Leave him lower down to clean up any RBI chances like he did yesterday.

I agree though, Reyes' eye is not there, and you need a guy who can get on base.

JT

The wild thing about that walk-off HR was the entire at-bat. Lee took 10 pitches, working to a full count and then fouling off everything until seeing the pitch he wanted. As soon as it left the bat, Bell knew it was long gone.

Of course I'm happy that the Cubs came away with it, but it was a tough game to watch - runs and errors galore in the 2nd Inning, and then nothing until the 9th. Mientkiewicz made some amazing plays in the field time and time again to keep them in it, showing why they picked him up in the offseason.

Still next-to-no chance of my Cubbies catching up with the Cardinals, but we'll see what happens.