Our State of the Mets column is back for its 15th installment with another losing week, and postseason hopes dwindling even further into the abyss, but a shining light in the distance in the form of Matt Harvey has things looking up. As always, we want to hear what you have to say about your favorite (or least favorite) team below in the comments section. And check back each and every week for the latest from the Mets.
Opening Statement
If it wasn't for the ever superb R.A. Dickey and a rookie phenom making the first start of his career, this would have been yet another terrible week on the road to another season without a postseason berth. The Mets went 2-4 to drop to 49-53 on the season, 12.5 games behind NL East-leading Washington and nine games out of the two wild card spots. On top of that nine-game deficit, the Mets would have to jump five teams to get into wild card position. Just a week ago the Mets were 5.5 games out of the wild card, so things just keep getting worse. On a positive note, Dickey improved to 14-2 on the season after a 5-1 victory over Arizona Sunday. It clinched a split of a four-game series in Arizona. And, the biggest news of the week, was the debut of Matt Harvey. The young star struck out 11 batters in just 5 1/3 innings, allowing no runs on three hits and three walks in picking up the win. Those 11 strikeouts set a franchise record for most in a debut start. In a season that has gotten away from the Mets as we head to August, the fact Harvey will be in the rotation for the rest of the season and possibly years to come is something to celebrate. But the overall team picture is not a pretty one.
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| Matt Harvey was spectacular last Thursday. (AP photo) |
The High Point
Matt Harvey had the kind of debut the Mets and their fans absolutely needed. His pitching line we wrote about above was spectacular, now he just has to do it again ... and again. But for now, this first outing was one to remember. It's just too bad it didn't happen at home instead of across the country. Still, Thursday was one of those games that will be on the year-end highlight reel. Not only did Harvey do everything on the mound to win the game, he also did so at the plate, doubling and singling in the game. He became the first pitcher since 1900 to strike out more than 10 and pick up two hits at the plate. Harvey, "It was everything I could have imagined. I just wanted to do everything I could to keep the team in a winning distance." Manager Terry Collins, "He lived up to exactly what everybody has talked about him. Now I want him to go out the next time and be a little more comfortable yet pitch as effectively as he did today. He is a different cat." With Harvey and Double-A super prospect Zack Wheeler on the verge of promotion, the Mets could soon have one of the best starting fours in baseball.
The Low Point
Not only did the Mets lose their second straight to the Nationals last Tuesday, Washington put an end to the one thing Mets fans could hang their hat on as the season spirals out of control - the win streak of R.A. Dickey. The Nationals handed Dickey his first loss in three months, ending a personal 11-game win streak. It was also the Mets' fifth straight loss and 11th in their last 12 games. The Mets would go on to lose the following night as well, as Washington finished off the sweep, to all but end their chances at the postseason.
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| David Wright has struggled over his past 7 games. (AP photo) |
Three Up
Matt Harvey: Can't say any more about the young phenom that's already been written above. If he can pitch anywhere near what he did last Thursday, the Mets will have a very special player in the rotation for years to come. He at least gives fans something to cheer for the rest of the way.
Josh Edgin: He hasn't allowed a run over his last seven outings, spanning 6 1/3 innings, including 1 2/3 of scoreless relief in shutting down Harvey's opening victory, getting out of trouble with one out and two runners on in the sixth. He has a 2.89 ERA on the season, so he should get more opportunities to pitch in big spots out of the bullpen.
R.A. Dickey: This might be surprising considering Dickey had his win streak snapped at the beginning of the week, but he bounced back nicely Sunday by winning his 14th game, tying Tampa Bay's David Price for most in the major leagues. Dickey struck out eight and allowed just four hits and an unearned run in giving the Mets just their third win in 17 games.
R.A. Dickey: This might be surprising considering Dickey had his win streak snapped at the beginning of the week, but he bounced back nicely Sunday by winning his 14th game, tying Tampa Bay's David Price for most in the major leagues. Dickey struck out eight and allowed just four hits and an unearned run in giving the Mets just their third win in 17 games.
Three Down
Jason Bay: The Bay Era may be finally coming to a close, as he was 0-for-20 this past week. He struck out eight times in those 20 at-bats, so there's nothing good to say about anything. Mike Baxter may take over Bay's spot in the outfield on a full-time basis. He could do no worse at this point.
David Wright: As the Mets have gone downhill after the All-Star break, so has Wright. Over the last seven games, Wright was 3-for-27 (.111) with two home runs and five RBI. He's still fifth in the NL in batting average and third in RBI this season, so the numbers are there. But very little has gone right for the Mets and Wright since the break.
Jordany Valdespin: Saturday, the Mets thought Valdespin broke his toe kicking a helmet in frustration and was taken out of the game. It turned out he didn't break anything, which is a good thing, until you look at his recent numbers. He's batting .158 (3-for-19) over his last seven games, with a home run and two RBI.
What's Next?
The Mets stay on the West Coast for three games against the San Francisco Giants, highlighted by a Harvey-Tim Lincecum pitching matchup Tuesday night, and then a three-game weekend series against the San Diego Padres, who are 44-60 on the season. Harvey pitches against the Padres Sunday afternoon.
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