December 2, 2008
Still a number of ways for Mets to blow it
They're playing solid ball, their vital signs are normal,
their mood is giddy and it's all good in their world. But wouldn't you know it, just when everything sounds and looks right, the clock is ready to strike 17 again.
As in: There's 17 games left in the season.
For the Mets, given the horrors they endured last year, 17 will forever be their scarlet number. It should be erased from view and banished from their books. You say Keith Hernandez wore 17? Quick, somebody go back in a time capsule and change his jersey to 15 while nobody's looking. Hell, if the centerfield wall in their new ballpark is 417 feet from home plate, they better shove it back a foot.
There's good reason for paranoia, because 17 is where it all began last September, or rather, where it all ended. That's how many games were left in the season when the Mets packed it in while leading the division by seven games. By now, the numbers 7 and 17 go together in horrific unison. There's no need to be specific anymore about what they mean. All you need to say to a Mets fan is "7 up with 17 left" and hand him a barf bag. Or make sure you're wearing a cup.
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"I don't think anyone in this locker room is thinking of last September," David Wright said. "We're just trying to focus on what we need to do now."
Yes, nobody wants to hear about September '07 right now, not with the Mets 3 ½ games in first place and ready to print playoff tickets. But the Mets must proceed down this necessary road of nails, and carefully, because they created this. They delivered one of the biggest collapses in sports history and the memory of those 17 games won't fade unless the Mets get through these 17 without regurgitating a very bad dream.
And dare we say this: If the Mets blow this one, it'll be a more bitter watermelon to swallow than the last one.
Oh, you disagree? Well, sure, this one wouldn't quite have the same magnitude, given the size of the lead, or the same historical significance. But in just about every other way, a collapse now by the Mets would earn them a public flogging with one of Carlos Delgado's big bats, swung by the Comeback Slugger himself.
A repeat collapse would be worse because of, well, Delgado. Let's begin with him. Last September the Mets didn't have anyone like him in the lineup. Even Delgado wasn't Delgado. He's enjoying the kind of drastic night-and-day change you rarely see in a single baseball season. Four months ago he was a strikeout or double play waiting to happen. Now he's addicted to home runs.
And what's changed between then and now? I believe you know. Under Willie Randolph, who he didn't care much for, Delgado had nine homers and 32 RBI. In just eight more games under interim manager Jerry Manuel, who he respects, Delgado has 26 homers and 72 RBI, adding another last night. Just a coincidence, right? Yeah, coincidence.
"I feel fortunate that a guy like him has heated up at this time," said Manuel, still awaiting word about his status next year. "Has it helped my situation? No doubt."
A repeat collapse would be worse because of the Phillies. They show no signs of scorching up the standings like they did last September. Their pitching is still foul and you can only win so many games 9-6. Can anyone realistically see them winning substantially more than they'll lose from here on? Thought so.
A repeat collapse would be worse because the Mets have Johan Santana. Unlike last September's swoon, the Mets aren't struggling to find a true ace. Santana may pitch four more times this year, and if the Mets really need a big one from him, don't expect the same performance as Tom Glavine gave in Game No. 162.
A repeat collapse would be worse because Jose Reyes won't be a disaster like last September. It's just not humanly possible.
A repeat collapse would be worse because the Mets reaffirmed, with a 13-10 win last night, that they've finally figured out the Washington Gnats. Last year down the stretch, the Mets incredibly lost five of six to these jokers, sealing their doom.
But the real reason a repeat collapse would be worse is because it would be a repeat. One collapse is bad, two's a reputation.
"It's a new season for me and everyone," said Reyes.
"I get the sense it will be different this time," Manuel said.
Yes, there are 17 games left and if you ask me, the lead looks safe.
But where have we heard that one before?
Mixx it!
Copyright © 2008, Newsday Inc.
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