Oct. 04: Post-Game analysis
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- October
- 4
It’s always about the final score in the end, but looking at tonight’s 6-5 win over the Dodgers there was a lot to like about the game for the Mets:
- Willie Randolph had a plan and stuck with it. He went with John Maine for as long as he felt comfortable, then turned the game over to his bullpen, which went five deep. A lot of times managers will say something then back off, which only causes doubt on the bench. Not tonight. Randolph showed confidence in Maine by starting him and in his bullpen to protect a slim lead.
- David Wright and Carlos Delgado came up big in their first playoff games. A concern was the offense would try to overcompensate with their pitching losses, but it didn’t happen. Two home runs, but the Mets answered the Dodgers every time.
- The defense played big. The double-play at the plate in the second was an emotional turning point. The Mets could have been down by three or more in the second, but only trailed 1-0. There’s no telling how the emotional swing would have been with a big, early deficit.
- John Maine did his job leaving the Mets with a good feeling for later in the playoffs.
The momentum is clearly with the Mets, and they have to feel good about going with Tom Glavine tonight.
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Agree w/ your assessment – although as boneheaded as the Dodgers baserunning gaffe was – Valentin's brain cramp pretty much gave that back. Jose has done a great job for the Mets this year, but this was clearly not his best moment.
Taken altogether – big win for the Mets. They basically did what they've done all year long w/ mediocre starting pitching.
The NL is weak enough that the Mets may just be able to power their way through it w/ a crippled starting rotation. But then there's the Yanks in W.S. Not good.
With 12 pitchers on the roster, still not sure what Willie was thinking letting Mota hit.
This loss had to hurt the Dodgers. They had a chance to throw their best versus a rookie fill-in, and couldn't get a win. I worry a bit about facing a lefty, but I have a feeling that Glavine will get us through 6 in pretty good shape, and I know we can hit their 'pen.
John,
Nice summary. Delgado is awesome!
Nice heads up play by LaDuca finding that second runner.
Maine did his thing.
I heard some talking head refer to him as a throw in by Baltimore. Look at him now.
Dave
Dave …
Omar Minaya said at the time of the deal that they really liked Maine. Of course, nobody believed him. Give kudos to Minaya about this deal. It also tells you a lot about the Orioles.
AJ …
He wanted Mota to go the extra inning. A hit there would have put the game away and the Mets still had guys to go to in the pen. It was a gut feeling move by Randolph. It worked because they won.
Syracuse Mets …
You hit the nail on the head. Luck will play a factor in the series and the Mets caught a break. To his credit, Valentin said he blew the play and should have gone for the sure out.
NL isn't strong, but the Mets owned it. As far as facing the Yankees in the World Series, that's not a sure thing. Their bullpen gives you the shivers.
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