OK, the Patriots hat was a bit much. But otherwise I was quite happy with Wagner’s recent statements. I’m generally against booing. I believe that generally Major League Baseball players are sufficiently self-motivated that they don’t need a manager screaming at them to perform. But sometimes a team really is playing uninspired ball, and they need to be called on it. They need somebody with credibility to stand up and say “This cannot continue. You must step up.”
Willie Randolph said that on the old Yankees Thurman Munson or Roy White would get in his face if he made a bonehead or uninspired play. The Mets are strangely a veteran team without a leader. Beltran’s not the type. Delgado anchors the infield, but otherwise never stepped up. Wright and Reyes have been the face of the Mets. Reyes provides the energy and excitement. Wright acts as the voice of the team. But are either of these guys going to get in Marlon Anderson’s face when he stands at homeplate watching his pop-up that nearly drops fair? Are they going to challenge Luis Castillo for not scoring on a 2-out fly ball that dropped in? No.
Billy Wagner stepped up because somebody had to and nobody else did. Both times were after uninspired play led to losing a day game at home to a bad pitcher on a bad team.
And guess what – Oliver Perez accepted the criticism and stepped up. His next start he gave up 3 homers, but it was a step up. He was challenging hitters and throwing strikes. He was competing aggressively, like Wagner demanded. His next outing was my favorite. Not because he started by striking out 8 in 5 shutout, 1-hit innings. But because he drew a walk and stole second. He hit a bunt single. He made 2 nice defensive plays. He competed. He focused. He did what you do when you’re determined to win. And then he took down the Yankees, and finally Met the eighth inning from the pitcher’s mound.
And guess what else? The Yankees looked flat, stupid, and uninspired. Derek Jeter didn’t continue on to second base when Castillo bobbled the throw. He also missed a pop-up. Gonzales missed two pop-ups. Damon couldn’t force his way through Schneider. And the Mets? Church to Castillo to Schneider. Outfield assist for Beltran. Beltran ran to second base on the right field side, prompting Giambi to throw the ball wide left.
Maybe when Pedro comes back he’ll start leading. Church doesn’t seem in your face, but maybe Schneider. Until then, it will have to be the closer. Go for it, Billy. Somebody has to step up. And it looks like it has to be you.
Posted by Gil Reich 
