September 28, 2008

Mets play, and lose, their last game at Shea Stadium

NewYorkology contributor Scott Ross keeps you abreast of upcoming Mets and Yankees home games in New York City. Jack Donaghy convinced Ross to join the GE family in the summer of 2008. Here’s your look at the last major league baseball in New York City this year:

For the second consecutive season, the Florida Marlins came to Queens to administer the kill shot to the Mets’ post-season hopes.

Once again it was the bullpen that betrayed them. With the score tied 2-2 in the top of the 8th, Scott Schoeneweis came in to face pinch-hitter Wes Helms who promptly launched the go ahead run into the seats. On came Luis Ayala to face Dan Uggla, who promptly put the insurance run in the seats. And with that, the Mets bullpen had earned its 28th loss of the season.

Equally incredible was General Manager Omar Minaya being awarded a four-year extension last week for putting together a team that fell – really fell – short of the playoffs yet again. What he’s done to earn this is unclear.

As Minaya puts together the 2009 edition, he will be rid of the onerous Pedro Martinez contract he negotiated four years ago. Will he able to resist signing Moises Alou to another contract? Will he finally hire a major leaguer to play second base? What will he do to replace Billy Wagner? Does Carlos Delgado have another year in the tank? Will he continue to man his bench with the likes of Trot Nixon, Damion Easley and Marlomn Anderson?

Clearly his boss trusts him to address these questions. I wouldn’t.

Next Week: The Mets and the Yankees will be golfing.

September 28, 2008 6:17 PM in Out of Manhattan, Sports

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