[James282]

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My point is much more that Willie knows his bench guys are going to need to step up in big situations as the season progresses. He is not going to let Gotay, Gomez, Newhan rot on the bench and then ask them to produce in August and September.


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They don't have to rot. They can get their ABs in low leverage situations or in situations when they are absolutely needed like pinch hitting late in games. Gomez I don't mind, because he potentially has a future as a big contributor. But David Newhan should never get at bats unless absolutely necessary since he is likely the worst option the team has. I understand what you are saying regarding the 'idea' of today. I'm saying it was handled stupidly. When the Mets are in a position to play a 4 inning game where every run matters so so much, they need to attack it. The 'mental' aspect can easily be changed if you establish that that isn't how things are going to be run. All of those others things aside.....


THE METS HAVE A DAY OFF ON MONDAY! What is so tough about a 3 game 'stretch' vs. the Yankees over the weekend? Is there something intrinsically more demanding about swinging a bat, running around the bases, and chasing after fly balls when the yankees happen to be in the other dugout? For the bullpen, you have an argument - for the position players, you and Willie and anybody else is grabbing at straws.

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But so far the results have shown that Willie -- much more often than not -- knows how to handle his team.

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The results have absolutely not shown anything of the sort. Getting lucky following random 'hunches' here and there does not show good decision making. Good decisions are made before we have the benefit of looking at the results. Willie is not awful or anything, but justifying his bad decisions because they miraculously and luckily worked out doesn't help your argument.