In the aftermath of what many will concede as the Mets worst outing of the year – a 9-0 drubbing of the last-place Arizona Diamondbacks – Mets manager and skipper Terry Collins blasted the team and their efforts during the post-game press conference.
Using the harshest words and language uttered this season, Terry took no prisoners. He was asked just one question, by Steve Gelbs, reporter for SNY: “where do the Mets go from here?” and Terry then ignited the fire.
“I am the manager. It starts with me.” During today’s game there were several Mets fans who posted on various social media outlets, calling for a firing of the manager. It can be debated who is at fault for this woeful season for the Mets: the cascade of players who are either out due to season-ending injuries (Matt Harvey, David Wright, Lucas Duda), or on the DL and perhaps on their way back (Yoenis Cespedes, Jose Reyes, Juan Lagares, etc.). One can even say it could be a combination of both: leadership in the club house, on the field and the injuries that have caused the demise.
But as Terry angrily ranted this afternoon, “I don’t care who’s not here. There are no excuses. It starts with them.”
The Mets are playing less than .500 ball since early May and have not managed to win two consecutive games since early July. But as Terry – who seemed to be talking not just to reporters but to his players – said, “they have responsibilities to our fan base, the organization, to yourself and respect for the game.”
It was clear he would not accept the current effort from this team, noting that “no one feels sorry for you. Everyone’s been humble.” And, “the people that pay to see me play are going to see my best effort.” He also referenced Mets second baseman Neil Walker, who has recently faced struggles at the plate but has managed to turn himself around of late and saw his batting average climb 30 points. “That’s how you play the game,” Terry said, speaking of Walker.
Lastly, Mets skipper Terry Collins made it clear he would accept no prisoners. “Starting tomorrow, we’re gonna get after it. And for those who don’t want to get after it, I will find someone who does.” He alluded to Mets AAA club the Las Vegas 51s, who have a “whole clubhouse filled with guys who want to sit in this room. And I will find them.”
Sounds like a threat to me. Stay tuned.
