Now You Can Stick Fork in Mets; They’re Done

A couple of weeks ago I wrote that it was too soon to “stick a fork” in the Mets and say that they are done. Not any more. The disappointing home stand that just ended also means the end for the Mets and their playoff hopes, thin as they were.

The Mets entered the seven-game homestand four games under .500. They needed to go at least 5-2 to show that they are serious about contending. It was certainly doable — sweep the sinking Phillies and split the four-game series with the Wild Card-leading Giants.

Instead, the Mets won two from the Phils and managed just one win against the Giants. So instead of being two games under .500, now they are six under. If they had won the five games, they would be six games back in the NL East and five games back in the Wild Card. Instead, they are eight and seven games back, respectively.

Now they head down to D.C. for three games with the Nationals. If they Mets could not beat the Giants at home, how can they hope to top the NL East-leading Nats on the road? Then it is four games in Philly.

The Mets needed to make a statement at home that they are true contenders. They failed miserably at that. The bats particularly failed, once again highlighting Sandy Alderson’s inability to upgrade the offense at a time when the Mets were still within striking distance. Another bat could have made a difference against the Giants. But you know what? I am tired of beating a dead horse.

Speaking of dead horses, get ready to watch the Mets limp to the finish line this season. They don’t shoot entire teams, do they?