[Further Thoughts: Reading some NY Daily News coverage, the coaches let go probably are no great loss, though really the buck stops above. Also, missed this bit of Keith Hernandez self-aggrandizement. The columnist at times is a bit of a clown, but on this point, he is on the money.]
After Santana went on the DL, Nelson Figueroa basically took his role: good starting pitching with little support. He even tossed in a Santana-like final effort, tossing a complete game shutout (two in one month's time by Mets pitching -- you take what good news you can get) though this 162nd game (unlike in the Midwest) did not count. On that front, I call foul. Why isn't winning the season series the tiebreaker? Last year, the Twins lost a 1-0 tiebreaker on the road, after winning the season series. This time at least a coin flip didn't decide matters, but again, if they lose they still would be screwed. Winning the series should mean something more than home field advantage, though it means more for the Twins than some others.
Well, the Mets are perfect in October this year. And, planning to get rid of one or more coaches. Though the defense and some baserunning moves left something to be desired, this is basically pointless. The general manager or manager (more so the former) is who needs to go. And, bring on a decent midrange starter (Nelson and company showed why Perez was a bad call -- someone, even if imperfect, was out there to fill that role, someone not a mental case; the injury just added insult) and a good hitting left fielder. Pagan can stay in as the fourth and Daniel Murphy can stay as first baseman (maybe injury boy can be brought back, if he's cheap enough) -- he's imperfect but has some grit and potential.
After all, I doubt if his replacement would overall add more to the team, especially if money issues will arise. If there is limited funds, it is better to spend a bit more for that extra starter. Oh, I would love it if Perez would be gone, but his contract is probably too large. You can just hope one of the two remaining seasons will be good (with the usual stress) and the other one adequate at least. I also fear that there is some chance he will be kept and Maine let go. Maine was hurt this year, but ended on a decent note. He has problems throwing too many pitches, but has a good chance of being a decent midrange starter without Perez's drama. I also like his grit and mentality -- reminds me of Rick Reed, who helped them get to the playoffs a decade ago.
I still like the team. They screwed over the fans, even with the injuries, with bad play. Won't forget that either -- injuries will be used as an excuse, but let's be honest Mets fans: would this team really have beat out the Rockies (or Phillies) even if most of the players didn't get hurt? Another twenty wins would not have done it. Anyways, I'm rooting for the West this postseason, since the AL Central is a tad bit of a long shot. After all, no matter who makes it, one win might be considered a moral victory in the first round. And, the remainders leave various levels of distaste in my mouth, the fact they might be favored only hurting matters.
Well, Mets announcer/veteran Ron Darling will be on the TBS team. A friendly face helps and that announcer team's tendency to be overly neutral actually works on that front. And, without Gary or Keith, there won't be an OD of pointless trivia. Hey, I'm game for that stuff, surely I am, but for non-baseball nerds, it gets a tad much after awhile. Still, Gary Cohen clearly is in his dream job.