COMMENTARY
Blown saves on Paterson’s worry list
Updated: 09/23/08 6:25 AM
It’s good to know that in the midst of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, our governor hasn’t lost his sense of humor.
David A. Paterson was in Pettibones on Monday for the announcement of the Bisons’ new affiliation with the Mets. Paterson poked fun at State Sen. William Stachowski, his occasional and “cheap” dinner companion, asking if Stachowski actually paid for Bisons tickets.
Paterson, a Brooklyn native, said he grew up as a Mets fan in the ’60s, when they had a three-year affiliation with Buffalo. He recalled skimming magazines to see if there were any young prospects here who could help the bumbling expansion Mets.
Paterson saved his best line for Omar Minaya, the current general manager of his favorite team.
“Omar said I should go back to Shea to warm up,” Paterson said, “because the Mets’ bullpen is killing me. Not the budget. Not AIG. Not the Federal Reserve. It’s the Mets’ bullpen.”
Minaya actually cracked a smile. He knows his bullpen is a joke. They had blown another game just the night before. Mets relievers have blown 16 saves since the All-Star break, the most in the big leagues. They’re 2-8 since Aug. 11.
No lead has been safe in Queens since closer Billy Wagner went down with an elbow injury in early August. That’s the main reason they’re in danger of missing the playoffs for a second year in a row.
The Mets are 2z 3/4 1/2 me 1/3 behind the Phillies in the NL East and one game in front of Milwaukee for the wild card. They were 3z 3/4 1/2 me 1/3 in front of Philly with 17 to go. If the Brewers hadn’t lost 8 of 10, the Mets would be in serious trouble. They’d better hold on, or the critics will skewer them anew.
“There’s no comparison to last year,” Minaya said. “Last year we had a seven-game lead [with 17 to play] and squandered it. This year, we haven’t had that kind of cushion. Actually, it’s amazing we are where we are today with the injuries we’ve had. People will write about last year, and I understand that. It’s New York City. That’s part of the attachment.”
Fair or not, the Mets will be judged by how they fare in the coming days. Interim manager Jerry Manuel has gotten a lot out of his team, but he might not be retained if the Mets go to pieces. Minaya is probably safe, but a collapse could cost him his job. The roster could be radically changed if they don’t make it.
There’s also sentiment that with a $140 million payroll, it’s not enough to simply make the playoffs.
“No, no, no,” Minaya said. “We’re looking to win the World Series. Yes, we lack some proven bullpen guys. But I have no doubt in my mind that once we get in, nobody’s going to want to play the Mets, because we have the ability to take any team out.”
The Mets aren’t going to steal the hearts of Buffalo baseball fans any time soon — although they got off to a good start by donating $25,000 to the Buffalo schools baseball program.
This is a Yankee town, an American League town. Still, it’ll be good to have a baseball connection with New York City, where the people are so passionate and knowledgeable about the pastime.
It’s hard to imagine the Mets making a run in October with their bullpen problems. On the other hand, they have Johan Santana, a huge advantage if he pitches twice in a five-game series.
The Bisons have had good luck with their last two big-league affiliations. They were Pittsburgh’s Triple-A team when the Pirates narrowly missed the World Series. They hooked up with Cleveland when the Indians hit their stride and lost twice in the Fall Classic.
It’ll be neat if Buffalo gets the Mets when they become world champs. Better that than joining a team that’s perceived as the biggest choker in the sport.
