Game 62 - Orioles 6, Mets 4

I don't like putting the blame on the manager for any one loss, not with 25 guys that are actually between the lines playing the game...

However...

This one, and I hope at least the beat writers beat on this point for the Thursday edition, should fall completely at the feet of Jerry Manuel.

Let me start by saying that he seems to have this team on his side and deals with the media well, both very important things when coaching in New York.

Howevr, he's been harped on about being a bad game manager and tonight was proof positive.

The Mets were down 4-2 when they loaded the bases with one out. Alex Cora walked to force in a run and due up was rookie Fernando Martinez.

I don't care what he's done in the past game, past couple of weeks, none of that matters. With one out and the bases loaded, what's the one thing that can kill a rally dead?

Martinez is a young hitter and he might have struck out in that spot, but with his speed it was gonna be tough to double him up. Plus, if he does K, Beltran is behind him in the lineup and you have one more shot.

Needless to say, Manuel turned to a different Fernando. Tatis, that is who promptly grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Now, you have killed your rally AND weakened your defense by putting a career infielder into left field, replacing a guy who if he's up for anything it's for speed and outfield defense.

All in all, it's a crappy move. I'm sure you could argue that Tatis is better equipped to make contact or drive the ball to the outfield to plate at least one run, but he's also prone to get doubled up. All in all, it was just a real stupid move and it backfired.

And with Scott Richmond (on my fantasy team, by the way) shutting down the Flithies, we squandered an opportunity to move within two games of the top of the division.

Now I've got to pin my hopes on Livan Hernandez (5-1, 4.33 ERA) to make sure we don't lose our third straight series.