Can't Pitch, Hit, or Field? Goodbye!

Last season we could always count on Mets employees to put a positive spin on their losses. When Oliver Perez got shelled we were told he was in great shape and making good progress. When David Wright struck out four times, we were told that he was putting great swings on the ball and was about to break out. It was a skill that helped inspire this very blog, and led to a recurring segment called "Jerry's Juice".

This season we have renamed that segment "Terry's Tonic", but the Mets manager and his colleagues are making it hard for us to find material. That's because for the first time in a while, the Mets are holding themselves accountable for their poor play.

After today's frustrating loss to the Nationals, I looked for and expected to find the koolaid-rich quotes that were so common last season. Instead, I found the following:

"This is the big leagues, and you've got to be able to make some pitches." - Terry Collins

"It's [the bullpen] been inconsistent. Probably as positive an adjective as I can use. But it's unfortunate." - Sandy Alderson

“It’s an utter letdown. You just feel disgusted with yourself. He pitched one heck of a game, and I hate that I blew it for him.” - Blaine Boyer, who lost the game.

“The ball just beat me. I made a terrible play. It probably cost us the game.” - Lucas Duda, who misplayed a ball that led helped the Nats come back.

"It’s horrible, man" - DJ Carrasco, who gave up the tying runs.

These are all harsh words for game 9, and I must say I like it. Don't get me wrong - I love a good glass of blue and orange koolaid, and there will be plenty of it poured later on in the season. But for now it's good to see that the Mets are not taking losses and poor play lightly.

While Omar and Jerry would have publicly chalked up this loss to early season jitters or a bad pre-game meal, Sandy walked the walk by demoting Boyer and Duda to the minors. When was the last time the Mets took such strong action on an under-performing player so quickly?

The Mets have talent, and we have already seen this season that they are capable of playing well in all facets of the game. But when they don't, it's good to finally see that the players will take responsibility for their mistakes and the front office will take the necessary actions to improve.

After all, accountability breeds success. I don't know if that's a saying, but it should be.