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Btw, didn't agree with Mendoza's decision to bunt with Jankowski for Vientos in 10th. Had to know O's would walk McNeil and pitch to Torrens w/bases loaded. Can understand no confidence in Vientos right now but better off giving McNeil a crack in RISP situation.

Watching Trevor Megill hit 102 on the gun, blow away the Dodgers in the 10th, and again wondering if his brother, Tylor, couldn't be the same type of dominant reliever.

Mendoza really didn't have a good answer for taking Peterson out at 90 p in the 8th, even when asked multiple times: "He did his part." That would make more sense if Stanek was more reliable. But he's been inconsistent.

Big reason why I think Mendoza's a good mgr is that he has often relied on his eyes/instincts when pulling a starter. This time he didn't say he could see Peterson was finished or anything like that. Made 90 pitches sound like a barrier and his decision seemed strictly formulaic.

Mendoza's decision aside, Stanek can't be the 8th inning guy: 18 walks in 31 2/3 inn. and 30 hits. OPS+ number was below league-average even before today. Garrett and Brazoban inconsistent as well. Mets need to trade for upgrade. And maybe use McLean as reliever down stretch.

ERA+ number, that is.

And, yes, as Mendoza said, obviously the offense is the biggest culprit, letting Morton off the hook early and scoring 1 run. But a lead in the 8th is a lead in the 8th. Gotta win the game.

Game 2 was hard to watch. Not to beat a dead horse but getting a look at Nolan McLean would have been far more interesting. And likely would have given the Mets a better chance to win.

That said, with Senga and Manaea back this weekend, the overarching issue for these Mets continues to be the failures w/RISP. And the need for some thump in lower half of the lineup.

That looked like the '24 Vientos, driving a slider into RCF gap for bases-loaded, go-ahead double. One AB after he smashed his bat on plate in frustration following a K. And the next hitter after Alonso snapped a bat over his thigh. Not sure who needed it more, him or the Mets.

Could be coincidence but feels like the Vientos 2B lifted a burden off Mets' offense, as they poured it on for 8-3 win. Turning point? As Darling said of Vientos, "It'll be the first time he sleeps well in two months."

More of this coming up following Mets postgame on SNY with John and yours truly!

Plus Niki Lattarulo anchoring SportsNite, calling signals for us. It's Friday night, people. No reason not to stay up.

Bellinger was *that* close to a 4-HR game. And the Mets made KC look like the Chiefs in the SB. Hyped to be on ESPN New York from 9A-12PM today. 10:30 - John Harper on the baseball. 11:00 - Justin Termine talking some hoops. Blessed beyond belief. Let’s get it!

ICYMI w/ Tyriq D. Butler: John Harper joins the show to discuss the best Yankee offseason acquisition, the best trade deadline targets for the Yankees & Mets, & Jacob Misiorowski making the All-Star Game. LISTEN: cms.megaphone.fm/channel/ESP482…

Catching up on the Mets: Disagreed with Mendoza's decision to pull Peterson on Thursday, so only fair to note that he was smart to manage boldly on Saturday, using Diaz for 6 outs to lock down win. Knows he has tag team of Holmes/Manaea to go deep on Sunday.

Catching up via Mets Rewind after Jersey Shore weekend. Tough loss but not nearly as significant as Manaea's impressive return. FB from low arm angle still exploding up in the zone, lethal in combo w/sweeper. Got 7 K's, 13 swing-and-misses in 65 p. Bodes well for strong 2nd half.

On BNNY, Laura Albanese, John Jastremski, John Harper and Sal Licata discuss Sal's Mets all-quarter century team: ➡️ Tri-State Cadillac

Kyle Schwarber secures National League's win after first-ever swing-off at 2025 MLB All-Star Game (via John Harper) on.sny.tv/NgiastS

Schwarber's heroics made it unnecessary for Alonso to hit as the third NL hitter in the swing-off. Mainly because Jonathan Aranda went homer-less for the AL on his try. If only Judge had stuck around. Judge vs. Alonso for the win would have been compelling late-night TV.