On a normal day, I could not possibly care any less about a New York Mets baseball game. At the moment, the Mets are nothing more than a team that is widely mocked, and run by an owner who does not believe in them. Today, however, I felt the need to pay attention.
Heading into the final game of the regular season on Wednesday, Jose Reyes held a one-point lead over Ryan Braun for the National League batting title. Reyes was hitting .336 with an upcoming afternoon game against the Reds while Braun and his .335 average will play the Pirates Wednesday night. Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, we heard some rumblings about the Mets considering pulling Reyes in Wednesday’s game if he got a hit early. Even the Mets wouldn’t be that classless, would they?
Of course they would; we’re talking about the New York Mets. In fact, they went a step further. Reyes dropped down a bunt single in the first inning and was immediately replaced with a pinch runner. The maneuver solidified Reyes’ place ahead of Braun for the time being, and the Brewers left fielder needs to increase his average by two points to surpass Reyes. Can you say bush league?
When Ted Williams set the all-time batting record by hitting .406, he had the record on lock after game one of a double header. Rather than sit out the second game and guarantee that his average remain above .400, Williams went about his normal business and ended up increasing his average even further. I think I speak for everyone when I say I hope Braun somehow manages to go 4-for-4 in tonight’s game.
