New York Mets Prove To Not Yet Be Ready For Primetime

Not once, but twice Martin Prado walked-off against the New York Mets while helping the Miami Marlins to victories. Is this a sign of sorts?

By Robby Sabo

Alright. The lead in the NL East is still considerable at four-games. Still though, concerns over it only being four-games after the New York Mets just played series against the pathetic Red Sox, Marlins and Phillies twice need to be present.

The Washington Nationals are starting to catch fire – winning five in a row – just in time for a three-game set against the Mets starting in D.C. Monday night.

Ultimately, the reasoning for New York losing two-of-three in Miami this weekend had everything to do with clutch play. Making the right decisions, pitching flawlessly, and delivering the big hit in the clutch is everything the Mets haven’t done.

Martin Prado on the other hand, did do those things. He did them twice, delivering two walk-off game winners in the last three days.

Two Prado walk-offs in three games? Cool off, Martín! ?? #FISHWIN pic.twitter.com/fYreP5SeAQ

— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 6, 2015

Unlike Friday night when Prado delivered an actual hit, on Sunday Prado battled pitch after pitch against a heavy worked Tyler Clippard. The bases were loaded with one out, and Prado decided to foul off everything he didn’t like.

Finally a sac-fly towards a bailing Yoenis Cespedes provided the winning run.

Clippard also gave up the game-tying home run in the bottom of the eighth-inning to pinch-hitter Justin Bour. This came after Wilmer Flores heroically, once again, hit a two-run shot to give Steven Matz and the Mets a 3-2 lead.

A HUGE game-tying HR by @bour41 set up today's walk-off win: http://t.co/EnSMZ8bW1A #FISHWIN pic.twitter.com/DB4z8mXA8Z

— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 6, 2015

Game-winner. WATCH: http://t.co/yfxRILR0T4 #FISHWIN pic.twitter.com/Sw1t8TGd22

— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 6, 2015

The overwhelming feeling around the clubhouse has to revolve around the tough losses experienced recently. What it comes down to is a lackluster bullpen (which only has two reliable guys); a lineup who doesn’t have any ability to produce speed; and a defense who is shaky at best.

It’s evident the Mets don’t have the ability of a Kansas City Royals team we saw last October. Their success will lie in starting pitching going as far as it can and clutch, big-time hitting.

Not having the ability to do the extra thing along the base-paths or bring in a solid reliever in the fifth or sixth inning is making it feel like every close game slips between their fingers.

For now, they’ll look to put an end to the Nats hot hitting ways starting Monday night. With the division lead now cut to four, they cannot afford a loss on Monday night.