Despite Trade Talk, Slow Start And Wilpon Drama, Mets Head Into All-Star Break Over .500
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) — The Mets started the season 5-13. They've dealt with a slew of injuries, trade speculation and Fred Wilpon's surprising comments on his biggest stars. Despite all that and two straight losses to San Francisco end the first half, the Mets head into the All-Star break with a winning record.
Mike Pelfrey gave up two early runs and the Mets failed to capitalize on numerous scoring chances against Giants All-Star Matt Cain in a 4-2 loss to San Francisco on Sunday night in the final game before the All-Star break.
New York lost the past two games to Cain (8-5) and fellow All-Star Tim Lincecum for their first road series lost since May. They still finished the first half at 46-45 despite starting the season 5-13 and dealing with injuries to key players like Jose Reyes, David Wright and Ike Davis.
"It could be better and it could be worse," outfielder Jason Bay said. "If you were to tell me we would be missing Player A and B and still be where we are, I think most of us would take it. There are definitely reasons for optimism, no question. When we start getting guys back, it will be like making a trade."
General manager Sandy Alderson is pleased though he remains cautious, saying on Sunday, "over .500 at this point is not something we're happy with, but having achieved that as a floor, if you will, is a positive."
"I do think that the team has established a different kind of persona among the fans, and maybe even the media," added Alderson. "That's something we can build on."
Mets fans and players alike see some inevitable changes to come -- whether it's Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran or K-Rod -- before the July 31 trading deadline.
"It's unfortunate," said Pelfrey, "but I think you have an idea something is going to happen."
The Mets had their chances to end the first half on a bright note, but were unable to score against Cain.
They wasted a leadoff double by Daniel Murphy in the second, left the bases loaded in the third when Murphy popped up to end the inning, were unable to score after Lucas Duda's one-out triple in the fourth and squandered Turner's one-out double in the fifth. Cain's night ended when he struck out Ruben Tejada on his 118th pitch to end the sixth with Ronny Paulino on second base.
"We had Cain on the ropes several times, but he got out of it, which is what pitchers like that do," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "When we're playing good, we were getting the two-out hits. We didn't do that the last two nights here."
How will the Amazin's fare in the second half? Make your prediction below...
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