NEW YORK _ Are the Mets toast?
It certainly feels like it.
Not because of Tuesday's ugly 11-2 loss to Baltimore, but because of the issues in it. They have persisted the entire season and, at this point, might be too fatal to overcome.
Of course, the Mets entered the day only two games back of a wild card, and four back of Philadelphia for the automatic postseason berth. The expanded playoffs allow for more error than ever before. The Mets could make up ground, but that's hardly the most important conversation.
Are they even good enough?
Sep 8, 2020; New York City, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Rio Ruiz (14) celebrates his three run home run against the New York Mets with right fielder DJ Stewart (24) and first baseman Pat Valaika (74) during the fifth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Bad starting pitching has haunted them all season. Behind Jacob deGrom, the Mets' starters have been inconsistent _ short outings, bad outings and everything in between.
Their bullpen has shown flashes, but has still melted down. It is uncertain whether the unit, minus Seth Lugo after his entrance into the rotation, can be counted on when it really counts.
The offense has been inexplicably up and down. Two days after blowing out the Phillies, the lineup never showed up to the ballpark.
The Mets, who are now 19-24, have 17 games remaining. They could get hot and make a run. Heck, they could even stumble into the postseason if others fall harder than they do.
But to predict as much would be to predict the Mets achieving some sort of consistency _ which hasn't happened at all this season.
At this point, the problems remain. In a short season, the Mets might not be able to remedy them. This team, which looked to be a talented one, has shown flashes. They just end too quickly.
Each time, you're eventually left with a performance like the one Tuesday.
