Biggest Losers:
Daniel Murphy - My god what a way to go out. Murphy has done everything asked of him over the last eight seasons. From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows seen in just three weeks... After blowing everyone away in both series leading up to it, Murphy struggled all over during the World Series. His two errors, on seemingly routine plays, will forever overshadow all the good his done in a Mets uniform. As he moves on and finds a new team this winter, it will be difficult to determine just how much money he cost himself this weekend.
Yoenis Cespedes - Lets face facts... The Mets probably don't find themselves in the postseason without the impressive Cuban outfielder acquired at the deadline via a comedy of failed negotiations. That said, when the big lights went out, Cespedes was no where to be found. Whats worse, at least for a fan like myself, is the seemingly nonchalant way he goes about his business. There is no arguing the power that goes along with his rocket right arm, but can you imaging enduring him not running out certain plays for the next seven years. A month ago, I would have been furious had the Mets not made a very serious attempt at retaining him, but now I'm honestly not sure if Queens is a viable long-term option.
Glaring Weaknesses:
I you had to pick a the Mets most glaring weakness heading into this series, it would have been their defense. Sadly enough, costly errors Cespedes, Murphy, Wright, and Duda all but doomed the six months of effort that went into the 2015 season. And for a Mets offense that went dormant at the wrong time, there was no overcoming such shortcomings.
It didn't stop there, though. The Royals managed to run roughshod on Travis d'Arnaud turning bloop singles into quick doubles all series, applying immense pressure on the team's pitchers, particularly late in games. The bullpen, which had received much praise throughout the waning stages of the regular season just couldn't hold on. If there was a blueprint to beating the 2015 Mets, the Royals followed it to the letter.
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We can sit here and argue about what could have been. Had the Mets been able to close out games this week, its very possible we'd be planning a parade. Instead we search for answers. The Mets have the pitching to be right back here next season, should the front office and the team's ownership find ways to fill the holes left by departing players. The 2015 results, while a year early by most estimations, were not a fluke, The New York Mets shouldn't find themselves to be the butt of endless jokes anytime soon.
Although it didn't end with a championship, 2015 was an impressive display of what can happen when a team comes together. Hopefully you've enjoyed along the way, and don't find that experience completely ruined by the outcome. There is no telling when we go on this type of wild ride again. So take a few days to shake off the loss, and remember, You Gotta Believe!
