This year's was probably the most unique World Series I've ever seen. As we stand today the Kansas City Royals are the champions of Major League Baseball. But the Series could just as easily still be going on, with the Mets either clinging to life or even ahead in wins. I can even imagine a scenario where it could have been the Mets spraying the champaign around their clubhouse in the early AM hours as opposed to the Royals. Three of the Met losses were products of late game collapses fueled by untimely errors (not that they're ever really timely), base running blunders and questionable bullpen management. Two of those losses, including this morning's, were decided in extra frames. Everything went right in their series against the Cubs, but baseball karma was cruel this time around. Someone out here in Chi-Town suggested that maybe the Billy Goat Curse rubbed off on the Metropolitans from their stay in the Friendly Confines, they seemed so snake bit.
But this isn't all about things the Mets did wrong. Kansas City benefitted from timely hitting, heads up base running, taking advantage of errors and forcing them as well. They were the more complete team and deserve the crown.
Oh, but what could have been. I predicted a long series because the Mets have four studs on the mound which can cover a multitude of deficiencies. You had to expect Daniel Murphy to cool (no one can keep that kind of a pace up), but no one really rose up to take his place. Cespedes was invisible at the plate and looked less than focused in the field. But they were finding ways to get the lead, but alas, they too often couldn't hold on to finish off the relentless Royals.
Met fans should be properly disappointed this morning. But not without hope. This is a young team, with a core of young pitching already in the Big Leagues, and a cadre of quality arms down on the farm that will be contributing soon, or else can be used as trade bait to acquire the offensive help needed to round out the team. So don't be too down, February is closer than you think.
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