In case anyone was doubting whether Jerry Manuel and the Mets entire ballclub have become completely apathetic toward how this team performs, the top of the fourth should confirm that reality. After Oliver Perez retired the first two batters of the inning, Matt Diaz singled to left. With Church at the plate, Perez picked off Diaz stealing second base, only for Diaz to run completely out of the baseline towards the infield grass, causing Daniel Murphy’s throw to ricochet off the helmet of Diaz, hitting Anderson Hernandez, who was covering second, in the left shoulder and allowing Diaz to advance to third.

Astonishingly, no one from the Mets came out to argue. Maybe Jerry Manuel can be forgiven for missing the play. But somebody- Razor Shines, Sandy Alomar, somebody on the Mets bench- saw Diaz blatantly step out of the baseline. Yes, the Mets are just waiting to be mathematically eliminated, but I have seen Sally League managers in relatively meaningless games do their part and go out and argue a close call.

To add insult to injury, the umpires refused to acknowledge any doubts about the play either. Of course, everybody on WFAN tomorrow will contend that this further reflects some crisis in umpiring. I would agree that dreadful calls seem more prevalent today, although I would argue that it is more likely fans have developed a confirmation bias than umpires have gotten progressively worse. These kind of plays only strengthen their case, however.  

To their credit, the Mets are winning 8-4 now. This team still has enough fight in them to dissipate any chance of landing Bryce Harper in next year’s draft.