I have to admit, at different times through Steve Trachsel's Mets career, I've supported him.
Last year, when he came off the DL and threw eight scoreless innings, then had to wait 10 days to make his next start, I was one of the people grumbling that Willie Randolph wasn't giving him a fair shake.
Throughout this season, I alternated between defending him and berating him for his consistent -- and at times consistently bad -- performances.
Well, I should have known better. From Year 1, Trachsel and the Mets weren't right for each other. He began the 2001 season as their No. 3 starter was so bad he had to be sent to Triple-A to 'get fixed.'
Not much has improved since then.
Sure there was a 16-10 season with a 3.78 ERA in 2003. But on a team that only won 66 games, did that really matter?
Sure he was the guy who shut down Florida in the Mets' first NL East clincher in 18 years (I was at the game by the way). But let's try to keep this all in perspective.
When Mets fans look back on Trachsel's career here, will they remember his 16 wins in 2003 on a lousy team? Will they remember his 15 wins this year on a great team? Or will they remember his awful Game 3 outing that put the Mets in a deeper-than-it-sounds 2-1 hole against the Cardinals?
Win or lose, when this season is over, I know I won't be alone in wishing Steve Trachsel good luck at his next Major League stop (which hopefully will be in Atlanta or Philadelphia -- somewhere the Mets can beat up on him regularly).
Sorry, Steve, but you got exactly what you wished for. You desperately wanted to be a part of the Mets' playoff rotation. You wanted to prove to your critics your 15 wins weren't just a product of an absurd amount run support.
You had your chance, and you completely withered in the spotlight. You got exposed for what you really are: A fifth starter who can never be relied upon in a big game. I hope the fans of your next MLB team have just as much 'fun' rooting for you as I've had.
Comments (2)
dude, he is your FIFTH starter. he has soldiered for you for years. his high points you discount and his low points you magnify. what five years of effort and you boil it down to one game? the series isn't even over yet.
quit being such a whiner. stand by your team in the heat of competition.
Everyone is complaining about the 1 1/2 innings pitched by Steve Trachsel in Game 3.
How about Rogers? He used Pine Tar and no one complains about him. Rogers cheated, but because he pitched a great game, enhanced by the illegal use of pine tar, he is praised because he pitched a good game.
Trachsel did his best and took himself out which took more courage than being stubborn and making things worse for the Mets team.
I have seen Trachsel with his fans and he is very courteous, respectful and does not charge for his signatures. He is kind to children and grandparents; all ages. He loves the game and is constantly blasted by negative reporters like you.
Casey you have helped destroy the career of a good baseball player with more heart than anyone in the major leagues. So, he had a bad night. Get over it.
The horrible things that were said about Steve Trachsel were fueled by you and your negative reporting.
Do you think your light shines brighter by trying to blow out Steve Trachsel's candle?
How come you haven't said a word about Rogers using Pine Tar and the image he projects to the youth of America, it is O.K. to cheat and use pine tar as long as you pitch a good game ?
You are a fraud and a very negative person.
I would like to see how you would perform in front of millions of people. You would probably faint.