Billy the kid calls out the Mets

Mets fans aren’t the only ones who are upset with the club’s up and down play. Yesterday, the Mets were pounded by the Pirates 13-1 at Shea. Closer Billy Wagner spent a good chunk of yesterday’s postgame railing that the team has to do better -especially the pitching staff.

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO OF WAGNER CALLING OUT HIS TEAMMATES

As a Mets fan, I’m glad that someone is stepping front and center to challenge the team. Yes, it is one game (as we pointed out yesterday), but Wagner is in the clubhouse every day. He DOES see things that we media hounds aren’t privy to. He was there during the team’s collapse last season-matter of fact, he was a big part of the Mets’ tumble to the finish. But at least he’s aware that this club can’t go through another malaise like they did last year.

If you look back at 2006, the Mets rallied early and often. Since the end of last season and so far this year, you NEVER feel the team come back once down a few runs. Sure, the Mets were down 7-zip early. But to get two-hit by Tom Gorzelanny and a couple of relievers is appalling. I’m sure if Wagner had seen my entry yesterday, he would have disagreed. Upon further review, a little hustle against the Bucs would have been nice considering they’ll see Owings, Webb and Haren (against Santana) this weekend in Arizona. Do you want to head to L-A Monday losers of three straight?

One thing: I DO wish that the Mets had a position player leader. Wright is a go-to guy in the clubhouse, but I think he tries to be a Derek Jeter clone: Give the writers, TV and radio guys quotes and bytes without saying anything. “We have to play better” is about as rough as the glamour boys on the two NY baseball teams will get. Wright, like Jeter, is always concerned with image. He won’t stir up a clubhouse if it makes him look bad. Beltran is too quiet. Delgado has leadership skills (he went to a struggling Aaron Heilman the other day to keep Heilman’s head on straight) but he can no longer back up words with action. Wagner no doubt sees this void, and is trying to fill it. Let’s hope the team heard him yesterday.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON BILLY WAGNER