In squandering a pair of fine efforts by Claudio Vargas and Mike Pelfrey (above) over the past day and a half, the New York Mets have dropped 3 of 4 to the lowly Nationals, a situation that has the club’s self-appointed spokesperson suddenly wanting no part of the gig. From the New York Daily News’ Adam Rubin :
As reporters spoke with Billy Wagner after the Mets lineup failed to capitalize on Mike Pelfrey’s gem in a 1-0 loss to the Nationals at Shea Stadium, first about the upcoming Subway Series, then about Thursday’s game, Wagner wondered aloud why the closer was drawing attention.
Then he went Paul Lo Duca-esque, minus the racial component.
Wagner looked over toward the area of first baseman Carlos Delgado’s locker and blurted: “Someone tell me why the (expletive) you’re talking to the closer. I didn’t even play. They’re over there, not being interviewed. … I got it. They’re gone. (Expletive) shocker.”
Perhaps they’re talking to the closer because Country Time has demonstrated —- more than once — that he’s all too willing to criticize his teammates through the media? How many beat reporters go out of their way to spend quality time with this mysterious group of players Wagner refers to as “they”? Is David Wright a member of that clique or not?