New York Mets' Offense on the DL

Atlanta Braves' rookie pitcher Tommy Hanson single-handedly beat the New York Mets last night.

In addition to seven scoreless innings of three hit baseball, where he struck out eight batters, Hanson dropped down three sacrifice bunts leading to three RBI for lead-off man Nate McLouth. His curve ball was enigmatic to the Mets' lineup. He was working both sides of the plate with all his pitches, keeping the batters off balance all night.

It was an ugly game all around for the Mets.

Carlos Beltran misplayed a ball badly in center field, perhaps a result of some rust still needing to be shaken off. David Wright struck out twice, bringing his season total to 124 so far.

Pat Misch got the loss giving up eight runs and four hits in five innings. Not a stellar outing by any means, but it's what Mets fans have come to expect from the rotation taking the mound these days.

One of the bright spots for the Mets was Daniel Murphy going 2-4 on the night. He’s continued to hit well since he settled into his every day role at first base. He’s making a play at being the every day first baseman next year. I don’t think it would be a terrible move by the Mets, as long as they were willing to pickup a big bat to play left field.

Josh Thole had another hit, keeping his batting average above .400 this season. He’s also making a play for a starting job next season. I believe that he should only be the Mets' catcher next season if they’re planning on letting him catch every day. Bringing Thole up next season to share the job with Omir Santos will be counter productive to his development.

The team would be better off letting him catch every day in the minor leagues to work out the kinks in his transition to a new position. He’s proven that he’s fully capable to hit at the major league level, but due to a lack of power, he will probably find himself hitting in the No. 6 hole later in his career.