Brian Schneider: The League's Automatic Double Play

Schneider's double play tendencies are a serious problem.

Despite the fact that it may not have been the most pretty of wins, the Mets should be happy that they were able to secure the victory last night to move to 4-4 on the season.

There were some things to smile about, like the performance of Oliver Perez, and there were some things to frown about, like Daniel Murphy’s defense and Gary Sheffield’s bat.

But this post is not going to go in depth on any of those things. This post is going to be 100 percent dedicated to Brian “Double Play” Schneider, who continues to act like a second pitcher in the lineup.

The situation was typical like it always is. Runners on first and second with nobody out. Sheffield is at the plate working a good at-bat. On deck is Schneider, so Sheffield feels like the number eight hitter, because Schneider is as sure an out as there is in baseball.

Once in a while he gets a hit, and once in a while it snows in Florida. Those are two things that are extremely rare.

After Sheffield was eventually struck out on a heater, we all knew what was coming. I was so sure of it that I took my in between innings bathroom break as he was walking up to the plate.

Surely enough, he didn’t disappoint me. He grounded into that 4-6-3 double play like it was his job. It makes me wonder. Is his defense really worth the drawbacks that come with his bat?

Ramon Castro is the superior hitter of the two, and I don’t think any knowledgeable Mets’ fan will argue otherwise.

Castro has some pop, and he can be an impact hitter. His problem has always been staying healthy, but seeing as he reported to camp slimmer in 2009, Castro’s health issues may be behind him, which could mean that Schneider may be playing to keep his job, which he isn’t doing too much to protect.

Sure, he’s good at blocking balls and throwing guys out, but Castro isn’t a slouch.

I think Manuel should start working Ramon into the lineup more often to see how the cards play out. What’s the worst that can happen? He does just as bad as Schneider?

One thing is for sure. When it comes to the bat, Ramon can’t be any worse.