Just Mets

Things just aren’t getting any sunnier for Wilmer Flores at shortstop.

During Friday night’s 7-0 loss to the Brewers, Flores committed his ninth error of the season and second in as many games on a throw wide of first base on a groundball by Hector Gomez in the third inning.

That error was immediately followed by RBI doubles by Carlos Gomez and Gerardo Parra, although Parra’s double was badly misplayed by Curtis Granderson in right field. Then, Ryan Braun crushed a two-run home run to left to make it 5-0 before Flores’ error could be digested.

Before the game, Sandy Alderson said the club will stick with Flores at shortstop despite his ineffectiveness at the position, but after the game, Terry Collins said there is now concern about Flores’ mental state as the errors mount and the runs come across as a result.

“Certainly we’re concerned that it’s getting to Wilmer,” Collins explained after the Mets loss to the Brewers on Friday night. “That’s my daily challenge as part of this job is to make sure it doesn’t get in there too ingrained. I thought he came out and finished the way you’re supposed to. He’s got to be able to play through it and when he starts swinging like he can it will ease some of the pressure a little bit.”

The Mets did not lose Friday night’s game because of Flores’ error. There’s no debating that. It wasn’t the easiest of plays to make, although he unnecessarily rushed the throw and pulled Lucas Duda away from the bag. Duda’s footwork wasn’t good on that play, either, but the error is charged on the throw, and so it goes for Flores. But, it did open the floodgates on the Mets, like it has so many times already over the season’s first five weeks.

Alderson’s message about Flores is at least consistent. They are going to ride him into the ground, at least until another attractive option emerges. Based on the fact they recalled Eric Campbell suggests they’re not convinced yet about Matt Reynolds, which is consistent with the message I received throughout spring training.

Of course, it’s clear they’re not convinced Reynolds can thrive here in general, let alone at shortstop.

But, back to Flores.

There’s only so much more time they can give this, because it’s just not working, despite his recent uptick in production. It’s sad, but he isn’t hitting enough to sweep the defense under the rug. There’s also no question the poor defense is  wearing on the pitchers –  there are times it’s clearly been distracting for them during the game, and that’s just not acceptable.

What’s worse is he’s going to be more exposed with Daniel Murphy shifting back to second base now that Dilson Herrera is out.

Flores is hitting .240/.288/.423 with five home runs and 11 RBI in 31 games this season. He has perked up offensively as of late, going 6-for-21 with a double and two home runs in his last six games.