First Pitch: Javy Baez, Francisco Lindor and Mets fans’ right to boo

If Javy Baez is a mouthpiece for the Mets’ clubhouse, then they have some explaining to do. Some players aren’t cut out for New York.

Even when the Mets win a game, they can’t go a day without creating chaos.

In the aftermath of a 9-4 victory over the Washington Nationals — a rare offensive explosion for a team that desperately needs to go streaking — the Mets’ prized trade deadline acquisition explained a thumbs down gesture he, Francisco Lindor and others had employed in big moments of late as a clear shot at fans in Queens.

"“When we don’t get success, we’re going to get booed,” Báez said. “So they’re going to get booed when we get success.”"

Surely, this could’ve stayed in the locker room. This isn’t merely a case of dishing it out and taking it, too. That’s not how sports fandom works, especially not in New York.

"“We’re not machines,” Báez continued. “We’re going to struggle. We’re going to struggle seven times out of 10. And, you know, it just feels bad. When I strike out and I get booed, it doesn’t really get to me. But I want to let them know that when we have success, we’re going to do the same thing to let them know how it feels. If we win together, then we’ve got to lose together, and the fans are a big part of it. They’ve got to be better. I play for the fans. And I love the fans. If they’re going to do that, they’re just putting more pressure on the team, and that’s not what we want.”"

It doesn’t help that Luis Rojas had no idea what Baez was talking about.

Can you be more checked out?

Mets: Does Javy Baez have any future in Queens?

Pretty much any slim opportunity Baez had of staying in Queens beyond this season went out the door with his commentary, especially considering Sandy Alderson responded thusly.

I am by no means in the “put up, or shut up” crowd which demands athletes take their millions and leave their commentary by the door. Professional sports are better when athletes showcase their personalities, even when some don’t agree with them. “Shut up and play,” in every sense of the phrase, is an archaic approach to professional sports.

So, would Baez and the Mets rather fans “shut up and watch?” The saying works both ways.

But Javy doesn’t have to apologize. Not by any stretch of the imagination. If that’s how he feels, directly, he can pack his bags in a few weeks and never take Citi Field as a Mets player again. Problem solved.

And that is not my harsh opinion, not by any stretch of the imagination. Baez staying in Queens beyond this season was always a long-shot, especially given his free agent value. If he’s upset with how he’s been treated by the fanbase — and now the front office, as well — then why would he remain with that franchise? It’s well within his right to depart, and a split seems inevitable.

For Francisco Lindor, the pressure to respond well to this PR nightmare runs a little deeper. Lindor, who was acquired from Cleveland this offseason, just signed a 10-year, $341 million contract with the Mets, only to underperform in his first season in blue and orange. Hence, the booing.

Ironically enough, I asked Rising Apple site expert Tim Boyle about Mets fans booing Lindor back in late April. Here’s what he had to say:

“New Yorkers are impatient about everything. A lifetime of walking behind snail-like tourists in Manhattan will do this to a person. I’m not sure it’s just a New York thing either. Any passionate fanbase should be quick to judge. It’s a part of our life and we don’t want to waste a moment,” Boyle said.

Granted, many of the Mets, including Lindor, have been dealing with this treatment all season. Even when they were in first place, as the offense struggled, the fans were sure to let them know about it.

Somehow, someway, Mets fans had higher expectations than just being a playoff team. It’s almost as if Steve Cohen went to Yankee Stadium, paid off a bunch of Bleacher Creatures, and dished out free Mets gear and threw them on the 7 line. New Yorkers are New Yorkers, regardless of who they root for.

Mets supporters are among the most loyal in all of baseball. The fact the Mets exist in the same city as the Yankees — a team which has won 27 World Championships — and still receive regular public support is stunning.

Understanding Mets fans takes a degree in psychology and then some. But, perhaps team great Mike Piazza can shine some light on it.

You have to earn undying support, and even then Mets fans will keep any player honest.

Even Mike Piazza.

Even the late, great Tom Seaver.

You better be damn sure Baez and Lindor have yet to make that sort of impression in Queens.

It’s hard. It’s absolutely unfair. It’s New York. Deal with it, or get out. There’s no real alternative.