Did Max Scherzer take a shot at Steve Cohen’s strategy building Mets?
By Mark Powell
New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer spoke out about the organization’s roster construction, and their recent hot streak. But did he take a shot at Steve Cohen?
Surprisingly, the New York Mets may have turned things around ever so slightly. New York is 6-4 in their last ten games, and six games under .500. While a recent hot stretch is nice to see, the Mets will need to show much more to avoid selling at the trade deadline come late July.
One of those assets could be Max Scherzer, who is reportedly open to waiving his no-trade clause for the right team. If the Mets aren’t winning, then why waste one of his remaining few years in a losing situation? Scherzer’s commentary on the Mets’ first half really says it all.
“Talent alone doesn’t mean you’re going to win anything,’’ Mets Cy Young winner Max Scherzer told USA TODAY Sports. “Every team has talent. It’s Major League Baseball, any team can beat you. It’s not like college sports where you have some weekends where you can completely out-talent somebody. You need more than just talent. Much more.’’
Mets: Max Scherzer comments on Steve Cohen’s roster construction
Whatever Scherzer means by “much more,” it seems clear that he thinks New York doesn’t have it, at least not currently.
New York is still within striking distance of an NL Wild Card spot, and should they thrive after the All-Star Break, it’s easy to see a scenario where they buy at the deadline, or at least avoid trading away all of their best assets.
“I think June (7-19) was the most painful month I’ve ever been a part of,’’ Scherzer said. “Everything that could have gone wrong, did. But once the calendar went from June to July, everything is suddenly going right for us. It’s like a switch went off.’’
Where has that switch been for the majority of the season? The answer to that question isn’t so clear. Nor is whether that six-game win streak is sustainable.