The Miami Marlins were left frustrated and disappointed when the first game of their series against the New York Mets was postponed due to a sloppy field. Mets owner Steven Cohen publicly apologized to the Marlins, acknowledging the impact of the postponement on the playoff race. However, the circumstances surrounding the postponement have sparked anger and frustration among the Marlins’ team officials.
The current controversy stems from the fact that the infield at Citi Field was not adequately covered during the weekend, as rain from Tropical Storm Ophelia pounded New York City for four consecutive days. When the showers finally subsided and the tarp was removed on game day, it became apparent that the field was still too soggy to play on. The Mets’ grounds crew worked diligently for hours to dry and prepare the field, but their efforts were in vain.
A Series of Delays
The Mets organization and Major League Baseball representatives held several meetings with the Marlins’ management and coaching staff, attempting to find a solution. However, nearly twenty minutes later, it was announced that the game would be postponed due to unplayable field conditions. This unexpected development disrupted the Marlins’ pitching plans as they entered the final stretch of a heated playoff race.
The postponement had significant implications for the Marlins, who were already half a game behind the Chicago Cubs for the final National League playoff berth with only six games remaining. The rescheduling forced the Marlins to make adjustments to their starting rotation, with Braxton Garrett, one of their top pitchers, being pushed back to the following day. Consequently, if the Marlins choose to use Garrett for the regular-season finale on Sunday, he would have to pitch on short rest.
Anger and Disappointment
Marlins’ manager Skip Schumaker expressed his frustration, referring to the entire situation as a “giant mess up.” Despite the challenges, he tried to remain positive, hoping that the unexpected night off would benefit his rested players. Schumaker commended Major League Baseball and Mets manager Buck Showalter for their efforts to salvage the game. However, he emphasized that the field conditions on the day of the postponement were a direct result of the tarp not being properly deployed over the weekend.
Field Conditions Improved
The following day, the sun made a welcomed appearance, and the rescheduled doubleheader began under partly cloudy skies. Although some areas of the infield were still damp, Schumaker acknowledged that the overall condition of the field had improved. He suggested that it was essential to focus on the positive aspects and move forward to remain competitive in the playoff race.
The Mets’ Defense
Mets manager Buck Showalter defended the actions of his grounds crew, claiming that prolonging the period with the tarp on the field could hinder the growth of the grass. Showalter acknowledged the frustration of the Marlins and their desire to play the game. He made it clear that the postponement was by no means intentional and that both parties involved were equally disappointed.
Resiliency and Determination
Ultimately, the postponement of the Marlins versus Mets game due to poor field conditions highlighted the challenges faced by teams during the end stages of a playoff race. Both teams demonstrated their resiliency and determination to overcome obstacles in their pursuit of a postseason berth. The incident serves as a reminder of the impact that external factors, such as weather, can have on the outcome of crucial games.
As the season draws to a close, the Marlins and the Mets will need to regroup and refocus to maintain their competitive edge. The aftermath of this postponement should serve as a valuable lesson in preparation and the necessity of ensuring optimal field conditions for the success and fairness of all teams involved.
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