MIAMI – For Rick Reed, it was another laborious outing.
Reed, who allowed three runs on seven hits over the 52/3 innings, said he was battling mechanical problems all night, and generally seemed pretty upset by the way things went, both in this game and during his third season with the Mets.
“I have a good [outing] and then I have a lousy one,” he said after the Mets lost in 10 to the Marlins, 4-3. “I can’t get on a roll. But it’s gonna happen.”
Reed, who had won his last three decisions, said he did not have any problems with the cramped right bicep from his last start.
Bobby Valentine, who said Reed (6-3, 4.95) was mostly good last night, seemed a little confused about the right-hander’s problems.
“He hasn’t been quite as sharp this year, that’s for sure,” the manager said.
As for the mechanical problems, Reed said he was rushing to the plate in his delivery.
“I fought mechanical problems out there,” he said. “But I’m not going to make any excuses. I was fighting myself a bit.”
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Marlins first baseman Kevin Millar tied two career highs with three hits and three RBIs in a game. He hit a two-run home run off Reed in the second inning, and had an RBI single in the sixth, Reed’s final inning.
Robin Ventura went hitless but had another RBI, his 20th (out of 62) against Marlin pitching.
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Former Met and Marlin Allen Watson either clears waivers today at 1 p.m. or will be selected by another team. The Mets, who have discussed the possibility of bringing him back if he clears. A viable lefty, Watson might go somewhere else if he gets assurances of being a starter. But he would love to come back and pitch for the Mets if the offer is right.
Watson could be signed as an insurance policy for Bobby Jones, who has struggled in his recovery from a slightly torn rotator cuff tendon in his right shoulder. Jones threw yesterday and said he was OK, but said he felt a slight twinge in his shoulder, which is not a good sign.
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Bobby Valentine made it clear that Benny Agbayani will continue to play a lot the rest of the season when he tabbed him for a post-season award.
“I think Benny will win the Rookie of the Year Award,” the manager said before last night’s game.
The Mets are seeing one of the top candidates here in Alex Gonzalez, Florida’s good young shortstop. Gonzalez is hitting .296 with nine home runs and 37 RBIs in 304 at-bats. Agbayani, who went 0-for-1 pinch hitting last night, is hitting .340 with 11 home runs and 20 RBIs in only 105 at-bats.
Reds reliever Scott Williamson also is a leading candidate.