It’s typical to cast the veterans aside and throw the rookies to the wolves when the team is out of contention. It’s NOT typical to do it when the team is fighting for the title. But these kids ain’t no rookies. They have had more than a cup of coffee. Mark Vientos, Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty have each achieved some success although they have regressed a bit. Luisangel Acuna was a spark early on before his playing time became sporadic and Ronny Mauricio has shown some hot flashes.

It’s time to put the rest on the scrap heap and let the kids either flourish or flounder. What difference does it make? Who in the lineup is making a difference? And if everyone is counting on some big trade deadline acquisition to put this team over the top, that ain’t happening. The dream of getting the next Yoenis Cespedes and have a player (or players) do for the Mets what Cespedes (and Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson) did in 2015 won’t likely happen any time soon.

Every team is in the same position as the Mets. They have player underachieving and aging stars who were counted on but seem to be at the end of the line. And if every other team is coveting these kids that every fan on social media is suggesting in a trade, then why aren’t WE coveting those very same players? Oh so every other team is going to want the crap that you don’t want? How does that work?

The bottom line is that Alonso, LIndor, and Soto are all performing as expected – Alonso a little more, Soto is getting there. So write Alvarez’s name in behind the plate, Baty at third, Maurico at second, Acuna in centerfield (it can’t get any worse out there), and Vientos at DH. Stop toying with them and just let them play. At worst, they will give the same production as they guys they are pushing to the bench…at WORST…because it’s painful to watch.