ATLANTA — Terry Collins softened his criticism of the Mets on Friday, one day after saying his team “folded it up” in an ugly homestand.
The manager now says the problem is execution, not effort.
The Mets took a six-game losing streak into Friday night’s game against the Braves. They had lost eight of nine in a homestand that ended with Thursday’s 10-1 loss to Washington.
“These guys are proud and nobody likes to play the way we did the last homestand,” Collins said.
Collins said Thursday he was “disgusted” with how his team has been playing.
“The perception I have right now: We folded it up. And I won’t stand for that,” he said after being routed by the Nationals. “You want to see me be intense? You guys are going to see it. I don’t play that game.”
Asked Friday if his outburst was planned as a motivational tool, Collins said “No, it was spontaneous.
“They have to know that I care,” he said. “They need to know that I care how the game is played.”
Third baseman David Wright had six errors in his past six games and eight in his past 10 games. Collins said he hasn’t talked to Wright about the errors.
“You just let him be,” Collins said. “I don’t even want to put anything in his head.”
Collins said he wants his players to “suck it up, get ready, get to the park” and compete despite being a distant fourth in the NL East.
“I still believe we have to go out and compete,” he said.