Mets blog: Bob Ojeda says New York pitchers need to forget scouting report

Bob Ojeda, the former SNY studio analyst who pitched two games (both wins) in the 1986 World Series for the Mets, told the Daily News’ John Harper that the Mets have been “frustrating to watch” against the Royals so far.

“I’m watching two outstanding Mets’ pitchers pitch to a scouting report rather than be who they are,” he said on Thursday.

While Ojeda acknowledges the importance of the scouting reports on the Kansas City hitters, he claims that Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom got away from what made them so successful this season and it cost the Mets two wins.

“Those guys, with the fastballs they have, they should make the Royals prove they can hit it before they go to Plan B,” Ojeda said, “Instead they’re starting out with Plan B, showing them everything they’ve got the first time around the lineup. And they get to second and third time around the lineup and the K.C. hitters have seen everything. I think it’s a bad plan.”

Harvey and deGrom will have to hope the series goes at least five games to have a shot at redemption, but Ojeda offered this advice to Mets Game 3 starter Noah Syndergaard: “You throw 100 mph, and I know everybody needs to throw the off-speed stuff, but be who you are, pitch to your strengths. Be ready to go to Plan B, even Plan C if they force you to. But don’t start with Plan B.”