WHACK BACK AT VAC

Bob Biscontini: Horace Clarke had a higher fielding percentage and OBP than Bobby Richardson, more stolen bases (Clarke 151, Richardson 73) higher lifetime WAR (Clarke 15.7, Richardson 8.1). Writers don’t always get it right and timing screws up perception. R.I.P. Hoss — you hustled on every play, and you were much better than history presents you.

Vac: I had a feeling writing about Horace Clarke’s passing might stir up a few memory banks among Yankees fans of a certain age, but even I have been amazed at the outpouring of affection. I’d like to think he knew how folks felt about him. Roland Chapdelaine: Don’t be surprised if Yoenis Cespedes tries to opt back in, claiming he was kidnapped from his hotel room by three men wearing wild boar masks. After all … this is the Mets!

Vac: I already miss Yo. He was never boring, you have to give him that. @metsfan49: For all the talk of pace of play, it’s amazing how fast games go when the pitcher throws strikes and the team behind him plays defense. Offense slows the game down.

@MikeVacc: Crisp baseball will always be the most beautiful kind of baseball. Neil Ptashnik: Travis d’Arnaud is the next Justin Turner because the Mets have no patience.

Vac: I still give them a pass on Turner, not only because he didn’t project anywhere close to what he’s become while he was here, but also because he was kind of a knucklehead while he was here. But releasing d’Arnaud when they did never, ever made any sense at the time, and of course makes less sense now.