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During the 2020/2021 offseason, the Mets made an unprecedented move: they signed two players whose last name ends with -illar, Jonathan Villar and Kevin Pillar. While the names are pronounced differently (Vi-yar versus Pill-ar), the two bench pieces starters sometimes starters for the Mets have contributed a fair amount to their early success already.
Inspired by our own Maggie Wiggin on Twitter, we will declare an “-illar of the Day,” celebrating which player had a more productive (or less destructive) day for the Mets.
Please forgive the two-weeks between -illar insanity; with both playing less, it seems like a prudent move to go bi-monthly, just so we’ve got a little more to work with.
Game 122: Mets @ Dodgers
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Kevin didn’t play, Jonathan didn’t get on base.
-illar of the Day: It’s not cool that his sherpa, Tenzing Norgay, doesn’t get the same level of props, but let’s give it up for Sir Edmund Hillary (and Tenzing) for being the first climber(s) to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Game 123: Mets @ Dodgers
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Two hits in a loss gets Jonathan the nod.
-illar of the Day: Jonathan Villar
Game 124: Mets @ Dodgers
An RBI ain’t nothing, and so again Jonathan Virtual Reality picks up the win.
-illar of the Day: Jonathan Villar
Game 125: Giants @ Mets
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Neither -illar played tonight, which seems merciful in this brutal, 8-0 loss.
-illar of the Day: I must admit, I don’t love the idea of a rodeo - those animals can’t be happy, can they? - but Tillar Murray seems like a pretty boss rodeo-er (?), so let’s go with her.
Game 126: Giants @ Mets
This is a divisive victory for Jonathan, as his error led to a run scoring, and the Mets lost by one run. I hate to go against Thomas here, but I think that by riding the pine, Kevin did less damage than Jonathan. Dude needs a win, too.
-illar of the Day: Kevin Pillar
Game 128: Giants @ Mets
This one was all about the defense, as Jonathan’s solid glove outweighed Pillar’s poor outfield play.
-illar of the Day: Jonathan Villar
Game 129: Nationals @ Mets
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A strike out by Villar and a nothing by Pillar.
-illar of the Day: At this point in the season, who couldn’t use a drink? Why not try a glass of Ribera del Duero Crianza from Cillar de Silos?
Game 130: Nationals @ Mets
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OF Doom smashed two home runs. Are you not entertained?
-illar of the Day: Kevin Pillar
Game 131: Nationals @ Mets
Jonathan felt left out of the homer fun, so he belted one of his own to get back in the winner’s column.
-illar of the Day: Jonathan Villar
Game 6: Marlins @ Mets
The dingers keep on coming for Villar, even among the stupid suspended game rules.
-illar of the Day: Jonathan Villar
Game 132: Marlins @ Mets
Sometimes, you don’t need a home run, but rather just to play and collect a hit in the team’s win.
-illar of the Day: Jonathan Villar
Game 133: Marlins @ Mets
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...but sometimes a dinger is necessary.
-illar of the Day: Jonathan Villar
The Tally So Far:
Jonathan Villar: 51 wins, 5 ties
Kevin Pillar: 26 wins, 5 ties
Other -illars: 25
We’re nearly at double the wins for Jonathan than we are for Kevin, but OF Doom had some nice moments in this batch. Here’s to more successful days for both -illars as the season winds down.