NEW YORK — The New York Mets went from "pushing hard" to trade for Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez; to reportedly acquiring him for injured starter Zack Wheeler and infielder Wilmer Flores; to having that news sweep through the Citi Field stands, resulting in a standing ovation for and tears from Flores — and, exactly three hours later, it was all for naught.
Confusion reigned on social media, in the dugout and on the face of a nearly 24-year-old infielder who has known only one employer since he was 16 years old.
This was the trade deadline's version of Game 162, the rapid-fire playoff-clinching extravaganza on the final night of the 2011 season, only no one won anything, and the tears were of sadness, not joy.