Mets Closer Frank Francisco goes off on umpire

New York Mets closer Frank Francisco has blown a lot of games this season but yesterday he blew his top and it may have cost him his job.

Francisco didn't even retire a batter in the top of the ninth against the Miami Marlins before he was pulled from the game, walked towards home plate and started to unload a barrage of expletives at home plate umpire Todd Tichenor.

With the Mets leading 4-2, Francisco allowed a leadoff triple to Emilio Bonafacio and walked John Buck on four pitches before Doug Dobbs had an RBI single.  Mets coach Terry Collins removed his combustible closer and had to separate Francisco from the umpire as he marched towards home plate screaming obscenities at Tichenor before being ejected.

Francisco claimed all four balls he threw to Buck were strikes and blamed Tichenor for squeezing the strike zone.

After Giancarlo Stanton's walk-off grand slam against Manny Acosta gave the Marlins an 8-4 victory at Miami Park, it was reported that Francisco vacantly stared at his locker while the other players dressed.

Francisco is 1-3 with an 8.56 ERA and probably wouldn't be surprised to find himself demoted.

Collins told The New York Post he wouldn't address the problem right now.

"The emotions are running a little high tonight," said Collins.  "And that's not a good time to make a decision."