The Mets beat the Braves last night 7-3.  Going into the eighth inning, it looked as if the Mets would drop yet another game to the Braves, but lucky for the Mets, because for one night, the bullpen that blew the game was wearing red and blue, not orange and blue.   

The Mets scored two in the first inning off Braves’ starter Jo-Jo Reyes on a David Wright sac fly and a double by Fernando Tatis.  However, the offense stopped there and for six straight innings the Mets did not get another hit.  However, in the bottom of the eighth, down 3-2 the Mets got a little help from the Braves bullpen.  Jeff Bennett retired Jose Reyes on a ground out, but then he issued back to back walks to Nick Evans and David Wright and Carlos Beltran got aboard to load the bases on a little blooper that Chipper Jonescould not make a plan on. The Mets, who have just been awful with the bases loaded, now had Carlos Delgado at the plate, Delgado who has cooled off since that amazing run in July had a terrible game at the plate on Monday against the Pirates.  For whatever reason, Bobby Cox elected to bring in the lefty-now I know that is by the book, but Delgado has smoked lefty pitching, Delgado hit a double off the fence in left center that was only a few inches from leaving the yard, two runs scored to put the Mets on top 4-3.  Easley hit a single to center that scored both Carloses, and then Ramon Castro drove home a run with a double to left.  In all, the Mets scored five in the inning and won the game 7-3.  The Mets finally got someone to hit with runners in scoring position.  It’s about time.  It was really unexpected also because after the first inning, the offense looked like it wasn’t going to do anything.  And for one night, the bullpen didn’t blow it.   

Oliver Perez struggled last night, he walked five stuck out three and allowed three runs on seven hits.  Luis Ayala jumped right into the fire, as he entered the game in relief for Perez with two on, Ayala got both batters he faced to pop up, ending the threat there.  Aaron Heilman worked the eighth inning, he allowed one hit and walked one but did not give up any runs.  Scott Schoeneweis worked the ninth inning to close the game out.  And, after it was all said and done, Schoneweis basically said to the press that it was nice that the other team’s bullpen was the story on the night.  

This series against the Braves is one of those must wins.  The Braves are terrible on the road, and again lat night lost a game in which they had a one run lead.  Combine that with the fact that the Phillies are playing the Nationals, and the Nationals have lost 11 straight, the Mets are going to have to do their part to not lose any ground in the standings.  

So, the Mets got bad news on Billy Wagner.  And then Billy Wagner has to turn around and tell us how we can’t understand how hard it is to go out there and do what they do day after day-being picked on in the press-well Billy, boo-hoo.  If you don’t like, don’t play in New York.  I mean, you played in Philly, you had to have some idea of what you were getting yourself into.  If you want fans who don’t care, go play for the Marlins, who even though they are winning can’t get anyone in the stands.  Shut up-before you end up with an inflamed jaw. 

And on a funnier note, there was a conference call set to take place yesterday between the umpires, major league baseball and whoever else.  Turns out, the Umps missed the call again; see, they are boycotting the usage of instant replay.  While I still haven’t figured out what my position is on this matter, I can tell you one thing-if they’d gotten the myriad of calls right over the season, then this would be a non-issue.  But the fact that they go out there night after night and continue to screw up calls has brought baseball to this point.  I have harped on this over and over, if there is anyone out there reading this on a steady basis, you know that I’ve been killing the officiating of these games all season. 

The Mets and Braves play the second of three tonight.  The Mets will send Mike Pelfrey to the mound, he is 11-8 with a 3.91 era.  The Braves will counter with their “ace” Jair Jurrjens who is also 11-8 but with a much lower era of 3.15.  Game time is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. 

Mets Blog 

Is it really unreasonable to believe that your relievers should do their job and get some outs-without giving up a four run lead.  I have heard time and time again that the Mets bullpen isn’t terrible, it is just that guys have not performed as they are capable of performing.  Well, Monday’s loss marked the ninth time this season that the Mets lost a game in which they were leading in the eighth inning or later.  Imagine where the Mets would be if they’d even won five of those games. 

This bullpen is a disaster and I am getting so sick of discussing them and the way that they continue to go out there and blow leads or fail to keep the Mets in games.  The Mets made no moves at the trade deadline-and I agree they should not trade the future for a rental, but I’d really like to know what their game plan is.  Step number one should be to get rid of Aaron Heilman.  While I realize it was not just Heilman’s fault that the Mets lost today, I am sick of watching this guy and believe that a change of venue would do both Heilman and the Mets fans a world of good.  The sulky underachiever needs to go, he can’t pitch here-he is a total head case and the fans hate him, they start to boo when he warms up.  I am serious when I say that I think he is done here in New York.  I think his ego is too fragile he is the crowd’s favorite whipping boy-when John Maine comes back to the rotation it is Heilman who should go. 

I know that the problem is not just Heilman, no one in that bullpen has been able to step up.  Joe Smith allowed two runs on one hit-failing to record and out in the inning, Pedro Feliciano entered the game and allowed two inherited runners to score, he allowed one run on one hit and one walk.  Duaner Sanchez worked an inning and a third with out giving anything up.  But it is Heilman who has had five save opportunities and has blown three of them.  He allowed three runs on two hits and one walk in just one third of an inning.  Two of Heilman’s runs actually crossed the plate with Scott Schoeneweis on the mound.  Schoeneweis  allowed a two run single before recording the last out of the inning. 

The bullpen disaster wiped out the fact that Pedro Matinez had a really good start.  For the first time in like forever, Pedro did not allow a run in the first inning.  In fact, Pedro hardly allowed anything.  He left the game throwing just under 100 pitches.  In six innings of work he allowed just one run on three hits, he walked four and stuck out three.  It was a much better job by Pedro and it was just what the Mets needed.  Only the bullpen did not get the memo.  I know that when you are part of team you have to forgive and forget because one day you might just be the reason your team loses, but I can’t imagine any Met pitcher wants to hand the ball over to the bullpen.  What is amazing too, is the only guy who gets grief for not going deep into the game is Johan Santana. 

The offense got on Zach Duke early.  At one point the Mets were leading the game 4-0.  And really, when you are leading a game by four runs, you should win the game.  David Wright got the Mets on the board with a three run homer in the bottom of the first.  Against the Pirates Monday, Wright was 2-5 with a homer and three RBI; in his last six games, Wright is 12-27 hitting .444 with three homers and nine RBI.  Robinson Cancel made the start in place of Ramon Castro, Cancel was 2-4 on the day hitting his first career homerun.  It seems too, that Castro is wearing thin on Jerry Manual.  This conversation has been rehashed many times over, Castro is lazy -that is why he is a back up and not an every day catcher, he doesn’t want to work that hard.  Manual was annoyed that Castro did not play, and called him out in his remarks to the press.  He basically said that Castro has the OK of the medical staff to play, but it is up to the player to tolerate the pain and play through it. 

This loss it the kind of thing that makes you shake your head.  It actually makes me insanely angry, and I really feel that the Mets are in trouble.  I am sick of guys not gutting it out.  It almost seems like it did earlier this season.  My beef then was with the offense and the lackadaisical play in the field, now it is with the relief pitiching.  These guys have one job to do, and they have been ineffective nearly the whole season.  And, not it is not just one guy-the whole bullpen stinks.  Billy Wagner is supposed to come off the DL one week from today.  I’m not sure though if we are supposed to be excited by that or not, but I do know he won’t be worse than Heilman has been. 

Mets Blog

Thank god Carlos Beltran finally hit a homerun.  Now, every time he comes up to bat, I don’t have to hear that he is now homerless in 82 at bats.  Yes, it took 82 at bats, or 20 games for Beltran to hit a homerun.  Clearly, the Mets need Beltran if they are going to stay in the mix.  In the last six games, Beltran has had four multihit games.  He was 3-3 last night with 3 RBI.  He also said that he felt really good at the plate and that everything finally seemed to be working at the same time. 

It’s not just Beltran who has heated up. David Wright was 3-4 with two doubles.  Wright, who talked his way into the line up last week when manager Jerry Manual wanted to give him a day off has really been in good form at the plate.  Wright is a gamer and goes out there day after day.  I know earlier in the week, I was a little hard on him in the blog, and I thought rightfully so, works and plays so hard, has really redeemed himself after have two bad games in a row against the Padres.  And, because Carlos Delgado has continued to hit well in August-one can only imagine the kind of run the Mets could go on if the three of them were hot at the same time.  Combine that with what Daniel Murphy has brought to the Mets this past week and it could get exciting.  It was Murphy’s fist major league homer, a two run (pinch hit) shot that gave the Mets a 7-4 lead in the bottom of the sixth.  Murphy is hitting .500 in his short time with the Mets, and if he continues to be this productive, him might just figure in the Mets plans going forward (I’m thinking post season roster).   

Speaking of debuts, Brian Stokes made his first start for the Mets on Saturday.  Stokes went five and two thirds innings, allowing four runs on seven hits, walked one and stuck out six.  He allowed to big homeruns, both of them came with one on and two out.  After Stokes left the game, it took five different relievers to close out the game.  Joe Smith allowed two runs on three hits in just a third of an inning of work.  Aaron Heilman worked around a one out walk in the top of the ninth to get his second save in two days.  

After the Astros disaster the Mets took two of three from the Padres, and if all goes well today, the Mets could possibly make a strong statement with a sweep of the Marlins.  The Mets really needed to play well in this series, not only did it get them back into second place, it gets the crowd back into it and I think it gives them confidence going forward.  Also, yes, they didn’t play well against the Astros, but they didn’t let it carry over either-and it was important for them to stop the slide when they did.

Sunday’s starters: Mike Pelfrey 10-7 with a 3.85 ear and Josh Johnson is 2-0 with a 3.34 era.  Game time is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. 

Mets Blog

The Mets took the first of three from the Marlins 3-0 on Friday night.  That win combined with the Phillies loss put the second place Mets just one game out of first place. 

Oliver Perez pitched a really good game for the Mets.  In seven innings of work did not allow any runs, and the only two hits he gave up didn’t come until the seventh inning.  Perez, who has been much better on the mound, did walk three, but unlike earlier in the season, he was able to work around them.   Aaron Heilman worked two innings to earn his first save of the season.  In two innings of work he did not allow a baserunner and struck out three.

The three runs the Mets scored were courtesy of a two run homer by David Wright in the first inning and a solo shot by Carlos Delgado in the fourth inning.  After much chatter about David Wright needing to step it up, he has had some much better at bats and has really helped the Mets offensively.

The Mets play two more with the Marlins and then will play a make up game with Pittsburgh on Monday. 

Mets Blog

I guess I should have started ragging on David Wright a long time ago!  What an exciting homer in the bottom of the ninth.  After having two bad games in a row, David really deserved to be the hero.  It was Wright’s first game ending homer, and it was great that it came at home.  He was 3-5 at the plate yesterday, so maybe this game is just the thing he needs to get him into a nice hot streak. 

The Mets bullpen continues to just stink up the joint.  I don’t even know what to write anymore.  Yesterday was the sixth time this bullpen has blown a game for Johan Santana.  Prior to that, you have to go back 100 games to Santana’s time with Minnesota to find five games that the bullpen had blown.  You can make all the noise you want to about Santana going deeper into games, and maybe there were a few times that he should have, but the bullpen needs to get outs.  When your starter goes out there and puts you in a position to win, the bullpen guys need to do their jobs.  There is no reason that a group of 7 guys can’t get six (or so) outs. 

Duaner Sanchez was basically booed off the mound yesterday but what did he expect?  When you come in and hit the first guy you face to load the bases, the crowd isn’t going to be exactly exited to see you.  Manual pulled him right there and brought in Pedro Feliciano who got Brian Giles to ground into a force out at home.  However, Felicano then gave up a basehit that scored a run.  Felicano would be replaced by Joe Smith who got Kevin Kouzmanoff to hit into a double play.  Scott Schoeneweis blew the save when he gave up the home run to Jody Gerut at that point, Horrible (Aaron) Heilman came into the game and actually got two out.  Thank goodness for David Wright, because I don’t think I could have taken another inning of the bullpen. 

Also, can SOMEBODY please learn how to bunt!  The Mets had three failed bunt attempts in Thursday’s game.  That is horrendous!  And, if there is one facet of Santana’s game you want to bag on, this can be one of them.  He is the worst of the pitching staff in terms of getting down an sac bunt.  He is a good hitting pitcher, but there is NO reason this guy can’t get down a sacrifice.  That is such a fundamental part of the game that it is astounding that these guys go out there game after game failing to execute.

How in the world did the Devil Rays pick up Chad Bradford?  It was reported that the Mets were interested in reacquiring him at the trade deadline, but nothing came of it.  Now I read today that Tampa Bay was able to pick him up off waviers.  I can’t imagine that the Mets bullpen trouble is lost on anyone in the organization, so how is it that a guy the Mets were interested in before the trade deadline will end up with another team for a player to be named later?  I know the Mets are tyring to make do with what they’ve got, but really? 

The Binghamton Boys, as Howie Rosie calls them were a big reason for the Mets win.  Dan Murphy looks like a hitter.  He started in left field, went 2-4 at the plate with one run scored and one RBI.  Nick Evans  was 1-3 at the plate yesterday adding two RBI, on a double and a sac fly.  He made his first star at first and part of that tremendous double play in the eighth inning. 

The Mets are two games out of first as the Marlins took two of three from the Phillies.  The Marlins come to town on Friday night for three games while the Phillies will play the Pirates at home.  The Mets last week lost two of three to the Marlins so I think that they really need to take two of three here. 

The Florida Marlins come into Shea for three games starting Friday.  Friday’s pitching match up: Oliver Perez 7-4 4.12 era and Ricky Nolasco 11-6 3.91 era.  Game time is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. 

Mets Blog

Powered by the bat of Fernando Tatis, the Mets survived Aaron Heilman’s ninth inning outing to take the first of three from the Padres 5-4.  Tatishad a great night at the plate, going 2-4 with two homers and four RBI.  The crowd was so excited that Tatis was actually called from the dugout for a curtain call (as seen in the picture above).  Not only was Tatis really the main source of offense last night, but he continues to swing a hot bat, extending his hit streak to 11 games.  The Mets got a little a little help from the rookies as Daniel Murphy hit an RBI double in the seventh to record his first major league RBI and Nick Evans hit an RBI double in the eighth inning-that run ended up being really important.  The other guys in the line up really struggled Jose Reyes, David Wright, Brian Schneider, Damion Easley and Carlos Delgado all were hitless in last nights game.  However,  Carlos Beltran; who has been moved back down in the order had a good night at the plate as well going 2-4 with two runs scored-if this guy would ever get hot the Mets could really put a nice win streak together (again). 

Mike Pelfrey pitched a decent game.  He gave up two runs, both solo homers.  He worked just six and two thirds innings, walked one and stuck out three to earn his 10th win of the season.  I know the Mets hoped that Pelfrey would have worked deeper into the game, espeically considering that the bullpen was without Wagner, but Pedro Feliciano worked an inning and a third without giving up anything.  Because Billy Wagner was placed on the 15 day DL prior to last nights game, manager Jerry Manual said that the bullpen would be a closer by committee.  I thought maybe because the Mets had a four run lead that we might see Eddie Kunz, guess not.  And really, would he have been worse than Heilman?  This whole bullpen by committee thing, never works but if this is the way they are going to have to do it, I hope Heilman has been thrown off the committee.  What a terrible outing!  He left the game giving up three runs retiring only one batter that he faced.  Granted, there was a ball that was misplayed by Argenis Reyes, but Heilman walked the lead off hitter which was an indication that the things were not going to go well and I had a sinking feeling they were about to get worse after he gave up the three run homer.  But, Joe Smith and Scott Schoeneweis each faced one batter to close out the game,  Schoeneweis actually got credit for his first save of the season. 

This was a win the Mets needed, and because the Marlins beat the Phillies 8-2 last night, the Metswho are still in third place are now just two games out.  With the Marlins and Phillies playing each other, it is a win-win for the Mets, if they play well.  They might not be in first when that series is over, but if they play well against San Diego, they may make the race just a little tighter. 

I know that the Mets are going to have to fill roles in the bullpen without Wagner there-but I just don’t see Aaron Heilman filling that role.  He has been a disaster recently, and I know you have to tip toe around and not hurt any one’s feelings, but this guy is a freakin’ headcase.  I am so sick of him out there. What is frustrating is, he can be good, and we’ve seen him pitch well, but I think deep down he is still pouting about not being a starter.  Geez Aaron, get over it.  As for the rest of the guys, I feel a little about relief pitching like Bill Parcells feels about kickers, you have one job to do-go out and do it! 

 Wednesday’s Starters: Pedro Martinez 3-2 6.16 era and Cha Seung Baek 3-6 5.22 era.  Game time is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.  

Mets Blog 

The Mets were swept three straight in Houston over the weekend, leaving all of us as baffled as Robinson Cancellooked when he was thrown out at third in Sunday’s game.  And while it is only three games, the Mets are winless in August and are coming off a 2-4 road trip, and were swept by the Astros for the first time since 1993. 

There is plenty of blame to spread around in this terrible streak that the Mets have put together.  They seem to have gone into a slump at the plate; unable to hit with guys on base.  They didn’t run the bases well for example in Sunday’s game Carlos Beltran was picked off first and for some ungodly reason, Robinson Cancel was tried to steal third in the third inning with David Wright up at bat-that was a good move there. 

The Mets were unable to score in 16 innings against the Astros.  In Saturday’s game, they scored a total of four runs two in the second and two in the third.  From there on out, they did nothing.  On Saturday night, the Mets left eight guys on base, and failed to even show up for the later part of the innings.  In Sunday’s game it was pretty much the same issue, only they didn’t score at all.  The Mets left 11 guys on base, they had the bases loaded in two consecutive innings and failed to even get one run home. 

Ah-but it isn’t just the offense that was terrible, the defense had their share of problems as well.  The Mets were only charged with one error, but they didn’t do what they had to in the field.  Nick Evans and Fernando Tatis both misplayed balls in the outfield-and that is what is going to happen when you have ”converted” infielders playing the outfield.  The Mets don’t seem to have a an outfield prospect that they can bring up to help them out.  With Marlon Anderson on the DL they brought up Daniel Murphy to take his roster spot, and while he did have a great play in Saturday night’s game, he too is primarily and infielder.  Well all know that the Mets made no moves at the trade deadline to get any outfielders, and we’re all waiting for the return of Ryan Church-because if you at least have Ryan Church in the line up, you can play Endy Chavez in the outfield, you might not get the offensive production you would like to have from Tatis, but his defense will save runs. 

The starting pitching wasn’t terrible in the three games, it wasn’t stellar though either.  Pedro Martinez pitched the opening game.  It was his first start in nearly three weeks, he was on a pitch count allowing him only to work through the fifth inning, he gave up three solo homers, walked two and struck out five-he did not figure in the decision, because Aaron Heilman gave up a grand slam to blow the game wide open for the Astros.  Johan Santana pitched only 6.1 innings on Saturday, he allowed just one run on three hits, walked two and struck out two.  He left the game, and the Mets had a lead.  Oliver Perez gave up four runs in six innings in Sunday’s game, he was charged with the loss as all four runs were earned.  Perez though, and even Pelfrey have pitched much better, granted Pelfrey struggled against the Marlins and Perez wasn’t great against the Astros, but they have cut down on walks-which was a tremendous problem for them and are a big reason why the Mets had such a good July.  I’m  not going to get crazy just yet as they have both had about four plus good starts, until they revert back to how they were performing earlier in the season, I won’t panic just yet. 

The bullpen continues to be the achilles of this team.  Billy Wagnercouldn’t hold a two run lead.  The bullpen over all has just been putrid.  Since the all star break, the Mets bullpen has pitched 32.1 innings.  They have allowed 30 earned runs on 45 hits.  Aaron Heilman-10 runs in 10 innings of work,  Pedro Felicano-six runs in four and a third, Joe Smith-six runs in five and a third, Scott Schoeneweis-four runs in five and two thirds and Duaner Sanchez has given up four runs in six and two-thirds innings.  (New York Post August 5, 2008)

So, with John Maine on the DL and Billy Wagner probably soon to follow the Mets are in trouble.  They have called up Eddie Kunz and it seems that John Niese will make a start against the Marlins over the weekend.  Also, there is talk that the Mets will be in the mix for Freddy Garcia who is trying to make his way back to the majors after shoulder surgery.

Not to fear though, I think I have found the reason why the Mets pen is struggling so.  I think it is the fact that they really miss Matt Wise.  Yeah, remember him?  Last I heard the guy had shoulder tendinitis, and now has just fallen off the face of the earth.  Seriously, what happened to him?  Is he in the witness protection program?  Did he witness Tony Soprano getting whacked or something?  One minute  you complain that you have shoulder pain and then the next you are wearing cement shoes.  Remind me to keep any shoulder injury I suffer to myself. 

The Mets open a three game series with the Padres and if they can some how find what they had in July, they might just make some headway as the Phillies and the Marlins will be beating up on each other for three games.  The Marlins come to New York for the weekend while the Phillies open a three game set with the Pirates.  So, how important is it for the Mets to play well in the next six games?  As it stands the Mets are three games out of first and in third place.  Yes, there is still almost two months of baseball left and the Mets have five game left with the Phillies, the question is, will they be battling for the division or will they be playing spoiler? 

Tueday’s Starters: Mike Pelfrey 9-7 with a 3.91 era and Chris Young 4-4 with a 4.12 ear.  Game time is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. 

Mets Blog

What are the Mets doing?  I realized that they were 18-8 in July, but if it doesn’t carry over into August, then July isn’t going to matter much.  I know, I know not exactly time to panic just yet.  Even though the Mets lost, the Phillies and Marlins did too; the Mets remain one game out of first with the Marlins trailing close behind. 

Pedro Martinez was making his first start in nearly three weeks.  He threw 87 pitches in five innings, giving up three runs (all of which were homers) on five hits, he walked two and stuck out five.  Knowing that Pedro would not be in it for the long haul tonight, the bullpen had to know that the team would be counting on them to keep them in the game. 

The trade deadline has passed so we pretty much know that this team is our team and this is the bullpen we are going to have to count on.  There might be some additions, but it will be of guys who made us better by subtraction-think Luis Castillo.  But the Mets bullpen right now has been atrocious.  I have heard talk this week from guys on SNY and on WFAN trying to tell us that the Mets bullpen isn’t that bad.  These guys then must not watch them night after night like the fans do, because I can tell you, and I’m sure you know it-this pen is horrible right now. 

“Right now” are the key words.  These are the same guys we’ve seen be really good.  And in fairness, the guys who have said that the Mets pen isn’t that bad, preface it by saying that if the pen actually pitched the way it is capable of, then they are actually pretty good.  But, they haven’t pitched like they are capable of anything, and in order to be in the thick of it, the Met have to have all parts working.  Again, the problem is that it isn’t just one guy who is struggling.  From night to night you don’t know who will blow it.  Last night it just happend to be Aaron Heilman.  He gave up a grand slam to Mark Loretta in the bottom of the eighth that really put the game out of reach for the Mets, but why was Heilman ptiching a second inning?  Can no one else pitch in relief and get an out?  Joe Smith finally got someone out, he pitched a scoreless sixth inning, and Pedro Felicano, who came into the game after the Astros had blown it wide open retired both batters that he faced. 

Clearly part of the problem last night was that Pedro Marinez only pitched five innings and the Mets bullpen was going to have to pick up the slack.  But, isn’t that their job?  Seriously, Damion Easley, Endy Chavez, and Fernando Tatis have (for the most part) done their jobs and continue to go out and do them night after night.  Tatis is probably one of the biggest reasons that the Mets played so well in July.  The point is, the bench guys picked up the slack when other guys went down, it is a little concept known as “team.”  And, no, I do believe that the bull pen is stinking up the joint because they want to, but it just seems more often than not they are the problem rather than the solution. 

Pitching wasn’t the Mets only problem.  They had plenty of scoring chances against Brandon Backe on Friday night and didn’t make the most of them.  They left seven guys on base and with no one out in the top of the seventh the Mets loaded the bases but failed to score-Endy Chavez struck out, David Wright grounded into a force play, and Carlos Delgado hit a fly ball to left.  I realize that the Mets have no other option, but Endy Chavez is not a good two hitter.  He struck out in a bad spot last night, and was 0-3.  I know the they are thinking that when Ryan Church comes back that he will hit in the five spot with Carlos Beltran will hit in the two hole.  And really, I am not bagging on Chavez because I believe that he has done a good job stepping in and when he is in the game the Mets have two of the best defensive outfielders in the game.  He isn’t the worst thing out there, he is hitting .268 and has had some big games, but I think that the Mets need a little more consistency, espeically at the top of the lineup. 

John Maine will not start on Sunday instead we will see Oliver Perez.  The Mets a hoping that the rest will work for Maine, he is scheduled to pitch at home on August 8th against the Marlins.  Meanwhile, in his first Triple-A start Jon Niese allowed just one run on three hits in seven innings of work on Wednesday.  Niese could make his major league debut with the Mets on August 11th in a rainout make up game against the Pirates, he will make one more start at Tripple-A before possibly pitching for the Mets.  Daniel Murphy’s promotion lasted just one day in Triple-A as newspapers here in New York are reporting that he will join the Mets tonight against the Astros.  He was hitting .308 with 13 homers and 67 RBI at Double-A-Binghamton and just one day ago was promoted to Triple-A.  I’m not sure what moves the Mets are making to place Murphy on the active roster, the transaction pages have yet to be updated. 

Tonight’s starters: Johan Santana is coming off his first complete game as a Met.  He is 9-8 with a 2.93 era.  Roy Oswalt is 8-8 with a 4.67 era.  Game time is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

Mets Blog    

What if I had said to you in May that by the end of July Carlos Delgadowould have hit more homeruns than ARod?  You would have told me I was crazy, right?  Well guess what?  As of the end of play on Tuesday, Carlos Delgado has hit 23 homeruns, Alex Rodriguez has 21.  And while that isn’t a huge difference, it puts into perspective just what Delgado has done to turn things around after a dreadful start. 

The Mets opened the game with three straight doubles, however, Jose Reyes was thrown out at third for trying to stretch his double into a triple.  Nick Evans then doubled to left and would score on a double by David Wright.  The amazing thing was that all three of those doubles were virtually in the same spot, hitting off the scoreboard in left field. The Mets took an early 1-0 lead, but Perez gave it back in the bottom of the inning.  In the sixth inning, Nick Evans singled and would come around to score on a single by Carlos Beltran.  Carlos Delgado added two insurance runs in the top of the eighth when he hit his 23 homerun of the season, the Mets would win 4-1.  

Oliver Perez earned his first victory since the end of June.  He worked six innings, allowing just one run on five hits, he walked three and struck out five.  Ollie has really come around since he started working with Dan Warthen.  Last night he was probably not as good as we’ve seen him recently, but instead of completely falling apart, he kept it together and ended up pitching pretty well. 

Aaron Heilman came in and worked two scoreless innings in relief.  It looked a little scary at first when he walked two batters in the seventh, but Heilman hung in there and pitched two innings, allowing just one hit, and no runs.  Once he got past the walks he made some great pitches striking out four.  It would be great if we could get the “setup” Heilman back, he was so good in the role last year and the Mets could really use a go-to eighth inning guy.  Billy Wagner retired the side in order to close out the game and earned his 27th save of the season.  After the meltdown by the pen on Monday night, the bullpen needed to come out and shut the Marlins down.  Clearly, the Mets really need to get their pen woes in order.  The race for the NL East appears as if it is going to go down to the wire, and the Mets really need to get everyone playing their best baseball because three teams are battling for the top spot. 

John Maine got the resutls of his MRI, the Mets are saying that he has a mild strain of the right rotator cuff.  He is likely to miss at least one start, but because of the off day, the Mets will not have to call up a spot starter.  Pedro Martinez will pitch on Friday.  Obviously it will be an emotional start for Pedro with everything that he has been through recently.  Ryan Church took batting practice for a second straight day and said that he felt good afteward, based on how he is in the next few days the Mets will sent a time frame for his return to the lineup, I know Jerry Manual has said he’d like Chruch to have a few rehab starts before returning to the lineup. 

Starters for Wednesday  Mike Pelfrey 9-6 with a 3.67 era and Josh Johnson with a 3.71 era .  Game time is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. 

Mets Blog