New York Mets Baseball Blog » Jamie Moyer

Mets Complete mini-sweep of Phillies

Bernalda — Tue, 12 May 2009 23:48:28 +0000

Game 2 Mets 7 Phillies 5 Mike Pelfrey tossed 7 strong innings as the Mets sent Jamie Moyer to the showers in the third to finish up a two game sweep of the Phills. Two run homers in the first by Carlos Beltran and David Wright gave the Mets a 4-1 lead after one. Another homer from Jose Reyes in the second and a two run double by Ramon Castro in the third put the Mets up 7-1 and chased Moyer. Pelfrey had given up a run in the first on a double to Howard but limited the damage. This is what good pitchers do, not let innings get away from them. Remember when I told you to keep an eye on Pelfrey’s groundball to flyball ratio? Are you paying attention? When Mike is on, the ratio is 2 (gournders) to 1 (fly) or higher, Mike’s ration was 14-7 in his last game and 16-8 on Thursday against the Phills. There you go. The Phils scored single runs in the 4th and 6th to close the gap. However, in the eighth things started to heat up a bit. Pedro Feliciano was on the hill, he got Shane Victorino to swing and miss to strike out; only too bad for the Mets as our good friend, home plate ump, Angel Hernandez (who has a long, contentious history with the Mets) didn’t think so; he ruled the third strike on Victorino a foul tip, replays clearly showed otherwise. Jerry Manuel discussed it with Hernandez but,of course, to no avail. Victorino then ends up reaching on a slow roller to third. Here is where things get really interesting; Chase Utley grounds to Luis Castillo, who throws to first to get the out and hang up Victorino in a rundown. Throws go back and forth and then Victorino clearly goes out of his way to make contact with Reyes throwing a forearm shiver. It was so blatant that I expected Terry Fraser to give him two minutes for elbowing, sending the Mets on the powerplay. But again, our friends the umps, disagreed. This time it was Bill Welke at first that ruled Reyes interfered. This time Manuel got his money’s worth and was ejected. In the course of the argument the bill of Jerry’s cap hit Welke in the nose. We’ll see if that becomes an issue. As for Victorino, that was a dirty play and the next time he comes to bat, well let’s just say don’t get too comfortable.

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Mets Split Pair with Phils

Bernalda — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:25:14 +0000

Game 1 Mets 7 Phillies 4 The Mets took an early lead on a Daniel Murphy HR in the first and never looked back. Chan Ho Park started for Phillies and looked like he should have retired four years ago. The real story was Mike Pelfrey who pitched better than his line indicated. He only went 5 1/3 giving up 3 earned but it’s deceiving. He had a minor meltdown in the 3^rd giving up all 3 runs but threw the ball well otherwise. What you need to look for with Pelfrey is groundballs. His groundball to flyball ratio tonite was 2-1. 10 grounders to 5 balls in the air. That shows you he’s got good stuff that particular game. Mike also knocked in 2 runs with a sac fly and a single.

Game 2 Phillies 6 Mets 5 (10 innings) This is a game the Mets could have/should have won. In spite of the dreadful performance by Ollie Perez the Mets had a one run lead in the sixth but the Phils tied it on a HR by Raul Ibanez. This guys hitting like he’s Ty Cobb re-incarnate. Pedro Feliciano gave up HR’s to Ibanez and Utley in the two games. Now Pedro’s job is to get lefty’s out, if he’s not doing that, well…. In fairness to Feliciano, giving up a HR in this bandbox is not hard to do. Murphy hit two HR’s here, if that don’t tell you something, I don’t what will. MLB should look into what a joke this place is. No wonder the Phillies have three MVP candidates, all stats are inflated playing 81 games in this whiffle ball stadium. The Mets battled today though. After Perez had them behind the eight ball early I thought they were in trouble with Jamie Moyer on the hill for Philadelphia. But the Mets chipped away and went ahead in the sixth on back to back HR’s by Murphy and Castro and a single from Castillo which scored Alex Cora. Let me take a moment to say how impressed I am with Cora. What a heady, fundamentally sound player. A great addition. The Phils tied it on the aforementioned HR by Ibanez in the bottom of the inning. The Mets almost took the lead back in the eighth but Jason Werth threw out Omir Santos at the plate. JJ Putz looked as good as I’ve seen him so far tossing a scoreless eighth and ninth. Sean Green came in for the tenth (Was Rodriguez unavailable?) and promptly became the pitching version of Rick Ankiel. A slow roller down to third for an infield hit seemed to unnerve Green. Two walks and a hit batter and it was the Mets walking off losers of a game they could have taken.

Game 3 Rained Out..No make up announced yet.

What to do with Ollie Perez? On Saturday after his brutal performance (9.97 ERA for the season) Ollie said he was embarrassed and would accept a minor league assignment to work on his pitching or lack thereof. By Sunday he had though better of this and had cooled to the idea. But now, all of a sudden, according to him his knee hurts and has been hurting since spring training. Hmmmm. Can you say DL? Kinda like Wang of the crosstown evil empire. He went on the DL and is working it out in the Yanks minor league facility in Tampa. Ollie is only 1/3 as bad as Wang was. Wang’s ERA is, like, 34.50 or something. Ollie’s giving up 24 less runs per game than that. But what’s the difference if you accept a minor league assignment or go on the DL and go work out at the minor league facility? Perception? Whatever lets these high strung prima donnas sleep at night I guess.

Mets Avoid Sweep, Win Nightcap 6-3, Remain in 1st With a Two Game Lead

Bernalda — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:36:52 +0000

The Mets escaped a sweep by the Phillies winning the second game of the day night double header 6-3 on Sunday night. After getting blanked by Meyers in the first game of the series, Mets fans were hoping to see some fight out of the Amazin’s but Pedro Martinez got off to a bad start and the Mets offense was unable to get anything going against Jamie Moyer in the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader. The Mets would lose the first game 6-2, and given how nonexistant their offense was in the first two games of the series, looked in danger of being swept by the Phillies.

Prior to the final game of the series, the Mets saw their division lead dwindle to just one game, and were in danger of being swept. The Mets bats had been silenced for something like 16 innings before they were able to score two runs in the bottom of the eighthin the first game on Sunday.

I think there is some legitimate concern regarding the Mets offense as they play out the last three weeks of the season. Like, will David Wright ever get a big hit? In the nightcap, he struck out in the bottom of the second with the bases loaded-I know he is second in the NL in RBI, but has been atrocious when the bases are loaded. Jose Reyes too is mired in a slump and I don’t think he even had a hit in the series, Reyes has said that his goal is to finish the season hitting over .300 and to not let his offense go missing at the end of the season like it did last year. Well he was MIA in this series, and it nearly cost the Mets. Hopefully this won’t be a prolonged slump and after a day off he can get back to business and get back to helping the Mets win some games.

If Pedro wasn’t bad enough, the Mets also had some defensive miscues that certainly didn’t help the situation much. We knew that having guys play out of position was something that might eventually come back to bit us in the rear-and that was the case yesterday when Fernando Tatis misplayed two balls and then again when there was some confusion between Nick Evans and Jose Reyes when a ball dropped between them for a base hit. Of course though, there is no rule that says that Pedro Martinez can’t get anyone out either (although he can’t really and that is a problem).

Martinez yesterday through just 74 pitches but he allowed six runs on seven hits, he walked one and struck out win. He gave up two runs in the second and then just fell apart in the fourth. Yeah, Pedro finally had more velocity on his pitches yesterday, but something that Tom Seaver says all the time, it isn’t about velocity it is about location-and that was the truth yesterday. You could see that just by watching Moyer-the hardest he throws is like 79 but yet the Mets couldn’t touch him. It is always sad to see legends fall like this.

So, Johan Santana started the nightcap for the Mets, and if ever they needed a pitcher to step up and throw like an ace, it was last night. Santana was spectacular. He had a shaky first inning, but was able to pitch out of trouble allowing just one run. Santana started the eighth inning facing two batters but only retiring one of them. In his 7.1 innings of work, Santana allowed just two runs on five hits; he walked three and struck out six. He really stepped up and pitched the game the Mets needed him to pitch. Jerry Manual said it best when asked about Santana pitching this game, he said-that is why you have an ace.

Carlos Delgado is a man reborn. He hit two more homeruns last night, one of which I don’t think has landed yet. They were monster shots and really gave the Mets what they needed. Delgado had four RBI on the night, and has had 65 RBI in his last 65 games. Last night’s RBI put him over 100 for the season. It was his RBI single in the bottom of the first that put the Mets on top for good. It isn’t just that Delgado has had a resurgence with his bat, but he has warmed up to the crowd, accepting the curtain call after the second homerun; he also has taken on a leadership role that we have not seen out of him before. Last night, ESPN cameras caught a very animated conversation between Delgado and Reyes and it looked as if Delgado was really telling him something important (I hope Jose listened). I was one of many who thought Delgado was finished-Wow am I glad that he proved me wrong!

Any hopes of seeing Billy Wagner are now over, yesterday after throwing just 10 pitches in simulated game, Wagner had to stop because he was still experiencing tightness in his arm. I don’t know what this means. The Mets have been able to win with out Wager but can it go on. Ayala has “filled” the closer role, but had a shaky outing last night-although the run that scored was actually unearned. The problem is you just don’t know what you’ll get from the bullpen. There is a lot of ball left to play, and along the way the Mets have gotten help from the most unlikely of candidates, so I guess all we can hope is that someone in the bullpen steps up.

The Mets have an off day today before starting a three game series with the Washington Nationals at Shea Stadium. Oliver Perez will be on the mound for the Mets and the Nats will counter with John Lannan. Game time is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. If you are like me you will all be scoreboard watching, the Phillies start a three game series with the Marlins before playing four with the Brewers. Go Marlins!

Mets Blog

Mets Phillies Canceled Saturday

Bernalda — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 20:40:07 +0000

Saturday’s game was canceled ldue to inclimate weather as rains from tropical storm Hanna and her expect arrival to the north east. The game was cancled long before the rain came to New York, and rightly so, it is was much better than making people travel out to Shea only to find out that the game would not be played.

The Mets and Phillies will play a day night doubleheader on Sunday. The rotation will remain the same with Pedro and Jamie Moyer pitching game one which is scheudled for 2:15 p.m. The Mets will play on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball with Johan Santana pitching against Cole Hammels, game time is scheduled for 8:05 p.m.

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Mets Shut Out by Phillies in Opener 3-0

Bernalda — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 12:32:29 +0000

It’s hard not to feel disappointed with the way the game went last night, but it is amazing that I am not feeling panic mode, because the Mets have shown us that they can bounce back. The Mets really only need to win one of the three games to maintain a two game lead. They are 10-6 against the Phillies this season and while I think they have last year hanging over their head the realize last year they beat themselves by not playing well. However, given that this is the last time the Mets will see the Phillies this season; this series is a good way to show the Phillies that they don’t sweat them.

Brett Meyers was fantastic. Since his screaming matching with Phillies manager Charlie Manual, he has been virtually unhittable. However, the Mets out hit the Phillies 5-4 and squandered their opportunities. They left runners in scoring position in the first, second and sixth innings. The Mets had two on and one out in the bottom of the ninth and couldn’t get a runner home. It was really frustrating to watch David Wright pop up in the sixth inning, Carlos Beltran didn’t have a good at bat against Brad Lidge in the bottom of the ninth. Look, there will be games like this, what is important is what the offense does next. They are scheduled to see Jamie Moyer today and Cole Hammels in the final game of the series. The Phillies know how important these games are as they adjusted their rotations so that Hammels would pitch against Santana on Sunday.

The Mets were able to bounce back against the Phillies in games after a loss. When they were in Philly just over a week ago, after they blew their 7 run lead, they were able to come back the next night and beat the Phillies. So, here we are-sitting in New York and it is supposed to rain all day Saturday, meaning that the Mets and the Phillies will probably have to play a double header on Sunday-which could actually play into the Mets favor, given that it is very difficult to sweep both games of a double header.

Mike Pelfrey was great last night. He made one mistake on an inside fast ball to Greg Dobbs who took it over teh fence in right field to put the Phillies on top 3-0. Replays show that Ryan Church nearly caught that ball, he went up over the fence but the ball hit just of the tip of his glove. In his seven inning of work Pelfrey allowed three runs, only two earned, on four hits. He struck out four and walked two. The bullpen pitched two innings without any drama.

Good job by Mike Schmidt looking to fire up his old team. Too bad the old codger has to live vicariously through his old team. I’m glad that he has a such insight into the minds of the Mets to just put it out there that the Mets know that the Phillies are better than them. Although, given that the Mets have beat the Phillies 10-6 so far this season, that bit of news might have been lost on the Mets. And, I guess since the Mets were able to catch the Phillies who looked like they could run away with the division when the Mets were stinking up the joint in the earlier part of the season-they probably didn’t realize then that the Phillies were better than they are. So, while I do think the collapse of 2007 weighs on the Mets-the focus on the Phillies is that they are their only competition in the division.

Mets and Phillies are scheduled to meet at 3:55 this after noon with Jamie Moyer on the hill for the Phillies and the Mets will counter with Pedro Martinez.

Mets Blog

Mets Pound Astros 9-1

Bernalda — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:15:12 +0000

Mike Pelfrey and Carlos Delgado combined to have a great night for the Mets last night. Pelfrey pitched his second consecutive complete game. He allowed only one run (which came in the ninth inning) off six hits, he walked none and stuck out six. He got the Astros to hit into three double plays. Not only did Pelfrey pitch well but he scored from first on a triple by Jose Reyes in the bottom of the eighth. Reyes had a good night at the plate going 3-2 with a walk, two RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base.

Delgado, was 2-4 with six RBI, he belted two three run homers for the Mets and made an outstanding play on a grounder by Ty Wiggington in the ninth inning. Carlos even came out for a curtain call after he hit the second homer. Ryan Church who drew big applause from the crowd was 2-4. I think when Chruch comes up to bat-you know how all players have their “song”-well I think they should play “Living On a Prayer” just because it would be funny!

John Maine will return to the DL because of discomfort in his shoulder caused by bone spurs. The Mets will not have to fill the rotation spot until next week Tuesday when they are in Milwaukee. No news yet as to who will be starting but some of the names thrown around are Jon Neise, Nelson Figueroa, and Brian Stokes. When something like this happens you can’t help by worry-the Mets are really in the thick of it, and while Perez, Pelfrey and Santana have been great, there is concern about the fourth and fifth starters-Pedro pitched better in his last outing, but has really struggled, and you can only guess what you will get from the guy who will take Maine’s spot in the rotation-especially considering that we’re still not sure if the bullpen can be trusted-clearly Pedro Feliciano didn’t have his good stuff on Sunday.

So, the Mets open a two game short series with the Phillies down in Philly. Tonight, the Mets will face Jamie Moyer-and we know how well that always goes. Pedro is on the mound for the Mets, but after seeing the homeruns he’s given up recently, one can only imagine what can happen in that bandbox the Phillies play in. At worst the Mets can split the series and not lose any ground, but they really can’t drop both games. The Mets have played well against the Phillies this season, but we’ve all seen how tough the Phillies can play. Hopefully the positive win against the Astros last night can give the Mets some momentum.

Also, on a side note-last night was my birthday and I’m lucky enough to share it with my nephew Danny who just happens to be an Astors fan-so you guessed it, we spent the evening at Shea Stadium. The win was bittersweet for me, because I really wanted Danny to have a great birthday. But, after the second Delgado three run homer-Dan kind of new that it wasn’t the Astros night and did his best to handle his disappointment. I have to give that kid credit because he proudly wore his Bagwell jersey to the game and cheered loudly for his Astros. Dan turned 10 yesterday, and I have to tell you, conducted himself much better than a few Mets fan did. Between the subway ride and the walk out of Shea Stadium more than one grown male had some snide remark for the kid-seriously guys? Where do these jerks get off razzing a 10 year old kid? I was really disappointed that there are so many JERKS that call themselves Mets fans.

Game time tonight is set for 7:10 p.m. The crowd is going to be tough down there in Phillie. Lets Go Mets!

Mets Blog

Mets Bounce Back to Top Phillies 6-3

Bernalda — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:15:29 +0000

The Mets were able to bounce back from their terrible ninth inning on Tuesday night, to beat the Phillies 6-3 on Wednesday night.

The Mets got some help from Brett “I hate the Mets” Meyers, as he walked four in the first inning. The Mets scored two runs in the first with out even getting a hit. What was most frustrating though, was the Mets couldn’t seem to put the nail in Meyer’s coffin, as they left the bases loaded in the first inning, the third inning, and again in the seventh (by the seventh, Meyers was out of the game).

Not to be undone, John Maine wasn’t able to hold the lead. In the second inning he gave up back to back jacks, one to Shane Victorino, and the other to Geoff Jenkins, Jenkins is in the midst of a 9-71 (well, now 10-72), I guess he was over due, huh? Maine was better; he made it through seven last night because he was able to keep his pitch count down. In seven innings of work he allowed three runs on six hits, walked two and struck out five. On a side note, he did a terrible job in the sixth inning, with guys on first and second he was up there to sacrifice and was awful. Granted the Phillies has the wheel on-whatever, but these guys need to help himself out. Seriously, how do these guys not know how to bunt? He is lucky that it come back to bite him, because Jose Reyes came up and hit a three run homer, to give the Mets a 6-3 lead.

Also, Angel Hernandez is jerk. The Mets have had their issues with him in the past. He is a piece of work. Last night in the first inning, Carlos Delgado asked for time and he wouldn’t grant it, there was really no reason for it. His strike zone was awful. And, I had to laugh because Keith said something that I’ve heard in my very own living room which is, that Angel Hernandez must think that the crowd is there to see him. What a jerk!

I’m in a ranting mood! Will everyone please lay off Johan Santana! He threw 105 pitches; he pitched exactly like the Mets needed him to. He pitched eight complete, and was amazing. There was NO reason to believe that the bullpen would not be able to record three outs with a three run lead. I have no problem with him not pitching the ninth, what I have a problem is the Duaner Sanchez and Pedro Feliciano stunk, and didn’t do their jobs!

Speaking of doing their jobs, is anyone else sick of seeing Marlon Anderson? I know he has had some big pinich hits, but he has nothing these days. And I just cringe when a ball is hit to him in the outfield.

Also, Billy Wagner pitched the 9th last night. He retired the side in order and said that if he feels that he can compete he will be out there. The Mets are in a postion where until there is any distance (one way or the other) between them, the Phillies or the Marlins, they need all their guys.

And another thing is any Mets pitcher going to hit anyone? Three guys have been hit so far in this three game series, and nothing. I mean, really? Enough! I would love to see that little Shrimpy Victorino hit right on the 8!

The Mets have Oliver Perez on the mound today. The Phillies will counter with Jamie Moyer.

Mets Blog