Game 1: Braves 8 Mets 3 After a three game sweep against the Pirates, the Mets faltered against the Braves.  It is no secret that the Mets have always struggled against the Braves and I was hoping the would not lose momentum especially in the first match up between Johan Santana and Derek Lowe.  The game was a nightmare.  Pitching, outside of Santana was terrible, the bats were dead and the defense was dreadful.  I know that when Santana is on the mound the Mets don’t score a lot of runs, I don’t know why that is; but I do think it is worth noting that when Santana is on the mound the Mets face the other team’s ace as well. Plus, it seems that everyone steps it up a notch against Santana, of the two runs that scored with Santana on the mound, none were earned; actually of the eight runs the Braves scored, only three of them were earned. David Wright and Jose Reyes have got to step up their defense-they have had periods of times where they have played well, but too often they make errors in big spots they have caused the Mets some games. The Mets were without Carlos Delgado who sat because of a sore hip. 

Game 2: Mets 4 Braves 3 (10 innings) Mike Pelfrey pitched seven strong innings, he allowed just two runs on six hits, he walked only one.  JJ Putz came into the game in the eight and stunk up the joint-he allowed one run on one hit while walking two.  Amazingly, after saying in spring training that he had no problem being the set up man Putz has changed his tune; apparently, he has admitted that he is having trouble getting excited to pitch the eighth inning-the adrenaline isn’t there! This is the kind of crap that annoys me to all hell.  Seriously, just shut up and do your job-by the way-I think it is worth noting that when you did have some adrenaline last year in Seattle you still weren’t all that great.  He claims that he is healthy but that, I believe will remain to be seen.  This was a great extra innings game; the Mets had not scored a run until they scored two in the bottom of the eighth off a Jose Reyes double-too bad Reyes was thrown out at third trying to stretch it into a triple.  In the ninth, the Mets tied the game, Carlos Beltran hit a double and with one out stole third-Chipper Jones was very unhappy with the call-but early in the game David Wright thrown out at second on stolen base attempt earlier in the game (and he was clearly safe) so I guess the game sometime hinges on bad calls, Chipper.  Oh and by the way, he was safe.  Anyway, Beltran scored on a sac fly by Luis Castillo.  In the bottom of the 10th the Mets loaded the bases on a single by Reyes who stole second, Alex Cora was intentionally walked, Ramon Castro walked to load the based. Carlos Beltran came to bat with the bases loaded, Braves reliever Jeff Bennett walked him which scored the winning run.  For a second straight night, Delgado was not in the lineup.   

Game 3: Braves 8 Mets 7 (12 innings) This was a classic Mets Braves battle. The Mets had Jonathan Niese on the mound and lets just say, he didn’t pitch as well as the Mets would have liked. The Braves put up a two spot in the top of the first, but, the Mets came back and scored two in the bottom of the inning. The Braves would take the lead to make it 4-2 but in the bottom of fourth, Fernando Tatis hit a Grand Slam to put the Mets ahead 6-4. The Braves scored the go ahead run in the top of the eighth but the Mets fought back and tied the game in the bottom of the eighth on a homerun by Gary Sheffield.  The game went into extra innings but in the end the Mets couldn’t pull it off.  Ken Takahashi gave up a solo homer to Martin Prado to lead of the 12th.  The Mets had a chance, Reyes lead off with a double and Castillo moved him over with a sac bunt, but with a guy on third, both Beltran and Sheffield stuck out to end the game.

The worst part about dropping two of three to the Braves is that the Mets could have won all three of these games. I think Jose Reyes had the worst series of his life. His defense, his base running, his show boating…this kid needs to get his head on straight.

Also worth nothing, for a third straight game, the Mets were without Carlos Delgado. The Mets have come out and said that if Delgado isn’t feeling better by Friday they will put him on the DL. This could spell trouble for the Mets. Delgado’s power can’t be replaced by a platoon at first; as much as I like Tatis, I would be remiss to believe that he could take over for Delgado.

Mets Blog

Post info: By Bernalda on May 16th, 2009
Comments: Be the First to Comment »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
Post info: By Bernalda on May 12th, 2009
Comments: Be the First to Comment »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 3rd 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.

Post info: By Bernalda on May 6th, 2009
Comments: Be the First to Comment »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Mets take 2 of 3 against Milwaukee…start sensing something here? Win 2 of 3 against the Reds, drop 2 of 3 with the Marlins and Pods, now take 2of 3 with the Brewers. Hmmm…I think I may see a pattern. 

Game 1: Mets 5 Brewers 4 Highlighted by Gary Sheffield’s 500th HR the Mets were able to come from behind to edge the Brewers. Livian Hernandez looked good thru 5 innings but lost it in the 6th. You could see it coming too. Jerry Manuel left Livian in there a bit too long and he surrendered a 3 run homer to Ryan Braun leaving the Mets on the short side of a 4-3 deficit. Sheffield took care of that with a pinch hit HR to tie it in the 7th. It was a good AB by Sheff too. Fouled off quite a few pitches before getting one on the inside half that he deposited in the left field stands. The Mets won it in the bottom of the ninth when an infield hit from Castillo scored Carlos Delgado from third. 

Game 2: Mets 1 Brewers 0 This is what is going to be known as a “chalkboard” game from here on out. As in “this is how we draw it up on the chalkboard”. Santana goes 7 strong (more on Johan later), Putz in the 8th and Frankie Rodriguez in the 9th for the save. This is how we envisioned it isn’t it? The Mets scored the only run of the game in the 7th on a walk to Castro, an error by Weeks trying to take the throw at first on a sac bunt by Cora, and a hot shot by Reyes. And I mean a HOT SHOT. After Omir Santos made it to third on the error (he was pinch running for Castro. How often do you see a catcher pinch run? But I could run faster than Castro.) But back to Reyes, he knocked the glove off Villanueva’s hand. Seriously. I’m not kidding. He hit a liner back to the box that ripped the glove of his hand. The Brewers got a force at second but the only run of the game had already scored. Santana has now given up one, that’s right, one earned run in three starts. ERA…0.46. Yet, he’s only 2-1. But when Johan is on the mound its must see T.V.

Game 3: Brewers 4  Mets 2 The Mets were like 2 for a million with runners in scoring position leaving a thousand guys on base. Suppan pitched well enough to win and Todd Coffey got an eight out save. Don’t see that too often anymore. Coffey was able to wiggle out of bases loaded, one out, jams in the 7th and 8th. He got double plays both times. Both on hard hit shots by Delgado and Santos. Sometimes you hit ‘em right at ‘em. This leaves the Mets hitting .236 with RISP so far this year. Twelve games is not a lot so far but this seems to be a continuation from last year. Let’s hope not. 

But are twelve games enough to get a read? Let’s see, 6-6. Hitting? Eh. Bullpen? Great, lowest ERA in the majors so far. Starters? Santana and Hernandez are good; Maine, Pelfrey and Ollie are erratic. Didn’t we know that already?

Mets Blog

Post info: By Bernalda on April 23rd, 2009
Comments: Be the First to Comment »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, here we are. Can you feel it?  The beginning of another season, where hope springs eternal.  Yeah, right!  Gary Sheffield?  Are you kidding me? More on this later…
Let’s look at our team shall we?
 
Infield…as we’ve discussed, all four familiar faces.  We need David Wright to get some clutch hits so that he can quiet some of his doubters here in New York.  David had a good statistical season last year, but really, can you come up with one clutch hit last year?  Can’t say I’m thrilled to see Luis Castillo back at second. Bring the earplugs if you’re not hitting .350, Luis.
 
Outfield..Carlos Beltran in center of course. Truly can’t appreciate this guy unless you see him every day. Murphy everyday in left. Manuel has some Man-crush on Dan Murphy, can do no wrong. Forgive me for being cautious, we’ll see how this develops because as we have seen it is going to be a circus in left field.  Up until two days ago I figured Ryan Church would be in right. I think, Church did too. But now we have the specter of Gary Sheffield hanging over us. I just don’t like good old Gar’. He’s a cancer. Doesn’t anybody realize this?? I know, I know right-handed bat. I ‘m tired of hearing it. Not worth the risk.  The only reason this even makes sense at this point is that he isn’t on the Phillies-because with the Mets he’ll just kill the chemistry, have some outrageous quotes for Joel Sherman and basically just pull the Mets down with him.  But, you know if he was in a Philly uniform he would single handedly beat the Mets every time they faced ‘em.  I was puzzled about why they would do this until my husband (who is the most brilliant guy EVER) pointed out that Church’s great first few months last year were when Randolph was manager. What did Manuel get out of Church? Nuttin’ honey.
 
Catcher. same old, same old. Ramon Castro, Brian Schneider.
 
Bench..Jeremy Reed looks good. Fernando Tatis will play all over. Hope he’s still rockin’ that good karma from building that church. Yay God! How long does that last anyway? Alex Cora..how much is he gonna play? And don’t get me started about Marlon Anderson still bein’ here. Geezer.
 
Starters..Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, Oliver Perez and Livian Hernandez. Two sure things and three question marks. Uh..the sure things are NOT Santana and Pelfrey smart guy but Santana and Hernandez. Livian will pitch and pitch and pitch. As a fifth starter he’s gold as an innings eater and on a “good” club will win 10-12. The question marks are Pelfrey, Maine and Ollie. Pelfrey because we need to see it consistantly. Maine because he’s coming off the surgery. Haven’t heard anything more about that curveball, John. Shortlived wasn’t it? And Ollie because, well he’s Ollie and you never know which Ollie is showing up.
Bullpen..K-Rod in the ninth.  JJ Putz in the eighth.  Brandon Stokes in long relief. Sean Green, Pedro Feliciano, Bobby Parnell and Darren O’Day (wasn’t he in Animal House?) are the situational pitchers.
 
So where does that leave us?
 
Winning the East 90-72. I don’t believe the Phillie bullpen can possibly be perfect again. They ALL had the year of their lives last season.  Maybe it is just wishful thinking on my part-but did I say when I opened this blog that hope springs eternal? 
Post info: By Bernalda on April 6th, 2009
Comments: 2 Comments »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome back!! It’s spring time and the World Baseball classic is in full swing.  Who would have thought that the Netherlands would be such a force?  At least we know that Jose Reyes (and the rest of the Dominican team) won’t wear themselves out! 
 
Time to look back at my year end review; wow I wasn’t even close!  No Lowe (in case you missed it he is with the Braves), No Hudson-instead we are going to stick with Luis Castillo!  Ollie’s back-but I was sorry to see Joe Smith go; however, I couldn’t be happier that Schoeneweis and Heilman are gone.  The Mets chucked Duaner Sanchez too.  So, what will the Mets look like in their new digs?  For the time being it’s named Citifield, but we’ll have to see how Obama digs that since the gov’t owns Citibank now…can you imagine-”Please welcome, the New York Mets brought to you by the United States of America!”  Wow-that gives new meaning to the words, “America’s team”. 
 
Infield..scarily familiar. Delgado, Castillo, Reyes and Wright. Who could have a problem with SS and 3rd? They’ll be there for another 10 years.  It was rumored that the Mets shopped Delgado, but no takers- one can only wonder, will he be as happy this year as he was when Willie was fired last year? And Castillo, losing 20lbs makes those achy knees feel a lot better, eh Luis? The way the Mets are praising this guy so far you’d think he was the second coming of Rogers Hornsby.  At least the B.S. of him hitting lead off is over, I guess that was Jerry’s way of keeping the press from talking about the end of last season. 
 
Outfield..Church, Beltran, Murphy/Tatis..right to left. No surprises here. Maybe the LF platoon but not really.
 
Catcher.. no news..Schnieder and Castro with Cancel in the wings. Snooze
 
Starters..Santana (who has already given us Mets fans a scare but will be ready to pitch opening day), Maine, Pelfrey (the calf injury doesn’t sound serious).  Perez (head case, but usually pitches well against the Yankees and Braves) and who knows who’ll take the ball on the fifth day; Tim Redding looked like Schoeneweis and Heilman together when he gave up those homeruns in that preseason game against the Marlin’s the other night, as it turns out he has a bum shoulder …no worries with Johan’s ability but of course we’ll all wonder about the elbow-and I can only imagine the calls to the Fan when he has his first bad outting; Maine says he’s pain free and messin’ with a curve to give hitters something else to think about, Pelfrey, please don’t let last year be a fluke, Ollie, please don’t be a flake and will the fifth starter please stand up? From among Jon Niese, Tony Armas Jr.,Elmer Dessens, Nelson Figueroa, Freddy Garcia and Livian Hernandez somebody HAS to grab the spot right? Please? Somebody?
 
Bullpen..K-Rod is the closer and J.J. has the 8th, this we know. Sean Green, Feliciano. That leaves one or two spots depending on if the Mets carry 11 or 12 pitchers. Carlos Muniz, Brandon Knight, Eddie Kunz, Bobby Parnell, Brian Stokes or somebody we don’t know yet will have a big spring to grab those slots.
 
Bench..Alex Cora seems to be the backup infielder so far. Nick Evans and Angel Pagan are back to battle for outfield spots. Evans plays first too so a plus for him. Marlon Anderson is in camp again. Really? Sheesh. But so is Jose Valentin, can he channel 2006 again? And isn’t it about time we stop hearing about what a great player Fernando Martinez is and start seeing it? Really, what is he like 45 now, feels like I’ve been waiting for him for 25 years already. Seriously, Martinez won’t be 21 till Oct. Just in time for the World Series, right? Let’s hope.
 
Post info: By Bernalda on March 15th, 2009
Comments: Be the First to Comment »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, it’s been awhile. I guess I’ve calmed down enough from Schoeneweis to finally write an ending to the season. My first thought is how could they possibly have done this again? Are you kidding me?  And of course, this was only worsened by the fact that the Phillies won the world series.  My Sports Illustrated arrived in the mail with them on the cover and I felt that sense of dread-can you imagine what it will be like when the Mets play the Phillies next season?  You would think that would be enough alone for the Mets to want to rise to the occasion next season, but then again, isn’t that what we said after the 2007 season?   

How is it that the 2008 season ended just like the 2007 season?  The Marlins spit in their eye two years in a row and laughed about it. The Mets?  Instead of fighting, instead of taking a cue from Johan Santana (who it turns out was pitching on a bum knee)-the Mets laid down and died.  This Mets’ team has no guts. How is it that nobody stood up and punched Hanley Ramirez in the mouth (figuratively speaking of course)? As much as I hate to say it, and I REALLY hate to say it, Shane Victorino (doesn’t he sound like a grade “B” gangster, Vic Torino, polyester suit and all) would not take this BS from anybody. And that’s basically what’s wrong with the Mets.

After Santana went out there on Saturday and pitched his guts out on one leg the Mets did almost nothing on Sunday. That’s why your leader can’t be a pitcher; he’s only out there every five days. The Mets need a fiery everyday player. The Mets need Keith Hernandez again. In the ’86 playoff against the Astros the Mets HAD to win game 6. There was no way they were winning a game 7 that year against Mike Scott. He was in their heads. So when the Mets had the lead in the ninth and Orosco on the mound, the story goes Keith went to Orosco on the mound and told him” If you throw any fastballs, anything but a slider, I’m going to kick your ass right here on the mound”. Is this true? Who knows? No one would admit it now. Not pc enough for the Pollyanna’s in the game today (of which Keith makes mention of almost every game…”It’s become such a gentlemen’s game” said with much disdain.) But this is exactly what they need, a kick ass, ask for names later leader.  Where to get one? I don’t know. And it’s hard to admit that. I don’t know who they need or what they need to give up to get this mystery leader.  

I can tell you that Scott Schoeneweis..GONE. Aaron Heilman…GONE, he can go pout about being a starter somewhere else. Can’t you just hear him? (whiney voice..”But I want to be a starter…”)  Luis Castillo…Gone Baby Gone!  Duaner Sanchez-Gone, go get arroz con pollo at 2am with someone else.  Moises Alou…can still hit, older than Ty Cobb…Gone. Marlon Anderson…gone pleeeese. Pedro Martinez..thanks for the memories (of Takin’ the money, not for big wins. By the way Pedro’s 32 wins as a Mets cost $1,611,424.00 each. Nice work if you can get it. ).  Ollie…probably gone with Boras as his agent.  We all know that we won’t see Billy Wagner as a Met again.

I waited to deal with the so-called “Core” players: Jose Reyes, David Wright, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado. There is a lot of talk here in NY of breaking up them up. I don’t think Reyes, Wright or Beltran are goin’ anywhere.  Carlos Delgado is a different story.  The Mets picked up his $12 million option. It would have cost $4 million to buy him out, so an outlay of $8 million.  There has been rumblings that they would move him if they could create a package with Delgado and assorted other pieces. Remember he didn’t want to come here anyway. He signed with the Marlins. 

Now the others:

Joe Smith-can be useful. Stays.  Pedro Feliciano…gotta get a couple a’ righty’s out once in awhile there Pedro. Stays.  Luis Ayala…looked good at times. Don’t think he can be full time closer but valuable. Stays  Ramon Castro…useful back-up-then again, he has to stay health-the past two years he’s missed significant playing time, he stays.  Nick Evans…young OF. Stays-Omar has said they think he can hit for power-I guess we’ll have to wait and see.  Ryan Church… him before concussions. Stays.  Brian Schneider…ok, can we upgrade?  Stays- But, rumor has been that Pudge is an idea for the upgrade-NO THANKS!  Daniel Murphy, you can hit, can you play second? Stays.  Argenis Reyes…like him. Hit .283 in AAA, how about here? Stays.  Fernando Tatis…came back to MLB to build church in hometown. Now that it’s built, will God still be smiling on him?  Stays.  Endy Chavez…was he still on the team after Manuel took over? Stays.  Damion Easley…like him, wants to be a gamer, hurt too much, old.  Probably stays if healthy.  Mike Pelfry…Duh!  Johan Santana …Like there is a question about this.  John Maine…Serious John though, can you put a guy away after getting two strikes and not let him foul off 30 pitches? Stays.  

So, where does that leave the Mets?  The Mets are in need of a left fielder, a second baseman, a starter and a closer. I think Derek Lowe is a gamer and Orlando Hudson would be a welcome addition at second. Can Evans and Murphy split left?  Did you see some of those fielding adventures they had out there?  Can you say Arizona Instructional League?  Will the Mets try to make Maine the closer?  He has the stuff. Can he pitch multiple days in a week?  He seems to get frustrated easily; can he handle the mental aspects of closing?  Uh…I guess there are a few questions the Mets need to answer right now. 

Here is my best guess:

Starting Rotation: Santana, Pelfry, Lowe, Maine and Niese.  Relievers: Smith, Feliciano, Kunz, Stokes, Ayala, and…your guess is as good as mine.  Infield: C Schneider and Castro, 1B Delgado, 2B Hudson, SS Reyes, 3B Wright Outfield: LF Evans /Murphy, CF Beltran, RF Church 

Mets Blog

Post info: By Bernalda on November 8th, 2008
Comments: Be the First to Comment »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 

Post info: By Bernalda on August 20th, 2008
Comments: Be the First to Comment »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Mets finally got a decent performance out of their bullpen and held on to win 3-2 in Washington on Tuesday night.  With Johan Santana on the mound you almost automatically think the bullpen will blow it.  However, Santana did get his 10th win of the season, he pitched seven innings, allowing three runs on eight hits; he walked two and struck out six.  

Jerry Manual elected to pinch hit for Johan Santana in the top of the eighth inning.  Santana was visibly unhappy about leaving the game at that point.  Listen, considering how the bullpen has pitched as of late, and particularly how they seem to pitch in relief for Santana, I can imagine that he was not too happy about leaving the game in the hands of the bullpen.  Also, now he’ll have to hear that he only gave the Mets seveninnings, he hadn’t even thrown 100 pitches.  Listen, Santana wasn’t exactly stellar last night, he relinquished the lead on two occasions.  In the bottom of the first with a two run lead, Santana gave up two in the bottom of the inning.  Then, with the Mets winning 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh, he gave up a solo pinch hit homer to Ryan Langerhans-it was Langerhans’ first homer of the season.  However, Santana pitched well enough to get the win and after what he has been through with this bullpen, it was good to see that he finally got one. 

If someone had told you in March that Santana wouldn’t get his 10th winuntil the middle of August, you would think that something ridiculous had happened, and the truth is, the bullpen has been ridiculous.  If the bullpen had been able to hold leads in the games that Santana started he would be a 15 game winner right now.  Since the all star break, the Mets bullpen has a 6.82 era, the worst in the majors.  After the latest debacle against the Pirates in Monday’s make up game, Jerry Manual vowed to shake things up.  Scott Schoeneweis called a bullpen only meeting challenging guys to step up and go out and do what has to be done.  Apparently, it must have worked because both Joe Smith and Pedro Feliciano threw scoreless innings to finish out the game last night.  Smith worked the eighth, he allowed on hit and stuck out two.  Feliciano worked the ninth, he did not allow a hit or a walk and stuck out two, Feliciano also earned his first save of the season. 

The Mets scored two in the top of the first, Nick Evans singled with one out, and scored on a two out double by Carlos Beltran.  Beltran would score on a single to center by Carlos Delgado.  The Mets scored one in the third to go ahead 3-2 on a RBI double by Carlos Beltran.  Beltran had a better night at the plate last night, he was 2-4 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI.  He left two guys in scoring position when he stuck out with two outs in the top of the fifth inning.  However, hitting in the cleanup spot seems to agree with him, and given that winning these games against Washington and Pittsburgh are so important, hopefully, Beltran can really get it going.  The Mets left the bases loaded againin the top of the eighth inning. 

Good thing Damion Easley got hit in the head by a pitch in the top of the eighth ( he wasn’t actually “hit”more like the ball just grazed his helmet), otherwise the Mets would not have gotten a run home from third withless than two outs at all in the game.  What a terrible job by the Met’s hitters in that spot.  Dan Murphy pinch hit for Ramon Castro and struck out.  Then Brian Schneider pinch hit in the pitcher’s spot and struck out also, for that Santana could have batted and stayed in the game. 

A win is a win, and because the Phillies lost to the Dodgers on Tuesday night, the Mets sit in second place just one game out.  This is really a make or break road trip for the Mets.  The bullpen has got to get straightened out because the Mets are in a situation where a couple of losses in a row could be very hard to overcome.  Yes, the Mets do have five games left with the Phillies, so there is that to keep in the back of your mind, but the Marlins are not going away just yet.  The Mets meet the Marlins six more times, three of those games are the last three games of the regular season.  While we are discussing the last week of the season, the Mets are at home but play three with the Chicago Cubs and three with the Marlins; at that same time the Phillies will be at home for three against Atlanta and Washington.  So, really, the time to make up ground is getting short so the Mets must take advantage of the next two series and win some games. 

Ryan Church had a good work out down in Florida and is feeling good.  The Mets have still not set a time frame for his rehab assignment.  Carlos Muniz was sent down to Triple A New Orleans and Brian Stokes will stay with the team.  Luis Castillo’s return from the DL has been delayed “indefinitely” because he has been away from workouts attending to a personal family matter.  That or he realizes that when he returns he will be sitting on the bench.  Either way, let him stay down in Florida. 

The Mets and the Nats meet up again Wednesday night.  John Maine, fresh off his stint on the 15 day DL will start for the Mets and the Nationals will have Jason Bergmann on the mound.  Maine is 9-7 with a 4.13 Bergmannis 2-8 with a 4.13 era.  Game time is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. 

Mets Blog           

Post info: By Bernalda on August 13th, 2008
Comments: 5 Comments »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Post info: By Bernalda on August 12th, 2008
Comments: Be the First to Comment »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next Page »