Let it Rain

I missed most of last night's game, due to the 2 + hour rain delay. For the 5th time this season, Steve Trachsel had a start interrupted due to the weather. Unfortunately, he was not as lucky this time, as the Mets lost a game he started for the first time in 8 starts. Steve had won 7 starts in a row.

Jose Reyes seems to have picked up right where he left off. Another couple of RBI's last night. David Wright had a couple of RBI as well. Carlos Delgado even got a hit. However, after scoring 4 runs in the first two innings, the offense went to sleep for the rest of the game, allowing the Reds bullpen to shut them out for 7 innings. The Red bullpen is as effective as the Mets pen from last season.

The Mets pen apparently flipped mojo with the Reds pen last night. Darren Oliver gave up a game tying HR. After Aaron Heilman pitched 2 scoreless(!) innings, allowing no hits, "Filthy" Sanchez got cleaned, giving up 3 runs in the 8th.

I'm not one of these fans who goes nuts after every loss. I do make note of areas of concern. Carlos Delgado is one area. There are those who feel that he is done, and are regretting the trade, thinking Mike Jacobs would be doing a better job. I fail to see how Jacobs, a good hitter, would put fear into pitchers as Delgado, even while slumping does. What Delgado needs to do is take a few days off to heal his ribs, watching video. Ron Darling on the pre-game last night noted he is too open and not keeping his head down as he was earlier this season. Now, if Ron Darling can figure this out, what the hell is Rick Down being paid for?

Some fans are still asking for Aaron Heilman to be put in the rotation. I ask again, how can we expect a guy who has not been conditioned to throw more than two innings to suddenly start? Not only that, if he has been bad in the pen, what make these fans think he would do any better in the rotation? This is not a guy who had consistent success as a starter. He had a coupleof good starts last year, but also a few bad ones. He was excellent in the pen last year. The hope is that he will rebound. Making him a starter also opens a hole in the pen. Heath Bell is not the answer people. Perhaps Heilman can start next year, but he is not going to this year.