Friday, September 01, 2006

You Can't Win Them All

Well, the boys failed to sweep the Rockies last night. Oliver Perez gave up 7 runs in 3 innings. The pen did a good job in replacing him, Darren Oliver gave up 1 run in 3 innings, Chad Bradford and Pedro Part Dos both pitched 1 hitless and scoreless inning each. Alas, the offense could not outslug the Rockies on this night, despite amassing 13 hits, 10 in five innings along with 4 runs, against starter Jeff Francis. Francis entered the game with an 3.53 ERA. Francis also allowed 2 walks, for a WHIP last night of 2.40.

The defense's errorless streak came to an end in the first inning, as Jose Reyes made a throwing error. The Prince had another Home Run, a solo shot in the top of the first. Carlos Beltran added another RBI to his career high, and Jose Reyes added two, giving him 70 on the season. Jose also stole a base, going 3 for 5 and scoring a run. The Mets now boast 3 full time starters with averages of 300 or better, as both El Rapido and The Prince reached 300 again, joining Paul Lo Duca.

Tom Glavine returns to the mound tonight in Houston. Let's keep our fingers crossed (no pun intended).

I'm a day late with this, but, please keep good thoughts for Red Sox starter and rookie Jon Lester. Lester had been bothered by back issues of late. An exam showed swollen lymph nodes, which could be a sign of cancer. Let's hope that is not the case for this young man.

******Jet's News******
Well, Doug Jolley is gone, traded to Tampa for a couple of jock straps and some practice balls (aka an undisclosed draft pick). He was acquired last season by Terry Bradway prior to the draft along with Oakland's second round draft choice, for which the Jets gave up their first round pick. Bradway had stated that there were no tight ends in the draft as good as Jolley. Tell that the Heath Miller.

Brooks Bollinger was also traded, a day after it appeared he was going to be starting the final exhibition game tonight, with a chance to solidify his roster spot. It appeared to me at least that he was a goner in any case. The Jets had traded for Patrick Ramsey, and had given him a 1 year extension, so there was little chance of him being cut, no matter how much he sucks. Kellen Clemens was a second round pick, and possible future starter, so he was safe. Bollinger, by all accounts a good guy, just is not the right guy for the Jets. He is tough, but his skills as a QB are not the best. I do wish him luck in Minnesota.

Further cut-downs will happen this weekend. Next week will see the inaugural Jets preview here at the Cafe. Position and group breakdowns, and my fearless(?) (fearful?) prediction for the coming season.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

The Mets now boast 3 full time starters with averages of 300 or better, as both El Rapido and The Prince reached 300 again, joining Paul Lo Duca.

I realize he's well below the number of at-bats to qualify, but My Man Endy is a starter lately. And he's batting a lusty .314!

When you factor in his glove & his hustle, what a gem he's been.

Ed in Westchester said...

Mike, I like Endy as well, but I consciously left him out, he does not have enough at-bats.
I like him for a starting spot in the playoffs, sorry Uncle Cliffy.

Anonymous said...

Uncle Cliffy will still be very helpful in games in American League parks.

(By the way, he is probably better than Shawn Green, and Endy should be moved to right... shhhhh)

Ed in Westchester said...

Danny - agreed on Uncle Cliffy as a DH.
Not sure if his achilles will allow him to play the field very much. I would say platoon with Green, but they are both lefties. Green's bat I like a little more than Cliffy at this point. Unless he turns it up a few notches. Wow, talk about my playing both sides of the fence eh?

Cliffy has not done enough with the bat to remove Endy. However, Willie likes his vets (as we all know), so he may get the nod.