Dear Baseball Gods -
I know that in recent years you have answered the please of fans of losing franchises in Boston and Chicago, so I figured it was time for a fan of the NL franchise in NY to make his plea. I speak of course of the New York Mets, a team who, despite a rabid and loyal fanbase, has won but 2 World Championships since it's founding in 1962.
Surely given all that we have suffered over the years it is our turn. Heck, given what we have had to go through THIS year, it is our turn. I shall now make our case.
I reach back not to the early 1960's, as that was a time when the team had to lose in order to make the win in 1969 all the more special. You even threw in a wonderful run in 1973, albeit one that came up short, to keep those fans who started in the 1962 season happy. I will even forgo Nolan Ryan for Jim Fregosi. No, instead I go to the late 1970's a time when the owners and GM tried to destroy the team and its fans by trading Tom Seaver to the Reds. A dark pall was cast over the team, not to be removed until 1985 with the arrival of Doc and Darryl. 1986 was a nice gift, but we paid a price with Doc falling victim to drugs, and Darryl as well. Was this in response to allowing us to win at the expense of the Red Sox?
In 1988, you would not allow Bobby Ojeda to hire a gardener, ruining a wonderful season. Then came the early 1990's, with "men" like Eddie Murray and Vince Coleman and Bret Saberhagen and Bobby Bonilla (who for some reason you required we take back a second time, and then have to pay him till my 7 year old is in college in order to remove him from our midst at last). Hopes would be raised with the coming of "Generation K", but you saw fit to have one guy (Wilson) blow out his arm, another (Pulsipher) be afraid, and the last (Izzy) be traded and turn into a pretty darn good closer. We would trade Melvin Mora for Mike Bordick. We would trade Kazmir for Zambrano (of course we have been repaid with Omar and his team for that, we are sort of even here).
We would be saddled with Steve Phillips as GM, and then have to listen to him bash the team in the years after he was fired, from his perch at ESPN. We would have in-fighting between Doubleday and Wilpon. We would have to endure Kenny Rogers walking in a run against the Braves. We would have to endure Adam Wainwright, Scott Spezio, Yadier Molina and the gloating of Joe Buck and Tim MaCarver (I leave out Joe Morgan because all fans have to suffer him equally).
We time and again have to see other teams bring up rookie starters or has-beens or never-wases to face us and have them pitch very well, while our team sends out the likes of Lima Time! and Aaron Sele and Chan Ho Park to be decimated. "Five-Tool" prospects have been broken (Alex Escobar). Stars have been imported to help, and have failed (Alomar, Vaughn, Appier).
We have to read the slings and arrows from the likes of Wally Matthews and the other purveyors of crap that dot the NY print media. We have to listen to Mike Francessa rave about his favorite team and gloat over our failings. The chuckles on BBTN over the teams struggles. The Braves winning the division year after year and beating us along the way. Larry Jones naming his child "Shea".
We have suffered enough. Here is my plea. Tonight, Philip Humber makes his first Major League start. It is a tough situation for him, the middle of a pennant race, a 2 game lead, and a team that has not been playing well behind him, facing a team that has treated out pitching staff like a bunch of Lima's. I ask that you allow him to pitch well and allow him to win, as you have allowed other young starters to do against us. Further, I ask that you allow this team to end it's 21 year World Series victory drought. Last year was a tease, an awful one at that. This year we have suffered more, a big lead has shrunk. Stalwarts in the rotation have not done well. Injuries have hit the entire outfield, second base, catcher, first base, the bullpen. Make the suffering we as fans have had to endure worth it. Allow Humber to win, allow the team to win the division, and let them win the World Series. Make the suffering be worth it. Allow my 7 year old daughter to see something now that I was unable to see until I was 17, a Mets World Series win. Let my Dad and The Boy and my sister and Mom see another win. Let MetsGeek poster "86Forever" have the option to change his name to "2007Forever". Let all the Geeks and Mets fans all over have a World Series win. End our suffering. Hear my plea, please.
Warmest Regards,
Ed in Westchester
Showing posts with label Mets 2007. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mets 2007. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
WTF?????????????????????????????
Seriously, WTF?
What has happened to the Mets team that we saw just one week ago?
Errors left and right. Guys shying away from throws (I'm talking to you Jose Jose Jose). Pitchers pitching who have no damn business starting games in a pennant race (I'm talking to you Brian Lawrence). Relievers pitching who just flat out suck (too many names to list here).
It's one thing to get beaten by a good team. It is another thing entirely to make the types of errors, both physical and mental that we have seen over the past 4 games.
Friday night Jamie Moyer (!) holds the team to 4 hits in 8 innings. Glavine pitched well, save for one mistake. Then, Aaron Heilman throws the ball to 2nd on a bunt, and Reyes makes a poor stab at catching it (the blame goes to both guys here). Again, bunts by the Phillies hurt the Mets (think back to Billy's meltdown at CBP last month). Saturday the pen coughs up the game. Sunday was a team effort of suckitude. But it was the Phillies, who at least have a lot of talent. What was the excuse for last night?
The Nationals hang a 12 spot against the Mets. The Nationals, who didn't have a 300 hitter in the lineup, who are LAST in the MAJORS in HR's and runs scored. I was in the car driving to the gym when Brian Lawrence showed why he sucks, coughing up a 4 run lead in the space of 6 batters. Then, Aaron Sele and Scot Schoeneweis continue to suck. Tell me something, why the hell is Philip Humber here? Why is it that pretty much every other team in a playoff hunt is willing to use a high ceiling rookie over a POS Veteran as a starter, but we get Lawrence over Humber? If they are worried about his arm, then shut him down, don't even have him here. All you are doing is adding to his service time clock. Other teams use rookies out of the pen to success, yet Willie says he doesn't want to throw Humber into that role. Fine. Then START HIM.
I'm a Big Willie guy. Liked the hiring. Like the level headedness. But the time for niceties is OVER. Some of these guys are not playing to their potential. Reyes looks lost. PLD stinks. Beltran has had a bad stretch, which must mean he is only at 85.478329%. Alou and Wright are the only two guys playing consistently good ball (yes, I know DW made an error last night.)
Willie needs to blow some steam. If not him, then someone else, like Wright. He has been talking about wanting to be more of a leader, then do it. Call the guys out. Enough of this BS.
Time to win some games and finish this damn thing.
What has happened to the Mets team that we saw just one week ago?
Errors left and right. Guys shying away from throws (I'm talking to you Jose Jose Jose). Pitchers pitching who have no damn business starting games in a pennant race (I'm talking to you Brian Lawrence). Relievers pitching who just flat out suck (too many names to list here).
It's one thing to get beaten by a good team. It is another thing entirely to make the types of errors, both physical and mental that we have seen over the past 4 games.
Friday night Jamie Moyer (!) holds the team to 4 hits in 8 innings. Glavine pitched well, save for one mistake. Then, Aaron Heilman throws the ball to 2nd on a bunt, and Reyes makes a poor stab at catching it (the blame goes to both guys here). Again, bunts by the Phillies hurt the Mets (think back to Billy's meltdown at CBP last month). Saturday the pen coughs up the game. Sunday was a team effort of suckitude. But it was the Phillies, who at least have a lot of talent. What was the excuse for last night?
The Nationals hang a 12 spot against the Mets. The Nationals, who didn't have a 300 hitter in the lineup, who are LAST in the MAJORS in HR's and runs scored. I was in the car driving to the gym when Brian Lawrence showed why he sucks, coughing up a 4 run lead in the space of 6 batters. Then, Aaron Sele and Scot Schoeneweis continue to suck. Tell me something, why the hell is Philip Humber here? Why is it that pretty much every other team in a playoff hunt is willing to use a high ceiling rookie over a POS Veteran as a starter, but we get Lawrence over Humber? If they are worried about his arm, then shut him down, don't even have him here. All you are doing is adding to his service time clock. Other teams use rookies out of the pen to success, yet Willie says he doesn't want to throw Humber into that role. Fine. Then START HIM.
I'm a Big Willie guy. Liked the hiring. Like the level headedness. But the time for niceties is OVER. Some of these guys are not playing to their potential. Reyes looks lost. PLD stinks. Beltran has had a bad stretch, which must mean he is only at 85.478329%. Alou and Wright are the only two guys playing consistently good ball (yes, I know DW made an error last night.)
Willie needs to blow some steam. If not him, then someone else, like Wright. He has been talking about wanting to be more of a leader, then do it. Call the guys out. Enough of this BS.
Time to win some games and finish this damn thing.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
51 Games Left
The title says it all. There are 51 games left starting tonight. It's actually quite simple. The Mets need to simply win at the same pace they have been all season, 57%, and go 29-22 the rest of the way. The final record would then be 92-60. In order to beat the Mets, the Braves (with 50 games left) would have to go 34-16 (play .680 ball), while the Phillies (51 left) would have to go 35-16 (play .686 ball). Neither team has done that this year. And neither has show the ability to do so.
The Mets have 9 games (3 sets of 3 games) left with Atlanta and 7 (a 4 game set and 3 game set) left with the Phillies. Obviously, series wins over each of these teams is vital. It starts tonight with 3 at Shea against the Braves. The pitching match-ups are as follows:
Perez v Carlyle
El Duque v Smoltz
Maine v Hudson
To date, the Braves hold a 6-3 edge on the Mets, with Perez winning all 3 games. El Duque faced them once, with an ND, and Maine has actually never faced the Braves. Of course Carlyle being a scrub will work against us, a classic SUCK ME pitcher. Smoltz is hittable against the Mets, but they never seem to get the "big" hit against him. Hudson is having a very good season to date. For a detailed look at the Braves pitchers, visit Metsgeek.
Following this series, the Mets have the following schedule
Florida (3)
@ Pittsburgh (3)
@ Washington (3)
San Diego (3)
LA Dodgers (3)
@ Philly (4)
@ Atlanta (3) 8/31 and 9/1, 9/2
@ Cincinnati (3)
Houston (3)
Atlanta (3)
Philly (3)
@ Washington (3)
@ Florida (4)
Washington (3)
St. Louis (1 rainout make-up)
Florida (3)
The time is now to send a message. Taking 2 of 3 is a must against Atlanta. The Braves then face the Phillies this weekend, so taking 2 of 3 against Florida is also important. The Phillies have Florida the next 3 days, so they could sneak a tad closer. One thing is for certain, the Mets will remain in 1st after the Braves series, no matter what happens.
The bats are warming up. Wright and Delgado are hitting. Castillo seems to be settling in. Shawn Green has hit the Braves well this year (of course, his fielding leaves something to be desired). PLD has as well. Jose Reyes is hitting, Milledge is providing a spark in the #8 spot. For all the wishing that Lastings would hit #2, he is doing a good job hitting 8th, he creates excitement, and is able to be on base when Reyes comes to the plate. He lengthens the lineup there, and for a team that needs to be creative to score runs, he adds that dimension. Willie gets panned for hitting him so low, but it is paying off, and at the end of the day, that is what matters. We may not like the "gut", but we need to realize that it is right many times.
The key this week is going to be the pen, and defense. Heilman needs to have a strong series, he has taken two of the losses against the Braves, both in games the Mets were leading. Pedro Dos needs to get back on track. On the defense, Green needs to tighten it up, and guys need to make the basic plays.
The Mets control their own destiny for the most part. Frankly, this team has the talent to play much better than .568 ball the rest of the way. They played .600 ball for April, and were at .654 at the end of May. Do that the rest of the way, and the job for the Braves and Phillies becomes nearly impossible. The Mets would finish with 96 wins if they play .654 the rest of the way, just shy of last years 97 wins. Get it done. Starting tonight.
The Mets have 9 games (3 sets of 3 games) left with Atlanta and 7 (a 4 game set and 3 game set) left with the Phillies. Obviously, series wins over each of these teams is vital. It starts tonight with 3 at Shea against the Braves. The pitching match-ups are as follows:
Perez v Carlyle
El Duque v Smoltz
Maine v Hudson
To date, the Braves hold a 6-3 edge on the Mets, with Perez winning all 3 games. El Duque faced them once, with an ND, and Maine has actually never faced the Braves. Of course Carlyle being a scrub will work against us, a classic SUCK ME pitcher. Smoltz is hittable against the Mets, but they never seem to get the "big" hit against him. Hudson is having a very good season to date. For a detailed look at the Braves pitchers, visit Metsgeek.
Following this series, the Mets have the following schedule
Florida (3)
@ Pittsburgh (3)
@ Washington (3)
San Diego (3)
LA Dodgers (3)
@ Philly (4)
@ Atlanta (3) 8/31 and 9/1, 9/2
@ Cincinnati (3)
Houston (3)
Atlanta (3)
Philly (3)
@ Washington (3)
@ Florida (4)
Washington (3)
St. Louis (1 rainout make-up)
Florida (3)
The time is now to send a message. Taking 2 of 3 is a must against Atlanta. The Braves then face the Phillies this weekend, so taking 2 of 3 against Florida is also important. The Phillies have Florida the next 3 days, so they could sneak a tad closer. One thing is for certain, the Mets will remain in 1st after the Braves series, no matter what happens.
The bats are warming up. Wright and Delgado are hitting. Castillo seems to be settling in. Shawn Green has hit the Braves well this year (of course, his fielding leaves something to be desired). PLD has as well. Jose Reyes is hitting, Milledge is providing a spark in the #8 spot. For all the wishing that Lastings would hit #2, he is doing a good job hitting 8th, he creates excitement, and is able to be on base when Reyes comes to the plate. He lengthens the lineup there, and for a team that needs to be creative to score runs, he adds that dimension. Willie gets panned for hitting him so low, but it is paying off, and at the end of the day, that is what matters. We may not like the "gut", but we need to realize that it is right many times.
The key this week is going to be the pen, and defense. Heilman needs to have a strong series, he has taken two of the losses against the Braves, both in games the Mets were leading. Pedro Dos needs to get back on track. On the defense, Green needs to tighten it up, and guys need to make the basic plays.
The Mets control their own destiny for the most part. Frankly, this team has the talent to play much better than .568 ball the rest of the way. They played .600 ball for April, and were at .654 at the end of May. Do that the rest of the way, and the job for the Braves and Phillies becomes nearly impossible. The Mets would finish with 96 wins if they play .654 the rest of the way, just shy of last years 97 wins. Get it done. Starting tonight.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Congrats Tommy, F U Wally
Congratulations to the latest 300 game winner, Tom Glavine. A nicely pitched game by him last night, on the heels of his last start which was also a nice job by him. Don't look now, but Mr. Glavine has done a pretty good job of late (let's forget the Dodgers start in LA, shall we?)
Tommy helped himself early. Following a walk to Milledge, Lastings stole second (apparently against the wishes of Willie, I gotta think Rickey sent him). Glavine then singled to center, and Lastings scored, thanks to Angel Pagan losing the handle on the ball. Milledge wound up 3-4 with a walk and 2 runs scored hitting 8th. I'll have a tad more about his lineup place in my F.U Column tomorrow. Luis Castillo also had a nice night, going 4-5 with 2 runs. Delgado went 2-4 scored a run and drove in 4 (he seems to be warming up just in time.) All in all, the lineup got the job done, despite 15 LOB.
The pen, nearly notsomuch. Mota entered for Tommy inthe 7th and gave up a hit to the only batter he faced. Pedro Dos got an out, but allowed a hit driving in a run. Heilman finished the 7th, inducing a fly to center. New bullpen component Jorge Sosa pitched a scoreless 8th, and Wags finished it up in a non-save situation, as Willie's gut told him to make damn sure Tommy got the win.
So, you would think we could celebrate Tom's accomplishment, and put aside any snarkiness about how Brave he is. Nope, thanks to Wally (I Hate the Mets) Matthews. Now, you all know I hate Wally, and I typically do not read his crap anymore, since all it does is annoy me. I also like to joke about Tommy and the Braves. However, there comes a time when you put that aside when a goal is met, and this is one of those times. Wally plays armchair psychologist and writes a column about how Glavine would have preferred to win #300 as a Brave. Is he right? Maybe. Then again, he might be wrong. Considering how Atlanta told him to go away twice, it is possible Tommy is not that upset to have not won it as a Brave. I also do see how he could be somewhat saddened, after all, he did come up in their system, and players do have attachments to their original team when they play there for a long time. Look at it this way, if Derek Jeter ever leaves the Yankees, and hits # 3000 as a member of another team, he may wish he was still a Yankee at the time. But my point is this, the day after the milestone, put the thoughts away. Don't write a story about it. Let the guy enjoy his moment. As for the fans who Wally is so sure still haven't embraced Glavine, sure, there is a subset that harbors ill will for his having beaten us so many times over the years. But even that subset cheered his accomplishment, because at the end of the day, he is a Met. He is one of our guys, and we cheer our guys. There was a nice contingent of Mets fans in Chicago last night, including several bloggers IIRC. Mostly they went to watch their team, but I'm pretty sure they cheered their pitcher, Tom Glavine, as he won #300. Sadly, Matthews would prefer to stir the pot, again, and look for headlines.
I'm saddened that Newsday continues to allow this hack to write hit pieces on my team. I expect that from the News and the Post, noted Yankee propaganda outlets. Newsday is usually a Metscentric paper. Yet it allows Matthews to continue with his drivel. I don't know who pissed in his corn flakes, but it is a tired act. One that I hope will be shut down. Maybe when the Mets win the World Series this year, behind a win from Glavine, Wally will write a story about how Glavine wishes he could have won it as a Brave.
In closing, F U Wally. You are dead to me.
And Congrats to Tom Glavine, a Met.
Tommy helped himself early. Following a walk to Milledge, Lastings stole second (apparently against the wishes of Willie, I gotta think Rickey sent him). Glavine then singled to center, and Lastings scored, thanks to Angel Pagan losing the handle on the ball. Milledge wound up 3-4 with a walk and 2 runs scored hitting 8th. I'll have a tad more about his lineup place in my F.U Column tomorrow. Luis Castillo also had a nice night, going 4-5 with 2 runs. Delgado went 2-4 scored a run and drove in 4 (he seems to be warming up just in time.) All in all, the lineup got the job done, despite 15 LOB.
The pen, nearly notsomuch. Mota entered for Tommy inthe 7th and gave up a hit to the only batter he faced. Pedro Dos got an out, but allowed a hit driving in a run. Heilman finished the 7th, inducing a fly to center. New bullpen component Jorge Sosa pitched a scoreless 8th, and Wags finished it up in a non-save situation, as Willie's gut told him to make damn sure Tommy got the win.
So, you would think we could celebrate Tom's accomplishment, and put aside any snarkiness about how Brave he is. Nope, thanks to Wally (I Hate the Mets) Matthews. Now, you all know I hate Wally, and I typically do not read his crap anymore, since all it does is annoy me. I also like to joke about Tommy and the Braves. However, there comes a time when you put that aside when a goal is met, and this is one of those times. Wally plays armchair psychologist and writes a column about how Glavine would have preferred to win #300 as a Brave. Is he right? Maybe. Then again, he might be wrong. Considering how Atlanta told him to go away twice, it is possible Tommy is not that upset to have not won it as a Brave. I also do see how he could be somewhat saddened, after all, he did come up in their system, and players do have attachments to their original team when they play there for a long time. Look at it this way, if Derek Jeter ever leaves the Yankees, and hits # 3000 as a member of another team, he may wish he was still a Yankee at the time. But my point is this, the day after the milestone, put the thoughts away. Don't write a story about it. Let the guy enjoy his moment. As for the fans who Wally is so sure still haven't embraced Glavine, sure, there is a subset that harbors ill will for his having beaten us so many times over the years. But even that subset cheered his accomplishment, because at the end of the day, he is a Met. He is one of our guys, and we cheer our guys. There was a nice contingent of Mets fans in Chicago last night, including several bloggers IIRC. Mostly they went to watch their team, but I'm pretty sure they cheered their pitcher, Tom Glavine, as he won #300. Sadly, Matthews would prefer to stir the pot, again, and look for headlines.
I'm saddened that Newsday continues to allow this hack to write hit pieces on my team. I expect that from the News and the Post, noted Yankee propaganda outlets. Newsday is usually a Metscentric paper. Yet it allows Matthews to continue with his drivel. I don't know who pissed in his corn flakes, but it is a tired act. One that I hope will be shut down. Maybe when the Mets win the World Series this year, behind a win from Glavine, Wally will write a story about how Glavine wishes he could have won it as a Brave.
In closing, F U Wally. You are dead to me.
And Congrats to Tom Glavine, a Met.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
I'm Still Around
I've been neglecting the BOG for a while now. Things have been a little hectic at work and at home for one. Also, the play of this team of late hasn't exactly inspired me to write a lot of positive stuff.
The one thing I didn't want to do was to turn this into a place where I would just bitch and moan all the time. I'm not saying I won't be critical, but to write the same stuff every day about this guy sucking in the field (I'm looking at you Shawn Green), or this guy not hitting (Shawn, a two time winner, also PLD of late, Delgado until last month), or this reliever throwing batting practice (Pick One) or Willie's Gut driving fans mad (not me, for IGIT! In Gut I Trust) gets boring for me as the writer, and for all 7 (is it that high?) of you who stop by and read my ramblings.
In any event, time to catch up on the events of the past week. Let's see, we took 2 of 3 from the Pirates, with Perez the loser in the lone loss. We then split a 4 game set with Manny Acta's Nationals over the weekend, where on Saturday night we had Willie losing count of who he had available. This week, we travelled to Milwaukee, with a heartbreaking loss on Tuesday in a game Tom Glavine pitched well enough to win #300, if not for Mota blowing it. The good news was that the boys rebounded, winning 8-5 yesterday (despite Perez having a bad first couple of innings) and 12-4 today (Brian Lawrence pitching OK in a spot start. Please have him go back to NOZ tonight.) David Wright had a nice game, going 4-5 with a HR. Easley had an Inside the Park HR, and Reyes went deep as well. Every starter had at least one hit. Except for new second-baseman Luis Castillo, who went 0-6.
Which brings me to trades made and not made. First, I am not bothered by the Castillo deal. For one, he cost nothing. Second, I like Gotay, he's a nice hitter, but he is not a good fielder. He has had at least 1 game losing error (the Dodgers series) and a few other miscues as well. It's not his range that is a problem, its on the DP turn. Castillo may not have great range, but he is a heck of a lot better turning 2. I know, he lacks the SLG% Gotay has, but in the playoffs, you need defense. You and I both know that if we went into the playoffs with Gotay at 2nd, and he lost a game on an error, Omar would be eviscerated for not trading for a new 2nd baseman.
As for trades not made, well, I hoped for some bullpen help, but the cost for a Cordero from the Nationals of Humber PLUS another player was too damn high. Frankly, Humber alone is too high for a set-up guy who's peripherals are not even close to say Aaron Heilman. Who knows, maybe Omar can pull of a waiver deal. Mota bounced back well last night, and Sosa has done well in the pen this week. Heilman is having his typical 2nd half resurgence. Wagner is Wagner. Just use The Show as a LOOGY, and use Pedro Dos as needed, and we will be fine. Who knows, maybe Joe Smith returns to April form.
As for deals other teams made, well, the Phillies added Kyle Lohse, who strikes fear into the hearts of the fans of the team he pitches for and no one else. They also added Tadahito Iguchi, to replace the injured Chase Utley. They also lost Victorino and Bourn to injuries. They are battling, I give them that.
The Braves of course made the big splash, adding Mark Teixeira and Octavio Dotel (let us not forget the other old friend, Royce Ring) by trading away half their farm team and one of their starters in Kyle Davies. Yes, the lineup is formidable, but their starting rotation isn't very deep and Smoltz has seen some skipped starts due to shoulder issues. They are getting career #'s out of a couple of guys. Let's see if that lasts.
The Yankees at least got their 3rd baseman for next year in Wilson Betemit in exchange for Scott Proctor. (End obligatory Yankee bash).
This weekend the Mets visit the Cubs, then it is home for 3 against the Braves. The Braves are in Colorado. The lead is 3.5 entering today. I would like to see that at 4.5 before Tuesday. Please?
The one thing I didn't want to do was to turn this into a place where I would just bitch and moan all the time. I'm not saying I won't be critical, but to write the same stuff every day about this guy sucking in the field (I'm looking at you Shawn Green), or this guy not hitting (Shawn, a two time winner, also PLD of late, Delgado until last month), or this reliever throwing batting practice (Pick One) or Willie's Gut driving fans mad (not me, for IGIT! In Gut I Trust) gets boring for me as the writer, and for all 7 (is it that high?) of you who stop by and read my ramblings.
In any event, time to catch up on the events of the past week. Let's see, we took 2 of 3 from the Pirates, with Perez the loser in the lone loss. We then split a 4 game set with Manny Acta's Nationals over the weekend, where on Saturday night we had Willie losing count of who he had available. This week, we travelled to Milwaukee, with a heartbreaking loss on Tuesday in a game Tom Glavine pitched well enough to win #300, if not for Mota blowing it. The good news was that the boys rebounded, winning 8-5 yesterday (despite Perez having a bad first couple of innings) and 12-4 today (Brian Lawrence pitching OK in a spot start. Please have him go back to NOZ tonight.) David Wright had a nice game, going 4-5 with a HR. Easley had an Inside the Park HR, and Reyes went deep as well. Every starter had at least one hit. Except for new second-baseman Luis Castillo, who went 0-6.
Which brings me to trades made and not made. First, I am not bothered by the Castillo deal. For one, he cost nothing. Second, I like Gotay, he's a nice hitter, but he is not a good fielder. He has had at least 1 game losing error (the Dodgers series) and a few other miscues as well. It's not his range that is a problem, its on the DP turn. Castillo may not have great range, but he is a heck of a lot better turning 2. I know, he lacks the SLG% Gotay has, but in the playoffs, you need defense. You and I both know that if we went into the playoffs with Gotay at 2nd, and he lost a game on an error, Omar would be eviscerated for not trading for a new 2nd baseman.
As for trades not made, well, I hoped for some bullpen help, but the cost for a Cordero from the Nationals of Humber PLUS another player was too damn high. Frankly, Humber alone is too high for a set-up guy who's peripherals are not even close to say Aaron Heilman. Who knows, maybe Omar can pull of a waiver deal. Mota bounced back well last night, and Sosa has done well in the pen this week. Heilman is having his typical 2nd half resurgence. Wagner is Wagner. Just use The Show as a LOOGY, and use Pedro Dos as needed, and we will be fine. Who knows, maybe Joe Smith returns to April form.
As for deals other teams made, well, the Phillies added Kyle Lohse, who strikes fear into the hearts of the fans of the team he pitches for and no one else. They also added Tadahito Iguchi, to replace the injured Chase Utley. They also lost Victorino and Bourn to injuries. They are battling, I give them that.
The Braves of course made the big splash, adding Mark Teixeira and Octavio Dotel (let us not forget the other old friend, Royce Ring) by trading away half their farm team and one of their starters in Kyle Davies. Yes, the lineup is formidable, but their starting rotation isn't very deep and Smoltz has seen some skipped starts due to shoulder issues. They are getting career #'s out of a couple of guys. Let's see if that lasts.
The Yankees at least got their 3rd baseman for next year in Wilson Betemit in exchange for Scott Proctor. (End obligatory Yankee bash).
This weekend the Mets visit the Cubs, then it is home for 3 against the Braves. The Braves are in Colorado. The lead is 3.5 entering today. I would like to see that at 4.5 before Tuesday. Please?
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Media Rants, But Still Pleased
"It is hard to find any fault with the Mets after they pounded out 13 hits last night. Then again, it is hard to say all is right with the Mets because they played a team that is 41-57."
- Mark Herrmann, today's Newsday
OK Mark, I'll buy that. But tell me something, where is the same language when it comes to the team that is 7.5 games behind the Red Sox, and has been feasting on the likes of Tampa Bay (38-61) and Kansas City (43-55)? The team that has major bullpen issues? The team that stil trots Kei Igawa out there every fifth day? They win and it's all roses, they are back, and they are going to overtake the Red Sox and win the division. The Mets though are scrutinized, and a win is minimized because it came against a 41-57 team. Let's see some consistency. Oh, and why is the first place team in NY relegated to the middle of the sports section, with the Yanks getting the prime spot just inside the back page, and then 2 pages of coverage of the NBA fiasco? Why the hell is the first place team not in the prime spot? The bias is astounding.
It's utter bullshit. I'm not saying the Mets don't have some concerns. We don't know if Alou will play. We don't know what we will get from Pedro. There are outfield depth concerns. Still, the press keeps trotting out the same stupid trade ideas, like trading Lastings Milledge for Jermaine Dye, saying they need outfield help, but ignoring the fact that if the depth is so short, why the hell would Omar trade Milledge?
They come back from a trip where they took 4 of 7 against the elite of the NL West, and yet they are still spit on. They win a well played game last night, and they are questioned. John Maine again pitches very well, going 7 innings, allowing 2 runs, 1 BB with 7 K's, raising his record to 11-5 with a 3.04 ERA, yet that is hardly the story. He even hits a 2 run home run. Lastings Milledge goes 3-3 with a Home Run and 3 RBI and 2 Runs Scored, yet we get a side piece about how he might have been a tad exuberant after Maine hit his FIRST CAREER Home Run. Good for Lastings, he was happy for a teammate. He swung his arm a tad, big deal. If the Pirates were pissed, they got their revenge when he got plunked the next time up. Then Lastings got his when he went yard. Newsday of course put in a blurb about this, trying to make an issue about it, but Pirates manager Jim Tracy declined to "get into that". Alas, everything Lastings does is going to be scrutinized, probably to his detriment. The kid is exuberant, that is part of his way of playing. Cut that out, and you may harm him. Leave him the hell alone. I half expect to see a story about how he didn't lift the seat sometime next week.
Speaking of cranky old men, Keith, I love you, but STFU about the dugout celebrations. You sound like the old man yelling "hey you kids, get off of my lawn". I wonder, did Keith used to bitch to his teammates in the 80's when they gave curtain calls? As noted last night by Danny on Metsgeek, some of those guys were going halfway out to the first base line to take their bows. You've made your point Keith, hundreds of times. Let it slide.
All in all, a good night for the Mets. Good pitching (well, except for Mota). Good hitting (only Wright was hitless, but he did have a Sac Fly). Against a tough pitcher in Snell, who lasted all of 4 innings. Two more against the Pirates, then the Nationals come to town. I would love to go 5-2 on this homestand.
Now if only the Giants could win a game against the Braves, I could be really happy.
In other news, the Mets signed Eddie Kunz, their first pick in this year's draft. He will go to St. Lucie, and probably go up to Brooklyn before the end of the season. He will be used in the bullpen.
Prior to the game, Rick DiPietro took batting practice, which is nice since he is recovering from hip surgery, so he must be progressing. He also gave Tom Glavine an Islanders jersey with #47 on it. No word on if Glavine asked if he could have an Atlanta Thrashers jersey instead.
Be back tomorrow.
- Mark Herrmann, today's Newsday
OK Mark, I'll buy that. But tell me something, where is the same language when it comes to the team that is 7.5 games behind the Red Sox, and has been feasting on the likes of Tampa Bay (38-61) and Kansas City (43-55)? The team that has major bullpen issues? The team that stil trots Kei Igawa out there every fifth day? They win and it's all roses, they are back, and they are going to overtake the Red Sox and win the division. The Mets though are scrutinized, and a win is minimized because it came against a 41-57 team. Let's see some consistency. Oh, and why is the first place team in NY relegated to the middle of the sports section, with the Yanks getting the prime spot just inside the back page, and then 2 pages of coverage of the NBA fiasco? Why the hell is the first place team not in the prime spot? The bias is astounding.
It's utter bullshit. I'm not saying the Mets don't have some concerns. We don't know if Alou will play. We don't know what we will get from Pedro. There are outfield depth concerns. Still, the press keeps trotting out the same stupid trade ideas, like trading Lastings Milledge for Jermaine Dye, saying they need outfield help, but ignoring the fact that if the depth is so short, why the hell would Omar trade Milledge?
They come back from a trip where they took 4 of 7 against the elite of the NL West, and yet they are still spit on. They win a well played game last night, and they are questioned. John Maine again pitches very well, going 7 innings, allowing 2 runs, 1 BB with 7 K's, raising his record to 11-5 with a 3.04 ERA, yet that is hardly the story. He even hits a 2 run home run. Lastings Milledge goes 3-3 with a Home Run and 3 RBI and 2 Runs Scored, yet we get a side piece about how he might have been a tad exuberant after Maine hit his FIRST CAREER Home Run. Good for Lastings, he was happy for a teammate. He swung his arm a tad, big deal. If the Pirates were pissed, they got their revenge when he got plunked the next time up. Then Lastings got his when he went yard. Newsday of course put in a blurb about this, trying to make an issue about it, but Pirates manager Jim Tracy declined to "get into that". Alas, everything Lastings does is going to be scrutinized, probably to his detriment. The kid is exuberant, that is part of his way of playing. Cut that out, and you may harm him. Leave him the hell alone. I half expect to see a story about how he didn't lift the seat sometime next week.
Speaking of cranky old men, Keith, I love you, but STFU about the dugout celebrations. You sound like the old man yelling "hey you kids, get off of my lawn". I wonder, did Keith used to bitch to his teammates in the 80's when they gave curtain calls? As noted last night by Danny on Metsgeek, some of those guys were going halfway out to the first base line to take their bows. You've made your point Keith, hundreds of times. Let it slide.
All in all, a good night for the Mets. Good pitching (well, except for Mota). Good hitting (only Wright was hitless, but he did have a Sac Fly). Against a tough pitcher in Snell, who lasted all of 4 innings. Two more against the Pirates, then the Nationals come to town. I would love to go 5-2 on this homestand.
Now if only the Giants could win a game against the Braves, I could be really happy.
In other news, the Mets signed Eddie Kunz, their first pick in this year's draft. He will go to St. Lucie, and probably go up to Brooklyn before the end of the season. He will be used in the bullpen.
Prior to the game, Rick DiPietro took batting practice, which is nice since he is recovering from hip surgery, so he must be progressing. He also gave Tom Glavine an Islanders jersey with #47 on it. No word on if Glavine asked if he could have an Atlanta Thrashers jersey instead.
Be back tomorrow.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Home Cooking Time
The trip that was supposed to see the Mets fall out of first has ended, with the Mets holding a bigger lead (3.5 games) than they had when they departed (2.5 games) thanks to the Braves pulling their best Sergio Garcia impression last night against the Cardinals. Now, they return home for 7 games, 3 against the Pirates Tuesday - Thursday, and 4 against Manny Acta and the Nationals Friday, 2 Saturday and Sunday. At the same time the Braves visit San Fran (where Barroid will hope to hit at least 3 home runs) and then Arizona. The Phillies have 3 vs the Nationals and 3 versus the Pirates.
This is a week where the Mets can start to put some distance between themselves and the Braves. This is the week, coming on the heels of a nice 3 out of 4 vs the Dodgers where they can keep the pedal to the metal. Moises Alou returns tomorrow possibly (we shall see if the weather in NY has any impact. I'm thinking he isn't going to play on a wet field). Dos Carlos' are starting to hit. David Wright has begun to deliver in clutch situations again. Lastings Milledge doesn't have a high average, but he seems to be involved in a lot of Mets scoring plays. Jose Reyes had a good day yesterday, with a couple of extra-base hits. Resiliency is starting to creep back. The comeback yesterday. The survival of Glavine's start the other night. Even Saturday they tried to fight back. The bats are waking up, scoring 28 runs in the series against the Dodgers, who have a pretty good pitching staff.
But now, it is time to focus on the upcoming opponent. The Pirates are not good. They have some pitching talent, in Snell and Gorzelanny. Overall though, this team should not be able to hang with the Mets. Taking 2 of 3 is a must here. The Big 3 are going, Maine, Glavine and Perez. Then comes the weekend set against the Nationals, Sosa Friday, El Duque and possibly Pelfrey on Saturday and Maine on Sunday. Again, a series win is vital.
We stand about a week away from the non-waiver trading deadline. Omar and Willie need to decide what move(s), if any, are needed to get this team prepared for the post-season. Putting a little more distance between us and the Braves will allow Omar to deal from a position of strength, as opposed to weakness. For my part, I am hoping for nothing more than a bullpen tweak. The bench was helped with the addition of Marlon Anderson, who can play the infield and outfield and will not eat all the egg whites (or suck for that matter). The return of Alou helps here as well, as Milledge, when he doesn't start, can be a PH, the same goes for Alou or Green when Milledge starts. The starters are fine, you only need 3 in the playoffs, Maine, Perez and Glavine, so no need to import talent there (unless of course you can get a real difference maker, but the day of those deals are past).
Enjoy the day off today boys, for tomorrow, it is time.
This is a week where the Mets can start to put some distance between themselves and the Braves. This is the week, coming on the heels of a nice 3 out of 4 vs the Dodgers where they can keep the pedal to the metal. Moises Alou returns tomorrow possibly (we shall see if the weather in NY has any impact. I'm thinking he isn't going to play on a wet field). Dos Carlos' are starting to hit. David Wright has begun to deliver in clutch situations again. Lastings Milledge doesn't have a high average, but he seems to be involved in a lot of Mets scoring plays. Jose Reyes had a good day yesterday, with a couple of extra-base hits. Resiliency is starting to creep back. The comeback yesterday. The survival of Glavine's start the other night. Even Saturday they tried to fight back. The bats are waking up, scoring 28 runs in the series against the Dodgers, who have a pretty good pitching staff.
But now, it is time to focus on the upcoming opponent. The Pirates are not good. They have some pitching talent, in Snell and Gorzelanny. Overall though, this team should not be able to hang with the Mets. Taking 2 of 3 is a must here. The Big 3 are going, Maine, Glavine and Perez. Then comes the weekend set against the Nationals, Sosa Friday, El Duque and possibly Pelfrey on Saturday and Maine on Sunday. Again, a series win is vital.
We stand about a week away from the non-waiver trading deadline. Omar and Willie need to decide what move(s), if any, are needed to get this team prepared for the post-season. Putting a little more distance between us and the Braves will allow Omar to deal from a position of strength, as opposed to weakness. For my part, I am hoping for nothing more than a bullpen tweak. The bench was helped with the addition of Marlon Anderson, who can play the infield and outfield and will not eat all the egg whites (or suck for that matter). The return of Alou helps here as well, as Milledge, when he doesn't start, can be a PH, the same goes for Alou or Green when Milledge starts. The starters are fine, you only need 3 in the playoffs, Maine, Perez and Glavine, so no need to import talent there (unless of course you can get a real difference maker, but the day of those deals are past).
Enjoy the day off today boys, for tomorrow, it is time.
Monday, July 16, 2007
On The Road Again
Nice weekend eh? Take 3 of 4, although we did lose a game in the standings to the Braves (I'm waiting for McDowell to pull a WWE turn and take out Bobby Cox and Tim Hudson). The pen has been doing much better, giving up 1 run (Mike Pelfrey) in the last 30 some odd innings. Wagner got 3 saves in the series, and did well. Pedro Dos continued his fine pitching, Aaron Heilman has seemingly turned a corner. The pen is settling in. Some of the guys think it is because they now have set roles. If that is the case, good. We need the pen to return to the dominance of last year. I want teams to fear having to re-take a lead against the relievers. I want the starters to continue to pitch well. But the key of course is the lineup (same refrain we've all been preaching for weeks now.)
Lastings Milledge may not be the final answer, but he has done his part. First game back, he shows some hustle, scoring the eventual winning run from first on a single. Game 2, he hits a home run. Saturday, another hit. Yesterday, a 2 RBI double, and a nice recovery on a fly ball in right to make a catch. Since his return, he is hitting 267 with 5 RBI, a 313 OBP, 533 SLG and 846 OPS. Not bad for the #8 hitter eh?
But we need more. We need Wright, who has raised his average, to go on one of his blistering tears. We need Delgado to continue to improve. We need Reyes to start hitting balls in the gap. Gotay has done well in the #2 spot (sorry 'Stache). But the key folks is Beltran. He is the guy we need to get going. He can carry this team. He did it last year, but we have yet to see it this year.
July has not been kind to Carlos. He is hitting 133, with a 273 OBP, 311 SLG and 584 OPS. He has 2 HR, 6 RBI and 13 K's. That is not getting it done. I love Beltran, I think he has all the talent in the world, but he is not showing it. Hopefully, the road trip will get him going, as he has historically hit better on the road since becoming a Met than he does at Shea. This 7 game stretch against the Padres and Dodgers is the place to start. The Braves are 1.5 games back and playing well (and playing the Reds and Cardinals this week, not good for us). It is time for Carlos to go on one of his otherworldly type stretches where he hits everything thrown at him. Take this team on your back Carlos, lead us with the bat. Back on the road, hopefully, for a better trip than last time.
************************
Of course I would be remiss if I didn't discuss last weeks news. Now, I admit I was a Julio Franco supporter, but of late, my faith waned. I was not upset to see him go. I wish him luck, so long as it is on an AL team, or an NL team where he can help, not hurt us.
As for Rick Down, I wanted him gone last year, so I am not upset about his dismissal. Of course, now the media is worried their is a rift between Omar and Willie, since Down was Willie's guy. Guess what? Omar is the boss. Boss and employee don't always see eye to eye. Omar wanted to make a change, Willie may not have liked it, but he accepted it, and will move on. Instead of worrying about how this will affect their relationship, realize this is normal in business, and move on.
Lastings Milledge may not be the final answer, but he has done his part. First game back, he shows some hustle, scoring the eventual winning run from first on a single. Game 2, he hits a home run. Saturday, another hit. Yesterday, a 2 RBI double, and a nice recovery on a fly ball in right to make a catch. Since his return, he is hitting 267 with 5 RBI, a 313 OBP, 533 SLG and 846 OPS. Not bad for the #8 hitter eh?
But we need more. We need Wright, who has raised his average, to go on one of his blistering tears. We need Delgado to continue to improve. We need Reyes to start hitting balls in the gap. Gotay has done well in the #2 spot (sorry 'Stache). But the key folks is Beltran. He is the guy we need to get going. He can carry this team. He did it last year, but we have yet to see it this year.
July has not been kind to Carlos. He is hitting 133, with a 273 OBP, 311 SLG and 584 OPS. He has 2 HR, 6 RBI and 13 K's. That is not getting it done. I love Beltran, I think he has all the talent in the world, but he is not showing it. Hopefully, the road trip will get him going, as he has historically hit better on the road since becoming a Met than he does at Shea. This 7 game stretch against the Padres and Dodgers is the place to start. The Braves are 1.5 games back and playing well (and playing the Reds and Cardinals this week, not good for us). It is time for Carlos to go on one of his otherworldly type stretches where he hits everything thrown at him. Take this team on your back Carlos, lead us with the bat. Back on the road, hopefully, for a better trip than last time.
************************
Of course I would be remiss if I didn't discuss last weeks news. Now, I admit I was a Julio Franco supporter, but of late, my faith waned. I was not upset to see him go. I wish him luck, so long as it is on an AL team, or an NL team where he can help, not hurt us.
As for Rick Down, I wanted him gone last year, so I am not upset about his dismissal. Of course, now the media is worried their is a rift between Omar and Willie, since Down was Willie's guy. Guess what? Omar is the boss. Boss and employee don't always see eye to eye. Omar wanted to make a change, Willie may not have liked it, but he accepted it, and will move on. Instead of worrying about how this will affect their relationship, realize this is normal in business, and move on.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
L Millz is Coming Y'all!
Hide the women and children.
I joke, I kid. I'm looking forward to Lastings being back, for a LOT of reasons. First, he's a hell of a lot better than Ricky Ledee. Second, it's another bat with some pop in the lineup. Now, he isn't going to hit 20 HR's, but he is going to get his share of extra-base hits. With the lower third of our batting order (Green, Valentin) struggling, this is a good thing. He had 3 homers in his rehab stint in Binghamton, including 2 on Monday, and hit well over 400. Nice. He's in Brooklyn today and tomorrow, to get some more at-bats.
Odds are he will be here on Thursday as the Mets take on the Reds in a 4 game set. Hopefully, starting in left field, and hopefully, batting second. Why second you ask, and not 7th or 8th? Because PLD is not getting it done in the #2 spot, and the thought of Valentin or Easley hitting there makes me ill. The other options would be Wright or Beltran, but Wright is doing well in the #5 spot, and well, we know Willie ain't moving Beltran. Is Lastings the perfect answer? No. But he's the best one we have right now in my eyes.
Plus, he's gonna bring some exuberance with him. He's an excitable guy, and he wants to succeed. He's gotta know the fans will be on him if he does poorly, or says or does anything dumb. I'm sure he knows Willie and the boys will be on him too. It's time for him to prove that "he got his grown man on" and show those skills we've been hearing about.
Also returning this weekend should be Oliver Perez. He threw a rehab game yesterday, and reports had him feeling fine. He went 4 innings with 7 k's and reported no pain in his lower back. I don't need to explain how vital to the rotation he is.
Moises Alou is in St Lucie to rehab his quad. This is good news. Hopefully all goes well and we can get him back in early August. Then, we can have him in left, in a sorta platoon with Milledge perhaps. Once he returns, he's gonna need days off of course. Around that time we may see Endy Chavez, another left field option. Who knows, if Green keeps faltering, then perhaps Milledge can play some right field. The good news, no regular season games in Boston.
Then, in the middle of August, Pedro.
It's all falling into place fans. We jumped out to the early lead. Then, the injuries and awful play hit. Yet, the lead is still there. Now, the wounded are returning. Just in time for the stretch run. Buckle up, the second half of the season is about to begin.
I joke, I kid. I'm looking forward to Lastings being back, for a LOT of reasons. First, he's a hell of a lot better than Ricky Ledee. Second, it's another bat with some pop in the lineup. Now, he isn't going to hit 20 HR's, but he is going to get his share of extra-base hits. With the lower third of our batting order (Green, Valentin) struggling, this is a good thing. He had 3 homers in his rehab stint in Binghamton, including 2 on Monday, and hit well over 400. Nice. He's in Brooklyn today and tomorrow, to get some more at-bats.
Odds are he will be here on Thursday as the Mets take on the Reds in a 4 game set. Hopefully, starting in left field, and hopefully, batting second. Why second you ask, and not 7th or 8th? Because PLD is not getting it done in the #2 spot, and the thought of Valentin or Easley hitting there makes me ill. The other options would be Wright or Beltran, but Wright is doing well in the #5 spot, and well, we know Willie ain't moving Beltran. Is Lastings the perfect answer? No. But he's the best one we have right now in my eyes.
Plus, he's gonna bring some exuberance with him. He's an excitable guy, and he wants to succeed. He's gotta know the fans will be on him if he does poorly, or says or does anything dumb. I'm sure he knows Willie and the boys will be on him too. It's time for him to prove that "he got his grown man on" and show those skills we've been hearing about.
Also returning this weekend should be Oliver Perez. He threw a rehab game yesterday, and reports had him feeling fine. He went 4 innings with 7 k's and reported no pain in his lower back. I don't need to explain how vital to the rotation he is.
Moises Alou is in St Lucie to rehab his quad. This is good news. Hopefully all goes well and we can get him back in early August. Then, we can have him in left, in a sorta platoon with Milledge perhaps. Once he returns, he's gonna need days off of course. Around that time we may see Endy Chavez, another left field option. Who knows, if Green keeps faltering, then perhaps Milledge can play some right field. The good news, no regular season games in Boston.
Then, in the middle of August, Pedro.
It's all falling into place fans. We jumped out to the early lead. Then, the injuries and awful play hit. Yet, the lead is still there. Now, the wounded are returning. Just in time for the stretch run. Buckle up, the second half of the season is about to begin.
Friday, July 06, 2007
A Good Day All Around
I am happy this morning, as I expect most Mets and Islander fans are.
First the Mets. For once, a complete team game. Willie had a pre-game meeting prior to taking on the Astros. The boys responded with a 6-2 win. John Maine gave an FU to those who did not vote for him by going 7 + and allowing 2 runs (thanks in part to Joe Smith.) Maine struck out the side in the first inning after the Mets put 2 on the board, and finished with 9 K's. Smith Pedro Dos and Wagner finished it up.
The bats were nice. Jose Jose Jose led off with a triple and scored on a single by # 2 hitter Ricky Ledee (!?!?). Ledee then scored on a 2-out single by Carlos Delgado (4-4 with a walk, now 13-31 of late). The Mets scored 4 of their runs with 2 outs, a nice change of pace from the anemic RISP hitting of, oh, pretty much the entire damn season. Carlos Beltran added a late solo home run in the 9th to provide the final margin.
Before the game PLD dropped his appeal and sat out last night and will sit tonight as well. Ramon Castro did well in his place with 3 hits and 2 RBI's. As for why Ricky Ledee was playing, much less batting second, well, the missing PLD is part of the #2 spot, and the other reason is that Carlos Gomez went on the DL with a broken hamate bone in his hand which was removed during surgery yesterday. Gomez will be out 6-8 weeks. Lastings Milledge, see you after the ASB. The hamate bone is useless, so the removal should not impact him. How do I know this you may ask? Well, Ed knows a lot of useless crap.
*************************************
My happiness was completed when the Islanders announced 2 signings yesterday. First, Bill Guerin was signed for 2 years. Now, the money may be a tad high, but who hasn't signed a player for mad cash this offseason (I'm looking at you woodman, sweetlew and other Ranger fans). Guerin is 36, but scored that many goals last year. He is a legitimate #1 wing, plus he brings veteran presence to the locker room. I see him wearing at least an "A", if not the "C".
The other signing was 26 yr old Mike Comrie, who has bounced around a bit but has legitimate #1 talent. Only a 1 yr deal, so this is a test of the youngster. If he starts out hot, I would hope Garth is able to lock him up, since there are no #1 centers in the system right now.
Does this guarantee a playoff spot? No, of course not. But it does show players will sign here. A veteran like Guerin can only help in that regard. Newsday reported Bill and Mike talked about joining the Isles as they negotiated with Garth. They knew each other from their Edmonton Oiler days. Nice little package deal. Good job Garth. Now, about that defense...
First the Mets. For once, a complete team game. Willie had a pre-game meeting prior to taking on the Astros. The boys responded with a 6-2 win. John Maine gave an FU to those who did not vote for him by going 7 + and allowing 2 runs (thanks in part to Joe Smith.) Maine struck out the side in the first inning after the Mets put 2 on the board, and finished with 9 K's. Smith Pedro Dos and Wagner finished it up.
The bats were nice. Jose Jose Jose led off with a triple and scored on a single by # 2 hitter Ricky Ledee (!?!?). Ledee then scored on a 2-out single by Carlos Delgado (4-4 with a walk, now 13-31 of late). The Mets scored 4 of their runs with 2 outs, a nice change of pace from the anemic RISP hitting of, oh, pretty much the entire damn season. Carlos Beltran added a late solo home run in the 9th to provide the final margin.
Before the game PLD dropped his appeal and sat out last night and will sit tonight as well. Ramon Castro did well in his place with 3 hits and 2 RBI's. As for why Ricky Ledee was playing, much less batting second, well, the missing PLD is part of the #2 spot, and the other reason is that Carlos Gomez went on the DL with a broken hamate bone in his hand which was removed during surgery yesterday. Gomez will be out 6-8 weeks. Lastings Milledge, see you after the ASB. The hamate bone is useless, so the removal should not impact him. How do I know this you may ask? Well, Ed knows a lot of useless crap.
*************************************
My happiness was completed when the Islanders announced 2 signings yesterday. First, Bill Guerin was signed for 2 years. Now, the money may be a tad high, but who hasn't signed a player for mad cash this offseason (I'm looking at you woodman, sweetlew and other Ranger fans). Guerin is 36, but scored that many goals last year. He is a legitimate #1 wing, plus he brings veteran presence to the locker room. I see him wearing at least an "A", if not the "C".
The other signing was 26 yr old Mike Comrie, who has bounced around a bit but has legitimate #1 talent. Only a 1 yr deal, so this is a test of the youngster. If he starts out hot, I would hope Garth is able to lock him up, since there are no #1 centers in the system right now.
Does this guarantee a playoff spot? No, of course not. But it does show players will sign here. A veteran like Guerin can only help in that regard. Newsday reported Bill and Mike talked about joining the Isles as they negotiated with Garth. They knew each other from their Edmonton Oiler days. Nice little package deal. Good job Garth. Now, about that defense...
Thursday, July 05, 2007
This is Starting to Become Irritating
After taking 3 of 4 from the Team to Beat on, the Mets went west for 3 against the Rockies. Now, someone who shall remain named Ed warned that just because we were going to hitters parks did not mean we were going to be the only beneficiaries. I was worried about going into the bandboxes with our set of Fly-ball pitchers. I am not an "I told you so" type of guy, but I was right. Not in Philly of course, but in Colorado.
Of course the fact that Ollie had to go on the DL didn't help matters since Vargas had to get the call. He showed why he needs a tad more time in NOLA. If you all remember his start against the Cubs, he did well for a while until the 5th when he got lit up. Well, this time he didn't wait that long. The Mets took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, but Vargas gave up 4 in the bottom of the first, on his way to allowing 9 in 3 1/3 innings along with 11 hits. Yeah, there were a lot of dinks and dunks, but as Keith said repeatedly, he just didn't have any velocity when he tried to go inside. Kaz Matsui had 5 hits for pete's sake.
Last night say El Duque throw another stinker. The problem is that the high altitude messes with breaking stuff. El Duque relies on breaking stuff. It was a formula for horror. It started off well for the boys as Wright went yard in the first for a 3-0 lead. Alas, El Duque couldn't hold it as he was batted around for 6 runs in 4 innings. The pen was awful, again, allowing another 11 runs in 4 innings, with Mota and The Show leading the charge as usual and even Pedro Dos giving up 3 runs. Only Heilman was able to pitch a full inning unscathed.
So the Rockies swept us, a few weeks after sweeping the Yanks, becoming the first team since the days of the Dodgers and Giants to sweep two NY teams in the same season. Crap.
Before the game last night, Vargas was sent down and Sandy Alomar Jr. was called up to be the 3rd string catcher in case PLD loses his appeal, and to keep Franco company on the bench. This call up probably allows Willie to use Castro as a PH as well since he would have another catcher in case something happened to PLD, like another temper tantrum.
The bats are quiet with the exception of DW and well, no one really. Beltran has done nothing since Philly. Green is still on the DL for as well as he is hitting. Delgado has a couple of good games and then goes quiet again. The pen has been terrible, with the exception of Pedro Dos and Wagner. Joe Smith has come back to earth, Mota is still in Spring Training. Heilman is giving up way too many HR's. The Show, well, he allowed a run on the road finally, so there goes that idea. What does Omar do now?
I do not want a big trade. I want Pelfrey, Humber, Milledge, et al to stay. Perhaps get another arm for the pen. ALou may be back by the end of the month. The starting pitching has been fine for the most part, I am not panicking over that group. Plus, we had some good news about Pedro, as he is ahead of schedule, throwing a 50 pitch simulated game the other day. He will now shut down for a week, and when he returns, will throw another simulated game, then, assuming all is well, will start rehab appearances. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
On to Houston. We will see Maine, Pelfrey, Glavine and Dave Williams against Jennings, Rodriguez, Woody Williams and Oswalt. The first three Houston starters have combined for a record of 10-20, so we will probably lose to all of them. Oswalt is 7-5, but is still fantastic. Oh, Peter Angelos, how I hate you.
Perhaps, the 17-7 blowout will cause some guys to take a long look in the mirror today. I've said that too many times this year. Maybe this time it works. The lead is now 3.
Of course the fact that Ollie had to go on the DL didn't help matters since Vargas had to get the call. He showed why he needs a tad more time in NOLA. If you all remember his start against the Cubs, he did well for a while until the 5th when he got lit up. Well, this time he didn't wait that long. The Mets took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, but Vargas gave up 4 in the bottom of the first, on his way to allowing 9 in 3 1/3 innings along with 11 hits. Yeah, there were a lot of dinks and dunks, but as Keith said repeatedly, he just didn't have any velocity when he tried to go inside. Kaz Matsui had 5 hits for pete's sake.
Last night say El Duque throw another stinker. The problem is that the high altitude messes with breaking stuff. El Duque relies on breaking stuff. It was a formula for horror. It started off well for the boys as Wright went yard in the first for a 3-0 lead. Alas, El Duque couldn't hold it as he was batted around for 6 runs in 4 innings. The pen was awful, again, allowing another 11 runs in 4 innings, with Mota and The Show leading the charge as usual and even Pedro Dos giving up 3 runs. Only Heilman was able to pitch a full inning unscathed.
So the Rockies swept us, a few weeks after sweeping the Yanks, becoming the first team since the days of the Dodgers and Giants to sweep two NY teams in the same season. Crap.
Before the game last night, Vargas was sent down and Sandy Alomar Jr. was called up to be the 3rd string catcher in case PLD loses his appeal, and to keep Franco company on the bench. This call up probably allows Willie to use Castro as a PH as well since he would have another catcher in case something happened to PLD, like another temper tantrum.
The bats are quiet with the exception of DW and well, no one really. Beltran has done nothing since Philly. Green is still on the DL for as well as he is hitting. Delgado has a couple of good games and then goes quiet again. The pen has been terrible, with the exception of Pedro Dos and Wagner. Joe Smith has come back to earth, Mota is still in Spring Training. Heilman is giving up way too many HR's. The Show, well, he allowed a run on the road finally, so there goes that idea. What does Omar do now?
I do not want a big trade. I want Pelfrey, Humber, Milledge, et al to stay. Perhaps get another arm for the pen. ALou may be back by the end of the month. The starting pitching has been fine for the most part, I am not panicking over that group. Plus, we had some good news about Pedro, as he is ahead of schedule, throwing a 50 pitch simulated game the other day. He will now shut down for a week, and when he returns, will throw another simulated game, then, assuming all is well, will start rehab appearances. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
On to Houston. We will see Maine, Pelfrey, Glavine and Dave Williams against Jennings, Rodriguez, Woody Williams and Oswalt. The first three Houston starters have combined for a record of 10-20, so we will probably lose to all of them. Oswalt is 7-5, but is still fantastic. Oh, Peter Angelos, how I hate you.
Perhaps, the 17-7 blowout will cause some guys to take a long look in the mirror today. I've said that too many times this year. Maybe this time it works. The lead is now 3.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Test
We have a test in front of us fans. Eleven games in bandboxes. Now, the papers are making a big deal about how this might help our bats, and this may be true. However, there is a flip side, how will our pitching hold up in those same parks? Remember, we have a few fly ball pitchers on our staff.
It starts today at 1PM in Citizens Bank Park with the first game of a day-night DH against the Phillies. El Duque (pushed back due to the rainout last night) faces Chad Durbin. In the nightcap, John Maine faces Cole Hamels. I am not going to sit here and write about how much Durbin sucks. Given the offensive funk the Mets have been in of late, there is no guarantee that facing a POS will make any difference. The way things are going, they may win a 2-1 game in the opener with 4 hits, and then knock the crap out of Hamels in the evening.
In any event, to say the ballparks will help the bats while ignoring the impact of those same factors and their impact on our pitching is silly. Maine is a fly-ball pitcher. CBP is a bandbox. It is quite likely he could be taken deep a coupleof times. The same for El Duque if he isn't on his game. Tomorrow we put Sosa (another fly ball guy) up against James Happ, who ESPN has not information on. In other words, he could kill us. Saturday is also Metsgeek day at CBP as some 20+ commenters band together to see our beloved Metsies. I hope Fox gets wind of this somehow so we can see how they take over CBP. Sunday sees Perez face Kyle Kendrick, another new guy who has appeared in 3 games in his career, and is 2-0 with a 5.00 ERA and 1.28 WHIP.
So, given all these factors, I am not exactly giddy with excitement. We have a bandbox, and 3 unknown pitchers going against us. It would be nice to go in and take 3 of 4. I think it can be done, but I'm not seeing any blowouts.
Other News
PLD is starting to worry me a tad. It started with his lunatic act over the weekend. Since then he has been a little prickly with the media. Yesterday, after being asked again about whether he was dropping his appeal, he blew up at the press, saying they should drop the line of questioning. He then proceeded to complain about being one of the "go-to" guys for the media, and about how only 3 or 4 guys are spoken too. He then said the media should go to some of the spanish speaking players for comment.
Now, I don't know what PLD's issue is. He is a guy known for being a leader in each stop. Why is he saying this out loud? Why not pull the guys aside a ask them to speak up? Why air it out in the press. The only outcome is media types writing about it, and possible dissension in the room, in addition to bloggers like me. Then there are the fans who already have "concerns" about the makeup of the team. These people are gonna love this. There are those who do not like the Latin "tilt" to the room. I personally care only about having the best team on the field, no matter where a player is from.
So Paulie, you may not like being a go-to guy, but the fact is you have been one for your entire career. You are a leader. A leader doesn't air the dirty laundry in the press. I'm disappointed in you Paulie.
ISLES News
Well, I don't really have anything to report. Rumors abound about Ryan Smyth and whether Snow is going to sign him or trade him. Eklund over on Hockeybuzz.com reported yesterday intense talks were underway with lawyers involved. Then came a rumor he had been traded to Toronto, and that rumor was then pulled.
I am torn on Smyth. I would love for him to stay, but am worried about how much it will cost to entice him. This is not going to be a contending team next year. Blake is gone, as is Yashin, taking some 40+ goals with them. There is no #1 center on the roster. Odds are if Smyth stays, they may be able to get someone else, but if he is too expensive, will there be enough $ left? There is need for help on the blueline as well. Smyth is a character guy, not a big scorer. How much of an impact will he have without someone who can pot 15-40 goals onthe roster?
Rumors also abound that Michael Peca may return. Again, I am torn. I like his grit, but he is no longer a top line player, or even a #2 center. He might be a good fallback if Smyth leaves (either through a trade or FA). But the same scoring issues will remain.
Snow has his work cut out for him. This offseason will show whether he is in over his head or not.
It starts today at 1PM in Citizens Bank Park with the first game of a day-night DH against the Phillies. El Duque (pushed back due to the rainout last night) faces Chad Durbin. In the nightcap, John Maine faces Cole Hamels. I am not going to sit here and write about how much Durbin sucks. Given the offensive funk the Mets have been in of late, there is no guarantee that facing a POS will make any difference. The way things are going, they may win a 2-1 game in the opener with 4 hits, and then knock the crap out of Hamels in the evening.
In any event, to say the ballparks will help the bats while ignoring the impact of those same factors and their impact on our pitching is silly. Maine is a fly-ball pitcher. CBP is a bandbox. It is quite likely he could be taken deep a coupleof times. The same for El Duque if he isn't on his game. Tomorrow we put Sosa (another fly ball guy) up against James Happ, who ESPN has not information on. In other words, he could kill us. Saturday is also Metsgeek day at CBP as some 20+ commenters band together to see our beloved Metsies. I hope Fox gets wind of this somehow so we can see how they take over CBP. Sunday sees Perez face Kyle Kendrick, another new guy who has appeared in 3 games in his career, and is 2-0 with a 5.00 ERA and 1.28 WHIP.
So, given all these factors, I am not exactly giddy with excitement. We have a bandbox, and 3 unknown pitchers going against us. It would be nice to go in and take 3 of 4. I think it can be done, but I'm not seeing any blowouts.
Other News
PLD is starting to worry me a tad. It started with his lunatic act over the weekend. Since then he has been a little prickly with the media. Yesterday, after being asked again about whether he was dropping his appeal, he blew up at the press, saying they should drop the line of questioning. He then proceeded to complain about being one of the "go-to" guys for the media, and about how only 3 or 4 guys are spoken too. He then said the media should go to some of the spanish speaking players for comment.
Now, I don't know what PLD's issue is. He is a guy known for being a leader in each stop. Why is he saying this out loud? Why not pull the guys aside a ask them to speak up? Why air it out in the press. The only outcome is media types writing about it, and possible dissension in the room, in addition to bloggers like me. Then there are the fans who already have "concerns" about the makeup of the team. These people are gonna love this. There are those who do not like the Latin "tilt" to the room. I personally care only about having the best team on the field, no matter where a player is from.
So Paulie, you may not like being a go-to guy, but the fact is you have been one for your entire career. You are a leader. A leader doesn't air the dirty laundry in the press. I'm disappointed in you Paulie.
ISLES News
Well, I don't really have anything to report. Rumors abound about Ryan Smyth and whether Snow is going to sign him or trade him. Eklund over on Hockeybuzz.com reported yesterday intense talks were underway with lawyers involved. Then came a rumor he had been traded to Toronto, and that rumor was then pulled.
I am torn on Smyth. I would love for him to stay, but am worried about how much it will cost to entice him. This is not going to be a contending team next year. Blake is gone, as is Yashin, taking some 40+ goals with them. There is no #1 center on the roster. Odds are if Smyth stays, they may be able to get someone else, but if he is too expensive, will there be enough $ left? There is need for help on the blueline as well. Smyth is a character guy, not a big scorer. How much of an impact will he have without someone who can pot 15-40 goals onthe roster?
Rumors also abound that Michael Peca may return. Again, I am torn. I like his grit, but he is no longer a top line player, or even a #2 center. He might be a good fallback if Smyth leaves (either through a trade or FA). But the same scoring issues will remain.
Snow has his work cut out for him. This offseason will show whether he is in over his head or not.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Ugly? Who Cares? It's a Win.
Well, it sure wasn't pretty last night. The bats were sleepy again. Two guys got picked off first. Joe Smith was a tad wild. Two errors by Pujols were not taken advantage of. But at the end of the night, the Mets went home with a big W. Not pretty, but it really doesn't matter.
That's four in a row for the good guys. Wins that is, in case you weren't sure. A lead that had dwindled to 1.5 games is now back to 3.5 over the Phillies this time. The Braves stand 4.5 back. The lead is the same it was on June 1. The only fly in the ointment is that the Phillies actually whittled their deficit down from 8.5 to 3.5 this month. But that's OK, since we have 4 against them this weekend. Time to bury them, just like last year.
Jorge Sosa pitched well last night, which was a nice sight since he had been blasted his last two outings. He went 6 innings, allowing 1 run with 2 walks and 5 K's. Joe Smith went 2/3, allowing a hit and two walks. Pedro Dos relieved Smith, turning Scott (Happy Trail) Spezio around to the right side (his good side), but Pedro got the out, leaving the bases juiced. Pedro pitched the 8th, and Wags pitched the 9th and 10th, allowing not hits with 3 K's. Heilman pitched the 11th, allowing a bloop hit and getting 2 K's. Aaron has turned it on of late. Time to anoint him the 8th inning guy. He got the win.
The bats totalled 3 hits. Delgado had a single. Carlos Gomez, after hitting a long fly ball to left that was foul, straightened it out 3 pitches later. It is not often that you see a long foul followed by a HR. Well, Gomez did it, and then, in the 11th, Shawn Green did the same thing. A long foul to right. Two pitches later, a CRUSHED homer off the scoreboard and jubilation in the stands and at home plate.
The streak is now at 4. Lets take at least 2 more from the Cardinals. Then, onto Philly, for a doubleheader on Friday and games Saturday and Sunday. Saturday there will be a large contingent from MetsGeek in the stands. That oughta be interesting. Alas, Ed is unable to attend.
In other news PLD was suspended 2 games for his tirade on Saturday. He has appealled, and is hoping it gets knocked down to 1 game. If not, I would guess he will sit out the two games Friday, or perhaps Thursday and the first game Friday, allowing the called up catcher to catch Mike Pelfrey, who is the probable starter for one of the games Friday. We shall see. Paulie needs to watch his temper. I'm all for fire, but he went way too far.
Pedro will throw another bullpen session today. If all goes well, he will start throwing BP probably next week. This bears watching. I'm cautiously optimistic about his return, but not getting my hopes up too high.
Alou will see the doctor again next Monday. Omar said that he is feeling better. Perhaps the shut-down has helped. His bat is important.
Finally, I have a new column coming today on FU. Take a look, it will probably be up this afternoon. It is about Delgado.
Over at FU, "The Coop" has a column about Alou. Nice read as always Coop.
That's four in a row for the good guys. Wins that is, in case you weren't sure. A lead that had dwindled to 1.5 games is now back to 3.5 over the Phillies this time. The Braves stand 4.5 back. The lead is the same it was on June 1. The only fly in the ointment is that the Phillies actually whittled their deficit down from 8.5 to 3.5 this month. But that's OK, since we have 4 against them this weekend. Time to bury them, just like last year.
Jorge Sosa pitched well last night, which was a nice sight since he had been blasted his last two outings. He went 6 innings, allowing 1 run with 2 walks and 5 K's. Joe Smith went 2/3, allowing a hit and two walks. Pedro Dos relieved Smith, turning Scott (Happy Trail) Spezio around to the right side (his good side), but Pedro got the out, leaving the bases juiced. Pedro pitched the 8th, and Wags pitched the 9th and 10th, allowing not hits with 3 K's. Heilman pitched the 11th, allowing a bloop hit and getting 2 K's. Aaron has turned it on of late. Time to anoint him the 8th inning guy. He got the win.
The bats totalled 3 hits. Delgado had a single. Carlos Gomez, after hitting a long fly ball to left that was foul, straightened it out 3 pitches later. It is not often that you see a long foul followed by a HR. Well, Gomez did it, and then, in the 11th, Shawn Green did the same thing. A long foul to right. Two pitches later, a CRUSHED homer off the scoreboard and jubilation in the stands and at home plate.
The streak is now at 4. Lets take at least 2 more from the Cardinals. Then, onto Philly, for a doubleheader on Friday and games Saturday and Sunday. Saturday there will be a large contingent from MetsGeek in the stands. That oughta be interesting. Alas, Ed is unable to attend.
In other news PLD was suspended 2 games for his tirade on Saturday. He has appealled, and is hoping it gets knocked down to 1 game. If not, I would guess he will sit out the two games Friday, or perhaps Thursday and the first game Friday, allowing the called up catcher to catch Mike Pelfrey, who is the probable starter for one of the games Friday. We shall see. Paulie needs to watch his temper. I'm all for fire, but he went way too far.
Pedro will throw another bullpen session today. If all goes well, he will start throwing BP probably next week. This bears watching. I'm cautiously optimistic about his return, but not getting my hopes up too high.
Alou will see the doctor again next Monday. Omar said that he is feeling better. Perhaps the shut-down has helped. His bat is important.
Finally, I have a new column coming today on FU. Take a look, it will probably be up this afternoon. It is about Delgado.
Over at FU, "The Coop" has a column about Alou. Nice read as always Coop.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
A Call to Arms (and Bats)
Enough. That's it. Done. I refer to the losing streak. It ends Friday night. Playtime is over, it is time to get serious about winning this division.
I call on Perez, Glavine and El Duque to bring their A games. I call on Heilman to forget Yadier Molina. I call on Mota to forget he is no longer using steroids. I call on Joe Smith to think this is April. I call on Pedro Dos to continue as is. I call on Wagner to be his best. (I call on Willie to forget Sele and The Show exist).
Wright, you keep doing what you've been doing of late. I call on Reyes to drop a bunt Friday night each and every time at bat against Clemens. Whoever is in the 2 hole, get a single, drive Jose in. I call on Dos Carlos' to be the players that we all know they can be. I want doubles and home runs from both of you. 'Stache, pretend it is last year and get a couple of key hits. I want hits with RISP.
Willie, I know that you are not a screamer, I kinda like that. But even a calm guy needs to shake things up. Throw a fit. Break a water cooler with a bat. Smack The Show with a bat (actually, that will serve two purposes, use that one). Do something to let these guys know losing will no longer be tolerated. You are the defending NL East Champions. Now play like it. There is no good reason the Phillies or the Braves should be within 6 games of this team right now. The talent in the Mets locker room is better than both of those teams. Now show it.
The media is poised to proclaim the Mets dead. The bandwagon fans are ready to jump ship. I call on you to show them they are wrong. Slumps happen, I know. But they end. And the time to end this one is Friday night. Lets roll off a nice winning streak shall we? No better way to start than against the Yankees.
I call on Perez, Glavine and El Duque to bring their A games. I call on Heilman to forget Yadier Molina. I call on Mota to forget he is no longer using steroids. I call on Joe Smith to think this is April. I call on Pedro Dos to continue as is. I call on Wagner to be his best. (I call on Willie to forget Sele and The Show exist).
Wright, you keep doing what you've been doing of late. I call on Reyes to drop a bunt Friday night each and every time at bat against Clemens. Whoever is in the 2 hole, get a single, drive Jose in. I call on Dos Carlos' to be the players that we all know they can be. I want doubles and home runs from both of you. 'Stache, pretend it is last year and get a couple of key hits. I want hits with RISP.
Willie, I know that you are not a screamer, I kinda like that. But even a calm guy needs to shake things up. Throw a fit. Break a water cooler with a bat. Smack The Show with a bat (actually, that will serve two purposes, use that one). Do something to let these guys know losing will no longer be tolerated. You are the defending NL East Champions. Now play like it. There is no good reason the Phillies or the Braves should be within 6 games of this team right now. The talent in the Mets locker room is better than both of those teams. Now show it.
The media is poised to proclaim the Mets dead. The bandwagon fans are ready to jump ship. I call on you to show them they are wrong. Slumps happen, I know. But they end. And the time to end this one is Friday night. Lets roll off a nice winning streak shall we? No better way to start than against the Yankees.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Nothing Today
I've got nothing. I saw the first inning, and went to sleep. I know it turned out bad. I know El Duque turned in his first stinker. I know they failed to hit with RISP. Alas, I know the Show did OK, which means Willie will keep bringing him in.
I will have a new column up over at F.U. later today. Take a look at it.
I should hopefully have something to write tomorrow. Hopefully it will be a happy re-cap. I'm getting sick of the un-happy ones.
I will have a new column up over at F.U. later today. Take a look at it.
I should hopefully have something to write tomorrow. Hopefully it will be a happy re-cap. I'm getting sick of the un-happy ones.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Lost Weekend
Well, the bats woke up at least. The pitching alas, caught the suckitude virus and crapped the bed Saturday and Sunday.
On the heels of Jorge Sosa seeing how bad the bullpen was last week and saying "Fuck it, I'm going 8" we had our two big guys, Perez and Glavine going Saturday and Sunday. Both sucked. There is no other way to put it. Ollie got hit early and often on Saturday, Glavine got smacked around yesterday. Face it, the Tigers are a damn good team. They can hit. They have good pitching. And they have a real DH. Injuries have left the Mets shorthanded, and it hurt this weekend when PLD had to DH, instead of perhaps Moises, or even Green. Thankfully, Green is due back possibly as early as tonight against the Dodgers.
The pen blew up this weekend as well. Yesterday, Sele and Smith got blown up, giving up 2 and 4 runs respectively. On Saturday, Mota was the culprit. About the only good news from Saturday was Heilman pitching 2 scoreless innings, allowing only 1 hit. He HAS to get back to form. Forget Molina, just pitch.
The other good news from the weekend was David Wright, who has now homered in 4 straight games, and has a little hitting streak going. You know things are bad when Ricky Ledee is starting in your outfield. Easley played yesterday, Stache is back. The lineup has clicked. Now, we need the pitching to get back to where it was.
Here are the matchups for the Dodgers series.
El Duque vs. Wolf
Maine vs. Kuo
Sosa vs. Penny
Wolf and Penny have had good years. Kuo, not so much. Grady, lefties don't scare the Mets this year. Thanks for that.
Don't panic fans. We went through a bad stretch like this last year, remember the Boston Series?
That being said, I want things fixed, starting tonight.
On the heels of Jorge Sosa seeing how bad the bullpen was last week and saying "Fuck it, I'm going 8" we had our two big guys, Perez and Glavine going Saturday and Sunday. Both sucked. There is no other way to put it. Ollie got hit early and often on Saturday, Glavine got smacked around yesterday. Face it, the Tigers are a damn good team. They can hit. They have good pitching. And they have a real DH. Injuries have left the Mets shorthanded, and it hurt this weekend when PLD had to DH, instead of perhaps Moises, or even Green. Thankfully, Green is due back possibly as early as tonight against the Dodgers.
The pen blew up this weekend as well. Yesterday, Sele and Smith got blown up, giving up 2 and 4 runs respectively. On Saturday, Mota was the culprit. About the only good news from Saturday was Heilman pitching 2 scoreless innings, allowing only 1 hit. He HAS to get back to form. Forget Molina, just pitch.
The other good news from the weekend was David Wright, who has now homered in 4 straight games, and has a little hitting streak going. You know things are bad when Ricky Ledee is starting in your outfield. Easley played yesterday, Stache is back. The lineup has clicked. Now, we need the pitching to get back to where it was.
Here are the matchups for the Dodgers series.
El Duque vs. Wolf
Maine vs. Kuo
Sosa vs. Penny
Wolf and Penny have had good years. Kuo, not so much. Grady, lefties don't scare the Mets this year. Thanks for that.
Don't panic fans. We went through a bad stretch like this last year, remember the Boston Series?
That being said, I want things fixed, starting tonight.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Cancel the F'in Show
I try. Real hard. I try not to be a fan who panics. I am an optimist at heart after all. I've lived through good (86, 88, 00) and bad (take your pick). This team is good. Good players all over the roster. Good manager, good GM. I should be happy. I get pissed when fans bash certain players (Beltran, Wright, Delgado) and hate booing of Met players. But I can't stand it no more. "The Show" needs to fucking go.
Look, all teams have their weak point, 1986 had Doug Sisk. The Show was signed to be more than a LOOGY, otherwise, why 3 years for sick money? I supported him this year. I have done it hear, at F.U., at Metsgeek. But I am done. If he is hurt,. why the hell is he pitching? Have we not learned from 2005 with Looper? How many games did that idiot cost us pitching with a messed up shoulder? Now we have The Show, who has stated "it feels like I am pitching on ice". Really? Then guess what motherfucker, go on the DL. You are NOT helping the team right now if your damn leg feels like it is going to fall off.
I am putting this on Willie and Omar. Put Scott on the DL right fucking now. I don't want to see #60 on the mound until his leg is either healed, or the Mets have a 15 game lead in the NL East. Anytime before then, don't wanna see him. He can't get out righties. He can't get out lefties. Willie, what the hell were you doing putting him in to face switch hitters, who would go up batting righty? WTF? The fans are turning on him, he is becoming Doug Sisk before our very eyes.
Now, Billy of course shares some blame for last night, since he gave up the HR to Patt (I SUCK) Burrell (he is hurting my fantasy team this year.) But the Show lost the damn game. Joe Smith may have allowed a couple of inherited guys to score, but this is on Show. On a night the Mets go back to back to back, and get a great outing from Maine, the pen coughs it up.
This shit needs to stop. I want a goddamn team meeting and some ass chewed out. The situational hitting has been for shit. The pen has been for shit. As I wrote yesterday, June is a tough month, it is time for this team to assert itself. Losing like this is not the way to do so.
Look, all teams have their weak point, 1986 had Doug Sisk. The Show was signed to be more than a LOOGY, otherwise, why 3 years for sick money? I supported him this year. I have done it hear, at F.U., at Metsgeek. But I am done. If he is hurt,. why the hell is he pitching? Have we not learned from 2005 with Looper? How many games did that idiot cost us pitching with a messed up shoulder? Now we have The Show, who has stated "it feels like I am pitching on ice". Really? Then guess what motherfucker, go on the DL. You are NOT helping the team right now if your damn leg feels like it is going to fall off.
I am putting this on Willie and Omar. Put Scott on the DL right fucking now. I don't want to see #60 on the mound until his leg is either healed, or the Mets have a 15 game lead in the NL East. Anytime before then, don't wanna see him. He can't get out righties. He can't get out lefties. Willie, what the hell were you doing putting him in to face switch hitters, who would go up batting righty? WTF? The fans are turning on him, he is becoming Doug Sisk before our very eyes.
Now, Billy of course shares some blame for last night, since he gave up the HR to Patt (I SUCK) Burrell (he is hurting my fantasy team this year.) But the Show lost the damn game. Joe Smith may have allowed a couple of inherited guys to score, but this is on Show. On a night the Mets go back to back to back, and get a great outing from Maine, the pen coughs it up.
This shit needs to stop. I want a goddamn team meeting and some ass chewed out. The situational hitting has been for shit. The pen has been for shit. As I wrote yesterday, June is a tough month, it is time for this team to assert itself. Losing like this is not the way to do so.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Who Broke the Rabbits Foot?
Sanchez. Alou. Valentin. Green. Beltran. El Duque. Now Chavez. All have gone down to injury this season. Other players have missed time, Wright, Easley, Gomez. In the minors, Johnson, Milledge, Carp, among others, have gotten hurt. What the hell did we do to run into this buzzsaw?
I know all teams have to deal with injuries. Look in the Bronx for example. But this is bordering on ridiculous, if not there already. We are missing 2/3 of our outfield. Now, you can say that we should have expected Alou to get hurt, I agree with that sentiment, but Green? The guy has never been on the DL before this year. We call up Gomez, and he strains his leg. Then, Endy "strains" his hammy last night in a disheartening loss. I'm sorry, from the way he grabbed it, and the look on his face, I ain't expecting Endy back anytime soon. Alou tried to run yesterday, after having more fluid drained from his quad on Monday, and it was not good. He has no idea when he will be back. Valentin should be back tonight (keep your fingers crossed). Green on Sunday. But Beltran is going to have to fight his knee tendonitis for a while. Easley, the same thing (though the return of Stache helps this, as does the play of Gotay.)
With Milledge hurt (and still 4 weeks away apparently), now Endy, who is next to come up? Newhan is not a starter. I'm sorry, I try not to be one of those fans, but this guy sucks. He couldn't even get a damn bunt down last night. Yes, he doubled, but it was a flare. The guy is not good. Johnson has not shown much in limited action, though he does have decent minor league numbers. Can you say Ricky Ledee anyone? Cripes.
Of course, the injuries are not to blame for the present 3 game (that's right folks, only 3 games) losing streak. The blame there falls to the big bats. Beltran, Delgado and Wright have not gotten it done. Now, we could survive one of them slumping, but all 3 at once? No chance. They need to get going. Tonight. Cole Hamels is the opponent, and he is damn good. Maine goes for the Mets, and he needs to be as good, if not better, than Glavine and El Duque the past two nights. The bullpen has had a part in the recent streak, but it all gets back to the bats. Reyes needs to get on base, and the other guys need to drive him in. With Chavez out, it will be interesting to see who bats second the next couple of days. I'm guessing Stache, leaving PLD in the 6 spot to protect Wright (yes, I know protection is overrated, humor me, I'm in a bad way today). It would also be nice if some of the guys in the bottom of the order could get a couple of hits. I know Gomez, Johnson and Gotay are young, but they need to contribute. We've gotten great starts of late, with not so good bullpen. In the last seven games though, the lineup has been dead. They have scored 0, 4, 1, 7, 1, 2, 2 runs in each game, with two wins, the 4 and 7 run games. Something needs to be done about the lack of hitting.
The boys better take last night's loss as a wake up call. Inter-league is starting, and June in particular is a tough month. I know we are 3.5 games up, as we were last year on this date. But the team has not been hitting as well since the start of May really. Somebody needs to step up. Someone needs to carry this team. Enough messing around guys. Start hitting. I heard boos last night after Aaron gave up the homer to Rollins. I hated it, but I can sort of understand it. Use that as fuel. Show the fans that they were wrong to boo, and beat up on Hamels. Then do the same to the Tigers starting tomorrow.
I know all teams have to deal with injuries. Look in the Bronx for example. But this is bordering on ridiculous, if not there already. We are missing 2/3 of our outfield. Now, you can say that we should have expected Alou to get hurt, I agree with that sentiment, but Green? The guy has never been on the DL before this year. We call up Gomez, and he strains his leg. Then, Endy "strains" his hammy last night in a disheartening loss. I'm sorry, from the way he grabbed it, and the look on his face, I ain't expecting Endy back anytime soon. Alou tried to run yesterday, after having more fluid drained from his quad on Monday, and it was not good. He has no idea when he will be back. Valentin should be back tonight (keep your fingers crossed). Green on Sunday. But Beltran is going to have to fight his knee tendonitis for a while. Easley, the same thing (though the return of Stache helps this, as does the play of Gotay.)
With Milledge hurt (and still 4 weeks away apparently), now Endy, who is next to come up? Newhan is not a starter. I'm sorry, I try not to be one of those fans, but this guy sucks. He couldn't even get a damn bunt down last night. Yes, he doubled, but it was a flare. The guy is not good. Johnson has not shown much in limited action, though he does have decent minor league numbers. Can you say Ricky Ledee anyone? Cripes.
Of course, the injuries are not to blame for the present 3 game (that's right folks, only 3 games) losing streak. The blame there falls to the big bats. Beltran, Delgado and Wright have not gotten it done. Now, we could survive one of them slumping, but all 3 at once? No chance. They need to get going. Tonight. Cole Hamels is the opponent, and he is damn good. Maine goes for the Mets, and he needs to be as good, if not better, than Glavine and El Duque the past two nights. The bullpen has had a part in the recent streak, but it all gets back to the bats. Reyes needs to get on base, and the other guys need to drive him in. With Chavez out, it will be interesting to see who bats second the next couple of days. I'm guessing Stache, leaving PLD in the 6 spot to protect Wright (yes, I know protection is overrated, humor me, I'm in a bad way today). It would also be nice if some of the guys in the bottom of the order could get a couple of hits. I know Gomez, Johnson and Gotay are young, but they need to contribute. We've gotten great starts of late, with not so good bullpen. In the last seven games though, the lineup has been dead. They have scored 0, 4, 1, 7, 1, 2, 2 runs in each game, with two wins, the 4 and 7 run games. Something needs to be done about the lack of hitting.
The boys better take last night's loss as a wake up call. Inter-league is starting, and June in particular is a tough month. I know we are 3.5 games up, as we were last year on this date. But the team has not been hitting as well since the start of May really. Somebody needs to step up. Someone needs to carry this team. Enough messing around guys. Start hitting. I heard boos last night after Aaron gave up the homer to Rollins. I hated it, but I can sort of understand it. Use that as fuel. Show the fans that they were wrong to boo, and beat up on Hamels. Then do the same to the Tigers starting tomorrow.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Depth is Good
Well, not too much can be said about this past weekend. Losing a series for only the 5th time this year is still a tough pill to swallow. But, at least the Braves lost yesterday, so the lead stays at 3.5 games. One thing the Mets have in their favor is depth, though at the moment, that is being stretched thin.
Now, I know other teams have been beset by numerous injuries. The key though is that those teams do not have the depth the Mets have. Take a look at the guys who have missed significant time this year who were on the roster on Opening Day:
Alou
Green
Valentin
Beltran
You are talking about your starting second baseman, plus the entire outfield. Alou is apparently not coming back this week. Green is hopefully back against the Tigers as soon as he is eligible to be activated. Beltran claims he may be back tomorrow, but since he feels pain batting right handed, he may sit out against the lefty Moyer. Valentin is apparently close to coming back, as he will start his rehab game stint this week.
In their places, the Mets have played Endy, a top flight 4th outfielder, who would start on a hell of a lot of teams (though I still think he is best suited as a backup), Easley, who has had some key hits, Ben Johnson this past week has played a bit, and Carlos Gomez, a 22 year old kid who has looked lost at times at the plate, Gotay, who is starting to come around with the bat (sorry A-Hern, your not coming up till you learn how to hit). Not to mention the fact that Easley played left field one game, Julio Franco had to play 3rd Friday night in place of Wright, Newhan has played (I do not think he is good by the way). Add to all of that the fact that Delgado has not totally turned it on, and Wright has had his ups and downs, and you would think that they would be hard pressed to be in the running for the Wild Card, much less leading the NL East. Omar did a brilliant job for the most part constructing his bench. The only "weak" links would be Newhan and Franco. Franco has trouble catching up to a good fastball at this point. He is a great leader, but he is not someone who can be counted on in a key situation against a good pitcher. Newhan is someone who may not be counted on against pretty much anyone. I know, he has had a couple of good games, but he is not consistent enough for my tastes. Then again, if the biggest complaints I have are about a couple of spare parts, I should probably just shut up.
I'm not going to get all pissed about this weekend. They played totally short-handed, yet still took a game against an extremely hot team. Perez battled yesterday without his best stuff, and still only gave up 2 runs. Maine pitched well on Friday, allowing only 2 runs in 6 innings. Sosa was very good again on Saturday. The rotation is damn good. Now if we can get some of our bats back, and Delgado can get consistently hot, we can do some damage. June is a tough month schedule wise. Take a look
Phillies (3)
@ Detroit (3)
@ Dodgers (3)
off day 6/14
@ Yankees (3)
Twins (3)
off day 6/21
A's (3)
St. Louis (4)
@ Phillies (4)
@ Colorado (3)
@ Houston (4)
The next off day is the All-Star Break, starting July 9 after the Astros series. So they have over 2 weeks straight of games. The open the 2nd half with 4 at home against the Reds.
The back-ups are going to get their share of games in the coming month. Let's hope they are up to the task. And let's hope Green can come back hitting as he was, and that Alou can heal up. Maybe Milledge can be ready at some point if needed, assuming his foot injury has healed.
The good news, tomorrow Pedro throws from the mound in a bullpen session. I can't wait to hear how he looks. I would love to get him back in August. What a shot in the arm he will give the rotation at that point. What an embarrassment of riches. Glavine, El Duque, Perez, Maine, Sosa and Pedro. Wow.
Now, I know other teams have been beset by numerous injuries. The key though is that those teams do not have the depth the Mets have. Take a look at the guys who have missed significant time this year who were on the roster on Opening Day:
Alou
Green
Valentin
Beltran
You are talking about your starting second baseman, plus the entire outfield. Alou is apparently not coming back this week. Green is hopefully back against the Tigers as soon as he is eligible to be activated. Beltran claims he may be back tomorrow, but since he feels pain batting right handed, he may sit out against the lefty Moyer. Valentin is apparently close to coming back, as he will start his rehab game stint this week.
In their places, the Mets have played Endy, a top flight 4th outfielder, who would start on a hell of a lot of teams (though I still think he is best suited as a backup), Easley, who has had some key hits, Ben Johnson this past week has played a bit, and Carlos Gomez, a 22 year old kid who has looked lost at times at the plate, Gotay, who is starting to come around with the bat (sorry A-Hern, your not coming up till you learn how to hit). Not to mention the fact that Easley played left field one game, Julio Franco had to play 3rd Friday night in place of Wright, Newhan has played (I do not think he is good by the way). Add to all of that the fact that Delgado has not totally turned it on, and Wright has had his ups and downs, and you would think that they would be hard pressed to be in the running for the Wild Card, much less leading the NL East. Omar did a brilliant job for the most part constructing his bench. The only "weak" links would be Newhan and Franco. Franco has trouble catching up to a good fastball at this point. He is a great leader, but he is not someone who can be counted on in a key situation against a good pitcher. Newhan is someone who may not be counted on against pretty much anyone. I know, he has had a couple of good games, but he is not consistent enough for my tastes. Then again, if the biggest complaints I have are about a couple of spare parts, I should probably just shut up.
I'm not going to get all pissed about this weekend. They played totally short-handed, yet still took a game against an extremely hot team. Perez battled yesterday without his best stuff, and still only gave up 2 runs. Maine pitched well on Friday, allowing only 2 runs in 6 innings. Sosa was very good again on Saturday. The rotation is damn good. Now if we can get some of our bats back, and Delgado can get consistently hot, we can do some damage. June is a tough month schedule wise. Take a look
Phillies (3)
@ Detroit (3)
@ Dodgers (3)
off day 6/14
@ Yankees (3)
Twins (3)
off day 6/21
A's (3)
St. Louis (4)
@ Phillies (4)
@ Colorado (3)
@ Houston (4)
The next off day is the All-Star Break, starting July 9 after the Astros series. So they have over 2 weeks straight of games. The open the 2nd half with 4 at home against the Reds.
The back-ups are going to get their share of games in the coming month. Let's hope they are up to the task. And let's hope Green can come back hitting as he was, and that Alou can heal up. Maybe Milledge can be ready at some point if needed, assuming his foot injury has healed.
The good news, tomorrow Pedro throws from the mound in a bullpen session. I can't wait to hear how he looks. I would love to get him back in August. What a shot in the arm he will give the rotation at that point. What an embarrassment of riches. Glavine, El Duque, Perez, Maine, Sosa and Pedro. Wow.
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