The Morning After - Mets WIn 5-1 over Braves; What to do with Jerry and Omar?

Again, no power. Again no great baseball. This time, some very solid fundamental baseball mixed with Santana for 7 innings, two mediocre yet effective fastball from Stokes and a Krod save was what the Mets needed. There was a little - really quite a bit - of help in the 9th from the Braves relief which let the Mets pile on a little. A good game. One-half game pick up on Phillies who were rained out in game versus the Fish.

Jerry Manuel continued to explain away his doctor comment, in which he tried to use humor to get through the press conference having just lost 11-0 to the Braves. He said about Sheffield, "Cramps today .... surgery Thursday." Given the sensitivity that Mets management and ownership have about how they and apparently their medical staff handle health issues with the players, this crack probably was not well suited to Jerry's future with the team. On the other hand, it was funny and probably the best Jerry has done in a long time. Also to be fair, Jerry managed a good game in the 5-1 win yesterday.

Speaking of Jerry Manuel, the NY Newsday has this poll about whether Jerry and Omar Minaya should stay or be fired. Here's the link:

http://www.newsday.com/sports/ny-metspoll,0,6208440.poll

The Morning After -Mets Lose Again. Braves 5, Mets 3

It was not much of a home coming for Jeff Francoeur. In his first at bat, he lined out into a double play despite what might have been a very solid hit. After that, he didn't do anything. There really did not seem to be any carryover from the 2 wins immediately before the All Star break for either the right fielder or for the team. As Mets commentator, Bobby Ojeda, said the carry over just wasn't there. He also noted as I have been for weeks that this team just cannot win with its lack of power. Ojeda said that a few times and made it clear that this team was in trouble without addressing that concern.

Apparently, Omar Minaya may have finally arrived at a similar conclusion. Yesterday he stated that the Mets are talking to 5 teams about deals. Perhaps over the break ownership and the GM got together At least let's hope they did. And perhaps Minaya heard that the team has to start to to win to save Minaya's job. Pull it out of the bag? Make the playoffs? Get something for the $140 million payroll?

It's not too late even at 7 1/2 games back. But it is getting late and the distance from the top is getting further. Before long, we might just have to start thinking about next year. Before long, maybe Omar might just need to start thinking about his next job.

The Morning After - The All Stars (NL lose again, 4-3)

I was not surprised by last night's All Star game outcome of the AL triumphing over the the NL once again. I do recall that when I was growing up, it was the other way around. During those years, it seemed like the NL had the AL's number. The NL was so dominant, it was almost like the NL had the AL's signs. Now it feels like the AL stars shine consistently brighter each year. Perhaps they do.

The discussion with the President along with the FOX announcers hit upon a possible explanation for the dominance by the AL. President Obama agreed that it probably had much to do with the DH in the AL and how better offensively prepared the AL is even though they don't use the DH in the All Star game. Huh? Come again? That's illogical. And the way the AL has won doesn't support this odd theory. It sounded interesting. The take away was that the President nodded and agreed so profusely to this inane theory. That's the part that concerns me. When a trusted advisor in the White House or on his national security team says something, does the President simply agree without thinking it through? Let's hope not.

Now back to baseball.

Santana didn't get into the game last night. It was reported that he and the Mets asked Charlie Manuel to leave him out. Good call. Wonder why though?

David Wright did get a broken bat, two out bloop hit and scored the first run for the NL in the 2nd inning. Unfortunately, David also threw a ball in the dirt that prevented a double play in the first inning and allowed the AL to score. This was typical David Wright once again. He giveth. He taketh away. Disappointing.

Frankie Rodriguez pitched the last inning for the NL. Threw 6 pitches and did a great job. It would be good if he was occasionally as efficient when he closed for the Mets. That's not a complaint though. He's been pretty terrific for the Mets. I wonder why Charlie Manuel didn't bring in Lidge and elected to go with Rodriguez? Lidge is a Phillie, his guy. Maybe he wanted to rest Lidge and that was the reciprocity for the Santana handshake with the Mets. Or perhaps Manuel was saving Lidge for a save opportunity which never arrived for the NL. In any case, only 6 pitches for KROD and with a day off today, it probably was good for the Mets closer.

Another day off today and then let's hope that Jeff F can pump some adrenaline and lead the Mets through Atlanta to kickoff the 2nd half.

The Morning After - Jeff, David, Johan and the Gang

Mets won 4-0 over the Reds last night with Johan and Jeff doing what they need to do. Jeff was more lucky than anything else with his the first inning dunk single to right. It counts. Johan was pretty much the pitcher we had come to expect before his recent slump.

And David? He had a clean single and struck out when he could have been helpful. Typical David. It's also been told that he offered Jeff advice before the game. It's been reported that David told Jeff that he shouldn't try to hit home runs at Citifield.

Here's what Manuel and others should tell David. "Get your on field act together and then give good advice. You have disappointed for too long now. Leave Jeff alone and focus on your hitting, cutting down on strikeouts and explaining what happened to your power. We understand the problems with Citifield. How about your power even at the small ball parks? Explain. Also, work on your fielding. It's very inconsistent. In fact, maybe you could learn a thing or two from Jeff." I know these kind of words won't be spoken. The truth hurts.

Speaking of the one version of the truth, read Rubin's assessment of the Mets - or "Mess" as he refers to the organization's situation. Meet the Mess

Let's see the Mets can win the get away game today before the All Star break. Let's go Mets!

Wake Up Omar!

Nothing else to say. The fans ask. The players wish. The manager hopes despite being asked (told) by the GM to be quiet about the topic. The announcers hint. The writers write. Wake up Omar. Make a move. If we say, please will you listen? Find some offense before the Mets are challenging the Nats.

Independence Day

A quote: "It's fair to say that, if we're looking for reinforcements right now, some of our DL guys are probably going to be the reinforcements," Minaya said. "If we can get all our guys back healthy, our healthy guys, its going to be hard to make trades that are going to be better than Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado." This is what Omar Manaya said yesterday in Philadelphia. Assume that he is being sincere. If that's the case, then Omar just does not see what most fans see. A team that will not be in anything come August when maybe, just maybe some of the current DL cast come back. Come back healthy? And baseball ready? Now that's asking for a lot. Omar, you are messing up again.

I turned on the TV last evening a few minutes into the game. I saw the left fielder dive and miss the ball. Because the left fielder was wearing a red cap, I figured the Mets were hitting Phillie and seemingly hitting them good. Then Gary Cohen mentioned the name Evans and I knew it was MLB just playing with the teams' attire again to make a few extra bucks. The game was bad because Livan was awful and the team was flat. It was made much worse because the team that should have been in blue, orange, black or white - one of their colors - was in the same color as their opponent, the Phillies. Silly stuff!

Ollie Perez may be ready to come off the DL except for his pitching lines. He sure sounds like he is the Ollie of old. Walks, wildness, done early in the game and unreliable. Sounds like a great addition to the Mets team. Way to go Omar - again!

By the way, did you hear that Omar also said that it's up to Manuel to decide if he wants to bring Ollie up and put him in the rotation. Since when is that the manager's decision, particularly on the Mets. There you go, once again, Omar! Messing up.

I used to have a high regard for Omar. That has faded over the past few years and today I view him as a hanger on. He has 3 more years on his extended contract beginning next season. He is the same as those under performing will paid ballplayers we see so often. Not one bit better.

Let's remember that today is Independence Day and for everything it represents. Watching the Mets in Philadelphia where much of our freedom was administratively conceived and strategically planned in that late 18th century is a plus whether the Mets win or lose. (I hope the Mets win.) All of us won 223 years ago!

Also, it was 70 years ago that Lou Gehrig made his famous "luckiest guy in the world" speech during his day at Yankee Stadium. Listen to the speech. There is bravery, wisdom, honor, and a deep appreciation for friendship in his words. We can only wish to be as strong, courageous and blessed.

Happy 4th!

Another Day, Another Loss - Mets Score 3

From the Yankees to the Brewers seems like going from the frying pan to the deep fryer. Last night's game had its fair share of antics. The FMart circus act in center was enough to keep the kiddies laughing for a few minutes. Even the ace Santana had a meltdown in the 4th. And imagine, this all happened on the night that David Wright hits a home run of all unusual things.

The season is slipping away. It could turn. That seems unlikely. Let's count the reasons.

1. Injuries and readiness of the replacements
2. Inadequate depth and balance on the roster and in the minors
3. Inconsistent fundamentals in the field
4. Inconsistent fundamentals running the bases
5. Recent poor performance from the bullpen
6. Questionable delays by the team to follow doctors' recommendations
7. No power bats
8. Mismatch between team (even the full healthy squad) and the outfield fence configuration
9. Questionable lineup and in game managing
10.Inadequate ownership and front office leadership in how to invest in the team

Let's hope for one of the miracles.

The Morning After - From Vacation to the Sweep

I returned from vacation this weekend. I am sorry I didn't post all week. Probably best that I didn't given the state of the NY Mets team and the seemingly lack of interest by the Mets front office to do something to help. (Hint: get a hitter who can play first or the outfield and who can hit one out of Citifield - i.e. someone with legitimate power like the other teams have. And while you're at it, please reconfigure the outfield fences during the off season. The height and depth of the fences are not helping your team.)

Unfortunately, it's become clear that the Wilpon ownership and the general manager, Omar Minaya, don't seem ready, willing and/or able (not sure which) to do something to fix the offense and the defense (1st base) for that matter. They just keep throwing out a lineup that is at best a 2nd division minor league quality team.

The Morning After - Citifield

Not yet halfway into the season, we have learned a few things about the 2009 Mets. They have lots of injuries. Their fundamentals are not always very good. The manager makes questionable moves. They find unique ways to lose games. The 2009 version of the Mets will probably continue to play at or near .500 baseball and stay at least in the wild card race through the middle of September. As Fred Wilpon wished several seasons ago, the Mets will play meaningful games in September. Of course, we all know how that turned out.

Now, what have we learned about Citifield? Unless you go to the suites - which are very nice - and special entertainment floors, you would never know that this stadium was the home of the Mets once you enter inside. We also know that the best concessions are bunched together behind the scoreboard in center field, making for an unbalanced crowd control situation. Okay, these are not game or record impacting factors and can be easily corrected.

What about the dimensions of the field? In particular, how do we feel about the distance from home plate to the fences and the height of the fences? It seems that those two factors are impacting the Mets offense and the outcome of games. David Wright and Carlos Beltran used to hit home runs at Shea. They really can't do too much at Citifield. Did they suddenly lose their power. Unlikely. It really is more about Wright and Beltran being excellent batters who hit home runs as opposed to the only legitimate home run hitter on the team, Delgado, who is a sure fire power hitter. With Delgado on the disabled list, the team doesn't have any legitimate power.

It seems that Wright and Beltran and perhaps other Met players have altered their swings in general so that even on the road we are not seeing the usual home runs. The huge number of strikeouts from Wright are another sign that he has altered his swing to try to hit homers. Not a great strategy from Wright despite his average. Beltran's strategy seems to be that he is trying to stay within himself. In both cases, the results are high averages coupled with low home run totals.

The opposition seems to be able to use their power though when needed. The reason is simply that they have legitimate power hitters whereas the Mets do not. With the exception of the July 9th game against the Phillies when both teams were crushing home runs, the other teams seem to have the upper hand at Citifield. Our pitchers are more fly ball pitchers too. Against legitimate home run hitters, they suffer more damage.

Last year, Wright and a few other players tested the field and the proposed fence distances and height at Citifield as construction was winding down. The players and Wright especially came away singing its praises. They are the ones who now are having the greatest challenges.

The pitchers and Santana, in particular, are giving up the homers at Citified because they can throw a legitimate fastball to legitimate power hitters. When legitimate fastball pitches are made to a Mets hitter, they rarely go over the wall. The current active Mets players are just not legitimate home run hitters. They can reach the wall and hit it for doubles and long singles, but not too much for round trippers.

So, let's ask the Wilpons and other Mets management a question. How could you have not built Citifield with these outfield dimensions and fence height? You could have had the fences closer and lower and still had the Ebbett's field look to it. I am thinking that just like the lack of Mets memorabilia throughout most of Citifield, it appears that the owners forgot that this is about the Mets. It is not about the Dodgers of old and the home run power they would have displayed here.

Please bring in the fences! Let those "meaningful" September games have some excitement of the home town home run and not be as boring as the games we are seeing now.

It's Been A Few Interesting Days

I haven't posted in several days. I just did not feel like it since the Yankee series when following the dropped routine pop-up, we experienced Santana in his worst form. Yes, the Mets lost 15-0. Then after underplaying the Orioles, the Mets closed out that series with a true collapse by Frankie Rodriguez. Despite the bad baseball and my as bad cold, I watched again last night. They almost messed that game up too, but held on to win, picking up another game on the Phillies too. The best things about the MLB week was the Yanks losing two to the Nats and the Phillies being as bad if not worse than the Mets. It looks like a long winding season is still ahead for us.

A Long Day After - Santana, Mets, and Better Days

I had said before the Phillies and Yanks series that most fans, including me, would be satisfied with a 3-3 record. I explained how that would not be possible, if not probable. I was wrong as it turned out.

I said if the Mets take the first one and last one with Santana on the mound and one of any of the other 4 games, they be 3-3. When the Mets won the first one against the Phillies despite the home run barrage against Santana, we figured we could even get a little greedy and perhaps extend the record to 4-2. And if not for the Castillo lost pop up in the first Yankee game and Wright's and Beltran's miscues in the 2nd Phillies game, we would have gone 4-2 even though Santana couldn't find himself or anything else yesterday. It amazes me that it didn't happen.

The problem isn't just injuries and recent poor pitching. It's the absence of consistent fundamentals on the base paths and in the field.

So, if Manuel is not yet concerned, every knowledgeable fan is.

During the off season when I first heard Razor Shines was taking over the job of the 3rd base coach, I wondered who he is. I then heard a lot of good things about his experience. Well, he has done anything but shine so far this year. He has contributed to his share of poor judgement on the bases. It's time for the Razor to sharpen because the Shine has certainly faded.

To not dwell on the negative, I elect to take a walk down memory lane instead today. It is a day off after all.

• During the last championship season for the Mets, on this date in 1986 they added to their winning ways by streaking to seven wins in a row. They scored three runs against Montreal's Jeff Reardon in the 10th inning.
• In his first year with the Mets as they started the rebuilding towards the great '99 and '00 teams, 1997, John Olerud was the hitting star against the Yanks. Olerud drove in 3 in support of Dave Milicki's gem of a shutout at Yankee Stadium in the first Interleague game between these two NY rivals. Mets fans were thrilled.

Those were the days.

The Morning and Day After - Thumpers, The New Guy, The Drop

Let's do this in reverse order as it seems fitting to talk about the current Mets in that fashion.

The Drop - I guess the Mets needed to find a more creative way to lose a game. Last night, they waited until the final out, a pop up to 2nd base from AROD off of a KROD pitch. Castillo misplayed it badly. The pop up dropped in for an error and both the tying and winning runs scored in the bottom of the 9th. Two unearned runs to top off a back and forth game in which the Mets came back against Rivera. Mets lose 9-8.

The New Guy - Switzer is his name. No, this is not the hitter the Yanks have. This is the lefty reliever that the Mets brought up from the minors yesterday when Maine was placed on the DL. Here's my question. Why does Jerry Manuel feel that every time a new guy joins the team that he must immediately be put into a game situation, a big one at that? Most times that strategy back fires. Yes, you learn about the guy. Usually, the guy doesn't do too well the first time. Find a smaller situation or at least wait a day. Mets lose 9-8.

Thumpers - Let's see now. In this new Yankee Stadium, the Mets pitchers gave up another 4 home runs last night. The Mets had one - barely - from Sheffield. Here's the point, which I made yesterday too. We need someone who can thump too. The Phillies have them big time. So do the Yanks. Boston too. Mets? Our leader has 8. Texeria is already at 21 or so. Get a first baseman who can thump! Mets lose 9-8.

The Day After the Phils and Game 1 in the Bronx

The Phillies Games Let's say this about our Mets, they hung in there with the Phillies. Indeed, they led in all 3 games. They lost the last two in extra innings because of lack of timely hitting and a slight bullpen let down. Their offense just doesn't jell together, mainly because they don't have a thumper. The Phils have several thumpers. Omar, do something!

The Series for NY (Part 1) Now the Mets find themselves in the New Yankee Stadium, which is next door to the refurbished Yankee Stadium, which is built out of the first Yankee Stadium. You know, the one that Ruth built in 1923. This new one encourages balls to go over the fence. It seems like their is some sort of Ruthian magnet pulling the ball over the fence. And the Yanks have thumpers. The Mets don't. (Hmmm, that sounds familiar. See above, The Phillies Games.) Well, in any case, we know that New York will win this series.

Go Mets!

The Morning After - The First Big Citifield Win!

It's not what most fans would have predicted. I certainly didn't. With Santana on the mound, the Mets figured to compete. We expected to have an opportunity to win. But who would have predicted a 6-5 win for Santana? Who would have thought Santana gives up 4 - count them - 4 home runs, hits his own drive 'em in double and then uses his fielding prowess to shag Victorino's line drive, turning it into a double play? That would not have been predictable.

Santana? The man can pitch. He can hit. He can field. As he said before handing over the ball to Manuel in the 8th, "I'm a man. I'm a man." He certainly is. Even with the home runs given up last night, he seems like superman.

Now who would have thought that the Mets would hit their fair share of home runs too. Wright! Beltran!! And Church with the 420 dead center field shop into the new Apple!!! Maybe with Church healthy and in form, the team has found some of its lost power. More likely, the warmer air is making Citifield a launching pad of its own, a la Yankee Stadium.

After Feliciano does a big job in the 8th, Krod does his usual 9th inning close. Where was Lidge? Oh, to have a reliable closer. Whereas Lidge was the best in the NL last year, Krod holds that title so far this year. No surprise there.

What a game! What a game! The best game so far at Citifield. Having attended in person was terrific. The place was shaking despite only 38,000 or so in attendance. And though the weather held, the storm last night was from the Mets and the Phillies. And for one night, the NY storm won, 6-5.

So now, what happens. Cole - Mr Offseason Big Mouth - Hamels pitches tonight. He has had an up and down season. His last game against the Dodgers was big. A shutout. Now Mr. Big Mouth should be ready to get his dues paid back. Of course, the power needs to stay with the Mets for another day and the Pelf needs to take a big step forward from his last game, the one where he let the team (and himself) down.

Look at it this way. If the Mets go 3-3 against the Phillies and the Yanks this week most fans would be happy. With this first win under the Mets' belt, they would need to win 2 of the next 5 to arrive at that modest goal. With Santana pitching in the final game of the Yankee series Sunday, let's assume for a moment that we win that one. That means if we win 1 of the other 4, the 3-3 record is achieved. And let's get a little greedy now. Let's suppose we split those 4 games, suddenly the Mets would be an unimaginable 4-2 against the Phils and Yanks during the critical period of 6 games. Impossible? Improbable? To find out, let's play ball, Go Mets!

Just Some Thoughts Before the Phillies Series

It's pretty dark out there at 7:23 am when the sun should be shining. The weather report is for on and off severe thunderstorms today and tonight. I can hear the thunder now as I look outside from my patio door. The trees are wavering now with the wind gusting. The rains seem to be accelerating. Here it comes!

And here come those Phils to take on our Mets. Although we hope the Mets bring some thunder to Citifield tonight, let's hope the real bad weather stays away. Instead, let Mr. Santana bring the storm to Charlie Manuel and the Phils. Perhaps the New York team might catch some lightening in a bottle as they say with Fernando Martinez or another replacement hitting one our or a couple in the gap. Maybe David Wright will rediscover that home run swing while Ryan Church doubles again. We certainly should be able to count on KRod to do his usual slam the door shut in the 9th as long as the Mets storm through the first eight innings. So, rather than just weather the storm, it could be the Mets that bring havoc to those guys from Philly.

For a stormy day, these are my thoughts. Let's go Mets. Let's go Mets.

The Morning After - The Maine Strory and 5 DPs

When poor pitching and small ball, lack of offense, and poor base running are mixed together, one gets a very bad baseball game. That's was the 7-1 pitiful Mets-Nats game last night.

Five double plays! Remember in the 70's when Joe Torre hit into the 4 all on own in one game? Those teams were awful. I am beginning to get that 70's Mets feeling again. Then again with the star players on this 2009 team, it feels like a nicer, gentler version of the early 90's Mets. In any case, losing teams.

Now Castillo might blame it on the umpiring. Delay of call, bad call or whatever. On the other hand, I don't understand his thinking that he is going to get an answer from an opposing player that says something like "I trapped the ball." Yes, he asked the opponent and was going to rely on that. Of course, the opponent is going to say I caught it. It might be dishonest and it's part of the way the game is played. It's why there are umpires, whether or not they get the call right. So, we might begin to call Castillo, HONEST LOU. It has a nice ring to it.

I am wondering which one was worse this week. Maine or Pelfry? You would think with Santana on the team the past two seasons and Pedro with them before that as well, the two of them would have learned more. Then again, Perez didn't either. Let's face it. The Mets have an Ace, Santana. And then there are 3 or 4 number 5 or worse starting pitchers.

Sheffield is beginning to look like the 40 year old he is. The two weeks and change that the Mets tried to ride him seem to have taken its natural course on his body. Even more reason that we ask these questions. When are we going to see some offense and some power from the Mets? When is the GM going to go get some?

Morning After Thoughts - A Good Win, Nothing More

It was a nice win. Frankie Rodriguez closes out the 10th after Wright puts the Mets ahead with a two run line drive double to the opposite field. Despite their solid offense, both Beltran and Wright were sloppy on the bases throughout the game. Wright over aggressive again.

Beltran lazed it out of the batters box and didn't turn it on until he got to 2nd base in the first inning trying to stretch his hit into a triple. Think he would know better by now. It's these kind of plays that make Mets fans feel uncomfortable with his play despite what Beltran says and how talented he is.

We did pick up a game as Phillies lost to Dodgers. Lidge blew another one in the bottom of the 9th. Maybe this is a weekend where we can pick up another game before facing the Phillies for three beginning next Tuesday.

Anyone else concerned about the Phillies next week and the Yankees in their new home next week. How many home runs might the Yanks hit? Will the Mets hit any? Those games will have to be played and as thins happen in baseball, don't be surprised by low scoring, well pitched games. Anyway, let's get by the talented offense of the Nats, a team clearly challenged in the bullpen and in the field.

I think it's time to find a first baseman. Although his defense has been adequate or even better than that, Murphy needs to go back to the minors and get his stroke back. Ditto for FMart. He needs more seasoning although one can see the potential there.

Sports Illustrated article about the haunting of the NY Mets. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jeff_pearlman/06/05/mets/index.html?bcnn=yes

The Evening After Today's Loss - Sweeping Bucs 11 Mets 6

The Mets needed someone to step up. It wasn't Mike Pelfry. Pelfry demonstrated again that he doesn't throw the type of gems he throws when the team is calm. When the Mets need a stopper, Pelfry just stops.

Two of those bullpen guys we acquired really stink. S. Green has a 5.96 ERA and JJ Putz's ERA is better at 5.22 although it increased today when he gave up another 2 earned runs in one inning.

Good news is that Beltran came back today and hit and hit for power too.

Very bad news is that Reyes has a torn hammy. Anyone surprised that Mets doctors got this one wrong too?

We'll keep this short today. It's too depressing to think too much about the Mets right now.

The Morning and Day After - Bucs and the Rain

It's getting harder each day to write about the current Mets. Let's count the reasons why.

1. Who are these guys? No more than 2 regular players in the lineup.
2. Someone new hurt or sick every day.
3. No Delgado. No Reyes, who just had another set back. . No Church.
4. Wright not hitting.
5. Wright lost his power.
6. Beltran Flu.
7. Sheffield on his last leg it seems. (although better than most)
8. Murphy looks like he belongs in AAA
9. Putz and Redding. (Take your pick.)
10. Santana looks too human.

So, now we have lost the first 2 to the Bucs. How boring! Then it rains and the game is cancelled. How rude!! (Hmmm, maybe that's really a good thing.)

Some Thoughts From Tonight's Game

What a shame! I repeat. What a shame! WHAT A SHAME! !

How in the world did Manuel bring JJ in with a runner on third in the 8th and then with him until the game the Pirates scored 5 run to take the Mets hostage for this one night? Horrible performance by JJ. Horrible performance by Jerry.

Did you see the look of "I can't believe it" on JJ? Understandable, given Putz's performance after he had altered his delivery. But how do we explain the astonished look on Jerry's face? Maybe his expression only looked like astonishment when in reality it was only the look of foolishness. Jerry wake up. JJ is cooked for now. Find a place where he comes in when the game is already lost and let him work through those kind of situations until he demonstrates he can throw it anywhere near where he wants it and with some of his velocity. What a shame!

More bad news. I was thinking about what happened in 1984 when the Mets traded for Walt Terrell and Ron Darling. Remember, the Mets sent the ever popular Lee Mazzilli to Texas in exchange. Mazzilli, who had been a very good player for the first few years of his career, suddenly lost his power and started to strike out too often. He was age 26 or so. I hope this is not what we are seeing with David Wright. It does happen though.

Mets Trivia: Which world series Mets pitchers were traded for each other? Hint: One was on the mound for the last game in'69 and the other for the final game in '86, the only 2 winning world series appearances by the Mets fanchise. Answer below.

Good news. Santana pitches tomorrow. The odds of winning soared on this news!

Trivia Answer: Koosman (1969 pitching hero) and Orosco (1986 closer)

The Morning After - Mets Outfish the Marlins 3-2

Think back to last week when F Rodriguez seemed like he might have a serious lower back problem. Now fast forward to this morning. Where would we be without our closer? 14 for 14 in save situations. Yesterday, striking out the side in the 9th. He is everything we heard about.

And yesterday we needed our closer. After JJ Putz did his off again routine, we needed Parnell to get the last 2 outs in the 8th, but not before he gave up a hit that drove in the 2nd Marlin run. So, it was a single run lead in the 9th again after the Mets "B" squad couldn't muster up more than 3 runs yesterday. And KRod answered the call. After the past decade plus of Wagner, Looper, Benitez, and Franco and their late inning meltdowns, it's good to have a confident guy in the pen for us.

Billing Wagner may be back in August or so. It would be a messy situation if we have to chose between Putz (the way he is currently pitching) and Wagner for the 8th. Hopefully, Parnell is the real deal and remains that way through the season.

Now it does seem as if JJ is hurt. Or could he be this bad? And please no more excuses from him!

I see where J Moyer of the Phillies won his 250th game. Congratulations. Maybe he should only get 1/2 win in beating the Nats. I know that's not the way it works. When Koufax beat the early Mets, he got credit for a full win. Same when Seaver on one brilliant day beat the lowly Padres in '69, striking our 19 in all and the last 10 in order if I recall. My point isn't to take anything away from Moyer. It's to say that the Nats are really that bad! The former Nats GM was fired for being around some alleged scouting and bonuses scandal. That's bad enough. How about his incompetency in putting together this rag tag team. There's another scandal. It will be a laugh when the Nats play spoiler at the end of the year. Hopefully it's not the Mets on the receiving side of that laugh.

So, now it's the flu that is causing time away from the game. Beltran, Maine - both victims. We they should be back very soon.

Good month of May. Lots of ups and downs. In all, we should be happy and get ready for Phils, Rays (they are better than their current record) and Yanks in June. Happy June to you.

The Morning After - Mets Set Record. Lose Before the First Pitch.

The headline of this post is what yesterday's game was all about. For whatever reasons, Jerry Manuel gave up even before the game started. I understand that it was unfortunate that Redding was pitching for the Mets. Not Jerry's fault. I understand that Johnson was on the mound for the Fish. Not Jerry's fault. I understand there are some injuries. Again, not Jerry's fault. The lineup was thrown together giving nearly everyone of note and who is healthy the day off. Jerry's fault! Let's remember May 30th at the end of the year! Marlins 7 Mets 3.

Enjoy today's game. Mr. Maine pitches. Might be a good one.

Morning After Thoughts - Santos, Mets Win in 11

On the night that the Mets win with catcher Santos driving in all runs and catcher Castro traded to the White Sox, Manuel said "There's no panic or anxiety when he's in those situations." He was talking about Santos, of course. On the same night that David Wright came up in clutch situations again only to strike out both times again, I wonder if Manuel was also thinking, There's anxiety when he's in those situations when musing about David. It always seems that the more tense the situation is, the more anxious David becomes. Of course, none of us really know this. Only David does. It sure seems that way though.

Speaking of David, I noticed a photo of Boston star outfielder Dominic DiMaggio in an Obit this past week. DiMaggio, a great ballplayer in his own right and in the shadows of his brother Joe, passed away at age 92. In the photo, Dom was apparently in his early 20's. If you removed the wired rim glasses he is wearing, there is a certain resemblance to David Wright.

The Castro trade to the White Sox for Mr. Broadway is interesting. At first glance, it looks like a move only to address the catcher dilemma. On second thought, it seems that Mr. Broadway could have a role as a starter into which he will be remade in AAA Buffalo. It may or may not work out. On the other hand, the Mets' success this season wasn't riding on Castro. And with Omir Santos in the house, maybe they can ride his tails for a while.

The Mets are now last in strikeouts at the plate despite David Wright's 50 or so Ks for the early season. Also the Mets lead the league in RBIs with 2 out. Both good signs even though they are 3rd from the bottom in the power department.

Nice to see the 40 year old Sheffield continuing to do great things for this team!

Reyes starts rehab next week in Florida. Church is already there.

Let's see if Redding can have a better game than he did last week. I have a feeling that Redding is better off in a long relief role tha as a 5th starter.

Let's Go Mets!

Gary Says ....

During tonight's 2nd inning, Gary Sheffield was at bat. The Marlins immediately shaded the infield defense well to the left side. Announcer Ron Darling noted this shift, proclaiming that you don't often see this left side shift,but that it makes sense with the prototypical pull hitting right handed Sheffield at the plate. Without a moment passing, favorite Gary Cohen retorted, "It's the Shefft"! Darling could only chuckle "Good one", acknowledging yet another funny and insightful one liner from Mr. Cohen.

Morning After Thoughts - Play It Again. Met Win!

It started this past Saturday against the Red Sox in Fenway. The Santos home run experienced the video review of the umpire crew before it was called correctly. Sheffield's homer was finally declared exactly that after the 6 minute video review on Monday. Murphy's "was it or was it not?" homer was ruled a round tripper after another evaluation of the tape. And then there was a review done for the opposition this week and that decision also went the Mets way. What do the Mets have in common with the film Casablanca? How about "Play It". Or as Woody Allen would say later, "Play it again.". It seems that the video tape review of MLB was designed to suit the Mets.

The Mets seem to have found a little of their power over the past 6 games after going through a drought.

What is it about David Wright that some of us are finding troublesome? The man is hitting .350! How can we complain? Well, David has these games where he is either not fielding or striking out. In the 3rd game of this series with the Nationals, David struck out 4 times. Is he guessing wrong? Or is he just not seeing the pitch? Then again, it's hard to argue a .350 average.

It's was hard to watch rookie and 20 year old FMart as he stood just outside the batters box gazing disappointingly at his infield pop up. When it was dropped by the Nationals catcher, FMart could have made it safely to 1st base had he been running in that direction. Instead he was out at 1st base. Embarrassing for the rookie. Let's hope he learned a solid lesson and won't repeat it. Something about his demeanor tells me this won't be a recurring problem. Otherwise, New York will let him know.

Murphy had a big story night - 5 RBIs, single, double and that video enabled home run. Congratulations, Murph. Let's hope your offense is back to stay.

15 strikeouts last night by the pitching staff! Terrific. Tom terrific-like!

Santana was perplexing. Huge strikeouts. Eleven in all. He seemed to lose his stamina in the 4th inning. Perhaps that was the result of the last game when he had to work through crucial situation after crucial situation due to the poor fielding of his teammates in that game. He may not have been at his best last night. Nonetheless, this win was well deserved payback for earlier season losses when Johan pitched like Cy Young and only received an "L". The cliches about how things even out in baseball are true.

By the way, this win moved the Mets back into 1st ahead of the Phillies. Not bad when it's our "B" team out there on the field and on the bases for the most part.

Gary Says ....

That NY favorite Met announcer who seems to never make a mistake seemed to get just a bit caught up in the "Is it home run or isn't it?" question. During tonight's game against the Nats and immediately following the 4th home run video review in the past 5 Mets games, Gary explained "It's Out of Here!!" as he called a drive to left field corner by Ramon Castro as a home run. It clearly was ball in play in the left field corner and Gary quickly acknowledged that he and his partner, Ron Darling, could not see that corner from the announcers' booth. This homer was a double. In any case, Gary's honesty is always appreciated as is his accuracy and his understanding of the game and its people. Even a mistake was handled professionally. Good job, Gary!

Morning After Thoughts - Mets and Video Win Again

The Mets are certainly getting good calls from the umps on the recent spike in video reviews. The calls are also correct. Good for the umps. Good for MLB. Good for the Mets!

The red hat thing for Memorial Day was a little silly. If it was symbolism that MLB was after, then a patch of the American Flag or something like that would have been better. Or was the hat a way to sell more merchandise? Sorry for being such a skeptic.

So Bobby V seems to be available again soon. Probably won't mean much to the Mets. I think he could end up in Arizona, Colorado or Cleveland.

Nice to see our closer back in form.

Memorial Day Tribute

Please take a moment to think about those who have given their lives over the centuries whether directly or indirectly to ensure our freedom. May their memory live on within us throughout the generations.

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day.

Jerry's Injuries

Let's spend a minute counting the Mets injuries that Jerry is managing through. First and foremost there's Delgado, Reyes, Beltran and Church. If you count emotional injuries, there's Ollie Perez. There's Schneider, who really isn't missed. There's Alex Cora and Ramon Martinez. Who did forget? Oh yes, Billy Wagner.

Now let's look at other teams. For example, Tampa Bay Rays, which is a team expected to compete. There injury has been Scott Kazmir, Shawn Riggans, Jason Bartlett, Chad Bradford, Pat Burrell, Akinori Iwamuram, Troy Percival, who might retire rather than return and Fernando Perez.

The point is that the Mets injury situation isn't unique. The problem is that the Mets do not have much depth in the minors from which to pull replacements. Omar and his crew haven't done a very good job to stock the minors. On top of that add the fact that Jerry just isn't a creative manager. It's like driving a car at 65 miles an hour - notice we are within speed limit - pointed directly at a cement wall. And the driver, Jerry, continues to go straight for that wall, another loss. Happens all the time with the Mets. Willie Randolph used to do that. Willie's former bench coach, Manuel, does it too.

On the bright side, we hear that FMart may be on his way to Citifield.

Some Thoughts From Today's Game

Did you ever notice that Jerry Manuel manages exactly like Willie Randolph? In a close game, we win if the players become heroic. We lose if we rely on Jerry to make just the right moves. Today, close game and Jerry brings in Green and then Stokes, both of whom have struggled throughout the year.

Jerry will be happy with the 5-5 road trip. It should have been much better.

Speaking of Green, we would have been better off with Shawn Green pitching than Sean Green. With everything else going green, did the Mets really need to get involved in the movement?

At least Frankie Rod seems to be better and Reyes should be back Monday. Hang in there. It's better than the alternatives.

Gary Says ....

New Feature - "Gary Says ...."

Gary Cohen, the NY Sports and Channel 11 Announcer of the NY Mets dropped the best line last night in the bottom of the 9th inning just after the memorable home run. To paraphrase: Jonathan Papelbon standing in the Red Sox dugout flashing that dazed Calvin Schiraldi look. That's Calvin Schiraldi of the 86 Red Sox (and former Met) in the World Series.

From Flushing to San Fran to LA to Boston

Here's another baseball adage. Just when you are sure things are going to get even worse, they turn around. Well, that may not always be true. In fact, in baseball it often isn't. For the Mets, the past 9 days have gone from disappointing in Flushing to exciting to San Fran. From then it went to miserable in San Francisco and onto the remarkable in Boston. With Santana displaying his own form of gutty magic again and with Santos and 9th inning defense in the 2nd game, the Mets seem back from the dead.

Or were they ever really dead or even dying? We can now all attest that the Mets aren't dead or even dying. They are hurting. Now add our closer tothe mix of walking wounded. Correction. In this case, non-walking wounded.

Sounds like disk problems, but I only say that because I have 2 herniated ones. When they act up, it feels like what KRod described, including sciatica paid shooting down my left leg. When it's really bad, there is a tingle all the way down to the toes accompanied by lower back spasms. In those cases, I can stand for maybe to the count of 5 before needing to lie down. I hope this is not the case for KRod. I hope it's something more easily treatable.

So now can we sweep and hope for a Yankee win against the Phillies too? A move back into 1st just before arriving home to face the Nats would be nice. Maybe Reyes, KRod, and Church will be ready then. More remarkable things have happened in the past 2 days. Just ask the Bosox.

The Morning After - No Power, No Defense - Dodgers 5, Mets 3

Last night's game seemed to start almost as badly as the loss from the night before. It turned out that the real story may not be that LA won and the Mets lost. It may be that what Casey Blake did by hitting a 3 run homer to power his team past the Mets is something the NY team just never does. The Mets are a powerless team right now. Without Delgado, there isn't a threat to hit one out. Why is that? Where did all the power go? Beltran? Wright?

More about Delgado and the loss of his bat.... Omar might want to learn to twitter as well as to text to stay in continuous touch with GM's who might want to make a trade. It would take some sort of ransom right now though. The best idea I heard was to try to get Pujols from the Cardinals. Well maybe not the best idea, but certainly the most creative and pretty funny. Who would we trade? Wright, Beltran, and Santana and $50 million?

Anyone remember that we could have had Orlando Hudson for next to nothing during the off season? He wanted to play for the Mets. There just never seemed to be any interest from Omar, Wilpons. I wouldn't mind having him at 2nd! Regrets are hard to overcome.

The Mets have committed 32 errors. How did we become the team with the third-highest total of errors in the majors behind only Washington (41) and Seattle (34)? Where is the defense?

It was nice to see Reyes back.

Well one more vs the Dodgers. Not very comforting. Then off to the land of the Sox. Maybe we can win one of the next four. Santana is pitching in Boston so we have a shot. Other than that, it appears that both the Phillies and the Braves are getting hot as the Amazins have cooled off. It isn't fun right now.

I just read on CNN's Web site that one can submit a question to the astronauts in space today. I have one for Astronaut Mike Massimino, a Long Island native and terrific Mets fan. "Do the Mets look as bad from out there as they do down here?" Pretty lame, I know.

Morning After Thoughts - Dodgers 3 Mets 2 in 11

It didn't take long for the Amazins to fall out of 1st even if by just a few percentage points.... "Early in the season" is a cliche. It's not too early. Ask the 2007 and 2008 Mets teams. Ask Willie Randolph..... After winning the first 3 of this challenging 10 game road trip, it would not be acceptable to go anything less than 6 and 4. How many fans think that the Mets are now going to go 3 and 2 in the remaining games against the Dodgers and the Sox?....

When did hip impingement become all the rage? Now Carlos D is going for the surgery following on a growing list of players, such as Arod. It may be that Tommy John surgery is going to get a run for its money with Arod surgery? We need to name it after someone else though, don't you think?

Speaking of Delgado, maybe now Minaya understands why he should have been seeking some depth at first base. Someone who could actually hit a home run. Did you notice that Omar tends to put together a decent team but one with insufficient depth. Nick Johnson is starting to look good. Not sure we have anyone we would be willing to trade or that the Nats would want.

Last night's loss reminds us about Pagan. He can hit some. He is not a great outfielder. And our replacement first baseman shouldn't be at first base. Until we find someone else, put Tatis there and keep him there.

Let's also stick with a plan about the outfield. For now, the starting outfield should be Sheffield in left, Beltran in center and Church in right. And stop juggling Church. He needs to play full time. In the past few weeks, Manuel has managed to take Church from being a very good player to a poor one. (Maybe mismanaged is a better term for what Jerry has done.) There is, of course, no excuse for missing third in the 11th inning. Church's comments following the game lead one to believe that he knew he missed the bag.

And 5 errors! That reminds us old timers of the pre 1969 Mets all over again. Hopefully for this one night only. We did get good pitching. Redding did a decent job. The team came back. The offense although not timely continued to have hits in it. So, let's move on. Perhaps Jose will be back tonight and we can take this one. A ounce back would be nice.

Inaugural Message

Today's post is our first. We do not yet have a specific style. With your help, we'll develop one quickly.

The primary purpose of this blog is to render reasoned opinions and thoughts about all things related to the New York Mets. We will follow the characters of the team, its events in and outside of the game itself, its history and the pennant race into the Amazin's future.

We welcome you to this new service. Please invite your friends, whether or not they are fans of the Mets. The service will develop over time. We will seek to encourage your participation.

As a Mets fan, it's always a good day, whether or not we acknowledge it. Like last night. Some of us are disappointed by the opportunities wasted by Jerry and his crew in San Fran. Jerry didn't lose this game by himself. He didn't help matters. That's for sure. Taking 3 of 4 from the Giants was a feat and a hopeful sign of things to come. On the other hand, it's a time and again flaw of the Mets teams of recent years to not be able to bring down the hammer when the opportunity is there. Let's see what tonight brings in LA with the Mannyless Dodgers and the Mr Redding. Hopefully, Jose will be back. Leading off with a triple would be fun.