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.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
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.
Monday, June 15, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
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 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.
Friday, June 12, 2009
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 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!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
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?
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?
Saturday, June 06, 2009
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
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
Thursday, June 04, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
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.)
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.)
Monday, June 01, 2009
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)
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.
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.
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