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
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
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 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.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
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!
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!
Sunday, July 05, 2009
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.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
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 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.
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