What's the difference between the New York Mets of 2007 and the New York Mets of 2008? I'm not asking for some of the obvious ones, the roster changes and such. What is the difference that will very possibly put them over the top?
1. Johan Santana. Having an ace, a stopper, who goes out every five days is extremely huge for a team in the pennant race. Johan essentially replaced Tom Glavine as the Mets' #1 starter, so the difference from 2007 is huge. (Remember Game 162 of last year?)
2. Carlos Delgado. His miraculous turnaround from a year ago is huge to a Mets' offense that's been without Moises Alou and Ryan Church for most of the year. He is hitting well and hitting clutch and has certainly been carrying the team.
There are a few others that can go in there. Camraderie, better production from the corner outfield spots, better defense, better starting pitching (overall), but I think that Carlos D. and Johan are the two essentials that can make this team win.
Coming Up: Oliver Perez takes on Chris Volstead of the Marlins as the Mets look to increase their lead over the Phils.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Flaming Hot
Mike Pelfrey is pitching really, really well right now. How well? 4 runs in his last 18 innings, which were collected in two straight complete games. He also just cracked the top 20 in pitching in the National League.
Over the weekend, the Mets let the Philles climb even closer to them; currently Philadelphia is just one half game out of first. Tonight, the Mets play the first of two in Philadelphia. It's an opportunity for the Mets to strenghten their slim lead, and an opportunity for the Phils to regain it for themselves.
Up Next: Pedro Martinez and Jaime Moyer face off against each other in Philadelphia tonight. Each has been hot of late, so prepare for a pitching duel.
Baseball Note: The Washington Nationals and Seattle Marinersn each have a real possibility of being mathematically eliminated from the playoffs in the month of August. The Reds and Pirates each have an outside shot at this dubious honor. The San Diego Padres may get eliminated from the wild-card before September but will still (theoretically) be in the division race. Better luck next year.
Blog Update: You know how it seems as though Billy Wagner is going to be out longer than expected. Well, in some parallel universe I am emulating him. I've extended the deadline for voting in the Billy Poll. Now go out and vote!
Over the weekend, the Mets let the Philles climb even closer to them; currently Philadelphia is just one half game out of first. Tonight, the Mets play the first of two in Philadelphia. It's an opportunity for the Mets to strenghten their slim lead, and an opportunity for the Phils to regain it for themselves.
Up Next: Pedro Martinez and Jaime Moyer face off against each other in Philadelphia tonight. Each has been hot of late, so prepare for a pitching duel.
Baseball Note: The Washington Nationals and Seattle Marinersn each have a real possibility of being mathematically eliminated from the playoffs in the month of August. The Reds and Pirates each have an outside shot at this dubious honor. The San Diego Padres may get eliminated from the wild-card before September but will still (theoretically) be in the division race. Better luck next year.
Blog Update: You know how it seems as though Billy Wagner is going to be out longer than expected. Well, in some parallel universe I am emulating him. I've extended the deadline for voting in the Billy Poll. Now go out and vote!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
After hearing the disheartening Billy Wagner news, (he requires rest before he can resume throwing) the Mets went out and beat Atlanta 7-3. The game was a lot closer than that, however. Good starting pitching by both Jo-Jo (not a typo) Reyes and Oliver Perez left the game at 3-2 in favor of the Braves going into the bottom of the eighth.
The eight inning, the clear turning-point of the game, featured 5 Met runs including 2 RBIs each by Carlos Delgado and Damion Easley and one by Ramon Castro.
The fielding (at least for the Mets) was satisfactory once again.
The Mets maintain a 1.5 game lead over the Phillies.
Yankee Update: After their loss today, the floundering Yankees (3-7 in their last 10 games) are 11 games out of first place and 6.5 games out of the wild card. With Melky Cabrera (lost at the plate, so redirected to the minor leagues) out of the picture and Hideki Matsui in it, Johnny Damon is finding his way into center field. Not very effectively. He made two big miscues in tonights' game, and while only one went for an error, he really showed what he can - or can't - do out there in centerfield.
Poll: Time is running out to vote in our poll. Vote early; vote often.
The eight inning, the clear turning-point of the game, featured 5 Met runs including 2 RBIs each by Carlos Delgado and Damion Easley and one by Ramon Castro.
The fielding (at least for the Mets) was satisfactory once again.
The Mets maintain a 1.5 game lead over the Phillies.
Yankee Update: After their loss today, the floundering Yankees (3-7 in their last 10 games) are 11 games out of first place and 6.5 games out of the wild card. With Melky Cabrera (lost at the plate, so redirected to the minor leagues) out of the picture and Hideki Matsui in it, Johnny Damon is finding his way into center field. Not very effectively. He made two big miscues in tonights' game, and while only one went for an error, he really showed what he can - or can't - do out there in centerfield.
Poll: Time is running out to vote in our poll. Vote early; vote often.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
No Nonsense
Johan Santana didn't want to let the game go to the Mets' abysmal bullpen, so instead he opted to pitch the whole thing. Johan's 0-for-4 might not look pretty, but his complete-game shutout - the first by a Met all year - certainly was pleasing.
The bulk of the offense was delivered by the least likely of the starting 8, catcher Brian Schneider. His 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs was more than enough to deliver the Mets to a victory, their sixth straight.
Apology: In my last blog post I wrote that the Mets were on the verge of sweeping the Pirates. I had not realized that the series in Pittsburgh was a four-game affair and that the Mets will only be going for the sweep tomorrow.
Specific Stats: The Mets are in first place. Johan Santana's ERA is third-best in the league.
The bulk of the offense was delivered by the least likely of the starting 8, catcher Brian Schneider. His 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs was more than enough to deliver the Mets to a victory, their sixth straight.
Apology: In my last blog post I wrote that the Mets were on the verge of sweeping the Pirates. I had not realized that the series in Pittsburgh was a four-game affair and that the Mets will only be going for the sweep tomorrow.
Specific Stats: The Mets are in first place. Johan Santana's ERA is third-best in the league.
Get Your Brooms Ready...
...because the Mets are looking for the sweep. After two impressive victories, the Mets are sending ace Johan Santana to the mound opposite Pirate (and former Yankee) Jeff Karstens.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Where's the Cat?
Because the Mets, like the proverbial mouse, are certainly playing around. Tonight, they were all over Washington pitching with a total of 12 runs on 13 hits.
Two pitching surprises: The Mets won via the shutout, limiting the Nationals to just 4 hits, and they used only 2 pitchers. That's right. After John Maine pitched five great innings, Brian Stokes finished it off.
In the peculiar events of the last two nights, the Mets have had 2 saves - both by different people, neither of whom is the man they pronounced as their closer yesterday (Eddie Kunz).
On the defensive side of things, the Mets have been playing much better, of late. With Argenis Reyes (instead of Damion Easley) and Fernando Tatis (instead of Marlon Anderson) each getting a bit more playing time, no-one should be surprised at the decrease in errors. The surprising part is that the Mets have not made any errors in 18 of their last 21 games. That's pretty good! Included in that was a 12 game errorless streak from July 22 to August 2.
As of this writing, the Mets are just one half game behind the Phillies. That means that if the Phillies lose tonight, (unlikely, they're winning 6-1) the Mets would be tied with them for first place in the National League East.
Quality Starting: The Mets' rotation is really looking formidable. Johan Santana, arguably the greatest pitcher in baseball (I might argue that) is 5th in the league with an ERA of 2.89. Oliver Perez and John Maine are, respectively, 3.90 and 3.97, both very good marks. Mike Pelfrey backs up the list with "only" a 4.11 ERA. That's good stuff.
Two pitching surprises: The Mets won via the shutout, limiting the Nationals to just 4 hits, and they used only 2 pitchers. That's right. After John Maine pitched five great innings, Brian Stokes finished it off.
In the peculiar events of the last two nights, the Mets have had 2 saves - both by different people, neither of whom is the man they pronounced as their closer yesterday (Eddie Kunz).
On the defensive side of things, the Mets have been playing much better, of late. With Argenis Reyes (instead of Damion Easley) and Fernando Tatis (instead of Marlon Anderson) each getting a bit more playing time, no-one should be surprised at the decrease in errors. The surprising part is that the Mets have not made any errors in 18 of their last 21 games. That's pretty good! Included in that was a 12 game errorless streak from July 22 to August 2.
As of this writing, the Mets are just one half game behind the Phillies. That means that if the Phillies lose tonight, (unlikely, they're winning 6-1) the Mets would be tied with them for first place in the National League East.
Quality Starting: The Mets' rotation is really looking formidable. Johan Santana, arguably the greatest pitcher in baseball (I might argue that) is 5th in the league with an ERA of 2.89. Oliver Perez and John Maine are, respectively, 3.90 and 3.97, both very good marks. Mike Pelfrey backs up the list with "only" a 4.11 ERA. That's good stuff.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Surprise Twist
After prevailing rumors (unfortuantely not on this site, I may have been slacking off) of Eddie Kunz being the new closer (until Billy Wagner's return), the closer tonight was Pedro Feliciano.
The good news, of course, that there was a save situation. Johan Santana pitched pretty well and the offense gave its contribution. Add that to good performance by the bullpen, and you've got a victory.
The good news, of course, that there was a save situation. Johan Santana pitched pretty well and the offense gave its contribution. Add that to good performance by the bullpen, and you've got a victory.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Unlucky
Unlucky just about describes Pedro Martinez (in regard to a certain thing), in that he received a no-decision as compensation for his great outing today. (I can't call the guy unlucky - he'd pulled in over $134 million in baseball contracts coming into this year, according to this.)
Once again, the bullpen blew it. Joe Smith, Pedro Feliciano and Aaron Heilman each contributed to today's debacle, combining to give up 6 runs in an inning-plus. Especially distressing (at least to me) was Heilman's reverting to his old ways after two positive outings.
As you may recall (from the last paragraph of this), I have supported Aaron Heilman as the second-in-line closer (i.e. closer when, like now, Billy Wagner is unavailable). I still do support him, but I must admit that his inconsistency is really getting distressing. The step after that is depressing.
However, even after today's loss, the Mets are just 2.5 games out of the division lead. There's plenty of baseball, yet. All is not lost.
Yankees Update: The Yankees, in serious trouble at 8.5 games behind the Rays and 4 behind wild-card leading Boston, are currently losing to the Twins. Boston, too, is currently losing.
Poll Update: Apparently, consensus is that the Mets' biggest problem is their relief pitching. After today's game, I think it'd be hard to argue against that.
New Poll: Coming soon.
Once again, the bullpen blew it. Joe Smith, Pedro Feliciano and Aaron Heilman each contributed to today's debacle, combining to give up 6 runs in an inning-plus. Especially distressing (at least to me) was Heilman's reverting to his old ways after two positive outings.
As you may recall (from the last paragraph of this), I have supported Aaron Heilman as the second-in-line closer (i.e. closer when, like now, Billy Wagner is unavailable). I still do support him, but I must admit that his inconsistency is really getting distressing. The step after that is depressing.
However, even after today's loss, the Mets are just 2.5 games out of the division lead. There's plenty of baseball, yet. All is not lost.
Yankees Update: The Yankees, in serious trouble at 8.5 games behind the Rays and 4 behind wild-card leading Boston, are currently losing to the Twins. Boston, too, is currently losing.
Poll Update: Apparently, consensus is that the Mets' biggest problem is their relief pitching. After today's game, I think it'd be hard to argue against that.
New Poll: Coming soon.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Well, it Counts
Johan Santana pitched well again, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits in 7+ innings. Scott Schoenweiss blew the Mets' lead and David Wright saved the day in the bottom of the ninth. Just another day in the exciting adventures of Metville.
David Wright and Carlos Beltran had three hits apiece.
The Mets can regain second place by winning the upcoming series against the Florida Marlins.
While he was certainly shaky earlier in the week, Aaron Heilman pitched effectively today. I think that, considering that Billy Wagner is currently out, Aaron Heilman should be the default closer. Sure he has some bad outings - everyone does. However, if you look at his career statistics, it is apparent that he is a very good pitcher. Dominant. Probably closer material. He may be shaky this year, but who's going to do a better job? Scott Schoenweiss? Duaner Sanchez? I believe, Jerry, that the closer's job should be Aaron's to lose.
David Wright and Carlos Beltran had three hits apiece.
The Mets can regain second place by winning the upcoming series against the Florida Marlins.
While he was certainly shaky earlier in the week, Aaron Heilman pitched effectively today. I think that, considering that Billy Wagner is currently out, Aaron Heilman should be the default closer. Sure he has some bad outings - everyone does. However, if you look at his career statistics, it is apparent that he is a very good pitcher. Dominant. Probably closer material. He may be shaky this year, but who's going to do a better job? Scott Schoenweiss? Duaner Sanchez? I believe, Jerry, that the closer's job should be Aaron's to lose.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Beyond Crazy
The Mets just got swept in Houston in embarassing fashion. On a day when they had 9 hits and 4 walks they cashed in for a depressing 0 runs.
Oliver Perez pitched pretty badly, overall, but he only gave up 4 runs in 6 innings. The Mets had the opportunity to do something today, and the offense blew it.
Robinson Cancel made a big base-running blunder in the 3rd inning, getting caught stealing at third base for the third out with David Wright at the plate. Gary Cohen was jumping all over him for that dumb play, but I didn't think that it was so crazy. The very fact that it was a stupid play might catch the Astros off guard, he probably thought. In fact, Robinson had already caught them off-guard once in the inning with his bunt single.
On the bright side of things, Nick Evans had two asssist in leftfield (both at second base), Reyes, Beltran and Delgado each had multi-hit games (3 for Carlos D.), and Eddie Kunz, in his major-leauge debut, pitched a scoreless, if not uneventful, 7th inning.
I believe that at this point, Carlos Delgado should be instated as the number 3 hitter (which would shift David Wright down to fourth). Besides the fact that Carlos is currently hitting better than David, Jose Reyes is hot, too, so by batting Carlos 3rd, you'd be bunching together the consistent hitters.
Oh, to all you batting-average watchers out there, Carlos Delgado (.268) has raised his batting average above that of Carlos Beltran (.266).
Oliver Perez pitched pretty badly, overall, but he only gave up 4 runs in 6 innings. The Mets had the opportunity to do something today, and the offense blew it.
Robinson Cancel made a big base-running blunder in the 3rd inning, getting caught stealing at third base for the third out with David Wright at the plate. Gary Cohen was jumping all over him for that dumb play, but I didn't think that it was so crazy. The very fact that it was a stupid play might catch the Astros off guard, he probably thought. In fact, Robinson had already caught them off-guard once in the inning with his bunt single.
On the bright side of things, Nick Evans had two asssist in leftfield (both at second base), Reyes, Beltran and Delgado each had multi-hit games (3 for Carlos D.), and Eddie Kunz, in his major-leauge debut, pitched a scoreless, if not uneventful, 7th inning.
I believe that at this point, Carlos Delgado should be instated as the number 3 hitter (which would shift David Wright down to fourth). Besides the fact that Carlos is currently hitting better than David, Jose Reyes is hot, too, so by batting Carlos 3rd, you'd be bunching together the consistent hitters.
Oh, to all you batting-average watchers out there, Carlos Delgado (.268) has raised his batting average above that of Carlos Beltran (.266).
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