We polled the readers of this blog as to who should be the Mets' representative on the National League All-Star Team. The unanimous winner was Johan Santana, who has pitched extremely well of late (not taking last night's debacle into account).
The Mets will continue playing the Reds thru Sunday.
Poll Update: Just a few more days to vote for the remaining poll on the right side of this page.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
What Else is New?
(Sorry for my time off.)
The National League loses the All-Star Game. Billy Wagner blows the save. At least you don't need to check whether or not the sky is still up there.
Decent showing for David Wright at the game, with 1 for 3 and a walk. He did not field, as he was the DH.
The Mets are currently leading the Reds 6-5 in the 7th inning in Cincinnati.
El Duque left his rehab game in the first inning due to injury.
If the Mets win this game, they will tie the Phillies for 1st place in the National League East.
The National League loses the All-Star Game. Billy Wagner blows the save. At least you don't need to check whether or not the sky is still up there.
Decent showing for David Wright at the game, with 1 for 3 and a walk. He did not field, as he was the DH.
The Mets are currently leading the Reds 6-5 in the 7th inning in Cincinnati.
El Duque left his rehab game in the first inning due to injury.
If the Mets win this game, they will tie the Phillies for 1st place in the National League East.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
WOW!!
The Mets are truly as hot as can be, what with winning the last 9 in quite impressive fashion. In 5 out of the last 6 games, Mets pitching limited the opponents to 3 hits or less. That's the first time since 1990 that that has happened. Even in the 6th game (last night's the pitching staff shut out the defending NL Champion Rockies on 7 hits to complete a series sweep.
The Mets 9-game winning-streak is the longest since they won 9 straight in their 2000 NL pennant-winning season. Hey, there's something to shoot for. Since June 1st, the Mets have won more games than any National League team. Their 24 June and July victories put them
Mike Pelfrey has been dominant recently, allowing just 1 run in his last 22 innings. He raised his record to 8-6 and lowered his ERA to a very respectable 3.64.
With Joe Smith's shutout inning last night, the Mets' bullpen hasn't allowed a run in 19.1 innings.
The hitting was great, too, with both Carloses blasting homeruns.
The Mets 9-game winning-streak is the longest since they won 9 straight in their 2000 NL pennant-winning season. Hey, there's something to shoot for. Since June 1st, the Mets have won more games than any National League team. Their 24 June and July victories put them
Mike Pelfrey has been dominant recently, allowing just 1 run in his last 22 innings. He raised his record to 8-6 and lowered his ERA to a very respectable 3.64.
With Joe Smith's shutout inning last night, the Mets' bullpen hasn't allowed a run in 19.1 innings.
The hitting was great, too, with both Carloses blasting homeruns.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Congratulations
David Wright has been named to the National League All-Star Team as a replacement for Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano.
Just by the way, the fact that Soriano was selected to start the All-Star Game is an embarrassment. It's clearly an example of ballot-stuffing. His .283-15-40 is far from worthy of starting the All-Star-Game. All of the outfield reserves on the team (especially no-longer-reserve Matt Holliday) have numbers that are clearly better than his.
Even numerous players who did not make the team at all (think Jason Bay and Xavier Nady) had better numbers than him. That makes him worse than the entire Pittsburgh Pirates outfield. Others like Rick Ankiel and Carlos Beltran have similar offensive numbers but are much better defensively, and should also have been given the honor in his stead.
In terms of the rightful position-holder of reserve shortstop, see the final paragraph of this.
Upcoming Series: Tonight, the Mets will take on the Colorado Rockies (defending NL Champions) in the first of three games. Tonight, Oliver Perez will (possibly) show whether he is a good pitcher or a true enigma.
Just by the way, the fact that Soriano was selected to start the All-Star Game is an embarrassment. It's clearly an example of ballot-stuffing. His .283-15-40 is far from worthy of starting the All-Star-Game. All of the outfield reserves on the team (especially no-longer-reserve Matt Holliday) have numbers that are clearly better than his.
Even numerous players who did not make the team at all (think Jason Bay and Xavier Nady) had better numbers than him. That makes him worse than the entire Pittsburgh Pirates outfield. Others like Rick Ankiel and Carlos Beltran have similar offensive numbers but are much better defensively, and should also have been given the honor in his stead.
In terms of the rightful position-holder of reserve shortstop, see the final paragraph of this.
Upcoming Series: Tonight, the Mets will take on the Colorado Rockies (defending NL Champions) in the first of three games. Tonight, Oliver Perez will (possibly) show whether he is a good pitcher or a true enigma.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Another Victory
John Maine didn't have his greatest performance of the year today, but after 9 innings of play, the Mets came out on top. After Maine gave up 3 runs in 4.2 innings, Muniz, Schoenweiss (who got credit for the win), Sanchez, and Wagner shut out the on just a single hit.
It is, amazingly, the second straight game in which Mets pitching gave up just 3 hits.
Fernando Tatis was the hero today, with his 2 run homer part of his 3 hit, 4 RBI game.
The final score was 7-3.
It is, amazingly, the second straight game in which Mets pitching gave up just 3 hits.
Fernando Tatis was the hero today, with his 2 run homer part of his 3 hit, 4 RBI game.
The final score was 7-3.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Team Effort
In a very impressive performance overall, Johan Santana and the bullpen combo of Heilman, Sanchez and Smith held the Giants scoreless on just a paltry three hits. In a game held up by a 42 minute rain delay, the Mets, perhaps, decided to show that they could win rain or shine.
Ramon Castro had a big three-run-homer in the 4th off of losing pitcher Johnathan Sanchez. Carlos Delgado went 3 for 4 with a couple of doubles. Argenis Reyes got his first (and second) major league hit tonight, and scored a run, as well.
In summation, the quintessential sweet victory. (Okay. Maybe that's a stretch. All the runs were batted in by the 8,9 and 1 batters.)
Florida won and the Phillies are winning. It is likely that the Mets will remain 1.5 games out of first.
All-Star Game Coverage: As you may have noticed, I've put up an additional poll on the righ-hand side of the blog. This one is about which Mets pitcher is most worthy to be the Mets' All-Star representative.
With his solid start today, Johan Santana put the icing onto what should be his All-Star cake.
Ramon Castro had a big three-run-homer in the 4th off of losing pitcher Johnathan Sanchez. Carlos Delgado went 3 for 4 with a couple of doubles. Argenis Reyes got his first (and second) major league hit tonight, and scored a run, as well.
In summation, the quintessential sweet victory. (Okay. Maybe that's a stretch. All the runs were batted in by the 8,9 and 1 batters.)
Florida won and the Phillies are winning. It is likely that the Mets will remain 1.5 games out of first.
All-Star Game Coverage: As you may have noticed, I've put up an additional poll on the righ-hand side of the blog. This one is about which Mets pitcher is most worthy to be the Mets' All-Star representative.
With his solid start today, Johan Santana put the icing onto what should be his All-Star cake.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Great Game
Great game all around today as the Mets took on the Giants in impressive fashion, ultimately emerging victorious by a score of 7-0. Pelfrey impressed, and the bullpen did its job (for a nice change) and the Mets got the win.
All-Star Coverage: Two Mets got slighted in not being picked for the All-Star Team: Jose Reyes and Johan Santana. Johan has pitched much better than his 7-7 record, and has a stellar 2.96 ERA, good for (a tie of) 5th in the league. He's also (tied for) 5th in the league in Innings Pitched, a combination which should certainly have propelled him past Billy Wagner and onto the All-Star Team.
Jose Reyes has the numbers to be in the Bronx next Tuesday. He leads the league in triples and stolen bases and is tied for 12th in batting average. He has a decent amount of walks and 9 homers and 38 RBIs from the lead-off spot. How Miguel Tejada is going to the All-Star Game instead of him is an enigma. (With superman Lance Berkman on his team, Tejada is not the sole Astro, which would solve the mystery.)
All-Star Coverage: Two Mets got slighted in not being picked for the All-Star Team: Jose Reyes and Johan Santana. Johan has pitched much better than his 7-7 record, and has a stellar 2.96 ERA, good for (a tie of) 5th in the league. He's also (tied for) 5th in the league in Innings Pitched, a combination which should certainly have propelled him past Billy Wagner and onto the All-Star Team.
Jose Reyes has the numbers to be in the Bronx next Tuesday. He leads the league in triples and stolen bases and is tied for 12th in batting average. He has a decent amount of walks and 9 homers and 38 RBIs from the lead-off spot. How Miguel Tejada is going to the All-Star Game instead of him is an enigma. (With superman Lance Berkman on his team, Tejada is not the sole Astro, which would solve the mystery.)
Have You Had Your Phil?
Though they exit the city of Brotherly Love just 2.5 games out of first and having just taken 3 out of 4 from their rivals, I think that the Mets have certainly had their fill.
The circumstances that led to the Mets series victory was almost comical. The bullpen was ridiculous, with Billy Wagner leading the way, and the Mets came relatively close to losing each of the last two games in embarrassing fashion.
Nevertheless, they outlasted the Phillies, and for once, or twice, showed a little backbone on both Sunday and Monday.
Pedro pitched relatively well (2 runs, 5.1 innings), and that is remarkably encouraging. If he's got something left in the tank, the rotation is set.
Impossible as it may seem, if Scott Schoenweiss becomes the Mets closer today, I think I will have more confidence in him than in Mr. Wagner. Scott Schoenweiss. No question about Heilman or Joe Smith, who are possibly the two best relievers right now (Heilman's play on Monday notwithstanding).
At 2.5 back, the Mets have a bad (bot not ridiculous) chance of capturing first place by the All-Star break.
Blog Note: I've extended the poll on the right-hand side of the main text of the blog. Come on! Vote!
The circumstances that led to the Mets series victory was
Nevertheless, they outlasted the Phillies, and for once, or twice, showed a little backbone on both Sunday and Monday.
Pedro pitched relatively well (2 runs, 5.1 innings), and that is remarkably encouraging. If he's got something left in the tank, the rotation is set.
Impossible as it may seem, if Scott Schoenweiss becomes the Mets closer today, I think I will have more confidence in him than in Mr. Wagner. Scott Schoenweiss. No question about Heilman or Joe Smith, who are possibly the two best relievers right now (Heilman's play on Monday notwithstanding).
At 2.5 back, the Mets have a bad (bot not ridiculous) chance of capturing first place by the All-Star break.
Blog Note: I've extended the poll on the right-hand side of the main text of the blog. Come on! Vote!
Friday, July 4, 2008
A Win In at the Cards
After yesterday's disappointing loss, the Mets sure enjoyed today's victory. The hitting was clearly there, with the Mets scoring 3 runs in the first and an astonishing 6 runs in the 3rd inning. Add in Carlos Delgado's 15th home run and Jose Reyes' 10th triple, and you've got yourself a "W."
Carlos Beltran had the night off, but it didn't seem to hurt the Mets at all. Super-sub Endy Chavez went 2 for 5 and scored a run and knocked in another. The Met with the worst day offensively (arguable, obviously) was Ramon Castro, and even he had a walk and a run scored.
Even Mike Pelfrey (a terrible hitter, historically) got in on the fun, getting a hit, a run, and get this, his first Major League RBI in yesterday's game. Oh, he also pitched pretty darn well, giving up a single run in 7 innings.
Going into a weekend four-game series against the division-leading Phillies, the Mets are 42-43 and 4.5 games out of first.
The Mets can theoretically leave Philadelphia on Monday just half a game out of first.
Carlos Beltran had the night off, but it didn't seem to hurt the Mets at all. Super-sub Endy Chavez went 2 for 5 and scored a run and knocked in another. The Met with the worst day offensively (arguable, obviously) was Ramon Castro, and even he had a walk and a run scored.
Even Mike Pelfrey (a terrible hitter, historically) got in on the fun, getting a hit, a run, and get this, his first Major League RBI in yesterday's game. Oh, he also pitched pretty darn well, giving up a single run in 7 innings.
Going into a weekend four-game series against the division-leading Phillies, the Mets are 42-43 and 4.5 games out of first.
The Mets can theoretically leave Philadelphia on Monday just half a game out of first.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
51/49
As we stand at the halfway mark (or rather, just past the halfway mark) of the season, things are remarkably up in the air.
Here are the facts: Reyes is a bit of an interesting fellow, a great player, and a huge enigma. Wright is great at hitting (although his average is a little lower than usual). The Carloses are not quite what they were. (Don't take that the wrong way. I think that they are both quite good, though neither hits for much of an average.
Johan and Maine are good. Pelfrey is pretty good too. Perez's last start was encouraging (which of course means absolutely nothing).
Pedro did pitch pretty well today with the exception of the first inning.
Heilman has been good recently.
41-42 and just 4 games out! I'll take it.
Here are the facts: Reyes is a bit of an interesting fellow, a great player, and a huge enigma. Wright is great at hitting (although his average is a little lower than usual). The Carloses are not quite what they were. (Don't take that the wrong way. I think that they are both quite good, though neither hits for much of an average.
Johan and Maine are good. Pelfrey is pretty good too. Perez's last start was encouraging (which of course means absolutely nothing).
Pedro did pitch pretty well today with the exception of the first inning.
Heilman has been good recently.
41-42 and just 4 games out! I'll take it.
Monday, June 30, 2008
The Main(no 'e') Problem
Regrettably ignored by me thus far, but still ridiculously true, the Mets defense is bad. Today, the Mets had the embarrassing total of 3 errors: 1 each for Maine, Castillo, and Wright. That is just an atrocius number.
The Mets can't hope to play for too long (i.e. October) if they don't get over this sloppy spell. It's just not going to happen. They have good fielders in center, right (now that Church is back) and behind the plate. Left is not that good, unless it's the great Endy Chavez. The entire infield, however, is remarkably inconsistent. It's not that Reyes or Wright is terrible - they both make a lot of good plays. But, they make a ridiculous amount of misplays that just don't add up to a winning situation.
John Maine had a rare bad outing today, giving up 5 runs (3 earned) in just 4 innings. The offense had another day off, and it led to another blowout.
The Mets, at 40-42 and playing remarkably inconsistent baseball, are still just 3.5 games behind the division-leading Phillies. It's still June, and this thing is far from over.
The Mets can't hope to play for too long (i.e. October) if they don't get over this sloppy spell. It's just not going to happen. They have good fielders in center, right (now that Church is back) and behind the plate. Left is not that good, unless it's the great Endy Chavez. The entire infield, however, is remarkably inconsistent. It's not that Reyes or Wright is terrible - they both make a lot of good plays. But, they make a ridiculous amount of misplays that just don't add up to a winning situation.
John Maine had a rare bad outing today, giving up 5 runs (3 earned) in just 4 innings. The offense had another day off, and it led to another blowout.
The Mets, at 40-42 and playing remarkably inconsistent baseball, are still just 3.5 games behind the division-leading Phillies. It's still June, and this thing is far from over.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
It's Ol the Same Story
The Mets won two; the Mets lost two - what else is new? Who would have thought that Oliver Perez would pitch better - clearly better - than Johan Santana? Who could have anticipated Sidney Ponson's great start or Pedro Martinez's bad one?
Oliver Perez, Carlos Delgado and David Wright are looking good - good luck to them, but I think you can get even money that the Mets will be 81-81 come the season's end.
Oliver Perez, Carlos Delgado and David Wright are looking good - good luck to them, but I think you can get even money that the Mets will be 81-81 come the season's end.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Singing in the Maine
John Maine pitched well (2 runs in 6 innings), and the Mets found themselves in relatively uncharted territory - the victor's seat.
It'd be hard to say that the offense began clicking tonight, after all the mighty Miguel Batista and four relievers held the Mets to just five hits, but #5 proved worth his salary tonight with a coupla home runs and 3 RBI (and a walk). Everyone else went 3-for-26, but at this point, you have to take it. It may be all you can get.
The real newsworthy news is happening over the weekend in a four-game Subway Series. If the Mets win 2, that's good. 3 or 4 would be amazin'. While the Yankees boast a superior record to their New York rivals, the Mets are actually not in such a bad position.
Pitching: The Mets starting pitching is clearly superior. Johan is good. Pedro is a maybe. Oliver Perez is going to pitch very well because he pitched so badly last start. Mike Pelfrey's been pretty consistent. The Yankees counter with Rasner, Geis, Pettitte and Joba. If the Yankees get more than two quality starts, you should be surprised. That is not the case with the Mets.
The bullpens are relatively equal.
Hitting: The Yankees seem to have better hitters than the Mets. However, most of the Mets have been underperforming this year, hitting-wise. I wouldn't be surprised if they hit well over the weekend.
It'd be hard to say that the offense began clicking tonight, after all the mighty Miguel Batista and four relievers held the Mets to just five hits, but #5 proved worth his salary tonight with a coupla home runs and 3 RBI (and a walk). Everyone else went 3-for-26, but at this point, you have to take it. It may be all you can get.
The real newsworthy news is happening over the weekend in a four-game Subway Series. If the Mets win 2, that's good. 3 or 4 would be amazin'. While the Yankees boast a superior record to their New York rivals, the Mets are actually not in such a bad position.
Pitching: The Mets starting pitching is clearly superior. Johan is good. Pedro is a maybe. Oliver Perez is going to pitch very well because he pitched so badly last start. Mike Pelfrey's been pretty consistent. The Yankees counter with Rasner, Geis, Pettitte and Joba. If the Yankees get more than two quality starts, you should be surprised. That is not the case with the Mets.
The bullpens are relatively equal.
Hitting: The Yankees seem to have better hitters than the Mets. However, most of the Mets have been underperforming this year, hitting-wise. I wouldn't be surprised if they hit well over the weekend.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Still, Times Aren't That Bad
Considering all of the Mets problems, they are in a pretty good position. At 37-39, they're just two game under .500, and a manageable 4 games behind the Phillies. That's closer to first than the Yankees or Detroit. Tonight's game features John Maine against Seattle hurler Miguel Batista.
If the Mets offense is looking to cash in, tonight is the time. Batista is 3-9, with an unsightly 6.26 ERA. John Maine, on the other hand, is a healthy 7-5, with an above-average 3.78 ERA (20th in the league).
"Next GAME is now."
If the Mets offense is looking to cash in, tonight is the time. Batista is 3-9, with an unsightly 6.26 ERA. John Maine, on the other hand, is a healthy 7-5, with an above-average 3.78 ERA (20th in the league).
"Next GAME is now."
Here We Go Again
Inconsistent. That, in a word, sums up the 2008 New York Mets (as of June 25). Omar Minaya and Fred Wilpon (and to a lesser extent, Jerry Manuel) are really going to begin to look stupid if this team doesn't start playing well. Delgado is not what he used to be - I can live with that. Beltran and Wright are around .270 - I can live with that. Santana is less than great. Heilman is less than good. Perez is less than average. You hire a left-fielder who's more consistent than anyone in the game - consistently on the Disabled List. I can live with any of this. But the team can't live with all of it. That's ignoring the fielding on the left side of the infield.
For the Mets to turn it around, things have to change. The hitting has to hit, Howard Johnson. David Wright. Carlos Delgado. Carlos Beltran.
Otherwise you're going to keep losing games 2,3,4 to 1 (or 0).
For the Mets to turn it around, things have to change. The hitting has to hit, Howard Johnson. David Wright. Carlos Delgado. Carlos Beltran.
Otherwise you're going to keep losing games 2,3,4 to 1 (or 0).
Monday, June 23, 2008
Jo, What's Up
Johan Santana gave up a grand-slam in the second inning. To the pitcher. On an American Leauge team.
Was he A) not paying attention/frustrated with Wright's error, or B) trying to challenge Hernandez and make sure he didn't walk in a run?
Was he A) not paying attention/frustrated with Wright's error, or B) trying to challenge Hernandez and make sure he didn't walk in a run?
Friday, June 20, 2008
Off auto; onto Manuel
Willie's gone, Jerry's in. I have absolutely no idea why. There's no way that anything is Willie's fault. I guess Omar's just dumb!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Nixon' the Holes
Trot Nixon is here. I hope he's raring and ready to go crush the Yankees in the Subway Series in 2 weeks. Here's wishing him well.
David Wright with a weird play yesterday. Check it out.
David Wright with a weird play yesterday. Check it out.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Losing Streak
The Mets are currently mired in a funk- a slump.
Hats off to Carlos Delgado and Jose Reyes for hitting the ball.
Happy Birthday, Jose!
Ty Cobb and Jose Reyes are the only dudes with 250 steals 50 triples by age 25.
Ty Cobb is rated 5th best baseball player by Bill James. That includes pitchers and Negro League players. Of course, a lot of people would say that James is crazy - Cobb's .367 career batting average would have to make him first or second best player. Of course, either way, Reyes is in good company (hitting-wise).
Hats off to Carlos Delgado and Jose Reyes for hitting the ball.
Happy Birthday, Jose!
Ty Cobb and Jose Reyes are the only dudes with 250 steals 50 triples by age 25.
Ty Cobb is rated 5th best baseball player by Bill James. That includes pitchers and Negro League players. Of course, a lot of people would say that James is crazy - Cobb's .367 career batting average would have to make him first or second best player. Of course, either way, Reyes is in good company (hitting-wise).
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Hmmmm
Befoe yesterday's ridiculous 10-2 loss, the Mets had won 5 out of 6. Wright and Reyes were hitting, as was Tatis. Tomorrow, Pedro's pitching. We'll see what happens.
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