What started out as a possible chance to put some distance between the Mets and their division rivals has done just the opposite. The Mets lost 2-3 in Miami and are now a half game behind the Phillies with the Marlins close behind.
The Wizard of Ollie did his job Tuesday while Delgado continues to punish baseballs and drive in runs. Ollie went 6.2 innings and allowed only the 1 run on a night where he didn't have his best outing. He worked thru the night and gave the bull-pen a 1 run lead to hold and protect. Heilman stepped it up and allowed nothing and handed the ball the Billy the Kid. Wagner proceeded to set the fish down 1-2-3 while striking out 2 of the 3 hitters he faced. I guess Guinness and others will allow Billy to keep his job for another day or two.
Beltran had an RBI and David drove in his 83rd run in the 1st inning. Nick Evans had 2 hits and scored two runs, and Delgado drove his 23rd HR over the right-center field fence in the 8th inning to extend the lead to 4-1. Delgado should be player of the month after the July he's had. I doubt even Guinness figured he'd have this kind of month.
Last nights game had Big Pelf going to the mound and hoping to keep his dominance over the last month intact. No such luck. Mike was hammered early and often by the fish. I didn't like the game plan that Schneider had Mike working to. The Marlins are a free swinging HR hitting team. That to me would mean they would be all over Mike's fastballs unless Mike mixed it up some. But, Brian had him throwing mostly fastballs and the Mets paid for it. With a 1-0 lead going into the bottom of the 4th it looked like a pitchers duel was in the works. But, the baseballs started flying all over the field and off the walls with regularity against Mike. 2 triples and 4 doubles later, the Fish had 5 runs on the board and the Mets were cooked. Muniz came in and pitched well in the 5th and 6th innings, but the Fish added 2 more runs against Joe Smith and put the game out of reach. Easley hit a 3 run pinch-hit HR to get the Mets to 5-4 but they couldn't get to the Marlins before the last out was recorded. With the tying runs on base, Reyes flied out and the game was over. So the Mets continued to fight back, but ultimately they fell short.
Now they have an off day and Pedro pitches in Houston on Friday. He'll be on a pitch count so he needs to be conservative with his pitches. If he runs a lot of deep counts, he'll never get out of the 4th inning. That could mean a long night for the pen and the fans in Houston. If Pedro pitches ok, there will be no need to pitch Maine on Sunday, and risk injuring his shoulder again. With 10 days off, John should be able to rest his arm and come out slinging with no problems.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Maine Leaves Hurt, and Bull-Pen Blows Up
What started out as a good outing soon left a bad taste in my mouth. John Maine was pitching a good game and breezed through the 1st 4 innings, then something happened in the 5th inning.
Before recording the 1st out of the inning, all hell broke lose with the trainers and coaching staff running out to the mound and surrounding John. They all were worried about something. After throwing a couple of pitches to the catcher, they left and John went back to pitching. He threw one pitch, and the baseball was promptly parked in the seats in right field. After Nolasco's long fly ball to Chavez, that was the end of John's night. Come to find out later, John has had a stiff shoulder for a few weeks now. Dan Warthen and Jerry were worried about John hurting something else because he started changing his delivery during the game. They don't seem to think there is anything major going on, they were just being careful. Somehow I bet Guinness is jumping up and down celebrating this latest set back for John. He's bound and determined to make John a reliever and I'm sure he'll say this proves something. The only thing it proves to me is that John isn't a wimp, and wanted to pitch and stay in the game because he knew it was important. John has proven to have a bulldog personality and sometimes that isn't good for him. I heard that he was barking at Warthen about being pulled. I like that fight in players, but sometimes it's better to error on the side of caution.
If that wasn't bad enough, the bull-pen blew up again. Muniz did ok but surrendered the lead and left after 1.2 innings and a tied game. Pedro got out of the 6th inning, Sanchez made it thru the 7th inning, then Smith and Schoeneweis promptly gave up 5 runs in the 8th and the game was over. The Mets never threatened to score any runs and the Marlins pen held the lead. Now the Mets are only .5 games ahead of the Phillies, and 1 game ahead of the Fish.
Ollie goes tonight and hopes to stop the bleeding and extend the Mets lead in the division. No one ever said beating the Marlins would be easy, but it needs to be done. They may have great HR hitting abilities, but the Mets should be able to exploit their pitching. If the Mets bull-pen doesn't improve, it will be the Mets pitching that gets exploited not the Marlins.
Before recording the 1st out of the inning, all hell broke lose with the trainers and coaching staff running out to the mound and surrounding John. They all were worried about something. After throwing a couple of pitches to the catcher, they left and John went back to pitching. He threw one pitch, and the baseball was promptly parked in the seats in right field. After Nolasco's long fly ball to Chavez, that was the end of John's night. Come to find out later, John has had a stiff shoulder for a few weeks now. Dan Warthen and Jerry were worried about John hurting something else because he started changing his delivery during the game. They don't seem to think there is anything major going on, they were just being careful. Somehow I bet Guinness is jumping up and down celebrating this latest set back for John. He's bound and determined to make John a reliever and I'm sure he'll say this proves something. The only thing it proves to me is that John isn't a wimp, and wanted to pitch and stay in the game because he knew it was important. John has proven to have a bulldog personality and sometimes that isn't good for him. I heard that he was barking at Warthen about being pulled. I like that fight in players, but sometimes it's better to error on the side of caution.
If that wasn't bad enough, the bull-pen blew up again. Muniz did ok but surrendered the lead and left after 1.2 innings and a tied game. Pedro got out of the 6th inning, Sanchez made it thru the 7th inning, then Smith and Schoeneweis promptly gave up 5 runs in the 8th and the game was over. The Mets never threatened to score any runs and the Marlins pen held the lead. Now the Mets are only .5 games ahead of the Phillies, and 1 game ahead of the Fish.
Ollie goes tonight and hopes to stop the bleeding and extend the Mets lead in the division. No one ever said beating the Marlins would be easy, but it needs to be done. They may have great HR hitting abilities, but the Mets should be able to exploit their pitching. If the Mets bull-pen doesn't improve, it will be the Mets pitching that gets exploited not the Marlins.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Mets Pluck Cardinals
In between thunderstorms and hail this weekend I actually managed to watch/listen to the Mets play the Cardinals. While Saturday's lose was disappointing, the fight and tenacity of the Mets was good to see. Sunday's game just reaffirmed that they are not the team of Witless Willie.
All too often during the dark days of Willies tenure, the Mets would just roll over and die if they fell behind early in a game. They did anything but that Saturday. After Knight's rough 1st inning, the Mets settled into a 14 inning slug fest. Tatis had another late inning home run to tie the score, and Delgado had two home runs earlier in the game. Jose' had his 12th home run of the year also and everybody seemed into the game. The rally caps were out in force all night and things just didn't work out as hoped. Heilman working in his 3rd inning of relief left a pitch over the middle of the plate, and Phat Albert parked it in the bleachers. Heilman was the last pitcher in the pen, and Perez would have come into the game if it went any longer. Even in the lose there were good things about this game that bode well for the future of this team. They never gave up, and the team really seems to be jelling as a whole. They are well on their way to becoming the best team in the NL.
In Sunday's game it was the Johan Santana show. On a day when a classic Ace pitching display was needed, Johan didn't let the team down. He pitched like an ACE and never let the Cardinals into the game. Tatis, Castro, and David once again went deep into the bleachers. David now has 82 RBI and is third in the league. Beltran made a great catch in center field to rob a HR and even had an RBI and hit. The Mets never trailed and never allowed the Redbirds to even think they had a chance. Johan knew the pen was spent and he needed to deep into the game. He pitched the first complete game for the Mets since 2006 and only gave up 6 hits. His lone mistake was giving up a home run to Phat Albert. The man can plain hit the ball. The fans were chanting Johan's name during the 8th and 9th inning and gave him a stand ovation as he left the field. He tipped his cap and the crowd roared it's approval. This was the kind of game so many fans hoped for when Santana was traded to the Mets. The dominating pitching that only an ACE can deliver. With an extra day of rest before his next start, Johan should be ready to continue his 2nd half surge and push the Mets to another Division title.
Now the Mets head for Florida and their second home. The Mets own the Marlins in Florida and hope to continue to trend towards total domination of the division. A sweep would be nice, but may not be possible with all the HR bats in the Marlins line-up. Here's to another successful road trip and a larger lead in the standings.
All too often during the dark days of Willies tenure, the Mets would just roll over and die if they fell behind early in a game. They did anything but that Saturday. After Knight's rough 1st inning, the Mets settled into a 14 inning slug fest. Tatis had another late inning home run to tie the score, and Delgado had two home runs earlier in the game. Jose' had his 12th home run of the year also and everybody seemed into the game. The rally caps were out in force all night and things just didn't work out as hoped. Heilman working in his 3rd inning of relief left a pitch over the middle of the plate, and Phat Albert parked it in the bleachers. Heilman was the last pitcher in the pen, and Perez would have come into the game if it went any longer. Even in the lose there were good things about this game that bode well for the future of this team. They never gave up, and the team really seems to be jelling as a whole. They are well on their way to becoming the best team in the NL.
In Sunday's game it was the Johan Santana show. On a day when a classic Ace pitching display was needed, Johan didn't let the team down. He pitched like an ACE and never let the Cardinals into the game. Tatis, Castro, and David once again went deep into the bleachers. David now has 82 RBI and is third in the league. Beltran made a great catch in center field to rob a HR and even had an RBI and hit. The Mets never trailed and never allowed the Redbirds to even think they had a chance. Johan knew the pen was spent and he needed to deep into the game. He pitched the first complete game for the Mets since 2006 and only gave up 6 hits. His lone mistake was giving up a home run to Phat Albert. The man can plain hit the ball. The fans were chanting Johan's name during the 8th and 9th inning and gave him a stand ovation as he left the field. He tipped his cap and the crowd roared it's approval. This was the kind of game so many fans hoped for when Santana was traded to the Mets. The dominating pitching that only an ACE can deliver. With an extra day of rest before his next start, Johan should be ready to continue his 2nd half surge and push the Mets to another Division title.
Now the Mets head for Florida and their second home. The Mets own the Marlins in Florida and hope to continue to trend towards total domination of the division. A sweep would be nice, but may not be possible with all the HR bats in the Marlins line-up. Here's to another successful road trip and a larger lead in the standings.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Jerry's Miracle Mets Reclaim Division Lead
Back in May this very same team was left for dead. Since the firing of Witless Willie this team is playing with confidence and purpose. The players may be the same, but the results are completely different. What Jerry Manuel has managed to do in a little over a month is a miracle. If anyone out there needed any more proof that Willie Randolph wasn't the man for this job, they must be related to Willie.
In today's game the Wizard of Ollie showed up and cast a spell over the Phillies for 7.2 innings. His only walk was an intentional one to Burrell in the 8th, and he struck out 12. Ollie is focused and pitching like a man possessed. Dan Warthen deserves loads of credit for not trying to stifle Ollie's personality. Dan listened to Ollie and worked with him to channel his energy in one direction towards the plate. The result is a confident and dominating pitcher on the mound.
Jerry and Dan have also worked on the pen and on Mike Pelfrey to improve their efforts. Tuesday's meltdown not withstanding, the pen has pitched well except for Pedro Feliciano. The defined roles seem to be agreeing with everyone but Pedro, and that may make him expendable for a trade.
The biggest change the last month or so is in Delgado. He's hitting over .400 for the month and has fought his way back to the 4th spot. It's clearly evident that Carlos had issues with Willie, or vise verse. During the whole Willie death watch Carlos was strangely silent in his support of Willie. If Carlos giving up on Willie and tuning him out helped to lead to Willie's firing, then we all owe Carlos a thank you. Working with HoJo, Carlos is becoming the power hitter the Mets have needed for months now. He's laying off the inside pitches and using all areas of the field. Today's game winning hit was a line drive into the left field corner that scored the deciding 2 runs. Beltran is not a clean-up/power hitter, and seems overwhelmed at the plate at times. There is something really wrong with a clean-up hitter that lays down bunts instead of swinging away. When Ryan comes back, I wouldn't be surprised to see Beltran hitting in the 6th hole. It seemed to help Delgado, maybe it will help Beltran.
Now the Cardinals come to town and they have to face the Big Pelf. Mike has been great the last month or so and needs to come up big in this game. I look forward to seeing Mike shatter lots of Maple bats and keep the heat on the Phillies. Who pitches Saturday is a bigger question. The last I heard is that Brandon Knight [who's on the Olympic team] would be called up. He's 5-1 with and ERA of 1.60. Other possible pitchers are Neise from AA and Stokes from AAA. From what I hear, Knight [who was in the Yankee system] is tearing up the AAA circuit. Wouldn't it be nice to see him pitch a shutout for 7-8 innings and rub it in the Yankees faces?
In today's game the Wizard of Ollie showed up and cast a spell over the Phillies for 7.2 innings. His only walk was an intentional one to Burrell in the 8th, and he struck out 12. Ollie is focused and pitching like a man possessed. Dan Warthen deserves loads of credit for not trying to stifle Ollie's personality. Dan listened to Ollie and worked with him to channel his energy in one direction towards the plate. The result is a confident and dominating pitcher on the mound.
Jerry and Dan have also worked on the pen and on Mike Pelfrey to improve their efforts. Tuesday's meltdown not withstanding, the pen has pitched well except for Pedro Feliciano. The defined roles seem to be agreeing with everyone but Pedro, and that may make him expendable for a trade.
The biggest change the last month or so is in Delgado. He's hitting over .400 for the month and has fought his way back to the 4th spot. It's clearly evident that Carlos had issues with Willie, or vise verse. During the whole Willie death watch Carlos was strangely silent in his support of Willie. If Carlos giving up on Willie and tuning him out helped to lead to Willie's firing, then we all owe Carlos a thank you. Working with HoJo, Carlos is becoming the power hitter the Mets have needed for months now. He's laying off the inside pitches and using all areas of the field. Today's game winning hit was a line drive into the left field corner that scored the deciding 2 runs. Beltran is not a clean-up/power hitter, and seems overwhelmed at the plate at times. There is something really wrong with a clean-up hitter that lays down bunts instead of swinging away. When Ryan comes back, I wouldn't be surprised to see Beltran hitting in the 6th hole. It seemed to help Delgado, maybe it will help Beltran.
Now the Cardinals come to town and they have to face the Big Pelf. Mike has been great the last month or so and needs to come up big in this game. I look forward to seeing Mike shatter lots of Maple bats and keep the heat on the Phillies. Who pitches Saturday is a bigger question. The last I heard is that Brandon Knight [who's on the Olympic team] would be called up. He's 5-1 with and ERA of 1.60. Other possible pitchers are Neise from AA and Stokes from AAA. From what I hear, Knight [who was in the Yankee system] is tearing up the AAA circuit. Wouldn't it be nice to see him pitch a shutout for 7-8 innings and rub it in the Yankees faces?
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Billy The Kid Comes Thru For Maine and the Mets
Not that I like to gloat or anything, but the end of this game is what should have happened last night. Billy is worth every penny paid to him, and tonight he proved it. What was an impossible job for Sanchez and Feliciano last night, was a walk in the park for Wagner. Closing games out is as much a mental job, as a physical job. Billy proves time and again that he's the warrior that's needed in the closer's job, not Sanchez or Pedro.
My Maine man John came thru like he's known to do. He's the stopper on the team and needed a good game after struggling the last 4 starts. John is 6-1 this year after Mets loses, and the team is 7-2 when he starts after a team loss. He's also the only Mets pitcher to be undefeated in his 1st 9 starts against the Phillies. He's 5-0 with an ERA under 2.40 in his starts against the Phillies. Not a bad record for someone that "doesn't have an out pitch". He attacked the strike zone, went 7 strong innings, and left with the lead thanks to a long homerun from Jose' in the 6th. John is such a perfectionist that he's often too hard on himself while pitching. He looked much more relaxed on the mound and never seemed to get frustrated with his pitching. Ron Darling commented during the game that John is very much like he was when he came into the league. Ron was often told that he was too hard on himself. If John can be a pitcher like Darling was for the Mets, I think we'll all be happy with that.
The offense did enough but still has a habit of leaving runners on base. Jose' had the deciding HR, Delgado was on base 4 times, David walked twice and singled while scoring 2 runs, and Easley had a couple of hits too. Why Marlon Anderson continues to start in left field is beyond me. He's helpless at the plate and left men on base all night. Schneider got off the skids too with 2 hard hits, and kept every pitch in front of him. I really look forward to the return of Ryan Church. He's so important to this offense. With his big bat, the Mets should be able to add another run or 2 to their average during August and September.
Schoeneweis and Smith picked up the 8th inning and did it in convincing fashion. They seem to be the most reliable relievers now. Feliciano's head is messed up. He's doing now what Heilman did in May and June. He looks like a deer in the headlights when he's out on the mound. Sanchez is the biggest puzzle. For a few games he'll look good, then he'll look god awful the next few. I hope the Wizard of Ollie shows up tomorrow, and not Ollie the fool. The Mets need 7 strong innings from Ollie and then hope that someone doesn't blow-up the game in the 8th. If Billy can go again tomorrow, the Mets have a good chance to win the series and send Philly home in second place.
My Maine man John came thru like he's known to do. He's the stopper on the team and needed a good game after struggling the last 4 starts. John is 6-1 this year after Mets loses, and the team is 7-2 when he starts after a team loss. He's also the only Mets pitcher to be undefeated in his 1st 9 starts against the Phillies. He's 5-0 with an ERA under 2.40 in his starts against the Phillies. Not a bad record for someone that "doesn't have an out pitch". He attacked the strike zone, went 7 strong innings, and left with the lead thanks to a long homerun from Jose' in the 6th. John is such a perfectionist that he's often too hard on himself while pitching. He looked much more relaxed on the mound and never seemed to get frustrated with his pitching. Ron Darling commented during the game that John is very much like he was when he came into the league. Ron was often told that he was too hard on himself. If John can be a pitcher like Darling was for the Mets, I think we'll all be happy with that.
The offense did enough but still has a habit of leaving runners on base. Jose' had the deciding HR, Delgado was on base 4 times, David walked twice and singled while scoring 2 runs, and Easley had a couple of hits too. Why Marlon Anderson continues to start in left field is beyond me. He's helpless at the plate and left men on base all night. Schneider got off the skids too with 2 hard hits, and kept every pitch in front of him. I really look forward to the return of Ryan Church. He's so important to this offense. With his big bat, the Mets should be able to add another run or 2 to their average during August and September.
Schoeneweis and Smith picked up the 8th inning and did it in convincing fashion. They seem to be the most reliable relievers now. Feliciano's head is messed up. He's doing now what Heilman did in May and June. He looks like a deer in the headlights when he's out on the mound. Sanchez is the biggest puzzle. For a few games he'll look good, then he'll look god awful the next few. I hope the Wizard of Ollie shows up tomorrow, and not Ollie the fool. The Mets need 7 strong innings from Ollie and then hope that someone doesn't blow-up the game in the 8th. If Billy can go again tomorrow, the Mets have a good chance to win the series and send Philly home in second place.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
I Hope All the Billy Wagner Haters are Happy Now
Well, what can I say about this game? For all the grief and complaining about Billy Wagner, I guarantee that he saves this game and the Mets are in 1st place. So for all the people out there that hate Billy and think he's no better than Armando Benitez, shut the f_ck up and be careful what you wish for.
As I've said on this blog and on other blog's, Sanchez is not fit to be the closer. That was proven tonight beyond a shadow of doubt. He's not the same pitcher he was in '06, and he's been spotty at best this year. I've also said that I don't trust Feliciano and shudder when ever he comes into the game. If I was Santana, I wouldn't come out of the game unless I couldn't throw the ball at all. The pen has now blown 3 wins for him and he could have won this game. The problem is that everyone is worried about the $137 million dollar arm. I don't think 105 pitches was too many heading into the 9th inning, but then again I didn't see Johan fighting very hard to go back out.
I've also said time and again that Jose' Reyes is not the Messiah that Guinness and others proclaim him to be. Another lousy night at the plate, another costly mental error in the field, and Jimmy Rollins standing at 2nd base after driving in 2 more runs in the 9th inning. The difference between a good player and a great player is what they do when the chips are down. Rollins is a great player, Jose' is a good player. Rollins can draw to an inside straight, and all Jose' can do is draw a pair of deuces.
Some Mets fans are always clamoring for Chavez should start more games. Well, the bloom and petals fell off that rose and turned to fertilizer. He made three costly base running blunders, and then allowed Taguchi's routine fly ball to go over his head in the 9th inning to score the winning runs. He didn't run to 3rd base on an easy triple, and then he was thrown out at the plate twice, WITH NO OUTS !!!! I don't know who the bigger goat is this game. Chavez, Sanchez, or Feliciano?
The bottom line here is that you should be careful what you wish for. Too many people bash Billy Wagner and praise Sanchez and Chavez. After this game we all know who's the most valuable player on this team is. It's not Jose', Sanchez, or Chavez. It's Billy "The KID" Wagner. With him the Mets win games, without him they lose big leads in the 9th inning and look like the team from last September.
As I've said on this blog and on other blog's, Sanchez is not fit to be the closer. That was proven tonight beyond a shadow of doubt. He's not the same pitcher he was in '06, and he's been spotty at best this year. I've also said that I don't trust Feliciano and shudder when ever he comes into the game. If I was Santana, I wouldn't come out of the game unless I couldn't throw the ball at all. The pen has now blown 3 wins for him and he could have won this game. The problem is that everyone is worried about the $137 million dollar arm. I don't think 105 pitches was too many heading into the 9th inning, but then again I didn't see Johan fighting very hard to go back out.
I've also said time and again that Jose' Reyes is not the Messiah that Guinness and others proclaim him to be. Another lousy night at the plate, another costly mental error in the field, and Jimmy Rollins standing at 2nd base after driving in 2 more runs in the 9th inning. The difference between a good player and a great player is what they do when the chips are down. Rollins is a great player, Jose' is a good player. Rollins can draw to an inside straight, and all Jose' can do is draw a pair of deuces.
Some Mets fans are always clamoring for Chavez should start more games. Well, the bloom and petals fell off that rose and turned to fertilizer. He made three costly base running blunders, and then allowed Taguchi's routine fly ball to go over his head in the 9th inning to score the winning runs. He didn't run to 3rd base on an easy triple, and then he was thrown out at the plate twice, WITH NO OUTS !!!! I don't know who the bigger goat is this game. Chavez, Sanchez, or Feliciano?
The bottom line here is that you should be careful what you wish for. Too many people bash Billy Wagner and praise Sanchez and Chavez. After this game we all know who's the most valuable player on this team is. It's not Jose', Sanchez, or Chavez. It's Billy "The KID" Wagner. With him the Mets win games, without him they lose big leads in the 9th inning and look like the team from last September.
Guinness and Others on Suicide Watch
Just kiding folks. But you'd have to wonder about it going into the series with Philly and the news that Billy Wagner's arm is fine. In case you haven't heard, there is nothing really wrong with Billy's shoulder. He just has been experiencing spasms the last few days. He's listed as day to day. that means if the game is on the line, "Enter the Sandman" will be blasting from the Shea Stadium Speakers. Judging by the comments posted on various blogs and Newspapers' web pages, there must have been great cheering when Billy was scheduled for an MRI. Guinness and others want him traded or worse. There was even chatter about wanting to bring Benitez back to close games. I don't know why Guinness and others are so down on Billy. A lifetime BA of under .200 and 350+ saves should have people glad to have Wagner in the Orange and Blue. The are very few closer in the game better than Billy. But, somehow I bet all the Billy haters wouldn't be happy unless Wagner struck out every batter faced all year long, or had to have his arm amputated.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Mets Win Ugly Split in Cincy
Sometimes I wonder if I can stand watching the Mets. They're doing there best to make me an old man with their sloppy play and helter-skelter hitting. Somehow they managed to win the last game of this series with poor pitching from Pelfrey and many missed chances at the plate. I hope they get their act together before Tuesday, because Phillie is coming and the division lead is at stake.
I've used this format before and I'll use it again here. For you reading pleasure this evening, "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" of Saturday's and Sunday's games
The Good
The hitting for the most part was good. Saturday's game they left the bases loaded more than once and got nothing for it. Maybe someday Beltran will learn to hit a curveball, and David will stop letting inside strikes go past him. But, Delgado continues his Resurrection and has his average up around .260. Argenis Reyes is hitting over .300, and continues to find himself in the middle of rallies. I like the kid. He's quick as hell in the field and can hit the ball too. Jose' finally got off the snide and had a very good day at the plate Sunday. He did manage to commit his 13th error on another ball thru his legs, but at least he didn't throw his glove on the ground again. David had 3 hits Saturday including a monster HR, but only managed a SF Sunday to go with 2 walks and 1 hit.
The Bad
The pitching was terrible at times these two games.
The Wizard of Ollie went on vacation and Ollie the Fool showed up instead. After 2 very good outings Ollie had to screw around on the mound Saturday. He was throwing side-armed, hesitating his delivery to the plate, and falling off top 3rd base in a sloppy fashion. The results were as to be expected. Plenty of walks and no consistency.
Heilman and Feliciano were shaky at best. They gave up critical hits and couldn't throw strikes this weekend. I used to trust Pedro, now I don't. He never seems to have an easy inning and has problems throwing strikes.
The Ugly
The situational hitting was terrible. Too often men are left stranded in scoring position because hitters don't swing at strikes, or do swing at balls. Someone needs to throw breaking pitches to the hitters during DP. If the Mets face a good breaking ball pitcher, they have issues with scoring runs. Can't the starting pitchers throw to hitters when they're doing their bull-pen work? It sure would seem to help both parties with hitting and throwing breaking pitches. Endy Chavez is now being exposed at the plate. He has trouble hitting the ball for power, or even making contact at all lately. He has cost the Mets numerous runs this weekend with his lack of hitting ability.
The fielding was awful too. Tatis don't make a catch in right field last night that cost Heilman, Jose' had another ball go through his legs that could have cost Pelfrey, and Anderson couldn't catch a routine fly ball in left field today that did cost Pelfrey. Why is Anderson even playing? Evans is a better fielder, and hits as well as Marlon. Give the kid the ABs and sit Marlon on the bench where he does the most good.
The Mets now head home in 1st place and ready themselves for the Fighting Phillies. Santana and Ollie will be going against Howard and Utley to decide the division. The Mets have done well against Phillie so far this year, but need to win this series in Shea. 2-3 would give them sole possession of 1st place, but the Mets should go for the sweep. Sweep the Phillies, and send them a message that this isn't '07 and the Mets will not roll over and give the division away this year. Time to get on another roll and put the Phillies behind them and then give the Redbirds a good beating too.
I've used this format before and I'll use it again here. For you reading pleasure this evening, "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" of Saturday's and Sunday's games
The Good
The hitting for the most part was good. Saturday's game they left the bases loaded more than once and got nothing for it. Maybe someday Beltran will learn to hit a curveball, and David will stop letting inside strikes go past him. But, Delgado continues his Resurrection and has his average up around .260. Argenis Reyes is hitting over .300, and continues to find himself in the middle of rallies. I like the kid. He's quick as hell in the field and can hit the ball too. Jose' finally got off the snide and had a very good day at the plate Sunday. He did manage to commit his 13th error on another ball thru his legs, but at least he didn't throw his glove on the ground again. David had 3 hits Saturday including a monster HR, but only managed a SF Sunday to go with 2 walks and 1 hit.
The Bad
The pitching was terrible at times these two games.
The Wizard of Ollie went on vacation and Ollie the Fool showed up instead. After 2 very good outings Ollie had to screw around on the mound Saturday. He was throwing side-armed, hesitating his delivery to the plate, and falling off top 3rd base in a sloppy fashion. The results were as to be expected. Plenty of walks and no consistency.
Heilman and Feliciano were shaky at best. They gave up critical hits and couldn't throw strikes this weekend. I used to trust Pedro, now I don't. He never seems to have an easy inning and has problems throwing strikes.
The Ugly
The situational hitting was terrible. Too often men are left stranded in scoring position because hitters don't swing at strikes, or do swing at balls. Someone needs to throw breaking pitches to the hitters during DP. If the Mets face a good breaking ball pitcher, they have issues with scoring runs. Can't the starting pitchers throw to hitters when they're doing their bull-pen work? It sure would seem to help both parties with hitting and throwing breaking pitches. Endy Chavez is now being exposed at the plate. He has trouble hitting the ball for power, or even making contact at all lately. He has cost the Mets numerous runs this weekend with his lack of hitting ability.
The fielding was awful too. Tatis don't make a catch in right field last night that cost Heilman, Jose' had another ball go through his legs that could have cost Pelfrey, and Anderson couldn't catch a routine fly ball in left field today that did cost Pelfrey. Why is Anderson even playing? Evans is a better fielder, and hits as well as Marlon. Give the kid the ABs and sit Marlon on the bench where he does the most good.
The Mets now head home in 1st place and ready themselves for the Fighting Phillies. Santana and Ollie will be going against Howard and Utley to decide the division. The Mets have done well against Phillie so far this year, but need to win this series in Shea. 2-3 would give them sole possession of 1st place, but the Mets should go for the sweep. Sweep the Phillies, and send them a message that this isn't '07 and the Mets will not roll over and give the division away this year. Time to get on another roll and put the Phillies behind them and then give the Redbirds a good beating too.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
All Good Things Must End
I know we all would like the Mets to run off win after win, but you had to figure this would be the game they'd lose. Arroyo is death to the Mets and Maine has been struggling. That combination didn't bode well for the Mets.
John Maine has been struggling with his control the last few games, so everybody was hoping the break would help sort out that issue. John pitched much better yesterday, but still ended up losing. His pitch count was lower and his control was better. After getting thru the 1st 4 innings with about 60 pitches thrown, everything fell apart in the 5th. A couple of walks and a bunch of dink and dunk hits and before you know it, there are 5 runs across the plate. I swear John must have a Black Cat following him around this year. If David makes a stop on a short hop chopper at 3rd, Maine gets out of the inning leading 2-1. With no chance to get the speedy Keppinger, David tried to get the short hop and step on 3rd base for the last out of the inning. Instead, the ball glanced off his glove and everybody was safe.
John wasn't the only pitcher having problems on the Mets. I believe the Mets had 7 walks and the Reds had 4 more walks last night. When the umps have a tight strike zone, it really hurts Heilman, Smith, and Maine. They have so much lateral movement on their pitches that they tend to get balls called because of it. If hitters are not swinging, they're walking.
Even with the problems of Maine and the pen, the Mets could have won the game if they could hit a curveball. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if the opposing pitcher can throw breaking pitches for strikes, the Mets have a hard time scoring. Arroyo sucks this year, but the Mets make him look like Seaver. I think he's beat the Mets 4 straight times. Why can't someone throw breaking pitches to the hitters during batting practice? Is Doc Gooden Available?
Tonight Ollie goes to the mound and hopes to start a new winning streak for the Mets. If the Bats get out of their slumber, there could be plenty of runs crossing the plate tonight. No one ever said the Reds couldn't hit, but the Mets should win 3-4 of these games. Here's hoping the Wizard shows up today, not Ollie the Fool.
John Maine has been struggling with his control the last few games, so everybody was hoping the break would help sort out that issue. John pitched much better yesterday, but still ended up losing. His pitch count was lower and his control was better. After getting thru the 1st 4 innings with about 60 pitches thrown, everything fell apart in the 5th. A couple of walks and a bunch of dink and dunk hits and before you know it, there are 5 runs across the plate. I swear John must have a Black Cat following him around this year. If David makes a stop on a short hop chopper at 3rd, Maine gets out of the inning leading 2-1. With no chance to get the speedy Keppinger, David tried to get the short hop and step on 3rd base for the last out of the inning. Instead, the ball glanced off his glove and everybody was safe.
John wasn't the only pitcher having problems on the Mets. I believe the Mets had 7 walks and the Reds had 4 more walks last night. When the umps have a tight strike zone, it really hurts Heilman, Smith, and Maine. They have so much lateral movement on their pitches that they tend to get balls called because of it. If hitters are not swinging, they're walking.
Even with the problems of Maine and the pen, the Mets could have won the game if they could hit a curveball. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if the opposing pitcher can throw breaking pitches for strikes, the Mets have a hard time scoring. Arroyo sucks this year, but the Mets make him look like Seaver. I think he's beat the Mets 4 straight times. Why can't someone throw breaking pitches to the hitters during batting practice? Is Doc Gooden Available?
Tonight Ollie goes to the mound and hopes to start a new winning streak for the Mets. If the Bats get out of their slumber, there could be plenty of runs crossing the plate tonight. No one ever said the Reds couldn't hit, but the Mets should win 3-4 of these games. Here's hoping the Wizard shows up today, not Ollie the Fool.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Eight is not Enough
Today's game at Shea was one of great anticipation for me. After the last seven games I can't help but worry that the dream would end. The Mets have been pitching and playing like a team possessed. Every game they play you have to wonder if they can get to the break in first place.
Pedro came into this game with 2 bad starts and 1 pretty good one. So I wondered which one would show up to pitch today. The good Pedro showed up, but he left after only 4 innings. I heard conflicting information during the broadcast. I heard a groin problem, and a stiff shoulder. Lets just hope that the rest over the break will get things back to normal for Pedro.
Where Pedro left off Muniz took over. I really like Carlos. He attacks the hitters and has good location and movement on his pitches. He worked 2 great innings and won his first game in the big leagues. I'm glad to see him pitch so well in his new roll as the "Long Man" out of the pen. Too bad El Duque will probably end up replacing him on the team in a month or so. I really don't want to see Hernandez back in NY. It's time to move on to the future and not continue to live on past reputations.
Schoeneweis, Heilman, and Wagner pitched the last 3 innings and they extended the bull-pen's streak of scoreless innings to 18.1 innings. The Mets also set a MLB record with 5 consecutive games of 3 hits or less allowed. Jerry's and Dan Warthen's pitching philosophy seems to be reaping the rewards of success. With the defined pitching roles and some confidence from the manager, the pitchers have responded beyond anyone's wildest dreams. It makes you wonder why Peterson and Witless Willie lasted as long as they did.
I don't know about any of you out there, but I'm getting tired of all the talking heads in the Media saying that Jerry isn't the reason for this turn around of the Mets. I couldn't disagree more. I've seen almost every game that Witless Willie has managed since 2005 and Willie doesn't know how to manage a club. Jerry has changed the way of thinking on the Mets and made baseball fun again in NY. Willie was so uptight and condescending that it's a wonder he wasn't decked by someone during his tenure. Jerry and the players are not going to come flat out and say that Willie was lost as a manager, but you can tell from their comments that they're glad Witless Willie is gone. As I and Guinness have been saying for years, there was a reason why Willie interviewed for 12 jobs before Omar hired him. Now all the baseball world can see what Mets fans have known for years. Willie is not suited for the manager's job in the Big Leagues. If he wants to manage, go to the minors and learn the job like everyone else does. Then again, Willie and his ego wouldn't do that because it would be "beneath" him. I hope he enjoys his forced retirement.
I look forward to seeing Big Pelf continue to dominate hitters and win his 8th game. Here's hoping the Big Blue Wrecking Crew shows up and pummels the Rockies into little pebbles.
Pedro came into this game with 2 bad starts and 1 pretty good one. So I wondered which one would show up to pitch today. The good Pedro showed up, but he left after only 4 innings. I heard conflicting information during the broadcast. I heard a groin problem, and a stiff shoulder. Lets just hope that the rest over the break will get things back to normal for Pedro.
Where Pedro left off Muniz took over. I really like Carlos. He attacks the hitters and has good location and movement on his pitches. He worked 2 great innings and won his first game in the big leagues. I'm glad to see him pitch so well in his new roll as the "Long Man" out of the pen. Too bad El Duque will probably end up replacing him on the team in a month or so. I really don't want to see Hernandez back in NY. It's time to move on to the future and not continue to live on past reputations.
Schoeneweis, Heilman, and Wagner pitched the last 3 innings and they extended the bull-pen's streak of scoreless innings to 18.1 innings. The Mets also set a MLB record with 5 consecutive games of 3 hits or less allowed. Jerry's and Dan Warthen's pitching philosophy seems to be reaping the rewards of success. With the defined pitching roles and some confidence from the manager, the pitchers have responded beyond anyone's wildest dreams. It makes you wonder why Peterson and Witless Willie lasted as long as they did.
I don't know about any of you out there, but I'm getting tired of all the talking heads in the Media saying that Jerry isn't the reason for this turn around of the Mets. I couldn't disagree more. I've seen almost every game that Witless Willie has managed since 2005 and Willie doesn't know how to manage a club. Jerry has changed the way of thinking on the Mets and made baseball fun again in NY. Willie was so uptight and condescending that it's a wonder he wasn't decked by someone during his tenure. Jerry and the players are not going to come flat out and say that Willie was lost as a manager, but you can tell from their comments that they're glad Witless Willie is gone. As I and Guinness have been saying for years, there was a reason why Willie interviewed for 12 jobs before Omar hired him. Now all the baseball world can see what Mets fans have known for years. Willie is not suited for the manager's job in the Big Leagues. If he wants to manage, go to the minors and learn the job like everyone else does. Then again, Willie and his ego wouldn't do that because it would be "beneath" him. I hope he enjoys his forced retirement.
I look forward to seeing Big Pelf continue to dominate hitters and win his 8th game. Here's hoping the Big Blue Wrecking Crew shows up and pummels the Rockies into little pebbles.
Mets Getting on a Roll as All-Star Break Looms
During last night's game, the Big Blue Wrecking Crew took a night off, but the Wizard and Easley were more than enough for the Rockies. Ollie used his fastball to cast a spell over the Rockies hitters and Damion's big stick blasted a 3-2 pitch over the centerfield wall to give the Mets the win. For the 7th consecutive game the Mets were the winners and they continue to pressure Phillie for the division lead.
Ollie had the fastball hopping and he looked very strong all night. He managed to stay out of trouble for the most part even with 6 walks issued. Maybe it's the Rockies who have something to do with the walks and not John and Ollie. The Rockies don't have a bunch of free swingers on their team and John and Ollie both relay on hitter chasing pitches that are off the plate. Ollie's one mistake was leaving a slider up over the plate that soon left the park. Heilman came into rescue Ollie and scared the bejeebers out of all of us before striking out the last two hitters of the inning. Sanchez continued the trend of scaring the fans and Billy had a dominate 9th inning. He struck out 2 and had the fastball hitting 97. It's good to see Billy getting his game together before he travels to Yankee Stadium next week.
A day after losing out on the last-chance Internet vote, David Wright was selected by Clint Hurdle to fill the roster spot on the NL team vacated by Soriano's injury. I'm glad to see David get on the squad and have a chance to represent the Mets on the field. Maybe he can be the hero and win the game for the NL this year. Since he's a reserve player, he'll most likely be playing in the later innings. Wouldn't it be great to see him come to the plate in the 8th or 9th inning and drive a RBI double into the gap to score the winning run? Or how about a Homerun into Monument park? That would be a fitting finish to the night.
It would have been nice to see some more players from the Mets on the team, but I feel the poor start to the season hurt the chances of that happening. Witless Willie ran the players and the team into the ground trying to save his job and everyone's stats suffered because of it. The fans , including myself, were so pis ed off at the players and the team, that I think it affected the voting. It's only been in the last few weeks that I've felt better about this team, and I'm sure that was a widespread feeling among Mets fans. I believe that attitude is what hurt the chances of Mets players getting to the All-Star Game. Jose' has improved his game and could have joined the team, but there are so many talented SS on winning teams, that someone had to be left home. Santana could have been chosen too, but once again there are so many very good pitchers in the league that his 7-7 record despite a sub 3 ERA hurt him.
Now Pedro will head to the mound this afternoon and hope to continue the winning streak. He looked much better in his last start and should be able to handle the Rockies. He's learning how to pitch all over again, and seems to be getting into a better frame of mind. His arm is strong and his fastball looks like the one from 1997, but his location is off just a touch.
Lets hope the bats come alive again and give Pedro 5-6 runs early in the game. I'd like nothing better than a 9 game winning streak going into the break.
Ollie had the fastball hopping and he looked very strong all night. He managed to stay out of trouble for the most part even with 6 walks issued. Maybe it's the Rockies who have something to do with the walks and not John and Ollie. The Rockies don't have a bunch of free swingers on their team and John and Ollie both relay on hitter chasing pitches that are off the plate. Ollie's one mistake was leaving a slider up over the plate that soon left the park. Heilman came into rescue Ollie and scared the bejeebers out of all of us before striking out the last two hitters of the inning. Sanchez continued the trend of scaring the fans and Billy had a dominate 9th inning. He struck out 2 and had the fastball hitting 97. It's good to see Billy getting his game together before he travels to Yankee Stadium next week.
A day after losing out on the last-chance Internet vote, David Wright was selected by Clint Hurdle to fill the roster spot on the NL team vacated by Soriano's injury. I'm glad to see David get on the squad and have a chance to represent the Mets on the field. Maybe he can be the hero and win the game for the NL this year. Since he's a reserve player, he'll most likely be playing in the later innings. Wouldn't it be great to see him come to the plate in the 8th or 9th inning and drive a RBI double into the gap to score the winning run? Or how about a Homerun into Monument park? That would be a fitting finish to the night.
It would have been nice to see some more players from the Mets on the team, but I feel the poor start to the season hurt the chances of that happening. Witless Willie ran the players and the team into the ground trying to save his job and everyone's stats suffered because of it. The fans , including myself, were so pis ed off at the players and the team, that I think it affected the voting. It's only been in the last few weeks that I've felt better about this team, and I'm sure that was a widespread feeling among Mets fans. I believe that attitude is what hurt the chances of Mets players getting to the All-Star Game. Jose' has improved his game and could have joined the team, but there are so many talented SS on winning teams, that someone had to be left home. Santana could have been chosen too, but once again there are so many very good pitchers in the league that his 7-7 record despite a sub 3 ERA hurt him.
Now Pedro will head to the mound this afternoon and hope to continue the winning streak. He looked much better in his last start and should be able to handle the Rockies. He's learning how to pitch all over again, and seems to be getting into a better frame of mind. His arm is strong and his fastball looks like the one from 1997, but his location is off just a touch.
Lets hope the bats come alive again and give Pedro 5-6 runs early in the game. I'd like nothing better than a 9 game winning streak going into the break.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Big Blue Wrecking Crew Sweeps the Giants out of Shea
What a difference a month makes. Who would have thought that the Mets, the same team that collapsed last summer and started so badly this year, would be within 1.5 games of leading the division by the All-Star Break? With the injuries and turmoil of this year, the Mets have spent more time looking like the "Bad News Bears" than division contenders. But that has all changed now. Now they play with a killer instinct and seem to be finding a way to win consistently, not sporadically.
In case you haven't heard, the Mets will no longer have to wait around for Alou' to "ride to the rescue". While playing in a rehab game, he torn his hamstring and will need surgery. I don't wish any bad luck or injury to any player on the Mets, but I couldn't be happier when I heard the news. Now the Mets and Omar can move on and do what's needed for the future of this club. Alou' should have never been resigned for this year, and the Mets wasted the off season thinking that he'd play 100 games for them this year. Omar and Witless Willie must have been doing some magic mushrooms when they made that decision. Now they can bring up Carp, Murphy, or F. Martinez to fill that roll if they can't or won't make a trade.
In today's game the Mets continued to get major production from a "bench" player. It seems that everyday there is someone else stepping up and delivering the big hit and setting the tone. Today Tatis had 2 doubles to the wall, and a long homerun into the bleachers. He ended his day with 4 RBI and a .500 average [for the season] with runners in scoring position. It's amazing what a little hunger for success can do for a player. Tatis literally had to beg for a job, and now he's making Omar look like a genius. Maybe some of the other players on the team will take a few lessons for Tatis.
Although David lost out on the All-Star balloting, [he may still make the team if Hurdle picks him to replace Soriano], he had 2 doubles, 2 walks, and scored twice. It was nice to see Argenis Reyes playing second. He made a great play behind 2nd base and played flawlessly in the field. He also had another hit today. If I was Castillo, I'd be worried about my future with the Mets. Nobody but Guinness and Omar thinks Castillo's signing was a good thing, and A. Reyes may give management reason to rethink Castillo's contract. Nick Evans also had a hit and played well in the field. I like the young kids playing and hope they get more chances in the future.
About the only thing that went wrong today was Maine's pitching. Regardless of what Guinness says, how can you not have an "out" pitch if you strikeout 8 hitters in 5 innings? From what I saw, there were alot of swings and misses on fastballs today. What did John in was the walks. He had 5, and they came in long ABs. Mazzilli mentioned after the game that he believes John's left arm issue did affect him today. I think so too. It looked like John was flying open and trying to avoid hurting the left forearm again. I think some rest and a talk with Dan Warthen will straighten him out before his next start. He still has 8 wins and is on pace to duplicate last year's win and strikeout totals. After last season's 2nd half troubles, I have to believe John will work on some things over the off-days of the break and come out ready to roll thru the league.
If you haven't noticed, the Mets have won 6 games in a row. That hasn't happened since August of '06. All too often I and others would scream and complain about Witless Willie's idiotic comments about the teams play and effort. I think we can all agree that Jerry is proving how stupid Willie was as a manager. Jerry won't come right out and say it, but you can tell that he knows more about baseball and the motivation of players than Witless Willie could ever know. With basically the same team of players, Jerry has changed the energy and focus of the team. They play hard, they don't give up, they fight till the last out, and they're all smiles and jokes in the dugout. Jerry handles the media better and doesn't act offended when someone asks him a question. He jokes around with the players and media and the team is responding to his reward system. It's so nice to see someone as the manager of the Mets that "Gets It". Willie might be a good man, but he's a lousy manager. That, has been proven in a short time by "Jerry the Jester".
What do you all think about the job Jerry has done? What about the Alou' injury? How should the Mets handle the outfield spot vacated by Alou'? Tell us your thoughts.
In case you haven't heard, the Mets will no longer have to wait around for Alou' to "ride to the rescue". While playing in a rehab game, he torn his hamstring and will need surgery. I don't wish any bad luck or injury to any player on the Mets, but I couldn't be happier when I heard the news. Now the Mets and Omar can move on and do what's needed for the future of this club. Alou' should have never been resigned for this year, and the Mets wasted the off season thinking that he'd play 100 games for them this year. Omar and Witless Willie must have been doing some magic mushrooms when they made that decision. Now they can bring up Carp, Murphy, or F. Martinez to fill that roll if they can't or won't make a trade.
In today's game the Mets continued to get major production from a "bench" player. It seems that everyday there is someone else stepping up and delivering the big hit and setting the tone. Today Tatis had 2 doubles to the wall, and a long homerun into the bleachers. He ended his day with 4 RBI and a .500 average [for the season] with runners in scoring position. It's amazing what a little hunger for success can do for a player. Tatis literally had to beg for a job, and now he's making Omar look like a genius. Maybe some of the other players on the team will take a few lessons for Tatis.
Although David lost out on the All-Star balloting, [he may still make the team if Hurdle picks him to replace Soriano], he had 2 doubles, 2 walks, and scored twice. It was nice to see Argenis Reyes playing second. He made a great play behind 2nd base and played flawlessly in the field. He also had another hit today. If I was Castillo, I'd be worried about my future with the Mets. Nobody but Guinness and Omar thinks Castillo's signing was a good thing, and A. Reyes may give management reason to rethink Castillo's contract. Nick Evans also had a hit and played well in the field. I like the young kids playing and hope they get more chances in the future.
About the only thing that went wrong today was Maine's pitching. Regardless of what Guinness says, how can you not have an "out" pitch if you strikeout 8 hitters in 5 innings? From what I saw, there were alot of swings and misses on fastballs today. What did John in was the walks. He had 5, and they came in long ABs. Mazzilli mentioned after the game that he believes John's left arm issue did affect him today. I think so too. It looked like John was flying open and trying to avoid hurting the left forearm again. I think some rest and a talk with Dan Warthen will straighten him out before his next start. He still has 8 wins and is on pace to duplicate last year's win and strikeout totals. After last season's 2nd half troubles, I have to believe John will work on some things over the off-days of the break and come out ready to roll thru the league.
If you haven't noticed, the Mets have won 6 games in a row. That hasn't happened since August of '06. All too often I and others would scream and complain about Witless Willie's idiotic comments about the teams play and effort. I think we can all agree that Jerry is proving how stupid Willie was as a manager. Jerry won't come right out and say it, but you can tell that he knows more about baseball and the motivation of players than Witless Willie could ever know. With basically the same team of players, Jerry has changed the energy and focus of the team. They play hard, they don't give up, they fight till the last out, and they're all smiles and jokes in the dugout. Jerry handles the media better and doesn't act offended when someone asks him a question. He jokes around with the players and media and the team is responding to his reward system. It's so nice to see someone as the manager of the Mets that "Gets It". Willie might be a good man, but he's a lousy manager. That, has been proven in a short time by "Jerry the Jester".
What do you all think about the job Jerry has done? What about the Alou' injury? How should the Mets handle the outfield spot vacated by Alou'? Tell us your thoughts.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Mets Becoming the Big Blue Wrecking Crew
In the last week the Mets have been destroying the opposing pitchers and punishing baseballs all over the country. Even in games they've lost, they are hitting the ball and scoring runs. All too often under Witless Willie that wasn't the case. Willie failed to inspire or motivate the players and the results were all too evident on the field. It's taken Jerry a few weeks to get the team thinking and playing as he wants them, but the results can't be denied.
Since the Cardinal series [9 games] the Mets have scored 58 runs. That's an average of 6.5 runs per game. If you go back to the Yankee series in June, they've averaged 6 runs per game. They are scoring early and often, have been hitting double digits for hits [14.5 hits the last 4 games], and getting 2 out hits with regularity. These are all things that make winning games easy and frequent. All of this is happening without Alou' [at all] and Church [sparingly] in the order. Tatis, Easley, Chavez, and Castro are contributing with the bat and the glove. They've all had multiple hit games and driving in runs.
Since Castillo went on the DL, Easley has been playing 2nd and delivering hits and driving in runs. He now has 22 RBI in only 166 ABs. Chavez has raised his average to .269 [from a sub .200 ave.] and been playing the outfield on a daily basis. I know Guinness is in love with Castillo, but the Mets are a better team without him in the line-up. The combination of Easley-Chavez is better offensively than Castillo - Chavez. Without Castillo making outs in the 2 hole, Chavez is batting there and seeing better pitches than when in the 8 hole. That has allowed him to raise his average and productivity. As a result, the line-up is delivering runs by the bunches and winning games. Easley is more of an infielder than outfielder, so if Castillo is playing, Easley is sitting. That doesn't help the team at the plate or in the field. I don't know if it's just coincidence or not, but Reyes has also been better in the field since Castillo has gone on the DL. He's ranging farther in the field and making no errors. Very interesting to say the least. Maybe Castillo is contributing to Reyes' fielding issues? Jerry has said more than once that he wants Castillo to be a leader to Jose', but Luis hasn't seen fit to take on that role. Maybe Easley is that leader that Jose' needs in order to keep focused on the field.
As hard as it is for me to admit it, it appears that Delgado has had a large serving of humble pie served to him by HoJo. He's finally listening to HoJo and changing his approach at the plate. He no longer pulls off the pitches like he did earlier in the season, and he's laying off the pitches he can't hit. He still doesn't hit for an average anything close to respectable, but he's hitting the ball and driving balls over the fence. David Wright continues to inch his average towards .300, and is the RBI guy on the team. He is 2nd in the league in RBI and has 17 HR too. 90 games into the season, he's on a pace to drive in 126 runs this year out of the 3 hole. Beltran, when not throwing teammates under the bus, is starting to hit once again. It would only make the Mets all the more dangerous if he could keep hitting, and not fall into those 2-30 slumps he's so noted for. Just imagine his offensive numbers if he could actually hit close to .300 instead of .270. The rest of the team has been doing so much hitting, that Reyes is getting lost in the shuffle. His average is now around .300 and he's getting on base. I'm wondering if the increased offensive threat in the 2 hole is causing the pitchers to throw Jose' more pitches that he can handle? He certainly seems to be getting more pitches over the fat part of the plate to hit.
With the good starting pitching and effective relief pitching, the Mets could be in 1st place by the ALL-STAR break. Before Jerry Manuel took over as manager, I had little hope for a successful season. Now Jerry's kids are playing like the team we wished for, and there seems to be no end in sight. Here's hoping for a continued dominance at the plate and in the field for the rest of the week. Wouldn't it be nice to see a 9 game winning streak at the break, and the Mets 2-3 games up on the Phillies?
Don't forget to go on-line and vote for David Wright for the All-Star game. He's the only position player the Mets have a chance to get into the game. Let's all show our Support for David and vote as many times as possible.
Since the Cardinal series [9 games] the Mets have scored 58 runs. That's an average of 6.5 runs per game. If you go back to the Yankee series in June, they've averaged 6 runs per game. They are scoring early and often, have been hitting double digits for hits [14.5 hits the last 4 games], and getting 2 out hits with regularity. These are all things that make winning games easy and frequent. All of this is happening without Alou' [at all] and Church [sparingly] in the order. Tatis, Easley, Chavez, and Castro are contributing with the bat and the glove. They've all had multiple hit games and driving in runs.
Since Castillo went on the DL, Easley has been playing 2nd and delivering hits and driving in runs. He now has 22 RBI in only 166 ABs. Chavez has raised his average to .269 [from a sub .200 ave.] and been playing the outfield on a daily basis. I know Guinness is in love with Castillo, but the Mets are a better team without him in the line-up. The combination of Easley-Chavez is better offensively than Castillo - Chavez. Without Castillo making outs in the 2 hole, Chavez is batting there and seeing better pitches than when in the 8 hole. That has allowed him to raise his average and productivity. As a result, the line-up is delivering runs by the bunches and winning games. Easley is more of an infielder than outfielder, so if Castillo is playing, Easley is sitting. That doesn't help the team at the plate or in the field. I don't know if it's just coincidence or not, but Reyes has also been better in the field since Castillo has gone on the DL. He's ranging farther in the field and making no errors. Very interesting to say the least. Maybe Castillo is contributing to Reyes' fielding issues? Jerry has said more than once that he wants Castillo to be a leader to Jose', but Luis hasn't seen fit to take on that role. Maybe Easley is that leader that Jose' needs in order to keep focused on the field.
As hard as it is for me to admit it, it appears that Delgado has had a large serving of humble pie served to him by HoJo. He's finally listening to HoJo and changing his approach at the plate. He no longer pulls off the pitches like he did earlier in the season, and he's laying off the pitches he can't hit. He still doesn't hit for an average anything close to respectable, but he's hitting the ball and driving balls over the fence. David Wright continues to inch his average towards .300, and is the RBI guy on the team. He is 2nd in the league in RBI and has 17 HR too. 90 games into the season, he's on a pace to drive in 126 runs this year out of the 3 hole. Beltran, when not throwing teammates under the bus, is starting to hit once again. It would only make the Mets all the more dangerous if he could keep hitting, and not fall into those 2-30 slumps he's so noted for. Just imagine his offensive numbers if he could actually hit close to .300 instead of .270. The rest of the team has been doing so much hitting, that Reyes is getting lost in the shuffle. His average is now around .300 and he's getting on base. I'm wondering if the increased offensive threat in the 2 hole is causing the pitchers to throw Jose' more pitches that he can handle? He certainly seems to be getting more pitches over the fat part of the plate to hit.
With the good starting pitching and effective relief pitching, the Mets could be in 1st place by the ALL-STAR break. Before Jerry Manuel took over as manager, I had little hope for a successful season. Now Jerry's kids are playing like the team we wished for, and there seems to be no end in sight. Here's hoping for a continued dominance at the plate and in the field for the rest of the week. Wouldn't it be nice to see a 9 game winning streak at the break, and the Mets 2-3 games up on the Phillies?
Don't forget to go on-line and vote for David Wright for the All-Star game. He's the only position player the Mets have a chance to get into the game. Let's all show our Support for David and vote as many times as possible.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Mets Offense Continues Torrid Stretch
Except for Santana's start Friday, the offense of the Mets has really come alive in the last week. They pounded out 9 runs on 14 hits and almost look like the team we all hoped for coming into this spring.
If anything can be said about Jerry Manuel's managing, it's the improved mind set at the plate that's most noticeable. No longer do the Mets seem to quit once they fall behind or lose a lead. They continue to get hits, draw walks and score runs. They show grit and toughness while never appearing to give up. All too often this year the Mets would fall behind and never mount any type of threat or comeback in games. Jerry has seemed to change that mindset and the results have been noticeable. The Mets are hitting double digits in hits and have scored numerous runs in the last week. Everyone seems to be contributing except Beltran. Easley, Reyes. Wright. Castro, Church, and Delgado have all had multiple hit games this past week. Jerry is true to his word about rewarding success. Schneider hasn't been hitting, so he's been sitting. There is even talk of moving Beltran into the 2 hole to get him out of the funk he's been in all season. That would move David or Ryan into the clean-up spot, and have the other in the 3 hole. Easley has been everything Castillo hasn't been, healthy and productive in the field and at the plate.
Although the offense is becoming the force that it should have been, there hasn't been the consistent winning that should follow the hitting. Santana appears snake bit. His last 6 starts he's only gotten 12 runs in support of his efforts. If the Mets can get the offense to show up EVERYDAY of EVERY INNING, maybe they can put some pressure on the Phillies. The Mets need to get a winning streak going and get some momentum for the second half of the season. As of today they stand 4.5 games behind Phillie. If they can win the next 2 games they'll be breathing down the Phillies neck and give them something to think about over the break. After Phillie the Mets have the Giants and the Rockies. They should be able to win 4 out of those 6 games and maybe sweep both of them.
The pitching has been very good if not problematic. The starters have done their jobs and have been keeping the runs allowed to a minimum. The bull-pen has been good, great, or maddening depending on the pitcher and the situation. Heilman throws one pitch last night and strikes out Howard, but gave up critical hits against St. Louis. Smith and Feliciano have been mostly good, but have had their bad moments too. The 8-7 lose to the Cardinals should have been a win, but the bull-pen failed. Muniz has had his shutdown innings, but gave up the walk-off hit Wednesday. One thing that has continued is the practice of waiting on the mound for the reliever to come into the game. I like the starter handing the ball off to the reliever. It's a way of keeping everyone on the same page and it's like passing the baton in a track meet. It helps to build team work and unity. Two things every team needs to be successful.
If the Mets can keep Ollie focused today and get 7 strong innings from him, it will go a long way to calming all our nerves. Ollie has great stuff, but seems to never know what he's doing from one pitch to the next. The new pitching coach Dan Warthen has started working more with Ollie and has some results to show for it. Perez isn't flying out all over the mound and his velocity has back were it should be. If Perez pitches today like he did against the Yankees, it could be a long day for the Phillies.
If anything can be said about Jerry Manuel's managing, it's the improved mind set at the plate that's most noticeable. No longer do the Mets seem to quit once they fall behind or lose a lead. They continue to get hits, draw walks and score runs. They show grit and toughness while never appearing to give up. All too often this year the Mets would fall behind and never mount any type of threat or comeback in games. Jerry has seemed to change that mindset and the results have been noticeable. The Mets are hitting double digits in hits and have scored numerous runs in the last week. Everyone seems to be contributing except Beltran. Easley, Reyes. Wright. Castro, Church, and Delgado have all had multiple hit games this past week. Jerry is true to his word about rewarding success. Schneider hasn't been hitting, so he's been sitting. There is even talk of moving Beltran into the 2 hole to get him out of the funk he's been in all season. That would move David or Ryan into the clean-up spot, and have the other in the 3 hole. Easley has been everything Castillo hasn't been, healthy and productive in the field and at the plate.
Although the offense is becoming the force that it should have been, there hasn't been the consistent winning that should follow the hitting. Santana appears snake bit. His last 6 starts he's only gotten 12 runs in support of his efforts. If the Mets can get the offense to show up EVERYDAY of EVERY INNING, maybe they can put some pressure on the Phillies. The Mets need to get a winning streak going and get some momentum for the second half of the season. As of today they stand 4.5 games behind Phillie. If they can win the next 2 games they'll be breathing down the Phillies neck and give them something to think about over the break. After Phillie the Mets have the Giants and the Rockies. They should be able to win 4 out of those 6 games and maybe sweep both of them.
The pitching has been very good if not problematic. The starters have done their jobs and have been keeping the runs allowed to a minimum. The bull-pen has been good, great, or maddening depending on the pitcher and the situation. Heilman throws one pitch last night and strikes out Howard, but gave up critical hits against St. Louis. Smith and Feliciano have been mostly good, but have had their bad moments too. The 8-7 lose to the Cardinals should have been a win, but the bull-pen failed. Muniz has had his shutdown innings, but gave up the walk-off hit Wednesday. One thing that has continued is the practice of waiting on the mound for the reliever to come into the game. I like the starter handing the ball off to the reliever. It's a way of keeping everyone on the same page and it's like passing the baton in a track meet. It helps to build team work and unity. Two things every team needs to be successful.
If the Mets can keep Ollie focused today and get 7 strong innings from him, it will go a long way to calming all our nerves. Ollie has great stuff, but seems to never know what he's doing from one pitch to the next. The new pitching coach Dan Warthen has started working more with Ollie and has some results to show for it. Perez isn't flying out all over the mound and his velocity has back were it should be. If Perez pitches today like he did against the Yankees, it could be a long day for the Phillies.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Mets Mount a Comeback to Back Armas in Win
Last night the Mets did something that doesn't happen often this year. They rallied from 2 runs down to win a road game. All too often this year the Mets lose on the road, and once they get behind, they rarely mount any comebacks. What was the trademark of the '06 team, becomes an impossible task for the '08 team. Last night they fell behind in the 1st inning, but chipped away at the lead until finally taking it in the 5th.
When the Mets called up Armas, you had to be left wondering what you'd get from someone claimed off the scrap heap of pitching this Spring. He ditched his splitter after serving up Ankiel's homerun and went to his slider and fastball. Tony mixed them up just enough to keep the Redbirds off balance and kept the Mets close. After a rocky 1st inning, Armas settled into a rhythm and the Mets bats woke up. Castro and Wright lead the bats with help from Delgado and "The Minister of Offense" Church. Ryan seems to have picked up where he left off. Ryan, David, Ramon, and Carlos all had doubles and David crushed a pitch into the Mets bull-pen for his team leading 16th HR. David now has his average up to .288, his OBP stands at .382, and has 65 RBI. He's on pace to set career highs for HRs and RBI this year, and maybe threaten the team record for RBI this season. With Chipper's injury, David may even get into the All-Star Game as a reserve.
This team has been so helter-skelter this season it's hard to get too excited by one win. Between Jose' throwing temper tantrums and making errors, Delgado's prolonged disappearance from the offense, Beltran's continued inability to hit anything with a bend on it, David's struggles at the plate, and Ryan's head injuries, you never know what team is going to show up. If Ryan stays healthy the rest of the season, David will have someone in the line-up that has proven a consistent threat to baseballs. Ever since Ryan's injury there really hasn't been anyone behind David that the opposing pitchers fear. If Manual would move Ryan to the 4 spot, the Mets could have a fearsome hitting combo that could reak havoc on opposing pitchers. Beltran may even preform better once he's not under the pressure of batting clean-up. It seems to work for Delgado. When ever he bats 6th, he seems to consistently have better games. As far as Castro playing last night, I loved it. Schneider isn't hitting worth a damned, and I hate his defense and pitch calling. I'm still at a loss to see where he's so great behind the plate. I feel that many of the Mets pitching woes are related to his lack of results behind the plate. He's done nothing to impress me this season. Unless constantly dropping balls, failing to block pitches, and never showing any agility impresses you.
So here's looking forward to more games like last night. Steady pitching, timely hitting, solid defense, and a little luck will go along way towards righting this drifting ship called the Mets. Lets hope Jerry Manuel keeps firm hand on the rudder and points the team towards the division lead.
When the Mets called up Armas, you had to be left wondering what you'd get from someone claimed off the scrap heap of pitching this Spring. He ditched his splitter after serving up Ankiel's homerun and went to his slider and fastball. Tony mixed them up just enough to keep the Redbirds off balance and kept the Mets close. After a rocky 1st inning, Armas settled into a rhythm and the Mets bats woke up. Castro and Wright lead the bats with help from Delgado and "The Minister of Offense" Church. Ryan seems to have picked up where he left off. Ryan, David, Ramon, and Carlos all had doubles and David crushed a pitch into the Mets bull-pen for his team leading 16th HR. David now has his average up to .288, his OBP stands at .382, and has 65 RBI. He's on pace to set career highs for HRs and RBI this year, and maybe threaten the team record for RBI this season. With Chipper's injury, David may even get into the All-Star Game as a reserve.
This team has been so helter-skelter this season it's hard to get too excited by one win. Between Jose' throwing temper tantrums and making errors, Delgado's prolonged disappearance from the offense, Beltran's continued inability to hit anything with a bend on it, David's struggles at the plate, and Ryan's head injuries, you never know what team is going to show up. If Ryan stays healthy the rest of the season, David will have someone in the line-up that has proven a consistent threat to baseballs. Ever since Ryan's injury there really hasn't been anyone behind David that the opposing pitchers fear. If Manual would move Ryan to the 4 spot, the Mets could have a fearsome hitting combo that could reak havoc on opposing pitchers. Beltran may even preform better once he's not under the pressure of batting clean-up. It seems to work for Delgado. When ever he bats 6th, he seems to consistently have better games. As far as Castro playing last night, I loved it. Schneider isn't hitting worth a damned, and I hate his defense and pitch calling. I'm still at a loss to see where he's so great behind the plate. I feel that many of the Mets pitching woes are related to his lack of results behind the plate. He's done nothing to impress me this season. Unless constantly dropping balls, failing to block pitches, and never showing any agility impresses you.
So here's looking forward to more games like last night. Steady pitching, timely hitting, solid defense, and a little luck will go along way towards righting this drifting ship called the Mets. Lets hope Jerry Manuel keeps firm hand on the rudder and points the team towards the division lead.
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