I was lucky enough to acquire the Mets seating chart for their trip to Arizona.
Here's where the players and staff will sit as they head to Phoenix.
Don't ask me how I got it, because I'd have to make you disappear.
I know people.
I know people.
4/30/08
Mets seating chart to Arizona
I was lucky enough to acquire the Mets seating chart for their trip to Arizona.
Here's where the players and staff will sit as they head to Phoenix.
Interview at Phillies Flow
I was asked by Erik Grissom to participate in a quick little Q&A on the Mets for his excellent Phillies blog, Phillies Flow. You can find my interview here.
"Really advanced scouting," as he calls it. Good stuff.
"Really advanced scouting," as he calls it. Good stuff.
Game Recap: Pirates 13 -- Mets 1
Where to begin? The Mets got absolutely trounced by the Pirates, to the tune of 13-1. Oliver Perez had one of his terrible starts, the type that Mets fans have gotten way too used to.
Perez only lasted 1 2-3 of an inning, giving up five runs while on the bump, and having another two charged to him after he left the game. Of the seven runs Perez allowed, only two were earned due to a Luis Castillo fielding error. Perez walked one in the first, and only faced four batters. In the second, it was an entirely different story.
12 Pirates came to the plate in the second, and only three of them picked up a hit. Perez walked four in the inning, and allowed five runs before being removed for Nelson Figueroa. Figueroa allowed a single to the first batter he faced, allowing two runs to score, both charged to Perez.
No comment.
OK, I'll comment. Honestly, it just does not look like he's focused. Maybe the delay hurt him, but he just looks lost on the mound. He fools with his mechanics, which must bother the living heck out of the coaching staff. I'm far from closing the book on him for this season, but on the track he's running so far, it looks like it's going to be a long season and an even more interesting offseason for him as he most likely tests the free agency market. Good luck Scott Boras.
Figueroa allowed a RBI single in the fifth inning for the only run charged to him. Jorge Sosa pitched the sixth, allowing five runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out one. Sosa was on the wrong end of two errors in the field, one by David Wright and the other by Angel Pagan.
Figueroa pitched because he was skipped in the rotation yesterday, due to the rainout. Not a great performance, but decent when you look at the situation. This is probably Sosa's last day in a Mets uniform for a while, as Matt Wise could be activated by Friday. Again, when Sosa is on, he's great, but that occurrence has become more and more rare this season.
The Mets broke up the shutout in the bottom of the sixth inning as Carlos Beltran walked to lead off. Ryan Church followed that up with a double to center field, driving in Beltran all the way from first. Carlos Delgado picked up the only other Mets hit today, singling in the fourth inning.
Church is the bright light amongst the dark. That last sentence is not supposed to sound like some religious banter, but after this game, some Mets should consider it.
Pedro Feliciano turned in a scoreless inning, allowing one hit. Aaron Heilman pitched a perfect eighth and ninth, striking out one batter.
Poor Heilman. The one day he turns in a six up-six down performance, the Mets are down by two touchdowns (without the extra points).
The Mets committed three errors in the game, allowing nine unearned runs to score.
Numbers: Mets: 2 hits...Pirates: 12 hits...Walks: 16 combined...Strikeouts: 15 combined...Perez: 55 pitches, 28 for strikes...40 Minutes: Time the game was delayed due to a water main break, courtesy of the construction on Citi Field...Team LOB: 10...Xavier Nady: 3-3, 2 BB, 3 RBI, 2 runs...
Game Ball: Church
Perez only lasted 1 2-3 of an inning, giving up five runs while on the bump, and having another two charged to him after he left the game. Of the seven runs Perez allowed, only two were earned due to a Luis Castillo fielding error. Perez walked one in the first, and only faced four batters. In the second, it was an entirely different story.
12 Pirates came to the plate in the second, and only three of them picked up a hit. Perez walked four in the inning, and allowed five runs before being removed for Nelson Figueroa. Figueroa allowed a single to the first batter he faced, allowing two runs to score, both charged to Perez.
No comment.
OK, I'll comment. Honestly, it just does not look like he's focused. Maybe the delay hurt him, but he just looks lost on the mound. He fools with his mechanics, which must bother the living heck out of the coaching staff. I'm far from closing the book on him for this season, but on the track he's running so far, it looks like it's going to be a long season and an even more interesting offseason for him as he most likely tests the free agency market. Good luck Scott Boras.
Figueroa allowed a RBI single in the fifth inning for the only run charged to him. Jorge Sosa pitched the sixth, allowing five runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out one. Sosa was on the wrong end of two errors in the field, one by David Wright and the other by Angel Pagan.
Figueroa pitched because he was skipped in the rotation yesterday, due to the rainout. Not a great performance, but decent when you look at the situation. This is probably Sosa's last day in a Mets uniform for a while, as Matt Wise could be activated by Friday. Again, when Sosa is on, he's great, but that occurrence has become more and more rare this season.
The Mets broke up the shutout in the bottom of the sixth inning as Carlos Beltran walked to lead off. Ryan Church followed that up with a double to center field, driving in Beltran all the way from first. Carlos Delgado picked up the only other Mets hit today, singling in the fourth inning.
Church is the bright light amongst the dark. That last sentence is not supposed to sound like some religious banter, but after this game, some Mets should consider it.
Pedro Feliciano turned in a scoreless inning, allowing one hit. Aaron Heilman pitched a perfect eighth and ninth, striking out one batter.
Poor Heilman. The one day he turns in a six up-six down performance, the Mets are down by two touchdowns (without the extra points).
The Mets committed three errors in the game, allowing nine unearned runs to score.
Numbers: Mets: 2 hits...Pirates: 12 hits...Walks: 16 combined...Strikeouts: 15 combined...Perez: 55 pitches, 28 for strikes...40 Minutes: Time the game was delayed due to a water main break, courtesy of the construction on Citi Field...Team LOB: 10...Xavier Nady: 3-3, 2 BB, 3 RBI, 2 runs...
Game Ball: Church
I'm sorry John Maine
As the Mets get spanked by the Pirates, I bring you some sad news for John Maine.
Jennifer Aniston has been romantically linked to John Mayer.
She's got the wrong John! Mr. Maine loves you more. Never give up though, Maine, you never know what could happen.
Jennifer Aniston has been romantically linked to John Mayer.
She's got the wrong John! Mr. Maine loves you more. Never give up though, Maine, you never know what could happen.
Water main break delays game
A water main break near Shea Stadium has delayed the start of the Mets / Pirates April 30th game until 1:50 p.m.
I'm not kidding.
I'm not kidding.
Schneider out of the hospital
Bart Hubbuch is reporting that Brian Schneider has been released from the Hospital for Special Surgery after being treated for a staph infection in his thumb.
Schneider may be able to return to the Mets lineup within the next few days, but Hubbuch points out he still might land on the DL if the Mets want to activate Moises Alou by Friday. If Schneider goes on the DL, Gustavo Molina would be able to stay on the team while Alou can join the team for the first time this season.
I don't want to hurry Schneider, as Raul Casanova and Molina have been decent behind the plate, but Brian, if you could get back to the team ASAP, I know the pitching staff misses you.
Schneider may be able to return to the Mets lineup within the next few days, but Hubbuch points out he still might land on the DL if the Mets want to activate Moises Alou by Friday. If Schneider goes on the DL, Gustavo Molina would be able to stay on the team while Alou can join the team for the first time this season.
I don't want to hurry Schneider, as Raul Casanova and Molina have been decent behind the plate, but Brian, if you could get back to the team ASAP, I know the pitching staff misses you.
Game Preview: Pirates @ Mets -- 4/30
The Mets wrap up April with a day game against the Pirates today, a 1:1o p.m. start.
Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
RF Ryan Church
1B Carlos Delgado
LF Angel Pagan
C Gustavo Molina
SP Oliver Perez
Perez vs. Tom Gorzelanny
Perez, an ex-Pirate, has pitched against Pittsburgh three times, posting a 0-2 record through 14 innings, with an ERA of 5.14.
Gorzelanny has appeared in three game against the Mets, also going 0-2, with an ERA of 10.45
Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
RF Ryan Church
1B Carlos Delgado
LF Angel Pagan
C Gustavo Molina
SP Oliver Perez
Perez vs. Tom Gorzelanny
Perez, an ex-Pirate, has pitched against Pittsburgh three times, posting a 0-2 record through 14 innings, with an ERA of 5.14.
Gorzelanny has appeared in three game against the Mets, also going 0-2, with an ERA of 10.45
Least emphatic walk off ever
I love when the Mets have a walk off hit. It's one of the most exciting things in all of sports, to come down to one player with the power to end the game and pick up a win for his team.
Last night, David Wright was that man, coming to bat with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 11th inning. First pitch swinging, Wright cracks one deep to right field. Here I am, standing on my couch, begging the ball to stay fair. The SNY camera crew tracks Xavier Nady in right, as he watches the ball sail over his head. He had no chance on the ball, so it all came down to whether the ball was fair or foul.
Gary Cohen had no idea, the SNY camera crew had no idea, and therefore I had no idea.
Finally, and thankfully, they got a read on the ball as we all saw it bounce up and off the wall in foul territory to hear Cohen quickly pick up some inflection and excitement as he realized it wasn't just a long foul ball, but rather a game winning hit.
I didn't get to see where it landed, or even how it landed fair, but a win is a win. So last night was easily the strangest walk off win ever, as I was sure that ball was foul and Wright would have to take another crack at it, only to find out he already won the game. Good enough!
Last night, David Wright was that man, coming to bat with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 11th inning. First pitch swinging, Wright cracks one deep to right field. Here I am, standing on my couch, begging the ball to stay fair. The SNY camera crew tracks Xavier Nady in right, as he watches the ball sail over his head. He had no chance on the ball, so it all came down to whether the ball was fair or foul.
Gary Cohen had no idea, the SNY camera crew had no idea, and therefore I had no idea.
Finally, and thankfully, they got a read on the ball as we all saw it bounce up and off the wall in foul territory to hear Cohen quickly pick up some inflection and excitement as he realized it wasn't just a long foul ball, but rather a game winning hit.
I didn't get to see where it landed, or even how it landed fair, but a win is a win. So last night was easily the strangest walk off win ever, as I was sure that ball was foul and Wright would have to take another crack at it, only to find out he already won the game. Good enough!
4/29/08
Game Recap: Mets 5 -- Pirates 4
After a very rough start to the day, going 0-4 with two strikeouts, David Wright comes up in the bottom of the 11th with the bases loaded and delivers with a game winning single just fair down the right field line to put the New York Mets on top over the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-4.
Johan Santana made his sixth start for the Mets, and left with the lead, but ended up receiving a no decision after the bullpen blew the lead in the eighth and ninth. Santana had his shortest outing of the season, lasting only 5 2-3 of an inning.
Santana allowed a solo home run to Nate McClouth on the second pitch of the game. McClouth is absolutely tearing up opposing pitchers so far, as this is his seventh home run of the season. In the fourth, Santana was taken deep again, also for a solo shot this time by Jason Bay. Santana left with the bases loaded in the top of the sixth inning, but Pedro Feliciano came in and got Adam LaRoche to check swing a ball to short to end the threat.
Not his best stuff today, as his pitch count was way up there early in the game. I believe he was up to 80 or so pitches through four innings, and ended up throwing 114 overall. Again, not his best outing, but he rarely gets off to hot starts and he's used to pitching in a dome, so just give him time before he really shines.
The Mets tied up the game in the bottom of the fourth inning. Wright began the inning with one of his two strike outs, which was followed by a Carlos Beltran walk. Ryan Church came to the plate and drove a low and inside pitch deep to right field, just to the left of the Mets bullpen.
I'm officially in love with Church. He's such a solid player. Just awesome.
Endy Chavez, who was batting 1.000 against Pittsburgh starter Ian Snell coming into the game, led off the fifth inning with a single to left. After a Santana strike out, Jose Reyes crushed a ball off the wall in right. Chavez came all the way around to score and Reyes slid in headfirst to third base with an RBI triple. Luis Castillo followed that up with a walk, putting runners at the corners. Wright then grounded what looked like an easy double play ball to short, but Freddy Sanchez couldn't handle the toss and everyone was safe as Reyes scampered home on the play.
Beltran then walked to load the bases for Church. After he worked the count full, Snell delivered a pitch well outside the strike zone, and Church thought he picked up another RBI with a walk. Home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt saw it differently, and wrung up Church. Church was livid, jumping off the ground and mouthing off to Wendelstedt, and rightly so. Delgado struck out looking to end the inning.
Unbelievable call by Wendelstedt. The ball crossed the inside of the right hander's batter box, and was not even close to home plate. Ever. Crazy. The Mets have been getting lucky, getting some lucky breaks against some teams that are not that good. They need to start doing the runs scoring by themselves.
Aaron Heilman began the seventh inning, allowed a leadoff single to Jose Bautista and walked Ronny Paulino before retiring his first batter. Heilman was removed for Scott Schoeneweis who got a fielders choice for the second out. Schoeneweis then threw a ball in the dirt, which Raul Casanova could not handle. The ball got away and Bautista took off for home. Casanova pounced on the ball and made the fall away throw to Schoeneweis who came in to cover the plate. Schoeneweis applied the tag and ended the inning without allowing any runs.
It was a close play at the plate, and he looked pretty safe to me. They claim his hand went over the plate, but I'm not too sure. I'll take it though. Great play by Casanova. He's deceivingly quick on his feet.
Duaner Sanchez came on to bridge the game to the ninth inning with a two run lead. Sanchez allowed a single and a double to start the inning before getting Bay to strike out swinging for the first out. After an Xavier Nady walk to load the bases, Sanchez then walked LaRoche to drive in a run. Sanchez rebounded nicely, getting a fielders choice and a pop out to end the inning.
Again, not his best stuff. Sanchez should take the eighth inning role, but no one seems to be sitting pretty there. My only hope is that they don't overwork Sanchez.
Billy Wagner entered the game with a one run lead, looking to close it out and earn the save. Ryan Doumit pinch hit, and grounded one to Reyes at short. Reyes bounced the throw to Delgado, who couldn't handle it and Doumit was safe at first on Reyes' throwing error. Brian Bixler (great name) pinch ran for Doumit and moved to second on a Wagner wild pitch. Wagner then picked up two outs and looked like he would get out of the inning with the save. Freddy Sanchez then hit a single to center which tailed just out of Carlos Beltran's diving reach to drive in Bixler and tie the game. Wagner got Bay to strike out to end the inning.
Very surprised the error came back to bite Wagner, even though it was an unearned run. I thought he was going to get out of it, but the ball tailed away just enough. Nice recovery though. He still has not let in an earned run this season.
Wagner pitched the 10th inning, as the Mets could not get on the board and walk off in the ninth, allowing a one out double to LaRoche. The ball hit off the top of the wall in left, missing a home run by about a foot. Wagner escaped the inning without and damage being done. Jorge Sosa pitched the top of the 11th, allowing a one out single before retiring the side.
Chavez led off the bottom of the eleventh with his third hit of the day, a single to center field. After a balk by John Van Benschoten, Marlon Anderson sacrificed Chavez to third. The Pirates then intentionally walked Reyes, keeping his "perfect game" intact. Reyes went 3-3 at the plate, walking three times, driving in one and scoring once. Castillo walked again, his third of the game, loading the bases for Wright. Wright delivered off the first pitch, singling the game winner deep into the corner in right field, driving home Chavez and winning the game, the Mets third in a row.
Numbers: Reyes: 3-3, 3 BB, RBI, run, SB...Chavez: 3-5, 2 runs...Church: 2 RBI...Reyes/Castillo/Wright/Beltran: 9 walks combined...Team LOB: 9...
Game Ball: Reyes
Johan Santana made his sixth start for the Mets, and left with the lead, but ended up receiving a no decision after the bullpen blew the lead in the eighth and ninth. Santana had his shortest outing of the season, lasting only 5 2-3 of an inning.
Santana allowed a solo home run to Nate McClouth on the second pitch of the game. McClouth is absolutely tearing up opposing pitchers so far, as this is his seventh home run of the season. In the fourth, Santana was taken deep again, also for a solo shot this time by Jason Bay. Santana left with the bases loaded in the top of the sixth inning, but Pedro Feliciano came in and got Adam LaRoche to check swing a ball to short to end the threat.
Not his best stuff today, as his pitch count was way up there early in the game. I believe he was up to 80 or so pitches through four innings, and ended up throwing 114 overall. Again, not his best outing, but he rarely gets off to hot starts and he's used to pitching in a dome, so just give him time before he really shines.
The Mets tied up the game in the bottom of the fourth inning. Wright began the inning with one of his two strike outs, which was followed by a Carlos Beltran walk. Ryan Church came to the plate and drove a low and inside pitch deep to right field, just to the left of the Mets bullpen.
I'm officially in love with Church. He's such a solid player. Just awesome.
Endy Chavez, who was batting 1.000 against Pittsburgh starter Ian Snell coming into the game, led off the fifth inning with a single to left. After a Santana strike out, Jose Reyes crushed a ball off the wall in right. Chavez came all the way around to score and Reyes slid in headfirst to third base with an RBI triple. Luis Castillo followed that up with a walk, putting runners at the corners. Wright then grounded what looked like an easy double play ball to short, but Freddy Sanchez couldn't handle the toss and everyone was safe as Reyes scampered home on the play.
Beltran then walked to load the bases for Church. After he worked the count full, Snell delivered a pitch well outside the strike zone, and Church thought he picked up another RBI with a walk. Home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt saw it differently, and wrung up Church. Church was livid, jumping off the ground and mouthing off to Wendelstedt, and rightly so. Delgado struck out looking to end the inning.
Unbelievable call by Wendelstedt. The ball crossed the inside of the right hander's batter box, and was not even close to home plate. Ever. Crazy. The Mets have been getting lucky, getting some lucky breaks against some teams that are not that good. They need to start doing the runs scoring by themselves.
Aaron Heilman began the seventh inning, allowed a leadoff single to Jose Bautista and walked Ronny Paulino before retiring his first batter. Heilman was removed for Scott Schoeneweis who got a fielders choice for the second out. Schoeneweis then threw a ball in the dirt, which Raul Casanova could not handle. The ball got away and Bautista took off for home. Casanova pounced on the ball and made the fall away throw to Schoeneweis who came in to cover the plate. Schoeneweis applied the tag and ended the inning without allowing any runs.
It was a close play at the plate, and he looked pretty safe to me. They claim his hand went over the plate, but I'm not too sure. I'll take it though. Great play by Casanova. He's deceivingly quick on his feet.
Duaner Sanchez came on to bridge the game to the ninth inning with a two run lead. Sanchez allowed a single and a double to start the inning before getting Bay to strike out swinging for the first out. After an Xavier Nady walk to load the bases, Sanchez then walked LaRoche to drive in a run. Sanchez rebounded nicely, getting a fielders choice and a pop out to end the inning.
Again, not his best stuff. Sanchez should take the eighth inning role, but no one seems to be sitting pretty there. My only hope is that they don't overwork Sanchez.
Billy Wagner entered the game with a one run lead, looking to close it out and earn the save. Ryan Doumit pinch hit, and grounded one to Reyes at short. Reyes bounced the throw to Delgado, who couldn't handle it and Doumit was safe at first on Reyes' throwing error. Brian Bixler (great name) pinch ran for Doumit and moved to second on a Wagner wild pitch. Wagner then picked up two outs and looked like he would get out of the inning with the save. Freddy Sanchez then hit a single to center which tailed just out of Carlos Beltran's diving reach to drive in Bixler and tie the game. Wagner got Bay to strike out to end the inning.
Very surprised the error came back to bite Wagner, even though it was an unearned run. I thought he was going to get out of it, but the ball tailed away just enough. Nice recovery though. He still has not let in an earned run this season.
Wagner pitched the 10th inning, as the Mets could not get on the board and walk off in the ninth, allowing a one out double to LaRoche. The ball hit off the top of the wall in left, missing a home run by about a foot. Wagner escaped the inning without and damage being done. Jorge Sosa pitched the top of the 11th, allowing a one out single before retiring the side.
Chavez led off the bottom of the eleventh with his third hit of the day, a single to center field. After a balk by John Van Benschoten, Marlon Anderson sacrificed Chavez to third. The Pirates then intentionally walked Reyes, keeping his "perfect game" intact. Reyes went 3-3 at the plate, walking three times, driving in one and scoring once. Castillo walked again, his third of the game, loading the bases for Wright. Wright delivered off the first pitch, singling the game winner deep into the corner in right field, driving home Chavez and winning the game, the Mets third in a row.
Numbers: Reyes: 3-3, 3 BB, RBI, run, SB...Chavez: 3-5, 2 runs...Church: 2 RBI...Reyes/Castillo/Wright/Beltran: 9 walks combined...Team LOB: 9...
Game Ball: Reyes
Santana's final line
Johan Santana: 5.2 IP, 2 hits, 2 earned runs, 3 BB, 7 K, 2 HR.
Santana's only two hits went for solo home runs, one coming on the second pitch of the game. Santana leaves with the bases loaded and Pedro Feliciano comes in to relieve and on his third pitch gets a check swing pop out to close the book on Santana.
Santana's only two hits went for solo home runs, one coming on the second pitch of the game. Santana leaves with the bases loaded and Pedro Feliciano comes in to relieve and on his third pitch gets a check swing pop out to close the book on Santana.
Game Preview: Pirates @ Mets -- 4/29
The Mets will take on the Pirates tonight, after postponing last night's game due to rain. It's a 7:05 p.m. start.
Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
RF Ryan Church
1B Carlos Delgado
C Raul Casanova
LF Endy Chavez
SP Johan Santana
Santana vs. Ian Snell
I like this lineup. Santana has only faced the Pirates twice, going 1-0 and pitching eight innings, posting a 1.13 ERA. Not quite sure how you post a ERA just over one and only get one decision. Maybe he came out of the bullpen?
Snell has faced the Mets four times, holding a 0-1 record with an ERA of 6.11. Chavez is batting 1.000 against Snell, going 3-3 with two doubles.
Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
RF Ryan Church
1B Carlos Delgado
C Raul Casanova
LF Endy Chavez
SP Johan Santana
Santana vs. Ian Snell
I like this lineup. Santana has only faced the Pirates twice, going 1-0 and pitching eight innings, posting a 1.13 ERA. Not quite sure how you post a ERA just over one and only get one decision. Maybe he came out of the bullpen?
Snell has faced the Mets four times, holding a 0-1 record with an ERA of 6.11. Chavez is batting 1.000 against Snell, going 3-3 with two doubles.
No fracture for Alou
Adam Rubin is reporting that Moises Alou will be activated in Arizona on Friday. The MRI showed no fracture in Alou's ankle.
Alou is working out with the team at Shea.
I take this to also mean the Mets expect Brian Schneider back by Friday, but the same article points out that he is still in the hospital.
Well, I'm shocked. I've been taught to expect the worst with Alou, and for once, he's actually not injured. Give him time, I'm sure he'll be hurt sooner or later.
Alou is working out with the team at Shea.
I take this to also mean the Mets expect Brian Schneider back by Friday, but the same article points out that he is still in the hospital.
Well, I'm shocked. I've been taught to expect the worst with Alou, and for once, he's actually not injured. Give him time, I'm sure he'll be hurt sooner or later.
Poll results: Phillies are the most disliked
In my latest poll, and one that landed this site in the newspaper, I asked "Which team do you dislike more?"
80 votes were cast, and here are the results:
Philadelphia Phillies - 65% (52 votes)
Atlanta Braves - 30% (24 votes)
Florida Marlins - 2% (2 votes)
Washington Nationals - 2% (2 votes)
The Phillies leading the way was not surprising in the least, especially after last season. I really thoughts the Braves would be closer, but I guess not. And finally, I really expected the Marlins and the Nats to get zero votes, so I have a feeling that some of, if not all of those votes were placed as a joke. All in all, the best poll so far.
Next question: Where do you stand on Carlos Delgado?
80 votes were cast, and here are the results:
Philadelphia Phillies - 65% (52 votes)
Atlanta Braves - 30% (24 votes)
Florida Marlins - 2% (2 votes)
Washington Nationals - 2% (2 votes)
The Phillies leading the way was not surprising in the least, especially after last season. I really thoughts the Braves would be closer, but I guess not. And finally, I really expected the Marlins and the Nats to get zero votes, so I have a feeling that some of, if not all of those votes were placed as a joke. All in all, the best poll so far.
Next question: Where do you stand on Carlos Delgado?
Notes: Santana day, Schneider almost out, Alou MRI today
After last night's rain out, Johan Santana is slated to pitch today, facing off against Ian Snell.
Tonight should be a good game, and it looks like the weather will cooperate tonight.
Brian Schneider should be released from the hospital today, and should be back with the Mets within a day or two and will head right back into the lineup.
Thank goodness. The pitchers (sans: Nelson Figueroa) seem to miss Schneider behind the dish. You can see how much of a better game he calls.
Moises Alou will receive his MRI today, after getting rained out of New York, as noted yesterday.
Fingers crossed, but definitely expecting the worst. It is Alou.
Tonight should be a good game, and it looks like the weather will cooperate tonight.
---
Brian Schneider should be released from the hospital today, and should be back with the Mets within a day or two and will head right back into the lineup.
Thank goodness. The pitchers (sans: Nelson Figueroa) seem to miss Schneider behind the dish. You can see how much of a better game he calls.
---
Moises Alou will receive his MRI today, after getting rained out of New York, as noted yesterday.
Fingers crossed, but definitely expecting the worst. It is Alou.
What's wrong with the outfield?
I have another rant today...
I continue to hear more and more about the Mets wanting to trade for Xavier Nady to sure up the Mets outfield.
Um...why?
What is wrong with the outfield? Has Angel Pagan already fallen so far out of favor with Mets fans since he won the game over the Phillies in the 12th inning? Has the Angel Wave already run it's course in New York?
With Ryan Church surprising Mets fans everywhere, though I must toot my own horn here and say I've been supporting him from the start, and Carlos Beltran has been his usual self so far. With Pagan and Endy Chavez splitting time waiting for Moises Alou to come back, which as you all must know might be a while, have done a decent job so far.
They haven't visibly lost the Mets any games, so theres no need to get on them for that, and Pagan has already had a game winning hit, over the Phillies no less, so what's the need to deplete the already thin minor leagues or trade away a bullpen arm for Nady?
First base, that's why.
Before Sunday's game, I wouldn't have been surprised if Carlos Delgado wasn't run out of town within a few days. Curtain call or no curtain call, he seems to have bought himself a few games. I'd much rather see an internal guy come up from the minors or have a hungry player in the AAA take a few reps at first to see if they can work there, if need be.
Right now, I want the Mets to stick with Delgado. Talk to me in 30 games, and if he's still struggling, I'll probably be singing a different tune.
I continue to hear more and more about the Mets wanting to trade for Xavier Nady to sure up the Mets outfield.
Um...why?
What is wrong with the outfield? Has Angel Pagan already fallen so far out of favor with Mets fans since he won the game over the Phillies in the 12th inning? Has the Angel Wave already run it's course in New York?
With Ryan Church surprising Mets fans everywhere, though I must toot my own horn here and say I've been supporting him from the start, and Carlos Beltran has been his usual self so far. With Pagan and Endy Chavez splitting time waiting for Moises Alou to come back, which as you all must know might be a while, have done a decent job so far.
They haven't visibly lost the Mets any games, so theres no need to get on them for that, and Pagan has already had a game winning hit, over the Phillies no less, so what's the need to deplete the already thin minor leagues or trade away a bullpen arm for Nady?
First base, that's why.
Before Sunday's game, I wouldn't have been surprised if Carlos Delgado wasn't run out of town within a few days. Curtain call or no curtain call, he seems to have bought himself a few games. I'd much rather see an internal guy come up from the minors or have a hungry player in the AAA take a few reps at first to see if they can work there, if need be.
Right now, I want the Mets to stick with Delgado. Talk to me in 30 games, and if he's still struggling, I'll probably be singing a different tune.
To: Media and Mets fans everywhere Subject: Stop whining
Dear all media outlets and Mets bloggers, commenters, and fans,
Please, for the love of everything holy, please stop making a story out of this Carlos Delgado curtain call snub. This is the most inane story about a complete non-story. Why does it matter if he took a curtain call or not? He didn't feel it was right, and that's that.
He claims he only took two in his career, though Adam Rubin found out he's done more, but why in the world do we care? He hit two home runs, something he's done plenty of times before. The amount of crap I've read on this topic is insane.
Two days later, I can't believe more and more stories are coming out about Delgado's curtain call. OK, there was no game yesterday, so you need something to write about, but this?! I'm at the point where I just skip by anything with the words "Delgado," "Curtain," and "Snub."
Just stop. It's stupid. Delgado can do whatever he wants, and if he didn't feel it was the right time for a curtain call, then that's the end of the story right there.
Sincerely,
Andrew Vazzano
Please, for the love of everything holy, please stop making a story out of this Carlos Delgado curtain call snub. This is the most inane story about a complete non-story. Why does it matter if he took a curtain call or not? He didn't feel it was right, and that's that.
He claims he only took two in his career, though Adam Rubin found out he's done more, but why in the world do we care? He hit two home runs, something he's done plenty of times before. The amount of crap I've read on this topic is insane.
Two days later, I can't believe more and more stories are coming out about Delgado's curtain call. OK, there was no game yesterday, so you need something to write about, but this?! I'm at the point where I just skip by anything with the words "Delgado," "Curtain," and "Snub."
Just stop. It's stupid. Delgado can do whatever he wants, and if he didn't feel it was the right time for a curtain call, then that's the end of the story right there.
Sincerely,
Andrew Vazzano
The BobCatch
That's the kind of play every kid dreams of making when they play tee ball at young age. Up and over the wall, bringing back a home run. How cool is that?
Update (4/28): This play was the #1 Top Play on SportsCenter for April, 28. This is QU's second top play this year. Here is the first, DaShot, when Demario Anderson hit a half-court buzzer beater to beat CCSU.
4/28/08
Rain postpones more than the game
Not only was Monday night's game between the Mets and Pirates, but Moises Alou's MRI was also postponed.
Alou couldn't get into NYC on time, so the MRI on his right ankle will be performed tomorrow.
Alou couldn't get into NYC on time, so the MRI on his right ankle will be performed tomorrow.
Tonight's game rained out
Tonight's Mets game against the Pittsburgh Pirates has been rained out.
The game has been rescheduled for 1 p.m on Monday, August 11.
Aug. 11 was originally a travel day, as the Mets would be ending a series with the Marlins at home on Sunday and heading to Washington to start a three game series against the Nationals on Tuesday.
Instead, the Bucs will make a Pitt. stop (get it?) for one game on Monday, moving the travel time to after that game. The Mets and Pirates will meet again three days later as the Mets head to PNC Park for a series starting that Friday.
The game has been rescheduled for 1 p.m on Monday, August 11.
Aug. 11 was originally a travel day, as the Mets would be ending a series with the Marlins at home on Sunday and heading to Washington to start a three game series against the Nationals on Tuesday.
Instead, the Bucs will make a Pitt. stop (get it?) for one game on Monday, moving the travel time to after that game. The Mets and Pirates will meet again three days later as the Mets head to PNC Park for a series starting that Friday.
Weather update: It's pouring
If the teams get this game in, somehow, don't be surprised if there is a very lengthy delay. It is absolutely pouring here in Connecticut, and it looks like the worst is yet to come.I'm calling for a day/night doubleheader tomorrow!
Marty Noble lays down the law
Just read the first question and answer from Marty Noble's latest mailbag:
With Carlos Delgado struggling, Ryan Church and Angel Pagan playing well and giving the outfield some speed, Endy Chavez on the bench and Moises Alou due back, why not give Alou a shot at first base?
-- John D., St. Albans, N.Y.Your e-mail arrived before the developments of Sunday -- Delgado hit two home runs and we got word from the Mets that Alou might have a broken bone in his left foot. But if all matters had remained as they were -- Delgado not hitting and Alou moving closer to a return -- the notion of Alou playing first base, now or ever, is unsound.
You want to take a veteran who has played every one of his 15,900 big league innings in the outfield, a veteran who is prone to injury, and put him at a position that is completely foreign to him? Wow! Maybe you didn't see Mike Piazza try first base. Maybe you don't recall -- or you never knew -- that Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Henry Aaron hardly prospered when they were moved to first. It is a difficult position to play and, for a veteran 41 years old, a position even more difficult to learn. The footwork alone could put Alou at risk.
The Mets haven't given that a thought. And they shouldn't.
This question is then posed with varying players, such as Ryan Church, a few more times throughout the article, and Nobles stands pat on his views. Very funny. A few deal with first, others want Aaron Heilman to sit in the bullpen for eternity, and again Noble tells them what's up. Funny stuff.
Santana could win the Cy Young (duh)
John Donovan, at SI.com, looks at the early contenders for the NL Cy Young. Obviously, Johan Santana ranks in high on the list.
From Donovan:
From Donovan:
3.) Santana. He might well end up with this hardware. Santana (3-2, 3.12) has gone at least 6 2/3 innings in every one of his starts, with four quality starts in five outings. Santana is second in the league in walks per nine (1.30), first in strikeout-to-walk ratio (6.40) and third in runners per inning (0.92).As long as the Mets win a ring, I don't care who wins what.
Weather at Shea tonight
Tonight's weather outlook does not look good. Tonight is supposed to be Jets Night at Shea, but with the rain coming down all day and night, I doubt tonight is going to happen.Hope you don't have tickets for tonight, and if you do, bring your umbrella!
Minaya coins a new word
From Joel Sherman:
Sherman goes on to tear into Minaya for Alou, Pedro Martinez, and a myriad of other things. Don't bother reading, there's really nothing there.
I wish I could tell you that this nonsensical version of “Who’s on First?” ended here. But it didn’t. [Omar] Minaya kept referring to the condition in [Moises] Alou’s ankle as “swellingness.” When asked how Alou incurred that injury, Minaya initially said he did not know and that reporters should ask Alou."Swellingness"? Is that like "strategery"?
Sherman goes on to tear into Minaya for Alou, Pedro Martinez, and a myriad of other things. Don't bother reading, there's really nothing there.
After all that, Delgado wins a Metsy
Mets Merized Online, run by one of the coolest cats around, and contributed to by some of the best Mets bloggers, has a weekly award called a Monday Morning Metsy. Adam Baker hands out this Metsy to a very strange recipient, Carlos Delgado.
From Baker:
Delgado has seen more than his fair share of booing so far this season. Sure, he probably deserves it for his poor batting average and power outage, but we're not even through 25 games. Let the guy get his stride before we rain down upon him. If after 40 or so games, he's still struggling, then, by all means, let the guy have it. But right now, hold off.
Heck, he has a Metsy and I'm sure if he hurled it at you, it would hurt.
From Baker:
Because I’m grateful to Carlos for helping to take 2 out of 3 from the Bravos, I would like to honor him with this weeks “Monday Morning Metsy” award. So here’s to you Carlos Delgado, slugger extraordinarie... Be prepared for more booing if you don’t keep improving.Is this some ploy by Baker to give Delgado some reassurance to build off of? Is this a cruel joke? I don't know, but I like it.
Delgado has seen more than his fair share of booing so far this season. Sure, he probably deserves it for his poor batting average and power outage, but we're not even through 25 games. Let the guy get his stride before we rain down upon him. If after 40 or so games, he's still struggling, then, by all means, let the guy have it. But right now, hold off.
Heck, he has a Metsy and I'm sure if he hurled it at you, it would hurt.
Schneider should return soon
Brian Schneider will be released from the hospital and should return to the Mets within a few days. He is believed to be heading home to spend a day or two with his family before rejoining the team.
In his place, Raul Casanova and Gustavo Molina have gone a combined 7-14, driving in two runs, and scoring three times.
As well as these guys have been hitting at the plate, the pitchers need Schneider back behind the plate. You can tell how good of a game he calls just by watching the pitching performances over the last few days. They haven't been terrible, but they haven't been great either.
I hope this shows the skeptical fans how valuable Schneider is to this team.
In his place, Raul Casanova and Gustavo Molina have gone a combined 7-14, driving in two runs, and scoring three times.
As well as these guys have been hitting at the plate, the pitchers need Schneider back behind the plate. You can tell how good of a game he calls just by watching the pitching performances over the last few days. They haven't been terrible, but they haven't been great either.
I hope this shows the skeptical fans how valuable Schneider is to this team.
Last chance
If you haven't voted already, we're nearing the end of the line for the current poll, so get on that.
You have five hours to vote on which NL East team you dislike more. Go!
You have five hours to vote on which NL East team you dislike more. Go!
4/27/08
Photo of the Day: Delgado
Carlos Delgado celebrates after his first home run of the day. He went on to hit two solo home runs, going 2-2 with two walks, two RBI, and three runs scored.I wouldn't say he's back yet, but today is a good sign. Hopefully he can parlay this off into a hot streak to get back into the groove of things.
(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Game Recap: Mets 6 -- Braves 3
The Mets were fans of the long ball today, knocking three in total, and two from a very surprising source. The Mets won the series over the Braves, taking the rubber game by a score of 6-3.
Nelson Figueroa made fourth start of the year, getting off to a very strong start before faltering in the sixth. Figueroa only allowed three hits through the first five innings, benefiting from a double play ball in the second to get out of a mini jam. The sixth was a bit of a struggle for Figueroa, allowing three singles a double to drive in two runs before being removed for Joe Smith.
This wasn't his strongest start, but heading into the sixth he held the Braves scoreless, which is a great sign. He seems to feed off the crowd at Shea, which is great. He seemed to have a bit of an issue with the mound, and it showed in the sixth. He kept checking the mound after a pitch, so something just didn't feel right for him. Again, I love this guy's story. Keep it up, Nelson.
Smith relieved Figueroa with two on in the sixth, and got what looked like a double play ball to escape the inning, but Brent Lillibridge beat it out at first, and a run scored. Scott Schoeneweis pitched the seventh, allowing some balls to get hit deep, but escaped unscathed. Kelly Johnson crushed one to the wall, but Carlos Beltran was there to track it down and after a Jeff Francoeur double, got a sparkling running grab from Ryan Church. Church tracked the ball down at the wall, just missing a sliding Beltran and making probably the best catches of the year.
Good stuff from these two relievers. I though Smith was going to get out of that inning on his first batter, but Lillibridge showed some nice speed beating it out. Schoeneweis needs to take Beltran and Church out for dinner after saving that inning for him.
Pedro Feliciano pitched the eighth, getting the Braves in order. Billy Wagner came on to close our the game, after Lillibridge hit one to Endy Chavez on the warning track, Matt Diaz stuck out his bat and poked one to right field. This was the first hit he has given up all year as Wagner pitched 9 1-3 innings without allowing a hit to start the season. He finished out the game, getting Gregor Blanco to strike out looking.
Feliciano was nasty in the eighth. He needs to be able to maintain this from appearance to appearance. Great stuff from Wagnet, too bad he gave up that hit. He earned his sixth save of the season.
The Mets pounded out 6 runs and 12 hits, chased John Smoltz after only four innings.
Jose Reyes led off the first inning with a double to right field. After a Luis Castillo ground out moved Reyes to third, Reyes scored the first run of the game on a wild pitch.
When he gets on base, he makes runs happen.
Carlos Delgado drew a one out walk in the second inning, and Raul Casanova drove him in with a home run to deep right field. The Mets then had a big chance later in that inning, as Figueroa singled to third, Reyes walked, and Castillo singled to load the bases, David Wright struck out, his second of the game.
Casanova had a breakout day for the Mets, going 3-4, driving in two runs and scoring once. Huge. Wright got out to a rough start to the game, but got back on the horse later on.
In the third, Delgado began his crusade to get back into the good graces of Mets fans, going the other way and knocking a solo home run into the bleachers in left field.
I love when Delgado waits on a pitch and drives it the other way. He looked very good at the plate, going 2-2 with two walks, driving in two runs, and scoring three times. Now, the question is: Who hit their second homer later in the game?
In the sixth, Wright singled to center field, driving home Castillo who doubled earlier in the inning.
Wright went 1-4 and though he's still in his slump, he's starting to see the ball better and will come around soon enough. I'm not worried about the slump, it just looks worse when the rest of the team is struggling around him.
In the seventh, Delgado crushed a solo home run part way up the scoreboard in right field off of Will Ohman, his second of the day.
Wow. The fans were screaming for a curtain call, but Delgado didn't come out for one. Obviously, he's not back yet, but this is definitely a great sign.
Numbers: 0: Church and Chavez's hits, the only two starters to go hitless...Castillo: 3-5, run...Casanova: 3-2, 2 RBI, run...Delgado: 1.000 BA on the day, going 2-2, 2 BB, 2 RBI, 3 runs...Extra base hits: 6 (3 2B, 3 HR)...Team LOB: 8...
Game Ball: Delgado
Nelson Figueroa made fourth start of the year, getting off to a very strong start before faltering in the sixth. Figueroa only allowed three hits through the first five innings, benefiting from a double play ball in the second to get out of a mini jam. The sixth was a bit of a struggle for Figueroa, allowing three singles a double to drive in two runs before being removed for Joe Smith.
This wasn't his strongest start, but heading into the sixth he held the Braves scoreless, which is a great sign. He seems to feed off the crowd at Shea, which is great. He seemed to have a bit of an issue with the mound, and it showed in the sixth. He kept checking the mound after a pitch, so something just didn't feel right for him. Again, I love this guy's story. Keep it up, Nelson.
Smith relieved Figueroa with two on in the sixth, and got what looked like a double play ball to escape the inning, but Brent Lillibridge beat it out at first, and a run scored. Scott Schoeneweis pitched the seventh, allowing some balls to get hit deep, but escaped unscathed. Kelly Johnson crushed one to the wall, but Carlos Beltran was there to track it down and after a Jeff Francoeur double, got a sparkling running grab from Ryan Church. Church tracked the ball down at the wall, just missing a sliding Beltran and making probably the best catches of the year.
Good stuff from these two relievers. I though Smith was going to get out of that inning on his first batter, but Lillibridge showed some nice speed beating it out. Schoeneweis needs to take Beltran and Church out for dinner after saving that inning for him.
Pedro Feliciano pitched the eighth, getting the Braves in order. Billy Wagner came on to close our the game, after Lillibridge hit one to Endy Chavez on the warning track, Matt Diaz stuck out his bat and poked one to right field. This was the first hit he has given up all year as Wagner pitched 9 1-3 innings without allowing a hit to start the season. He finished out the game, getting Gregor Blanco to strike out looking.
Feliciano was nasty in the eighth. He needs to be able to maintain this from appearance to appearance. Great stuff from Wagnet, too bad he gave up that hit. He earned his sixth save of the season.
The Mets pounded out 6 runs and 12 hits, chased John Smoltz after only four innings.
Jose Reyes led off the first inning with a double to right field. After a Luis Castillo ground out moved Reyes to third, Reyes scored the first run of the game on a wild pitch.
When he gets on base, he makes runs happen.
Carlos Delgado drew a one out walk in the second inning, and Raul Casanova drove him in with a home run to deep right field. The Mets then had a big chance later in that inning, as Figueroa singled to third, Reyes walked, and Castillo singled to load the bases, David Wright struck out, his second of the game.
Casanova had a breakout day for the Mets, going 3-4, driving in two runs and scoring once. Huge. Wright got out to a rough start to the game, but got back on the horse later on.
In the third, Delgado began his crusade to get back into the good graces of Mets fans, going the other way and knocking a solo home run into the bleachers in left field.
I love when Delgado waits on a pitch and drives it the other way. He looked very good at the plate, going 2-2 with two walks, driving in two runs, and scoring three times. Now, the question is: Who hit their second homer later in the game?
In the sixth, Wright singled to center field, driving home Castillo who doubled earlier in the inning.
Wright went 1-4 and though he's still in his slump, he's starting to see the ball better and will come around soon enough. I'm not worried about the slump, it just looks worse when the rest of the team is struggling around him.
In the seventh, Delgado crushed a solo home run part way up the scoreboard in right field off of Will Ohman, his second of the day.
Wow. The fans were screaming for a curtain call, but Delgado didn't come out for one. Obviously, he's not back yet, but this is definitely a great sign.
Numbers: 0: Church and Chavez's hits, the only two starters to go hitless...Castillo: 3-5, run...Casanova: 3-2, 2 RBI, run...Delgado: 1.000 BA on the day, going 2-2, 2 BB, 2 RBI, 3 runs...Extra base hits: 6 (3 2B, 3 HR)...Team LOB: 8...
Game Ball: Delgado
Alou may have broken bone in ankle
From Jeremy Cothran:
In something most of us beat writers found inevitable, the Mets have announced that a CAT scan may have revealed a small fracture in Moises Alou's ankle. He had the exam on Friday, and will head to New York tomorrow to undergo further testing from the Mets doctors.Figures. I guess Angel Pagan will be sticking around for a bit longer.
"The CAT scan showed something," said Mets GM Omar Minaya. "But they want to make sure what that something is."
Game Preview: Braves @ Mets -- 4/27
The Mets look to take the series over the Atlanta Braves today after splitting the first two games, a 1:10 p.m. start.
Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
RF Ryan Church
1B Carlos Delgado
C Raul Casanova
LF Endy Chavez
SP Nelson Figueroa
Figeuroa vs. John Smoltz
Seems like Angel Pagan is quickly falling out of favor as his batting average comes back down to earth. Church needs one hit to reach 300 for his career.
Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
RF Ryan Church
1B Carlos Delgado
C Raul Casanova
LF Endy Chavez
SP Nelson Figueroa
Figeuroa vs. John Smoltz
Seems like Angel Pagan is quickly falling out of favor as his batting average comes back down to earth. Church needs one hit to reach 300 for his career.
Weather at Shea
It's raining at Shea right now, but it looks like it will stop raining soon. It's a cloudy, chilly day, so if you're heading out, bundle up and bring the umbrella (just in case!).Again, for the third straight game, I will not be able to watch. This is probably going to become commonplace, as I will have pretty hectic job schedule this summer. I'm not sure how it's going to affect the blog just yet, but of course, I will keep you updated.
Alou sits, still blocked by the Schneider situation
According to Anthony Rieber of Newsday, Moises Alou was scratched from a minor league game last night due to a sore ankle. Alou is coming back from hernia surgery, which he received before the season.
Alou is rumored to be coming back sometime next week, but nothing can be done until Brian Schneider is able to rejoin the team, or in a worst case scenario, hits the disabled list. When Schneider went down, Gustavo Molina was purchased from AAA to give the Mets an extra catcher.
The Mets are carrying three catchers right now, since Schneider is still on the roster though not at the games. Until Schneider is ready to return to the team, Molina will be up, taking up a roster spot and blocking Alou.
Schneider received more IV, and is still in the hospital through Sunday. Hopefully he'll be out soon and back with the team.
Alou is rumored to be coming back sometime next week, but nothing can be done until Brian Schneider is able to rejoin the team, or in a worst case scenario, hits the disabled list. When Schneider went down, Gustavo Molina was purchased from AAA to give the Mets an extra catcher.
The Mets are carrying three catchers right now, since Schneider is still on the roster though not at the games. Until Schneider is ready to return to the team, Molina will be up, taking up a roster spot and blocking Alou.
Schneider received more IV, and is still in the hospital through Sunday. Hopefully he'll be out soon and back with the team.
4/26/08
Apologies are in order
Hello everyone, Andrew Vazzano here. I'm the creator, writer and editor of this website and I think something needs to be addressed.
If you're making your way here from another websites comments section, I'm talking directly to you. A kid has been going around literally spamming my blog in the comments of tons of different websites and blogs across the 'net. I want to say that I am deeply sorry.
I know it sucks to get that pointless, worthless comment that adds nothing to the conversation and you can tell is absolutely just a way to drive traffic to your site. I hate those comments.
So again, I am sorry for those spammed comments. If you are here, feel free to stick around and throw in your two cents on whatever you want. Feel free to e-mail me with further questions or comments.
Thanks, and again, I am sorry,
Andrew Vazzano
If you're making your way here from another websites comments section, I'm talking directly to you. A kid has been going around literally spamming my blog in the comments of tons of different websites and blogs across the 'net. I want to say that I am deeply sorry.
I know it sucks to get that pointless, worthless comment that adds nothing to the conversation and you can tell is absolutely just a way to drive traffic to your site. I hate those comments.
So again, I am sorry for those spammed comments. If you are here, feel free to stick around and throw in your two cents on whatever you want. Feel free to e-mail me with further questions or comments.
Thanks, and again, I am sorry,
Andrew Vazzano
Keith Hernandez, Legend
I'll be out and about all day, so I'll leave you with a guest blog from Ryan Punzalan. Feel free to e-mail me your own articles, and if they're good, I'll run them!
Anyway, here is Ryan's article:
You're probably thinking, why legend? Let's face it, Keith Hernandez is the king of comedy with it comes to color commentary. There's something about his informations or antics that make the game even better. No offense to Ron Darling, but every pre-game show I just can't wait to see who's sitting next to Gary. Just to display how great this man is, I prepared a short list on what he says in the booth that makes me crack a smile:
Thanks Ryan!
Anyway, here is Ryan's article:
You're probably thinking, why legend? Let's face it, Keith Hernandez is the king of comedy with it comes to color commentary. There's something about his informations or antics that make the game even better. No offense to Ron Darling, but every pre-game show I just can't wait to see who's sitting next to Gary. Just to display how great this man is, I prepared a short list on what he says in the booth that makes me crack a smile:
- He calls Gary Cohen, "Gaer" as in, "I noticed something about Delgado's swing Gaer."
- Keith loves to talk about footwear, especially Crocs, or lack of them.
- Mex loves to talk about his Tootsie Pop, usually in a bin or in his mouth.
- Keith seems to point out every ad-placements as possible.
- The Coors Freeze seems to amaze him more than anything
- New SNY camera angles also seem to astonish him as he's always caught saying, "Great angle guys."
- He seems to like color too, as he's always talking about the colored highlighters for his scorecard.
- I keep noticing that Keith makes fun of Kevin Burkhardt so much, especially around other fans and stuff.
- ..and to top it all off, Keith just loves to talk about the Cardinals and how events during his time there. He also loves to talk about the Cardinals Minor League system and his events there too. Hello Tulsa.
That's not all of them, but yeah, those are the great ones that pop into my head. He has such great chemistry with Gary and he gets extremely entertaining during a blow-out or an extra inning game. His spontaneous jokes are just great and I firmly believe he loves his job way too much.
With fun comes controversy. Of course you all remember the incident with the comment towards women being in the dugout and how he states that a woman should not be in the dugout. Comment aside, he brushed it off and continued to be as random a commentator can be, and every enjoys it.
I may be a bit biased, but I truly think that the team of Cohen, Hernandez, and Darling is easily the best broadcasting team in the business right now. Cohen's perfect play-by-play, Darling's in-depht analysis, and Keith's speech about how he hates the head-first slide just fits every position. Keith's great, and he know's he great.Thanks Ryan!
4/25/08
Game Recap: Braves 6 -- Mets 3
The Mets are slumping. Hard.
They lost to the Braves 6-3 tonight and only picked up two hits. All their runs came on back-to-back-to-back bases loaded walks in the third inning.
The Mets have dropped five of their last six. Rough.
Use this thread to vent.
They lost to the Braves 6-3 tonight and only picked up two hits. All their runs came on back-to-back-to-back bases loaded walks in the third inning.
The Mets have dropped five of their last six. Rough.
Use this thread to vent.
Delgado sits
Carlos Delgado was not in the starting lineup for the Mets tonight.
He was replaced by Marlon Anderson, batting seventh.
It's. About. Time.
He was replaced by Marlon Anderson, batting seventh.
It's. About. Time.
Schneider out longer than thought
Brian Schneider will stay in the hospital longer than thought, most likely until Sunday, receiving IV and the like to try and get healthy.
Gustavo Molina will stick on the roster, probably blocking Moises Alou.
We'll see how that goes.
Gustavo Molina will stick on the roster, probably blocking Moises Alou.
We'll see how that goes.
Trip to Maine
Today I will be heading up to the great state of Maine for a Society of Professional Journalists conference. I'm bringing my trusty laptop along, but I'm not sure if I'll have internet in the hotel room. We're leaving in a few hours, the car ride is roughly four hours long, and we're heading straight to some sort of event, so if I do have internet, it won't be until later this afternoon.Brian Schneider went down with the infected thumb yesterday, but did not land on the DL, yet. He may still need a trip there if it does not improve from the IV he received. This may stall Moises Alou's trip back to Shea, as the Mets will be carrying three catchers if Schneider can avoid the DL. Once Schneider is healed and Gustavo Molina is sent back to AAA, expect Alou to return, possibly by the middle of next week.
Enjoy Mike Pelfrey and Jair Jurrjens tonight. See you on the other side.
People hate the mouthpiece
Newsday's David Lennon writes one of the longest articles on mouthpieces published, this one dealing with Mike Pelfrey and his chunk of plastic. Lennon writes that many batters are distracted with the mouthguard, though Pelfrey needs it for a condition called TMJ or Tempromandibular Joint Disorder.
From Lennon:
Hey, whatever works for you Pelfrey. If you have to bend over backwards to distract the hitter in the slightest bit, do it. Pelfrey claims he prefers the store bought versions to the ones that are custom made for ones mouth. He also said he doesn't even boil them for a more custom fit. He just likes them right off the shelf.
Gag.
From Lennon:
Pointing to an area alongside the right side of his jaw, he added, "This muscle right here gets real, real tight, It's like a cramp almost. You have to pop it back out."I nearly gagged like 10 times while writing this.
The condition, Pelfrey believes, is a souvenir of his trip to Taiwan with Team USA in 2004, when he was part of the group that won the gold medal at the World University Baseball Championships.
Pelfrey struck out 20 in 16 2/3 innings. But in his meeting with Japan, one of the few hitters who did make contact came within inches of ending his career before it really even began. Pelfrey took a line drive off his right cheekbone, and when he points to the spot, it's perilously close to his eye.
---
"I hated that thing," said catcher Brian Schneider, who faced him last year as a National. "I couldn't stop looking at it. Other guys were always talking about it, too. Everybody hates it."
Hey, whatever works for you Pelfrey. If you have to bend over backwards to distract the hitter in the slightest bit, do it. Pelfrey claims he prefers the store bought versions to the ones that are custom made for ones mouth. He also said he doesn't even boil them for a more custom fit. He just likes them right off the shelf.
Gag.
4/24/08
Game Recap: Nationals 10 -- Mets 5
Every time Oliver Perez pitches, the Mets fear they will get this sort of start out of him. When Perez was removed, the Mets bullpen fared even worse. The Mets dropped game two to the Nationals by a score of 10-5.
Perez lasted 5 2-3 of an inning, allowing five earned runs on six hits and four walks. Perez struck out three, and benefited from a double play in the third inning. The Nats got on the board against Perez in the bottom of the fifth, when after two walks and a single to start the inning, Felipe Lopez singled to center field, driving in two runs. Later in that inning, Ryan Zimmerman brought home Ronnie Belliard on an RBI ground out. Perez went out to start the sixth and allowed two singles and recorded two outs before being removed in favor of Aaron Heilman.
This was one of those Perez-will-be-wild-and-walk-everyone kind of games. It was bound to happen sooner or later. He's got the talent, but he still lacks the concentration a pitcher needs. Still, this wasn't downright bad, but it wasn't good either.
Heilman entered the game with two on and two out in the sixth inning. The first batter he faced, Lastings Milledge, working as a pinch hitter, was quickly walked to load the bases. Lopez came to the plate again, and knocked a grand slam home run to the right field bleachers. Heilman then allowed two singles before getting Austin Kearns to strike out swinging. Heilman's line: .1 IP, 3 hits, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K.
I'm actually starting to feel bad for this guy. Nothing he does works out. Eighth inning or sixth inning, he still gets rocked. Rough, but he's a professional baseball player, so he needs to step up and get back on track ASAP.
Jorge Sosa came in for the seventh, getting the first out of the inning before Aaron Boone reached base on a Jose Reyes fielding error. Willie Harris followed this with a walk and Wil Nieves came to the plate and singled to right, bringing Boone home. Johnny Estrada, pinch hitting, again singled to right, scoring Harris. After recording another out, Sosa allowed another RBI single to right off the bat of Christian Guzman.
See: Above.
Pedro Feliciano made an appearance and recorded outs, three of them, allowing a single to Wily Mo Pena and striking out Boone in the eighth inning.
Celebrate! A relief pitcher didn't give up runs!
The Mets jumped out to a 3-0 lead, but could not hold on. Two out RBI hits were the specialty tonight, as all but one run came with two outs.
In the third, Raul Casanova singled to right field to start off the inning. After being sacrificed to second by Perez, and moving to third on a ground out to the right side by Reyes, Casanova came home on Luis Castillo's first hit of the game.
First two out RBI: Castillo. He had a very good night, and a very good series overall. Read on...
The next inning, Ryan Church walked to leadoff. After Carlos Delgado struck out swinging, Church stole second with Angel Pagan at bat. Pagan later walked, and Casanova put a charge into one, to the warning track, which allowed Church to move to third. Perez came to the plate and helped his own cause, singling up the middle and driving home Church.
Second two out RBI: Perez. Strange place to get your first two RBI's of a game, that's for sure. I love when Perez hits. He does that little hop swing. It's just beautiful.
Castillo singled to right to start the fifth. With David Wright batting, Castillo took second on a wild pitch. Castillo moved to third when a pickoff attempt hit him in the leg and skipped into the outfield. With two out, Church singled to right, driving home Castillo.
I love me my Ryan Church. How good is this guy? I'm OK with people jumping on the Church bandwagon, because he's just so good.
The rest of the Mets runs came on solo shots. In the seventh, with two out of course, Carlos Beltran hit a home run to the first row of seats in the right field bleachers. In the ninth, Marlon Anderson came in for a pinch hitting opportunity and crushed his first home run of the year to right.
I'll say it again. I love Beltran's swing. So sweet. Too bad he struck out three times tonight. But when he makes contact, I like it. It's only rivaled by Moises Alou's swing, which we should see at Shea very soon. Good for Anderson, who was only 1-15 before this at bat. He needs to get going in case we need him late in a game.
Numbers: Castillo: 3-5, RBI, run tonight, 5-10, RBI, 2 runs last two games...Castillo: 6 SB this season...Church and Casanova: 2 hits apiece...XBH: Church (2B), Beltran (HR), Anderson (HR)...Mets: 11 hits...Team LOB: 7...Perez pitches: 100 (58 for strikes)...Beltran: 3 K's...Delgado and Wright: 0-4...Felipe Lopez: 6 RBI...
Game Ball: Castillo.
Perez lasted 5 2-3 of an inning, allowing five earned runs on six hits and four walks. Perez struck out three, and benefited from a double play in the third inning. The Nats got on the board against Perez in the bottom of the fifth, when after two walks and a single to start the inning, Felipe Lopez singled to center field, driving in two runs. Later in that inning, Ryan Zimmerman brought home Ronnie Belliard on an RBI ground out. Perez went out to start the sixth and allowed two singles and recorded two outs before being removed in favor of Aaron Heilman.
This was one of those Perez-will-be-wild-and-walk-everyone kind of games. It was bound to happen sooner or later. He's got the talent, but he still lacks the concentration a pitcher needs. Still, this wasn't downright bad, but it wasn't good either.
Heilman entered the game with two on and two out in the sixth inning. The first batter he faced, Lastings Milledge, working as a pinch hitter, was quickly walked to load the bases. Lopez came to the plate again, and knocked a grand slam home run to the right field bleachers. Heilman then allowed two singles before getting Austin Kearns to strike out swinging. Heilman's line: .1 IP, 3 hits, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K.
I'm actually starting to feel bad for this guy. Nothing he does works out. Eighth inning or sixth inning, he still gets rocked. Rough, but he's a professional baseball player, so he needs to step up and get back on track ASAP.
Jorge Sosa came in for the seventh, getting the first out of the inning before Aaron Boone reached base on a Jose Reyes fielding error. Willie Harris followed this with a walk and Wil Nieves came to the plate and singled to right, bringing Boone home. Johnny Estrada, pinch hitting, again singled to right, scoring Harris. After recording another out, Sosa allowed another RBI single to right off the bat of Christian Guzman.
See: Above.
Pedro Feliciano made an appearance and recorded outs, three of them, allowing a single to Wily Mo Pena and striking out Boone in the eighth inning.
Celebrate! A relief pitcher didn't give up runs!
The Mets jumped out to a 3-0 lead, but could not hold on. Two out RBI hits were the specialty tonight, as all but one run came with two outs.
In the third, Raul Casanova singled to right field to start off the inning. After being sacrificed to second by Perez, and moving to third on a ground out to the right side by Reyes, Casanova came home on Luis Castillo's first hit of the game.
First two out RBI: Castillo. He had a very good night, and a very good series overall. Read on...
The next inning, Ryan Church walked to leadoff. After Carlos Delgado struck out swinging, Church stole second with Angel Pagan at bat. Pagan later walked, and Casanova put a charge into one, to the warning track, which allowed Church to move to third. Perez came to the plate and helped his own cause, singling up the middle and driving home Church.
Second two out RBI: Perez. Strange place to get your first two RBI's of a game, that's for sure. I love when Perez hits. He does that little hop swing. It's just beautiful.
Castillo singled to right to start the fifth. With David Wright batting, Castillo took second on a wild pitch. Castillo moved to third when a pickoff attempt hit him in the leg and skipped into the outfield. With two out, Church singled to right, driving home Castillo.
I love me my Ryan Church. How good is this guy? I'm OK with people jumping on the Church bandwagon, because he's just so good.
The rest of the Mets runs came on solo shots. In the seventh, with two out of course, Carlos Beltran hit a home run to the first row of seats in the right field bleachers. In the ninth, Marlon Anderson came in for a pinch hitting opportunity and crushed his first home run of the year to right.
I'll say it again. I love Beltran's swing. So sweet. Too bad he struck out three times tonight. But when he makes contact, I like it. It's only rivaled by Moises Alou's swing, which we should see at Shea very soon. Good for Anderson, who was only 1-15 before this at bat. He needs to get going in case we need him late in a game.
Numbers: Castillo: 3-5, RBI, run tonight, 5-10, RBI, 2 runs last two games...Castillo: 6 SB this season...Church and Casanova: 2 hits apiece...XBH: Church (2B), Beltran (HR), Anderson (HR)...Mets: 11 hits...Team LOB: 7...Perez pitches: 100 (58 for strikes)...Beltran: 3 K's...Delgado and Wright: 0-4...Felipe Lopez: 6 RBI...
Game Ball: Castillo.
FJM takes down Matthews
Wallace Matthews, you have been weighed, you have been measured, and you have been found wanting. In what world could you possibly beat Fire Joe Morgan?
Bye-Bye Brady
Brady Clark has been designated for assignment to make room for Gustavo Molina.
Brian Schneider will not need a trip to the disabled list, as he will need some IV and should be better within a few days.
Bye Brady, I always liked you.
Brian Schneider will not need a trip to the disabled list, as he will need some IV and should be better within a few days.
Bye Brady, I always liked you.
Game Preview: Mets @ Nationals -- 4/24
The Mets look to sweep the two game series in Washington tonight, a 7:10 p.m. start.
Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
RF Ryan Church
1B Carlos Delgado
LF Angel Pagan
C Raul Casanova
SP Oliver Perez
Perez vs. Shawn Hill
Same lineup as last night, sans Brian Schneider, who is already back in New York having his infected thumb looked at.
Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
RF Ryan Church
1B Carlos Delgado
LF Angel Pagan
C Raul Casanova
SP Oliver Perez
Perez vs. Shawn Hill
Same lineup as last night, sans Brian Schneider, who is already back in New York having his infected thumb looked at.
Schneider out with infected thumb
According to Adam Rubin, Brian Schneider is already back in New York, after being sent home to have his infected thumb looked at. Rubin believes this may require some time on the disabled list, so expect Gustavo Molina to be promoted soon.
If Schneider doesn't hit the DL, expect Brady Clark to be the casualty to make room.
If Schneider doesn't hit the DL, expect Brady Clark to be the casualty to make room.
Joe Smith does not like Cubs fans
The language is rated R, so be careful blasting this around children.
Joe Smith got heckled in the outfield in Chicago, and did not enjoy it. He yelled back.
I can only imagine what they were yelling to him, but it's not very professional for a major league baseball player to retaliate like that. Smith, you are on probation and your nickname of "The Man" is suspended for the next week.
By the way, the man with the camera gives such insightful play by play. "This is Joe Smith, heckling the fans." Thanks buddy, I couldn't get that from the video.
[Video via Home Run Derby]
Joe Smith got heckled in the outfield in Chicago, and did not enjoy it. He yelled back.
I can only imagine what they were yelling to him, but it's not very professional for a major league baseball player to retaliate like that. Smith, you are on probation and your nickname of "The Man" is suspended for the next week.
By the way, the man with the camera gives such insightful play by play. "This is Joe Smith, heckling the fans." Thanks buddy, I couldn't get that from the video.
[Video via Home Run Derby]
David Wright with the Answer Man
First of all, if you don't read Big League Stew, you must begin, immediately. Go back to the beginning and start from there.
One of the features they do is "Answer Man," an interview featuring some unorthodox questions, stuff you wouldn't usually find in a normal interview. The latest edition takes on David Wright.
A few of my favorites:
Oh, and yes, Mr. Met is a good mascot, the best in the league, I would say.
One of the features they do is "Answer Man," an interview featuring some unorthodox questions, stuff you wouldn't usually find in a normal interview. The latest edition takes on David Wright.
A few of my favorites:
Q: What about the widely held belief that you are the Austin Powers of the majors, in that men want to be you and women want to be with you?DW: I don’t know about that [laughs]. It’s fun to be single and living in New York, playing for a good organization. I have no complaints there. As far as the other end of it, if I can take care of business on the field, then there are some nice perks that come along with a winning team.
---
Q: Could you tell if the monster in Cloverfield destroyed your apartment building?
DW: I did see a couple of landmarks near my apartment, but I don’t live in a real big high rise, so he might have missed mine. Fortunately, I think it was spared.
---
Q: Ever go up to Mr. Met and say, “Hey, buddy, why the big head?”
DW: It’s funny, trying to see him walk through doorways; he’s gotta turn sideways but his head is the same size no matter how it’s turned. He’s … he’s a good mascot.
Wright is probably one of the luckiest guys in the world. Single, young, living in NYC, rich, plays baseball for a living. What else could you want? I envy you, David.
Oh, and yes, Mr. Met is a good mascot, the best in the league, I would say.
The many theories of who can play first
Here is a short rundown of the managarie of theories I've heard about to play first base, since Carlos Delgado has sputtered so far this season:
1. Angel Pagan to first.
I'll admit it, this was of my own doing. It could work, right? He's young(ish), athletic, and hungry to play. Maybe not.
2. Moises Alou to first.
Ha. Ha. Funny joke.
3. Alou to left, Pagan to right, Ryan Church to first.
Plausible. But Church hasn't played first, either. Give it a shot, maybe? How much can it hurt?
4. Brady Clark to first.
His days are numbered with Alou coming back. Too late to even bother.
5. Mike Carp to first.
Sure, he's tearing up AA ball, and I'd like to see him get a shot, but it's not going to happen. Alou coming back bumps Clark off the roster, so if Carp comes up, who goes? No one, because it's not going to happen, barring injury.
Any others?
1. Angel Pagan to first.
I'll admit it, this was of my own doing. It could work, right? He's young(ish), athletic, and hungry to play. Maybe not.
2. Moises Alou to first.
Ha. Ha. Funny joke.
3. Alou to left, Pagan to right, Ryan Church to first.
Plausible. But Church hasn't played first, either. Give it a shot, maybe? How much can it hurt?
4. Brady Clark to first.
His days are numbered with Alou coming back. Too late to even bother.
5. Mike Carp to first.
Sure, he's tearing up AA ball, and I'd like to see him get a shot, but it's not going to happen. Alou coming back bumps Clark off the roster, so if Carp comes up, who goes? No one, because it's not going to happen, barring injury.
Any others?
Harold Reynolds to join SNY
Neil Best, in his Watchdog blog for Newsday, breaks the news that Harold Reynolds will join SNY as an studio analyst.
From Best:
I like Reynolds, so I like this move. Reynolds was always great at the Little League World Series, something I never miss, so I'm sure he'll be just fine at SNY.
From Best:
Harold Reynolds, formerly of the Alaska Goldpanners, Seattle Mariners and ESPN, and currently of MLB.com, has joined SNY as a part-time studio analyst, the network will announce this morning.Reynolds was fired from ESPN for alleged sexual harassment. He sued ESPN, and the two sides reached an agreement last week.Reynolds will make his debut Friday night on the pre- and post-game shows for Mets-Braves, the first of about 20 appearances this season.
I like Reynolds, so I like this move. Reynolds was always great at the Little League World Series, something I never miss, so I'm sure he'll be just fine at SNY.
Minor league possibilities
I received a comment asking for a report on any minor league players that can fill in at first base, possibly sometime this season due the the decline of Carlos Delgado. For that, I will grab a quote from my buddy Tejesh, one of the guys from Mets Prospect Hub, and build off of that.
From last night's Minor League Report:
This season has been a bit of a different story. Carp, along with Dan Murphy and Nick Evans have been tearing up AA ball. Murphy, who can play third, first, and even second, is bringing down some hefty numbers of .342/.383/.603/.985. Evans, also playing third, first, and the occasional OF, completes what MPH has dubbed "The Trinity." Evans is batting .392/.438/.532/.970.
In our "Ideal Lineup" discussion on Mets Lounge, my buddy Ryan Punzalan, who will be contributing some articles here in the near future, projects both Carp and Evans to be in the 2010 Mets starting lineup.
Of the three, I can see Carp getting called up sometime this year. If Delgado continues his downward slide, and the Mets are unable to find a decent first baseman on the cheap, Carp could get a call sometime this year.
From last night's Minor League Report:
Mike Carp may be the hottest hitter on the planet (not named Chase Utley, that is) - he had another 3 hits, including a double and 2 RBI, and is now hitting an absurd .442/482/.727/1.210. What is very encouraging, and it's something we've pointed to for as long as the blog's been in existance, is his numbers vs LHP. Right now, he's 14 for 33, with 9 runs, 2b, 3 HR, 7 RBI vs LHP, .424/.441/.727/1.168. He was 19 for 110 vs LHP last season.Carp is a 21-year-old out of Long Beach, California. The Mets drafted him in the 9th round (254 overall) of the 2004 amateur draft. Clark is rebounding off an injury and a terrible year. Last year, Carp broke his finger last season, and when he returned, only hit .251/.337/.387/.724 (AVG/OBP/SLG/OPS).
This season has been a bit of a different story. Carp, along with Dan Murphy and Nick Evans have been tearing up AA ball. Murphy, who can play third, first, and even second, is bringing down some hefty numbers of .342/.383/.603/.985. Evans, also playing third, first, and the occasional OF, completes what MPH has dubbed "The Trinity." Evans is batting .392/.438/.532/.970.
In our "Ideal Lineup" discussion on Mets Lounge, my buddy Ryan Punzalan, who will be contributing some articles here in the near future, projects both Carp and Evans to be in the 2010 Mets starting lineup.
Of the three, I can see Carp getting called up sometime this year. If Delgado continues his downward slide, and the Mets are unable to find a decent first baseman on the cheap, Carp could get a call sometime this year.
4/23/08
Willie's Angels
Your mission, if you choose to accept it: Stop a three game losing streak.
Mission: Accomplished.
Game Recap: Mets 7 -- Nationals 2
If we were casting a Hollywood movie with the Mets players, the role of "The Stopper" would undoubtedly go to Johan Santana. The Mets bats woke up and Santana's "B-game" was good enough, as the New York Mets broke their three game skid, beating the Washington Nationals by a score of 7-2.
Santana allowed a bit too many hits, seven to be exact, through his seven innings of work. He got off to a rough start, not getting his first 1-2-3 inning until the fifth. Santana allowed a single in the first, two in the second, another in the third, and two more in the fourth before opposing pitcher Tim Redding doubled to center field, driving in the only two runs of the game for Washington. After Redding's hit, Santana set down ten Nationals in order to finish out his day.
It didn't even seem like Santana had his best stuff, giving up seven hits, but it's the Nationals, and he's one of the best pitchers in the game. This is exactly why Santana will dominate the NL. The strike zone was pretty inconsistent, as a few of us noted in our live game thread. Still, a dominant performance over the hapless Nats. Stellar play in the second inning from Santana too. Coming off the bag and fielding a tapper in front of the mound. He snagged it, planted, and threw a one hopper to Carlos Delgado, who dug it out. Good stuff.
Duaner Sanchez entered the game in the eighth inning with a three run lead. Sanchez set down the team in order, striking Ryan Zimmerman in the process. Billy Wagner entered in the ninth with a five run lead, allowed a leadoff walk to Austin Kearns, and then got Lastings Milledge and Wil Nieves to strike out to end the game.
Sanchez should not be moved from the eighth inning role. He's there, he's good, don't touch him. Wagner has thrown eight innings of no-hit baseball this season. If he gets one more season, can that count for the Mets?
The Mets pounded out 11 hits against the Nationals, only seven of which actually made it out of the infield.
In the second, Carlos Beltran doubled to right to start the inning. After a Ryan Church ground out to the right side, moving Beltran to third, Delgado grounded out to short, which brought Beltran home for the first run of the game.
That's right. Delgado got an RBI. Don't pass out.
The Mets were held off the board until the fifth, where an infield hit helped the Mets score one. With one out, Brian Schneider and Santana worked out back to back walks. After a fielders choice off the bat of Jose Reyes, eliminating Santana on the basepath, Luis Castillo singled to short, driving in Schneider.
A 2-out RBI...off the bat of Castillo...Maybe this game was a dream?
The sixth innings was the inning of cue shots and small ball. Let's start at the top: Beltran singled to left to start the inning. Church then hit one off the end of the bat, which spun away from a charing Zimmerman. His throw to Nick Johnson at first went wild, allowing Beltran, who came to a complete stop at second base, to go 0-60, motoring around to score. Church moved to third on the play. After a Delgado foul ball pop out (no surprise), Angel Pagan hit another cue shot, this time to Ray King. King fielded but made a terrible throw to first, allowing Church to score. Pagan then stole second and third on consecutive pitches, allowed Schneider to bring him home with a ground out. Three runs on three hits, none of which left the infield.
I'm sure the Mets will take it anyway they can get it, and so will I. It wasn't a "big hit" but they were effective, and that's all that matters. They took advantage of miscues and manufactured a few runs, and that's what I like to see out of this team. To Pagan: Speed kills (see: Reyes).
The Mets added some insurance runs in the top of the ninth inning, when Church crushed a ball deep to right field. Before the hit, Castillo singled and Wright walked, and they both came around to score on Church's deep single.
Well, well. The Mets weren't happy with just five runs, and that is a very good sign. I like the fight they showed tonight. Where the heck was that in Chicago? Nevermind that. Look forward. Keep this up.
Numbers: Santana @ the plate: 2-2, 1 BB, 2 doubles...Only starters without hits: Reyes and Wright...Stolen bases: Reyes, Pagan (2), Castillo...Team LOB: 8...Santana pitch count: 97...Schneider: 1-3, 1 BB, 1 run, 1 RBI...Church: 2-5, 2 RBI...Milledge: 0-4, 2 K...
Game Ball: Santana
Santana allowed a bit too many hits, seven to be exact, through his seven innings of work. He got off to a rough start, not getting his first 1-2-3 inning until the fifth. Santana allowed a single in the first, two in the second, another in the third, and two more in the fourth before opposing pitcher Tim Redding doubled to center field, driving in the only two runs of the game for Washington. After Redding's hit, Santana set down ten Nationals in order to finish out his day.
It didn't even seem like Santana had his best stuff, giving up seven hits, but it's the Nationals, and he's one of the best pitchers in the game. This is exactly why Santana will dominate the NL. The strike zone was pretty inconsistent, as a few of us noted in our live game thread. Still, a dominant performance over the hapless Nats. Stellar play in the second inning from Santana too. Coming off the bag and fielding a tapper in front of the mound. He snagged it, planted, and threw a one hopper to Carlos Delgado, who dug it out. Good stuff.
Duaner Sanchez entered the game in the eighth inning with a three run lead. Sanchez set down the team in order, striking Ryan Zimmerman in the process. Billy Wagner entered in the ninth with a five run lead, allowed a leadoff walk to Austin Kearns, and then got Lastings Milledge and Wil Nieves to strike out to end the game.
Sanchez should not be moved from the eighth inning role. He's there, he's good, don't touch him. Wagner has thrown eight innings of no-hit baseball this season. If he gets one more season, can that count for the Mets?
The Mets pounded out 11 hits against the Nationals, only seven of which actually made it out of the infield.
In the second, Carlos Beltran doubled to right to start the inning. After a Ryan Church ground out to the right side, moving Beltran to third, Delgado grounded out to short, which brought Beltran home for the first run of the game.
That's right. Delgado got an RBI. Don't pass out.
The Mets were held off the board until the fifth, where an infield hit helped the Mets score one. With one out, Brian Schneider and Santana worked out back to back walks. After a fielders choice off the bat of Jose Reyes, eliminating Santana on the basepath, Luis Castillo singled to short, driving in Schneider.
A 2-out RBI...off the bat of Castillo...Maybe this game was a dream?
The sixth innings was the inning of cue shots and small ball. Let's start at the top: Beltran singled to left to start the inning. Church then hit one off the end of the bat, which spun away from a charing Zimmerman. His throw to Nick Johnson at first went wild, allowing Beltran, who came to a complete stop at second base, to go 0-60, motoring around to score. Church moved to third on the play. After a Delgado foul ball pop out (no surprise), Angel Pagan hit another cue shot, this time to Ray King. King fielded but made a terrible throw to first, allowing Church to score. Pagan then stole second and third on consecutive pitches, allowed Schneider to bring him home with a ground out. Three runs on three hits, none of which left the infield.
I'm sure the Mets will take it anyway they can get it, and so will I. It wasn't a "big hit" but they were effective, and that's all that matters. They took advantage of miscues and manufactured a few runs, and that's what I like to see out of this team. To Pagan: Speed kills (see: Reyes).
The Mets added some insurance runs in the top of the ninth inning, when Church crushed a ball deep to right field. Before the hit, Castillo singled and Wright walked, and they both came around to score on Church's deep single.
Well, well. The Mets weren't happy with just five runs, and that is a very good sign. I like the fight they showed tonight. Where the heck was that in Chicago? Nevermind that. Look forward. Keep this up.
Numbers: Santana @ the plate: 2-2, 1 BB, 2 doubles...Only starters without hits: Reyes and Wright...Stolen bases: Reyes, Pagan (2), Castillo...Team LOB: 8...Santana pitch count: 97...Schneider: 1-3, 1 BB, 1 run, 1 RBI...Church: 2-5, 2 RBI...Milledge: 0-4, 2 K...
Game Ball: Santana
Santana's final line
Johan Santana: 7 IP, 7 hits, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K.
Not his best start, but he only gave up two runs, which is huge. He doesn't even seem to have his best stuff under control yet, and he's still damn effective.
Not his best start, but he only gave up two runs, which is huge. He doesn't even seem to have his best stuff under control yet, and he's still damn effective.
Game Preview: Mets @ Nationals -- 4/23
The New York Mets will try to put the past behind them as they make their first trip to the Washington Nationals new park for a 7:10 p.m. start.
Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
RF Ryan Church
1B Carlos Delgado
LF Angel Pagan
C Brian Schneider
LH Johan Santana
Santana vs. Tim Redding
Castillo back to second in the lineup after a day off. Church moves up a spot, moving Delgado down to sixth. Pagan back in left. Schneider back behind the plate. I really like this lineup. Delgado moving down is smart. Good stuff, Willie Randolph.
Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
RF Ryan Church
1B Carlos Delgado
LF Angel Pagan
C Brian Schneider
LH Johan Santana
Santana vs. Tim Redding
Castillo back to second in the lineup after a day off. Church moves up a spot, moving Delgado down to sixth. Pagan back in left. Schneider back behind the plate. I really like this lineup. Delgado moving down is smart. Good stuff, Willie Randolph.
Injury updates: Pedro, Duque, Alou
David Lennon relays some injury updates for the three old men on the team.
Pedro Martinez: Will begin throwing, possibly withing a week. Could return in over two weeks.
Yeah, right. I'll believe that when I see it. We'll see Pedro at the end of May.
El Duque: Still in the boot, at least for the next two weeks. The end is near.
Bye Duque. It's time to hang 'em up.
Moises Alou: Went 2-7 in an extended spring game. Possibly back by Friday.
Goodbye Brady Clark. I can't wait to have Alou back. Maybe he'll kickstart this offense.
Pedro Martinez: Will begin throwing, possibly withing a week. Could return in over two weeks.
Yeah, right. I'll believe that when I see it. We'll see Pedro at the end of May.
El Duque: Still in the boot, at least for the next two weeks. The end is near.
Bye Duque. It's time to hang 'em up.
Moises Alou: Went 2-7 in an extended spring game. Possibly back by Friday.
Goodbye Brady Clark. I can't wait to have Alou back. Maybe he'll kickstart this offense.
ALOU
Chicago Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue (a truly great site) brings us this very strange picture from yesterday's Mets/Cubs game.
The name "ALOU" hanging outside of the Mets press box.
The name "ALOU" hanging outside of the Mets press box.A cruel joke? A sign he's on the path back to Shea? A tribute to Steve Bartman?
I have no idea. This is just strange. According to BCB, they took the sign down before the game started. Thoughts?
Too funny
This article isn't very intriguing, since we all know Jorge Sosa has pretty much stunk up the joint this season, but I absolutely love the New York Post for their punny headlines, and this one did not disappoint.
SOSA FAR, SOSA NOT GOOD.
I wonder if the writers come up with these or if the Post has a crack-squad of savvy individuals whose only job in the world is to make ridiculous headlines day and night...
Another one of life's great mysteries.
Another one of life's great mysteries.
4/22/08
Game Recap: Cubs 8 -- Mets 1
Another game for the Mets that began with a pitchers duel and ended in a blowout. The Chicago Cubs tacked on runs in the eighth inning, again, en route to a 8-1 blowout and series sweep of the New York Mets.
I rarely throw commentary in this early in the game, but this game was ridiculous. I'm not going to go into all out detail as usual, because even after a few hours, I'm furious.
Nelson Figueroa was betrayed by his defense, as misplays and goofs in the field, doomed the Mets and Figueroa. He allowed three earned runs, all of which came off blunders, on seven hits through five plus innings. Figueroa walked five while striking out two.
Figueroa didn't deserve this loss. Sure he walked people, but he got out of a bunch of jams. If it was possible, the defense should be charged with the loss.
From my live blog:
"Cedeno knocks a ball the other way, down the first base line. Pagan can't make the play and boots the ball off the hop. He kicks it around against the wall in right, allowing Fukudome to come all the way around to score. Total misplay by Pagan."
"Lilly grounds one softly to second base. Delgado thinks about making a play on it, thinks better, and starts to go to first. He spies Figueroa coming over from first, who slowed down when Delgado started back to first. Delgado turns away, thinking Figueroa will make the play. Easley eventually flips to Figueroa, but not in time to get Lilly. The bases are loaded. Bonehead play by Delgado."
Scott Schoeneweis pitched 2-3 of an inning, walking one. Joe Smith also pitched 2-3 of an inning, allowing three hits and one earned run. Smith also struck out one. Pedro Feliciano appeared for the third time in a week and did not retire a batter. Jorge Sosa got rocked for the second straight day, allowing four hits, one of them a grand slam to Ronny Cedeno. Sosa let in four earned runs which put the Cubs up for good.
It looked like the Mets just gave up on this game from the pitching standpoint in the sixth inning. Sosa looked great, retiring the side with runners on in the seventh, but then came out in the eighth and just looked absolutely miserable. Another terrible play in the eighth, when the Mets played the infield in, and therefore were unable to turn a double play, which would have ended the inning. Instead, they got the out at home, and the next batter blasted a grand slam to left. Just terrible.
The Mets had chances, but didn't take advantage of them.
The only run came on a bases loaded groundout, which Mark DeRosa went for broke on, and failed. Brady Clark dinked a ball to second, which DeRosa made a diving attempt, but the ball skipped into his glove. Carlos Beltran scored on the play.
Other than that, the Mets had the bases loaded a few times, but just couldn't get the big hit. They looked terrible today, and yesterday. Both days: 5 hits, 1 run. That's just not going to cut it.
Numbers: 1: Hits picked up by Pagan, Delgado, Easley, Clark and Casanova...1: Extra base hit by the Mets (Pagan 2B)...9: Team LOB...Delgado: 1-4, 2 K...15-2: Score over two days in Chicago...Reyes, Wright, Beltran: 0-8...
Game Ball: Figueroa, I guess.
Again, sorry for the change in format/style/detail but this game was absolutely miserable. I churned out over well over 3,000 words in my live blog, and this game needed only one to really explain it: "miserable."
I rarely throw commentary in this early in the game, but this game was ridiculous. I'm not going to go into all out detail as usual, because even after a few hours, I'm furious.
Nelson Figueroa was betrayed by his defense, as misplays and goofs in the field, doomed the Mets and Figueroa. He allowed three earned runs, all of which came off blunders, on seven hits through five plus innings. Figueroa walked five while striking out two.
Figueroa didn't deserve this loss. Sure he walked people, but he got out of a bunch of jams. If it was possible, the defense should be charged with the loss.
From my live blog:
"Cedeno knocks a ball the other way, down the first base line. Pagan can't make the play and boots the ball off the hop. He kicks it around against the wall in right, allowing Fukudome to come all the way around to score. Total misplay by Pagan."
"Lilly grounds one softly to second base. Delgado thinks about making a play on it, thinks better, and starts to go to first. He spies Figueroa coming over from first, who slowed down when Delgado started back to first. Delgado turns away, thinking Figueroa will make the play. Easley eventually flips to Figueroa, but not in time to get Lilly. The bases are loaded. Bonehead play by Delgado."
Scott Schoeneweis pitched 2-3 of an inning, walking one. Joe Smith also pitched 2-3 of an inning, allowing three hits and one earned run. Smith also struck out one. Pedro Feliciano appeared for the third time in a week and did not retire a batter. Jorge Sosa got rocked for the second straight day, allowing four hits, one of them a grand slam to Ronny Cedeno. Sosa let in four earned runs which put the Cubs up for good.
It looked like the Mets just gave up on this game from the pitching standpoint in the sixth inning. Sosa looked great, retiring the side with runners on in the seventh, but then came out in the eighth and just looked absolutely miserable. Another terrible play in the eighth, when the Mets played the infield in, and therefore were unable to turn a double play, which would have ended the inning. Instead, they got the out at home, and the next batter blasted a grand slam to left. Just terrible.
The Mets had chances, but didn't take advantage of them.
The only run came on a bases loaded groundout, which Mark DeRosa went for broke on, and failed. Brady Clark dinked a ball to second, which DeRosa made a diving attempt, but the ball skipped into his glove. Carlos Beltran scored on the play.
Other than that, the Mets had the bases loaded a few times, but just couldn't get the big hit. They looked terrible today, and yesterday. Both days: 5 hits, 1 run. That's just not going to cut it.
Numbers: 1: Hits picked up by Pagan, Delgado, Easley, Clark and Casanova...1: Extra base hit by the Mets (Pagan 2B)...9: Team LOB...Delgado: 1-4, 2 K...15-2: Score over two days in Chicago...Reyes, Wright, Beltran: 0-8...
Game Ball: Figueroa, I guess.
Again, sorry for the change in format/style/detail but this game was absolutely miserable. I churned out over well over 3,000 words in my live blog, and this game needed only one to really explain it: "miserable."
Live Game Blog: Mets @ Cubs -- 4/22
Welcome to another round of liveblogging from yours truly. Feel free to hit the comments to discuss the game. Enjoy.
Pre-game:
WP: Ted Lilly
LP: Nelson Figueroa
Thanks for reading.
Pre-game:
- Weather may be an issue today, but the game will get in no matter what.
- HERE is the lineup. Few changes today.
- Ted Lilly is sporting an ERA over nine. That should be good news for the Metties.
- Both NY teams are in Chicago. Second time in history, says Gary Cohen.
- Lilly doesn't like the mound very much and is kicking the dirt around everywhere. 82 mph fastball in for strike one against Jose Reyes. Nasty curveball on pitch two. Slow grounder to second base, but not slow enough for Reyes to beat it to the bag. Throw beats him by two steps.
- Angel Pagan is playing in right today and batting second. Low strike zone today, it seems. Pagan crushes one, unfortunately, very foul. Lilly's curve is insane. I don't know how anyone can ever hit that. Pagan swings at a breaking ball way high, strike three.
- Lilly is getting very ahead on hitters today. Gotten two strikes on everyone so far. He's working the zone high too. Wright works the count even, 2-2. Guess I'm wrong about the low strike zone. Lilly just misses below the knees for ball three before popping up to right field for the final out.
- 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 BB, 1 K. 0-0 Tie.
- Creepy Asian bear on TV. Don't know what to make of that. The Fukudome craze is in full swing.
- Nelson Figueroa delivers a first pitch strike to Reed Johnson, and follows that up with a nasty curveball for strike two. Johnson pokes one to center, but Carlos Beltran tracks it down for the first out.
- Felix Pie now batting. Ripped a three run blast last night off of Jorge Sosa. Pie pops up into foul territory to Wright.
- Full count to Derrek Lee. Grounded back to Figueroa, who makes the underhand flip to Carlos Delgado.
- 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 BB, 0 K. 0-0 Tie.
- I think Lilly is angry at the strike zone so far. He stared right in at the ump after throwing ball one. Don't think he liked that call. Beltran has the count 2-2. High fly ball to Johnson in left field, who settles and puts it away.
- Delgado goes down on four pitches. Swinging at a breaking ball low and away. Rough.
- Here's Damion Easley, spelling Luis Castillo. Popped up behind the first base bag, and Lee snags it to put away Easley. Lilly is coasting.
- 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 BB, 1 K. 0-0 Tie.
- Figueroa bounces the first pitch to Aramis Ramirez. Watch out for this guy, he's got power. Working Ramirez low and in today. Nasty curveball to even the count at 2-2. Ramirez works out a walk. First time all year Figueroa allows a leadoff hitter of an inning to reach base. Wow. Well done, Figueroa.
- Kosuke Fukudome up. Great name. Grounded past Delgado at first and into right field. Ramirez goes first to third. Tough play for Delgado, but he just could not get to that ball.
- Figueroa is behind Mark DeRosa 2-1. 88 mph fastball right by DeRosa's bat. Evened up. Raul Casanova calls time, and heads out to the mound to talk things over. Ball low and away, full count. Ball four, outside. Bases loaded, nobody out. Uh-oh.
- Ronny Cedeno up with the bases loaded. Looks familiar, doesn't it? Figueroa ahead 0-2 after a foul tip off the mask of Casanova. 90 mph fastball on the outside corner, strike three looking.
- Henry Blanco comes to the plate and promptly ground into a 6-4-3 double play. Well done, Figueroa. Way to get out of that jam.
- 0 runs, 1 hit, 2 BB, 1 K. 0-0 Tie.
- Brady Clark flies one to right field for the first out. Take advantage of all of these opportunities, Clark. Unfortunately, your days are numbered.
- Lilly is behind Casanova 3-1. Look to rip one. Well, as I type that, he does, but it's right to the centerfielder. Can't blame that one on the wind.
- Figueroa batting. Strikes out on a nasty curveball. Ouch. Lilly is perfect through three.
- 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 BB, 1 K. 0-0 Tie.
- Lilly quickly pops out to Easley in shallow center. Is it me, or do infielders go into the outfield a lot more lately?
- Figueroa's curveball is absolutely dirty today. It's like a curve/slider. Johnson down on three pitches as he strikes out swinging.
- Pie rips one down the line to first, takes a really bad hop, skipping over Delgado's glove. Ruled a hit. Another very tough play for Delgado.
- When Figueroa misses, he doesn't miss by much. He's missing just outside, just low, just everywhere but the plate. He looks good though. I do think someone it going to wait on his curve ball and rip it. Lee tries to, and pulls the breaking ball to right, but Clark barely has to move to put it away.
- 0 runs, 1 hit, o BB, 1 K. 0-0 Tie.
- I despise that hitch in Lilly's delivery. As a hitter, that would both me immensely. According to Gary, the Mets haven't had a base runner since the sixth inning in yesterday's game. Reyes goes down swinging for the first out. Not good.
- Pagan fakes a bunt and Lilly throws a 40 footer. That was ugly. Pagan inside-outs one down the first base line, but it falls just foul. Pagan stings one into center field, driving the ball all the way to the brown ivy in center. Pagan speeds into second with a double. He thought about going for three, but slid to stop himself and scurried back to second. The Mets first hit and baserunner.
- Lilly is way behind Wright 3-0 and he'll be taking all the way as he lays a fastball right down the middle. Gotta get a hit here, Beltran and Delgado are cold. He got nothing to hit, as Wright walks.
- Beltran is quickly in the hole 0-2. Awesome. Dirty 12-6 curveball misses high. Beltran seems to be lunging for a lot of pitches. I think he needs to take a few steps toward the plate. Beltran works the count full, 3-2. Good stuff. The payoff pitch with the runners going, and it's low for ball four. Bases loaded, one away for...
- Carlos Delgado. He needs to come through big here, or the fans will come down even harder. First pitch, fouled away. Second one, blooped to shallow left and Cedeno goes out from his shortstop position to make the play. Obviously, way too short to bring home Pagan from third. Delgado needs to hit the pine.
- It's up to Easley. First pitch popped to shallow center, as DeRosa goes out and ends the threat. What is with the Mets and the pitchers duel?
- 0 runs, 1 hit, 2 BB, 1 K. 0-0 Tie.
- Ramirez waits on the curveball, but pops it up deep to left. Clark, sporting shades, settles under it and makes the catch.
- Fukudome singles through the hole on the right side, his second of the game. He's pretty good. I get why Cub fans love him.
- DeRosa rips one deep to center field, but Beltran makes the catch on the warning track. Good rip from DeRosa. Figueroa was lucky he hit it to straightaway center.
- Cedeno knocks a ball the other way, down the first base line. Pagan can't make the play and boots the ball off the hop. He kicks it around against the wall in right, allowing Fukudome to come all the way around to score. Total misplay by Pagan. 1-0 Cubs.
- Mets issue the intentional walk to Blanco.
- Lilly grounds one softly to second base. Delgado thinks about making a play on it, thinks better, and starts to go to first. He spies Figueroa coming over from first, who slowed down when Delgado started back to first. Delgado turns away, thinking Figueroa will make the play. Easley eventually flips to Figueroa, but not in time to get Lilly. The bases are loaded. Bonehead play by Delgado.
- Johnson singles off the end of the bat to left field, scoring Cedeno and Blanco. 3-0 Mets. This is just a miserable inning.
- Pie grounds one over the bag at first, but Delgado is there and actually makes the play, ending the inning.
- 3 runs, 4 hits, 1 BB, 0 K. 3-0 Cubs.
- 7-8-9 of the order up this inning. Clark leading off, singles to right field. Only the second hit of the game for the Mets.
- Where is Casanova's power? I'm yet to see it this season. He grounds one slowly to third base. Only play is to first. Clark moves to second on the play.
- Figueroa laces one to short, too fast to move Clark over. Cedeno to Lee, two away.
- The SNY crew is having a field day with the seating arrangements on the adjacent roofs. They can't stop talking about the hand operated scoreboard either.
- Reyes works out a walk, which will bring the tying run to the plate.
- Pagan up with a chance to atone for his mistakes in the field. Nasty curveball lands in for a strike, and Lilly is ahead 0-2. The crowd is on their feet. Whenever there is a ball in the dirt or one that might get away from the catcher, Pagan is sure to signal the runners if they should move or not. Good stuff. Pagan pops up the 2-2 fastball to DeRosa at second, threat averted for the Cubs.
- 0 runs, 1 hit, 1 BB, 0 K. 3-0 Cubs.
- Figueroa's thrown 68 pithes so far. Very conservative. Now Figueroa can't seem to find the plate, missing inside and out. Almost pegs Lee, but issues a walk instead.
- Still having a hard time finding the plate. Ramirez pops out to Pagan in left, one away.
- The pesky Fukudome is up. Joe Smith and Pedro Feliciano are up in the pen. Only stretching though. Fukudome walks. Figueroa's having a rough go this inning. Someone go talk to him.
- Figueroa is up over 80 pitches now. Here comes Rick Peterson. It's about time. DeRose knocks one into right, and Pagan takes a long and loopy journey to the ball, helped by the wind. Pagan makes a basket catch along the line, as Lee tags up and goes to third on the second out.
- Cedeno lines one to right, but Pagan is there, again, to make the out. All three outs made by Pagan that inning.
- 0 runs, 0 hits, 2 BB, 0 K. 3-0 Mets.
- Wright grounds out to short to begin the sixth. Is Lilly pitching that well or is the Mets offense that bad?
- Beltran works out a four pitch walk. Hey, look! Beltran is on base!
- What is this? Delgado has the count 3-1, on the brink of walking. Even better!! He smokes a single to right field. Beltran has to hold up, but makes to to second in time. Mets are threatening here with two on and one out.
- Lilly's looking tired out there, as the Cubs bullpen kicks it into gear. (Scott Schoeneweis is up and throwing in the Mets pen.) 1-2 count on Easley. Inconsistent strike zone today, at least in my opinion. Easley bloops one to right field, which falls in front of Fukudome. The Mets have the bases loaded for Clark.
- Lilly is up to 100 pitches, probably spelling the end of his day soon. Big swing by Clark, but he misses it for strike two. Lilly attempts the curveball, and due to a quick reaction from Clark, he fouls it away. Clark dinks one to second, shorthopping it to DeRosa. Easley out at second on the flip, but Beltran comes home. 3-1 Cubs.
- Casanova up with runners on the corners. A very loud "Let's go Mets!" chant throughout Wrigley. Cruveball, grounded softly to short. Cedeno makes the short toss to DeRosa at second to end the inning.
- 1 run, 2 hits, 1 BB, 0 K. 3-1 Cubs.
- Blanco leading off for the Cubs. Figueroa still in the game. Blanco singles past the stumbling Reyes for his first hit of the game.
- Mark Fontenot will bat for Lilly and that will also be the end of the day for Figueroa. Schoeneweis will enter the game for the Mets.
- Figueroa's final line: 5+ IP, 7 hits, 3 ER, 5 BB, 2 K. Generous scoring for the home team. I think two of those runs should have been unearned. Not terrible, but not great. One OK start.
- Fontenot sacrifices himself, bunting up the first base line. Nice play by Schoeneweis to field the ball and make the throw and equally nice play by Easley who needed some fancy footwork to cover first. Blanco moves to second.
- Schoeneweis is behind Johnson 3-1. Now he walks him with a ball off the plate. First and second, one away. Smith is waiting in the wings if Lee makes it to the plate.
- Pie taps one a few feet in front of the plate, up the first base line. Casanova fields the ball and makes a great throw to first. That's the second time in two days he's made a play like that. Well done.
- Double switch here. Endy Chavez will go into left and Smith will come in to pitch to Lee. Smith will bat seventh, Chavez will leadoff in the seventh.
- Lee crushes the ball to straightaway center. Beltran goes back, jumping into the ivy and makes the grab. He's so valuable in the field.
- 0 runs, 1 hit, 1 BB, 0 K. 3-1 Cubs.
- Bob Howry now pitching for the Cubs.
- He's dealing to Chavez, making his first plate appearance after coming in on the double switch last inning. Chavez hits one right to Cendeno at short. One away.
- Reyes fakes a bunt, but takes the pitch for a strike. 1-1 count. Another pitch taken for a strike. Fourth pitch is in the dirt at Reyes' feet, and he dances out of the way. Reyes grounds one to DeRosa at second, flipped to Lee for the second out.
- Another ball grounded to DeRosa, and he puts it away for the third out.
- 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 BB, 0 K. 3-1 Cubs.
- Smith still in for the Mets. Full count to Ramirez. He pulls one through the hole on the left side for a single.
- Again, the pesky Fukudome is up. Fukudome crushes one to deep center, this time well out of the reach of Beltran. Beltran plays it nicely off the ivy, making a barehanded grab off the bounce. Fukudome in with a stand up double and Ramirez moves to third.
- DeRosa singles over the head of Easley at second, and Ramirez trots home. Fukudome is held up at third as Pagan gets the throw in on the fly to Casanova. 4-1 Cubs.
- 2-2 count to Cedeno. Smith is struggling here. Smith misses outside, and the count is full. Cedeno chases a slider wayyyyy outside, striking out.
- Feliciano will enter the game for the Mets and Geovany Soto will pinch hit for the Cubs.
- First pitch from Feliciano way inside, Casanova can't contain it and DeRosa moves to second on the wild pitch. Another pitch way inside, almost hits Soto. Now the Mets will issue the intentional walk to Soto to set up the double play.
- Feliciano will be removed from the game in favor of Jorge Sosa. This is the third time in a week that Feliciano has entered the game and not retired a batter.
- Sosa will pitch to Matt Murton. Sosa behind Murton 2-1. Strike on the inside corner. Murton reaches for one and lines it foul down the right field line, almost nailing Duaner Sanchez in the bullpen. Murton grounds one to Delgado, playing on the grass, comes home and gets the out at the plate. Two away, bases still loaded.
- Johnson up with the bases loaded again. Count is even at 2-2. I've never seen a team foul off as many balls as the Cubs do. It's unbelievable. Johnson pops one up to second base, Easley settles under it, and ends the inning.
- 1 run, 3 hits, 0 BB, 1 K. 4-1 Cubs.
- Carlos Marmol is in for the Cubs. He's nasty.
- Wright works the count full. Baserunners are needed. Badly. Wright knocks one to right center, but Pie tracks it down on the warning track. One away.
- Beltran has the count 2-2. Marmol is dealing. Beltran swings over the slider, something we see way too much from him, striking out. Two away.
- Delgado swings at a pitch way high, striking out. Ugh. Looks like this team is going down without a fight.
- 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 BB, 2 K. 4-1 Cubs.
- Pie singles off of Sosa to right field to lead off the bottom of the eighth inning.
- Lee picks up his first hit of the day, singling through the right side. Pie moves to second base. Are the Mets giving up? Looks like it.
- Ramirez crushes one to left, but Chavez has room on the warning track for the first out. A quick throw keeps the runners at bay.
- Sosa throws inside for a strike, then outside for another strike to get ahead of Fukudome 0-2. It's now evened up at 2-2. Sosa delivers what looks like strike three, but he doesn't get the call. After being ahead 0-2, he walks Fukudome to load the bases.
- The Mets bullpen is empty, so this is on Sosa. Looks like the Mets are handing this one away. DeRosa, on the first pitch, grounds to short. The Mets are playing in, and I don't know why, so Reyes comes home for the second out. Bases are still loaded. I don't get that, at all.
- Sosa gives up another home run, this one to the tune of four runs, as Cedeno crushes his first grand slam just fair down the left field line. 8-1 Cubs.
- Soto singles over Reyes at short.
- You know the game is out of hand when: Jason Marquis will pinch hit. Marquis is a pitcher, for those not up to snuff on the Cubbies. He's a decent hitter, but still. Full count to Marquis. Popped up to Reyes to end the inning.
- 4 runs, 4 hits, 1 BB, 0 K. 8-1 Cubs.
- The Mets look absolutely terrible today. This is easily the worst all around game they've played all year.
- Kevin Hart is pitching for the Cubs.
- Easley grounds one to the left side, past the outstretched arm of Ramirez. Cedeno comes up with it and makes the cross-body throw to get Easley at first.
- Marlon Anderson is pinch hitting for Sosa in the pitchers spot. Anderson just looks bad this year. Something must be up. Full count for Anderson now. Ball four taken high and outside. Let the rally begin (kidding).
- Casanova singles up the middle, just past Hart. Anderson moves to second.
- Chavez lines one down the line, which apparently lands just foul. Would have been a nice double, but no. Chavez grounds one to first, and is aboard on the fielders choice, Casanova out at second.
- Reyes is the last chance for the Mets here in the top of the ninth. Reyes grounds one to Lee, who flips to Hart covering first. Game over.
- 0 runs, 1 hit, 1 BB, 0 K. 8-1 Cubs.
WP: Ted Lilly
LP: Nelson Figueroa
Thanks for reading.
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