Doug Davis (5-10, 3.76 ERA) vs. Livan Hernandez (7-5, 4.87 ERA)
Join in for some game gabbing and baseball banter with your fellow fans!
(Chat removed, as usual.)
7/31/09
Lineup for Game 102
Omir Santos must be getting tired. But not yet, as he’s in the lineup again.
- Angel Pagan – CF
- Luis Castillo – 2B
- David Wright – 3B
- Jeff Francoeur – RF
- Fernando Tatis – LF
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- Omir Santos – C
- Alex Cora – SS
- Livan Hernandez - RHP
No LaRoche for Mets
After much linking to the Mets (how true it was, we’ll never know), Adam LaRoche has been traded to the Atlanta Braves.
Gordon Edes, who has to have some of the best Red Sox sources, reports that LaRoche is heading back to the team that drafted him and where he broke into MLB.
Either they were outbid or didn’t offer enough (if an offer was made at all). Either way, it was a good non-move.
Is Adam Bostick an option for the pen?
Though everything is quiet, some believe the Mets may be looking to add a left handed reliever. Instead of looking around at other teams for players the Mets could pick off of, why not look to the minor leagues?
If they’re searching for a lefty guy out of the bullpen, the team should take a look at Adam Bostick in Buffalo.
Bostick came to the Mets as part of the trade that sent fireballer Matt Lindstrom to the Marlines back in 2006. Jason Vargas, the other player in that deal, was sent to Seattle in the J.J. Putz trade.
Bostick spent the first two season in the Mets organization pitching at Triple-A New Orleans. The 2007 and 2008 seasons were pretty awful. 32 starts, 8-9 record, 5.85 ERA and a WHIP of 1.2870.
This season, though, is much better. Bostick started the season with Double-A Binghamton, going 3-0 in 11 games. He posted a 2.60 ERA and 1.154 WHIP in 17.1 innings. He was promoted to Triple-A Buffalo back on June 1, and has been excellent in 22 innings.
Fifteen appearances for Bostick, with one start, has seen him post an ERA of 1.23 and a WHIP of 0.909. He’s set down 23 batters by way of a strikeout, while walking eight.
Bostick is also good friends with Jon Niese, who credited his moving in with Bostick and Tim McNab with his turn around in Triple-A.
If I was Omar, I would look to Bostick as an option before shipping away players for anyone else. At least until Billy Wagner comes back.
Wally Backman fired as manager of Joliet Jackhammers
In a move that will likely delight those who want Wally Backman back in Mets orange and blue, the volatile manager has been fired as manager of the Joliet JackHammers of the Northern League.
Backman, who has had a tumultuous few years recently, was fired not due to some crazy incident, but because his team just wasn’t winning.
Via Small Ball USA:
“We want to thank Wally for all that he has done and all the hard work he has put in,” said JackHammers Executive Vice President/General Manager Kelly Sufka. “He has done everything we’ve asked him to do except for in the Win-Loss Column. Nobody is more disappointed with the teams’ record than Wally. A change needed to be made for our fans sake and this is the change that we believe needed to happen.”
He’s fiery, a little off kilter and has a history with the Mets organization. Would you like to see Backman back with the Mets?
Being a realist at the deadline
The Mets are employing the “wait-and-see” approach to the rest of the season. Sure, Omar Minaya is probably fielding calls left and right as the non-waiver deadline approaches, but if you’re waiting to see a blockbuster deal, I wouldn’t get my hopes up.
That said, there is always the chance that something huge happens that changes for the outlook for this season and beyond. But being a realist, I’m not expecting it.
Sure, I’d love to get Victor Martinez or Carl Crawford or Scott Kazmir or Adrian Gonzalez or Roy Halladay. Who wouldn’t?
If the Mets do make a deal, it will most likely be for a bullpen arm or back of the rotation starter.
The Mets won’t want to deal for any sort of bat, outside of maybe a left fielder or bench player. They won’t deal for a starting shortstop, first baseman or center fielder because they seem pretty confident with what they have and what will likely be coming off the DL soon.
Over the next few hours leading up to the 4 p.m. non-waiver deadline today, you’re going to hear and read some of the craziest trade rumors ever – but you won’t be reading them here.
Though my traffic might suffer because I’m not posting every whisper and rumor that some other blogs might tout as “TRADE TALKS BETWEEN THE METS AND ______,” you won’t see that at The ‘Ropolitans.
I, too, will be employing the wait-and-see approach to the deadline. Don’t believe everything you read today, unless it’s written here.
“I heard he was pitching awfully well.”Dr. Andrews backs up first opinion on Maine’s shoulder
As it stands right now, John Maine will not be going under the knife.
Mike Pelfrey relayed word from Maine that the doctors told him that is was “nothing structural,” citing the pitcher rushing back from his off-season surgery. Pelfrey went on to mention that the pain may be coming from a pinched nerve.
Maine, like last year, could return late in the season, but nothing seems likely. He will continue rehabbing and move from there.
At least it’s not structural.
7/30/09
Game Chat: COL @ NYM [Game 101]
Jorge De La Rosa (8-7, 4.78 ERA) vs. Jon Niese (1-0, 4.08 ERA)
Join in for some game gabbing and barstool banter with your fellow fans!
(Chat removed, as usual.)
Lineup for Game 101
Luis Castillo is back in the lineup after his wife gave birth to a baby girl. Jerry Manuel mixed it up a little bit, bumping Daniel Murphy from the cleanup spot. Omir Santos is catching both ends of the doubleheader.
- Angel Pagan – CF
- Luis Castillo – 2B
- David Wright – 3B
- Jeff Francoeur – RF
- Fernando Tatis – LF
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- Angel Berroa – SS
- Omir Santos – C
- Jon Niese - P
Help from unexpected places
When your lineup looks like this, you many think you know where you’re going to get your numbers from. Not so much today. Sure, David Wright drove in two runs, but the real story was the obscure players who contributed.
Cory Sullivan and Angel Berroa combined for three hits, two runs scored and three RBIs in the Mets 7-0 win over the Colorado Rockies.
Johan Santana turned in another gem, allowing only four hits over seven innings. He walked only one while striking out eight. Santana retired the first eight batters and the last seven batters that faced him.
The Mets stitched together five straight hits in the second inning (six overall), plating five runs. They added runs in the fifth on a Wright sac-fly and two innings later on a Wright double.
Wright moved into a tie with Keith Hernandez for 10th on the Mets all-time list and now has sole possession of 5th on the Mets all-time RBI list.
An all-around solid game for the Mets fifth victory in a row. If they can pull off a sweep of the Rockies by taking both games of today’s doubleheader, then things really start to get interesting.
Game Chat: COL @ NYM [Game 100]
The first half of a day / night doubleheader…
Jason Hammel (5-5, 4.28 ERA) vs. Johan Santana (11-8, 3.12 ERA)
Join in for some game gabbing and barstool banter with your fellow fans!
(Chat removed, as ususal.)
Some quotes from Omar Minaya on the Rubin fiasco
Jotted down quickly during the pre-game that SNY just aired with Omar Minaya speaking to reporters from the dugout of Citi Field…
- “I called Adam Rubin. ... I wanted to see him face to face. I wanted to apologize to Adam.”
- “You guys know me, that's just not the way Omar Minaya is.”
- “I want to apologize to the ownership group. I want to apologize to the Mets fans. ... I was wrong in saying those things.”
- “Those were comments I should not make, and I made those comments.”
- “Tony was let go because I made the decision to let Tony go, based on the investigation.”
Dessens out, Cancel in
The Mets have designated Elmer Dessens for assignment and promoted Robinson Cancel, according to Bart Hubbuch.
Hubbuch claims this move was made to add “depth due to knee issues for Brian Schneider.” It is also because the Mets were going to be forced to have a three-man bench today, with Luis Castillo possibly missing the entire first game due to the birth of his daughter.
This also frees up Omir Santos on days Schneider is catching for some pinch-hitting duties.
Cancel was hitting .218 AVG / .266 OBP / .259 SLG for triple-A Buffalo.
Manuel’s Musing
“The hand was visibly swelling up and guys were telling him to rub some dirt on it and go out and play. He said, that's what he was planning on doing. You couldn't get him out of the lineup. You couldn't take him out of the lineup anyway.”
-Jerry Manuel on Jeff Francoeur’s hand
7/29/09
Tonight’s game rained out, day/night doubleheader tomorrow
Wednesday night’s game between the Mets and the Rockies has been rained out.
It has been rescheduled as part of a day / night doubleheader on Thursday. If you had tickets for tonight’s game, they will be honored for tomorrow night’s game, not the day game.
Johan Santana will be pitching in the regularly scheduled 12:10 p.m. game, with Jon Niese shifting to the nightcap at 7:10 p.m.
Game Chat: COL @ NYM [Game 100]
Jason Hammel (5-5, 4.28 ERA) vs. Johan Santana (11-8, 3.12 ERA)
Join in for some game gabbing and barstool banter with your fellow fans!
(Chat removed, as ususal.)
Lineup for Game 100
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
- Angel Pagan - CF
- Luis Castillo - 2B
- David Wright - 3B
- Daniel Murphy - 1B
- Jeff Francoeur - RF
- Cory Sullivan - LF
- Omir Santos - C
- Alex Cora - SS
- Johan Santana - LHP
Mets after lefty reliever
Two writers, Jon Heyman and Danny Knobler, have both said that the Mets are actively searching for a left handed reliever.
What, Pat Misch isn’t doing it for them?
Pedro Feliciano, the main lefty in the bullpen, is on pace to break his appearance record of 86 games, set last season. He’s been effective all season, especially lately, as he hasn’t allowed a run in his last six appearances.
Out on the market, there are some decent lefties relievers that might be available. My main candidate is Joe Beimel from the Washington Nationals. He’s currently sporting a 3.43 ERA and a WHIP of 1.347 with the lowly Nats.
You may remember Beimel as the player that missed the NLDS against the Mets back in 2006 after he cut his hand in a bar the night before the first game.
I considered Beimel in the off-season, saying he was “worth a look.” He might be worth another now.
But I’d rather the Mets stand pat. Billy Wagner is supposedly on the comeback trail and if he can still be effective at the major league level, the Mets may just have to wait until he’s ready instead of shipping away players for a reliever.
Link: What do these dates have in common?
May 11, May 24, June 14, June 29, July 7?
How about if you add April 13 and May 18?
The first group of dates are the only days on which Brian Stokes has given up an earned run.
The other two? Unearned runs.
In 39 games (41 2-3 innings), Stokes has only given up earned runs five times. Adding in the two times unearned runs scored against him, that’s only seven outings where Stokes has allowed runs.
Of the 23 inherited runners that Stokes has been charged with dealing with, 23% have scored.
When Stokes allows runs, though, they come in bunches. Here are the earned runs he allowed…
- May 11: 1 ER
- May 24: 5 ER
- June 14: 4 ER
- June 29: 4 ER
- July 7: 2 ER
Hence his 3.46 ERA in 2009.
Update on Francoeur’s hand
In a profile piece for the Daily News, writer Kristie Ackert updates us on Jeff Francoeur’s hand.
Francoeur took a fastball off the side of his left hand in the sixth inning. The hand was bruised and swollen, but X-rays taken during the game showed there was no broken bone. He remained in the game.
"I'll tape it up the next few days, it should be fine," Francoeur said.
But, as the article says, you’re a Met now. That’s not how it works. You should spend three days on the bench claiming you’re ready to play, then two more where you’re unavailable. Then there will be a day where no one will know if you’re able to play or not. Finally, you’ll go on the disabled list and never be heard from again.
That’s how it works with this team.
Manuel’s Musing
“I don't really have enough time to entertain all these things. My job of managing 25 men keeps me busy enough.”
-Jerry Manuel on Minayagate
Mets players help design merch, fail miserably
There’s black jersey ugly. There’s Mercury Mets ugly. And then there’s this.
Some Mets players have “designed” jerseys and shirts with their own personal flair. I’ve never seen such a train wreck.
Here’s an excerpt from the MLB article:
Murphy built off his Irish heritage by infusing the Mets' classic road look with both the color green and a logo of a clover over his signature.
Parnell went with "earth tones" -- brown with camouflage lettering -- to give his merchandise an outdoors look that is big in his native North Carolina.
Putz strove for a patriotic feel, going with a camouflage jersey with red, white and blue lettering. Putz also produced an elaborate T-shirt design with his name in gothic letters above two eagles and a home plate bearing the Mets' interlocking "NY" logo.
Santos paid homage to his native country with a Mets logo that integrated the Puerto Rican flag in the background. His T-shirt consisted of a big picture of Santos in catching gear.
You really have to see all of them. They’re just that bad.
Thankfully it’s just for fashion and none of the Mets will be running onto the field in this garbage.
Click here to see the store. Try not to laugh too hard.
7/28/09
Game Chat: COL @ NYM [Game 99]
Jason Marquis (12-6, 3.49 ERA) vs. Mike Pelfrey (7-6, 4.99 ERA)
Join in for some game gabbing and barstool banter with your fellow fans!
(Chat removed, as usual.)
Hit the comments to discuss the Mets 4-0 victory over the Rockies...
Lineup for Game 99
It’s been working, so Jerry Manuel’s sticking it.
- Angel Pagan – CF
- Luis Castillo – 2B
- David Wright – 3B
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- Jeff Francoeur – RF
- Cory Sullivan – LF
- Brian Schneider – C
- Alex Cora – SS
- Mike Pelfrey - RHP
Mets sign Adam Pettyjohn
In a move to add to the Buffalo rotation, the Mets signed Adam Pettyjohn, a lefty who has been with seven different organizations in 11 years.
Pettyjohn was last with the Cincinatti Reds, where he was 1-6 with a 4.68 ERA and 1.760 WHIP in 50 innings.
Since Jon Niese was promoted and Brandon Knight was released, the Bisons had some holes to fill in the starting rotation. He’s one plug to those holes.
NY NY Sports Sports goes to Citi Field
Mandeep and Shavarish, from NY NY Sports Sports, took their first trip to Citi Field last night.
Join their fan page on Facebook and view the photo album here.
As you can tell, I love these two guys.
SNY, PLEASE!
Tracking David Wright [Day 17]
David Wright, 7/27: 2-3, 2 R, BB, K
AVG: .321 (Change from previous game: +.003, Change from Game 81: -.005)
OBP: .412 (Change from previous game: +.003, Change from Game 81: -.002)
SLG: .458 (Change from previous game: +.002, Change from Game 81: –.012)
My words on the Rubin / Minaya tiff
Barring some unforeseen changes to the situation between Adam Rubin and Omar Minaya, here is my take on the matter.
One of the first things I learned in my journalism classes was to never make yourself part of the story. Yesterday, Rubin had no control over it. Minaya pulled his name out and tried to drag it through the mud. Rubin had to respond with a press conference of his own to clear up the insanity.
Most people are taking sides on it, but I stand firmly in the middle. Both parties were wrong.
Rubin, though interested in a job in baseball, should not continually (or even once) “lobby” for a position or even inquire with officials of the team he is covering. Maybe another team, in another league. Maybe. Otherwise, this just seems like a huge conflict of interest if anyone does lend a hand his way while he may be covering the team.
Edit: Rubin said something to the effect of talking to people about a career in baseball. That might not be lobbying (hence the " ") but it is something to note. Minaya could be fabricating this “continuing lobbied” story, or it could be true. Even if Rubin once asked Jeff Wilpon or anyone else with the Mets about a job with the team, I think he crossed some line.
Minaya, though somewhat just in his suspicions, should not have slapped this on Rubin during the press conference that was being broadcast on TV. If he took Rubin aside and spoke to him, that would have been fine.
Rubin should, and has, stood by his reporting. His articles brought to light a very serious matter within the Mets and they conducted their own investigation because of it. The team must have found something to back up Rubin’s story, otherwise Tony Bernanzard would still be employed.
Sure, it could have just come from fan pressure that they let Bernazard go, but I don’t see that being the reason. They must have found a red flag (or a few) in order to go through with canning a dear friend of Minaya and Jeff Wilpon.
Rubin did some great reporting to break the story and defended himself against the acqusations that he was gunning for Bernazard’s job. But Rubin did trip up in his press conference and appearance on TV afterwards.
He said, on many occasions, that he doesn’t know how he’s going to cover the Mets anymore after this.
That’s a big no-no to me. As a journalist, you have to stay emotionally separate from your story or beat. You cannot spill emotion into a news article. That’s for a columnist or fluff article. You must report the facts whether you like them or not, because what you think as a reporter doesn’t really matter.
If you do see a discrepancy or some fault, you can further investigate, but your personal feelings should never, ever creep into your articles.
If he believes that, as a reporter, he won’t be able to continue to find the true facts on the team, that may be one thing. I don’t believe that was what he was alluding to, though.
So both Minaya and Rubin were at fault. Minaya should not lose his job over this. Either should Rubin (though as he said, he doesn’t know how he’s going to cover the team anymore). Both probably said things they would take back in a second.
This story seems like it has some legs and will keep chugging along for a few days, at the least. As a journalist, it is fascinating and horrifying to watch.
It might be more exciting than the Mets season.
Oh, yeah: The Mets won a game
Lost in the shenanigans that is the Adam Rubin / Omar Minaya / Tony Bernazard fiasco, the Mets won a game, in dramatic fashion, and pushed their winning streak to three.
Oliver Perez pitched an Oliver Perez-like game, allowing three earned runs in five innings. He needed 103 pitches to get through the five frames. He walked four and struck out five.
The game was tied at three in the bottom of the 8th inning. Luis Castillo, who has, as Jerry Manuel noted, been on fire, walk to lead off the inning. David Wright followed with a walk of his own as Rockies pitcher Juan Rincon couldn’t even come close to the strikezone.
This is where things jumped the script of the Mets season as of late. Daniel Murphy, who for no reason should be the Mets cleanup hitter, pushed a beautiful bunt down the third base line, advancing both runners in exchange for the first out of the inning.
Then the Rockies issued an intentional walk to Jeff Francoeur, the first base on balls for Frenchy as a Met. This was to get to ex-Rockie Cory Sullivan, who was 0-1 with a walk and a RBI sac-fly. Instead, Jerry Manuel chose to pinch hit Fernando Tatis.
And every single Mets fan watching this game thought the same thing: Here comes the inning-ending double play.
New pitcher Franklin Morales was quickly ahead 0-2 on Tatis and every Mets fan had the same wish: Please strikeout!
But Tatis connected on a changeup down and over the plate and sent it into the left field stands for a pinch-hit grand slam, giving the Mets a 7-3 lead that they did not relinquish.
This game did not seem like it was a 2009 game. The Mets hung tough and scored when it counted. They manufactured two of their runs, and the other five came from home runs (Francoeur earlier connected on a solo shot).
I remarked during the game, “This Mets team actually looks like it wants to win games.” I also remarked that games like this give Mets fans hope, which I couldn’t decide if that was a good or bad thing.
The jury is still out on the latter.
(Oh, and for those wondering about my trip to the dentist (see: bottom), I’m cavity free. I just need to floss more.)
Mets Weekly Julie Alexandria host will make Mets fans laugh, when all they want to do is cry
If you’re a Mets fan, you probably know who Julie Alexandria is. If you don’t, here’s a primer: Beautiful TV host on SNY. Used to do Beer Money, now does Mets Weekly. Is pretty awesome at what she does.
Anyway, she’s branching out and will take to the stage as a comedian on July 30.
Here’s the info:
Comix Comedy Club - The 12 Angry Mascots sports-comedy show.
Hosted by Scott Rogowsky (The Onion) and Neil Janowtiz (ESPN the Mag), 12 Angry Mascots brings together the best sports-themed stand-up and sketch comedy in the city, along with special guest interviews. Julie will be joined by NY Rangers' Christopher Higgins (just got traded for Scott Gomez) on the July 30th show, 7:30 pm. There will also be stand-up from Comedy Central's Dan Allen and VH1's Best Week Ever's Matt Goldich.
More info and tickets at http://www.comixny.com/event.aspx?eid=553&sid=2022 Comix is located at 353 W. 14th St (just east of 9th ave).
Here's a video Julie did to generate some buzz about the show. It's pretty funny stuff.
(There’s some NSFW language in there, so be wary.)
Manuel’s Musing
“He's been on fire. He's doing everything. His game is impeccable at this point.”
-Jerry Manuel on Luis Castillo
What the blogs have to say about Omar Minaya and Adam Rubin [Non-Mets Blogs]
Buckle up for a long and extensive journey around the blog-o-sphere to pick up quotes 
and reactions on the Adam Rubin and Omar Minaya war of words during the Tony Bernazard firing press conference.
Here’s the words from non-Mets blogs and writers…
Sports Crackle Pop! - Bernazard Loses a Job, Adam Rubin Loses Much More [Sic’d]
Omar Minaya always seemed like a quality guy. But as this Mets’ season continues to implode, and the walls start coming in around him, it seems Minaya’s true colors are starting to shine. He’s pulling a Sarah Palin, blaming his mis-steps and failures on media members trying to advance their own personal agendas. Well, Sarah Palin’s approval numbers are in the toilet. Now, Minaya’s seem to be circling the rim.
Big League Stew - Omar Minaya hurls reporter under bus at press conference
From my viewpoint, it was completely irresponsible for Minaya to spin the press conference the way he did. If he had an axe to grind with Rubin over the outing of an employee he hired, then there was a time and place. Needless to say, this wasn't it, and you have to think that Minaya's turn for being thrown under the bus himself just lurched a lot closer.
ShysterBall - Even firing Bernazard is crazy
Does Omar not read the papers? Does he not realize that throwing such a thing out there -- even if true -- is going to inspire about 12 attacks a day? Is this the GM's equivalent of suicide-by-cop?
The Cuce’s Rant - Omar Minaya Calls Out Adam Rubin (Daily News) During Bernazard Press Conference [Sic’d]
I read Adam Rubin's column every day for the Daily News and when I heard Omar called out this reporter it was at the very least a stunning event taking place. A very immature move for Omar Minaya to try to take out his frustration on a reporter who was just trying to do his job. What difference does it make if Rubin wants to become a scout one day? It has nothing to do with the reason why Bernazard got fired. Many different players,coaches, and members of the organization confirmed the story, so it obviously had to be true. I don't think I've ever seen an upper-level member of a professional organization sink to such a low-level in blaming a media member of trying to conspire an untrue story in order to get that person's job.
Tony Blogs - Omar Minaya and Adam Rubin of The Daily News get into it at Bernazard press conference
For Minaya to imply that these things didn't need to be revealed is ludicrous. Whether Rubin likes Bernazard or not has nothing to do with the fact that Bernazard was wrong and definitely has an attitude problem. But Bernazard was Minaya's "guy," and to fire him makes Minaya look bad. He chose to take it out on a reporter, in a room full of press, which is ridiculous of Minaya to do.
The LoHud Yankees Blog - Game 99: Yankees at Rays (updated with Girardi audio)
One of the first things you learn at journalism school is not to become the story. This has to be a bad spot for Rubin. But Minaya is teetering on the brink of full-scale nuttiness. It’s unfathomable how the Wilpons could let him run their team at this point.
I covered the Mets before I was promoted to the Yankees. They are are wildly dysfunctional organization but what happened today was an all-timer. It’s too bad because Mets fans are largely good folks who care deeply about their team. They deserve better.
Third String Safety - Houdini Minaya Shouldn’t Escape This One
Minaya has had more lives than a cat at this point. He survived the collapse of 2007. He survived the botched firing of Willie Randolph. He survived the collapse of 2008. Until today, he looked to be treading water in the disastrous season of 2009.
I’m shocked it hasn’t come already. For an organization that is as concerned about public perception as the Mets are, how have they continued to employ someone that routinely fails in that area? No mater what the situation, Omar’s “hijinks” invariably make the Mets look bad.
The Village Voice - Mets Fire Tony Bernazard, Minaya Blames Daily News Writer
Maybe this was Minaya's childish way of playing down his own responsibility for the move, or of giving the organization a scapegoat in hatred of whom they could all come together. Or maybe the Mets really are just so cursed this year that they can't do anything right without screwing it up.
Deadspin - Minaya Calls Out Daily News Reporter; Mets' Season Descends Further Into Farce
Only one way to settle this: shirtless fistfight.
Have you seen another good quote or reaction from a non-Mets blog? Post it in the comments!
Thank you, Geoffrey!
7/27/09
What the blogs have to say about Omar Minaya and Adam Rubin [Mets Blogs]
Buckle up for a long and extensive journey around the blog-o-sphere to pick up quotes 
and reactions on the Adam Rubin and Omar Minaya war of words during the Tony Bernazard firing press conference.
Here’s the words from the Mets blogs and writers…
Noble Thoughts - Omar, Tony, Rubin & the circus
It's almost impossible to defend what Minaya just did. Even if he had all the evidence in the world to make those allegations, it's just not something you do in that setting. The fallout from all this is going to be immensely interesting, but Omar immediately comes off looking like the bad guy. Again.
NY Sports Dog - Adam Rubin Is Too Emotionally Involved
Can't cover the team while Minaya is GM? Why? Because his feelings got hurt? Welcome to real life.
Adam needs to act like a real reporter instead of an overly emotional teenager who got left at the prom by their date.
Reporters are often at odds with those whom they target--that comes with the territory--the key here is Adam Rubin reported it right and needed to be ready for whatever reactions came his way--not to ask for or expect a pat on the back or quit because he was singled out.
The InterMet - So It’s Rubin’s Fault Bernazard Was Out Of Control?
That is so counter-productive it’s insane. It makes no sense for two reasons.
1. Who exactly is he trying to win over by discrediting the reporter? Other reporters at other papers will see through that, not to mention be outraged by a baseball executive trying to blame the media for a nightmare that transpired on his watch.
2. How does this end the distractions?
This was a terrible, terrible job by Minaya, who has brought down an entirely new storm on this team. And most likely, on himself.
The Mets Police - New York Mets Omar Minaya Apologized, So Let's Accept The Apology
I have no dog in this fight. I feel bad for Adam Rubin and hope he doesn't lose his gig over this, and I think asking someone how they got a job in the front office is no different than me asking Matt Cerrone how Metsblog started - does that mean that I'm not good at whatever my real job is (it's not this) or that I'm somehow out to get someone? No. Rubin should be allowed to explore whatever he thinks will make him happy in his life. Bernazard either did or didn't do what Rubin wrote, and apparently Bernazard did.
I don't think Minaya should lose his job over not being smooth in press conferences. The Mets should hire someone who is smooth to handle all interactions with the media. If Minaya is to lose his job it should because the team fails, not because he took a wrong turn in a press conference - and hey Jay Horwitz way to protect your guy!
Metsopolis - Omar Minaya Calls Out Adam Rubin
Omar Minaya clearly wanted to deflect attention away from Tony Bernazard and the mess that he created. He accomplished that, but at the expense of a fine reporter. There was absolutely no reason to call out Adam Rubin at this press conference, and it is just another sign that the front office and ownership of the Mets do not understand public relations in addition to baseball.
Mets Fans Forever - OMAR'S MELTDOWN [Sic]
Omar, you should be embarrassed of what you did today. The press conference was supposed to be about the dismissal of Tony Bernazard, and instead you turned it yet again into another circus. And I am speaking about all Met fans when I say "You should be axed"
Mets Today - Bernazard Firing Part Deux
After listening to Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum in this absurd press conference, Jerry Manuel’s postgame interview will resemble a symposium conducted by Albert Einstein.
One can only wonder what this Mickey Mouse operation will do next.
Mets Report - Omar Minaya Apologizes For Trashing Adam Rubin
It’s been a bizzare day, even by Mets standards. This kind of bad PR just can’t be doing Minaya any good right now. Unbelievable… Does the embarrassment ever end?
John Delcos’ New York Mets Report - In defense of Adam Rubin …
There are few reporters I admire and respect as much as I do Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News. He is among the first to arrive and last to leave. He works the clubhouse as well as any colleague I have competed against. I consider my work ethic one of my strong suits and I envy his. As far as I am concerned, his integrity is above reproach.
---
If Minaya had a problem with Rubin, he should have addressed it privately behind closed doors as part of his in-depth investigation. Bernazard, an embarrassment to the Mets, has been fired and is gone. The Mets’ embarrassing behavior still remains.
Have you seen another good quote or reaction from a Mets blog? Post it in the comments!
Game Chat: COL @ NYM [Game 98]
Join in for some game gabbing and barstool banter with your fellow fans!
(Chat removed, as usual.)
Hit the comments below to discuss the Mets 7-3 win over the Rockies...
Tony Bernazard has been fired
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Tony Bernazard has been fired.
Bernazard was in a large pot of hot water after a report surfaced that he removed his shirt and challenged the Binghamton Mets players to a fight. Other reports also said he was involved in a shouting match with Francisco Rodriguez on the team bus.
Honestly, almost every Mets fan is probably celebrating this move. Finally something all fans can agree on.
(I'm at the dentist right now. More later.)
Poll Results: How many games will Johan Santana win in 2009?
In the most recent poll, I asked readers how many games they think Johan Santana will win in 2009. Right now, Santana is 11-8 in 20 games.
Here are the results…
How many wins do you think Santana will earn in 2009?
Next poll: Should Omar Minaya be fired?
Tracking David Wright [Day 16]
David Wright, 7/26: 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI
AVG: .318 (Change from previous game: +.001, Change from Game 81: -.008)
OBP: .409 (Change from previous game: .000, Change from Game 81: -.005)
SLG: .456 (Change from previous game: -.002, Change from Game 81: –.014)
Manuel’s Musing
“You don't need that extra body unless it's a guy that you feel will come off the bench and -- boom -- immediate power.”
-Jerry Manuel on –- boom –- young players
7/25/09
Atlantic City
I’m posting this not because I want Omar Minaya to take a spin on the free agent slots, but because I’m heading down to Atlantic City for a belated birthday celebration. My grandfather, three friends and I will (hopefully) be painting the town red green.
Posting will resume on Monday.
Wish me luck!
7/24/09
Game Chat: NYM @ HOU [Game 95]
Join in for some baseball banter with your fellow fans!
(Chat removed, as usual.)
Hit the comments to discuss the Mets 5-4 loss to the Astros...
Shut ‘em down, shut ‘em all down
The gist of this article can be had in the headline, but let me expand a little more.
The 2009 Mets season, as I see it right now, is a lost one. Outside of some magical run the team would have to make with mostly the parts they currently have, the season is going to be a wash.
Jose Reyes, John Maine, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado and the rest of the Mets disabled should be shut down for the sake of the players and their futures with or without the Mets.
There should be no reason to rush any of these players back from their assorted injuries to stare at a 10-game deficit in August.
Well, don’t shut them entirely down, per say. But don’t rush them back into 2009. Let them slowly but surely work their way back into their prime and if they feel ready enough to play this season, let them. But there should be absolutely no reason to try and bring (or even rush) players back into the major leagues for this mess of a year.
Now the news is coming out that Maine will be visiting Dr. James Andrews, the most feared name in baseball surgery, it’s just another reason to be as cautious as possible.
I’m ready to pack it in for 2009. Box my hope up for this year and let’s start the thrilling process of figuring out who can help the Mets in 2010 and beyond. If deemed unhelpful, send them away and bring back some young prospects. This season is lost, let’s not lose any more players for any longer.
Manuel’s Musing
“Right now, where we are, we have a lot to overcome.”
-Jerry Manuel, again, on injuries
7/23/09
Manuel’s Musing
“What happens is that when you are in the situation we are in, every team we play, because (we're) deficient of talent, every team we play is going to be in the game.”
-Jerry Manuel on the rest of the playing field
7/22/09
Another day, another loss
Daniel Murphy worked a walk in the sixth inning of tonight’s game. It was the Mets first walk since the third inning on Sunday night against the Braves.
I really have nothing else to say that hasn’t already been said. Mike Pelfrey was very good but the bats are just dead.
And yet, Omar Minaya says the Mets are going to be buyers, not sellers. Ugh. Where’s the Advil?
Game Chat: NYM @ WAS [Game 94]
Mike Pelfrey (7-5, 5.07 ERA) vs. Craig Stammen (2-5, 4.46 ERA)
(Chat removed, as usual.)
No Julio Lugo for the Mets
MLB (yes, Major League Baseball) just Tweeted that the Red Sox have traded Julio Lugo to the St. Louis Cardinals for Chris Duncan and a player to be named later.
Um…yay?
The Mets had been interested in Lugo and even had him working out at their baseball complex in the Dominican Republic after he was designated for assignment by the Red Sox.
Tony Bernazard is out of his mind
Earlier today, I linked to Adam Rubin’s story about Tony Bernazard challenging the Binghamton Mets to a shirtless brawl. Now, we have a report from Bart Hubbuch that the minor leagues aren’t the only ones to see the rougher side of Tony B.
Mets reliever Frankie Rodriguez confirmed this afternoon that he exchanged words on the team bus last week in Atlanta with Bernazard, the club's embattled vice president of player development.
"Yeah [it happened], but I'm not going to talk about that," Rodriguez told The Post before tonight's game here with the Nationals. "Not going to get into it."
Another player, who asked to remain anonymous, told The Post today: "That guy [Bernazard] is crazy. No one like[s] him."
Hey, Wilpons? Are you reading this?
Please, for the love of all that is holy, do not fire Omar Minaya for any reason as long as Bernazard is around.
Lineup for Game 94
I found Internet! Yee-haw!
That’s a sad bottom of the order.
- Angel Pagan – CF
- Luis Castillo – 2B
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- David Wright – 3B
- Jeff Francoeur – RF
- Cory Sullivan – LF
- Angel Berroa – SS
- Brian Schneider – C
- Mike Pelfrey – RHP
Game Chat will be up at 7 p.m.
Do Re Mets Fa So Long Season
And that’s what I think about that.
I will be on vacation with my family until Sunday. How a place cannot have Internet access is beyond me. I will try to stay as up to date as possible, but pardon me if things are a bit sparse or a bit brief around the blog for the next few days.
Unfortunately, unless I magically acquire Internet, Game Chats will be suspended until Monday.
Thanks for understanding.
Tony Bernazard fights Double-A Binghamton players, without his shirt
This is one for the ages.
A source tells the Daily News that Mets VP Tony Bernazard attempted to fight players from the Double-A Binghamton Mets, and removed his shirt in the process.
It’s so weird I can’t even process this, so I’ll leave it to Adam Rubin to fill you in.
Bernazard particularly went after middle infield prospect Jose Coronado, using a slang term associated with a woman's anatomy, a source indicated. The confrontation happened about 10 days before the All-Star break, according to insiders.
---
GM Omar Minaya acknowledged Bernazard spoke to the B-Mets in a "stern voice," but said he had no knowledge of the scope being portrayed."I know he did have a team meeting with them," Minaya told the Daily News. "It was not a 'you-guys-have-been-great meeting.' I know he spoke to them in a stern voice. But as far as what he was wearing, what kind of shoes he was wearing, I don't know anything about that."
Um…what?
Rubin goes on to note that Bernazard recently verbally attacked his deputy during a recent game at Citi Field.
For the whole story, head over to the Daily News. Prepare to shake your head in disbelief and mutter things to yourself about Bernazard and the Mets.
“We have to really, really pitch right now.”7/21/09
A tale of two teams
7/21/09, Nationals Park
Mets hits: 7 | Nationals hits: 4
Mets walks: 0 | Nationals walks: 6
Mets strikeouts: 1 | Nationals strikeouts: 4
Mets GIDP: 2 | Nationals GIDP: 0
Mets runs: 0 | Nationals runs: 4
Mets GB: 10 | Nationals GB: 27
Game Chat: NYM @ WAS [Game 93]
Oliver Perez (2-2, 7.99 ERA) vs. John Lannan (6-7, 3.64 ERA)
(Chat removed, as usual.)
Lineup for Game 93
Still no Gary Sheffield. That must be some cramp.
- Angel Pagan – CF
- Luis Castillo – 2B
- David Wright – 3B
- Jeff Francoeur – RF
- Fernando Tatis – LF
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- Omir Santos – C
- Alex Cora – SS
- Oliver Perez - LHP
Game Chat will be up at 7 p.m.
Twitter Poll: Would you have made the proposed trade for Halladay?
Though there are conflicting reports about the validity of the proposed trade for Roy Halladay, I took to Twitter and asked my followers if they would have pulled the trigger on a trade that sent Fernando Martinez, Bobby Parnell, Jon Niese and Ruben Tejada to the Blue Jays for Roy Halladay.
Here are their responses…
YES
BlueAndOrange said: yes
mikexdavis said: The deal would be done before I could even finish this tweet.
michellegraz said: Yes
Sicilianboy6 said: yess I wuld, we'd still have holt,Flores, davis and meija
julierubes said: YES! Him and Santana together with an eventually healthy roster. YES.
SportsEcycloped said: Yes
gecko32899 said: i wouldn't have had to think about it. We'd be selling orange Halladay shirts by sunrise
Turbo1289 said: We should have got Halladay so the Phillies wont get him, besides Santana and Halladay would be awesome
dmgerbino said: Yes, I would make the trade
elZi said: Yes I would
Matt_Pignataro said: Yes. Just think of a rotation with Santana and Halladay, one and two, especially in the playoffs. Wow!
Sportz_Nut said: yes I would have. Halladay and Santana at the top of a rotation? KRod closing? Mets are built to win NOW!!!
JohnnyRanz said: Absolutely!
Mike_Peters said: in a heartbeat...
twayward said: YES!!!
darknova306 said: I did that trade 37 times in my sleep and would do it again (if we extend him). Rotation behind Johan is a huge concern now.
darknova306 continued: it's really a trade for 2010. We're built to win now/soon. If they don't intend to win now, blow up the team for prospects.
kerelcoop said: Yes & I would have added another minor leaguer if the BlueJays asked.
ArizonaSecrets said: YES
patrickboegel said: yes, very much so yes
sparbz said: Yeah.
ClareLafferty said: yes..we need the pitching help
bstronge said: them and beltran!!
tfc3rid said: No question about it... I'd do that yesterday...
MarcARodriguez said: if it's true , it should have happened in a heartbeat, front office is gonzo for not pulling the trigger
metsphanatic said: i would have done it in a heart beat
disgruntmetsfan said: Throw in Ray Ramirez and a bag of sunflower seeds and the price is just right.
reggittino said: In a heartbeat
fscker said: what's wrong with the mets? that's a no brainer.
MetsToob said: Yes!
NO
ProctorsArm said: Unless Halladay can bring Reyes, Beltran and Delgado back with him, no.
mattclausen said: nope....I have another but crazier offer in mind
YaGottaBKiddnMe said: no. we need to have some semblance of a farm system that can at least sorta play baseball.
Retire31 said: No. I'm not stupid.
yaysarcasm said: No. But I'm starting to think F-Mart is going to be a bust, and we should get rid of him. Lets not Milledge this up
McKern said: No. For all the reasons others has said. I don't want the #mets having any more reason to tighten up and not score.
Topher33 said: No, Mets would be giving up way too much. Plus, who's to say they'd be able to score any runs for him.
thebrowncoat said: No. One player can't make this team a contender. Mortgaging the future would be stupid. And we got Santana for less than that
Drewthedew086 said: I agree with the non-move as well. We're never going to get out of the situation we're in now if we don't hold on to prospect
nymets945 said: Nope unless they gave us Alex Rios as well
wrongheaven said: I wouldn't.
Jbones72 said: no glad they didn't make trade
metsjetsgirl said: No. Wouldn't help the non-existent offense. You can't win games without run support. Not worth depleting the farm.
drsexington said: No to the Halladay trade. Doc is a great P but he ain't the answer unless he plays every position a la Bugs Bunny.
pAuLiE_bRuZ said: i'm happy we turned down the halladay deal, losing all that talent for yes a great pitcher but then what? no young talent!
Jim1975 said: definately not. It looks like the future is all we have. we should have stepped in and got Pedro.
BlackMagic718 said: As of today, no.
letsgoduke said: of course not. That is a ridiculous trade. If we were the red sox, maybe.
NYMetsGrrl94 said: No. The loss of prospects isn't worth it when the Mets aren't in any race.
tyronem said: nope.
s2kmikey said: no. we don't score any runs for santana. what makes people think we'll score any for halladay?
FMauceri said: I wouldn't make that trade. Mets would be giving up too much potential. And they can't afford the salary.
gabefarkas said: No. I like Bobby Parnell too much, and out bullpen would have been decimated by that trade.
andy79 said: no. too high a cost to ultimately miss the playoffs this year. keep the young guys.
Colarusso42 said: . call me a sentimental Mets' fan but I wouldn't have made that trade. Not cost-effective.
dances_w_vowels said: No.
Split pretty evenly. I’m intrigued.
Easily the most participated in Twitter Poll. If this level of response keeps up, I won’t be able to use everyone’s, so start making them count!!
Where do you stand on the true/not true proposed Halladay trade?
Manuel Musing(s)
“I don’t go and buy a new house or anything like that. I just try to be the same.”
-Jerry Manuel on job security
“I think we have to live with what we have, and do what we can with what we have, and play better baseball than what we've done.”
-Jerry Manuel on what the Mets have
Mets rejected proposed trade for Halladay [Updated]
According to Jon Heyman of SI.com (again), the Mets turned down a proposed trade between them and the Toronto Blue Jays for Roy Halladay.
Halladay, the most prized pitcher on the market and easily one of the best in the games, is being sought after by many teams. Heyman relays that the Jays asked for Fernando Martinez, Bobby Parnell, Jon Niese and Ruben Tejada in return for Halladay.
“The Mets responded with a resounding no,” writes Heyman.
Update – 10:02 a.m.: Keith Law tweeted that this proposal is “bogus,” citing multiple sources. (Still, the rest of the post stands.)
If you read my blog, you know I put very little stock in prospects. They’re too much of a hit or miss affair to have too much value placed upon them. But, these three prospects are probably three of the top five prospects in the Mets system right now.
But, Halladay is one of the top five pitchers in the league.
And here I am, on the fence about all of this. I’m glad the Mets didn’t pull this trade off in the situation they’re in. 2009 seems to be slipping away and shipping out more farm pieces for a cog in an otherwise broken down machine doesn’t do much good.
For 2010, though, this could have been amazing. Can you imagine a 1-2 punch of Halladay and Johan Santana? It would easily be the best combo of pitchers in the game.
Honestly, if the Mets made the trade, I would be ecstatic for the team. Bringing in a pitcher of that caliber must be celebrated, even if a lot of young talent was heading to Canada.
The Mets didn’t pull the trigger and I’m OK with that, too. It shows they’re not in desperation mode to try and save this season. Maybe they think they have a shot with what they have or maybe they’ve given up, but either way a knee-jerk reaction was not made, and that means something.
(Side note: Don’t you think J.P. Riccardi could have asked for some better players? Or did he not think they were going to take it anyway? Using the Mets to prompt the Phillies, I assume. But still… Where’s Holt? Mejia? Thole?)
7/20/09
Game Chat: NYM @ WAS [Game 92]
Livan Hernanez (5-5, 5.10 ERA) vs. J.D. Martin (First MLB Game)
Join in for some game gabbing and barstool banter with your fellow fans!
(Chat removed, as usual.)
Minaya and Manuel safe; Update on Nieve: Tear
SI/SNY/WFAN’s Jon Heyman just posted this to his Twitter…
minaya, manuel have been told by mets boss jeff wilpon they wont be fired over this painful season.
Very interesting
** *** **
Heyman also just tweeted that Fernando Nieve has a tear in his quadriceps muscle.
We already knew he was heading to the DL, as Cory Sullivan is en route to D.C. as I write this, but no one knew how bad the injury was.
I really feel bad for Nieve. He was getting a chance and making the most of it. And now he’s down with an serious injury.
Cory Sullivan in town; Lineup for Game 92
Cory Sullivan, who was signed to a major league contract before spring training, is en route to Washington D.C. to take the roster spot of Fernando Nieve. Nieve, to make room, was placed on the 15-day DL.
Sullivan, with the Buffalo Bisons the entire year, was batting .290 AVG / .352 OBP with 16 doubles, two home runs, and 24 RBIs in 85 games.
According to Bart Hubbuch, Jerry Manuel said Sullivan was promoted over Nick Evans because Sullivan is more versatile. Sullivan can play every outfield position, with most of his time coming in center field.
On to the lineup, still noticeably absent of Gary Sheffield…
- Angel Pagan – CF
- Luis Castillo – 2B
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- David Wright – 3B
- Jeff Francoeur – RF
- Jeremy Reed – LF
- Alex Cora – SS
- Brian Schneider – C
- Livan Hernandez - RHP
Game Chat will go live at 7 p.m.
Figueroa named International League Pitcher of the Week
In another notch for Nelson Figueroa’s case for a promotion, he was named Pitcher of the Week for the International League. According to SmallBall USA, it was the second time Figueroa has earned the honors this year.
Here’s the release, via Surfing the Mets…
The International League announced that the Bisons' Figueroa has been named the league’s Pitcher of the Week for the period of July 16-19. It’s the second time Figueroa has been given the weekly honor by the IL, having also won Pitcher of the Week from June 8-14.
Figueroa began his week on Wednesday night as he pitched a scoreless inning for the IL in the Triple-A All-Star Game. The veteran righthander worked a scoreless eighth, allowing a hit and striking out two in the IL’s 6-5 win over the Pacific Coast League.
The All-Star returned to Buffalo to throw a seven-inning shutout in the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader sweep of the Toledo Mud Hens. Figueroa allowed seven hits and no walks while striking out five in the Herd’s 2-0 win. With Jon Niese’s shutout in Game 1 the Bisons had their first doubleheader shutout sweep since 2006.
Figueroa’s gem lowered his season ERA to 2.32, the second-lowest mark in the International League behind only Charlotte’sCarlos Torres(2.20). Figueroa has won six decisions in a row and has allowed more than two runs in only two of his 15 starts with the Bisons this year.
Adam Rubin also notes that Brad Holt was named Pitcher of the Week for the Eastern League while pitching for the Binghamton Mets.
Funny job posting for the New York Mets
Just days after it was announced that the Wilpon’s lost $700 million or so to Bernie Madoff’s diabolical plan, a job posting popped up on MLB’s Open Job Board…
Finance: Accounting/Finance other
Staff Accountant - New York Mets (Flushing, NY)
The Mets need a new accountant? Why am I not surprised?
The next 14
The Mets have 14 very important games coming up. If the season outcome hasn’t already solidified, it will be soon.
The Mets kick off in Washington tonight for a three game series, then on to Houston for three more. They return home next Monday for four games against Colorado and four more against Arizona.
Those 14 games, coming against the good and the bad of the National League, will be the the true sign of the Mets season.
If the Mets can make some sort of run here, they might just have a shot. If they flounder like they have been for all of June and July, then the nail is officially in the coffin.
The next two weeks, 14 games in 15 days, will determine if the team has a shot in 2009. If it ends up like most fans think it will, the Mets might actually become sellers.
Wouldn’t that be weird to see?
What about Niese AND Figueroa?
A few hours ago I wrote about the choice the Mets would have to make between Nelson Figueroa and Jon Niese. Now, what if I told you I don’t think the Mets should make that choice.
I think they should call them both up.
Bring up both Niese and Figueroa. Replace Tim Redding and Livan Hernandez.
Redding, we know, has struggled the entire season. He’s 1-4 with a 7.16 ERA and a WHIP of 1.681. Just not good at all.
Hernandez, over his last six starts, has allowed 47 hits in 33 1-3 innings, to the tune of a 7.56 ERA and a WHIP of 1.963. (In his last two starts, where he pitched seven innings combined, his WHIP is 4.142. Woah.)
Yes, Niese and Figueroa have been collecting their stats at Triple-A Buffalo, but they’re also pitching for the worst team in the International League.
Send Redding on his way while eating the $2.5 million owed to his and move Livan somewhere else. He’s been eating innings but he’s not really helping the Mets.
Bring up both of the players from Triple-A Buffalo. It can’t get much worse.
Tracking David Wright [Day 10]
Oops. Missed a few days. Let’s pick this up again.
David Wright, 7/19: 0-3, BB, K
AVG: .322 (Change from previous game: -.002, Change from Game 81: -.004)
OBP: .411 (Change from previous game: -.002, Change from Game 81: -.003)
SLG: .457 (Change from previous game: -.004, Change from Game 81: –.013)
Nieve hurt; Niese or Figueroa will get chance
Another day, two more Mets losses. One gets notched up in the loss column, the other scratches a player off the roster.
Fernando Nieve went down in the bottom of the second inning trying to leg out a groundball. His foot landed on first base awkwardly and he went down in heap on the first base line. He was said to have a right quadriceps strain, but more will be revealed after an MRI today.
One has to feel terribly for Nieve who was making the most of his chance at the big league level.
Now, the Mets have a choice to make: Nelson Figueroa, the journeyman pitcher they’ve designated for assignment twice in 2009, or Jon Niese, the young prospect who has seen the majors with little success so far, but is mowing down the International League.
Figueroa, who pitched once for the Mets in 2009, despite being called up twice, turned in a quality start against the Milwaukee Brewers before being DFA’d the first time. For Triple-A Buffalo, Figueroa was the team’s lone All-Star representative.
For the months of June and July, Figueroa made eight starts, winning six of them. His ERA was a miniscule 1.41, with a WHIP below 1.000 at 0.998.
Niese made two starts for the Mets in 2009. In 10 2-3 innings, he surrendered 14 hits and seven earned runs. But over June and July for Buffalo, he was equally impressive as Figueroa.
In the past two months, Niese has made nine starts, winning five. His ERA over the past three games is an unbelievable 0.41, as he allowed only one earned run in his last 22 innings.
If the Mets choose Figueroa to fill the roster spot, I feel that it will signal that they still believe they can compete in 2009 and want a “veteran” to come up to fill the spot. If they opt for Niese, it would seem that they are planning ahead for 2010 and will let Niese progress at the major league level, a la Mike Pelfrey a few years ago.
Though the Mets have two solid options waiting in upstate New York, whichever player they choose will show their attitude for the 2009 season.
Manuel’s Musing
“We still have 24 other players. We still can get some things done.”
-Jerry Manuel on Mets injuries
7/18/09
Weekend away; Twitter updates
I’m out and about and there is no Internet where I am. I have cell service, so I will be tweeting updates and news about the Mets until Sunday night.
Manuel’s Musing
“They're calling it cramps . . . surgery on Thursday.”
-Jerry Manuel (jokingly) on Gary Sheffield’s injury
Thanks, Kerel!
Lugo soon?
Julio Lugo is working out at the Mets camp in the Dominican Republic and could join the Mets as soon as he is released, according to Adam Rubin.
The Mets need to wait until he is officially released by the Boston Red Sox before signing him to some sort of contract. Rubin also notes that Tim Redding would likely be the player cut from the roster. The Mets seem willing to eat his $2.5 million contract.
I wrote yesterday that this would be a bad move, especially with Angel Berroa recently in the fold. How many middle infielders can the Mets really bring in?
7/17/09
Game Chat: NYM @ ATL [Game 89]
Mike Pelfrey (7-4, 4.47 ERA) vs. Jair Jurrjens (7-7, 2.91 ERA)
Join in for some game gabbing and barstool banter with your fellow fans!
(Chat removed, as usual.)
Lineup for Game 89
@benshpigel: According to the Mets' game notes, they are 9-5 on Friday's (their apostrophe, not mine) but 3-4 at Applebee's and 2-1 at Chili's.
The Mets will try to get to double-digit wins tonight behind Mike Pelfrey. And here’s the lineup that will be being Big Pelf…
- Angel Pagan – CF
- Luis Castillo – 2B
- David Wright – 3B
- Gary Sheffield – LF
- Jeff Francoeur – RF
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- Alex Cora – SS
- Omir Santos – C
- Mike Pelfrey - RHP
Game Chat will be up at 7:30 p.m.
Julio Lugo DFA’d; Are the Mets that desperate?
The Mets just brought Angel Berroa into the fold. They promoted him to the major league team after just four games in their minor league system. But could they be looking to pick up another SS off the scrap heap from hell?
Julio Lugo was designated for assignment today by the Boston Red Sox and could be released by the team very soon, according to WEEI.
Lugo, who has seen his name tossed around in trade talks for years now, was once connected to the Mets in rumors, however unfounded or speculative. Omar Minaya seems to like Lugo, but hopefully that has passed. But would the Mets be that desperate to pick yet another player off the scrap heap?
I sure hope not.
I was against the Gary Sheffield pick up, but he has proven me wrong. I was against Livan Hernandez signing, but he gave the Mets a decent half season. I was against the Fernando Tatis signing last year, but he was amazing in 2008. (2009 is a much different story.)
And of course, I was against Berroa coming on board (even if he is replacing Argenis Reyes). And I would be absolutely horrified if Julio Lugo found his way into Mets orange and blue.
Even if the Red Sox are willing to take a huge chunk of his salary, it just isn’t worth it.
I think, if Lugo did end up playing his home games in Flushing, it would signal the white flag to the rest of the NL East. I hope it doesn’t happen.
Twitter Poll: Have you given up on the Mets season?
It may be too soon to judge, as the team is only a few games past the midway point, but the Mets are 7.5 games back and fading. So I turned to Twitter and asked my followers if they have given up on the Mets season.
Here are their responses…
julierubes said: No, because I'm hoping by the time they come to play the Cubs they have their "usual guys" back in the lineup and are winning
kevin_tor said: I'm trying to give up on the season because I think that's our only chance. They always do the opposite of what I expect.
maggie162 said: Nope, because "giving up" doesn't mean anything. I watch games, cheer, be happy when they win and sad when they don't.
gobears1001 said: no, I want to see the guys get back yet but if we lose all three series this trip then I won't hold my breath anymore.
wendy93639 said: Given up? why would anyone ever do that? who else you going to root for? if the #mets show up.. I show up. Even the JV squad.
pAuLiE_bRuZ said: as much as i dont want to admit giving up on this team its just so hard to sit watch a game and act like im interested still
swirlywand said: No! Now is not the time to defect...if we stuck thru two HORRIBLE endings..we can tough out some tough love for the #mets!
thebrowncoat said: There's always hope, but the realist in me says this team doesn't have enough to put it together.
thebrowncoat continued: Plus, I'm still pissed at Sports Illustrated for jinxing us by picking us to win the World Series.
metsjetsgirl said: No. As Mets fans know, 7.5 games can be caught up.. um.. rather quickly. We need our guys back. YA GOTTA BELIEVE!
tvrob said: i gave up bcs of everything i see, seeing is believing
cvelardi said: I can't give up, can't stop watching.. but I certainly don't have any post-season expectations.
kerelcoop said: no. Mets play is the worst division in baseball. 7 games back is nothing. A 3 week stretch of hot baseball & they’re back in it.
gwong said: I've given up on the idea of this being a season of consequence but that doesn't stop me from watching it painfully unfold.
DqtmaReyz said: - season's been in the books for a while. It's just a bad team in a bad circumstance.
disgruntmetsfan said: Yes because they don't get points for hitting into double plays
tyronem said: I am scaling back - it's too painful to watch some of these games.
kdoster said: No way! I still believe in them... Until its September and they are completely out of contention.
Ryan_J_Smith said: For now i'm not counting the mets out b/c nobody in the NL East is that strong. If they get hot they're back in it
brianjtang said: Yes, given up on Mets Season. 7.5 games is attainable. Just not with the current roster.
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“We didn't beat ourselves.”The best from NY Times Mets banner day
This was designed by Rachel Eisenman for the New York Times Mets Banner Day. It was the best “banner” designed, in my opinion.
There are some other gems that were submitted by fans, so check out the rest of the designs, head over to the Bats blog.
7/16/09
Game Chat: NYM @ ATL [Game 88]
Oliver Perez (2-2, 8.78 ERA) vs. Derek Lowe (8-7, 4.39 ERA)
Join in for some game gabbing and barstool banter with your fellow fans!
(Chat removed, as usual.)
Lineup for Game 88
Back from the All-Star break, the Mets are in Atlanta to visit Ryan Church and his new team. No sign of Angel Berroa in the lineup.
- Angel Pagan – CF
- Luis Castillo – 2B
- David Wright – 3B
- Gary Sheffield – LF
- Jeff Francoeur – RF
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- Alex Cora – SS
- Brian Schneider – C
- Oliver Perez - LHP
F-Mart tore meniscus, had surgery; Other updates
Fernando Martinez tore his meniscus and had the subsequent surgery on Tuesday. He is out six to eight weeks.
I’ve had this surgery before and it’s no fun, but for the knee, a meniscus is a good thing. The Mets are very lucky that is wasn’t the ACL, MCL or any other CL. You may remember Ramon Castro had the same surgery a few years ago.
For the rest of the Mets walking wounded, Omar Minaya updated reporters earlier today.
- John Maine should be pitching again within a week or so.
- Jose Reyes is swinging, but not running yet.
- Carlos Delgado’s is swinging and taking grounders.
- Carlos Beltran had another MRI and he still has a bone bruise.
Wonderful.
Mets sign third-round draft pick
It seems I’m weeks behind on my draft pick signings.
The Mets and their second-round draft pick, Robbie Shields, agreed to terms on July 8.
The New York Mets today announced that they signed infielder Robbie Shields, the team's second selection (103rd overall) from the 2009 First Year Player Draft. Shields, a 6-0, 220-pound shortstop out of Florida Southern College will report to Brooklyn (A) of the New York-Penn League.
Shields, 21, hit .345 (76-220) with 65 runs scored, 19 doubles, two triples, five home runs, 37 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 57 games for the Division II Moccasins this season. A native of Dade City, Fla., Shields hit .329 (215-653) over his three-year career at Florida Southern, while starting all 167 games. He was named second-team all Sunshine State Conference as a sophomore.
Gary, Keith and Ron catch tons of praise in the Observer
There is a gem of article in The New York Observer on everyone’s favorite broadcasting trio. Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling are fawned over in a must read for any Mets fan.
Here’s an excerpt…
The old adage for a good broadcast is that when things are going well, it’s like you’re having a conversation with the viewer at home.
Keith and Gary and Ron have done just that over the past four years, for 60 games a season, and about another 90 games using some combination of two of them. But the viewer they’re talking to is jaded, and cosmopolitan, and, not infrequently, a little bored with the Mets.
Keith and Gary and Ron don’t pull for their team. They remark, cruelly and accurately, on the Mets’ poor play. They voluntarily discuss the Mets’ horrific collapses of the last two Septembers. They digress.
This wouldn’t work in St. Louis, where approximately 100 percent of the supposed best fans in baseball wear red to the games, or on the North Side of Chicago, where there is a rich tradition of homerism in the booth. Nor would it work in the Bronx or in Boston, where the fans crave reinforcement of a smug certainty that their organization is different, and special, and superior.
What Keith and Gary and Ron do is something less obvious, and more difficult.
For the full article, head over to The New York Observer.
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