Even his teammates are turning on Ollie

Via the New York Post…

A day after watching Oliver Perez implode in a relief appearance against the Brewers, two disgusted Mets players told The Post yesterday it’s time management drew a line in the sand with the putrid lefty.

“You tell him you go to Triple-A or that’s it, you are finished,” one Mets player said, well aware that Perez is still owed about $20 million on the three-year contract he signed before the 2009 season.

A second Mets player echoed that line of thinking.

“At some point you have to cut bait,” he said. “You owe him a lot of money, but for what?”

Well, how’s that for a nice start to your Memorial Day?

Manuel’s Musing

“Once he had doubled, fought through the eighth, I didn't think it would be a good move.”

-Jerry Manuel on leaving Johan Santana in the game

Game Recap: Brewers 2 – Mets 0

Innings 1-8: Awesome.  Inning 9: Awful.

The Good

Santana’s eight innings.  Three hits, two walks and five strike outs.  Angered he was lifted after eight innings.  He had more in the tank.

The Bad & Ugly

Eight hits, no runs.  Have to tip your cap to Yovanni Gallardo for his complete-game shutout performance.

Overmanaging.  Pulling Santana for Feliciano in the 9th was one thing.  But pulling Feliciano for Igarashi was another.  Corey Hart made them pay.

Game Ball

Santana

On Deck

Tomorrow, a 7:10 p.m. game.

Game Chat: NYM @ PHI

Reality check

A five game winning streak.  Two games out of first place.  A “goose-egg” shutout of the Phillies.

Mets fans have a lot to be excited about.

But…

(Of course there is a but!)

Yes, the Mets are playing well.  But, there are still a lot of issues to deal with…

Elmer Dessens.  Why is he on the team?

Gary Matthews Jr.  Why is he on the team?

Jeff Francoeur.  He’s struggling and nearing the .200 mark.  That’s not good at all.  Should Chris Carter be getting more of a shot in RF?

R.A. Dickey and Hisanori Takahashi.  They’ve been good so far, let’s hope the magic doesn’t run out.

Oliver Perez.  Sitting in the bullpen and not getting much work.  Seems like a waste, no?

Thoughts?

Manuel’s Musing

“We've got to take this attitude with us on the road. It's that simple.”

-Jerry Manuel

Game Recap: Mets 3 – Phillies 0

“He struck him out and the ball game is over! Seven minutes to midnight, the goose-egg sweep is complete!” –Mr. Gary Cohen

The Good

0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0.  Three games, no runs for the Phillies.  B-e-a-utiful.

Sweep.

Double plays.  Mike Pelfrey was a bit on the wild side, but induced three straight inning-ending double plays to escape jams.  He only allowed three hits though.

Jose Reyes is seriously on fire.  Three hits tonight, including a two-run double in the bottom of the 7th inning.  He also scored the Mets first run of the night, in the first inning.

Angel Pagan.  2-4 at the plate and a nice diving grab in the outfield.

The Bad & Ugly

Pelfrey’s five walks.

Game Ball

Reyes.

On Deck

Mets travel to Milwaukee tomorrow for a 7:10 p.m. start.

Suspicious package and delay at Citi Field [Update]

Update: Brian Costa is reporting that the concourse has been reopened.  He also reports that the Mets claim it was an unattended camera bag and is no longer a concern.

According to various tweets, there is police activity outside of the press box at Citi Field, apparently due to a suspicious package.

@MetsWFAN is trying to confirm that there is a “suspicious package” at Citi Field.

@Ledger_NYMets is confirming the Excelsior Level on third base side is closed off due to “security issue.”

John R. Finger, of CSNPhilly.com, is reporting that the bomb squad has the X-Ray machine at the “suspicious package.”

Kieran Darcy of ESPNNewYork.com is reporting that the area surrounding the press box has also been evacuated.

“Apparently, were taking x-Rays of suspicious package that was about 15 yds away from press box,” Phillies beat reporter Mandy Housenick reports.

I’m very interested to see how Gary Cohen approaches this subject during the broadcast.  It’s a well-known fact right now that there was something wrong and security, police and the bomb squad were on the scene.  Will he dance around it, as per the Mets wishes?  Or will he discuss it in plain detail.  So far, nothing.

Game Chat: PHI @ NYM [Game 48]

Going for the sweep…

Manuel’s Musing

“A lot of times when you're not scoring runs, you look dead. You look like you have no energy. I'd like for us to pick it up a little bit, a little more intensity, a little more fire.”

-Jerry Manuel on intensity and fire

Game Recap: Mets 5 – Phillies 0

Back-to-back shutouts from Dickey and Takahashi.  Woah.

The Good

TaKKKKKKa.  Hisanori Takahashi turned in another great start.  He allowed five hits over six innings, walking none.  He struck out six.  Yes, yes, yes!

Mejia > Igarashi > Nieve.  Two combined hits over three innings in relief.  No walks.  Two Ks.  Hooray.

Jose can you see!  Reyes smacked his first homer of the season, went 2-4 with 2 RBI and a run scored.

Baja Fresh.  Rod B. went 1-3 but drove in three runs with a two-run double and a sac-fly.

Pagan went 2-4 with two stolen bases and a run scored.

The Mets struck out three times.  Which means they’ve only struck out three times in the last two games.

The Bad & Ugly

Does Fernando Nieve always have to pitch?

Game Ball

Jose.

On Deck

Mets go for the sweep tomorrow night, 7:10 p.m.

Game Chat: PHI @ NYM [Game 47]

I take it back

Last night, when Nelson Figueroa was primed to enter the game for the Phillies, I tweeted, “Mets fans will applaud Nelson Figueroa. I hope.”

Well, I take it back.

Before the game, Figueroa had some choice words for the Mets organization.

Read Newsday’s and ESPN’s stories here.

Figgy does realize that he’s not pitching very well at all, right?  That he’s a journeyman pitcher that might need to find a new team soon?  Maybe not.

Why the All-Star Game voting is seriously flawed [Images]

Jimmy Rollins leads the All-Star Voting for shortstop by 30,000 votes. 

He’s only played 12 games this season.

This is ridiculous.

Manuel’s Musing

“I think what the organization did this winter was create depth. Now you see that that's coming into play. And it's coming into play with quality starts against very good teams.”

-Jerry Manuel on depth

Game Recap: Mets 8 – Phillies 0

Make it three.

The Good

Dickey power.  R.A. Dickey’s process wasn’t phenomenal, but the end result was just fine.  Six innings, allowing seven hits and three walks, but striking out a career-high seven and getting out of two bases loaded situations.  Again, not the best way to go about a game, but a win is a win is a win.

RAUUUL.  Mr. Valdes turned in three solid innings in relief, allowing two hits and walking two.  He struck out four.  He also went 1-1 with an RBI double.

The offense.  Every starter but Dickey and Ike Davis had a hit.  Six different players drove in runs.  Six different players scored.

Jose Reyes went 3-5, driving in one and scoring three times.  He tripled in his RBI.  He also stole two bases.

Jeff Francoeur had a very nice game, going 2-3 with a double, 2 RBI and a run scored.

The Mets did not strike out.

The Bad & Ugly

The Phillies left 13 runners on base.  Ouch.

Game Ball

Dickey and Jose.

On Deck

Same teams, same park, tomorrow night at 7 p.m.

Jerry wins, Jerry stays

It’s a simple process.

Players these days are evaluated hundreds of different ways.  From the basic batting average and RBIs to xFIP, WAR and BABIP, there are so many ways to show whether a player is helping or hurting his team.

But for managers, it’s a different story.

It’s pretty much all boiled down to wins and losses.  Sure, Manuel could do 15 stupid things in one game, but if the Mets win, how many will still be complaining?

Yes, there are many out there – myself included – that even though the Mets may win, will still gripe about that pinch-hitter in the 7th or bunting in the 8th or the bullpen choice/use throughout the game.  But for the ones that matter – Omar Minaya, Jeff and Fred Wilpon – if he wins, he wins.  If he loses, he loses.

Bullpen management and in-game switches and strategy can be discussed.  Players on the roster are a topic to which they can argue.  But wins and losses are cut and dry.  Either Manuel and the Mets win or it will be someone else at the helm.

With the new statistical culture around baseball these days, I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before they develop VORM (value over replacement manager).  But before VORM comes about and begins to be used and understood by front offices and those with the power, it’s simply split between two columns.  Wins and losses.  That’s all that matters.

Manuel’s Musing

“Probably selfish on my part, but that's how I feel.”

-Jerry Manuel on keeping Jenrry Mejia in the majors

Game Recap: Mets 6 – Yankees 4

Two out of three…is pretty darn good.

The Good

Names starting with J.  Except you, Jeff Francoeur.

Johan Santana turned in a stellar performance, allowing just one run over 7 2/3 innings.  He allowed six hits and walked three, but only started to get wild at the end.  He struck out five.  Probably his best performance this season.  I love you, man.

Jason Bay hit not just one, but two home runs off CC Sabathia, bringing his season total up to three.

Jose Reyes is heating up.  He went 2-5 today, and is 4-10.  I like this trend.

Ike Davis continues to stay toasty, going 2-4 with a run scored.

Alex Cora drove in two, as well.

Pedro Feliciano entered with the bases loaded in the 8th and got Robinson Cano to pop up to end the inning.

The Bad & Ugly

The bullpen.  Yeesh.  Yeah, Pedro did his thing, but Ryota Igarashi didn’t fare too well in his first game back.  A walk and two singles while only recording one out.  Francisco Rodriguez came on and made things more interesting, allowing two inherited runners to score before quietly shutting the door on the game.  Oh yeah, it was an A-Rod strikeout, but it should have never come to that point.

Jeff Francoeur with another 0-fer.  He did walk once, though.

Game Ball

Johan and Jason.

On Deck

Monday is an off day, and I’m going to see Rachel Ray with the girlfriend, her mother and my mother.  Apologies for the light posting schedule tomorrow.  The Mets resume play Tuesday against the Phils.

Game Chat: NYY @ NYM

Mets option Acosta to Buffalo to make room for Igarashi

After the game, the Mets optioned Manny Acosta to Triple-A Buffalo.  This cleared a roster spot for Ryota Igarashi to be activated off the disabled list.

But Acosta?  Not Elmer Dessens?

Acosta struggled early, allowing four earned runs in his first five games (three in his first appearance).  But since May 11, Acosta has pitched 6 2/3 innings, walking four, striking out eight and not allowing a run to score.  Though, three of his four inherited runners scored, but still.

Dessens, mind you, was just called up when John Maine was placed on the DL.  In his 2/3 of an inning of work on Friday, he allowed two hits and one earned run.

Game Recap: Mets 5 – Yankees 3

The bullpen made it interesting.

The Good

Big Pelf.  Six innings of six hit baseball.  Pelfrey allowed one run while walking two and striking out five.  I know it’s just a title, but is Pelfrey the Mets ace?

Jason Bay went 4-4, scoring three runs.

…which was thanks to David Wright and Angel Pagan combining to go 5-8, driving in four runs.

K-Rod had to make it interesting, allowing two hits, but completed a five-out save to finish out the game.

The Bad & Ugly

Jeff Francoeur is ice cold.  Ice.  Cold.

Pedro Feliciano started the eighth inning, allowing two hits and hitting a batter before being removed without recording an out.  Fernando Nieve, of course, came in and walked in a run before K-Rod entered.

Gary Matthews Jr. is still on the team and was double-switched into the game.  Uh…

Game Ball

Wright and Pagan.

On Deck

Sunday night baseball on ESPN, 8 p.m.

Game Chat: NYY @ NYM

Join in (late) to chat with your fellow fans!

Game Recap: Yankees 2 – Mets 1

Too little, too late.

The Good

Hisanori Takahashi.  He tossed six scoreless innings, allowing five hits.  He walked only one, striking out five.  Well done, Taka.  Well done, indeed.

Bay and Davis in the ninth.  Back-to-back doubles plated the Mets only run.  Yipee.

The Bad & Ugly

Four hits.  Four.  Two of them – the only extra base hits – came in the bottom on the ninth inning.

5-6-7 of the Mets order – Wright, Pagan, Barajas – each struck out twice.

Elmer Dessens.  Coming up for the DL’d John Maine today, Jerry Manuel turned to Dessens as the first out of the bullpen and two runs later, partly thanks to an error, the Mets were down and couldn’t recover.

Game Ball

Taka

On Deck

Tomorrow night, a 7:10 p.m. game.

Game Chat: NYY @ NYM [Game 43]

Join in to chat with your fellow fans!

Manuel’s Musing

“I really don’t know.”

-Jerry Manuel on why John Maine is going to the doctor today

H/T Nick Migliore

My take on Maine / Manuel / Warthen

What a mess.  Let me try to sort this out and inject my own opinions on the matter.

John Maine had to lobby his way into starting the game while he was still warming up in the bullpen.  After five pitches, Jerry Manuel and Dan Warthen didn’t like what they saw, came out and removed Maine – very much so against his will.  Manuel was visibly upset while on the field and in the dugout afterwards.

I thought it was a bit of a quick hook on Manuel/Warthen’s part.  Go out and talk to him first, see if he can get through the inning.  If not, then remove him.  Five pitches doesn’t really seem like enough time, but I’m not a manager or pitching coach.

The Mets announce that he was taken out for precautionary reasons due to his velocity being down and a different delivery.

Again, bit of a quick hook, don’t you think?

Post-game, Maine is none too pleased with being pulled.  He says he wasn’t given a chance to argue his case and that all he wants to do is pitch.  He also says he feel pain, but so does every pitcher, and that he has no reason to see a doctor tomorrow.  He also says he has no idea why he was pulled, etc. etc.

Glad he’s angry about this, but I’m more concerned about the lack of communication.  They coaches had literally the whole game to go and talk to Maine, discuss the issues and lay out a plan.  Instead, it seems they just let him sit in the clubhouse and stew for three hours.  That’s worrying.

Warthen, when speaking to reporters, calls Maine a “habitual liar.”  Warthen adds that Maine is a warrior, but that he lies about his health a lot.

I can understand thinking this in your head and discussing this with other coaches, the manager and Maine himself.  But to say this to the media?  That’s where I have the biggest problem.  Yes, the media should be clued in to as much as possible, but when a coach calls out his player and calls him a “habitual liar” it’s both a in-team and PR disaster.

Warthen should not have said that and it likely only makes the possible job of helping Maine that much harder.  Frankly, they’re all grown men who should be able to speak in plain terms with each other and try to figure out what’s best for Maine and for the Mets.  It seems, though, that they’re unwilling to discuss these topics and look like fools when it’s all “he said / he said / who said what?” talk to the media and to the world.

ESPN: A very angry John Maine [Video]

Yeesh.

Did Dan Warthen really just say that?

I left the TV because I thought to myself, “Well, Dan Warthen isn’t going to say anything interesting.”  Guess I was wrong.  Woah.

I am, most literally, appalled right now.  I really don’t know what to think about that quote.

Excellent catch by Anthony De Rosa of Hot Foot on this.  Wow.

Game Recap: Mets 10 – Nationals 7

This laugher got too close for comfort.

The Good

Rauuuuuuul.  On very short notice – or none at all – Raul Valdes entered the game in the first inning with a runner on second.  He eventually turned in a five-inning effort, surrendering seven hits and three earned runs, but two scored after he left the game.  The line score doesn’t look very pretty, but he pitched in a pinch and did just fine.

David Wright had a nice bounceback night, driving in four runs.  He put the Mets on top early with a three-run triple in the first inning, and they never looked back.  Well, maybe they looked back a little when it was 10-1 then suddenly 10-6, but still…

Ike Davis went 3-5, just missing home runs twice.  He hit two doubles and scored three times.  Jason Bay also went 3-5.

Rod Barajas and Jeff Francoeur each drove in two runs.  Barajas’ came on a two-run homer in the sixth and Francoeur’s on a bases-loaded RBI single in the fifth.  You read that right, the bases were loaded and the Mets got a hit.  Jose Reyes even got another hit after that, driving in one.

The Bad & Ugly

John Maine.  Out for five pitches, walking the only batter he faced.  Dan Warthen, Jerry Manuel and the crew descended upon the mound and pulled Maine after that for “precautionary measures.”  He was absolutely fuming in his post-game comments.  (More on this tomorrow.)

Bullpen woes. Jenrry Mejia, Pedro Feliciano and Francisco Rodriguez allowed four runs to score and the Nationals to make a game out of what should have been an easy win.  Hopefully Ryota Igarashi will join the Mets sooner rather than later.

Jeff Francoeur’s misplay of Pudge’s pop-up.  Could have been an easy play near the warning track.  Instead, he ran in, lost the ball in the lights/twilight sky and the ball dropped in 30 feet behind him.  Funny stuff.

Game Ball

Raul.

On Deck

Subway Series tomorrow night, a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Maine forced to leave due to injury before retiring batter [Update]

Update – 8:20 p.m.: Maine was removed for “precautionary reasons.”  Velocity was down and his delivery was not “normal,” according to the Mets.

John Maine was forced out of Thursday night’s game after the leadoff batter reached in the bottom of the first inning.  He threw only five pitches.

Maine argued his case to stay in the game with Dan Warthen and Jerry Manuel – the latter of which looked visibly angry at the situation.

No word on the extent of the injury yet.

Game Chat: NYM @ WAS

Join in to chat with your fellow fans!

Finally, a non-hideous hat [Image]

This is, by and far, the best stars & stripes hat.

To be worn on Memorial Day, July 4 and Sept. 11.

Well done.

Contest: Jerry Watch

At this point, it seems inevitable.

Jerry Manuel is – for all intents and purposes – likely managing his last few hours/days/weeks as the Mets manager.  Not only is the team losing, but they aren’t playing very good baseball while doing so.

In an effort to make a fun game out of this, I propose “Jerry Watch.”

Take to the comments and post the date of the day you believe Jerry Manuel will be fired.  We’ll work on Price Is Right rules - as close as possible without going over.

(So if you guess June 3, but he is canned on June 2, you don’t win.  But if you guessed June 1, and you were the closest, you win!)

Up for grabs are one, two or possibly all three of these wonderful key chains I have lying around my house.  Amazing, I know!  (There are three in case there is a tie.  If you pick the same date as someone, be prepared to split the prize.  Other Mets stuff might be included if there is a tie.)

When the day comes, I’ll try my best to alert the winner, so please comment with your e-mail address included so I can shoot you an e-mail so I can send you these wonderful prizes.

Hit the comments and guess the day Mr. Manuel gets his pink slip.

Manuel’s Musing

“I thought once we turned that triple play, things would go our way. But to no avail.”

-Jerry Manuel

Game Recap: Nationals 5 – Mets 3

Heaven sent, but still a loss.

The Good

Angel Pagan had a pretty good day.  He hit an inside-the-park home run in the top of the 4th inning.  In the bottom half of the inning, he made a diving grab, turning what could have been an inside-the-park home run, or at least a three-run double into a sac-fly.  One inning later, he started a triple play – the 10th in Mets history.  His grab at his laces, overthrow to second, Henry Blanco’s wherewithal to get the ball, throw to Jose Reyes, who threw to Ike Davis started the 8-2-6-3 triple play.

R.A. Dickey was just fine.  Six innings, allowing five hits and two earned runs – with a little help from his defense – walking four and striking out two.  I’d say that earned another start, but really, who else do the Mets have?

Fernando Tatis finally got a hit off a right-handed pitcher, a solo home run in the 9th off Matt Capps.  But it was too little, too late.

The Bad & Ugly

Raul Valdes and Fernando Nieve combined to give up three earned runs in only 2/3 of an inning in the 7th. 

The Mets loaded the bases in the sixth with one out, and were only able to get one run out of it.  This is a problem and has been for the Mets all year.  When they load the bases, they stink at scoring.

Only four hits off Livan Hernandez.  Five hits overall.  Two of them were home runs.  The other three were singles.

Game Ball

Angel Pagan, of course.

On Deck

The Mets finish their road series – and the second two-game series in a row – tomorrow night at 7 p.m.

Game Chat: NYM @ WAS [Game 41]

Niese to DL, Dickey promoted

The Mets placed Jon Niese on the 15-day DL with a hamstring strain clearing room for R.A. Dickey to join the team.

All as expected.

Take your time, Niese.  You might be the best starter on the team, but there’s no reason to rush back for this season.

Buffalo is banged up

In other words, 2010 Buffalo is 2009 Mets.

Manuel’s Musing

“I’ve got no idea when he’s got it and when he doesn’t. I have no idea.”

-Jerry Manuel on R.A. Dickey

Game Recap: Braves 3 – Mets 2

Not a good night to be David Wright.

The Good

Ike Davis and Jeff Francoeur each hit solo home runs in the fifth inning.  Unfortunately, this accounted for all of the Mets runs.

Johan Santana was better than he’s been.  He tossed seven innings, allowing five hits, including a two-run home run.  He walked two and struck out four.  He was lifted for a pinch hitter after 104 pitches.

The Bad & Ugly

David Wright.  After striking out for the third time in the top of the 9th with a runner on third, Wright’s errant throw on a chopper allowed the winning run to score in the bottom half of the inning.

Jenrry Mejia threw 10 pitches and looked pretty awful doing so.  Back to the minors where you belong.

Jerry Manuel insists on either pinch-hitting for or bunting with his No. 3 hitter.  Tonight, he did both at the same time.  Somehow, though, it worked out.

Game Ball

Johan, poor guy.

On Deck

Another two game series kicks off tomorrow night in Washington, a 7 p.m. start.

Game Chat: NYM @ ATL

Testing a new chat room.  Hope it works.Chat removed, as usual.

2B must always bat 2nd

Someone said it best: Is there a rule that the second baseman must bat second?

Manuel’s Musing

“I don't know what that plan is. Whatever it takes, I'm cool with that.”

-Jerry Manuel on Jeff Wilpon being with the team

Rubin: Mejia is going back to the minors to start

Top prospect Jenrry Mejia, whose dazzling Grapefruit League performance prompted the Mets to place him on the Opening Day roster as a reliever, is expected to head to the minors to resume being used as a starting pitcher.

-Adam Rubin, ESPN New York

Is this what the 90-minute pow-wow was about?  If so, good.

This means a few things…

-The Mets might not see a future with Jerry Manuel.  This was one of the things he battled for coming out of spring training.  If he’s being overruled, time may be short for him.  (But we already knew that.)

-The team realizes their starting pitching just isn’t very good.  Oliver Perez and John Maine are running out of chances.

-Maybe 2010 isn’t their year.  If they’re pulling one of the better options out of the bullpen, it might be a small raising of the white flag.

I’m glad this is happening.  If Mejia’s career is as a top starting pitcher, no reason wasting his talent as a middle reliever / possible set-up man.

Game Recap: Mets 3 – Braves 2

Big Pelf.

The Good

Mike Pelfrey tossed 7 2/3 innings, scattering seven hits.  He allowed two earned runs while walking two and striking out three.  He wasn’t great, as he let a lot of leadoff batters reach, but he worked through them.  He induced three double plays to avoid trouble.  Very, very happy with his effort tonight.

Baja Fresh!  Rod Barajas put the Mets ahead early with a two-run RBI in the second inning.

Chris Carter went 1-2, scoring once and driving in one with a groundout.  Animal.

Pedro Feliciano did his job, after a little scare in the 8th.  Same goes for Francisco Rodriguez.

The Bad & Ugly

The Mets only had five hits.

What’s a bullpen without a few walks?  One each for Feliciano and K-Rod.

David Wright has now struck out in 14 straight games.

Game Ball

Mike Pelfrey.

On Deck

Mets and Braves finish out this silly two-game series tomorrow at 7 p.m.

What’d I miss? [Part II]

Another busy day of moving out of my house in Connecticut and back home with my parents.  This blog – and my life – will return to normalcy eventually.

Let’s take a stab at some of the news I’ve missed…

Jerry Manuel is still the manager.  As I expected.  He’s going to get a warning or two from Omar and the Wilpons before anything major goes down.  I’d expect Howard Johnson and/or Dan Warthen get the boot before Manuel is shown the door.

R.A. Dickey will start Wednesday.  Sounds good to me.  Hope he can have similar success as he had with the Bisons.

Hisanori Takahashi will start Friday.  Sounds good to me.  Hope he can have similar success as he had out of the bullpen.

Chris Carter is batting clean up tonight.  Go, Animal, Go.

No chat again tonight.  But will be on Twitter while I watch the game.

Graduation day

I did it.  Today, I graduate from college.  Quinnipiac University, Class of 2010.  Boom.  Done.

I started this blog in July of 2006, during that wonderful summer between high school and college.  Four years of blogging later, a lot has changed about me and about this site.  The Mets were so very, very close in 2006.  And now, in 2010, well…yeah.

But through it all, I’ve had this blog and the Mets.

I don’t have a lot of Mets fans friends.  Through this site, I’ve gained many.  I’ve even met a few of you in the real world and hope to meet more of you in the future.  This blog has opened my eyes to a lot of things about the team, their fans and the Internet.

I am beyond glad that I’ve stuck with this site through all four years of school and cannot believe I’m already done with school (for now, Mom and Dad).

A big thank you to all that have sent their well wishes over the last week or so.  It means a lot to me.  Thank you – all of you – for reading this blog for my thoughts about the team we love so much.

But seriously, who invented these caps and gowns?  They’re such awful outfits.

No, but really, does anyone have any job openings?

Again, many thanks!  Oh, and let’s go Mets!

What’d I miss?

OK, it was a long day.  Tomorrow will be longer.  I missed a lot.  Let’s take a run at it.

Oliver Perez to the bullpen.  Good.

Hisanori Takahashi will likely make the start for Perez.  Also good.

Jose Reyes moved back to the leadoff spot.  Also also good.

Angel Pagan hit third.  No.  This is not the spot for Pagan.  Put Pagan second, Wright third, Bay fourth and Davis fifth.  From there, you could slot Barajas sixth, Frenchy seventh and Castillo eighth.  Good?  Not really.  Better?  Yes.

The Mets lost again.  Oy vey.  The team is under .500 at 18-19 and there’s no signs of improvement coming their way.  John Maine was beyond bad, with 12 straight balls to start the game.  He could have been a lot worse, but that’s not something to take solace in.  If the Mets are fed up with Perez and sending him to the ‘pen, Maine shouldn’t be far behind.

Meanwhile, in Buffalo…

Oliver Perez: 3.1 IP, 9 H, 7 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Season WHIP: 1.92, ERA: 5.94

Meanwhile, in Buffalo…

R.A. Dickey: 8 IP, 8 H, 3 R (all unearned), 2 BB, 3 K
Season WHIP: 1.038, ERA: 2.23

How’s that song go?  “I’ve got a feeling…”

Jeff Francoeur?

AVG: .230

OBP: .295

SLG: .393

OPS: .688

A .688 OPS!  On base plus slugging is .688!

Are we still defending Jeff Francoeur or has that passed?

Manuel’s Musing

“Tell him we're hitting .220 at home. "So we need to stop stealing signs if that's what we're doing.”

-Jerry Manuel on Charlie Manuel and stealing signs

Game Recap: Marlins 2 – Mets 1

A walk-off wild pitch.

The Good

Johan Santana tossed seven scoreless innings.  He allowed only six hits and one unearned run (though the error was his).  He walked only one and struck out five.  Awesome.

Rod Barajas drove in the only one on a two-out RBI single.

Fernando Nieve’s 8th inning.

That’s about it.

The Bad & Ugly

Fernando Nieve’s 9th inning.  Why, exactly, was he out there again?  It’s bad enough he’s throwing practically every day, now he’s doing more than one inning every appearance?

The Mets had only four hits.

They struck out eight times.

They did not draw a walk.

Walk-off wild pitches.  I mean, come on!?

Game Ball

Johan.

On Deck

Seven p.m. tomorrow, you know what they’ll do.

You might want to sit down for this: Mets announce Citi Field tours

From the Mets… Interesting stuff in bold…

FLUSHING, N.Y., May 13, 2010 - The New York Mets today announced the launch of Citi Field Tours, offering fans a guided behind-the-scenes look at their home, including the Mets Clubhouse, Dugout and the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum. Group Tours begin Friday, May 28 and regular Tours start Saturday, May 29 to kick off Memorial Day Weekend.

Tickets can be purchased at mets.com/tours or by phone at (718) 507-TIXX. Citi Field Tours are free for Season Ticket Holders making advance reservations with the Mets Ticket Office at (718) 507-TIXX. In-person ticket sales start Thursday, May 27 at the Citi Field Advance Ticket Windows located outside the Jackie Robinson Rotunda.

Fans will tour the press box and productions areas, visit the Empire and Sterling Suites, step onto the field on the warning track (weather permitting), visit the Bullpen, take photos in the Mets Dugout, and see the Mets Clubhouse. The one-hour tour will conclude at the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum.

Individual tickets are $10 for adults, and $7 for children 12 and under and senior citizens 60 and over. Tickets for groups of 10 or more purchased in advance are $8 for adults, and $5 for children 12 and under and senior citizens 60 and over. (Internet and phone orders are subject to service fees.) Thursday and Friday tours are only available for groups. Saturday and Sunday tours are open to individuals, plus groups with advanced reservations. Additional ticket information including a schedule of Citi Field Tour dates is available online at mets.com/tours or by phone at (718) 507-TIXX.

"We are launching Citi Field Tours to provide our fans with a behind-the-scenes experience of Citi Field," said Dave Howard, Executive Vice President, Business Operations, Mets. "We've had great interest from our fans since opening the ballpark last year, and we are delighted to be able to provide them a closer look at their team's home."

Saturday and Sunday tours depart every 30 minutes, beginning at 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. from the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. Complimentary parking for all tours is available in the Citi Field Official Lot (Lot G), with the entrance on 126th Street off of Roosevelt Avenue.

Good for the Mets.

They’re listening.

Stealing signs is part of the game, but…

The Phillies have been accused of stealing signs.  I have no problem with that.

The fact that they were using binoculars is what makes it wrong.

Sign stealing is part of the game.  If there’s a runner on second and he can read the catchers signs and somehow communicate that to the batter in time, then good for him.  But using outside technology – pretty much anything that isn’t your eyes, ears or body – is what makes it wrong and cheating.

Baseball is a game of physical ability and wits.  The pitcher is always trying to fool the batter with an unlikely pattern of pitches, the manager is trying to mix-up the lefty/righty order to force the other manager’s hand when using a bullpen, etc.  It’s beautiful in it’s simplicity.  A bat, a ball and a glove.  Four bases.  That’s it. 

But the use of binoculars from the bullpen and the bullpen phone to the dugout is cheating.  I don’t care if it’s the Phillies, the Royals or the Diamondbacks, my thoughts would be the same on this.  It’s part of the game until you start using “technology” in any form.

And another thing, for Charlie Manuel to turn around and start accusing the Mets of stealing signs is both crazy and sad.  Your team was just accused of stealing signs – for the second time in two years – and the best you can do is to accuse another team of doing it because of their home record?  Just a reminder, Charlie, you were accused of it while at Coors Field in Colorado – not your home park.

Manuel can toss accusations all he likes, but if the team was using binoculars to spy on signs, that’s cheating.

(Aside: Remember Spygate in the NFL?  See how strict the league was about that?  And now, Brian Cushing tests positive for steroids and he keeps his Rookie of the Year award.  Seems like baseball is lax if it involves spying, but strict on steroids – and football is just the opposite.)

Manuel’s Musing

“I think we're close to putting together another winning streak.”

-Jerry Manuel

Game Recap: Nationals 6 – Mets 4

Roger Bernadina is the new Willie Harris.

The Good

The top of the order - Jose Reyes, Alex Cora and Jose Reyes – combined for five hits, two runs and three RBI.

Takahashi > Feliciano > Nieve.  Seems to be the progression Jerry is going to go with until one of their arms falls off.  So far, though, it’s working.

Mike Pelfrey’s start.  He struck out the side in the first, then got into a jam in the second.  With the bases loaded, he notched two more outs via strikeouts before opposing pitcher Craig Stammen knocked in two with a single.

119 pitches.  Pelfrey was allowed to match his career high pitch count.  Too bad it only got him 5 2/3 innings.

Pelfrey also singled in a run in the second inning.

David Wright walked twice.

The Bad & Ugly

Roger Bernadina.  R-Ber hit his first major league home run in the fourth inning, a solo shot.  He then went yard again, off Francisco Rodriguez, in the 9th inning for the go-ahead runs.  And in the field, he made a three-run saving catch, diving for a ball off the bat of Jeff Francoeur.

Stammen, the Nats pitcher, went 2-3 with three RBI.  Yup.

The Mets are now 0-6 in rubber games in 2010.

Tyler Clippard, at 7-1, now leads the majors in wins.  He’s a reliever.

Matt Capps leads the majors in saves, with 14.

Game Ball

Unfortunately, Roger Bernadina.

On Deck

The Mets travel to sunny and warm Miami for their first time this season.  A 7 p.m. game.

Move the Islanders to Queens

Jeff Wilpon, the Mets' chief operating officer, said Tuesday he has talked with Islanders owner Charles Wang about building an arena in Queens as a possible home for the hockey team.

-Katie Strang, Newsday

I’m all for it.  Make the disaster that is Willets Point go away.

Game Chat: WAS @ NYM [Game 33]

Chat removed, as usual.

Read that, then this

That: Time For Junior To Grow Up by Denise Winter, Mets Merized Online

This: Here’s the problem with Wright/Reyes and White/Black comparison in a nutshell, from a Mets fan, mind you.  I know Denise through blogging and the like, but I have to take issue with this article. 

Wright gets tossed, with an empty bench, and he “reacted.”  Reyes gets tossed, and he has “to grow up.”

Why are these situations different and why is Wright getting off scot-free?

This, as I’ve learned in my oh-so-many sports studies classes at Quinnipiac, is what we’ve come to know as veiled racism.  If a white player does something wrong, it’s reacting, an outlier to the norm and shocking.  If a black, or in this case Latino, player does the same, it’s immature, childish and a bad attitude.

Frankly, whether you like it or not, Wright’s ejection was worse.  Knowing the bench was empty, the Mets would have had to use a pitcher in the field if the game continued.  When Reyes got tossed, at least there were players on the bench who could come in and fill his role.

It’s like when a black player excels, it’s due to “natural skill” or something along those lines, but a white player “had to work hard to get to this level.”  Bull.  Both players had to work equally hard and long to refine their skills to play at such a high level.

Wright and Reyes were both wrong for getting tossed, but in the grand scheme of things, Wright’s could of and would have hurt the team more.  If you want to fault someone, fault them both. 

Reyes is playing the game just like everyone else – and should be treated as such.

Really?

“It’s sort of good now that there is debris to be blown out there. It shows people are spending some money and buying food and drink and enjoying themselves.”

-Dave Howard, Mets executive vice president for business operations

Um, yeah.

The curious case of the five baseball cards

On Saturday, I moved back in with my parents as my four years of college came to an end.  They were returning from Virginia late Saturday night as well.  My mother stopped the mail for that week, so when she went to get it at the post office yesterday, she came back with a small package for me.

In a small manila envelope, addressed to me, were five brand new New York Mets baseball cards in plastic protective sleeves.  Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, David Wright, Francisco Rodriguez and Johan Santana.  

Pretty cool, right?

One problem: I don’t know who they’re from or why I got them.

The package is from an Alan Duda from Rhode Island.  I think I found him on Facebook, but I can’t be sure. 

But why am I getting these?  How does he know my address?  Why these five cards?

The strangest thing about it is that they came alone.  There was no letter, no note, no nothing.  Just five cards in a small envelope.

Am I supposed to sign them and send them back?  If so, is this the first time a Mets blogger had been asked for his or her autograph?

My best guess for my address is that he got it off my resume, which I have linked above.  But why me?  Why these five cards?  Why no note?

I’ve reached out to Alan to ask for an explanation, but am yet to hear a response.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining.  I already have the five cards set up in my room.  Just found it a little odd.

Has this happened to anyone else?  Is Alan on a mass mailing campaign to spread Mets cards to other fans?  The mystery is yet to be solved…

Either way, thanks!

Manuel’s Musing

“It's a team concern, no doubt about it. We will do what we can to address the approach. When situations come, basically breath and enjoy.”

-Jerry Manuel on strikeouts

Oh, happy day!

Chris Carter called up from Buffalo. Frank Catalanotto DFAd.

-Brian Costa

Be right back, too busy dancing.

Game Recap: Nationals 3 – Mets 2

Twenty-three combined hits, five combined runs.

The Good

I’m going to slot in John Maine’s start into “The Good.”  Sure, he threw almost 90 percent fastballs, but he surrendered two runs over six innings.  They came on back-to-back homers in the third inning.  He walked four (one IBB) and struck out five.  You know, I’ll take it.

My boy Hisanori Takahashi.

Every Mets position player had a hit.

Alex Cora taking over for Jose Reyes.  He made an awesome stop and backward flip from his stomach to save a run in the 9th and singled in the bottom half of the inning.

Angel Pagan homered in the 9th to give fans a glimmer of hope, until…

The Bad & Ugly

…That hope was ripped away by a check-swing strikeout by Jason Bay to end the game.  Youch.

Only two of the Mets 12 hits were for extra bases.

The Mets left 11 runners on base.

Pedro Feliciano was in wayyyyy too long.  I’m fine with him facing Adam Dunn, but Josh Willingham and Ivan Rodriguez?  Wrong.  The run he gave up ended up being the game winner.

Jose Reyes and Jerry Manuel were tossed.  Not really awful, but yeah…

Game Ball

Pagan.

On Deck

Mets and Nats do it again tomorrow, 7 p.m.

Game Chat: WAS @ NYM [Game 32]

Chat removed, as usual.

Lineup for first versus Nats

1. Angel Pagan – CF
2. Luis Castillo – 2B
3. Jose Reyes – SS
4. Jason Bay – LF
5. David Wright – 3B
6. Ike Davis – 1B
7. Jeff Francoeur – RF
8. Rod Barajas - C
9. John Maine – RHP

Game Chat will be up at 7 p.m.

Blanco to bereavement, Thole up; Santos demoted

Henry Blanco has been placed on the bereavement list as he deals with a family illness.  Josh Thole is up from Buffalo to replace him on the roster.

Youth movement!

Just kidding.

In other catching news, Omir Santos has been demoted to Double-A Binghamton from Triple-A Buffalo.  Shawn Riggans will take over at Buffalo.

What a fall from grace.

Twitter Poll: What to do with Oliver Perez?

Ah, Oliver Perez.  Nothing riles up Mets fans more.

After yesterday’s short and walk-ridden start, what should the Mets do with Perez?  I took to Twitter to find out.  Here are some responses…

purple_fairy5: get rid of Ollie i'm sick of his antics.

cwatt08: eat the terrible contract and move on. Make a push for Roy Oswalt as well. (Ed. note: It’s not 2005 anymore.)

Jessica_Teresa: Get rid of him!

kevin_tor: Hire Dan Aykroyd and Daniel Stern to kidnap him and keep him from playing the rest of the season.

charlieryczek: take him out back and finish him the way of ole yeller

Majin_Bernard: Take him out the rotation, make him clean up the garbage that keeps being blown onto the field.

SwagBucksFan: burn him at the stake

MrMustSeeTV: The best thing the #Mets can do is release Perez and eat his salary. At the very least, they'd remove the problem.

Well, that about solves it.  Release him, make him a garbage man or put him out of his misery like Ole Yeller.  Just what I expected.

Manuel’s Musing

“We have to take everything into consideration as we contemplate and chew on it and marinate on it and see where we are.”

-Jerry Manuel on the bench

Marinate on it?  I don’t think that’s how it works, Jerry.

Game Recap: Giants 6 – Mets 5

The wind giveth and the wind taketh away.

The Good

The wind.

Raul Valdes in relief.  3 2/3 innings, two hits, two walks and three Ks.  Too be it was after Ollie.

Jason Bay and his wind aided hits.  He picked up two hits and two RBI on the day, but has to thank the wind for both.

Jose Reyes went 2-4 with two runs scored.

Ike Davis picked up two more hits and walked two more times today.  I like Ike.

The Bad

The wind.

Oliver Perez.  Seven walks in only 3 1/3 innings.  Only two hits, though.

11 walks by Mets pitchers in the game.

Jenrry Mejia serving up the go-ahead homer in the 8th.  Enough of this, send him down.

David Wright with 4 Ks and getting tossed in the 9th.  If the Mets managed to tie it up – due to Jerry Manuel’s poor bench managing – the Mets would have had to put a position player in the field somewhere.

Jerry Manuel’s poor bench managing.  (It deserves to be noted twice.)

Game Ball

Jose and/or Ike.

On Deck

The Mets welcome the Nationals to Citi Field tomorrow, a 7 p.m. start.

Manuel’s Musing

“I think this could give you the confidence late that you can still win ballgames.”

-Jerry Manuel

Ed. note: Enjoy Mother’s Day and the pink bats at the Mets game.  No chat today, for obvious reasons.  Have a wonderful, albeit it freezing, Sunday.

Game Recap: Mets 5 – Giants 4

Walk it off, Hank White.

The Good

Henry Blanco!  Second straight day, second straight walk-off home run from a catcher.  He went 3-5 on the day, too.  Let’s go.

Creating runs.  The Mets had three runs in the first three innings thanks to walks and wild pitches.  They could have had a lot more, but good enough.

Johan, baby!  He ended up giving up four runs on eight hits, but again, he did not have his best stuff.  He walked none and struck out six.  A good bounce-back after getting shellacked for 10 earned last time out.

Hisanori Takahashi.  Tak tacked on two more Ks.  Love it.

Francisco Rodriguez.  Two walks in two innings, but that was it.  He made it a little interesting, as usual, but was able to keep the Mets in it.

The Bad & Ugly

Taking out Santana for Fernando Nieve, then Pedro Feliciano.  They ended up surrendering the lead as the inherited runner scored.  Thumbs down.  Let Johan finish it out himself.

The Mets had only three hits through six innings, but amazingly led the game the whole way.

Game Ball

Blanco, who else?

On Deck

Mets and Giants finish it out on Mother’s Day at 1 p.m.

Game Chat: SFG @ NYM [Game 30]

Chat removed, as usual.

Lineup for Saturday

1. Angel Pagan – CF
2. Luis Castillo – 2B
3. Jose Reyes – SS
4. Jason Bay – LF
5. David Wright – 3B
6. Ike Davis – 1B
7. Jeff Francoeur – RF
8. Henry Blanco – C
9. Johan Santana – LHP

Let’s hope he keeps it under 10 runs.

Game Chat will be up at 1 p.m.

Manuel’s Musing

“He's been quite an acquisition. I mean, he has been unbelievable.”

-Jerry Manuel on Rod Barajas

Game Recap: Mets 6 – Giants 4

Rod makes it eight.

The Good

That’ll be eight in a row at home for the Mets.

Ike Davis.  Two home runs.  Possible game-saving catches (he’s really got that flip-over-the-dugout thing down!).  Huge.

Rod Barajas.  Two home runs, including a walk-off blast in the 9th inning.  Bengie who?

The 7 and 8 batters in the lineup went 4-7 with five RBI and five runs scored.

Luis Castillo.  His stop up the middle in the 9th saved a run and possibly the game.  If Aaron Rowand scores, who know what else happens that inning?

Mike Pelfrey.  7 1/3 innings, only 85 pitches, no walks.  He let in three earned runs on eight hits, but I was shocked to see him get pulled for Nieve in the 8th.

The Bad & Ugly

0-7 from Castillo and Angel Pagan at the top of the order.

K-Rod’s three hits, including a solo home run, in the top of the 9th.  Not cool, buddy.

Game Ball

Davis and Barajas

On Deck

See you tomorrow at 1 p.m. for game two of this series.

Game Chat: SFG @ NYM [Game 29]

Chat removed, as usual.

Lineup for return to Citi

1. Angel Pagan – CF
2. Luis Castillo – 2B
3. Jose Reyes – SS
4. Jason Bay – LF
5. David Wright – 3B
6. Jeff Francoeur – RF
7. Ike Davis – 1B
8. Rod Barajas – C
9. Mike Pelfrey – RHP

Davis dropped in the order.  Shouldn’t matter.

Game Chat will be up at 7 p.m.

Manuel’s Musing

“There have been times when maybe guys should have been held.”

-Jerry Manuel on Razor Shines last year

Look-alike logos [Image]

I know the Mets were born out of the Giants and Dodgers leaving New York, but did the Mets have to use the exact same logo as the Giants for their insignia?

Take a look… Giants on the left, Mets on the right:

Twitter Poll: Who is the most disappointing Met so far?

I haven’t done one of these in a long while.

I took to Twitter to ask my followers who they thought was the most disappointing Met so far in 2010.  The answers were fairly varied.  Here are some responses…

patrickboegel: Santana, because he ran his mouth in Feb and then could not back it up the first time around. Speak soft & carry a big stick

Sully_on_Sports: hate to say it, but I'm going with Jason Bay.

metsflu: Jason Bay. Hasn't been as productive as expected.

nmigliore: Bay (not much power -- .376 SLG), Pagan (.693 OPS), and Reyes (.586 OPS)

Ceetar: Jason Bay Highest Expectations :: Smallest result.

trmbonemulligan: Jason Bay, without a doubt. 1 home run and 9 rbis and it's May? C'mon.

ajgmets: Jose Reyes - big disappointment from injury to thyroid to visible lack of enthusiasm move to 3 hole mishandled by Manuel

ChristinaMiccio: bay needs to hit some homeruns...but def GMJ

pattigibbons: Catalanotto, the PH who doesn't.

metsfanmurph: As long as Oliver Perez is pitching every 5th game, he will always be the most disappointing Met to me.

djdebutante: Dude, it's only May. I'm not going to be disappointed by anyone for at least another month.

What about you?  Who has been the most disappointing Met this year?

p.s. Follow me on Twitter.

Manuel’s Musing

“To some degree, we've pitched well. We've played good defense. The baserunning has been good. We just haven't had that big hit to break it open or put us on top.”

-Jerry Manuel

Technical difficulties

My laptop doesn’t seem to be working as it should.  It’s going in for repairs.

Until further notice, consider this blog on some sort of hiatus.  I’ll try to pop in if something major happens.  You can still follow my thoughts on Twitter (thank goodness for smartphones!).

Manuel’s Musing

“We need Ollie.”

-Jerry Manuel

Game Recap: Reds 3 – Mets 2

I didn’t see the game and I have two finals and three papers due tomorrow.

So, in short: Crap.

Also, here’s a photo of a Phillies fan who is about to be tased/tazed…

More tomorrow.

Escobar out for season

That’s a good $1.25 million spent.

Game Chat: NYM @ CIN [Game 26]

Chat removed, as usual.

Lineup from Cincy

1. Angel Pagan – CF
2. Luis Castillo – 2B
3. Jose Reyes – SS
4. Jason Bay – LF
5. David Wright – 3B
6. Ike Davis – 1B
7. Jeff Francoeur – RF
8. Rod Barajas – C
9. Oliver Perez – LHP

Game Chat will be up at 7 p.m.

I will be on WQAQ.com from 7-10 p.m. tonight, but I should be tracking the game via Gameday, Twitter, etc.

Anthony DiComo taking over Mets MLB.com beat full time

First, a little about me: I'm taking over the Mets beat from Marty Noble, whom you may have followed over at Noble Thoughts. I began at MLB.com as an intern in 2007, then did backup work on the Mets and Yankees beats over the last two seasons. Starting today, I will be covering the Mets full time.

-Anthony DiComo on his blog, Mets Cetera

Marty Noble is not retiring, just cutting down on his work.  DiComo is taking over full time starting today.

And for you tweeters, you can follow DiComo: @AnthonyDiComo

The back pages [Images]

Is it a good thing or a bad thing when the team loses and they’re still on the back page?

Also, same photo for Newsday and the Daily News.

Bad time to have a bad game, but…

It’s just one game.

Unfortunately, that was the Mets ace, Johan Santana.  Unfortunately, it came right behind Mike Pelfrey’s also bad game.  Unfortunately, it happened on national TV.  Unfortunately, it happened against the Phillies.

But one game doesn’t make the season.

Yes, we know “every game counts the same,” but one bad game isn’t going to tank the year.  If/When David Wright or Jason Bay go 0-4 with three strikeouts and 8 left on base, we all say, “Just get them next time!”  But if Santana goes out and gets shelled, suddenly everyone see the four horsemen riding in ready to destroy the world – or at the very least, the Mets season.

But it’s just one game.  If Santana comes out and gets shelled in his next start, I’ll start to worry – quietly and to myself.

If he gets shellacked in his next two, I’ll express my worry.

If he gets pounded in the next three, four or five games, I’m packing it in.

But what we saw last night is the inevitable crapping of the bed by a superstar.  Every now and then, they should be allowed to lose, to fail, to underperform.

Manuel’s Musing

“Things kind of unraveled from there. Walking the pitcher there was huge. Those things happen. Unfortunately it happened against this team.”

-Jerry Manuel

Game Recap: Phillies 11 – Mets 5

Can we go back to April?

The Good

Power.  Home runs from Rod Barajas and David Wright accounted for all the runs scored by the Mets.  A three-run blast from Wright in the top of the first inning and Barajas with a two-run bomb.

Yeah, that’s it.

The Bad & Ugly

Johan Santana was tagged for 10 earned runs in only 3.2 IP.  He walked two and struck out only one.  Staked to a 3-0 lead early, he allowed two solo home runs in the bottom of the first.  It all came apart with two outs in the fourth inning as nine straight Phillies reached base.  Santana walked Jamie Moyer with the bases loaded, then surrendered a grand slam to Shane Victorino.  A batter later, he served up a bomb to Chase Utley.  How very, very disheartening.

Gary Matthews Jr. went 0-4 leading off.  Why he was there, no one knows.

Game Ball

David Wright

On Deck

The Mets escape to Cincinnati for a 7:10 p.m. start tomorrow night.

Game Chat: NYM @ PHI [Game 25]

Chat removed, as usual.

Lineup for rubber game in Philly

1. Gary Matthews Jr. – CF
2. Luis Castillo – 2B
3. Jose Reyes – SS
4. Jason Bay – LF
5. David Wright – 3B
6. Fernando Tatis – 1B
7. Jeff Francoeur – RF
8. Rod Barajas – C
9. Johan Santana – LHP

Well this is a strange lineup.

Game Chat will be up at 8 p.m.

Earth-shaking revelations from Daily News article

OK, not really.

I know I’m a day late on this, but if you missed it too, click here to read “Daily News reporter taunts Phillies fans with Mets win at Citzens Bank Park.”

Huge shocker, I know!

"These New Yorkers never shut up!" Fratelli whined. When a Phillies security guard wearing a Phillies World Series Ring took a half swing at me mid-Mets chant, I knew this was truly hostile territory.

"I'm not protecting you as long as you have that jersey on," he said. Once I took my seat, Phils fans seemed to lose their mojo as the Mets piled on run after run.

I have two qualms with this story.

One, the sky is blue, the grass is green and the sun will come up every day.  I would like to thank Captain Obvious Kevin Deutsch for allowing us to see into the super-secretive world of the Mets/Phillies rivalry.  Without this intrepid reporting, I would have never known there was bad blood between the teams and their fans.  Thank goodness!

And two, what happened to journalists not becoming part of the story.  I realize this is an opinion piece, but still.  It’s like setting a fire to a house, then reporting on it as if you were first on the scene.  Tsk tsk.

Manuel’s Musing

“We had a couple of chances, but he's a good pitcher.”

-Jerry Manuel on Roy Halladay

Understatement of the century?

Game Recap: Phillies 10 – Mets 0

All good things must come to an end.

The Good

Uhh…?

Mike Pelfrey’s first three innings were good.

Henry Blanco and David Wright hit doubles.

Blanco touched third base.

The Bad & Ugly

Roy Halladay is a beast.  Complete game shutout.  Three-hitter.  One walk.  Six strikeouts.  118 pitches – 88 were strikes.  Woah.

Pelfrey’s fourth inning.  Two plays that could have been outs – Jose Reyes on Chase Utley’s line drive and Alex Cora on Jayson Werth’s bloop to center field – could have been converted into outs.  They weren’t and the Phillies made Pelfrey and the Mets pay.

Raul Valdes didn’t fare much better.  Three innings and four runs (three earned) on five hits.  But he did strike out six.

Game Ball

Uhh… Blanco?

On Deck

Rubber game tomorrow night on ESPN.  An 8:10 start.

Game Chat: NYM @ PHI [Game 24]

Chat removed, as usual.

Lineup going for nine

1. Angel Pagan – CF
2. Alex Cora – 2B
3. Jose Reyes – SS
4. Jason Bay - LF
5. David Wright – 3B
6. Ike Davis – 1B
7. Jeff Francoeur – RF
8. Henry Blanco – C
9. Mike Pelfrey – RHP

Oh, look… Cora is starting again.

Game Chat will be up at 3 p.m.

The back pages [Images]

Manuel’s Musing

“I didn't want him to pick up a bat after that.”

-Jerry Manuel on Jeff Francoeur

Game Recap: Mets 9 – Phillies 1

Baja Fresh!

The Good

Rod Barajas, of course.  3-4, 2 HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 3 R.  Umm, yes please.  It also skyrocketed his average to .227 on the year.  Go Baja Go.

Going yard.  Adding to Barajas’ two blasts, David Wright and Jeff Francoeur both homered.  Citizens Bank Park plays like a little league field.

D-FENCE!  Jeff Francoeur and Jason Bay both made beautiful catches to limit the Phillies to just one run in the second inning.  Frenchy slammed into the wall and Bay showed his Canadian ups to haul one in.  Pretty.

How about Jon Niese?  Seven strong innings, allowing only four hits and the aforementioned run.  He walked only one and struck out seven.  Who’s my boy?  Jon Niese is my boy.

Angel Pagan leading off.  3-5, 2 RBI, R.  Enjoy that leadoff spot, it might be yours for a while.

The Mets only struck out three times, two of them by Jon Niese.

The Bad & Ugly

Frenchy had to leave the game after getting plunked in the seventh inning.  X-Rays came back negative and he is listed as day-to-day.  Guess you can pencil in GMJ in RF tomorrow.

Jenrry Mejia pitched more mop-up duty.  Yup, this was a great idea.

Game Ball

Jon Niese and Rod Barajas

On Deck

Mets and Phillies do it all over again, tomorrow at 3:10 p.m.