If you didn't think it could get any worse, Moises Alou will be out 4-6 weeks due to a hernia.
David Lennon is reporting that Alou has a hernia, and will have surgery to repair the damage.
This is unbelievable. Angel Pagan is the front runner at this point, but if Endy Chavez can come back healthy, I think he's got the spot in left.
Also, I think this opens up another spot on the roster heading into the season, possible for a guy like Brady Clark if he can produce.
3/5/08
Game Recap: Mets 3 -- Dodgers 2
The Mets continue their spring hot streak, again in dramatic fashion, beating the Dodgers in the bottom of the ninth by a score of 3-2.
Johan Santana made his second start of the spring, allowing one run on two its through 3 innings. Santana walked his first batter, which was his only walk of the day and struck out four while on the bump.
He looked so much better today. Started off a little rough missing high a lot, but settled in nicely and only allowed a chopper up the middle to score the only run. If you were lucky enough to watch, that's the kind of stuff we will be expecting from Johan, and I have no doubt in my mind he's going to deliver.
Steven Register came in for two innings allowing 2 hits while striking out 2. Scott Schoeneweis pitched a hitless 6th, also striking out two.
As I said in my game commentary, Register is my dark horse candidate to make the team. Schoe looked pretty darn good as well.
Juan Padilla allowed one run on two hits in the 7th inning. Nate Field and Joe Smith finished out the game, with Smith allowing 2 hits, but benefiting from a double play to end the inning.
Anderson Hernandez delivered the game winning hit in the bottom of the 9th inning, with a double down the line and into the bullpen scoring Greg Veloz. Anderson went 3-5 on the day, scoring once and driving in one.
Great day from Anderson, who also turned an absolutely beautiful double play while in the field.
Angel Pagan continues to hit, going 1-2 with a walk. Ezequiel Carrera went 1-1, driving in one run in the 8th inning. Fernando Martinez also continued to have a great spring, going 2-3 with a walk and a run scored.
Great production from our young outfielders.
The Mets are undefeated in March, and have won 5 straight games. The young guys are getting their shot, and they continue to produce.
Johan Santana made his second start of the spring, allowing one run on two its through 3 innings. Santana walked his first batter, which was his only walk of the day and struck out four while on the bump.
He looked so much better today. Started off a little rough missing high a lot, but settled in nicely and only allowed a chopper up the middle to score the only run. If you were lucky enough to watch, that's the kind of stuff we will be expecting from Johan, and I have no doubt in my mind he's going to deliver.
Steven Register came in for two innings allowing 2 hits while striking out 2. Scott Schoeneweis pitched a hitless 6th, also striking out two.
As I said in my game commentary, Register is my dark horse candidate to make the team. Schoe looked pretty darn good as well.
Juan Padilla allowed one run on two hits in the 7th inning. Nate Field and Joe Smith finished out the game, with Smith allowing 2 hits, but benefiting from a double play to end the inning.
Anderson Hernandez delivered the game winning hit in the bottom of the 9th inning, with a double down the line and into the bullpen scoring Greg Veloz. Anderson went 3-5 on the day, scoring once and driving in one.
Great day from Anderson, who also turned an absolutely beautiful double play while in the field.
Angel Pagan continues to hit, going 1-2 with a walk. Ezequiel Carrera went 1-1, driving in one run in the 8th inning. Fernando Martinez also continued to have a great spring, going 2-3 with a walk and a run scored.
Great production from our young outfielders.
The Mets are undefeated in March, and have won 5 straight games. The young guys are getting their shot, and they continue to produce.
Live Commentary: Dodgers at Mets 3/5
I'm going to run some live commentary for today's game. It's a little different from live blogging, as I don't do a play-by-play recap, just different notes and observations throughout the game. I should get the first 5 innings down here, before I have to trudge off to class.
First inning:
Johan Santana was a little wild with his first batter, not coming close to the zone a few times, and eventually walking him. He's consistently missing high, very high, bringing Raul Casanova to a standing position to field some balls. Santana strikes out Andruw Jones with a great pitch, and shows a bit of emotion, hopping off the mound. I love it. Santana works his way out of trouble in the first.
Anderson Hernandez gets on with a chopper up the middle that was misplayed by Young and Hu. This is all he needs to do if he ever wants to play in the bigs. Put the bat on the ball and hope it squeaks through a hole. David Wright is simply amazing at going the other way. I love when he pops one into right field. After loading the bases, Olmedo Saenz grounds into an inning ending double play. And that's why he has zero shot at making the team.
Second inning:
I'm also watching the Yankees / Twins game, as my roommate is a Yankees blogger (Scott Proctor's Arm) and Michael Kay just mentioned that Minnesota had to trade Santana away to the Boston Red Sox. I just looked at our other TV, and chuckled, as Santana strikes out Andy Laroche. Woah, I thought Brady Clark made that catch. Chopper up the middle, Dodgers score. 1-0 L.A., inning over.
Fernando Martinez drives one to the warning track for a leadoff double. He doesn't have the best running motion, so hopefully the Mets don't try and change that. (See: Jose Reyes) Casanova grounds out to first, and Clark attempts an unnecessary takeout slide, doesn't touch the bag, and is easily tagged out. Martinez scores, 1-1. Just a silly mistake by Clark, who needs a lot of things to go his way to find himself in Shea at the end of March.
Third inning:
Santana K's another. And another. And then induces a ground out. 4 strikeouts as his day is probably done. Final line: one run, two hits, one walk, four strikeouts. Very good day.
Reyes called out for running inside the base line. Shenanigans. Legend Ralph Kiner is in the booth. I love him, so much. Too bad it was a quick inning. 1-2-3, still tied at one. Kiner will be back after the break.
Fourth inning:
Steven Register is in the game, and quickly gets a fly out to center for the first out. Register is my dark horse to make the team. And just as quickly he allows a single to Laroche. Why does Wright always make his throws to first so interesting? Nice inning by Register, who struck out his last batter. I really like this guy.
Ex-Dodger and ex-Met Chan Ho Park is on the mound. Remember that start he made for us? Yecch! Pagan keeps it up, adding another single to his already great spring training numbers. Keith Hernandez says he has "Mad skillz." Saenz lines out, and Pagan almost gets picked off, but Laroche comes off the bag. Whew. Martinez is putting together a tough AB here, and works a walk out of it. 2 on, 1 out for Clark. Here's your chance. Clark K's, not good. Casanova K's to end the threat.
And that will be it for me. When the season rolls along, and games are at night, you'll get full game commentary instead of this shortened version.
First inning:
Johan Santana was a little wild with his first batter, not coming close to the zone a few times, and eventually walking him. He's consistently missing high, very high, bringing Raul Casanova to a standing position to field some balls. Santana strikes out Andruw Jones with a great pitch, and shows a bit of emotion, hopping off the mound. I love it. Santana works his way out of trouble in the first.
Anderson Hernandez gets on with a chopper up the middle that was misplayed by Young and Hu. This is all he needs to do if he ever wants to play in the bigs. Put the bat on the ball and hope it squeaks through a hole. David Wright is simply amazing at going the other way. I love when he pops one into right field. After loading the bases, Olmedo Saenz grounds into an inning ending double play. And that's why he has zero shot at making the team.
Second inning:
I'm also watching the Yankees / Twins game, as my roommate is a Yankees blogger (Scott Proctor's Arm) and Michael Kay just mentioned that Minnesota had to trade Santana away to the Boston Red Sox. I just looked at our other TV, and chuckled, as Santana strikes out Andy Laroche. Woah, I thought Brady Clark made that catch. Chopper up the middle, Dodgers score. 1-0 L.A., inning over.
Fernando Martinez drives one to the warning track for a leadoff double. He doesn't have the best running motion, so hopefully the Mets don't try and change that. (See: Jose Reyes) Casanova grounds out to first, and Clark attempts an unnecessary takeout slide, doesn't touch the bag, and is easily tagged out. Martinez scores, 1-1. Just a silly mistake by Clark, who needs a lot of things to go his way to find himself in Shea at the end of March.
Third inning:
Santana K's another. And another. And then induces a ground out. 4 strikeouts as his day is probably done. Final line: one run, two hits, one walk, four strikeouts. Very good day.
Reyes called out for running inside the base line. Shenanigans. Legend Ralph Kiner is in the booth. I love him, so much. Too bad it was a quick inning. 1-2-3, still tied at one. Kiner will be back after the break.
Fourth inning:
Steven Register is in the game, and quickly gets a fly out to center for the first out. Register is my dark horse to make the team. And just as quickly he allows a single to Laroche. Why does Wright always make his throws to first so interesting? Nice inning by Register, who struck out his last batter. I really like this guy.
Ex-Dodger and ex-Met Chan Ho Park is on the mound. Remember that start he made for us? Yecch! Pagan keeps it up, adding another single to his already great spring training numbers. Keith Hernandez says he has "Mad skillz." Saenz lines out, and Pagan almost gets picked off, but Laroche comes off the bag. Whew. Martinez is putting together a tough AB here, and works a walk out of it. 2 on, 1 out for Clark. Here's your chance. Clark K's, not good. Casanova K's to end the threat.
And that will be it for me. When the season rolls along, and games are at night, you'll get full game commentary instead of this shortened version.
Church to see neurologist; Add Alou to injured list
Ryan Church participated in workouts yesterday, but reported feeling dizzy again today, and is scheduled to see a neurologist.
From Bart Hubbuch in the Post:
-----
Moises Alou has that elusive first injury out of the way, heading to New York to have his right groin looked at.
Adam Rubin is reporting that Alou is not in camp, and is heading back to New York to have his groin examined.
Now is where Angel Pagan, Fernando Martinez and Brady Clark can prove themselves. All three starting outfielders are out with an injury of some degree.
From Bart Hubbuch in the Post:
Church is scheduled to see a neurologist here this afternoon after suffering a setback in his recovery from a Grade 2 concussion. Church reported a recurrence of dizziness and other symptoms when he arrived in the clubhouse today after a strenuous whirlpool workout yesterday.Get well soon, Ryan.
-----
Moises Alou has that elusive first injury out of the way, heading to New York to have his right groin looked at.
Adam Rubin is reporting that Alou is not in camp, and is heading back to New York to have his groin examined.
Now is where Angel Pagan, Fernando Martinez and Brady Clark can prove themselves. All three starting outfielders are out with an injury of some degree.
Lineup vs. the Dodgers
How many times do we play the Dodgers during spring training?
The Dodgers come to town, for a 1:10 p.m. game and Johan Santana's second start this spring. The game will be available on SNY.
Lineup:
Jose Reyes DH
Anderson Hernandez SS
David Wright 3B
Angel Pagan CF
Orlando Saenz 1B
Fernando Martinez RF
Brady Clark LF
Raul Casanova C
Greg Veloz 2B
Johan Santana, P
Ever think you'd see the day where Reyes is the designated hitter?
I'm intrigued to watch Santana, of course, but also Clark and Pagan.
The Dodgers come to town, for a 1:10 p.m. game and Johan Santana's second start this spring. The game will be available on SNY.
Lineup:
Jose Reyes DH
Anderson Hernandez SS
David Wright 3B
Angel Pagan CF
Orlando Saenz 1B
Fernando Martinez RF
Brady Clark LF
Raul Casanova C
Greg Veloz 2B
Johan Santana, P
Ever think you'd see the day where Reyes is the designated hitter?
I'm intrigued to watch Santana, of course, but also Clark and Pagan.
Brady Clark becomes that much more attractive
I've liked the Brady Clark signing and invite since it went down. Now, he becomes so much more intriguing for the Mets to add to the roster.
Adam Rubin notes that Clark is volunteering to play first base.
From Rubin:
I think Clark, who is a big enough of a guy and athletic enough to be equal to Marlon Anderson or Damion Easley at first, would be the perfect fit for a right handed bat, with the ability to play OF and first.
This would mean either Angel Pagan or Ruben Gotay wouldn't make the cut.
Adam Rubin notes that Clark is volunteering to play first base.
From Rubin:
Brady Clark is volunteering to play first base, a position he hasn’t played in the majors. That versatility could make him more attractive, since the Mets could use a righthand-hitting outfielder.Beautiful. My friend has been campaigning to move Clark to first even if he's never played there before in the Majors.
I think Clark, who is a big enough of a guy and athletic enough to be equal to Marlon Anderson or Damion Easley at first, would be the perfect fit for a right handed bat, with the ability to play OF and first.
This would mean either Angel Pagan or Ruben Gotay wouldn't make the cut.
El Duque finally pitches bullpen session
The walking injury, Orlando Hernandez, finally felt well enough to pitch a bullpen session down in PSL.
Matt Cerrone, who is down in Florida reporting for Mets Blog and SNY, relays that El Duque is toying with his delivery. He is supposedly trying to lose the quintessential El Duque high leg kick, which is most likely causing some of his foot injuries.
From Cerrone:
To me, at least, throwing sidearm for me is much more comfortable and smoother, even if I'm only throwing a Wiffle ball. If Duque does stick with a sidearm technique, and can stay crafty, and more importantly healthy, he might keep his career somewhat on track.
Matt Cerrone, who is down in Florida reporting for Mets Blog and SNY, relays that El Duque is toying with his delivery. He is supposedly trying to lose the quintessential El Duque high leg kick, which is most likely causing some of his foot injuries.
From Cerrone:
...honestly, it’s impossible to tell if he looked good or bad…his delivery is a bit different…he was throwing sort-of sidearm at one point…Sidearm, you say? Well, he's always had a strange delivery, and him dropping to sidearm wouldn't surprise me.
To me, at least, throwing sidearm for me is much more comfortable and smoother, even if I'm only throwing a Wiffle ball. If Duque does stick with a sidearm technique, and can stay crafty, and more importantly healthy, he might keep his career somewhat on track.
Happy Santana Day! (Part 2)
Johan Santana will make his second "start" today against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Tradition field.It's a dark and stormy day up here in Connecticut, so I'm looking forward to tuning into SNY at 1 p.m. to see a nice, partly cloudy day down in Port St. Lucie.
3/4/08
Photo of the Day: Saenz
Olmedo Saenz dives into the stands, and makes the catch in foul territory.
Most likely the most impressive thing he'll do in camp.
(AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Shea Stadium is smoke free
Mets officials announced that Shea Stadium will be completely smoke free. You are no longer allowed to smoke on the ramps.Citi Field will also be completely smoke free.
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