The Mets look to continue their success in Phoenix, as they take on the Diamondbacks for the second game of the series.
Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
RF Ryan Church
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
1B Carlos Delgado
2B Damion Easley
C Raul Casanova
LF Endy Chavez
SP Mike Pelfrey
Luis Castillo and Moises Alou both get a breather today. Church stays in the lineup batting second.
Mets vs. Brandon Webb:
Reyes: 7-24, HR, 3 K
Church: 5-10, 3 2B, HR
Wright: 6-15, RBI, BB
Beltran: 5-20, 2 2B, 6 BB, 3 K
Delgado: 3-14, 2B, HR, 2 K
Easley: 0-5, BB, K
Casanova: No experience
Chavez: 2-11, K
5/3/08
Shea Stadium West, Part 2
The other day I showed you the win-loss record the Mets hold at Chase Field in Arizona. Today, I'll show you how the offense has dominated in Phoenix since 2005, where they now hold a 12-1 record since that year.
Here's each game, and their scores:
8/22/05: NYM 4 -- ARI 1 -- W
8/23/05: NYM 14 -- ARI 1 -- W
8/24/05: NYM 18 -- ARI 4 -- W
8/25/05: NYM 3 -- ARI 1 -- W
----------------------------
Total: NYM 39 -- ARI 7
6/08/06: NYM 7 -- ARI 1 -- W
6/09/06: NYM 10 -- ARI 6 -- W
6/10/06: NYM 5 -- ARI 0 -- W
6/11/06: NYM 15 -- ARI 2 -- W
----------------------------
Total: NYM 37 -- ARI 9
5/03/07: NYM 9 -- ARI 4 -- W
5/04/07: NYM 5 -- ARI 3 -- W
5/05/07: NYM 6 -- ARI 2 -- W
5/06/07: NYM 1 -- ARI 3 -- L
---------------------------
Total: NYM 21 -- ARI 12
The last three seasons (not including last night) have seen the Mets scored 97 runs to the D-Backs 28.
Adding last night:
5/02/08: NYM 7 -- ARI 2 -- W
----------------------------
Since 2005, the Mets have scored 104 runs in Arizona. That is truly unbelievable. I say the Wilpons scrap the plans for Citi Field and uproot Chase Field and plop it down next to Shea Stadium for next year.
Here's each game, and their scores:
8/22/05: NYM 4 -- ARI 1 -- W
8/23/05: NYM 14 -- ARI 1 -- W
8/24/05: NYM 18 -- ARI 4 -- W
8/25/05: NYM 3 -- ARI 1 -- W
----------------------------
Total: NYM 39 -- ARI 7
6/08/06: NYM 7 -- ARI 1 -- W
6/09/06: NYM 10 -- ARI 6 -- W
6/10/06: NYM 5 -- ARI 0 -- W
6/11/06: NYM 15 -- ARI 2 -- W
----------------------------
Total: NYM 37 -- ARI 9
5/03/07: NYM 9 -- ARI 4 -- W
5/04/07: NYM 5 -- ARI 3 -- W
5/05/07: NYM 6 -- ARI 2 -- W
5/06/07: NYM 1 -- ARI 3 -- L
---------------------------
Total: NYM 21 -- ARI 12
The last three seasons (not including last night) have seen the Mets scored 97 runs to the D-Backs 28.
Adding last night:
5/02/08: NYM 7 -- ARI 2 -- W
----------------------------
Since 2005, the Mets have scored 104 runs in Arizona. That is truly unbelievable. I say the Wilpons scrap the plans for Citi Field and uproot Chase Field and plop it down next to Shea Stadium for next year.
Photo of the Day: Wright and Reyes
David Wright and Jose Reyes were the stars of the show Friday night as they went 6-9, driving in three RBI and scoring four times. They hit two triples, two doubles, and a home run.I think I'm going to name one of my children "Five" and the other one "Seven."
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Game Recap: Mets 7 -- Diamondbacks 2
Where to begin? The Mets took a welcomed trip out west, and beat up on an unbeaten pitcher. David Wright and Jose Reyes each had career days as the Mets bounced back from their trouncing by Pittsburgh, beating up on the best team in the NL, the Arizona Diamondbacks, by a tune of 7-2.
Reyes led off this game with a bang. The first pitch from Micah Owings, Reyes drilled to deep right, and with the Kentucky Derby coming up tomorrow, showed his speed, legging out a triple. Ryan Church, who had a great night but was overshadowed by #5 and #7, hit a sac fly to center, allowing Reyes to trot home with the first run of the game.
The Mets weren't done in the first, as Wright singled and moved to second on a wild pitch. Carlos Beltran walked, bringing up Moises Alou for the first time of the season. Alou smoked a ball to second, which should have been a double play, but Orlando Hudson let is scoot under his glove. Wright scored on the play, while Beltran moved to third. Carlos Delgado followed it up with a single to right field, driving in Beltran to make it 3-0.
John Maine ended up having another solid start, his fifth in a row allowing two runs or less, but struggled through most of the game, battling baserunners and a high pitch count. Maine pitched six innings of six hit baseball. He walked two and struck out six. Maine only allowed two earned runs, both coming in the second inning.
Good, not great. More later.
The Mets jumped right back on Owings in the second, as Reyes hit a one out double to center field, which was followed by a Church double, driving in Reyes.
If this lineup ever changes, I'm not going to be pleased. They showed a graphic on SNY for when Reyes bats first and Church bats second. When that happens, Reyes is batting .500 with Church batting .400. Willie Randolph, take note.
The second inning was rough for Maine, as he allowed a one out double to Justin Upton. With Miguel Montero batting, Maine threw his first wild pitch of the inning, allowing Upton to move to third. Montero then doubled in Upton, and with Owings batting, Maine threw his second wild pitch, allowing Montero to move to third. Maine then settled down nicely, allowing only two hits over the next four innings.
He didn't look overpowering, but he outperformed himself tonight. Limiting damage early and settling into a groove. His pitch count was high, needing 107 to get through his six innings. Just an excellent outing by Maine after not looking like he was going to last through the second.
In the fourth, Mr. Church continued to impress, taking Owings deep to right field for a solo home run.
So far, he is the MVP of the Mets. If anyone is still unhappy with the trade, you need to seek help. In a comment brought up on Mets Lounge, if it was just Lastings Milledge for Church, you still wouldn't have much of an argument.
The Mets weren't happy with the lead, so in the sixth, Reyes singled to left with one out. This left Reyes a home run shy of the cycle. A batter later, Wright took a pitch from Owings deep left, chasing the pitcher and leaving Wright a triple shy of the cycle.
The best left side of the field in baseball, at least in my opinion. The duo cross town might put up a bit of a fight, but I'd still take Reyes and Wright any day. Thoughts?
Joe Smith came on in the seventh and set the side down in order.
Leading off the top of the eighth, Reyes jacked a ball to deep center field, making a bid for his home run to complete the cycle. Arizona center fielder Chris Young made a jumping effort on the ball, but it hit the wall behind him and bounced back out into center. Reyes turned on the jets rounding first, looking to pick up his home run the hard way. Young recovered and made a beautiful throw to second, which was relayed home to beat Reyes by at least five steps.
I though he had it, and I think if it was anyone by Young in center, who needed an absolutely perfect throw to nail him, Reyes was going to get it. So close.
Smith came on to start the eighth, getting two ground outs before walking Stephen Drew and allowing a single to Justin Upton. Pedro Feliciano entered the game and got a ground out to third to end the inning.
Duaner Sanchez entered the game in the ninth with a five run lead, sandwiching strikeouts of Jeff Salazar and Eric Byrnes around a ground ball from Young.
"Dirty" is back in business.
Not only did Wright and Reyes sparkle at bat, each had a spectacular defensive play in the field. In the second, Hudson hit a short pop up into foul territory behind third base. Wright had a strange angle, but tracked the ball and made a beautiful, over the shoulder diving grab onto the warning track in foul ground.
Reyes made a diving stab on a ground ball smoked to his right side, which one hopped into his glove. He got to his feet, and flat-footed, made a strong throw to first to get the runner.
Awesome. Just awesome.
Game Ball: Reyes and Wright.
Reyes led off this game with a bang. The first pitch from Micah Owings, Reyes drilled to deep right, and with the Kentucky Derby coming up tomorrow, showed his speed, legging out a triple. Ryan Church, who had a great night but was overshadowed by #5 and #7, hit a sac fly to center, allowing Reyes to trot home with the first run of the game.
The Mets weren't done in the first, as Wright singled and moved to second on a wild pitch. Carlos Beltran walked, bringing up Moises Alou for the first time of the season. Alou smoked a ball to second, which should have been a double play, but Orlando Hudson let is scoot under his glove. Wright scored on the play, while Beltran moved to third. Carlos Delgado followed it up with a single to right field, driving in Beltran to make it 3-0.
John Maine ended up having another solid start, his fifth in a row allowing two runs or less, but struggled through most of the game, battling baserunners and a high pitch count. Maine pitched six innings of six hit baseball. He walked two and struck out six. Maine only allowed two earned runs, both coming in the second inning.
Good, not great. More later.
The Mets jumped right back on Owings in the second, as Reyes hit a one out double to center field, which was followed by a Church double, driving in Reyes.
If this lineup ever changes, I'm not going to be pleased. They showed a graphic on SNY for when Reyes bats first and Church bats second. When that happens, Reyes is batting .500 with Church batting .400. Willie Randolph, take note.
The second inning was rough for Maine, as he allowed a one out double to Justin Upton. With Miguel Montero batting, Maine threw his first wild pitch of the inning, allowing Upton to move to third. Montero then doubled in Upton, and with Owings batting, Maine threw his second wild pitch, allowing Montero to move to third. Maine then settled down nicely, allowing only two hits over the next four innings.
He didn't look overpowering, but he outperformed himself tonight. Limiting damage early and settling into a groove. His pitch count was high, needing 107 to get through his six innings. Just an excellent outing by Maine after not looking like he was going to last through the second.
In the fourth, Mr. Church continued to impress, taking Owings deep to right field for a solo home run.
So far, he is the MVP of the Mets. If anyone is still unhappy with the trade, you need to seek help. In a comment brought up on Mets Lounge, if it was just Lastings Milledge for Church, you still wouldn't have much of an argument.
The Mets weren't happy with the lead, so in the sixth, Reyes singled to left with one out. This left Reyes a home run shy of the cycle. A batter later, Wright took a pitch from Owings deep left, chasing the pitcher and leaving Wright a triple shy of the cycle.
The best left side of the field in baseball, at least in my opinion. The duo cross town might put up a bit of a fight, but I'd still take Reyes and Wright any day. Thoughts?
Joe Smith came on in the seventh and set the side down in order.
Leading off the top of the eighth, Reyes jacked a ball to deep center field, making a bid for his home run to complete the cycle. Arizona center fielder Chris Young made a jumping effort on the ball, but it hit the wall behind him and bounced back out into center. Reyes turned on the jets rounding first, looking to pick up his home run the hard way. Young recovered and made a beautiful throw to second, which was relayed home to beat Reyes by at least five steps.
I though he had it, and I think if it was anyone by Young in center, who needed an absolutely perfect throw to nail him, Reyes was going to get it. So close.
Smith came on to start the eighth, getting two ground outs before walking Stephen Drew and allowing a single to Justin Upton. Pedro Feliciano entered the game and got a ground out to third to end the inning.
Duaner Sanchez entered the game in the ninth with a five run lead, sandwiching strikeouts of Jeff Salazar and Eric Byrnes around a ground ball from Young.
"Dirty" is back in business.
Not only did Wright and Reyes sparkle at bat, each had a spectacular defensive play in the field. In the second, Hudson hit a short pop up into foul territory behind third base. Wright had a strange angle, but tracked the ball and made a beautiful, over the shoulder diving grab onto the warning track in foul ground.
Reyes made a diving stab on a ground ball smoked to his right side, which one hopped into his glove. He got to his feet, and flat-footed, made a strong throw to first to get the runner.
Awesome. Just awesome.
Game Ball: Reyes and Wright.
5/2/08
Resulting move
To make room for Moises Alou, Gustavo Molina was optioned back to AAA. Brian Schneider will be available to catch if needed.
Game Preview: Mets @ Diamondbacks
The Mets start their west coast swing, starting in Arizona tonight. It's a 9:40 p.m. start, so get some caffeine in your system.
Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
RF Ryan Church
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
LF Moises Alou
1B Carlos Delgado
C Raul Casanova
2B Luis Castillo
SP John Maine
Maine vs. Micah Owings
Here's the new preview style, blatantly ripped off from Scott Proctor's Arm:
Mets vs. Owings:
Reyes: 0-3
Church: 1-4, BB, 2 K
Wright: 0-3
Beltran: 1-1, HR, 2 BB
Alou: 2-2, BB, 2B, RBI
Delgado: 0-3, 2 K
Casanova: 1-3, 3B
Castillo: Never faced
Obviously, Alou is back, which means a roster move was made, but I'm not sure what yet. I'm assuming Gustavo Molina was sent down, and Brian Schneider will catch if needed. The Mets are 5-0 with Church batting second. I love this lineup.
Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
RF Ryan Church
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
LF Moises Alou
1B Carlos Delgado
C Raul Casanova
2B Luis Castillo
SP John Maine
Maine vs. Micah Owings
Here's the new preview style, blatantly ripped off from Scott Proctor's Arm:
Mets vs. Owings:
Reyes: 0-3
Church: 1-4, BB, 2 K
Wright: 0-3
Beltran: 1-1, HR, 2 BB
Alou: 2-2, BB, 2B, RBI
Delgado: 0-3, 2 K
Casanova: 1-3, 3B
Castillo: Never faced
Obviously, Alou is back, which means a roster move was made, but I'm not sure what yet. I'm assuming Gustavo Molina was sent down, and Brian Schneider will catch if needed. The Mets are 5-0 with Church batting second. I love this lineup.
Here, I'll start
With Willie Randolph getting closer and closer to the chopping block, at least in the fans eyes, I'll be the first to suggest this replacement.Newly retired, former-everything, Julio Franco.
Why not?
Schneider almost back; can back up tonight
Adam Rubin reports that Brian Schneider has said he is capable of being a backup tonight in Arizona.
If this is true, and the Mets want to go with this statement, expect Gustavo Molina to be heading back to New Orleans while Moises Alou may be activated.
All speculation at this point, but it would be nice to have Alou back, as he might jumpstart this offense after their two hit performance after their finale at Shea on Wednesday.
If this is true, and the Mets want to go with this statement, expect Gustavo Molina to be heading back to New Orleans while Moises Alou may be activated.
All speculation at this point, but it would be nice to have Alou back, as he might jumpstart this offense after their two hit performance after their finale at Shea on Wednesday.
The lefty lineup
When Moises Alou is activated, and Brian Schneider returns to the lineup, the Mets have an interesting decision in dealing with the lineup.
As of late, the lineup has been as follows:
Jose Reyes - Switch
Luis Castillo - Switch
David Wright - Right
Carlos Beltran - Switch
Ryan Church - Left
Carlos Delgado - Left
Angel Pagan - Switch
Raul Casanova - Switch
Pitcher
When Alou and Schneider return, it will probably be:
Reyes - S
Castillo - S
Wright - R
Beltran - S
Church - L
Alou - R
Delgado - L
Schneider - L
Pitcher
Obviously, stacking the lefties nearly in a row is not going to be good for business. That's all under the assumption that Willie Randolph sticks with his "gut" and keep Castillo where he believes he works the best.
My ideal lineup is as follows:
Reyes - S
Church - L
Beltran - S
Wright - R
Alou - R
Castillo - S
Delgado - L
Schneider - L
Pitcher
That makes the most sense to me, as it won't stack one side of the plate in row. Alou might not see a lot of pitches to hit with Castillo batting behind him, but that could be beneficial for the team.
It's not perfect, but it's worth a shot. Do you have your own lineup idea? Let's see them!
As of late, the lineup has been as follows:
Jose Reyes - Switch
Luis Castillo - Switch
David Wright - Right
Carlos Beltran - Switch
Ryan Church - Left
Carlos Delgado - Left
Angel Pagan - Switch
Raul Casanova - Switch
Pitcher
When Alou and Schneider return, it will probably be:
Reyes - S
Castillo - S
Wright - R
Beltran - S
Church - L
Alou - R
Delgado - L
Schneider - L
Pitcher
Obviously, stacking the lefties nearly in a row is not going to be good for business. That's all under the assumption that Willie Randolph sticks with his "gut" and keep Castillo where he believes he works the best.
My ideal lineup is as follows:
Reyes - S
Church - L
Beltran - S
Wright - R
Alou - R
Castillo - S
Delgado - L
Schneider - L
Pitcher
That makes the most sense to me, as it won't stack one side of the plate in row. Alou might not see a lot of pitches to hit with Castillo batting behind him, but that could be beneficial for the team.
It's not perfect, but it's worth a shot. Do you have your own lineup idea? Let's see them!
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