The Mets look to take the rubber game from the Diamondbacks with their ace on the mound, a 4:10 p.m. start.
Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
RF Ryan Church
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
LF Moises Alou
1B Carlos Delgado
C Brian Schneider
2B Luis Castillo
SP Johan Santana
And that is the best lineup I've seen all year. Welcome back Mr. Schneider, I've missed thee.
Mets vs. Dan Haren:
Reyes: 0-4, RBI, BB, K
Church: No experience
Wright: 1-4, 2B, K
Beltran: 2-8, 3B, 2 K
Delgado: No experience
Schneider: 1-3, BB
Castillo: 3-14, 2B, 2 BB, K
5/4/08
Worst player on the team; 6-1
According to Baseball Prospectus, Endy Chavez is the worst player on the Mets according to VORP. He is #554 in the majors with a -3.2. Robinson Cano is in dead last at #595, with a VORP of -11.
VORP stands for the value over replacement player. "The number of runs contributed beyond what a replacement-level player at the same position would contribute if given the same percentage of team plate appearances."
David Wright is currently the best player on the team, posting a VORP of 12.1, 17th in the majors.
The Mets are now 6-1 when Ryan Church is batting second in the lineup.
Willie Randolph, never change it.
VORP stands for the value over replacement player. "The number of runs contributed beyond what a replacement-level player at the same position would contribute if given the same percentage of team plate appearances."
David Wright is currently the best player on the team, posting a VORP of 12.1, 17th in the majors.
*****
The Mets are now 6-1 when Ryan Church is batting second in the lineup.
Willie Randolph, never change it.
Mets Lounge!!
I'm going to take this opportunity of an extremely slow news morning to talk about Mets Lounge.
ML is a forum started a few months ago with the intent of finding a fun, interesting, and non-confusing forum system where fans can talk Mets, along with many other things of which they please.
So please, come check out Mets Lounge, and sign up for an account. We have a ton of conversation going on, but we need your input!
Mets Lounge :: The official forum of The 'Ropolitans.
ML is a forum started a few months ago with the intent of finding a fun, interesting, and non-confusing forum system where fans can talk Mets, along with many other things of which they please.
So please, come check out Mets Lounge, and sign up for an account. We have a ton of conversation going on, but we need your input!
Mets Lounge :: The official forum of The 'Ropolitans.
5/3/08
Game Recap: Diamondbacks 10 -- Mets 4
The Mets gave Brandon Webb a little trouble, knocking around the 6-0 starter for four runs in his worst start of the year, but Webb still came out on top, keeping his perfect record intact. The Mets dropped only their second game in Arizona since 2005, by a score of 10-4.
Mike Pelfrey started for the Mets, lasting only five innings and giving up five earned runs. Pelfrey allowed nine hits and walked nine, while only striking out one. Pelfrey did not have an inning where a Diamondback did not reach base. His cleanest inning came in the first when he faced only three batters, thanks to a double play.
Pelfrey and the rest of the Mets pitchers had huge problems with three batters: Justin Upton, Conor Jackson, and especially Augie Ojeda. These three combined to go 6-10, scoring five runs and driving in seven. Ojeda drove in six of those runs on a single and two doubles.
He wasn't terrible, but he just couldn't put away hitters, even when he got ahead in the order. Again, the D-Backs made the starter work, as Pelfrey needed 102 to get through five. Another OK start. The Mets are going to need more work out of their starters, that's for sure.
By the way, I'm naming my first child "Augie." What an awesome name.
The Mets scratched out four runs against arguable the best starter in the league. Raul Casanova put the Mets on the board in the second inning with a single to center field, scoring Carlos Beltran.
With the Mets down 5-1 in the top of the sixth, Carlos Delgado came to bat after a single by Ryan Church and a walk by Beltran. Delgado then crushed a pitch from Webb deep to right field, bringing the Mets within one.
He's still got the power, he just needs to get more consistent. I don't think he's done yet, but he's getting close to the end of his rope. The Mets got to the best pitcher in the league for four runs. Pretty good, but they needed to capitalize on his struggles for more and get to the bullpen for some runs.
Jorge Sosa pitched one inning of one hit baseball, striking out one. Aaron Heilman pitched the seventh, loading the bases without giving up a hit as he walked a man before plunking two batters in a row. Heilman then got Miguel Montero to strike out looking on a pitch right on the inside corner to end the inning.
These guys pitched shut out innings? On the same day? It's a miracle!
Duaner Sanchez started the eighth inning. Sanchez gave up three straight singles to start the inning to load the bases with no outs. A wild pitch allowed the first run to score before Sanchez got Conor Jackson to pop up for the first out. Sanchez then allowed another single and a walk before being removed for Scott Schoeneweis. Schoeneweis fared no better, allowing a double and a sac fly to chase in three more runs.
I don't like Sanchez coming into a game down by a run, especially when you don't want to overwork him. I'd understand if he didn't pitch the day before, but I just don't like this move by Willie Randolph.
Game Ball: Delgado.
Mike Pelfrey started for the Mets, lasting only five innings and giving up five earned runs. Pelfrey allowed nine hits and walked nine, while only striking out one. Pelfrey did not have an inning where a Diamondback did not reach base. His cleanest inning came in the first when he faced only three batters, thanks to a double play.
Pelfrey and the rest of the Mets pitchers had huge problems with three batters: Justin Upton, Conor Jackson, and especially Augie Ojeda. These three combined to go 6-10, scoring five runs and driving in seven. Ojeda drove in six of those runs on a single and two doubles.
He wasn't terrible, but he just couldn't put away hitters, even when he got ahead in the order. Again, the D-Backs made the starter work, as Pelfrey needed 102 to get through five. Another OK start. The Mets are going to need more work out of their starters, that's for sure.
By the way, I'm naming my first child "Augie." What an awesome name.
The Mets scratched out four runs against arguable the best starter in the league. Raul Casanova put the Mets on the board in the second inning with a single to center field, scoring Carlos Beltran.
With the Mets down 5-1 in the top of the sixth, Carlos Delgado came to bat after a single by Ryan Church and a walk by Beltran. Delgado then crushed a pitch from Webb deep to right field, bringing the Mets within one.
He's still got the power, he just needs to get more consistent. I don't think he's done yet, but he's getting close to the end of his rope. The Mets got to the best pitcher in the league for four runs. Pretty good, but they needed to capitalize on his struggles for more and get to the bullpen for some runs.
Jorge Sosa pitched one inning of one hit baseball, striking out one. Aaron Heilman pitched the seventh, loading the bases without giving up a hit as he walked a man before plunking two batters in a row. Heilman then got Miguel Montero to strike out looking on a pitch right on the inside corner to end the inning.
These guys pitched shut out innings? On the same day? It's a miracle!
Duaner Sanchez started the eighth inning. Sanchez gave up three straight singles to start the inning to load the bases with no outs. A wild pitch allowed the first run to score before Sanchez got Conor Jackson to pop up for the first out. Sanchez then allowed another single and a walk before being removed for Scott Schoeneweis. Schoeneweis fared no better, allowing a double and a sac fly to chase in three more runs.
I don't like Sanchez coming into a game down by a run, especially when you don't want to overwork him. I'd understand if he didn't pitch the day before, but I just don't like this move by Willie Randolph.
Game Ball: Delgado.
Game Preview: Mets @ Diamondbacks -- 5/3
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
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
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.
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