Early Morning Madness -- 6/5

I expected the Mets turnaround to be a very drawn out affair. Win a few games here, take two days off, win a few more. A two steps forward, one step back type of deal.

Right now, they seem to just be putting the pedal to the metal and cranking it to sixth gear. My only fear is that they will tease us with a very long winning streak, or string of games where they go 7-3 over 10 games (oh, wait!) and then suddenly have everything fall apart and start losing again.

Then things will really get out of hand in the media. Just something to chew on.

*****

Jose Reyes is hot. Carlos Beltran is hot. Most of the team is hot. And I am a happy man.

*****

I'm wondering if we'll ever see Matt Wise pitch again in a Mets uniform. He just can't seem to get healthy and the latest injury smells like something he'll need surgery for. Just a hunch though.

*****

So long, John Smoltz. You're gone for this year, and possibly your career. For the sake of Mets fans everywhere, just hang them up already.

TSTDIA: Mets 5 -- Giants 3

This team seems to be escalating from "lukewarm" to "hot" quicker than I expected.

Stupid west coast baseball

I hate missing baseball games. I haven't seen a full game in days.

Mark this up as just another reason I want to be a writer. You actually go to the games...as your job!

12 games: 5-2

Game 1: Mets 7 -- Marlins 6 (12 innings).
Game 2: Mets 8 -- Dodgers 4.
Game 3: Dodgers 9 -- Mets 5.
Game 4: Mets 3 -- Dodgers 2.
Game 5: Mets 6 -- Dodgers 1
Game 6: Giants 10 -- Mets 2.
Game 7: Mets 9 -- Giants 6

Record in the 12 games: 5-2. Five games left to play.

Looking good, if I do say so myself.

Projecting Pedro: Results

I didn't realize it, but I mistakenly presented two different projections for Pedro Martinez's second start of the season last night.

I originally (and almost perfectly) guessed 5 2-3 innings, letting in three runs on six hits. I was a little lofty on the strikeouts, pegging him at 6, while walking two.

Pedro's actual line: 6 IP, 3 runs on 7 hits, 3 BB, 3 K.

If only I could get that close with the lottery numbers.

TSTDIA: Mets 9 -- Giants 6

Pedro Martinez is back.

Pumped

I am very excited for tonight's game, though I will probably not see a second of it.

Pedro Martinez, the Mets best clubhouse leader, will be returning to the field to do what he does best. Hopefully, he can stay injury free, but I will refrain from raising my hopes just yet.

Tonight also sees young phenom Joba Chamberlain making his first career major league start. for the New York Yankees.

The back pages might have a bit of conflict on who gets top billing tomorrow morning, but it all depends on how good (or bad) each pitchers starts go.

Should be a fun night all around for New York sports fans.

Projecting Pedro

Pedro Martinez is set to make his return to the rotation Tuesday night, the first time since he injured himself during the first week of the season.

I already projected Pedro to throw 5 2-3 innings, allowing two runs. What do you think Pedro will do in his first start back?

Move made official

A move we all saw coming in the first inning was made official after last nights game debacle.

With Oliver Perez throwing batting practice to the Giants, he was pulled after only recording one out. Claudio Vargas, now "firmly" situated in the bullpen, came in and pitch 4 2-3 scoreless innings for the Mets. Mike Pelfrey will stay in the rotation, as Carlos Muniz, who allowed four runs on Monday night, was sent down to AAA.

Muniz was sent down to make room for Pedro Martinez, who is making his return tonight against the Giants.

I hope Martinez can do something worthwhile for two reasons:
1. I want him to do well, obviously.
2. The bullpen was slightly overworked last night.

I can see Pedro pitching into the sixth inning, struggling, and coming out with a line somewhere near 5 2-3 innings, 6 hits, 3 runs, 6 K's and 2 walks. I would happily take that from Martinez on his first start back.

TSTDIA: Giants 10 -- Mets 2

Oliver Perez stunk it up, big time, as he couldn't pitch himself out of the first inning. The team never recovered.