I don't think yesterday's game is getting enough hype

Yesterday afternoon, Pedro Martinez, Carlos Muniz, Aaron Heilman, Scott Schoeneweis and Billy Wagner combined to throw a one hitter against the Colorado Rockies.

This was the 33rd Mets one-hitter in team history, and the 33rd time the Mets have come this close to a no-hitter. A truly amazing performance from the staff, especially considering Pedro Martinez was pulled from the game in the fourth inning due to shoulder tightness.

The move was made as a precaution, as Pedro fought to stay in the game, but lost that battle and found himself on the bench for the start of the fifth inning. The Mets bullpen coasted through the next five innings, with Muniz walking only one in two innings of work. Heilman, Schoeneweis and Wagner put together three perfect innings of relief, stifling the Rockies once again.

For the fifth straight game, Mets pitching has held their opponents to three hits or less. In the last five games, Mets pitching is 5-0 with a 0.80 ERA. The opponents are hitting a mere .091 at the plate. The bullpen has only surrendered two hits in 18 1-3 of an inning.

Truly amazing.

Tonight, the Mets best pitcher over the past two months, will take the mound on national television as the Mets look for their second straight win and their ninth in a row. Mike Pelfrey will face Mark Redman tonight on ESPN in the final MLB game before the All Star break.

Get some, Pelfrey.

TSTDIA: Mets 3 -- Rockies 0

I could not be happier with this Mets team. Again, the pitching is dominant, allowing only one run even though Pedro Martinez was removed in the fourth inning with shoulder tightness. Amazin'.

Eight in a row!

My streak is over

Today marks the first time all season I have not seen or heard any moment of the New York Mets game.

Usually I'm able to catch at least an inning on a TV somewhere or listen to Wayne Hagin butcher the play by play on WFAN.

Today, I'm sitting in a backyard at a high school graduation attempting to follow the game via texts to Google and MLB.com Gameday. It's not easy.

So far, the Mets are making it easy, leading 3-0 while I'm writing this. If they can move to eight straight wins, I'll be a happy man. Hopefully I didn't jinx them.

I love this commercial

You all know I'm a Mets fan (duh, you're on this site) but I absolutely love this commercial for the 2008 All Star Game. I love the graphics, it's simple and easy, and the song is amazing. It's the Silversun Pickups -- Lazy Eye.



Anyway, enjoy. It's a nice summer day, go outside until 3:55 p.m. when the Mets and Pedro Martinez go for eight (8!) straight wins.

TSTDIA: Mets 2 -- Rockies 1

Damion Easley comes through in the clutch, knocking a solo home run in
the 8th inning. Oliver Perez sparkles again. The bullpen nearly faltered a few times but managed to work their way out of it and hold the Rockies to only one run.

The Mets have now won seven in a row. I'm lovin' it.

Live from Fan Fest: If you're going, read this

So I spent most of my Friday walking around and taking in the sights at All Star Fan Fest down at the Jacob Javits center. I have a few tips if you're heading out to the event:

• Get there early, leave late. It's pretty much set up like a amusement park. If you want to participate in any sort of the assorted booths, be prepared to wait in line. Just going by my guesstimates, I'd expect to wait at least 20 minutes, and most likely more for each booth.
• Expect to pay like you're at a game. Sure, the beer is only $5, but everything is pretty much priced like you're going to the stadium. Pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs, beer and even wine is all available.
• If you want an autograph, be prepared to wait a long time. If you're an autograph hound, you probably know that by now. If you're not, and you expect to just walk up to a player and have him sign whatever you want, think again. They usually only sign whatever they deem official, so also be prepared to purchase an official photo.
• Bring a camera. Great photo opportunities, and there are tons of booths set up where you can have your picture taken. You can be making a game saving catch over the outfield wall, a locker room reporter with Erin Andrews, sitting in the dugout, and the like.
• Bring a bag. There is free stuff everywhere. I was not prepared to carry all this free swag home, so I had to stuff it into my colleagues bag. Bring your own, or try to grab as many free ones as they'll let you have, and collect as much free stuff as possible.

If you already have plans enjoy the Fan Fest, and if you have photos, send them along! If it's not already in your plans, change them and get your butt out to New York City for a great time.

David Wright makes the All Star team

Due to an injury to Alfonso Soriano, David Wright has been named to
the 2008 National League All Star team.

Wright will join fellow Mets player Billy Wagner as the only two Mets
respresenting the team.

Not to toot my own horn, but I'm pretty sure I called this a few days
ago. Congrats, Wright. Go make the most of it.

Live from Fan Fest: Calling it a day

It was a long, hot, fun day at the All Star Fan Fest. I'm calling it a
day and hitting the road.

If you have kids, I strongly suggest you get out to the Javits center.
And if you don't have kids, still come out and enjoy the experience.
I'll post some thoughts and suggestions a little later.

This place is awesome.

Live from Fan Fest: There are mascots among us

I have never in my life seen so many mascots all congregated in one place.

I've seen mascots I've never even heard of, nevermind seen before.
Who the heck is Gapper?

As reported earlier, I witnessed the awesomeness that is TC the Twins
mascot. I watched him drill at least two balls well out of the "park"
en route to a sure victory. I was not around for the trophy
presentation, so if anyone saw who actually won and/or their victory
dance, please let me know.

Some of these mascots are...nothing. They remind me of the Philly
Phanatic, a creature that is absolutely nothing at all. Not like Mr.
Met is anything feasible, but sometimes it doesn't even seem like they
try to be creative.

Just give it green fur and a purple tail or something, the kids will love it!

Live from Fan Fest: Jazz is a baseball term

Just spoke to a dixie land jazz band that played us a wonderful
rendition of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" on a trumpet, banjo, and
stand up bass. I must say I was impressed.

The banjo player also told me that the term "jazz" was originally a
term used to refer to the bands that used to play at baseball games.
He mentioned it started out in St. Louis when "dixie jazz" bands used
to go out to the ballpark to entertain the fans aside from the game.

If anyone could shed light on this some more, I'd love to hear it.