Even though the Mets lost, mostly due to Pedro nearly giving up a seven run lead, and the bullpen not being able to close the door, one pitcher stood out from among the others: Aaron Heilman.
I never thought I'd be writing such a sentence lately, but last night was spectacular.
Heilman came in for the bottom of the tenth inning, and quickly let up a leadoff double to Chris Coste. Heilman then had to face Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Pat Burrell, and Ryan Howard, the Phillies big boppers. He successfully escaped the inning without damage.
Then came the 11th. The bases were loaded with two outs, and Jimmy Rollins was back at the plate. Heilman got Rollins to pop up in foul territory to escape the jam.
Onto the 12th, where Heilman got Utley and Howard swinging, sandwiched around a Burrell pop up.
60 pitches, over three beautiful innings. He let up hits and walked a few, but he was able to work out of it every time. If the Mets had been able to pull this one out, Heilman was going to be the hero.
8/27/08
Game Recap: Phillies 8 -- Mets 7
All you need to know is that the Mets had a seven run lead, and they let it up. They were shutout in the last nine innings by the Phillies bullpen.
That's it. That's all I'm telling you.
Otherwise, I'll induce tears and punching of objects.
That's it. That's all I'm telling you.
Otherwise, I'll induce tears and punching of objects.
8/26/08
Obligatory instant replay post...Obligatory instant replay post
See what I did there?
Various sources are reporting that Major League Baseball will institute instant replay this season, as early as Thursday.
The replay will only be used for home run calls, i.e. to see if a home run is fair or foul, or if it cleared the wall or yellow line.
I don't know how I feel about this yet, but I think MLB rushed to get this in too soon. It should have been tested in the offseason and in spring training, not tossed into the end of a season. I could easily see it coming back to bite the Mets, as they were part of the outcry when Carlos Delgado's home run at Yankee Stadium was called foul all those months ago. I bet the Phillies will get a favorable call off replay against the Mets. It's only fitting.
Too quick, MLB. Too quick.
Various sources are reporting that Major League Baseball will institute instant replay this season, as early as Thursday.
The replay will only be used for home run calls, i.e. to see if a home run is fair or foul, or if it cleared the wall or yellow line.
I don't know how I feel about this yet, but I think MLB rushed to get this in too soon. It should have been tested in the offseason and in spring training, not tossed into the end of a season. I could easily see it coming back to bite the Mets, as they were part of the outcry when Carlos Delgado's home run at Yankee Stadium was called foul all those months ago. I bet the Phillies will get a favorable call off replay against the Mets. It's only fitting.
Too quick, MLB. Too quick.
Off Topic: CC Sabathia is cold??
Yahoo! Sports must be out of their mind.
Do they honestly think CC Sabathia belongs on the "cold pitchers" list? He hasn't lost since he's been a Brewer. Just because he didn't earn a win, he belongs on the list?
This is probably an automated system that just looks at certain stats, but if it's not, someone has some explaining to do.
Do they honestly think CC Sabathia belongs on the "cold pitchers" list? He hasn't lost since he's been a Brewer. Just because he didn't earn a win, he belongs on the list?This is probably an automated system that just looks at certain stats, but if it's not, someone has some explaining to do.
Thanks a lot, Dodgers!
Seriously, I guess the Dodgers sweep of the Phillies a few weeks ago was too much to ask of this team. Just one win this past series would have been nice...but no, the Dodgers had to go and lose all four to the Phillies.
Of course, the Mets split their series with the Astros, a team the Mets find almost unbeatable, and the Phillies picked up two games on the first place team.
I called it a few weeks back when I said the lead in the NL East will change hands three more times before the season is over. Since then, the Mets have taken over first. By the time this two game series in Philly is over, it could change hands again. That would be two times, leaving the Mets with the final push to first, if all goes according to my prophecy.
The Dodgers didn't just lose to the Phillies, they were dominated by them. To the tune of 27-5 over the four games. That's just what they need: a dominating effort to fill them with confidence. They're going to come into this short series riding high and come out to play. I don't like the looks of it for the Mets. The Philly bats seem to be back and in full swing (pardon the pun.)
Hopefully Johan Santana and Pedro Martinez can channel some Mike Pelfrey and shut down the hot bats.
Of course, the Mets split their series with the Astros, a team the Mets find almost unbeatable, and the Phillies picked up two games on the first place team.
I called it a few weeks back when I said the lead in the NL East will change hands three more times before the season is over. Since then, the Mets have taken over first. By the time this two game series in Philly is over, it could change hands again. That would be two times, leaving the Mets with the final push to first, if all goes according to my prophecy.
The Dodgers didn't just lose to the Phillies, they were dominated by them. To the tune of 27-5 over the four games. That's just what they need: a dominating effort to fill them with confidence. They're going to come into this short series riding high and come out to play. I don't like the looks of it for the Mets. The Philly bats seem to be back and in full swing (pardon the pun.)
Hopefully Johan Santana and Pedro Martinez can channel some Mike Pelfrey and shut down the hot bats.
The best way to help the bullpen: Don't let them touch the baseball
Mike Pelfrey is smart. He knows his bullpen is shaky, so the only way to help his team is to go the distance. And he nearly did so in style.
Pelfrey was two outs away from his first complete game shutout, but ex-Mets David Newhan and Ty Wiggington had to spoil the fun and score a ninth inning run. Speaking of Newhan, in the four games against the Mets this year, he went 3-8, scored two runs, had a double and a home run, and drove in two. Who would have thought he could do such things after his paltry .203 average with the Mets last year?
Either way, Pelfrey has surpassed any and all predictions I had for him. I expected him to be a good pitcher, but nothing like this. He's truly an "ace," if that term still applies to anything anymore. Looking at the staff, even without John Maine, it's a formidable task to overcome for opposing teams. Between the double-barrled aces of Pelfrey and Johan Santana, there is the usually dominany Oliver Perez, and ol' reliable, Pedro Martinez. A weak 5th starter, which the Mets won't even need in the playoffs is fine, as long as your other pitchers go out and perform, which they have.
People were all over Pelfrey last year and at the beginning of this year. He took his lumps at the major league level, but that seems to have helped him. He knows how to deal with adversity and he knows how to handle major league batters.
Keep on truckin', Pelfrey. We're all along for the ride and we're loving every minute of it.
Pelfrey was two outs away from his first complete game shutout, but ex-Mets David Newhan and Ty Wiggington had to spoil the fun and score a ninth inning run. Speaking of Newhan, in the four games against the Mets this year, he went 3-8, scored two runs, had a double and a home run, and drove in two. Who would have thought he could do such things after his paltry .203 average with the Mets last year?
Either way, Pelfrey has surpassed any and all predictions I had for him. I expected him to be a good pitcher, but nothing like this. He's truly an "ace," if that term still applies to anything anymore. Looking at the staff, even without John Maine, it's a formidable task to overcome for opposing teams. Between the double-barrled aces of Pelfrey and Johan Santana, there is the usually dominany Oliver Perez, and ol' reliable, Pedro Martinez. A weak 5th starter, which the Mets won't even need in the playoffs is fine, as long as your other pitchers go out and perform, which they have.
People were all over Pelfrey last year and at the beginning of this year. He took his lumps at the major league level, but that seems to have helped him. He knows how to deal with adversity and he knows how to handle major league batters.
Keep on truckin', Pelfrey. We're all along for the ride and we're loving every minute of it.
8/25/08
Game Recap: Mets 9 -- Astros 1
In the words of Ryan Punzalan: This kid is a stud.
Pitching Performance
Mike Pelfrey is a beast. He turned in his second complete game victory in a row, throwing nine innings of one run baseball. Pelfrey threw only 108 pitches, and needed only 18 to get through the last two innings.
He allowed six hits, two of which came in the ninth, where the Astros scored their only run. On what would have been a double down the line, Carlos Delgado made a nice diving stop on a Ty Wiggington grounder, and reached out to first with his bare hand as David Newhan trotted home.
Pelfrey was on, as he walked none and struck out six while on the bump. Only two of the Astros hits were of the extra base variety, as they hit two doubles. The other four were all singles.
He was downright nasty tonight. Another CG. Wow.
So much for limiting his innings. Unbelievable outing. I think he's the most exciting pitcher on the staff.
Offensive Output
When Deglado is hot, he's hot.
Delgado blasted a pair of three-run home runs, one in the first inning (of course) and one in the seventh. David Wright and Jose Reyes were on base for both of those homers, and obviously scored each time. The first home run went down the left field line, just staying fair to put the Mets up early. The second was crushed to straightaway centerfield, directly over the 410 sign on the wall.
Another wow. Who would have thought he would have the season that he's having after that miserable start to this season. It's going to be a tough decision for the Mets on what to do with him during the offseason.
Daniel Murphy drove in a run in the sixth inning with a sacrafice fly to center field, allowing Carlos Beltran to score.
The Mets added on in the bottom of the eigth. Ryan Church doubled to lead off the inning, and Pelfrey walked on four pitches. Reyes then tripled down the first base line, chasing Church home from third and Pelfrey all the way from first.
The most exciting man in baseball, without a doubt.
Finally, the offense scored early and often. About time the bats broke out against this team.
The Rest of the Story
I hope this becomes a theme: The game lasted just over two and a half hours.
In Pelfrey's last 25 innings, he's given up 16 hits and only four runs.
Game Ball: Mike Pelfrey and Carlos Delgado.
Pitching Performance
Mike Pelfrey is a beast. He turned in his second complete game victory in a row, throwing nine innings of one run baseball. Pelfrey threw only 108 pitches, and needed only 18 to get through the last two innings.
He allowed six hits, two of which came in the ninth, where the Astros scored their only run. On what would have been a double down the line, Carlos Delgado made a nice diving stop on a Ty Wiggington grounder, and reached out to first with his bare hand as David Newhan trotted home.
Pelfrey was on, as he walked none and struck out six while on the bump. Only two of the Astros hits were of the extra base variety, as they hit two doubles. The other four were all singles.
He was downright nasty tonight. Another CG. Wow.
So much for limiting his innings. Unbelievable outing. I think he's the most exciting pitcher on the staff.
Offensive Output
When Deglado is hot, he's hot.
Delgado blasted a pair of three-run home runs, one in the first inning (of course) and one in the seventh. David Wright and Jose Reyes were on base for both of those homers, and obviously scored each time. The first home run went down the left field line, just staying fair to put the Mets up early. The second was crushed to straightaway centerfield, directly over the 410 sign on the wall.
Another wow. Who would have thought he would have the season that he's having after that miserable start to this season. It's going to be a tough decision for the Mets on what to do with him during the offseason.
Daniel Murphy drove in a run in the sixth inning with a sacrafice fly to center field, allowing Carlos Beltran to score.
The Mets added on in the bottom of the eigth. Ryan Church doubled to lead off the inning, and Pelfrey walked on four pitches. Reyes then tripled down the first base line, chasing Church home from third and Pelfrey all the way from first.
The most exciting man in baseball, without a doubt.
Finally, the offense scored early and often. About time the bats broke out against this team.
The Rest of the Story
I hope this becomes a theme: The game lasted just over two and a half hours.
In Pelfrey's last 25 innings, he's given up 16 hits and only four runs.
Game Ball: Mike Pelfrey and Carlos Delgado.
Luis Castillo up in place of John Maine; Mets have three second basemen?
Well this makes no sense.
With John Maine on the DL, it made it much easier for the Mets to bring Luis Castillo back from his extended stay on the disabled list.
This leaves the Mets with Castillo and Argenis Reyes, who can pretty much only play second base, and Damion Easley, who can play first, second and left. Too bad Daniel Murphy and Nick Evans are seemingly entrenched in left, and Carlos Delgado is playing well at first.
Way too clogged. Someone has to go to add an arm for a few days. Sorry Argenis, but I think you have to head to the minors for a few days. The Mets need another arm out of the bullpen, I think.
With John Maine on the DL, it made it much easier for the Mets to bring Luis Castillo back from his extended stay on the disabled list.
This leaves the Mets with Castillo and Argenis Reyes, who can pretty much only play second base, and Damion Easley, who can play first, second and left. Too bad Daniel Murphy and Nick Evans are seemingly entrenched in left, and Carlos Delgado is playing well at first.
Way too clogged. Someone has to go to add an arm for a few days. Sorry Argenis, but I think you have to head to the minors for a few days. The Mets need another arm out of the bullpen, I think.
John Maine to the DL; Likely done for season
Sometimes, when you speak, people listen.
Obviously, the Mets didn't read my post this morning and decide to listen to me, but this is a good move for the team and John Maine.
Maine will hit the DL with a bone spur in his shoulder, and may miss the rest of the year. He is already scheduled to have surgery in the offseason, so this is a good idea all around. Yes, I think the staff is going to miss him, but I think they will be able to patch together his starts down the stretch.
After that, if the Mets make the playoffs, they can run with a four man rotation without a problem.
Smart move by the Mets. It seems they've learned to be very cautious with injuries since Ryan Church's concussions.
Update, 4:59 pm: Tejesh, from Mets Prospect Hub, relayed some info on Maine. According to him, Omar Minaya said Maine is not necessarily shut down for the season.
Now that's just silly to me. When are you going to bring him back, the playoffs? No way would I ever bring a guy off the DL to work in the playoffs, unless he looked completely dominant in any "rehab" assignment.
Obviously, the Mets didn't read my post this morning and decide to listen to me, but this is a good move for the team and John Maine.
Maine will hit the DL with a bone spur in his shoulder, and may miss the rest of the year. He is already scheduled to have surgery in the offseason, so this is a good idea all around. Yes, I think the staff is going to miss him, but I think they will be able to patch together his starts down the stretch.
After that, if the Mets make the playoffs, they can run with a four man rotation without a problem.
Smart move by the Mets. It seems they've learned to be very cautious with injuries since Ryan Church's concussions.
Update, 4:59 pm: Tejesh, from Mets Prospect Hub, relayed some info on Maine. According to him, Omar Minaya said Maine is not necessarily shut down for the season.
Now that's just silly to me. When are you going to bring him back, the playoffs? No way would I ever bring a guy off the DL to work in the playoffs, unless he looked completely dominant in any "rehab" assignment.
What I would like to own from Shea Stadium
So with the Shea Stadium seats going on sale for much more than I earned all summer, I was wondering what else they would sell from the stadium.
Here's a list I compiled of items I'd like to see for sale:
Here's a list I compiled of items I'd like to see for sale:
- The toilets/urinals. It only makes sense to have those porcelain thrones put up for sale. I'd like to own a urinal from Shea. It'd be so fitting.
- The Azek Trimboard sign. It'd look dashing over my bed.
- That giant Dunkin' Donuts cup. I want to fill it with real ice coffee and go for a swim.
- The piece of cement with Tommy Agee's home run marker. Actually, I think they should give that to Agee's family or put it into Citi Field, where the distance marker would be the same.
- Pieces of the foul pole. Something they could cut up and sell in small pieces, like 1x1 foot sections. Everyone could have a piece.
- Dirt. A vial of dirt. $5. Come on, Mets, don't overcharge me for dirt.
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