Taken during last night's loss to the Cubs...
It's probably better off that way, actually.
It's probably better off that way, actually.
9/25/08
Forget John Maine
They activated him yesterday, but Jerry Manuel says he won't be used.
Because that makes sense.
Manuel is making the decision on his own, and will not pitch John Maine for the rest of the season.
I'm confused. The medical staff cleared him ready, and the front office thought it was a wise idea to activate him.
This team makes less and less sense as the days go on.
Because that makes sense.
Manuel is making the decision on his own, and will not pitch John Maine for the rest of the season.
I'm confused. The medical staff cleared him ready, and the front office thought it was a wise idea to activate him.
This team makes less and less sense as the days go on.
Comment: About last night
From a faithful friend and commenter, Paul Mannino...
Much like Glavine's performance last year, I think that might have been Ollie's tryout for being re-signed. I was looking at the free agent pitchers, though. And he is still the youngest "proven" commodity. I don't know...
I think the same can be said for tonight. Too many people rolling their eyes over a Haren vs. Pedro match up. Pedro can either bring it or flounder. And, again, whether it is right or not, I think that this start (almost on its own) will determine whether or not the Mets get creative about pursuing him past 2008.
I so badly want the poetry of Pedro stepping up. That sense of vindication that I felt yesterday when Delgado hit that grand slam (and all the boo birds went away)...oh, I wish Pedro could have that. I would love for him to go out a champ.
We floundered for so long in mediocrity. Pedro ushered in that era of relevance. It would only be fitting for him to get into a classic pitching duel with a pitcher who could be his grandson. Whizzing a myriad of pitched at flummoxed Cubbies. Yeah, don't forget, Andy, sports are about dreaming too!
And believing. Maybe I'm just the faith guy. But, I still see this happening. How beautiful would a one-game playoff be in the last game at Shea? Oh...wow. We're on-line for that right now. I will get nervous when we are on the outside looking in. We're not now.
Am I aggravated? Yeah.
Do I hate the bullpen? Yeah.
I am a Met fan. Tried and true. Sometimes I think the "true"-ness comes from the "try"-ing. So...we're in trying times, but we are not finished or dead. Shoot, we don't even stink. We just need to play even with the Brewers for the rest of the week to have an awesome Shea farewell moment.
That's what I'm hoping for now. Screw the Phillies. They've already proven that they don't know what to do with a division title (sweep to the Rockies?). So...let's have a fun week against the Brew Crew!
Much like Glavine's performance last year, I think that might have been Ollie's tryout for being re-signed. I was looking at the free agent pitchers, though. And he is still the youngest "proven" commodity. I don't know...
I think the same can be said for tonight. Too many people rolling their eyes over a Haren vs. Pedro match up. Pedro can either bring it or flounder. And, again, whether it is right or not, I think that this start (almost on its own) will determine whether or not the Mets get creative about pursuing him past 2008.
I so badly want the poetry of Pedro stepping up. That sense of vindication that I felt yesterday when Delgado hit that grand slam (and all the boo birds went away)...oh, I wish Pedro could have that. I would love for him to go out a champ.
We floundered for so long in mediocrity. Pedro ushered in that era of relevance. It would only be fitting for him to get into a classic pitching duel with a pitcher who could be his grandson. Whizzing a myriad of pitched at flummoxed Cubbies. Yeah, don't forget, Andy, sports are about dreaming too!
And believing. Maybe I'm just the faith guy. But, I still see this happening. How beautiful would a one-game playoff be in the last game at Shea? Oh...wow. We're on-line for that right now. I will get nervous when we are on the outside looking in. We're not now.
Am I aggravated? Yeah.
Do I hate the bullpen? Yeah.
I am a Met fan. Tried and true. Sometimes I think the "true"-ness comes from the "try"-ing. So...we're in trying times, but we are not finished or dead. Shoot, we don't even stink. We just need to play even with the Brewers for the rest of the week to have an awesome Shea farewell moment.
That's what I'm hoping for now. Screw the Phillies. They've already proven that they don't know what to do with a division title (sweep to the Rockies?). So...let's have a fun week against the Brew Crew!
Give me a break, Baumbach
"The challenge for the Mets in the next four games is to find a way to make the playoffs despite one of the least reliable bullpens in the history of contenders. The challenge for their fans is to fill Shea Stadium and hold back on booing.
Which of those scenarios is more likely to happen?"
-Jim Baumbach, 9/25/08
What else do you want us to do!?
We've watched our team fall apart, piece by piece, for the second season in a row. They had a 3.5 game lead with two weeks to play, and now we're battling to make it into the playoffs via the Wild Card.
And you just want us to sit back and applaud all these wonderful performances?
I guess if you want to be controversial, you can write what you want, but it's absolutely absurd to expect fans to sit back and watch a four run lead slip away. To entertain the fun experience of having a runner 90 feet away, and nobody out, and not be able to score for three straight innings.
Sure. Yay. Go Mets. Woo.
No, I will not do that. I will have my voice be heard. If I was at the game last night, I would have booed louder than anyone else there. There is a point at which you should cheer, if there is fight, if there is heart.
But I saw none of that last night. Last night I watched a few players really attempt to help the team, and the rest of them fail.
If they wanted it bad enough, this game was there for the taking. But the Mets watched it pass them by.
And for that, they should be booed.
Which of those scenarios is more likely to happen?"
-Jim Baumbach, 9/25/08
What else do you want us to do!?
We've watched our team fall apart, piece by piece, for the second season in a row. They had a 3.5 game lead with two weeks to play, and now we're battling to make it into the playoffs via the Wild Card.
And you just want us to sit back and applaud all these wonderful performances?
I guess if you want to be controversial, you can write what you want, but it's absolutely absurd to expect fans to sit back and watch a four run lead slip away. To entertain the fun experience of having a runner 90 feet away, and nobody out, and not be able to score for three straight innings.
Sure. Yay. Go Mets. Woo.
No, I will not do that. I will have my voice be heard. If I was at the game last night, I would have booed louder than anyone else there. There is a point at which you should cheer, if there is fight, if there is heart.
But I saw none of that last night. Last night I watched a few players really attempt to help the team, and the rest of them fail.
If they wanted it bad enough, this game was there for the taking. But the Mets watched it pass them by.
And for that, they should be booed.
Beyond frustrating
Usually, I can bounce back from a loss rather quickly. Give me a few hours and my life snaps back into perspective.
Not this time.
Last night, the Mets had chances upon chances to score, to take the lead, to win the game. They had a perfect opportunity to pick up a full game on the Phillies and to keep some distance between them and the Brewers.
But no, they let them slip on by. It must sting for the guys, but it stings even more for a fan. I was getting text messages from friends along the lines of "That's it...I'm done. See you next year," "The Choke of 2008," and "This team #$%&*@# stinks!"
I agree.
It took me a while to sit back and move on from the game. It's sad, that I take a game like this, one I have no hand in, this hard, but it's how I am. It's how I've always been.
I'm a competetive guy by nature, so when I get on a field to play, I switch from generally happy-go-lucky, to fierce competitor. The same thing happens when I watch a game. I get engrossed in the action on the field and by the end, I'm practically pleading with the team to score, hold off the opponent and just plain win.
Not this time.
Last night, the Mets had chances upon chances to score, to take the lead, to win the game. They had a perfect opportunity to pick up a full game on the Phillies and to keep some distance between them and the Brewers.
But no, they let them slip on by. It must sting for the guys, but it stings even more for a fan. I was getting text messages from friends along the lines of "That's it...I'm done. See you next year," "The Choke of 2008," and "This team #$%&*@# stinks!"
I agree.
It took me a while to sit back and move on from the game. It's sad, that I take a game like this, one I have no hand in, this hard, but it's how I am. It's how I've always been.
I'm a competetive guy by nature, so when I get on a field to play, I switch from generally happy-go-lucky, to fierce competitor. The same thing happens when I watch a game. I get engrossed in the action on the field and by the end, I'm practically pleading with the team to score, hold off the opponent and just plain win.
9/24/08
Game Recap: Cubs 9 -- Mets 6
It's almost funny. Almost.
Pitching Performance
Oliver Perez did not have his best stuff tonight. He could barely get some of his pitches over for strikes. He only lasted four 1-3 innings, needing 105 pitches to get there. He ended up allowing five runs on six hits and five walks. He struck out six.
He was handed a four run lead in the bottom of the third, thanks to some quick baserunning on his part, but handed it right back in the fifth.
Unbelievably frustrating to watch this game, on all counts. I don't think Perez will be back next year, and this could have been the last start as a Met.
Duaner Sanchez came into the game, and allowed a single to left, with one run scoring on a fielding error by Daniel Murphy. Joe Smith and Ricardo Rincon worked through the sixth inning, with Smith allowing a hit and walking one.
Brian Stokes pitched the seventh, and allowed a run on three hits.
Stokes looks so good one night, and very hittable the next. I can't get a good read on him.
Robert Parnell turned in a scoreless inning, walking only one. Luis Ayala ended up pitching two innings, allowing three runs in the tenth, including a two-run home run to Aramis Ramirez.
And Ayala will not be back next year. Awful.
Offensive Output
When you hit a grand slam, and lose, you know it wasn't pretty.
A big third inning for the Mets. After Perez grounded into a fielders choice, Jose Reyes and Murphy walked to load the bases. David Wright then drew a bases loaded walk to drive in one. Carlos Delgado came to the plate, and smashed a grand slam off the front of the bleachers in left field.
Great AB's from Murphy and Wright to set up the grand salami. Thought the Mets were going to roll from there. I should know better.
The Mets were held off the board until the 8th inning when Ramon Martinez (yes, you read that right) drew another bases loaded walk to driving in another run.
Sad showing from the offense, sans the third inning.
The Mets had a runner on third in the seventh, eighth, and ninth inning with no outs. Did they score? Nope!
With the score tied in the bottom of the ninth, Murphy tripled to lead off the inning. They did not get him in.
It happened two innings previous, but this was the most glaring situation. Just awful.
The Rest of the Story
Phillies lose, Brewers win. 1.5 back in East, dead even in Wild Card.
Game Ball: Carlos Delgado.
Pitching Performance
Oliver Perez did not have his best stuff tonight. He could barely get some of his pitches over for strikes. He only lasted four 1-3 innings, needing 105 pitches to get there. He ended up allowing five runs on six hits and five walks. He struck out six.
He was handed a four run lead in the bottom of the third, thanks to some quick baserunning on his part, but handed it right back in the fifth.
Unbelievably frustrating to watch this game, on all counts. I don't think Perez will be back next year, and this could have been the last start as a Met.
Duaner Sanchez came into the game, and allowed a single to left, with one run scoring on a fielding error by Daniel Murphy. Joe Smith and Ricardo Rincon worked through the sixth inning, with Smith allowing a hit and walking one.
Brian Stokes pitched the seventh, and allowed a run on three hits.
Stokes looks so good one night, and very hittable the next. I can't get a good read on him.
Robert Parnell turned in a scoreless inning, walking only one. Luis Ayala ended up pitching two innings, allowing three runs in the tenth, including a two-run home run to Aramis Ramirez.
And Ayala will not be back next year. Awful.
Offensive Output
When you hit a grand slam, and lose, you know it wasn't pretty.
A big third inning for the Mets. After Perez grounded into a fielders choice, Jose Reyes and Murphy walked to load the bases. David Wright then drew a bases loaded walk to drive in one. Carlos Delgado came to the plate, and smashed a grand slam off the front of the bleachers in left field.
Great AB's from Murphy and Wright to set up the grand salami. Thought the Mets were going to roll from there. I should know better.
The Mets were held off the board until the 8th inning when Ramon Martinez (yes, you read that right) drew another bases loaded walk to driving in another run.
Sad showing from the offense, sans the third inning.
The Mets had a runner on third in the seventh, eighth, and ninth inning with no outs. Did they score? Nope!
With the score tied in the bottom of the ninth, Murphy tripled to lead off the inning. They did not get him in.
It happened two innings previous, but this was the most glaring situation. Just awful.
The Rest of the Story
Phillies lose, Brewers win. 1.5 back in East, dead even in Wild Card.
Game Ball: Carlos Delgado.
John Maine activated
John Maine has been activated from the DL, and will work out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season.
According to MLB.com, Maine was hitting between 92-03 mph during his session on Wednesday, and was activated just before game time.
It can't get much worse than what's been going on out there. Don't expect him to get a lot of work, if any. He might just be a security blanket out there.
According to MLB.com, Maine was hitting between 92-03 mph during his session on Wednesday, and was activated just before game time.
It can't get much worse than what's been going on out there. Don't expect him to get a lot of work, if any. He might just be a security blanket out there.
Mets to stick with WFAN
There goes my hope for the jump to FM radio.
According to Neil Best, the Mets are "likely to remain on WFAN" past this season.
From Best:
I love WFAN, so I can't complain too much. But this does mean I have to listen to more Wayne Hagin. Great.
According to Neil Best, the Mets are "likely to remain on WFAN" past this season.
From Best:
If the Mets had left, WFAN simply would have inherited the Yankees from its CBS Radio sister station, WCBS-AM. It is not clear where the Mets would have landed if they had left the FAN.Maybe someone with the Mets is reading my blog. Maybe they were exploring their FM options. Maybe I'm crazy.
I love WFAN, so I can't complain too much. But this does mean I have to listen to more Wayne Hagin. Great.
If the All-Star Game was played at the end of the year, there would be a lot more Mets on the roster
The second half has been generous to the Mets.
Nick Friedell over at Big League Stew, takes a look at the NL All-Star team, and adds or subtracts players, based on their entire season, instead of just first few months of play.
Mets that were added to the team:
Nick Friedell over at Big League Stew, takes a look at the NL All-Star team, and adds or subtracts players, based on their entire season, instead of just first few months of play.
Mets that were added to the team:
Jose Reyes, SS: Reyes has a .300 average 16 HR, 67 RBI and 52 stolen bases. The Mets' shortstop is still one of the best all-around players in baseball and if you think it seems like no All-Star team should ever be complete without him, you're right.Mets who were cut:
Carlos Delgado, 1B: If Delgado had hit in the first half like he is hitting now, Willie Randolph would still be the Mets' manager and Delgado would have been on the actual All-Star team. Since struggling through the first few months of the season, Delgado has hit .310 with 20 HR and 58 RBI since the break.
Johan Santana, SP: Santana has given the Mets the top of the line starter they needed so badly. Oh yeah — he also has 15 wins and a league leading 2.64 ERA.
Billy Wagner, RP: Wagner had 27 saves for the Mets but his season is over due to an elbow injury.Mets who were kept:
David Wright, 3B: The Mets' star was the best third baseman in New York City this season (Yeah, A-Rod we're talking to you) hitting .300 with 33 HR and 122 RBI.Works for me.
Wishful thinking
I know the Mets are far from clinching a playoff spot, but the current playoff scenario has got me thinking and scheming.
My dream scenario:
Mets win the four of the next six, win NL East.
Phillies collapse, and go 1-5.
Brewers keep winning, and take the Wild Card.
Mets win the East, Brewers take the Wild Card, and the Phillies hit the golf course.
So many things would have to go right for this to happen, but it would be amazing to see this happen.
Plus, the Mets have played the Brewers very well this season, to the tune of a 4-2 record, including a three game sweep in Milwaukee at the beginning of August.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this scenario to play out, but I'd just be happy with seeing the Mets make the playoffs.
Edit: I completely goofed on this article. Commenter, and friend, Buzz lays it out perfectly:
Edit #2: Buzz has his sleuthing shoes on today. We were both wrong, but he clarifies with this second comment:
Again, thanks Buzz!
My dream scenario:
Mets win the four of the next six, win NL East.
Phillies collapse, and go 1-5.
Brewers keep winning, and take the Wild Card.
Mets win the East, Brewers take the Wild Card, and the Phillies hit the golf course.
So many things would have to go right for this to happen, but it would be amazing to see this happen.
Plus, the Mets have played the Brewers very well this season, to the tune of a 4-2 record, including a three game sweep in Milwaukee at the beginning of August.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this scenario to play out, but I'd just be happy with seeing the Mets make the playoffs.
Edit: I completely goofed on this article. Commenter, and friend, Buzz lays it out perfectly:
Actually the Mets and Brewers have 5 more games, the Phillies have four. This would get you your dream:Thanks, Buzz!
Mets: 3-2
Phillies: 1-3
Brewers: 4-1
(Or Mets 4-1, Phils 2-2 and Brewers 5-0).
Under that scenario, the three teams finished tied at 90-72 (or 91-71). The Mets win the East because they have the tiebreaker over the Phils (season series). So, the Phils have to play the Brewers for the Wild Card. Brewers win the extra game, Phils are gone
Edit #2: Buzz has his sleuthing shoes on today. We were both wrong, but he clarifies with this second comment:
Looks like I'm not 100% correct either here -- according to the news articles on Mets.com, if this scenario occurs there would be a two game playoff -- the Mets would travel to Philly to play for the division and then the Brewers would then travel to the loser to play for the WC. I know this used to be different, but they must have changed it.I guess this whole thing playing out the way I want would take a lot more than just winning a few games. But hey, you never know.
Here's the link: http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=...
And the quote from the end of the article:
"Should three clubs finish the season with the same winning percentage, one as a division winner and the other as a Wild Card, playoff games would be played as follows:
• The two teams tied for the division lead play the one-game tiebreaker, with the winner being declared the division champion.
• The losing team in that game then plays the club from the other division for the Wild Card."
Again, thanks Buzz!
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