Game Recap: Mets 1 – Brewers 0

A gem from Mike Pelfrey.

The New York Mets (38-39) beat the Milwaukee Brewers (42-36) by a score of 1-0.

Pelfrey was as good as could be.  Seven and 2-3 on the mound, surrendering six hits, two walks while striking out six.  It seemed like anytime he was in a jam, he induced a double play.

Just what the doctor ordered.  With this anemic offense, the Mets needed a strong start just to stay close.  They got exactly that.

Pelfrey cam out with runners on first and second and two outs in the 8th in favor of Sean Green.  Green got a ground ball to third base to end the inning and the threat.

A huge out.  Well done.

Francisco Rodriguez entered for the 9th inning and let up a leadoff single to Ryan Braun.  Unphased, K-Rod set the next three batters down on a line drive and two groundballs to preserve the victory and the win.

And his control was much, much better this time around.

For the game’s only run, credit is due to Luis Castillo and Ryan Church. 

Leading off the sixth inning, Castillo dropped a hit just inside the line in left field for what ended up being a ground-rule double.  After David Wright struck out for the third time that game, Church came to the plate and snuck a single under the glove of Craig Counsell and into centerfield, plating Castillo.

And that was all the Mets needed.  Thank you, Pelfrey.

Game Ball: Mike Pelfrey

Game Chat: NYM @ MIL [Game 3]

Mike Pelfrey vs. Yovani Gallardo

Join in for some barstool banter with your fellow fans!

(Chat closed, as usual.)

Lineup for game three against MIL

Even though Jerry Manuel said David Wright would get a day off, he’s in the lineup. Anyone surprised?

But look, all three young players (Murphy, Evans, Martinez) are in the lineup today. Kinda cool.

1. Alex Cora – SS
2. Luis Castillo – 2B
3. David Wright – 3B
4. Ryan Church – RF
5. Nick Evans – LF
6. Daniel Murphy – 1B
7. Fernando Martinez – CF
8. Brian Schneider – C
9. Mike Pelfrey - RHP

Wondering about the lineup today

Update: Naturally, after writing this, David Wright is in the lineup today.

Before yesterday’s game, Jerry Manuel said he would rest both David Wright and Gary Sheffield today. 

Strange, considering the Mets will be facing Yovani Gallardo, the Brewer’s ace and they’re already struggling for offense.  Benching the two of the best hitters might not be the greatest idea.  Yes, they need days off, but both on the same day doesn’t seem too smart.

But what does intrigue me about this is the young guys getting a shot.  They haven’t been all too good lately, but today might be the day Nick Evans, Daniel Murphy and Fernando Martinez all start on the same major league team.

It’s apparent that F-Mart needs some more time in the minors, and the same could be said for both Evans and Murphy.  If Manuel chooses, today, we could see a few of the (hopeful) cornerstones of the future Mets team all playing together in 2009.

The lineups aren’t out yet, but if Wright and Sheffield are taking a seat, this might be the best thing to hope for.

Update: Here is what I assume the lineup will look like.  Or I hope.  I’m not sure.

1. Cora – SS
2. Murphy – 1B
3. Evans – LF
4. Church – RF
5. Tatis – 3B
6. Martinez - CF
7. Schneider – C
8. Castillo – 2B
9. Pelfrey - RHP

Again, this is not the official lineup.  But it could look something like it.

Manuel’s Musing for June 30

“We just had a little family talk - a little private family discussion.”

-Jerry Manuel on the team’s closed-door meeting

Team meeting a.k.a. ‘family talk’

The Mets kept the clubhouse doors closed for 28 minutes as they had a bit of a team meeting.  Jerry Manuel later described it as “family talk.”

But what struck me most was Brian Costa’s tweet, which read, “Jerry said he addressed team after game. message: we have enough here to win.”

Really?

Because just 24 hours earlier, Mr. Manuel told reporters, “We're a below average team. Period.”

6/29: “We’re a below average team.”

6/30: “We have enough here to win.”

Hmm…Sounds like someone got a phone call from someone higher up.

Game Recap: Brewers 6 – Mets 3

This recap brought to you by my good friend Ben…

Along with being the focus of this image, Fernando Martinez connected for his first “F-Bomb” of his major league career.  Congrats.  Here’s to many, many more.

Game Chat: NYM @ MIL [Game 2]

Johan Santana (9-5, 3.08 ERA) vs. Mike Burns (0-1, 3.72 ERA)

Join in for some barstool banter with your fellow fans.

(Chat removed, as usual.)

Twitter Poll: Who would you rather see traded: Nick Evans or Daniel Murphy?

Though an unpopular choice, as no one likes to trade away young, home grown talent, the time may come (very) soon when the Mets might deal away one of these players.

So I asked my Twitter followers, who would they rather see traded away: Nick Evans or Daniel Murphy.  Here are their responses…

NICK EVANS

NYMetsGrrl94 said: Nick Evans. Daniel Murphy seems like he would be more helpful at 1B than Evans would anywhere in the long run.

BlackMagic718 said: Hmm that's a tough one....I say Evans but if Murphy doesn't get his act together I may change my mind.

cutiepie0319k said: Nick Evans

REHalFR said: I think Nick Evans, he has more trade value.

springfan said: nick evans but I can't really explain it. It's a gut feeling thing. I have unexplained faith in murph.

AnneMolnar said: I'd rather keep both. But if I had to trade one, it would be Evans.

letsgoduke said: I would rather trade Evans. Murphys baseball IQ is excellent.

DANIEL MURPHY

MarcARodriguez said: Murphy

mattclausen said: neither....but i'd probably have to say murph if absolutely necessary...though the kid is eventually going to hit a ton

saffir_99 said: Gonna go with Murphy. I just think he's forgotten how to handle the major leagues.

wrongheaven said: as much as I love him, Daniel Murphy - Evans is worth more defensively

FMauceri said: Murphy.

pymrod said: I had Murphy's back for a while..even when my girl hated him in the 1st week. TRADE HIS A**.

sdettling said: Trade Murphy. I think he has potential as a hitter down the road but he doesn't seem to me making any progress defensively.

BOTH

darknova306 said: Either/both in the right deal(s). (This is despite my giant Murph-crush, he just isn't good enough on D or powerful for 1B)

darknova306 continued: Though, to be fair to Murph, Jerry sits him whenever he gets hot. Doesn't help the kid's confidence and focus. Jerry sucks!

Not on Twitter?  Hit the comments to discuss who you would rather see traded.

Follow me on Twitter (@TheRopolitans) to
participate in the next Twitter Poll!

Ex-Mets: Milledge traded away from Nats

It’s a sad day on The ‘Ropolitans having just learned that the Mets will likely see Lastings Milledge only six times a year from here on out.

Milledge and his teammate Joel Hanrahan were traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates today.  In return, the Washington Nationals received Nyjer Morgan and pitching prospect Sean Burnett.

Good luck in Pitt, L-Millz.  You’re going to need it.