No loss, AND the pen gets an extra day rest.
God is good.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Just another day at the office.
Delgado: 2 HR
Feliciano/Smith/Scho: 0 ER's
Castillo: 3 hits
Figuerosa: Win
Smoltz: Loss
Big players make big plays in big games
Feliciano/Smith/Scho: 0 ER's
Castillo: 3 hits
Figuerosa: Win
Smoltz: Loss
Big players make big plays in big games
Friday, April 25, 2008
What's the Deal?
1. What's the deal with Heilman? Is he just sucking big time this year, or is part of it related to the fact that he is the most used reliever in baseball? (A stat which Willie apparently "didn't know" when it was brought to his attention the other day.)
2. What's the deal with Mets starters and only lasting 5 innings? To be honest, I think part of this is Willie's fault. He has made it clear that his style is that his starters only need to go 5 or 6 innings, and then they can expect the pen to take over. I wonder what would happen if before a game Willie said to Perez or Pelfrey, I don't care how many runs you've given up, I don't care how many pitches you've thrown, you are lasting 7 innings in this game no matter what. It is time to stop coddling these guys and start demanding more out of them. By setting the bar so low you are not forcing them to figure out how to pitch more effectively. Perez has not gotten past the 6th inning in any of his starts this year. That is flat unacceptable, and a huge drain on the bullpen. I think it is up to Willie to throw down the gauntlet and challenge his starters to step up and anticipate that they will be expected to throw at least 7 innings every game. Otherwise nothing changes, and we'll be in the same place at the end of this year as last year: a depleted bullpen.
2. What's the deal with Mets starters and only lasting 5 innings? To be honest, I think part of this is Willie's fault. He has made it clear that his style is that his starters only need to go 5 or 6 innings, and then they can expect the pen to take over. I wonder what would happen if before a game Willie said to Perez or Pelfrey, I don't care how many runs you've given up, I don't care how many pitches you've thrown, you are lasting 7 innings in this game no matter what. It is time to stop coddling these guys and start demanding more out of them. By setting the bar so low you are not forcing them to figure out how to pitch more effectively. Perez has not gotten past the 6th inning in any of his starts this year. That is flat unacceptable, and a huge drain on the bullpen. I think it is up to Willie to throw down the gauntlet and challenge his starters to step up and anticipate that they will be expected to throw at least 7 innings every game. Otherwise nothing changes, and we'll be in the same place at the end of this year as last year: a depleted bullpen.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
That's not gonna be good for anyone
Jose Reyes is now 0 for forever. When you can't even hit the batting tees that the Nats call a pitching staff, you've got problems.
Nice move
I of course hate the Yankees and the Red Sox more than anyone on the planet, but I have to give huge credit here. This was an extremely classy move by the Yankees management; there were many other things they could've done with the buried Ortiz jersey, so to donate it to the Red Sox main cancer charity (Jimmy Fund) and raise $175 K in an auction is a top shelf move by them.
Showdown at the OK Corral
This is great:
The Mets and Braves manager Bobby Cox could be headed for a showdown when Atlanta arrives for a weekend series at Shea Stadium tomorrow. Cox is known for smoking cigars, while the Mets have instituted a very strict no-smoking policy throughout Shea and at Citi Field when it opens in 2009. When advised of the policy this week, Cox told the Associated Press that "the clubhouse doesn't count." The Mets say they disagree.
The Mets and Braves manager Bobby Cox could be headed for a showdown when Atlanta arrives for a weekend series at Shea Stadium tomorrow. Cox is known for smoking cigars, while the Mets have instituted a very strict no-smoking policy throughout Shea and at Citi Field when it opens in 2009. When advised of the policy this week, Cox told the Associated Press that "the clubhouse doesn't count." The Mets say they disagree.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
This really puts it into perspective
Here are some shocking numbers posted over on the Geek. I had a feeling this trend was generally true but didn't realize the actual splits were so severe (assuming their numbers are correct, I didn't check).
With Castillo batting second: the Mets are 2-8 (including a 7 game losing streak)
With Pagan batting second: the Mets are 3-1
With Church batting second: the Mets are 5-0
I realize it's hard to place enormous confidence in Church and Pagan's numbers because it is such a small sample set, and they likely will decline over time. But with this team's offense struggling so mightily, I think sometimes Willie can be too stubborn for his own good. Castillo has no business being in #2 slot until he is batting at least .280. We simply don't have the luxury of "on the job training/rehab" for Delgado, Beltran and Castillo. This division is going to be way too tight down the stretch for us to afford throwing games away.
With Castillo batting second: the Mets are 2-8 (including a 7 game losing streak)
With Pagan batting second: the Mets are 3-1
With Church batting second: the Mets are 5-0
I realize it's hard to place enormous confidence in Church and Pagan's numbers because it is such a small sample set, and they likely will decline over time. But with this team's offense struggling so mightily, I think sometimes Willie can be too stubborn for his own good. Castillo has no business being in #2 slot until he is batting at least .280. We simply don't have the luxury of "on the job training/rehab" for Delgado, Beltran and Castillo. This division is going to be way too tight down the stretch for us to afford throwing games away.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Carlos Delgado must go..
..to the bottom of the batting order, right next to his buddy Luis. He is killing us. And it took Willie way too long to realize that last year and drop him in the order; he needs to act sooner this year.
More thoughts
1. Someone (HoJo) better talk to Reyes and tell him to start taking more pitches. He only has 3 BBs and an OBP of .320 that is not getting it done as a leadoff hitter.
2. Putting Castillo in the 2 slot is Willie at his stubborn worst. It doesn't protect Jose, and it kills rallies. My suggested order: Reyes, Church (contact hitter), Wright, Beltran, Pagan (until Alou is back), Delgado, Schneider, Castillo. I completely disagree with the philosophy of sprinkling your bad hitters throughout the lineup, I think it gives the opposing pitcher too much opportunity to pitch around good hitters and focus on getting the bad ones out. I'd rather put a lot of pressure on a pitcher with our 1-5 slots, and hope that if we start a rally the pitcher will become unnerved, possibly improving the chances for the 6-8 slots.
3. The Mets cannot carry this much deadwood on their roster all season. Having Alou back should be great, but it doesn't help as much because it forces us to remove one of the few hot bats on the team. If at least one of Beltran, Delgado, and Castillo doesn't turn it around, the Mets are going to have to either promote Carp or start shopping for a legit contact hitter who can provide .300+. These inning-ending GIDPs are killing us.
4. Some of the bullpen is either: (a) already worn down, (b) still carrying the baggage of '07 into '08, or (c) just not that good. Take your pick, but in any case it is going to be an unavoidable problem when we face good teams down the stretch and in the playoffs.
2. Putting Castillo in the 2 slot is Willie at his stubborn worst. It doesn't protect Jose, and it kills rallies. My suggested order: Reyes, Church (contact hitter), Wright, Beltran, Pagan (until Alou is back), Delgado, Schneider, Castillo. I completely disagree with the philosophy of sprinkling your bad hitters throughout the lineup, I think it gives the opposing pitcher too much opportunity to pitch around good hitters and focus on getting the bad ones out. I'd rather put a lot of pressure on a pitcher with our 1-5 slots, and hope that if we start a rally the pitcher will become unnerved, possibly improving the chances for the 6-8 slots.
3. The Mets cannot carry this much deadwood on their roster all season. Having Alou back should be great, but it doesn't help as much because it forces us to remove one of the few hot bats on the team. If at least one of Beltran, Delgado, and Castillo doesn't turn it around, the Mets are going to have to either promote Carp or start shopping for a legit contact hitter who can provide .300+. These inning-ending GIDPs are killing us.
4. Some of the bullpen is either: (a) already worn down, (b) still carrying the baggage of '07 into '08, or (c) just not that good. Take your pick, but in any case it is going to be an unavoidable problem when we face good teams down the stretch and in the playoffs.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
And there it is...
The proverbial 5th inning meltdown by Pelfrey. I knew he had it in him.
Nice to see the pitch count up at 100 by inning 5 again. I suppose there's something to be said for consistency.
Nice to see the pitch count up at 100 by inning 5 again. I suppose there's something to be said for consistency.
Some thoughts
1. ESPN shows way too many shots from behind home plate. You can't see crap from that angle, they are way too far out. Their camera angles stink, and they take too long to zero back in on the batter.
2. Willie is killing me with Castillo back in #2. He is going to do everything in his power to sink this team. I just don't get it. Church is working out well in two spot, why mess with it? Now you have a garbage average hitting behind Reyes, which is a double blow. First, Reyes will be getting much worse pitches, and second, any possible big inning rally we could have with Reyes-Church-Wright-Beltran is now effectively dead. I'd much rather eat a weak 7-8-9 in the order than kill the whole lineup. We need to concentrate our good hitters in the order rather than spreading them throughout the lineup. Especially with delgado and beltran both chewing it now, we really could use a solid 1-3.
2. Willie is killing me with Castillo back in #2. He is going to do everything in his power to sink this team. I just don't get it. Church is working out well in two spot, why mess with it? Now you have a garbage average hitting behind Reyes, which is a double blow. First, Reyes will be getting much worse pitches, and second, any possible big inning rally we could have with Reyes-Church-Wright-Beltran is now effectively dead. I'd much rather eat a weak 7-8-9 in the order than kill the whole lineup. We need to concentrate our good hitters in the order rather than spreading them throughout the lineup. Especially with delgado and beltran both chewing it now, we really could use a solid 1-3.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Aaron Heilman
just earned his paycheck for the month with two big Ks in the 8th innings, bases loaded against philthies..
Great quote from wags yesterday: "They were booing so loud, I thought Schoeneweis was running in with me," Wagner...said of the reaction he received from the crowd during his ninth-inning appearance.
Great quote from wags yesterday: "They were booing so loud, I thought Schoeneweis was running in with me," Wagner...said of the reaction he received from the crowd during his ninth-inning appearance.
Like Playin' In the Driveway
My favorite play from last night's game (key point--I was listening to this on FAN while in the car):
Wright on 3rd, Beltran on 2nd, Pagan at the plate.
Drive to the outfield that drops in for a double. Wright scores as Pagan rolls in with a double, Beltran is standing on 3rd...what? Wait a minute...
I turn to Mrs. DC and say "What the hell? Are they playing whiffle ball? Do you have to force in all runners?"
Once she stopped laughing it was stated that I would have to relate this anecdote to those who would appreciate it (thus this post).
In hindsight, I do understand that it was questionable if the ball was going to be caught and Beltran was being properly cautious. Additionally, Howie said that Chase Utley was the most surprised person in the park to see Pagan standing behind him--great hustle, Angel--so the play was a paradigm of good baserunning (both cautious and aggressive).
Wright on 3rd, Beltran on 2nd, Pagan at the plate.
Drive to the outfield that drops in for a double. Wright scores as Pagan rolls in with a double, Beltran is standing on 3rd...what? Wait a minute...
I turn to Mrs. DC and say "What the hell? Are they playing whiffle ball? Do you have to force in all runners?"
Once she stopped laughing it was stated that I would have to relate this anecdote to those who would appreciate it (thus this post).
In hindsight, I do understand that it was questionable if the ball was going to be caught and Beltran was being properly cautious. Additionally, Howie said that Chase Utley was the most surprised person in the park to see Pagan standing behind him--great hustle, Angel--so the play was a paradigm of good baserunning (both cautious and aggressive).
That's some heady company
From Mets.com:
Though it's early, Wright (.333, four homers, 17 RBIs) seems to be on his way to another .300 season after registering 25 homers and 100 RBIs in each of his first three seasons.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Wright is one of eight players to accomplish this feat before the age of 25, along with Joe DiMaggio (four times), Albert Pujols (four times), Mel Ott, Jimmie Foxx, Ted Williams, Vladimir Guerrero and Miguel Cabrera.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Heath Bell Watch
0-1, 0.84 ERA, .200 BAA, 4 Hld (9G/10.2IP/8H/2BB/4K).
Meanwhile, his partner in crime, Royce Ring, is getting bombed in Hotlanta.
Remember this one?
Adkins: Pitched one scoreless inning for the Mets last year. Now is apparently back in the Reds minor league system.
Johnson: After riding the interstate last season in the bigs, hit .270 at AAA and was a non-roster invitee to camp this year. I can't figure out where he is now and may be out of the league.
Meanwhile, his partner in crime, Royce Ring, is getting bombed in Hotlanta.
Remember this one?
Adkins: Pitched one scoreless inning for the Mets last year. Now is apparently back in the Reds minor league system.
Johnson: After riding the interstate last season in the bigs, hit .270 at AAA and was a non-roster invitee to camp this year. I can't figure out where he is now and may be out of the league.
Hot Stove Pre-Season: Needs Edition
According to the Mets Geek Payroll Spreadsheet, we'll be freeing up $41.5 Mil in payroll this offseason with the departures of Alou, Delgado, Pedro, and El Duque.
What will our needs be?
Well, we know that we will have Santana and Maine back in the rotation, and Pelfrey should still be in the rotation, but not a lock to be a top 3 starter. So we need two starters, of which Perez may well be one.
If Carp keeps punishing the ball in AA, and later this season, AAA, he'll be given a shot to replace Delgado in the spring next year, saving lots 'o cash.
I don't think the lineup can suffer through having two position players who can't hit (the now crippled Castillo and Schneider), so I think the Mets are going to have to eat a big cash loss and go get a new 2B in the offseason. That should become a lot more clear as the year goes on and Castillo spends 20 to 40 games on the DL.
If Pagan can continue his solid play, the Mets look like they're settled in the OF for now, and Angel can keep F Mart's place warm unitl 2010 or so.
Bullpen: Heilman's under our control until 2010. Wagner, Sanchez, and the Scho are all under contract (control in Sanchez's case) until after the 2009 seaon. Joe Smith and Feliciano are under our control for a while, I would think, though not sure. Same with Burgos, Muniz, Padilla and Vargas if they're healthy and contributing ("ifs," I know).
Wise and Sosa are the only folks we lose at the end of this year, so hopefully a couple of the "ifs" mentioned above can step forward next year. Else we might need to cherry pick a reliever somewhere, but it shouldn't have to be a big ticket guy.
So the needs are these: 2 SP's (one of which is a front-liner), 2B, and maybe a reliver if the right situation presents itself. If you figure 25% of the freed up payroll will go to existing player increases (just a WAG), that would leave about $30 Mil on the table for signings.
SP/2B/and RP options....
Coming soon.
What will our needs be?
Well, we know that we will have Santana and Maine back in the rotation, and Pelfrey should still be in the rotation, but not a lock to be a top 3 starter. So we need two starters, of which Perez may well be one.
If Carp keeps punishing the ball in AA, and later this season, AAA, he'll be given a shot to replace Delgado in the spring next year, saving lots 'o cash.
I don't think the lineup can suffer through having two position players who can't hit (the now crippled Castillo and Schneider), so I think the Mets are going to have to eat a big cash loss and go get a new 2B in the offseason. That should become a lot more clear as the year goes on and Castillo spends 20 to 40 games on the DL.
If Pagan can continue his solid play, the Mets look like they're settled in the OF for now, and Angel can keep F Mart's place warm unitl 2010 or so.
Bullpen: Heilman's under our control until 2010. Wagner, Sanchez, and the Scho are all under contract (control in Sanchez's case) until after the 2009 seaon. Joe Smith and Feliciano are under our control for a while, I would think, though not sure. Same with Burgos, Muniz, Padilla and Vargas if they're healthy and contributing ("ifs," I know).
Wise and Sosa are the only folks we lose at the end of this year, so hopefully a couple of the "ifs" mentioned above can step forward next year. Else we might need to cherry pick a reliever somewhere, but it shouldn't have to be a big ticket guy.
So the needs are these: 2 SP's (one of which is a front-liner), 2B, and maybe a reliver if the right situation presents itself. If you figure 25% of the freed up payroll will go to existing player increases (just a WAG), that would leave about $30 Mil on the table for signings.
SP/2B/and RP options....
Coming soon.
You My Figeur-oa!
Another nice outing by the Coney Island kid. I'll take 7 IP, 2 runs, 3 hits, 2 walks, 5 k's from what amounts to a #5 any day. Even more impressive is that he's technically standing in for a #2.
Gotta see more of this guy (can't call him a kid since he's a month younger than me--well, maybe I can...) but so far, me likey!
Not much else to say--just had a funny post title and tried to throw something in here...
Oh yeah, and Pelfrey threw 7 scoreless innings!
Gotta see more of this guy (can't call him a kid since he's a month younger than me--well, maybe I can...) but so far, me likey!
Not much else to say--just had a funny post title and tried to throw something in here...
Oh yeah, and Pelfrey threw 7 scoreless innings!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Plowing through your beanfields
Down on the farm, some good news for Los Mets:
Two 1B's at Binghamton:
Mike Carp (AA) in 51 AB's, .451/4/15
Nick Evans (AA) in 50 AB's, .420/3/18
Our up and coming ace ;) at Binghamton:
Jon Niese (AA) in 3 GS, 1-0 0.57 ERA, 15.2 IP, 4BB/14K, 0.77 WHIP
Struggling:
F Mart (AA) .214 / 0 HR, Anderson Hernandez (AAA) .200 in 60 AB, Tatis (AAA) .234 in 47 ABs (though he's got 6 dingers).
Two 1B's at Binghamton:
Mike Carp (AA) in 51 AB's, .451/4/15
Nick Evans (AA) in 50 AB's, .420/3/18
Our up and coming ace ;) at Binghamton:
Jon Niese (AA) in 3 GS, 1-0 0.57 ERA, 15.2 IP, 4BB/14K, 0.77 WHIP
Struggling:
F Mart (AA) .214 / 0 HR, Anderson Hernandez (AAA) .200 in 60 AB, Tatis (AAA) .234 in 47 ABs (though he's got 6 dingers).
Jose Jose Jose
Apparently the old Jose is back (literally). Prompted by Beltran to drop his stoic act and return to his true personality, Jose said he's back:
Reyes should now be more fun-loving. Asked if the celebratory handshakes would be back, Reyes replied, "Everything is back."
Of course when he claimed he would drop all that at the start of the season, it was obvious that couldn't possibly last. I figured it would hold until at least the end of April, but I guess not. On possibly offending other teams with their behavior Beltran said: "We don't care if these other teams get offended. We're going to play the game like that." My take on the Reyes celebrations is that they are done in the dugout, so it's not like they're showing up the other team. I have a problem with on-field celebrations, and particularly a problem with the way Manny Ramirez pulls up a lawn chair at home plate to sit back and watch the entire blast every time he hits a HR. That's poor sportsmanship, IMO, and someone should drill him for it. But since Jose does his thing in the dugout, I think it's fine.
Reyes should now be more fun-loving. Asked if the celebratory handshakes would be back, Reyes replied, "Everything is back."
Of course when he claimed he would drop all that at the start of the season, it was obvious that couldn't possibly last. I figured it would hold until at least the end of April, but I guess not. On possibly offending other teams with their behavior Beltran said: "We don't care if these other teams get offended. We're going to play the game like that." My take on the Reyes celebrations is that they are done in the dugout, so it's not like they're showing up the other team. I have a problem with on-field celebrations, and particularly a problem with the way Manny Ramirez pulls up a lawn chair at home plate to sit back and watch the entire blast every time he hits a HR. That's poor sportsmanship, IMO, and someone should drill him for it. But since Jose does his thing in the dugout, I think it's fine.
On fire
Ryan Church continues to tear the ass out of the ball. So does Pagan, I hate to lose him once Alou is back. I wonder how Willie plans to play it. Will he give Alou most of the time until he gets injured, or will he try to split time evenly? Two advantages to splitting more evenly: it should help keep Pagan in a rhythm, and it should also decrease the likelihood of an Alou injury. But my guess is Willie is going to choose a steady Alou presence over a platoon.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
OK, angry Met fans...
...and you know who you are, I challenge you to find the bad news in last night's game.
Wright and Reyes clubbed the ball all night. 5 ribs for Wright. 3rd straight game with a jack. He's on pace for 202 RBI right now.
Reyes had a shot at a natural cycle in his 4th AB but settled for a single. Reyes' hammy looked fine.
Duaner Sanchez made a successful return, and while his velocity topped at 91 (he was in the 94-95 MPH zone in '06), he was mixing pitches and, most importantly, pitching.
Pelfrey threw 7 shutout innings, and, in the 3rd inning, worked his way out of a bases loaded, one-out jam against their 3 and 4 hitters withougt giving up a run, and without getting rattled.
Oh, and BTW, Pelfrey threw 7 shutout innings.
Wright and Reyes clubbed the ball all night. 5 ribs for Wright. 3rd straight game with a jack. He's on pace for 202 RBI right now.
Reyes had a shot at a natural cycle in his 4th AB but settled for a single. Reyes' hammy looked fine.
Duaner Sanchez made a successful return, and while his velocity topped at 91 (he was in the 94-95 MPH zone in '06), he was mixing pitches and, most importantly, pitching.
Pelfrey threw 7 shutout innings, and, in the 3rd inning, worked his way out of a bases loaded, one-out jam against their 3 and 4 hitters withougt giving up a run, and without getting rattled.
Oh, and BTW, Pelfrey threw 7 shutout innings.
We've got a gem in this one
From the Post:
An ailing Luis Castillo admitted he could use some time off after getting dumped all the way to eighth in the Mets order last night.
Asked if he needs some time off, Castillo said: "Sometimes, I do. When I play three or four games in a row, maybe I can get a day off. I'm going to talk to Willie about it."
Yeah, you do that Luis. You go ask willie if you can play only 122-130 games a year and take off the other ~35 games. I'm sure that's why we locked you into a 4-year deal as our starter, so you could plan to only play part-time. I'm sure that will go over well.
An ailing Luis Castillo admitted he could use some time off after getting dumped all the way to eighth in the Mets order last night.
Asked if he needs some time off, Castillo said: "Sometimes, I do. When I play three or four games in a row, maybe I can get a day off. I'm going to talk to Willie about it."
Yeah, you do that Luis. You go ask willie if you can play only 122-130 games a year and take off the other ~35 games. I'm sure that's why we locked you into a 4-year deal as our starter, so you could plan to only play part-time. I'm sure that will go over well.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Pedro's return delayed
Did anybody not see this coming? I could tell from day one Pedro was going to be out longer than 4-6 weeks.
Interesting other points from the article:
Combined with an offense that has a league-low five homers and is hitting just .182 with runners in scoring position and two out, the Mets aren't living up to their preseason status as the trendy NL East favorite.
The team's 3.84 ERA is in the middle of the pack, which amounts to a disappointment in the decidedly weaker NL.
Minaya held a closed-door meeting with Willie Randolph after Sunday's ugly, 9-7 loss and said he planned another meeting of the team's braintrust yesterday to discuss the state of the Mets.
Interesting other points from the article:
Combined with an offense that has a league-low five homers and is hitting just .182 with runners in scoring position and two out, the Mets aren't living up to their preseason status as the trendy NL East favorite.
The team's 3.84 ERA is in the middle of the pack, which amounts to a disappointment in the decidedly weaker NL.
Minaya held a closed-door meeting with Willie Randolph after Sunday's ugly, 9-7 loss and said he planned another meeting of the team's braintrust yesterday to discuss the state of the Mets.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
What's all the uproar about?
If you ask me, the Mets on-field performance is more offensive than the fact that they got rick rolled.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Comments and questions
1. Why does Heilman suck so much this year? Is he contractually obligated to give up two runs every time he pitches?
2. Pagan and Church are really ripping it up. I wouldn't move Pagan from 2-hole when Castillo gets back, I'd bury Castillo and his miserable average at the bottom of the lineup.
2. Pagan and Church are really ripping it up. I wouldn't move Pagan from 2-hole when Castillo gets back, I'd bury Castillo and his miserable average at the bottom of the lineup.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Is it just me
or do the '08 Mets look strikingly like the '07 Mets?
Let's see: massive numbers of injuries; bullpen blows leads; Scho is useless unless pitching to only one batter, and then only if it is a left-handed hitter; Perez struggles with control; starters only last 6 innings; Maine gets frustrated when a call doesn't go his way and proceeds to lose focus; Mets can't hit Moyer and other washed-up pitchers; Willie can't manage the bullpen; ...
Let's see: massive numbers of injuries; bullpen blows leads; Scho is useless unless pitching to only one batter, and then only if it is a left-handed hitter; Perez struggles with control; starters only last 6 innings; Maine gets frustrated when a call doesn't go his way and proceeds to lose focus; Mets can't hit Moyer and other washed-up pitchers; Willie can't manage the bullpen; ...
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Mets drop a deuce
Take this to mean the pathetic 2 runs they scored in the home opener today against ancient Jamie Moyer, or the 2 games they dropped to ATL this weekend. Either way the result is the same, it stinks.
On a positive note: Mets 2B Luis Castillo left after the fourth with soreness in his surgically repaired right knee. I'm not sure I could tell the difference between a healthy and injured Castillo, they both seem to limp and lumber around.
On a positive note: Mets 2B Luis Castillo left after the fourth with soreness in his surgically repaired right knee. I'm not sure I could tell the difference between a healthy and injured Castillo, they both seem to limp and lumber around.
"Top" of the lineup
Reyes and Castillo are killing us. Here are the BAs for the lineup today, after 6 innings of play:
Reyes: .208
Castillo: .182
Wright: .318
Beltran: .333
Delgado: .391
Pagan: .333
Church: .364
Schneider: .316
Clearly Jose is trying to do too much and/or needs to make some adjustments, but he better get going soon.
Reyes: .208
Castillo: .182
Wright: .318
Beltran: .333
Delgado: .391
Pagan: .333
Church: .364
Schneider: .316
Clearly Jose is trying to do too much and/or needs to make some adjustments, but he better get going soon.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
What good is Santana
if the rest of the team is completely useless?
As usual Mets fold in a key spot. I think I've seen this movie before.
As usual Mets fold in a key spot. I think I've seen this movie before.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Perez
First, let's give credit where credit's due. Perez pitched an absolute gem of a game in a tough situation. The Mets spirits had to be down entering that game last night after losing Pedro, and next up we play Los Bravos this weekend. So last night's game was a must win, and Perez locked it up.
What I find funny is that every article you read about him starts out with "Perez, who is likely in his final year with the Mets..." Now, do I think he is going to ever shake his jekyll/hyde routine and become stable enough to be legit #1 (when he's on, he easily has legit #1 stuff)? No, BUT I don't see how in the world the Mets could not keep him, at any price. If you don't re-sign him, you are looking at a rotation of: Johan, Pedro (assuming he re-signs and can even pitch), Maine, Pelfrey (??), and Duque (this has to be his last year). We have no exciting prospects, no abundance of good players at one position to use as trade bait, and we'd pay top dollar to buy a pitcher on the FA market anyway.
Given the age/injuries and poor quality of our rotation without Perez, what choice do the Mets have but to re-sign him, at almost any price?
What I find funny is that every article you read about him starts out with "Perez, who is likely in his final year with the Mets..." Now, do I think he is going to ever shake his jekyll/hyde routine and become stable enough to be legit #1 (when he's on, he easily has legit #1 stuff)? No, BUT I don't see how in the world the Mets could not keep him, at any price. If you don't re-sign him, you are looking at a rotation of: Johan, Pedro (assuming he re-signs and can even pitch), Maine, Pelfrey (??), and Duque (this has to be his last year). We have no exciting prospects, no abundance of good players at one position to use as trade bait, and we'd pay top dollar to buy a pitcher on the FA market anyway.
Given the age/injuries and poor quality of our rotation without Perez, what choice do the Mets have but to re-sign him, at almost any price?
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
If David Wright's play on Willingham isn't a web gem,
I don't know what is.
Wow, talk about a truly great play. Not only a superb diving stop along the line, but then to get up and rifle that throw to first. I guess he's having an ok game so far, 3-4, 3 RBI, 3-R HR, 2 R.
Wow, talk about a truly great play. Not only a superb diving stop along the line, but then to get up and rifle that throw to first. I guess he's having an ok game so far, 3-4, 3 RBI, 3-R HR, 2 R.
Pedro?
I'm going to assume the worst here, that Pedro is out all season, based on the fact that he heard a "pop" and the post-game reaction of the other players. It's unlikely, but let's just go with it. If so, what do you do?
The bottom line is, not much you can do. Omar stuck us deep in a hole by losing two key chips (Milledge and Gotay) for nothing. I don't think you'll get anything better than a #5 with what we could reasonably offer, assuming you're not trading Reyes/Wright/Beltran. So you're stuck with: Johan, Maine (I'd move him to #2), Perez, Pelfrey, and Figueroa/Sosa until El Duque is back. But let's be honest, El Duque will be injured again this year, Pelfrey hasn't shown anything, and Figueroa/Sosa is a crapshoot. So we're back to overworking the bullpen and paying for it late in the season.
Bottom line, without Pedro kiss this year goodbye. No way we win the NL East, the Braves and Phils are too good.
The bottom line is, not much you can do. Omar stuck us deep in a hole by losing two key chips (Milledge and Gotay) for nothing. I don't think you'll get anything better than a #5 with what we could reasonably offer, assuming you're not trading Reyes/Wright/Beltran. So you're stuck with: Johan, Maine (I'd move him to #2), Perez, Pelfrey, and Figueroa/Sosa until El Duque is back. But let's be honest, El Duque will be injured again this year, Pelfrey hasn't shown anything, and Figueroa/Sosa is a crapshoot. So we're back to overworking the bullpen and paying for it late in the season.
Bottom line, without Pedro kiss this year goodbye. No way we win the NL East, the Braves and Phils are too good.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
With apologies to Mac,
YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!!!!
For Fernando effin' Tatis????
Good that we also protected Guillermo Mota leaving that scrub Jesus Flores unprotected last year.
And I doubt we'll miss Milledge what with Church and Schneider around.
Boy is it a good thing that Omar stole Santana or this would have been a really rough couple of year for him.
I still think Ambiorix Burgos will rescue him, though.
The New York Mets lost infielder Ruben Gotay to the rival Braves this afternoon as part of a host of moves.
Gotay was claimed by Atlanta after being put on waivers by the Mets two days ago in part so they could make room for Fernando Tatis on the roster.
For Fernando effin' Tatis????
Good that we also protected Guillermo Mota leaving that scrub Jesus Flores unprotected last year.
And I doubt we'll miss Milledge what with Church and Schneider around.
Boy is it a good thing that Omar stole Santana or this would have been a really rough couple of year for him.
I still think Ambiorix Burgos will rescue him, though.
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