NY Met Fan

Pitching Scared

2009-05-31T07:23:00.001-04:00

Did Tim Redding really admit to ‘Pitching Scared’? Actually, I think what he said was he was intimated and it was “kind of like pitching scared”. Is this a guy we want in the rotation- someone who admits to being intimated by the other team? Perhaps that is why his ERA is over 9.00.

The fact is, while he may have only pitched three games with the Mets, the last two have been pitiful. More than that, if you look at his career, look at the other teams he has pitched for, this is nothing new. Redding’s numbers have never been good and perhaps that is why he is such a well travelled ballplayer.

In the first inning, Fernando Tatis made an error and that led to a couple of Marlin runs. Perhaps that is excusable. After that, however, once he was out of the first inning, he game up another five runs in three more innings. This is not the work of a person who deserves to be in the starting rotation.

Yesterday was, however, all the Marlins (although that strikeout of Fernando Martinez to end the game was a BAD call. That was clearly a check swing on what the third base umpire called strike three and I got the impression the ump just wanted to get out of there). The Marlins pitched well and they hit well.

I am a strong believer that you can tell a lot about a team by how they play after a loss that ends a winning streak. In this case it was only a four game winning streak but still, it was a winning streak. Hopefully, now that the streak has come to an end, today they can start another winning streak.

Let’s Go Mets!

Pelfrey, Santos And The Castro Trade

2009-05-30T10:57:00.000-04:00

It appears that Mike Pelfrey is establishing himself as the number 2 pitcher on the staff. Once again, after taking a little time to get going, Pelfrey is looking dominant. Unfortunately he did not get a win last night. Still, he pitched well and kept the Mets in the game. This allowed them to win it in extra innings.

I think if the Mets can pick up one more strong pitcher, they can be dominant. It would be nice to get one of the elite but the Mets, I don’t think, have enough to trade for such a pitcher. Perhaps they can get via free agency but, that assumes the truly good pitchers are not traded away during the season so other teams can get something for what they are about to lose. It also means the Mets don’t get another pitcher until the off season and I don’t want to wait that long. I still have dreams of the Mets getting Jake Peavy from the Padres, but I know that is not going to happen.

Still, it was Pelfrey’s strong performance that even allows me to think this way. Yesterday belonged to Pelfrey and to Omir Santos, who drove in both Met runs. Santos also had his place on the Mets cemented as the Mets traded Ramon Castro to the Whitesox.

I don’t mind that the Mets traded Castro. I understand the move. Still, I hope it turns out to be a smart one. While I understand the problems with Castro, he is a power-hitting catcher who has a strong arm. That should have some value on the trade market. The Mets are getting a pitcher, Lance Broadway. It is true you can never have too much pitching but Broadway does have an ERA over 5. I hope that Broadway proves this deal was a good one but I question it.

Hopefully, it all works out well for the ‘Good Guys!’

Let’s Go Mets!

Derek Lowe Thoughts

2009-05-29T18:00:00.000-04:00

I see that Ollie had a rehab start in the minors and walked five batters in less than five innings—same old Oliver Perez. Every time I think about his pitching I end up getting frustrated that we ended up with Perez and not Derek Lowe. Lowe has done it all this season (so far). He is pitching well and the other day had a key hit.

What amazes me is a comment I heard him make about a month ago where he said he was not convinced the Mets really wanted him. I am not sure if this was done to same face somehow or it he really believes it.

I would hope Lowe does not believe this. Considering that the Mets actively pursued him and did nothing with Oliver Perez until Lowe made a decision, it seems foolish to me to even suggest that the Mets did not want him. I certainly hope that is not the reason he avoided signing with the Mets.

I feel the Mets did what they could to sign him. Maybe they could have offered another year but I can understand the hesitancy to pay for a year or two beyond what you expect to get out of him (like what the Mets did with Pedro—and maybe even Billy Wagner). But, I think it is ridiculous to suggest the Mets did not want him.

Let’s Go Mets!

Another Homerun Is Reviewed

2009-05-28T16:22:00.000-04:00

So, the Mets sealed the deal and swept the Nationals. Certainly I am pleased about that. Santana clearly did not have his best stuff but I am not concerned about Johan. Truth is, he is known for being a slow starter. This year, he got a quick start out of the gate and now is slowing down a little. I have no doubt that soon he will kick it up a notch.

Daniel Murphy had one of those games that we all knew he was capable of having but just haven’t seemed to occur. Yesterday, he was on his game and looked good.

By the way, while I won’t complain, I don’t think, based on the replay, that Murphy’s ball was a homerun. More importantly, I don’t think the umpires are handling this well. That was one I would not have even reviewed. It is slowing down the game and personally, I think, taking excitement away from the game. Moreover, it does not appear as though the umps are following the procedures, especially with the Murphy homerun, that they are supposed to use.

Of course, I was not impressed with the umpiring in this series anyway. All one has to do is look at the night before when the umpire issued a warning to both sides after the National’s pitcher threw at the Mets. After the warning, both sides hit opposing players and nothing happened. Why issue the warning then?

In terms of yesterday’s game, I have been critical about the Mets not being able to finish off a series but last night, they did.

Let’s Go Mets!

Mets Keep Winning And I'm Not Complaining!

2009-05-27T11:44:00.001-04:00

A great game for Livan Hernandez and Gary Sheffield puts it on ice. Despite all the injuries (did you see that the Mets put Jose Reyes on the DL? Do you think they are reading my blog and got the idea from me?), the Mets continue to roll. They have now won four of their last five games.

Hernandez looked sharp on the mound and Sheffield continues to hit. Other Mets, such as Ramon Martinez, Omir Santos, Fernando Tatis and Fernando Martinez came through and the Mets look good. I realize they are only playing the Nationals but they are hurt, many regulars are out of the lineup and the Mets have had trouble beating up on the bad teams in the past. Last night, they had no difficulties and it was exciting watching Livan pitch the way he did.

Tonight the Mets have a chance to sweep. As I said in a previous post, the Mets seem to have trouble pulling out the broom. Hopefully, tonight they will be able to and can keep it going against the Marlins. It would be nice if the Mets could put together a winning streak longer than the seven games they did earlier this season.

So far, the roster moves look good and the Mets continue to impress. I hope it continues!

Let’s Go Mets!

Gary Keeps Us Rollin'

2009-05-26T12:07:00.000-04:00

In an earlier post I objected to the Mets getting Gary Sheffield. One of the reasons I objected had to do with him vetoing a trade to the Mets many years ago (or at least making it unlikely for the Mets to continue pursuing him based on some comment he made about not trying). My feelings on this matter have not changed. I was also critical, however, of his playing prowess. The fact that Detroit let him go even though they were willing to pick up most of his salary and the fact that his Spring Training numbers were so low, led me to that conclusion. On the second issue, clearly I was wrong.

With Carlos Delgado out, it does make a huge difference having Sheffield in the middle of the lineup. He has been coming through and showing power as well as the ability to drive in runs and get key hits. The fact is, without Sheffield the Mets would have lost last night’s game and their record on the just ended road trip would be a lot worse than 5-5.

I am getting a little annoyed at the reviewing of the homeruns, however. The Mets have been involved in three consecutive games where a homerun was reviewed (or maybe it was three of their last four games). Last night, it was a Sheffield homerun that was reviewed. Personally, I did not think the ball went out of the park but it had previously been ruled a homerun by the umpires and there was no conclusive evidence (I agree with this) to indicate the umpires missed a call. Still, it was six minutes in the dugout while the homerun was reviewed. I think something has to be done to reign this is so we don’t end up with way too many homeruns being reviewed (and occasionally eliminating the momentum of the team). Still, right now, with the Mets winning these games, I’m happy!

Let’s Go Mets!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

2009-05-25T15:31:00.000-04:00

How the game has changed. The Memorial Day doubleheader is now a thing of the past. In fact, the doubleheaders, with the exception of the day-night doubleheaders, are now a thing of the past. I wish that was not the case. It was enjoyable being able to pay for one game and watch two. It was also enjoyable watching doubleheaders, especially on holidays.

Certainly other changes have taken place over the years as well but one that sticks out in my mind now has to do with the way the game is played, specifically in terms of the closers. Forget for a moment the way relief pitching has changed, forget for a moment the way the number of innings a closer can pitch has changed and think back to when teams only had one closer.

I remember reading in a book how when the New York Yankees brought in Goose Gossage, Sparky Lyle was never the same. I actually think that was in the book Bronx Zoo. It made sense because the closer was the guy you went to and you could bring in as early as the seventh inning. Now, I think how fortunate the Mets are to have two closers (one who handles the eighth and one who handles the ninth).

If K-Rod is over-worked in a game, he can be given a rest and JJ Putz can pithc. If K-Rod develops back spasms, as happened in Boston, Putz can close out the game.

It is true that Putz was very hittable the last game in Boston. Still, I found it comforting to know that the Mets had a closer pitching the ninth.

Hopefully both JJ Putz and K-Rod will be 100% today and can help the Mets win.

Let’s Go Mets!

The Real Tim Redding?

2009-05-25T11:38:00.001-04:00

Certainly I am not going to complain about a five and five road trip, especially considering the cities the Mets visited. Certainly, I am not going to complain about a five and five road trip considering those who were out of commission when the Mets started the road trip. Most especially, I am not going to complain considering all of the people who needed to be rested and were unavailable, if not on the DL, during the road trip.

Still, there were two things I found troubling about yesterday’s game. Every time the Mets have a chance to put a team away, to sweep a series, they seem unable to seal the deal. The fact that they lost yesterday is minor. The fact they lost another game when a win would have given them a series sweep, is getting annoying.

The second aspect is Tim Redding. I understand why the Mets picked him up. Still, if you look at this well traveled veteran, he does not put up good numbers. Credit to Redding where credit is due, that first game he pitched with the Mets, he looked masterful. While he may not have come away with a win, he pitched very well. Yesterday was an entirely different story and I have a feeling that this is the Redding we are going to continue to see. I hope I am wrong but, based on Redding’s history, I don’t think I am.

Well, hopefully, with a three game set against the Nationals, we can get the home stand off to a quick stand (and maybe even sweep the series).

Let’s Go Mets!

Time To Disable Reyes

2009-05-24T11:55:00.000-04:00

I am confused and wondering if the Mets learned anything from last year. I know Jose Reyes is a catalyst for this team but I am surprised and disappointed the Mets have not put him on the DL. Jerry Manuel has basically no bench right now and putting Reyes on the DL would help a lot.

Certainly I understand the desire not to put him on the disabled list. Certainly if you can give him a couple of days off and then have him return to the lineup with no problem, that is the preference, but that has not been what is occurring.

What was initially thought to be a day or two of rest, turned into four days then, after he came back he needed to be taken out of the game again. I realized that this is not a concussion but didn’t the Mets learn anything last year from the Ryan Church situation? Reyes makes his money with his legs, his speed. If he needed to sit out more games than expected previously and then needed to be pulled shortly after making his return to the lineup, perhaps the Mets need to be able to read the handwriting. Give him 15 days on the DL to heal completely and give Jerry Manuel another player to be able to use.

Let’s Go Mets!

An Instant Replay Win

2009-05-24T10:22:00.000-04:00

I am not a fan of instant replay in baseball but, if it’s going to be used, let it be used to help my team. Yesterday, that was the way it worked and it all worked out well for the good guys (the Mets of course). Yesterday was actually a good game. Pelfrey had trouble in the first inning, but after that, he pitched a gem of a game, with no yips (balks). As readers of this blog know, I get frustrated when a pitcher is given a lead in an inning and the next half inning lets the opposition score. That happened last night but then Pelfrey settled down.

It is amazing that Pelfrey has now gone two straight games with only giving up two runs and does not have a win to show for it. At least he didn’t get a loss last night. It appears that Pelfrey may be a slow starter and then kicks it up a notch as the season progresses. That is what happened last year and with the past few games he has pitched this year, appears to be happening again. If so, Santana and he make a good one-two combo. Now if we can get a Jake Peavy or another quality starter, we will be set.

The Mets played strong defense yesterday. It was nice to see them turning various plays and looking good in the field. While it was not just the ninth inning, certainly those plays looked huge.

And, how about OmirSantos? He continues to impress. It was a big homerun in a big spot in the game. I am feeling more and more confident he will come through when he steps up in these situations. What I liked most was, while he held up his arm and knew it was gone, he did not go into homerun trot mode, he kept running. If the umpires had missed the call, it was not like the Mets would have had runners on first and second.

Lastly, it was amazing how immature Jonathan Papelbon looked. He came across like a little kid having a temper tantrum. I used to act like he did when I watched games but I was nine or ten at the time.

Again, a great win yesterday. Hopefully they can get a sweep today because that has been something the Mets have had trouble doing. Also, it would be nice to have a winning streak and not follow it up with a losing streak. Hopefully, they will be able to do so.

Let’s Go Mets!

Ollie's Woes

2009-04-22T20:05:00.000-04:00

So, the Mets lost 6-4 yesterday. I am never thrilled when they lose but I know it is part of the game; no team has ever gone 162-0. Still, the way the lost yesterday was very frustrating. First of all, it is the same story with Oliver Perez as I want to say, “Will the real Ollie please stand up”. He was given a four nothing lead, he was sailing along and then came the fifth inning. Ollie, with all the money you are getting paid, with the fact that you think you are a “real” pitcher, I suggest you learn how to keep a lead. If this was a rare occurrence, I wouldn’t say anything but it’s not. Oliver Perez is the most inconsistent pitcher around.

Then we have the base running mistakes made by the Mets. Perhaps Beltran was right to try and score in the eighth and certainly Molina is an accomplished defensive catcher. Still, when three outs are made on the base paths, something is not right.

Of course there is also the mater of the defense. Certainly the Mets should have played better in the field. Certainly Daniel Murphy needs to make “the play”. It just seems to me that right now everything is not coming together for the Mets. If this team wants to be taken seriously, they better start playing like they want to win.

Let’s Go Mets!

Speaking Against Sheffield

2009-04-21T22:17:00.001-04:00

Perhaps I am in the minority but I am very disappointed that the Mets signed Gary Sheffield. I have a number of reasons. The biggest one is this farce that he has always wanted to play for the Mets. WHAT??!?? It was a few years ago when the Mets and the Yankees were talking about swapping Mike Cameron for Gary Sheffield. Personally I preferred Cameron back then but that is not where I am going with this. It was Sheffield who said he did not want to play for the Mets (or any other team). Sheffield said he would not play hard for any other team and if it got him in trouble, he would simply retire.

Someone explain to me how the above remarks are the comments of someone who has “Always wanted to play for the Mets,” which is what both Sheffield and Omar Minaya are saying. He had the opportunity to come to Shea (yes, at the time, it was Shea) and he said he didn’t want to. He said he wouldn’t play hard for the Mets. He said he would sooner retire than play for the Mets. But, of course, he has always wanted to play for the Mets.

This also shows the problem one gets with his personality. How can a team want anyone who says he is not going to try his hardest? Okay, maybe once in a while you have a lapse, you’re exhausted, you don’t try as hard as you should but, to say you are not even going to try? What kind of nonsense is that?

Then there is the fact of what his numbers were during spring training. It is not like he was hitting the cover off the baseball. His average was pretty low, under 200 I believe. Sheffield’s power numbers were down. The fact that the Tigers released him while still paying him all that money should really show what they think of his playing ability.

Perhaps with the dollar amount so low, the Mets had to take a chance. Perhaps they thought to another player they were able to obtain very cheaply, that being John Olerud and decided it was worth the gamble. Perhaps it is worth the gamble, perhaps things will work out for the Mets but I know if I were the owners and management of the Mets, I wouldn’t go after him.

And think about it, I got through this post without even needing to talk about his defense as another reason not to sign Sheffield.

Let's Go Mets!

2009-04-20T19:15:00.001-04:00

Baseball season is underway and it is time for me to get back to posting on this blog. I have a number of thoughts and will probably be posting a number of them over the next few days. First, let’s take a look at the Mets and discuss my thoughts on how they look this year.

There play has not been terrible but they certainly have not gotten off to a terrific start and I have my concerns (I did heading into the season). While I give Omar credit for addressing concerns about the bullpen, I still think it has some problems. If the Mets have a lead after seven innings, we are in good shape with Putz and K-Rod. If, however, the starter does not go seven innings, I have my concerns. A number of the arms are new and/or unproven and I have concerns. Beyond that, Jerry Manual seems to really like the lefty-righty switch. How long can you go with using three different pitchers in one inning because you keep switching a lefty for a righty? Put a guy in there and have some faith!

Starting pitching is also a concern. I like Livan Hernandez as the number five starter and certainly I like Johan as the number one starter. Pelfrey, who is probably the number two starter is still unproven. Last year he came into his own in the middle of the season and did well but he has yet to show great numbers for a full year. Ollie is WAY TOO inconsistent and John Maine is coming back from an injury. Sure, there is no indication that Maine is suffering effects of the injury but he still has to show he can come back strong.

I have concerns about Delgado at first and hope his resurgence the second part of last year is the real deal. Castillo at second looks much better than he did last year but we are dropping him to the number 8 spot and expecting much better numbers from him. That is cause for concern. Reyes and Wright at SS and 3rd I like.

I like Daniel Murphy but he is still unproven. Beltran has put up some good numbers but still, as far as I am concerned, has not developed into the type of player making the money he is getting or the type of player we saw for Houston a few years ago during the Playoffs. Church in Right is still coming back from his injury and I don’t know how he will fair. As for Gary Sheffield, I have MEGA problems with him playing the outfield (and playing on the Mets) but that is for tomorrow.

Hopefully, everything comes together this year, despite my concerns, and they have a FANTASTIC season.

Let’s Go Mets!

File Extensions

2009-02-25T15:17:00.002-05:00

My college students are busy preparing and presenting demonstration speeches. Certain speeches have me ready for April as I have heard students talk about how to pitch and how to hit.

Sometimes, however, students run into some frustration as they forget to check the computer equipment ahead of time and see what programs are available. The may have some great software on their computer that lets them show a simulated baseball game but, if the college computer does not have this program, the student is in trouble.

When a problem like this occurs, beyond the frustration the student feels, I found myself curious as to what kind of software this is, especially when the file extension name is something I don't recognize. Now, however, I can check it out, so if I see something with a file extension amr, for example, I can just look it up.

Examining The Outfield

2008-12-30T20:10:00.001-05:00

When it comes to the Mets outfield, there have been a lot of questions asked and statements made. So, it is time for me to add my opinion. The Mets have said that they are content to use a platoon of Fernando Tatis and Daniel Murphy in left, presumably figuring Beltran in center and Ryan Church returning to right.

Truth is, that is not such a bad option. While there is no guarantee, Tatis was on a tear last year. A seasoned veteran, a capable hitter, a good bat off the bench, a right-handed hitter to tackle the lefties. He would be complimented by Daniel Murphy, a left-handed hitter. Again, no guarantee but Murphy appears to have a bright future, a nice, even swing, an eager player, and as Met beat reporter Marty Noble points out, the younger guy would get the majority of the playing time since there are more right-handed pitchers than left-handed ones. That platoon could work. Still, if the Mets could upgrade, I would not complain. So, how should they upgrade? Let me first say what I don’t think they should do.

There was talk yesterday about how the Mets had expressed an interest in Andruw Jones of the Dodgers and might look to trade for him. The thinking went something like Jones and Castillo both had subpar years and perhaps the teams could swap the stars. I would not like to see Jones playing for the Mets. I don’t believe that last year was a fluke. The player is on the downswing and considering they are keeping Carlos Delgado at first, I don’t think the Mets need to add another old, washup player, the kind that Minaya often seem to like to get, to the mix. Leave Andruw alone.

Then, of course, there is Manny. More and more teams continue to express a lack of interest for ManRam. Apparently Omar likes him but ownership doesn’t. The thinking is, if his price tag comes down and if he is willing to sign a one or two year deal, how could the Mets pass him up. As the Dodgers, perhaps the only suitors of Manny, look to talk with Adam Dunn and investigate other options, Manny could be looking for a new home at a discounted rate. Ramirez is a great hitter, and an asset to a team WHEN HE WANTS TO BE. I think Manny comes with too much baggage. If I could have his numbers without his personality, I would say they should do it in a heartbeat. Taking Manny, however, I believe was ensure no postseason for the Mets this year (again). Then, consider the fact that beyond the usual antics, if Manny isn’t happy because he did not get the deal he thought he was worth, both in number of years and in salary, will he give you 100%? Will he be willing to play? This is a guy who sat out with the Redsoxs when the Yankees came to town and Boston could have used his bat. No, I say leave Manny alone.

I believe there is another option available for the Mets and apparently, so do some of the New York sports commentators. With the Yankees having picked up Mark Texiera, it means Nick Swisher has to play the outfield. That give the Yankees a very crowded outfield with Swisher, Damon, Matsui, Melkey and Nady. The conventional wisdom is the Yankees will look to move one of the outfielders and while they might like to move Matsui (or possibly Damon), Xavier Nady may be the player they have to move. If I were the Mets, I would look to trade for Nady. I might go for Matsui, but I would really like Nady back in Flushing. I think the Mets have the talent to make such a trade and he would be a lot cheaper than Manny and not be a trouble maker. Come on Omar, make it happen!

Starting Pitching Thoughts

2008-12-29T11:32:00.001-05:00

It is obvious that the Mets need at least one more starting pitcher and probably two. As I look at things, I am surprised (a little) that AJ Burnett was considered a bigger draw than Derek Lowe. Burnett maybe younger but he has been injury prone, he may have more strikeouts and be able to pitch a better game than Lowe, but Lowe is more consistent, from start to start.

Considering the Yankees signed CC and Burnett and the Redsoxs have come to an agreement with Brad Penny, Lowe should be the Mets for the taking. They should have little competition and should be able to sign him for a reasonable amount of money, reasonable as far as baseball salaries go.

The Mets could clearly get by with just one more pitcher, especially if they can sign Lowe, who would become the number two man in the staff with Pelfrey and Maine becoming three and four and perhaps Neise, or another young kid in the system being the fifth starter. Still, I would like to see the Mets sign one more starter and give Neise another year in AAA. In addition, while I think Pelfrey is the real deal, last year was the first year he came into his own and I don’t think we can be 100% sure of him just yet. So, who else would I like to see the Mets get?

My number one choice is completely unrealistic. I would love to see the Mets trade for Jake Peavy. I, however, am not convinced the Padres want to trade him. If they did, based on the interest the Cubs had, I think he would be in Chicago. A few years ago, the Astros acted like Roy Oswalt was on the trading block to see what they could get for him but they were never serious about trading him. I think the same is true with San Diego and Peavy. In addition, think what the Mets would have to give up to get him and think how much they would have to pay to keep him as I would imagine things would be similar to the way it worked with Johan, that before a deal was finalized, the Mets would have to work out a contract extension.

The next option is Oliver Perez. He is young, he is a left hander and while being inconsistent, he has done better with Met coaches than he was doing elsewhere. The Mets really revitalized his career. Consider he was the throw in player in the Nady deal. The problem with Ollie, as I see it, is the amount of money he will get for being a mediocre pitcher. Last year, through arbitration, he was paid way more than he should have been getting. As a free agent, with Boras as his agent, even if the price comes down, Perez will be making more than he made last year. I honestly don’t believe he is worth that much money.

That leaves Randy Wolf. Wolf is not a front end of the rotation guy but he is a left handed pitcher. If the Mets can sign Lowe, I think Lowe would be an excellent pickup for the fifth spot. He should not come at too great of a cost and could prove effective. If not, then you bring Neise up mid-year.

I would like to see the Mets pickup Lowe and Wolf.

An Improved Bullpen

2008-12-26T11:16:00.001-05:00

It has been some time since I have posted and there is a lot to talk about. The first aspect, not surprisingly, is the bullpen. I give Omar Minaya a lot of credit. He recognized the problems of last season and he looked to address them.

First, Minaya got the best closer on the market. K-Rod should help close out games for the Mets. Honestly, I never felt comfortable with Billy Wagner on the mound and I am hoping that K-Rod will instill a feeling of confidence. Credit to Minaya for not stopping there, he went out and got JJ Putz as the setup man. Putz has not performed this role for a number of years but hopefully, he will fill that spot nicely. It really has been some time since the Mets have had an eighth inning guy and a ninth inning guy. While I do not like this approach, it is what baseball has become.

The truth, however, is I do not think the bullpen is complete. With the way the game is played today, they need a seventh inning guy as well. This allows you to get six quality innings out of your starter and then put the ball in the hands of the pen. Perhaps Duaner Sanchez can fill that role. Maybe with the two new guys, it will up Sanchez’s game and give him a bit more confidence. I also might be interested to see if Eddie Kunz could fill that role. Coming in for the seventh would certainly relieve some of the pressure of closing games and allow both Kunz and the Mets to breathe a little easier than having him immediately try to close games.

I am fine with getting rid of Schoenweiss and bringing in Robertson. Still, that means that Feliciano is the only left hander. Another left hander might be helpful. I think Brian Stokes would fill the role of middle relief and spot starter very well.

As I see it, one more relief pitcher would make a huge difference. Still, clearly there bullpen has been much improved.

Up next, stay tuned for conversations about starting pitching, first base, second base and the outfield.

PS It is easier to tell the Mets what they should do when I do not have to worry about purse strings.

Phillies-Brewers, Who Do You Want?

2008-10-03T11:49:00.000-04:00

The Phillies hold a two-nothing lead over the Brewers in a best of five series. One more and Philadelphia moves on to face the winner of the Dodgers-Cubs series. This may sound immature on my part but I really do not care who wins the Brewers-Phillies series.

The Phills beat the Mets for the NL East title two years in a row. I really do not have any love for this team or even the players on the team. I have a hard time cheering for the Phillies. I might have a little stronger stomach for the Brewers, but not by much. After all, it was the last day of the seasons that Milwaukee officially knocked out the Mets from the wildcard.

I realize that really neither the Phillies nor the Brewers knocked the Mets out. The team that beat the Mets this year, and last year as well, was the Mets. They played awful down the stretch and can only blame themselves for their disappointing seasons.

I would like to see the Cubs move on. That may not seem likely right now but they had the best record in the National League. In addition, it has been too long since the Cubs have been to a World Series. It would be interesting and fun to see it happen (assuming it won’t be the Mets and this year it cannot be).

Stay tuned for some upcoming post in terms of what the Mets should do, or should not do during the off-season and my argument as to why Johan Santana deserves consideration, serious consideration, for NL Cy Young Award winner.

Schleptember Morn

2008-09-29T12:15:00.001-04:00

“Again?”

“Yes, Again.”

“Surprised?”

“Unfortunately, NO!”

This was not a real conversation but it very well could have been the way a conversation went yesterday with any of my friends. In typical Met fashion, the team waited for the last day of the season to officially be eliminated.

Sure the bullpen was a problem, as it has been for the better part of the season but this team has been one of the most “unclutch” hitting teams I have ever seen. The offensive numbers are good but look at how well they did with a runner on third and less than two outs. How often were they able to get that run home? Look at the team batting average in clutch situations and I think you will see some pathetic numbers.

A friend of mine told me last year he read an article that was title Schleptember, it was about how, while many teams sprint to the finish line during baseball season, the Mets just Schlep along. That is exactly what happened again this year. It was not the historic collapse of last year but it was pathetic.

Personally, I like Jerry Manuel and think he has earned the right to stay. Omar may need to go as he brought (and bought) us a team that was too old. Minaya’s comment about how last year the Mets underachieved but this year they overachieved was just plan dumb. They would not have gone out and brought in someone like Johan Santana if they did not think he would help get them to post season. Obviously, they fell short once again.

So, what about changes for next year? As far as I am concerned, Keep Wright and Reyes in the infield, keep this kid Daniel Murphy in the outfield and keep Santana and Pelfrey as two key pitchers. This doesn’t mean that everyone else should be traded but I would see what you can get. I certainly think they need to get younger. That means that Delgado, Castillo, Alou, even Taits (who did an amazing job filling in) need to go. They need to get at least one more starter (I would not pay what Ollie is going to cost, I don’t know about Maine and I would dump Pedro). If the Mets could sign CC, that would give them a strong 1-2-3 punch. And, I certainly would revamp the bullpen, from top to bottom. I do not think Wagner is coming back and even if he did, I think they need a new closer. And, I would get rid of Minaya.

The last thing I would like to see happen, but I know it won’t, is for me to give up on this team, stop following them and not let them do this sort of thing to me anymore.

Due to the upcoming holidays, I probably will not be posting over the next couple of days but I will be entering a new post shortly after that making an argument for Santana as NL Cy Young Award winner. It won’t happen but he certainly deserves it.

Gangsta

2008-09-28T07:11:00.000-04:00

It was a great win for the Mets yesterday. Make no mistake about it. Despite my post from yesterday, it was great. Jerry Manuel, when asked about Johan’s performance after the game, said his pitcher was “Gangsta,” and I have to agree. Manuel also said that as the Mets head into tomorrow’s game (now, today, game 162), it would be impossible for his players not to be pumped up and excited.

This is where Manuel and I part company. I have mixed reactions about yesterday’s game. Watching Santana pitch was amazing. He pitched such a beautiful, dominant game, a complete game despite throwing a career high number of pitches three days earlier. Santana has made it so the final game of the season (unless we need a tiebreaker) means something (which some help from Milwaukee which lost to a Cubs team sitting most of its regulars).

My fear is, last year is still fresh in my mind. Last year the Mets should have been pumped for the final game of the season after pulling back even with the Phillies in the wildcard. Last year, following the game of John Maine’s life, with Tom Glavine (perhaps the ace of the staff) going, he allowed seven first inning runs and the season was over. To have the Mets win yesterday only to have my heart ripped out today is a real fear. I don’t believe they will automatically be pumped. I don’t believe that Oliver Perez will definitely pitch a great game. And, to a point that Gary, Keith and Ron made yesterday about the fans, particularly not being involved during Friday’s game, I think the problem was the Mets were trailing before they even came to bat; the Marlins took the crowd out of the game early. I fear that could happen again this year.

Yesterday’s win means nothing if the Mets don’t get the wildcard. Sorry, but that is exactly the way I feel. With C.C. Sabathia going for the Brewers today, the Mets have to go out and win. I realize that Sabathia is going on three days rest for something like the fourth straight time, I realize that the Cubs beat him a couple of weeks ago and I realize that the Cubs will be starting their regular lineup and that could help the Mets. Still, it is their ace and, of course, the Mets ace will not be pitching today.

If both teams do win, it will be interesting to see how a one game playoff goes as neither team will be able to use its ace. I believe I heard that the Mets would use Pedro if it came to that. Part of me thinks that would be good since he has dealt with these pressure situations before. Part of me thinks it would be bad since he has not had a great year. All of me wants a Met win today coupled with a Brewers loss so we do not even need to worry about a tiebreaker.

Let’s Go Mets!

Thanks... ... ... ... FOR NOTHING!

2008-09-27T07:53:00.000-04:00

Folks,

I’d like to tell you not to worry, that I truly believe the Mets will still come back and claim the wildcard spot. I’d like to tell you that since the Phills have not yet clinched the division, I truly think the Mets could take the NL East title. I would like to tell you that the Mets won’t choke. These are the things I would like to tell you; unfortunately I can’t. This team is toast, they are done and once again, instead of making it easy (or easier) on Met fans, they have found a way to RIP THE HEARTS out of those who loyally follow this team.

Years ago, back in 1977, when the Yankees made that remarkable comeback against the Redsox, then Redsox’s first baseman George Scott uttered a quote that has stuck with me for all these years. As the Yankees were turning up the pressure and heading to Boston for a three game set, Scott said the only definition of choke he knew was when someone put their hands around your neck and started to strangle you. The announcer, playing this comment in retrospect, at the end of the season after the Yankees ended up winning the World Series, said of the Scott quote, “That was exactly what the Yankees did (putting their hands around Boston’s collective throats).

Right now, it appears the difference between the ’77 Redsox and the 2008 Mets is, the Mets are the ones putting their hands around their own throats. Two years in a row we are going to be finished off by the Florida Marlins. This is Pathetic. The Mets should be embarrassed but they won’t be. They still get the millions of dollars (in large part because we fans are stupid enough to pay for tickets to see this team).

I would like to tell you that things will be easier this year because they screwed up last year so they have programmed fans to expect a collapse. I’d like to tell you that since the Mets never had such a huge lead this year, it is not as disappointing. I can’t honestly say these things.

This is the first time in a month that the Mets have not had at least a share of the lead in the NL East or the Wildcard. They picked a hell of a time to do it and as a result, I would like to tell you I am giving up on this team. I can’t do that either. I am just a stupid fan who continues to follow this team and hope, even expect, they will perform and come through.

They say the classic definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I continue to follow them and continue to expect them to be able to get into post-season. I guess that makes me insane and makes it time to see a Psychiatrist.

Finally!

2008-09-26T00:43:00.000-04:00

The Mets managed to stop the bleeding. I don’t know, however, if this is just a temporary measure or a permanent measure. The Mets gave up a lead but managed to fight to come back and tie the game. Yesterday’s game had a very different feeling than the night before. The night before you could feel the Mets trying to find a way to lose the game. Yesterday, I really got the impression they wanted to win.

Unlike the previous night, this time the Mets managed to score a ninth inning run. At the time, it ensured that the Mets would have at least a share of the wildcard lead. Milwaukee, scoring four runs in the tenth, ultimately did make sure it was a tie for the wildcard lead. The truth is, the only reason the two teams are tied right now has to do with the Mets inability to play over the past week. That is why it was so refreshing to see them win a ballgame.

The problem is trying to figure out if the Mets are just toying with their fans, trying to find a new way to break our hearts or if the Mets truly are going to play strong baseball over the last three games of the season. I am disgusted the Mets are not in first in the NL East and I am disgusted that the Mets are tied for first for the wildcard instead of being in first. Still, they have to deal with where they are right now. Last night, they finally did that in an appropriate manner.

Let’s Go Mets!

Runner On Third But...

2008-09-25T09:59:00.000-04:00

In watching last night’s game, I couldn’t help but feel the Mets did not want to win the game. The kept handing it to the Cubs. Chicago, with nothing left to gain, tried to help the Mets at every juncture but the Mets simply turned down the offer every time.

A Carlos Delgado grand slam gave the Mets a 5-1 lead. Ollie decided to give it back to the Cubs and the Cubs took a 6-5 lead. So the pitching was not there. What was more troubling was the lack of offense. The Mets had a runner on third with less than two outs in the seventh inning, the eighth and the ninth yet the only run they scored was on a bases loaded walk in the eighth with two outs. Had the Cubs not tried to help the Mets, the game would have been over in nine innings but the bases loaded walk actually gave the Mets a chance to win.

In the ninth inning, Daniel Murphy led off with a triple. A runner on third and no one out! That forces the opponent, in this case the Cubs, to play the infield and the outfield in. Pinella decided to pitch to Wright and David after working the count to 3-0 ended up striking out—Runner on third and one man out. Pinella than had the Cubs walk the Carloses to load the bases. The problem is once you get to the sixth spot in the order, with Church not yet hitting, the Mets have no one. Church grounded into a force out to the second baseman who threw the lead runner, Murphy, out at home and there were two out. Castro made an out for the third out and we went to extra innings. What was so frustrating was this was not the first golden opportunity the Mets squandered.

After the Cubs got the Mets out in the bottom of the ninth, not allowing a run to score, I turned off the game. I knew at this point the Mets did not want it and that they were not going to win this game. I would have loved to be proven wrong but alas, it was not to be.

I have big doubts, especially with Pedro on the mound tomorrow but hopefully they can turn it around.

Let’s Go Mets!

High Pitch Count

2008-09-24T11:15:00.000-04:00

I’ve got a really tight schedule today so I am keeping this really short. I simply want to say how thrilled I was to see the Mets win yesterday. In addition, it was nice to see Johan Santana throw more pitches than he has before; never in his career had he thrown as many pitches as he did last night.

I like the fact that Jerry Manuel was willing to do it and I liked the fact that Santana did it and did not complain. Certainly I hope that it does not have any damaging effects on Johan’s career. I certainly do not think it will and it may make him an even more durable and valuable pitcher. Still, there is the little bit of concern but I was thrilled he want as deep as he did.

Hopefully they can win another one today!

Let’s Go Mets!

Leap Frog

2008-09-21T07:29:00.000-04:00

The Mets are in first place, they are out of first place, in, out… This is the way things seem to be going. I realize that the Mets have never done particularly well at Turner Field but you would like to think in the heat of a pennant race, they could kick it up a notch. Wrong!

The Phillies seem to find a way to win ballgames. They played a pesky Marlins team, a team that is fighting to keep its playoff hopes alive and they could find a way to win. I hate to say it but that seems to be the difference between the Mets and Phillies right now. Fortunately the Brewers lost as they too don’t seem to want to clinch a playoff berth and are doing whatever they can to avoid making it to the pennant.

With the erratic play of the Mets, the awful play of the Brewers, the strong play of the Phillies and the pesky play of the Marlins, I do not think it is entirely out of the realm of possibility to see the Phillies take the division with the Marlins winning the wildcard. That is clearly NOT what I want to happen but I do think it is conceivable.

Hopefully they can win today and take two out of three from the Braves but I do have my concerns.

Let’s Go Mets!