The 'Ropolitans - New York Mets Baseball Blog

Early Morning Madness: Who is this man you call 'El Duque' edition

2008-07-07T06:27:00.004-04:00

Hey...remember this guy? Well he's on the comeback trail.

That's right, Orlando Hernandez threw four innings of baseball in rookie league ball, allowing two runs (one earned). El Duque allowed four hits, walking one, and striking out six.

Honestly, I'm not even going to begin to remotely think about if he could ever be somewhat effective ever again. This is just a pinhole sized blip on the radar screen.

** * **

Is Pedro cooked? I don't think so.

Yes, he has struggled through his recent starts, but if you take away a shaky first inning last time around, he pitched pretty well. His start win interrupted by a rain delay, but Pedro Martinez manned up and came back out, pitching fairly well before allowing a solo home run.

Tonight should be interesting, especially because he's pitching in hitter friendly Citizen's Bank Park.

** * **

The Continuing Story of Ryan Church...continues.

Church was held out of the lineup for all 12 innings during yesterday's marathon game. Church was recovering from a migraine which forced him out of 8th inning of Saturday's game.

Hopefully (fingers crossed), it was really only a migraine and was only slightly related to the concussions, if at all. The team's dynamic is nowhere close to the same without his bat in the lineup.

I'll be monitoring this situation closely.

I'm sorry...what?

2008-07-06T23:01:00.003-04:00

Billy Wagner did what??

** * **

From an MLB.com article:

Before Sunday, the Mets' last 1-0 win came on June 23, 2007, against the Athletics.

Hmm...that's odd. I don't remember the Mets winning 1-0 on Sunday. More like 4-2. Got to love your editors.

TSTDIA: Mets 4 -- Phillies 2

2008-07-06T21:57:00.003-04:00

Oliver Perez coasted through seven innings, the Mets (Carlos Beltran really) scratched out two runs, and the game was handed over the the only New York Mets All Star Game selection for the final three outs of the game. Billy Wagner got the Phillies down to their last strike before surrendering a two-run home run to tie the game.

The Mets rallied back late with a two-run dinger of their own, off the bat of Fernando Tatis, beating the Phills in 12 innings.

Major props must go to Joe Smith for 2 1-3 scoreless innings of relief.

Billy Wagner is lone Mets representative in ASG

2008-07-06T14:42:00.006-04:00

Billy Wagner will be the only member of the New York Mets to represent the team in the 2008 All Star Game.

That is, barring a push for the final player, or an injury replacement.

Rightly so, for Wagner. David Wright maybe deserved a spot on the bench, and Johan Santana could be argued for a spot based on his ERA, not his record.

Represent the team well, Wagner.

Update: Wright is on the final ballot.

Final ballot candidates:
Pat Burrell, Phillies
Corey Hart, Brewers
Carlos Lee, Astros
Aaron Rowand, Giants
David Wright, Mets

Vote for Wright here.

Oliver Perez: Who are you?

2008-07-06T11:45:00.002-04:00

The stats on Oliver Perez:
Birth: August 15, 1981
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 160 lb.

Debut: June 16, 2002
Career: 51-58, 4.48 ERA, 1.435 WHIP
2008: 6-5, 4.98 ERA, 1.472 WHIP

Here's the problem. That doesn't show that there are actually two different people named Oliver Perez. They look exactly alike, they talk alike, they do everything the same way...except pitch.

One day, you'll get the Perez we saw against the Yankees last week. 7 IP, 3 hits, 1 earned run.

Other days, we'll see the Perez who can't make it out of the first inning, allowing five hits and six runs in only 1-3 of an inning.

John Delcos has affectionately named him "Coin Flip." How fitting is that?

Any day, either of the Oliver Perez's could show up. Hopefully, today, against the Phillies, we see the good Perez. The one who triumphs over evil and doesn't stink on the mound. We shall see.

Migraines keeping Ryan Church out of play

2008-07-06T11:39:00.004-04:00

Ryan Church left last night's game in the 8th inning with migraines. The same ailment is keeping him out of the lineup for Sunday's matinee.

Church has suffered from migraines since an early age, but they have recently increased in frequency due to his two concussions in only a handful of months.

Are the Mets corner outfield spots cursed or something?? This is getting crazy.

Ryan Church is dizzy

2008-07-06T01:33:00.004-04:00

Here we go again.

Ryan Church left last night's game against the Phillies in the top of the 8th inning with "dizziness." Apparently, it was only a migraine and not repercussions from his second concussion of the season.

I really, really hope he's all right. His bat needs to stay in the lineup.

TSTDIA: Mets 9 -- Philles 4

2008-07-05T22:26:00.002-04:00

The Mets took the lead early, fell behind late, but rallied against the Phillies bullpen to score and keep scoring en route to a victory.

Are these the Mets?

John Maine leaves game with injury to non-pitching arm

2008-07-05T20:47:00.006-04:00

Update 8:53 pm: It's been diagnosed simply as a "cramp."

John Maine was forced to leave the game against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning due to an injury to his non-pitching arm.

Maine was pitching to Ryan Howard when he grabbed his left arm, near the elbow. He's in the dugout now, and seems more frustrated than in pain.

He only allowed one hit, a three run home run in 5 2-3 innings. He was up to 103 pitches, so he was going to be done soon, but hopefully his arm is all right.

I usually get a pain near that area, and I have to simply pop the elbow, just like you would crack your knuckles. It feels tight and hurts like heck, but when you pop it, it feels much better.

Aaron Heilman came on, with a 2-2 count against Howard and needed only one pitch, a change up, to strike him out.

Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez's dream lineup

2008-07-05T19:49:00.003-04:00

During the 4th inning of the Mets and Phillies game on July 5, Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez were discussing some lineup adjustments for the Mets.

Rumor has it that Jerry Manuel is strongly considering moving Carlos Beltran to the two hole, allowing him to "see more fastballs." Here's how Gary and Keith had the top six of the lineup shaking out:

Jose Reyes
Carlos Beltran
Ryan Church
Moises Alou
David Wright
Carlos Delgado

I'd finish that lineup with Brian Schneider and Luis Castillo, either of which could be placed in the seventh or eighth spots.

I like that lineup, a lot. It is assuming Alou stays healthy, and Delgado can keep up what he's put together in the last few games.

It puts a lot of pop and speed at the top of the order, with a much better #4 hitter. Delgado rightfully shifts lower in the lineup, and will get Wright on base a whole lot more with less pitches to hit.

I like it.

A tale of two seasons

2008-07-05T12:38:00.003-04:00

Last week I brought you "A Tale of Two Stadiums," this week, it's "A Tale of Two Seasons."

J.A. Happ has made two major league starts in his career, both against the New York Mets.

In 2007, the Mets pounded Happ for five runs in four innings. He surrendered three home runs to Carlos Beltran, Paul LoDuca and David Wright. Happ allowed seven hits, while striking out five and walking two. Jorge Sosa earned the win for the Mets, who upped their record to 46-33.

Beltran ended up going 4-5, hitting two home runs and picking up 10 total bases.

This time around, it was an entirely different story. Happ went 4 2-3 of an inning, allowing only three hits, striking out three and walking four. He surrendered only two runs, the only ones the Mets managed to put across.

On the flip side, Johan Santana pitched 8 innings, allowing only six hits and two runs. He took the loss as the Mets fell to 42-44. Beltran went 0-4 and struck out twice.

Two different teams, two different seasons, and two vastly different outcomes.

The Mets bats stink

2008-07-05T09:30:00.005-04:00

Another excellent Johan Santana start wasted.

Santana gave up only two runs, and the Mets lost again. This reminds me of when Roger Clemens pitched with the Astros. He would dominate the other team, but the 'Stros simply did not score for him.

I sort of feel bad for Santana, because he's doing pretty much all that he can do, and his team still can't manage to win. He may not be the best pitcher in the league anymore, but he's pitching very, very well and the Mets are now 0-6 in his last six starts.

This team always seems to fail horribly with timely hitting. The Mets had the bases loaded and nobody out, and managed to score only two runs. Luckily, at that. Thanks to the speed of Jose Reyes, who beat out a double play ball, and a good eye by David Wright to walk a run in, otherwise the inning could have ended without the Mets pushing any runs across.

I'm not sure if the Mets need to add a bat from elsewhere, but this team needs a jolt. In big games like last night's, the team should be fired up and aggressive, but they still looked flat. Is the team dynamic that different without Ryan Church? Without Moises Alou? Maybe a lineup shakeup will do the trick, but who knows.

Maybe this team really is just a mediocre, .500 team.

TSTDIA: Phillies 4 -- Mets 3

2008-07-04T21:39:00.002-04:00

I hate when the Mets lose. I hate when the Mets get walked off against. I hate losing to the Phillies.

This stinks.

Happy Fourth of July!

2008-07-04T10:12:00.006-04:00

Happy Fourth of July, everyone!

And Happy Birthday to my mom!

Jose Reyes and Keith Hernandez nearly come to blows on team plane

2008-07-04T08:20:00.008-04:00

According to the NY Post, Jose Reyes and Keith Hernandez had to be separated while on the team plane.

From the Post:

Reyes said yesterday he was angry at Hernandez after numerous friends and relatives told him Hernandez accused the Mets of "babying" Reyes during the broadcast of Sunday's 3-1 win over the New Yor Yankees at Shea Stadium.
"He got his point [across] and I got mine," Reyes, when asked to describe the confrontation, told The Post before he drove in three runs in the Mets' 11-1 victory over the Cardinals last night. "I'm not too happy with the way he's been talking."

The article also goes on to say:

Reyes and Hernandez emphatically denied they nearly came to blows, with Hernandez insisting testily that it be described as "a conversation" instead.

"I wouldn't say 'confronted,' " Hernandez said brusquely when approached in the team's broadcast booth at Busch Stadium last night. "We had a conversation. 'Confront' is not the word."

As strange as this whole story is, I can't get over how funny this must have been. In my wildest dreams I cannot picture this happening.

Hopefully everything works out, because Hernandez is a historic part of this organization and Reyes, hopefully, will be a cornerstone of this franchise for years to come.

Here comes the flood of comments about how "immature" Reyes is. A few days ago, I called his tantrum on the field immature, now, I'm not so sure. I think Reyes wants to step away from that image, and I can't think of anything more "manly" than a fight. Sure, that sounds super macho and testosterone driven, but it rings true.

Reyes is a fighter. And that's a good thing. Too bad he was fighting the immortal Keith Hernandez.

Still, color me skeptical. I'd like to see this one reported elsewhere before I fully believe it.

The Mets always make it interesting.

[Thanks Ian, from Sox & Dawgs]

TSTDIA: Mets 11 -- Cardinals 1

2008-07-03T23:19:00.002-04:00

The Mets played well, very well. Of course, I lost power at my house and didn't see or know about a pitch after Ryan Church's at bat in the first inning.

Of course. Great game though, from what I read at least.

Castillo to DL, Reyes up

2008-07-03T17:18:00.003-04:00

Luis Castillo is on the DL, as reported earlier. The corresponding move has been made, as Argenis Reyes has been promoted to take his spot.

The Reyes-Reyes infield is finally here. Castillo is down with a strained hip flexor.

Chris Aguila is also coming up to the big club to take Carlos Muniz's vacated spot.

Spark this team, young guns.

Castillo to the DL

2008-07-03T15:19:00.001-04:00

Luis Castillo is heading to the disabled list, and no one is surprised.

I would expect to see either Argenis Reyes or Abraham Nunez to replace him. I'd love to see Reyes get his shot. Hopefully can't-hit Anderson Hernandez stays down in New Orleans.

Roster rumors: Chris Aguila, Argenis Reyes, and Abraham Nunez

2008-07-03T11:40:00.003-04:00

Players being considered for Carlos Muniz's spot, and possibly another spot if Luis Castillo needs to go on the DL:

Chris Aguila: Sure, that's fine. He's been up before and wasn't terrible. The Mets do need an outfielder for the next few days as Moises Alou continues to rehab.

Argenis Reyes: Great! This 25 year old performed pretty well in spring training, and is now batting .290/.353/.333/.686 (AVG, OBP, SLG, OPS). Not super special, but worth a look-see. He also has a pretty slick glove, making only four errors in 78 games (76 of which were played at second base). Why not?

And I'd love to hear "Ground ball to Reyes, flips it to Reyes, and on to Delgado! A 6-4-3 inning ending double play!"

Abraham Nunez: Ugh! Are you kidding? Why is this man even still in the Mets system?

Mid-Morning Madness: Shoulda, woulda, coulda edition

2008-07-03T11:17:00.002-04:00

Boy, did it feel good to sleep in...

Last night's game was one the Mets should have won.

Pedro Martinez gave up four in the first inning, but the Mets battled back to tie it. Then Pedro gave up a solo home run, and the Mets again battled back to tie it. Then the Mets took the lead for the first time in the game, and Pedro Feliciano let the Cardinals tie it. Carlos Muniz then let the game slip away entirely, serving up a walk-off home run to end the game.

Shoulda, woulda, coulda.

Sure, the Mets scored seven runs, but they picked up 15 hits. They left 10 runners on base, quickly becoming a terrible habit of the 2008 Mets. The team needs to find some way to start driving those runners in, or the season really will be lost.

** * **

All the time I talk about Carlos Delgado's days being numbered, but now it seems like the clock is running out on Luis Castillo a bit quicker.

Castillo sat out again last night and now the DL is a possibility, again. I just don't think he has enough left in the tank to continue to perform day in and day out as an everyday player.

Easily Omar Minaya's worst contract dished out as the Mets GM. For now, just start Damion Easley and spell him with giving Castillo starts, not the other way around.

** * **

The bench is back?

Tuesday night, Ramon Castro drove in three runs and last night Easley drove in another three. If the Mets are to salvage this season, it might have to come from the play off the bench.

Carlos Muniz punches his ticket back to NoLa

2008-07-03T01:20:00.002-04:00

Why Carlos Muniz is pitching in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Cardinals heart of the order is beyond me.

Either way, Muniz served up the game winner to Troy Glaus, and punched his ticket back to the minor leagues. Muniz will be sent packing back to AAA New Orleans.

The roster spot is still yet to be filled by another minor leaguer, but a move will happen some time tomorrow. My money is on Valentino Pascucci. If not Val, then Mike Carp or Dan Murphy. We'll have to wait and see.

They should really name a flight to New Orleans after Muniz. I'm sure he's loading up on the frequent flier miles by now.

TSTDIA: Cardinals 8 -- Mets 7

2008-07-03T00:22:00.001-04:00

The Mets finally mounted a comeback when they were down by four runs, but a 9th inning walkoff home run off of Carlos Muniz thwarted their effort.

Always interesting

2008-07-02T23:56:00.002-04:00

I must hand it to the Mets, they almost always make the game interesting.

Rarely do the Mets runaway with the game and truly put the other team in the rearview mirror. It's always close, or tied, for these Mets.

They always have to make it interesting.

Instant replay for MLB

2008-07-02T14:21:00.003-04:00

It can only help.

As long as the use of instant replay is limited to home runs and close calls of monumental proportion, and doesn't slow down the game, I am 100 percent behind it.

Balls and strikes should still be called by the sometimes fallible eye of the home plate umpire. That's how the game started and that's how it should be. Each ump has a different strike zone and tendency to make certain calls. I like that.

The home run calls need to change. With all the different stadiums using different designs each home run call gets more and more confusing. Home plate doesn't change from stadium to stadium, but each park's outfield wall is completely different.

Hopefully it can make a seamless entry into MLB, and I think it will help the game progress into the 21st century.

Happy 2nd anniversary/birthday...to me!

2008-07-02T11:46:00.004-04:00

Well not me, exactly. The 'Ropolitans turns exactly two years old today!

Happy birthday to youuuuu!

Happy birthday to youuuuuuuu!

Happy birthday to The 'Ropolitanssss!

Happy birthday to youuuuuuuuuuu!

I've had tons of fun doing this so far and have made many great friends and have had tons of good experiences. I expected this to just be a place to vent and rant about the team. I never realized how much I would love writing and how this blog would shape my future.

Wherever I land in life, I'll always be a Mets fan. As long as I can type and see, I have every intention of keeping this site going, along with my other venture, Mets Lounge.

A huge thanks to everyone who has helped me, looked out for me and taken a chance on me along the way.

Thanks and here's to many more years of blogging and writing about the New York Mets.