Yesterday was a big win for the Mets. Obviously it is not as if it was a “must win” game, not in the sense of something that will have them packing their bags if they lose. Still, they now have a winning streak (not big, but three qualifies) that involves beating up on more than one team. It is amazing to me that this is the first time they have won three straight since April, and actually, I can’t even recall that streak.
As for the game itself, Wright was hitting, Delgado was fielding and the bullpen was pitching. I still am not feeling fully comfortable with many of the starters as yesterday it was Vargas that let the Dodgers get back into the game when the Mets had them on the ropes. Still, the Mets kept coming and all their runs scored with two outs.
There is not much to dislike about yesterday’s game.
Let’s Go Mets!
Friday, May 30, 2008
A Winning Streak!
Yesterday was a big win for the Mets. Obviously it is not as if it was a “must win” game, not in the sense of something that will have them packing their bags if they lose. Still, they now have a winning streak (not big, but three qualifies) that involves beating up on more than one team. It is amazing to me that this is the first time they have won three straight since April, and actually, I can’t even recall that streak.
As for the game itself, Wright was hitting, Delgado was fielding and the bullpen was pitching. I still am not feeling fully comfortable with many of the starters as yesterday it was Vargas that let the Dodgers get back into the game when the Mets had them on the ropes. Still, the Mets kept coming and all their runs scored with two outs.
There is not much to dislike about yesterday’s game.
Let’s Go Mets!
As for the game itself, Wright was hitting, Delgado was fielding and the bullpen was pitching. I still am not feeling fully comfortable with many of the starters as yesterday it was Vargas that let the Dodgers get back into the game when the Mets had them on the ropes. Still, the Mets kept coming and all their runs scored with two outs.
There is not much to dislike about yesterday’s game.
Let’s Go Mets!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Enter The Sandman
It is fascinating the things you can learn when watching a baseball game. For instance, many players have their own songs when they come up to bat or enter a game. Think about the “Enter the Sandman” controversy between Billy Wagner and Mariano Rivera that first occurred when the Mets signed Wagner.
Whether it is classic rock, punk or rap, perhaps some Jay Z Lyrics, baseball games have become very educational, and quite the experience.
Whether it is classic rock, punk or rap, perhaps some Jay Z Lyrics, baseball games have become very educational, and quite the experience.
Two In A Row
It appears as thought the Mets have finally woken up. I hesitate to say that because they have toyed with us before only to show us they are not yet ready for prime time. I do think it is different this time and in large part it is because of who has been coming through in the clutch.
The backup players have been getting us the victory. It is obvious that Chavez’s struggles were due to a lack of playing time. Willie needs to find a way to make sure he continues to get Endy some at-bats. Fernando Tatis looks rejuvenated. While he should remain a bench player, Willie needs to make sure to get him his at-bats.
With backup players producing it can help the regulars relax and play better. In addition, if the regulars don’t produce, then you can get your backup players in the game.
As for the game itself, I did not see much of it, just a couple of innings at the start and the bottom of the 12th (actually after the Mets had runners on first and third). I had a meeting so I missed most of the game and when the meeting ended, I needed to return a call from my sister. My nephew picked up the phone and asked if I was watching the Met game and he told me what was going on. I quickly turned on the game.
What I disliked about this game was the pitching performance of Oliver Perez. He needs to start producing (he sure is getting paid enough). Every time the Mets gave him a lead, he could not hold it. He left on the losing side of the game. As a side note, another frustrating thing about this game is Sanchez getting the victory. He gives up a homerun to the Marlins in the top of the 12th (I believe the only inning he pitched) and was set to be the losing pitcher. Because the Mets came back in the bottom of the inning, he ends up getting the ‘W’.
What I liked about this game was not only the heart the Mets showed but the excitement they showed when they won. This is what has been lacking all year. This team is not getting itself pumped and that has led to them losing games, at least that is my take. To see them play like they really want it and then to see the reaction afterwards of a group of people who obtained what they truly wanted, was great.
Still, they have toyed with us before. I said before they really need to get on a strong winning streak. Hopefully this is just the start.
Let’s Go Mets!
The backup players have been getting us the victory. It is obvious that Chavez’s struggles were due to a lack of playing time. Willie needs to find a way to make sure he continues to get Endy some at-bats. Fernando Tatis looks rejuvenated. While he should remain a bench player, Willie needs to make sure to get him his at-bats.
With backup players producing it can help the regulars relax and play better. In addition, if the regulars don’t produce, then you can get your backup players in the game.
As for the game itself, I did not see much of it, just a couple of innings at the start and the bottom of the 12th (actually after the Mets had runners on first and third). I had a meeting so I missed most of the game and when the meeting ended, I needed to return a call from my sister. My nephew picked up the phone and asked if I was watching the Met game and he told me what was going on. I quickly turned on the game.
What I disliked about this game was the pitching performance of Oliver Perez. He needs to start producing (he sure is getting paid enough). Every time the Mets gave him a lead, he could not hold it. He left on the losing side of the game. As a side note, another frustrating thing about this game is Sanchez getting the victory. He gives up a homerun to the Marlins in the top of the 12th (I believe the only inning he pitched) and was set to be the losing pitcher. Because the Mets came back in the bottom of the inning, he ends up getting the ‘W’.
What I liked about this game was not only the heart the Mets showed but the excitement they showed when they won. This is what has been lacking all year. This team is not getting itself pumped and that has led to them losing games, at least that is my take. To see them play like they really want it and then to see the reaction afterwards of a group of people who obtained what they truly wanted, was great.
Still, they have toyed with us before. I said before they really need to get on a strong winning streak. Hopefully this is just the start.
Let’s Go Mets!
The Baseball Speech
I have been a baseball fan for years. I follow the game and understand. As a result, it is always enjoyable when, in the Public Speaking class I teach, a student delivers a speech about baseball. I have had students talk about the rules, about pitching and about hitting. It is always fun when I get to learn some new things as well.
Recently a student gave a speech about how to increase bat speed. By having another student in the class swing the bat, the student gave pointers as to what you do to pick up speed, thus allowing you to drive the ball further. Although most aspects of the speech were related to the mechanics of swinging a bat, the student did point out the proper footwear , and dress also made a difference.
I have had other students deliver speeches about other sports, ranging from rugby to volleyball , and everything in-between. Often times, for these speeches, and non-sports related ones as well, students bring in props or objects needed for the game. I wonder how many students actually have these items and how many, if any need to buy them. If they need to get them, I do hope they are able to find good deals, maybe find discount promotional codes and sales promotions. Obviously, if they have the objects, or can get them for free, that is the ideal for the student. Still, I know many of my students actually purchase items for a speech they have to do, so why not look for the best possible deal.
Recently a student gave a speech about how to increase bat speed. By having another student in the class swing the bat, the student gave pointers as to what you do to pick up speed, thus allowing you to drive the ball further. Although most aspects of the speech were related to the mechanics of swinging a bat, the student did point out the proper footwear , and dress also made a difference.
I have had other students deliver speeches about other sports, ranging from rugby to volleyball , and everything in-between. Often times, for these speeches, and non-sports related ones as well, students bring in props or objects needed for the game. I wonder how many students actually have these items and how many, if any need to buy them. If they need to get them, I do hope they are able to find good deals, maybe find discount promotional codes and sales promotions. Obviously, if they have the objects, or can get them for free, that is the ideal for the student. Still, I know many of my students actually purchase items for a speech they have to do, so why not look for the best possible deal.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
What The Doctor Ordered
The Mets actually looked good yesterday. They got a strong pitching performance from Johan Santana. I would have preferred if he kept the runs to two, but you can’t have everything. Santana looked sharp and got the big outs when needed. The most frustrating thing, for me as a fan, with Santana was, in two of the three innings the Mets scored, Santana allowed the Marlins to score in the next half inning. Still, he was on.
The hitting was there. Sure they could have done better, sure they had wasted opportunities but, the Mets handed Santana the lead in the first inning and periodically added to those runs. It was effective and seemed liked they could hit. Unfortunately, after a great debut, Evans has not shown much but it is still way to early to make any determination on him and I give him credit for busting it. And, it was nice to see some of the bench players come through.
The bullpen was on. Sanchez the eighth, Wagner the ninth, neither giving up a run. I think this is what Met management had in mind and hoped for with Sanchez able to be on the roster this year.
When the Mets got Santana, he was supposed to be able to stop the bleeding, stop a losing steak, and he did just that last night. Tonight is a big game, however. The need to get on a winning streak, they need to show yesterday was not a fluke and they need to take two out of three from the first place Marlins. In addition, Satana is supposed to stop the losing streak but if he does that every time, it means the Mets are losing four out of every five games. The Mets have to show that once Santana ends the losing streak, the Mets can keep the winning going, otherwise Santana does not provide much value to the team.
Let’s Go Mets!
The hitting was there. Sure they could have done better, sure they had wasted opportunities but, the Mets handed Santana the lead in the first inning and periodically added to those runs. It was effective and seemed liked they could hit. Unfortunately, after a great debut, Evans has not shown much but it is still way to early to make any determination on him and I give him credit for busting it. And, it was nice to see some of the bench players come through.
The bullpen was on. Sanchez the eighth, Wagner the ninth, neither giving up a run. I think this is what Met management had in mind and hoped for with Sanchez able to be on the roster this year.
When the Mets got Santana, he was supposed to be able to stop the bleeding, stop a losing steak, and he did just that last night. Tonight is a big game, however. The need to get on a winning streak, they need to show yesterday was not a fluke and they need to take two out of three from the first place Marlins. In addition, Satana is supposed to stop the losing streak but if he does that every time, it means the Mets are losing four out of every five games. The Mets have to show that once Santana ends the losing streak, the Mets can keep the winning going, otherwise Santana does not provide much value to the team.
Let’s Go Mets!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The Losing Continues
The losing continues. Yes the Mets did manage a victory in Colorado but still the road trip saw them lose six of seven. They came back to Shea yesterday for a home stand with the first place Florida Marlins. I don’t know why I expected the Mets to do something. Maybe it was because they now have a chance to take a young, inexperienced team that no one thought we be any good this season and destroy them. Here the team that most experts had predicted to be not only the team in the National League East to beat, but the team in the National League Period to beat had a chance to make a statement. Unfortunately, they did just that.
The Marlins beat the Mets meaning the expected pride of the NL has now lost seven of its last 10 games. Folks, in case you couldn’t figure that out on your own, that SUCKS! Certainly Mike Pelfrey deserves a large portion of the blame. Still, not all of it should be laid at his feet. Once again, the Mets failed to get the timely hit, the baserunning was not particularly effective and the fielding was lacking. Add to that the poor pitching of Pelfrey, and the entire team, and you have a recipe for failure.
The entire club is under producing. Even Johan Santana, the ace of the staff, the player for whom the Mets mortgaged their future (and yes, that was the right move to make), is not looking like the dominant pitcher he is. I am not suggesting he is not playing well but when the player who is believed by many to be the best player in the game gives up four runs in two straight games, something is wrong. I guess it is a sign of the times that no one even questions this. It is as if keeping an opponent to four runs is supposed to be good.
The Mets need to get themselves on a winning streak. They need to do it quickly and they need to have an extended winning streak. Furthermore, they need some kind of streak where they win 7 in a row, 12 of 13 and 17of 20. That kind of streak would give these bunch of underachievers the type of confidence they need. Without it, we will continue to hear about the Mets’ woes and Randolph’s problems. And, despite what is being publically said, having worked media in the past, I know from first hand experience, all of these things designed to show support for the manager will ultimately be the kiss of death.
Guys, it is time to wake up!
Let’s Go Mets!
The Marlins beat the Mets meaning the expected pride of the NL has now lost seven of its last 10 games. Folks, in case you couldn’t figure that out on your own, that SUCKS! Certainly Mike Pelfrey deserves a large portion of the blame. Still, not all of it should be laid at his feet. Once again, the Mets failed to get the timely hit, the baserunning was not particularly effective and the fielding was lacking. Add to that the poor pitching of Pelfrey, and the entire team, and you have a recipe for failure.
The entire club is under producing. Even Johan Santana, the ace of the staff, the player for whom the Mets mortgaged their future (and yes, that was the right move to make), is not looking like the dominant pitcher he is. I am not suggesting he is not playing well but when the player who is believed by many to be the best player in the game gives up four runs in two straight games, something is wrong. I guess it is a sign of the times that no one even questions this. It is as if keeping an opponent to four runs is supposed to be good.
The Mets need to get themselves on a winning streak. They need to do it quickly and they need to have an extended winning streak. Furthermore, they need some kind of streak where they win 7 in a row, 12 of 13 and 17of 20. That kind of streak would give these bunch of underachievers the type of confidence they need. Without it, we will continue to hear about the Mets’ woes and Randolph’s problems. And, despite what is being publically said, having worked media in the past, I know from first hand experience, all of these things designed to show support for the manager will ultimately be the kiss of death.
Guys, it is time to wake up!
Let’s Go Mets!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
An Open Apology
On March 27, I posted an entry where I criticized a local sports columnist for predicting the Mets for third place. I said his arguments did not make any sense and this was a First place team. Well, I need to apologize to a number of people.
First I apologize to the columnist who made the comment. Obviously he knew something I didn’t. This team is looking like a third place team at best. I need to apologize to the fans for suggesting the Mets were actually good and that even finishing in First this year was not acceptable, they needed to go to the World Series. Most importantly I need to apologize to the Mets.
I thought these players had talent. More than that, I thought they had heart. Even David Wright is questioning that right now. I thought the Mets would have been embarrassed following last year historic collapse. I thought they would have wanted to prove it was a fluke. Obviously I was wrong. They are content to leave with mediocrity and they are content to disappoint there fans.
After sweeping a rain shortened two game set from the Yankees, they have lost three straight to the Atlanta Braves and they have been outplayed in every way in each of the games. They have thrown away any momentum that they had. Even a win tonight mean nothing. It will avoid the sweep but even if it weren’t Johan on the mound, losing three out of four to the Braves, playing the way they have been playing and losing four of seven to last place team at Shea before heading on the road to play the Yankees is not acceptable.
The bottom line is the Mets are playing so poorly for one of two reasons. The first one is that they are just not as talented as we thought. They are not as good as they look on paper. If they are a talented bunch, then they are under performing and underachieving. That means they aren’t playing with heart. Either way, I overestimated this team.
So, once again, I apologize to everyone, especially the Met players for thinking you were a group of talented, hard working, caring individuals, looking to please the fans and yourselves. I will try not to make that mistake again.
First I apologize to the columnist who made the comment. Obviously he knew something I didn’t. This team is looking like a third place team at best. I need to apologize to the fans for suggesting the Mets were actually good and that even finishing in First this year was not acceptable, they needed to go to the World Series. Most importantly I need to apologize to the Mets.
I thought these players had talent. More than that, I thought they had heart. Even David Wright is questioning that right now. I thought the Mets would have been embarrassed following last year historic collapse. I thought they would have wanted to prove it was a fluke. Obviously I was wrong. They are content to leave with mediocrity and they are content to disappoint there fans.
After sweeping a rain shortened two game set from the Yankees, they have lost three straight to the Atlanta Braves and they have been outplayed in every way in each of the games. They have thrown away any momentum that they had. Even a win tonight mean nothing. It will avoid the sweep but even if it weren’t Johan on the mound, losing three out of four to the Braves, playing the way they have been playing and losing four of seven to last place team at Shea before heading on the road to play the Yankees is not acceptable.
The bottom line is the Mets are playing so poorly for one of two reasons. The first one is that they are just not as talented as we thought. They are not as good as they look on paper. If they are a talented bunch, then they are under performing and underachieving. That means they aren’t playing with heart. Either way, I overestimated this team.
So, once again, I apologize to everyone, especially the Met players for thinking you were a group of talented, hard working, caring individuals, looking to please the fans and yourselves. I will try not to make that mistake again.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Superstition
As we all know baseball players are very superstitious. And, as indicated in the movie Bull Durham, if a player believes a certain superstition will help him play better, it will. What about the fans, though? Do you as a fan have a superstition? Is it important that we do things in a certain manner?
When the Mets were at their best a couple of years ago, I played poker every other week. It was a friendly, nickel, dime, quarter game. There was no need to have a poker calculator, we just played for fun. That friendly game came to an end and I never realized it before but after the game ended, the Mets stopped winning as much as they had been.
Now, one of the poker players who moved away is coming back to visit the area and we will be having a game. I am excited. I am excited to see my friend, to play poker and to see if maybe getting back to playing, even if it is for just one night, will positively effect the Mets. And maybe I’ll even bring my poker odds calculator.
Lets Go Mets!
When the Mets were at their best a couple of years ago, I played poker every other week. It was a friendly, nickel, dime, quarter game. There was no need to have a poker calculator, we just played for fun. That friendly game came to an end and I never realized it before but after the game ended, the Mets stopped winning as much as they had been.
Now, one of the poker players who moved away is coming back to visit the area and we will be having a game. I am excited. I am excited to see my friend, to play poker and to see if maybe getting back to playing, even if it is for just one night, will positively effect the Mets. And maybe I’ll even bring my poker odds calculator.
Lets Go Mets!
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
It’s amazing. You would think heading into Atlanta the Mets would have some momentum. I realize the Yankees are currently a last place team but I really do not think they will finish the season there (although it would be nice). Still, the city gets into the subway series. The Mets seemed to be pumped. They got to two pretty good pitchers, one of whom had not lost at home all year. You would think they would be excited to go against the Braves, to go against Glavine, and score some runs.
Obviously that did not happen. The Mets lost both ends of a double header and their hitting went back to being anemic. In 18 innings of baseball, the Mets only scored three runs. After those 18 innings were over, the Mets had lost two games, only scored three times, gave up 12 runs and had their most offensive threat (Ryan Church) sent to the hospital.
I do not know what is wrong with this team but something is. It seems like for every step forward they take two steps backwards. Lets hope they can snap out of this and start playing like we all expected them to.
Let’s Go Mets!
Obviously that did not happen. The Mets lost both ends of a double header and their hitting went back to being anemic. In 18 innings of baseball, the Mets only scored three runs. After those 18 innings were over, the Mets had lost two games, only scored three times, gave up 12 runs and had their most offensive threat (Ryan Church) sent to the hospital.
I do not know what is wrong with this team but something is. It seems like for every step forward they take two steps backwards. Lets hope they can snap out of this and start playing like we all expected them to.
Let’s Go Mets!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Yankees Swept Away
It seems as though Met players, management and ownership are reading my blog! I take full credit for the fact that after I wrote about Nelson Figueroa having to go, the Mets released him. Then I posted about how the Mets should feel embarrassed, losing three of four to the last place Washington Nationals and how they needed to redeem themselves against the Yankees. Well, it might have been a rain shortened series but we did sweep the Yanks. Not only did we take both games from them, we became the first team this year to beat Chien-Ming Wang at Yankee Stadium.
There are a lot of positives to discuss. It was great seeing Delgado stick with things yesterday and after being denied a homerun, still coming through with a hit and an RBI. It may not have been three but he kept the inning going and the rally alive. Seeing Wright and Reyes homer and Beltran staying hot is great. And, Ryan Church right now is seemingly doing it all. I still don’t think I would have traded Milledge for him but only because I think he could have been obtained for less and the Mets could have gotten more for Lastings. Still, Church and Schneider have been producing for the Mets all along.
So while there was a lot of good, there still was something that bothered me and that was the pitching. I realize that the pitching did come through but…
Starting with Johan Santana, he gave up three homeruns and four runs. His ERA for the game was over 4.00. I realize by today’s standards that’s pretty good but when you are considered the best starter currently in the game, you need to step it up a little.
Then there is Ollie. Now Perez only gave up two runs yesterday and the Mets clearly won a lopsided game, winning 11-2. Still, lets look at the two runs the Yankees scored. The Mets had just scored four runs; it should have been six but that was the denied Delgado homerun. At that point, it has to be Perez’s job to pitch a quick inning, ideally 1-2-3, and get the Mets right back up to try and do more damage. Instead the first batter of the next inning, Derek Jeter, single and the second batter, Matsui, hits a two run homerun cutting the lead in half.
It was not until the eighth inning that the Mets put the game away. After Ollie gave up the two runs, he did settle down but he has got to learn how to get the side out without giving up a run or more after the Mets score for him.
Still, all in all, it was a good series sweep for the Mets. Today is an off-day and then tomorrow it’s on to Atlanta. Let’s Go Mets!
There are a lot of positives to discuss. It was great seeing Delgado stick with things yesterday and after being denied a homerun, still coming through with a hit and an RBI. It may not have been three but he kept the inning going and the rally alive. Seeing Wright and Reyes homer and Beltran staying hot is great. And, Ryan Church right now is seemingly doing it all. I still don’t think I would have traded Milledge for him but only because I think he could have been obtained for less and the Mets could have gotten more for Lastings. Still, Church and Schneider have been producing for the Mets all along.
So while there was a lot of good, there still was something that bothered me and that was the pitching. I realize that the pitching did come through but…
Starting with Johan Santana, he gave up three homeruns and four runs. His ERA for the game was over 4.00. I realize by today’s standards that’s pretty good but when you are considered the best starter currently in the game, you need to step it up a little.
Then there is Ollie. Now Perez only gave up two runs yesterday and the Mets clearly won a lopsided game, winning 11-2. Still, lets look at the two runs the Yankees scored. The Mets had just scored four runs; it should have been six but that was the denied Delgado homerun. At that point, it has to be Perez’s job to pitch a quick inning, ideally 1-2-3, and get the Mets right back up to try and do more damage. Instead the first batter of the next inning, Derek Jeter, single and the second batter, Matsui, hits a two run homerun cutting the lead in half.
It was not until the eighth inning that the Mets put the game away. After Ollie gave up the two runs, he did settle down but he has got to learn how to get the side out without giving up a run or more after the Mets score for him.
Still, all in all, it was a good series sweep for the Mets. Today is an off-day and then tomorrow it’s on to Atlanta. Let’s Go Mets!
Friday, May 16, 2008
They Should Be Embarrassed!
The Mets should be absolutely embarrassed and ashamed. They just lost three out of four to the last place Washington Nationals. The last two defeats, the one on yesterday and the one on Wednesday really bother me. Claudio Vargas pitched a gem of a ballgame in his Mets Debut. He had a no hitter going through five and then in the sixth allowed a Homerun on a bad pitch. Okay, tie ballgame.
Vargas then allowed another runner to get on base in the seventh. Randolph took him out and brought in Aaron Heilman. Heilman not only let the runner on base score, meaning that Vargas was now on the losing side of the game, he allowed another three runs to score in his one-third of an inning. This basically took the Met hitters out of the game and ensured a lose for Vargas even though it should have been given to Heilman. I understand that statistically and according to the rules, Vargas gets the lose, but he is not the one who deserves the L.
The hitting may have come through for a few runs after this but it was too little too late and had they come through earlier and given Vargas a cushion, perhaps it is a different outcome.
As for yesterday’s game, I did not see it but I understand that Perlfrey pitched a great game but again the hitters failed to come through. The Mets wasted two beautiful starting pitching performances. As I said, they lost two out of three to the last place Nationals, just in time to head across town to take on the Yankees.
The Mets have lost four out of seven to the lowly Reds and Nats on this home stand. Now they need to get pumped for a series that means a lot to New York fans. It is time these players woke up and started playing like a winning ball club!
Let’s Go Mets!
Vargas then allowed another runner to get on base in the seventh. Randolph took him out and brought in Aaron Heilman. Heilman not only let the runner on base score, meaning that Vargas was now on the losing side of the game, he allowed another three runs to score in his one-third of an inning. This basically took the Met hitters out of the game and ensured a lose for Vargas even though it should have been given to Heilman. I understand that statistically and according to the rules, Vargas gets the lose, but he is not the one who deserves the L.
The hitting may have come through for a few runs after this but it was too little too late and had they come through earlier and given Vargas a cushion, perhaps it is a different outcome.
As for yesterday’s game, I did not see it but I understand that Perlfrey pitched a great game but again the hitters failed to come through. The Mets wasted two beautiful starting pitching performances. As I said, they lost two out of three to the last place Nationals, just in time to head across town to take on the Yankees.
The Mets have lost four out of seven to the lowly Reds and Nats on this home stand. Now they need to get pumped for a series that means a lot to New York fans. It is time these players woke up and started playing like a winning ball club!
Let’s Go Mets!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Figueroa Has Got To Go!
As I was watching this evening’s Met game, one thought kept popping into my head, “Nelson Figueroa has got to go”. The feel good story when he first came up is over. The last couple of outings he has not looked good and tonight’s game was very frustrating.
I did not watch the entire game as I had some work to get done but I saw the beginning. As I watched David Wright walk, steal second and be driven in on a single by Carlos Beltran, I immediately thought how this was a good sign, how the good teams need to be able to beat the bad ones and how the Mets manufactured a run in the first inning to jump ahead. Unfortunately, Figueroa gave it right back.
Then the Mets jumped out to a 2-1 lead and again Figueroa gave it right back. The next inning the Mets took a 3-2 lead. These guys were trying to do everything they could to help Nelson Figueroa get a victory. Unfortunately, he simply refused and once again let the Nationals, a last place team, tie the game up the next half inning, and he was lucky to get away with a tie game.
Then the flood gates opened and Figueroa allowed three more runs to score. The gates stayed opened as the Bullpen let an additional four runs score. The Mets did have a couple of other scoring opportunities but they were unable to capitalize. Still, I think a large part of that falls on Figueroa’s shoulders. He prevented the Mets from getting any momentum.
I come back to what I said at the beginning, Figueroa has got to go. I hope the Mets bounce back and take the next two (A sweep would have been nice). Regardless, Figueroa has got to go.
Let’s Go Mets!
I did not watch the entire game as I had some work to get done but I saw the beginning. As I watched David Wright walk, steal second and be driven in on a single by Carlos Beltran, I immediately thought how this was a good sign, how the good teams need to be able to beat the bad ones and how the Mets manufactured a run in the first inning to jump ahead. Unfortunately, Figueroa gave it right back.
Then the Mets jumped out to a 2-1 lead and again Figueroa gave it right back. The next inning the Mets took a 3-2 lead. These guys were trying to do everything they could to help Nelson Figueroa get a victory. Unfortunately, he simply refused and once again let the Nationals, a last place team, tie the game up the next half inning, and he was lucky to get away with a tie game.
Then the flood gates opened and Figueroa allowed three more runs to score. The gates stayed opened as the Bullpen let an additional four runs score. The Mets did have a couple of other scoring opportunities but they were unable to capitalize. Still, I think a large part of that falls on Figueroa’s shoulders. He prevented the Mets from getting any momentum.
I come back to what I said at the beginning, Figueroa has got to go. I hope the Mets bounce back and take the next two (A sweep would have been nice). Regardless, Figueroa has got to go.
Let’s Go Mets!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
A Fun Game!
Finally we got a game where everything seemed to be working. The Mets had strong hitting. They got to Brad Penny early and often. It was good to see the way they were able to handle, to pound, a capable starter.
The Mets had strong pitching. What game by John Maine. He was sharp, he was on and he was a pleasure to watch. It would be great to see him come up this big on a regular basis. I am not sure if that is possible but regardless, yesterday he had a great game.
It was not just hitting and pitching yesterday, however. The Mets played some defense as well. Watching Angel Pagan was fun. So, this was perhaps the best game this year, so far, in the sense that everything worked for them.
It is an off day today. I am not sure if that is a good thing or not. Hopefully they will be able to take the momentum from yesterday’s win and bring it into the weekend series.
I still would have preferred a 4-2 road trip (or better) but I guess I can live with a 3-3 trip (as if I had a choice).
Let’s Go Mets!
The Mets had strong pitching. What game by John Maine. He was sharp, he was on and he was a pleasure to watch. It would be great to see him come up this big on a regular basis. I am not sure if that is possible but regardless, yesterday he had a great game.
It was not just hitting and pitching yesterday, however. The Mets played some defense as well. Watching Angel Pagan was fun. So, this was perhaps the best game this year, so far, in the sense that everything worked for them.
It is an off day today. I am not sure if that is a good thing or not. Hopefully they will be able to take the momentum from yesterday’s win and bring it into the weekend series.
I still would have preferred a 4-2 road trip (or better) but I guess I can live with a 3-3 trip (as if I had a choice).
Let’s Go Mets!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Another Loss
Another loss for the Mets!
Again, I did not see much of yesterday’s game but I did see some of it and there were some things that definitely struck me. First of all, it was nice to see Ryan Church hit a homerun in the first inning and get the Mets off to a fast start. What struck me, however, was the lack of excitement that it generated on the bench.
I did not see Reyes do any one of a number of dances with Church. I saw players high five Church, but that was about it. There was no excitement, no spirit in this team. I realize it was only the first inning but, it would have been great to see them get excited about an early homerun and build on that momentum.
Nelson Figueroa showed why he was not expected to be in the Mets plans this season. Sure he had that great first outing but after that, he has not shown too much. I cannot get too annoyed with him because he was not supposed to be in this role, he is filling in for the injured Pedro Martinez. Still, I thought Figueroa had nothing yesterday.
Then there was the hitting, or more appropriately the lack thereof. I know Beltran did not play yesterday but this team still has to hit and with Reyes, Delgado, Church, Alou and Wright, they should be able to. The team could not seem to buy a base hit with men on base.
Yesterday’s game showed a mediocre team with little spirit or heart getting beat. It seems like there have been a number of games like that. I just keep hoping that they can turn it around and start dominating. Maybe they will or maybe that will be my hope for the entire season.
Let’s Go Mets!
Again, I did not see much of yesterday’s game but I did see some of it and there were some things that definitely struck me. First of all, it was nice to see Ryan Church hit a homerun in the first inning and get the Mets off to a fast start. What struck me, however, was the lack of excitement that it generated on the bench.
I did not see Reyes do any one of a number of dances with Church. I saw players high five Church, but that was about it. There was no excitement, no spirit in this team. I realize it was only the first inning but, it would have been great to see them get excited about an early homerun and build on that momentum.
Nelson Figueroa showed why he was not expected to be in the Mets plans this season. Sure he had that great first outing but after that, he has not shown too much. I cannot get too annoyed with him because he was not supposed to be in this role, he is filling in for the injured Pedro Martinez. Still, I thought Figueroa had nothing yesterday.
Then there was the hitting, or more appropriately the lack thereof. I know Beltran did not play yesterday but this team still has to hit and with Reyes, Delgado, Church, Alou and Wright, they should be able to. The team could not seem to buy a base hit with men on base.
Yesterday’s game showed a mediocre team with little spirit or heart getting beat. It seems like there have been a number of games like that. I just keep hoping that they can turn it around and start dominating. Maybe they will or maybe that will be my hope for the entire season.
Let’s Go Mets!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
He's Getting Too Much Money
There was a time when a West Coast Met game meant I was staying up late. When I was in elementary school, I pushed it until as late as I could. Sometimes I caught the entire game, other times I turned in before the game was completed. In High School and College I pretty much stayed up to watch the entire game.
Nowadays, sometimes I have to give in to my body and I am unable to watch the games. Yesterday’s game was one where not only did I not watch the entire game, I didn’t watch any of it. Still, I read about it and all that jumps into my mind every time I hear that Ollie pitched, or is going to pitch is, six and a half million dollars. That was what some arbitrator decided he was worth. I was shocked then and I am still shocked and disgusted now.
When Perez takes the mound, you never know what you are going to get. This season, although it is still early, I think he has been more erratic than last year. Yes, I’ve heard how he barred down yesterday after getting hit with the ball but the bottom line is, he still allowed three homeruns and five runs to score.
The Mets still need Oliver Perez. He still can be a dominant pitcher. But, he is no 6.5 million dollar pitcher and yesterday’s game (as well as the one before that) just proved it.
Hopefully Nelson Figueroa fairs better today and the Mets get a ‘W’.
Let’s Go Mets!
Nowadays, sometimes I have to give in to my body and I am unable to watch the games. Yesterday’s game was one where not only did I not watch the entire game, I didn’t watch any of it. Still, I read about it and all that jumps into my mind every time I hear that Ollie pitched, or is going to pitch is, six and a half million dollars. That was what some arbitrator decided he was worth. I was shocked then and I am still shocked and disgusted now.
When Perez takes the mound, you never know what you are going to get. This season, although it is still early, I think he has been more erratic than last year. Yes, I’ve heard how he barred down yesterday after getting hit with the ball but the bottom line is, he still allowed three homeruns and five runs to score.
The Mets still need Oliver Perez. He still can be a dominant pitcher. But, he is no 6.5 million dollar pitcher and yesterday’s game (as well as the one before that) just proved it.
Hopefully Nelson Figueroa fairs better today and the Mets get a ‘W’.
Let’s Go Mets!
Sports Merchandise
Sometimes after watching a Met game I feel that I just need to get away from it all for awhile. It seems that they can truly take a lot out of you. As a result, sometimes after relaxing watching a game, I need to do something to relax. It reminds me of a line my Grandfather used when returning from vacation. He would say, “I feel like a new man; this new man needs a vacation”.
For some people that can mean watching Nascar, for others it may just get people more riled up and still others may not care. Still, it amazes me how big Nascar has become. There was a time when sports apparel was limited to baseball teams. Then it grew to other sports and now one can find a lot of Nascar merchandise.
Of course, just like in any other type of sport, one can find apparel revolving around a specific player. For instance, it would not be difficult to find Dale Earnhardt Jr. merchandise. So, now matter what your sport of preference is, today you can certainly show your support for the sport and for the key individuals in it.
For some people that can mean watching Nascar, for others it may just get people more riled up and still others may not care. Still, it amazes me how big Nascar has become. There was a time when sports apparel was limited to baseball teams. Then it grew to other sports and now one can find a lot of Nascar merchandise.
Of course, just like in any other type of sport, one can find apparel revolving around a specific player. For instance, it would not be difficult to find Dale Earnhardt Jr. merchandise. So, now matter what your sport of preference is, today you can certainly show your support for the sport and for the key individuals in it.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Not A Stellar Pitching Matchup
On paper it should have been a great pitching duel. Looking at the pitching lines, it may have even come across that way. Still, somehow the game left me feeling a little flat. Yes, we took two out of three from the Diamondbacks; yes we continued our dominance in Arizona at the BOB (or whatever it is now called); yes the Mets appeared to have more life than in previous games. Still, things did not feel right.
Both pitchers went six innings, only six innings. These were probably the two most sought after pitchers on the trade market last year. Looking at what the ERA for the entire game would have been, Santana was 1.5 and Haren was 3.0. Neither pitcher has anything to be ashamed about but it just did not come across as that pitchers duels so many of us thought we might see. I do want to see Santana step it up a little, and honestly, I want to see the Mets step it up a little.
Well, the bottom line is the did come away with a win. I hope this gives them some momentum to really get on a roll. Unfortunately, that has yet to happen this year and really never did last year. I am still waiting to see the Mets be the dominate team in the NL East and I have not yet seen it. I can still hope!
Let’s Go Mets!
Both pitchers went six innings, only six innings. These were probably the two most sought after pitchers on the trade market last year. Looking at what the ERA for the entire game would have been, Santana was 1.5 and Haren was 3.0. Neither pitcher has anything to be ashamed about but it just did not come across as that pitchers duels so many of us thought we might see. I do want to see Santana step it up a little, and honestly, I want to see the Mets step it up a little.
Well, the bottom line is the did come away with a win. I hope this gives them some momentum to really get on a roll. Unfortunately, that has yet to happen this year and really never did last year. I am still waiting to see the Mets be the dominate team in the NL East and I have not yet seen it. I can still hope!
Let’s Go Mets!
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