What a difference a day makes. After blowing a three run lead in the ninth, you would have thought the momentum coming into game number two would have been with the Phillies but the Mets knew what they had to do and they did it.
John Maine was solid in his pitching performance. Yes, I hate it when a pitcher is given a lead (in Maine’s case 2-0 after one inning) and the very next inning allows the opposing team to tie it up (as Maine did by allowing consecutive homeruns). Maine settled down however, and continued his domination of the Phillies as well as the pitcher who is great getting a win following a Mets loss.
One day also makes a difference in my attitude about taking Johan Santana out after eight innings. Actually, it was John Heyman that made the difference. It was not so much the explanation that Santana has seldom in his career thrown over 100 pitches, nor the fact that he seldom has pitched a complete game. The point that he made was, given all the injuries to the Mets, especially seeing how they have mishandled Ryan Church, and given the amount of money Santana makes, you do not want to take a chance asking him to do something he does not usually do. I can buy that philosophy. In addition, Heyman pointed out that 96% of the time (it might have been 94% but I think he said 96), a team with a three run lead in the ninth inning wins the ballgame. So, I have changed my thinking a little.
Today it is a Noon game and the winner claims sole possession of first place. Hopefully that will be the Mets!
Let’s Go Mets!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Put The "L" Next To Manuel's Name
Like just about every other Met fan, this morning I am completely disgusted. The Mets had a chance to set the tone yesterday, to make a statement and they had everything working… Then they BLEW it. Personally, I think the “L” should go next to Jerry Manuel’s name.
The fact is Johan Santana was pitching a gem. He had only thrown 105 pitches and given up just two runs. He had gotten the first batter out in EVERY inning he pitched. There was no reason that he was pulled from the game after eight and not given an opportunity to pitch a complete game.
I understand that is the way baseball is played today but I HATE what baseball has become. As Harold Baines said after the game yesterday, this is exactly the reason the Mets got Santana, to handle a situation like this. Let him go, lets see what he has. I felt that way when Argenis Reyes came up to pinch hit in the bottom of the eighth for Santana and I certainly felt that way after the Mets blew the game.
While I would have kept Santana in the game (as Baines said, it wasn’t like Santana was struggling and he worked the eighth fairly easily), I also agree with a comment Lee Mazzilli made after the game. Maz was talking about how with a three run lead and only needing three outs, you have to get them. I agree with that thinking too.
Once Santana was pulled from the game, the Mets have to hold the Phills. You CAN’T let them score six runs in the ninth and play as sloppily as they did. There was no excuse for the bullpen to blow that game. They needed to come through and they didn’t.
I don’t even care that Wagner was not available. I thought Ron Darling, Keith Harnandez and Gary Cohen made it sound much tougher than it was, talking about the difference between pitching the eight and the ninth. Garbage! With three runs, it is possible Manuel would not have even brought Billy Wagner into the game if he were available (certainly over the past couple of years in that situation he would occasionally be given the night off—although once trouble started, probably would have been brought in). The bullpen has got to get three outs. The didn’t.
It is true that the defense did not help the pitching but the bottom line is, Met pitching should never have even let them get in such a situation.
Last night, the Mets reverted back to the pitiful team they were at the end of last season and the beginning of this one. Let’s hope today, we got the “other” team back.
Let’s Go Mets!
The fact is Johan Santana was pitching a gem. He had only thrown 105 pitches and given up just two runs. He had gotten the first batter out in EVERY inning he pitched. There was no reason that he was pulled from the game after eight and not given an opportunity to pitch a complete game.
I understand that is the way baseball is played today but I HATE what baseball has become. As Harold Baines said after the game yesterday, this is exactly the reason the Mets got Santana, to handle a situation like this. Let him go, lets see what he has. I felt that way when Argenis Reyes came up to pinch hit in the bottom of the eighth for Santana and I certainly felt that way after the Mets blew the game.
While I would have kept Santana in the game (as Baines said, it wasn’t like Santana was struggling and he worked the eighth fairly easily), I also agree with a comment Lee Mazzilli made after the game. Maz was talking about how with a three run lead and only needing three outs, you have to get them. I agree with that thinking too.
Once Santana was pulled from the game, the Mets have to hold the Phills. You CAN’T let them score six runs in the ninth and play as sloppily as they did. There was no excuse for the bullpen to blow that game. They needed to come through and they didn’t.
I don’t even care that Wagner was not available. I thought Ron Darling, Keith Harnandez and Gary Cohen made it sound much tougher than it was, talking about the difference between pitching the eight and the ninth. Garbage! With three runs, it is possible Manuel would not have even brought Billy Wagner into the game if he were available (certainly over the past couple of years in that situation he would occasionally be given the night off—although once trouble started, probably would have been brought in). The bullpen has got to get three outs. The didn’t.
It is true that the defense did not help the pitching but the bottom line is, Met pitching should never have even let them get in such a situation.
Last night, the Mets reverted back to the pitiful team they were at the end of last season and the beginning of this one. Let’s hope today, we got the “other” team back.
Let’s Go Mets!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Anticipating The Series With Philadelphia
The Mets open up a series with the Philadelphia Phillies today and I am looking for big things from Johan Santana. Santana had a terrible start his last time out. He needs to be looking to redeem himself. More than that, this is the type of game the Mets got him for, the reason they paid so much money for him.
I realize that it is not down to the wire but we are 100 games into the season and the Mets are in a pennant run. They handle the Phills well in the last series in Philadelphia. Now, the two teams are even. It is time for the Mets to make a statement and to play big.
The series is at Shea. Johan is on the mound. It seems like things should favor the Mets. Being a Met fan, I am still a little apprehensive because I have seen them waste opportunities over the year. Still, in the words of Tug McGraw, “You Gotta Believe”.
Right now, I believe!
Let’s Go Mets!
I realize that it is not down to the wire but we are 100 games into the season and the Mets are in a pennant run. They handle the Phills well in the last series in Philadelphia. Now, the two teams are even. It is time for the Mets to make a statement and to play big.
The series is at Shea. Johan is on the mound. It seems like things should favor the Mets. Being a Met fan, I am still a little apprehensive because I have seen them waste opportunities over the year. Still, in the words of Tug McGraw, “You Gotta Believe”.
Right now, I believe!
Let’s Go Mets!
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Cincy Series
The Mets play in Cincinnati was far from great but they did come away with a split and as far as I am concerned, that is good enough. Following a victory on Thursday, making it ten straight wins, the Mets lost on Friday. In one sense, I was actually glad they lost.
Don’t get me wrong, of course I would rather a win than a loss. The problem with the Mets this season, however, is every time they get on a roll, they follow it up with a losing streak. I was curious to see how they would respond this time. Would a ten game winning streak be followed by a five game losing streak or by winning four or five of their next six?
The Mets did lost Saturday’s game for a two game losing streak but, honestly, I do not consider two loses in a row a losing streak. That is why I felt that Sunday’s game was crucial. A lose would have meant they had a three game losing streak (and as far as I am concerned, that is a bona fide losing streak) as well as losing three out of four to the Reds.
The Mets pitching certainly tried to lose the game. Since the break, the Mets have not really had a solid pitching performance. Still, the hitting refused to let them lose. The team kept fighting until they were able to put this one in the win column. So, now it means the Mets split a four game series with the Reds and have won nine of their last 11 and 12 of their last 14. Those are numbers I am happy with.
I hope the pitching staff gets it together now and starts pitching like they were before the break. It would be great to see that happen during the upcoming series with the Phillies. Either way, they have an off day today and then three with the Phils. The two teams are tied for first and if the Mets take two of three, I will be happy. If they take all three, I will be thrilled. I certainly think this current Mets team can win at least two of the three games. I hope so, anyway!
Let’s Go Mets!
Don’t get me wrong, of course I would rather a win than a loss. The problem with the Mets this season, however, is every time they get on a roll, they follow it up with a losing streak. I was curious to see how they would respond this time. Would a ten game winning streak be followed by a five game losing streak or by winning four or five of their next six?
The Mets did lost Saturday’s game for a two game losing streak but, honestly, I do not consider two loses in a row a losing streak. That is why I felt that Sunday’s game was crucial. A lose would have meant they had a three game losing streak (and as far as I am concerned, that is a bona fide losing streak) as well as losing three out of four to the Reds.
The Mets pitching certainly tried to lose the game. Since the break, the Mets have not really had a solid pitching performance. Still, the hitting refused to let them lose. The team kept fighting until they were able to put this one in the win column. So, now it means the Mets split a four game series with the Reds and have won nine of their last 11 and 12 of their last 14. Those are numbers I am happy with.
I hope the pitching staff gets it together now and starts pitching like they were before the break. It would be great to see that happen during the upcoming series with the Phillies. Either way, they have an off day today and then three with the Phils. The two teams are tied for first and if the Mets take two of three, I will be happy. If they take all three, I will be thrilled. I certainly think this current Mets team can win at least two of the three games. I hope so, anyway!
Let’s Go Mets!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Ten Straight
The Mets keep rolling and now have a 10 game winning streak. I think I saw that they have not had such a long winning streak since 1991. It is nice to see that the break did not stop the momentum of the team.
In one sense this game was frustrating. Johan Santana is on the mound. The Mets have scored a total of 12 runs in his last six starts, combined. Now, the team scores two runs in the fourth inning. Not only was Santana unable to get them 1, 2, 3 the next half inning; not only was Santana unable to shut them down the next half inning (something which I think is very important and have blogged about this numerous times); not only was Santana unable to protect the lead, he gave up FIVE runs. That is, I believe, only the second time in his career he has given up five runs. It was not only Santana, the rest of the pitching also could not hold the lead. Pitching was not a strength yesterday.
What I liked about the game was the offense. This is the team from a couple of years ago, the team you never rule out. Every time the Mets were down, the offense came back. Even when Cincinnati had their closer on the mound, the Mets came back.
I don’t know how long the streak will go but it is fun watching this team once again. They are fighting. They are getting the pitching when the hitting is not there and the hitting when the pitching is not there. I am believing more and more in this team and think we can take the NL title. I realize they have led me down this path before but not with a 10 game winning streak. This time I think it is for real.
Let’s Go Mets!
In one sense this game was frustrating. Johan Santana is on the mound. The Mets have scored a total of 12 runs in his last six starts, combined. Now, the team scores two runs in the fourth inning. Not only was Santana unable to get them 1, 2, 3 the next half inning; not only was Santana unable to shut them down the next half inning (something which I think is very important and have blogged about this numerous times); not only was Santana unable to protect the lead, he gave up FIVE runs. That is, I believe, only the second time in his career he has given up five runs. It was not only Santana, the rest of the pitching also could not hold the lead. Pitching was not a strength yesterday.
What I liked about the game was the offense. This is the team from a couple of years ago, the team you never rule out. Every time the Mets were down, the offense came back. Even when Cincinnati had their closer on the mound, the Mets came back.
I don’t know how long the streak will go but it is fun watching this team once again. They are fighting. They are getting the pitching when the hitting is not there and the hitting when the pitching is not there. I am believing more and more in this team and think we can take the NL title. I realize they have led me down this path before but not with a 10 game winning streak. This time I think it is for real.
Let’s Go Mets!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Blogging
What is a baseball fan to do? Yes, tonight is the All-Star game and many of us enjoy the game but still, it is not the regular season. Whether we are Met fans or Mariner fans, whether we root for a team in California or Cleveland, we will have to survive without our favorite teams for a few days.
I might suggest checking out some blogs. Having an opportunity to see what others are saying, or to post a comment on one of the blogs, can certainly be enjoyable. I enjoy checking out Met blogs and even Yankee blogs, but periodically I check out other teams as well. There is a fascinating blog that deals with the Cleveland Indians.
I like this blog because it shows you what a bunch of the different writers are saying about the Tribe, you can check out the thoughts of more than one author. So check out those blogs, catch the All-Star game tonight and get set to cheer the Mets on to victory the second half of the season.
Let’s Go Mets!
I might suggest checking out some blogs. Having an opportunity to see what others are saying, or to post a comment on one of the blogs, can certainly be enjoyable. I enjoy checking out Met blogs and even Yankee blogs, but periodically I check out other teams as well. There is a fascinating blog that deals with the Cleveland Indians.
I like this blog because it shows you what a bunch of the different writers are saying about the Tribe, you can check out the thoughts of more than one author. So check out those blogs, catch the All-Star game tonight and get set to cheer the Mets on to victory the second half of the season.
Let’s Go Mets!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Manuel's Changes
The Mets are on a roll and as much as I love the All-Star game, I am sorry to see teams breaking right now. The Mets have now won nine in a row. You can argue that part of that streak has been against teams that are not very good but the Mets haven’t had such a streak in years, regardless of the opponent.
Not only have the Mets won nine in a row, four of the past six games have been shutouts. More importantly, the Mets seem relaxed. I did not think changing managers would make much of a difference, except maybe to give the Mets a jolt because change can do that. I was wrong.
The jolt did not come immediately, as it usually does, as they were playing 500 ball under Jerry Manuel for a while. Now, it looks like Manuel relaxing the standards, allowing for facial hair, allowing for players to play music, letting the players have fun, has really made a difference.
The truth is I have long felt that some players feel a certain look gives them an edge and a moustache or beard, or long hair can help. I was not a fan of making Oscar Gamble cut his hair when he came to the Yankees, I was not a fan of Al Hrobosky having to shave his moustache when he was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals. Would Rollie Fingers have been the same pitcher without his handlebar moustache? Would Goose Goosage have been so intimidating without his facial hair? The players are adults and deserve to be treated as such. It appears that Jerry Manual is doing just that and it is paying huge dividends.
Everything is clicking and I hope it continues after the All-Star break.
Let’s Go Mets!
Not only have the Mets won nine in a row, four of the past six games have been shutouts. More importantly, the Mets seem relaxed. I did not think changing managers would make much of a difference, except maybe to give the Mets a jolt because change can do that. I was wrong.
The jolt did not come immediately, as it usually does, as they were playing 500 ball under Jerry Manuel for a while. Now, it looks like Manuel relaxing the standards, allowing for facial hair, allowing for players to play music, letting the players have fun, has really made a difference.
The truth is I have long felt that some players feel a certain look gives them an edge and a moustache or beard, or long hair can help. I was not a fan of making Oscar Gamble cut his hair when he came to the Yankees, I was not a fan of Al Hrobosky having to shave his moustache when he was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals. Would Rollie Fingers have been the same pitcher without his handlebar moustache? Would Goose Goosage have been so intimidating without his facial hair? The players are adults and deserve to be treated as such. It appears that Jerry Manual is doing just that and it is paying huge dividends.
Everything is clicking and I hope it continues after the All-Star break.
Let’s Go Mets!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Going For First
Who would have thunk it? A month ago, three weeks ago, even two weeks ago, I was ready to write the Mets out. Jerry Manual really seems to have turned this team around. They have won eight straight for the first time since 2006 and they are on a roll, only half a game out of first place. It will take a little luck but the Mets can realistically be in first place by themselves come the All-Star break.
The Mets need to win tonight and both Phillie and Florida need to lose, but that can happen. The worst the Mets can possible do is be a game and a half out of first. Either way, the Mets have become exciting to watch again.
Whether it is the long ball, small ball or speed, the Mets are able to get runs. Whether it is a regular like Beltran, Wright or Reyes, the Mets are getting runs. Whether it is a reserve like Easley, Tatis or Chavez, the Mets are getting runs.
I hesitate to say this but, right now if I were the Mets front office, I would not be looking at getting another player. It may be someone different every day, it may be a “no name” player but they are getting the job done and really don’t seem to need anyone else.
My only concern with that is, will it last and I see two places where the Mets definitely need help. First is first base. Carlos Delgado has certainly picked it up a notch but he went downhill so fast, I think his days are numbered at best.
The other is a left fielder. I like Moises Alou and he is a hell of a ballplayer but I do not see him ever making it back to the bigs. He has frequently been on the disabled list during his career and has spent the better part of the last two years on the DL. He is a good ballplayer and I would have signed him if the decision is mine but after seeing him come back a few times this year only to end up on the DL within the next day or two of returning, I think his career is done. So, if the Mets pick up someone at either of those positions, I see it as a long term move not a rental.
Either way, they are winning, they are showing heart and they are fun to watch again.
Let’s Go Mets!
The Mets need to win tonight and both Phillie and Florida need to lose, but that can happen. The worst the Mets can possible do is be a game and a half out of first. Either way, the Mets have become exciting to watch again.
Whether it is the long ball, small ball or speed, the Mets are able to get runs. Whether it is a regular like Beltran, Wright or Reyes, the Mets are getting runs. Whether it is a reserve like Easley, Tatis or Chavez, the Mets are getting runs.
I hesitate to say this but, right now if I were the Mets front office, I would not be looking at getting another player. It may be someone different every day, it may be a “no name” player but they are getting the job done and really don’t seem to need anyone else.
My only concern with that is, will it last and I see two places where the Mets definitely need help. First is first base. Carlos Delgado has certainly picked it up a notch but he went downhill so fast, I think his days are numbered at best.
The other is a left fielder. I like Moises Alou and he is a hell of a ballplayer but I do not see him ever making it back to the bigs. He has frequently been on the disabled list during his career and has spent the better part of the last two years on the DL. He is a good ballplayer and I would have signed him if the decision is mine but after seeing him come back a few times this year only to end up on the DL within the next day or two of returning, I think his career is done. So, if the Mets pick up someone at either of those positions, I see it as a long term move not a rental.
Either way, they are winning, they are showing heart and they are fun to watch again.
Let’s Go Mets!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Staying Fit
As we head to the All-Star break, only three more Met games to go, I am encouraged. It is possible the Mets could be in first place by the time the break occurs. I just hope the break does not stop the momentum. Let the players stay focused and in shape, use the
fitness treadmill if necessary. Let the players follow whatever superstitions they have, as long as it will help them play just as well, if not better, when the break is over.
Let’s Go Mets!
Let’s Go Mets!
A Sweep!
I was not even aware that the Mets were playing a day game today. When I got home from the office, I sat down at my computer and noticed that my tracker which lists the ball scores indicated the Mets won 7-3. The team is on a roll and I am thrilled.
The Mets have now won six games in a row, their longest winning streak since a seven game streak in August of 2006. In other words, they have not been on such a roll for almost two years. Some might argue that three of the games were against the weak Giants. Still, the Mets have not handled the last place teams, the weak teams well. So the fact they swept the Giants is encouraging.
Of course, not only did the Mets sweep the Giants, the streak started by winning the last three of a four game set against the first place Philadelphia Phillies. Beating up on last place teams and handling the first place teams certainly sounds like a good formula to me.
It sounds like John Maine did not have it in this game but the hitters and the pen picked him up and for the third straight game, the Giants only got three hits off the Mets. Right now everything is clicking and I hope it stays that way.
Let’s Go Mets!
The Mets have now won six games in a row, their longest winning streak since a seven game streak in August of 2006. In other words, they have not been on such a roll for almost two years. Some might argue that three of the games were against the weak Giants. Still, the Mets have not handled the last place teams, the weak teams well. So the fact they swept the Giants is encouraging.
Of course, not only did the Mets sweep the Giants, the streak started by winning the last three of a four game set against the first place Philadelphia Phillies. Beating up on last place teams and handling the first place teams certainly sounds like a good formula to me.
It sounds like John Maine did not have it in this game but the hitters and the pen picked him up and for the third straight game, the Giants only got three hits off the Mets. Right now everything is clicking and I hope it stays that way.
Let’s Go Mets!
Remodeling
I am currently closing in on my first year in the new house. It certainly was a good move and I am glad my wife and I bought this house. The house was certainly in good shape when we moved in but we have made some changes and some improvements along the way.
The next area to focus on is the den, where I watch my Met games. Certainly this area has to be one of the nicest and most relaxing areas in the house. I am not the best handyman around so it is nice to know that there is a website where you can enter your city and state and they can put you in touch with people who do the work.
Whether you are looking for a Raleigh Contractors or a Rhode Island Contractor, help is available. So make sure you have a nice comfortable place to watch the ball games!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
A Strong Showing
Yesterday was a great win. It was the type of win I was waiting to see the Mets have all season. First they got to Lincecum early with Beltran hitting a three run homer in the first inning. The added a run in the fourth and in the late innings put it away. Hittingwise this was a good game and Mike Pelfrey had breathing room from the beginning.
Speaking of Pelfrey, he looked sharp. First off, after Beltran and company handed him a 3-0 lead, Pelfrey came out the next half inning and got the Giants 1-2-3. Pelfrey was in command of his game and looked good. I think it is unfortunate that in today’s day and age, even a shutout does not keep you in the game. I guess, however, it is all part of programming and if pitchers are not programmed to go more than 100-125 pitches, to have them do so can destroy a pitcher’s arm.
The bullpen came through for the Mets as well and did not give up any runs. Jerry Manuel seems now to have this team clicking on all cylinders and the Mets are only 1.5 games out of first and just half a game out of second. To hear Met announcers say the Met could realistically be in first place by the All-Star game is amazing, but true.
The one thing I need to be careful of is not to fall into the trap. I think this is for real. I certainly hope so. Still, we have seen flashes of strong play, of greatness even, only to have the Mets come back to mediocrity or horrendous play. I hope that is not the case now. I am feeling better about this team than I have in a really long time.
Let’s Go Mets!
Speaking of Pelfrey, he looked sharp. First off, after Beltran and company handed him a 3-0 lead, Pelfrey came out the next half inning and got the Giants 1-2-3. Pelfrey was in command of his game and looked good. I think it is unfortunate that in today’s day and age, even a shutout does not keep you in the game. I guess, however, it is all part of programming and if pitchers are not programmed to go more than 100-125 pitches, to have them do so can destroy a pitcher’s arm.
The bullpen came through for the Mets as well and did not give up any runs. Jerry Manuel seems now to have this team clicking on all cylinders and the Mets are only 1.5 games out of first and just half a game out of second. To hear Met announcers say the Met could realistically be in first place by the All-Star game is amazing, but true.
The one thing I need to be careful of is not to fall into the trap. I think this is for real. I certainly hope so. Still, we have seen flashes of strong play, of greatness even, only to have the Mets come back to mediocrity or horrendous play. I hope that is not the case now. I am feeling better about this team than I have in a really long time.
Let’s Go Mets!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Finally! But There Are Still Many Questions
I am thrilled. The Mets took three out of four from the Phillies and are only 2.5 games back. Heading into the series, this is really what the Mets needed to do. So kudos to them for doing it. The Mets are currently in third place but only one game back of the Marlins and they are above 500.
Perhaps this is a measure of retribution for what the Phils did to the Mets at the end of last season. Still, while the overall series was uplifting, I have more questions and concerns about this team now than I did before the Mets got to Philadelphia.
First off, the one game the Phillies one was the one started by Johan Santana. While the Mets did not give Santana much run support. Still Johan gave up four consecutive two out hits allowing the Phills to tie the game and the bullpen could not hold the Phillies. The Phillies proved to the Mets and to themselves that they can beat Santana.
The second game saw questions arise about the health of Maine (appears to be fine) and Church (who knows). That game was the strongest performance the Mets offered as a team as they came from behind. They were down 4-3 after seven and then kept putting up runs. I was waiting for the Mets to blow it but they held on.
Game three was not a confidence builder for me. The Mets had a 2-0 lead. Oliver Perez had pitched a beauty of a game. Wagner needed one more strike to give Ollie the victory (he deserved the win) and instead Wagner gives up a two run homerun to allow the Phills to tie the game and the Mets had to win it in extra innings. Fortunately they did but is any Met fan really feeling confident with Wagner on the mound? On the day he is named to the All-Star game he starts showing why he should not make it into the game.
Game four showed the team as the offensive threat we have been waiting to see. It was 10-1 after six innings. I am glad they won the game but winning it 10-9 with the tying run on second base in the ninth inning is not a confidence booster.
Again, the series was good for morale and good for the fans but if you look at the individual games, you may not come away as optimistic. Sorry to be so pessimistic but that’s the way I feel.
Let’s Go Mets!
Perhaps this is a measure of retribution for what the Phils did to the Mets at the end of last season. Still, while the overall series was uplifting, I have more questions and concerns about this team now than I did before the Mets got to Philadelphia.
First off, the one game the Phillies one was the one started by Johan Santana. While the Mets did not give Santana much run support. Still Johan gave up four consecutive two out hits allowing the Phills to tie the game and the bullpen could not hold the Phillies. The Phillies proved to the Mets and to themselves that they can beat Santana.
The second game saw questions arise about the health of Maine (appears to be fine) and Church (who knows). That game was the strongest performance the Mets offered as a team as they came from behind. They were down 4-3 after seven and then kept putting up runs. I was waiting for the Mets to blow it but they held on.
Game three was not a confidence builder for me. The Mets had a 2-0 lead. Oliver Perez had pitched a beauty of a game. Wagner needed one more strike to give Ollie the victory (he deserved the win) and instead Wagner gives up a two run homerun to allow the Phills to tie the game and the Mets had to win it in extra innings. Fortunately they did but is any Met fan really feeling confident with Wagner on the mound? On the day he is named to the All-Star game he starts showing why he should not make it into the game.
Game four showed the team as the offensive threat we have been waiting to see. It was 10-1 after six innings. I am glad they won the game but winning it 10-9 with the tying run on second base in the ninth inning is not a confidence booster.
Again, the series was good for morale and good for the fans but if you look at the individual games, you may not come away as optimistic. Sorry to be so pessimistic but that’s the way I feel.
Let’s Go Mets!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
A New Direction? I Think Not!
This team is going to drive me crazy. After a blowout game where the Mets destroyed the Cardinals in the series finale, and a strong pitching effort by Mike Pelfrey, I began to wonder if maybe my last post about the Mets was a little too harsh. Perhaps fighting back in the penultimate game of the Cardinal series, even though they lost, showed they were ready to turn the page.
Then came last night’s game against the Phillies. As far as I am concerned, it was ugly; ugly on a number of fronts. First off, let’s start with Santana. Yes, Santana pitched a good game and yes, I think Johan should have been out to start the ninth. I agree with comments made my Lee Mazzilli following the game where he said this is exactly the reason you got him, to pitch in this type of game. Still, Johan deserves a little blame himself. While he pitched well and deserved a win, giving up four consecutive two out hits when you are up 2-0 and allowing the opposition to tie the game on those four hits, is not acceptable. Had he given up two solo shots, spaced out during the game, ironically, I would feel better.
Still, Santana did pitch well. The statistic that in his last six games the Mets have only given him 12 runs total to work with is amazing. The Mets scored almost as many runs in the Pelfrey game as they have in six combined games for Santana. And, it is not like they didn’t have any chances yesterday. They failed to drive in runs when necessary, failed to break the game open when they could have, failed to look like a major league team, AGAIN!
One comment that I do disagree with following the loss yesterday, made by a Met announcer, was this was a must win game. The argument was when you have Santana opening the series and he is opposed by a rookie, by Happ, you need to take the game. Certainly they should have, certainly it is demoralizing (although they have had a number of those kinds of defeats already) but we are just halfway through the season. I don’t think any game right now, for any team, is a “must win”. Still it is a game they should have won.
The Mets continue to play 500 ball and continue to make us believe that is exactly what they are, a 500 club. It is amazing they spent all that money to simply be average, mediocre, okay.
Let’s Go Mets!
Then came last night’s game against the Phillies. As far as I am concerned, it was ugly; ugly on a number of fronts. First off, let’s start with Santana. Yes, Santana pitched a good game and yes, I think Johan should have been out to start the ninth. I agree with comments made my Lee Mazzilli following the game where he said this is exactly the reason you got him, to pitch in this type of game. Still, Johan deserves a little blame himself. While he pitched well and deserved a win, giving up four consecutive two out hits when you are up 2-0 and allowing the opposition to tie the game on those four hits, is not acceptable. Had he given up two solo shots, spaced out during the game, ironically, I would feel better.
Still, Santana did pitch well. The statistic that in his last six games the Mets have only given him 12 runs total to work with is amazing. The Mets scored almost as many runs in the Pelfrey game as they have in six combined games for Santana. And, it is not like they didn’t have any chances yesterday. They failed to drive in runs when necessary, failed to break the game open when they could have, failed to look like a major league team, AGAIN!
One comment that I do disagree with following the loss yesterday, made by a Met announcer, was this was a must win game. The argument was when you have Santana opening the series and he is opposed by a rookie, by Happ, you need to take the game. Certainly they should have, certainly it is demoralizing (although they have had a number of those kinds of defeats already) but we are just halfway through the season. I don’t think any game right now, for any team, is a “must win”. Still it is a game they should have won.
The Mets continue to play 500 ball and continue to make us believe that is exactly what they are, a 500 club. It is amazing they spent all that money to simply be average, mediocre, okay.
Let’s Go Mets!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
No Heart
What should have been one of the Mets biggest victories of the year turned into one of their most disappointing. I was amazed to learn that the Mets are the only team this season which has not come back from a three run deficit or more. That stat, in and of itself, is shocking. Here is a team who a couple of years ago was able to rely on late inning magic when they needed it. With largely the same group of hitters, now they can do NOTHING!
Yesterday they had a chance to put that behind them. The Mets down four-nothing after one inning, came back to tie it at four-four. Naturally Met pitching, in this case Pedro but it has been the MO all year, allowed St. Louis to take the lead again, 5-4. But then in the seventh the Mets scored three runs to take a 7-5 lead. It was a good feeling. All the Mets had to do was hold them for three innings and they would now have a victory this season after being down by more than two runs.
Heilman got them through the seventh but Feliciano gave up a two run homerun in the eighth, allowing the Cardinals to tie the game. Then with two out in the ninth, Muniz gave up a solo shot to Troy Glaus and St. Louis had a walk off victory. The Mets had lost 8-7.
Obviously a lot can be said about how someone can say a team has no heart when they are losing but when they are winning they are playing with heart. One can easily fall into that trap. Still, when you have a team that has played more than half of its games and they have yet to win a game after being down by three runs, to me it shows a lack of heart. They are not playing well because they are not good and they just don’t care, no heart!
Yesterday they had a chance to put that behind them. The Mets down four-nothing after one inning, came back to tie it at four-four. Naturally Met pitching, in this case Pedro but it has been the MO all year, allowed St. Louis to take the lead again, 5-4. But then in the seventh the Mets scored three runs to take a 7-5 lead. It was a good feeling. All the Mets had to do was hold them for three innings and they would now have a victory this season after being down by more than two runs.
Heilman got them through the seventh but Feliciano gave up a two run homerun in the eighth, allowing the Cardinals to tie the game. Then with two out in the ninth, Muniz gave up a solo shot to Troy Glaus and St. Louis had a walk off victory. The Mets had lost 8-7.
Obviously a lot can be said about how someone can say a team has no heart when they are losing but when they are winning they are playing with heart. One can easily fall into that trap. Still, when you have a team that has played more than half of its games and they have yet to win a game after being down by three runs, to me it shows a lack of heart. They are not playing well because they are not good and they just don’t care, no heart!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Needing Consistency
The Mets played a good game yesterday. They actually looked like a major league team. At the start, it was obvious that Tony Armas Jr. did not have great stuff in his Mets debut. Still, he pitched well enough to keep the Mets in the game and the Mets came back quickly, they did to the Cards what other teams usually do to them.
The Cardinals scored two runs in the bottom of the first but the next half inning, the Mets scored a run to make it 2-1. The Cards came back with a run in the bottom of the second making it 3-1. While the Mets did not score in the top of the third, they did in the top of the fourth, and fifth, and sixth and Armas just got stronger.
Using four different pitchers in the last three innings, despite not giving up an earned run, is something I find frustrating but they did hold St. Louis.
I read some comments by Jerry Manual and he seems to feel the same way that many of us Met fans feel. He was reserved and said he has seen the Mets play like this before but now he needs to see it consistently. I agree, until the Mets have a long stretch of playing good ball, even when they loss, I do not believe this is for real.
Let’s Go Mets!
The Cardinals scored two runs in the bottom of the first but the next half inning, the Mets scored a run to make it 2-1. The Cards came back with a run in the bottom of the second making it 3-1. While the Mets did not score in the top of the third, they did in the top of the fourth, and fifth, and sixth and Armas just got stronger.
Using four different pitchers in the last three innings, despite not giving up an earned run, is something I find frustrating but they did hold St. Louis.
I read some comments by Jerry Manual and he seems to feel the same way that many of us Met fans feel. He was reserved and said he has seen the Mets play like this before but now he needs to see it consistently. I agree, until the Mets have a long stretch of playing good ball, even when they loss, I do not believe this is for real.
Let’s Go Mets!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
No One Worthy Of The All-Star Game
The Mets continue to play ball the way they have all season… poorly, with the occasional good game mixed in. The finished a four game series with the Yankees on Sunday and not surprisingly, when you have two mediocre teams, they split. Then it was onto St. Louis and that series started yesterday.
I don’t think many people were surprised that the Mets lost yesterday to the Cardinals. St. Louis is playing good baseball and the Mets are not. Unfortunately, the Mets did not even look like a Triple A team yesterday. They are looking ugly. Is it any surprise that as of the last check, no Met is slated to start the All-Star game? The bottom line is, there is no one on this team who deserves to start and if not for a rule that states each team must have at least one representative (a rule I happen to like but it is a debate for another time), probably no one on the team who even deserves to go to the game.
Poor play has been the MO of the Mets all season. They just can’t seem to get it together. In fact, I was amazed to hear that Jerry Manuel wants Luis Castillo to take more of a role in developing Jose Reyes, kind of like Jose Valentin did. Is Reyes still at this stage? Does he need to be babied and brought along. Right now it is time for Jose Reyes to start helping some other players develop, not the other way around.
Well, I will hope the Mets turn it around in St. Louis but, honestly, I am not expecting much.
Let’s Go Mets!
I don’t think many people were surprised that the Mets lost yesterday to the Cardinals. St. Louis is playing good baseball and the Mets are not. Unfortunately, the Mets did not even look like a Triple A team yesterday. They are looking ugly. Is it any surprise that as of the last check, no Met is slated to start the All-Star game? The bottom line is, there is no one on this team who deserves to start and if not for a rule that states each team must have at least one representative (a rule I happen to like but it is a debate for another time), probably no one on the team who even deserves to go to the game.
Poor play has been the MO of the Mets all season. They just can’t seem to get it together. In fact, I was amazed to hear that Jerry Manuel wants Luis Castillo to take more of a role in developing Jose Reyes, kind of like Jose Valentin did. Is Reyes still at this stage? Does he need to be babied and brought along. Right now it is time for Jose Reyes to start helping some other players develop, not the other way around.
Well, I will hope the Mets turn it around in St. Louis but, honestly, I am not expecting much.
Let’s Go Mets!
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