I CAN’T TAKE THIS. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS TEAM, BUT SOMETHING IS. SOMEBODY, MAYBE WILLIE, MAYBE OMAR, MAYBE A PLAYER, HAS TO GO ON A TIRADE THAT TRULY SCARES THIS TEAM! HEY GUYS WAKE UP!!!!!!!
Today’s game was a loss of the worst kind. Forget the fact that the Mets have just been swept, in a four game series, by the Philadelphia Phillies, the second team in the National League East. Forget the fact that the Mets lead is now down to just two games. Forget the fact that now that the Met bats have woken up, the pitching has gone to sleep. To me, the most frustrating thing in today’s game was, the way the Mets let Philadelphia back in this game.
First, after finding themselves down five to nothing early on and coming back to tie it, in the bottom of the same inning where the Mets tied the game, Met pitching allowed the Phillies to take the lead once again by three runs. How frustrating this must be for the Met hitters. Here they pecked away at a lead, and a decent size one and that. The Mets scored three runs in the fourth and two in the fifth to tie it at 5-5. In the bottom of the fifth, Met pitching allows the Phills to score three more runs and take an 8-5 lead.
As if this wasn’t ad enough, THEY DID IT TWICE!!! I am glad to see the Mets had some fight in them and fought back in the eighth inning. They actually scored five runs to take a 10-8 lead. Then, obviously sensing how important this game was, Willie Randolph brings in Billy Wagner for a two inning save and Wagner BLOWS IT! After scoring five runs, Wagner lets them score a run in the bottom of the eighth inning to make this a one run ballgame (10-9). Then, he gives up two more in the bottom of the ninth to blow another game, thus letting the Phills sweep.
Philadelphia showed me a lot in this four game set. So did the Mets, for that matter. The difference is, what Phillie showed me was positive. Unfortunately what the Mets showed me were things I would have rather not seen.
Now it is onto Atlanta for a weekend series against the Braves. Right now I have some concerns. I can see the Mets losing two out of three to the Braves. The possibility of the Mets finishing the weekend out of first place in the NL East, while maybe not probably, is certainly a very real possibility.
Hopefully they will rebound.
Let’s Go Mets!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
25 Or Six To Three
It could have been a measure of revenge but in the end, it was just another frustrating loss by the Mets. I did not see much of the game although I did catch the ending. If I caught this correctly, the Mets jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning and then were able to tie it at two, still early on. It is great to see that they are scoring early in games. The problem is, they have not been able to add on any additional runs. It is a little ridiculous to expect two runs to hold you against a Philadelphia offense.
The Mets did hold the Phillies to just three runs which means their pitching was not bad. Still, the offense did not come through yet again. They tried to pick it up in the ninth inning. Runners at first and third with one man out and all Green needed to do was hit a fly ball to the outfield and Endy Chavez would have scored. Green tried to get the job done in a different manner.
A slow roller to short where it would have been hard to turn a double play, could have also brought in the tying run. Marlon Anderson, the runner at first, however, interfered with the play as he tried to make sure the double play was not turned. The replay showed a few things. First, it showed that Anderson did interfere. It also showed that the umpire called it immediately. Lastly, it showed how unlikely it would have been to throw Green out at first base.
I really cannot fault Marlon Anderson for doing what he felt was necessary to prevent the Phills from turning the double play. He played the game hard. Still, it cost them. It led to the fourth consecutive loss for the Mets and the third in a row to the second place Phillies. We came in to Philadelphia with a six game lead and it is now down to three. Tomorrow is the final game and I hope the Mets can pull one out, otherwise it will only be a three game lead. It is time for the Mets offense to WAKE UP!
Let’s Go Mets!
The Mets did hold the Phillies to just three runs which means their pitching was not bad. Still, the offense did not come through yet again. They tried to pick it up in the ninth inning. Runners at first and third with one man out and all Green needed to do was hit a fly ball to the outfield and Endy Chavez would have scored. Green tried to get the job done in a different manner.
A slow roller to short where it would have been hard to turn a double play, could have also brought in the tying run. Marlon Anderson, the runner at first, however, interfered with the play as he tried to make sure the double play was not turned. The replay showed a few things. First, it showed that Anderson did interfere. It also showed that the umpire called it immediately. Lastly, it showed how unlikely it would have been to throw Green out at first base.
I really cannot fault Marlon Anderson for doing what he felt was necessary to prevent the Phills from turning the double play. He played the game hard. Still, it cost them. It led to the fourth consecutive loss for the Mets and the third in a row to the second place Phillies. We came in to Philadelphia with a six game lead and it is now down to three. Tomorrow is the final game and I hope the Mets can pull one out, otherwise it will only be a three game lead. It is time for the Mets offense to WAKE UP!
Let’s Go Mets!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Phillies Looking Hungry
Yesterday (Monday), I indicated that I expected the Mets to do well against the Phillies. That has not happened. Right now the Phillies look hungry and the Mets look flat. I can accept Monday’s loss. The Mets were outplayed. I still think the Mets are a better team but on Monday, for that one day anyway, they clearly were not. The Phillies got the timely hit. They scored early and often. They had good pitching and the bullpen looked great. Despite how they had been playing, Monday was a game that was ALL Philadelphia and every aspect of their game looked good.
Tonight’s loss was more frustrating. On the plus side, Delgado hit a two run homer, and it was a shot. The Mets had a 2-0 lead early and Glavine made it stand up as he pitched beautifully. Even when the Phillies tied the score, Heilmann was pitching well. It was a cheap hit that plated the tying run after a stolen base and an error, allowing the runner (Victorino) to go from first to third.
The bottom line, however, is the Phillies won. They had a homerun in the eight to pull within one before Victorino entered the game as a pinch runner. The Mets, after scoring two early runs, were unable to do anything with Philadelphia pitching.
I do not like the way the first two games went but still, if the Mets leave with a split, I will be happy, or certainly that will suffice. Hopefully they can regroup, get their act together and come out playing tomorrow like they have something to prove. It would be nice.
Let’s Go Mets!
Tonight’s loss was more frustrating. On the plus side, Delgado hit a two run homer, and it was a shot. The Mets had a 2-0 lead early and Glavine made it stand up as he pitched beautifully. Even when the Phillies tied the score, Heilmann was pitching well. It was a cheap hit that plated the tying run after a stolen base and an error, allowing the runner (Victorino) to go from first to third.
The bottom line, however, is the Phillies won. They had a homerun in the eight to pull within one before Victorino entered the game as a pinch runner. The Mets, after scoring two early runs, were unable to do anything with Philadelphia pitching.
I do not like the way the first two games went but still, if the Mets leave with a split, I will be happy, or certainly that will suffice. Hopefully they can regroup, get their act together and come out playing tomorrow like they have something to prove. It would be nice.
Let’s Go Mets!
Monday, August 27, 2007
A Minor Setback
I did not watch much of last night’s game and I am glad that was the case. Whatever parts I did catch, the Mets just did not look good. They seemed to avoid getting the big hit when necessary, and it appeared as though they had opportunities to get back in the game. The pitching did not appear to do well either. John Maine did not have it again and the bullpen failed.
After looking so good the first two games of the series against the Dodgers, everything appeared to be flat for the Mets yesterday. It almost seems that every time they are on ESPN, televised on a Sunday night, they just do not look particularly good.
Still, I am not frustrated or depressed. They took two of three from the Dodgers and they have been looking much more like a playoff team of late. Things have been going well for this team. I think they will do well in the four game set in Philadelphia and if history is any indication, Atlanta will take two of three from the Mets. The truth is even with the Braves having our number, I feel we can still (and will still) finish in first in the NL East.
The one problem I have is, while I want the Mets to do well against the Phills, I would rather see the Phillies be the wildcard then the Braves (I think we can handle Philadelphia much easier than Atlanta). The problem then is, if the Mets take three out of four, or four out of four in Philadelphia (I want to see that happen and think it will happen) and they drop two of three to Atlanta, it could very well but the Braves back in second place in the NL East. That gives Atlanta a better shot of being the wildcard and as I said I would prefer that not happen.
Still, I am positive and ready for the series that starts tonight.
Let’s Go Mets!
After looking so good the first two games of the series against the Dodgers, everything appeared to be flat for the Mets yesterday. It almost seems that every time they are on ESPN, televised on a Sunday night, they just do not look particularly good.
Still, I am not frustrated or depressed. They took two of three from the Dodgers and they have been looking much more like a playoff team of late. Things have been going well for this team. I think they will do well in the four game set in Philadelphia and if history is any indication, Atlanta will take two of three from the Mets. The truth is even with the Braves having our number, I feel we can still (and will still) finish in first in the NL East.
The one problem I have is, while I want the Mets to do well against the Phills, I would rather see the Phillies be the wildcard then the Braves (I think we can handle Philadelphia much easier than Atlanta). The problem then is, if the Mets take three out of four, or four out of four in Philadelphia (I want to see that happen and think it will happen) and they drop two of three to Atlanta, it could very well but the Braves back in second place in the NL East. That gives Atlanta a better shot of being the wildcard and as I said I would prefer that not happen.
Still, I am positive and ready for the series that starts tonight.
Let’s Go Mets!
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Clicking On All Cylinders
I have watched very little baseball this weekend as there have been other things happening in my life. That is fine, but I have been keeping up with how the Mets are doing and it is great that they have taken the first two games from the Dodgers. Orlando Hernandez looked really good yesterday and Carlos Delgado finally came through. If Delgado gets on a roll right now, it would be fantastic. To see Delgado, Wright, Alou and Beltran all hot at the same time would be amazing.
Taking a look at the newspaper, I see for the first time this year the Mets have opened up more than a five game lead as they are now up by seven against both the Phillies and the Braves. More importantly, over the last ten games, the Mets have done the best out of any team in the NL east. I believe they are seven and three and all other teams in the NL east are under .500 for the past ten games.
Taking a further look, it appears as though there are only two other teams in the entire NL who have a better record than the Mets over the past ten games and ironically they are the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates (in the Central) and the last place San Francisco Giants (in the West). It appears as though the Mets have gotten on that roll I have been waiting for.
I still have some concerns, most noticeably the pitching (starting and relief). I am a little concerned about Wagner, but hopefully he knows himself better than anyone else and he just needs a short break. Still, right now things seem to be going well on all cylinders and I am excited about watching this team play. Even when they lose, you get the feeling they are still in the game. I look forward to tonight’s game.
Let’s Go Mets!
Taking a look at the newspaper, I see for the first time this year the Mets have opened up more than a five game lead as they are now up by seven against both the Phillies and the Braves. More importantly, over the last ten games, the Mets have done the best out of any team in the NL east. I believe they are seven and three and all other teams in the NL east are under .500 for the past ten games.
Taking a further look, it appears as though there are only two other teams in the entire NL who have a better record than the Mets over the past ten games and ironically they are the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates (in the Central) and the last place San Francisco Giants (in the West). It appears as though the Mets have gotten on that roll I have been waiting for.
I still have some concerns, most noticeably the pitching (starting and relief). I am a little concerned about Wagner, but hopefully he knows himself better than anyone else and he just needs a short break. Still, right now things seem to be going well on all cylinders and I am excited about watching this team play. Even when they lose, you get the feeling they are still in the game. I look forward to tonight’s game.
Let’s Go Mets!
Friday, August 24, 2007
I Want Mr. Automatic Back
I can accept Wednesday’s loss. The Mets were just outclassed by an excellent pitcher who was on his game. Jake Peavy looked sharp. Yes the Mets mounted a comeback late in the game and it would have been nice to see them beat a game Peavy started after beating Carpenter the night before. Yes, there were a few bad signs for the Mets, but overall this was a game where I was perfectly comfortable tipping my cap to Peavy and the San Diego Padres. And, I figured, they still could take the series with a win on Thursday!
Thursday’s game, as far as I am concerned, however, was a COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE loss! I did not watch a lot of the game but when I turned it on, the Mets were down 6-1. I was not happy. The Padres had taken two of three from the Mets in San Diego and I did not want to see the Mets lose two of three at Shea. Still, with a 6-1 score, I could accept the fact that the Mets got outplayed (although not happily).
When I turned it back on, the Mets had tied it. They showed fight and had a lead going into the ninth inning. A couple of their relief pitcher who have been struggling (Feliciano and Shoenweis), turned it up a notch, and all looked good. Then came Wagner.
Now, I do not want to criticize Billy Wagner. To borrow a phrase from Jim Rome, he has been automatic this year. Wagner has been lights out. But now I fear Wagner is returning to the pitcher we saw last year. That was, he was good and most of the time he got the job done, but he seemed to give the opposition the chance to get back into the game and sometimes the did, he would blow the save. I understand he has only blown three saves this year (you can argue that he blew a “save” in the first game of the series as well. While it was not a save opportunity, he came in with the score tied and let the Padres take the lead—and still came away with the victory I believe). That was Wagner clearly failing to do the job).
I hope that Ron Darling was right in what he said after the game, how all relief pitchers tend to go through a stint like this during the year and it is just temporary. For as much as the Mets’ bullpen has struggled this year, we need Wagner to be automatic once again.
Hopefully we get back on track against the Dodgers tonight.
Let’s Go Mets!
Thursday’s game, as far as I am concerned, however, was a COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE loss! I did not watch a lot of the game but when I turned it on, the Mets were down 6-1. I was not happy. The Padres had taken two of three from the Mets in San Diego and I did not want to see the Mets lose two of three at Shea. Still, with a 6-1 score, I could accept the fact that the Mets got outplayed (although not happily).
When I turned it back on, the Mets had tied it. They showed fight and had a lead going into the ninth inning. A couple of their relief pitcher who have been struggling (Feliciano and Shoenweis), turned it up a notch, and all looked good. Then came Wagner.
Now, I do not want to criticize Billy Wagner. To borrow a phrase from Jim Rome, he has been automatic this year. Wagner has been lights out. But now I fear Wagner is returning to the pitcher we saw last year. That was, he was good and most of the time he got the job done, but he seemed to give the opposition the chance to get back into the game and sometimes the did, he would blow the save. I understand he has only blown three saves this year (you can argue that he blew a “save” in the first game of the series as well. While it was not a save opportunity, he came in with the score tied and let the Padres take the lead—and still came away with the victory I believe). That was Wagner clearly failing to do the job).
I hope that Ron Darling was right in what he said after the game, how all relief pitchers tend to go through a stint like this during the year and it is just temporary. For as much as the Mets’ bullpen has struggled this year, we need Wagner to be automatic once again.
Hopefully we get back on track against the Dodgers tonight.
Let’s Go Mets!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Shades Of Last Year
What a great victory for the Mets yesterday, and by looking around the web at other blogs, I am clearly not the only person who feels this way. This was a team that played very well yesterday against a team that could well be there in post season, and the Mets did it at home. Even more exciting is, Carlos Beltran, who has not performed as well at Shea as he has on the road, had a monster game yesterday.
This game was shades of last year. First the Mets jumped out to an early 5-1 lead. They did this against the pitcher who has the lowest ERA in the National League. The Met pitching could not hold them, but the offense kept producing. A run off of Heath Bell to tie and two runs in the ninth off of Trevor Hoffman, the all-time save leader. This team did not care who was pitching, they did what they needed to do and you almost had a feeling watching it that they would pull it out.
What I really enjoyed about this is the Mets combined small ball with the long ball. The first five runs was more long ball than anything else. After that, they showed they can play small ball as well. To tie it off of Bell, Reyes walked, stole second and moved to third on an infield out by Luis Castillo. While a hit brought him home, the Mets were in great shape to score a run, and tie the game, even without a hit.
The ninth inning was more small ball, that let them win the game. A shot by Milledge went for a single and a sacrifice by DiFelice moved him to second. Anderson blooped a single to tie it, Reyes singled and Castillo drove in the game winner. It was great to see Castillo so pumped when he drove in the winning run. The Mets need players like that. Yesterday’s game was a great sign and hopefully they can add to it today.
On a side note, I am offering a note of praise to Heath Bell. Often times we as Met fans do not like to see players do well when they leave our team. Bell was up and down last year and never seemed to complain, but never really was given a chance. He seems, to me, like a class act. I do not want to see him hurt the Mets, but other than that, I would like to see him do well. He can resume again after this series.
Let’s Go Mets!
This game was shades of last year. First the Mets jumped out to an early 5-1 lead. They did this against the pitcher who has the lowest ERA in the National League. The Met pitching could not hold them, but the offense kept producing. A run off of Heath Bell to tie and two runs in the ninth off of Trevor Hoffman, the all-time save leader. This team did not care who was pitching, they did what they needed to do and you almost had a feeling watching it that they would pull it out.
What I really enjoyed about this is the Mets combined small ball with the long ball. The first five runs was more long ball than anything else. After that, they showed they can play small ball as well. To tie it off of Bell, Reyes walked, stole second and moved to third on an infield out by Luis Castillo. While a hit brought him home, the Mets were in great shape to score a run, and tie the game, even without a hit.
The ninth inning was more small ball, that let them win the game. A shot by Milledge went for a single and a sacrifice by DiFelice moved him to second. Anderson blooped a single to tie it, Reyes singled and Castillo drove in the game winner. It was great to see Castillo so pumped when he drove in the winning run. The Mets need players like that. Yesterday’s game was a great sign and hopefully they can add to it today.
On a side note, I am offering a note of praise to Heath Bell. Often times we as Met fans do not like to see players do well when they leave our team. Bell was up and down last year and never seemed to complain, but never really was given a chance. He seems, to me, like a class act. I do not want to see him hurt the Mets, but other than that, I would like to see him do well. He can resume again after this series.
Let’s Go Mets!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Who Gets Sent Down
The San Diego Padres are in town and the Mets have a chance to make a statement. They are playing a first place team from another division, perhaps the team they will see in the first round of the playoffs. They just had a very successful road trip. They acquired Jeff Connine to help strengthen the bench following the injury to Damion Easley. Endy Chavez maybe returning this week and Pedro Martinez pitched the best he has in a rehab start. Everything seems to be favoring the Mets.
How come, then, I am not as optimistic as I should be. The fact that the Mets are struggling at home, and the way they performed on the last home stand has a lot to do with it. Overall, I like our team better than the Padres. The question is how will they perform. If the Mets play like they are capable of, play the way they should be playing, then this set could be huge, and a big boost for them.
Of course, with Chavez coming back and Conine coming over, the Mets will have to send two players down and that could be a problem. I would like the Mets to Keep Gotay and Milledge in the bigs. That means that Anderson Hernandez gets sent down (and I see that happening), but they need one additional player to send back to AAA. It could be Marlon Anderson but I do not see the Mets doing that (although if you go to the Mets website and look at the depth chart, it appears as though it is being suggested the Mets will send Marlon Anderson down to make room for Conine, which means it could be Marlon Anderson and Anderson Hernandez being sent down). If not Anderson, however, or Gotay or Milledge (the two I want to keep here), it would have to be a pitcher. I am thinking with Sosa and Sele both in the bullpen, able to act as long men, they could send either Schoenweis or Mota down, but I do not see that happening. My guess is it will be either Gotay or Milledge and probably Milledge with the claim that he needs to play more. They could also release Shawn Green, but I am guessing that will not happen either.
Still, I would rather be in this position than in one where they have too many people they want to send down. I am hoping for a good series against the Padres and a good home stand.
Let’s Go Mets!
How come, then, I am not as optimistic as I should be. The fact that the Mets are struggling at home, and the way they performed on the last home stand has a lot to do with it. Overall, I like our team better than the Padres. The question is how will they perform. If the Mets play like they are capable of, play the way they should be playing, then this set could be huge, and a big boost for them.
Of course, with Chavez coming back and Conine coming over, the Mets will have to send two players down and that could be a problem. I would like the Mets to Keep Gotay and Milledge in the bigs. That means that Anderson Hernandez gets sent down (and I see that happening), but they need one additional player to send back to AAA. It could be Marlon Anderson but I do not see the Mets doing that (although if you go to the Mets website and look at the depth chart, it appears as though it is being suggested the Mets will send Marlon Anderson down to make room for Conine, which means it could be Marlon Anderson and Anderson Hernandez being sent down). If not Anderson, however, or Gotay or Milledge (the two I want to keep here), it would have to be a pitcher. I am thinking with Sosa and Sele both in the bullpen, able to act as long men, they could send either Schoenweis or Mota down, but I do not see that happening. My guess is it will be either Gotay or Milledge and probably Milledge with the claim that he needs to play more. They could also release Shawn Green, but I am guessing that will not happen either.
Still, I would rather be in this position than in one where they have too many people they want to send down. I am hoping for a good series against the Padres and a good home stand.
Let’s Go Mets!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Ask And You Shall Receive
I have been saying for awhile now that the Mets needed to go on an extended winning streak and that they needed to sweep a series. They have now done that. The just swept a weekend series and the took five out of six on this road trip. Forget for a moment that the sweep came against the lowly Washington Nationals who are in last place in the NL East. Forget for a moment that while they took two out of three from Pittsburgh, the Mets gave away that last game (A six game winning streak, two consecutive sweeps and winning every game on the road trip would have been EXCELLENT). Forget for a moment the Mets let the Pirates get back in the first two games of that series but did hold on to win. Forget for a moment some of the pitching woes.
The bottom line is they did take three in a row from the Nationals and five of six on the road trip. That is really what I wanted them to do, what I think they needed to do and ultimately what they did. Once again they have pushed the lead back to five game between themselves and the second place team (it has never been more than five).
If I heard correctly on television today, since the All-Star break there have only been two occasions where the Mets have won and both the Braves and Phillies have lost. Still, if the Mets play like they are capable of doing, if they start playing well at home (still a concern, especially now as they head back to Shea), if they do what they can do and what they need to do, this team will be around come postseason. I certainly feel much better right now than I did a week ago at this time.
Keep up the good work!
Let’s Go Mets!
The bottom line is they did take three in a row from the Nationals and five of six on the road trip. That is really what I wanted them to do, what I think they needed to do and ultimately what they did. Once again they have pushed the lead back to five game between themselves and the second place team (it has never been more than five).
If I heard correctly on television today, since the All-Star break there have only been two occasions where the Mets have won and both the Braves and Phillies have lost. Still, if the Mets play like they are capable of doing, if they start playing well at home (still a concern, especially now as they head back to Shea), if they do what they can do and what they need to do, this team will be around come postseason. I certainly feel much better right now than I did a week ago at this time.
Keep up the good work!
Let’s Go Mets!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Mr. Met Goes To Washington
So, we’re in the Nation’s Capitol for a weekend series with the Washington Nationals. The Mets should be able to sweep them, but this is a team that should be able to do a lot of things and somehow they fall short.
On the positive side, the Mets have a good record since the All-Star break, and really since the beginning of the season as they and the Arizona Diamondbacks seem to flip-flop for best record in the National League. If I have it figured correctly, if the Mets and Diamondbacks were in the same division, the D.Backs would be a game ahead of the Mets, but that is only because they have played two more games, and won two more games than the Mets. The Mets did take two out of three in this last set and for the most part have not looked bad.
On the downside, the Mets are not winning in convincing fashion. They are scoring early and late, but not in the middle; they are letting teams get back into games; and yesterday they just gave one away. If all that matters is the won-lose record, and at the end of the season that will be the case, the Mets are not bad. If, however, we are looking for them to get momentum, then playing the way they are is not going to accomplish the goal.
It would be nice to see the Mets sweep a series. I cannot remember the last time they did that this year. It would be nice to see a winning streak of at least five games. With Washington the next team up and, fortunately for the Mets, playing in DC, perhaps this can be the start to a sweep, to a decent winning streak, to getting hot. Let’s hope so!
Let’s Go Mets!
On the positive side, the Mets have a good record since the All-Star break, and really since the beginning of the season as they and the Arizona Diamondbacks seem to flip-flop for best record in the National League. If I have it figured correctly, if the Mets and Diamondbacks were in the same division, the D.Backs would be a game ahead of the Mets, but that is only because they have played two more games, and won two more games than the Mets. The Mets did take two out of three in this last set and for the most part have not looked bad.
On the downside, the Mets are not winning in convincing fashion. They are scoring early and late, but not in the middle; they are letting teams get back into games; and yesterday they just gave one away. If all that matters is the won-lose record, and at the end of the season that will be the case, the Mets are not bad. If, however, we are looking for them to get momentum, then playing the way they are is not going to accomplish the goal.
It would be nice to see the Mets sweep a series. I cannot remember the last time they did that this year. It would be nice to see a winning streak of at least five games. With Washington the next team up and, fortunately for the Mets, playing in DC, perhaps this can be the start to a sweep, to a decent winning streak, to getting hot. Let’s hope so!
Let’s Go Mets!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
My Hat Is Staying In Place
Three cheers for Ron Darling! I missed most of tonight’s Met game (and I am kind of glad). I did turn the game on for a few minutes to get a score and saw Brian Lawrence drive in a run and take second on poor outfield play. I believe that run game the Mets a 5-0 lead and I was feeling pretty good.
After that, I had to do some work on the computer but periodically checked via the computer, how the Mets were doing. While Pittsburgh had scored some runs, it appeared as though the Mets were adding a few of their own runs and keeping a decent size lead.
For most of the evening, however, I was away from the computer and the television. I turned the game on to catch the recap. It did not sound pretty, AT ALL! Still the Mets were praising the Pirates and saying you just have to tip your cap to them.
Fortunately Ron Darling came along and set the record straight. He explained this was not one where the Pirates took it from the Mets and you need to tip your hat, no, it was one where the Mets gave it to the Pirates.
That was what I had gathered from the recap, and I was so pleased to hear a Met announcer say it. I do not know what the Met players will do, or even what other fans will do, but as for me… … MY HAT IS STAYING ON MY HEAD!! I am not tipping it to the Pirates.
The Mets did take two of three from the Pirates but they clearly should have had tonight’s game and even the wins did not exactly boost my confidence in this team.
Hopefully that will start to change tomorrow with the Nationals’ series.
Let’s Go Mets!!
After that, I had to do some work on the computer but periodically checked via the computer, how the Mets were doing. While Pittsburgh had scored some runs, it appeared as though the Mets were adding a few of their own runs and keeping a decent size lead.
For most of the evening, however, I was away from the computer and the television. I turned the game on to catch the recap. It did not sound pretty, AT ALL! Still the Mets were praising the Pirates and saying you just have to tip your cap to them.
Fortunately Ron Darling came along and set the record straight. He explained this was not one where the Pirates took it from the Mets and you need to tip your hat, no, it was one where the Mets gave it to the Pirates.
That was what I had gathered from the recap, and I was so pleased to hear a Met announcer say it. I do not know what the Met players will do, or even what other fans will do, but as for me… … MY HAT IS STAYING ON MY HEAD!! I am not tipping it to the Pirates.
The Mets did take two of three from the Pirates but they clearly should have had tonight’s game and even the wins did not exactly boost my confidence in this team.
Hopefully that will start to change tomorrow with the Nationals’ series.
Let’s Go Mets!!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Better, But Not Great!
I admit, I am very impressed with the way Moises Alou is playing. He is a great ball player and if he keeps himself injury free, he is arguably the best hitter on the Mets. I am glad the Mets have won the first two in Pittsburgh, and three in a row. Still, I feel that something is lacking.
The last two victories are on the road and I think most Met fans, myself included, want to see the Mets play well at home. Also, considering it is the Pirates, the Mets should be able to do better. The pitching lets the opposition back in the game and the Mets do not seem to put it away until late in the game.
Yesterday, for most of the game, the Mets were behind or tied. In the end they did win, but they did not do it in the most convincing of fashions. Today, they scored early and late but not in between and the bullpen tried to give away the lead.
Met announcers stated that in the end all that matters is who won the game. I hear that and understand that philosophy but I do not completely agree with it. The fact is that by winning in convincing fashion, a team can build momentum and the Mets need some momentum. The victories have not been convincing and I question if the Mets are getting any momentum for when the Mets move on to the better teams.
The other side of this, however, is with the last three wins, the Mets now have the best record in the National League. I actually think that shows how weak the National League is overall, but perhaps this will give the Mets the momentum and the fact that the games have been closer than they should have been won’t matter.
Well, I am feeling better, well enough to finish this post with…
Let’s Go Mets!
The last two victories are on the road and I think most Met fans, myself included, want to see the Mets play well at home. Also, considering it is the Pirates, the Mets should be able to do better. The pitching lets the opposition back in the game and the Mets do not seem to put it away until late in the game.
Yesterday, for most of the game, the Mets were behind or tied. In the end they did win, but they did not do it in the most convincing of fashions. Today, they scored early and late but not in between and the bullpen tried to give away the lead.
Met announcers stated that in the end all that matters is who won the game. I hear that and understand that philosophy but I do not completely agree with it. The fact is that by winning in convincing fashion, a team can build momentum and the Mets need some momentum. The victories have not been convincing and I question if the Mets are getting any momentum for when the Mets move on to the better teams.
The other side of this, however, is with the last three wins, the Mets now have the best record in the National League. I actually think that shows how weak the National League is overall, but perhaps this will give the Mets the momentum and the fact that the games have been closer than they should have been won’t matter.
Well, I am feeling better, well enough to finish this post with…
Let’s Go Mets!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Are We Supposed To Feel Better?
So the Mets won a game yesterday. As Met fans we are supposed to feel good, we are supposed to feel vindicated, we are supposed to feel like this makes a difference. I doubt Willie Randolph reads the blogs that are out there (or other higher ups in the organization) but they have got to understand that yesterday’s win does nothing to alleviate the pain. Yesterday’s victory changes NOTHING from what I posted the day before.
The Mets still cannot play well at home, they are now five games above .500 when playing at Shea. That is PATHETIC! The Mets still finished a 2 and 4 home stand, in which three of those games were against the Florida Marlins (and the other three against a team, the Atlanta Braves, the Mets have to show they can handle). The 2 and 4 home stand is PATHETIC. There starting pitching remains a MAJOR concern as once again, despite the win, Oliver Perez did not have it, did not have the good stuff we need him to have if the Mets are going to do anything. And, yes I will say it even following a 10-4 victory, the hitting still has not come around. The Mets kept letting the Marlins catch and/or pass them in terms of the runs scored until the eighth inning. Going into the eighth, the Mets had a 5-4 lead. This is UNACCEPTABLE.
As Met fans we deserve, yes I said DESERVE better. We have been loyal and suffered through the lean years and they should be rewarding us for staying faithful. If this were a bad team, I could live with it, but this team is underachieving, and that is what makes this so frustrating. They still need to find a way to turn things around. A ten game winning streak, 13 of 15, 16 of 20, some kind of streak, I guess I should specify winning streak, like that needs to happen.
They are good enough to do it, they just need to collectively get off their ass and do it!!!
The Mets still cannot play well at home, they are now five games above .500 when playing at Shea. That is PATHETIC! The Mets still finished a 2 and 4 home stand, in which three of those games were against the Florida Marlins (and the other three against a team, the Atlanta Braves, the Mets have to show they can handle). The 2 and 4 home stand is PATHETIC. There starting pitching remains a MAJOR concern as once again, despite the win, Oliver Perez did not have it, did not have the good stuff we need him to have if the Mets are going to do anything. And, yes I will say it even following a 10-4 victory, the hitting still has not come around. The Mets kept letting the Marlins catch and/or pass them in terms of the runs scored until the eighth inning. Going into the eighth, the Mets had a 5-4 lead. This is UNACCEPTABLE.
As Met fans we deserve, yes I said DESERVE better. We have been loyal and suffered through the lean years and they should be rewarding us for staying faithful. If this were a bad team, I could live with it, but this team is underachieving, and that is what makes this so frustrating. They still need to find a way to turn things around. A ten game winning streak, 13 of 15, 16 of 20, some kind of streak, I guess I should specify winning streak, like that needs to happen.
They are good enough to do it, they just need to collectively get off their ass and do it!!!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
HEADS MUST ROLL!!!!
I do not know what the answer is but I know that what is going on is completely unacceptable. The Mets are supposed to be contenders but I am wondering if they are really pretenders. What I know is the following:
It is completely unacceptable for the Mets to be only four games above .500 this year. It is completely unacceptable for the Mets to have lost the first two games in this series to Florida, letting them come from behind both times. It is completely unacceptable for the Mets to have lost four out of five games to the Florida Marlins at home this year.
The way the Mets have been playing is just completely unacceptable. They need to do something to fire up the team. Perhaps Willie Randolph needs to go on a Billy Martin type tirade. Perhaps every regular needs to be benched in favor of playing the substitutes and AAA players. Perhaps Randolph, despite having good success over the past couple of years, needs to be fired, as a way of firing up the team, or maybe Omar Minaya needs to be let go, or some coaches.
The bottom line is something needs to happen to fire them up, to get the winning and to help them remember how to play at home. I do not care what it is, as long as it is something. Every Met fan should be disgusted following the 7-5 come from behind victory the Marlins had yesterday on the heels of the Marlin come from behind victory the day before, on the heels of dropping two out of three to the Braves.
Just typing this is making me sick. Hopefully they will do something that makes me feel like ending my blog entry with the standard, “Let’s Go Mets,”, but right now there performance is so lack-luster, I cannot even muster up the energy to end that way.
Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day for Met fans.
It is completely unacceptable for the Mets to be only four games above .500 this year. It is completely unacceptable for the Mets to have lost the first two games in this series to Florida, letting them come from behind both times. It is completely unacceptable for the Mets to have lost four out of five games to the Florida Marlins at home this year.
The way the Mets have been playing is just completely unacceptable. They need to do something to fire up the team. Perhaps Willie Randolph needs to go on a Billy Martin type tirade. Perhaps every regular needs to be benched in favor of playing the substitutes and AAA players. Perhaps Randolph, despite having good success over the past couple of years, needs to be fired, as a way of firing up the team, or maybe Omar Minaya needs to be let go, or some coaches.
The bottom line is something needs to happen to fire them up, to get the winning and to help them remember how to play at home. I do not care what it is, as long as it is something. Every Met fan should be disgusted following the 7-5 come from behind victory the Marlins had yesterday on the heels of the Marlin come from behind victory the day before, on the heels of dropping two out of three to the Braves.
Just typing this is making me sick. Hopefully they will do something that makes me feel like ending my blog entry with the standard, “Let’s Go Mets,”, but right now there performance is so lack-luster, I cannot even muster up the energy to end that way.
Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day for Met fans.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
In Praise Of The Rocket's Red Glare
This post hurts. It hurts to write. It hurts to admit. Still, I feel I have to do this. I need to praise Roger Clemens.
As a Met fan, I hate to praise Clemens. Clemens certainly can be a dirty player and the whole Mike Piazza incident in the World Series just added fuel to the fire. In one sense I was glad Piazza did not charge the mound because I think in a New York versus New York World Series, it literally could have caused a riot. Still, I think Piazza needed to send a message back to Clemens; Maybe swing and miss at a pitch, looking like he was fooled by the pitch, that ultimately led to him losing his bat which goes twirling out towards the pitcher’s mound. I think that might have sent a message back, but it never happened and the Mets never ‘recovered’ from the message sent by the Rocket. As a result, if I can bad mouth him, I will and I do.
Still, I have to give praise where praise is due. I understand, and even agree and approve of the way this whole Toronto situation has played out. A-Rod was wrong for yelling at the third baseman in a previous series, forcing an error and I can understand the Toronto pitchers making a statement, defending their players, and throwing at A-Rod.
On the other hand, Clemens needed to show that he was going to protect his teammates and he was absolutely justified (and correct) for throwing at one of the Blue Jay hitters. In this day and age, baseball has made a mistake of getting rid of the revenge pitch. Either allow a team to protect its players by throwing at players from the opposition it they have thrown at your players first, or decide to eject a pitcher, any pitcher, as soon as the umpire feels a player has been thrown out. This way, no one gets a “Free throw”.
Still, the rules say one pitcher can throw at the opposing team but if the opposing team retaliates, the retaliator gets ejected. I approve of Clemens defending his team and am even more impressed by his refusal to appeal the suspension and decision just to abide by the five games.
I cannot believe I am saying this but, I tip my cap to Roger Clemens.
As a Met fan, I hate to praise Clemens. Clemens certainly can be a dirty player and the whole Mike Piazza incident in the World Series just added fuel to the fire. In one sense I was glad Piazza did not charge the mound because I think in a New York versus New York World Series, it literally could have caused a riot. Still, I think Piazza needed to send a message back to Clemens; Maybe swing and miss at a pitch, looking like he was fooled by the pitch, that ultimately led to him losing his bat which goes twirling out towards the pitcher’s mound. I think that might have sent a message back, but it never happened and the Mets never ‘recovered’ from the message sent by the Rocket. As a result, if I can bad mouth him, I will and I do.
Still, I have to give praise where praise is due. I understand, and even agree and approve of the way this whole Toronto situation has played out. A-Rod was wrong for yelling at the third baseman in a previous series, forcing an error and I can understand the Toronto pitchers making a statement, defending their players, and throwing at A-Rod.
On the other hand, Clemens needed to show that he was going to protect his teammates and he was absolutely justified (and correct) for throwing at one of the Blue Jay hitters. In this day and age, baseball has made a mistake of getting rid of the revenge pitch. Either allow a team to protect its players by throwing at players from the opposition it they have thrown at your players first, or decide to eject a pitcher, any pitcher, as soon as the umpire feels a player has been thrown out. This way, no one gets a “Free throw”.
Still, the rules say one pitcher can throw at the opposing team but if the opposing team retaliates, the retaliator gets ejected. I approve of Clemens defending his team and am even more impressed by his refusal to appeal the suspension and decision just to abide by the five games.
I cannot believe I am saying this but, I tip my cap to Roger Clemens.
A Poor Performance
Yesterday’s loss for the Mets is a difficult one for me to handle. I can accept the fact that Wagner blew a save. He has been money this year, lights out. Last year, although his numbers were good, he would blow some saves and try to blow others (or so it felt) that ultimately the Mets held on to win. This year has been different, so if on a rare occasion, he blows a save (only his second this year), while I would feel better if he didn’t, I can live with it (like I have a choice).
What is frustrating is here we are facing a second rate team, a team we should be able to sweep, to really make a statement after losing two of three to Atlanta, and the Mets looked flat. They were only able to score three runs off a third rate pitcher and those all came on one swing of the bat. We should have been pounding this guy, scoring early and adding runs on, but no. For a good portion of the game, the Mets were trailing and then one homerun accounted for all the runs. This is just not acceptable.
While Brian Lawrence did not pitch badly, he certainly did not provide that feeling of comfort I like from the starting rotation. This to me, again, points out the weakness of the staff. Pedro is still iffy for this season (and coming back from such an injury maybe tougher than people think and who knows what the deal is with him for next year. Hernandez has been hot and cold, his age is up there, and most of the time you can’t get more than six from him. Glavine has been more cold than hot, and Ollie and Maine are just not giving me that comfortable feeling that they did earlier in the year.
This team needs to WAKE UP. Hopefully today will be the start!
Let’s Go Mets!
What is frustrating is here we are facing a second rate team, a team we should be able to sweep, to really make a statement after losing two of three to Atlanta, and the Mets looked flat. They were only able to score three runs off a third rate pitcher and those all came on one swing of the bat. We should have been pounding this guy, scoring early and adding runs on, but no. For a good portion of the game, the Mets were trailing and then one homerun accounted for all the runs. This is just not acceptable.
While Brian Lawrence did not pitch badly, he certainly did not provide that feeling of comfort I like from the starting rotation. This to me, again, points out the weakness of the staff. Pedro is still iffy for this season (and coming back from such an injury maybe tougher than people think and who knows what the deal is with him for next year. Hernandez has been hot and cold, his age is up there, and most of the time you can’t get more than six from him. Glavine has been more cold than hot, and Ollie and Maine are just not giving me that comfortable feeling that they did earlier in the year.
This team needs to WAKE UP. Hopefully today will be the start!
Let’s Go Mets!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Close But No Cigar
The Mets did what they had to, they took one of the three games from the Braves. As I had previously mentioned, they could have even gotten swept and still been in decent shape for the rest of the season. The Mets showed in game two just what they are capable of and the Braves left 3.5 games behind, with the Mets having an easier schedule from here on out.
So, why do I feel so frustrated and let down by the Mets? Is it because Atlanta continues to show dominance over the Mets, as they have done for the past decade (except for last year)? Perhaps! Is it because the Braves have taken two out of three every time they have played this year, with the Braves ALWAYS winning the rubber game of the set? Quite Possibly! Is it because the Mets came so close to coming back yesterday and fell short (Close but no cigar), just could not get the job done? Probably!
Still, there is another factor here. Since the All-Star break neither John Maine nor Oliver Perez has looked nearly as dominating as they did before the break. I believe they are both adequate to good pitchers, but I also believe they were both pitching over their heads. Both pitchers were “throw ins” in deals surrounding other players. Forget how it worked out, Maine was a throw in, in the deal that brought Jorge Julio to New York, the main guy the Mets wanted in that deal and Maine’s AAA numbers were not that great. No scouts saw him becoming a dominant pitcher in the big leagues. Of course things do not always work out the way they were projected. No scout saw Ron Guidry becoming a lights out pitcher and scouts highly touted Mets prospects Paul Wilson, Bill Pulsipher and Jason Isringhausen (as a starter).
Oliver Perez came over in the deal that brought Roberto Hernandez back to New York, following the cab injury to Dauner Sanchez. Perez had been good a one time, but basically became a pitcher that everyone gave up on. I saw this deal and Omar Minaya insisting on someone in addition to Hernandez because he knew Roberto would only be a one year loan. Pirates GM looked to get off as cheap as possible and used Ollie as the throw in.
Again, both could come back strong, but since the break, neither has looked dominant. As we continue to march towards October baseball, that scares me. Yes, you can only pick up a pitcher that is on the market (or if not on the market, one that another team is willing to trade if you offer the right package). Yes, you do not want to mortgage your farm system, or future (think Scott Kazmir). Still, I would be so much more optimistic right now if the Mets has picked up another quality arm before the trading deadline ended.
Let's Go Mets!
So, why do I feel so frustrated and let down by the Mets? Is it because Atlanta continues to show dominance over the Mets, as they have done for the past decade (except for last year)? Perhaps! Is it because the Braves have taken two out of three every time they have played this year, with the Braves ALWAYS winning the rubber game of the set? Quite Possibly! Is it because the Mets came so close to coming back yesterday and fell short (Close but no cigar), just could not get the job done? Probably!
Still, there is another factor here. Since the All-Star break neither John Maine nor Oliver Perez has looked nearly as dominating as they did before the break. I believe they are both adequate to good pitchers, but I also believe they were both pitching over their heads. Both pitchers were “throw ins” in deals surrounding other players. Forget how it worked out, Maine was a throw in, in the deal that brought Jorge Julio to New York, the main guy the Mets wanted in that deal and Maine’s AAA numbers were not that great. No scouts saw him becoming a dominant pitcher in the big leagues. Of course things do not always work out the way they were projected. No scout saw Ron Guidry becoming a lights out pitcher and scouts highly touted Mets prospects Paul Wilson, Bill Pulsipher and Jason Isringhausen (as a starter).
Oliver Perez came over in the deal that brought Roberto Hernandez back to New York, following the cab injury to Dauner Sanchez. Perez had been good a one time, but basically became a pitcher that everyone gave up on. I saw this deal and Omar Minaya insisting on someone in addition to Hernandez because he knew Roberto would only be a one year loan. Pirates GM looked to get off as cheap as possible and used Ollie as the throw in.
Again, both could come back strong, but since the break, neither has looked dominant. As we continue to march towards October baseball, that scares me. Yes, you can only pick up a pitcher that is on the market (or if not on the market, one that another team is willing to trade if you offer the right package). Yes, you do not want to mortgage your farm system, or future (think Scott Kazmir). Still, I would be so much more optimistic right now if the Mets has picked up another quality arm before the trading deadline ended.
Let's Go Mets!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
An "Atlanta-esque" Victory
The Mets won yesterday and looked very good in doing so. Honestly, after the Mets lost the first game of the series, I was concerned about an Atlanta sweep. Yes, we could have handled that but I really did not want to see it. Now, even with a loss today, the Mets will have a 3.5 game lead over the Braves when they leave town. A Met win makes it 5.5 and that would be real sweet but it is not crucial.
El Duque was on his game yesterday and for a while I thought a 1-0 lead (on a Reyes manufactured run) might hold up. The Braves did come back with three runs of there own to take a 3-1 lead. At this point, I was ready to concede the game to the Braves. Fortunately the Mets were not and went on to win in “Atlanta-esque” form.
When the Mets had the bases loaded with one out in the seventh, and Jose Reyes coming to bat, I could just feel the momentum from hundreds of miles away. Unfortunately Reyes could not bring a run home. At this point I wrote of the Mets. It is crucial to get a run in when you have a runner on third and less than two outs, and they could not do it. Castillo had yet to really come through for the Mets, but yesterday he did, BIG TIME. A single bringing home two was huge. When David Wright made the third out of the inning and failed to bring home the go ahead run, I found Orlando Hernandez’s reaction very interesting. He looked frustrated that he would be unable to get the win (as he had been removed for a pinch hitter in that inning with the Mets trailing).
Moises Alou, the man who has been hitting into a number of double plays lately, came up big for the Mets and hit a homerun to give the Mets a lead. Wagner did everything in his power to give it back to the Braves. He let Atlanta load the bases against him in the top of the ninth, with no outs. How many Met fans thought, “Uh-oh, here come the Braves”? How many Met fans would have been thrilled to get out of that inning with the score tied? Certainly these were my thoughts. Then, Wagner bared down. A grounder to third got the lead run at the plate and then a 4-6-3 double play ended the game and gave the Mets the victory.
This is the type of thing the Braves had done to the Mets all year (and for the past number of years). It felt go to see the Mets do it back to the Braves. Hopefully, with the momentum they now have, the Mets will be able to win today’s game.
No mater what, they will be in first place and have at least a 3.5 game lead over the Braves. That makes me happy!
Let’s Go Mets!
El Duque was on his game yesterday and for a while I thought a 1-0 lead (on a Reyes manufactured run) might hold up. The Braves did come back with three runs of there own to take a 3-1 lead. At this point, I was ready to concede the game to the Braves. Fortunately the Mets were not and went on to win in “Atlanta-esque” form.
When the Mets had the bases loaded with one out in the seventh, and Jose Reyes coming to bat, I could just feel the momentum from hundreds of miles away. Unfortunately Reyes could not bring a run home. At this point I wrote of the Mets. It is crucial to get a run in when you have a runner on third and less than two outs, and they could not do it. Castillo had yet to really come through for the Mets, but yesterday he did, BIG TIME. A single bringing home two was huge. When David Wright made the third out of the inning and failed to bring home the go ahead run, I found Orlando Hernandez’s reaction very interesting. He looked frustrated that he would be unable to get the win (as he had been removed for a pinch hitter in that inning with the Mets trailing).
Moises Alou, the man who has been hitting into a number of double plays lately, came up big for the Mets and hit a homerun to give the Mets a lead. Wagner did everything in his power to give it back to the Braves. He let Atlanta load the bases against him in the top of the ninth, with no outs. How many Met fans thought, “Uh-oh, here come the Braves”? How many Met fans would have been thrilled to get out of that inning with the score tied? Certainly these were my thoughts. Then, Wagner bared down. A grounder to third got the lead run at the plate and then a 4-6-3 double play ended the game and gave the Mets the victory.
This is the type of thing the Braves had done to the Mets all year (and for the past number of years). It felt go to see the Mets do it back to the Braves. Hopefully, with the momentum they now have, the Mets will be able to win today’s game.
No mater what, they will be in first place and have at least a 3.5 game lead over the Braves. That makes me happy!
Let’s Go Mets!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Not Atlanta
So Atlanta comes to town and promptly takes the first game of the series against the Mets. On the positive side, the Mets can actually lose all three and they will still be in first place when the Braves leave town. After that, the Mets have an easier schedule than the Braves.
Now for the frustrating part. With the exception of last year, the Atlanta Braves have owned the Mets. The Mets have been able to do little with them over the past decade, as well as this year (now 3-7 against the Braves this year) and as a Met fan, it is frustrating. Certainly the Mets match up better than this, yet they cannot handle the Braves.
Oliver Perez did not have it last night and he is the only Met pitcher to beat the Braves this year. We got the weakest pitcher they are throwing at us yesterday. Now we have to face Smoltz and Hudson. I am not looking forward to the next couple of games.
As far as the Mets offense, they started to come back. After Atlanta took a 6-0 lead, the Mets did something right; they did not try to get all of them back in one inning, a run here, two there, and the deficit was cut in half. The problem was they needed to keep going and they could not do it.
Hopefully the Mets can come back tonight. Hopefully they finish in first. Still, and I hate to say this, while the Mets are the first place team, do they really deserve to be there if they are being man-handled by the Braves. Yes, there are more games to go. Yes, you technically can lose all the games in a season you play against another team and still finish in first. As far as I am concerned though, it is cheap.
This was one of the major faults I had with Bobby Valentine. He was not able to fire up the team when they played the Braves. Last year it appeared Willie Randolph did that, he had the Mets fired up to play Atlanta. Now they look lack-luster again. I do not know what Willie has to do, but he needs to get them fired up to play the Braves, and for the rest of the season. Hopefully he can!
Let’s Go Mets!
PS Look, a Bonds-free post.
Now for the frustrating part. With the exception of last year, the Atlanta Braves have owned the Mets. The Mets have been able to do little with them over the past decade, as well as this year (now 3-7 against the Braves this year) and as a Met fan, it is frustrating. Certainly the Mets match up better than this, yet they cannot handle the Braves.
Oliver Perez did not have it last night and he is the only Met pitcher to beat the Braves this year. We got the weakest pitcher they are throwing at us yesterday. Now we have to face Smoltz and Hudson. I am not looking forward to the next couple of games.
As far as the Mets offense, they started to come back. After Atlanta took a 6-0 lead, the Mets did something right; they did not try to get all of them back in one inning, a run here, two there, and the deficit was cut in half. The problem was they needed to keep going and they could not do it.
Hopefully the Mets can come back tonight. Hopefully they finish in first. Still, and I hate to say this, while the Mets are the first place team, do they really deserve to be there if they are being man-handled by the Braves. Yes, there are more games to go. Yes, you technically can lose all the games in a season you play against another team and still finish in first. As far as I am concerned though, it is cheap.
This was one of the major faults I had with Bobby Valentine. He was not able to fire up the team when they played the Braves. Last year it appeared Willie Randolph did that, he had the Mets fired up to play Atlanta. Now they look lack-luster again. I do not know what Willie has to do, but he needs to get them fired up to play the Braves, and for the rest of the season. Hopefully he can!
Let’s Go Mets!
PS Look, a Bonds-free post.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Random Thoughts
The Mets are getting ready to take on the Braves. Like many Met fans, I do have some concern going into this series. Forget the trades that Atlanta made, with the exception of last year, even when the Mets have been the better team on paper, Atlanta has just dominated them. I thought last year they finally broke out of it, but this year they have resorted right back to the old style.
On the Mets Today blog, Mac Thomason of the Braves Journal answered some question about the Atlanta Braves and it might be interesting to check out what he had to say (Click Here ). What I found most interesting, and I agree with him, was his comment that while this is an important series, it is not make-or-break for either team.
I do have some other random thoughts for today, as the game is not until tonight. They mostly revolve around the Cubs. I previously talked about night baseball in Chicago. What I recently found out was, while lights were not installed in Wrigley Field until August 1988, Philip Wrigley was planning on putting them in as early as 1942 but donated the equipment to the war effort after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Met fans take note: The first time they tried using the lights in Wrigley, the game was rained out, the next night, August 9, 1988 became the first official game played in Wrigley field under the lights and yes, They beat the Mets.
Wrigley Field became the first park to eject a farm animal from the stadium. Billy Sianis, who owned the Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago, was at a World Series game in 1945 with his goat. The goat was forced to leave and Sianis responded with the “Billy Goat hex”. The Cubs lost the World Series and have never been back there since (I never knew that).
Finally, readers of this blog know I hate Day-Night doubleheaders. Apparently, the Mets became the first (and I think only team) to play a day-night doubleheader in two separate ballparks; A day game at Shea and a night game at Yankee Stadium during inter-league play. The Mets lost both ends of the doubleheader (Wonder if that is one of the reasons I hate the day-night double headers).
By the way, the following three facts were things I learned while reading the book, The Unofficial Guide to Baseball’s Most Unusual Records.
Hopefully tonight there will be nothing about the Mets winning in tradtional fashion, beating the Braves.
Let’s Go Mets!
On the Mets Today blog, Mac Thomason of the Braves Journal answered some question about the Atlanta Braves and it might be interesting to check out what he had to say (Click Here ). What I found most interesting, and I agree with him, was his comment that while this is an important series, it is not make-or-break for either team.
I do have some other random thoughts for today, as the game is not until tonight. They mostly revolve around the Cubs. I previously talked about night baseball in Chicago. What I recently found out was, while lights were not installed in Wrigley Field until August 1988, Philip Wrigley was planning on putting them in as early as 1942 but donated the equipment to the war effort after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Met fans take note: The first time they tried using the lights in Wrigley, the game was rained out, the next night, August 9, 1988 became the first official game played in Wrigley field under the lights and yes, They beat the Mets.
Wrigley Field became the first park to eject a farm animal from the stadium. Billy Sianis, who owned the Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago, was at a World Series game in 1945 with his goat. The goat was forced to leave and Sianis responded with the “Billy Goat hex”. The Cubs lost the World Series and have never been back there since (I never knew that).
Finally, readers of this blog know I hate Day-Night doubleheaders. Apparently, the Mets became the first (and I think only team) to play a day-night doubleheader in two separate ballparks; A day game at Shea and a night game at Yankee Stadium during inter-league play. The Mets lost both ends of the doubleheader (Wonder if that is one of the reasons I hate the day-night double headers).
By the way, the following three facts were things I learned while reading the book, The Unofficial Guide to Baseball’s Most Unusual Records.
Hopefully tonight there will be nothing about the Mets winning in tradtional fashion, beating the Braves.
Let’s Go Mets!
Monday, August 6, 2007
Congratulations Tommy!
Tom Glavine pitched brilliantly yesterday. He looked as good, if not better, than he ever has pitching in a Mets uniform. He was on top of his game and very well might be the last player in baseball history to win 300 games. Congratulations Tom, well done.
What makes this feat even more amazing was, once again, Willie Randolph and the Mets bullpen tried to give this one away. Listening to the announcer talk as Glavine came off the mound in the sixth how this was probably his last inning, I thought to myself, "They do not know Willie’s M.O." When they wondered about Glavine batting in the top of the seventh and thought maybe it was just because he was such a good bunter, again I thought, "They do not know Willie’s M.O.".
Glavine came back out to the mound for the bottom of the seventh and I know, as has been his form all year, Glavine was in there until he gave up a hit. Once any Cub reached base against him, I knew Randolph would take him out. Sure enough, that is exactly what happened. I hate what baseball has become. He is pitching the game of his life, gives up a double with one out in the seventh, and a four run lead, and it is time to pull him.
On top of that, to use four pitchers in the inning was absurd. Glavine starts, than Mota comes in for a batter, Feliciano is in for two and Heilman for one. This seemed like overkill. Put a pitcher in and let him do his job! Let Glavine finish, give Mota, or Feliciano a chance. Stop changing pitchers as often as a parent changes an infant’s diaper. Enough Already. With all the pitching changes, the bullpen did try to give back the lead, but Heilman put an end to it.
Fortunately, the Met hitters came through. I have complained about Met pitchers who allow the opposition to score a run or more just a half inning after being given a lead. Yesterday the Met hitters did that to the Cub pitchers. When Chicago scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh, the Mets came right back to score two in the next half inning, and another one in the ninth to put the game out of reach.
Thank you Mets offense for coming alive, thank you for coming right back to take back the runs the bullpen gave up. Thank you Billy Wagner for saving this one. Thank you Cub fans for showing class and applauding this accomplishment. And, most of all, thank you Tom Glavine for all the memories and for being a class pitching and a class act.
I have been quick to criticize Glavine this year (on the blog and to friends), but the past two games, Glavine has looked like the dominant pitcher he was in Atlanta. I hope you keep it up this year. I hope for your sake, as well as the sake of the fans and the rest of the players, the Mets go on to win the World Series and give a "class guy" a "class send-off"
What makes this feat even more amazing was, once again, Willie Randolph and the Mets bullpen tried to give this one away. Listening to the announcer talk as Glavine came off the mound in the sixth how this was probably his last inning, I thought to myself, "They do not know Willie’s M.O." When they wondered about Glavine batting in the top of the seventh and thought maybe it was just because he was such a good bunter, again I thought, "They do not know Willie’s M.O.".
Glavine came back out to the mound for the bottom of the seventh and I know, as has been his form all year, Glavine was in there until he gave up a hit. Once any Cub reached base against him, I knew Randolph would take him out. Sure enough, that is exactly what happened. I hate what baseball has become. He is pitching the game of his life, gives up a double with one out in the seventh, and a four run lead, and it is time to pull him.
On top of that, to use four pitchers in the inning was absurd. Glavine starts, than Mota comes in for a batter, Feliciano is in for two and Heilman for one. This seemed like overkill. Put a pitcher in and let him do his job! Let Glavine finish, give Mota, or Feliciano a chance. Stop changing pitchers as often as a parent changes an infant’s diaper. Enough Already. With all the pitching changes, the bullpen did try to give back the lead, but Heilman put an end to it.
Fortunately, the Met hitters came through. I have complained about Met pitchers who allow the opposition to score a run or more just a half inning after being given a lead. Yesterday the Met hitters did that to the Cub pitchers. When Chicago scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh, the Mets came right back to score two in the next half inning, and another one in the ninth to put the game out of reach.
Thank you Mets offense for coming alive, thank you for coming right back to take back the runs the bullpen gave up. Thank you Billy Wagner for saving this one. Thank you Cub fans for showing class and applauding this accomplishment. And, most of all, thank you Tom Glavine for all the memories and for being a class pitching and a class act.
I have been quick to criticize Glavine this year (on the blog and to friends), but the past two games, Glavine has looked like the dominant pitcher he was in Atlanta. I hope you keep it up this year. I hope for your sake, as well as the sake of the fans and the rest of the players, the Mets go on to win the World Series and give a "class guy" a "class send-off"
Sunday, August 5, 2007
In Praise Of Henry Aaron
Yesterday was a historic day in baseball as Barry Bonds tied Hank Aaron’s homerun record, and A-rod became the youngest player to get to 500 homeruns. Today Tom Glavine goes for win number 300, quite possibly becoming the last pitcher to ever make it into this club. This weekend could be historic with three milestones being reached.
Focusing on Bonds for a moment, Cal Ripken Jr. said on a talk show earlier this baseball year that even if you are not a Bonds fan or you do not believe he legitimately should have this record, tying and breaking the record also gives fans the chance to celebrate Hank Aaron’s record. So, with all this hoopla over everything, lets take a moment to celebrate Hank Aaron,
I started following baseball in 1974, the year Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s record. I was a neophyte fan and knew little about the importance of the record. Still, there was an excitement that I felt, even without understanding exactly what I was seeing.
There were death threats for Aaron. Some were simply because people did not want to see Ruth’s record broken. Others, I am sure, were racially motivated and had something (A lot) to do with the fact that Aaron was black.
Aaron handled the situation with a lot of dignity and became one of the true ambassador’s to the game. Aaron has remained a gentleman and even though Bonds has now tied Aaron’s record, and will undoubtedly break it, it does not diminish the achievements of Aaron, just like Aaron’s accomplishments did not diminish the accomplishments of Babe Ruth and many people still consider The Babe to be the best player ever, or at least the best homerun hitter that ever lived.
Cheers to the San Diego fans for cheering (some of them) and not being rude or disrespectful (no throwing of garbage or becoming unruly). Cheers to Bud Selig for being in attendance (although I think he could have been a little more courteous when Bonds hit the homerun. Selig really looked like he did not want to be there).
Anyway, congrats to Bonds, Congrats to A-rod and hopefully in tomorrow’s post, I will be able to say congrats to Glavine.
Let’s Go Mets!
Focusing on Bonds for a moment, Cal Ripken Jr. said on a talk show earlier this baseball year that even if you are not a Bonds fan or you do not believe he legitimately should have this record, tying and breaking the record also gives fans the chance to celebrate Hank Aaron’s record. So, with all this hoopla over everything, lets take a moment to celebrate Hank Aaron,
I started following baseball in 1974, the year Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s record. I was a neophyte fan and knew little about the importance of the record. Still, there was an excitement that I felt, even without understanding exactly what I was seeing.
There were death threats for Aaron. Some were simply because people did not want to see Ruth’s record broken. Others, I am sure, were racially motivated and had something (A lot) to do with the fact that Aaron was black.
Aaron handled the situation with a lot of dignity and became one of the true ambassador’s to the game. Aaron has remained a gentleman and even though Bonds has now tied Aaron’s record, and will undoubtedly break it, it does not diminish the achievements of Aaron, just like Aaron’s accomplishments did not diminish the accomplishments of Babe Ruth and many people still consider The Babe to be the best player ever, or at least the best homerun hitter that ever lived.
Cheers to the San Diego fans for cheering (some of them) and not being rude or disrespectful (no throwing of garbage or becoming unruly). Cheers to Bud Selig for being in attendance (although I think he could have been a little more courteous when Bonds hit the homerun. Selig really looked like he did not want to be there).
Anyway, congrats to Bonds, Congrats to A-rod and hopefully in tomorrow’s post, I will be able to say congrats to Glavine.
Let’s Go Mets!
Saturday, August 4, 2007
So Far, So Good
The Mets have now had two three-game winning streaks in August. This actually is a good sign as they are starting to play better. They took two out of three from Milwaukee and have split the first two in Chicago. A win against the Cubs tomorrow will give them, what I would consider, a very successful road trip.
El Duque pitched brilliantly on Friday. He looked sharp. The only thing that frustrated me was that both times the Mets got him a lead, in the sixth and the seventh, he let the Cubs tie it in the bottom of those innings. I am big on a pitcher, after he is given a lead in any inning, quickly getting three outs in the next half of the inning. Still, overall, Orlando Hernandez had a strong outing.
I would have liked to have seen the Met hitters come to life a little earlier, instead of waiting for the ninth inning. Still, they were able to get four runs and win the game.
As for today’s game, it was not John Maine’s best. He had the two poor outings following the All-Star break but then seemed to be back on track with the two starts after that. Yes, the second one was a rain shortened game, but he still looked good and won. Today, that was not the case. Maine did not have his good stuff. I hope this is not a sign of Maine running out of steam at this point in the season. We need him to continue to come through for us if this team is going anywhere.
As I said before, a win tomorrow will make me very happy and will probably have me forgetting about this loss entirely. A Met win and Glavine’s 300th victory would be very nice.
Let’s Go Mets!
El Duque pitched brilliantly on Friday. He looked sharp. The only thing that frustrated me was that both times the Mets got him a lead, in the sixth and the seventh, he let the Cubs tie it in the bottom of those innings. I am big on a pitcher, after he is given a lead in any inning, quickly getting three outs in the next half of the inning. Still, overall, Orlando Hernandez had a strong outing.
I would have liked to have seen the Met hitters come to life a little earlier, instead of waiting for the ninth inning. Still, they were able to get four runs and win the game.
As for today’s game, it was not John Maine’s best. He had the two poor outings following the All-Star break but then seemed to be back on track with the two starts after that. Yes, the second one was a rain shortened game, but he still looked good and won. Today, that was not the case. Maine did not have his good stuff. I hope this is not a sign of Maine running out of steam at this point in the season. We need him to continue to come through for us if this team is going anywhere.
As I said before, a win tomorrow will make me very happy and will probably have me forgetting about this loss entirely. A Met win and Glavine’s 300th victory would be very nice.
Let’s Go Mets!
Friday, August 3, 2007
The Bats Come Alive
The Mets won a game, and they won big time. Certainly that has me feeling a little better. They did take two out of three from Milwaukee and were the team to knock them out of first place (or allow the Cubbies to knock them off the NL Central mountain). Their bats cam to life and the hitters finally looked like they could do something right. Even Brian Lawrence (the starter whom they called up from AAA, despite having an 4.91 ERA 5 down there) and Jorge Sosa (out of the bullpen), looked good.
I am happy with the win and hope they keep it up, but I do think there were a few negatives as well. For six innings this game was close, perhaps a little too close. Lawrence was given two leads and promptly gave them right back, allowing the first time making the Brewers wait for an inning and the second time giving it right back in the bottom of the inning. The third lead the Mets got, the runs still belonged to Lawrence but he never came back out to pitch.
Still, they did win, and win big. After scoring two runs in the sixth to take a 5-3 lead, they just kept pouring it on and ultimately won 12-4, certainly a satisfying win.
Now it is on to Chicago and a Friday day game. There was a time when that was the norm in Chicago, but now, even there, it is rare. Hopefully, they will be able to keep it up and be successful against the Cubs as well.
Let’s Go Mets!
I am happy with the win and hope they keep it up, but I do think there were a few negatives as well. For six innings this game was close, perhaps a little too close. Lawrence was given two leads and promptly gave them right back, allowing the first time making the Brewers wait for an inning and the second time giving it right back in the bottom of the inning. The third lead the Mets got, the runs still belonged to Lawrence but he never came back out to pitch.
Still, they did win, and win big. After scoring two runs in the sixth to take a 5-3 lead, they just kept pouring it on and ultimately won 12-4, certainly a satisfying win.
Now it is on to Chicago and a Friday day game. There was a time when that was the norm in Chicago, but now, even there, it is rare. Hopefully, they will be able to keep it up and be successful against the Cubs as well.
Let’s Go Mets!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
A Win, Oh Boy, How Exciting
So, the Mets won a game yesterday, I am thrilled. Can’t you just hear the sarcasm dripping from my voice. Yes, of course, I am pleased they won. Yes, their bats came alive yesterday. Yes, every victory is important. Yes, they are in a pennant race, and in first place at that. I, however, am not particular excited or thrilled with yesterday’s win.
Let me first put in a disclaimer that I had a meeting last night and then was trying to fix my computer, so I did not catch much of the game. What I know, however, was the Mets, after struggling, jumped out to a seven to five lead early, I believe by the end of the third inning. From that point on, the bullpen held them to one run. Fortunately, the Mets were able to hold the lead, but how many times have we seen teams chip away at a lead, and the Mets not get anything back in return. The need to show that even after a big lead, the can consistently add a few runs here or there. This is not the team that struck fear into their opponents last year.
Last year, the formula for success was score early and keep adding to it. Last year, the formula for success was, even when you do not score early, late inning heroics can win the game. Last year was the year we should have been able to get to the World Series, and we didn’t. This year’s team is much less successful and capable. I do not know, may that is the formula and the Mets can actually do something. Still, as I have said on this blog a number of times, I keep waiting for them to pull of a string of victories, and they don’t. When was the last time this team swept a series from an opponent (Ideally three games or more, but at this point, I am so disgusted and disappointed, I will even be happy if someone can point to a two game sweep.).
Well, today is an afternoon game. Maybe I will feel better if they can take two in a row (and two out of three) from the Brewers. Hopefully they can and they will be able to restore my enthusiasm and excitement.
Let’s Go Mets!
Let me first put in a disclaimer that I had a meeting last night and then was trying to fix my computer, so I did not catch much of the game. What I know, however, was the Mets, after struggling, jumped out to a seven to five lead early, I believe by the end of the third inning. From that point on, the bullpen held them to one run. Fortunately, the Mets were able to hold the lead, but how many times have we seen teams chip away at a lead, and the Mets not get anything back in return. The need to show that even after a big lead, the can consistently add a few runs here or there. This is not the team that struck fear into their opponents last year.
Last year, the formula for success was score early and keep adding to it. Last year, the formula for success was, even when you do not score early, late inning heroics can win the game. Last year was the year we should have been able to get to the World Series, and we didn’t. This year’s team is much less successful and capable. I do not know, may that is the formula and the Mets can actually do something. Still, as I have said on this blog a number of times, I keep waiting for them to pull of a string of victories, and they don’t. When was the last time this team swept a series from an opponent (Ideally three games or more, but at this point, I am so disgusted and disappointed, I will even be happy if someone can point to a two game sweep.).
Well, today is an afternoon game. Maybe I will feel better if they can take two in a row (and two out of three) from the Brewers. Hopefully they can and they will be able to restore my enthusiasm and excitement.
Let’s Go Mets!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Bullpen Troubles
What an aggravating loss yesterday. Here Tom Glavine is going for win number 300. I have been quick to criticize Glavine this year because I do not think he has much left, still when he has pitched well, I have given him credit. Yesterday was a magnificent game that he pitched. He deserved a win. Unfortunately, Willie Randolph and the Bullpen blew it. There is not too much positive to say about the offense eitehr.
It is nice to see that Castillo, playing his first game with his new club, made such significant contributions. I know it is only one game and he is a good ballplayer. I just was frustrated at Castillo popping out with the bases loaded and only one out, as well as not coming through later when the Mets had a runner on second base. Way to get off to a good start with your new team.
Despite my frustration with Castillo and the rest of the offense, I really think the bullpen blew this one and Randolph allowed that to happen. He let Glavine start the seventh inning. Unless Glavine told Randolph he was done (and I do not believe that to be the case because he probably would have said it between innings), there was no reason to take him out at that point. Give him another inning, at least another batter or two. If he is going to lose the chance at number 300, allow him to blow it.
Randolph took Glavine out, however, and brought in Aaron Heilman. Okay, Heilman gets us through the seventh and starts the eight. I would have left Heilman in for the entire eighth at this point. Randolph instead starts playing lefty-righty percentages, which I have always hated. So, Feliciano comes in, faces one batter, whom he hits, and leaves. Now Mota, who has not been the lights out pitcher he was last year, comes in and there goes Glavine’s shot at 300. With Glavine pitching as well as he did and Feliciano and Heilman your two best set up men at this point, I don’t understand burning all of them in a matter of a little more than an inning. Yes, the bullpen let him down, but Willie Randolph blew the game for Glavine.
To make matters worse, after four and a half hours, After 12 and a half inning of baseball, the Mets lost the game in the bottom of the 13th inning. This one was winnable, big time, for Glavine and even after he was no longer in contention for the victory, for the Mets.
The only good thing I can say about the game was the Milwaukee crowd. As a child I traveled with my parents to Milwaukee and we all felt that this was a very friendly and helpful city. Yesterday, despite pulling and cheering for the home team, the crowd was very respectful of the Mets and of Glavine. They gave Glavine a nice ovation when he left the game with a lead. I thought that was very classy.
Well, I have little doubt that Glavine will ultimately get his 300th victory (in a Met uniform, this year), but I am having more and more doubts that this team will be around come postseason. Even worse than that, with the way they are currently playing, I feel like they don’t even deserve to be around.
Hopefully they will turn it around.
Let’s Go Mets!
It is nice to see that Castillo, playing his first game with his new club, made such significant contributions. I know it is only one game and he is a good ballplayer. I just was frustrated at Castillo popping out with the bases loaded and only one out, as well as not coming through later when the Mets had a runner on second base. Way to get off to a good start with your new team.
Despite my frustration with Castillo and the rest of the offense, I really think the bullpen blew this one and Randolph allowed that to happen. He let Glavine start the seventh inning. Unless Glavine told Randolph he was done (and I do not believe that to be the case because he probably would have said it between innings), there was no reason to take him out at that point. Give him another inning, at least another batter or two. If he is going to lose the chance at number 300, allow him to blow it.
Randolph took Glavine out, however, and brought in Aaron Heilman. Okay, Heilman gets us through the seventh and starts the eight. I would have left Heilman in for the entire eighth at this point. Randolph instead starts playing lefty-righty percentages, which I have always hated. So, Feliciano comes in, faces one batter, whom he hits, and leaves. Now Mota, who has not been the lights out pitcher he was last year, comes in and there goes Glavine’s shot at 300. With Glavine pitching as well as he did and Feliciano and Heilman your two best set up men at this point, I don’t understand burning all of them in a matter of a little more than an inning. Yes, the bullpen let him down, but Willie Randolph blew the game for Glavine.
To make matters worse, after four and a half hours, After 12 and a half inning of baseball, the Mets lost the game in the bottom of the 13th inning. This one was winnable, big time, for Glavine and even after he was no longer in contention for the victory, for the Mets.
The only good thing I can say about the game was the Milwaukee crowd. As a child I traveled with my parents to Milwaukee and we all felt that this was a very friendly and helpful city. Yesterday, despite pulling and cheering for the home team, the crowd was very respectful of the Mets and of Glavine. They gave Glavine a nice ovation when he left the game with a lead. I thought that was very classy.
Well, I have little doubt that Glavine will ultimately get his 300th victory (in a Met uniform, this year), but I am having more and more doubts that this team will be around come postseason. Even worse than that, with the way they are currently playing, I feel like they don’t even deserve to be around.
Hopefully they will turn it around.
Let’s Go Mets!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)