After looking good in the first game back from the All-Star break, the Mets once again looked flat. Are we in for a 500 second half, or lower?
I understand that Aaron Harang came into the game with a nine and 2 record on a last place team. Still, the Reds are in last place, and the Mets are in first and the Mets need to make a statement. Yesterday they didn’t, or if they did, it was not a positive statement.
Following a great first half, a first half that many said proved John Maine should have been in the All-Star game, yesterday he showed why he should not. Four runs in the first inning, coming in on a grand slam is not a good way to start. The bullpen was not able to shut down the Reds offense either.
The Mets did score four runs, but the game never was close and once again, the Mets lacked the timely hit. They had their chances and could not take advantage (against a last place team, a team whose bullpen has been awful).
It is of course only one loss, but it starts again a pattern of win one, lose one. It is only one loss and the Mets are still in first place but the Atlanta Braves are moving closer, only 1.5 games out. It is only one loss but it renews a pattern of what happened through a good portion of the first half. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the Mets need to go on a tear and just dominate their opponents. I have been waiting for that to happen for quite a while and unfortunately I continue to wait because thus far, it has not occurred.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
A Good Beginning
What a way to start following the All-Star break. First off, it was a nice way to start the game, leading off with back to back homeruns. It is hard to imagine that it is the first time in franchise history that this has occurred. They have had some good players in the one and two holes over the years (as well as some not so good ones).
Of course, in the past, the leadoff hitter and the number two hitter were not thought of as power hitters (although there have always been some exceptions). Still, with certain players I would have thought it occurred before.
It was not just the start of the game but other factors too that made this a great start. Starting the second half of the season, the starting pitching was good, relief pitching was good, and despite his performance in the All-Star game, Billy Wagner closed it out nicely. In addition, the Mets had some timely hitting.
It is true they had a couple of opportunities to break the game open and they did not, but still, all in all, it was a good game and a positive way to start after the break. I realize Cincinnati is a last place team and that this was just one game, but hopefully they will continue to take care of the Reds and the rest on the National League and in order to capture the division, it is important to play well against the poor teams as well as the good teams.
Let us see if they can continue.
Of course, in the past, the leadoff hitter and the number two hitter were not thought of as power hitters (although there have always been some exceptions). Still, with certain players I would have thought it occurred before.
It was not just the start of the game but other factors too that made this a great start. Starting the second half of the season, the starting pitching was good, relief pitching was good, and despite his performance in the All-Star game, Billy Wagner closed it out nicely. In addition, the Mets had some timely hitting.
It is true they had a couple of opportunities to break the game open and they did not, but still, all in all, it was a good game and a positive way to start after the break. I realize Cincinnati is a last place team and that this was just one game, but hopefully they will continue to take care of the Reds and the rest on the National League and in order to capture the division, it is important to play well against the poor teams as well as the good teams.
Let us see if they can continue.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Day-Night Doubleheaders-- YUCK!
As we get set to start the second half of the season, I find myself thinking back to a game at the end of the first half. Well, it actually was not one game, it was two games—the day, night doubleheader the Mets played against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Let me be clear on this. I HATE the idea of day-night double headers. The idea of a doubleheader used to be a reward to the fans, like going to a double feature. You pay one fair and get twice the value. These games used to be big during holidays when many people had the day off from work. You would relax with an afternoon doubleheader since you had all this free time.
Now baseball has become to much of a money grubbing industry. First they pretty much did away with doubleheaders. Why give fans two games for the price of one when you could get the money for both games. I believe a couple of rainouts one season forced a need for a doubleheader. Still, instead of going back to the way things used to be, they decided to play two games in one day but charge admission for both. So the fans come in for a day game and when it is over, the leave. Then fans come in for a night game, different fans, and they pay for that night game. Where is the justice to the baseball fans?
It is not only the baseball fans who are treated unfairly by this approach, the players are as well. I’m surprised the players union, for as powerful as it is, hasn’t done anything. I do not mind working day shifts as I have the evenings free. I do not mind working evening shifts, as I have the day free. I hate working split shifts. Either a stay in the office during the downtime, I leave and come back. Even if I opt for the later, I am still not able to do much. Both my morning and evening are taken up and I am not comfortable running errands in between for fear I will not be done in time.
The day-night doubleheader is a terrible idea and I hope baseball does away with it soon.
Let me be clear on this. I HATE the idea of day-night double headers. The idea of a doubleheader used to be a reward to the fans, like going to a double feature. You pay one fair and get twice the value. These games used to be big during holidays when many people had the day off from work. You would relax with an afternoon doubleheader since you had all this free time.
Now baseball has become to much of a money grubbing industry. First they pretty much did away with doubleheaders. Why give fans two games for the price of one when you could get the money for both games. I believe a couple of rainouts one season forced a need for a doubleheader. Still, instead of going back to the way things used to be, they decided to play two games in one day but charge admission for both. So the fans come in for a day game and when it is over, the leave. Then fans come in for a night game, different fans, and they pay for that night game. Where is the justice to the baseball fans?
It is not only the baseball fans who are treated unfairly by this approach, the players are as well. I’m surprised the players union, for as powerful as it is, hasn’t done anything. I do not mind working day shifts as I have the evenings free. I do not mind working evening shifts, as I have the day free. I hate working split shifts. Either a stay in the office during the downtime, I leave and come back. Even if I opt for the later, I am still not able to do much. Both my morning and evening are taken up and I am not comfortable running errands in between for fear I will not be done in time.
The day-night doubleheader is a terrible idea and I hope baseball does away with it soon.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
The Met All-Stars
Well, the All-Star game is history. The NL lost again, keeping the AL’s winning streak alive. And, the Mets who played get mixed grades.
Obviously Jose Reyes gets the highest mark. Going three for four was great. Stealing second base in the first inning and basically manufacturing a run for the National League helped to show everyone of just what this extremely talented ballplayer is capable. The man made some nice plays in the field and proved why many consider him the future of the Mets.
Neither David Wright nor Carlos Beltran had as good of a game as they did last year but both still played admirably. Each of those players had a hit and certainly contributed and it was fun seeing them in the game.
That brings us to Billy Wagner. The man who has been consistent for the Mets all season just was not at his best. He gave up a two run homerun. At the time it seemingly was not that devastating as the NL was losing by a run. Still, I think most people feel that a run can be overcome but a three run lead late in the game is much more troubling. Those two runs Wagner let in actually made the difference in the game. Had he kept them scoreless, the two runs the NL scored in the bottom of the ninth inning would have given them the lead.
While I would have liked Billy Wagner to pitch well, this was not a blown save, nor do I believe a blown hold. During the regular season Wagner has been near perfect. Most of his saves have not become as adventurous as some were last year. While I would have liked Wagner to pitch better in the All-Star game, I am much more concerned that he pitches well during the regular season, and thus far he has done just that.
As we begin the second half, the only way to end this post is by shouting, “LET’S GO METS!!!”
Obviously Jose Reyes gets the highest mark. Going three for four was great. Stealing second base in the first inning and basically manufacturing a run for the National League helped to show everyone of just what this extremely talented ballplayer is capable. The man made some nice plays in the field and proved why many consider him the future of the Mets.
Neither David Wright nor Carlos Beltran had as good of a game as they did last year but both still played admirably. Each of those players had a hit and certainly contributed and it was fun seeing them in the game.
That brings us to Billy Wagner. The man who has been consistent for the Mets all season just was not at his best. He gave up a two run homerun. At the time it seemingly was not that devastating as the NL was losing by a run. Still, I think most people feel that a run can be overcome but a three run lead late in the game is much more troubling. Those two runs Wagner let in actually made the difference in the game. Had he kept them scoreless, the two runs the NL scored in the bottom of the ninth inning would have given them the lead.
While I would have liked Billy Wagner to pitch well, this was not a blown save, nor do I believe a blown hold. During the regular season Wagner has been near perfect. Most of his saves have not become as adventurous as some were last year. While I would have liked Wagner to pitch better in the All-Star game, I am much more concerned that he pitches well during the regular season, and thus far he has done just that.
As we begin the second half, the only way to end this post is by shouting, “LET’S GO METS!!!”
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Home Field Advantage?
So the All-Star game is here. The players the fans want to see, the players the managers picked, the players the other players picked and at least one representative from each team. I am excited.
The one thing I dislike about the game is that it is played for home field advantage for the World Series. This is supposed to be an exhibition game, not mean anything, but that is not the case. The truth is, however, we fans are responsible for this change, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
The change occurred a few years ago when a game ended in a tie because all the pitchers were used up. On the one hand, if managers did not believe in bringing in pitchers to pitch to one batter, or even pitch for just one inning, then this would not have been an issue. I hate the way the game has changed over the years, how in a low scoring game, you still see games where a total of six pitchers or more were used. On the other hand, what is so terrible about a game ending in a tie? Every player got into the game. The fans got to see a good game, if memory serves correctly, an extra inning game, and got to see their favorites play. Why then did the fans boo when it was announced they were calling the game a draw? Why was there a protest?
The Commissioner of Baseball, Bud Selig, needed to address the displeasure of the fans. He came up with something that forced both sides to play the game as if it meant something, which it does. I do not fault baseball, or Bud Selig. It is the fans who are to blame for this change. Hopefully, we’ll learn from this.
As for the break, hopefully it will allow the Mets to recharge their batteries and come out of the starting gate strong, following the break.
The one thing I dislike about the game is that it is played for home field advantage for the World Series. This is supposed to be an exhibition game, not mean anything, but that is not the case. The truth is, however, we fans are responsible for this change, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
The change occurred a few years ago when a game ended in a tie because all the pitchers were used up. On the one hand, if managers did not believe in bringing in pitchers to pitch to one batter, or even pitch for just one inning, then this would not have been an issue. I hate the way the game has changed over the years, how in a low scoring game, you still see games where a total of six pitchers or more were used. On the other hand, what is so terrible about a game ending in a tie? Every player got into the game. The fans got to see a good game, if memory serves correctly, an extra inning game, and got to see their favorites play. Why then did the fans boo when it was announced they were calling the game a draw? Why was there a protest?
The Commissioner of Baseball, Bud Selig, needed to address the displeasure of the fans. He came up with something that forced both sides to play the game as if it meant something, which it does. I do not fault baseball, or Bud Selig. It is the fans who are to blame for this change. Hopefully, we’ll learn from this.
As for the break, hopefully it will allow the Mets to recharge their batteries and come out of the starting gate strong, following the break.
Monday, July 9, 2007
All-Star Break Time
Well, the all-star game is here and there are a number of thoughts running through my head. First, I am pleased the Mets are in first place in the NL east at the break. Second, I am disappointed they have not been as dominate a team as I had hoped they would be.
In terms of the all-star game itself, I am pleased that three Mets will be starting. I am very curious to see how Jose Reyes will do. If Wright and Beltran come through like they did last year and Billy Wagner gets to come in late in the game, perhaps the NL can finally win one of these. Growing up, it was the AL who never could win, now the tables have been turned.
In a non-related Met thought about the all-star game, I am actually pleased to see Barry Bonds starting. I know all about the whole steroid controversy, but Bonds is a great player. With the game in San Francisco this year, it is fitting for him to be in the game. The fact that he is starting is even more fitting. In terms of the whole steroids controversy, I think Cal Ripkin Jr. put it best when he said even if you do not like the man, having him break the record still gives you a chance to celebrate the actual record itself and the accomplishments of the Hank Aaron, the man who’s record will ultimately be beat.
I still do not like the fact that this is not a purely exhibition game, that home field advantage for the World Series rests on the outcome. Still, I am looking forward to the game and hope it is a good one.
In terms of the all-star game itself, I am pleased that three Mets will be starting. I am very curious to see how Jose Reyes will do. If Wright and Beltran come through like they did last year and Billy Wagner gets to come in late in the game, perhaps the NL can finally win one of these. Growing up, it was the AL who never could win, now the tables have been turned.
In a non-related Met thought about the all-star game, I am actually pleased to see Barry Bonds starting. I know all about the whole steroid controversy, but Bonds is a great player. With the game in San Francisco this year, it is fitting for him to be in the game. The fact that he is starting is even more fitting. In terms of the whole steroids controversy, I think Cal Ripkin Jr. put it best when he said even if you do not like the man, having him break the record still gives you a chance to celebrate the actual record itself and the accomplishments of the Hank Aaron, the man who’s record will ultimately be beat.
I still do not like the fact that this is not a purely exhibition game, that home field advantage for the World Series rests on the outcome. Still, I am looking forward to the game and hope it is a good one.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
A Second Chance
They say baseball is a game of inches. They say baseball is a game of forgiveness. They say baseball is a game of redemption. Growing up, I really thought baseball was really a game of clichés. Never has it been more apparent about baseball being a game of forgiveness than in the New York Mets 5-3 victory over the Houston Astros yesterday.
Imagine having a terrible series against the team that traded you away. Imagine playing in an extra inning game and going hitless in your first six at bats. Imagine finishing the game with only one hit in seven at bats. Imagine all this and still being considered the hero of the game.
I personally do not know that I would consider Carlos Beltran the hero of the game but many Met fans did. Certainly, the fact is he was largely responsible for the Mets victory. In the entire series, Beltran had looked bad. Still in the 14th inning of the game, Beltran made a beautiful catch to prevent the Astros from winning the ballgame. Still, at the plate he looked bad but when he came up in the 17th inning, with runners on base, he finally came through and got a hit, a hit that drove in the game winning run.
Baseball is a game of forgiveness. Baseball is a game of redemption. There is actually a lesson in there I can use, to remember to give people a second chance. When you give people a second chance, the payoff can be quite rewarding and quite enjoyable. Hopefully, however, the Mets won't need many second chances and will be able to just dominate their opponents and show they are the best team in the National League.
Imagine having a terrible series against the team that traded you away. Imagine playing in an extra inning game and going hitless in your first six at bats. Imagine finishing the game with only one hit in seven at bats. Imagine all this and still being considered the hero of the game.
I personally do not know that I would consider Carlos Beltran the hero of the game but many Met fans did. Certainly, the fact is he was largely responsible for the Mets victory. In the entire series, Beltran had looked bad. Still in the 14th inning of the game, Beltran made a beautiful catch to prevent the Astros from winning the ballgame. Still, at the plate he looked bad but when he came up in the 17th inning, with runners on base, he finally came through and got a hit, a hit that drove in the game winning run.
Baseball is a game of forgiveness. Baseball is a game of redemption. There is actually a lesson in there I can use, to remember to give people a second chance. When you give people a second chance, the payoff can be quite rewarding and quite enjoyable. Hopefully, however, the Mets won't need many second chances and will be able to just dominate their opponents and show they are the best team in the National League.
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