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!
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