O-Man, O-Mar....Asleep At The Wheel

I'm not going to go into the game tonight, except to state it is good the Mets are getting better at run management against the opposition.

Daniel Murphy is looking great turning the DP.

Now, today was the last day of the trading deadline and what I want to know is why Omar just sat there as teams are getting star players for prospects. Letting Victor Martinez go by was a move that lacked logic. Trade a Pelfrey, Niese maybe a Reed and a prospect and get a solid dish watcher. A caller to WFAN stated when the Mets acquired Gary Carter, they went to the World Series -- same with Piazza.

Does the front office know more about players than us fans? Doubt it.

So, when V-Mart continues to slug HRs and hit .300+ what do we say?

Elation -!

Spent the afternoon at CitiField and it was nice to see Santana hold down the Rockies. Wish it was more than 7 scoreless innings, but he did a stellar job only offering one free pass.

This was the first game I went to since the avalanche started awhile back. One thing I did notice was the absence of cheering "LETS GO METS" LETS GO METS....to me, this was a staple, much like the pickle when you order a pastrami sandwich at a Jewish deli...MANDATORY!

My view of 5 straight and then a double header split is still on the upward curve. You see, each of the recent teams they beat all went through some good winning streaks as of late. It is definitely and conundrum when the Metropolitans blow easy games to the Nationals, but belt the hell out of good teams.

On a closer, my good friend and sage, who has done a post here and there had some good wisdom he posted on my Facebook wall:

• Jerry Manuel has done an outstanding job holding the team together. Luis Castillo leads the NL in hitting this month batting .400. Jeff Francoeur is a breath of fresh air, positive vibes and timely RBI.Reyes and Beltran will make it an August for the ages exactly 40 years after the Mets came from 9 back to catch and pass the Chicago Cubs.You heard it here first.

No Game - No Gain

Trying to get the "No Pain - No Gain" gist worked in the title. But, due to tonight's rainout, we must wait a day to extend our streak...and the good news is a day-night doubleheader.

I have a ticket to the early game and figured I would be seeing Jon Niese...but, thanks to the raindrops, my eyes will have the opp to see Johan.

Nothing more fancy here...Let's Go Mets.

The MAN Comes Around....

One of the late great Johnny Cash's final album was titled "The Man Comes Around" - if you want, you can apply this to the Mets recent 4 (yes, 4 - which rhymes with for, four, fore) straight W's.

Pelfrey got in control - and that's what we want to see.

I will be counting more W's...what is encouraging too, is their recent wins against the Astros and Rockies were against teams with an upward momentum.

In Jim Bouton's legendary book, Ball Four, there's a line that comes to mind when they were losing..."Hey, you can't be as horseshit as you look out there...."

If You Listened....

To the game tonight, when Fernando Tatis his his grand slam off an 0-2 change up, you would have been witness to a first in a long time. No, not talking about the first pinch-hit Grannie since Todd Pratt, but it sure seems like it...loud cheers in the stadium....I couldn't believe it either.

Mets are back...Tony Bernazzard is gone...(wonder if he had a real tirade after being let go - that would have been ironic. Would that equate with a double negative and make it a good thing?).

Seems confidence is slowing creeping in...do we smell a pennant?

Renaissance Mets?

Didn't have much of a chance to plunk down in front of the TV today to watch the game as my boy was sick...but, seeing the Mets pull a W, the second in a row sure as hell is a confidence booster.

As Ralph Kramden once said, "Be kind to the people you meet on the way up---because you are going to meet the same people on the way down."

Though the Mets did the down part first. Upward momentum, here we come...Lets take 3 of 4 from the Rockies.

'Stros Are in Orbit - And K-Rod Throws Gophers

I had the game on tonight, but was ensconced in a project, so I really can't offer a lot of insight (so what else is new?), but one of the only things I saw was K-Rod come in with a 9-run lead. Give the gent a bit of work, and what happens, Hawpe skys one.

Well, it was a pleasant surprise to see the Mets put up double digits on the board.

It dawned on me today what the Mets of July 24th are vs. the ones on opening day...take this analogy. Remember when you were in high school and the folks that were around were "your crowd"...then, when you visit the school about 5 years later, everyone is gone, and you may see the one or two kids that got left back.

On a good note, Jeff Eff is worth his oats - 4RBI and David Wright hit his 1st HR in July....Roger Maris, your "record" is safe.

Will Someone Please Say Something?

Ken Belson's article in the New York Times today says it all...Let's start talking and see what really is happening behind the scenes with the Mets.

It seems like something (besides losing) is going on. Is management trying to make the Mets the baseball version of the Producers?

Will this flop sell? Go ask any fan wearing blue and orange.

If Duffy Was Still Catching, He'd Change The Spelling of His Last Name to Dire

OK, excuse the pun in the title...and for those of you who are still mystified and aren't looking at another Web page, it was a spoof on old Mets' catcher, Duffy Dyer.

Mets are off today...well, they aren't playing. They have been WAY off for quite awhile.

Someone who reads my blog posted a comment which I would like to address:

• When is Johan pitching? That's our only shot at winning a game LOL

Sadly, there is a lot of merit in that statement. Brings me back to an old adage which I wrote about before here - the phrase "Spahn and Sain and Pray for Rain"

Would love to take the liberty and modify it a bit - more for the sound than the message.

Johan, Insane Today - Remember John Maine?

I've Got Nothing to Say

I am at a loss.

Not even the best psychics can figure out what is wrong with this team.

Nationals shut us out yesterday and 4-hit us today.

If Blue and Orange blood didn't course through my veins....I dunno...Let's just say the Mets "Jumped the Shark"

Ollie-------------WE"RE SORRY (we signed you)

This is the last straw. Perez MUST go...cut him...terminate the contract. How do you walk six, plus hit a batter and lose - get shut out - by the Nationals, a team arguably poorer than the Mets. Ollie walks an average of 6.9 batters per game. Even the kid who sucks in Little League isn't that pathetic.

Oliver, your day has passed. You are a typewriter (we are using portable mobile, laptops now).
Oliver, your day has passed. You are an 8-Track Cartridge (we are listening to digital recordings).
Oliver, your day has passed. You are a biplane (we are cruising the world in Jets now).

Oliver, your day has passed. You are a TERRIBLE PITCHER (we need a live arm).

W over the Ws

Plain, vanilla commentary tonight with no oomph.

All I have to say is I am happy for the W.

Interestingly, a stat came to light about the Nationals. They are second in on base percentage and walks in the National league. To take Billy Beane's "Moneyball" approach, they must get past third base to score runs.

Oh, and the Mets need to do that more often.

I'll take tonight's win....Murphy played some nice first base.

.333 is Good, No?

For batting average, surely, hitting .333 is phenomenal - but, when you flip the table and apply it to team wins, it is the antithesis. But, I am happy the Mets were able to take one from the Braves. A stat I heard astonished me -- I knew it was high, but to hear it, well, it's akin to someone saying you have spinach on your teeth -- is the Mets were shut out about 7x since June 14.

Mets never used to get blanked. Today they held their own for as long as they could. One thing I observed is how Daniel Murphy LOVES to hustle to 1B on a grounder when he is playing in back of the bag..Could this be a foreshadowing of speed?

I think its a good time for DMurph to learn the position while the team sucks...with a superstar at the bag, he may never get a chance.

Well, as long as I know there are 13 pitchers and 4 reserve players on the bench, that's a good dynamic. Is it? Sarcasm 1, Mets, 0.

Tomahawk Chop - and RUNS Scored for Santana

Classic Mets today - no, I mean in the good way.

Santana pitched, you could say, "lights out" and they all rallied to put some runs up on the board in the closing innings. This is what we LOVE to see. Angel Pagan certainly lived up to his FIRST name (the last few losses were up to his last name).

Wright was patient at the plate, and somewhat feared (WOW) as he drew 3 Intentional Walks.

I'm praying for another W against Atlanta....let's see.

It will be an odd 6:00 p.m. start (ESPN, I believe) is showing the ESPYs. Wouldn't it be a blast if it was an 19 inning affair?

11-0? Yeah. Wish it WAS a Typo

OOPS they did it again..another loss, another blowout.
There's gotta be some humor here...I mean, what would Casey Stengel say?
How would Yogi explain it?
Come to think of it, their logic and presentation would make sense.

I would inject some of the new millennium here and fabricate a Casey quote..."Well, this is to say that we suck royally at the present time."

Yogi would probably say, "It's Over."

Both may be right.

Oliver Perez - Frustrated - Incorporated

What does Oliver Perez, Carl Pavano and Mike Hampton have in common? They siphoned, milked and shammed their teams to give them a lot of money to do nothing.

I saw Ollie walked 4 tonight in six innings. When will it end?

A song by Soul Asylum, "Misery" reminds me of Ollie. Here are the lyrics...the words in parentheses is what we need / how this blogger feels....

They say misery loves company (Show me someone who gets a thrill out of watching Ollie)
We could start a company (Mets, Inc.)
And make misery, (Ollie and the rest of the team have been good at that this past month)
Frustrated Incorporated

I know just what you need (a NEW pitcher)
I might just have the thing (a NEW pitcher?> Roy Halladay?)
I know what you'd pay to see (a NEW PITCHER!!!!!)
Put me out of my misery (We sent Heilman and Schoenweis away, make Ollie the triumvirate)
I'd do it for you, Would you do it for me? (DAMN RIGHT!)

etc...

Link to the Soul Asylum Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8gJ3igY2Lk (ahhhhhh Clerks!)

2nd Half Begins - Two Meltdowns vs. Each Other

Oliver Perez vs. Derek Lowe....2 years ago, asses would have jammed seats for this matchup. Now, in the first game back, two pitchers who can't find the plate if they were in a dish factory are dueling.

Should be an interesting match up - and, I believe if Oliver doesn't "get it right" in the next two starts, he should go the way of Heilman and Schoenweis - that is, run out of town.

I am praying to the gods of the inverse - lets win more than we lose this half.

Mets: Two Carlos' - Phillies: Two Pedros?

Beltran and Delgado are both on the DL and part of the reason the Mets are skidding in the wrong direction.

News bandied about today is the Phillies, our rivals, our Benedict Arnold's, if you will, are on the verge of signing Pedro Martinez. Is PM (love the initials, snicker snicker) that good anymore? Can he regain form? Mets don't think so - and that is ironic, considering they need pitching. So. what will happen? PM will beat the Mets and make us all lament. The other Pedro on the team? Pedro Feliz who has been crafty with the wood as well.

All Star game is on...moving quickly, but I just am not a fan of these contests (nor do I like parades)...and, as I type this, McCarver is rambling about ....who the hell knows....

All Star Blues (and Orange)

Seems ironic that a few Mets are going to be in the All-Star game, but I am glad for the chance for the folks of the US to see the guys on the team we have really are good.

I find it ironic there is a home run hitting contest. I mean, I haven't turned the contest on the tube, but if any Mets - David Wright - are in it, that should be fun to see. Let's have this contest at CitiField next year to test out all these theories about the park, wind, physics, etc.

Here's an odd thought -- what if the hero of this years' game - whoever it may be - hits a bombastic shot where they come from behind and win by a run...this gives the league home field advantage in the World Series...but, let's say that player gets traded mid season to the other league....wonder how is new teammates would feel if they get to the WS? One of the odd thoughts and permutations in the game, but not so far fetched when you think of Tony Cloninger (pitcher who hit TWO grand slams in one game)...and a slew of others....

Mets Home Runs - No Need To Post (PASTE) Them On Milk Cartons

A second straight win going into the All-Star Break is a nice way to put a mini denouement to the first half of the season.

Seems like the Metropolitans have finally figured out they have to get their heads in the game...play better defense and support each other at the bat, in the field and all over.

We are still in limbo when the regular guys will (IF) return from the DL, so in this case, we have to rely on regular water instead of Holy Water, and this is acceptable during these times (Catholic peeps will get the referenece).

Ironic how all the Mets got to the All Star team as the club is foundering. Look for an upward change after Tuesday.

The next three days are "off" from the game, but look for a few mini blog posts here and there...some may be observations, stats and did you knows.

Beaming at the Keyboard --- and the Dugout

This is the first game in ages (I think if we can carbon date it, it would go back to when we used to have Italian popes) that I am actually HAPPY after a Mets game.

Santana was Santana. Angel Pagan put wings on, flew up and saved two runs in the first inning. That set the tone of the game.

And "The New Boy" Jeff Francoeur knocked in two runs in his first at-bat. Plus the team played well defensively and held the Reds to ZERO runs. Usually its the other way around.

This is going to be a short post...I am a bit tired...so....Let's hope the Mets will now play in a Bizzarro World from their recent games....Hearing that the 73 team was in last place in August still gives encouragement. Baseball seems to be like the stock market..resilient for awhile, then weaker than a schoolyard punching bag....Jeff Eff has 65 career outfield assists since he broke into the league in '05....the Mets TEAM record for outfield assists (and this is career, mind you) is 64....Hopefully that Cannon-Like Arm will remind us of Larry Walker.

I'm going to root extra loud tomorrow. A friend offered me a ticket to the game, but I can't go.

Arranging the Furniture (And Surprising Hellen Keller)

The headline may seem harsh, but it basically describes the Mets trade of Ryan Church for Jeff Francoeur. Early gut reaction tells me its a good one. Ryan was an average player when he came over from the Nationals and improved a bit under the Shea/CitiField facilties.

Jeff Eff is five years younger, supposedly has a cannon for an arm, and showed signs of hitting for average and power early on. AND, the best part, according to SNY's own Kevin B, he WANTS to play in New York.

What Omar did wasn't radical - and, I believe we still DO need a radical move. Looking at the starting lineup, only Wright (and you can quasi count Brian Schneider) as original, regulars, from Opening Day. All replacements. Substitute "instructors" sitting in for "full professors" if I may be bold to draw an inane analogy.

Roy Halladay is on the block. Why not get involved with the talks? He's got a good arm...goes the distance (and I have to say, just like Bronson Arroyo did to the Mets tonight - but the focus here is on baseball not on the Mets losses - at least not overtly)...

So, to bring us back to the title, we are in the same place, but a few things are different. Will we stumble around and trip over them because we aren't use to them? I hope so. Let's get the bats swinging again and the legs running beyond first base.

Less Than Zero (AGAIN)

Mets don't come away with a win (Again).

This stat makes you shiver in your boots..prior to tonights's game, the Mets had not hit a home run in 48 innings (they didn't hit one tonight either. I'll be valiant and save your calculator batteries - that's 57 innings. 8 Days without a dinger. How long can that last?

Now, F-Mart does the DL thang.

Instead of baseball cards, all Mets (and it seems they are all hurt) should be featured on Milk Cartons...among the missing.

Do I Detect a W for the Mets?

Yes. They beat the Dodgers. I have been praying to obscure Saints with one name (usually Roman) whose names end in -"us" and it has worked. Though it could be a placebo and even Saints are known for miracles...that is, a win for Oliver Perez.

Ollie was typical Ollie. Let me interject something here. To describe how I feel about Ollie on the Mets is best lifted from a line from M*A*S*H* when Hawkeye is writing home describing Charles Emerson Winchester (The Thuuurrrd) - "He's like a substitute teacher that stayed the whole year." For some reason, Mets management likes him. He seems to be like Teflon and has had more chances that the late Steve Howe.

Ollie was very liberal with the BBs and this is a killer. Seven isn't a lucky number here.

What I found somewhat odd was I turned the opening of the game on while driving, and he tosses 4 straight balls. BOOM. Then later on, as I turn the TV on, what is the first thing I hear? "BALL FOUR." (and I don't mean the great Jim Bouton's book).

I was nice to see Manny go O-fer, until he grooved K-Rod to the right field stands and made HR hitting look easy. Metsies, he came to YOUR house and upset your coffee table...Now you gotta do the same.

Lets pick the Dodgers apart - again.

Less Than Zero

Elvis Costello once wrote a song called "Less Than Zero"

Some how, I think this should be the Mets' new theme song. It appears thats the number of runs, hits, average and average with RISP.

I want to get cloning legalized so we can bring back the DLed.

I wonder how many old timer Mets fans feel since Dodgers skipper Joe Torre cut his teeth with the Mets way back when.

Just two more games in the series...and, hey, Omar, while you are at it, see if you can get Juan Pierre...

Welcome Home Dodgers

Just another "jab" at the Mets...Not the first to write this, but I won't be the last.

This week we Welcome the Dodgers to NY. They may like CitiField as it is patterned after their team heritage and pays zero homage to the Mets.

Come to think of it, the way they have been playing, it's more like Last Rites.

When the new stadium opened, people were griping that it was 10,000 seats LESS than Shea...now I think there will be many more empty seats.

I remain a die hard fan and plan to plant my (self) at a few more games this year.

Where Have All The Hitters Gone (Long Time Coming)

In today's Bergen Record, they had a special story reminiscing about 1969. It reminds me of a song "Where Have All The Flowers Gone? Long Time Coming...."

And that brings me to the Mets.

Where has all the HITTING gone? This series it seemed to be spectres running around in uniforms and red hats donning a Mets logo.

Put your seat belt on...3 runs in the ENTIRE series...NO extra base hits. Santana AGAIN pitches great, yet gets zero run and additional offensive support.

Good thing there is a day off tomorrow.

Independence - From the W

Snarky attitude here as I peck the keys - so don't expect much.

You could get all sentimental and say how appropriate that the Phillies win on Independence day. Hogwash.

I have been scowling the past few days. One word to Jerry M - MORE batting practice. More fielding practice. We need the work ethic of the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s back.

I'm done. Gonna light some firecrackers...nah, I already saw the Mets explode.

Don't fret. I'll watch the game tomorrow.

An Open Note to Omar Minaya

Omar - We have been losing - not only players to the DL, but games and a few players who would have been good additions - granted, some band-aids - for the Metropolitans while many of the core team are collecting AFLAC benefits.

Mark DeRosa - slipped through the goal. Nyjer Morgan /Nate McLouth - practically given away at Goodwill rates.

I'm sure you heard that Manny Rodriguez is coming back. STOP. I don't want you to get him as he would be trouble. But, with his return, there is an "odd man out" and that is Juan Pierre. Pierre would be a good leadoff hitter, he runs and scores runs. Will he hit home runs at CitiField? (IF he hits 5, he will top David Wright). - No, Juan isn't know for powerful lumber. But he might be what we are looking for. And, I am sure he can be had cheap.

Speaking of "cheap" - your SS needs to start diving for balls - whoever it is. Saw too many slip by that could have been stopped.

Now a Word from my good friend, ML, the Mets Sage: Despite all their struggles, errors and injuries - the Mets are in a virtual tie for first place. Why? Because Jerry Manuel has held them together, literally (on the bus) and figuratively (with his sense of reality and humor). That which has not killed them has only made them stronger. August will be a month to remember with Redding, and Billy Wagner added to the bullpen and the always unpredictable Olive Perez added to the rotation. Did somebody say Carlos Delgado has resumed baseball drills? Be still my heart.

Mets - Pirates - Day Games - Never a good Mix

Short post...but I noticed the last 4-5 times the Mets play the Bucs in a weekday game, the Pittsburgh 9 always trounce them or give them a hard time.

Is there a biorhythm connected to this?

Community Commute

Adam Rubin's article sparks a funny thought...Jerry Manuel made the team commute together rather than going in separate taxi's so the article states. One wonders if Duaner Sanchez was with the team how he would have felt about this.

To me, this whole taxi incident was the downfall...got rid of Xavier and got Ollie...Do I have to go further? Who wants to watch a ball of yarn get undone by a cat; a map opened and refolded by a man...you get the picture.

To digress back to the point, the Mets were solid today. You know, even when they went into the 9th with a 1 run lead (uh, footnote, 1-0 was the score), I felt they would be invincible.

Pelfrey was the Pelfrey we have been expecting. A low pitch count helped and he actually recorded a few K's. (Grrrrrr...so did David Wright and two of them are recorded in the scorebooks as backward Ks).

I like high scoring games, but this was a good drama. Would Mets fans take a majority of 1-0 wins vs. 7-6? Sure. It would mess up many a fantasy league, but we want to remember reality. Hats off to Yovani Gallardo - 12ks... And, to quote Steve Somers yesterday on WFAN, he thinks the Mets are an October team.

I'm with ya!