UltiMETFan1969

Spring Training - 2012 - Prelude to a Lonnnnng Year - Let's Say Sisyphus

2012-02-19T19:12:00.000-08:00

A few disjointed and maybe a valid thought or two...

Spring Training. Yes, I love to hear these words and it means that until the end of October, my mind will be consumed with baseball - both real and fantasy league.

But, being a Mets fan, and if you are one, you know the trials and tribulations ARE straight ahead. See the image of Sisyphus pushing the boulder up the hill? (Look it up if the reference is obscure).

Sadly, with the passing of Gary Carter, the team loses a leader. Yes, he was retired for a long time, but the Kid still influenced many.

Let's step back a moment - Carter. Piazza. We haven't had a dynamic catcher who has been the face and inspiration for the Mets. We need that now.

The whole Madoff thing really skewed (OK, SCREWED) our chances of being competitive in the free agent market.

Reyes was finally cast off. Hey, I used to be a huge fan. But the antics he pulled with that bush league stunt of 1 at bat, cheap bunt hit, take self out of game, win batting title was pure garbage. Good riddance.

But there was limited off season activity, so I guess we will get a few castoffs from other teams desperate to hang on with a contract for 2012.

Every win will be a gift. We won't have the Nationals to beat up on - and mark my words - they will be GOOD.

So, dear fans, let's fasten our seat belts and remain optimistic. The stock market crash of '29 eventually recovered.

AND SO WILL THE METS!

LONNNNNNNG YEAR....Time to Hibernate

2011-09-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

Where do we start? Where do we end (well, that is summed up - below .500).

Going into 2011, there were low expectations. Not only from this dyed-in-the-wool supporter of the orange and blue, but many others.

There were streaks. Some capped with a W. Many capped with an L.

A LOT of uncertainly. Let's use these 4 words; 2 names and 2 verbs. Wright. Reyes. Stay. Go. Use every permutation. And, as of the last day + one of the season ending, they are still influx.

I have to say I give Terry Collins a vote of confidence. He had a lot of junk to work with. This gives me a good segue - glad we got rid of Oliver Perez and KRod. Remember Ollie said he would NOT go to the minors? I was laughing the day I saw he was picked up by the NATIONALS and then sent to their farm team in Harrisburg, PA. Ever been to Harrisburg? I lived there for a year. Pure Hell. Just desserts ya got, Ollie.

Oh, and Reyes ending the season with a bunt single and taking himself out of the game to win the batting title. A bit strategic, yes. But if you get paid a ton of $ and have talent, the view here is to play that last game out. The true better player will prevail.

Where do we go from here? Well, in 5 minutes I am going to bed. Much like 24 (then 40) men did on the Mets roster.

Will I be back rooting next year? Hell yea. A Mets leopard doesn't change his spots.

Not a BAD Loss....

2011-04-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

Mets stayed close to the mountain men...that's all I could ask for.

Can't give a good honest overview of the game since I had a lot of other things to do...but it was on for background.

Caught (no pun intended) the interview with Jerry Grote which was pretty cool. Coincidentally, on the Mets daily calendar, today's entry cited Grote caught the most games for the Mets - 1176.

The Bullpen - OR, Can you say "Fold Like an Accordian"

2011-04-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

Parnell was brutal. Gives up the ghost.

Reyes breaks through with 2 3 Baggers and Izzy returns.

The telltale sign of the game was Daniel Murphy's defense at second...Think we need to see more of him at the Keystone???

This Type of Loss -- TO THE NATIONALS -- (head shaking side to side - eyes looking downward)

2011-04-10T19:26:00.000-07:00

Today is one of those losses where you just don't know where to start - but want it to end.

Washington got it together and ate up the pitching in the later innings. I am impressed by Chris Young -- SO FAR.

Well, this is a short blog tonight. Pick up the pieces, scrape off the residue and let's win tomorrow.

When driving today, I figured, "Hell, we are better than the 1962 Mets..."

Hope my prognostication is right.

Mets Pitchers - Gotta Have a Name Starting with C to Get a Hit

2011-04-09T19:30:00.000-07:00

Chris Young got two hits in one inning the other day, and tonight Chris Capuano hit a double. They seem to be doing better than Jose Reyes who was Oh-for-9 (maybe 10?) with runners in scoring position. FINALLY got his first RBI tonight...a bit late in a contract year.

Now, as I write this, K-Rod got his first at bat (Ironic, huh, putting a weapon in his hand - whatsamatta, his fists aren't good enough?).

Ninth inning and K-Rod walks two. (I forgot, someone remind me - what does a closer do?)...Good thing we got Werth to hit into a DP.

Happy with the way the Amazins played and showed hustle.

SO FAR, I like Terry Collins...

Home STEEP, Home

2011-04-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

Another year and another Opening Day at home for the Mets.

It was more of an opening of a can of worms.

Didn't get to see much of the game, (though I snuck a few at-bats here and there during the work hours). Dickey is a good pitcher, but he imploded. It's hard to throw the knuck in overcast, damp, dank weather.

The thing that stood out to me was the attendance. I had to pinch myself and ask if we were at the Marlin's ball park.

Check this link and in the sixth inning, there seemed to be more Republicans at Berkeley University than Mets fans in the stands. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/09/sports/baseball/09mets.html?_r=1

Turn the page - there's tomorrow at 7.

Halladay Has His Way

2011-04-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

Roy Halladay. For a young chap like me who was too young to see Koufax, I appreciate the grandeur and talent that Roy Halladay has. Last year he had 21 wins and 9 (yeah, NINE) complete games.

What can I say about the Mets today? When you go against Roy, you try your best. I am impressed with the heart the Amazins have shown so far.

Turn the page - the Home Opener against the Nationals is tomorrow. 4:10 p.m....Hmmmmm...I may have to take an extended walk around the building (hiding that transistor radio of days of yore).

Don't jump off the bandwagon- LET'S GO METS! R.A. Will Show The WAY - and get us many a K!

Is There Such Thing as a Bad Loss? Not Tonight

2011-04-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

When you are down 7-0 and rally back, this is a nice sign. True, the home team Phillies won, but the Mets showed a lot of heart.

THAT's What I want to see. 162x per annum plus - hopefully - playoffs and ----

Phil - Leees - WHOA~

2011-04-05T19:01:00.000-07:00

Chris Young was a big question mark coming into tonight's game. Essentially, a reclamation project.

With that odd pitching motion, he held the Phils at bay in their own park.

The kicker to the game? He got TWO hits in one inning...first Mets pitcher - EVER - to do so! Then he got another!

Let's start rooting loud!

Yesterday I Spoke Toooooo Soon...

2011-04-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

Jumped on the gripe box a bit too early yesterday, but happy to have witnessed a good game at the end and one today with a bit of hustle.

Felt like it was the 2005-7 season again - lots of optimism. R.A. Dickey held his own today (no, not THAT way)...I think he's going to have a good season.

Stat of the day which was eye-popping - The Mets haven't hit a grand slam since August 2009 (Angel Pagan) but have allowed 17 (or 18) since.

Say, is it me, or is Willie Harris the hero of the year? Keep in mind, the last few years, unheralded players such as Jose Valentin, Angel Pagan and Fernando Tatis made significant contributions.

Let's be Positive!

K-Rod....OY!

2011-04-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

So, K-Rod comes into the game and looks good...then looks bad. He was painting some nice pitches early on, then he decided to plant them and let the hitters give us fan the jitters.

Extra innings...Just hoping we can pull it out.

It was nice seeing Ike Davis hit a good pitch and Beltran running around the bases to score...

I am optimistic....at times.

Opening Day for the Mets...Titantic...Where is the Carpathia?

2011-04-01T18:13:00.000-07:00

Pelfrey looked OK until he unraveled.

This will be a litmus test - at least the first two weeks of the season. Let's adapt a wait-and-see...

Opening Day - 2011

2011-03-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

Make no bones about it.

If you are reading this blog, you are a Mets fan.

We are not going to be riding the wave of W's this year. Too many inconsistencies and fragile players. Today, we hear Jason Bay made the DL. Not that I am a fan of his - I think the Mets overpaid. When he hits, he surely hits, however that hasn't been the case since he came to CitiField.

While I am going to watch as much as I can (this statement is based on time, not stomaching the losses), I remain, as always, a loyal Mets fan.

Prediction - 78-84. (Hope I am wrong and the number on the left hand side is higher, while the number on the right decreases).

Put the seatbelt on - let's have fun!

Irony (AGAIN) - Oliver Perez Signs a MINOR League Contract

2011-03-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

The man who refused to go to the minors to hone his diminishing pitching skills (AKA Beloved Ollie P) and got jettisoned by the Mets this week signed a minor league contract with the lowly Washington Nationals.

See story: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-24/nationals-sign-ex-mets-pitcher-perez-to-minor-league-deal-mlb-com-says.html

Makes all of us Mets fans laugh (with anger).

I think Ollie leaves the NY Metro area as one of the most despised players since Ed Whitson.

Hope he enjoys the rickety busrides.

Mets release Oliver Perez from contract - NYPOST.com -- OR, to quote a biblical song title...

2011-03-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

Mets release Oliver Perez from contract - NYPOST.com

How long have I waited for that headline?

EONS.

Eons stretches back to the day when I heard the Mets traded the then beloved X-Man, aka Xavier Nady for Roberto Hernandez and this "throw in." As a matter of fact, that's the day this blog was spawned.

A friend put it in perspective on a Facebook post -- and I don't know why it took the Mets such a long time to cut bait -- but they finally did. The line was:

For everyone who thought Ollie was such a great find (read: Minaya and Co.), just remember how the Mets got him... he was a *throw-in* from *Pittsburgh*. When the Pirates don't want you, you can't be good.

Think about that for a second. OK. Makes sense, but why did Mets management award him $12m? It is still baffling. There were a few - not many - good pitchers available during that time, but why give a stratospheric number. That was more than Barry Bonds made (among others).

This is my favorite line of the whole article: "Perez said he received a fair opportunity with the Mets this spring."

And last year. And the year before that, ad infinitum. Heck, even Steve Howe would have been jealous of the chances Ollie got - and blew.

I am glad this happened before the season started. For those who know me, I am not a radical, an activist or a rabblerouser. But had Ollie not been released, I would have called for a boycott from all fan on Opening Day. Then, when the Mets would bring in Ollie, my edict would be for all fans to vacate the stands.

There are many sad things about Perez being on the Mets. One of the biggest was the fact that he pitched the last game EVER at Shea Stadium - http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYN/NYN200809280.shtml I can list many others, but the 8.38+ ERA in spring training has got to be the kicker.

So, #46, in 101 starts with the Mets, 29-29, ONE complete game. No shutouts. 29 batters hit. 74 gopher balls surrendered. 1.51 WHIP and ERAs of the last two years 6.80 and 6.82.

Well, to quote a line from the old gospel song, "Hallelujah, the strife is over."

There is also another one - "RELEASE ME"

Ollie. We did. Pack that steamer trunk and ship on out. There won't be many W's or K's to pack, but you may have to stuff a lot of those L's and pack em tight.

Buh Bye!

So, Who is Your Aunt Angie??? or "Why The Next Mets GM Will Chose their Own "Boy."

2010-10-16T20:54:00.000-07:00

Odd title.

Let me explain.

When I was a little boy, my Aunt Angie (now deceased, we won't even get into how much we miss her here) used to take me to the pool at Hudson County Park. One day, she overheard me say to another kid, "So, which one of the ladies here is YOUR Aunt Angie?"

I always was amused by how much that delighted her and never thought much about it until a friend of mine and I were talking about the next Mets manager. There is a lot of speculation of who it will be. But it doesn't matter. The next GM allegedly has the "say."

Personally I want Joe Torre. He cut his teeth as a Mets manager in the 80s when he was in his mid 30s and was "just OK" at best in his first stint. The folks are talking about Backman but he raises too many red flags -- to me.

No matter. Whoever the GM is, he pulls the strings. The guy he finally decides on will both have the same "Aunt Angie."

Leave it To Ollie -- OR, How the Last Game of the Year is Always a DUD - Right AFTER a Brilliant Game the Day Before

2010-10-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

It would be trite to quote Charles Dickens to open up a blog post about the Mets.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Trite? Yeah. Accurate - partly.

This was no ordinary season. Far from it. The Oliver Tolerance/Intolerance capped off what was one of the most see-sawed of emotions for a Mets fan. The big burst of wins in April/June - with the ebb of many heartbreaking losses.

It seems to be that the day before the final season, there is a big hope. '07 - Maine almost pitched a no-no, then Glavine tanked it with that Godforsaken first inning. In '08, Santana pitched a gem and then they lost in their final game at Shea. Yesterday, a nice W. Today....Typical Ollie - Walks in the winning run in the 14th.

Stan Laurel used to say, "I'm Sorry Ollie." Stan, so are we....so are we.

Rumor has it we are going to be replacing Jerry and Omar. I want someone who will be a rainmaker and get the most from their players, much like Buck Showalter has done with the lackluster Orioles. Minaya, well, he was a genius when he came on board and got Pedro Martinez and a few other good veterans to come to town, but he got lackadaisical -- and so did many of the players.

There are a few bright spots for the future. Ike Davis has shown he can play. Lucas Duda looks like he may swing a good bat and propel the cowhide with the maple ash. The heroes on the team, it goes without saying - Angel Pagan, R.A. Dickey and Hisanori Takahashi. Unexpected icing. Bring them back. Thole looks like he will develop into a good catcher.

It remains to be seen what the lineup will look like but if the above players can mesh and get it together, they can turn a once bad nucleus into a nuclear bomb that produces Ws and gives other teams Agita.

Who should go? Ollie. Castillo. Beltran (yeah, I said it), Maine and a few more ignobles. Who should come? Well, a lot of players, but we need to jerryrig the management (and send Jerry Manuel to pasture) and get the Wilpons to open their pocketbook. There are a lot of good players that are under the radar that would be perfect. (Think of the Jeff Keppingers - a former Met - of the world.

It's just 107 days before catchers and pitchers report....Oh, Ollie, that doesn't include you.

K-Rod OUT! - Wanted - The Taxi Driver Who Clipped Duaner Sanchez...

2010-08-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

According to ESPN - http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=5468863 - K-Rod injured his thumb in the altercation with the grandfather of his children and will be out all year.

In this scribe's eyes, K-Rod will only be a detriment and his value to the team has already spiraled downward.

So, I ask, with tongue-in-cheek - Where is the taxi driver who clipped Duaner Sanchez? We need you to come back and drive up and down the street again. Look for someone wearing a #75 on his back...take him to the airport.

14-1; Great Odds to Bet on a Horse - But the Mets STILL Nag

2010-08-02T06:40:00.000-07:00

I admit it, I didn't see the whole debacle yesterday - you know, that 14-1 trouncing the last place Arizona Diamondbacks gave to our beloved Mets, but when I turned it on and the first swing of the bat I saw was LaRoche hitting his SECOND three-run homer of the day, that was not a good prelude of things to come.

NOTE: For those with iron wills, here is the box score. I warn you, this is something that may traumatize http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=300801121&teams=arizona-diamondbacks-vs-new-york-mets

You could expect a score like that to be in a lopsided high school sports game, but when you add up the payroll - and, let's face it, once you reach the majors, you are paid for "talent" - this is a pure crime. Nine plus men stealing money from management, hearts and emotions from the fans and making advertisers cringe for future broadcasts.

Speaking of $, that $12 million bargain, Oliver Perez had a stellar day - (for him) - the good news he walked only 1. The bad? 4 earned runs in two innings facing 12 batters. OK, if management is going to pay this kind of $ for a flop, I kindly invite the Wilpons and Minaya to my next garage sale.

The Saga of Ollie Perez (and the Trauma the Fans Face)

2010-05-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

OOOPS! He did it again (and again, and again, ad infinitum).

Another horrific performance and this time, FINALLY, Mets management is getting wise and taking Ollie out of the rotation.

Steve Howe received fewer chances, yet, sadly, always failed. The Mets dumped Aaron Heilman and Scott Schoenweiss who did less. What gave Ollie immunity?

The insane $12 million (really worth $12 bucks!) salary. The Wilpons can't admit a mistake and eat a contract. Instead, they are exposing Ebola and it is festering. Fans and players get hurt - in the psyche, the standings and in fantasy baseball (the last one being the most impactful!). Opponents relish in the easy opportunity to get on base. Often by NOT swinging the bat. Ollie makes more walk than a miracle healer.

For some reason, he was thought of as a Masterpiece painting. The fabric under the uniform truly reveals nothing more than a paint by number. (The low numbers are Wins, Strikeouts. The higher numbers are Walks, ERA, Losses...)

Ike's We Like

2010-04-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

First there was Dwight D. Eisenhower (don't know why they called him Ike, which according to Wikipedia is short for Issac - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ike

This brings us to Ike's...

Ike's we don't like:
...Turner
...[Hurriance] Ike

Ike's we like:
...Taylor
...Ike Broflovski

Ike's we are GOING TO LOVE!
DAVIS! - http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=davis-002isa

First at bat = Hit.

Hopefully he is a Beacon for us. We should have the first base conundrum solved.

20 Innings - The Mets Showed A Lot of Balls

2010-04-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

In one of the strangest Mets games I have witnessed in years, the 20 inning shindig had me at the edge of my seat. I wish I had the time to watch from first to last pitch, but a few things were done while multitasking. Box Score: http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=300417124

In any event, who would have surmised the Mets would have been able to hold off Albert Pujols and friends by throwing 18 donuts on the scoreboard. Usually, something prevails and one team is able to take advantage of it.

For sure, I thought it would get wacky when a relief pitcher came up with bases loaded. As a Mets fan, we are prone to some interesting scenarios. This is one we did not want to bear witness.

Kudos to Jerry Manuel for managing a good game. When your bench gets short, you have to be smart. I think bringing Pelfrey in was an edge over LaRussa's edict that a starter would not relieve. Then again, the Mets should have walloped a few balls that position players (Lopez) was tossing in the strike zone (or near it).

This win gave the team a lot of confidence - and for the fans too. As I write, the Mets are leading 3-0 in the Sunday night game. Let's Go Mets!

Thomas Paine had Foresight....

2010-04-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

11-2 Rockies lead in the 7th. Sloppy play allover...

"These are the times that try men's souls..."

This TRULY is the American Crisis

Santana AND Perez LOSE to the Nationals - A Tale of Two Pitchers

2010-04-11T19:49:00.000-07:00

Dickens starts out "A Tale of Two Cities" with the line: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

Funny how over a century later, this can be applied to two Mets pitchers. The Best (Santana) of Pitchers and the Worst (Oliver Perez). The uncommon ground is both lost to the worst team on paper - and theoretically, on the field, to the lowly Nationals.

A few bad breaks, but no excuses. The line drive with the bases loaded on Friday night and the Willingham Granny HR didn't help much.

Yeah, we can get sour after this - as a colleague called - a True Litmus Test. I think many of us are starting to turn purple.

See, Omar, you should have been more active in getting "A" quality players in the winter. Now, the Boys of Spring and Summer in Queens are on the path to playing like the boys of the ice age.

Dickens also wrote Great Expectations...which I have.

Pass The Salt - This Crow I'm Eating...

2010-04-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

If you read the previous blog post (hopefully someone reads this besides my mother - she's very sympathetic!) you will note a bit of dour sarcasm and fear that I had for the Mets.

Today, a good portion of that was alleviated. They played with verve. They surprised. They had magic - or as the Seinfeld episode once touted, "kevorka."

Wright's HR was spectacular. It wasn't hit - it was launched. Santana looked like the ace he was. The ball he hurled moved with the right velocity and it baffled batters. Just as his job description calls for.

So, now it comes time for me to don a bib, carefully take the knife and fork (as I learned in Finishing School) and dine on the crow that I must eat for being so --- dour.

Wednesday we come back and take care of the Marlins again. They are always a tricky team and you never know who will show up.

All I know is I am glad to be back!

2010 - Put the Seatbelt On....Gonna Be a Long Ride

2010-04-04T17:50:00.000-07:00

Thrilled to death the season is starting. I am watching the Yankees-Red Sox game as I am writing this - but don't call me a traitor. Not hopping on any bandwagons. I'm a dyed (Blue and Orange) in the wool Mets fan through and through.

The reality is, we are going to have a tough year. Omar sat and fiddled while great deals burned about him. (Instead we are getting burned with D-List - a la Kathy Griffin - caliber players). Jason Bay is going to be a welcome addition, but he won't carry the team. Reyes. Beltran. Murphy - all question marks of what and when.

I see the pundits are putting the Amazins at third or fourth. Pitching would be the linchpin that are going to move us. And, before I start ranting, Omar, please, get rid of Perez. I heard on WFAN that at least 10 teams would be interested in him - save for that Stimlus-like salary package. If he starts to slide, time to move him. Personally, I would watch out for the Nationals. They did a lot of rebuilding with some good lunchpail players.

Going to go out on a limb here -- Eric Byrnes will be Comeback Player of the Year. Omar, you could have had him cheap. But, as Ralph Kramden, of Honeymooners fame said, "What do I know, I'm just a blogger."

And, speaking of, I am glad to be back blogging for my beloved team!

Spring Training...Where are the Off Season Moves?

2010-02-18T19:48:00.000-08:00

Glad Spring Training is upon us. It is a better yard stick than those pesky groundhogs that predict the seasons for us.

However, I am inclined to think that when they peered out from their holes, (Pete and Phil, repping PA and NY - and somewhere there is a Staten Island "Chuck"?) they probably also had a prediction for the Mets: Six more weeks of inactivity.

If you were to grade the Mets pick-ups from the close of the World Series to now, I would give a C. True, Jason Bay is on the squad, but he still is unproven. Now, I know he had a great year with the Sox, but he struggled a bit when he was with the Pirates... Today Kelvim Escobar, it's reported, can't grip a baseball.

Wonderful Omar. What's next?

One thing that lights the ire (pun intended, with all respect to Jim Morrison) of Mets fans is that the Nationals had a pretty agressive year and picked up a few semi-solid free agents. Superstars? NO! But can each of these players in their role - be that limited or expanded - help the lowly Nationals advance? Yes.

Chess isn't won with two moves, but rather all positions working in concert with each other. That's what gives teams those cherised W's.

Irony though, the Nationals, formerly known as the Expos, was where Minaya hung his cap before the Mets. Did Omar leave his playbook in Montreal? Did the moving men box and bring it to the Nation's capital? If you are just jumping on the Mets bandwagon, you may not know that at one time Omar was a wheeler dealer.

I'm not sure, but I bet the clubhouse men in DC have a lot more uniform making and locker assigning than the Mets do.

Let's hope for a solid season and some momentum pick-up.

After the Fire (maybe Omar) the Fire Still Byrnes...

2010-01-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

Hello All -

Tis been awhile since I blogged about our beloved team. Fear not, I won't recount the bad season the Mets had in '09.

But, some news has prompted me to dust off the cobwebs during the off season. It's time to look ahead.

I have always been an Eric Byrnes fan (just do a search in this blog and you will see how many times I cited him).

Well, as Ralph Kramden said to Alice about his "ship coming in," the Queen Mary is here. The Diamondbacks made a judgement call and picked up Adam LaRoche (do a quick count and see how many teams he's been on the last few years) and designated Eric Byrnes for assignment. So, that simply means they cut bait and he will be available. Az is on the hook for some $11 million, so, whoever picks up Byrnes, can do it relatively cheap.

Byrnes is a good clubhouse leader, a motivator, a hustler and a pest at the plate when he's healthy. Plus, he steals bases and plays gutsy. It's been awhile since we saw the hustling Jose Reyes, so a Byrnes would be refreshing on the basepaths. There is nothing wrong with a Dykstra-Eckstein-Brett Butler-like player.

Omar, you made a few good and a few more BAD judgement calls. I implore you to sign Byrnesie. Sheffield was a similar signing and that worked out better than expected. Eric is a team player and we need good morale.

It won't bust the budget. Byrnes will be a good ambassador for the team. Hey, the Yanks got Granderson, the Mets need a charismatic player.

Omar, fill out a contract and get Eric to sign it. He's interested in the Giants. How about pulling a player away from another team - it's been done to us too many times.

Stoned By The Rockies

2009-09-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

This sums up tonight's game...Rockies Catcher Yorvit Torrealba hasn't stolen a base since 2007. Tonight, he got one.

Jason Giambi, cut to oblivion (and I recommended picking him up) crushes the ball and runs score.

Why am I awake watching?

Pelfrey.....struggling as I Write This

2009-09-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

So - what is wrong with Mike Pelfrey. Bases loaded, 0-2 count to Garrett Atkins (who is sliding down the talent hill quicker than greased wheels) - what happens. He Walks him.

Threw about 58 pitches to the third inning.

Mets lead the majors in walks...NOT getting them, giving them.

To echo Casey Stengel - Can't Anyone Here Play This Game?

Can't wait for Curling Season to begin....

It Cuts Like A Knife (But it DOESN'T Feel All Right)

2009-08-31T19:46:00.000-07:00

Johan and Ollie went under the knife today. It's a good thing Mets fans didn't have a chance to cut Ollie the way he has been cutting us. (A lot of runs and walks are coming out of this $36 million dollar arm).

http://www.seattlepi.com/scorecard/mlbnews.asp?articleID=263596

The other note is that Beltran will be making a rehab start...let's hope all goes well.

September 1 is just 2 hours away. It will be interesting to see who the Mets (and other teams) call up to expand the rosters. Maybe a few diamonds. A friend of mine has been touting Ike Davis who is in the lower levels...At this rate, I agree with one of his statements...Let the minor leaguers play. They deserve a look without judgement of winning or losing. Does this mean I am packing in the season? Well, mathematically I think it was decided - though not officially yet.

Well, off to read the latest issue of Baseball Digest- an enjoyable bunch of words...(And the quizzes are pretty tough too!)

Kazmir, Zambrano & Zambrano

2009-08-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

Title may lead you to believe this is a law firm with nepotism between the second and third name, but its more of a bit of irony...

The Mets today beat Carlos Zambrano who, at one time, was close to unhittable. Part 2 - the Angels got the old Met, Scott Kazmir who essentially was given by the Mets to the Rays for Victor Zambrano. Where is Victor Zambrano today? (chuckle - did HE show up on the the mound for the Cubbies?).

Omar - you missed the boat again...Prospects for someone who could help....Pitching is decimated, so we are looking long term here.

As my old Italian relatives used to say.... "Oooh-Fah...."

Even the Mets CANT Hit Heilman

2009-08-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

Turned on the game today at a crucial spot. Jake Fox was rounding third after his grand slam. Is there anything else to watch?

Want to know the sad part? The Mets only managed ONE HIT against Aaron Heilman. If I recall, he gave away hits the way Rockefeller gave away dimes.

Look at the box score... http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=290829116

Counting to 162 is going to be painful -- considering there won't be a 163.

Baseball's Sad Lexicon - The Named and the Reality

2009-08-28T19:19:00.000-07:00

Back in 1910, newspaper columnist Franklin P. Adams wrote what is titled "Baseball's Sad Lexicon." This work was first published in the New York Evening Mail on July 10, 1910, and is now in the public domain.

Many of you know it, the first two or so lines, but probably were not aware of the title.

It goes:

These are the saddest of possible words:
"Tinker to Evers to Chance."
Trio of bear cubs, and fleeter than birds,
Tinker and Evers and Chance.
Ruthlessly pricking our gonfalon bubble,
Making a Giant hit into a double –
Words that are heavy with nothing but trouble:
"Tinker to Evers to Chance."

Today, (well, not really today, but at the start of all the DL trouble for the Mets) Baseball's Saddest Lexicon is:

A Pagan
L Castillo
D Murphy
J Francoeur
F Tatis
O Santos
C Sullivan
W Valdez
P Misch

Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came?

2009-08-27T18:27:00.000-07:00

I heard the expression of the title of this blog a few times growing up. Today it happened with the Mets. Finally, a chance to trounce a good team (nowadays, all the teams they play are good, even the ones that suck) in front of the opposition's home crowd. Though there really wasn't anyone there...just several whole sections of empty seats with a few dots representing people. The box score claims 14,000+ showed up. Nice try.

Anyway, the skeleton crew (let's be real here, Third Shift) of the Mets performed admirably and it was smart to stretch Tim Redding a few innings since he is one of the key starters now.

While I am on that, wouldn't it make sense for the Mets to take a look at Brad Penny, fresh from his release from Boston? Wouldn't cost much and is a semi solid band-aid to minimize (did I say that?) the loss column.

On WFAN, they were speculating that the Mets COULD lose 90 games this year...scary.

Everything's Broken

2009-08-26T20:54:00.001-07:00

Santana was probably the pin in the balloon that will make the Mets season just blow away with a raspberry sound fading into the end of '09.

Today, we get news that Oliver Perez is out for the year. Why couldn't we have had this sooner? Say, in April?

Not much to say, but as I was driving today, a thought popped into my mind and it was Bob Dylan's song, "Everything is Broken"

You can just substitute Mets player's last names if you don't know the words.

Check the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMWcgtB-Fkw&feature=related

If It's Tuesday, It Must Be Injury Day - Next, JoSAN

2009-08-25T19:15:00.000-07:00

And, another Met bites the dust for the season (???). Johan is getting the MRI and apparently there are bone chips.

Check out this article...it really says a lot: http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sweetspot/0-4-213/Did-Mets-mismanage-Santana-.html Keeping a guy like Santana pushing it is like gunning that Rolls Royce and never putting oil in the engine -- or in park.

Well, I would rather see Santana in the park, but apparently, all the Mets I and my fellow Mets fans brethren have a better shot of visiting their fave player in the hospital.

Oh, and by the way Gary Sheffield...Nice "hustle" towards the end of yesterday's game. Another cramp today? Awwwwwwww...You had us believing for awhile, now the Three-Card Monte game is done.

Level the Field....Field Level...Not a Level Playing Field - 6-2 Loss

2009-08-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

Today I had what can be tantamount to an out of body experience. No, nothing celestial. Just ballpark bliss.

I bought a few tickets to today's game on eBay and went with a friend. My intention was to sell two to cover the game. Cliff Lee, last year's Cy Young winner - should be a slam dunk. Had a few scalpers offer me $10 for the pair and were mad I didn't sell. About 2 minutes later, I sold the pair, met a friend and we walked in.

As we walked in, a man approached me and tapped me on the back. He asked to see my ticket. At first I thought the eBay transaction may have been a fraud...We had the paper tickets, but thought the eBay seller duped and sold the electronic and the hard copy tix...Nothing of the kind.

Major upgrade at CitiField today...walked in, security tapped me on the back, looked at my ticket (Sec 537) and asked if I wanted to be upgraded...Moved us to field level seats (Sec. 109) on the right field line...about 20 feet away from the ball boy.

One of the cool parts in getting to our seats was we had to walk in the maze of the tunnel under the stadium PAST the player's club house.

Was nice to be so close...wish the score was. But it was an experience of a lifetime.

Thank you Mr. Security Guard

Bizzaro Baseball - Ollie's Folly - Inside The Parker and a Triple Play....Oh, The Mets ALSO Lost.

2009-08-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

I saw a chicken with lips, a pig flying and the devil buying a parka coat. Oh, and I also saw the Mets game today too. I was surprised (no I wasn't) that Ollie Perez turned in a poor performance - 6 runs and didn't even make it out of the first inning. (So, they cut Livan Hernandez the other day...Omar...Wake the *&^% up. Cut your losses...cut Ollie.

Box Score

Add to the comical environment, Angel Pagan's long ball stops under the outfield wall and the Phillies call for a ground rule double...Angel made it home.

Then, the catch by Francoeur which was reviewed and overturned...to quote the Mets announcers - I think it was Keith Hernandez - said officiating has been terrible lately.

And, we all know how the game ended as the Mets attempted to rally - BOOM - Unassisted Triple Play to end the game. That's when we all 'walked off.'

What's next? I don't know for sure, but if I see a Republican at Berkley University, something odd will happen with the Mets.

I will be attending tomorrow's matinee - Bobby Parnell vs. Cliff Lee (who I traded in fantasy for Brian Fuentes...after the trade, Lee reeled off like 4 in a row).

Happ Schmapp

2009-08-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

J.A. Happ pitched well for the Phils, but the Mets were not embarrased - the team has not gotten blown out as this scribe is writing during the bottom of the 8th.

I still have confidence the team will come back and sweep.

Today, the cool item is the 40th Anniversary celebration of the 1969 season....what a joy it was to see Koosman, Garrett, Kiner and Joe Pignatano, Dr. Ron Taylor (among others) in the broadcast booth and in-the-stands interviews with Kevin Burkhardt. Also now, a segment with Seaver, Ryan....ah, the good ole days.

Next year, we'll have a good year and dynasty built. I promise.

PHILLIES - Balls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

It's 4-2 in the 7th as I write this. The game we all love is played with balls and I am going to make a prediction...

Mets will SWEEP the Phillies - all 4 games.

Sometimes in life, you have to take the Bizzaro approach.

(a few personal experiences this week not related to baseball influenced this call here).

Livan, On a Jet Plane (Don't Think He'll Be Back Again)

2009-08-20T18:38:00.000-07:00

I Shall Return....or so, declared Billy Wagner in his mind...and, he did.

Coming back from Tommy John surgery, the 38-year-old hurler set the stage with a first pitch strike right down the alley. And he looked good retiring the side.

And, the end of an era as Livan Hernandez, another one of the ageless brothers, gets cut by the Amazins. He had some good outings, but is definitely past his prime. OK, so, why didn't they try to trade him and get some value in return? Some of the minor stars got away for nothing (Aubrey Huff, etc.)

Check additional details from mlb.com
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090820&content_id=6525440&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

As I write this, Mets are holding their own against the Braves in the 9th...down 3-2....I am signing off and hoping this turns into a W.

15-2 Braves Trounce....

2009-08-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

After seeing the Braves score 8 runs in the second, I pinched myself and was aghast that this wasn't a split-squad spring training game.

Wish it was...there would be more players with marquee names.

Johan, please get a W tomorrow.

Brave's New World

2009-08-18T20:31:00.001-07:00

Derrick Lowe, one of the scions the Mets tried to chase this winter looked awful..JUST awful against the Mets tonight.

Good rally ball...a slew of hits and Ollie came away saving face.

Short post, but we got a few more games to play.

And, most importantly, it was nice to see (on TV) the METS starting to pay tribute to THE METS (rare)...Nice "1969" emblazoned on the field.

Cora Cora Cora...Wright Away...DeciMETed

2009-08-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

Unravelling is the term that comes to mind. Wright is woozy and in a text poll, 52% of all fans agreed he should be shut down for the year...Cora has trouble with his hands and is now gone too.

They always say the only direction is up....and I am an optimist, but the team is deciMETed from opening day. (Yeah, obvious statement).

So, I am driving back from Pennsylvania today (was able to stay connected with WFAN!!!!) and I hear that Aubrey Huff was traded. Granted, his value has gone down a bit on paper since earlier this year, but he can play 1B and 3B...who gets him? The Tigers for a Minor League pitcher.

Too many good or decent players (granted, some would be band aids for only 2009) came by and Omar watched them drift away....(just like the win column, just like the ERA, just like the....

On a positive note, I got tix for the Mets-Phils next Monday afternoon...have an extra if anyone is interested....

MurpFrancoeuRUN

2009-08-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

Didn't get a chance to watch the game, but heard a good part of it on WFAN and it was refreshing to see Murphy hit a game winner and score Jeff Francoeur.

Time changes things. A few years ago, this was a routine method of winning. Today, it is a prized novelty. Stat reflected stated this was only the FOURTH walk-off "W" the Mets had. Lord knows how many we saw this happen for the opposition.

As I will reiterate, glad we are skipping Lincecum. (Are WE?)

Wright - We Are Praying for a Quick Recovery

2009-08-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

Wright. It's a name that is mandatory in the Mets line up, but Matt Cain may make David not Abel (hell yeah, that pun was intended) to play for a few days.

Didn't have a chance to see the actual pitch, but heard the broadcast.

It is looking like Seinfeld's prophecy is coming through....we are rooting for clothes. (Who the hell is 8/9ths of the Mets line up these days?

Parnell - Is He The Next Starter (Hidden in Plain View?)

2009-08-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

Short post tonight as I am in a rush - but, looks like Bobby Parnell, if he can keep this momentum on par -- or close -- to what he did tonight could be a big boon for the Amazin's.

What impressed me the most? Zero walks and only 3 hits - all singles!

Let's keep our peepers peeled.

We May Lose One 'Los

2009-08-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

Rumors are flying about (though not at the "frequency" of HRs out of CitiField) that Carlos Delgado is now suffering from another injury...So, my view is there is too much sentimentality with this team - Oliver Perez, Scott Schoenweis, Aaron Heilman and now Delgado...two were finally jetiisoned and now its time to do the same to the other remaining two.

Fresh blood is needed. Can't wait around for a perhaps...Now I am praying Wright comes back from his minor to-do.

Ahhhhh. To be a Mets fan. Well, life isn't easy, but I would rather be alive and a Mets fan than dead and a __________________ fan. (optional fill in the blank).

Stop The Presses! (More like Stop Perez-es)

2009-08-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

Today the Mets played a matinee where they...(GASP) - WON. The sarcasm is heavy here because each time I watch them in an afternoon contest they come away with an "L."

The recap of the game from the NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/13/sports/baseball/13mets.html?_r=1&hpw has an interesting line on Oliver Perez. Ollie, had 5 walks or so in the first 5 innings and the score was 1-0. Unreal, and ya got lucky on that. The TV commentators were saying he average 8.point walks per 9 innings....(oh, and 5 was considered BAD)... It baffles me why we keep him. Was he a jailhouse lover of the Wilpons?

Anyway, despite the free passes, he FINALLY pitched well. No decision, but better than the albatross of the Ls he carried around.

Kudos to Cory Sullivan. Getting one triple is HARD, two in a game, well, you can fill in the superlative here.

Off tomorrow and back east against the Giants...I just checked...barring and irregularities in the sked, we MISS Lincecum.

Need to Wright The Ship

2009-08-11T19:45:00.001-07:00

David Wright is fatigued. Another hurdle we must overcome for tonight's game (and, man, is it showing. Mets are presently down 4-2 in the 4th. Thrills! Only 5 more innings to go).

Ben Shpigel takes a look at Wright...Worth reading his article

Wright is on pace to achieving (bad word, no?) 140+ strikeouts this year. I don't know what that means, except the Mets finally have someone who leads in a category, albeit an ignominious one.

Heard a stat that is still hard to fathom that the Mets lead the Majors (maybe its the NL) in stolen bases....

AND Broken Hearts!

Enough of the Beards

2009-08-10T20:07:00.000-07:00

Oh, the title of the post has NOTHING to do with the Mets growing facial hair until they get to .500 (Editor's note: They may all look like Z Z Top before we know it)....The beards I am talking about are the substitute players. I want Beltran, Reyes, Delgado, Maine, Putz..etc...etc...etc... to return.

Ah.....just another night where the Mets are behind and I am jonesing for solid baseball....

Flatt Friars

2009-08-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

OK, so, the series this week against the Padres wasn't what we expected. Two losses, but we come away with a win (Nice Pitching Santana) on the Sunday game.

On to Cactus land, but something is starting to look a bit scary. The Nationals (yes, not a typo) have strung together some seven wins and just beat Arizona.

Can the Mets turn the tables or will they get pricked?

Pelfrey will be getting the ball and will have more incentive to elongate his career (congrats on the birth of your new son).

I'm hoping for the same miracle of 1969....

Reverse Luck / Isn't Everth Cabrera's Name Spelled Wrong?

2009-08-08T18:51:00.000-07:00

Oliver Perez finally yields a game to which the Mets brass predicted he would do on a regular basis. His walks were down and K's up. But what happens? Light hitting Everth C a SS for the Padres quashes with a crusher - a walk off granny.

Amazing how these losses rack up.

Hmmmmmm...had a halcyon moment...wonder if Davey Johnson is doing anything????

MLB Shakes a Player's Tree - Did The Mets Pick Up any Leaves?

2009-08-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

Carl Pavano, Vicente Padilla and Jason Giambi were all deemed not relevant for their respective teams and were apparently put on waivers and / or cut from the team...Mets need some pitching - Minaya let Pavano go. He had a good record in his last few starts.

OK Omar, why not get Giambi for a small price. He's a Moneyball player and has a good on base percentage. Platoon him with Murphy as Daniel fully learns the position.

Now we need to focus on beating the Padres. Oliver Perez is pitching. Will I watch the full game? NO! Would rather have other types of nightmares.

Anderson WIN DOHS!

2009-08-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

He was a familiar - or semi-familiar face to Mets fans back in 06 and 07 and a tad, if I recall, in 08, and now he's back. Good glove, average hitter (my opinion) Anderson Hernandez. See Article from MLB.com I recall a nice catch he made on an opening day a few years ago, and was slated to me the man at 2B until he got hurt.

Is it me, or is it a bit ironic that the Mets have done a lot of trading with one of the worst teams in baseball - the Nationals...we got Luis Ayala, Anderson Hernandez, Ryan Church, Scott Schneieder and a few others...even sent our old bench coach, the now, terminated Manny Acta there to manage.

With the Mets on the left coast the next few days or so, my posts will be pre-game. As big of a fan as I am of this team, I don't have the time to stay up so late.

Anyway, Anderson, good to have you back....bust some windows with your name and your swing.

Muscles, Bones, Strains and Sprains

2009-08-05T19:11:00.000-07:00

I think each Met hitting the DL should get a one-on-one lecture with a winner of the Prestigious Purple Heart. Some of the injuries can be prevented with extensive stretching programs, plyometrics and better conditioning.

Sheffield, Niese and Castillo are all casualities of the past two game series with St. Louis.

Take a look at Stephania Bell's article on ESPN.com .

While I have you here, another good article appeared today...Perhaps if the Mets did a little Moneyball-like roster moves, we'd have a better team - http://nymag.com/news/sports/games/58180/

Green - Eggs a Slam

2009-08-04T21:22:00.000-07:00

I do not like (Sean) Green
He Lets a slam
He gives it up
to Pujols, I am.

He can hit a batter
Man, it really matters
Ball hit in the bun
Knocked in a run

(terrible spoof on Green Eggs and Ham - but it was worse being at the game tonight seeing a 7-5 lead shrivel to 12-7 with Albert Pujols deciMETing the Mets.

So Close....Yet Miles Away 6-5

2009-08-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

So, what comes out of tongiht's game? We came back from a 6-0 lead to close it at 6-5.

The Mets rattled Dan Haren's league leading ERA by scoring 5 Runs and the D-Backs probably gave Nelson Figueroa a bus ticket to another city (maybe even another club).

It is too embarrassing to punch in his stats from this keyboard, so look em up here: http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=290803121 but, don't say I didn't warn you.

Still trying to ponder why the punching bag teams like Washington, Pitt, Arizona give the Metropolitans a hard time.

A graphic showed the Mets were 8 games out of the Wild Card race...that's a lot, but, to me, a team shouldn't even be "considered" if they are playing below .500.

Well, I will be at tomorrow's game seeing Santana for the 4th time in person this year...Go-han; Johan.

Diamonds are the Hardest Rocks to Break (Especially.....)

2009-08-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

When your opposing pitcher gets 5 at-bats during a game, well, that says it all.

Pelfrey was good...didn't melt....

Scary stat...Mets lead the majors in walks...something like 418 in 922 innings.

I took a look at some numbers from ESPN...Ollie Perez has 47 BBs in 48 innings (now that's a surprise)...Livan is next with 43 in 120 innings and Johan has the same, but in 137....The rest of the list is brutal. If we only showed more control, less base runners = less runs.

Facing Dan Haren tomorrow who is stellar. Gotta turn the tables.

I'm heading to the park on Tuesday night...

Angel Bedevils the Snakes

2009-08-01T19:50:00.001-07:00

All I have to say tonight is the way the Mets played is reminiscent of the old days...tenacious, putting ducks on the pond and re-gaining the lead.

Nice Smack by Angel Pagan...this is a catalyst moment for the season.

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

2009-07-31T20:17:00.000-07:00

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 -!

2009-07-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

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....

2009-07-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

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....

2009-07-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-24T18:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-07-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-18T19:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-15T18:07:00.001-07:00

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?

2009-07-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-07-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-12T18:51:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-11T19:29:00.001-07:00

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)

2009-07-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-07-09T19:53:00.001-07:00

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?

2009-07-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-06T17:41:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-07-05T19:26:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

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!

Hassidic Brew

2009-06-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

Crappy title that has nothing to do with the blog post...just wrote it so I could wake up. What a disaster of a game.

I think the Mets DEFENSE is lacking big time - yesterday Argenis Reyes was never in the right place and a lot of balls were getting by the shortstop. Today, F-Mart has a horrendous gaffe in center field.

One thing that goes through my mind...remember Willie Randolph? Yeah. The guy before Jerry Manuel....Not many know where he wound up - yes. Still in baseball and a bench coach for the Brew Crew.

As you recall, he was fired at 3:00-something a.m. by an E-mail.

Wonder what is going through his mind now. Surely a few "I told you so" chuckles.

Gotta Be A Diehard Fan No Matter What

2009-06-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

Over the last few weeks, my fellow fans have been (MYSELF INCLUDED) second-guessing rather than second-basing.

Tonight's game was just another in throwing the hands (and stomach contents) up in futility. There was a glimmer of hope in the 9th with 5 straight hits, but it never materialized. I got bit psyched when they had to resort to Trevor Hoffman. Don't think I am a Hoffman "fan" - it amused me that he had to get ready in a jiffy. Going from a 10-3 lead to 10-6...End result was egg on the face. 1 Pitch. 1 Double Play. 1 Game Ending. 1 Fan (me / you) coming back again tomorrow to watch.

Notes...This is a one liner, but what the hell were the Mets thinking letting Mark DeRosa slip away? He's a good lunchpail player. Cardinals got him for a song - like 2 notes.

SEE - I do have more than 1 reader!....A good friend of mine posted a comment about the loss yesterday..."I'm for taking up a collection: We need to get Jerry Manuel: a Berlitz guide to English, and a truck load of ACTIVIA (win or lose) just to get through a postgame without freaking my ears out."We need to catch somebody on a bad day..." WTF?

See Ya At The Ball Park

3rd Game v. Yankees

2009-06-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

Tough to watch. Mets should "OWN" Chien-Mien Wang. As I write this, he is outpitching Livan. Not that Livan is Cy Young timbre, but when Wang's ERA is higher (or so it seems) than Livan's real age, and your team isn't clobbering him, there needs to be some righting of the ship.

Brewers tomorrow. Glad to get back to regular baseball. Interleague is the Three-Card-Monty of all sports.

A Picture is Worth 1 Hit (Well, That's all the Mets Were Able to Muster Against the Yankees

2009-06-27T19:04:00.000-07:00

A 1-hit shutout to our cross town rivals.

Ugh.

Saw a graphic that was haunting. (I may be off by 2-3 on each range, but you will get the idea)...Mets his 26 HR at CitiField since opening day. Opponents - 36.

What's wrong with this picture.

Everything.

This team reminds me a bit of the scab football (and baseball) players during the strike many years ago.

What's In A Name? (Uhhh...Not Much, Especially if it's Elmer)

2009-06-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, a good friend of mine (full disclosure, also a Mets fan, but this is unrelated -- Until now) told me that historically, kids named "Elmer" never succeed.

His theory became correct tonight, at least for Elmer Dessens. Who? My point exactly. Serves about 20 pitches, two of them reached the seats and 3 runs came home.

Granted, Yanks C.C. Sabathia pitched a gem, but Jerry Manuel needs to evaluate putting in low-experienced -- (just typed the word talent and erased it) arms against a tough team. Actually, Dessens does have experience...traveling -- as he has had short stints with many teams.

I'm happy with taking one of the three games.

RedBirds Migrating South

2009-06-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure today of securing a tough ticket and getting a chance to see Johan Santana v. Chris Carpenter at CitiField. In the beginning, Santana looked - eh. Plus the umpire's strike zone was a bit suspect. Cards took an early lead and then the Mets came alive. No home runs (surprised?) but the air was on the electric side as fans were pumped. Omir Santos is becoming a favorite as is Nick Evans.

Pujols, the best player in the game today was virtually shut down. I thought it was interesting to see K-Rod get six strikes on the first six pitches he threw, then appeared to pitch around Pujols. Smart idea considering down by 1 run in the 9th.

The team is turning the corner and it's time to beat up the boys from da bronx.

"I Don't Think You Do" - This is a POSITIVE Headline - Read On....

2009-06-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

The headline of this blog sort of sounds pessimistic - but, if we are playing Jeopardy! the question is "What did Jerry Manuel reply when asked if you take Fernando Nieve out of the line-up.

It has been three starts and he has pitched brilliantly. Tonight, a shut-out performance and keeping the first place Cardinals at bay is no easy task. I know it seems odd that Nieve was a cast-off, but Oliver Perez got more chances that Steve Howe did with his problems. Let's put Ollie out to pasture. (Heck, they did it with Duaner Sanchez whom they messed the whole dynamic of the team with back in 06).

Tonight's game was a milestone win. A confidence booster and one the team should be proud of. The stat that jumped out to me was 8 for 13 with runners in scoring position. Usually when we see these stats as of late, or, **Gulp** bases loaded, the numbers are anemic. How anemic? Mario Mendoza-like.

Welcome back to Nick Evans, who was a reclamation project. He went 7-for-75 in the minors before a fete of hitting. Hope its contagious.

Fernando, I hope you keep your momentum and poise - and keep winning.

Tomorrow its a matinee - Santana and Chris Carpenter. I'm there!