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!

Hassidic Brew

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

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

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

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)

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

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....

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!

It Ain't In the Cards - That is, With Mets Shuffled Line Up To Beat Pujols...

I opened my mouth (too wide, too boastful) in the elevator today...saw a Mets fan and three Cardinal fans and asked them if they were prepared to lose tonight. They said no. They held their ground - Joe Piniero held the Mets bats in silence.

I got a very interesting email today from a good friend, Mister Earl (some may call him Speedo). He has been a fan since Casey Stengel trotted out to the mound at the Polo Grounds to check on 20-game loser, Al Jackson.

Here goes...interesting points...(this was written before the Cards game tonight and I did not adjust any numbers)

Anyone who does not enjoy watching how these underdog replacement Mets battle (only 1.5 out of first despite all the injuries, drama and human error) is just bitter about the past.

These Mets are unpredictable, fun, gritty and tenacious. A no-name like Omir Santos is more lovable and more clutch than Paul LoDuca ever was.

Alex Cora plays with his finger in a splint.

The butcher of left field, Daniel Murphy, is our new first baseman. Fernando Martinez is about 3 years away from his first shave...Luis Castillo turns boos into cheers because he has heart and does not avoid the glare of the reporters lights. David Wright either strikes out or hits a frozen rope. I have no problem with that.

Jerry Manuel is cool and crazy at the same time. A perfect fit for the improvisational strategy that is required to make guys work through mistakes and make the players believe they still have a job to do.

Ryan Church is seeing clearly now and reminds me of Fred Lynn.

Gary Sheffield was supposed to be washed up, too old and a clubhouse cancer. That toughness is not materializing from thin air. If Lenny Dykstra was nails, Shef is an industrial strength locking bolt.

Omar is shuffling guys like a dealer at a Las Vegas table. Even Sean Green looks like he's figured it out. Mike Parnell is on the clock. All our pitchers from Venezuela (Santana, Rodriguez and even Nieve) are the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Win or lose... I love dese freakin' guys

We Gave The Birds The Bird

Going into tonight's game, well, I thought we were going to have to OD on Alka Seltzer...but the fizz was in the Mets bats (Omir Santos, Luis Castillo) and legs - good running efforts and aggressiveness by Razor Shines.

On WFAN today Mike Francessa (rhymes with incessant) kept talking about how the team that was fielded for the starting line-up had 10 less home runs that Albert Pujols. Mr. F, I will be happy to remove the egg from your face.

Omir Santos faced the St. Louis hurlers with no fear going 4 for 4 -- here's a stat to ponder, he only saw 8 pitches tonight.

Luis Castillo made a bold run home and challenged (barely beat the tag) of Rick Ankiel's arm.

Cardinals are a tough team and then the next stop is the Yankees. (Oh, enough of Interleague). Personally, I would say today's game was a turn back the clock (2005-07) when the Mets played with a lot of hustle every night. Beltran's trip to the DL isn't pleasant, but everything came together and they rallied.

On paper, with their top starters, the Mets are the best. But the paper has been crumbled with the loss of Beltran, Reyes, Delgado...Putz....etc.

Twas A Ray Day (Again)

Didn't get a chance to watch much of this contest today - save for the first inning, but when I got back and looked at the box score...I just had to reach for the Pepcid.

Another game blown by the bullpen and this is something like 1-7 over the last several occasions where the starters weren't able to go the distance.

I know we exorcised the spirits of Aaron Heilman and Scott Schoenweis away, but this is bad. Wright put some wood on the ball and IRONICALLY, the Mets gave up only two walks. One from Takahashi (kind of expected) and one from Felciano - who has been a tad overused.

Meanwhile the Rays gave 5 free passes, yet the Mets would go home 4 runs shy.

The good news is that Interleague play is over *GULP* until next week's series with the Yankees.

I am wondering now if CitiField is built over an ancient Indian Burial Ground...hard to hit a home run there. Hey, BJ Upton has been quite effective..why not consider him for next year.

Santana - Mets Bats Defying the Laws of Physics - Runs

Another Santana starts, another game where the Mets bats seems to go Rip Van Winkle...3 hits, 3 doubles total. 1 Run.

Usually when the ace takes the mound, the bats are alive....There was some hustle in the game, but the breaks didn't go the right way. A rain delay...well....that's not cool.

I'm beginning to like Omir Santos...slowly I think he's rounding into the everyday catcher.

Speaking of promising players, let's revisit Fernando Nieve...A good friend of mine had the following quip (and he has been a fan since he was a kid in '62):

The Natural.Fans are missing a great comeback story in Fernando Nieve. Drafted as a skinny 170 pound prodigy at 16 who struggles through a roller coaster of expectations and false starts the minors as property of the Astros, Nieve is claimed by Minaya and gets an opportunity to finally get it right, 50 pounds heavier at 220 and more mature.At only 26, he shows signs of maturity and confidence to step into a pennant race. Stay tuned.

He's got a point~

Nieve Snowed The Rays

Are we on to something? Is Fernando Nieve for real? I hope so. His performance tonight was stellar - 6 innings, 1 run. Seems like they haven't figured him out yet. Maybe he's our version of Cliff Lee? Minors one year - solid performance the next.

One wonders if the Mets acted to quickly by cutting Ron Villone, Freddy Garcia and maybe one or two others from Spring Training.

In any event, the victory was warranted and Schneider and Church did some good offensive damage.

Let's keep our eyes open with Fernando. And, the quartet of Green, Feliciano, Parnell and K-Rod seem to be effective.

Mid afternoon game tomorrow!

He HUFFed and He Puffed and He Blew OUR House Down

Second Straight Night Aubrey Huff invoked damage on the Mets.

Going into the 9th, when K-Rod loaded the bases, we all knew it was ALLLLL Over. The Mets rallied a few times and had good moments, but the Birdseye view (from my couch) wasn't that great. (Not to be a fair weather fan, it would have been stellar if they won).

Many have heard me praise Aubrey Huff - Now it's time for the Mets to get their nemesis, make him an ally (and a nemesis to other NL teams).

Livan once again had a no decision. Is that good? No.

Tomorrow its the Rays...I haven't looked at the sked lately, (Cardinals next week) but the Rays who were once a carpet are now a red carpet. Something to look at.

Mets better not LOOK at them, but rather play them well.

Mets are the Statues for the Birds

Sometimes you are the bird (Orioles), sometimes the statue (Mets) and you know what birds do to statues?

Mets weren't bad tonight - however, I HOPE Omar Minaya is scouting players for next year -- or for that matter, later this year.

Take Aubrey Huff - (yeah, I know I mentioned him a few times before here) - he can clock the ball a bit and is still young enough to be productive.

Can Pedro Felciano be blamed for the loss tonight? Sure. If you want, but let's face it, he was in the last 7 of 9 games. He has a good ERA and tough to hit....What else? Nick Markakis did well tonight and I can see this kid going places....Jose Reyes Return? I heard "Around the All Star Break." This is going to be tough.

A good friend (former business client) gave me a boost today when he said he thought the Mets could come back and win the pennant. Gotta like friends like that!

Squeeeek.

I didn't get a chance to SEE the game, but heard the last inning or so on the radio and it sounded like K-Rod may not have been that invincible. He was lucky to get these guys out as he hit the heart of the order and these guys bring wood.

Good to rebound after a day's rest.

Leakings in the press were that Santana had a bit of knee trouble. In the pre-game comments, that was news to Santana too.

Love the press. To quote Jim Bouton in Ball Four, "Consider the Source."

On The Eve....30 Years Ago - Mets-Orioles - NOT to be Missed....June 15,2009 - Mets / Orioles --- TO Be Missed

I was just puttering around some baseball stats and happenings and pondered that 30 years ago, the hottest ticket around was the 1969 World Series where the Mets were playing the vaunted Baltimore Orioles. Brooks Robinson...Jim Palmer...Boog Powell...Dave McNally and the list goes on.

Tomorrow, the Mets begin a series with the O's in interleague play. Both teams are struggling to win. The O's have some good players and I hope Omar Minaya will be in attendance to scout a few. Aubrey Huff, Adam Jones, Nolan Reimold, Brian Roberts - I would welcome any of these guys to the Mets. The two teams have a history of doing some trading/dealing...John Maine, Kris Benson and a few others come to mind.

I doubt the series between the two will have the word "World"next to it come October. (Hope I'm wrong - hell, I'm a blogger, of course I'm wrong!). But it would be good to see some recovery and an upward momentum like we had earlier this year.

Saying this out loud as I type: LET's GO METS!

Interesting Date - June 15...Checking BaseballReference.com, look at some of the interesting things that happened. Ironically, only two games are being played today...

1902 - Corsicana defeated Texarkana 51 - 3 in a Texas League game. Nig Clarke of Corsicana took advantage of the small park and hit eight home runs. Some telegraph operators, thinking there was a mistake, reported the score as 5 - 3.

1938 - Johnny Vander Meer of the Cincinnati Reds stunned the baseball world by pitching his second successive no-hitter in five days, defeating the Brooklyn Dodgers, 6 - 0, as Brooklyn played the first night game ever at Ebbets Field. In front of 38,748 fans, including spectator Babe Ruth, Vander Meer struck out seven and walked eight, including three one-out walks in the ninth inning. A force at home and a fly ball ended the game. Vander Meer no-hit the Boston Braves, 3 - 0, on June 11.

1949 - Eddie Waitkus of the Philadelphia Phillies was shot by 19-year-old Ruth Steinhagen at Chicago's Edgewater Beach Hotel. She will later be placed in a mental hospital. Waitkus battled for his life and came back to play the following season.

White Flag Up....We Surrender....Please Invoke the 10 Run Rule During a ShutOut

If Nancy Pelosi mentions waterboarding one more time, I am going to make her watch the last 10 Mets losses. WE have been waterboarded and tortured with horrible play (AND luck).

In all of my years as a diehard fan, today's game was one of the hardest to watch...In fact, I could only watch the first few innings. If it was a rainy day, I would have stayed in, but it was so sunny that I decided to go outdoors.

Johan was off his game and allowing 9 runs was uncharacteristic of his performance, but, as you have also witnessed, the Mets defense has been terrible. (Worse than that - BELOW suck level).

Heard a stat that said something like the Mets team average with bases loaded was .111. That is anemic. It makes Bobby Sands look like Walter Hudson.

First, I have not been a proponent of extended interleague play. This isn't new, it was blogged about last year. Maybe one series against a rival and then another 3 game series is OK, but it's old now.

My hat goes off to the Yankees...they played well and showed class by sitting some of the stars and giving the B squad a shot.

What's next for the Mets? A serious overhaul. Here's a quick, down and dirty shooting from the hip who they should acquire to help the team....Who do you give up? Doubt anyone wants walking wounded....

P - Cliff Lee
C - Keep Omir ...
1B - Aubrey Huff
2B - Mark DeRosa
SS - If Reyes doesn't return, maybe Edgar Reneteria? I dunno
3B - Wright Stays
OF - Ben Zobrist, Eric Byrnes (he'd do good in NYC) and I like this kid on the O's - Nolan Reimold.
Manager - Hmmmmm - Dusty Baker? I was a fan of his before the Mets went with Art Howe.

I know the list above isn't the be-all, end-all, but it sure feels good being a GM on a Sunday night.

Day off tomorrow (oh, and today wasn't???)....Let's see what transpires as we move forward.

Keith Hernandez basically summed it up. "Throw out today's loss. It is easier to take than the Castillo pop-up-drop."

Ramblings...We need a modern day version of the Reverend Herbert Redmond of Brooklyn's St. Francis Roman Catholic Church who told his flock in 1955 when the great G.H. was slumping...."It's far too hot for a homily. Keep the Commandments and say a prayer for Gil Hodges." It's a shame NYC's new Cardinal is a Cardinals (or Brewers?) fan.

This Crazy Game Called Baseball

Logic.

Throw it out the window, and when it lands on the street, pounce up and down on it like there is no tomorrow.

Who would have ever thought that a Houston Astros castoff in Spring training would tame the Yankees and keep them at bay? Even the folks who are addicted to picking longshots would have hopped off that bet if you GAVE it to them.

Nevertheless, Fernando Nieve, another in the long line of Mets obscure fill-ins made us believers. Held Jeter, A-Rod and co to a mere four hits, and conversely, the Flushing Ferocious Mets clubbed 17 hits...count em...thats a lot...about doubled their average.

One thing that kind of irked me watching the game on TV there wasn't any loud cheering. I mean, this is a bigger rivalry than Coke and Pepsi....than Vanilla vs. Chocolate, Scuffy vs. Pinebrook. Surely the fans could have risen to the occasion. Maybe I'm just to passionate about baseball. (I hope I'm judged that way by my peers and enemies). If that's the case, then I am going to be making some noise at the ballpark...Cheer the team on peeps, we need to rally and get over the Castro Catastrophe.

Tomorrow, we are gonna get ya A.J. Burnett....WATCH OUT!

Luis Castillo's New Photo

Plain and simple, Castillo is a goat. To give up all the Mets worked for, and succeeded, to lose it in the 9th, to make a fundamental error. Unacceptable.

Taking the lead from the Yankees three times - no one will remember.

Beltran getting on base four times and working through 36 pitches. Forgotten. Ryan Church's 3 RBIs. Really?

Joba struggling to get a strike (and the Mets getting many on by walks)...zzzzzzzzzzzzz

It all comes down to a goat-warranted easy out blunder. Sure, there were two men on base, but this was enough.

OK Omar, now, the philosophical question...What was wrong with Orlando Hudson? (So you don't have to look it up, Castillo is presently batting .277 to Hudson's .307).

The team, despite my ranting, played valiantly, but no one exalts in a loss.

Phillies 2009 = Mets of Late 80s

Too good to be true. Mets leading by several runs..Redding pitching nice. Then, Takahashi, the 40 year old rookie (Couldnt they have waited at least ONE more year?) comes in and gives it all up. (Sadly, he didn't get the loss, though he should have).



The stat that wraggled me was that the Phillies have 20 (YAH, Twenty) come from behind wins this year. That means with 35Ws they were only leading in 15 of these games. Good rallying, wrong team.

Was Cole Hamels right this past winter? I don't want to answer that now -- would rather wait till there are definitive stats, but Jerry needs to make a shakeup.

It ain't all doom and gloom...its just a matter of being outscored.

Parnell Spills It (Phils Win It)

Cole Hamels gets battered for 11 hits and 4 runs....what happens next, you would expect a win for the Mets?

Yeah, you know the drill.

I'm just speechless....they were doing so well and it feels like as you are about to get a birthday cake, someone comes in and steps in it (barefoot, no less). There go the candles, there goes the W.

A former co-worker set me straight - told me to be happy to take 2 of 3 and not be greedy.

Here's the box score...you may curse when you see Parnell giving up the gopher to Utley.
http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=290610121

And, On June 9, CitiField Was Transformed Into a Band Box

Prior to the game I was listening to WFAN and the talk was about how hard it was to hit HRs in CitiField...Mike Francessa was blabbering stats comparing the Yankees having 90+ and the Mets only 34 in their respective new parks.

Then the talk got into "if Wright played at Yankee Stadium, he'd have more than the three he has now."

Lots of moot points.

But, tonight, the CitiField law(s) of Physics were altered as 7 Wall Balls occurred. 4 by the Phils, 3 by the Mets..wanna know what was more miraculous? The Mets showed heart the whole way and KRod shut them down.

Please, I hope this is THE turning point. I haven't thrown in the towel.

Seatbelts, HERE...Getcha Seatbelts

Fans, fellow friends, Mets followers...Tonight I was going to write about WHO the Mets should get at each position as either a back-up or full time player, but it got late and my brain feels like the Mets have been playing, so I will spare ye lone reader.

All I have to say is buckle up for the next few...it's going to be a doozy.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ to W

I think I figured out a simple way for the Mets to win. All I gotta do is take a nap.

This morning I did a 35 mile bike ride, ran a few errands and at about 1:28 p.m. (game time, 1:30, closed my eyes while the Mets game started. A mere 28 minutes later upon awakening, the score was 5-0. The team continued the momentum. And, I am glad for that.

We Mets fans have been suffering like the Dow...a 400 point loss, a 25 point gain, a 300 point loss, a $20 gain...etc.

Never did I ever think that beating the Washington Nationals (remember, folks, these were once known as the lowly Expos -- the place that has the ill fitting roof or such in their former stadium....(looks like it was the Mets that caved before the roof).

An anecdote I once heard about actor Wayne Knight (Newman in Seinfeld) had various jobs in his life...one was as a private investigator. What he goes on to describe, reminds me of how it feels to beat crappy teams: "One assignment I had to was to trail a man with a three-legged dog -- that's when I knew I had to do something else."

Day off tomorrow, but I heard the Mets announcers say that coming up, the Mets will be playing teams with winning records (save for the Pirates and one other) until the All-Star break. Time to get serious. AGAIN.

WasherWomanRantings (well, ME)... Don't you wish the following players were still back with the team...Mo Vaughn, Bret Saberhagen, Kenny Rogers, Mike Hampton? Aw right... I didn't mean that...

WTF? - NO, Not What You Think It Stand7-s For (But It Should)

Where are the Fundamentals?

I admit, I turned this game on late -- bottom of the first and saw a 3-0 score. I was astonished. Had the game on a bit, ran a mini errand, came back, 7-0, and their "ACE" was throwing a 1-hitter.

Is there any difference between the '62 Mets and the '09 Mets? YES....Emil Brown (whoever he is) probably makes more in one season that the entire club did then. At least with the '62 team....AHHHHH I'm just gonna bag it here and go to bed.

NY TIMES Headline: "Mets Lose Putz for 10-12 Weeks" ---OK, What I Want To Know is How Is He Going to Pee?

Some players lead the league in hits, some in home runs, others in triples. The Mets are leading the majors in an unenviable category...no, not hit batsmen, nor is it high ERA, but rather Men on the DL. For position players, it means we won't be seeing the likes of Reyes, Delgado, Church, Ramon Martinez and Angel Pagan...for pitchers, these arms are on the shelves: JJ Putz, Oliver Perez and Billy Wagner. If you are counting, that's 8.

Latest victim is the much ballyhooed JJ Putz. If you recall I did a post about pronouncing his name a mere few days ago. Last year, same thing, his season was curtailed, while in 07, he was unhittable.

Ben Shpigel chronicles the injury and adds a few good observations in his article with the headline that is going to have many a truck driver blushing, "Mets Lose Putz for 10-12 Weeks"

Ironic that tonight's win against the Nationals (interjection here - NO one seemed to be at the game tonight - looked like it was fans of the Ebola disease who showed up - uh, not many) that the Mets rallied and won.

We are all guilty of analyzing each play, each game, each win, each loss. Just glad the team showed heart.

Carlos Beltran said the other day about the loss to the Pirates, in essence, both teams put out fields of healthy men. 'Cept many of these Mets never played with each other, let alone against a bad team.

Jerry - more infield practice! Call for it!

Pirates Make Pelfrey Walk The Plank

Disgusting sloppy game.

I don't know what's up or why no one is hitting or scoring or fielding or pitching. Pelfrey looked TERRIBLE...He choked....looked like he swallowed that old mouthpiece.

How do you lose 3 games to the Pirates? My 9 credits in philosophy can't even address this. (Isn't there a school of philosophy that proves things don't exist? -- help me find it and erase these 3 losses).

Last year I went to a day game against the Bucs at Shea and the Mets lost like 13-3. Fans were leaving around the 4th inning...

NY Times Game Coverage (Barf Bags are to the left). http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/05/sports/baseball/05mets.html?hpw

No Spahn. No Sain. But Glad We Got Rain

Tonight's contest was rained out. But the landscape tomorrow afternoon should be a bit interesting as the Bucs lost some clout in McLouth who is now heading towards TedTurnerville.

I think all parties were happy for nature's way of stepping in and calling time-out.

I would love to see some of the big names come back soon. Bugs Bunny was right - you CAN'T tell the players without a scorecard. And, for some of these replacements, you can't tell em how to play baseball.

I don't want to sound old, but fundamentals should be brought back.

Pirates SHOULD Be the Pyrites

The team out in Pittsburgh is one of the weakest, EXCEPT when they play the Mets. The word Pirate conjures a tough warrior, but the term Pittsburgh in front of it conjures up Pyrite the flaky mineral.

I dunno what to say...the REAL Mets must come back....unless they were hijacked by Somali Pirates?

Meet me half way and win the next two.

Dictionary Quiz - How Do You Define and Pronounce "Putz"

Well, there are two ways. If you get everyone out and quell the opposition in the seventh, eighth, and, when needed in the ninth, it's simple...."pootz"

BUT, if you get in a game against the second to last place, oh-so-woeful Pittsburgh Pirates (no slander meant there to my good friend, D.G. who is a huge Bucs fan...by the way, D.G. who is in the insurance biz, do you have a policy for the Pirates winning?) - and give up 4 hits, three earned runs, a walk and no K and not even recording an out, then the pronunciation is like it is spelled P-U-T-Z (Check the validity here via dictionary.com)

We all knew this would happen, that J.J. would be throwing J.unk, J.unk and get pounded during one outing at some point. ALL relief pitchers implode at one juncture or another.

Going from 5-0, to 5-3 (Livan pitched good, I thought) and then 8-5, something is askew.

For those who want to work on their gagging reflex, here's the box score. Games like these come back and haunt. Mets, you gotta be Ghost (er, Pirate)-Busters. Get the next two!

F-Mart....Is He Nordstrom's Quality or Below K-Mart?

This post was in the Daily News Blogs....Before we begin, there are a lot of exciting young players and they must be brought up with the right seasoning, skill-wise and between the ears...

I hope Fernando Martinez makes it and gets the idea of hustle. When you are a fill-in, this is a good time for showcasing skills. When you think of it, EVERY ball player at one time or another is a fill in...So, good luck FM

Here's the insight from the NYDN:


Mets admit F-Mart needs work
May 31, 2009
The Mets acknowledge that Fernando Martinez is no finished product and that apparently extends to his outfield play, too. The uber-prospect needs some work as a fielder, according to Jerry Manuel, though Manuel said that's normal and that F-Mart has the potential to be a good outfielder. Here are a few of the manager's thoughts on Martinez's outfield play:

"I think as a young player, and I talked with Razor (Shines) about this, I think what we have to work with Fernando is running to a spot and then decelerating. It almost looks like he's kind of cruising and then accelerating. And maybe as he gets comfortable here in the ballpark and knows the intricacies of the ballpark, he might be able to do that. But it almost appears that he's running carefully rather than boom, making a burst to the ball and then kind of relaxing.

"As a 20-year-old guy that has played all the different positions but has not played in this type of setting, in this type of hype to a stadium, it's a little different. The wind plays different tricks on you, and so forth and so forth. But the good thing is as an outfielder, it looks as though he has soft hands. As an outfielder, it looks as though he's rhythmic in running to the ball.

"It appears as though he has a chance to be a good outfielder, but is he that right now? I would say no."

Manuel added that the Mets believe F-Mart will be a good major-league hitter, but there will be growing pains. "But obviously there's going to be a lot of things that he's going to be growing," Manuel said. "And a lot of that growth is going to be painful for us….I believe that he'll continue to get better on a daily basis, so hopefully we see that."

If Anyone Sees The Mets REAL Line Up, Let Me Know....(It Can Probably Be Found on a Milk Carton

Taking a look at the Mets line-up today, I thought Bill Veeck was back pulling a trick.



To quote Jerry Seinfeld's alleged line, "Who Are These People?" is the best way to phrase it.



Ben Shpiegel sums it up from his New York Times article...



And Redding...ugh....what a bad outing. Soon, if this keeps up, he will be known more as a distant relative of Joyce Randolph than being a ball player.

Tidbits...A good friend of mine wrote to me..."hold up, is it just me, or is Omir Santos an updated (and clutch) version of Paul LoDuca?" and I replied...."Hopefully --- but only in the era where LoDuca was relevant. (Remember, they don't build em like Jerry Grote, Duffy Dyer or...**GULP** Choo Choo Coleman any more)."

Is Baseball a Funny Game? YEAH. When a 40YO Steals a Base...

....and it is the catalyst to a win.

And, the other conundrum, the Mets regular (maybe not anymore) catcher, Brian Schneider is due back tomorrow and Omir Santos does it again.

I like this kid. Good attitude and his post game comments weren't all about bravado and slugging, but rather contribution to the team. "Putting the ball in play" was his mantra.

It seems as the come from behind wins are the gas and fire the Mets need. Marlins are always pesky - no matter how good or bad they are on paper. This time, we burned the paper.

RANDOM MET -- The Stork - George Theodore

Day off...time to pay homage to a legendary Met...a true character - the one, the only - THE STORK.

George Basil Theodore (born November 13, 1947 in Salt Lake City, Utah) is a retired Major League Baseball player. Nicknamed "The Stork," Theodore played outfield for the New York Mets in 1973 and 1974. He is probably best remembered for a brutal outfield collision with Don Hahn in a game against the Atlanta Braves at Shea Stadium in 1973, in which Theodore fractured his hip.

He is also remembered for his offbeat personality and idiosyncratic interviews. For example, on Kiner's Korner he once remarked, "I've been trying transcendental meditation, and that helps me be passive and wait on the curve. I've got to find something else to hit the slider."

Today, Theodore serves as a youth baseball coach and gives counsel to elementary school students.

On September 28, 2008, Theodore returned to Shea Stadium for the stadium's closing ceremony.

Career Stats Played in a Mere 105 games....2 HR....seemed like more....How great is this world? I mean, the guy had a signed ball on eBay for $15

You Oughta Be In Pictures....(Or At Least HR Reviews)

How BizAAAR. Remember those lyrics in a song a few years ago? That's what it is coming down to with the Mets. They are getting the breaks with the videos...when they are on the offensive, they have gotten the HR call. The opposition, flagged. (no downside!).

Tonight was another example. Daniel Murphy who was riding the slump pony got a good shot off in the RF porch -- or did he? He did!

Nice sweep of the Nats.

I am wondering, will there be a category for Most HRs Via Replay for a player?

I'm in the bottom of the 14th here spirit-wise - a shade tired. So, I'm going to my own video review room and catch a few dreams (World Series 2009---AND Beyond).

And Livan, Livan Likes Complete Games....

About time the Mets (or any team these days) had a complete game. According to a graphic, this was the first one since Johan Santana's gem on Sept. 27, 2008 - the day before Shea gave its finale.

I only saw the last inning or so on TV and heard a bit of the early game on the radio. I wanted to see the long awaited debut of Fernando Martinez (0-3).

The line-up shuffle is odd, but they are winning. Now with Reyes and Church hobbled, Manuel has to make a five course dinner out of eggs, flour, a tea spoon of oil and water. Mix. Bake. Set. Win.

Left me back pedal for a second on complete games...How rare are they? Well, Cy Young pitched 749 of em. Modern and career of active players, Randy Johnson has 100. (2 in 2008, 2 in 2006). Here's the list of active players and complete games. Astonishing...you only need "4" to get on it....Livan is 5th now with 35.

Send those get well cards to Ryan and Jose.

Walk(s) Right In, Set Right Down....

(Song from the 70s I believe...too late in the evening for me to recall who sang it)...

But tonight's game against the Nationals slinged along at a slug's velocity (that is also a subtle slam against something, but more on that offline).

16 Walks - generated by 321 pitches. Sheer monotony - against the worst team in the MLB.

Glad for the win, but something like this should have been easier. J J Putz almost sent many to the dictionary to prove that his current alleged last name is NOT pronounced "pootz."

A sweep is mandatory. You heard it here, now follow it at Citifield.

It Takes Different Stokes (Brian) (to RUIN the World)

Who the hell is Brian Stokes and what is he doing in my salad?

He has not been effective of late and today, gives up 5 runs in 1.1 innings.

Mr. Manuel, if I were to greet you on the street today after that decision, I would same it with the same tone, cadence and timbre that Newman does when he greets Signore Seinfeld.

A word of advice, Willie always went to Guillermo Mota as his "boy"...Find another on this staff and send Stokes to bail out Heilman -- wherever he is!

Short. Spicy and Sour today.

Mir Omir - Or On The Wall...Who Hit a FAIR, Homerun Ball?

When you are scraping for a topic and a third string catcher hits a dramatic homerun, don't look anywhere else.

I thought the Mets were going to let this one get away with a skinny 2-1 score. Then, BAM! Omir Santos hits a rocket that HE knew was gone when it left the bat. Where did it land/bounce? Off the red strip in the outfield. Video review - Joe West comes out, circles his index finger in the air. We are ahead.

Check out the box score...Papelbon takes home an L....Feliciano gets the W at somewhat Pelfrey's expense.

The bottom line is the Metropolitans have 2 of 2 so far and one more to go.

Muses...Big Papi hasn't been able to connect much of late and is getting a reputation for leaving men on base...Perhaps "big crappy" is more apt.

OK...I'm personally pumped for a revenge sweep.

I'll be frank here, Ramon Martinez has made me cringe every time he touches the ball and every time he steps to the plate. That last out seemed to take forever and I was following the trajectory of the ball...WHEW...it hit Murphy's glove.

Wikked - We Beat the Sawx (Hearken Back to '86)

Like Gaul, this blog post will be divided in 3 parts...As far as drawing sequiturs between them, that's up to you -- I ain't the brains of this outfit - you are! (That's why you read UltiMETFan1969 with wreckless abandon).

So, first of all, I am not a fan of the Red Sox. Only players I really admired were Ted Williams and Carl Yaz (who was a relative of a late friend of mine, BJMZ). Tonight's victory was a symbol of a long rivalry and a triumph for all mankind. Going back to (I think) '06, the Sox swept the Mets in three. I still have not forgiven that!

Interesting stats...coming into this game, the Mets had ZERO Home runs on the road trip. That's hard to believe. HR's don't WIN games, but they are a catalyst...How are we going to fill the missing folks..Reyes out, Church looks like he may be out a day or two...and, Ramon Martinez? Puh-leeese...

Now the third part...as you know a good friend of mine, ML was a Mets fan in the Casey Stengel era. He and I have an instant message conversation maybe a few times a week relating to our fave team. Today, he sent me an interesting email, which he has allowed me to post...check it out....


If I could live through 40-120 I can certainly live through being a measly game and a half out of first place in May, after sleep-walking on the west coast.

Here is exactly what happens:

Murphy gets a glove from Wilson and learns to enjoy taking infield practice again. Amazingly, he snaps out of his slump.

Luis Castillo continues at a .280 clip and is solid as the two hitter. Jose Reyes returns in June, takes a minute, then gets hot as a firecracker in July, bouncing triples off the crazy angles at Gil Hodges/ Choo Choo Coleman Field

David Wright is David Wright. He and Shef become the clubhouse leaders. Remember the hug after home run 400? That was significant.

Carlos Delgado rests.Carlos Beltran never runs into another error where the ball drops in his area.

Ryan Church never misses another base and Angel Pagan is a better hitter than people give him credit.

Oliver Perez and Brian Schneider are traded to the Texas Rangers for an insurance infielder.

Sean Greene will be Fed Ex'ed to AAA Buffalo in early July and Dillon Gee gets his minutes.

Putz and KRod do their thing. By September 3rd, Billy Wagner is pleasantly effective as a middle relief man, augmenting Pedro Feliciano from the left hand side.

The Phillies lead the division by 9.5 games in early September. The Mets, channeling 1969, catch fire and catch them at the wire... in truly amazing fashion, in a pennant drive for the ages, forty years after catching and passing the Chicago Cubs.

Jerry Manuel is suddenly a genius.

You heard it here first.

So, wisdom of many! Let's go Mets!

Uh...Murphy CAN Play First...Excuse Me While I Wipe The Egg Off My Face

Short post...

Murph looked like he handled himself well at 1B last night...did some good fielding and the double play was exemplary.

Let them play! Let them Play! (forgot what movie that was from) but the thought carries over for #28.

Big series against the Red Sox tomorrow. Don't crank me up on Interleague play...NOT a fan.

We'll catch you on Friday and hope Santana can Sock the Sawx.

POST SCRIPTS --- My good friend, ML who was cited here a few times had another gem of wisdom combined with philosophy: As the Mets are going through a rough patch (only one game out of first DESPITE all the drama) this is May. The baseball season is a marathon, not a sprint. Stop with the cheap finger pointing at Omar Minaya unless you want to give back Johan Santana and Francisco Rodriguez.

(_________) Doesn't Know Their Ass From First Base

I didn't intend for the bracket and the underline to be an "ass," but it sets up the post I have for tonight.

Based on the press, the fans, the banter, Carlos Delgado's career at first, as a Met, is, essentially, being garnished with a toe-tag. In this not so humble blogger's opinion, I think he will come back later this season, but that will be the swansong.

As I hinted a few days ago - OK, knowing me, it's not a hint, I parade around and make my opinion known - the Mets are going to more than likely seek outside help. John Heyman addressed this today in his article. Dear readers from the other day (here's hoping long term memory triumphs your short term) will remember that I cited a possible candidate as Aubrey Huff? (You ignored it here first!). On WFAN, Steve Sommers also likes Huff.

Today, Jerry Manuel said that Daniel Murphy will get the starts through the series with the Red Sox. His fielding is suspect - needs to learn a bit more of the fundamentals. Easy for me to say and you to agree...where are OUR contracts? But I think we need to give Murph an opportunity. He's patient at the plate - a key attribute.

So, will Murphy survive the experiment? Will Tatis take it? Will Delgado come back and have a great rest of '09 and play into to 2010? Is Nick Johnson? Aubrey Huff? The Professor and Mary Ann? the next ones? You, Omar, Jerry and The Wilpons know about as much as I...Is that my ass or is that first base? Its first? OH, whose going to be on First?

Sorry Bud. Sorry Lou...didn't mean to go there.

I am hearing grunts from the followers of this blog, so I will kindly depart.

See ya tomorrow. Comments welcome.

The Missed Base Debacle...

In my lifetime I have seen many key sporting events, in person, on TV and always reveled in being there. Taking home a memory (a la Robin Ventura's grand slam single) is something cherished.

However, the Man Upstairs knows how much of a devout Mets fan I am and spared me the pains of the 5 error, Ryan Church mis-step. Only saw the first two or three innings before the sandman tossed his weapon.

When I heard about the sloppiness, I was beside myself. But, listening to Jerry Manuel on today's pregame broadcast on WFAN, he said the team was mad at themselves and showed how they want to win. OK, let's use this game as a catalyst.

The lineup last night resembled a shell of the regulars...But, a team of 9 on any given day...

Aw right, the Mets are on TV now...let me go to Church (and tell him to hit the bases).

WOLF in Sheep's Clothing

The game is about to start in a few minutes, so I may dash out of here before you read the next sen.....

(fooled ya) tence.

But one of the oddest pitchers (to me, that is) is facing the Mets - Randy Wolf. On paper, he has some great days - lot of strikeouts. But often erratic. The prognostication I have is that we will be seeing some interesting pitching and a mix of pitches, especially against a lineup that is, in essence, going into the Roman, er Los Angeles Coliseum (well, Dodger Stadium, but you get the drift).

Too many regular Mets are out. If a Martian landed and saw no Reyes, no Delgado, no Schneider and now, oddly, no Cora, he would be perplexed.

So, with the balance of the line up a bit influx, I think Wolf will get a lot of Ks, but the Mets will be gritty.

One thing I wanted to run by all you reader(s)* -- hoping it is plural -- is that every year, early on, the Mets have had some nice numbers from unheralded players. In '07, Jose Valentin, in '08, Angel Pagan and this year, Fernando Tatis. (Yeah, I'm a FernANdo).

First pitch is about to be thrown -- and so is your first tomato at me....I'll see ya later.

Let's Go Mets!

DLgado

Irony, huh? About 12 months ago, Carlos Delgado was all set to be hanged by a posse of Mets fans who were fed up with his inability to put a Louisville Slugger against a ball being tossed 726 inches away.

Fast forward a bit - he broke out of the slump and became somewhat iconic in the last season at Shea. Now his hip is bugging him and who knows when he will be back. Sounded like Jerry Manuel wasn't too optimistic this year (based on an soundbyte I heard on WFAN). And, listening to the ESPN game tonight, John Miller was asking Manuel who the true leader on the team was and the first name he mentioned? Carlos Delgado.

Reyes is out. His replacement in tonight's game, Cora, is out and Tatis is playing short...there's a guy who I think is a quiet leader (and he doesn't know it). I love how Tatis plays his heart out.

Carlos D, we hope you get better and come back soon. In the mean time Daniel Murphy, Gary Sheffield and Tatis are sure to see more playing time.

OH, and to the boobs (too many to count) who were calling WFAN today (I was listening while out running errands - don't think I am glued to it all day)...asking for Reyes to be traded, give it a break.

Sweeping Giants

Three down and four to go.

What has been remarkable about this series is...NO home runs for the Mets and over a dozen stolen bases -without - their prolific man on the bases Jose Reyes.

Personally, I love Jose, but as of late, he needs to be smacked around a bit and get the hustle and the guts back. This hopefully sends a message to our venerated shortstop that its time to run things out...

Amazing how the Mets took apart Lincecum and Randy Johnson, both dominating pitchers. Randy a way bit less than his salad years, but still intimidating. One more game tomorrow. Let's see what the team can do.

Here's an article I found amusing...it mentions Oliver something...oh, Perez.... Brian Costa's article the Star Ledger today...Ollie allowed NO hits....interesting. I would love to see who was batting.

Is it me? *YES* - or has there been way too many delayed games this week?

And, the saga of the journeyman (save for the taxi ride) Duaner Sanchez continues...the Padres are looking to give him his unconditional release. That's fare...oops. I didn't think he would meter....I mean, meet her. Bad taxi jokes. End of blog post. Thanks for surviving this.

That's All (W)Right Mama...

Ben Shpigel's New York Times article chronicles the hustle that David Wright had last night in the game against the Giants. I'm sort of kicking myself because I was offered Wright and Delgado in a trade in my primary fantasy league - for Tim Lincecum and Juan Pierre (I need the steals from Pierre -- IRONICALLY) and turned it down.

Henceforth, the Mets took the game. I watched the first two innings or so and thought it was going to be a barn burner and thought the Mets were going to get stung. Glad I was wrong.

Rule right now is you can't take any team for granted. Each win is important, but as a friend pointed out to me, the NY beat writers reek doom and gloom with every loss and pick it apart like a vulture. It's OK to analyze, but then move on.

So, with the West Coast trip hitting game #2 tonight, I am optimistic that we will shorten the giants.

And, #5, it's OK to steal more...And, if Elvis Presley were alive (OK, he is - he's a postman in Ontario) he would turn to his beloved mother and say after each of your steals - That's ALLLLLL Wright, Mama. SONG

Ward or Dugout?

Seems like there are some hurtin' bods in Queens (and now on the West Coast)...Delgado's hip, now Putz's elbow and Reyes too is getting sore.

Too many integral guys getting aches at the wrong time - and the time zone change doesn't help much - that's for sure. The Mets need to realize the team doesn't revolve around 1 injury and must cover for it.

I just turned on the SF - Mets game and what astonishes me is how many empty seats there are. A downright crime.

My good friend and Mets fan from the Casey Stengel days (ML) just IMed me with a nice nugget of wisdom...I agree...he states: "... nice challenge move to bat Sheffield in the 4 spot. Manuel sends a dual message of respect to a vet, and simultaneously challenges him to produce."

I like ML's viewpoint. SF is soft target, and after the first AB it produced a dividend - a hit and an RBI

In other areas....Maybe this guy can teach some of the Mets how to run out hits.... Streaker (Jose Reyes, I hope you are reading this...I LOVE ya, but you gotta learn to hustle a bit more...Willie R is gone...Jerry M is the man now).

Niese - NoPhew

Yeah. The title is corny.

But, I was sitting out in the sun today (AT THE GAME) so I am entitled to be a bit sun stroked while stroking the keyboard.

First, I want to thank my friends (alphabetically by height - Thanks Yogi) BB, LG, RM for accompanying me to the game today. We all are PR pros and had a blast.

The attendance today, according to the box score was 40,555 - and I think that almost everyone who showed up today got a chance to pitch (No, not PR-wise). The Braves used 8 hurlers and so did the Mets. Jonathan Niese looked OK and was able to regain a lead after his early surrendering of runs.

The jury (mine) is still out on him. Though I heard after the game he was sent to the minors and Nelson Figueroa was called back up.

Overall, it was an enjoyable game. Tenacity is back in the Mets DNA.

Sheff was both a hero (*homer*) and goat (*last strike out*).

Not worried about the win, but tomorrow's game should prove interesting as they head west. Let's see what the time zone shift brings.

The Magic Is Back

Doing a little research, I came across a tagline the Mets used probably in the mid 80s - "The Magic Is Back" and, anyone who saw tonight's game would agree. A lot of wheels in motion - runners going, extra bases being taken (Jose - some may boo you for trying to take third - I applaud it as it brought it two runs).

Who would have thought that....1) The Mets are now in First.....2) Tonight's winning run would be by a BB and 3) Frankie Rod would go two innings -- (Disclosure here...I get batty when announcers proclaim that a closer pitches 4 outs or goes beyond one inning...have em look up Rollie Fingers and see what a real reliever did).

Starting pitching is threatening and looks like its going to be a petrified line-up. I am going to quote a friend of mine here, ML who is a die hard Mets fan from day one (yeah, THAT day one - Polo Grounds, Casey Stengel, Choo Choo Coleman days)...he lives in Atlanta too...so this was a solid W in his eyes as we chatted tonight...ML stated that he believes Oliver Perez should look up a realtor in Port St. Lucie. For those who can't pronounce the aforementioned town, just say "Single A."

Tomorrow I am taking the afternoon off and going to CitiField with three friends and cheering on the Metropolitans.

How Bout Scorin' Some Runs When Johan Pitches

It perplexes me how the Mets bats fall asleep when Johan Santana pitches. I'm writing this in the top of the 7th and the score is 1-1.

Odd phenomenon if I do say so.

Metsies, we all are in awe of #57, but lets shake up the bats a bit.

Manuel is in Autodrive

Short note tonight...

I am happy with Jerry Manuel and the way he is managing. He's doing things right *Wright* and the momentum, is there.

Take a moment and think of the precarious position he is in. I liken him a bit to Gerald Ford who took the reins of the Presidency when Nixon resigned. Manuel was there, named as head skipper and made the team better (I love Willie, but the guys win for Manuel).

Interesting day tomorrow...only one of 4 games on the docket, this one against the pesky Braves.
(Psssssst. I hope Glavine isn't traveling with them as he is on the DL).

6Ws - STR8

Short note.

I want to thank the hotel clerk who gave the Mets a wake-up call (figuratively speaking, of course).

Seems like we got the old spirit back. And that's what makes being a Mets fan so great.

I thought of something today, looking at the future. Carlos Delgado probably has one, maybe two years after this season. At 38, he is plateauing. A guy that should get a serious look is Aubrey Huff. I like his numbers. Aubrey Huff stats He can play 1B, 3B and has been a DH.

OK, you heard the prognostication here first.

5 Straight - Showing Resillience!

OK...I was a bit skeptical a few posts back thinking the Mets would be drifting downward and the spiral would continue.

The last 5 games have shown they are tough...

Murphy is batting around .388 with a two strike count...Delgado has been hot (tonight was the first time I saw him writing in his book again)...Also Kudos to Carlos as he passed Mickey Mantle on the career RBI List...that's not saying he's better than Mantle (Jeff Kent has more RBI).

I was amazed how Nyjer Morgan continued to work the pitchers....something like 8, 9 and 10 pitches per AB. Take note Mets.

Niese pitched well in my view and a few more starts, he could be either good or.....

So, it proves the team has got the fire in the belly. They came back against good and bad teams with OOOMPH!

I can't wait until Wednesday, May 13....tickets to a day game!

Mo-Men-Tummmm

4 Wins in a row. Nice. Especially taking the Phillies in close ones.

Two things bugged me about the game - the way Shane Victorino was NOT called out on interference and -- I had to look twice. Jose Reyes' numbers. When I saw 2HR and 9RBI --- .248why, I was taken aback. What's scary is pinch hitter Matt Stairs (at 41 years old) has the same numbers. I'm afraid to look, but Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano (dynamite with the wood) probably has a higher batting average.

And, K-Rod - four straight saves....He's paying dividends.

For the diehards who want to look at the Box Score...

3 In A Row (W's) - Where's the Run Support for Santana

It is a rule (no such thing) that when Santana pitches, no one bats -- on either side. Today he squeaked by in a gem - 1-0 over the Phillies. (Incidentally, the Phils are the first team this year to score 0-to-13 runs. Don't think of me as a stats genius. I know this for a fact since I was in a 13-0 pool and it concluded last night).

So, Johan is 4-1 with an ERA thinner than Bobby Sands' final weight. Like the economy, this team will turn around. The new park, the new rotation - we are NOT completely out of it yet. There are up streaks and down streaks.

A very good friend just IMed me and shared that Ollie is on the DL for tendinitis in his knee: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/2009-05-06-3643460624_x.htm I think one of my Italian brethren got to him and bopped his knees. So, our go to guy is Jonathan Niese...let's see.

That same friend seems to be abuzz on reports he heard about Dillon Gee. I have not seen Gee pitch, but, hope he's going to be great. I mean, you can't deny calling an Ace Pitcher - Gee Whiz.

While we are on semi (maybe BAD? pun nicknames) check out the Rockies Dexter Fowler. After he stole 5 bags last week, the name "Fowler the Prowler" came to mind...come to think of it, the Mets need to be running the bags more....

Since we are going in a positive direction in mini series (2 games)...Here's to a sweep tomorrow!

Never Assume A "W" When Running an Errand

Needed to make a last minute dash to the supermarket as the Mets were concluding their game against the Braves. As soon as I parked, the announcer said that K-Rod was just one strike away. Figuring the game was in the bag, I shut the car off, went into the store and expected the wrap-up to be on when I got back five minutes later.

Fast Forward Five Minutes. Turn on the ignition and the radio "boots up" and the first thing I hear is the Mets are now leading 4-3...wait..wasn't it 4-1 a few minutes ago? Chipper gets up - pins and needles...then flies out.

A mini sweep over the Braves, but it was a mental see-saw....

If Ollie was pitching....AH, I rather have a nightmare with Boris Karloff in it..less gruesome.

Suddenly It's 2005 and 2006 (The Good TIMES)

Wright belts one from a powerful swing and Beltran sends two, 2-run HRs to beat the Braves.

Funny how time is relative. In '05 and '06 and bits of '07 and '08 (the early parts, mind you), this was routine.

For those who watched the game, the phrase "decisive" was apropos.

Oddities ...So, we have a 40 year old "rookie" (make that quotes around the quotes too) in Ken Takahashi, AND simultaneously, we are still trying to figure out what to do with Oliver Perez.

My take for the Perez situation? Strap him to a chair and make him sit through Ice Capades ad infinitum. He will get the drift of what we had to see for many years...torture!

Reflective Look Back - The Mets Had Their OWN Version of the Three Stooges...

When World War I and World War II were going on respectively, the public at large did not refer to them by this name - mainly because it was coined afterward. I don't know if this lead in will exonerate me for the rationale of this post, but last season (as confirmed by yesterday's pitching debacle by Ollie Perez) the Metropolitans had their own version of the Three Stooges.

With all due respect to that trio of men, the old fashion version was more ept (is that the opposite of inept?) than the squad about to be mentioned.

SCHMOE - Scott SCHMOenweiss...His record and ability to give up long home runs - or runs in general to get a lead were legendary.

Larry - and in Aaron Heilman. See above.

Curly - (Rhymes with Ollie)... Anyone who can walk a 46 year old pitcher...ah, let's stop right there.

Footnote, as a die-hard fan, let's keep this with these three. No need for a Shemp, Joe or Curly Joe.

Stick To It! (Good Job)

Short post tonight...


Kudos to the Mets for staying close (albeit a loss), but sometimes its better to lose and show a lot of hustle and the ability to come back than it is for a lopsided W.


See, Mets, you were playing like the Phils. A cavalry charge from behind.

Perez - well, he's terrible. As far as I'm concerned, send Ollie and NJ Governor Jon Corzine on a one-way trip into the solar system...Who cares about the trajectory? Ollie doesn't on the mound, why should he while hurtling through space. A minor league park and a leaky school bus should be his regimen.


Tomorrow is your game.

Pitchers Can Be Funny

W
Phills. Good!

The things that resonated in tonight's game were related to pitching -- or were they?

Chan Ho Park, who I saw pitch in his only Mets game about two years ago (and had high seats in the upper deck at Shea - talk about double value) was lifted AFTER he intentionally walked a batter and had to face the pitcher next...AND, Charlie Manuel gave him the hook. What happened next? DrumRoll...Drama...

Pelfrey singled in a run.

I also got a chuckle when, as SNY-TV put it, a "left hander specialist" (Pedro Feliciano) got to bat. And, got to the bag ninety feet away via base on balls.

End result? Mets hold on to a victory.

Here's the box score.... http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=290501122