Casey Stengel + Yogi Berra's Logic = More Cohesive than Today's Game

"Living on the lighted stage approaches the unreal"
--Rush

The short sentence above says it all for today's game.

I happened to take it in live, and it was the first time ever in my life where I wished I was back at my desk than being at a ballpark.

Sloppy. Unreal. Bonehead mistakes on some bona fide routine plays. What was Castillo thinking when he made the error at second base? Who taught Angel Pagan how to bobble balls in left? (He's very good at that). Where was Jose Reyes in that faux rundown? David Wright had a few bad plays, and dare I say the hurling of Ollie Perez made me want to, uh, hurl. (Footnote: for those who know me, I never like to use the same word in a sentence twice, but "hurl" is appropriate and must be re-iterated).

I just had the chance to see the recap of the game on SNY and Adam Rubin's column in the New York Daily News http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/mets/2008/04/wagner-calls-out-perez-after-b.html cites that he said the word "desire" and he is right. There was no desire -- in anyone on the field today. Going through the motions is not what you call "playing baseball" in my view.

My tickets cost only $5 and we were able to migrate to the orange seats after awhile, but you know what, I still feel as a fan, I was ripped off.

A friend of mine, also a die hard Mets fan called me up and tried to console the loss by justifying that only 4 of the runs were "earned" so it was really a 4-1 game. A colleague who I went with asked, "are you a stay till the end fan?" and I replied "sure, I believe a 13 run 9th inning 2-out rally is not out of the question.

Let me conclude by coming back to the opening quote of this blog...It's like going to a Broadway play waiting to see a cast full of stars, and all that show up on the stage are just a bunch of unheralded understudies.

A Tough, Draining Win

Too hard to watch...Delgado K'ing with the bases loaded....just a sloppy game and I am too drained to write about it. Glad it was a W and thank Wright for getting on track.

For posterity, here's the box score: http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=280429121

Is Carlos Delgado Ted Williams? Then BFD on the Curtain Call

Carlos Delgado finally got off the schnied yesterday and hit 2 HRs in a Mets W over the Braves. All of a sudden, he is required to tip his hat in a curtain call??? Am I missing something here? He's hitting .205 or so, went something like 4 for 46 and now he's required to doff the cap to the Shea crowd? We have better things to worry about.

Remember, the great Ted Williams homered in his last at bat, crossed the plate and didn't acknowledge the fans (and, ostensibly, he basically DOUBLED Delgado's present average in 1941)... Here's a video of a classic at-bat. For Carlos, you need to up your production a bit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPAvbBYCqCk

Knowing Your *A*s*s From First Base -- OR, Who Will Be There Next Year?

Today I attended my second Mets game of the year and prior to the game, I saw a column in Newsday about Mark Texiera as an early candidate for First Base next year: http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/ny-splenin275665127apr27,0,4157601.story

David Lennon cites logical reasons why it may happen. And, I think it could be a good addition. Piazza won't return to the first sack, so we need to see where our bread (two pieces) will be buttered.

Now, I read the article this morning, and what happens? Delgado must have read it too fearing for his job as he clubbed 2 HRs today against the Braves. See Box Score: http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=280427 But Delgado is aging and sadly, this is a detriment to the current team. Several other Mets greats aged out and it is time to closely watch Delgado and see where the team is headed. A sub-200 average can't cut it at the end of April.

Who would I like to see there? Well, Obviously, Albert Pujols, but let's be a little more realistic and not Disneyfantasyland...Adrian Gonzalez, Mike Jacobs (would be a return of the native) and Kevin Youklis could be some good, middle market grabs. Let's see what happens...

Nice Bounceback Over the Braves

Short and sweet here. Things came together and there was a feeling of cohesiveness. Often, I found that when the Mets bring in a new player, this case, the catcher Molina, everyone tries harder.

I believe this was a turning point for the Mets.

NOTE: Wagner has not allowed a hit in 9 innings.

Where Do We Begin? Where Does it End?

Stats have been baffling...

• Delgado is mired in a 4 for 45 slump.
• Middle relief is suffering
• Leads aren't being held. Case in point, Mets leading 3-1 on the Braves, then lose and don't have any hits since the 3rd inning.

The announcers on SNY.TV during the game were talking about getting fixed in a Mantra -- and I agree. Last year it was along the lines of "We may be losing all these ballgames, but we are in first place." Now it seems to be "It's Early." "It's April." Not good to have these because whatever time interval that you wish to add will be false justification.

The Braves have been stifled since 05 and have not seen the post season, largely thanks to the Mets. Let's keep that streak going. Play some focused baseball. Watch the seams on the ball as it comes to you. Drill down, wait for your pitch, fellow Mets.

A Forensic Rant

Winning. Losing. All part of life and sports.

Losing against a rough, tough opponent with 100% effort, there is no shame. But, if you crumble like an accordion against, what was, nearly 3-4 years ago, a team without TWO countries (Expos-Canada / Nationals-DC), then something is wrong.

Remember the painful memories of the collapse last year? Well, it is rooted in games like these. A few bad games against bad teams not only stir the standings, but the mental aspect of the game and team dynamic.

So, what has to happen? Middle relief needs to get it together. Heilmann is giving runs away like the supermarkets used to give green stamps. I saw a stat the in the last few games, in approx 20 relief innings, there were 19 hits, 4HRs including a granny and the list goes on.

It makes me wonder why a guy like Heath Bell, who was somewhat decent, though not great was let go. Now he's doing even better. I used to take middle relief for granted but now starting to realize it is just as important as the guy who hits grand slams.

So, let's move forward and press on with some solid wins. The Braves come to town this weekend and let's hope the recent four out of 5 losses were flukes.

See you at the ball park.

Johan Santana --- Are You Reading My Blog?

That would be cool if you are.

As my most recent posts concentrated on pitchers that can hit, I consider it a wake-up call for the Mets hurlers. I am counting on you to give them pointers - heck, even guys like Delgado and Wright should perk their ears up too...Not only did you drill two convincing doubles, you also had a walk. Good Eye! Johan.

Box score: http://games.espn.go.com/flb/boxscorefull?leagueId=3603&teamId=1&scoringPeriodId=30&mode=otb&view=scoringperiod&version=full

If I Knew Then What I Know Now --- OR, Glad We Didn't Get Barry Zito

As I look back over the last few posts, I realized they all had a connection through pitching. As much as a fan of baseball that I am, for some reason, I don't relate well to the pitching aspect. I always took more of an offensive approach. (Maybe because when I played, it was either OF or 1B...Only when desperate, did a team put me in to pitch...

Anyway, during the winter of 2006, all the talk was on the Mets getting Barry Zito. I chided a good friend and co-worker that he wasn't worth the $ - and he liked to rib me by saying that his team, the Giants, were a better fit. And, I think they are. With Zito's 0-4 record (as I am writing this, he is ahead by a run over the Diamondbacks - http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=280422129 ) the Mets fans would have ran him out of town a la Ed Whitson. Just imagine, Mike Pelfrey, a home-grown Met was being ridiculed late last year with his 0-and-something record.

Zito will come around, and his back class will support him, but we were smart to wait it out and land Santana.

Other notes...been a bit upset that the Mets lost 3 in a row -- especially two to the Cubs. I don't know what is wrong with Delgado, but he should be righted soon.

Well, I'll be back tomorrow, so stay tuned...I welcome any and all comments and...See you at the BallPark.

Mets v. Cubs

OK. Another loss. It's late, so I don't feel like writing much, but one stat came to me during the game I thought was quite amusing (which sort of follows the theme from my post from yesterday). Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano is the ONLY switch hitter in the Cubbie's line up.

12 Career Homers too! http://www.baseball-reference.com/z/zambrca01.shtml

Pitch In - Pitchin' Stop Bitchin'

Marty Noble is a writer I enjoy reading and today, he did an interesting column titled "Church was ready to toe slab" http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080420&content_id=2562290&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym --Please note, this has nothing to do with the Pope's visit (though I am watching the Sunday Night ESPN game and I wish the Pope blessed the Mets (or cursed Chase Utley's bad as he clubbed 2HRs with 4 RBI).

Noble talks about the rare times when position players are called to pitch, usually during long inning affairs. There is a chart accompanying the article and it reveals that Matt Franco had the privilege of hurling twice. (Ironically, I used to hurl a lot when John Franco got in the game. I really would have rather seen Matt Franco or Julio Franco for that matter, pitch).

It is ironic that when running out of innings too, often pitchers are called to pinch-hit. Though I wouldn't want that to happen when the Mets are playing the Arizona Diamondbacks. They have this one kid, Micah Owings, who wields a MEAN bat...http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owingmi01.shtml 20 Hits, 60 AB and 4 HRs.

Which leads me to this conundrum...

Ever notice in Little League and High School Ball, often extending past college, that the best hitter (AND player) on the team is usually the pitcher...Where does that line diminish? As you can plainly see the pitcher is most often the easiest out -- YET, they shouldn't be since they know what is being thrown.

Anyway, getting back to the long inning games, let's make a prediction that we will have that situation happen twice this year. Ryan Church and Endy Chavez will be handed the ball...(ANYONE have Rick Ankiel on speed-dial?)

Footnote - Even Ted Williams once pitched an inning...

Not to Pick on Mike Hampton, but COME ON NOW....

All right. I'll admit it. (You probably never would have guessed that I am......A big fan of Fantasy Baseball. Good feeling being perched in an ivory tower and moving your players like chess pieces (and chattel)...sometimes you look like an absolute genius (still waiting on this end) and other times -- implosion is the result.

So, in one of my leagues, I am looking for a pitcher and who is on the list of free agents? Mike Hampton. Surprisingly, he is owned by 1.2% of owners in the ESPN Fantasy League Baseball (NOTE TO SELF - Invite these 1.2% to my next garage sale and jack up the prices).

Anyway, the word about Hampton:


Hampton (pectoral) threw another pain-free bullpen session prior to Saturday's game against the Dodgers, the Associated Press reports.

Spin: "Facing competition, I'm going to think about it," Hampton said. "It's not an overnight thing. I've just got to get to where I just worry about getting hitters out. Mentally, I'm just a little timid maybe. I'm still trying to feel my way through it." Hampton threw 50 pitches, including breaking balls, during Saturday's session. There's still no set timetable for his return to the Atlanta rotation, but Hampton appears to be at least another two weeks away.
RotoWire Sat, April 19

Puh-leese. And you are getting all this money? Glad you aren't a Met anymore!

In other news, Mets held their own against the Philies today. Ollie pitched a nice game, but Schoenweis, the second coming of John Franco (that's NOT a good thing) gave up a gopher ball to Chase Utley, thereby killing the shutout.

Wright is on fire and putting up some great numbers with a hot bat.

I have noticed that Omar Minaya and Willie Randolph are really letting guys like Wright, Reyes and other "home grown" players a chance to get reaalllll good. Under previous GMs, the patience level was poor and many a great player was traded away and then performed well on other teams...

Well, Sunday night, we have an ESPN game...should be nice.

See you at the Ball Park

Santana - Hamels

All I can say for tonight, this was a good - classic - pitching match up. Santana was brilliant, but the bullpen almost blew it - thank you Billy W for preserving the W.

Hamels reminds me, for some odd reason, Steve Carlton -- or any of the pitchers in the 60s/70s with that leg movement in the air.

QUACK QUACK....QUACK QUACCCCKKKKKK

The noise being made in the headline is from a couple of ducks...speaking of ducks, I can think of two that are "ducking" the Mets.

Isn't it "odd" how Glavine skipped a spot in the rotation a earlier in the season when the Braves were slated to play the Mets...and now Paul LoDUCKer - er, LoDuca, is nowhere to be seen. I'm scratching my head but wasn't he who said the best part about going to the Nationals is they played the Mets nearly 12 times in 2008? Paulie - how many of the Duzzen ya gonna miss?

A Part of All of Us Dies With This Fan

Tragic News about the Mets fan who fell from the escalator: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/17/nyregion/16cnd-shea.html

Antonio Nararainsami, we pray for you and your family and whenever a Mets fan passes from our world, we can know they were touched by a team that meant a lot.

Baseball reached out to this fan, originally from Guyana and he became a true follower of the game.

I never knew you, but I am sure we could have talked baseball for hours.

In Tribute of Jackie Robinson, Mets Blank Nationals -- and, WHO Was Dan Bankhead? Someone that MUST be remembered

Today was a milestone day...

As we all know, Jackie Robinson first broke into the Majors on TAX Day, 1947, some 61 years ago. Hard to believe that next year, had he lived, would have been 90!

Before I go further, there is one black ball player who came in the same year, just a few months later in August as a pitcher, beleive it or not, ALSO the Brooklyn Dodgers, yet as much as Jackie is rightly praised, this player is wrongly ignored.

His name was Dan Bankhead (see photo) and he made his debut on August 26 at the age of 27. He only appeared in 4 games, pitched 10 innings and came back a few years later after toiling in the farm system of the Dodgers.

Here's a little bit more about him from http://www.mlb.com/ ----> http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070824&content_id=2167234&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

And his stats and a brief snapshot from Baseball Almanac.com http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bankhda01

So while we remember Jackie, think of many of the black ballplayers who played in obscurity in the first few years of the majors. And, especially those who were good, but never got out of the Negro Leagues.

Now, for today's game...Good to see Wright wielding a powerful RBI stick...Pelfrey had his act together and Duaner Sanchez was throwing a nice grooved changeup that baffled the batters. This game, even though against a weak team, proved to be important. And LoDuca, once hailed, now pariah, had a lame excuse with his hand.

Let's Stop the Cynicsm - It Ain't Gonna Produce Wins

This article is a good read from the NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/sports/baseball/15mets.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin

I'm a bit tired today, but just want to jump on the soap box and yell to my Mets brethren the current attitude of booing and being cynical is wrong. Cut it. Immed-Jiately.

The Mets will come back, but if the fan support is gone by game 11, then just give up being a fan. Baseball is a game of patience.

I'll see you tomorrow.

First Game of the Year (For Me) -- The Long Subway Delay was the BEST part...

I am normally not cynical, but today's Met's game was just not good if you have any medical condition ranking above a hangnail (a disengaged eyelash qualifies).

After a 3 hour round trip commute to see the Mets squander themselves, I am just taken aback. (Accompanying photo is my commute, not the jam at Shea today)

My odyssey to get there was like the Metropolitans trying to hold on to their once enamored lead. Drive to a nearby town and take the bus over the GW Bridge. Then, I find out the subway is shut down and the shuttle bus would take us 10 blocks...(The wait for that bus was nearly 20 minutes)...Then the subway is on the local track only. I got off at the wrong one (given bad directions by a trusty-looking patron - waiting for another train, then transferring to another before walking to Shea. (I wont bore you with the details on the return trip but it was just as many legs)...I will quote an esteemed cousin of mine who always used to say "It's closer coming back"

Ollie Perez couldn't hold a lead. And play was just plain sloppy. Link to box score: http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=280413121

I am going to make a deal with you, the Mets, my favorite team. For the next game, I have planned another transportation route that will save me at least one hour. All I ask is until I see you again in your house, figure out a better way to win.

Booing Santana Already??? Come On NY...Let's Get Real

I saw the game this afternoon (I put off the yardwork - something about time management)...

Yes. Johan wasn't as good as expected surrendering three gopherballs. Three is ordinarily 3 too many, but let's be realistic, he does have a propensity for giving up a lot of home runs as evidenced by this stint with the Twins. 33 alone last year. So there should not be any suprises.

Stats: http://www.baseball-reference.com/s/santajo02.shtml

He has a habit of grooving the ball right down in the right place in the strike zone. Something called pinpoint control.

Take a look at Peter Botte's article in the Daily News: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/mets/2008/04/hey-mets-fans-lay-off-johan.html One line says it all about his pitching performance: "Not Cy Young, but not Anthony Young" Let's also realize, Johan doesn't deserve the Ed Whitson treatment.

Tomorrow, Sunday, April 13, I am going to my first Mets game of the year. I do hope Jose Reyes is back in the line up.

Another Figueroa in Town...Nelson? Eddie? - Nelson Eddy - No, Nelson Figueroa

Feels like the good ole days.

We got a new Figueroa in town and Nelson did nothing short of a great game, gaining his first win since 2003.

Stats: http://www.baseball-reference.com/f/figuene01.shtml

Who could forget Ed Fig of the cross town Yankees with that big black mustache. Ed was in town after coming from the Angels with the legendary Mickey Rivers for Bobby Bonds.

Ironically, Ed was in the Mets farm system before going to a few teams playing in their respective farm systems before making it to the show.

Let's see what happens as the role of the 5th starter could be coming into fruition sooner than we think.

PLAY BALL!