The Braves Are a Better Team, Beat Mets 9-3: Confidence = Production = Winning.

After watching last night's 9-3 loss to the Braves (box score) one thing became PAINFULLY clear...The Braves are a VERY VERY GOOD team, and are MUCH BETTER than the Mets.

Here's the thing about the Braves that I think the Mets should consider...

Everyone always says the Mets need better play out of their star players, but where are the Braves stars?  I would say that Heyward, McCann and Chipper Jones (out for the season) are their only real stars.  Yes, Hudson and Hanson are awesome, but not stars.  The big difference between the Mets are Braves is this...

EVERYONE on the Braves can and will hit.  Infante, Prado, Lee, Gonzalez and even Melky Cabrera and Matt Diaz can hit.  Every single person on that team is a serviceable MLB player and at the least a decent hitter.  In the meantime, the Mets have struggled with Barajas, Castillo, Tejada and Francoeur in the line up in some capacity all year. (Although I give Tejada a pass because of his defense, it would be stupid to ignore his lack of hitting thus far.)

So, what's the answer...

Keep developing the young talent.  Because Davis, Thole, Pagan and even Carter are just examples of good young players the Mets can build off of, in a similar way that the Braves have built off Heyward, Prado and McCann.  Add a good pick up (ie Omar Infante), and a guy who knows how to win (ie. Eric Hinske) and the Mets can become next year's Braves.  But first, They need to become more of a team, and letting the young guys play together really builds confidence within the organization.  Maybe the Mets will be as good next year as the Braves are this year, but in order to make that happen they need to rely on the young guys to produce.

The bottom line...

Confidence = Production = Winning.

That crappy song says, I believe the children are our future...

If you're the Mets, you best be taking that advice...That means you too Jerry...

Mets, Dickey, Win Game and Series; Get Back to .500

Well, if we've learned anything this year it's R.A. Dickey is a damn good baseball player.  Not only can the guy pitch, but he's probably been the Mets best hitting pitcher this season as well.  BOTH of his talents were on display this afternoon in the Mets 5-1 victory over the Astros (box score).

Dickey went 7 innings plus, giving up only one run on 6 hits.  But Dickey wasn't just dealing today, like I said before, he had a good day at the plate as well going 2-3 at the plate with 2 RBI and a run scored.  Pagan and Thole also had multi-hit games for the Mets, which included Thole's second homer of the year. 

It was nice to see a LITTLE power out of Thole, but I get concerned about guys who don't hit homers after they hit a homer.  Thole chokes up and is all about bat control...that being said...I hope he remembers that even though he's gone deep, especially considering the way he homered today.  Thole first homer was truly an accident and wasn't all that impressive, but today's was a REAL homer and hopefully that doesn't go to Thole's head.

The Mets start a very interesting 4 game series with the Bravos tomorrow in Hotlanta.  As much as I don't want to help out the Phillies, and as much as I don't want to get thinking that a series win in Atlanta might push the Mets back into contention...I want the Mets to throttle the Braves this week.  I hate them....

Pat Misch against Jair Jurjens in game 1. 

Time for the Mets to win back to back games and make things a little hotter down in Atlanta...

Mets Win 2-1, If Only They Won That Last Series...

Oh, what a difference am at-bat would have made....

Last night the Mets defeated the Astros 2-1 on the strength of a solid pitching performance by Mike Pelfrey (box score).  But, I still woke up this morning thinking the Mets have missed an opportunity,,,

But imagine where the Mets would be today if Jose Reyes got a hit on Wednesday with the bases loaded...Or take it a step further and see what would have happened if they hadn't failed to sweep the Pirates...

Considering who was in first place and the way things broke over those two days...had the Mets won those two games, they'd be 5 out, with the Giants starting to flounder a bit and the Phillies in a tough series in San Diego against the Padres.

I'm not saying the Mets look like a postseason team, BUT, this whole season has been a big ALMOST for this team.  They are almost good, almost win a bunch of games and are almost making this season interesting again just by hanging around.

So, I have a suggestion, why don't the Mets "grow a pair" take advantage of the way teams are playing in front of them and make a push.  That's what L.A. and Florida have done, and all of a sudden you can't dismiss either of those teams anymore. 

Tonight it's Myers against Santana at 7:10...

Mets' Comeback Falls Short, Miss Opportunity to Gain Ground

I'm not saying the Mets have a good, or even decent shot at the playoffs.  In fact, I would say their chances are slim...BUT...for me to even believe they still have a shot though, they need to capitalize when they have a chance to gain ground.  Last night was a great example of how the Mets had a chance to gain ground on the NL wild card leading Phils.  If the Mets had won last night they'd be looking at a sweep tonight, only 6 games back, looking at the Astros coming in tomorrow night.  Instead the Mets comeback fell short as they lost to the Marlins 5-4 (box score).

After going down 5-1 in the seventh the Mets put together a two-run 7th on a triple from Ike Davis and an RBI single from Frenchy.  In the ninth D. Wright led off the inning with a homer to center off of Leo Nunez.  Then the Mets were able to get the bases loaded and Jose Reyes to the plate with two outs, but unfortunately Jose grounded out to first to end the game.

Although they lost, the last two nights have shown a lot to me in terms of the team not giving up yet.  They could have easily gone into the toiilet the last two nights but instead fought and made a game of it.  Fortunately there is still some season left and a big run could make the end of this season fun again.  At this point, that's all I'm rooting for...

Tonight it's Anibal Sanchez against Jon Niese at 7:10 in the "Citi"...

Mets Send Misch to the Hill Looking for the "W": Line Up

Tonight the Mets are sending Pat Misch to the hill against the Marlins.  Here's the line up courtesy of the Mets on twitter:
Reyes-SS
Pagan-LF
Beltran-CF
Wright-3B
Davis-1B
Francoeur-RF
Thole-C
Tejada-2B
Misch-P
By the way, I know people are still down on Frenchy, and I totally get it.  But I think if the team has any run left in the tank this season, it's going to rely on Frenchy because from what I saw of F-Mart on his last go-around, he's not ready yet.  Either way...
Let's go Mets.  Give the fans one last run for the hell of it...

Mets Win in Walk-Off Fashion, Castillo Couldn't Care Less

In what became a crazy back and forth game last night the Mets pulled out a 6-5 victory over the Marlins (box score) courtesy of a walk-off single by Luis Castillo.

After Dickey gave up a 3-run homer in the seventh to Gaby Sanchez, and the lead, the Mets found a way to fight back and tie the game in the eighth on an RBI single by Carlos Beltran.  Then in the ninth with two outs and runners on first and second Luis Castillo flared a ball into right to bring home Ike Davis with the game-wining run.

The most interesting part about all this, to me, was the reaction of Luis Castillo.  He looked more pissed than anything else.  I mean, I get that the guy is upset about losing his starting gig and everything...BUT COME ON.  He just got a huge hit to win a game that excited everyone else in CitiField, except him, and had no problem showing that.  He looked like he wasn't having any fun with it AT ALL, and instead got the hit more to stick it up the organization's butt that he wants more playing time, than because it helped the team.  At least that was what I took out of NOT seeing him smile at all after getting the game winning hit...

Anyway, the Mets look for a second consecutive series win tonight at 7:10 when they send Pat Misch to the hill against Alex Sanabia.  By the way, the Mets are now 7 games back of the wild card.  I'm not willing to consider anything unless they are 4-5 games out after this weekend...then we can talk.

Mets Have Opportunity Tonight to Be Behind Only 5 (or 4) Teams in the NL Wild Card Race: Line Up

Tonight the Mets take on the Marlins at 7:10 a the "Citi".  The Mets will send R.A. Dickey to the hill to take on Josh Johnson of the Marlins.  This will not be an easy task for a Mets offense that outside of two games in Pittsburgh has had a tough time providing run support for Dickey (and Santana).  BUT...

Should the Mets be able to pull of the win tonight, they will leapfrog at least one team in the Wild Card standings, because the Marlins are currently a half-game ahead of the Mets in the WC standings.  And, if things break their way, the Mets may actually be able to jump two teams in the WC standings tonight, as they are only a half game behind the Dodgers as well, who are starting a 3 game series in Milwaukee tonight.

Here's tonight's Mets Line-Up courtesy of the Mets on twitter:

Reyes-SS
Pagan-LF
Beltran-CF
Wright-3B
Davis-1B
Francoeur-RF
Thole-C
Tejada-2B
Dickey-P

Interesting that we're seeing Frenchy in tonight against Johnson instead of Carter, who Manuel mentioned a few days ago would be getting more starts and is a lefty...

Mets Win Game, Get Rid of Barajas and Go for Sweep Today: Line Up

After last night's rain-shortened win, 5-1 (box score), the Mets are looking for the sweep today against a pretty awful Pirates team.  I, for one, couldn't be happier with the timing of this series for the Mets.  They needed to get their confidence going and start hitting.  So far this series, 12 runs in 1 and a half games is pretty good, as is securing the first NL road series win of the season for the team.  Yes, I know the Pirates stink...but a win is a win.

Speaking of wins...

The Dodgers have claimed Rod Barajas off waivers, according to Adam Rubin at ESPN New York.  And that closes the book on Rod's Mets career, which was short lived.  Remember when Rod was crushing the ball earlier in the season and everyone, myself included, who was skeptical of Minaya signing Barajas had to eat their words.  Well today, I think we have come full circle and realized that perhaps a full season, not a hot streak, is a true indicator of what a player is capable of.  Although, I must say, I was on the Bengie Molina bandwagon and he hasn't been much better.  By the way Jesus Feliciano has been called up to replace Barajas on the roster...

Either way, this has been a  transitional year with the team.  Ike, Tejada and Thole have taken over, with Parnell coming back from the dead and Carter proving his worth.  I think if the team can clear some clutter this off season (Perez, Castillo, Frenchy-that hurt to type), they can really continue to build this team into a contender.  I just wish it didn't take this long to do it.

But in the immediate future the Mets send Santana to the hill against Zach Duke with a chance to sweep the Bucs.  A less-lefty-line up for today's game is courtesy of the Mets on twitter:

Reyes-SS
Pagan-LF
Beltran-CF
Wright-3B
Francoeur-RF
Davis-1B
Blanco-C
Tejada-2B
Santana-P

Get a sweep Mets, then we'll talk about next week...

Mets Score a Bunch and Win...Wild Idea

It's unbelievable what happens when you score runs, especially when your pitching has been awesome.  Tonight the Mets got another good outing from their starter, tonight it was Pelfrey, except they scored runs and were able to beat the Pirates easily 7-2 (box). 

The only starters in the line up without hits tonight were Tejada and Pelfrey.  Carter, Reyes, Wright, Thole and Davis ALL had good nights at the plate.  That is a nice thing to see, especially when Carter delivers with a homer and two RBI hitting out of the clean up spot tonight. 

Oh, and Pelfrey gave up 2 runs on 6 hits in eight innings of work...

It's amazing how much better this team is when they hit...and play the Pirates.

The Mets go for their first road series win against an NL opponent since freakin' forever, tomorrow when they send Niese to the hill against McDonald.  Come on, let's get that monkey off our back here...

Misch Against Bud Norris Tonight at 8:05: Line Up

Here's tonight's line up courtesy of the Mets on twitter:

Reyes-SS
Castillo-2B
Pagan-CF
Wright-3B
Davis-1B
Francoeur-RF
Carter-LF
Barajas-C
Misch-P

No Beltran, No Tejada, No Thole...

That means Castillo, Barajas and Carter.  I guess the only one of those I'm ok with is Carter.  In case you missed it, I can't stand Castillo or Barajas.

Either way, the Mets need to win tonight, if for no other reason that to show they are better than the 'Stros...

Barajas is Back and On Waivers, F-Mart Expected To Be Sent Down

According to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News, here, with today's expected return of Rod Barajas will probably come the demotion of Fernando Martinez.  Martino is also reporting that the Mets have placed Barajas on waivers.

Although it doesn't make much sense to carry three catchers, it does make sense to demote Martinez who really isn't playing as much as he should be in order to justify leaving him up with the big club.  Also, with whatever is going on with D. Wright healthwise (nausea and light-headedness), it just doesn't make sense for the Mets to demote Hessman right now.

As far as Barajas being put on waivers, this had to be expected.  Thole is playing most of the time and the Mets don't need three catchers on the roster, let alone two tutors for Thole.  Hopefully the team can trade Barajas and get SOMETHING out of him, as he hasn't done anything in the line up for months.  Either way, it was pretty much expected that Barajas wouldn't be back next year anyway, so what's the difference if the Mets make it official and deal or drop him soon...  

Mets (Eventually) Defeat Astros 3-2 in 14 Innings

Last night the Mets had a lead going into the bottom of the eighth, but they couldn't win the game until the 14th on a sacrifice fly from Ike Davis.  They went on to win the game 3-2 (box score).

Dickey was great again last night, but he MAY have been left in the game a little longer than he should have been.  I have no issue with giving Dickey the ball in the eighth, but after he gave up a run he probably should NOT have gone back out for the ninth.  I guess without K-Rod taking Dickey out of the game was a tougher decision to make, BUT, if I were Jerry I would have made a decision to go with my closer BEFORE it was too late.

At the plate, the Mets put together a two-run seventh with back-to-back doubles from Ruben Tejada and R.A. Dickey followed by an eventual RBI groundout by Pagan.  Then the Mets missed a bunch of opportunities with runners in scoring position, until the 14th inning where they would eventually capitalize.  After a walk of Reyes, a sacrifice bunt and a steal of third, Chacin issued two consecutive walks to load the bases.  Then Ike Davis stepped to the plate and delivered the game winning sac fly.

Tonight the Mets go for the series win at 8:05, sending Pat Misch to the hill against Bud Norris...

Mets Lose My Interest, Game 4-3

Tonight the Mets lost 4-3 to the Astros (box score).

This is the type of game that completely gets me down.  The team has a beneficial pitching match up, against a bad team and finds a way to lose.  I have nothing else to say.

Tonight was depressing...

Mets Send K-Rod to DQ, Gets All the Ice Cream He Wants As Long As He's Paying...

According to Metsblog, here, K-Rod has been placed on the disqualified list and will not be paid until he is able to play again nor will he pick up any service time (this one I picked up from SNY's news scroll during the game - probably will affect contract options).  This is coming after a successful surgery on K-Rod's thumb, which was messed up during his altercation with his kids' grandfather. 

Not a bad move...

To me, this looks like the Mets are testing the waters here.  I think this makes more sense, and seems more reasonable to pass, than if they tried to void his contract altogether.  Although I bet the Union is still pissed and will definitely do something to try to get K-Rod paid, at least the Mets are trying to do SOMETHING about this ridiculous situation.

I still think this whole situation is retarded...by the way...

Game 2 Against Astros Tonight at 8:05, History Repeating?

I'm not going to get too ahead of myself only one game into this road trip, but I have a feeling this current road trip has happened before.  The next 6 games the Mets have on the road are against the Astros and Pirates on the road.  Both teams are bad, and both series are completely winnable, if not sweepable, for the Mets.  So, here it comes...

Remember when the Mets went to Cleveland and Baltimore back in June?  Remember what that trip was for the Mets?  I'm trying not to jinx the team here, but I'm thinking this current trip can be the NL version of what the Mets did to the AL bottom dwellers earlier this season.  But, even if that is the case, I wouldn't get too excited...

Anyway, the Mets need to win tonight for that to happen, and the pitching match up is looking pretty favorable as the Mets send Santana to the hill against Nelso Figueroa.  Here's the line up courtesy of the Mets on twitter:

Reyes-SS
Martinez-LF
Wright-3B
Beltran-CF
Davis-1B
Francoeur-RF
Thole-C
Tejada-2B
Santana-P

Pagan gets a night off, keeping Frenchy in right, and moving F-Mart into left field.  It would be nice to see an offensive explosion tonight from the team...We haven't REALLY seen one of those in a bit now...


By the way the last lop-sided game the Mets won, and only one since the All-Star break, was on July 27th against the Cardinals 8-2.  Just sayin'...

Mets May Lose K-Rod For the Season, Win Game 3-1

According to Metsblog, here, K-Rod is likely gone for the season as he will have surgery on a torn ligament in his thumb which he sustained during the circus last week.  Way to go, K-Rod.  This MAY be the dumbest thing I've heard in some time.  Also according to Metsblog, the team is looking into their options with K-Rod, presumably looking to void his contract due to a non-baseball related injury.  There is something funny about that phrase "non-baseball related injury"...BUT none of this will matter as Cerrone points out the Baseball Players Union is a tough opponent to take down...

As for things that happen on the field...

Tonight the Mets got a great start from Jon Niese and fought hard to take the first of four from the Astros in Houston, 3-1 (box score).  The new Mets closer, Takahashi, came in and went 1-2-3 in the ninth to secure his first major league save.  Will he be the closer for the rest of the season?  Who knows?  But for now, it looks like he's the guy in the ninth.

The Mets got back to .500 on the season behind a homer from Carlos Beltran and a triple from Frenchy.  Also, Jon Niese was awesome going 7 innings giving up only 1 run on 7 hits while striking out 5.  Unfortunately for Niese, the Mets had only scored one run for him and waited until the ninth to take the lead for good.  Niese deserved the win...but I guess beggars can't be choosers...

Tomorrow the Mets look to move back above .500 as they send Johan to the hill to face old friend Nelson Figueroa.

Mets Take on Phillies Tonight: Line Up

Tonight it's Dickey against Hamels.  As far as the Mets line up tonight...Lefties need not apply. 

Here's the line up courtesy of the Mets on twitter:

Reyes-SS
Pagan-LF
Wright-3B
Beltran-CF
Hessman-1B
Francoeur-RF
Blanco-C
Tejada-2B
Dickey-P

Outside of the guys who can switch hit, but won't tonight, Jerry is throwing out a completely right-handed line up against Cole Hamels.  Metsblog points out why here: Hamels' left-handed opponents batting average is .182 this year.  Makes sense to me.  Sorry Ike and Thole...

Mets Win Game, Series Behind Santana

Today in the "Citi" the Mets defeated the Rockies 4-0 (box score) and took the series from Colorado.  Santana was awesome as the Mets shut out the Rox for the second time in three games to get back to .500 on the season.

Santana went the distance for the Mets today, striking out 10, and allowing only 4 hits.  He was great, and had to be, considering the way the bullpen blew up in last night's game and K-Rod's temporary detainment.  Johan must have seen everything that's happened with the 'pen in the last 18 hours and decided he would rather just do the job himself.

At the plate, Reyes went 2-4 with 2 stolen bases and a RBI, while Beltran went 3-3 with an RBI as well.  Martinez and Pagan drove in the other two runs for the Mets.  Hopefully the good day from Beltran is the start of something and not just a good day from a player who isn't what he used to be.

Either way, winning the series was important, as the Mets head into a three game set with the Phillies this weekend.  Tomorrow night's match up features R.A. Dickey and Cole Hamels.  Let's see if the Mets can get hot one more time before the season ends.

K-Rod Being Detained, Game at 12:10: Line Up

K-Rod is being held in the CitiField detainment center according to Metsblog, here.  Well, this is pretty ridiculous.  Way to go Francisco!  I wonder how big the "detainment center" is, and if some moron will get arrested on purpose in an effort to be K-Rod's cell-mate.  I'm sure they wouldn't put anyone else near him, but it'd be a funny story if they did...

Regardless of K-Rod's legal issues, the Mets will look for the series win today at 12:10.  They're sending Santana to the mound, but will try to win without David Wright, who'd getting the day off.  Honestly, he needs it and the team MAY be better off without him today.  Here's the line up courtesy of the Mets on twitter:

Reyes-SS
Martinez-RF
Pagan-LF
Davis-1B
Beltran-CF
Hessman-3B
Thole-C 
Tejada-2B
Santana-P

I love how Hessman has taken over the role on the team previously occupied by Fernando Tatis.  I'm just irritated that it took the organization this long to realize that they overpaid for "role guys" that they could have easily, and more cheaply, replaced with kids from within their minor league system.

Postgame...Poor Niese

Mets lose 6-2 tonight at Citi Field...

Recap/Reaction:Just when it looks like a ray of hope is desperately trying to peak through Citi Field, the Mets find a way to squash it. Tonight Jon Niese pitched a gem, allowing one run through 7 solid innings. When Niese left the game, it looked as if the Mets would win back to back games, for the first time in 40 games. That was not the case.

The wheels fell off in the 8th as Takahashi allowed two runners to reach base, and an intentional walk brought up Melvin Mora. Acosta had Mora 2-2 before hanging a slider that the former Met destroyed.

Acosta had been solid leading up to this outing, same with Takahshi in the 8th inning roll but it just looks like Jerry has such little stability in the pen.

Another negative is the offense which was MIA. David Wright is lost. Carlos Beltran looks old. Mets had 3 hits all night, one of which was a 2-run shot by Pagan in the 1st that supplied the Mets only runs.

Bottom line was tonight the Mets had a chance to take a series and set themselves up tomorrow to sweep with their ace on the mound. Yet, the Mets keeping digging a bigger hole, now 9.5 GB of Hotlanta.

Mets Look for Series Win Tonight: Line Up

A series win over a team in front of you in the wild card standings is never a bad thing...not that I have any hopes for the playoffs...I'm just sayin'.

Line up courtesy of Mets on twitter:

Reyes-SS
Pagan-LF
Wright-3B
Beltran-CF
Hessman-1B
Francoeur-RF
Blanco-C
Castillo-2B
Niese-P

Davis and Tejada get the night off, while Thole and F-Mart sit against the lefty.  Tonight would be a nice night for some offense, Niese deserves the support...

The Off-Season Move I Would Have Made That I'm Happy the Mets Did Not Make...

Signing Chien-Ming Wang.

I know that was a risk/upside signing, but he hasn't even made a rehab start for the Nats yet.

Just something I was thinking about tonight...

Mets Beat Rockies, Jimenez 1-0 Behind The Real Pelf

Tonight, Mike Pelfrey was in early 2010 form going 7 innings and giving up only 4 hits as the Mets defeated the Rockies, and Ubaldo Jimenez, tonight 1-0 (box score).

The Mets didn't do much at the plate, but when you're pitching is that good, you only need one run to win.  I do think it's interesting to note that the only Mets to get hits tonight were Fernando Martinez, Chris Carter, Josh Thole and Mike Pelfrey...BUT...Reyes drove in the only run of the night with a sac fly.  Also interesting to see how the line up looked without BOTH Beltran and Francoeur in it.

Nice win to get back to .500.  If the Mets continue to play these young guys, and they should/will, games like tonight's will help build character and give the young guys confidence in close games going forward. 

Nice win, fellas.

Young Mets Show Life, But Fall Short in Comeback Effort Against Phils

The Mets got off to an early lead today, then Dickey got shelled, then the Mets fought back to within one, only to lose 6-5 (box score) in today's finale.

Although Dickey had his worst outing of the year for the Mets, and the team lost yet another road series, somehow I was encouraged today.  I think it's because I have officially given up hope of having any shot at a playoff run, barring some miraculous hot streak.  But, I'm not pissed...

Today the young kids looked pretty good.  Tejada is continuing to show that he is a better glove than Castillo, although his hitting is leaving something to be desired.  F-Mart looked pretty decent, nothing to get crazy over, but solid.  And Thole and Carter had some big hits in the Mets comeback.  Overall, it's nice to watch a home grown team leave it ALL on the field.  Had Beltran and Wright not struggled the way they did today things may have turned out better for the Mets today.

The point...

The young kids look like they have pride.  Where some players in the past would have given up once they got down 6-2, this youthful Mets team didn't give up.  Ultimately that will make this team more fun to watch, even if they are only playing for pride.  This is a new thing for Mets fans, seeing a dedication to giving the young kids a shot.

In fact...

According to Howie Rose, while I was listening to "The Fan" in my car, the Mets had the most home grown players in today's starting line up (7), than they have since 1990.

Just found that interesting...

Kids Will Play, Line Up for Santana vs. Hamels Tonight at 7:05

Well, Castillo may not be off the team, but he's officially lost his starting job according to Metsblog.  In that post for Metsblog, Barron reports that Jerry will platoon Francoeur and Martinez in right while letting Tejada start and pushing Luis Castillo to the bench.

My reaction to all this is simple.  ABOUT TIME.  Although I would be happier if the team found a way to move Castillo, at least we won't have to watch him everyday anymore.  As for the platoon in right, while I still have a soft spot for Frenchy, he probably shouldn't be out there at all.  But, if the platoon is strictly righty-lefty then it's not terrible just based on there being more righties than lefties.  Regardless of the details I'm happy the organization is making a commitment to the future here.  Let's just hope they stay committed to this and don't flip-flop...

Anyway, tonight the Mets take on the Phillies again.  Here's the line up courtesy of the Mets on twitter:

Reyes-SS
Pagan-LF
Beltran-CF
Wright-3B
Hessman-1B
Francoeur-RF
Blanco-C
Tejada-2B
Santana-P

Ike gets the day off, and Ruben assumes his role as the everyday second baseman.  Maybe this will shake a few things loose. 

Let's Go Mets. 

Corresponding Moves Made: Mets Release Cora and Demote Feliciano

As updated on Metsblog, the team made their corresponding moves to the calling up of Tejada and Martinez.  The Mets have released Alex Cora and demoted Jesus Feliciano.

I get the Cora move, it makes sense, especially to avoid the contract option.  And I don't think Feliciano is ever really going to be a useful piece for this team, except organizational depth.  BUT...I was really hoping that the team would be making bigger, more meaningful changes, in an effort to send a message to the players and the fans.

Mets Lose Big Game, Call Up the Kids

Bad news, the Mets lost a very important game last night to the Phillies 7-5 after an abysmal 8th inning from the bullpen, specifically Bobby Parnell (box score).  Good news, the team is shaking things up by bringing up F-Mart and Ruben Tejada, according to Metsblog. 

Here's all I'm saying about last night, it was awful.  The Mets are lucky to only be 8 back after last night, but I think at this point it's fair to say any excitement we'll get from the Mets for the rest of the season will be from the dismantling of this team, and the kids being given a chance to play.

That being said...

According to the Metsblog link above, which by the way is a very interesting thread to read if for nothing but seeing the way the story developed, both Ruben Tejada and Fernando Martinez are coming up to the club.  As Barron says in the post, you have to figure they are coming up to play.  It'll be interesting to see the corresponding moves from the team, but to me, it's got to be designating Castillo and Francoeur for assignment, or some trades.  There really is no reason to bring these kids up to ride the pine, or to bring them up at the expense of guys like Carter.  It's just not worth it.

What I hope Omar is saying here is, we tried it with these guys and they didn't get the job done, so let's see what the kids can do.    

It can't be any worse than what the team is currently doing out there...

Yet Another Must Win Game: Line Up

There will come a point in the season where the Mets HAVE to either bite it or rise to the occassion, because honestly, I'm tired of every other game being HUGE.  Tonight is one of the last games I will call huge UNLESS they spit going into Sunday, or go on a big run...

Tonight they are in Philly with Niese on the mound against Blanton.  Oh, yeah, and the Phillies don't have Ryan Howard.  The Mets NEED to win this series, and tonight would be a great start because they'll have to face Hamels and Halladay, Saturday and Sunday, respectively. 

Here's tonight's line-up courtesy of the Mets on twitter:

Reyes-SS
Pagan-LF
Beltran-CF
Wright-3B
Davis-1B
Thole-C
Francoeur-RF
Castillo-2B
Niese-P

Come on fellas...

Mets Make 4 Errors...Need I Say More

Tonight the Mets made 4 errors, and didn't deserve to win the game...So...the Braves defeated the Mets 8-3 tonight (box), taking a very important game and series from the Mets.

No one was good tonight, especially Pelfrey, who hasn't been the same pitcher for some time now.  This was a tough game to watch... 

As excited as I was after yesterday's game, I think I am equally as dissappointed tonight.  The Mets really lost focus, as you can tell from the 4 errors, and that was the most dissappointing part.  Maybe they were pressing and made those errors as a result of that, but when your leaders make errors like Reyes, Wright and Davis all did tonight, you're probably in bad shape.

This was a tough loss tonight, and it puts the Mets 7.5 back of the Braves heading into another big series with the Phillies starting Friday.  This SERIES is a must-win for the Mets to keep any sort of dream of the playoffs alive.  PERIOD.

Let's go...

Huge Hit for Frenchy, Bigger Win For the Mets

To say Jeff Francoeur has been struggling lately is probably an understatement, but for tonight he's riding high.  Frenchy hit a HUGE ninth inning homer off of Billy Wagner tonight to give the Mets a 3-2 victory (box/wrap) in what was a MUST-WIN tonight in Atlanta.

Dickey pitched well tonight, and was able to fight through some jams earlier in the game.  Manny Acosta did the same later in the game coming in with one out and runners on the corner and getting pinch-hitter Troy Glaus to hit into a double play.  And K-Rod shut the door in a perfect ninth to keep the Mets afloat in the playoff hunt.  But...

Did I mention Frenchy hit a game-winning homer in the ninth?

I think Gary said it best after Frenchy's homer, when he said it looked like the Mets hadn't been more excited after a homer all year than they were tonight after Frenchy's.  Probably because this was a HUGE game, and that was a HUGE hit.  But I think there is something to be said about Frenchy's attitude and the idea that maybe the team WANTS Frenchy to succeed almost as badly as the fans do.  The bottomline here is that Frenchy has clearly struggled with the Mets, but there is something about him that still makes the team, and certain fans (myself included), like the guy.  While I agree that there is a certain point that no matter how much people like the guy he still needs to perform...BUT...I think a hit like this one, from a player as respected in the clubhouse as Francoeur seems to be, could really provide a lift for this team...

A team, by the way, that has an opportunity to be 5.5 games back after tomorrow night.  Not to state the obvious here but from now on every game is a huge one for the Mets.  Every night should be treated like it's the playoffs, because the truth is that another poor stretch of games will ultimately end their season.  So, with that in mind tomorrow the Mets send Mike Pelfrey to the hill against Kris Medlen in another big game against the Braves...

So there's only one thing left to say...

Let's go Mets.

Mets Must Win Tonight: Line Up

Tonight is a must-win.  Period.  Here's the Line up, courtesy of the Mets twitter:

Reyes-SS
Pagan-LF
Beltran-CF
Wright-3B
Davis-1B
Thole-C
Francoeur-RF
Castillo-2B
Dickey- P

Let's go...

Mets Lose, Fall to Fourth in NL East, Could Be Done By This Weekend

Tonight it looked like the Mets were not ready to start their biggest stretch of games yet this year, that could make or break their season.  They walked into Atlanta lifeless and went back to their hotel with 4-1 loss to the Braves (box score) and holding fourth place in the NL East.

The only real bright spot on the night was Santana's 11 strike outs, but those were overshadowed by Johan allowing a three-run first inning.  HOWEVER...the first inning was not completely Johan's fault, as Luis Castillo lost the handle on a ball while trying to turn a double-play which would have ended the first inning before any runs could score.  Now, I know you can never assume a double play...BUT...sometimes they should be expected and this was one of those times.  Man, I really hope they find a way to lose Luis...

Overall, it was shocking to see the team look dead out there tonight.  They just started their most important 6-game stretch to date, which honestly could play them right back into this race or basically make the next month plus of baseball unwatchable, AND they came out dead.  I know this seems like a stretch, or reaching for an excuse here, BUT...

I really think this team played with more energy when Castillo, Perez and even Beltran were not in the clubhouse.  I don't know what it is, but they've looked like a different team with a very different energy since these players returned...

Tomorrow, the Mets NEED to turn things around with Dickey on the hill against Lowe.  Tomorrow could be a huge win in going towards making this a successful six games, but if they lose tomorrow, I think this may be the beginning of the end of 2010...

Mets Win, Stand Pat and Play in 20 Minutes

Last night the Mets delivered a much needed win behind solid efforts from D.Wright and Takahashi, when Beltran drove a sac-fly in the ninth to win the game 5-4 (box), and put the Mets 6.5 games back in both the wild card and divisional races.   Nice win, now do it again today...

Speaking of today, the Mets finish their series with the D'backs in what amounts to a very important chance to pick up another game before heading to Atlanta and Philly.  Niese starts for the Mets against the recently aquired Daniel Hudson.  Here's the line up courtesy of the Mets on twitter:

Reyes-SS
Feliciano-LF
Pagan-CF
Wright-3B
Davis-1B
Francoeur-RF
Thole-C
Cora-2B
Niese-P

I like this line up, for the obvious reason (no Castillo), although I wish Beltran didn't need the day off but the reality is that this might actually make the team's outfield defense better.  Also, Beltran clearly needs the day off because of his knee...

As for the Mets not dealing at the deadline...


I wasn't expecting any major moves.  I would have liked a starter, but I think I was most dissappointed by the team not being able to move a bad contract or two.  Of course, I am talking about Castillo and Perez.  I realize that would have taken some creative doings by Omar...but I would have been very excited if that happened.  I'm still holding out hope they'll pass through waivers and can still be traded later this season...I really don't like them.