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...

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 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.

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.

Mets Find Stroke Against Wainwright, Beat Cards 8-2

Last night the Mets bats woke up, against an unexpected foe, as the Mets picked up a game on the Braves and beat the Cardinals 8-2 in the Citi (wrap/boxscore).

After a road trip where the Mets couldn't hit or drive in runs, they came home to face one of the NL's best pitchers in Adam Wainwright and predictably...pounded him?  What?  I really have no idea where this offense outpouring came from but I am very happy it came.  Especially after hearing yesterday that the Mets may not be buyers this trade deadline, this was well timed.  This team NEEDS to be in on the division race, and cannot give up yet, this year.  A nice win streak might convince ownership to re-visit some deals that could give the team an edge, because there is still plenty of time, and Mets fans WANT something to root for...

At the dish the Mets got homers from Reyes and Francoeur (playing because of Bay's concussion), along with RBI for Wright, Beltran and Davis to help the team beat up on Cy Young candidate Adam Wainwright.  Unreal...

And on the bump...Niese went 6 innings giving up only one earned run on 7 hits.  Acosta, Valdez and K-Rod finished up the game, which was basically decided by the time these guys came in.

Bottomline, the Mets had a good night, but need to follow it up tonight with another good performance. They face Jaime Garcia tonight at 7:10, when they sent Santana to the hill.

Let's Go Mets

Literally the Deadline

Quick Rant:

The next few games should in my opinion dictate the direction Omar decides to steer the sinking ship come Saturday's trade deadline. Say the Mets drop the 1st two games to St. Louis, and are roughly 9.5 games our of first place....We should NOT be buyers. One piece won't help this team. One new manager won't help this team.

This could be a prime opportunity for the Mets to rebuild and put a decent ballclub out on the field in the seasons to come(With Bobby V back lets pray)

The Mets need new arms. No more Ollie, Maine, Japanese, or tired Relievers.

So, Im proposing we sell high on the new fan favorite Angel Pagan. Yes, he's maybe our most consistant player but the injury prone 29 year old could potentially bring back a decent return, hopefully the kind of pitchers who can compete for a rotation spot next year.

Pretty much anyone other than Reyes, Wright, Ike, Niese and Pelfrey i wouldn't mind parting with if it allows us to rebuild because the Post-Collapse Mets are more disgusting to watch than the 07-08 editions.

At this point I'm all for selling, this team has no life and much like 2004, we need to sink the whole ship if we ever want to see it sail (respectfully) again.

Dickey, Mets, Done in by Back-to-Back Homers in 4-2 Loss to Bravos

Tonight, R.A. Dickey turned in a good performance, but back-to-back homers in the 7th put the Braves out in front to stay, in a 4-2 win tonight at the "Citi" (wrap/box score).

R.A Dickey was pitching, and hitting, well tonight.  Then in the 7th with two outs, Melky Cabrera got behind one and sent it out to right.  The next batter Omar Infante followed suit and did the same, giving the Braves a lead they would be able to hold.

The only real offense tonight came from R.A. Dickey, as he reached base on two hits and scored twice as well.  He scored on a sac fly from David Wright, and a mis-played line drive by Eric Hinske that was recorded as an RBI double for Jose Reyes.

As far as I'm concerned tonight was not a good game.  It's usually a tough night when the most you can find to talk about was the starting pitcher, on both offensive and defensive side (save for the other night with Santana's shut out and homer). 

This is not a good way to start the series, as the Mets really need to get in gear to win this series and go into the All-Star break down ONLY two games to the Braves.  Any more losses this series and the Mets may find themselves in third place 5 or 6 games out.  That would not be a good way to go into the break...

Tomorrow night the Mets try to turn it around by sending Pelfrey to the mound against Tim Hudson.  This will not be an easy task for the Mets, but if they want to make the post-season or make a run at the post-season they need to start winning some tough games, and some divisional games...

Dickey Against Hanson in Game 1 of Series: Line Up

First off, the Mets sent down Igarashi and brought up Nick Evans earlier today, as reported by Metsblog.  Reyes will slip into the two-hole tonight, which is some interesting stuff.  Here is the rest of the line up for tonight's game for the Mets, courtesy of Adam Rubin on twitter:

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


More playing time for Thole, and Tejada.  And I have absolutely no problem with that...


Big game to start a big series...

Let's Go Mets!

Mets vs. Reds at 7:10, Line Up

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

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

Reyes is back, and I'm thinking a winning streak will soon follow...

Let's Go Mets.

Mets vs. Red at 7:10, Line Up

No Reyes again tonight, but according to Metsblog he will be in there tomorrow.  Josh Thole gets another start, nice to see what the kid can do.  Although I can't help but think this might have something to do with Cliff Lee, just saying.  Here's the line up courtesy of Michael Barron at Metsblog:


Angel Pagan CF
Alex Cora 2B
David Wright 3B
Ike Davis 1B
Jason Bay LF
Josh Thole C
Jeff Francoeur RF
Ruben Tejada SS
Mike Pelfrey P

The Reds are tough, and they are led by Scott Rolen who's been unreal this season.  This will not be an easy series, but I like the pitching match up here tonight in favor of the Mets, as long as Pelfrey keeps the ball down...

Let's Go Mets.

After Yesterday's Blow Up, Mets Look For Redemption at 1:35

I'm not going to waste any time talking about how annoying K-Rod is to watch, or how he is bound to blow saves pitching the way he does....

Instead, I'll be happy that the Mets weren't dominated by Strasburg because that means maybe the future won't be so bleak in the NL East afterwards.  Yeah Strasburg's probably going to be very good, BUT, sometimes teams can just have your number.  Maybe the Mets can be that team for Strasburg...

Redemption time today.  Here's today's line up courtesy of Adam Rubin:

Pagan CF
Cora 2B
Wright 3B
Davis 1B
Bay LF
Francoeur RF
Barajas C
Tejada SS
Takahahsi P

No Reyes again, as he's still sore.  But it's time for the team to split the series...

Let's Go Mets! 

Mets/Nats Tonight at 7:05

Tonight in Washington the pitching match up is Luis Atilano against Jon Niese.  Here's the line up courtesy of the Mets on twitter:

Pagan-8
Tejada-6
Wright-5
Davis-3
Bay-7
Barajas-2
Francoeur-9
Cora-4
Niese-1

Pagan is back in the line up, as is Jason Bay, which should help spark the Mets offense.  Unfortunately the team's true spark plug Reyes is out again, but SHOULD be back tomorrow.  The bottomline is the Mets need to take control of games, as they've had the the games taken to them so far on this road trip.  A nice big top of the first, followed by a goose egg from Niese would be the perfect medicine for that...

Let's Go Mets.

Santana Against Livan Tonight, Line Up

Here is tonight's line up courtesy of David Lennon on twitter:

Feliciano-8
Tejada-6
Wright-5
Davis-3
Francoeur-9
Carter-7
Blanco-2
Cora-4
Santana-1


I guess Jose needs another night off.  Hopefully tonight will be the last of that.  Also, it looks like Jerry really wants to keep trying to find ways to get Carter at bats, which I'm fine with, but Bay didn't start on Tuesday either.  Does he really need another night off?  I'm not sure tonight is the best time to sit him.  Also looks like Pagan is getting a little more time to rest, and Barajas has been pretty bad lately, so I like Blanco in there.


Overall...this isn't the normal line up...


But either way...


Let's Go Mets.

Recap: A Win, An Injury, A Rumor, A Rehab

Here's a list of things I want to recap and give my input on.  Normally I would have done them WHILE they were happening but sometimes things get busy...

Last night the Mets defeated the Marlins 6-5 (box score/wrap), despite a poor outing from Mike Pelfrey.  Pelfrey got pounded to the tune of 12 hits and 4 runs in 4 and 2/3 innings of work.  NOT A GOOD NIGHT.  Fortunately for the Mets, the offense and bullpen were able to pick Pelfrey up and get the team a win, which helped them avoid the sweep in Puerto Rico.  K-Rod came in in the eighth after Parnell put the Mets in some trouble, but K-Rod was able to get Wes Helms to fly out.  Then K-Rod made it interesting, again, in the ninth but was able to save the game for the Mets.

The Mets got some nice all-around effort on the offensive end, highlighted by David Wright's 2-5 game with 2 RBI and another pinch-hit RBI from Josh Thole (his second in two night).  And not to be the guy who rains on our parade, because I DO think this team is better overall with Barajas behind the plate, BUT...he's now down to .244 and the staff has been getting ripped lately.  All I really mean to say by that is, I'm happy the Mets decided to wait before considering extending Rod...

Also of note from yesterday's game was Jose Reyes' last minute removal from the line up due to a his side hurting, which you can read more about on Metsblog, here.  In the post, Michael Barron quotes Jerry as saying it had something to do with the turf at Hiram Bithorn Stadium.  That wouldn't surprise me much considering the way Gary and Keith talked about the field basically being built on top of a parking lot, and the cement being the base underneath the field.  Either way, I hope to see Jose back in the line up tonight, BUT, I also wouldn't be surprised if he needed another night off.  Any more missed time than that and I may start getting concerned...

ON TO OLLIE...

I know he's doing rehab starts and all that, but is it really necessary?  He has no trade value anyway.  The best thing the Mets can hope for is that he "suffers a set back" the same way John Maine did and the team can continue on without him.  As for Beltran's rehab seemingly going well, I'm cautiously excited.  I know it's cliche and people have been saying this for quite some time, but Beltran REALLY is the best player the Mets can add at the trade deadline....Well....offensive.

Speaking of Cliff Lee, Metsblog notes some rumors here and here regarding how much the Mets would need to give up to get Lee.  Here's what I would and wouldn't do...

The following I think can be traded in any combination in order to get Lee, of course with the caveat that they cannot take more than 4 from this list: Josh Thole, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Jordany Valdespin, Reese Havens, Bobby Parnell, Brad Holt, Ruben Tejada, Sean Ratliff or Juerys Familia.

NOW, if the Mariners needed one of F-Mart, Wilmer Flores, Angel Pagan or Jenrry Mejia to get the deal done I would NOT want to give up more than one of them combined with NO MORE than two of the guys from the previous list.

Interestingly enough, I think the guy who is closest to untouchable to me is Wilmer Flores.  But, I don't think anyone should be off limits right now.  The farm system seems to have enough in it that you can make this deal without losing all your top prospects.  So Omar, make a deal to make this team a winner.  Just be smart about it, and don't give up too much...

Marlins Lay the Lumber to the Mets in 10-3 Win

Well, some nights things just don't go your way.  Tonight was one of those nights for the Mets and R.A. Dickey, as the Marlins pounded out 10 runs on 9 hits on their way to a 10-3 victory of the Mets in Puerto Rico (box score/wrap).

R.A. Dickey gave up 5 runs in 5 innings, most of them in a big third and just didn't look good tonight.  The Marlins were pounding Dickey around, including Ricky Nolasco who had a big double off Dickey early in that big third inning.  Tough outings happen, and considering the way Dickey's been pitching this year he was bound to have one less than awesome start, unfortunately, it came tonight.  Also, I think the humidity was making it tough for Dickey to control that knuckler, as Gary and Keith noted he had to change his undershirt, probably because he sweat right through it.  In any case, Dickey wasn't alone in his struggles tonight as Nieve and Igarashi gave up 5 combined runs in the final four innings to cement the game for the fish.

The highlights of the game for the Mets were provided by Jason Bay who went deep twice in the game.  The Mets had 6 hits tonight, two of them homers from Bay, two of them off the bat of Wright, a lead off single from Reyes and a pitch hit from Thole.  There was no real help from the rest of the line up.  And although Reyes' hit was a lead off one, he was immediately picked off, which was no help to the team, and Thole's hit came when the Mets were already down 7-3 in the eighth.  So, as far as important hits go, they were few and far between tonight for the Mets...unless your name happens to be Jason Bay.

But these types of loses happen to even the best teams, so no reason to get worried.  The Mets have a chance for redemption tomorrow night at 7:10 when Takahashi takes the mound against Nate Robertson.

Let's Go Mets.

Great Team Performance as Mets Win 5-2

Tonight was a great example of how the Mets have become a complete team, in their 5-2 win tonight over the Twins (box score).

Pelfrey pitched great today after giving up a lead off bomb to Denard Span.  I was a little concerned after the homer that we were looking at another tough outing for Big Pelf, but he rebounded well and went 6 innings giving up 2 runs on 6 hits. After perfect innings in the 7th (Parnell) and the 8th (Feliciano), K-Rod made things very interesting before he shut the door.  Tonight was yet another example of why K-Rod should keep his opinions about his own team, specifically the bullpen, to himself.  Tonight they preserved the lead for him, no problem.  He then immediately went out and put the tying run at the plate before retiring the final two batters to save the game.  I like K-Rod, but I like him better when he's not talking...

At the plate, the Mets did the good job, again.  Led by Wright going 2-3 with a homer and 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored.  Bay, Davis and Reyes also drove in runs, while Ruben Tejada extended his hit streak to 9 games, just narrowly missing his first career homer.  Tejada is hitting .264 on the year, and made a great play in the field today.  Did I mention that this was a great idea, to play this kid and eliminate Cashstealo?  Man, last year injuries killed the Mets but this year, "injuries" have forced management to make the RIGHT moves...

Tomorrow the Mets look for their second consecutive series win, when they send Santana to the hill against Carl Pavano.  I'll be at the game, should be fun.

Let's go Mets.

Dickey Comes Up Big in Mets 5-0 Win Over Detroit

I know, I know...but I couldn't avoid making that the headline.  Sorry...

But...

It's not like I'm lying because last night R.A. Dickey was awesome, improving to 6-0 on the year and lowering his era to 2.33, after 8 innings of shut out, 4 hit ball against the Tigers last night in the Mets 5-0 win (box score/wrap). 

Dickey was awesome, and K-Rod let his mandatory hitter reach base before he shut the door.  Overall, Dickey has been absolutely fantastic for the Mets.  Dickey is quickly becoming one of those scrap heap signings that Omar likes to hang his hat on, much like Jose Valentin and Fernando Tatis were before him (this is before they were re-signed for entirely too much money after that success).  And I can't help but think that if the Mets acquire another starter that it'll be Takahashi, not Dickey, who'll end up the odd man out of the rotation and will be moved to the 'pen.  It makes the most sense considering Takahashi's success earlier in the year in the 'pen, and the way Dickey has been lights out this season (as much as a knuckleballer can be "lights out").

At the dish, Reyes, Wright and Davis came up big again.  Reyes went 3-4 with an RBI and 3 runs scored, while Wright was 1-3 with an RBI and Davis went 2-4 with 2 RBI.  The other Mets RBI was driven in by Jesus Feliciano who came in for Angel Pagan late in the game because of Pagan having muscle spasms, which you can read about here.  Also worth noting from the game was another hit and run from Ruben Tejada, who although he hasn't been a house of fire or anything, has been productive in his starts.  He's hitting only .255 in 15 games this season, BUT, he has scored 9 runs.  He hasn't exactly been great, but with the rest of the team playing the way they are, he only has to be solid, and in my opinion he's been that...

The Mets are now in a position to go for a sweep tonight, sending Hisanori Takahashi to the hill against Armando Galarraga...

Let's Go Mets.

It's Raining Hits, And...Uh...Rain, As Mets Pound Tigers 14-6

Last night the Mets pounded out 16 hits against the Tigers, including Justin Verlander, and outlasted the rain in a 14-6 win (box score/wrap).

There was a lot of offense to report from last night.  The top 4 hitters in the Mets line up all had at least 3 hits each and an RBI.  In fact, the only starting position player without a hit or RBI or run scored was Rod Barajas, who has quietly slipped back down to a .246 batting average for the year. 

Here are some specifics on the offense explosion the Mets experience last night: Reyes went 3-6 with an RBI and 3 runs scored, Wright went 3-3 with 2 RBI and 3 runs scored, Davis went 3-6 with 3 RBI and 1 run scored.  But the biggest bat last night was Angel Pagan who went 4-6 with 4 RBI and 3 runs scored, and was only a homer away from the cycle.  And Reyes, Francoeur and Bay all swiped bases as well.

Niese pitched well for the first 3 innings, but then the rain came and washed away his good start.  Jerry decided to leave Niese out there after nearly an hour rain delay and it was pretty obvious that affected Niese.  But after Niese gave up 6 runs in 4 and 2/3 innings the bullpen only allowed one hit for the rest of the game, which is nice to see, especially considering the concern over the bullpen not having Mejia anymore.  At least tonight, that wasn't an issue...

But what might become an issue is Beltran making rehab starts beginning Thursday as reported by Metsblog, here.  I mean, Pagan is playing well, obviously.  Francoeur is also playing pretty well himself, so between the two of them Bay and Beltran the Mets will have quite a glut in the outfield.  This will be worth monitoring...especially considering the timing of Beltran's return and the way it may match up with the trade deadline...

Anywho...the Mets take on the Tigers in the second game of this three game set tonight with Dickey facing off against Jeremy Bonderman...

Let's Go Mets.

Mets Take the First Game of Round Two Against the Yankees

The Mets have now won 8 in a row, and have guaranteed at least a split in the season series with the Yankees, after last night's 4-0 win in the Bronx (box score).

Hisanori Takahashi was outstanding last night, going 6 innings giving up only 4 hits and 2 walks.  For the second time this year Takahashi was great against the Yankees and has proven that he can pitch against big time opponents. Considering that I am really NOT in a rush to see John Maine back when Takahashi puts up outings like this, and Dickey has been great too. 

As good as Takahashi was last night Pedro Feliciano might have been better, coming in and shutting down the Yankees in the 7th and 8th innings while the Mets built more of a cushion.  However, Raul Valdes came in after Feliciano and put the game back into question before K-Rod came in and shut the door.

At the plate, the Mets did something I don't remember them having done in some time, scored runs off of Javier Vasquez.  Reyes, Pagan and Davis all drove in runs (Pagan had two RBI) and really fueled the Mets offense last night.  Jeff Francoeur went 2-4 scoring a run, and Ruben Tejada continued to make contributions going 1-3 with a run scored himself.  While Tejada did make his second error of the year, he still has been a solid addition to the teams line up and in the field.

Also, from the personal revenge department, it was nice to see the Mets score off Chan Ho Park.  I can't stand the guy because of how bad he was for the Mets and then how good he was for the Phillies.  Although, I did enjoy his diarrhea interview...

Today the Mets look for 9 in a row when they face the Yankees again today at 1:05.  The pitching match up today will be Phil Hughes against Mike Pelfrey.  Line up to come...

Mets Packed Their Brooms on this Roadtrip, Head to Yankee Stadium Next

The Mets are playing very well right now, and just completed their second consecutive three game sweep with a 6-4 win over the Indians tonight (box score/wrap up).

R.A. Dickey got the win going 6 innings giving up 3 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits while striking out 7.  Dickey may not have been great tonight, but he was good enough to win.  Dickey was supported by the Mets offense who pounded out another 14 hits tonight against Jake Westbrook and the Indians.  After tonight's performance, I may be reconsidering my stance on Westbrook...Or maybe the Mets are just THAT good right now.

Every starter except Frenchy had a hit (although Frenchy had an RBI).  Davis, Wright, Reyes and Blanco drove in the other runs for the Mets with Davis plating two.  Oh yeah, and Jose Reyes went 3-5 with a big RBI triple in the eighth and scored twice.  The Mets have been very good ever since he got back to being himself.

I love this team.  Ruben Tejada had two hits tonight and scored.  Jesus Feliciano scored.  Hank White (Henry Blanco) seems to get a big hit everytime he plays.  This is a hard team not to love...

The subway series round 2 returns tomorrow night when Takahashi takes on Javier Vasquez at Yankee Stadium.  The Mets are putting their 6 game road winning streak on the line, as well as their 7 game overall streak tomorrow night.  The game starts at 7:05 on SNY...

Let's Go Mets