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 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 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 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...

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...

Mets Making Moves: Perez Up, Sign Cordero

According to Metsblog.com, the Mets have brought back Oliver Perez, and sent down Justin Turner to Triple-A. 

Turner was sent down instead of Josh Thole, which is probably the best move the Mets have made in some time.  The bottomline here is that Thole is the only catcher on the roster who is hitting.  So play him.  With the offense struggling the way it's been there is NO REASON to sit a hot bat, especially when it's really the only hot bat going right now.  Cerrone states in the posting above, that Manuel will likely increase Thole's playing time.  Good move Jerry...

Unfortunately, Oliver Perez is back, and will be a complete waste of a roster spot.  He'll probably be on mop up duty for awhile.  Hopefully, we won't see him for the rest of the road trip, because the Mets cannot afford another laugher like they had on Monday Night.

Also of note, Ken Rosenthal tweeted that the Mets have signed Chad Cordero to help in the bullpen.  My assumption is that this is an attempt to work around the not-so-great trade market for relievers this deadline.  Hopefully, he'll work out.  Clearly Omar has a bit of a crush on him, as he's been trying to get him back for a while.  His numbers in triple-A earlier this season weren't bad, so hopefully he'll be able to bring a little something to the 'pen should he get up to the big club.

Mets Lose Again in Desert, In Danger of Getting Swept By One of the Worst Teams in Baseball

Last night, despite the best efforts of Dickey, Thole and Pagan the Mets lost their second straight to the D'Backs 3-2 (box score/wrap).  The worst part of this whole mess is that now they could potentially get swept by one of the worst teams in baseball, and in order to avoid it, they'll have to beat Dan Haren.  Needless to say, Haren is a much better pitcher than Barry Enright, and he held the Mets to one run in 8 innings of work.  This is starting to get ugly quick...

The only real offense to speak of last night came off solo shots from Josh Thole and Angel Pagan, respectively.  Barry Enright? Really?  The Mets offense looks awful right now, even with the "shot in the arm" it was supposed to have gotten from Beltran and Castillo. 

Dickey continued his string of pitching well enough to win, and then not winning.  He went 7 innings giving up 3 runs.  Unfortunately for Dickey, the D'backs decided to test Beltran's range and speed last night by hitting balls into the gap, which CLEARLY still isn't where it was because of the injury.  He's just not getting to the balls in the gap, and behind him, the way he used to and it makes it tough to watch, especially when you think about who's playing right field for the Mets...

Tonight the Mets look to avoid the sweep by sending Jon Niese to the hill against Dan Haren.  The offense better wake up, because even if Niese tosses up zeroes all game, it won't be crap until they start scoring...

Second Half Starts Tonight at 10:15: Line Up

UPDATE:

Reyes was pulled from the line up with oblique pain.  The new line up is as follows:

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

---------------------------

Tonight the Mets start their second half in San Fran against Tim Lincecum and the Giants.  R.A. Dickey will take the mound for the Mets, and a long lost friend returns to the line up.  Here's tonight's starting line up, courtesy of the Mets on twitter:

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

First off, seeing Beltran in the clean up spot is making me very very happy.  Hopefully he's 100 percent.  Also, I really like seeing Thole in the line up.  It makes me feel good about the present and the future.  Cora, being a lefty, gets the start at second...

Let's Go Mets.

Mets Wrap Up First Half With W, 48-40 Record

Today, Johan Santana stepped up and delivered his second consecutive dominant performance, and helped lead the Mets to a 3-0 victory (box score/wrap).

Santana threw 7 innings giving up only 5 hits and walking 3, while striking out 5.  Bobby Parnell came in after Johan and continued his quality performances since returning to the bigs with a perfect eighth inning before K-Rod came in and threw a perfect inning of his own.  Mets pitching was the story today, and that was what brought the team back to within 4 games of the Braves.

For the Mets at the plate, Ike Davis went VERY deep, Josh Thole got a pinch hit RBI and Alex Cora drove in a run as well.

The Mets head into the All-Star Break 4 games back of the Braves and 8 games over .500, and they'll be getting, arguably their best player, Carlos Beltran back right after the break.  In order to make the room for Beltran, Jesus Feliciano was sent back down, and Angel Pagan will be sliding over to right field.  Although I want to see more playing time for Frenchy, there is no denying that Angel Pagan makes this team better than Francoeur does.  I hate to say this, but Frenchy will have to be a part-time player for the rest of the season, unless he is traded or something...

Either way, this team is a LOT better than people thought they would be at this point in the season and that alone is VERY EXCITING.  The second half will hopefully be full of more good baseball and more Met victories...

Let's Go NL. 

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!

Cliff Lee Watch: Reds and Rangers Into It

In an article published late last night for MLB.com, here, T.R. Sullivan reports that the Rangers and Mariners are having discussions centered around Cliff Lee.  In the article Sullivan throws around names like Justin Smoak, Chris Davis, Derrek Holland, Blake Beavan and Jarrod Saltalamacchia as potential trade pieces that the Rangers could use to get Lee. 

Smoak and Chris Davis are two major league ready bats, with Davis having the bigger power potential but being the more inconsistent of the two, which is why he's not with the big club.  (Side note: I do a home run pool every year and the last two I've taken Chris Davis, in the prospect category, only to see him not stick around in the majors long enough to provide me much help).  Saltalamacchia is another guy who just doesn't seem to be what people thought he would be, but maybe it's been the injuries or moving in between organizations that have retarded his progress.  As for Holland and Beaven although they aren't the top pitchers in the Rangers system, they still have nice upside.  So, any deal to me, involving Beaven or Holland, along with Davis and Saltalamacchia would have to be considered by Seattle.  But...

I wonder whether a deal from the Rangers involving Salty, Holland and Davis is a better deal for the Mariners than something like Mejia, Thole and Pagan/Nieuwenhuis/Havens/etc from the Mets.  But it's always difficult to trade within the division, right?  And, Isn't Safeco where power hitters go to die?  I would argue that Thole/Pagan would make more sense in Seattle than a Davis or Salty because of Thole's hitting style, Pagan's speed, and the "small ball" mentality that the Mariners seem to have with Ichiro, Jack Wilson and Figgins.  But the Mariners did recently re-acquire Russell Branyan, so maybe it's not so "small ball" after all...

As for the Reds, rumors have them swapping names with the Mariners about Lee as well.  According to FOXSports Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, here, some names that might be considered are Juan Francisco, Yonder Alonso along with Matt Maloney and Travis Wood. 

More top prospects being discussed here, and that's what it's going to take to get Lee because he immediately transforms a team into a contender, and if they were one to begin with, it makes them a serious contender.  Especially considering how he's been pitching lately...

So while I think the Mets need to be in on Lee, I wouldn't be miserable if they acquired someone like Ted Lilly instead.  There are many options out there, and I hope Omar does whatever he needs to do to improve the team, without giving up the entire farm.

Niese Pitches Well But Arroyo Has Mets Number as Reds Win 3-1

Tonight Niese made only a few mistakes, but infortunately two of them were against Brandon Phillips who made Niese pay by driving in two runs and leading the Reds to a 3-1 win tonight (box score/wrap), and a series win.

Bronson Arroyo killed the Mets yet again tonight, going 8 innings, scattering 7 hits and giving up only a solo homer to Angel Pagan.  The Mets had chances tonight, but just couldn't get things done, especially in the 8th and 9th innings, when they had opportunities with the tying run (at least) at the plate.

Pagan and Thole both had two hit nights for the Mets but it just wasn't enough.  The offense just didn't get it done tonight and as well as Niese pitched, it just wasn't enough.  Niese went 7 and 2/3 innings giving up 3 runs while striking out eight.  Niese continues to look good this year, and has proven that he can be a valuable and successful piece to this pitching staff throughout the season.  But as well as Niese threw tonight, and has been all year, tonight he was just out-done by Arroyo.  It happens...

The Mets have a day off tomorrow before starting a big three game set with the Braves this weekend.  After this series the Mets can be tied with the Braves for first, 6 games back, or anywhere in between.  This is an important series for confidence considering how early in the season it is, and the way it's timed against the All-Star break.

Mets Go For Series Win Behind Niese at 7:10, Line Up

Niese takes the hill against Bronson Arroyo at 7:10.  Here's the line up courtesy of the Mets on twitter:

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

Jerry's been looking for ways to get Thole in there and facing a righty starter tonight is a great opportunity.  I'm not wild about sitting Frenchy for Feliciano, but I guess he needs the night off despite the day off tomorrow and the up-coming All-Star break. I really hope that's not the logic there.  It's more likely that it's a righty/lefty thing for Jerry, he loves that stuff.  Also getting the night off is Tejada, once again a victim of righty/lefty match ups.  


Let's see a good one out of Niese tonight, this would be a nice win heading into the weekend against the Braves...

Harang Scratched Replaced with Wood, Thole to The Bench Tonight

Aaron Harang has been scratched with lower back issues, according to the SNY Pregame.  Mike Wood, a lefty, will make the start instead for the Reds.

To counter that move Josh Thole is no longer in the starting line up, instead Rod Barajas will get the start against the lefty.

Also Tejada and Cora has swapped spots in the order.  Tejada is now in the two-hole, with Cora hits eighth.  Another lefty adjustment...

Game time is just minutes away.

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...

Tough Outing From Takahashi As Mets Fall 7-6

Last night, the Marlins put up a 6 spot in the third inning on Takahashi, but the Mets fought back to tie it in the ninth, only to give the game back on a walk-off hit and lose 7-6 (box score/wrap).

It was nice to see the team fight back late, especially the big game-tying hit from Josh Thole in the ninth.  But, it's games like those where you really should win.  The team made a heck of an effort to tie it up, but that game needs to get finished off.

Takahashi was roughed up, giving up 6 runs and 9 hits in 5 2/3 innings.  After Takahashi was removed the bullpen held things down, until the ninth when Pedro Feliciano gave up the game winning hit to Dan Uggla.  If nothing else, we've learned that Takahashi has done a great job for the Mets, BUT that teams look to be catching up to him.  He probably shouldn't be a starter for much longer, and with all these Cliff Lee rumors floating around, he may not need to be...

Tonight the Mets try to avoid the sweep in Puerto Rico before heading to Washington for a four game set, which is no easy task considering the success both the Marlins and Nationals have had over the Mets this season.  The Mets will send Mike Pelfrey to the mound against Chris Volstad to try to get it done.

Let's Go Mets.