2009 New York Mets Regular Season

[Baseball Guru]

Happy Opening Day to all my Met friends here..

This is the official 2009 regular season thread to talk Mets baseball!

Lets hope this is our year this year!

Lets Go Mets! Lets Go Mets!:clapping

[Baseball Guru]

Game 1 Preview:


New York (0-0) at Cincinnati (0-0)

Pitching Match-up:

Johan Santana

vs


Aaron Harang

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/preview?gid=290406117


* Game info: 1:10 pm EDT Mon Apr 6, 2009
* TV: ESPN



LETS GO METS!!

[Dalkowski110]

I'll not be doing the pre-game pitching matchups like I did last year, but I'll still be doing the Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game! :nod:

[magicmagee]

First pitch pushed back to 1:40, per SNY & WFAN.

[Frogshiem77]

Favorite moment of the game so far:

After watching Jose Reyes swing and fly out on the first pitch of his at bat in the 5th, Dan Murphy steps to the plate takes two strikes looking, and manages to grind out a 9 pitch at bat, the last pitch of which he deposited over the right field wall to give the Mets the lead.

I know he doesn't have a huge track record, but you have to love his approach at the plate....That and the Red's atrocious defense.
Go Mets

[Cowtipper]

I enjoyed watching Ryan Church bobble the ball, and yet manage to catch it and double up the guy at first.

Also, I'm stepping over to the enemy side for a minute - it's cool to see Darnell McDonald is the Reds' opening day starting centerfielder. He's had a rough day in the field (lots of tough balls falling the wrong way) but after watching him in Rochester these past couple summers, I'm rooting for him as well. He certainly spent plenty of time in the minors, that's for sure.

[Dalkowski110]

And the Mets win 2-1! Despite Johan Santana's great work through five innings and a good showing by new relievers Sean Green, J.J. Putz, and Francisco Rodriguez, I have to give the Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award to Daniel Murphy. Daniel drove in both Mets runs and hit the first round-tripper of the 2009 season! Congrats Daniel!



(2007 Bowman Heritage Prospects signed card)

[theAmazingMet]

It's great to see the bullpen hold it. They picked the first game to make a statement, I like it. Good job today in rough conditions :rainy: fellas!

:clapping

[RayNY]

It's great to see not only a good closer in K-Rod, but also a solid 8 man in Putz. IMO the two have equally important roles considering what happened last season.

Now if Billy Wagner comes back in mid-season and takes a reliever role, that would be just scary. Wagner, Putz, K-Rod... 7,8,9.

[EasilyFound]

Please, I don't want to see any more of Wagner. Not even in the 7th. Great bullpen today. Wright had a not-so-good day. Struck out with man on 3rd and less than two outs. Got picked off 1B. And got thrown out at home. But a very nice start. Pelfrey up next.

[metfan13]

Please, I don't want to see any more of Wagner. Not even in the 7th. Great bullpen today. Wright had a not-so-good day. Struck out with man on 3rd and less than two outs. Got picked off 1B. And got thrown out at home. But a very nice start. Pelfrey up next.

But on the plus side a brilliant defensive play.

[AutographCollector]

I enjoyed watching Ryan Church bobble the ball, and yet manage to catch it and double up the guy at first.


Do you mean this: http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=4018037

I like the crowd's reaction at around the 14th second. ;)

[RayNY]

Do you mean this: http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=4018037

I like the crowd's reaction at around the 14th second. ;)

I got a laugh out of the double "AWWW!!" from the crowd.

(ball hit)
"Yeaaahh!! ...AWWWW!!!!"

(ball thrown back to 1st)
"Yeaaahh!! ...AWWWW!!!!"

lol

[EasilyFound]

But on the plus side a brilliant defensive play.

I didn't see that play until after I had visited the web site to watch the highlights. For some reason, this year, the video for the highlights on the web site is very jerky. Is that happening to anyone else? Or is it something to do with my computer?

[Allie Fox]

Was Santana pulled early in the sixth as a precaution? I thought he was grooving along and I was sure he'd at least go 7 innings. I noticed at one point between innings as Johann was walking off the field he winced and it looked like he grabbed his shoulder.

[NYMets523]

Encarnacion has hit well off of him in the past and he was up to 95 pitches. That's why he was hooked.

[JerseeJerry55]

It's great to see not only a good closer in K-Rod, but also a solid 8 man in Putz. IMO the two have equally important roles considering what happened last season.

Now if Billy Wagner comes back in mid-season and takes a reliever role, that would be just scary. Wagner, Putz, K-Rod... 7,8,9.

I'd be all for it. A pen of Feliciano, O'Day, Wagner, Green, Putz, ans K-Rod. Down the stretch, and into serious October baseball. Watch out NL here we come.

[Brutus26]

Congrats on the Opening Day win! I was hoping the Reds could pull it out there in the 6th with the Mets bullpen! Looks to be greatly improved this year and you all could be the team to beat in the NL.

[JerseeJerry55]

Congrats on the Opening Day win! I was hoping the Reds could pull it out there in the 6th with the Mets bullpen! Looks to be greatly improved this year and you all could be the team to beat in the NL.

Thanks, but being a Mets fan for 39 years I take it only as one win.

[Brutus26]

Thanks, but being a Mets fan for 39 years I take it only as one win.

lol, trust me as a Reds fan i know that feeling! The NL East looks to be really tough but the Mets look to have a solid team improving the pitching and you can't go wrong with a new stadium!

[theAmazingMet]

lol, trust me as a Reds fan i know that feeling! The NL East looks to be really tough but the Mets look to have a solid team improving the pitching and you can't go wrong with a new stadium!

Thanks for the love. Reds fans have always been known as class acts and you typify that statement. Now those Philly and Boston fans on the other hand...

[AutographCollector]

Thank you for the kind words Brutus26.

[AutographCollector]

For some reason, this year, the video for the highlights on the web site is very jerky. Is that happening to anyone else?

Weird as last night they were NOT jerky, but so far this morning they ARE jerky werky. :(

[Brutus26]

Thanks for the love. Reds fans have always been known as class acts and you typify that statement. Now those Philly and Boston fans on the other hand...

Yea there really aren't too many clubs a despise in baseball but during any game i will be cursing your players until it is over! lol j/k

[NYMets523]

Way to reach for that ball, Delgado...

[Frogshiem77]

Way to reach for that ball, Delgado...

Haha, my thoughts exactly, maybe it's just me, but I feel like if we didn't live in the era of instant replay they would have given him the benefit of the doubt.

Tonight's bullpen effort was less than awe inspiring, I think K-Rod threw more balls than strikes BUT.. he picks up save #2
and we're 2-0

phew
:clapping

[Dalkowski110]

And the Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game is Carlos Delgado...



2002 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Ultimate Signatures Tier 1 autographed card.

Despite Carlos' possible miscue (I honestly think he did briefly touch the bag), he did provide a homerun and four RBI's.

[redlegsfan21]

Despite Carlos' possible miscue (I honestly think he did briefly touch the bag), he did provide a homerun and four RBI's.

I'm gonna have to say that I agree that Encarnacion was out as well. At least it didn't have an effect on the outcome (though it should of).

[NYMets523]

Despite Carlos' possible miscue (I honestly think he did briefly touch the bag), he did provide a homerun and four RBI's.

He should have never made the throw to begin with though. Phillips' run meant nothing. The 2nd out was much more important.

[dpcv8]

You cant blame a blown call on by the ump on Delgado.

It's nice to see him crushing the ball. He picked up right where he left off last year and that's a good thing.

[Brutus26]

I thought K-Rod did a great job to get himself settled down. I think the Reds were thinking the same thing i was at the beginnig og the inning, don't swing at anything becasue he wasn't throwing consecutive strikes. But on Gonzo and Nix he really threw some nasty pitches. At the first crack of the bat for Nix i thought it was gone but didn't happen. Good game though!

[NYMets523]

I don't like Castro catching Perez today.

[Frogshiem77]

I don't like Castro catching Perez today.

Looks like Perez has really turned the corner as a pitcher...back to oblivion.
Additionally, why do they keep pitching to Votto?

[NYMets523]

Looks like Perez has really turned the corner as a pitcher...back to oblivion.
Additionally, why do they keep pitching to Votto?

Can't walk him when there are already 2 guys on base.

[Brutus26]

Great series this week. With all the predictions the Mets have gotten to be WS contenders I like how well the Reds held up in this series. 3 excellent ball games all coming down to the last inning. I think both fans can say we'll be pleased to get a new umpire crew.

[Dalkowski110]

Ugly game by Ollie, though at least the offense wasn't failing and the bullpen (even O'Day) did relatively well. The Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award goes to Ryan Church...



(2006 Topps)

Ryan drove in two runs and hit a pair of doubles and a run scored. Hopefully we get the Marlins tomorrow.

[RedsoxMetsFan123]

Today we begin a 3-game series between the Marlins in Florida followed by the Citi Field opening game aganist the Padres. Today aganist the Marlins we got John Maine starting aganist Anibel Sanchez. Heres the standings so far for the season. If we win tonight well be tied for first. I hope today will be the day Sheffield hit 500. Griffey last year hit 600 in Florida, why not Sheffield's 500th there.

Marlins 3-0
Braves 2-1
Mets 2-1
Phillies 1-2
Nationals 0-3

[NYMets523]

I hope today will be the day Sheffield hit 500. Griffey last year hit 600 in Florida, why not Sheffield's 500th there.

Because no one will be there to see it.

[RedsoxMetsFan123]

Game update
Mets 0 Marlins 2 Bottom of the 2nd inning
Homeruns: D.Uggla (2) H.Ramirez (2)

Its not looking good for Maine right now, also he got hit I think in the foot with a line drive.

[NYMets523]

It's not looking good? A little dramatic. Other than 2 HRs, he's not given up any hits. He's only given up 1 walk, too.

[RedsoxMetsFan123]

Game update 2
Mets 1 Marlins 2 top of the 6th

Carlos Beltran Home Run, Gary Sheffield was just walked. Up to the plate is Jose Reyes whose 0-1

[RedsoxMetsFan123]

Cantu walks it off with a double, Marlins win 5-4 become 4-0 for the first time ever

Final Score
Mets 4 Marlins 5
Jorge Cantu game winning double, the throw to the plate is to late.

Home Runs: Dan Uggla (2) Hanley Ramirez (2) Carlos Beltran (1)

NL East Standings
Marlins 4-0
Braves 2-1
Mets 2-2
Phillies 1-3
Nationals 0-4

[Dalkowski110]

Ouch. O'Day may have given it up, but the lineup's general failure to hit with runners in scoring position was what ultimately doomed them (Jeremy Reed's nice pinch single not withstanding). I give the Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award to Carlos Beltran, who drove in two of the four Mets runs, scored two runs, and hit his first homerun of the season...



(1999 Upper Deck HoloGrFX Autothentics autographed card)

Congratulations to Carlos.

[wright&reyes]

I know its early in the season, but we have seen this song and dance b4 with this lineup. 14 men left on base is ridiculous:hissyfit: & DWright is getting his hits but he does not look comfortable at the plate right now. Maybe switch Wright & Beltran in the lineup until Wright looks right:laugh I gotta put this loss on the offense & definately not on O'Day since he probably shouldn't of even been pitching. I don't know how you can concentrate on pitching after finding out one of your friends was killed in a car wreck.

Anyways heres to hoping Livan & Johan can put together a couple of wins over the next couple of days. Let's Go Mets!

[NYMets523]

The offense didn't come through but they did score 15 runs the previous 2 games.

[theAmazingMet]

This loss has me majorly peeved for an april game, because it reminds me of the last two septembers. Why in the name of all that is holy can't we ever hit with RISP against the Marlins and their second rate bullpen? We are leaving too many men on base, even in the games we are scoring runs we have left more on base than we scored. I know it's early, and I hate to sound like a fatalist, or even worse a Yankee fan, but this team has a ways to go before we can trust them not to break our hearts again. :mad:

[wright&reyes]

The offense didn't come through but they did score 15 runs the previous 2 games.

Very true, don't get me wrong I think this lineup is very good and will put alot of runs on the board this year. Its just frustrating when you see the missed opportunities. Then when the offense does score the opposition seems to score the next 1/2 inning almost all the time (at least thats how it feels right now). Hopefully the offense erupts the rest of the weekend :laugh & then I feel very silly complaining about tonight's game.

[ReyesOfHope]

This loss has me majorly peeved for an april game, because it reminds me of the last two septembers. Why in the name of all that is holy can't we ever hit with RISP against the Marlins and their second rate bullpen? We are leaving too many men on base, even in the games we are scoring runs we have left more on base than we scored. I know it's early, and I hate to sound like a fatalist, or even worse a Yankee fan, but this team has a ways to go before we can trust them not to break our hearts again. :mad:

I'll bet all teams leave more men on base than runs scored in the neighborhood of 98% of the time.

Why would any baseball game make you peeved or mad?

[Dalkowski110]

"Why would any baseball game make you peeved or mad?"

I would assume maybe because he cares about the team. Also, while I realize this was hardly a critical game, you specifically asked about ANY baseball game making someone peeved or mad. Let me ask you this...were you not at all even peeved (the definition of which is "annoyed; roused to impatience or anger") on the final day of the 2007 season? How about Game 6 of the 1999 NLCS? How about any game Hershiser pitched in the 1988 NLCS?

[JerseeJerry55]

"Why would any baseball game make you peeved or mad?"

I would assume maybe because he cares about the team. Also, while I realize this was hardly a critical game, you specifically asked about ANY baseball game making someone peeved or mad. Let me ask you this...were you not at all even peeved (the definition of which is "annoyed; roused to impatience or anger") on the final day of the 2007 season? How about Game 6 of the 1999 NLCS? How about any game Hershiser pitched in the 1988 NLCS?

Peeved, or mad. No. Concerned yes. Once again we have signed a questionable player (Perez) to a contract that is a little high (3 for 36). Perez better start taking this career of his a little more seriously, or he might be on the outside looking in. Additionally the timely hitting is a little less than I'd like in a couple of spots so far (Cincy Game 3). I like the Murphy factor, and I might switch Beltran, and Wright around if I were Manuel.

[theAmazingMet]

I reserve the right to feel however I want after a loss. If I am peeved it is because I care. If you are anything less than that, then well that's your choice. I will not judge you any less.

The actual figure is .259 BA/RISP which is a bit higher than 2% of the time. The Mets average is .175 with RISP. Which is considerably less than the NL average. The AL is higher at .290 BA/RISP.

[NYMets523]

The actual figure is .259 BA/RISP which is a bit higher than 2% of the time. The Mets average is .175 with RISP. Which is considerably less than the NL average. The AL is higher at .290 BA/RISP.

It's 4 games into the season. Chill out.

[theAmazingMet]

It's 4 games into the season. Chill out.

Oh I'm very chilled out now, I'm simply defending myself against people who are apparently above feeling angry at a stupid thing like a baseball game.
:laugh

Not everyone feels the same after a loss. I don't feel that others have the right to tell me how to feel. I was stating that I was peeved which isn't the end of the world. I was pointing out a fact, which is the Mets aren't hitting with RISP. When that was questioned, I responded in kind with Stats supporting the fact that the Mets are hitting poorly with RISP so far this year. I realize it's only 4 games, but it is what it is.

[Yankees2k6]

Apparently, SNY can't show the 1st hour of the Mets-Marlins games because of a FOX exclusive deal of showing games at 4 PM EST, and lasts until about 7 PM EST on Saturday.

I can see Mets fans marching to the MLB offices, wanting Bud Selig's head on a silver platter!

[theAmazingMet]

The Marlins moved up the game to accomodate a postgame rap concert. :crazy

[EasilyFound]

People should be upset with Friday's night's loss. I don't care if it happens in April or June or Sept. Many, many opptys to win that game were wasted.

And that lineup has a big hole at the bottom. 7-9 are weak. And that will allow teams to pitch around Church, which will start happening, especially with his hot start. That puts all of the pressure on the top 5. And they'll have to learn not to wilt.

On the positive side, Murphy looks real good. Reminds me of the first year or two of David Wright. I don't worry at all when he gets to two strikes.

I suppose this is not fair to criticize Oday based on one outing, but I haven't seem him much and I was not impressed. Is there some reason for this team to have a side arm submariner each year? His ball was very flat and hittable on Fri night.

Lets hope they can get a win tonight.

[theAmazingMet]

Mets up early 1-0 on an rbi double by Reyes. :clapping It is huge to get an early lead on Nolasco. He is going to be one of the best pitchers in the NL this year. Very scary stuff.

[Dishy24]

I love when people say "It's April... it doesn't matter yet..." Even my 9 year old is smart enough to understand that a WIN in April counts just as much as a win in September!!! The past 2 seasons --one more win-- (even an April win) would have made a HUGE difference!!

[wright&reyes]

Any out of town fans out there? Is the game still blacked out for you? At least I can listen though, thank goodness for xm, can't say the same for directv right now. I thought the black out was supposed to be lifted at 7pm est. Anyways at least it sounds like Livan is effective so far.

[wright&reyes]

Jose Jose Jose Jose! Sweet a 2 run shot 3-0 Mets

[theAmazingMet]

Livan was nothing short of brilliant today. I know he is hit or miss at this stage of his career, but this is a good way to start the year.

[NYMets523]

Schneider getting hit on the knee made me think, who is the emergency catcher? Cora?

[wright&reyes]

Livan was nothing short of brilliant today. I know he is hit or miss at this stage of his career, but this is a good way to start the year.

Bonus: Livan kept the Marlins off balance with his offspeed stuff, so the Marlins were trying to adjust to that all night and now they have to go up against Johan tomorrow afternoon.:clapping

[theAmazingMet]

It's a final Mets win 8-4. Good games by Livan, Castillo, Reyes. Wonder who Dalkowski annoints the player of the game?

We are now 3-2 with Johan going tommorrow. Hopefully we take the rubber game, and our second series of the year.

[Dalkowski110]

The Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award could've gone to any one of Reyes, Livan, Castillo today. However, I'm going to give it to Luis Castillo. He went 4-for-4, drove in a run, and scored 3 runs in a game where he frankly really needed to start getting it going. He left no one on base, either. Congrats Louie!



(1997 Donruss Signature Series autographed card)

[theAmazingMet]

The Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award could've gone to any one of Reyes, Livan, Castillo today. However, I'm going to give it to Luis Castillo. He went 4-for-4, drove in a run, and scored 3 runs in a game where he frankly really needed to start getting it going. He left no one on base, either. Congrats Louie!



(1997 Donruss Signature Series autographed card)

Good choice, I hope this turns around Castillo.

[wright&reyes]

How nice would it be for Castillo to have another good game today, at least keep the boo birds away for opening night.

[ReyesOfHope]

"Why would any baseball game make you peeved or mad?"

I would assume maybe because he cares about the team. Also, while I realize this was hardly a critical game, you specifically asked about ANY baseball game making someone peeved or mad. Let me ask you this...were you not at all even peeved (the definition of which is "annoyed; roused to impatience or anger") on the final day of the 2007 season? How about Game 6 of the 1999 NLCS? How about any game Hershiser pitched in the 1988 NLCS?

Mmmm....those certainly were frustrating losses. I become slightlydisappointed, but then I turn my attention to things which are truly meaningful in life - like family, and the frustration wears off immediately. Or, I divert my attention to another hobby that is enjoyable.

I read/watch/listen just about every single day of the year. I even worked for the CCBL for a while and have contributed a little to Baseball America. It is a passion and interest I do for fun. And I certainly do care...but I do not let it make me "mad". Others seem to bog themselves down in some kind of self induced misery.

I asked the OP a question. I was curious as to his/her response. I think people have lost the ability to enjoy the game for what it is. I think it is because somehow they immerse their self-identity in a team. Since only one team wins the W.S. each season, aren't many fans setting themselves up for significant frustration and sense of failure?

[ReyesOfHope]

Good choice, I hope this turns around Castillo.

Manuel kind of "predicted" Castillo would have a good game during his pregame interview with Eddie Coleman on WFAN. Manuel stated that if Castillo could carry over what he did in extra pre-game BP, he would do well. I guess Castillo did just that.

[ReyesOfHope]

I might switch Beltran, and Wright around if I were Manuel.

People gave Willie a lot of grief for indicating he was going to bat Wright as low as seventh - if I recall correctly - in the order during ST, 2005. Willie wanted to ease David into the pressures and role of being a central cog of the lineup. Many fans however screamed bloody murder and suggested Willie was an idiot.

It might be time to let David step back a bit. He is an extremely proud and hard working young man, and I do think he carries a great deal of self-imposed pressure on his shoulder. I don't know if this is what appears to be affecting him, but I'd like for him to get back to the basics of just putting the bat on the ball. MOving him down in the line up might help him mentally...but I'm just guessing. Still, if he started the year in a bit o a slump, it happens, and eventually he will go on a tear. Rarely does a player perform at the same level week to week.

[ReyesOfHope]

People should be upset with Friday's night's loss. I don't care if it happens in April or June or Sept. Many, many opptys to win that game were wasted.

This is the only point I wish to make...

I turn to baseball as a "love" or a hobby - one that is something I enjoy very much. And I refuse to allow something I invest a great deal of time in make me unhappy.

The Mets lost Friday night. As far as I am concerned, only the players and management should be upset. For everyone else (fans) it is a choice you decide for yourself.

[ReyesOfHope]

Any out of town fans out there? Is the game still blacked out for you? At least I can listen though, thank goodness for xm, can't say the same for directv right now. I thought the black out was supposed to be lifted at 7pm est. Anyways at least it sounds like Livan is effective so far.

Went to mlb.com subscription for audio-only.

[metsforever7515]

We need this win today. This is Santana's purpose. As little as the game is, it is as big a game we've had this year. What team wants to go to the inaugural home opener 3-3? Like my football coach told me last year when we were 3-2 going into the last game, "Boys, tomorrow you can either be 3-3, or 4-2. Now which sounds better? 4-2. Much better than 3-3. LETS GET IT DONE BOYS!"

[Frogshiem77]

ReyesOfHope, use the Multi-Quote button instead of quintuple-posting.

Like this.


People gave Willie a lot of grief for indicating he was going to bat Wright as low as seventh - if I recall correctly - in the order during ST, 2005. Willie wanted to ease David into the pressures and role of being a central cog of the lineup. Many fans however screamed bloody murder and suggested Willie was an idiot.

It might be time to let David step back a bit. He is an extremely proud and hard working young man, and I do think he carries a great deal of self-imposed pressure on his shoulder. I don't know if this is what appears to be affecting him, but I'd like for him to get back to the basics of just putting the bat on the ball. MOving him down in the line up might help him mentally...but I'm just guessing. Still, if he started the year in a bit o a slump, it happens, and eventually he will go on a tear. Rarely does a player perform at the same level week to week.

David will be fine, if he wasn't making contact that is one thing, but he's hitting .316, the RBIs will come.
The Mets HAVE been stranding runners at an alarming rate though, and my more general observation is that our hitters aren't being aggressive enough when there are runners on. This is obviously a double edged sword though; if they don't work the count we're salty because they are impatient, and if they talk a walk they didn't get the run in.
My major example would be from two days ago when Wright struck out looking on a 3-2 curve with a man on.


This is the only point I wish to make...

I turn to baseball as a "love" or a hobby - one that is something I enjoy very much. And I refuse to allow something I invest a great deal of time in make me unhappy.

The Mets lost Friday night. As far as I am concerned, only the players and management should be upset. For everyone else (fans) it is a choice you decide for yourself.

This is kind of a pointless debate. Venting is inevitable and healthy.


Went to mlb.com subscription for audio-only.

Yea I just spend $170 for the baseball package only to get blacked out, lame. The MLB.tv might be worth it so I can watch the games at work.

Go Mets!

[Frogshiem77]

Nice catch Dan...

[RayNY]

Nice catch Dan...

Well there goes the pitcher's duel. Johnson is throwing a nasty slider. But the Mets offense is also making him look a lot better.

[ReyesOfHope]

Well there goes the pitcher's duel. Johnson is throwing a nasty slider. But the Mets offense is also making him look a lot better.

He was unhittable, and with 24 1st strikes to first 32 batters...I think he did it all by himself. Throwing up to 98 mph in the ninth didn't hurt either.

Stay tuned...it's getting exciting. Don't change that dial!

[Dalkowski110]

Oh well. Johnson was REALLY dealing; he only threw 113 pitches in that game, despite giving up the only Mets run/starting to struggle with two outs in the ninth. That guy KILLS us. I'll give the Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award to Johan Santana, who fanned 13 in eight innings before being relieved by Bobby Parnell and gave up two unearned runs.



(2005 Donruss Prime Patches Authentic Signature autographed card)

[EasilyFound]

How does one multiple quote anyway? Doesn't matter how one chooses to reply to posts here, one at a time or in one post with multiple replies.

Another bad loss. You can say that this is a pitcher the Mets don't do well against, and so this was a loss you can't get upset about. I say otherwise. Fact is that Santanna pitched well enough for the Mets to have a chance to win this game, no matter how much of a Mets killer was the opposing pitcher. These are the kinds of games that championship teams win. Especially w/in your own division. Fact is the Mets made more mistakes than the Marlins -- Murphy's error (and expect more of those over the course of the seaon) and nobody forced Santanna to give up a single after the error. A disappointing loss.

[RedsoxMetsFan123]

Man I wish I can watch SNY, but im from South Jersey and have CSN Philadelphia. I can only see Mets games if their playing the Phillies, or if its nationaly telivised. Although, its a bit funny watching Howard strike out every 2 or 3 at bats. So did the Mets win today?

[wright&reyes]

Tough loss 2day, hopefully they open Citi Field with a W. Go Big Pelf!

[wright&reyes]

Well not exactly the way you want to start a season, but 3-3 on a 6 game road trip is not terrible. Play .500 ball on the road and take care of business at home and you should be fine. Problem is Citi Field is new to everyone including the Mets, so I guess we'll have to see how that goes. Let's Go Mets!

[RedsoxMetsFan123]

It was a horrible lose for the Mets today. The only highlight of todays game was Johan's 13 K's. Oh well, were playing one of the worst teams in the NL, the Padres. Go Mets! I would love to hear Gary Cohen call Sheffield and Delgado's 500th carrear HR's. He did a little bit for Delgado's 400th, expecially when it was a Grand Slam. It was the same game where the Mets rallied from 7-1 I think to win the game aganist the Cards back in 2006.

[NYMets523]

I remember that game. I believe Delgado is the only player whose milestone HR (100, 200, etc) is a grand slam.

[wright&reyes]

He did a little bith for Delgado's 400th, expecially when it was a Grand Slam. It was the same game where the Mets rallied from 7-1 I think to win the game aganist the Cards back in 2006.

You are correct sir, Pujols had two bombs off Maine early. Delgado got us back in the game with that granny and then Beltran hit a 2-run walk off homer to win it in the bottom of the 9th. I remember that game well.

[AutographCollector]

Here ya go (couldn't find it so a video game version with the SNY team at the helm is the best I could do):

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[ReyesOfHope]

It was a horrible lose for the Mets today.

It seems rare to watch a game with two dominating pitchers opposing each other. I rather enjoyed the game, and if the Mets are to lose, better to lose 2-1 to the likes of Josh Johnson and not 8-2 to someone with a 5.40 ERA.

[RedsoxMetsFan123]

Well aganist the Padres today we got Pelfrey starting aganist Silva. The good news for me is that it's on ESPN today. Here's the NL East Standings through 6 games. I forgot that the Padres are 5-2 so far. We'll be aganist Peavy in the last game of the 3 game series. Today is Opening Day for Citi Field. How come we haven't see K-Rod or Putz in a few games.

Braves 5-1
Marlins 5-1
Mets 3-3 2.0 GB
Philies 3-3 2.0 GB
Nationals 0-6 6.0 GB

Our starters for this series: M. Pelfrey, O. Perez, J. Maine

[Frogshiem77]

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/98975-santana-blames-teammate-for-mets-loss?eref=fromSI

I'm a little saddened Santana would stoop to this level.. Obviously Murphy should have made the catch, but I'm of the believe you never call out your defense.

And we haven't seen Putz and K-Rod because we haven't had a lead in awhile.

[EasilyFound]

I agree. Plus, one could say that the game was lost because Santanna gave up a two-out single with a man on second base. Murphy put him there, but Santanna allowd him to get home. Reminds me of the game last year when he gave up a grand slam to an American leauge pitcher with two outs after a teammate made an error to load the bases. His pitching line looks great, but I don't say he is off the hook for that loss.

[Frogshiem77]

If Pelfrey keeps pitching like this it's going to be a long year.

Also so far I hate CitiField, Carlos Beltran's 406 ft out was pretty lame.
I give it two years before they bring the fences in.

It'd also be nice if they taught our OFers how to catch, this stuff is getting ridiculous

[RedsoxMetsFan123]

Its going horrible so far. Pelfrey is killing us Mets allowing at least 5 or 6 runs. HR's to J. Gerut and A. Gonzalez, his hit off the foul pole and Gerut's curves around the pole. Sheffield yet again didn't get 500. I hope the Mets can pull this one out.

[Dalkowski110]

Gotta love the positive posts during the game! :D ;)

That hurt. Either way, I'll give the Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award to David Wright, who got the first homerun in Citi Field history. Congrats David!



(2001 Upper Deck Prospect Premieres extended rookie card)

[NYMets523]

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/98975-santana-blames-teammate-for-mets-loss?eref=fromSI

I'm a little saddened Santana would stoop to this level.. Obviously Murphy should have made the catch, but I'm of the believe you never call out your defense.

Read Santana's full quote. SI just cut that out and ran with it. If you read all of what he said, it is not as derogatory.

I would look for the full quote but I have to do some work right now. Check the Post or Daily News sites.

[wright&reyes]

Ouch, very ouch. Got to see the new apple come up at least.

[wright&reyes]

Read Santana's full quote. SI just cut that out and ran with it. If you read all of what he said, it is not as derogatory.

I would look for the full quote but I have to do some work right now. Check the Post or Daily News sites.

After hearing the whole Santana quote it was not as bad as SI made it out to be. Here is the story from the daily news, read the whole thing and you get the full context of Santana's comments.
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2009/04/12/2009-04-12_josh_johnson_outduels_johan_santana_as_marlins_ edge_mets.html


Also so far I hate CitiField, Carlos Beltran's 406 ft out was pretty lame. I give it two years before they bring the fences in.

To be fair it was 410ft. to dead center at Shea so it would have just been a loud out at Shea as well.

[StrawberryField]

Tough loss tonight, but the Guys care and are showing good effort....I'm expecting a good season.

some thoughts on Citi:

3 Home Runs in it's first game from a supposed pitchers park

Those shots to center by Beltran, and Wright don't even make the warning track at shea IMHO. The Wind would have knocked em down real fast

I thought Citi was quiet too when I went to first BoSox game...attributed it to people milling around stadium rather than watching game and the fact I was sitting in Left field landing which are AWESOME by the way.
I'll find out soon enough when i go back in 2 weeks.

Citi is the first stadium to be christened with a home run right from the start
the irony would be if the stadium became the death valley every one seems to be predicting.

Mets Batting averages should go up due to the better batters eye (Shea was supposedly one of if not the worst in the majors) and smaller foul territory. Plus the wind patterns I'm sure will be less detrimental to the hitters.

Citi will get better as the years go by and the improvements continue. I know people want Mets banners all over and the such but the cement literally just dried....It's gonna take some time for everything to get more Mets-ish.

I'm sure it was the same when Shea opened in 1964......by the 1980's it was a big bright blue and orange stadium that screamed "METS" :gt:gt

[EasilyFound]

This team can be so frustrating to watch. They can be fiesty, climbing back from a four run deficit. But right after tying the game, they give it right back. An error and a balk. Wow. It seems as if the team just loses concentration at key moments. They are just giving away games.

[kimthemetschick]

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Okay, can it really get worse from here? :ooo:

We have 150ish games left. Lets not throw in the towel yet.

[EasilyFound]

More salt in the wound (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30198533/).

BTW, was last night's game a sell-out?

[kingcohn]

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[Gravy Train]

Schneider getting hit on the knee made me think, who is the emergency catcher? Cora?

Delgado? Sure, he hasn't caught in about 15 years or so, but it's probably just like riding a bike, right? :laugh

[Frogshiem77]

After hearing the whole Santana quote it was not as bad as SI made it out to be. Here is the story from the daily news, read the whole thing and you get the full context of Santana's comments.
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2009/04/12/2009-04-12_josh_johnson_outduels_johan_santana_as_marlins_ edge_mets.html

To be fair it was 410ft. to dead center at Shea so it would have just been a loud out at Shea as well.

Thanks for the link, helps to clarify things, although I was pretty far from turning on Santana anyway
Yea, to be honest I actually love CitiField in terms of architecture it looks really awesome, like a historic ball park rather than the amusement park that Shea was.
It was just frustrating watching some balls that were smoked die in the OF, obviously some of those would have died in Shea too, but in general CitiField just LOOKS enormous. You can stare into the power alleys and not see an outfielder anywhere, just makes me nervous given the recently depressing play of our OF'ers but should give opposing teams more problems than us. Look for Reyes to hit 20+ triples this year with those expansive gaps and crazy carrums.

I think the general tone of Mets fans so far is somber, BUT it is only 7 games (4% of the season, and there is alot to like:
Dan Murphy looks to be the real deal, his approach at the plate is admirable and workmen like.

Johan Santana looks possessed so far, he has always been a very cerebral pitcher who knows what he is doing on the mound, and I think that this is going to be the year that he truly understands his NL opponents and starts toying with hitters.

K-Rod so far has been as advertised, his 96 MPH days are gone, but who care his changeup is filthy and his slider is gettin called for strikes...Interestingly he apparently wants people to call him Franky now, although if you have a nickname as sweet as K-Rod I have no idea why you would ever deviate from that.
The bullpen IMO has been great so far, I think it will take a little while for Jerry to figure out how to use them correctly, it seems as though he has been overmanaging so far.
I'd like to see him lean on Stokes a little more, I think there is some talent there.
Parnell has been throwing gas and I think once he masters a secondary pitch he's going to be a great asset. And I think we have yet to see the best of Putz.

Starting pitching has been shaky, but we have the talent and I think CitiField will keep their numbers decent enough until their mechanics settle in. And we still have Jon Niese maturing and hopefully Freddy Garcia regaining his velocity.

Sorry that was so long, but I wanted to share some optimism for a change. Go Mets.

[NYMets523]

K-Rod so far has been as advertised, his 96 MPH days are gone, but who care his changeup is filthy and his slider is gettin called for strikes...Interestingly he apparently wants people to call him Franky now, although if you have a nickname as sweet as K-Rod I have no idea why you would ever deviate from that.
K-Rod has cranked it up to 94mph when most people were saying he sits at 91-92mph.


Starting pitching has been shaky, but we have the talent and I think CitiField will keep their numbers decent enough until their mechanics settle in. And we still have Jon Niese maturing and hopefully Freddy Garcia regaining his velocity.
MLB Trade Rumors had a post up that Garcia has looked better in extended ST. However, barring an injury or Livan falling apart, he may not get a shot with the team.

[Frogshiem77]

K-Rod has cranked it up to 94mph when most people were saying he sits at 91-92mph.


MLB Trade Rumors had a post up that Garcia has looked better in extended ST. However, barring an injury or Livan falling apart, he may not get a shot with the team.

Agreed, he threw a couple at 93 last night. I think the primary distinction is that in 2003 and 2004 he was regularly hitting 97-98 and he pitched off his fastball.
Now, he regularly throws 91-94 and he pitches more off his changeup.

Is it a big deal? No, it's just something baseball people like to talk about, and it's interesting, because he clearly isn't injured so it seems like a conscious choice.

Some nice news about Wagner:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4068004

Apparently he is in good shape, but people keep talking like he's going to be back in August, which I think everyone should know is NOT going to happen. Elbow ligament replacement surgery generally takes about a year to recover from, some rehab psychos like BJ Ryan have appeared to make it back to form in 10 months. But generally you need a year to recover your strength, and two years to get back to where you were before the injury.

Since he's a relief pitcher his prognosis is good, and he uses the largest stride length in the league to generate alot of his power, so the odds of him getting back to at least 95 on his fastball are good, but the slider will probably take longer.
Best case scenario is he is making rehab stints in late August, but don't expect him back in the major leagues until early-mid September. Which if he's effective would be perfect and give us a nasty bullpen for the playoffs.

[NYMets523]

Recovery time is generally shorter with relievers.

[AlexC]

Hmm, figured Wagner was probably going to be retire. Will be a nice bonus if he returns effective in September, but I think it'll be quite unlikely.

[NYMets523]

He'd probably just be blowing the 7th inning anyways.

[wright&reyes]

It was just frustrating watching some balls that were smoked die in the OF

I totally understand I swore that Wright had tied the game @ 6 with his 2nd jack of the night, and then it just died. Gonna be interesting adjusting to this park.

[NYMets523]

Sheffield gets the start in RF tomorrow. I don't really like it b/c Perez is a flyball pitcher. If anything, Sheff should play LF and have Murphy sit a game. Sheff should only start when Pelfrey or Livan are pitching b/c they have better GB rates.

[RedsoxMetsFan123]

Well today we got Ollie Perez starting today, hes 1-3 lifetime aganist the Padres. Why is Sheffield playing right field? He hasn't played in right field in years. Hes a Designated Hitter. Oh well, I hope the Mets can snap their losing streak and come back in the division race. Were currently in 4th behind the Phillies, Braves, and Marlins.

[NYMets523]

"Why is Sheffield playing right field? He hasn't played in right field in years. Hes a Designated Hitter."

For starters, the NL doesn't have a DH.

[AutographCollector]

I hope the Mets can snap their losing streak and come back in the division race. Were currently in 4th behind the Phillies, Braves, and Marlins.

It's only a week or so in the season, and you're calling it a race already?

[Frogshiem77]

Sheffield gets the start in RF tomorrow. I don't really like it b/c Perez is a flyball pitcher. If anything, Sheff should play LF and have Murphy sit a game. Sheff should only start when Pelfrey or Livan are pitching b/c they have better GB rates.

I think he's going to be using a segway

[NYMets523]

I think he's going to be using a segway

Knowing Perez though, all the flyballs will go over the fences.

[Dalkowski110]

Nice win! The Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award goes to Carlos Delgado! Surprisingly, Carlos was the only Mets player to get multiple hits, hitting a single and a homer. He also drew a walk. Congrats to Carlos!



(2007 Topps)

[wright&reyes]

A win is a win even if it is ugly. Pitching was good 2nite, we got the good ollie this time round. Lets c if Maine can keep it going 2morrow and the Mets can win their first series @ Citi.

[EasilyFound]

Another loss that bothers me. Maybe Maine just didn't have it tonight. But he seems to have a lot of innings like the third inning. He looked good for two innings, but gets to the bottom of the order, walks the 7th place hitter and gives up a single to 8th place hitter, and away go the Padres to score five runs. He seems to lose focus or concetration and then can't get it back.

[Dalkowski110]

Ouch. Not a good start for Maine, and while the problem with LOB was nowhere near what it was two days ago, it was still there. I'll give the Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award to Carlos Delgado for the homerun and at least putting up a good fight against Heath Bell in the 9th.



(2000 Donruss Preferred)

[NJTankMets]

Im getting sick of Maine, he seems to lack the killer instinct and has become a clone of give it back Glavine

[EasilyFound]

I heard some post game comments by Maine that I did not like. Talking about how the Padres had gotten hits when they had players in scoring position (i.e., I wish my team did that) and how they put the bat on the ball and there was little he could do about that.

[PVNICK]

I heard some post game comments by Maine that I did not like. Talking about how the Padres had gotten hits when they had players in scoring position (i.e., I wish my team did that) and how they put the bat on the ball and there was little he could do about that.

What did he have to say about walking the leadoff man in the third on 4 pitches and pretty much losing his control for the first few batters that inning which set the whole thing up IMO? Did he have any explanation for how he can do that after mowing 'em down the inning before?

[NYMets523]

I heard some post game comments by Maine that I did not like. Talking about how the Padres had gotten hits when they had players in scoring position (i.e., I wish my team did that) and how they put the bat on the ball and there was little he could do about that.

Sometimes a pitcher makes good pitches but they still hit it. I wouldn't overreact to Maine's post-game comments. From what I've heard, he's very tough on himself.

[Dalkowski110]

"Im getting sick of Maine, he seems to lack the killer instinct and has become a clone of give it back Glavine "

I can understand some reaction to the post-game comments, but this is BEYOND absurd. He's started TWO games this season, pitched very well in one (though got an ND), and pitched very poorly in this last one...and you're already willing to pass that kind of judgement???? I'm sorry, I can't find it in myself to take that seriously.

[EasilyFound]

"Im getting sick of Maine, he seems to lack the killer instinct and has become a clone of give it back Glavine "

I can understand some reaction to the post-game comments, but this is BEYOND absurd. He's started TWO games this season, pitched very well in one (though got an ND), and pitched very poorly in this last one...and you're already willing to pass that kind of judgement???? I'm sorry, I can't find it in myself to take that seriously.

I'm pretty sure the person who made that comment was not basing his comment on Maine's performance this season. When healthy, Maine is a good pitcher. But we've all witnessed games where he had a Sid Fernandez moment. He'll be crusing along and the wheels fall off for no apparent reason. A very fair critique of Maine IMHO.

[Thommy]

I heard some post game comments by Maine that I did not like. Talking about how the Padres had gotten hits when they had players in scoring position (i.e., I wish my team did that) and how they put the bat on the ball and there was little he could do about that.

I think Maine is a little bit too confident!
...
But besides Maine nobody is talking about the Bullpen. They combined four shoutout Innings, giving up just two hits and striking out five.
...
"Always look on the Bride sight of life" :thumbsup:

[PVNICK]

I'm surprised no one mentioned the "Bartman" fans that more than likely cost the Mets the tying run. You'ld think the people with them giving them a hard time woudl have done something about it before the fact.

[wright&reyes]

Although the first week and a half has certainly been frustrating, I must say this. It is not as painful to watch this team right now like it last year. I like the fight they have been showing, when the Mets fell behind by a few runs last year they seemed to just kinda lay down, not even threaten to score the rest of the game. This year they have shown some fight and do mount some form of a comeback, even if it does fall short. I do like the passion I am seeing, like Delgado last night at the end of the game. I have very rarely seen him that visually upset.

With that said, should be an entertaining weekend of baseball & hopefully a succesfull one :crossfingers:. Oh and everyone going to Citi this weekend be sure to welcome Willie back to NY properly:grouchy

[wright&reyes]

I'm surprised no one mentioned the "Bartman" fans that more than likely cost the Mets the tying run. You'ld think the people with them giving them a hard time woudl have done something about it before the fact.

As far as the "Bartman" fans, I really don't think Reyes scores on that unless the leftfielder mishandles the ball. Although we have no idea how that ball would have bounced, it did seem like the leftfielder was going to be to that ball quickly, since the Padres were shading Murphy to left with their outfield alignment. Unfortunately we will never know, but personally I don't think Reyes scores on that.

[JerseeJerry55]

Ouch. Not a good start for Maine, and while the problem with LOB was nowhere near what it was two days ago, it was still there. I'll give the Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award to Carlos Delgado for the homerun and at least putting up a good fight against Heath Bell in the 9th.



(2000 Donruss Preferred)

Good start by Ollie Wednesday, followed up by a subpar start by Maine. IMHO I think we as fans have to chalk this up to 9 games in, and the Mets need to get the kinks out. Are the Mets, and or Phillies this sluggish, or the Marlins this hot? I say no. I think they'll straighten this out, and improve. I fully believe that this going to be more like the 2006 Mets, more so than the 2007-08 brand. I believe this because the losses experienced so far this year don't have me that as concerned, as the last 2 years did.

[Dalkowski110]

"Good start by Ollie Wednesday, followed up by a subpar start by Maine. IMHO I think we as fans have to chalk this up to 9 games in, and the Mets need to get the kinks out. Are the Mets, and or Phillies this sluggish, or the Marlins this hot? I say no. I think they'll straighten this out, and improve. I fully believe that this going to be more like the 2006 Mets, more so than the 2007-08 brand. I believe this because the losses experienced so far this year don't have me that as concerned, as the last 2 years did."

I agree with this, but good luck getting some of the other guys here to agree that any kind of optimism about the Mets play is even rational... :crazy :rolleyes:

[LostMet]

If the Mets need pitching, the Twins just desginated Humber. Maybe we could use him :hyper:

[RedsoxMetsFan123]

Sheffield just hit 500th to tie the game at 4 in the bottem of the 7th inning.

[NYMets523]

If the Mets need pitching, the Twins just desginated Humber. Maybe we could use him :hyper:

I wonder if the Mets are interested in picking him up.

[NYMets523]

Luis Castillo gets the game winning RBI on a walk off infield single.

Nominees for Dalkowski's player of the game:
1. Luis Castillo
2. Carlos Delgado
3. Gary Sheffield

[Dalkowski110]

Indeed! I narrowed it down to Castillo and Sheffield, flipped a coin, and got Sheffield. Congrats Gary on your first Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award!



(2006 Fleer, sorry it's as a Yankee)

What more can you ask of a pinch-hitter than to hit a homerun to tie the game AND throw off the opposing pitcher so badly that he has to be removed? Plus it was Sheff's 500th career homerun, first Mets homerun, and first Mets hit.

[wright&reyes]

Good win by the Mets last night, hopefully Johan get his first win at Citi 2day & the Mets secure their first series victory in the new digs.

[EasilyFound]

Anyone know what rank the Mets are in scoring runners from 3B with less than two out?

[NYMets523]

They are 4th in Hits, 4th in Runs scored, 2nd in BA, 3rd in OBP.

[wright&reyes]

So far same old story with Johan on the mound. Johan pitching his @!! off and no run support yet.

[wright&reyes]

Nice 2 c they scratched out a run, now k-rod will get his 1st save opportunity @ Citi.

[wright&reyes]

strike 'em out throw'em out DP! VICTORY!!! Johan gets a well deserved W. Gotta say he is the player of the game 2day.

[NYMets523]

Who else let out a big exhale on that last play?

[wright&reyes]

Who else let out a big exhale on that last play?

Not as big as if i had actually been watching instead of having to follow the gameday on the web. Still a good sized exhale though. k-rod gets his 1st of hopefully many saves @ citi, as well as the Mets secure their 1st series win @ citi.

[NYMets523]

Santana's definitely the POTG. Honorable mention to Omir Santos.

[EasilyFound]

Didn't see the game, because I was playing soccer dad today. Nicely done.

[Dalkowski110]

"Santana's definitely the POTG. Honorable mention to Omir Santos."

Absolutely. I missed the game because I went out on a date and didn't tape the game, but just looking at the boxscore, that's clutch pitching! Reyes, Putz, and Frankie also deserve tips of the cap.



(2000 Fleer Tradition Update rookie card)

[NYMets523]

Gotta catch the replay or Mets Fast Forward tomorrow.

Jeez, Santana looks so young; weird to think he's barely older than me in that pic.

[wright&reyes]

"Santana's definitely the POTG. Honorable mention to Omir Santos."

Absolutely. I missed the game because I went out on a date and didn't tape the game, but just looking at the boxscore, that's clutch pitching! Reyes, Putz, and Frankie also deserve tips of the cap.



(2000 Fleer Tradition Update rookie card)

Alot of us missed the game but not for as good a reason as you. Turned on SNY, blacked out, turned on FSNWI, blacked out. Said oh yeah, forgot about that Fox Saturday thing, well I have WNYW on my directv as my fox affiliate so ok I just gotta turn to fox, game not on! :hissyfit:

[Jbutta29]

damn this game was on Fox today? had i realized that i wouldnt have slept through the day...I live in Miami and work nights...

[NYMets523]

It was on SNY. The Yankee game was on Fox.

[wright&reyes]

damn this game was on Fox today? had i realized that i wouldnt have slept through the day...I live in Miami and work nights...

No it was on sny. I turned to fox hoping since i have the ny fox station on my directv that it would b on & all i saw was some crappy afternoon info-mercial of some sort.

[Jbutta29]

ah okay. no sweat then. I have MLB.com but am in the process of fixing my PC.

[wright&reyes]

Dang its "soup-can" on the mound for the brew-crew 2morrow. Mayb since he is not wearing a Cardinals jersey the Mets can actually score more than 1 off of him! & on the tv side of things game is on wpix 2morrow in case any1 is wondering.

[Dalkowski110]

Painful loss, though even the most pessimistic Mets fan has to admit that a certain amount of bad luck went into the two double plays by Todd Coffey. As for the Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game, I'm giving it to Jose Reyes...



(2003 Bowman Signs of the Future autographed card)

Hat tip to Omir Santos, as well.

[Jbutta29]

you gotta be kidding me with those double plays...jesus. Also I know its not helpful to watch the other teams scores, but im really sick of the Marlins winning streak, must be nice to play the Nats twice in two weeks...

[NYMets523]

I didn't like Jerry taking out lefties against Suppan (especially since Sheff has bad numbers against him; and that was when he was good). Church should never PH against lefties. He was flat out awful that one AB.

[EasilyFound]

I have to agree there. Why you put two righties in the lineup when you have lefties who could play instead is beyond me. I understand wanting to get those players some playing time, but do it in the right situation.

[wright&reyes]

Tough one 2day. Hit into some hard luck a few times, those 2 DP's, I was like r u kiddin' me! :hissyfit:

[m8644]

what can ya do... if that santos ball was a hit like it should have been, we are probably talking about a sweep.

Not much you can do if you hit into some bad luck, just hope it turns.

[Dalkowski110]

We've DFA'ed Nelson Figueroa (not like anyone would pick him up...he was DFA'ed three times last year and nobody picked him up) and called up left-hander Casey Fossum. Personally, if we're going to use Fossum out of the bullpen, I really like this move. Pedro Feliciano was used 8 times in 12 games. Even though he may be just a LOOGY, Pedro still has to warm up for each of those games. The idea of a secondary LOOGY to spell Feliciano is one that I do like, especially since Fossum has been off to a terrific start in AAA. We've also offered Darren O'Day back to the Angels and with their pitching shortage, they may accept him back. O'Day was nice to have, but if they want a righty sidearmer for the sake of having a righty sidearmer, then Sean Green is a much better option.

[DukeBX]

strange to see the black "Mets" home jersey being used on the road tonight. always used to the "New York" on the road jersey.

[Mary Ellen]

strange to see the black "Mets" home jersey being used on the road tonight. always used to the "New York" on the road jersey.


What is the deal with that? Did'nt the Mets do that a few years back then they went back to "New York" away.

[EasilyFound]

If the Cardinal catcher is going to lay on home plate like that on a play at the plate, I want to see Murphy slide, feet first, spikes up, right into his body.

[Frogshiem77]

Nice slide Carlos

[GordonGecko]

The Mets are really pissing me off, I can't believe these turkeys. Perez is the biggest waste of money in the history of man kind, THROW HIM OFF THE ROOF OF CITI FIELD!! I can't believe Beltran didn't slide, and now Muphy falls down?? WTF!!

[ubinfl]

The Mets are really pissing me off, I can't believe these turkeys. Perez is the biggest waste of money in the history of man kind, THROW HIM OFF THE ROOF OF CITI FIELD!! I can't believe Beltran didn't slide, and now Muphy falls down?? WTF!!

Holy crap I cant believe this stuff..what the heck was Beltran thinking about...obviously nothing but what the heck was he thinking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:crazy

[NYMets523]

They looked like a Special Olympics team tonight.

On the bright side, the Cards have a god awful pen and we still have a chance down 2 runs. Ain't over till it's over.

[EasilyFound]

This team is soft. Plain and simple. If the opposing catcher is going to block the plate with his foot or leg, you must slide, with spikes up, to get to the plate. What Beltran did there, not sliding, was atrocious and just bad baseball. And then, right after that, to have Murphy look like an olympic skater falling down after coming out of a double lutz, I'm just fed up.

You can keep saying that it is early. And for this season, sure, it is early. But this team has choked the last two years, and they are now giving away games that are winnable, in a division that, for the last two years, has been decided by one or two games.

And I haven't said a thing about Ollie, who was staked to a lead of four runs, and couldn't last through the fifth.

I'm gong to need some serious Mets rehab from the Schmoozer tonight.

This was atrocious. Even if they find a way to win in the 9th.

[ubinfl]

This team is soft. Plain and simple. If the opposing catcher is going to block the plate with his foot or leg, you must slide, with spikes up, to get to the plate. What Beltran did there, not sliding, was atrocious and just bad baseball. And then, right after that, to have Murphy look like an olympic skater falling down after coming out of a double lutz, I'm just fed up.

You can keep saying that it is early. And for this season, sure, it is early. But this team has choked the last two years, and they are now giving away games that are winnable, in a division that, for the last two years, has been decided by one or two games.

And I haven't said a thing about Ollie, who was staked to a lead of four runs, and couldn't last through the fifth.

I'm gong to need some serious Mets rehab from the Schmoozer tonight.

This was atrocious. Even if they find a way to win in the 9th.

I miss being able to kick back and listen to WFAN after games like tonights.

[Frogshiem77]

This team is soft. Plain and simple. If the opposing catcher is going to block the plate with his foot or leg, you must slide, with spikes up, to get to the plate. What Beltran did there, not sliding, was atrocious and just bad baseball. And then, right after that, to have Murphy look like an olympic skater falling down after coming out of a double lutz, I'm just fed up.

You can keep saying that it is early. And for this season, sure, it is early. But this team has choked the last two years, and they are now giving away games that are winnable, in a division that, for the last two years, has been decided by one or two games.

And I haven't said a thing about Ollie, who was staked to a lead of four runs, and couldn't last through the fifth.

I'm gong to need some serious Mets rehab from the Schmoozer tonight.

This was atrocious. Even if they find a way to win in the 9th.

I'm glad I'm not alone in my frustration, throw in Delgado's decision to not even attempt to tag Pujols in the 4th, it ended up not mattering, but I feel like there are a dozen of those plays in a game.

It looks to me like they are not focused or just don't care. They give away a few outs, runs and ABs every game to laziness or stupidity.

It's just ridiculous.

[NYMets523]

This team is soft. Plain and simple. If the opposing catcher is going to block the plate with his foot or leg, you must slide, with spikes up, to get to the plate.
Whining about that is pointless. NO teams do that. None. That style of play is dead.


What Beltran did there, not sliding, was atrocious and just bad baseball.
He should know better. Though Beltran does the stupid "slide next to home and touch with your arm" slide.


And then, right after that, to have Murphy look like an olympic skater falling down after coming out of a double lutz, I'm just fed up.
He's looked awful. Not just fielding but he throws to the wrong guy. Gary Sheffield is better than him.


You can keep saying that it is early. And for this season, sure, it is early. But this team has choked the last two years, and they are now giving away games that are winnable, in a division that, for the last two years, has been decided by one or two games.
There are always 15-20 games that the team grabs defeat from the jaws of victory. Over the course of the season, you can point to all those games as the reason they lost the division.



It looks to me like they are not focused or just don't care. They give away a few outs, runs and ABs every game to laziness or stupidity.

It's just ridiculous.

It's as if they're indecisive or hesitant or second guessing themselves on a lot of things. Jerry needs to get them working on the fundamentals.

[EasilyFound]

indecisive or hesitant or second guessing themselves = SOFT

[NYMets523]

Not in my book.

[EasilyFound]

Get another book.


That style of play is dead.

Maybe so. You are probably right. But at least slide into Molina's feet and try to knock him down. My lord.

[EasilyFound]

I miss being able to kick back and listen to WFAN after games like tonights.

Listen on-line (http://www.wfan.com/).

[Dalkowski110]

Ugh...Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award goes to Luis Castillo...keep it going, Louie...



(2008 Topps)

[EasilyFound]

Beltran's explanation for why he did not slide: "By the time I saw home plate, I was too close to slide."

[Dalkowski110]

"Beltran's explanation for why he did not slide: "By the time I saw home plate, I was too close to slide.""

Terribly worded, but a legit excuse, although it opens up another problem, which I'll get to in a second. He could've slid headfirst into home, but that's not really a good idea (as Ron and Keith have pointed out quite a bit). Going from running full-tilt into a feet-first slide actually does require good timing. If he did pick it up too late, he almost certainly would've overslid home, come off the plate, and been tagged out. But remember where I said something else was a problem? He should have picked up homeplate much quicker than he did if he was out of room to slide. That means he was paying attention to the runners on the basepaths and not the baserunning coach or the ball.

I'm willing to give Daniel Murphy some slack on the play he was tagged out on, though. He was being waved around, turned on the jets, and that was just a heck of a good recovery by Pujols and perfect timing by Molina. Up 4-0 with two outs before the 5th inning, I send him 100 times out of 100.

[NYMets523]

He should have decided the slide the minute he left 3rd. I would not have sent him since Castillo was on deck.


Murphy really needs polishing up on his defense. If this continues, he should go to the minors.

[PVNICK]

I can't see sending Murphy to the minors, particularly when we have a 1B that goes about his business lackadisically, and gets less flack.

[Dalkowski110]

"He should have decided the slide the minute he left 3rd. I would not have sent him since Castillo was on deck."

Well, I'm sorry to have to inform you that that's not how baseball works. NO PLAYER decides to slide on ANY PLAY from the onset unless you have a stolen base. That's heads-down/dumb baseball just as much as Beltran taking his eyes off the ball.

"Murphy really needs polishing up on his defense. If this continues, he should go to the minors."

We aren't even through the month of April. Don't you think hitting the panic button, especially with regards to sending Murphy to the Minors (which is absurd beyond words), is jumping the gun JUST A BIT? :crazy :rolleyes:

[NYMets523]

Well, I'm sorry to have to inform you that that's not how baseball works. NO PLAYER decides to slide on ANY PLAY from the onset unless you have a stolen base. That's heads-down/dumb baseball just as much as Beltran taking his eyes off the ball.
The ball was right next to the pitcher's mound. He should have known he'd have to slide. But that means he would have had to be looking at the ball. We're basically getting on him for doing the same thing.


We aren't even through the month of April. Don't you think hitting the panic button, especially with regards to sending Murphy to the Minors (which is absurd beyond words), is jumping the gun JUST A BIT? :crazy :rolleyes:
That's why I said "If this continues." If we still see him doing Manny impersonations in LF in June, they should consider sending him down. It's not just moving to catch the ball but his throws, too. He looks like he has no clue what he's supposed to do out there and throws the ball around like a hot potato. He looks panicky and is probably thinking "Please don't hit the ball to me."

I'm not hitting the panic button. However, I have zero tolerance for sloppy, careless, and stupid baseball.

[NYMets523]

I expect some lineup change tomorrow.

[wright&reyes]

This team is frustrating to watch right now, but I do believe at the beginning of the '06 season the team was having trouble scoring as well. Hopefully the offense can click here in the next few weeks and this team can take off. It is a good thing that baseball season is so long and a marathon not a sprint, cuz the way this team is playing right now they need the time to straighten things out.

[whoisonit]

Church really needs polishing up on his defense. If this continues, he should go to the minors.

[EasilyFound]

Didn't see the entire game. Was switching to Ranger game. Church made an error last night?

[NYMets523]

Church really needs polishing up on his defense. If this continues, he should go to the minors.

You're obviously taking a jab at me for what I said of Murphy. The comparison is just awful. The ball landed right at the bottom of the wall and rolled past Church, basically just a bad bounce. Murphy doesn't know who to throw to when he gets the ball and he throws it like an infielder.

[Dalkowski110]

Sorry I couldn't give one of these out earlier, but the Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game for last night's depressing game was Carlos Beltran...



(2006 Bowman Sterling Game-Used Jersey Swatch card)

[whoisonit]

You're obviously taking a jab at me for what I said of Murphy. The comparison is just awful.

Should I have said:

Beltran really needs polishing up on his base running. If this continues, he should go to the minors.

[EasilyFound]

Not watching the game. Following it on line. WTF is with the station-to-station baseball? Can't anyone score from second on a single any more? And why is Sheffield batting ahead of Church? What did Church do to get in the doghouse? Please tell me.

[NYMets523]

Should I have said:

Beltran really needs polishing up on his base running. If this continues, he should go to the minors.

Why don't you actually think and try to make a comeback that at least makes sense.

[whoisonit]

Why don't you actually think and try to make a comeback that at least makes sense.

Ok I'll try, but I'm usually too busy laughing after I read your posts.

[NYMets523]

Ok I'll try, but I'm usually too busy laughing after I read your posts.

Yeah because sending down a 24 year old after 2+ months of awful fielding with no improvement is such a stupid idea....

[whoisonit]

Yeah because sending down a 24 year old after 2+ months of awful fielding with no improvement is such a stupid idea....

Looks like you're desperately trying for a re-do sonny. Its not "2+ months" into the season. It's mid April. You didn't say "2+ months " into the season. You said "if it continues". You made yet another silly delclaration and you've been called on it. Suck it up.

[GordonGecko]

Mets are getting hard to watch

[Dalkowski110]

The Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game goes to Ryan Church, who homered and left zero guys on base...congrats Ryan...



(2008 Topps)

[Frogshiem77]

"Well, I'm sorry to have to inform you that that's not how baseball works. NO PLAYER decides to slide on ANY PLAY from the onset unless you have a stolen base. That's heads-down/dumb baseball just as much as Beltran taking his eyes off the ball.


Beltran has been playing baseball since he was a fetus, he should know what he is doing by now.

[Frogshiem77]

Looks like you're desperately trying for a re-do sonny. Its not "2+ months" into the season. It's mid April. You didn't say "2+ months " into the season. You said "if it continues". You made yet another silly delclaration and you've been called on it. Suck it up.

He said 2+ months into the season, but he meant 2+ months of baseball, he's been playing the OF all through spring training.

I don't think sending him down is ridiculous, to be honest I question whether he can ever be a serviceable outfielder he doesn't have a very good arm despite playing 3B in the minors and people are going to run on him all the time. I think the decision to make him an outfielder was dumb, we should have made him a 2B and just eaten Castillo's contract, but that ship has sailed, and Castillo is hitting like .381.
SO he needs to shape up in the outfield quick.
That being said his outfield play is the least of our problems, the starting pitching has been atrocious, the mets can't hit with RISP, and they generally seem to not care about what is going on.

I'm not hitting the panic button, but I wish someone would light a fire under their a$$.

[EasilyFound]

What was Church doing trying to steal a base today in the 9th inning when down by four runs? Just atrocious.

[NYMets523]

Looks like you're desperately trying for a re-do sonny. Its not "2+ months" into the season. It's mid April. You didn't say "2+ months " into the season. You said "if it continues". You made yet another silly delclaration and you've been called on it. Suck it up.

If he's still terrible in the OF mid-June, there should be serious discussions about sending him to the minors.


I think the decision to make him an outfielder was dumb, we should have made him a 2B and just eaten Castillo's contract, but that ship has sailed, and Castillo is hitting like .381.
I think that would have been a mistake. He has a shotgun arm and I don't think his range would suffice at 2B.

Eating Castillo's contract was not the right thing to do. Keep him 1 more year. If he plays well, they can get rid of him easier (or keep him). If not, then it's easier to swallow the contract.


That being said his outfield play is the least of our problems, the starting pitching has been atrocious, the mets can't hit with RISP, and they generally seem to not care about what is going on.

I'm not hitting the panic button, but I wish someone would light a fire under their a$$.
I'm not saying this to you, but in general, but I'm really sick of hearing that this team needs a fire. The problem is the starting pitching. The guys aren't tanking on purpose, they're just not pitching well.
A lot of this "fire" talk is really overblown. I read 3 Nights in August and in it, Tony La Russa said that Harold Baines was the fiercest competitor who ever played for him but you would never know it by the way he carried himself. I don't have the book on hand so I can't quote it verbatim. You get the idea though.

I don't think they don't care either. They know what's happened the last 2 years (or last year for some). They know this isn't acceptable but they also know it's too early to sulk about it. Honestly, doing that would be the worst possible think they could do.

[whoisonit]

If he's still terrible in the OF mid-June, there should be serious discussions about sending him to the minors.


Absolutely. This is a much better way of conveying your opinion. There's time now to let him work things out.

[Chuck The Mets Fan!]

I love the Mets, but before spring training you seen this coming, it is the same old problem for the Mets. Forget the hitting, poor fundamentals and coaching, the teams problem going all the way back to 2006 has always been their pitching.

Whether or not they could have beaten the Tigers is another story for a fairytale land, but depending on Martinez and Hernandez to carry you through a season without getting hurt was a stretch and you see how there absence affected the Mets bullpen.

One "ace" and four re-treads are not going to fix the problem that caused the Mets bullpen to fail due to over managing and being over-worked. The same pattern is set for this season unless the starting pitching can start pitching more innings to aleviate the workload of the bullpen. I for one was happy that JImmy Rollins said what he did at the beginning of 2007, because he was correct in his analogy of the Mets pitching and the Mets lack of character when they are constantly being called to the challenge.

David Wright is too special of a player to constantly be striking out like he has been. Jose Reyes has all of a sudden forgot how to steal bases. Schneider and Castro can call better games.

One thing that I have liked about this rather frustrating begining to the season: J.J. Putz is a guy that I like in attitude and confidence.

[NYMets523]

Absolutely. This is a much better way of conveying your opinion. There's time now to let him work things out.

I'll remember to spell out every, single detail of my opinions for you from now on since you can't comprehend them otherwise.

[whoisonit]

I'll remember to spell out every, single detail of my opinions for you from now on since you can't comprehend them otherwise.

I must be "irrational". Nice to see you'll be spreading your unique brand of joy for another season.

[Frogshiem77]

No wonder the cards swept us, they weren't playing fair...

http://theropolitans.com/2009/04/photo-of-day-daniel-murphys-and-yadier.html

[Frogshiem77]

I just want to call it now, first no hitter in Mets history tonight;
followed by a team wide spiritual revival and 7 game winning streak.

I feel better already.
:gt

[Frogshiem77]

I just want to call it now, first no hitter in Mets history tonight;
followed by a team wide spiritual revival and 7 game winning streak.

I feel better already.
:gt

Actually I just heard Sheffield and Tatis will be starting in the outfield tonight...soooooo I retract my prediction, but he should be able to at least shut them out, :sigh:

[NYMets523]

Now that you called it, it won't happen.

[Frogshiem77]

Home plate ump's strike zone has been very inconsistent so far, too lazy to look up who it is.

[RedsoxMetsFan123]

That was a very sloppy series aganist the Cards. Defense was horrible, expecially when Murphy missed the diving catch. Bats came alive yesterday but we still lost and got swept. We are currently ahead of the Nats 3-1 in the starting of the 8th inning. With the sweep, we are currently in 4th behind the Phillies, Bravrs and Marlins. So Sheffield is acually the starting Outfielder? Last time I seen him play the Outfield was a while back.

[Dalkowski110]

Not the greatest-played game in terms of hitting with runners in scoring position, but a win is a win. The pitching came through, for one thing. For that reason, I'll give the Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award to Johan Santana...



(2007 Upper Deck Season Highlights)

[AutographCollector]

10 k's for Johan USUALLY means a win. Kudos Johan.
Today's game = Let's go Big Pelf!

[wright&reyes]

still concerned bout risp #'s but a W is a W. oh & johan is not human! i hope the rest of the staff can learn a thing or 2 from him.

[kimthemetschick]

still concerned bout risp #'s but a W is a W. oh & johan is not human! i hope the rest of the staff can learn a thing or 2 from him.

True, a W is a W. But can we deal with 5 more months of this? C'mon, I have enough drama in my life, I'd like something to go a bit more smoothly :o

[Frogshiem77]

Pretty little sliding catch and quick throw to double up Andersen Hernandez at 1st by Dan Murphy to end the first inning.
Their may be hope for you yet Danny boy. :hyper:

Ditto, to David Wright putting together a fielding clinic in the early going.

[NYMets523]

We're winning 5-0 but Murphy and Beltran popping up the first pitch with bases loaded 1 out is maddening.

[Dalkowski110]

I'm giving the Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award to Carlos Beltran. Carlos produced at the plate and now has an 8-game hitting streak going. Keep up the good work, Carlos!



(2001 Bowman Heritage)

I should also note that Ryan Church, David Wright, Mike Pelfrey, and Daniel Murphy also deserve honorable mentions here.

[wright&reyes]

True, a W is a W. But can we deal with 5 more months of this? C'mon, I have enough drama in my life, I'd like something to go a bit more smoothly :o

You should know by now that there is nothing easy about being a Mets fan:waving Sure I would love things to go smoothly, i'm sure we all would but that is just not part of being a Mets fan. Heck even in '86 when they just dominated the league in the regular season, Houston gave them fits in the NLCS, and i don't even need to tell you how close Boston was to winning that World Series.

[AutographCollector]

Houston gave them fits in the NLCS

Houston didn't... Mike Scott did. ;)

[wright&reyes]

Houston didn't... Mike Scott did. ;)

Don't get me started on Mike "Scuff". Anyways it was nice to see Pelf be effective 2day, even if it was against the Nats. Hopefully the Mets take care of business 2morrow, get healthy off the Nats and go on a nice run here. Especially since this Was. series starts a stretch of games where the Mets play 16 of the 19 next games against the NL East.

[whoisonit]

The Nats are a pathetic disgrace of a team. This is how Manny Acta runs a club ? Let's hope we never hear his name floated when Manuel's time is up.

[NYMets523]

To say he has no horses is an understatement. The reason that team is pathetic is because of Bowden.

[Frogshiem77]

You think Jerry Manuel will make good on his promise to demote Perez if this turns out to be another crap start? (looks like one so far)

[IDRAFT1]

You think Jerry Manuel will make good on his promise to demote Perez if this turns out to be another crap start? (looks like one so far)

One can only hope.

We can put him on waivers no problem. No GM besides Omar would touch that contract.

[ubinfl]

The Nats are a pathetic disgrace of a team. This is how Manny Acta runs a club ? Let's hope we never hear his name floated when Manuel's time is up.

If this team continues playing at its current rate (or lack therefor) Manuels time will be up sooner...rather than later.

[metfan13]

You think Jerry Manuel will make good on his promise to demote Perez if this turns out to be another crap start? (looks like one so far)

They can't demote Ollie unless he agrees to it. Too much major league time.

[NYMets523]

They can't demote Ollie unless he agrees to it. Too much major league time.

He has no case to argue why he shouldn't be demoted.

[metfan13]

He has no case to argue why he shouldn't be demoted.

True, but he can simply say no.

[NYMets523]

He's pitching like !@#$ and costing the team games. There are no incentives in his contract so he's going to get his money no matter what. The odds are good he'd accept the assignment since he's had more than enough time to get it together so far this year. If he doesn't accept it, he will likely end up in the bullpen and barely pitch.

[Dalkowski110]

I'll give the Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award to Brian Stokes, who did his job pretty well. I could've easily given it to Pedro Feliciano, but I found Stokes' baseball card first. Seriously, the Mets really did so badly that I'm giving it to a 1-inning reliever.



(2003 Donruss Rookies Autographs Brian Stokes rookie autograph)

[Jbutta29]

While all the ominous signs are discouraging, if you look at the division, everyone is playing pretty poorly/evenly. It seems it will be a matter of WHO gets it all together at the right time. Marlins just got swept for two straight series(which i love) We need to keep that streak going for them to pull up in the standings and get some momentum.

[EasilyFound]

It is still early.

BTW, at what point is it too late to be saying "It is still early?" I just want to mark my calendar.

Looks like Ollie is Mets' version of Chien-Ming Wang. Let's hope Maine turns it around. If not, Mets will be regretting that they've been holding back single game tix for June and beyond.

[AutographCollector]

He's pitching like !@#$ and costing the team games. There are no incentives in his contract so he's going to get his money no matter what. The odds are good he'd accept the assignment since he's had more than enough time to get it together so far this year. If he doesn't accept it, he will likely end up in the bullpen and barely pitch.

And to think that we should have signed Derek Lowe. :crazy

[NYMets523]

And to think that we should have signed Derek Lowe. :crazy

We shouldn't have. You want Lowe for 5 years? Yeah, first two should be ok. But the third through fifth years?

[GordonGecko]

And to think that we should have signed Derek Lowe. :crazy
Mets weren't going to get Lowe, he was going to get too much anyways. Omar's problem is he bid against himself to get Perez. He should never have given him anywhere NEAR the money he did, unless it was a 1 year contract. No one else wanted Perez, NO ONE. Minaya should get fired for this (last straw in my book)

[NYMets523]

Fired over this signing? That's extreme. If a GM was fired after every bad contract, we'd be getting new GMs for all teams every 2-3 years.

[LostMet]

With the Mets it would be every 2-3 months.

[NYMets523]

No, it wouldn't be.

[Frogshiem77]

With the Mets it would be every 2-3 months.

Minaya doesn't really sign a player ever 2-3 months, unless you're talking about minor league league deals, and those by their low dollar low risk nature can't really be ocnsidered bad signings.

Look not signing Lowe to the contract he eventually got was a good business decision. If Lowe pitches 200 innings every year for the next 3 years then you can say I'm wrong, but I don't think he will. I don't think Ollie should have gotten 12 million/year, but that is kind of irrelevant now. Brian Sabean and Bill Bavasi are 30 times more incompetent then Minaya. Just be happy we never signed Barry Zito.

For some good news, Tim Redding just pitched 4 scoreless innings in extended spring training and could be a week away from returning. Freddy Garcia pitched six innings with Triple A buffalo and allowed 3 runs on 5 hits with 3 walks, they said he will likely need to make "several more starts," to gain arm strength before even being considered for a call up.

I think Ollie will likely accept a demotion or we can just put him on the DL with shoulder fatigue or something. His serious lack of velocity on his pitches makes me think he is just going through a dead arm period which can be addressed in rehab. I'll probably be more concerned if Maine continues to suck tonight. We can cope with not having Ollie for a couple weeks, but if we are missing 2-3 starters (with Pelfrey looking very uninspiring in his last turn) then that's a problem. Hopefully Redding can take a turn soon, and we can do somethign with Ollie rather than keep running him out there.

[metfan13]

I thought Pelfrey was fine last start. Ground ball after ground ball is just what we need from him.

[EasilyFound]

Maybe it is on purpose that so much of left filed is not visible by those sitting in the left field seats.

[Dalkowski110]

Nice win! 7-1 over the Marlins! Although I could easily give it to John Maine for his excellent performance on the mound, I've got to give the Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award to Omir Santos, who got his first MLB RBI, first MLB homerun, and became the first Met to hit a grand slam in Citi Field!



(2006 Bowman Chrome first year baseball card)

Congratulations, Omir! :)

[Dalkowski110]

After a somewhat disappointing loss to Florida, I'll give the Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award to Alex Cora, who did a fine job filling in for Luis Castillo...



(2000 Bowman card, signed)

Congrats Alex.

[Jbutta29]

looks we got jipped on this call...

[EasilyFound]

Can't really tell whether the tag is made in that picture.

[VIBaseball]

I thought it was a good slide and a good call. There's air underneath Santos's mitt. Last night during the game, they used an enhanced closeup to show Baker's toe on the plate too.

[PVNICK]

Much as I hate to admit it I had VI's take as well.

[Frogshiem77]

What the hell is wrong with Jerry Manuel, why did he pinch hit for a 2 for 4 Castro, you don't take him out in a big situation, you give him a chance to redeem himself.
I'm officially starting the fire Jerry Manuel, bring back Bobby Valentine bandwagon. Although I can't imagine anyone who wants to be associated with these guys right now.

[Dalkowski110]

Disappointing loss. I'll give the Dalkowski110's Baseball Cards New York Mets Player of the Game Award to Fernando Tatis...



(1998 Donruss Signature Series Millennium Marks autographed card)

Congrats Fernando.