Die Hard Sports Fan

The Mets played great tonight.  I’m sure Randolph was extremely nervous that his tenure depends on Ollie.  Surprisingly, Perez pitched a great game.  The offense put up 7 runs, and beat the Rangers 7-1.

During the Post Game on SNY, Willie fielded a whole bunch of questions about all of the circling rumors about his status.  I felt so bad for him because you can see that he was trying to joke around, but he seemed uncomfortable.

After Willie spoke, Omar announced that the Mets signed OF Trot Nixon from the Arizona Diamondbacks for cash and a player to be named later.  Are you curious?  I know I am.  Omar stated that Nixon has been playing in Triple-A, and I had no idea about that.  As usual, Minaya also said that he wanted to add a player with a ‘veteran presense’ and ‘Playoff experience’ to the team.  What’s new about that concept?

Before Omar explained that Nixon was in the Minors, I was excited.  I never knew that.  Trot Nixon of the Red Sox was a blue collar player which is something most of these players on the Mets lack.  However, he has to be in the Minors for a reason.  Hopefully he can resurrect himself.

You can check out Nixon’s profile on MLB.com.  He has a .275 career AVG, .364 OBS, and he’s closing in on 1,000 hits.  Don’t forget about the World Series Ring.

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So pretty much everybody in New York knows that John Heyman of SI.com broke the story about how Willie could be run out of Flushing in the very near future, but not as soon as today.  Heyman stated the same thing on WFAN a few hours ago, and on the Mets pregame show on SNY.  Here’s part of the article:

Willie Randolph’s status as Mets manager is extremely tenuous now. General manager Omar Minaya is seriously considering changing managers and at least a couple of the team’s coaches, sources told SI.com. A Mets official indicated that nothing was expected to be decided today regarding Randolph’s status. But that doesn’t preclude something from happening later this weekend. Sources indicate his hold on the job is shaky, at best. Should Randolph be fired, bench coach Jerry Manuel will take over, sources told SI.com.

Personally, I don’t know how Jerry Manuel is going to do.  I’m not really a fan of his.  If the Mets really fire Willie then this Manuel dude is one of the last guys that I want to manage the Mets.  I would prefer that they kept Randolph over Manuel and got rid of everybody on the team except Santana and Wright.  Clean house Omar.  Accept the fact that you do not have a championship caliber team, and so you can fix the problem.  In case Omar ever finds Die Hard Mets Fan, our vote is for Bobby V. of course!

Mets.com:

Yanks-Mets set makeup date for June 27 - The intra-city rivals will meet at Yankee Stadium for a 2:05 p.m. ET game on Friday, June 27, and then face off in the nightcap at Shea Stadium at 8:10 p.m. ET. The original game was to be played on May 16. Schneider playing for Dad every day Mets hope turnaround starts vs. Rangers - Jon Blau wrote up a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Rangers and the Mets.

Newsday:

Wagner blows another save as Mets fall to D-Backs - Mark Herrmann summarized yesterday’s Diamondbacks-Mets game. Mets needing big change could cost Randolph job Could Mets hitting coach Johnson take the fall?

New York Daily News:

Sources: Willie Randolph’s tenure as Mets manager in grave danger - Adam Rubin wrote, “Willie Randolph’s tenure as Mets manager is in grave danger of ending this weekend, sources tell the Daily News. It’s believed that bench coach Jerry Manuel would succeed Randolph if the manager is fired. Randolph has a four-year record of 299-252 with the Mets.”  Manuel is going to be worse than Randolph, but maybe it will work.  Something has to work. After this spell, any positive thinking would be a relief for Mets Billy Wagner is the least of Willie Randolph’s worries In ninth, Mets find bad luck is catching Johan Santana keeps his cool after win is taken away Moises Alou likely returning to DL

New York Post:

SNAKE-BIT BILLY A BUST AGAIN - Mike Puma wrote up a game summary about yesterday’s D-Backs-Mets game. WAGS CARES, BUT IT’S NOT ENOUGH SANTANA’S GEM GOES FOR NAUGHT ALOU MAY BE HEADED FOR THIRD STINT ON DL WAGNER BLOWS IT AGAIN IN 5-4 LOSS

The Star-Ledger:

Willie’s Warm Seat - Dan Graziano examines the Mets managerial position from all angles. Willie still manager…for now SI: Willie still on hot seat Mets can’t close out Diamondbacks Alou (calf) likely DL-bound again

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It’s tough to watch this ‘08 Mets team.  After Pelfrey pitches the game of his life, they give it away and need Beltran to save the day.  Shame on Willie for not allowing Big Pelf to try to get his first complete game shutout.  How is young pitcher supposed to build up his resume, and confidence, when the manager pulls him after the best outing in his career?  When else is he supposed to get a complete game shutout?  Stuff like that may make an inconsistent, young pitcher more confident.  That confidence may pay off in the long run.  As for today, Santana pitched seven scoreless innings before handing it over to the Bullpen who blew it…again.  What is wrong with Wagner?  Three straight blown saves?  The Bullpen was the biggest problem the team had in ‘07.  The Bullpen was dominant until July, and then it was downhill from there.  It just kept getting worse and worse until they were eliminated, and I saw it coming.  I knew that even if they made the Playoffs that they weren’t going to do so well because the Bullpen was giving up way too many games.  It is the same thing in ‘08 because it’s the same cast of characters.  Sanchez returned, but I thought he would’ve been better than he has been so far.  Omar brought in Wise who hasn’t been anything special.  Otherwise, it’s the same people who couldn’t get it done in ‘07 so why would they be able to do it in ‘08?

Mets.com:

Mets suffer tough loss to D-backs - Anthony DiComo summarized today’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Santana watches bullpen falter - Ain’t that the truth?

Return trip to DL possible for Alou - Anthony DiComo reported that Moises Alou had an MRI on Wednesday, and it revealed aggravation of a strained left calf.  Alou said, ”I think that the DL is a possibility. Again.”

Day at Shea remains affordable

Beltran’s blast ends Mets’ long night - Anthony DiComo summarized last night’s Diamondbacks-Mets game.

Santana set to shake off ailing shoulder - Samantha Newman put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Return shortlived for ailing Alou - Alou explained that the soreness in his left calf would once again take him out of the Mets’ lineup less than 24 hours after his return from the disabled list.  It really is a shame that he cannot stay healthy.

Mets add Aguila to outfield mix - Anthony DiComo reported that the Mets called up a hot-hitting prospect, Chris Aguila, to offset the losses of Church and Alou.

Newsday:

Wagner blows another save as Mets fall to D-Backs - Mark Herrmann summarized today’s game between the D-Backs and the Mets.

SNY talks fairly, quietly about Mets

Beltran’s blast in 13th saves Mets’ Wagner - Mark Herrmann wrote up a game summary for last night’s D-Backs-Mets game.

Alou ‘very embarrassed’ by latest calf injury

Turmoil doesn’t mean that Willie isn’t a winner - Shaun Powell wrote this about Willie Randolph, “It’s not that he forgot how to manage or suddenly became dumb. His team simply quit meeting the expectations of the fans, ownership, themselves and Randolph’s, and fair or not, that usually comes back to the manager.”

Marlon came up with ‘62′ as morale booster - Mark Herrmann informed us about how Marlon Anderson “came up with the magic number of 62 wins in the final 100 games, wrote it down and passed it out to teammates at the end of a club Players Association meeting Tuesday.”  I’m loving the creativity Marlon.  I just hope the Mets achieve the goal he set.  Somebody really has to do something.

New York Daily News:

Billy Wagner blows 3rd straight save in Mets’ loss to Diamondbacks - The AP summarized today’s game between the D-Backs and the Mets.

Shaky relief pitching might be start of Mets’ problems - That is the problem, and it began in July of ‘07.

Carlos Beltran’s homer wins it in 13th for Mets, bails out Billy Wagner - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary for last night’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Mets have sympathy for Ron Santo and 1969 Cubs - Anthony McCarron sees similarities between the ‘70 Cubs and the ‘08 Mets.

Ailing Moises Alou’s leg and pride hurting because of injury

Billy Wagner blows game in ninth, win for Mike Pelfrey

Marlon Anderson gets into the flow with inspiration at players-only meeting

New York Post:

BELTRAN BLAST BAILS OUT BILLY - Mark Hale summarized last night’s Diamondbacks-Mets game.

MOISES BACK ON SIDELINE

MINAYA IS MAKING SAME OLD MISTAKES - Great article here by Joel Sherman.  It’s the first article in a long time that I’ve seen putting some blame on Omar Minaya.  Willie takes all of the heat which isn’t right.  They are a tandem.  I would love to see the press go at each of them equally.

IMPRESSIVE PELFREY ROBBED OF WIN

ALOU BACK ON BENCH, AGAIN

STRAW: METS CAN’T HANDLE PRESSURE OF NEW YORK - Darryl Strawberry believes that, “The talent is there with this group, no question. The curiosity is, how much do they want it? Everyone is puzzled, including former players. There’s a lot of questions about if it’s going to happen for them.”

New York Times:

Stuck in His Team’s Undertow, Santana Sees Another Win Slip Away - Ben Shpigel summarized today’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Beltrán Saves the Mets, as Wagner Fails Again - Joe LaPointe wrote up a game summary for last night’s D-Backs-Mets game.

Mets’ Alou Is Left Discouraged After Hurting His Calf Again

The Star-Ledger:

Final: D-Backs 5, Mets 4 - Jeremy Cothran wrote up a game summary for today’s game between the D-Backs and the Mets.

Game 65: Diamondbacks at Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Beltran’s HR bails out Wagner

Pelfrey gets dose of confidence - And he would’ve built up more confidence if Willie let him get 3 more outs.

Blame players for state of Mets

Beltran delivers Mets victory in 13 - Colin Stephenson summarized last night’s D-Backs-Mets game.

Anything to help out - Colin Stephenson asked Scott Schoeneweis why he helped out the grounds crew putting the tarp on the infield.

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The New York Mets (30-33) are playing Game 64 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Arizona Diamondbacks (35-30) at Shea Stadium.  It’s the second game of the three-game series.  The game began at 7:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

Happy 25th Birthday Jose Reyes!

Diamondbacks Lineup: Young, Drew, Hudson, Jackson, Tracy, Reynolds, Snyder, Salazar, Brandon Webb (11-2).

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Castillo, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Anderson, Schneider, Chavez, Mike Pelfrey (2-6).

In the Top of the 1st, Young grounded a leadoff single past Reyes.  Pelfrey picked off Young at first.  Drew grounded out to short.  Hudson grounded out to second to end the inning.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Webb pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Jackson lined a leadoff single into center.  Tracy grounded to short, and the Mets turned the double play.  Pelfrey fanned Reynolds to end the inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Webb retired the side in the second straight inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Snyder drew a leadoff walk.  Pelfrey caught Salazar looking at strike three.  Webb grounded to first, and Delgado made the out at first as Snyder advanced to second.  Young lined out to left to end the inning stranding Snyder on second.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Webb retired the lineup in order the first time around.

In the Top of the 4th, Hudson lined a one-out double to the gap in right center.  Jackson grounded to short, and Reyes made the out at first as Hudson moved over to third.  Tracy grounded to short, and Reyes made the out at first to end the inning stranding Hudson on third.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Reyes beat out a drag bunt down the first base line for a leadoff single.  Castillo chopped the ball towards the pitcher so Webb (Error on Brandon Webb) attempted to make the out at first, but Tracy dropped the ball so Castillo is safe at first and Reyes advanced to third.  Wright grounded to third, and Reynolds held Reyes up at third before making the out at first as Castillo advanced to second.  Carlos Beltran lined a one-out 2-run single into right center which scored Jose Reyes and Luis Castillo.  Delgado lined the ball back to the pitcher and hit him in the back so Webb kneeled down as the ball rolled into left field, and Delgado ended up with a single as Beltran went from first to third (Melvin checked on Webb).  Marlon Anderson grounded to first, and the Diamondbacks only got the out at second on the double play attempt as Carlos Beltran came home to score.  Schneider grounded out to second to end the inning stranding Anderson on first, but the Mets got a 3-0 lead.  In the Top of the 5th, Pelfrey pitched his first 1-2-3 inning of the game.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Pelfrey grounded a one-out single up the middle for his first hit of the year.  Reyes grounded to second, and the Diamondbacks turned the inning ending double play.  In the Top of the 6th, Pelfrey retired the side in order for the second straight inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Melvin replaced Webb with Scherzer.  Beltran drew a two-out walk.  Scherzer fanned Delgado to end the inning stranding Beltran on first.

In the Top of the 7th, Hudson lined a leadoff single into left.  Jackson flied out to left.  Tracy drew a one-out walk (Peterson made a visit to the mound).  Pelfrey then fanned Reynolds and Snyder to end the inning stranding runners on first and second.  In the Bottom of the 7th, Scherzer pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  In the Top of the 8th, Pelfrey retired the side in order.  In the Bottom of the 8th, Melvin replaced Scherzer with Cruz.  Reyes struck out swinging at a wild pitch that went to the backstop so Reyes arrived safely at first giving the Mets a one-out base runner.  With Castillo at the plate, Snyder threw out Reyes as he attempted to steal second.  Castillo drew a two-out walk.  With Wright in the batters box, Snyder threw out Castillo as he stole second.  In the Top of the 9th, Pelfrey will be attempting a complete game shutout.  Drew lined a leadoff single into right.  Randolph replaced Pelfrey after his best outing of his career with Wagner.  Pelfrey received a standing ovation from the Shea Faithful.  Wagner fanned Hudson.  Jackson drove a one-out double into the gap in left center, and Drew went from first to third.  Wagner struck out Tracy, but the pitch went in the dirt so Schneider looked back Drew and made the out at first.  Mark Reynolds smoked a two-out 3-run homer to left scoring Stephen Drew and Chad Tracy to tie this game up.  The fans let him the Mets hear it after that.  In the Bottom of the 9th, Melvin replaced Cruz with Peña.  Beltran drew a one-out walk.  Peña struck Delgado out swinging.  Aguila is pinch hitting for Wagner, and Aguila lined a two-out single into right, and Beltran moved over to second.  Schneider flied out to center to end the inning stranding runners on first and second.

In the Top of the 10th, Randolph replaced Wagner with Feliciano.  Burke is pinch hitting for Salazar, and Burke drew a leadoff walk on four pitches.  Owings is pinch hitting for Peña, and Feliciano fanned Owings.  Young grounded to second, and Castillo got the lead runner out at second.  Drew grounded to second, and Castillo made the out at first to end the inning stranding Burke on first.  In the Bottom of the 10th, Melvin replaced Peña with Qualls.  Qualls retired the side in order.  In the Top of the 11th, Randolph replaced Feliciano with Heilman.  Tracy grounded a two-out single through the hole on the right side.  Heilman struck out Reynolds to end the inning stranding Tracy on first.  In the Bottom of the 11th, Wright grounded a one-out single up the middle.  Beltran grounded to short, and Drew tagged second to get the lead runner.  Delgado grounded out to first to end the inning stranding Beltran on first.  In the Top of the 12th, Heilman retired the side in order.  In the Bottom of the 12th, Melvin replaced Qualls with Gonzalez.  Schneider lined a one-out single into right.  Chavez flied out to right.  Tatis is pinch hitting for Heilman, and Tatis grounded out to short to end the inning strandind Schneider on first.

In the Top of the 13th, Randolph replaced Heilman with Vargas.  Drew grounded to third, and Wright dove to stop the ball but could not get up on his feet to make a better throw to first on time giving the Diamondbacks a one-out base runner.  Upton lined a one-out single into center, and Drew moved over to second.  Jackson grounded to third, and Wright turned the inning ending double play.  In the Bottom of the 13th, Castillo grounded to third and beat it out for a one-out infield single.  Wright popped up in foul ground along the first base line, and Tracy made the catch.  Carlos Beltran hit a two-out 2-run walk off home run to right center field scoring Luis Castillo.

Final Score: Arizona Diamondbacks 3 - New York Mets 5.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Claudio Vargas (3-2) got the win while Edgar Gonzalez (1-3) took the loss.

Game Notes:

• Mike Pelfrey pitched an absolute gem tonight.  He pitched 8.0 Innings allowing 5 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 8 SOs before Willie pulled him after giving up a hit to the first batter in the 9th.
• Carlos Beltran lined a 2-run single into right to put the Mets on the board in the 4th.
• Billy Wagner gave up a 3-run shot in the 9th which tied up the game.
• Carlos Beltran hit a 2-run walk off in the 13th.

Series Notes:

• The Diamondbacks and the Mets are tied 1-1.

Other Notes:

• Since June 1st, this is the Mets trend: w-l-w-w-l-l-l-l-l-w.
• The Mets are currently 1-1 on this home stand.
• The Mets are two games under .500 with a 31-33 record.

I’m very happy that the Mets were able to at least win this game after how well Big Pelf pitched.  Pelfrey had two pretty good outings prior to tonight and a great outing tonight, and he still hasn’t gotten a win.  As a fan, I just want to see my boys in blue and orange win sometimes.  And a walkoff homer by Beltran is always entertaining.  It would be better if they weren’t in a rut.

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So the Metsies are on a 5-game losing streak, and who knows when it’s going to end.  Even when they put up 5 runs in the first two innings, they can’t seal the deal.  They have a whole bunch of issues.  The media and the fans have pointed them out since game one.  The issues are obvious to us, but it’s the organization that needs to shake things up before it’s too late or it’s going to be a very long season.

Mets.com:

Mets fall to D-backs after delay - Anthony DiComo summarized last night’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Randolph hopes to ‘return the favor’ - Jon Blau put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Mets follow doctors’ orders with Church - Anthony DiComo reported that Ryan Church won’t return from DL until neurologist clears him.

Optimistic Alou returns to Mets’ lineup

Newsday:

Mets blow 5-1 lead against Arizona- Roderick Boone summarized last night’s Diamondbacks-Mets game.

It’s time to restart the Willie watch

Alou itching to help, finally gets activated

New York Daily News:

Despite meeting, Mets blow lead and fall to Diamondbacks 9-5 at Shea - Roger Rubin wrote up a game summary for last night’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Despite defeat to Diamondbacks, Mets might see magic in numbers

Met bullpen racked for six runs in four innings vs. Diamondbacks - The Bullpen shouldn’t even pitch four innings.

Moises Alou gets hit, then sits

New York Post:

‘PEN GIVES LEAD D’BACK TO ‘ZONA - Mark Hale summarized last night’s D-Backs-Mets game.

CHURCH ON DL, FINALLY

AMAZIN’S HAVE HEAD IN CLOUDS

NO JOKE! ‘HEALTHY’ ALOU EYES PLAYOFFS

New York Times:

Alou Is Back, Church Is on the D.L. and the Mets Stagger On

Mets’ Bullpen to the Rescue in Delay

The Star-Ledger:

He just can’t go any Mo - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for tonight’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Mets bullpen falters as skid hits five

Alou, Anderson back from DL

Virginia has its share of premium baseball players

Diamondbacks batter Mets, 9-5 - Colin Stephenson summarized last night’s game between the D-Backs and the Mets.

Here come the grounds crew

Rain, rain go away

Return of Moises

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The New York Mets (30-32) are playing Game 63 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Arizona Diamondbacks (34-30) at Shea Stadium.  It’s the first game of the three-game series.  The game began at 7:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

Diamondbacks Lineup: Young, Drew, Hudson, Jackson, Reynolds, Snyder, Upton, Salazar, Micah Owings (6-4).

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Castillo, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Alou, Schneider, Chavez, John Maine (6-4).

In the Top of the 1st, Drew lined a one-out single up the middle.  Hudson drew a one-out walk.  Conor Jackson grounded a one-out RBI single threw the hole on the right side scoring Stephen Drew, and Hudson went from first to third.  With runners on the corners, Maine struck out Reynolds and Snyder to get out of the inning limiting the damage to a run.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Reyes chopped an infield single over the head of the pitcher which redirected towards second giving the Mets a leadoff runner.  With Castillo at the plate, Snyder threw out Reyes as he attempted to steal second.  Castillo drew a one-out walk.  Wright grounded to first, and Jackson tagged first for the second out as Castillo advanced to second.  Beltran grounded very slowly to short and beat it out for a two-out single, and Castillo went to third.  Carlos Delgado grounded a two-out RBI single up the middle scoring Luis Castillo, Beltran went from first to third, and Delgado slid into second base because Young bobbled the ball in center.  In his first at bat back from the DL, Moises Alou lined a two-out 2-run single into left scoring Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado.  Schneider drew a two-out walk so Price came out to visit Owings.  Chavez popped up to short to end the inning after the Mets took a 3-1 lead.  In the Top of the 2nd, Salazar drew a one-out walk.  With Owings in the batters box, Schneider threw out Salazar as he attempted to steal second.  Maine struck out Owings looking to end the inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Castillo slapped a two-out single through the hole on the left side.  David Wright smoked a two-out two run shot to left scoring Luis Castillo, and there was no doubt about it.  Beltran flied out to right to end the inning after the Mets took a 5-1 lead.  In the Top of the 3rd, Hudson grounded a two-out single up the middle and Reyes stopped it from going into center but made no throw.  Jackson drew a two-out walk.  Maine fanned Reynolds to end the inning stranding runners on first and second.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Schneider drew a two-out walk.  Chavez lined out to right to end the inning stranding Schneider on first.

In the Top of the 4th, Maine pitched his first 1-2-3 inning of the game.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Castillo grounded a two-out single up the middle.  Wright flied out to the warning track in right center to end the inning stranding Castillo on first.  In the Top of the 5th, Owings grounded a leadoff single through the hole on the right side.  Maine struck out Young looking.  Drew flied out to left.  Orlando Hudson hit a two-out 2-run bomb to right field scoring Micah Owings.  Jackson flied out to center to end the inning after the Diamondbacks made it a 5-3 game.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Beltran grounded to the grass at second and Hudson dove to stop it and threw it to first as Beltran dove in for a leadoff single.  Delgado flied out to right.  Owings hit Alou in the back with the rear.  Melvin replaced Owings with Cruz.  Schneider popped up to second on the first pitch.  Chavez flied out to center to end the inning leaving runners stranded on first and second.  In the Top of the 6th, Randolph replaced Maine with Vargas.  Reynolds drew a leadoff walk.  Snyder lined out to left.  Vargas hit Upton near the knob of the bat, and Randolph came out to argue the call.  Salazar grounded to the pitcher, but the ball redirected to second so Castillo made the out at first as both runners advanced a base.  Ojeda is pinch hitting for Owings, and Augie Ojeda lined a two-out 2-run double through the hole on the right side scoring Mark Reynolds and Justin Upton.  Young flied out to right to end the inning stranding Ojeda on second, but the Diamondbacks tied up the game at 5-5.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Melvin replaced Cruz with Slaten.  Tatis is pinch hitting for Vargas, and Tatis lined a leadoff single into right center.  Reyes flied out to left.  Castillo grounded to second, and the Diamondbacks turned the inning ending double play.

In the Top of the 7th, Randolph replaced Vargas with Feliciano.  The game has gone into a rain delay because the thunder and the lightning has begun, but not the rain.  The grounds crew just covered the infield with the tarp because the wind is blowing paper around.  After an hour rain delay, Feliciano retired the first two batters.  Randolph replaced Feliciano with Smith.  Smith got the final out to retired the side.  In the Bottom of the 7th, Melvin replaced Slaten with Qualls.  Qualls retired the side in order.  In the Top of the 8th, Chris Snyder hit a one-out solo shot to left.  Smith struck out Upton looking.  Salazar grounded out to second to end the inning after the Diamondbacks took a 6-5 lead.  In the Bottom of the 8th, Melvin replaced Qualls with Peña.  Easley lined a leadoff single through the hole on the left side.  Schneider dropped down a sacrifice bunt, and Snyder made the out at first as Easley advanced to second.  Chavez lined out to short.  Anderson is pinch hitting for Smith, and Anderson flied out to left to end the inning leaving Chavez stranded on second.  In the Top of the 9th, Randolph replaced Smith with Sanchez.  Romero replaced Salazar, and Romero lined a leadoff double down the left field line.  Young grounded back to the pitcher, and Sanchez looked Romero back and made the out at first.  Stephen Drew smoked a one-out 2-run homer to right center which scored Alex Romero.  Sanchez fanned Hudson.  Conor Jackson smoked a solo shot to left field which just cleared the foul pole.  Reynolds lined a two-out single into left.  Snyder lined a two-out single into left, and Reynolds went from first to third.  Randolph replaced Sanchez with Heilman.  Upton popped up to first to end the inning with runners stranded on the corners.  In the Bottom of the 9th, Melvin replaced Peña with Lyon.  Reyes grounded a leadoff double down the right field line.  Castillo grounded back to the pitcher, and Lyon made the out at first.  Wright flied out to the wall in right field, and Reyes tagged up and went to third.  Beltran grounded out to first to end the game with Castillo stranded on third.

Final Score: Arizona Diamondbacks 9 - New York Mets 5.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Joe Smith (0-1) took the loss and Chad Qualls (1-5) got the win.

 

Game Notes:

• Johm Maine was decent at best tonight.  He only pitched 5.0 Innings allowing 5 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 ERs, 3 BBs, and he had 7 SOs.
• Claudio Vargas gave up a 2-run double Ojeda that allowed the D-Backs to get tie up the game.
• David Wright crushed a 2-run homer in the 2nd inning which seemed like it broke the game open at the time.
• Duaner Sanchez gave up 3 runs on 2 dingers in the 9th.

Series Notes:

• The Diamondbacks are leading the series with the Mets 1-0.

Other Notes:

• Since June 1st, this is the Mets trend: w-l-w-w-l-l-l-l-l.
• The Mets are currently 0-1 on this home stand.
• The Mets are three games under .500 with a 30-33 record.

It really bothers me this season when the Mets actually score a few runs early that they cannot tack on more runs or have the bullpen shut down the opposition.  It seems like when they get rolling early that they still end up losing the games.  Nothing is going right for them.

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The Amazin’s have completed the first 62 games of their season and have a 30-32 record.  Their GM and Manager stated that their record is ‘unacceptable’.  Their best everyday player of ‘08, Church, was just placed on the 15-day DL.  The entire team is underperforming, according to the team.  Where will the Mets end up after the final 100 games?

The Mets begin a six-game homestand against the D-Backs tonight.  Here’s a look at the probable pitching matchups:

• 06/10/2008 - Micah Owings (6-4) - John Maine (6-4)
• 06/11/2008 - Brandon Webb (11-2) - Mike Pelfrey (2-6)
• 06/12/2008 - Dan Haren (6-4) - Johan Santana (7-4)

Mets.com:

Mets look for boost in All-Star balloting - Marty Noble pointed out that there are not any Mets at the top of their respective position for the All-Star balloting.

Church headed to DL with concussion - Jon Blau reported that Ryan Church, “will be placed on the 15-day disabled list before Tuesday’s game because of lingering effects from a concussion suffered May 20 in Atlanta.”  This was expected and should of been done earlier.

Mailbag: Tough to live up to ‘great’ billing - Marty Noble answers Mets fans’ questions.

Mets players raise money on off-day - Jon Blau told us what the Mets did on their off day yesterday, “On Monday, instead of buttoning up their uniforms, the Mets were flashing fashionable suit jackets at the Richards clothing store in Greenwich, Conn., schmoozing with fans and autograph seekers alike. They spent their one day away from the diamond raising money for charity at the Mets Foundation’s “Teammates in the Community” fund-raiser sponsored by NetJets.”

King of Queens (Video) - Carlos Delgado has found his groove after a slow start to ‘08.

Newsday:

Are the Mets a money team or not? - Willie Randolph said, “I think we’re a good team, but it’s always been ridiculous that people look at payroll. I’ve been on many teams where that doesn’t wash. People have to produce. Look at Seattle this year or Detroit. Let’s be real. You have to play. Salary has nothing to do with it. Expectations might be higher by fans and the media, but you have to play the game, do your job, execute. That’s how you justify payroll. It doesn’t mean it’s automatic.

Minaya concerned about Mets ‘unacceptable’ record - Omar Minaya said, “Five hundred is not acceptable because we are better than that.”  Roderick Boone wrote, “Minaya said he’s working the phone every day, trying to see if players who could help are available. He’s considered changing the makeup of the 25-man roster but said nothing out there at the moment makes sense. With five weeks left before the All-Star break, few if any clubs are ready to give up and trade a valuable commodity.”  It is about time Omar sees that there is an issue because you cannot solve it if you don’t.  It’s like the first step of AA.

New York Daily News:

With aging players, barren farm system, Omar Minaya’s rule a reign of error - Adam Rubin is calling Minaya’s rule an ‘error’.  That seems way too strong because the same paper said that about Isiah Thomas.  The Mets are playing .500 ball while the Knicks were nowhere near that.  Both had high payrolls while the results are different.  Minaya needs to get a little bit more credit than Isiah.

Series Preview: Mets vs. D-backs

Ryan Church to DL as Mets get pair back

Omar Minaya, Willie Randolph stay upbeat about Mets - Newsday put a negative spin on this topic while the New York Daily News put a positive spin on the topic, but the quote is the same.

New York Post:

AMAZIN’LY AVERAGE - Bart Hubbuch wrote, “After forking over a whole lot of millions in the offseason, the Wilpons are getting a whole lot of mediocrity in return.”  Isn’t that the truth?

THIS TEAM’S GOING NOWHERE!

CHURCH HEADING TO DISABLED LIST

New York Times:

Mets’ Debt Comes Due in 100 Games

Mets’ Record Is ‘Not Acceptable’ to Minaya or Randolph

The Star-Ledger:

Mets’ draft pick in fight (kind of)

Minaya says Mets’ losing record ‘not acceptable’

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As soon as the Mets seemed like they were getting hot, they got swept in a four-game series by the last place Padres.  The pitching was pretty good all series because they lost three games by a score of 2-1.  The offense couldn’t put up more than one run, which is absolutely pathetic, until yesterday when they scored six runs.  It was Wags who was brought in with two outs in the eigth inning yesterday who blew the save allowing four runs.  They are two games under .500 and will face the D-Backs tomorrow.  I’m still waiting for something to happen to get this team heading in the right direction.  Is Willie going to get fired before they get players with heart?  And when will it happen?  Hopefully not before it’s too late because I want to watch my boys in blue and orange playing October baseball.  I didn’t get to watch it last season because of the collapse so the Mets owe me one.

Mets.com:

Mets swept painfully in San Diego - Marty Noble summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Mets hoping for quick return of Alou - Jon Blau wrote a pregame analysis for tomorrow night’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Castro out of lineup after late arrival - Marty Noble tells us that Ramon Castro, “was removed from the starting lineup shortly after noon, shortly after he arrived at PETCO Park for the 4:05 p.m. ET game against the Padres. His late arrival was neither excused nor unnoticed.”  Noble also stated that Casanova started in placed of Castro, and that Castro was embarrased and will be fined.  I’m certain that Willie wasn’t too happy about this.  Especially when the team got swept by the last place Padres and is rocking a 30-32 record.

Carp reels in six big RBIs for B-Mets - Steve Conley lets us know that Mike Carp, “slugged a grand slam and a two-run homer and the Binghamton Mets homered five times and pounded out 17 hits in a 17-4 rout of the New Britain Rock Cats at NYSEG Stadium.”

Newsday:

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what took place at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium on June 9 of a year in the past.

Mets swept as Wagner gives up three-run homer - I can’t get on Wagner because he’s been great, but it was bad timing because Willie brought him in in the eigth inning because the Mets needed a win.

Pedro still not at his best - David Lennon discussed Pedro Martinez’s less than stellar outing yesterday.

New York Daily News:

Tony Clark’s pinch-hit HR off Billy Wagner gives Padres sweep of Mets - Adam Rubin summarized yesterday’s Mets-Padres game.

Surfing the Mets DVD contest (Part II)

Pedro claims squeeze was on

Mets minor league report

Ramon Castro arrives late, fined

New York Post:

DOOM AND BROOM - Bart Hubbuch summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

CASTRO MISSES START

New York Times:

Good News: Mets Score More Than a Run. The Bad News: Don’t Ask. - Ben Shpigel summarized yesterday’s Mets-Padres game.

The Star-Ledger:

Wagner signals SOS in San Diego sweep

Castro checks in too late

Final: Padres 8, Mets 6 - Jeremy Cothran wrote up a game summary for yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

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As usual, the Mets were able to win the series against the D-Backs.  Even when the D-Backs (20-8) had the best record in the NL heading into the series.  That’s over and done with now.  Tonight, the Mets begin a three-game series with the Dodgers.  Here’s a look at the probable pitching matchups:

• 05/05/2008 - Oliver Perez (2-2) - Chad Billingsley (1-4)
• 05/06/2008 - Nelson Figueroa Jr. (2-1) - Hiroki Kuroda (1-2)
• 05/07/2008 - John Maine (3-2) - Brad Penny (5-2)

Mets.com:

Mets feeling more than ‘all right’ - Anthony DiComo summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Diamondbacks.

Mets hoping Perez steps up - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Dodgers.

Next step for Pedro is facing hitters - Anthony DiComo found out that Pedro Martinez may begin facing hitters within a week.  Once Martinez faces hitters, the Mets will create a rehab schedule.

Newsday:

Church’s throw helps Mets top Diamondbacks - David Lennon also summarized yesterday’s Mets-Diamondbacks game.

Mets finally play projected opening day lineup - David Lennon noted that it took 29 games for the Mets to put their opening day lineup out on the field.

New York Daily News:

Mets rally in ninth, beat D-backs 5-2 on costly error and win series - Adam Rubin summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Diamondbacks as well.

Brian Schneider back as backstop for Mets, but shows rust

Matt Wise, Ramon Castro back soon - Adam Rubin reported that Matt Wise and Ramon Castro may be activated for this weekend’s series against the Reds.

New York Post:

PETERSON’S SILENT ON PITCHING WOES

RIGHT BACK ‘ATCHA - Bart Hubbuch provided a game recap for yesterday’s game.

New York Times:

In Matchup of Top Arms, Throw From Right Is Pivotal

The Star-Ledger:

Schneider back behind plate

Mets throw D’backs for loss

Final: Mets 5, D-Backs 2

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The Mets currently have a 2-1 lead over the D-Backs.  Santana is doing what he does right now, and he just worked himself out of a bases loaded jam as well.  He’s finished after 6 Innings so we’ll see how this plays out.  I definitely want the Metropolitans to win the series before leaving the Valley of the Sun.  The Mets will head out to the City of Angels after the game.

Mets.com:

Schneider to play through the pain - Anthony DiComo noted that Brian Schneider was going to start today, and he has to play through the pain of his injury.

One step forward, two steps back - Anthony DiComo summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Diamondbacks.

Mets display their offseason prize - Anthony DiComo put together a  pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Diamondbacks.

Franco officially ends 23-year career - The AP reported that former Met, Julio Franco, officially retired on Wednesday at the age of 49.

Reyes was caught in the moment - Anthony DiComo says Jose Reyes played it smart when he attempted the cycle on Friday.

Church’s lineup spot benefits everyone - Anthony DiComo stated that the Mets are wig when Reyes is succeeding and Ryan Church is batting second in the lineup.

Newsday:

Mets catcher Schneider ready for duty

Pitching meltdown sinks Mets in Phoenix - David Lennon summarized yesterday’s Mets-Diamondbacks game.

Ex-Met Gary Carter never shy about curtain calls

New York Daily News:

Mets finally fall to D-backs in Arizona

Brian Schneider to return in L.A.

Boo-birds in full flock this spring - Jesse Spector explains why the Mets are getting booed so much in ‘08.

New York Post:

DUD IN DESERT

SERBY’S SUNDAY Q&A WITH… - Billy Wagner.

DELGADO FINDING GROOVE

25 BEST SHEA STADIUM MOMENTS: NO. 21

VERSATILE MURPHY TURNING HEADS - Tim Bontempts tells us how a prospect named Dan Murphy, third baseman of Double-A Binghamton, had a great April, hitting .363 with one home run and 18 RBI in 26 games.

New York Times:

Webb Is the Model, and Pelfrey Learns a Lesson About His Craft

The Star-Ledger:

Game 29: Mets at Diamondbacks - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game.

A tough day for Pelfrey as D’Backs roll

Delgado shows signs he’s still got it

Final: Diamondbacks 10, Mets 4

Mets lose to Diamondbacks, 10-4 - Jeremy Cothran summarized yesterday’s game.

Game 28: Mets at Diamondbacks - Jeremy Cothran provded the lineup for yesterday’s game.

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