Die Hard Sports Fan

So Mets.com wrote an article stating that no Mets have been voted to the top of their respective positions in the early tabulations of the All-Star ballots.  The funny thing about it was that I was going to discuss it today anyway.  Now, I have some supporting evidence thanks to Marty Noble.

Fans can cast their votes for starters up to 25 times with the Monster 2008 All-Star Game Online Ballot at MLB.com and all 30 club sites until 11:59 p.m. ET. on Wednesday, July 2. Starting rosters will be announced during the 2008 All-Star Game Selection Show presented by Chevrolet on TBS on Sunday, July 6. Baseball fans around the world will then be able to select the final player on each team via the Monster 2008 All-Star Final Vote at MLB.com.

As usual, fans can vote so go out and vote if you haven’t done so already.  Obviously, I encourage you to vote for all of the Mets.

1. First Base - No Mets are currently in the Top 5.
2. Second Base - Luis Castillo is currently 5th in the All-Star ballot.  I have no idea how that happened.
3. Third Base - David Wright is currently 2nd in the All-Star ballot.  Even though Wright is struggling, vote for him over Larry Jones.
4. Shortstop - Jose Reyes is currently 3rd in the All-Star ballot.
5. Catcher - No Mets are currently in the Top 5.
6. Outfield - Carlos Beltran is currently 4th, and Ryan Church is currently 13th in the All-Star ballot.  Church has to make it in the outfield, and he should be ahead of Beltran right now.

If you want to vote for the 2008 All-Star Game, click here.

Mets.com:

Latest injury most disappointing for Alou - Moises Alou had this to say, “I got known as the person who gets injured all the time, and it’s embarrassing getting that label this late in my career.”

Mets starting slowly in All-Star ballots - Marty Noble pointed out that no Mets have been voted to the top of their respective position in the early tabulations.  The All-Star game is what I wanted to talk about today.

Santana puts a stop to Mets’ slide - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Wagner only concerned about winning - Jon Blau put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Wise the latest Mets player on the DL - Jon Blau reported that Matt Wise was placed on the 15-day DL because of a right rotator cuff tendinitis.  Carlos Muniz was called up from the Minors to take his place on the roster.

Newsday:

Santana gives Mets much-needed win - Anthony Rieber summarized last night’s Marlins-Mets game.

If Mets don’t win now, they could have long wait

Church sees neurologist, takes night off

Randolph’s mood brightens as job status improves - Anthony Rieber pointed out that,

Randolph joked with reporters before last night’s game against the Marlins. He was particularly comical about a photo on the front page of the New York Post that he said made him “look ugly.”

“You couldn’t find a better picture than that?” he asked. “That was a tired picture. Do I look that bad? It was a big ‘ Moon Mullins’ shot. I looked tired. They made sure my eyes were a little bit closed.”

Marlon, Wise are hurting

Marlins showing they are more than spoilers

Vote of confidence for Mets’ Randolph could be kiss of death

New York Daily News:

To Omar Minaya, racial divide on Mets sounds altogether wrong

Mets surpass Knicks at doctoring attendance figures

Thanks to Johan Santana, Mets and Willie Randolph get much-needed win - Peter Botte wrote up a game summary for last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Johan Santana aces Mets’ gut check

Ten ways to fix the Mets - Peter Botte provided a list of, “10 things the Mets need to do to save their season and/or Randolph’s job over the final 112 games.”

Ryan Church’s bell is still ringing

Backup plan is a hit - Mark Lelinwallasays, “Maybe Willie Randolph should give his starters the night off more often.”

Tuesday the target for Pedro’s return

Brochure chumps make ‘07 Mets champs - Brendan Brosh found out that, “A tourism brochure, printed for $9,300 by the borough president’s office, hails the Mets as winners last year - when they endured a historic collapse to miss the playoffs.”

New York Post:

SANTANA & SUBS SUBDUE MARLINS

RANDOLPH WARMS UP HIS BENCH

QUEST FOR LEADER LOST IN TRANSLATION

CHURCH MIGHT GO ON THE DL

New York Times:

Santana Provides Relief for Mets - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s Marlins-Mets game.

Doctors See Danger in Letting Church Play

Delgado Benched as Slump Deepens

The Star-Ledger:

Ryan Church update

Ryan Church fallout

If it ain’t broke, why fix it? - Colin Stephenson provided the lineup for tonight’s Marlins-Mets game.

Shakeup helps Mets get a win

Church told to stay away from Shea - Jeremy Cothran noted that, ”a neurologist ordered the right fielder to stay home.”

Final: Mets 5, Marlins 3 - Jeremy Cothran summarized last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

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The Metropolitans were unable to provide Willie with a post-meeting victory last night.  Various Mets were asked if Willie should be their manager, and only Wagner stated that he supported Willie.  Other players danced around the question, and tried to be politically correct.  Delgado got really weird about the question.  I’ve been trying to find the full quote, but none of the papers got it.  Here’s a portion of what Carlos said, “I’ll tell you what I think. I think we need to play better. I think they don’t pay me to think. They pay me to play baseball. … (That’s) not a good question to ask.”  When I listened to it, he finished the last question by saying that it’s not a good question to ask in front of everybody.  So when should reporters ask the question?  Also, Delgado was very nasty to the reporters after the first couple of questions.  He began swearing which is probably why I can’t find it in the papers.  Remember this, Delgado didn’t want to be on the Mets so he went to the Marlins instead.  So what did Omar do?  He went out and got Delgado.  Carlos had one good year on the Mets in ‘06.  In ‘07, he had a .258 average and was bored.  This year, he has a .215 average.  He’s a classless bum so get rid of him.  The team chemistry should improve a little bit from this.  I’m sure there’s more problems, but this is a good start.  Thanks Willie for benching Delgado tonight.  There are much bigger problems than Willie.  Omar believes that he has championship talent so he is the first person that needs to wake up and smell the coffee.  Once he realizes how wrong he is in his assessment, he will have to get rid of the bums and bring in championship talent.  Even if these players have the physical talent, they don’t have the mental talent.  Take Reyes for example.  He has been great until Willie benched him.  Once there was adversity, he has sucked.  Down the stretch in ‘07, he sucked.  Now that the Mets are supposed to win, Reyes sucks and the Mets are playing .500 ball.  Reyes was able to succeed without pressure.  After the collapse, my question was whether or not Reyes was injured or childish.  I was upset with the Mets for not stating what the problem was until Spring Training.  I thought Reyes should’ve been dealt to the Twins if he was being childish, but not if he was injured.  In Spring Training, we found out that he was being a baby and he’s still on the Mets.  Omar needs to take a better look at this team, and there are so many more issues.

Mets.com:

Mets reliving a bit of history - Marty Noble compared the ‘08 Mets to the ‘04 Mets.

Mets held at bay by first-place Marlins - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Heilman locating pitches better of late - Jon Blau put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Pedro to make return on June 3

Randolph to remain manager of Mets

Church to see a neurologist - Marty Noble reported that Ryan Church, “is to be examined by a neurologist.”  Also, Marlon Anderson was, ”assigned to the disabled list because of a strain of his left hamstring.”

Tigers and Mets have common ground - Fred Claire believes that the Mets and the Tigers are struggling despite big offseason moves.

Newsday:

In the end, this town could make Willie toast

Same old ending as Marlins top Mets, 7-3 - Arthur Staple also summarized last night’s Marlins-Mets game.

Randolph still Mets manager after meeting

Beltran on manager situation: It’s a distraction - Carlos Beltran had this to say about Willie’s status:

I think they should say that and come out with something like that. Because it is a distraction. The reality is people say, ‘No, that doesn’t affect the ballclub,’ but it does. It does because you come to the ballpark wondering what’s going to happen. It’s natural as players, we all think like that.

At one point, I was in that situation when they were talking every day about me being traded when I was in Kansas City. To me, it was thinking it might be today. Tomorrow might be the day. It’s not fun coming wondering like that every day to the ballpark.

Randolph saga is field day for media - I bet it is.  It’s been so overdone.  I was bored of the story after the first two days.

Lightning kills former Mets pitcher Gonzalez - The AP reported that “Former Mets pitcher Geremi Gonzalez was killed by a lightning strike in his native Venezuela on Sunday. He was 33.”  I’ve never actually knew anybody that was killed by lightning.  That is an awful story.  Die Hard Mets Fan sends our prayers to Geremi Gonzalez.

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what happened at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium on May 27 of a year in the past.

New York Daily News:

Embattled Mets manager Willie Randolph has brass’ support - for now

Fielding gaffes fail to boost Willie Randolph and doom Mets vs. Marlins - Peter Botte wrote up a game summary for last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Willie Randolph survives to manage the Mets another day

One meeting can’t clean up the Mets

Met players: It’s on us and not Willie Randolph

Thank Aaron Heilman for preventing blowout vs. Marlins

Ryan Church service still on hold

Lightning kills ex-Met riding boat

New York Post:

THERE’S A WILL, BUT NOT A WAY

DON’T BLAME WILLIE

THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB ON A TEAM OF GOATS

PELFREY’S PUZZLED BY POOR START

BLAME FOR THIS MESS GOES BEYOND DUGOUT

JOSE’S HOT BAT CAN’T START FIRE

WILLIE’S REPRIEVE

PLAYERS: BLAME SHOULD FALL ON US

WILLIE RANDOLPH KEEPS HIS JOB

TRADING PLACES - Dan Tomasino pointed out that, “The first-place team in the NL East will play at Shea Stadium tonight, but it’s not the hometown Mets.”

New York Times:

Randolph Is Still Mets’ Manager

No Good News for Randolph as Mets Lose Again - Joe LaPointe summarized last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

The Star-Ledger:

Game 50: Marlins at Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for tonight’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Wise placed on DL - Jeremy Cothran reported that, “Matt Wise was placed on the 15-day disabled list with weakness in his throwing (right) shoulder. To fill the void in the bullpen, the Mets called up RHP Carlos Muniz from Triple-A New Orleans.”

Somebody has to go, but it’s not Willie

Players speak volumes by staying silent

Reyes continues puzzling season

Willie will, for now

It’s all about the manager right now

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Die Hard Mets Fan would like to wish all of you a Happy Memorial Day.  Well, the good news is that Willie is sticking around…unless you wanted him out.  It could be a whole lot worse.  Most people have assumed that if you bring in a fiery manager then the Mets will win a championship.  But, what if it backfired?

Here’s the probable pitching matchps for the Marlins-Mets series:

• 05/26/2008 - Ricky Nolasco (3-3) - Mike Pelfrey (2-5)
• 05/27/2008 - Andrew Miller (4-3) - Johan Santana (5-3)
• 05/28/2008 - Scott Olsen (4-2) - Oliver Perez (4-3)

Mets.com:

Mailbag: What’s motivating the Mets? - Marty Noble fielded questions posed by Mets fans.

After Santana, Mets drafting to restock - Anthony DiComo discusses the MLB Draft.  “This June’s First-Year Player Draft will give the Mets new opportunities to fill in the blanks throughout their farm system, and new chances to replenish the talent that they lost in January’s trade for Santana.”

Mets hoping home cooking helps - Owen Perkins put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Newsday:

Rockies beat Mets, Willie to meet Wilpons Monday - David Lennon summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Latest gaffes by Mets too much to overcome

Keith Hernandez rips ex-mate Gary Carter on air - After how Gary Carter publicly stated that he was available to coach the Mets, Keith Hernandez had this to say about Carter during the game,

I have great respect for Gary as a player. He’s a Hall of Famer. When Johnny Bench left the game, he was the premier catcher in the National League. But that being said, and I’ve kept quiet for such a long time, but for the people out there listening, just go in the dictionary and look up ‘unconscious’ and you’ll find a picture of Gary Carter. I know that’s strong, but it just happens too many times and it’s just, you’re walking around unconscious.

New York Daily News:

Willie Randolph survives to manage the Mets another day

For Jose Reyes as for Willie Randolph, can it possibly get any worse?

Latest flop by slumping Mets may be Willie Randolph’s last - Adam Rubin also summarized yesterday’s Mets-Rockies game.

Mets mull minors stint for struggling Aaron Heilman - “Aaron Heilman’s struggles may land him in the minors. Mets officials have discussed demoting Heilman and replacing him with Triple-A closer Carlos Muniz, who had three scoreless appearances with the Mets in April, the Daily News has learned.”

Mets minor league report

New York Post:

WILLIE’S FATE IN WILPONS’ HANDS

WRIGHT TAKES 5TH ON WILLIE SUPPORT

HARD TO ARGUE IF MANAGER GETS CANNED

The Star-Ledger:

Willie remains Mets manager

D-Day for Willie?

Marlins smell a bit fishy

Willie waits for the word

Maine hands over ball, but Randolph gives it back

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Like I said before the season began, the Mets have 9 games against NL East opponents to begin the season.  I was hoping that the Metropolitans would have swept the Marlins and win each series against the Braves and the Phillies.  Well, the Mets didn’t sweep the Marlins.  Wise gave up the game winning home run in the middle game, but the Mets looked pretty impressive otherwise.  We lost Pedro, but I haven’t expected him to do anything for years already.

I want to see how dominant the Mets are against the Braves and the Phillies.  There are some good pitching matchups this weekend that I’m looking forward to, and this is the first time in like a decade that the Amazins’ won’t have to face the Jones’ tandem in the lineup because there’s only one left.  I want the Mets to quickly move into first place and stomp the National League all season long.  They need to have more than a 7 game cushion in ‘08.

Mets.com:

Perez, Mets cruise in finale in Miami - Charlie Nobles summarized Oliver Perez’s outing last night against the Marlins.

Hamstring strain sends Pedro to DL - Marty Noble reported that the Mets placed Pedro Martinez on the DL for 4-6 weeks.

Maine tries to duplicate spring success - Charlie Nobles pointed out how dominant John Maine was in Spring Training and hopes that it carries over to the Regular Season.

Schneider aims to capitalize on tweaks - Charlie Nobles stated that Brian Schneider hopes to improve upon his hitting after making changes in his stance.

Newsday:

Perez shines as Mets bounce back, rout Marlins

Mets’ Martinez out for at least four to six weeks

Perez lights out for Mets

This day at the old ballpark: April 3 - Newsday pointed out what took place at Shea Stadium and at Yankee Stadium on April 3 of another year.

New York Daily News:

Oliver Perez, Mets’ bats roast Marlins

Pedro Martinez on DL, out 4-6 weeks

Oliver Perez throws life into Mets

Beltran on lost HR: Replay it again! - Adam Rubin found out that Carlos Beltran was adamant about his home run that became a Ground Rule Double in the 5th Inning.  Beltran suggests that each team gets one challenge per game to get these types of issues corrected.  Wright and Beltran were crushing the ball last night, and there were 3 balls near the top of the wall that could’ve been looked at if there were some type of instant replay allowed.  However, this one by Beltran was clearly a home run.

In rout, SNY lets fans phone it in - Bob Raissman reminded us that last night was the first time that SNY allowed fans to call in during the game, and he expresses his thoughts on how it went.

New York Post:

‘O’ WHAT A NIGHT! - Bart Hubbuch loved the Mets offense last night in Miami.

CHURCH PROVIDES AN AMAZIN’ LEFT - Mike Vaccaro lets you know what he thought of Ryan Church in the batters box last night.

METS BEAT MARLINS 13-0

PEDRO OUT 4-6 WEEKS

PEREZ FREE TO BE GREAT

New York Times:

The Mets Bounce Back in a Big Way Behind Pérez

Martínez Could Miss Six Weeks

The Star-Ledger:

David Wright and Bill James - According to Dan Graziano, Bill James, the pioneering baseball statistician, stated on 60 Minutes that he would choose David Wright out of any baseball player to build his team around.

Mets find blueprint to follow - Jeremy Cothran thinks the Mets should follow last night’s blueprint each time they face mediocre pitching.

Perez keeps cool at right time

Blown call has Beltran calling for replay

Pedro out at least a month

Smells like fish - Dan Graziano explains why he thinks the Marlins are not going to be a contender in ‘08.

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The Mets announced the Pedro is on the DL and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.  Due to this, the Mets activated Nelson Figueroa Jr. to fill in for Pedro.  The Marlins are hosting the Mets in the rubber game of the opening series of 2008.

Mets Lineup: Perez, Castillo, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Pagan, Church, Schneider, Perez.

Marlins Lineup: Ramirez, Uggla, Jacobs, Willingham, Cantu, Ross, Carroll, Hoover, Miller.

At the Plate

Andrew Miller was the starting pitcher for the Marlins.  Miller gave up 1 Hit and 0 Runs in the Top of the 1st.  In the Top of the 2nd, Beltran hit a leadoff double to the gap in left center.  Delgado followed by hitting an opposite field RBI single to bring Beltran home.  With one out, Church pulled a 2-run homer to the right field corner which scored Delgado and himself.  Miller was able to get out of the 2nd Inning leaving two Mets stranded.  Miller gave up 3 Hits and 3 Runs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Wright hit a leadoff opposite field single into right field.  Beltran rocketed a double off the wall in left field, but the Marlins threw Wright out at home plate while Beltran advanced to third.  With two outs, Pagan lined an RBI double into the left field corner scoring Beltran.  Miller gave up 3 Hits and 1 Run in the 3rd Inning.  Miller retired the side in order in the Bottom of the 4th.  In the Top of the 5th, Wright crushed a 1-out double off the wall in left center.

Gonzalez made a pitching change during the Top of the 5th by replacing Miller with Matt Lindstrom.  With Beltran in the batters box, Lindstrom threw a wild pitch and Wright advanced to third.  Beltran hit an RBI Ground Rule Double to right field which scored Wright.  (The Umpires cannot call the plays accurately because that’s the third time the Mets hit the top of the wall).  Lindstrom gave up 1 Hit and 1 Run (But the 1 Run is charged to Miller) in the 5th.

Gonzalez replaced Lindstrom with Lee Gardner to begin the Top of the 6th.  Church blooped a leadoff single into shallow left.  Gardner walked Schneider.  Perez dropped down a sacrifice bunt to advance both runners.  Reyes lined an RBI double into the right field corner scoring Church and Schneider.  Castillo lined a single up the middle to advance Reyes to third.  Wright belted a 3-Run shot to left field scoring Reyes, Castillo, and himself.  Gardner was able to get out of the 6th Inning after giving up 4 Hits and 5 Runs.

Gonzalez replaced Gardner with Taylor Tankersly to begin the Top of the 7th.  Pagan popped up along the right field line, but Carroll dropped the ball so Pagan had a leadoff single.  Church grounded the ball to the pitcher, and Tankersly made the out at first as Pagan advanced to second.  Schneider lined an RBI single into right field to score Pagan.  Clark is pinch hitting for Perez, and Clark grounded into a double play.  Tankersly gave up 2 Hits and 1 Run in the Top of the 7th. 

Gonzalez replaced Tankersly with Justin Miller in the Top of the 8th.  Miller sent the Mets down in order.

Gonzalez replaced Miller with Kevin Gregg in the Top of the 9th.  Delgado lined a 1-out hit to right field.  Gregg walked Pagan.  With Church in the batters box, Gregg threw a wild pitch and both runners advanced.  Church grounded to second, and Uggla couldn’t make the play so Church arrived safely at first while Delgado scored and Pagan advanced to third.  Scheider line a sacrifice fly to left field which scored Pagan.  Anderson is pinch hitting for Feliciano, and Anderson flied out to left to end the inning.  Gregg gave up 2 Hits and 2 Runs in the inning.

On the Mound

Oliver Perez was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  Perez gave up 2 Hits and 0 Runs in the Bottom of the 1st.  Perez retired the side in order in the Bottom of the 2nd.  Perez gave up 1 Hit and 0 Runs in the Bottom of the 3rd, and he racked up 5 K’s so far.  Perez gave up 1 Hit and 0 Runs in the Bottom of the 4th, and he got 1 more K to put him at 6.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Ross hit a leadoff single through the hole on the left side.  Carroll lined out to Castillo, and the hitter was out, but the ball came out of Castillo’s glove so Castillo thought it wasn’t a catch and flipped it to second, but it went over Reyes’ head, and Ross advanced to second.  The Error was charged to Castillo.  Hoover grounded out to short, and Reyes made the out at first while Ross advanced to third.  Wood is pinch hitting for Lindstrom, and Perez walked Wood to put runners at the corners.  Perez gave up 1 Hit and got out of the inning without any damage by Striking Out Ramirez for his 7th K.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Perez gave up 0 Hit and 0 Runs and Struck Out 1 to get his total up to 8.

Randolph replaced Perez with Nelson Figueroa Jr. to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Figueroa retired the side in order.

Randolph replaced Figueroa with Pedro Feliciano to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Feliciano gave up 1 Hit and 0 Runs in the inning.

Randolph replaced Feliciano with Billy Wagner to begin the Bottom of the 9th.  Wagner sent down the Marlins in order.

Final Score: New York Mets 13 - Florida Marlins 0.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.

Mets.com:

Mets awaiting word on Pedro’s status - Marty Noble figures the Mets are looking into alternative options to fill the void in the rotation.

Pedro on teammates’ minds after game - Charlie Nobles captured the thoughts of Pedro Martinez’s teammates after Pedro had to leave the game due to a hamstring injury.

Mets hope Church has solved lefties - Marty Noble explains how the Mets will monitor Ryan Church’s at-bats against lefties.

Injury KOs Pedro in first Mets start - Marty Noble says that Martinez went to New York to get an MRI to determine the extent of the left hamstring strain.

Newsday:

Pedro hurts hamstring as Mets lose to Marlins

Pedro hurt immediately, and who’s surprised?

Even if Pedro is out indefinitely, Mets can cope - Wallace Matthews reminds us what the Mets have done without Pedro the past few seasons to help us understand that it isn’t as big of a deal as it seems.  Matthews is correct because Pedro is well past his prime, and I thought he should be the 4th starter anyway because he’s old and injury prone.  Since Martinez hasn’t pitched in so long, I had no expectations.  Pedro said how healthy he felt, but like I said, “Will he walk the talk?”.  I said the same thing about El Duque who is on the DL.  I’m more upset that the Mets bought into what Pedro told them and didn’t bring in more inning eaters.

Mets’ El Duque feeling good, but not ready to return

New York Daily News:

Pedro Martinez’s status in doubt after hamstring injury, Mets fall in extras

Pedro Martinez’s injured leg puts season on shaky ground

El Duque to start for St. Lucie

New York Post:

‘DRO, NO!

OLLIE KEYING ON SEASON, NOT PAYDAY - Bart Hubbuch pointed out that Oliver Perez may be pitching in his first game in his final season as a Met tonight.

GOOD FEELINGS GO POP! - Mike Vaccaro takes us through Martinez’s injury.

New York Times:

Martínez and the Mets Are Left Limping in Miami

Martínez Makes Early Exit on an Injured Leg

The Star-Ledger:

When words lose their meaning…

Breaking (if not surprising) news: Pedro to DL

Update, Big Willie Style

Look, Watson — a clue! - Dan Graziana tells us why Nelson Figueroa could be a good replacement for Martinez.

Last day at The Beach - Dan Graziano expresses his thoughts about Pedro from South Beach.

Fly, fly away - Dan Graziano also has suggestions for the Mets to get by without Martinez.

A new day, hopefully, for the Mets - This morning, Jeremy Cothran jotted down some suggestions for the Mets to get by until Pedro returns.

Pedro Martinez injured in Mets loss

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The Marlins hosted the Mets at Dolphin Stadium for a 7:10 PM start.  The Mets trailed 4-0 early as Pedro got rocked and injured, but the Mets fought back to tie the game.  The Bullpens held it down until Wise gave up a walkoff home run to Andino in the 10th.  The Mets can still win the series with a win tomorrow.

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Castillo, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Church, Pagan, Schneider, Martinez.

Marlins Lineup: Ramirez, Uggla, Jacobs, Willingham, Cantu, Gonzalez, Treanor, Amezaga, VandenHurk.

At the Plate

VandenHurk was the starting pitcher for the Marlins.  VandenHurk got threw the Top of the 1st only giving up a hit where Castillo beat out a ground ball to short.  In the Top of the 2nd, VandenHurk walked Pagan with 2 outs.  Then Schneider singled through the hole on the right side to advance Pagan to third, but VandenHurk struck out Martinez during a 12 pitch at-bat to retire the side.  In the Top of the 3rd, Reyes lined a leadoff single to center.  Castillo dropped down a sacrifice bunt to advance Reyes to second, but VandenHurk got through another scoreless inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Delgado drove the ball up the middle for a leadoff single.  Church pulled a single through the hole on the right side to advance Delgado to second.  Pagan also pulled an RBI single through the hole to score Delgado and advanced Church to second. 

Gonazalez made a pitching change so Pinto replaced VandenHurk.  Schneider lined an RBI single up the middle to score Church and Pagan advanced to second.  Martinez dropped down a sacrifice bunt to advance both runners.  Reyes sacrificed flied to left scoring Pagan while Schneider remained on second.  The Mets got 3 runs back in the 4th.  In the Top of the 5th, Wright lined a leadoff single into left field.  Pinto walked Beltran on 5 pitches before striking out Delgado.  Pinto walked Church to load the bases.  Pagan sacrifice flied to center to score Wright which tied the game.  Pinto got out of the 5th only giving up 1 run.

Gardner replaced Pinto for the Marlins in the Top of the 6th, and Gardner retired the Mets in order.

Kensing replaced Gardner in the Top of the 7th, and Kensing pitched a scoreless inning.  In the Top of the 8th, Kensing walked Schneider with one out.  Gonzalez replaced Kensing with Tankersly.  Tankersly retired the two Mets he faced.

Gregg replaced Tankersly in the Top of the 9th, and Gregg pitched a scoreless 9th.

Miller replaced Gregg in the Top of the 10th, and Miller pitched a scoreless 10th.

On the Mound

Martinez was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Martinez hit Ramirez with a pitch to give the Marlins a leadoff runner.  Uggla lined a 2-run shot to left to score Ramirez and himself.  Pedro got out of the 1st giving up 2 Runs.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Gonzalez drove a solo shot to deep center to lead off the inning.  Amezaga beat out a ground ball to second base with one out, and then VandenHurk sacrifice bunted to advance Amezaga to second.  Ramirez drove the ball to the wall in right center for a triple scoring Amezaga.  Pedro walked Uggla to put runners on the corners before getting Jacobs to fly out to center.  After 2, Pedro gave up 4 runs.  Martinez retired the side in order in the Bottom of the 3rd.

In the Bottom of the 4th, Randolph came out to mound to pull Martinez because Pedro pulled his hamstring after getting the first batter out.  Sosa replaced Martinez.  Amezaga hit a ground rule double to right center off of Sosa.  Pinto sacrificed bunted to advance Amezaga to third.  Sosa intentionally walked Ramirez to put runners on the corners, but Sosa was able to get out of the 4th inning without any damage.  With 2 outs in the Bottom of the 5th, Sosa only gave up 1 Hit.  In the Bottom of the 6th, it was a little hectic, but Sosa got out of the inning without giving up any runs.

In the Bottom of the 7th, Schoeneweis replaced Sosa.  Ross pinch hit for Jacobs.  After Schoeneweis got Ross out, Randolph replaced him with Smith.  Smith got the two batters he faced out.

In the Bottom of the 8th, Heilman replaced Schoeneweis on the mound.  Heilman pitched a scoreless 8th and 9th.

Wise replaced Heilman in the Bottom of the 10th.  With two outs, Andino jacked a walk-off homerun to left field to win it for the Marlins.

Final Score: New York Mets 4 - Florida Marlins 5.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.

Mets.com:

Santana as advertised as Mets roll - Marty Noble put together an extensive article about Johan Santana’s Opening Day performance.

Wright doesn’t miss a beat in opener - Charlie Nobles pointed out that David Wright extends his two-year hitting streak to 18 with two doubles.

Forecast mixed for Pedro’s debut - Marty Noble provided the weather forecast as Pedro Martinez is about to take the mound.

Johan shows off ability to vary speeds - Charlie Nobles describes Santana’s performance on Opening Day.

Concepcion makes trip to see Santana - According to Joe Frisaro, Dave Concepcion, also Venezuelen, flew in from his native country specifically to see Johan’s debut as a Met.

Santana’s debut brings smiles - Fred Claire captured the thoughts of Willie Randolph regarding Santana’s debut as a Met.

Newsday:

Santana takes charge as Mets top Marlins in opener

Mets come out swinging in knockout of an opener

Randolph gets third degree after Mets win - David Lennon tells us why Willie got angry at the reporters after the game.

Don’t celebrate yet, Mets fans

Good day for ex-Mets - Newsday let us know how Lastings Milledge, Paul Lo Duca, Tom Glavine, Guillermo Mota, and Carlos Gomez did on Opening Day.

New York Daily News:

Johan Santana is best changeup of all

Johan Santana wins debut as Mets down Marlins 7-2

Impressed Pedro Martinez sings Johan Santana’s praises

New York Post:

PEDRO PUMPED FOR 2008 DEBUT

FIREWORKS IN THE 4TH - Bart Hubbuch noted how hot the bats were in the 4th Inning yesterday.

PERFECT RX AFTER LONG WINTER - Mike Vaccaro offers his thoughts on Johan.

WILLIE’S GAMBLE WINS BIG - Bart Hubbuch tells us what he thought when Randolph brought in Jorge Sosa.

New York Times:

Santana’s Start Helps Mets Forget Finish

The Star-Ledger:

Diagnosis: Strained left hamstring

Breaking: Pedro’s out with injury

Hurk OUT

Pedro Update

The Incredible Hurk

Petey’s progress

From the clubhouse

Million Dollar Men - Joel Magaraci lists how much 5 Mets are making this year.

Smoke and a Pancake? - Jeremy Cothran tells us a little bit about tonight’s starting pitcher for the Marlins, Henricus VandenHurk.

BREAKING NEWS: Mets writers are huge wimps

Mmmm….burgers…. - Dan Graziano preps us for tonight’s game.

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Today is Opening Day for the New York Mets.  The Florida Marlins are hosting the Mets at Dolphin Stadium.  When I was walking my dog, I walked onto the overcross to see Shea Stadium on Opening Day even though the Mets are out of town.  It is the final year at Shea which is somewhat upsetting so I went to catch a glimpse of it.

Mets lineup: Reyes, Castillo, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Pagan, Church, Schnieder, and Santana.

At the Plate 

Meanwhile, the Mets didn’t do much with the bat early on.  Hendrickson was the starting pitcher for the Marlins.  2 Hits and 0 Runs through the first 3 Innings.  In the 4th, Beltran lined a double to the corner in left to lead off the inning.  Hendrickson walked Delgado to put runners on first and second.  Pagan pulled an RBI double over third base to drive in Beltran and Delgado advanced to third.  Church pulled an RBI single through the hole on the right side to drive in Delgado and Pagan advanced to third.  Schneider lined out to first, and Church ran around Jacobs to get back to the bag safely for the first out.  Hendrickson fanned Santana for the second out.  Reyes lined an RBI single to left to score Pagan and advanced Church to second.  Hendrickson walked Castillo to load the bases.  Wright lined a base clearing double into the gap in left to score Church, Reyes, and Castillo.  Beltran lined out to center field to end the inning.  The Mets scored 4 runs on 5 hits in the 4th inning.

In the 6th inning, Nolasco came in in relief.  With 2 outs, Reyes hit a single through the hole on the right side.  With Castillo in the batters box, Reyes got caught stealing second to end the inning.  With one out in the 7th, Wright hit a double to the gap in right center.  With Beltran in the batters box, Wright was thrown out trying to steal third.  Nolasco struggled a little bit in the 8th, but got through it without giving up any runs.

In the 9th inning, Lindstrom came in for the Marlins.  Anderson, pinch hit for Sosa, had a leadoff flair to center over the second baseman’s head.  Reyes dropped a sacrifice bunt to move Anderson to second while the Marlins through out Reyes at first.  Lindstrom threw a wild pitch which allowed Anderson to steal third, and a bad throw to third allowed Anderson to score.  Castillo grounded out.  Lindstrom walked Wright.  Beltran grounded out to second to end the inning.

On the Mound

Johan Santana was on the mound, and he retired 9 straight before walking Ramirez in the 4th inning.  Willingham hit a 2-run shot to score Ramirez and Willingham.  The Marlins put up 2 Runs on 1 Hit in the 4th inning.  After giving up the homer, Santana stuggled a little bit in the 5th but didn’t give up any runs.  Johan went through the 6th in order.  Santana gave up 1 Hits and 0 Runs in the 7th.  Johan pitched 7 Innings giving up 2 Runs, 3 Hits, and 2 Walks while Striking Out 8 in his Mets debut.

In the 8th inning, Wise came in in relief.  Wise struggled in the 8th so Randolph brought Schoeneweis in with runners on first and second.  Schoeneweis gave up a ground ball where the Mets got the out at first, but the runners advanced to second and third.  Willie replaced Schoeneweis with Sosa.  Sosa fanned Willingham to end the 8th without giving up any runs.

In the bottom of the 9th, Randolph put Heilman in.  Heilman struck out the first two batters.  Gonzalez grounded to Heilman, and Heilman made the throw to first for the final out.

Final Score: New York beat Florida 7-2.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.

Mets.com:

Facts and figures: Mets Opening Day

Mets ready to put ‘07 in the past 

Newsday:

Mets are anxious to bury memories of fall - David Lennon believes that the Mets are anxious to put 2007 behind them.

Johan Santana’s a Met for one thing: Ring!

Duque on DL; Pelfrey gets spot

New York Daily New:

Johan Santana starts new era for Mets

Remember to forget 2007 collapse

New York Post:

LET’S ROCK ‘N’ ROLL - Bart Hubbuch points out that Johan Santana is the starting pitcher on Opening Day.

PELFREY GRABS DUQUE’S SPOT

‘TIS THE SEASON TO FORGET 2007

New York Times:

From Views to Fastballs, Wagner Won’t Hold Back - Ben Shpigel chats with Billy Wagner about the ‘08 season.

Pelfrey, With 8.14 E.R.A., Gets the Nod for the Mets

The Star-Ledger:

Manatees

That’s right

Shea Stadium South…Part II

Santana!

Moments away…

Game 1: Mets at Marlins - Jeremy Cothran provided the Opening Day lineup between the Mets and the Marlins.

Shea Stadium South - Jeremy Cothran discovered that Dolphin Stadium filled with Mets fans wearing Santana jerseys.

Live from the clubhouse

It’s time to get the Mets season underway

Pelfrey named fifth starter; El Duque to the DL

Mets moved by visit to Civil Rights museum

The heat is on Mets manager Willie Randolph

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The Florida Marlins will host the New York Mets at 4:10 PM tomorrow.  The game will be aired on SNY.  It was those same Marlins that kept the Mets out of the Playoffs.  Once the fight broke out, the Marlins used the anger to stomp the Mets when it mattered most.  The Mets need to sweep the three-game series just like they did when they opened up the 2007 season against the Cardinals.  After the Mets play the Marlins, they head to Atlanta for a three-game series.  After that, they host a three game set with the Phillies at Shea Stadium.  Nine straight NL East games to kick off the season.  It will be interesting to see where the Mets are after that.

Mets.com:

Mets roster moves - MLB.com reported that the Mets added Brady Clark and Raul Casanova to the 25-man roster.  Duaner Sanchez, Orlando Hernandez, and Ramon Castro, was placed on the DL.  Brian Stokes was added to the roster while Fernando Tatis, Nelson Figueroa, and Ricardo Rincon were sent down to the Minors.

Last few Mets roster spots up in the air - Late last night, Anthony DiComo reported that the Mets reassigned backup catcher Gustavo Molina to Minor League camp.  The Mets had to make their 25-man roster by 3:00 pm today.

Memphis sees a slice of Cooperstown - Anthony DiComo noted that Major League Baseball brought the Hall of Fame plaques for Larry Doby and Jackie Robinson sent down to Memphis from Cooperstown so fans can check them out. 

Aaron a perfect stand-in in Memphis - Barry M. Bloom loved the idea that Hank Aaron stood-in for Commissioner Bud Selig at the Civil Rights Game.

Newsday:

Morris to Santana: Ease up on changeup - Ken Davidoff found out what Jack Morris, a Twins television analyst, thinks of Johan Santana.

Mets cherish experience from Civil Rights game - Mark Herrmann captured the thoughts of various Mets players about playing in the Civil Rights Game and about the extracurricular activities they attended.

Will things ever be right in left? - David Lennon asks and answers four questions about the Mets.

Mets’ Smith escapes jam; will he make team?

New York Daily News:

Mike Pelfrey becomes Mets fifth starter; El Duque starts season on DL

Mets can finally put 2007 to bed - Since Opening Day is tomorrow, Adam Rubin says that the Mets can forget about 2007.

El Duque might start season on DL

Mets moved by visit to Lorraine Motel

New book lets the Mets down - David Hinckley criticizes the author, David Green, of a new book about the Mets titled “101 REASONS TO LOVE THE METS”.

New York Post:

Pelfrey is No. 5 starter

OUR NEW BASEBALL BARONS - Kevin Kernan lets us know that we are in a new era of baseball in New York now that the children of the Steinbrenner’s and the Wilpon’s are running things.

METS’ PAIR PITCHES PERFECTLY - Mike Vaccaro described the performance of John Maine and Smith in yesterday’s Civil Rights Game.

SAINTLY PITCHER HAS DEEP ROOTS - James Fanelli and Katie Orlinsky say that Santana owes his success to his childhood.

THE WRIGHT THING TO DO - Kevin Kernan tells us why David Wright cut down on endorsement deals and promotional activities.

DARRYL WATCHES HIS SON THE SON - Brian Lewis told us that Darryl Strawberry went to see his son D.J. play an NBA game last night.  D.J. Strawberry plays for the Phoenix Suns who were in town to play the New Jersey Nets.

The Star-Ledger:

Sunday afternoon musings - Dan Graziano tells us what he thinks about the 2008 Mets.

Mets Keep Ducks On Golden Pond - Matthew Artus offers his thoughts on the ‘08 season.

Mets moved by visit to Civil Rights Museum

Still no decision on No. 5 starter

Mets are eager to answer the bell

Lisa Kennelly’s Mets preview

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Unfortunately, the Mets fell to the Marlins this afternoon.  Even though the Mets did pretty well in Spring Training, it doesn’t mean anything.  Only 5 Days until Opening Day.

Mets.com:

Pedro: Human or superhuman? - Anthony DiComo lets you know of Pedro Martinez’s outing against a Minor League club.

Wright, Delgado prove clutch in loss - Marty Noble summarized today’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.  Florida beat New York by a score of 7-5.  Robert Parnell got the start.  The Mets are 18-10-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

New batterymates have prior history - Marty Noble felt the need to tell us that Brian Schneider took a photo with Martinez when he was a teenager.

Easley to play utility role, that’s for sure - Marty Noble says that it is unknown if the Mets will rely on Damion Easley to backup in the outfield.

Sosa may get rotation shot - Since El Duque and Pelfrey are not performing too well, Marty Noble thinks that Jorge Sosa may be suitable for the 5th spot in the rotation.

Alou eyeing April return - Marty Noble stated that Moises Alou is hoping to return to the Mets by the end of April.

Newsday:

Mets’ Santana can’t wait to pick up bat again - I don’t know much about Santana picking up a bat, but I love when a title begins with “Mets’ Santana”.  Jim Baumbach and David Lennon pointed out that Johan Santana hit his last triple in Dolphin Stadium which is where Santana will make his first start wearing orange and blue.

Mets’ Alou swears he’ll come back strong

New York Daily News:

Mets hoping new ace Johan Santana can help them forget historic collapse

Billy Wagner: Johan Santana is so good he makes bullpen better, too - Billy Wagner is always complimenting other pitchers.  I’m waiting for him to say that he is going to make the team better.

It’s hard to Shea goodbye

Moises Alou eying April return

The ‘Not’ Corner: First base used to be glamour position in New York - What’s wrong with Delgado and Giambi? hahaha.

Fans get into act on SNY - Bob Raissman talks about how SNY now has interactive TV where the fans can call in and discuss what’s on their minds.  That doesn’t sound like a good thing to me.

Minor adjustment a big-league help to Johan Santana - Adam Rubin pointed out that Santana’s inaugural spring as a Met ended quietly with an intrasquad game against minor-leaguers.

Raul Casanova ready to catch on - Adam Rubin believes that Raul Casanova appears to be the catcher on the Opening Day roster due to injuries to Schneider and Ramon Castro.

New York Post:

FIFTH AVENUE - Bart Hubbuch believes that Claudio Vargas may have what it takes to get the 5th spot in the rotation.

JOHAN’S THE MAN

WHAT METS NEED TO WIN - Bart Hubbuch has all of the secrets.

WHOLLY MOISES!

The Star-Ledger:

South American adventure over - Jeremy Cothran is back and ready to bring us through the 2008 season.

A Steady Diet of Curveballs - Matthew Artus extensively explains what the Mets can do to fill the 5th spot in the rotation.

Alou eager to return to Mets

Bullpen taking shape - Lisa Kennelly found out that, “The Mets placed reliever and Rule 5 pick Steven Register on waivers yesterday.”  Kennelly believes that Joe Smith and Brian Stokes will fill the void until Sanchez is ready to return.

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The Mets picked up another ’w’ to give them their 10th in Spring Training.  The Amazins’ are playing .625 ball right now.  The regular season is right around the corner so let’s hope the Mets can continue to play hot baseball.  We learned from last season that a 7 game wasn’t enough so I hope the Mets stomp the NL and get to a 14 game lead in 2008.

Mets.com:

Cancel, Maine lead Mets past Marlins - Joe Frisaro summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Marlins.  The Mets beat the Marlins 8-2.  John Maine got the start.  The Mets are 10-6-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Beltran boasts new level of happiness - Marty Noble pointed out how different Carlos Beltran is after having a baby.

Injuries continue to hang over Mets - Marty Noble lets us know how the Mets are handling the injuries.

Newsday:

Mets’ Schneider may miss start of season

Mets will host All-Star Game, likely in 2013

Mets’ Pelfrey hasn’t done enough to earn a spot - Anthony Rieber feels like Mike Pelfrey hasn’t done enough to make Willie Randolph’s decision difficult.  I agree with Anthony, but I also don’t feel like El Duque hasn’t done anything either.  El Duque has only expressed how good he feels.  All along, I never felt like Pelfrey was going to be a great starter even though all of my friends that are Mets fans love him.  I say let Pelfrey start, find out what he’s got, and keep him or trade him after this season depending on his performance.  Give the kid a real shot.  Rieber also noted that Omar Minaya received the Peace Maker Award from Seeds of Peace, a non-profit organization, last night in Manhattan.

Beltran tests knees, Schneider sits out for Mets - Anthony Rieber expresses his thoughts on Betran in centerfield yesterday, and he also mentioned that Brian Schneider needs a few more days off due to a tug in his right hamstring.

New York Daily News:

Carlos Beltran tries legs in center

Mets may wait on El Duque - Adam Rubin also believes that El Duque is going to win the battle for the 5th spot in the rotation.

Mets’ and Yanks’ fields of green

New York Post:

PAGAN GOES FROM LEFT OUT TO LEFT FIELD

DOC AND SON TAKING RAP - Kevin Kernan lets us know what Dwight Gooden is up to.

METS TO HOST ALL-STAR GAME

CARLOS PLAYS CENTER

New York Times:

Having a Baby Helps Beltrán Leave His Shell

The Star-Ledger:

Game 17: Mets at Marlins - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game between the Mets and the Marlins.

Mets Battery Needs Recharging

Beltran patrols outfield, then deals with the pain

Pelfrey lacks command, fights through shaky outing

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