Die Hard Sports Fan

So most Mets fans wanted Willie whacked and those of you who wanted that got their wish. The only improvement since then is the play of Jose Reyes. Reyes has decided to finally play baseball once Jerry Manuel took over which is another reason why this guy is so hard to root for. Otherwise, the team is playing exactly the same under Manuel as they did under Willie.

Last night, Manuel took Johan Santana out of the game against the Phillies after pitching eight innings. The score was 2-2 at the time, and Manuel brought in Duaner Sanchez to save the game but ended up giving a two-out RBI single to Shane Victornino. It was a very questionable move Mets fans because Santana only had 95 pitches when he was taken out. We know that Willie would’ve taken Johan out too. So what’s different? Absolutely nothing. The Bullpen still couldn’t save the game. It’s the same problem as last season. The Bullpen was smokin’ until July of 2007, and then they couldn’t hold a lead the rest of the season. Since I’m such a realistic Mets fan, I saw the collapse coming a mile away. It began in July, and I knew that the Mets wouldn’t have been able to do anything in the Playoffs if they ended up making it. Of course I thought that they would’ve made the Playoffs, but I saw the flaws and knew that they would’ve been outed in the first round. We were hoping that Sanchez would’ve come back and pitch like he did in ‘06. Omar brought in Matt Wise in the offseason. Duaner’s return didn’t live up to the hype, and Wise hasn’t done much of anything before being placed on the DL.

My point has always been that this is on the players. It doesn’t matter if Willie or Jerry is the Coach. I also heard on WFAN that Willie wasn’t able to punish Reyes whenever Reyes acted up because Minaya said that Reyes was too valuable to the team. So Jose has gotten away with whatever he wanted. You can see on the field that Reyes’ immaturity has regressed. He never showed it until he was benched by Willie for not running out a few ground balls last year. These on-the-field temper tantrums are current because Reyes never did that in his first few seasons. Now, the Mets fired the Manager who did the right thing by benching him so Jose can continue to feel like he’s bigger than the team. I’ve got a huge problem with all of this. The Phillies had no problem benching Jimmy Rollins for not running out a ground ball, and Rollins was the MVP last year. Jimmy said he deserved to be benched. So why can’t the Mets do this? Why can’t Reyes handle being benched? I have no idea, but the Mets have to do something with Reyes. I know that Jose puts up great numbers when it doesn’t matter a la A-Rod, but where was Reyes in the ‘06 Playoff, in September ‘07, and in the first half of ‘08? He’s nowhere to be found when there’s pressure or criticism which means he lacks Rocky Balboa heart. It’s a shame with all of that talent. Just like Lorenzo said to Calogero in A Bronx Tale, “There’s nothing worst than wasted talent.”

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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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Last night, I had to go to a dinner.  I got into the car around 1 a.m. and turned on WFAN, they said that it was tied 1-1 in the Bottom of the 10th.  I said, “Oh no.  The Mets are going to lose to the Padres 2-1 again.”  On the next pitch, Scott Hairston hit a walkoff homer to win the game 2-1.  Now that was frustrating.

Mets.com:

Mets lose third in symmetrical fashion - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Mets hope Pedro can salvage Game 4 - Marty Noble wrote up a pregame analysis for today’s Mets-Padres game.

Church’s situation not encouraging - Marty Noble reported that Ryan Church, “experienced a pulsating sensation on both sides of his head, his situation had reverted to where it had been several times since the concussion, to a point of uncertain prognosis and discussion of assigning him to the disabled list.”  I’m very concerned about Ryan.  He should go on the DL if he is still suffering symptons.  It is a tough blow to this Mets team because he was performing better than everybody else, but the Mets have to do what’s right for their players health.

Johan expects to make next start - Marty Noble reported that Johan Santana, “seemed relatively confident on Saturday that the bruised left shoulder he sustained on Friday wouldn’t prevent him from taking his next scheduled turn in the Mets’ starting rotation on Thursday. “  That’s great news because he’s the last person we need to lose to injury.

Newsday:

PADRES 1, METS 1: Church is using his head - Newsday summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.  For some reason, the score is incorrect.

Mets’ Church done for weekend; could go on DL

New York Daily News:

Mets offense sputters again, fall to Padres 2-1 for third straight game - Adam Rubin summarized last night’s Mets-Padres game.

Ryan Church still suffering from post-concussion symptoms

No worry on Johan Santana’s shoulders

New York Post:

IT’S SAME ‘O’ STORY - Bart Hubbuch wrote up a game summary for last night’s Mets-Padres game.

BELL RUNG, CHURCH OUT TWO DAYS

RED LETTER DAY - This article is part of the ‘25 Greatest Moments at Shea’ series.  It is No. 16 when Tom Seaver returned on August 21, 1977.

SAVES OF ANOTHER KIND - Brian Costello lets us know about Billy Wagner’s upbringing.

New York Times:

Mets Caught in a Loop of 2-1 Losses in San Diego - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

The Star-Ledger:

Offense sputtering as Mets lose third straight

Ailing Church is shut down

Game 61: Mets at Padres - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for last night’s Mets-Padres game.

Mets Shut Down Church

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The Mets have two games left with the Padres just to even up the series.  At best, they can come home from California with a 4-3 record.  All of us Mets fans are waiting for whatever it is that is going to ignite this team.  Each time we see signs, we think all is right.  It hasn’t been the case yet because they are struggling against last place teams.  Since the Mets have been playing .500 for so long, there’s no reason to assume that it’s going to get better except for my own hope.  After last season, I thought that this season didn’t even begin until they locked up the division.  I thought that they would pick up where they left off, in September but sealing the deal.  Now, I just hope they get to October.

Mets.com:

Santana hurt as Mets suffer tough loss - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.  He also noted that Johan Santana suffered a bruised left shoulder when he was struck by a pitch in the sixth inning.

After Johan injury, Mets aim to regroup - Marty Noble wrote up a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Church doesn’t play against Padres

Holes filled by departed blue chippers - Jon Blau pointed out that the Mets replenished their farm system by going after collegiate prospects rather than high school prospects.

Meeting with Randolph benefits Reyes - After a routine ball bounced through the legs of Jose Reyes in the third inning of Wednesday’s game in San Francisco, Willie Randolph spoke with Reyes about it Thursday before the Mets played their first game of their four-game series against the Padres.  Willie stated that “Footwork … mechanics … rhythm.” was the message, and Marty Noble believes that it’s paying off on Reyes.

Newsday:

More frustration for Mets in 2-1 loss - David Lennon summarized last night’s Mets-Padres game.

Randolph hasn’t lost faith in Perez - yet - Willie said this about Oliver Perez, “I told him how disappointed I was in his performance and to get ready for the next one.”

Mets’ Church upset about benching Friday night

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what took place at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium on June 7 of a year in the past.

New York Daily News:

Johan Santana’s gaffe aids Padres rally in 2-1 Mets loss - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary about last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Heath Bell rings ‘em up - Adam Rubin lets you know how former Met, Heath Bell, is doing.

Ryan Church out of the lineup again

New York Post:

AMAZIN’ BATS BETRAY JOHAN

TOP PICK ALREADY LOVES NY - Since the Mets drafted Ike Davis, who is the son of former Yankee Ron Davis, Ike had this to say when asked about New York, “He just said they have the best fans and it’s a blast because every game is live and die with them. He loved it, and I’m looking forward to it, too.”

New York Times:

Mistakes Mar Close Game as Mets Slip Back to .500 - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s Mets-Padres game.

Pelfrey Throws More Pitches, Learning More

The Star-Ledger:

Mets can’t muster much, Santana falls to Padres

Church sits as playing time is monitored

Final: Padres 2, Mets 1 - Jeremy Cothran summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Inconsistent Perez driving Mets mad

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The New York Mets (30-29) are playing Game 60 of the 2008 Regular Season against the San Diego Padres (25-37) at Petco Park.  It’s the second game of the four-game series.  The game began at 10:05 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Castillo, Wright, Beltran, Easley, Tatis, Schneider, Chavez, Johan Santana (7-3).

Padres Lineup: Hairston, E. Gonzalez, Giles, A. Gonzalez, Kouzmanoff, Greene, Huber, Barrett, Randy Wolf (3-4).

In the Top of the first, Wolf tried to set the tone by pitching a 1-2-3 inning.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Hairston beat out a ground ball to second for a leadoff infield single.  E. Gonzalez lined a no-out single into left, and Hairston moved over to second.  Giles grounded to third, and the Mets turned the double play as Hairston advanced to third.  A. Gonzalez lined out to center to end the inning with Hairston stranded on third.  In the Top of the 2nd, Wolf now retired the side for the second inning in a row.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Santana walked Greene to give the Padres a one-out base runner.  Huber flied out in foul territory along the right field line, and Chavez tracked it down.  Barrett lined a two-out single into left, and Greene moved over to second.  Wolf grounded right back to the pitcher, and Santana made the out at first to end the inning stranding runners on first and second.  In the Top of the 3rd, Wolf now retired the Mets the first time through the lineup.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Santana pitched his first 1-2-3 inning of the game.

In the Top of the 4th, Wright lined a two-out single into right to end Wolf’s perfect game.  Beltran grounded to short, and Greene got the force out at second to end the inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Santana now retired the side for the second inning in a row.  In the Top of the 5th, Wolf pitched another 1-2-3 inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Santana now retired the side in order for the third straight inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Chavez lined an opposite field leadoff double down the left field line.  Santana grounded to first, and A. Gonzalez got the out at third as Santana arrived safely at first.  Reyes lined a one-out single up the middle, and Santana moved over to second.  Castillo lined a one-out single into right which loaded the bases.  David Wright drove the ball deep to the gap in left center, but Hairston made an outstanding diving catch to save a couple of runs.  Johan Santana tagged up and scored giving the Mets a 1-0 lead, and Reyes tagged up and went to third.  Beltran drew a two-out walk which loaded the bases.  Easley grounded to third, and Kouzmanoff made the out at first ending the inning leaving the bases juiced.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Hairston led off with a leadoff double that went right over the first base bag.  E. Gonzalez grounded back to the pitcher, and Santana threw it a little high to third and Wright could not get the tag down so everybody is safe.  Giles grounded to second, but the ball hit E. Gonzalez as he was running to second so he is out while Hairston had to remain on third and Giles was credited with the hit.  Adrian Gonzalez lined an RBI single into center which scored Scott Hairston, and Giles advanced from first to third.  Kevin Kouzmanoff grounded a one-out RBI single up the middle scoring Brian Giles, and E. Gonzalez went to second.  Santana caught Greene looking at strike three for the second out.  Huber flied out to center to end the inning with runners stranded on first and second after the Padres took the 2-1 lead.

In the Top of the 7th, Schneider lined a one-out single into center.  Chavez dropped a one-out single over the head of Greene and into shallow left, and Schneider moved over to second.  Cancel is pinch hitting for Santana, and Cancel grounded out to second which advanced both runners.  Wolf walked Reyes to load the bases.  Castillo grounded out to short to end the inning with the bases loaded.  In the Bottom of the 7th, Randolph replaced Santana with Heilman.  Barrett drew a leadoff walk.  Gerut is pinch hitting for Wolf, and Gerut lined out to center.  Hairston grounded the ball through the hole on the right side for an infield single, and Hairston advanced to second.  E. Gonzalez grounded to second, and Easley made the out at second so runners are on the corners.  Randolph replaced Heilman with Feliciano.  Giles grounded out to second to end the inning leaving runners stranded on the corners.  In the Top of the 8th, Black replaced Wolf with Bell quickly retired the side.  In the Bottom of the 8th, Feliciano struck out A. Gonzalez on three pitches before Randolph made a pitching change by bringing in Smith.  Smith got the first batter he faced out before Greene lined a two-out single into left.  Clark has been announced as a pinch hitter for Bell, and Randolph replaced Smith with Schoeneweis.  Clark grounded out to first to end the inning.  In the Top of the 9th, Black replaced Bell with Hoffman.  After Hells Bells was blasting in Petco Park, Hoffman slammed the door on the Mets to end this game.

Final Score: New York Mets 1 - San Diego Padres 2.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Johan Santana (7-4) took the loss and Randy Wolf (4-4) got the win.

Game Notes:

• Johan Santana struggled a little bit early but never gave up runs.  Then he got hot and retired 10 straight batters.  In the 6th, he happened to give up 2 runs too many.  He pitched 6.0 Innings allowing 7 Hits, 2 Runs, 1 ER, 1 BB, and he had 5 SOs.
• The Bullpen put up goose eggs tonight.
• The Mets could not score enough runs to win.
• David Wright drove in the first run of the game, but it should’ve been more because Hairston really made a great catch which saved a couple of runs.

Series Notes:

• The Padres are leading the series with the Mets 2-0.
• The Padres beat the Mets by the score of 2-1 for the second night in a row.

Other Notes:

• Since June 1st, this is the Mets trend: w-l-w-w-l-l.
• The Mets are currently 2-3 on this road trip.
• The Mets are at .500 with a 30-30 record.

I’m a little annoyed by the Mets lack of offense.  One run a game isn’t going to do it unless Pelfrey and Santana each pitched shutouts.  Now the Mets have to scrap just to even up the series the next two games.

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Die Hard Mets Fan would like to tip our cap to Johan Santana for winning his 100th game.  A lot of pitchers get to 100 wins, but I’m curious to see where he ends up when it’s all said and done.

The Mets had a succesful homestand, and now they headed back to Cali to take on the Giants.  Here’s the probable pitching matchups:

• 06/02/2008 - Oliver Perez (4-3) - Jonathan Sanchez (3-3)
• 06/03/2008 - Pedro Martinez (0-0) - Barry Zito (1-8)
• 06/04/2008 - John Maine (5-4) - Matt Cain (2-3)

Mets.com:

Staked to big lead, Johan wins No. 100 - Anthony DiComo summarized last night’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.  DiComo also noted that Johan Santana won his 100th game.  Congrats to Johan.

No rest for weary Mets - Jon Blau put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

Newsday:

Church helps Mets beat Dodgers in return - Anthony Rieber also summarized last night’s Dodgers-Mets game.

Now is perfect time for Mets to keep on winning

Healthy Church hits the ground running

Mets’ Randolph: Split-stadium doubleheader ‘fun’

Shea hey, Torre the toast of the town

New York Daily News:

Mets hammer Dodgers behind third-inning homers and Johan Santana - Peter Botte wrote a game summary for last night’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

With signs of swagger back, it’s no time for Mets to Coast

Ryan Church returns to Mets lineup with clear head and homer

Johan Santana, now a Shea favorite, savors 100th win - Santana had this to say about reaching 100 wins, “It always feels good. It’s a great feeling, I feel I still have a ways to go, but it is definitely an honor to win 100 in this level and hopefully there are more to come. It’s good to accomplish these kinds of milestones, but I know I still have a ways to go.”

Willie Randolph sees 2-borough day in June to make-up Yankee game

New York Post:

METS CONTINUE AN AMAZIN’ RECOVERY

NO DOUBT, RED-HOT REYES STILL HAS ‘IT’

CHURCH BLASTS HR IN RETURN

WITH PEDRO BACK, PELFREY OR VARGAS LIKELY MINORS-BOUND

New York Times:

The Comforts of Home - Joe LaPointe summarized last night’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Church Back in Lineup With a Smile

The Star-Ledger:

Game 56: Mets at Giants - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for tonight’s Mets-Giants game.

Postgame musings

Santana, Mets shut down Dodgers

Healthy Church returns with a bang

Mets win, Santana gets No. 100

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The New York Mets (27-27) are playing Game 55 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Los Angeles Dodgers (27-28) at Shea Stadium.  It’s the final game of the four-game series.  The game began at 8:05 p.m., and it was aired on ESPN.

Dodgers Lineup: Pierre, Kemp, Kent, Loney, Martin, Young, DeWitt, Maza, Kuroda.

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Castillo, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Church, Schneider, Chavez, Santana.

On the Mound

Johan Santana (6-3) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Top of the 1st, Pierre led off with a double down the third bas line.  Matt Kemp lined a no-out RBI single into center, and Juan Pierre came around to score.  Santana struck out Kent looking.  Santana picked off Kemp at first, and the Mets got Kemp in a rundown and Reyes applied the tag.  Santana struck out Loney looking to end the inning.  Santana gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Martin drew a leadoff walk.  Santana fanned Young.  Santana struck out DeWitt on three straight pitches.  Maza drew a two-out walk.  Kuroda popped up to first, and Delgado made the final out of the inning.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Kemp beat out a one-out infield single to short that Wright barehanded and threw to first.  Kent grounded to short, and the Mets turned the inning ending double play.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Santana pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Santana retired the side for the second straight inning.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Pierre lined a leadoff single up the middle.  Kemp grounded to short, and Reyes got the lead runner out at second.  Kent grounded to third, and the Mets turned the inning ending double play.  Santana gave up 1 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the7th, Loney lined a leadoff single up the middle.  Martin flied out to left center, and Beltran made the catch.  Young grounded to first, and Delgado made the throw to second to get the lead runner out.  Santana struck out DeWitt looking at strike three.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  In the Top of the 8th, Pierre drew a two-out walk.  Kemp grounded a two-out single up the middle, and Pierre advanced to second.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.  Santana left the game after pitching 7.2 Innings allowing 6 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 3 BBs, and he had 6 SOs.

Randolph replaced Santana with Joe Smith with two outs in the Top of the 8th.  Smith hit Kent with the pitch which loaded the bases.  Smith gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Smith with Scott Schoeneweis with two outs in the Top of the 8th.  Loney grounded to short, and Reyes made the out at first to end the inning with the bases loaded.  Schoeneweis gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Schoeneweis with Pedro Feliciano to begin the Top of the 9th.  Feliciano slammed the door on the Dodgers.  Feliciano gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

At the Plate

Hiroki Kuroda (2-4) was the starting pitcher for the Dodgers.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Reyes grounded a leadoff single up the middle.  With Castillo at the plate, Reyes beat out the throw as he stole second base.  Castillo flied out to center, and Reyes held up.  David Wright lined a one-out RBI single into right, and Jose Reyes came around to score.  Beltran hit a slow ground ball towards third, and Kuroda made the out at first as Wright advanced to third.  Delgado flied out to center to end the inning with Wright stranded on third.  Kuroda gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Kuroda pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Kuroda gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Reyes lined a one-out double into the gap in left center.  Castillo grounded to short, andent made the out at first as Reyes moved over to third.  David Wright grounded a two-out RBI single through the hole on the left side, and Jose Reyes scored.  Carlos Beltran hit a two-out 2-run bomb to right field scoring David Wright.  Kuroda hit Delgado with the pitch.  Ryan Church drilled a two-out 2-run jack to right field scoring Carlos Delgado.  Schneider pulled a two-out double down the left field line.  Kuroda intentionally walked Chavez.  Kuroda gave up 5 Hits, 5 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  Kuroda left the game after pitching 2.2 Innings allowing 7 Hits, 6 Runs, 6 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs.

Torre replaced Kuroda with Hong-Chih Kuo with two outs in the Bottom of the 3rd.  Santana grounded to first, and Loney tagged first to end the inning.  Kuo gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the Bottom of the 3rd.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Wright grounded a two-out single up the middle.  With Beltran at the plate, Wright beat out the throw by Martin as he stole second.  Kuo intentionally walked Beltran.  Delgado lined out to left to end the inning leaving Mets on first and second.  Kuo gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Church led off with a leadoff double over the head of Loney.  Schneider grounded to short, and Maza looked Church back to second before making the out at first.  Chavez grounded to second, and Kent made the out at first.  Santana lined out to left ending the inning leaving Church stranded on second.  Kuo gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Kuo pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Kuo gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 7th, Beltran grounded to short but Maza (Error on Luis Maza) made a wild throw to first to Beltran is on first.  Delgado grounded to second, and Kent got the lead runner out at second.  Church grounded a one-out single through the hole on the left side, and Beltran advanced to second.  Kuo struck out Schneider looking.  Chavez lined out to left to end the inning.  Kuo gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.

Torre replaced Kuo with Cory Wade to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Wade quickly retired the side in order.  Wade gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Final Score: Los Angeles Dodgers 1 - New York Mets 6.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Johan Santana (7-3) got the win and Hiroki Kuroda (2-5) took the loss.

Game Notes:

• Johan Santana pitched a great game tonight allowing only 1 run.
• David Wright drove in Jose Reyes twice.
• Carlos Beltran hit a 2-run bomb the second game in a row.
• Ryan Church had a 2-run jack in his first game back from the concussion.

Series Notes:

• The Mets won the series against the Dodgers 3-1.

Other Notes:

• Since June 1st, this is the Mets trend: w.
• The Mets are currently 5-2 on this homestand.
• The Mets are one game above .500 with a 28-27 record

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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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After a four-game skid, the Mets have to figure out how to turn it around.  Once the losing streak ends, I do believe that they will go on and win exactly that amount of games because that’s trend that they’ve set in May.  Hopefully, the Mets can smack the ball all over Coors Field.  In appearance, Coors Field looks exactly like Citizens Bank Park (except it is purple instead of red) so maybe the Mets will have success just like they did in Philly.  Perhaps being a mile high and some thin air might do them right.  Omar changed his plans for the weekend to go and be with his team.  Hmmm…

Mets.com:

Mets visit Rockies on FOX Saturday

Mets undone by Braves’ late rally - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Braves.

Steadier footing sought by Mets - Ryan Lavner put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Randolph weighs in on instant replay - Willie Randolph had this to say about intant replay in MLB, “If they’re going to do something maybe on those controversial home run calls, I can see maybe doing something.”

Retirement not entering Pedro’s plans - Pedro Martinez was quoted as saying, “I feel great physically, and for the record, I haven’t considered retirement. Retirement would only take place if my arm is badly hurt and if I have to face surgery or something near that nature.”

Strained calf lands Alou on 15-day DL - Ryan Lavner reported that the Mets placed Moises Alou on the 15-day DL.  I was hoping that wouldn’t happen.

Newsday:

Braves beat Mets, 4-2, earn four-game sweep - David Lennon summarized last night’s Mets-Braves game.

Wilpons put Mets manager Randolph on hold - Willie attempted to call the Wilpons, and stated, “I reached out to both of them, and when I spoke to Omar [Minaya] after that, he said that they got my call and they’d get back to me. But I don’t read into anything.”

Mets usually try to tune out criticism

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what happened at Shea Stadium and at Yankee Stadium on May 23 of a year in the past.

Baseball working on replay plan for home run calls

New York Daily News:

Mets swept by Braves in Atlanta, Willie Randolph’s job in jeopardy - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary for last night’s Mets-Braves game.

SNY voices’ silence on Willie Randolph speaks volumes

David Wright: I didn’t rip my mates - Adam Rubin reponded to David Wright’s post game comments that he made on Wednesday night.

Pedro Martinez has toss time, visits ailing father in Santo Domingo

Moises Alou back on DL as Mets scramble for outfielders

New York Post:

SWEEP-WALKING - Bart Hubbuch summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Braves.

UNCONFIDENCE GAME - Bart Hubbuch stated that the Mets owners’ silence may spell doom for Randolph.

MOISES BACK ON THE DL

PEDRO: ‘I HAVEN’T CONSIDERED RETIREMENT’

SILENCE FROM OWNERS DOESN’T WORRY WILLIE

New York Times:

Ace Can’t Stop Mets From Loss, Fourth of Its Kind - Ray Glier summarized last night’s Mets-Braves game.

Alou’s Calf Injury Adds to Randolph’s Troubles

The Star-Ledger:

Omar en route - Jeremy Cothran pointed out that Omar Minaya is on his way to Colorado.

Santana can’t save Mets

Alou on disabled list again

Final: Braves 4, Mets 2 - Jeremy Cothran wrote up a game summary for  last night’s Mets-Braves game.

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