Die Hard Sports Fan

The New York Mets (22-22) are playing Game 45 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Atlanta Braves (25-21) at Turner Field.  It’s the final game of the four-game series.  The game began at 7:00 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

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

Braves Lineup: Infante, Kotsay, Jones, Teixeira, Francoeur, McCann, Diaz, Johnson, Hudson.

At the Plate

Tim Hudson (6-3) was the starting pitcher for the Braves.  In the Top of the 1st, Hudson pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Hudson gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Carlos Beltran belted a solo shot to deep right field.  Carlos Delgado hit an opposite field homer to deep left on the very next pitch by Hudson (The Carlos’ were in the lineup back-to-back, and they hit back-to-back homers).  Anderson dropped a bunt down towards third, and McCann made the out at first.  Hudson caught Schneider looking at strike three.  Chavez hit a two-out opposite field bloop double to left.  Santana grounded to short, and Infante made the out at first to end the inning.  Hudson gave up 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Hudson retired the side with three ground balls.  Hudson gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Hudson retired the side for the second inning in a row.  Hudson gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Hudson now retired the side for the third straight inning.  Hudson gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  Hudson gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Castillo lined a one-out single into left field.  Wright grounded to second, and the Braves turned the inning ending double play.  Hudson gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the 7th, Beltran grounded a leadoff single up the middle.  With Delgado at the plate, Beltran beat the throw as he stole second.  Delgado popped up to center, and Kotsay made the catch so Beltran stayed put.  Anderson grounded to short, and Beltran got caught in a rundown but bought enough time to allow Anderson to get to second.  Schneider grounded out to second leaving Anderson stranded on second.  Hudson gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  In the Top of the 8th, Church lined a pinch hit leadoff single into right.  Reyes grounded the ball down the third base line, and McCann misfielded it so Reyes beat it out and Church advanced to second.  Castillo grounded to the pitcher, and the Braves turned the inning ending double play.  Hudson gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.  Hudson left the game after pitching 8.0 Innings allowing 7 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 0 BBs, and he had 4 SOs.

Cox replaced Hudson with Manny Acosta to begin the Top of the 9th.  Wright lined a leadoff single into left.  Beltran lined to second, and Wright got doubled up diving back to first.  Acosta gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

Cox replaced Acosta with Will Ohman with two outs in the Top of the 9th.  Delgado lined out to center to end the game.  gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

On the Mound

Johan Santana (5-2) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Kotsay grounded a one-out single up the middle.  Jones 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 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Teixeira hit a high chopper in front of the plate which caused Schneider (Error on Brian Schneider) to misfield it so the Braves have a leadoff runner.  Francoeur lined out to the left, and Anderson hit the wall as he made the catch.  McCann flied out to right.  Diaz grounded a two-out single through the hole on the right side, and Teixeira advanced to second.  Kelly Johnson grounded to second, and Castillo dove to make the stop and threw the ball offline to Schneider as Mark Teixeira came home and Diaz went to third.  Santana got Hudson looking at strike three to end the inning leaving two runners on the corners.  Santana gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Jones grounded a two-out single through the hole on the right side.  Teixeira grounded a two-out single through the hole on the left side, and Jones went to second.  Francoeur lined out to left to end the inning.  Santana gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Johnson dropped a two-out single into shallow center.  Hudson grounded back to the pitcher, and Santana made the out at first to end the inning.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Santana pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, McCann grounded a two-out single up the middle.  Diaz grounded to third, and Wright got the force out at second to end the inning.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, an he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 7th, Johnson lined a leadoff double into center.  Hudson dropped down a bunt towards third, and Santana made the out at first as Johnson advanced to third.  Omar Infante hit a one-out RBI single into center which scored Kelly Johnson.  With Kotsay in the batters box, Santana threw a wild pitch so Infante went to second.  Kotsay grounded a one-out single through the hole on the right side, and Infante advanced to third.  Chipper Jones lined a RBI single into right so Omar Infante scored and Kotsay went first to third.  Mark Teixeira lined an RBI single into left which scored Mark Kotsay and Jones advanced to second.  Francoeur grounded to the pitcher, and the Mets turned the inning ending double play.  Santana gave up 5 Hits, 3 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  Santana left the game after pitching 7.0 Innings allowing 12 Hits, 4 Runs, 3 ER, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Randolph replaced Santana with Pedro Feliciano to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Feliciano pitched a 1-2-3 inning to give the Mets one more shot down two runs.  Feliciano gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Final Score: New York Mets 2 - Atlanta Braves 4.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Johan Santana (5-3) got the loss and Tim Hudson (7-3) got the win.

Game Notes:

• The Carlos‘ hit back-to-back solo shots in the 2nd Inning.
• Santana gave up 12 Hits which is the most in his MLB career.
• The Mets were unable to manufacture runs in the 7th, 8th, and 9th Innings when runners were in scoring position.
• The Braves were able to manufacture 3 runs in the 7th Inning which was enough for them.

Series Notes:

• The Braves swept the Mets in this 4-game series.
• The Braves have outscored the Mets 27-9 in this series, which is pathetic.

Other Notes:

• Since May 1st, this is the Mets trend: w-l-w-l-l-w-w-l-w-l-w-l-l-w-w-l-l-l-l.
• It is the first time this month that the Mets lost 4 straight games.
• The Mets are now under .500 with a 22-23 record.

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The Mets have to opportunity to go into the Bronx and sweep the Yankees tonight.  Even though it’s just interleague play, the Amazin’s do need to win some games to improve upon their less than stellar record.  We all know how great Wang has been during the regular season of the past two seasons, but maybe Oli can keep our boys from Queens in the game tonight.  Or maybe the Mets can figure out how to get Wang out of the game as fast as possible so they can get to the bullpen.  After the Mets sweep the Yankees, the Mets travel to Atlanta tomorrow and play a four-game series with the Braves.  It begins with a day/night double header on Tuesday.

Mets.com:

Mets’ winter prize pays early dividends - Mike Bauman likes what he’s seen from Johan Santana so far in 2008.

Randolph confident in Reyes’ focus - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

Mets’ win not without crisp defense - Marty Noble explained how well the Mets played defense in yesterday’s game against the Yankees.

Close call won’t linger for Easley - Marty Noble captured Damion Easley’s thoughts on striking out with the bases loaded in the fourth inning in yesterday’s game against the Yankees.

Cathedral doesn’t disappoint Alou - Marty Noble found out what Moises Alou thought about playing in Yankee Stadium for the first time in his long career.

Newsday:

Pitching matchup: Tonight’s game

Santana hardly dominant but stops Mets’ bleeding

Pettitte glides along until fourth inning - Kat O’Brien walks us through the fourth inning of yesterday’s Mets-Yankees game.

Reyes enjoys big day against Yankees

Church to Castillo to Schneider makes Omar proud

Mlicki still a fan favorite in Subway Series - Jim Baumbach found out what Dave Mlicki thinks about that memorable shutout he pitched in the first-ever Mets-Yankees regular-season game in 1997.

Mets win with fire and passion for Randolph

Wagner sounds off with a save

New York Daily News:

Victory takes a strong Will

Johan Santana wins battle of lefties as Mets beat Yankees in opener - Mark Feinsand wrote up a game summary for yesterday’s Mets-Yankees game.

Billy Wagner pitches like he talks

Billy Wagner douses the fire

Jose Reyes’ power returns - I don’t know if I would call ‘power’ a home run over the short porch at Yankee Stadium, but his production is more than welcomed.

Ryan Church answers his critics with solid numbers for Mets

Mets’ arms wake up in Subway Series opener on Saturday

Billy Wagner, following in long line, makes his talkie gig a must-listen - Bob Raissman discusses athletes who do weekly spots on local radio shows.

Nelson Figueroa’s statements show it’s A-OK to go gender bashing

New York Post:

MET LOAF ALWAYS ON MENU - Phil Mushnick wrote another article about nothing.  It’s either that or complaining about something.

SERBY’S SUNDAY Q&A WITH… - Ryan Church.

BIG CY OF RELIEF

HAUNTED HOUSES - Mike Vaccaro explained why, “Tough-guy, no-nonsense managers from the past such as Billy Martin and Gil Hodges wouldn’t necessarily fare so well in today’s baseball.”

BILLY CLOSES OUT YANKS, COMMENT CONTROVERSY

25 BEST MOMENTS AT SHEA: NO. 19

REYES BESTS JETER

WILLIE OR WON’T HE? - Joel Sherman stated that, ”Mets’ management is still waiting for Willie Randolph to improve the energy and effort seen daily from a club that has been underachieving far too long.”

New York Times:

In His Former Home, a Spirited Randolph

Sealing Victory, Wagner Is Happy to Talk About It

The Star-Ledger:

Another Raindy Day in the Bronx

Desperate houseguests - Lisa Kennelly explains why both the Mets and the Yankees needed the victory yesterday, and then Kennelly offered her thoughts on how it played out.

Wagner lets his arm talk

Hitters heat up with big homers

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The Metropolitans and the Yankees duked it out this afternoon, and the Mets won the first battle of the ’08 Subway Series.  A mini-sweep in the Bronx will delay having to listen to annoying Yankees fans for another month when they go head-to-head in June.

Mets.com:

Efficient Johan lifts Mets over Yanks - Marty Noble summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

Speed drives Castillo’s move to ninth - Anthony DiComo lets us know why Luis Castillo batted ninth in the order today.

Mets clear the air before rainout - Marty Noble wrote about the meeting that the Mets held which was about Billy Wagner’s comments and the team’s struggles.

After rainout, Santana raring to go - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

Subway opener postponed by rain

Randolph plays it cool before opener - Marty Noble stated that Willie Randolph keeps calm amid questions about the Mets’ performance.

Subway Series takes different form - Mike Bauman pointed out that the New York powerhouses hope to turn around their recent struggles.

Mets, Yanks join charity wine effort - Anthony DiComo says that Brian Schneider, Bobby Abreu, and Jorge Posada are working together for a good cause.

Newsday:

Santana, Mets defeat Yankees, 7-4 - Mark Herrmann also summarized today’s Mets-Yanks game.

Randolph’s fate is on the clock … calendar

Wagner apologizes to Delgado; Mets clear the air

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday tells us what happened on May 17th at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium of another year.

Randolph ‘joking’ about his head being on block

Wagner: Don’t compare me with Lo Duca

New York Daily News:

Johan Santana wins battle of lefties as Mets beat Yankees in opener - Mark Feinsand wrote up a game summary for today’s Mets-Yankees game.

Players can get Willie Randolph in clear

Billy Wagner pitch is an apology

It’s Johan Santana vs. Andy Pettitte as rains set lefty duel

Omar Minaya showing support for Willie Randolph, for now

Pedro Martinez’s next simulated game to be on Monday - Roger Rubin wrote that, “Pedro Martinez will take the next step in his rehab from a strained left hamstring on Monday when he throws a simulated game at the Mets’ complex in Port St. Lucie. ”

Mets and Yankees postponed by rain, won’t be made up this weekend

Joe Girardi, Willie Randolph asked to serve as All-Star Game coaches

New York Post:

SANTANA PITCHES METS TO 7-4 VICTORY OVER YANKEES - George A. King III summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

OMAR GIVES WILLIE VOTE OF ‘SUPPORT’

MAKEUP LIKELY PART OF 2-PARK TWINBILL

TIME REFLECT ON A LONG SEASON

QUICK RAINOUT PLEASES JOHAN

TEMPESTS PUMMEL SINKIN’ SHIPS

BRONX BACKING - Mark Hale pointed out that the Yankees’ came to Willie’s support.

METS-YANKEES RAINED OUT

RANDOLPH FIRES BACK AT FIRING TALK

New York Times:

In the Bronx, Santana Shows What Could Have Been - Ben Shpigel summarized today’s Mets-Yankees game.

A Meeting, an Apology and Support for Randolph

The Star-Ledger:

Final: Mets 7, Yankees 4 - Jeremy Cothran wrote up a game summary for today’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

Delgado struggling

Game 40: Mets at Yankees - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s Mets-Yankees game.

Mets’ team meeting clears air

Mets’ search lands Wright man for job - Dan Graziano makes his case on why David Wright should be the captain of the Mets.

Game Postponed Until June

Game Called - No Further Update

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The New York Mets (20-19) are playing Game 40 of the 2008 Regular Season against the New York Yankees (20-22) at Yankee Stadium.  It’s the first game of the two-game series.  The game began at 1:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Church, Wright, Beltran, Alou, Delgado, Easley, Schneider, Castillo.

Yankees Lineup: Damon, Abreu, Jeter, Matsui, Giambi, Cano, Cabrera, Gonzalez, Moeller.

At the Plate

Andy Pettitte (3-4) was the starting pitcher for the Yankees.  In the Top of the 1st, Pettitte struck out Reyes and Church on three pitches each.  Wright beat out a ground ball to short for a two-out single.  With Beltran at the plate, Wright stole second easily.  Pettitte fanned Beltran on four pitches.  Pettitte gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 3 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Alou lined a leadoff single into left.  Pettitte struck out Delgado swinging.  Pettitte struck out Easley looking.  Pettitte picked off Alou by getting him in a rundown, and Giambi placed the tag on Alou to end the inning which was poor base running on Alou’s part.  Pettitte gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Pettitte retired the side in order.  Pettitte gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Church led off by lining a single to center.  Wright lined a no-out single into left, and Church moved over to second.  Carlos Beltran grounded a no-out RBI single through the hole on the left side, and Ryan Church came around to score and Wright advanced to second.  Alou worked the count full before drawing a no-out walk which loaded the bases.  Delgado popped up in shallow left so the infield fly rule was called, and Jeter made the catch.  Pettitte struck out Easley looking.  Brian Schneider worked himself into a full count before drawing a two-out walk which forced in David Wright.  Luis Castillo hit a slow ground ball half way down the third base line which stopped so the Yankees never made a play as Carlos Beltran came home to score.  Reyes popped up to short leaving three Mets stranded.  Pettitte gave up 4 Hits, 3 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Beltran lined a two-out single into left.  Pettitte hit Alou in the hand so Alou will take first.  With Delgado at the plate, Beltran stole third without a throw.  Pettitte fanned Delgado to leave two Mets stranded.  Pettitte gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Pettitte retired the side in order with three fly balls.  Pettitte gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Pettitte left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 7 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 7 SOs.

Girardi replaced Pettitte with Kyle Farnsworth to begin the Top of the 7th.  Jose Reyes led off the inning with a solo shot to right field.  Church drew a no-out walk.  David Wright hit a no-out 2-run opposite field jack to right which scored Ryan Church.  Beltran popped up to shallow right, and Cano made the catch for the first out.  Alou grounded to third, and Gonzalez made the out at first.  Delgado hit a two-out pop fly single into shallow center.  Farnsworth struck out Easley on a check swing to end the inning.  Farnsworth gave up 3 Hits, 3 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Girardi replaced Farnsworth with Edwar Ramirez to begin the Top of the 8th.  Castillo drew a leadoff walk on four straight pitches.  Reyes lined a one-out single up the middle, and Castillo moved over to second.  Ramirez struck out Church as Moeller threw out Castillo as Castillo attempted to steal third for a strike him out throw him out double play which ended the inning.  Ramirez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Girardi replaced Ramirez with Joba Chamberlain to begin the Top of the 9th.  Beltran drove a one-out triple to the gap in left center.  Chamberlain struck out Alou staring at strike three.  Carlos Delgado worked the count full before he pulled the ball through the hole on the right side for an RBI single which scored Carlos Beltran.  Anderson is pinch hitting for Easley, and Chamberlain fanned Anderson to end the inning.  Chamberlain gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 9th Inning.

On the Mound

Johan Santana (4-2) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Damon drew a leadoff walk.  Santana struck out Abreu swinging.  Derek Jeter crushed a one-out 2-run home run to left field scoring Johnny Damon.  Matsui grounded out to second.  Giambi popped up behind home plate, and Schneider made the catch to end a bad first inning.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 2 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Cabrera drew a one-out walk.  Gonzalez grounded to third, and Wright made the out at first as Cabrera advanced to second.  Santana fanned Moeller to end the inning.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Damon led off by lining an opposite field single to left.  Abreu drove the ball to the gap to right center for a one-out double, and Damon tried to come around to score but Church made the relay to Castillo who made a perfect throw to Schneider who tagged Damon at the plate to save a run (Girardi came out to argue the call, but it wasn’t even close).  Jeter lined out to right.  Matsui grounded to first, and Delgado flipped the ball to Santana for the final out.  Santana gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Santana pitched his first 1-2-3 inning of the game.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Santana retired the side in order again for the second straight inning.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Jeter lined a one-out single into the gap in left center but he attempted to take second and got thrown out by Beltran.  Santana struck out Matsui to end the inning.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Innings.  In the Bottom of the 7th, Jason Giambi led off by going yard to right field.  Santana caught Cano looking at strike three.  Cabrera grounded out to short.  Gonzalez flied out to center to end the inning.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 8th, Bobby Abreu hit a two-out solo shot to dead center.  Jeter hit a two-out opposite field double to the right field corner.  Santana gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.  Santana left the game after pitching 7.2 Innings allowing 7 Hits, 4 Runs, 4 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 5 SOs.

Randolph replaced Santana with Billy Wagner with two outs in the Bottom of the 8th.  Matsui grounded to second to end the inning.  Wagner gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 9th, Giambi led off by hitting an opposite field flair into left.  Cano hit a broken bat single to third, and Wright stopped it but could not make a throw to first.  Cabrera flied out to right.  Duncan is pinch hitting for Gonzalez, and Duncan popped up behind home plate so Schneider made the catch.  Ensberg is pinch hitting for Moeller, and Wagner fanned Ensberg to end the game.  Wagner gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

Final Score: New York Mets 7 - New York Yankees 4.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Johan Santana (5-2) got the win and Andy Pettitte (3-5) got the loss.

Since the Mets have been playing w-l-w-l-w-l baseball and they lost two before winning today, I think that the Mets will win tomorrow as well to go on a two-game winning streak.  It’s a pattern.  So the Mets should sweep this mini-series, and then I expect them to lose their first game (or more than one game) in Atlanta to continue the trend that the Mets have set.  After the losing streak, the Mets will win exactly that many games.  I just wish the Mets could put it together when playing the division.

Anyway, the Mets played a pretty good game today.  They took the first game from the Yankees in the Bronx.  Santana gave up 4 runs on 3 homers, but he pitched 8.2 innings before handing the ball off to Wagner for a four-out save.  Pettitte came out smoking hot early on, but then the Mets batted around in the 4th inning.  The Mets scored 3 runs in the 4th inning, but they should’ve scored a whole lot more.  After the bases were loaded, a hit out of the infield would’ve ended this game early.  Fortunately for the Mets, Reyes and Wright were each able to homer over the short porch in right in the 7th for some insurance runs.  In the 9th, Delgado was able cash in by driving in Beltran.  So 7 runs were enough today.  Perez will face Wang tomorrow night so it seems like the edge is in the Yankees favor, but Perez has a pretty good record against the Yankees.  Last year, the Mets hit Wang well the first time they faced him but Wang was lights out the second time around.  We’ll see how it plays out tomorrow.

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The 2008 Subway Series will begin tonight, if it stops raining.  And man is it raining.  Tonight’s game will probably get postponed.  If you’ve followed what I’ve written then you’d know that I think the Subway Series is overhyped Interleague play.  I’m not a fan of Interleague games at all.  It wouldn’t bother me if they eliminated it from the schedule.  If they did it at all, I think that it would be better if they did it like the NFL where each NL division plays a specific AL division per year and then it alternates annually.  That way, each division plays the same opponents.  For instance, if the NL East played the AL East in 2008, then if the NL East played AL Central in 2009, and so on.  It seems like the Interleague play goes on forever.  Or is it that the MLB season goes on forever?  I don’t know.  And then there is the difference in rules which is the dumbest thing in sports.  That doesn’t happen in the NFL, NBA, or the NHL.  The difference in rules is buch league.  Anyway, here’s the probable pitching matchups for the weekend:

• 04/16/2008 - Johan Santana (4-2) - Darrell Rasner (2-0)
• 04/17/2008 - Oliver Perez (3-3) - Andy Pettitte (3-4)
• 04/18/2008 - John Maine (5-2) - Chien-Ming Wang (6-1)

Mets.com:

Randolph tabbed as NL All-Star coach - Tom Singer reported that these coaches will join Colorado manager Clint Hurdle as the coaches of the 2008 NL All-Star coaching staff: In addition to Willie Randolph and Black, Hurdle will be assisted in All-Star duties by his own Rockies coaching staff — pitching coach Bob Apodaca, hitting coach Alan Cockrell, third base/infield coach Mike Gallego, first base coach Glenallen Hill, bullpen coach Rick Mathews and bench coach Jamie Quirk.

Alou eager to play at Yankee Stadium - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

Newsday:

Starting today, Mets’ Randolph in line of fire - Jim Baumbach believes that Willie Randolph is in danger of losing his job.

Wagner rips teammates after Mets loss - Mark Herrmann found out what Billy Wagner said after yesterday’s loss to the Nationals, “Somebody tell me why the — the closer is being interviewed and I didn’t even play. Why are they over there and not being interviewed? Oh, I’ve got it. They’re gone. — shocker.”  Wagner was pissed because his teammates weren’t around after the game to deal with the press.

Yankees, Mets stumble into Subway Series

SNY’s Cohen gets to call Mets game from upper deck - Neil Best pointed out that the SNY team called yesterday’s game from the upper deck at Shea Stadium.

Nationals’ Harris has knack for robbing Mets

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday tells us what took place on May 16th of a year in the past at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium.

Reyes tries to ignite on bases, but Nats nail him - Roderick Boone walks us through the 8th inning of yesterday’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

New York Daily News:

Basement Bombers vs. bickering Mets - Mike Lupica also wrote up a pregame analysis for tonight’s Mets-Yankees game.

This train to Bronx should be taken out of service - Bill Madden critizes the Mets.

Visitors save Johan Santana to show Yanks what they’re missing

Fox not on board for this Subway Series - Bob Raissman pointed out that Fox will not be airing any Mets-Yankees games this weekend.  I could care less because they suck at it anyway.

Mike Pelfrey gets no-no support - Kristie Ackert also summarized yesterday’s Nationals-Mets game.

Willie Randolph will be all-star assistant

New York Post:

BOOS FOR WILLIE’S AMAZIN’ MESS

THE SUBWAY SERIES MATCHUPS

UN-MET GOALS PUT RANDOLPH IN JEOPARDY

PELFREY MATURING ON MOUND

CASTILLO RETURNS - AND RUNS INTO TROUBLE - Bart Hubbuch is upset with Luis Castillo for not scoring when Austin Kearns dropped the ball in yesterday’s loss.

METS PREPARING FOR AMAZIN’ SUBWAY RIDE - Mike Puma explains where the Mets are as they come into the Subway Series.

New York Times:

Wanting Answers, Wagner Adds Questions - Ben Shpigel wrote up a game recap for yesterday’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Wagner, Talking Again, Criticizes Silent Players

The Star-Ledger:

Willie Randolph to coach in All-Star Game

Wagner rips teammates after Mets’ crushing loss

Leader needs to step up to plate for Mets

Reyes’ aggressive approach in eighth backfires

Digesting Wagner

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If you remember how I was bitching yesterday that Santana shouldn’t have been held back a day to face the Yankees because the division is more important then listen to what I’m pissed off about now.  That was before last night’s game and today’s game.  How good of a game did Vargas pitch last night?  He pitched 6.1 Innings allowing 3 Hits and 2 Runs.  Pretend that was Johan’s line, and then Heilman came in and gave up 4 Runs while only recording one out.  Or better yet, how great was Pelfrey today?  He pitched 7.2 Innings allowing 3 Hits and 1 Run.  The Bullpen subsequently came in and put up zeroes.  Santana was suppposed to pitch today so pretend that he pitched as great as Pelfrey did.  The problem is that the Mets wouldn’t have won either game because the offense sucks.

The only thing the Mets did differently today is mess up that w-l-w-l-w-l thing.  Now, they lost two in a row to the last place Nats…and at home to boot.  The Mets lost the series 3 games to 1, and the Mets finished the homestand with a 3-4 record against the Reds and the Nationals.  It’s kind of pathetic.

Mets.com:

Pelfrey flirts with no-no, loses to Nats - Anthony DiComo summarized today’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Castillo returns to lineup for Mets

Schoeneweis OK after trip to hospital - Anthony DiComo reported that Scott Schoeneweis suffered severe abdominal pain which sent him to the emergency room.

Heilman’s rough outing dooms Mets - Anthony DiComo summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Versatile Tatis a diamond in the rough - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis between the Nationals and the Mets.

Pedro pain-free in simulated game

Castillo could be headed to DL

Alou ejected for arguing strike call

Newsday:

Mets waste Pelfrey’s gem in 1-0 loss to Nationals - The AP also summarized today’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Heilman ruins good outing by Vargas as Mets fall - David Lennon also summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Mets’ Schoeneweis rushed to hospital; OK now

Mets waste game for Vargas and unfortunate fans

Mets reliever Schoeneweis had hospital visit

Santana’s talk of Subway Series, but won’t talk

Castillo trying to avoid the disabled list

New York Daily News:

Billy Wagner rips Mets teammates for ducking media - I don’t even understand how the Mets allow the players to not be available for questions.

Mike Pelfrey flirts with no-hitter, but Mets bats fall flat in loss to Nationals - The AP summarized today’s Nationals-Mets game.

Mets should admit to flaunting Johan Santana vs. Yanks in Subway Series

Aaron Heilman allows three runs in 7th inning, dooms Mets vs. Nationals - Adam Rubin summarized last night’s Nationals-Mets game.

Moises Alou tossed into Bronx debut

For Scott Schoeneweis, tough to stomach

New York Post:

NO RELIEF IN SIGHT - Bart Hubbuch stated that Aaron Heilman’s relief efforts last night were ”frightening”.

PELFREY LOOKS TO SETTLE IN VS. NATS

MARTINEZ’S SIMULATED ‘PROGRESS’

METS NEED MORE VARGAS

OFFENSE STRUGGLES AGAIN

New York Times:

Alou Loses Cool, Heilman Loses Control and Mets Lose a Game - Joe Lapointe wrote up a game recap for last night’s game between the Nats and the Mets.

Castillo Will Probably Go on the D.L.

The Star-Ledger:

Final: Nationals 1, Mets 0 - Jeremy Cothran also wrote up a game summary for today’s Nats-Mets game.

No, No, Luis Castillo - Dan Graziano believes that Castillo had to score on the ball that was dropped by Austin Kearns.

Pelfrey looking sharp

Game 39: Nationals at Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Heilman ruins debut for Vargas

Pedro making progress

Final: Nationals 5, Mets 3

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I’ve read a bunch of articles about everyone thinks that the Mets are doing the right thing by holding back Johan Santana until Friday night against the Yankees.  I strongly disagree with this concept, and I can care less what the Mets do in the interleague games.  The Mets need to win as many interleague games as possible, but not as much as they need to win division games and NL games.  The Mets make sure that their aces face the Yankees every year.  Last season, if they lost one more game against the Yankees and won one more game in their division then they would’ve won the NL East and played in the Playoffs.  The Mets are playing a four-game series against the Nationals right now.  They lost one already so they need to slam the door on the Nats.  So I believe Santana should remain in his normal spot.  Should New York bragging rights cost the Mets the division title?

Mets.com:

Order is restored - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Mets anything but conventional - Marty Nolbe wrote a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Mets make several roster moves - Marty Noble lists all of the roster moves that the Mets made yesterday.  The New York Post covered this yesterday.

Shea Apple may move over to Citi Field - Marty Noble stated that the Home Run Apple may move over to Citi Field.  Mets COO Jeff Wilpon stated that it hasn’t yet been determined whether the old one can handle the move or whether a replacement will be necessary.  This is already old news.  This was released during Spring Training.

Newsday:

Church leads Mets to victory over Nationals - Anthony Rieber also summarized last night’s Nationals-Mets game.

Mets cut Figueroa loose

Vargas, Wise, Tatis replace Figueroa, Sosa, Pagan

Looks like Mets will have big apple at Citi Field

New York Daily News:

Ryan Church, John Maine lead Mets past Nationals 6-3 at Shea - Adam Rubin also put together a game recap for last night’s game between the Nats and the Mets.

Forget collapse, time for Mets to avoid a May daze - John Harper believes that the Mets have to take advantage of winning in May so they don’t have to worry about must wins in September when they may be unable to do it.

‘Girls’ can cheer as Figgy gets cut

Mets finally relieved of Jorge Sosa

New York Post:

METS GOING TO CHURCH - Bart Hubbuch summarized last night’s Nats-Mets game.

SANTANA GETS OK TO START VS. YANKEES

CITI FIELD SHAPING UP - Howie Rumberg describes how far along Citi Field has come.

New York Times:

For the Mets, New Faces, Better Result - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets also.

Mets Making Moves and Noise

The Star-Ledger:

Clearer picture at new ballpark

Church rings true in win

Santana will start vs. Yanks

Final: Mets 6, Nationals 3

Thank you, Rick Peterson… - Dan Graziano thanks the Mets as an organization for pitching Johan Santana against the Yankees.

Game 37: Nationals at Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for last night’s Nats-Mets game.

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Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post reported that the Mets made a bunch of roster moves today in their Mets Blog.  The Mets activated Matt Wise, and they purchased the contracts of Claudio Vargas and Fernando Tatis from Triple-A New Orleans.  To make room on the roster, the Mets designated Jorge Sosa and Nelson Figueroa Jr. for assignment and put Angel Pagan on the DL.

Mets.com:

Highlights aplenty, but no win in end - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Mets play on until Pedro’s return - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Alou psyched about Cathedral trip - Marty Noble found out that Moises Alou is pumped up about playing at Yankee Stadium this weekend because he never played there before.

Castillo sits with quadriceps injury - Marty Noble reported that a strained left quadricep muscle kept Luis Castillo out of the lineup last night against the Nationals.

Mailbag: How are Mets doing so far? - Marty Noble answers questions posed by Mets fans’.

Education is power - Howard Kussoy pointed out that some Mets players are taking part in a program called ‘School is Amazing’ around the city.

Newsday:

Nationals get under Figueroa’s skin in Mets loss - Anthony Rieber also summarized last night’s Nationals-Mets game.

Ex-Met Milledge always at center of controversy - Lastings Milledge had a pretty good game last night, and Erik Boland tells us all about it.

Looks like Mets’ Santana will start Subway Series

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what happened at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium on May 13th of another year.

New York Daily News:

Photos: Surfing the Mets tours Citi Field

After Mets’ loss, Nelson Figueroa calls Nationals ‘bunch of softball girls’ - Adam Rubin summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Sideshow takes over in latest act of Shea circus - Filip Bondy described the situation where the Nationals were singing in the dugout last night.  It really upset Figgy.

Say it ain’t so on Joe Smith - Sean Brennan offers a few suggestions for the Mets to make regarding their pitching dilemma.

Pedro Martinez is starting to show progress - Adam Rubin tells us what the Mets have Pedro Martinez doing down in Port St. Lucie.

New York Post:

‘FIGUER’ HATER - Mike Puma revealed what Nelson Figueroa Jr. had to say about the Nationals after last night’s game.

INJURED DUQUE MAKING PROGRESS

PITCH & MOAN - Mark Hale found out that Pedro is frustrated about having to rehab and not being on the team.

PEDRO PREPARED FOR SIMULATED GAME

New York Times:

Only Applause for Mets Comes From Nationals

Santana Receives an Extra Day of Rest and a Date With the Yankees

The Star-Ledger:

Progress at Citifield

Mets drop Figueroa, Sosa in flurry of moves

Will they clap for John Maine?

Nats frustrate Figueroa, Mets

Pitcher chides cheers - Colin Stephenson also examined the Mets pitching options.

Valentine’s success well-documented - Lisa Kennelly also wrote an aritcle about the three NYU students that made a documentary about Bobby Valentine titled, “The Zen of Bobby V”.

Mets bow to Nationals, 10-4

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Die Hard Mets Fan would like to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day!  The Mets won the weekend series against the Reds, and then the Nats are coming to Queens tomorrow for a four-game series.  Hopefully, we can continue to watch the Metsies beat up on the scrubs of the NL.  Next weekend begins the first interleague series, and the Mets will be in the Bronx for the weekend for the first Subway Series of ‘08.

Mets.com:

Quirks and all, Perez picks up victory - Marty Noble summarized today’s game between the Reds and the Mets.

Strained left quad stops Castillo - Marty Noble reported that Luis Castillo had to leave today’s game against the Reds because he strained his left quad in the 5th Inning.

Pelfrey undergoing transformation - Marty Noble stated that last night’s loss to the Reds was in some ways a moral victory for Mike Pelfrey because he pitched 6 innings allowing 2 runs.  After a couple of poor performances, Pelfrey made some changes which led to an improved outing last night.  His teammates informed him that he was tipping off his pitches by chewing on his mouthpiece when he threw fastballs, but not when he threw breaking balls.  So one change was getting rid of the mouthpiece, and the other change was not using what he claims is his best pitch (the two seam fastball) because it hasn’t been successful lately.

Pelfrey solid, but Mets fall in nightcap - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Reds and the Mets.

Beltran powers Mets in matinee - Marty Noble summarized yesterday’s game between the Reds and the Mets.

Mets aim to stay solid vs. weaker clubs - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Reds and the Mets.

Son of former Met a chip off old block - Marty Noble lets us know how the son of former Mets’ catcher Ron Hodges, Casey Hodges, who pitches for Mount Olive College is doing so far in his collegiate career.

Newsday:

Subpar Santana still good enough for Mets - Mark Herrman summarized yesterday’s double header between the Reds and the Mets.

Pelfrey still improving despite loss

Mets’ Beltran primed to break funk - Ken Davidoff stated that Carlos Beltran may get out of the funk after his 5-RBI game in the first game against the Reds.

New York Daily News:

Carlos Beltran, Ryan Church hit back-to-back homers as Mets blast Reds - The AP summarized today’s Reds-Mets game.

Mets are like night and day in doubleheader, split games vs. Reds - Anthony McCarron also summarized yesterday’s Reds-Mets double header.

Johan Santana seems slow to change up Mets’ fortunes

Wagner loses his cool on watercooler - Kristie Ackert tells us that Billy Wagner took out his frustrations on the water cooler in the dugout after he stunk it up in the 9th Inning of last night’s game against the Reds.

Like night & day for Aaron Heilman - Kristie Ackert explained how different Aaron Heilman was when used in both games of yesterday’s double header.

Lucky 7th for Carlos Delgado - Mark Lelinwalla describes how successful Carlos Delgado was when batting in the seventh spot of the lineup in yesterday’s day game against the Reds.

Junior achievements wow Willie - Since the Reds are in town and Griffey is close to hitting his 600th Home Run, Anthony McCarron found out what Willie Randolph’s thoughts are on Ken Griffey Jr.’s exceptional career.  McCarron also provided some stats for what could’ve been for the slugger.

Griffey has struggled to stay healthy his entire career. He could have played 3,115 games over his career if he had played every game of every season he’s been in the majors, including this one. But he’s only played in 2,414, or 77.5%. He’s missed 701 games, or more than four full seasons. Still, he’s hit 597 homers.

Bobby Valentine has ‘zen’ moment in new movie - Patrick Huguenin found out that three NYU students made a documentary about Bobby Valentine titled, ”The Zen of Bobby V”.  The documentary “examines Valentine’s remarkable adaptation to a baseball culture far from home.”  Bobby V is now the manager of Japan’s Chiba Lotte Marines.  I gotta check out this flick because it seems like it will crack me up.

New York Post:

BELTRAN, CHURCH POWER METS OVER REDS - Mike Puma summarized today’s game between the Reds and the Mets.

METS SUFFER FROM SPLITTIN’ RED-ACHE - Mike Puma summarized both games of yesterday’s double header between the Reds and the Mets.

DELGADO GETTING THINGS IN ORDER

PASSION IS KEY TO BEIN’ AMAZIN’ - Kevin Kernan believes that the Mets didn’t have enough passion to win both game of the double header yesterday.

DAVID HAS RIGHT IDEA - Mike Puma stated that “When David Wright is going right, he’s thinking right (field).”

25 BEST MOMENTS AT SHEA: NO. 20

METS BEAT REDS 12-6 - Mike Puma summarized the first game of yesterday’s double header between the Reds and the Mets.

New York Times:

Mets’ Offense a Safeguard Against a Potential Pérez Combustion - Ben Shpigel summarized today’s Reds-Mets game.

The Star-Ledger:

Mets roll over Reds, 8-3 - Alex Delanian summarized today’s game Reds-Mets game.

BREAKING NEWS: Delgado’s agent is insane - Dan Graziano walks us through his encounter with Delgado’s Agent David Sloane.

Get your pink caps on - Alex Delanian provided the lineup for today’s game between the Reds and the Mets.

Santana gets himself out of a jam

Mets’ pop goes flat - Colin Stephenson explains some reasons why the Mets were not able to win the nightcap of the double header against the Reds.

What to do with three hours of dead time - Colin Stephenson lets us know what some of the players did during the three and a half hour break in between yesterday’s double header.

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Last night’s game got postponed so the Reds and the Mets are playing a double header today.  The Mets stomped the Reds in the early game, and the night game begins at 7:30 p.m.  Hopefully, we’ll get to witness another whoopin’ tonight.  Mike Pelfrey is supposed to face Bronson Arroyo.  Arroyo used to be the Reds’ ace, but his 1-4 record in ‘08 wouldn’t show us any evidence of that.  Pelfrey started out the year pitching well, but tailed off lately.  If he doesn’t have a good outing, then possibly the offense can put up double digits again.

Mets.com:

Mets-Reds opener at Shea rained out - Marty Noble wrote, “The Mets’ Friday night game against the Reds at Shea Stadium was postponed because of rain. It was rescheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday as the second game of day-night doubleheader. The first game is to begin at 1:10 p.m., as originally scheduled. Tickets from the postponed game will be honored at the 7:30 game.”

Wise back, available to Mets in twin bill - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis for both of today’s games between the Reds and the Mets.

Newsday:

Randolph realizes culture of sports has changed - Jim Baumbach tell us how Willie Randolph’s cousin Barry calls him up and gives him pointers on managing the team because Barry is a Mets fan.

Improving Delgado dropped to seventh in lineup - Jim Baumbach noted that Carlos Delgado got moved down to the seventh spot in the lineup for the first time in more than 12 years.

Mets-Reds game rained out, doubleheader Saturday

New York Daily News:

Willie Randolph not in radio daze

Mets mull Matt Wise move - Mark Lelinwalla pointed out that Matt Wise is ready to come off of the DL, but the Mets are not ready to make a roster move yet.

Nice pitch by Pedro Martinez - Peter Botte lets us know what he thought of Pedro Martinez’s batting practice session.

Johan Santana first in twin bill

New York Post:

WILLIE…OR NOT - According to Kevin Kernan, David Wright says don’t blame Willie for losses.

RAINOUT FORCES TWINBILL

PEDRO’S PROGRESS POSITIVE

New York Times:

Mets, Still in High Gear, Pound Reds - Ben Shpigel summarized today’s game between the Reds and the Mets.

Castro Back With Mets; Wise Is Soon to Follow

The Star-Ledger:

Randolph keeps his cool in face of media flak

Casanova says goodbye, Castro hello

Pitching plans - Colin Stephenson lets us know how the Mets plan on handling the starting rotation due to the rainout.

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