Die Hard Sports Fan

The New York Mets (16-13) are playing Game 30 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Los Angeles Dodgers (17-14) at Dodger Stadium.  It’s the first game of a three-game series.  The game began at 10:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

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

Dodgers Lineup: Furcal, Pierre, Kemp, Kent, Martin, Loney, Jones, DeWitt, Billingsley.

At the Plate

Chad Billingsley (1-4) is the starting pitcher for the Dodgers.  In the Top of the 1st, Billingsley got Reyes to pop up to third before fanning Church and Wright.  Billingsley gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Beltran led off by grounding a single up the middle.  Alou flied out to right.  Delgado pulled a one-out double down the right field line as Beltran went first to third.  Billingsly got Schneider to chase strike three.  Castillo grounded out to third leaving two Mets stranded.  Billingsley gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Reyes drew a one-out walk.  With Church in the batters box, Reyes stole second.  Church grounded to second, and Kent made the out at first as Reyes moved over to third.  Billingsley fanned Wright leaving Reyes on third.  Billingsley gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Delgado drew a two-out walk.  Schneider dropped a two-out single into center, and Delgado advanced to second.  Castillo grounded out to third to leave two Mets stranded.  Billingsley gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Church drew a two-out walk.  Wright grounded out to deep short, and Furcal threw a rocket to first to get the out.  Billingsley gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Beltran led off by pulling a triple down the right field line.  Moises Alou grounded a no-out RBI single up the middle which brought Carlos Beltran home.  Delgado grounded to short, and the Dodgers turned the double play.  Schneider grounded out to third.  Billingsley gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the 7th, Castillo drew a leadoff walk.  Pagan is pinch hitting for Perez, and this move brought Torre out for a pitching change.  Billingsley gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  Billingsley left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 5 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 4 BBs, and he had 4 SOs.

Torre replaced Billingsley with Joe Beimel with no outs in the 7th Inning.  Pagan flied out to right.  Reyes flied out in foul ground along the right side line, and Kemp made the catch.  Beimel fanned Church.  Beimel gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.

Torre replaced Beimel with Jonathan Broxton to begin the Top of the 8th.  Broxton retired the side in order.  Broxton gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Torre replaced Broxton with Takashi Saito to begin the Top of the 9th.  Saito wiggled a lot as he pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Saito gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

On the Mound

Oliver Perez (2-2) is the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Rafael Furcal led off with a solo shot to left center.  Pierre lined a single into center.  Kemp flied out to right near the line.  With Kent at the plate, Pierre stole second safely as Schneider’s throw went into center field.  Kent grounded to the pitcher, and Perez made the out at first as Pierre moved over to third.  Russell Martin lined a two-out RBI single into center field which brought Juan Pierre home.  Loney grounded out to second to end the inning.  Perez gave up 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Perez got Jones and DeWitt to ground out before getting Billingsley to look at strike three.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Perez pitched another 1-2-3 inning.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Martin grounded a one-out single through the hole on the right side.  Loney swung at strike three while Martin was stealing second, and Schneider (Error on Brian Schneider) threw the ball into center so Martin advanced to third.  Jones popped up to shallow left, and Reyes made the out to leave one Dodger stranded.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Blake DeWitt led off with a solo jack to center.  Perez fanned Billingsley.  Furcal popped up to third.  Pierre drew a two-out walk.  Matt Kemp crushed a two-out 2-run shot to center scoring Juan Pierre.  Kent grounded hard to third, and Wright made a beautiful dive and throw to end the inning.  Perez gave up 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Loney drew a one-out walk on four pitches.  Jones grounded to third, and the Mets completed the double play.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Perez left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 6 Hits, 5 Runs, 5 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 3 SOs.

Randolph replaced Perez with Scott Schoeneweis to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Schoeneweis pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Schoeneweis gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Randolph replaced Schoeneweis with Jorge Sosa to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Kemp lined a one-out single into right.  Kent flied out to center.  With Martin at the plate, Schneider threw out Kemp as he attempted to steal second base.  Sosa gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Final Score: New York Mets 1 - Los Angeles Dodgers 5.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Oliver Perez (2-3) got the loss and Chad Billingsley (1-4) got the win.

Oli took another beaten today, but not as bad as it was against the Pirates on Wednesday.  Oli pitched 6 innings, but he gave up 3 homers and 5 runs.  Going into the game, I was confident that Perez would beat the pitcher with the 1-4 record that he faced.  The Mets must’ve left their bats in the desert because they only put up 1 run.  Or maybe it was a long flight.  It’s tougher to win a series when you drop the first game.  Now, the Mets need to win the next two to win the series.

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

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

Mets.com:

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

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

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

Newsday:

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

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

New York Daily News:

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

Brian Schneider back as backstop for Mets, but shows rust

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

New York Post:

PETERSON’S SILENT ON PITCHING WOES

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

New York Times:

In Matchup of Top Arms, Throw From Right Is Pivotal

The Star-Ledger:

Schneider back behind plate

Mets throw D’backs for loss

Final: Mets 5, D-Backs 2

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It seems like a Met a day is getting injured.  The Mets are going to have to place a hospital on Tradition Field and relocate the team Doctors to Port St. Lucie.  Mets are flying back and forth to New York to have MRIs and CT scans performed.  At this rate, just bring everybody down to the Sunshine State.  It also seems like Omar needs to assemble a whole new 2008 team because only Wright and Reyes are healthy.

The best Mets article of the day was “Mets Elect to Not Remember the Maine” by Matthew Artus.  Make sure you give it a read.

Mets.com:

Notes: El Duque unveils new delivery - The Mets need to give Mike Pelfrey the spot in the rotation and use Orlando Hernandez elsewhere.

Pedro gladly passing ace baton - I keep reading these articles about how happy Pedro is to pass the baton to Santana.  It annoys me because Pedro would be the 4th starter if it was based performance rather than what he did in a prior life.  He only started in 5 games last season, and he hasn’t been Pedro since he left the Red Sox.

Johan sharp in second spring start - Anthony DiComo summarized today’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.  Johan Santana got the start.  The Mets beat the Dodgers by a score of 3-2.  The Mets are 5-3 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Mets release ‘08 promotional schedule - The Mets will be handing out promotions during 35 home games during 2008.

Alou needs surgery for hernia - Anthony DiComo reported that “Moises Alou learned on Wednesday that he’ll need to undergo surgery for a hernia. The outfielder will be out four to six weeks.”  Alou flew back to New York today to have an MRI performed.  My Mets are dropping like flies.  4-6 weeks…

Valentin fighting to go out on his terms - Anthony DiComo describes the brace on Jose Valentin’s right leg.

Notes: Gotay’s MRI unconvincing - Anthony DiComo had this to say about Ruben Gotay’s CT scan, “A reading of Gotay’s CT scan on Tuesday revealed that an irregularity in his bone turned out to be the residue of a previous injury. Though the team wasn’t completely convinced, sending the scan results to New York for further review, Mets assistant general manager John Ricco remained optimistic.”  DiComo gave provided some other health updates as well:

• Michel Abreu “strained his right hip flexor running into first base on Monday and is day-to-day.”
• Carlos Delgado and Ryan Church have been working out in a pool.  Delgado has not set a return date yet.  Church was supposed to return to the field today.
• Endy Chavez should return on the weekend.

Anthony also noted that Shea Stadium is banning smoking this year in order to get us ready for the rules of Citi Field.

Slider, not deal, a Maine concern - Anthony DiComo discusses that awful contract that the Mets just gave to John Maine.

Newsday:

Mets’ Beltran worried as he recovers from surgery - Carlos Beltran declared the NL East.  You don’t want that guy to be worried about anything going into the season.

Finally, some good news: No broken bone for Gotay

E-mail from Port St. Lucie - David Lennon lets us know how Matt Wise is doing in Spring Training.

New York Daily News:

Moises Alou sidelined until May - Mets.com said 4-6 weeks on Alou which does not go into May.  We’ll have to see how long Moises is really out.

With so many spring injuries, it pains Willie Randolph to think about them - Willie…all of us Mets fans feel the same way.

John Maine’s payoff pitch has to wait - Adam Rubin also goes over Maine’s new contract.  Maine got the league minimum which is currently $450,000.  I believe all of these guys are overpaid, but Maine should be ahead of Perez.

Ruben Gotay may be catching break - Adam Rubin also discusses the injury status of Gotay.

Smoking completely banned from Shea

New York Post:

MAINE STREAM - Bart Hubbuch stated that Maine is alright with his new contract.

BELIEVE IT, OR NOT - Joel Sherman noted that the Mets put a positive spin on Delgado.

AMAZIN’S ARE BACK IN MARKET FOR BACKUPS - Due to all of the injured players, Joel Sherman explains what positions need to be filled by the Mets.

REYES HAS 2K8 COVERED - Bart Hubbuch pointed out that Jose Reyes is on the cover of MLB 2K8.  Supposedly poor performance follows being on the cover of the video game, but Reyes is not concerned about it.

METS GET GOOD NEWS ON GOTAY

New York Times:

Injuries Give Pagán Chance to Make the Mets - Ben Shpigel explains how Angel Pagan is doing in Spring Training.

The Star-Ledger:

Alou out 4-6 weeks

Mets Elect to Not Remember the Maine - Matthew Artus is disgruntled about the contract that the Mets gave to John Maine.

Mets like new version of Pagan

Maine gets his contract renewed

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The Mets beat the Braves which is always a good thing.  I have no complaints about that.  Mike Pelfrey looked really good, again.  Pelfrey wants that final spot.  Some of these young kids can hit in clutch ‘Spring Training’ spots.  The Mets were able to get back to .500.

Whenever I’ve been listening to talk radio lately, I hear Mets fans call up and say they want the Mets to go after Barry Bonds or Sammy Sosa to play right field.  I want no part of these steroid users on the Mets.  Bonds knees are so bad that he hasn’t been able to play in years.  Sosa missed a few years prior to playing for the Rangers last year.  Sosa still had a little game left, but I just don’t want any part of any of these guys.  My favorite story of the day was when I read that the Mets are trying to trade Scott Schoeneweis.  Schoeneweis is the last of the mohicans, on the Mets, so let’s keep that way by not brininging in any more of them.  I would prefer to root for a clean team!

Mets.com:

Pelfrey sharp in second spring outing - Marty Noble summarized today’s game between the Braves and the Mets.  The Mets beat the Braves 3-2 in the tenth inning.  Mike Pelrey was the starting pitcher.  The Mets are 3-3 in the Grapefruit League standings. 

Mailbag: El Duque out of the rotation? - Marty Noble answers questions posed by Mets fans’.

Mets reserves boast win over Dodgers - Anthony DiComo provided a game summary and the box score for yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Dodgers.  Oliver Perez got the start.  The Mets beat the Dodgers 6-5.  The Mets are 2-3 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Notes: Valentin covering his bases - The Mets have Jose Valentin learning first base this spring because they lack depth at the position.

Delgado’s hip pain not serious - That’s good news.  The reports yesterday indicated that Delgado would miss 15 games.  Now Carlos Delgado should only miss a few games, according to Marty Noble.

Newsday:

Delgado’s MRI negative, but hip still an issue - David Lennon also covered Carlos Delgado’s hip injury.  Lennon said that the MRI was negative, but Delgado’s hip can continue to nag him troughout the season.

Straw is back - David Lennon reported that the Mets hired Darryl Strawberry as a full-time instructor.

Church, Anderson still hurting after collision - David Lennon provided us with the current status of Church and Anderson.  Marlon Anderson was diagnosed with a bruised sternum.  Ryan Church was diagnosed with a Grade 2 concussion.  Lennon goes on to explain the ninth inning of yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Dodgers.

E-mail from Vero Beach - David Lennon says farewell to Dodgertown.

New York Daily News:

Mets backups help beat Dodgers while Carlos Delgado returns, but sits out - Adam Rubin also wrote about Carlos Delgado’s hip injury.

Willie Randolph, Joe Torre face chills of early spring pressure - Bill Madden describes the challenges that Willie Randolph and Joe Torre face this season.

Sources: Scott Schoeneweis, Jorge Sosa being shopped - That’s great news.  Get rid of the steroid scum and another pitcher that just sucks.

New York Post:

ELEVEN MEN OUT - Bart Hubbuch tallied up the injured Mets and lets you know the status of the team.

PEREZ GETS HIT HARD IN FIRST START - Bart Hubbuch walks you through the poor outing by Oliver Perez in his first start.  Pedro Martinez is scheduled to make his first start of the spring on Thursday.

New York Times:

Santana’s Changeup: Hitters Never See It Coming - Jack Curry lets you know about Johan Santana’s pitches.

Mets May Keep Delgado Out Several Days

The Star-Ledger:

Grapefruit League Game 6: Braves vs. Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineups and a summary of the first three innings of today’s game between the Braves and the Mets.

Mets Might Not Want to Be Penned Down - Matthew Artus explains the plusses and minuses of trading Scott Schoeneweis and Jorge Sosa.

Latest injury: Gotay’s ankle - Jeremy Cothran tells us how Ruben Gotay injured his ankle as well as his status.

Mets shrug off need for one leader - Jeremy Cothran descbribes who the leaders on the Mets are.

Bad day: Injuries hit hard

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The Mets must get their guys healthy or the start of the season isn’t going to be a good one.  The Mets are playing the Dodgers right now even though the game isn’t aired.  The Dodgers are winning 3-1 in the top of the 3rd.  Hopefully the Mets can come back and win this game.  Maybe even get on a little hot streak and get back to .500.

Newsday:

Facing Mets, Dodgers’ Torre doesn’t diss Yankees - Why would Joe Torre bash his former team?  What is he Lastings Milledge?

SPRING TRAINING: E-MAIL FROM PORT St. LUCIE - David Lennon described Jose Reyes’ at bat when he got hit by a pitch in yesterday’s game.

Collision hurts Church most; Mets’ injuries mount - A bunch of Mets got banged up in yesterday’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.  David Lennon explains what occured on and off the field that made it difficult for Willie to put a team on the field.

New York Daily News:

Marlon Anderson, Ryan Church collide; Carlos Delgado sent home - Adam Rubin also walks you through the Mets players that got injured yesterday.

19-year-old phenom Fernando Martinez blazing a trail toward Shea

There’s a lot more going on during the spring than meets the eye - Anthony McCarron details all of the things that take place behind the scenes in Spring Training.

Jon Niese looks nice in win - Adam Rubin thinks so, and I concur.  Jonathan Niese only pitched 2 innings, but he looked good on the mound.  Rubin also wrote that “Scouts suggest the Mets may be concerned about Ruben Gotay’s range and expect the team to shop for a bona fide backup shortstop this spring.”

New York Post:

METS GET CRASH COURSE IN PAIN - Bart Hubbuch details the collision that took place between Ryan Church and Marlon Anderson in yesterday’s game.

SERBY’S SUNDAY Q&A WITH… - Steve Serby asks Duaner Sanchez questions about his recovery.

A NIESE DAY: PROSPECT KEY TO FIRST VICTORY - Bart Hubbuch lets us know about Niese’s outing yesterday.

OLD JOE CROWS ABOUT NEW JOE - Joe Torre praised Joe Girardi yesterday.

CARLOS HASN’T BEEN LEADER AMAZINS’ NEED - Kevin Kernan takes his shots at Carlos Delgado.

The Star-Ledger:

Some game updates - Jeremy Cothran takes you through the first two innings of today’s game between the Mets and the Dodgers.  Oliver Perez got the start.

Bad day: Injuries hit hard - Jeremy Cothran also discusses the status of the injured Mets.

Mets’ Pelfrey is prepared to advance - According to Jeremy Cothran, Mike Pelfrey continues to impress and wants to make the team.

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After 3 straight loses, the Amazins’ got their first win today as they beat the Dodgers 1-0.  Jonathan Niese gave up no hits and no runs in 2 innings.  Ryan Church collided with Marlon Anderson in right field.  Brady Clark replaced Church and Michael Abreu replaced Anderson.  The score was 0-0 as the Mets headed into the bottom of the 9th.  The Mets quickly loaded the bases, and then Brady Clark (I know you want me to say that he hit a grand slam) was hit by a pitch to drive in the winning run.  These are classic Mets moments.  The Mets are 1-3 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Happy Birthday Ramon Castro!

Mets.com:

Subs come through in clutch for Mets - Marty Noble provided a summary and a box score for today’s game between the Mets and the Dodgers.

Delgado has impingement in right hip - Carlos Delgado is getting an MRI in New York.

Notes: Last Mets trip to Dodgertown - Marty Noble reported that the Mets will make their last trip to Dodgertown tomorrow.  Noble also provided many memorable moments that the Mets have had in Dodgertown.

Notes: It’s honky dory with Sanchez - Anthony DiComo pointed out that Dauner Sanchez pitched in yesterday’s game for the first time since 2006, and Sanchez felt good on the mound.  Orlando Hernandez pitched two batting practice sessions yesterday, but the Mets are in no rush to insert him in the rotation.  Ruben Gotay continues to show Willie that he belongs on the team by hitting a homerun in yesterday’s game.

It’s all about Santana on this day - Anthony DiComo summarized yesterday’s game between the Cardinals and the Mets, and he also included the box score.  It was Johan Santana’s first Spring Training start as a Met.

Newsday:

Mets’ Sanchez feels well despite Pujols’ home run - That’s relieving, but what do you expect?  Duaner hasn’t been out there in two years.

Davey Johnson back in baseball as USA’s manager - Jim Baubach reported that Davey Johnson will be the manager of the United States baseball team in the Beijing Olympics this summer.  That’s awesome.  Go Davey!!!

Santana hit hard but not worried about Mets debut - David Lennon offers his thoughts on Santana’s debut against the Cards yesterday.

New York Daily News:

Juan Gonzalez has a blast on day Johan Santana doesn’t

Johan Santana roughed up in Met debut - Adam Rubin recapped yesterday’s game between the Cardinals and the Mets.

Foot woe is real pain for El Duque

New York Post:

DELGADO TO GET MRI ON HIP - Bart Hubbuch stated that Delgado will be out the next 15 days.

THAT’S A RELIEF: DUANER FINALLY TAKES MOUND

New York Times:

Delgado’s Woes Show How Fragile Mets Are

Pitches and Spirits Are Up in Santana’s Debut

The Star-Ledger:

Finally a win, but no one’s celebrating

Santana works out the kinks

El Duque still feeling out of sorts on mound

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