Die Hard Sports Fan

The New York Mets (10-6) are playing Game 17 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Philadelphia Phillies (8-10) at Citizens Bank Park.  It’s the third game of the three-game series, and the Metsies can sweep the Phils.  The game began at 8:05 p.m., and it was aired on ESPN.

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Castillo, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Church, Casanova, Chavez, Pelfrey.

Phillies Lineup: Werth, Dobbs, Utley, Howard, Burrell, Jenkins, Coste, Bruntlett, Eaton.

At the Plate

Adam Eaton (0-0) was the starting pitcher for the Phillies.  In the Top of the 1st, Wright drew a two-out walk.  Beltran grounded to second, and Utley made the out at first to end the inning.  Eaton gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Casanova grounded a two-out infield single to short.  Chavez grounded out to first to end the inning.  Eaton gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Eaton sent the Mets down in order.  Eaton gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Wright lined a leadoff single into right field.  Eaton caught Beltran looking at strike three.  Delgado grounded out to first, and Howard tagged the first base bag as Wright advanced to second.  Eaton also got Church watching strike three.  Eaton gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Eaton sent the Mets down in order.  Eaton gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Reyes lined the ball off of the right field wall for a leadoff triple.  Luis Castillo lined a no-out RBI single into left scoring Jose Reyes.  Wright pulled a standup double down the left field line, and Castillo went first to third.  Carlos Beltran lined a 2-run single into center scoring Luis Castillo and David Wright.  Eaton gave up 4 Hits, 4 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Eaton left the game after pitching 5.0 Innings allowing 6 Hits, 4 Runs, 4 ER, 1 BB, and he had 4 SOs.

Manuel replaced Eaton with Chad Durbin with no outs in the Top of the 6th.  Delgado flied out to deep left field so Beltran held up.  With Church in the batters box, Beltran stole second safely.  Ryan Church blooped a one-out RBI single into right which brought Carlos Beltran around to score to tie this baby up.  Casanova drew a one-out walk.  Chavez flied out to center.  Anderson is pinch hitting for Pelfrey, and Durbin fanned Anderson to end the inning.  Durbin gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.

Manuel replaced Durbin with J.C. Romero to begin the Top of the 7th.  Wright drew a two-out walk.  With Beltran at the plate, Wright stole second.  Romero caught Beltran staring at strike three to end the inning.  Romero gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  In the Top of the 8th, Casanova drove the ball to deep left field, but Taguchi didn’t catch the ball so Casanova ended up with a two-out double.  Pagan is pinch hitting for Chavez, and Pagan popped up to second to end the inning.  Romero gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Manuel replaced Romero with Brad Lidge to begin the Top of the 9th.  Easley is pinch hitting for Smith, and Easley drew a leadoff walk.  Reyes grounded to the pitcher, but the ball bounced off of Lidge and everyone was safe.  Lidge fanned Castillo.  Wright popped up in foul territory near the Phillies dugout, and Howard made the catch.  Beltran grounded hard to short, but Bruntlett made the out at first to end the game.  Lidge gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

On the Mound

Mike Pelfrey (2-0) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Chase Utley crushed a two-out solo shot to right center.  Howard lined a two-out single into the gap in right center.  Pelfrey got Burrell swinging at strike three.  Pelfrey gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Coste lined a one-out single down the line in right.  Bruntlett grounded to short, and the Mets turned the double play to end the inning.  Pelfrey gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Eaton drew a leadoff walk.  Werth grounded to short, and Castillo made the force out at second.  Dobbs flied out to right.  Utley drew a two-out walk.  Howard flied out to left to leave two stranded.  Pelfrey gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Burrell led off by lining the ball into left that one-hopped the wall.  Burrell took off for second, but Chavez threw Burrell out by a mile.  Jenkins lined a one-out single up the middle.  Coste grounded to short, and the Mets only got the out at second on the double play attempt.  Bruntlett grounded a two-out single up the middle.  Eaton popped up in foul territory near the Phillies dugout, and Delgado made the catch.  Pelfrey gave up 3 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Werth dumped a leadoff single into right field.  Dobbs lined a no-out opposite field single into left.  With two outs, Chase Utley hit a towering 3-run homer that hit the right field foul pole scoring Jayson Werth and Greg Dobbs.  Burrell popped up in foul territory along the right field line, and Church made the catch.  Jenkins grounded towards first and the ball hit the bag, bounced up in the air, and ended up in right field so Jenkins ended up with a two-out single.  Coste grounded to third, and Wright made the out at first to end the inning.  Pelfrey gave up 4 Hits, 3 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  Pelfrey left the game after pitching 5.0 Innings allowing 10 Hits, 4 Runs, 4 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 2 SOs.

Randolph replaced Pelfrey with Jorge Sosa to begin the Bottom of the 6th.  Sosa pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Sosa gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.

Randolph replaced Sosa with Pedro Feliciano to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Feliz is pinch hitting for Dobbs, and Pedro Feliz led off with a solo shot to right center.  Utley lined a no-out single into right field.  Feliciano caught Howard looking at strike three.  Burrell drew a one-out walk.  Jenkins flied out to left.  Feliciano gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.

Randolph replaced Feliciano with Joe Smith with two outs in the Bottom of the 7th.  Smith struck out Coste looking.  Smith gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 8th, Smith retired the side in order.  Smith gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Final Score: New York Mets 4 - Philadelphia Phillies 5.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  The starters got a no decision.  Pedro Feliciano got the loss and J.C. Romero got the win.

Chase Utley immediately gave the Phils the lead with a solo shot in the 1st Inning.  Then Utley hit a 3-run shot in the 5th Inning to give the Phils a 4-0 lead.  That must of pissed of the Mets because they put up a 4-spot in the 6th to tie it up.  However, another pinch hitter named Pedro Feliz came in and jacked one out of the ballpark.  That one run lead was enough for the Phillies bullpen to hold on to.  So the Metsies were not able to take the brooms out tonight, and the 5-game winning streak came to an end.

The Mets travel to Chicago to take on the Cubs next for a pair of games on Monday and Tuesday.  Then they travel to D.C. to play the Nationals on Wednesday and Thursday.

Share This

Who doesn’t love it when they know the Mets have a chance to sweep a divisional rival?  We know it’s a 50/50 chance tonight, and it is less stressful to watch the final game of a series that has already been won.  It makes it even better when the Metsies do it to the NL East Champs.  Today’s game begins at 8:05 p.m., and it will be aired on ESPN.  Mike Pelfrey will be facing Adam Eaton, and you don’t want to miss it. 

Mets.com:

Heilman gets right back on horse - Marty Noble walks us through the eighth inning of yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Phillies where Aaron Heilman came in and struck out two batters with the bases loaded.

Pelfrey, Mets go for sweep of rival Phils - Joseph Santoliquito put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Phillies.

Schneider sore, OK after injury scare - Marty Noble reported that the Mets thought that Brian Schneider might of suffered a broken bone in his right arm from a foul tip by Chase Utley on a 97-mph fastball from Billy Wagner that struck Schneider on the top of the forearm and eliminated some of the function of the arm.  Noble wrote that, “X-rays were negative, and Schneider intended to ice it all night. But the Mets were already making plans to summon an understudy from their Triple-A team.”

Mets putting last year in rearview mirror - Mike Bauman feels like the Mets are turning the page of 2007 by beating the Phillies four straight games.

Reyes feeling no ill effects after collision - Joseph Santoliquito wrote that, “Jose Reyes woke up Saturday morning without any swelling or wooziness and without feeling any after effects of being jarred in the head by the knee of Phillies second baseman Chase Utley while attempting to steal second in the third inning of Friday night’s game.”

Randolph not happy about missed sign - Joseph Santoliquito found out that Willie Randolph wasn’t happy that Luis Castillo didn’t pick up the signal for a suicide squeeze during Friday night’s game against the Phillies.  If Castillo can’t even walk then how is he supposed to pick up a sign, or more importantly execute anything.  I have no idea how Luis got a four-year deal worth more than the league minimum when they guy can’t walk, hit, or field.

Newsday:

Start spreading news: Starters ace it! - Johnette Howard pointed out how great the starting pitchers have been for the Mets so far this season.

Mets beat Phillies, 4-2, for fifth straight win - David Lennon summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Phillies.

Determination, patience land Figueroa with Mets - Barbara Barker wrote up a Bio about Nelson Figueroa Jr., and how he ended up back on the Mets.

METS NOTEBOOK: Battered battery member - David Lennon also talks about the injury status of Schneider.

New York Daily News:

Jose Reyes, Oliver Perez lead Mets past Phillies for fourth straight time - Adam Rubin also summarized yesterday’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

Cheering over Jose Reyes injury pains Billy Wagner - Adam Rubin gathered the thoughts of Billy Wagner on the Phillies fans after they booed when Reyes getting the wind knocked out of him.  Wagner said,

It’s really sad when humanity comes to the point where somebody getting hurt, it’s fun to watch. It’s sad when that happens. Nobody wants anybody to get hurt. I don’t want Jimmy Rollins getting hurt. I don’t want Pat Burrell to get hurt. I don’t want none of these guys. I want to compete against these guys because they’re the best, and you want to beat the best. You don’t want excuses. When you see Reyes laying there - it’s a tough shot, a clean play - and the fans cheering that he’s hurt, that just goes and shows you volumes about where our society is headed.

Brian Schneider’s arm hit on foul tip, swells up

New York Post:

IN THE ‘BANK’ - Bart Hubbuch discusses the Mets-Phillies rivalry

METS TAKE SHOTS AT PHIL FANS

METS PLAN ON EDDIE TO BE THERE IN END - Tim Bontemps tells us how Eddie Kunz is doing down in the Minors.

HEILMAN KING FOR A DAY

New York Times:

With Mets on Edge, Heilman Prevents a Fall

Hit by Hit, Wright Puts Last Season Behind Him

The Star-Ledger:

Three Sunday Thoughts (Mets Edition)

Mets take it to Phillies again

Schneider hit, X-rays negative

Final: Mets 4, Phillies 2 - Jeremy Cothran summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Phillies yesterday.

News, notes & lineups: Game 17 - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup and more for yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Phillies.

Share This

The New York Mets (9-6) are playing Game 16 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Philadelphia Phillies (8-9) at Citizens Bank Park.  It’s the second game of the three-game series.  The game began at 3:55 p.m., and it was aired on FOX.

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

Phillies Lineup: Taguchi, Werth, Utley, Howard, Burrell, Feliz, Coste, Bruntlett, Moyer.

At the Plate

Jamie Moyer (1-0) was the starting pitcher for the Phillies.  In the Top of the 1st, Reyes hit the first pitch down the left field line for a standup double.  Church lined the ball to right, but Taguchi dropped the ball so Church ended up with a no-out single and Reyes held up at second.  With Wright in the batters box, Reyes stole third without a throw.  David Wright hit a 2-run gaper to right center for a no-out double scoring Jose Reyes and Ryan Church.  Beltran popped up to second.  Delgado grounded out to first, and Wright moved over to third.  Pagan grounded out to third to end the inning.  Moyer gave up 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Schneider grounded a single through the hole on the right side for a leadoff single.  Castillo worked the count full before grounded to second, and the Phillies turned the double play.  Perez blooped an opposite field single.  Reyes flied out to left center to leave Perez stranded.  Moyer gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Wright grounded a one-out single to short that went under the legs the diving Bruntlett.  With Beltran in the batters box, Coste threw out Wright as he attempted to steal second.  Beltran grounded towards first, and Moyer fielded the ball and flipped it to Howard to end the inning.  Moyer gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Moyer sent the Mets down in order.  Moyer gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Perez drew a one-out walk on four pitches.  Reyes flied out to left center, and Werth made the catch.  Church lined a two-out single into left center, and Perez moved over to second.  Wright lined out to center to leave two Mets stranded.  Moyer gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Moyer pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Moyer gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Moyer left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 7 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO.

Manuel replaced Moyer with Ryan Madson to begin the Top of the 7th.  Schneider grounded out to first.  Castillo drew a one-out walk.  Chavez is pinch hitting for Sanchez, and Chavez grounded to first and Howard bobbled the ball so he could only make the out at first as Castillo moved over to second.  Jose Reyes jacked a two-out 2-run shot to right scoring Luis Castillo and himself.  Church grounded out to second to end the inning.  Madson gave up 1 Hits, 2 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  In the Top of the 8th, Madson retired the side in order.  Madson gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.  Madson left the game after pitching 2.0 Innings allowing 1 Hit, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs.

Manuel replaced Madson with Chad Durbin to begin the Top of the 9th.  Schneider drew a one-out walk.  Castillo grounded a one-out single up the middle and Schneider moved over to second.  Anderson is pinch hitting for Heilman, and Anderson grounded to the pitcher but the Phillies turned the double play to leave two Mets on base.  Durbin gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

On the Mound

Oliver Perez (1-0) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Perez quickly retired the top of the lineup in order.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Perez struck out Howard and Burrell before giving up a two-out walk to Feliz .  Coste lined a single into left field, and Feliz advanced to second.  Bruntlett popped up in foul territory along the first base line, and Delgado made the catch to leave two Phillies stranded.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 2 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Taguchi grounded a one-out single through the hole on the right side.  Werth flied out to right.  Utley drew a two-out walk.  Perez caught Howard looking at strike three to leave to runners on.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 2 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Coste drew a two-out walk.  Bruntlett grounded to third, and Wright made the force play at second to end the inning.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Taguchi grounded to the pitcher, and the ball bounced off of Perez towards second so Taguchi beat out the play for a one-out single (Randolph and the trainor came out to the mound to check on Perez).  Perez got Werth swinging at strike three.  Utley lined a two-out single into center, and Taguchi went first to third.  Howard flied out to left to leave runners on the corners.  Perez gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Feliz drew a one-out walk.  Coste grounded to short, and Reyes got the out at second but Coste beat out the play at first on the double play attempt.  With Bruntlett in the batters box, Perez threw a wild pitch so Coste advanced to second.  After 13 pitches, Bruntlett drew a two-out walk.  Rollins is pinch hitting for Moyer, and Rollins .  This move by Manuel brought Randolph out to the mound to make a pitching change.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Perez left the game after pitching 5.2 Innings allowing 4 Hits, 0 Runs, 5 BBs, and he had 7 SOs.

Randolph replaced Perez with Duaner Sanchez with two outs in the Bottom of the 6th.  Rollins grounded out to first to leave two Phillies stranded.  Sanchez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.

Randolph replaced Sanchez with Scott Schoeneweis to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Chase Utley pulled a two-out home run to left.  Schoeneweis fanned Howard.  Schoeneweis gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.

Randolph replaced Schoeneweis with Joe Smith to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Burrell drew a leadoff walk.  Feliz grounded out to third as Burrell moved over to second.  Dobbs is pinch hitting for Coste.  This move by Manuel brought Randolph out to the mound for a pitching change.  Smith gave up 1 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Smith with Pedro Feliciano with one out in the Bottom of the 8th.  Dobbs worked the count full prior to dropping a pop up into shallow center for a one-out single, and Burrell advanced to third.  Bruntlett drew a one-out walk to load the bases.  Feliciano gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Feliciano with Aaron Heilman with one out in the Bottom of the 8th.  Ruiz is pinch hitting for Madson, and Carlos Ruiz lined an RBI single into left scoring Pat Burrell.  Jenkins is pinch hitting for Taguchi, and Heilman fanned Jenkins after falling behind 3-1.  Then Heilman got Werth to strike out leaving the bases juiced like Scott Schoeneweis.  Heilman gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Heilman with Billy Wagner to begin the Bottom of the 9th.  Wagner came in and slammed the door on the Phillies.  Wagner gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

Final Score: New York Mets 4 - Philadelphia Phillies 2.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Oliver Perez (2-0) got the win and Jamie Moyer (1-1) got the loss.

Before I talk about the Mets, I would like to thank FOX for not making us suffer through another game having to listen to Joe Morgan.  We had to listen to him two weeks ago, and that was more than enough for the season.

Back to the Mets…They are on a roll now.  They already took the series from the Phillies down in Philly.  Tomorrow, Mike Pelfrey will face Adam Eaton as the Mets have the opportunity to sweep their second divisional foe in row.  The Mets now won the first two series against the Phillies in ‘08.  That’s awesome.  The Mets also won their fourth straight game today so they finish the day with a 10-6 record.  We have to start giving some props.  Mr. Wright continues to drive in half of the runs each day.  Props to Willie for trying not to put in Heilman because Mets fans don’t want to see him, but it backfired on him.  Heilman ended up striking out two batters in a row to get out of a bases loaded jam.  So props to Heilman.  Reyes has been on fire since Beltran’s little pep talk.  Church has done a great job batting in to two spot.  The starters have been really good this year also.  The Bullpen seems like it has gotten better than early on, but they still need to improve.  Beltran and Delgado are struggling.  Pagan’s hot streak has diminished.

The Mets have quickly turned the tide on the Phils.  They are now on a 4-game winning streak against them.  I do have to point out that they haven’t been at full strenght.  Rollins hasn’t played in four out of five games.  Victorino hasn’t played in most of the games.  Howard is batting .182.  The Mets stuck it to them when they were down, but it will be more difficult when they are healthy.  For now, great job by the Mets.  Hopefully, we’ll see another sweep tomorrow.

Share This

The Mets are getting set to play their final home game of this 9-game home stand against the Nats tonight.  We’ll be bringing you the game summary next.

Mets.com:

Pedro optimistic about return date - Yesterday, Omar Minaya stated that he expects Pedro Martinez to return in late May or early June.  According to Marty Noble, Pedro said this today, “I am surprised with the way I am recovering. It’s going much faster than I thought. Everything is moving smoothly. The Mets know that I’m working and that I will not abandon them. I don’t want it to be a long wait like everybody thinks.”  Pedro always tells everybody that everything is fine.  As we have seen for a few years already, it isn’t true.

Reyes finds his smile as Mets cruise - Marty Noble tells us how Carlos Beltran’s pep talk fired up Jose Reyes.

Figueroa follows in Pelfrey’s footsteps - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Yankees, Mets most valuable franchises - Bryan Hoch wrote, “The Yankees’ value increased to $1.306 billion over the past year, a rise of nine percent, while the Mets were second at $824 million, the magazine said Wednesday. The Red Sox were third at $816 million.”

Casanova ‘earns’ coveted a-Trophy - Marty Noble tells us how Raul Casanova is doing so far in ‘08, and he tells us why MLB.com awarded Casanova with the a-Trophy.

Newsday:

Reyes homers, celebrates like old self as Mets win

Reliever Smith has another strong night for Mets - On how Joe Smith pitched last night, Roderick Boone captured the thought’s of Willie Randolph.

Mets doing everything to keep Castillo on field - Jim Baumbach wrote, “The soreness in Luis Castillo’s right knee has not gone away, so the Mets are left to figure out ways to keep Castillo on the field without aggravating the knee.”  Back in the winter, when Omar gave Luis Castillo a 4-year deal, I believe I remember Castillo stating that he was 100% healthy.  So what’s the problem now?  Did he lie to Omar?  If he did then Omar should burn the contract.

Forbes: Yankees, Mets, Red Sox worth most

New York Daily News:

Homers lift Mets and John Maine past Nationals at Shea

Investigators believe Mets fan who fell from escalator was perched on rail

Carlos Beltran says loosen up, then has blast of own for Mets

Pedro: See you real soon

On Jackie Robinson night, David Wright and Mike Pelfrey lead Mets over Nats

New York Post:

THE BEL TOLLS - Mark Hale describes Beltran’s pep talk with Reyes.

SMITH BAILS OUT MAINE, AMAZIN’S

MAINE HAS SOME ISSUES WITH WALKS

METS LOOKING ALL WRIGHT - Justin Terranova summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

New York Times:

Revised Batting Order Changes Dynamic for Mets

Police Say Fan Lost Balance Sliding on Handrail

The Star-Ledger:

No Beltran Tonight - David Waldstein provided the lineups for tonight’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Binghamton Mets to honor Giants’ Chris Snee - Jeremy Cothran noted, “If you’re in the Binghamton area (and I don’t know why you would be), you can swing by this Sunday to see the B-Mets honor Giants OL Chris Snee.”

Pedro plans on a surprise

The ‘old’ Reyes returns - We all saw it the last two games.

Church rips another lefty - Jeremy Cothran tells us how Ryan Church is doing against lefties so far this year.

Final: Mets 5, Nationals 2

Share This

The Mets cruised right through the game against the Nats last night, and they are doing the same thing to the Nats tonight.  The big question is…where is Lo Duca?  Lo Duca has been talking smack about the Mets to the media down in D.C.  Lo Duca hasn’t been able to play because something’s wrong with his hand.  The New York media interviewed him multiple times, and Paul only had good things to say about the Mets.  That means he’s a punk because he says different things to the media in different cities.  Does he think that the news in D.C. doesn’t end up here?  If a person has a point of view then it should be consistent.

Mets.com:

Castillo seeking a breather - Marty Noble reported that Luis Castillo was dropped to 8th in the lineup because he’s not 100% healthy yet.

Mets roll on encouraging night at Shea - Marty Noble tells us how well the Mets played last night.

Sanchez ready for more game action - Marty Noble created a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Robinson’s legacy celebrated at Shea - Barry M. Bloom tells us how the Mets celebrated Jackie Robinson Day last night at Shea.

Newsday:

Pelfrey’s arm, Wright’s bat propel Mets past Nats - David Lennon summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Dad falls to death from Shea Stadium escalator - John Valenti reported that, ”a Brooklyn man died after a 4-story fall from an escalator at Shea Stadium in Flushing on Tuesday. Police sources said Wednesday that the man may have been “surfing” or “sliding” on the railing of the escalator when he fell. A New York City Police Department spokesman said Wednesday he could not confirm that — but said it was one of the angles detectives would be investigating.”  That is an awful story.  Poor man.  May he rest in peace.

Healthy Sanchez closes out Nationals - David Lennon lets us know what he thought of Duaner Sanchez’s relief appearance last night.

Ex-Mets Milledge, Lo Duca have quiet return

Booing at Shea stems from 2007 fears

New York Daily News:

On Jackie Robinson night, David Wright and Mike Pelfrey lead Mets over Nats - Adam Rubin also summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Mets fan who tumbled from escalator ‘had so much to look forward to’

Mets fan dies in escalator fall at Shea

Paul Lo Duca returns to Shea, but mouth is missing for a change - Thank God.

Mets unveil designs for Jackie Robinson Rotunda at Citi Field - Mark Lelinwalla discussed when the Mets unveiled the design for the Jackie Robinson Rotunda at Citi Field last night during the pregame ceremony.

Duaner Sanchez returns in style

Pedro’s aiming for May return

Age and memories add to Mets’ malaise - Adam Rubin feels like, “Last season’s aftertaste is still strong with Met fans, who booed Johan Santana on Saturday.”

New York Post:

PELF-ESTEEM GETS BOOST

JACKIE ROTUNDA A PLACE TO DREAM

CASTILLO ACHING FOR REST

SANCHEZ SHARP IN RETURN

METS BEAT NATIONALS 6-0 ON STRONG START BY MIKE PELFREY - Bart Hubbuch also summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

LO DUCA WANTS METS ‘TO LOSE EVERY GAME’

New York Times:

Rare Encouraging Note for Mets

Main Gate to Citi Field a Tribute to Robinson

Mets Happy That Reyes and His Energy Are Back

The Star-Ledger:

Where did everybody go? - Jeremy Cothran stated that the press box at Shea is empty tonight.  They are probably at The Garden for Game 4 of the Devils-Rangers series.

Game 13: Nationals at Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for tonight’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Sanchez finally returns to pen

Pelfrey puts a happy spin on the rotation

Fan Base on the Brink

Thoughts on Mets-Nats - Dan Graziano provides his thoughts on last night’s game.

Share This

The New York Mets are playing Game 12 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Washington Nationals at Shea Stadium.  It’s the first game of the three-game series.  The game began at 7:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

It was Jackie Robinson Day in Major League Baseball.  The Mets announced those nominated by the Jackie Robinson Foundation.  Then the Mets unveiled that Jackie Robinson Rotunda for the fans at Shea Stadium.  Last, Rachel Robinson spoke on behalf of her late husband.

Nationals Lineup: Guzman, Milledge, Zimmerman, Johnson, Kearns, Estrada, Pena, Belliard, Perez.

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

On the Mound

Mike Pelfrey (1-0) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Top of the 1st, Milledge got lined a one-out double into the left field corner.  With Zimmerman in the batters box, Schneider threw out Milledge attempting to steal third.  Zimmerman lined out to center to end the inning.  Pelfrey gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Johnson grounded a single through the hole on the right side.  Kearns grounded to short, and the Mets turned the double play.  Pelfrey hit Estrada with a pitch to give the Nationals a two-out base runner.  Pena grounded out to short, and Reyes made the out at first to end the inning.  Pelfrey gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Belliard grounded up the middle for a leadoff single.  Perez dropped a bunt in front of home plate, and Schneider got the lead runner at second but Perez arrived safely at first.  Guzman hit a broken bat flair into left for a one-out single as Perez advanced to second.  Milledge drew a one-out walk to load the bases.  Zimmerman popped up to second.  Pelfrey fanned Johnson to get out of a bases loaded jam.  Pelfrey gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Pelfrey retired the side in order.  Pelfrey gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Perez lined a one-out single to right.  Guzman grounded to short, and the Mets only got the out at first on the double play attempt.  Pelfrey caught Milledge swinging at strike three.  Pelfrey gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Johnson drew a one-out walk.  Kearns grounded to third, and Wright made the out at first while Johnson moved over to second.  Estrada grounded out to second to end the inning.  Pelfrey gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the 7th, Pelfrey had a 1-2-3 inning.  Pelfrey gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  Pelfrey left the game after picthing 7.0 Innings allowing 5 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO.

Randolph replaced Pelfrey with Aaron Heilman to begin the Top of the 8th.  Guzman led off by lining a double into the right field corner.  Heilman fanned Milledge.  Zimmerman popped up in foul territory along the first base line, and Delgado made the out.  With Johnson in the batters box, Heilman threw a passed ball to Schneider and Guzman advanced to third.  Johnson drew a two-out walk.  Kearns grounded to third, and Wright made the force at second to end the inning.  Heilman gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Heilman with Duaner Sanchez to begin the Top of the 9th.  Johnson lined out to second.  Pena grounded a one-out single up the middle.  Sanchez caught Belliard swinging at strike three.  Mackowiak is pinch hitting for Hanrahan, and Mackowiak grounded out to first to end the game.  Sanchez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

At the Plate

Odalis Perez (0-2) was the starting pitcher for the Nationals.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Reyes lined a leadoff single through the hole on the left side.  With Church in the batters box, Perez threw to first as Reyes took off for second.  Johnson threw it over to Belliard to pick Reyes off.  Church lined a one-out single into center.  Wright belted a 2-Run homer to left scoring Church and himself.  Perez fanned Beltran.  Delgado drew a two-out walk.  Pagan grounded out to third to end the inning.  Perez gave up 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Perez got the bottom of the lineup to ground out.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Reyes led off with a gaper to to left center for a double.  Church dropped a bunt down the first base line, and Perez made the out at first as Reyes moved over to third.  Wright drew a no-out walk.  Beltran grounded to short, and the Nationals turned the double play to end the inning.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Pagan lined a one-out single to right.  Schneider grounded to first, and Guzman tagged first for one out and threw to Belliard but Pagan was safe at second.  Castillo drew an intentional walk.  Guzman fanned Pelfrey to end the inning.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Reyes led off with a triple that was halfway up the wall in left field (Reyes is a HR away from the cycle).  Perez got Church to strike out swinging.  Wright grounded out to third, and Zimmerman was able to hold Reyes at third before making the out at first.  Beltran drew a two-out walk.  Delgado was hit by the pitch by Perez which loaded the bases.  Pagan lined out to left to leave the bases loaded.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Perez retired the side in order.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Perez left the game pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 6 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 4 BBs, and he had 3 SOs.

Acta replaced Perez with Ray King to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Reyes led off by lining to short, but Guzman (Error on Guzman) dropped the catch and then threw it off the bag at first so Reyes advanced to second.  Church grounded out to first as Reyes moved over to third.  King gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Acta replaced King with Luis Ayala with one out in the Bottom of the 7th.  Wright pulled a one-out RBI double down the left field line scoring Reyes.  Beltran lined a one-out RBI single into left which brought Wright around to score.  Delgado popped up to second.  Pagan drew a two-out walk.  Schneider grounded out to third to end the inning.  Ayala gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Acta replaced Ayala with Joel Hanrahan to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Castillo drew a leadoff walk.  Anderson is pinch hitting for Heilman, and Castillo stole second while Anderson was in the batters box.  Anderson grounded out to first, and Castillo moved over to third.  Hanrahan caught Reyes at a high fast ball to strike him out.  Church drew a two-out walk.  Wright crushed a two-out 2-Run double to left center which scored Castillo and Church.  Hanrahan fanned Beltran to get out of the inning.  Hanrahn gave up 1 Hit, 2 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Final Score: Washington Nationals 0 - New York Mets 6.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Mike Pelfrey (2-0) got the win and Odalis Perez (0-3) got the loss.

Pelfrey pitched seven innings of shutout ball which was crucial.  He got into some jams, but got out of them.  Heilman pitched a scoreless inning before Sanchez pitched for the first time in over 2 years.  Sanchez pitched a scoreless inning as well.  The Mets got in base, but Wright was the only one driving them in.  Wright drove in 5 of the 6 runs himself.  I guess we would’ve won this game 1-0 if he wasn’t in the lineup.  Beltran had the only other RBI tonight.  A 6-0 win over the Nats is great.  The fans booed Milledge, but Lo Duca didn’t play tonight.

The Mets are back to .500 with a 6-6 record.  They have two more games against the Nats before they go down to Philly for a weekend series.

Share This

The New York Mets are playing Game 11 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Milwaukee Brewers at Shea Stadium.  It’s the rubber game of the three-game series.  The game began at 1:10 p.m., and it was aired on CW11.

Prior to the game, Carlos Beltran, David Wright, and Johan Santana were given their Gold Gloves from 2007.

Brewers Lineup: Weeks, Kapler, Braun, Fielder, Hall, Hart, Hardy, Suppan, Kendall.

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

On the Mound

Oliver Perez (1-0) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Top of the 1st, Perez hit Weeks with the pitch to give the Brewers a leadoff runner.  Kapler lined a no-out, two-run shot near the foul pole in left field which scored Weeks and himself.  Braun grounded out to third.  Fielder flied out to center.  Perez fanned Hall to end the inning.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Hart lined a leadoff single into center.  Hardy grounded a no-out single through the hole on the left side.  With Suppan in the batters box, Perez threw a passed ball which allowed both runners to advance safely.  Perez caught Suppan swinging at strike three.  Kendall popped up in foul territory along the first base line, and Delgado made the out.  Weeks drew a two-out walk to load the bases.  Perez struck out Kapler to get out of a jam.  Perez gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 2 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Perez got the heart of the lineup to fly out.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Hart lined a leadoff single into center.  Hardy drew a no-out walk.  Suppan dropped down a sacrifice bunt towards third, and Wright made the out at first while both runners moved over.  Kendall grounded a one-out 2-Run single up the middle scoring Hart and Hardy.  Perez caught Weeks looking at strike three.  Kapler pulled a two-out double down the third base line.  Braun lined a 2-Run single into left which scored Weeks and Kapler, and Braun advanced to second when the throw came home.  Fielder grounded out to second to end the inning.  Perez gave up 4 Hits, 4 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Hall flied out to center.  Hart lined a one-out single into left.  Hardy drew a one-out walk.  Dillon came in to pinch hit for Suppan, and Randolph came out to make a pitching change.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  Perez left the game after 4.1 Innings allowing 8 Hits, 6 Runs, 6 ER, 3 BBs, and he had 4 SOs.

Randolph replaced Perez with Jorge Sosa with one out in the Top of the 5th.  Dillon popped up in foul ground near first base, and Delgado made the out.  Kendall flied out to center to end the inning.  Sosa allowed 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Weeks led off with a homer to left.  Kapler drew a no-out walk.  With Braun in the batters box, Sosa threw a wild pitch and Kapler advanced to second.  For the second time, Sosa threw a wild pitch and Kapler moved over to third.  Sosa fanned Braun.  Sosa intentionally walked Fielder.  Hall popped up to short.  Hart lined an RBI single into left field which scored Kapler, and Fielder advanced to second.  Hardy flied out to left to end the inning.  Sosa gave up 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  Sosa left the game after pitching 1.2 Innings allowing 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Randolph replaced Sosa with Scott Schoeneweis to begin the Top of the 7th.  Iribarren lined out to short.  Schoeneweis left the game after pitching 0.1 Innings allowing 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs.

Randolph replaced Schoeneweis with Joe Smith with one out in the Top of the 7th.  Weeks grounded to third, but Delgado (Error on Delgado) dropped the throw from Wright which gave the Brewers a one-out base runner.  With Kapler in the batters box, Weeks stole second.  Kapler grounded an RBI double over the first base bag, and Weeks came around to score.  Smith caught Braun looking at strike three to end the inning.  Smith gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  Smith left the game after pitching 0.2 Innings allowing 1 Hit, 1 Run (Unearned), 0 BBs, and 1 SO.

Randolph replaced Smith with Pedro Feliciano to begin the Top of the 8th.  Feliciano got Fielder to chase strike three.  Randolph went out to the mound and made a double switch.  Feliciano left the game after pitching 0.1 Innings allowing 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Randolph replaced Feliciano with Aaron Heilman and Clark replaced Church with one out in the Top of the 8th.  Heilman threw strike three right by Hall.  Hart popped up to shallow right field, and Castillo made the out to end the inning.  Heilman gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.  In the Top of the 9th, Heilman hit Kendall with the pitch to give the Brewers a two-out base runner.  Weeks grounded to third, and Wright made the out at first.  Heilman gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

At the Plate

Jeff Suppan (1-0) was the starting pitcher for the Brewers.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Wright jacked a two-out solo shot to center field, the 100th Home Run of his career, scoring himself.  Beltran grounded out to second to end the inning.  Suppan gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Delgado drew a leadoff walk.  Church lined a no-out double to the right field corner as Delgado went first to third.  Easley grounded to second, and Weeks made the out at first while Delgado came home and Church advanced to third.  Schneider grounded an RBI single under Weeks and into right center as Church came home to score.  Perez dropped down a sacrifice bunt to towards the pitcher, and Suppan made the out at first as Schneider advanced to second.  Pagan grounded out to short to end the inning.  Suppan allowed 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Castillo had a broken bat flair over the head of Hall to lead off the inning with a double.  Wright grounded to short, and Weeks made the out at first as Castillo moved over to third.  Beltran lined a one-out RBI single into right center as Castillo came in to score.  Delgado grounded to first, but Fielder couldn’t field it properly so Beltran advanced to second and the Brewers ended up getting Delgado out at first.  Suppan intentionally walked Church with two outs.  Easley grounded a single up the middle and Weeks ended up fielding the ball, but Easley beat out the throw to load the bases.  Schneider lined a 2-Run single into center field which scored Beltran and Delgado, and Easley went first to third.  Suppan got Perez looking at strike three.  Suppan gave up 3 Hits, 3 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Pagan led off with a double to the gap in right center.  Castillo grounded up the middle for a no-out single, and Pagan moved over to third.  Wright popped up to shallow center, and the runners held up.  Beltran lined out to first, and Fielder made the force out at first because Castillo was off the bag.  Suppan gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  Suppan left the game after pitching 4.0 Innings allowing 9 Hits, 6 Runs, 6 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 2 SOs.

Yost replaced Suppan with Salomon Torres to begin the Bottom of the 5th.  Delgado drew a no-out walk.  Church grounded to second, and the Brewers turned the double play.  Easley lined out to left to end the inning.  Torres gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Schneider grounded a leadoff single through the hole on the right side.  Chavez is pinch hitting for Sosa, and Chavez grounded into a double play.  Pagan drew a two-out walk.  Castillo also drew a two-out walk.  Wright grounded to third, and Hall made the out at first to end the inning.  Torres gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Torres left the game after pitching 2.0 Innings allowing 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 3 BBs, and he had 0 SOs.

Yost replaced Torres with Brian Shouse to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Beltran drew a leadoff walk.  Delgado grounded slowly to second, and Weeks only got the out at second on the double play attempt.  Church grounded a one-out single by Hall and into left field as Delgado advanced to second.  Easley grounded a one-out RBI single by Hardy and into center field as Delgado came around to score.  Schneider grounded to second, and the Brewers turned the inning ending double play.  Shouse gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Yost replaced Shouse with Guillermo Mota to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Clark lined a leadoff single into center.  With Pagan in the batters box, Clark stole second base.  Pagan dinked a no-out single over the head of Hardy in left field which moved Clark over to third.  Castillo grounded to first, and Fielder made the tag at first and then made the out at the plate as Clark was coming home.  With Pagan at second and Wright in the batters box, Mota threw a wild pitch and Pagan moved over to third.  Sosa threw back-to-back two-out walks to Wright and Beltran to load the bases.  Delgado flied out to right to end the inning leaving three Mets on base.  Mota gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Yost replaced Mota with Eric Gagne to begin the Bottom of the 9th.  Anderson is pinch hitting for Heilman, and Gagne fanned Anderson.  Easley grounded out to second.  Schneider lined out to short to end the game.  Gagne gave up 0 Hits, Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

Final Score: Milwaukee Brewers 9 - New York Mets.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Both starting pitcher got a no decision.

Today’s game was poorly played by both sides.  You can tell by the score alone.  Perez got rocked and gave up 6 runs in 4 1/3 which is horrible.  Sosa also got into some trouble in the 6th.  After that, Willie used a bunch of relievers to get through the game.  They did so without giving up any more runs, but it was too much to overcome.  The Mets put 7 on the scoreboard, but there were some lost opportunities.  Especially in the 8th inning with Mota on the mound.

The Amazins’ lost a series that they should’ve won.  When another pitcher wins the first game, and Santana is pitching in the same series then the Metsies should win the series.  But, it didn’t happen.  The Mets are now 5-6 on the season.  They have an off day tomorrow, and then the Nationals show up for a three-game series on Tuesday.

Share This

The Shea Faithful are catching their first glimpses of Johan Santana today.  Santana is making his Shea debut against the Brewers, and the Mets have a 2-1 lead in the Bottom of the 3rd.  Unfortunately, Johan is not looking as sharp as he did in his other starts.  We’ll be bringing you a Game Recap shortly.

Mets.com:

Figueroa lives a dream as Mets roll - Anthony DiComo summarized tonight’s game between the Brewers and the Mets, and he found out what Nelson Figueroa thought of pitching for his hometown team for the first time.

Johan more than ready for Shea debut - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tomorrow’s game between the Brewers and the Mets.  Johan Santana is expected to make his Shea debut.

Reyes leaves early, out Saturday - Anthony DiComo reported that Jose Reyes left tonight’s game with tightness in his left hamstring.  Reyes is expected to take tomorrow off.

Castillo plans to return on Saturday - According to Anthony DiComo, Luis Castillo felt well enough to make the start today but didn’t due to the wet conditions.  Castillo stated that he plans on starting on Saturday.

Endy content with biding his time - Anthony DiComo found out that hot starts for Ryan Church and Angel Pagan mean fewer starts for Endy Chavez, but Endy says he is cool with it.

Newsday:

Beyond the call … - Erik Boland lets us know what Figueroa thought about pitching for the Mets last night.

Heilman defends union on drug issues - Erik Boland wrote this on Aaron Heilman’s stance on the drug issues in the Majors, “Aaron Heilman said the modifications to baseball’s joint drug agreement should address once and for all the players’ desire to clean up their sport. He also said not to expect more changes anytime soon.”

Easley jumps in, gets job done for Mets - Roderick Boone explains how Damion Easley contributed to last night’s game against the Brewers.

New York Daily News:

Nelson Figueroa earns first win in five years as Mets roll Brewers - Peter Botte summarized tonight’s game between the Brewers and the Mets.

Jose Reyes runs into trouble with hamstring injury

New York Post:

NO WAY, JOSE!

DUANER ON FAST TRACK TO BIGS - Mark Hale reminds us that Duaner Sanchez is attempting to pitch back-to-back days.  That is the requirement for him to make the roster.

SIT-FOR-BRAINS FAN ‘VANDALS’ IN SHEA BUST - Erika Martinez and Lukas I. Alpert reported that “Two knucklehead Mets fans kicked apart a seat during the team’s final home opener at Shea Stadium and tried to steal the broken bits as souvenirs, authorities said yesterday.”  They also wrote that “A third man, Joseph Trudden, 32, of Farmingdale, LI, was arrested separately for trying to steal bunting that hung in the stadium’s right field corner, prosecutors said.”  All three men were arrested.

METS DIDN’T FIGURE ON FIGUEROA - Tim Bontemps tells us that injuries got the Brooklyn-born pitcher on the mound last night.

New York Times:

Mets’ Figueroa Is Beaming but Reyes Is Ailing

Instead of Understudy, Pagán Is a Leading Man

The Star-Ledger:

Weather update

Today’s lineups

Reyes out today

Some gameday nuggets - Brendan Prunty provided some tidbits for yesterday’s game against the Brewers.

Journeyman Figueroa lifts Mets

Reyes hobbled but not worried

Mets lean on Figueroa for 4-2 win over Brewers

Share This

With Pedro on the DL and with El Duque out indefinitely, Omar Minaya felt like he had to bring in a starter ASAP.  Minaya signed RHP Claudio Vargas to a minor-league contract today.  Vargas, 29, was released by the Brewers on March 25 earlier this spring which means that he was available.  In his career, Claudio is 43-38 with a 4.95 ERA in 153 games.  This isn’t a spectacular signing, but it is a body…And bodies are what the Mets need right now.

Mets.com:

Robinson’s legacy a major part of Citi - Anthony DiComo noted that Major League Baseball has chosen to anchor its Jackie Robinson Day festivities at Shea Stadium this year.  Am I the only person that doesn’t understand why the Dodgers doesn’t handle all of Jackie Robinson’s festivities?  Am I the only person that doesn’t understand how it defaulted to the Mets?  From the retired number to the 50th Anniversary to the festivities, I don’t understand it at all.  I know Robinson played for the Dodgers in NY fifty years ago.  Is there any other player in the majors that has another organization celebrate his achievements?  Please let me know if you know the answer.

Patient Mets end Phillies’ hex at Shea - Anthony DiComo summarized last night’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

Mets take aim at series win over Phils - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

El Duque suffers setback with hurt foot - Anthony DiComo reported that Orlando Hernandez suffered a tendon strain in his right foot, and he has to wear a protective boot for about two weeks.  DiComo believes that El Duque may still be months away.

Randolph hopes to share No. 42 tribute - Anthony DiComo pointed out that Willie Randolph wore No. 42 during last month’s annual Jackie Robinson Day, but Willie would rather a player on his team wears it during next week’s Jackie Robinson Day festivities.

Mets play it safe with Castillo - Anthony DiComo reported that Luis Castillo will most likely not play tonight against the Phillies.  Castillo is still listed as day-to-day.

Newsday:

Mets’ Castillo to miss a “couple” more days

Duque out; Vargas on way in? - David Lennon reported that the Mets may sign Claudio Vargas to a minor-league contract due to the status of El Duque.  Last night, SNY stated that the Mets may sign Vargas as soon as today.

Give Phillies most of the credit for Mets’ win

Pelfrey gets win; Mets helped by sloppy Phils

New York Daily News:

Bumbling Phils make it easy for Mets

Bruntlett comes up short for Phillies

Knee has Luis Castillo in tight spot

Mets snap Phillies’ dominant streak

New York Post:

NOW THAT’S MORE LIKE IT

THIS WIN WAS JIMMY-RIGGED

VARGAS MAY NOT BE FAR OFF

TIME OFF IS WHAT CASTILLO NEEDS

SLOPPY PHILS HELP SNAP AMAZIN’ SKID

New York Times:

For One Night at Least, Mets and Phillies Trade Places

The Star-Ledger:

Mets sign RHP Claudio Vargas - Joel Magaraci reported that the Mets signed Claudio Vargas to a minor-league contract.  Vargas will report to extended spring training in Port St. Lucie, Fla., before joining Triple-A New Orleans of the Pacific Coast League.  Vargas hopefully will eat some innings due to the loses of Pedro and El Duque.

It’s ugly, but Mets take it

El Duque shut down; Vargas deal close

Mets Win.

What’s that smell? - Dan Graziano explains how poorly both teams played last night.

Mets close to signing Claudio Vargas

Share This

Injuries are the biggest Mets stories of the day.  We saw that Castillo was replaced with Easley in the 5th Inning of yesterday’s game, Castillo has soreness in his knees, and is listed as day-to-day.  Matt Wise was placed on the DL due to forearm strain.  El Duque is going to be inactive for two weeks due to a strained tendon in his right foot.

The good news is that the Mets have a 5-1 lead over the Phillies right now.  We’ll bring the game summary shortly.

Mets.com:

In last Shea opener, Mets fall to Phillies - Marty Noble summarized yesterday’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

Pelfrey set to make first start of 2008 - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

Wise lands on DL with forearm strain - Marty Noble reported that “The assignment was made on Tuesday, retroactive to April 2, the day after Wise surrendered the walk-off home run to Robert Andino in the Mets’ 5-4 loss to the Marlins. The club recalled right-handed reliever Carlos Muniz from its Triple-A New Orleans affiliate to take Wise’s place. Muniz pitched the ninth inning of the Mets’ 5-2 loss to the Phillies on Tuesday.”

Mets return to past in final Shea opener -  Anthony DiComo wrote about how Bill Shea threw out the first pitch to kick off a year-long celebration.

The future looms large over Shea - Marty Noble describes how far along Citi Field has come.

Castillo leaves with right knee soreness - Anthony DiComo reported that Luis Castillo left Tuesday’s Mets Home Opener against the Phillies after four innings with right knee soreness. Castillo is listed as day-to-day.

Feliciano arrives late to home opener - Anthony DiComo pointed out that Pedro Feliciano had his original flight from Puerto Rico canceled which is why he was unable to pitch in the Home Opener.

Newsday:

Mets’ 9th straight loss to Phils recalls collapse

Rollins loves to fan the fire - Roderick Boone captured the throughts of Jimmy Rollins after yesterday’s game,

I’m almost disappointed - I always expect more. But it’s like the fans aren’t at the game yet. And then when they come in, the game is already going, so it’s like, ‘Ah, well, you missed your chance to do the big boo.’ But it helps you concentrate. It does make the games more interesting because the fans are going to do their best to get under your skin, try to get in your head. So when you smile and give it to them back, then they’ll realize, ‘That’s a pretty good dude. All right, I’ll keep booing him, anyway.’

Randolph critical of Perez’s good outing for Mets

New season, but Phillies still own Mets

Cheer up Mets fans: You can’t collapse in April

Tearing down Shea still unthinkable - Steven Marcus tells us why tearing down Shea Stadium is unthinkable.

Beautiful Citi Field makes switch from Shea easy

Castillo forced out of home opener with sore knee

Strawberry to be joining ‘86 teammates on SNY - Neil Best explains that Darryl Strawberry will be working as a studio analyst with SNY for 15 games beginning April 28.

New York Daily News:

Mets still can’t solve Phillies as final Opening Day at Shea ends in loss

Willie Randolph ignores fans’ sentiment about Scott Schoeneweis - Willie shouldn’t ignore it because Scoeneweis is a steroid user and he sucks.

Never too early to begin booing

Darryl Strawberry joins SNY April 28

Carlos Delgado throws away his good day with error - Christian Red pointed out that Carlos Delgado was having a good day at the plate before the throwing error that costed the Mets two runs.

Jimmy Rollins’ band makes noise 

Billy Wagner throws heat at idea of Mets’ ‘baggage’ - Anthony McCarron wrote that, “Wagner bristled at the suggestion that his team has lost confidence against the team that has beaten the Mets nine straight times. He also griped about some television analysis in which one Daily News reporter said the Mets are bringing psychic baggage into games with the Phils.

Shea patriarch missed at final opener

Mets’ fans wipe tears at last opener in old park, but Phils rain on parade

Pedro Feliciano’s travel woes deprive Mets of relief

New York Post:

PHILS HAVE THEIR SHEA WITH METS

IT COULDN’T START MUCH WORSE THAN THIS

PHILS STILL ROLLIN’ ALONG

BROKEN CLUTCH - Mark Hale pointed out that the Mets are not hitting in the clutch.

FELICIANO ARRIVES IN 7th INNING

DELGADO’S THROW A BACK-BREAKER

IT’S DEJA BOO - Kevin Kernan takes some jabs at the Mets bullpen.

METS DROP FINAL SHEA OPENER

New York Times:

Familiar Bullpen Job Ends in Familiar Way

With Words or His Bat, Rollins Shakes Up Mets

Strawberry Joins SNY as Part-Time Analyst

The Star-Ledger:

Game 7: Phillies at Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

El Duque shuts it down - Jeremy Cothran reported that, “El Duque has a strained tendon in his right foot and was placed in a protective boot. He’ll be inactive the next two weeks and will then be evaluated.”

Mets suffer 9th-straight loss to Phillies in final Shea Stadium opener

Castillo’s knee forces him out

Company line on Philly needs to be rethought

Even when he’s down, it’s hard to get Rollins out

Final: Phillies 5, Mets 2 - Jeremy Cothran summarized yesterday’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

I mean, seriously? - Jeremy Cothran wrote a quick blurb about Delgado’s throwing error in yesterday’s game.

Share This