Die Hard Sports Fan

Last night, the Yankees and the Mets commenced the final Subway Series at Shea Stadium.  The Mets had the edge in the pitching matchup with Pedro Martinez up against Sidney Ponson.  It didn’t quite work out that way though.  Martinez only pitched 5.2 innings allowing 6 Hits, 6 Runs, 6 ER, 5 BBs, and 4 SOs.  Meanwhile, Ponson pitched 6.0 innings allowing 5 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 ER, 4 BBs, and he had 4 SOs.  The Yankees ended up winning the game 9-0.  The Mets got blanked after putting up 15 runs in the earlier game in the Bronx.  The hitting and pitching last night was pathetic.

According to Mets.com, Petey wasn’t thrilled with his outing and had this to say about it, “I’m not doing my job, and that’s something to worry about. … It’s time for me to start getting better and not getting worse. I don’t know if I’m trying too hard; I am thinking too much about it or trying to be too fine. Health is here, that’s the good news. Health is here. I feel healthy, and I just have to take the responsibility for what’s happening right now.”

Sometimes it’s hard to watch a Hall of Fame worthy pitcher pitch in the twighlight of his career.  Pedro has been like this for two years already, and the injuries have probably taken more of a toll on him than age alone.  Like I’ve said before, I have no expectations of him so it’s easier to absord when he does poorly or end up on the DL.

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The New York Mets (30-31) are playing Game 62 of the 2008 Regular Season against the San Diego Padres (27-37) at Petco Park.  It’s the final game of the four-game series.  The game began at 4:05 p.m., and it was aired on WB11.

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Castillo, Wright, Beltran, Easley, Delgado, Casanova, Chavez, Pedro Martinez (1-0).

Padres Lineup: Gerut, Ed Gonzalez, Giles, Adrian Gonzalez, Kouzmanoff, McAnulty, Greene, Carlin, Wil Ledezma (0-2).

In the Top of the 1st, Castillo drew a one-out walk.  Wright also drew a one-out walk.  Beltran flied out to right.  Damion Easley lined a two-out RBI single into center which scored Luis Castillo, and Wright went to second.  Carlos Delgado lined a two-out 2-run triple into the right field corner scoring David Wright and Damion Easley giving the Mets an early three-run lead.  Casanova grounded out to short to end the inning with Delgado stranded on third.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Ed Gonzalez lined a one-out single into left field.  Giles grounded a one-out single through the hole on the right side, and Chavez threw out Ed Gonzalez as he tried to go from first to third.  Adrian Gonzalez lined a two-out single into center, and Giles went to second.  Pedro hit Kouzmanoff with the pitch which loaded the bases.  With McAnulty at the plate, Martinez was called for a balk which scored Brian Giles and advanced both runners.  Paul McAnulty dumped a two-out 2-run single into left scoring Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Kouzmanoff.  Greene flied out to center to end the inning leaving McAnulty stranded on first and making this a tie game.  In the Top of the 2nd, Chavez grounded a leadoff single up the middle.  Martinez dropped down a sacrifice bunt towards the pitcher, and Chavez advanced to second.  Reyes drew a one-out walk.  With Castillo in the batters box, the Mets put on the double steal and both runners arrived safely.  Luis Castillo hit a sacrifice fly to center as Endy Chavez tagged up and scored, and Reyes tagged up and went to third.  Wright flied out to center to end the inning with Reyes stranded on third, but the Mets added on another run giving them a 4-3 lead.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Gerut grounded a two-out single through the hole on the left side.  With Ed Gonzalez at the plate, Gerut beat out the throw by Casanova as he stole second.  Martinez fanned Ed Gonzalez to end the inning leaving Gerut stranded on second.  In the Top of the 3rd, Easley dropped a one-out blooper into center for a double.  Ledezma fanned Delgado.  Casanova drew a two-out walk on four pitches.  Chavez grounded to second, and Ed Gonzalez made the out at first to end the inning leaving runners stranded on first and second.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Giles lined a leadoff single into left.  Adrian Gonzalez flied out to center.  Then Kouzmanoff flied out to center.  McAnulty popped up to shallow center, and Reyes made the final out of the inning stranding Giles on first.

In the Top of the 4th, Reyes lined a one-out double off of the wall in left field.  With Castillo at the plate, Reyes beat out the throw by Carlin as he stole third.  Luis Castillo dropped a one-out RBI single into center which scored Jose Reyes.  With Wright in the batter box, Castillo stole second safely beating out the throw by Carlin.  Wright hit a sacrifice fly out to right, and Castillo tagged up and went to third.  Ledezma fanned Beltran to end the inning leaving Castillo stranded on third, but the Mets were able to tack on a run and take a 5-3 lead.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Greene dropped a leadoff single into center.  Carlin grounded to first, and the Mets only got the out at second on the double play attempt.  Huber is pinch hitting for Ledezma, and Huber grounded a one-out single through the hole on the left side, and Carlin moved over to second.  Jody Gerut lined a one-out RBI single into center scoring Luke Carlin, and Huber went to second.  Ed Gonzalez flied out to right.  Giles flied out to the warning track in right to end the inning with runners on second and third.  In the Top of the 5th, Black replaced Ledezma with Hampson.  Delgado lined a one-out single into shallow right center.  Casanova grounded a one-out single through the hole on the left side, and Delgado went to second.  Chavez grounded to second, and both runners advanced a base.  Martinez grounded to third, and Kouzmanoff made the out at first to end the inning stranding runners on second and third.  In the Bottom of the 5th, McAnulty drove a two-out double to the gap in right center.  Greene lined out to the wall in left to end the inning with McAnulty stranded on second.  In the Top of the 6th, Black replaced Hampson with Meredith after Hampson retired the first two hitters.  Wright drew a two-out walk.  Beltran grounded to second, and Ed Gonzalez made the out at first to end the inning stranding Wright on first.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Randolph replaced Martinez with Vargas.  Gerut grounded to first, but Delgado botched the ball so Gerut beat it out giving the Padres a two-out base runner.  Ed Gonzalez grounded towards first, and Delgado fielded the ball and applied the tag on Ed Gonzalez to end the inning.

In the Top of the 7th, Delgado drove a one-out double off of the wall in left field.  Casanova grounded to second, and Ed Gonzalez made the out at first as Delgado went to third.  Chavez bunted towards first, and Adrian Gonzalez could not field the ball properly so Endy Chavez was safe and Carlos Delgado scored.  Nunez is pinch hitting for Vargas, and Nunez popped out to short to end the inning as the Mets tacked on another run giving them a 6-4 lead.  In the Bottom of the 7th, Randolph replaced Vargas with Schoeneweis so this can get very scary.  Giles led off by grounding a single up the middle.  Adrian Gonzalez grounded to second, and the Mets turned the double play.  Kouzmanoff flied out to right to end the inning.  Thank God Schoeneweis did not give up any runs.  In the Top of the 8th, Black replaced Meredith with Guevara.  Guevara pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  In the Bottom of the 8th, Randolph replaced Schoeneweis with Sanchez.  Stansberry is pinch hitting for Meredith, and Stansberry dropped a leadoff single into left.  Sanchez fanned Greene.  Carlin drew a one-out walk.  Hairston replaced McAnulty, and Sanchez fanned Hairston.  Randolph replaced Sanchez with Wagner.  Jody Gerut grounded a two-out RBI single through the hole on the right side which scored Craig Stansberry, and Carlin advanced to second.  Clark is pinch hitting for Guevera, and Tony Clark crushed a two-out 3-run homer scoring Luke Carlin and Jody Gerut.  Wagner fanned Giles to end the inning after the Padres put up four runs and took an 8-6 lead.  In the Top of the 9th, Black replaced Guevera with Hoffman.  Hoffman retired the side in order.

Final Score: New York Mets 6 - San Diego Padres 8.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Billy Wagner (0-1) took the loss and Carlos Guevera (1-0) got the win.

Game Notes:

• Pedro Martinez was not very good today.  He pitched 5.0 Innings allowing 10 Hits, 4 Runs, 4 ERs, 0 BBs, and he had 4 SOs.
• Billy Wager gave up a 3-run jack to former Met Tony Clark which won the game for the Padres.
• Luis Castillo actually had 2 RBIs.
• Carlos Delgado was a homer short of batting for the cycle and had 2 RBIs.

Series Notes:

• The Padres swept the Mets 4-0.
• The Padres beat the Mets by the score of 2-1 in the first three games of the series.

Other Notes:

• Since June 1st, this is the Mets trend: w-l-w-w-l-l-l-l.
• The Mets are currently 2-5 on this road trip.
• The Mets are two games under .500 with a 30-32 record.

No, the Padres didn’t beat the Mets 2-1 again.  But the Padres won again.  Swept by the Padres, how do they let that happen?  The Padres are a last place team.

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The Mets pulled off the victory and won the series which is great.  They are on a nice little hot streak, and I hope it continues.  The Amazin’s had to trave down to San Diego for a 4-game series which I’m looking forward to.  Here’s the probable pitching matchups for the series:

• 06/05/2008 - Mike Pelfrey (2-6) - Josh Banks (2-0)
• 06/06/2008 - Johan Santana (7-3) - Randy Wolf (3-4)
• 06/07/2008 - Oliver Perez (4-4) - Cha Seung Baek (1-2)
• 06/08/2008 - Pedro Martinez (1-0) - Wilfredo Ledezma (0-2)

Mets.com:

Maine unsinkable in series finale - Marty Noble summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

With spot secure, Pelfrey marches on - Jon Blau wrote a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Pedro’s progress: Righty regains health - Marty Noble pointed out that Pedro Martinez feels no soreness after tossing six frames on Tuesday.  It made me happy that Petey got to pitch until Willie pulled him rather than having to leave the game due to an injury.  Hopefully he’ll be able to make at least a few starts.

Alou unlikely to return before homestand - Moises Alou said, “The way they do things here, trying to be extra careful, it’s probably going to be when we get back.”

Newsday:

Mets top Giants behind Reyes homer, Maine - David Lennon also summarized yesterday’s Mets-Giants game.

Mets’ Pedro feeling just fine day after start

Could the Mets have used Tatis last year? - Ken Davidoff pointed out that, “Fernando Tatis has already won two games for the Mets this season, during a time that Willie Randolph’s club desperately needed some victories. You can’t help but wonder if Tatis could have been helpful at a similar time - last September.”

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what took place at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium on June 5 of a year in the past.

New York Daily News:

Jose Reyes comes through for Mets in 5-3 win over Giants - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary for yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

Frank Robinson says Willie Randolph erred on timing, not on race point

Pedro Martinez ‘not even sore’ on day after victorious return

New York Post:

REYES OF LIGHT - Bart Hubbuch stated that Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran helped fuel the resurgent Mets.

MARTINEZ OK AFTER OUTING

METS DEFEAT GIANTS, 5-3 - Bart Hubbuch summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

New York Times:

Mets and Reyes Changing Attitudes and Getting Results - Ben Shpigel summarized yesterday’s Mets-Giants game.

Martínez Feels Fine but Keeps Outlook Day to Day

The Star-Ledger:

Pedro feels fine after long start

Mets eat up another series - Jeremy Cothran pointed out that the Mets have won their third consecutive series.

Final: Mets 5, Giants 3 - Jeremy Cothran wrote up a game summary for yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

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What a difference a day makes.  One night after Ollie did his Glavine impersonation, Pedro made his first start in two months and was pretty effective.  Martinez had good command and got his fastball up into the 90s.  And look at all of the buzz about Petey below.  Dozens of articles were written by the media.  The Star-Ledger put out an inning-by-inning breakdown of his first game back.  This guy barely pitches anymore, but he gets a ton of hype.  If he pitches a little less, which is not at all, then he can replace Mr. Met as the official mascot.

Mets.com:

Bats help lift Pedro in return - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

Schedule provides Mets opportunity - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis for today’s Mets-Giants game.

Castro catches Pedro’s return

Gnats have five-homer first inning - Rob Jemella pointed out that the Savannah Sand Gnats cranked five homers in a seven-run opening frame.

Newsday:

Pedro leads Mets to 9-6 against Giants - David Lennon also summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

Alou says return to Mets in this trip is ‘50-50′

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what took place at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium on June 4 of a year in the past.

METS: Pedro brings buzz

New York Daily News:

Pedro Martinez goes six innings in return as Mets beat Giants, 9-6 - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary for last night’s Mets-Giants game.

Pedro happy to get his feet wet - Adam Rubin put together a great analysis of Pedro’s return last night.

Despite denials, it looks like Brian Schneider is caught in a platoon

John Smoltz to have season-ending shoulder surgery - The AP reported that John Smoltz will have season-ending shoulder surgery.  He hopes to return in 2009, but it may be the end of his career.  As much as I hate watching the Mets face Smoltz, the guy has been the best pitcher in the Majors for about two decades.  Hopefully he recovers and gets to pitch again.  I always thought he was a classy guy.

New York Post:

PISTOL PETEY

THIS TIME, SCOTT’S NO RELIEF - Bart Hubbuch discussed how Scott Schoeneweis got knocked around in the ninth inning last night.

PELFREY GRATEFUL METS STICKING WITH HIM - Mike Pelfrey stated, “I was prepared mentally for whatever they wanted me to do. If that meant going to New Orleans or the bullpen, it would have been nothing new. To be able to stay in the rotation is a great feeling. I want to show them they made the right decision.”  Going into the season, I wanted him to be in the rotation over El Duque because I wanted to know how good or bad he really is if he goes into the season knowing he’s a starter rather than a fillin for somebody on the DL like in years past.  Now, it is obvious that he’s just not that good.  The Mets don’t have many short term options so we’ll have to see what Omar does in the upcoming months.

New York Times:

Martínez Gives Mets Lift, and Some Life - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

Last Season’s Success Hard to Duplicate for Mets’ Pérez - Oh yes it is.  I hope that the Mets bring Ollie in front of the arbitrators so they can explain how poorly he has performed after the first two months of the season and get a partial refund.

The Star-Ledger:

Pedro delivers quality start

Schneider, Castro give Randolph Catch-2 situation

Pedro 6th inning

Pedro 5th inning

Pedro 4th Inning

Pedro 3rd Inning

Pedro 2nd Inning

Pedro 1st Inning

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The New York Mets (28-28) are playing Game 57 of the 2008 Regular Season against the San Francisco Giants (25-33) at AT&T Park.  It’s the second game of the three-game series.  The game began at 10:05 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Easley, Wright, Beltran, Church, Tatis, Delgado, Castro, Martinez.

Giants Lineup: Lewis, Durham, Winn, Molina, Rowand, Bowker, Aurilia, Vizquel, Zito.

At the Plate

Barry Zito (1-8) was the starting pitcher for the Giants.  In the Top of the 1st, Reyes grounded to third but Aurilia (Error on Rich Aurilia) misfielded the ball so Reyes ended up on first giving the Mets a leadoff runner.  Easley lined a no-out single into center, and Reyes went first to third.  David Wright hit a sacrifice fly to right which scored Jose Reyes.  Beltran grounded to short, and turned the inning ending double play.  Zito gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Tatis drove a one-out double to the gap in left center.  Delgado worked the count full before lining out to left.  Zito intentionally walked Castro.  Martinez grounded to short, and Vizquel tagged second to end the inning leaving runners on first and second.  Zito gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Easley lined a one-out single into center.  Wright drew a one-out walk.  Beltran popped up along the first base line, and Molina made the out.  Church flied out to left to end the inning leaving runners on first and second.  Zito gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Delgado drew a one-out walk.  Castro lined out to left.  Martinez grounded a two-out single up the middle, and Delgado advance to second.  Reyes grounded to third, and Aurilia tagged third to end the inning leaving two Mets stranded.  Zito gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Easley drew a leadoff walk.  Wright grounded a on-out single through the hole on the left side, and Easley went to second.  Carlos Beltran lined a no-out RBI double down the left field line which scored Damion Easley, and Wright went from first to third.  Ryan Church hit a sacrifice fly to center which scored David Wright, and Beltran tagged up and went to third.  Tatis drew a one-out walk.  Carlos Delgado grounded to short, but Vizquel tried to tag second himself but Tatis was already there and then the throw to first was not in time so everybody is safe.  Zito gave up 3 Hits, 3 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  Zito left the game after pitching 4.1 Innings allowing 7 Hits, 6 Runs, 5 ER, 5 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Bochy replaced Zito with Vinnie Chulk with one out in the Top of the 5th.  Ramon Castro lined a single into shallow right center which scored Carlos Beltran, and everyone moved up a base.  Pedro Martinez lined an RBI single over the head of Durham which scored Fernando Tatis, and everyone is safe.  Jose Reyes grounded to second, and Durham (Error on Ray Durham) could not field the ball properly so Carlos Delgado scored, and everyone is safe.  Damion Easley lined a one-out bases clearing double into the gap in left center which scored Ramon Castro, Pedro Martinez and Jose Reyes went from first to third.  Wright flied out to right.  Beltran flied out to center to end the inning stranding Easley on second base.  Chulk gave up 3 Hits, 3 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Church grounded to first but Bowker (Error on John Bowker) botched the ball so Church ended up on first giving the Mets a leadoff runner.  With Tatis in the batters box, Chulk threw a wild pitch so Church stole second without a throw.  Tatis grounded to second, and Denker held up Church at second before making the out at first.  Delgado grounded to second, and Denker made the out at first as Church moved over to third.  Castro popped up to shallow left, and Vizquel made the out stranding Church on third.  Chulk gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Chulk left the game after pitching 1.2 Innings allowing 3 Hits, 3 Runs, 2 ER, 5 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Bochy replaced Chulk with Patrick Misch to begin the Top of the 7th.  Misch pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Misch gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  In the Top of the 8th, Misch retired the side for the second inning in a row.  Misch gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.  In the Top of the 9th, Misch now retired the Mets for the third straight inning.  Misch gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

On the Mound

Pedro Martinez (0-0) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Lewis grouned a leadoff single up the middle.  Durham flied out to left.  With Winn at the plate, Lewis stole second on a bad throw by Castro.  After the ball went into center field, Lewis went to third.  Randy Winn lined an RBI double down the left field line which scored Fred Lewis.  Molina grounded to short, and Reyes made the throw to third because Winn took off for third and Wright applied the tag.  Rowand flied out to center to end the inning.  Martinez gave up 1 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Pedro walked Bowker on four straight pitches to give the Giants a leadoff runner.  Aurilia flied out to right.  Vizquel flied out to left.  Zito grounded to second, and Easley tagged second himself to end the inning leaving Bowker stranded on first.  Martinez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Durham drew a one-out walk.  Pedro struck out Winn swinging.  Molina grounded to second, and Easley made the out at first to end the inning stranding Durham on first.  Martinez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Bowker hit a routine fly ball to left which Tatis (Error on Fernando Tatis) dropped so Bowker ended up on second.  Aurilia grounded to second, and Easley made the out at first as Bowker went to third.  Martinez intentionally walked Vizquel.  Zito grounded to short, and Reyes got the force out at second to end the inning leaving runners stranded on the corners.  Martinez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in te 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Lewis led off with a Ground Rule Double to right.  Denker is pinch hitting for Durham, and Denker lined a no-out single into right, and Lewis moved over to third.  Randy Winn lined a no-out RBI single into left which scored Fred Lewis, and Denker advanced to second.  Molina flied out to left, and both Denker and Winn tagged up and advanced a base.  Aaron Rowand grounded to second, and Easley made the out at first so Travis Denker scored and Winn went to third.  Bowker flied out to center to end the inning with Winn stranded on third.  Martinez gave up 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Aurilia drove a leadoff double to the gap in left center.  Vizquel grounded a no-out single up the middle, and Aurilia advanced to third.  Horwitz is pinch hitting for Chulk, and Pedro fanned Horwitz.  Pedro struck Lewis out looking.  Durham grounded to short, and Reyes made the out at first to end the inning with runners stranded on the corners.  Martinez gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Martinez left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 7 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 ER, 3 BBs, and he had 3 SOs.

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

Randolph replaced Smith with Pedro Feliciano to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Feliciano pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Feliciano gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Feliciano with Scott Schoeneweis to begin the Bottom of the 9th.  Holm is pinch hitting for Misch, and Holm drew a leadoff walk on four pitches.  Lewis drew a no-out walk.  Travis Denker hit a no-out 3-run shot to left field scoring Steve Holm and Fred Lewis.  Winn lined out to second.  Molina grounded a one-out single through the hole on the left side.  Schoeneweis gave up 2 Hits, 3 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

Randolph replaced Schoeneweis with Billy Wagner with one out in the Bottom of the 9th.  Rowand grounded to short, and the Mets turned the game ending double play.  Schoeneweis gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

Final Score: New York Mets 9 - San Francisco Giants 6.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Pedro Martinez (1-0) got the win and Barry Zito (1-9) got the loss.

Game Notes:

• Pedro Martinez was pretty effective in his first game back from the DL.
• The Mets put up an 8 spot in the 5th.
• Barry Zito sucks so I’m glad we didn’t get him.  I wanted him to come to the Mets until he expressed his contract demands, and then I didn’t want him on the Mets anymore.

Series Notes:

• The Mets evened up the series with the Giants 1-1.

Other Notes:

• Since June 1st, this is the Mets trend: w-l-w.
• The Mets are currently 1-1 on this road trip.
• The Mets are one game over .500 with a 29-28 record
• Jose Reyes had an 18-game hitting streak, and a 33-game on-base streak which came to an end tonight.

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Tonight, Pedro will make his second start of the season.  Hopefully he can last out there on the mound until he gets pulled by Willie, not by injury.  I have no long-term expecations of No. 45, but it would be nice to see him pitch a few good games before he gets injured again.

Mets.com:

Mets trying to move up All-Star ranks - Anthony DiComo pointed out that, “the Mets still don’t have a single player leading in voting for this summer’s All-Star Game, according to a second round of online tallies released on Tuesday by Major League Baseball.”

Amazins deal with ‘Met lag’ in San Fran

Perez’s short night sinks Mets - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

Martinez set for latest comeback start - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

Mets keep Pelfrey in rotation - Marty Noble detailed the moves that Mets made to accomodate adding Pedro Martinez to the roster.

Mets to face lots of lefties, miss aces

Newsday:

Perez shelled in Mets’ 10-2 loss to Giants - David Lennon also summarized last night’s Mets-Giants game.

Pedro, Joba to the rescue tonight

Is he still the same Pedro?

Mets-Yankees on 9/11 would be a big hit

Alou joins teammates in San Francisco

Muniz likely odd man out with Pedro back

New York Daily News:

Oliver Perez, Mets take Giant beating - Adam Rubin put together a game summary for last night’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

For Mets & fans, ESPN rides rough

Pedro Martinez: I’ll be a leader

Mike Pelfrey stays in rotation as Carlos Muniz heads back to Triple-A

New York Post:

TO THE RESCUE

WITH PEDRO, TOO, IT’S AN OPENING DAY FEEL

MUNIZ DEMOTED, PELFREY SPARED

OLLIE FAILS TO SURVIVE 1ST INNING

New York Times:

Pérez Sleeps Well, but Doesn’t Pitch Well - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

Two Months Later, Martínez Comes Back

The Star-Ledger:

Game 57: Mets at Giants - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for tonight’s Mets-Giants game.

Perez shelled, Mets never recover

Church in lineup back-to-back days

Final: Giants 10, Mets 2 - Jeremy Cothran summarized last night’s Mets-Giants game.

Remembering another N.Y. phenom - Steve Politi compares how different it was when Doc came up to Joba.

Pedro eager to lift Mets

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

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

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

Mets.com:

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

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

Newsday:

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

Now is perfect time for Mets to keep on winning

Healthy Church hits the ground running

Mets’ Randolph: Split-stadium doubleheader ‘fun’

Shea hey, Torre the toast of the town

New York Daily News:

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

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

Ryan Church returns to Mets lineup with clear head and homer

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

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

New York Post:

METS CONTINUE AN AMAZIN’ RECOVERY

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

CHURCH BLASTS HR IN RETURN

WITH PEDRO BACK, PELFREY OR VARGAS LIKELY MINORS-BOUND

New York Times:

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

Church Back in Lineup With a Smile

The Star-Ledger:

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

Postgame musings

Santana, Mets shut down Dodgers

Healthy Church returns with a bang

Mets win, Santana gets No. 100

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It is June 1, so the Metropolitans are in a new calendar month.  The Mets are 27-27 right now, so the Mets would be 81-81 if you prorate it over the course of the season.  This is worse than at the end of April when they were on pace to get 87 wins.  They haven’t hit their stride yet, as Willie would say.  The good news is that they are coming off of a productive week where they won 4 out of 5 games.  Will this hot streak carry over to June?  And for how long?

Mets.com:

Church set to resume productive role - Anthony DiComo reported that Ryan Church returns after suffering his second concussion in three months.

Tatis, Mets turn fortune around - Anthony DiComo summarized yesterday’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Reyes rebounds from early slump - Samantha Newman put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Pelfrey shakes off pressure at Shea

Castillo rests injured left leg - Anthony DiComo reported that the Doctors called Luis Castillo’s ’sore knee’ a strained hip flexor.

Injured Wise to seek second opinion - Jon Blau stated that Matt Wise wants to confirm the rotator cuff tendinitis diagnosis.

Newsday:

Mets rally in 8th, beat Dodgers on Tatis’ hit

Pelfrey sharp, but is it enough to stay a Met?

Peering over the .500 hump

Beltran’s big blast wakes up Mets

Beltran, Tatis rally Mets to 3-2 win over Dodgers - Mark Herrmann also summarized yesterday’s Dodgers-Mets game.

New York Daily News:

Carlos Beltran, Fernando Tatis spark comeback as Mets beat Dodgers - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary for yesterday’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Avoiding case of the Willies

Fernando Tatis is marvelous once again

Unlike old days, MLB teams hold fire on managers like Willie Randolph

Every time Gary Carter opens his mouth, he hurts his own cause

Mike Pelfrey throws curve into Met plans with Saturday’s performance

Ryan Church, Luis Castillo set for returns Sunday night

New York Post:

ANOTHER AMAZIN’ RALLY AT SHEA - Mike Puma summarized yesterday’s Dodgers-Mets game.

CASTILLO PINING TO PLAY

THE WAY TO ‘BELT’ BROXTON

25 BEST MOMENTS AT SHEA: NO. 17

PEDRO MUST DELIVER MORE THAN LAUGHS

MAJOR OBSTACLE - Kevin Kernan explains why it is hard for Wally Backman to find a job in the Majors.

New York Times:

Tatis Plays the Star in Another Comeback - Ben Shpigel summarized yesterday’s Dodgers-Mets game.

For Mets, Tatis’s Timing Is Perfect

The Star-Ledger:

Mets may be turning a corner

Church on Sunday - Colin Stephenson provided the lineup for tonight’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Some extra postgame quotes from the Mets’ clubhouse

Another Amazin comeback

Pelfrey makes his case to stay in rotation

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It started pouring outside so who knows if today’s game will take place.  It starts at 3:55 p.m., but the weather forecast is calling for heavy rain according to Evan on WFAN.  It just started coming down about thirty minutes ago.  Since the Mets are playing on Sunday Night Baseball tomorrow, it would be relatively easy for them to reschedule the game early tomorrow.  Or they can go into a rain delay and wait for a window.

Mets.com:

Mets’ streak over after bullpen falters - Anthony DiComo summarized last night’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Pelfrey hoping to make statement - Jon Blau put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Castillo day-to-day after injuring hip

Church feels good after pregame warmup - Samantha Newman pointed out that Ryan Church is waiting for doctor’s clearance before returning.

Pedro makes long-awaited return - Anthony DiComo reported that Pedro Martinez, “rejoined the Mets on Friday and is officially set to come off the disabled list and start against the Giants on Tuesday.”

Newsday:

L. A. routs Heilman in eighth as Mets lose - Roderick Boone also summarized last night’s Dodgers-Mets game.

Revved-up Pedro: ‘We owe something to fans’

Church says he’s ready; team will be cautious

New York Daily News:

Russell Martin gets four hits as Dodgers snap Mets’ win streak - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary for last night’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Pedro Martinez: We owe fans for ‘07

Mike Pelfrey can make pitch to stay - Andy Martino believes that Mike Pelfrey may be pitching for his job today.

 Ryan Church on Sunday? Maybe so

New York Post:

ANOTHER HEIL OF A MESS FOR METS - Bart Hubbuch walks us through another choke by Aaron Heilman last night.

TORRE FAMILIAR WITH WILLIE’S TURMOIL

CASTILLO MAY LAND ON DL

BAD CALL CAN’T BE DODGED - Brian Costello described the bad call by first-base umpire Tim Welke who called Juan Pierre safe in the eigth inning.  This was the beginning of a 5-run inning for the Dodgers.  Welke had this to say about the play,

After watching the replay three times I know why I called him safe. In my judgment his heel was on the bag before Delgado caught the ball. I know his toe is in the air and that makes it look as though he hasn’t reached the bag but I know why I called him safe.

PEDRO: ‘GREAT’ DAYS ARE AHEAD

New York Times:

Mets Give Their Fans Reasons to Boo - Joshua Robinson summarized last night’s Dodgers-Mets game.

Martínez Is Back in Mets’ Dugout, Bringing His Upbeat Attitude With Him

Church Says He Does Not Regret Helping Out Mets

The Star-Ledger:

Today’s Lineup…

Good vibes turn sour for Mets

Pedro ready to provide a lift

Mets winning streak ends; Dodgers win, 9-5 - Colin Stephenson also wrote up a game summary for last night’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Uh-oh - During last night’s game, Colin Stephenson pointed out that, “Luis Castillo has left the game with some sort of leg injury.”

Pelfrey sees the handwriting on the wall

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

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

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

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

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

Mets.com:

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

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

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

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

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

Newsday:

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

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

Church sees neurologist, takes night off

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

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

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

Marlon, Wise are hurting

Marlins showing they are more than spoilers

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

New York Daily News:

To Omar Minaya, racial divide on Mets sounds altogether wrong

Mets surpass Knicks at doctoring attendance figures

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

Johan Santana aces Mets’ gut check

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

Ryan Church’s bell is still ringing

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

Tuesday the target for Pedro’s return

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

New York Post:

SANTANA & SUBS SUBDUE MARLINS

RANDOLPH WARMS UP HIS BENCH

QUEST FOR LEADER LOST IN TRANSLATION

CHURCH MIGHT GO ON THE DL

New York Times:

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

Doctors See Danger in Letting Church Play

Delgado Benched as Slump Deepens

The Star-Ledger:

Ryan Church update

Ryan Church fallout

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

Shakeup helps Mets get a win

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

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

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