Die Hard Sports Fan

So the Metropolitans are down in the City of Brotherly Love to battle the Phighting Phils for the weekend.  This is a big series for the Mets because they can take another series from them.  Here’s the probable pitching matchups:

• 04/18/2008 - Johan Santana (1-2) - Cole Hamels (2-1)
• 04/19/2008 - Oliver Perez (1-0) - Jamie Moyer (1-0)
• 04/20/2008 - Mike Pelfrey (2-0) - Adam Eaton (0-0)

I’m all pumped up about this series. 

Mets.com:

Mets clinch sweep in wild 14th frame - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Mets, Phils take rivalry national on FOX - Ken Mandel noted that tomorrow’s game between the Mets and the Phillies will be aired nationally on FOX at 3:30 p.m.  I hate when FOX or ESPN does MLB games.  Joe Buck or Joe Morgan…I have not tolorance for them.

Santana’s goal: Keep Phils in the park - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Phillies.

Mets gaining confidence in Smith - Marty Noble tells us about Joe Smith’s early success.

Beltran out of lineup with stiff neck - Marty Noble pointed out that Carlos Beltran didn’t play in last night’s game because of a stiff neck.

Mets to honor NFL’s Jets on April 28 - Anthony DiComo wrote, “In yet another nod to the past, the Mets will honor the Jets on April 28 with a pregame salute to the team that once spent 20 seasons playing at Shea Stadium.”

Newsday:

Wild pitch in 14th gives Mets sweep over Nats - Jim Baumbach also summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Fraternization makes Mets’ Randolph hostile - David Lennon noted that Willie Randolph feels a little uncomfortable coaching against the Nationals Coach Manny Acta, who previously worked under Willie for the Mets.

Local product Lannan: 11 strikeouts for Nats - Roderick Boone pointed out how well Chaminade product John Lannan pitched for the Nationals last night against the Mets at Shea.

Beltran out with stiffness in left shoulder

New York Daily News:

Damion Easley scored on wild pitch for Mets in 14th inning to beat Nationals

Cole Hamels eager to face Johan Santana in new rivalry - Kristie Ackert discussed tonight’s pitching matchup between Johan Santana and Cole Hamels.

Carlos Beltran’s injury is a pain in neck

New York Post:

EASLEY DOES IT

FIGUEROA TAKESAMAZIN’ JOURNEY

STIFF NECK A BIG PAIN FOR CARLOS

FIGUEROA FACES FELLOW NEW YORKER - Tim Bontemps covered last night’s pitching matchup between two local guys facing each other: John Lannan from Long Beach and Nelson Figueroa from Coney Island.

New York Times:

Bullpen Gives Mets Enough Time to Finish a Rally

Figueroa’s Fan Club Moves With His Pitches - Joshua Robinson covered Figueroa’s Fan Club who have attended both of his starts at Shea this year.

Reyes’s Smile Is Back, and So Is His Effectiveness

The Star-Ledger:

Lineups, news & notes

Bienvenidos a Filadelfia. - Jeremy Cothran wrote about tonight’s game between the Mets and the Phillies.

Easley scores on wild pitch to lift Mets in 14th

Change is a good thing for Phils’ Hamels - Jeremy Cothran explains how good of a pitcher Phillies ace Cole Hamels has become.

Mets Win 3-2 in 14

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The Mets were fortunate enough to win the series against the Phillies.  That call at the plate last night could’ve went either way as I mentioned in the game summary.  I’ve seen the play a dozen more times today, and I still can’t figure out what happened.

This weekend, the Brewers are in Flushing for a three-game series.  This should be a good NL matchup for the Mets to see where the Mets really are right now.  Here’s a look at the expected pitching matchups this weekend:

• 04/11/2008 - Manny Parra (1-0) - Nelson Figueroa Jr. (0-0)
• 04/12/2008 - Ben Sheets (1-0) - Johan Santana (1-1)
• 04/13/2008 - Jeff Suppan (1-0) - Oliver Perez (1-0)

After the Brewers leave town, the Nationals come to Queens for a three-game set.  The nine-game homestand will be over then, and the Mets will go on the road.

Mets.com:

Mets edge Phils in 12 on Pagan’s single - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

Controversy surrounds song choice - According to Anthony DiComo, the initial online voting was rigged by fans to pick the Rick Astley tune.

Figueroa hopes to impress in first start - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis of tonight’s game between the Brewers and the Mets.  Nelson Figueroa Jr. is scheduled to make his first start since 2004.

Mets sign righty Vargas to Minors deal

Remembering Negro Leaguer Vazquez - Danny Torres noted that Armando Vázquez passed away in March, and Torres feels like this native Cuban was an ambassador for the game on and off field.

Newsday:

Heilman has been weak link in Mets’ bullpen - Ken Davidoff takes his shots at Aaron Heilman, and deservedly so.

Mets’ Santana not thrown by high expectations

Mets sign ex-Brewer Vargas as rotation insurance

METS INSIDER: Grumpy old ballpark - David Lennon describes Mets fans leaving Shea Stadium after Tuesday’s game.

Mets beat Phillies again on Pagan’s hit in 12th

Pagan has seized opportunity Mets have given him - Erik Boland praises Angel Pagan for filling in wonderfully for Moises Alou.

New York Daily News:

Angel Pagan delivers in 12th inning, singles in winning run in Mets win

Mets-Phillies rivalry looking like what Mets-Braves used to be - Filip Bondy describes the play at the plate in the Bottom of the 12th, and how it might play into the 2008 Mets-Phillies rivalry.

Mets sign Claudio Vargas

Nelson Figueroa full circle with Mets - Mark Lelinwalla takes us through how the Mets drafted Figueroa in 1995, he has pitched for various teams (home and abroad), and he finally will be be making his first start as a Met tonight.

Panic is too much, too soon for Mets

New York Post:

STRIKING 12TH - Brian Costello walks us through the 12th inning of last night’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

REYES SLIDE COULD LEAVE SKID BEHIND

PAGAN ENJOYING AN AMAZIN’ START

SCHOENEWEIS GETS METS OUT OF JAM

METS SIGN VARGAS

REYES NEEDS TO PHIL UP STAT SHEET - Prior to last night’s game, Tim Bontemps felt like Jose Reyes needed to get more involved.  It was good timing for the article because Reyes had two hits last night, and he was the tying run.

New York Times:

Mets Slide Past Phillies as Bullpen Holds Late

With Hernández Hobbled, Mets Come Back to Vargas

The Star-Ledger:

Mets Lineup

BRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - M.A. Mehta says he’s freezing at Shea.

Figueroa pitches tonight for Mets

Reyes scores winning run in 12th to lift Mets

Santana ready for Shea debut - David Waldstein pointed out that Johan Santana is scheduled to make his Shea debut tomorrow.

Reyes hits and Mets Win in 12

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The New York Mets are playing Game 8 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Philadelphia Phillies at Shea Stadium.  It’s the rubber game of the first home series of the year.  The game began at 7:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

Phillies Lineup: Victorino, Bruntlett, Utley, Howard, Burrell, Jenkins, Feliz, Coste, Eaton.

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Pagan, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Church, Easley, Schneider, Maine.

On the Mound

John Maine (0-1) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Top of the 1st, Victorino grounded a leadoff single up the middle.  Bruntlett popped up along the first base line as Victorino took off for second, but Delgado made the catch and throw to Easley at first for a double play.  Utley flied out to left to end the inning.  Maine gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Jenkins lined a two-out double off the wall in left center before Feliz flied out to center to end the inning.  Maine gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Coste drew a leadoff walk.  Eaton dropped down a sacrifice bunt towards first base to move Coste over to second, and Maine made the out at first.  Victorino grounded to the pitcher, and Maine made the out at first as Coste moved over to third.  Bruntlett flied out to center to end the inning.  Maine gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Burrell drew a two-out walk before Jenkins grounded out to first to end the inning.  Maine gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Maine retired the bottom of the lineup in order.  Maine gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Victorino drew a leadoff walk.  Bruntlett flied out to right.  With Utley in the batters box, Victorino took off for second and Schneider threw him out (Schneider made a great throw to Reyes).  Utley grounded to first and the ball hit first base and shot up in the air so Easley came towards first to field it and flipped it to Maine on the bag, but Utley beat out the play and collided with Easley.  Howard drew a two-out walk.  Burrell drew a two-out walk to load the bases.  Peterson paid a visit to the mound, and Smith and Schoeneweis are warming up in the bullpen.  Jenkins grounded to second, and Easley made the force play at second to get the Mets out of a jam.  Maine gave up 1 Hits, 0 Runs, 3 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the 7th, Ruiz led off with a solo shot down the left field line.  Coste lined a no-out double off of the wall in left field.  Maine left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 5 Hits, 1 Run (1 ER), 5 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Randolph replaced Maine with Pedro Feliciano after Maine faced two batters in the 7th and retired none.  Werth is pinch hitting for Eaton, and Werth drew a no-out walk.  Feliciano struck out Victorino, Bruntlett, and Utley to leave two runners straned.  Feliciano gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 3 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Randolph replaced Feliciano with Aaron Heilman to begin the Top of the 8th.  Howard led off by jacking a solo shot to deep center field to make it a one-run game (Heilman keeps on giving up homers in the 8th).  Burrell drew a no-out walk, but Taguchi is pinch running for Burrell.  Jenkins pulled a single into right field as Taguchi advanced to third.  Feliz grounded to third, and Wright made the out at first as Taguchi came home and Jenkins moved over to second.  Heilman fanned Coste.  Werth grounded out to first to end the inning as the Shea Faithful boo Heilman.  Heilman gave up 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Heilman with Billy Wagner to begin the Top of the 9th.  Rollins is pinch hitting for Romero, and Wagner caught Rollins swinging at strike three.  Bruntlett flied out to right field.  Utley drew a two-out walk.  Wagner fanned Howard.  Wagner gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 2 SOs in the 9th Inning.

Randolph replaced Wagner with Joe Smith to begin the Top of the 10th.  Jenkins drew a one-out walk.  Feliz flied out to center.  Coste lined out to first.  Smith gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 10th Inning.  In the Top of the 11th, Werth grounded to third and beat out the throw at first.  Hamels is pinch hitting for Seanez, and Hamels dropped down a bunt in front of home plate and Schneider fell so everyone is safe (Hamels was credited with the hit).  Bruntlett struck out trying to bunt.  Smith left the game after pitching 1.1 Innings allowing 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO.

Randolph replaced Smith with Scott Schoeneweis with one out in the Top of the 11th.  Utley grounded to second, and the Mets turned the double play.  Schoeneweis gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 11th Inning.  In the Top of the 12th, Jenkins grounded hard to second, but Easley (Error on Easley) couldn’t field it cleanly or make the throw on time whcih gave the Phillies a two-out base runner.  Schoeneweis gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 12th Inning.  Schoeneweis left the game after pitching 1.1 Innings allowing 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs.

Randolph replaced Schoeneweis with Jorge Sosa with two outs in the Top of the 12th.  Feliz grounded to third, and Wright got the force play at second to end the inning.  Sosa gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 12th Inning.

At the Plate

Adam Eaton (0-0) was the starting pitcher for the Phillies.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Eaton sent the Mets down 1-2-3.  Eaton gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Delgado drew a one-out walk.  Church grounded a single through the hole on the right side as Delgado moved over to second.  Easley grounded to short, and the Phillies turned the double play to end the inning.  Eaton gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Eaton retired the side in order.  Eaton gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Pagan lined a leadoff single into shallow left field.  Eaton caught Wright looking at strike three.  Beltran drew a one-out walk.  Delgado grounded to second, and Utley made the out at first as the runners advanced.  Church lined an RBI single into left center which scored Pagan and Beltran.  Easley grounded to short, and Bruntlett made the force play at second.  Eaton gave up 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Eaton pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Eaton gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Pagan lined a leadoff double into the corner in left field.  Wright grounded to short, and Bruntlett made the out at first as Pagan advanced to third.  Beltran lined an RBI single into right which scored Pagan.  Eaton fanned Delgado.  With Church in the batters box, Beltran took off for second and was thrown out by Coste.  Eaton gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  Eaton left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 5 Hits, 3 Runs (3 ER), 2 BBs, and he had 5 SOs.

Manuel replaced Eaton with Ryan Madson to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Easley lined a one-out double into the right field corner.  Schneider lined out to second.  Anderson is pinch hitting for Feliciano, and Anderson grouned out to short.  Madson gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Manuel replaced Madson with J.C. Romero to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Reyes grounded to short, but Reyes beat out the throw to first for a leadoff single.  Pagan dropped down a sacrifice bunt towards third, and Romero made the out at first as Reyes moved over to second.  Romero intentionally walked Wright.  With Beltran in the batters box, the Mets put on a double steal as Reyes and Wright advanced safely.  Romero fanned Beltran.  Delgado grounded out to third to end the inning while leaving to men on.  Romero gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Manuel replaced Romero with Brad Lidge to begin the Bottom of the 9th.  Lidge got Church swinging at strike three.  Easley grounded out to third.  Schneider drew a two-out walk.  Chavez is pinch hitting for Wagner, and Chavez grounded out to short.  Lidge gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

Manuel replaced Lidge with Rudy Seanez to begin the Bottom of the 10th.  Wright drew a two-out walk.  With Beltran in the batters box, Wright stole second base.  Beltran worked himself into a full count before swinging at strike three.  Seanez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 2 SOs in the 10th Inning.

Manuel replaced Seanez with Tom Gordon to begin the Bottom of the 11th.  Gordon sent the Mets down in order.  Gordon gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 11th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 12th, Schneider popped up to second.  Clark replaced Church, and Clark grounded out to third.  Reyes hit a two-out gaper to right center for a double.  Pagan grounded up the middle to bring Reyes home, and Reyes may have been safe or may have been out.  The Umpire called him safe.

Final Score: Philadelphia Phillies 3 - New York Mets 4.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  John Maine (0-1) and Adam Eaton (0-0) each got a no decision.

The Mets were able to grind out a win tonight so they won the series against the Phillies that they needed to win.  The Brewers are coming to Shea for a three-game series tomorrow, and then the Nationals come to Shea for a three-game series on Tuesday.

The Mets got themselves back to a .500 record (4-4) which moved them up to 2nd place.  Atlanta (3-6) went out to Colorado, but the game was postponed due to snow.  Go figure.  The Marlins beat the Nationals so the Marlins are 6-3 and the Nationals are 3-7.

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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

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The New York Mets are playing Game 7 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Philadelphia Phillies at Shea Stadium.  The game began at 7:10 p.m., and was aired on SNY.

Phillies Lineup: Victorino, Bruntlett, Utley, Howard, Burrell, Jenkins, Feliz, Ruiz, Kendrick.

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

On the Mound

Mike Pelfrey (0-0) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Top of the 1st, Pelfrey sent the top of the lineup down in order.  Pelfrey gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Pelrey struck Howard out swinging.  Burrell grounded a one-out single up the middle.  Jenkins grounded a single through the hole on right side which moved Burrell over to second. Feliz grounded to short, and Reyes (Error on Reyes) flipped it to Easley but it went into center field which loads the bases.  Ruiz grounded an RBI single through the hole on the right side which scored Burrell.  Kendrick grounded to first, and Delgado made the out at home plate.  Victorino grounded to third, and Wright made the out at first.  Pelfrey gave up 3 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Pelfrey retired the side in order.  Pelfrey gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Feliz drew a one-out walk.  Ruiz grounded into a double play.  Pelfrey gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Bruntlett drew a two-out walk.  Utley doubled with a gaper to left center which scored Bruntlett.  Howard grounded out to first to end the inning.  Pelfrey gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  Pelfrey pitched 5.0 Innings and allowed 5 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 3 SOs.

Randolph replaced Pelfrey with Jorge Sosa to begin the Top of the 6th.  Sosa got three batters to ground out.  Sosa allowed 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SO in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the 7th, Sosa had another 1-2-3 inning.  Sosa allowed 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.

Randolph replaced Sosa with Pedro Feliciano to begin the Top of the 8th.  Bruntlett lined a leadoff single into center.  Utley flied out to left field.  Feliciano struck Howard out swinging.  Burrell grounded a single through the hole on the right side as Bruntlett advanced to second.  Werth replaced Jenkins, and Werth drew a two-out walk to load the bases.  Feliz popped up to shallow center to end the inning.  Feliciano allowed 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Feliciano with Carlos Muniz to begin the Top of the 9th.  Muniz fanned Ruiz.  Coste is pinch hitting for Seanez, and Coste lined a one-out double into the left field corner.  Victorino grounded out to short as Coste moved over to third.  Bruntlett popped up at home plate, and Schneider made the final out.  Muniz allowed 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

At the Plate

Kyle Kendrick (1-0) was the starting pitcher for the Phillies.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Reyes drew a leadoff walk.  Pagan grounded to the pitcher, and Reyes advanced to second safely as Kendrick made the out at first.  Wright grounded to second base which bounced off of Utley (Error on Utley) and went into center field as Reyes came home to score.  Beltran line out to deep right center.  Delgado drew a two-out walk.  Church drew a two-out walk to load the bases.  Easley grounded to short, and Bruntlett made the out at first to end the inning.  Kendrick gave up 0 Hits, 1 Run (Unearned), 3 BBs, and he didn’t Strike Out anybody in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Schneider drew a leadoff walk.  Pelfrey dropped down a sacrifice bunt along the first base line to move Schneider over to second while Pelfrey was tagged out.  Reyes grounded to first, and Howard flipped it to Kendrick at first as Schneider advanced to third.  Pagan drew a two-out walk.  Wright drew a two-out walk to load the bases.  Beltran grounded out to second to end the inning.  Kendrick gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 3 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Delgado hit a leadoff double that one-hopped the wall in left.  Church lined a single to center which moved Delgado over to third.  Easley grounded an RBI single through the hole on the left side to score Delgado and advance Church over to second.  Schneider lined out to first.  Pelfrey dropped a bunt right in front of home plate, and Ruiz (Error on Ruiz) attempted to make the out at third, but Feliz couldn’t make the catch so the bases are loaded.  Reyes grounded to short, but Brutlett (Error on Bruntlett) couldn’t field the ball which led to Church coming home to score and the bases remained loaded.  Pagan grounded an RBI double over the third base bag and into the left field corner which scored Easley and Pelfrey and moved Reyes over to third.  Kendrick pitched 2.1 Innings allowing 4 Hits, 7 Runs, 1 ER, 6 BBs, and 0 SOs.

Manuel replaced Kendrick with Chad Durbin with one out in the Bottom of the 3rd.  Wright grounded an RBI single under the glove of Bruntlett (Error on Bruntlett) on the left side to score Reyes and moved Pagan over to third.  With Beltran in the batters box, Durbin threw a wild pitch which led to Pagan scoring.  Beltran drew a one-out walk.  Delgado lined out to right field.  Durbin struck out Church to finally bring the inning to a close.  Durbin allowed 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Durbin retired the bottom of the lineup in order.  Durbin gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Durbin sent the top of the lineup down 1-2-3.  Durbin allowed 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Durbin retired the side again.  Durbin allowed 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  Durbin pitched 3.2 Inning allowing 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 4 SOs.

Manuel replaced Durbin with Clay Condrey to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Easley drew a leadoff walk.  Schneider lined a single into right which moved Easley over to second.  Anderson is pinch hitting for Sosa, and Anderson flied out to the gap in left center, and Easley moved over to third.  Reyes grounded to second, and Schneider stalled running to second which allowed Easley to score before the double play was complete.  Condrey allowed 1 Hit, 1 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Manuel replaced Condrey with Rudy Seanez to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Pagan drew a leadoff walk.  Wright lined out to short.  Beltran flied out to right field.  Delgado flied out to left.  Seanez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Final Score: Philadelphia Phillies 2 - New York Mets 8.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Mike Pelfrey (1-0) got the win, and Kyle Kendrick (1-1) got the loss.

I’m very happy that the Mets sent a message to the Phillies by beating them 8-2.  Prior to the game, I was very concerned about Pelfrey.  Pelfrey looked really good tonight.  One of the runs he gave up in the 2nd Inning was the result of an error on Reyes which should’ve resulted in at least one out and maybe a double play.  The Bullpen put up the goose eggs today which does not follow the early trend.  The Mets only had 5 Hits today, but they cashed in on 9 BBs and 4 Errors.  With the Mets winning tonight, at least they have a shot at winning the series tomorrow with Maine on the mound.  The Mets need to win the series against the Phillies since they lost the last series to the Braves.   Last, the Amazins’ finally ended the 9-game winning streak that the Phillies were on…which is huge!

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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.

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The Mets honored William A. Shea in a pregame ceremony on the field.  The Mets retired the Shea name and hung up the plaque next to the other retired numbers.

The New York Mets are playing Game 6 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Philadelphia Phillies at Shea Stadium.  Today’s game is the 2008 Home Opener for the Mets, and the final Home Opener at Shea Stadium.

Phillies Lineup: Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, Burrell, Werth, Feliz, Ruiz, Moyer.

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

On the Mound

Oliver Perez (1-0) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Top of the 1st, Victorino dropped a one-out single into shallow center field.  Perez hit Utley with the pitch.  Howard popped up to center, and the runners held up.  Perez caught Burrell looking at strike three.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and Struck Out 1 in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Werth grounded a leadoff single through the hole on the right side.  Feliz grounded out to first, and Werth was off the bag so Delgado got the unassisted double play.  Ruiz popped up to shallow center to retire the side.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he didn’t Strike Out anybody in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Perez sent the Phillies down in order.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he didn’t Strike Out anybody in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Perez hit Utley with another pitch.  Perez struck Howard out swinging.  Burrell lined out to right.  Werth grounded to short, and Reyes made the out at second to retire the side.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he Struck Out 1 in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Ruiz lined a one-out single into right field.  Moyer drew a one-out walk.  Rollins grounded to third, and Wright made the out at second.  Victorino popped up to shallow left field to end the inning.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he didn’t Strike Out anybody in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Utley popped up to shallow center field.  Howard also popped up to shallow center.  Burrell drew a two-out walk.  With Werth in the batters box, Perez was called for a balk and Burrell advanced to second.  Perez threw a passed ball on ball four, so Burrell took off for third as Werth was granted first base.  Perez pitched 5.2 Innings giving up 3 Hits, 0 Runs, 3 BBs, and he Struck Out 2.

Randolph replaced Perez with Joe Smith with two outs in the Top of the 6th, Feliz drew a two-out walk to load the bases.  Ruiz grounded out to short to leave three Phillies stranded.  Smith gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he didn’t Strike Out anybody in the 6th Inning.

Randolph replaced Smith with Scott Schoeneweis to begin the Top of the 7th.  Taguchi is pinch hitting for Moyer, and Taguchi grouned out to second.  Rollins lined a one-out single to left.  Victorino grounded a single up the middle, and Rollins moved over to second.  Shoeneweis hit Utley with the pitch to load the bases.  Howard grounded an RBI single to first, and Delgado hit Utley in the back as he was running to second which scored Rollins and Victorino (an Error by Delgado allowed Victorino to score).  Shoeneweis pitched 0.1 Innings giving up 2 Hits, 3 Runs (1 Earned), 0 BBs, and he didn’t Strike Out anybody in the 7th Inning.

Randolph replaced Schoeneweis with Jorge Sosa with one out in the Top of the 7th.  Burrell lined out to right field, and Utley tagged and moved over to third.  Werth grounded an RBI opposite field single through the hole on the right side to score Utley.  Feliz popped up to shallow center to end the inning.  Sosa pitched 0.2 Innings allowing 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he didn’t Strike Out anybody in the 7th Inning.

Randolph replaced Sosa with Aaron Heilman to begin the Top of the 8th.  Ruiz drew a leadoff walk.  Taguchi laid down a sacrifice bunt towards first, and Heilman made the out at first.  Rollins pulled an RBI single into right field scoring Ruiz.  With Victorino in the batters box, Heilman threw a passed ball which moved Rollins to second.  Victorino drew a one-out walk.  Utley pulled an RBI double into right that one-hopped the wall and scored Rollins.  Heilman intentionally walked Howard to load the bases.  Jenkins is pinch hitting for Burrell, and Jenkins popped up to first.  Werth lined out to right to end the inning.  Heilman gave up 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 3 BBs, and he didn’t Strike Out anybody in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Heilman with Carlos Muniz to begin the Top of the 9th.  Ruiz retired the side in order.  Ruiz gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he didn’t Strike Out anybody in the 9th Inning.

At the Plate

Jamie Moyer (0-0) was the starting pitcher for the Phillies.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Castillo drew a one-out walk.  Wright flied out to the warning track in center field.  Beltran grounded out to third to end the inning.  Moyer gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he didn’t Strike Out anybody in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Delgado belted a leadoff home run off the scoreboard in right center.  Pagan flied out to deep left center.  Moyer hit Church with a pitch.  Schneider grounded into a double play to end the inning.  Moyer gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he didn’t Strike Out anybody in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Moyer got all three batters he faced to ground out.  Moyer gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he didn’t Strike Out anybody in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Wright flied out to deep right center, and Victorino collided into Werth but held onto the ball.  Beltran drew a one-out walk.  Delgado softly hit an opposite field single into left as Beltran advanced to second.  Pagan grounded hard to second and beat out the play at first to load the bases.  Church grounded out slowly to first which scored Beltran, and the runners advanced to second and third.  Moyer intentionally walked Schneider to load the bases.  Moyer struck out Perez swining to limit the damage.  Moyer gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 2 BBs, and he Struck Out 1 in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Wright pulled a two-out double into the left field corner.  Beltran lined out to deep center to end the inning.  Moyer gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he did’t Strike Out anybody.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Moyer sent the Mets down 1-2-3.  Moyer gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he didn’t Strike Out anybody in the 6th Inning.  Moyer pitched 6.0 Innings and gave up 4 Hits, 2 Runs, 3 BBs, and he Struck Out 1.

Manuel replaced Moyer Chad Durbin with to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Church led off with a ground ball up the middle.  Chavez replaced Pagan, and Chavez grounded to short and the Phillies turned the double play.  Reyes grounded a two-out single up the middle.  Easley replaced Castillo, and Easley flied out to the warning track in left field to end the inning.  Durbin gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he didn’t Strike Out anybody in the 7th Inning.

Manuel replaced Durbin with J.C. Romero to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Beltran pulled a line drive down into the left field corner for a one-out double.  Delgado grounded out to second as Beltran moved over to third.  Clark is pinch hitting for Chavez, and Clark drew a two-out walk.  Church grounded out to second to end the inning.  Romero gaveup 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he Struck Out 1 in the 8th Inning.

Manuel replaced Romero with Tom Gordon to begin the Bottom of the 9th.  Gordon struck Schneider out swining.  Chavez grounded out to the pitcher.  Reyes flied out to the warning track in right to end the game.  Gordon gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he Struck Out 1 in the 9th Inning.

Final Score: Philadelphia Phillies 5 - New York Mets 2.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.

Oli pitched shutout ball through 5 2/3 innings before the Bullpen gave another game away.  It was a good thing that the Mets beat the Marlins in the 2008 Season Opener because they were unable to win their final Home Opener at Shea.  The Bullpen gave away 3 straight games to the NL East contenders which is really bad.  The Mets need to win the final two games of this series so Pelfrey needs to step up big tomorrow night.  Even more than that, the Bullpen needs to resolve their issues so the Mets can win some games.

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The final home opener at Shea Stadium will take place tomorrow at 1:10 p.m.  The game will be aired on SNY.  Who better to come to Flushing for the final home opener than the Phillies?  The NL East has long been dominated by the Braves, but the Mets ended the Braves reign of the division in 2006.  Prior to the 2007 season, Jimmy Rollins declared the Phillies as the “team to beat”.  After an epic collapse by the Mets, it turned out that Rollins was correct.  Prior to the 2008 season, Carlos Beltran declared the Mets as the “team to beat”.  Now that the Braves have been out of the mix for two years and the Mets and the Phillies are the new sheriffs in town, why not make this divisional rivalry better by having the Mets host the Phillies for the final home opener at Shea?  After both teams talked trash all offseason, let’s see what they can do on the field in ‘08.

The Phillies will be in Queens for a three-game series against the Mets.  Here’s a look at the expected pitching matchups:

• 04/08/2008 - Jamie Moyer (0-0) vs. Oliver Perez (1-0)
• 04/09/2008 - Kyle Kendrick (1-0) vs. Mike Pelfrey (0-0)
• 04/10/2008 - Adam Eaton (0-0) vs. John Maine (0-1)

These probable pitching matchups are from MLB.com.  Perez is getting to start the home opener because of Pedro being placed on the DL.  Hopefully, Oli will take advantage of the opportunity that has been given to him.  Pelfrey’s ‘08 debut is a question mark after a poor Spring Training.  Hopefully, Maine will let us Mets fans know that his 2008 debut was nothing more than trying to do to much and all will be fine the rest of the year.

Mets.com:

Mets ready to open Shea one last time - Marty Noble says both new and old members of the Mets are expecting a warm welcome from the fans.

Beltran, Rollins linked by leadership - Anthony DiComo believes that the bold statements made by Carlos Beltran and Jimmy Rollins about their own team led to getting the rivals’ attention.

Perez to open final season at Shea - Marty Noble assembled a pregame analysis of the Mets home opener against the Phillies.  Oliver Perez will get the start against Jamie Moyer.

Newsday:

Mets can’t help Santana, lose again to Braves - David Lennon summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Braves.

For openers, Mets fans: forgive, forget, forward - Shaun Powell discusses the final home opener at Shea Stadium.

Mets’ Church thought he would haul in home run - According to David Lennon, Ryan Church thought he was going to catch Mark Teixeira’s two-run homer in the 8th Inning.  Church was very close, but no cigar.

New York Daily News:

Carlos Beltran will Shea it again: Mets are No. 1

No stolen moments for Mets - Adam Rubin asks, “What’s happened to Jose Reyes as a base-stealing threat?”  I want to know what happened to Jose Reyes as a baseball player?

New York Post:

JOHAN CAN’T DO IT ALONE

HAPPY TO FINALLY BE BACK IN NY

SILVER LINING FROM DELGADO - George Willis critiques the play of Mets through 5 games into the season, but he only has positive things to say about Carlos Delgado.

SANTANA CAN’T SAVE METS FROM 3-1 BRAVES LOSS

25 GREATEST MOMENTS IN SHEA STADIUM

The Star-Ledger:

Randolph taking cautious steps after Wise MRI

Santana sharp but Mets’ bats go dull

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The Mets won both of their games today.  They are hot right now so I wish it counted.  The best Mets article of the day is “Castro, Delgado injured in Mets game” by Anthony Rieber.  Rieber followed up on the status of both players injured in today’s game.  At least Delgado isn’t as injured as it appeared.

Mets.com:

Pedro blanks Tigers in spring debut - Marty Noble summarized today’s second game between the Tigers and the Mets.  The Mets beat the Tigers 7-4.  Pedro Martinez got the start.  The Mets are 12-7-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Young Mets upstage Astros on road - Alyson Footer summarized one of today’s split-squad games between the Mets and the Astros.  The Mets beat the Astros 6-4.  Nelson Figueroa got the start.

Good signs from Martinez in debut - Marty Noble pointed out that Martinez threw four scoreless innings, with four hits and four Ks, and then went on to describe Pedro’s Spring Training debut.  Martinez said “I’m right where I want to be.” after his first start.

Pedro makes anticipated debut Sunday - Finally!!!

With no DH, Johan steps up to plate - After Johan Santana grounded out in his first at-bat of the spring, Anthony DiComo captured Santana’s thoughts, “At least I made contact. I didn’t strike out. It was a little weird, but it’s part of the game and I’ve got to adjust to it. Those are the little things that I’ll have to learn how to do.”

Newsday:

Castro, Delgado injured in Mets game - Anthony Rieber explained what happened to Carlos Delgado, ”Delgado went down in an attempt to dodge the dangerous, pointy projectile, but was hit. His arm was bloodied and he immediately went into the Mets’ dugout and then to the clubhouse. He required four stitches to close the wound and left the ballpark with a playing-card-sized bandage taped to his forearm.”  Next, Rieber told us how Ramon Castro got injured, “Castro, catching Martinez in his first game since March 9, re-injured his right hamstring when running to first on a single in his first at-bat. As soon as he reached the bag and time out was called, Castro limped off to the third-base dugout and was replaced by a pinch runner.”

Baby’s heart surgery: Big save for Mets’ Feliciano - Anthony Rieber followed up on the health of Pedro Feliciano’s baby who had heart surgery during the offseason.  Feliciano described his daughter’s health as:

My baby, after surgery she never gets a fever, nothing, no change color, no blue hands, nothing. They don’t know how she reacts that good after surgery. Strong kid. The same day that they bring her back to the room, she got up. Just got the surgery and she got up and started moving. They had to get the liquid for her to go to sleep.

Castillo’s back for Mets, who are getting healthy - Anthony Rieber explained how Luis Castillo played in his first game yesterday against the Cardinals.  After playing 5½ innings, Castillo went 0-for-1 with two walks.  Luis had this to say about his play, “I feel so good. I feel so happy with myself because I made the right decision having surgery. I feel so different. A long time I don’t feel like that.”

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? RON HUNT - Jim Baubach stated that, “Ron Hunt, the first Mets player to get a hit, score a run and hit a home run at Shea Stadium, wants to be on hand when the team officially closes the stadium.”  Yet, Hunt hasn’t been invited to a Mets alumni function in many years.  Hunt said, “I would hope since I was there to open Shea, I hope I will get an invitation to put it away, too,” Hunt said. “And then an invitation to open the new one as well.”  In response to that, Mets VP for media relations, Jay Horwitz stated that ”We’re very aware of what he’s done, so I’m sure he will be hearing from us in the season. I’m sure he’ll be back.”

Can Pedro tame Tigers in first real test for Mets?

New York Daily News:

Johan Santana aced by Cardinals

Luis Castillo’s return a success

New York Post:

PEDRO ON MARCH

WAGNER: ROLLINS ONLY HALF RIGHT - The fued between the Mets and the Phillies continues.  In response to the comments Rollins made, Billy Wagner said:

He’s right. He’s right that they’re the team to beat. They’re excited they got to the playoffs. As far as do they want it more? It’s up to the guys in this clubhouse to prove him wrong. Obviously last year he was right and so far he’s been good at telling the future.

I expect it to be fun. I expect it to be high intensity. I expect it to be very - there should be some intensity to these games. We should play better. We should play better against the Phillies. They weren’t the better team. They just played better than us.

The Star-Ledger:

Game 18: Tigers at Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game between the Tigers and the Mets.

Castillo striving to get up to speed

Beltran stepping up to the plate - The Star-Ledger found out what Carlos Beltran is doing to take on more of a leadership role.

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The Mets dropped another Spring Training game to the Cards.  Like I said the last time the Mets lost to the Cardinals, I hate when that happens.

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Mets.com:

Castillo reaps benefits of slow return - Anthony DiComo lets us know that Luis Castillo feels great in his Grapefruit League debut.

Johan, Mets remain vexed by Cards - Anthony DiComo summarized today’s game between the Cardinals and the Mets.  The Cards beat the Mets 10-3.  Johan Santana got the start.  The Mets are 10-7-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Vargas seeks second opinion on hip - Anthony DiComo reported that ”Jason Vargas traveled to Colorado on Saturday for a second opinion on his sore left hip, which may require surgery.”

Camp nearing end, Mets roster ailing - Marty Noble stated that the calendar is counting down and the lineup remains incomplete.

Which teams have the best defense? - Lyle Spencer pointed out that MLB.com produced a list of the five premier defensive units heading into 2008.  This list includes these teams: New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, and Kansas City Royals.  Spencer explained why each of these teams made the list, and here is what he wrote about the Mets:

Johan Santana, whose glove is a matching accessory to his golden arm, will enjoy watching his new teammates pick it. Jose Reyes is the game’s premier defensive infielder in the view of advance scouts participating in MLB.com’s survey, and his partner on the left side, Gold Glover David Wright, also is first-rate. Ryan Church enhances an outfield that features Gold Glover Carlos Beltran and arguably the game’s best all-purpose sub in Endy Chavez. There are no serious chinks in manager Willie Randolph’s defensive armor.

Pitchers row laughs are par for course - Marty Noble revealed that Pedro Martinez was never into golfing like most MLB pitchers are, but now Martinez brought a golf bag to Spring Training, and said this to his colleagues, “You guys are going to teach me. If someone can tell me where to put my feet, I’ll be all right.”

Newsday:

Mets’ Valentin makes a major plea about his role - Anthony Rieber wrote that “Jose Valentin knows the Mets have made him no promises. He knows they signed Luis Castillo to a four-year contract to play second base. He also knows he signed a minor-league deal that allows the team to send him down if he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster.”  If Valentin does not make the team, he said, “I mean, I’m not going down there because they say I don’t make it. I don’t have to prove something in Triple-A. Money-wise, it’s not a big deal. I think that if I just shut it down right now and retire, I’ve still got enough money to live the rest of my life.”

New York Daily News:

Willie Randolph closes in on opener - Adam Rubin pointed out that Willie Randolph needs to get the full squad together in order to get ready for the season.

Jimmy Rollins repeats NL East boast - Here’s what Jimmy Rollins was quoted as saying in the April issue of Men’s Journal.  “That wasn’t a one-year thing. It’s still gonna ring true in 2008, and every year I’m with the Phillies. We’re going to win. It’s gonna come down to who wants it more, and we want to win more than the Mets do. Truthfully, I don’t worry about anybody in our division, or anybody in our league for that matter. I’m not worried about getting into the playoffs, because that part is accomplished. We’re a playoff team now. Our next goal is to win the World Series.”

New York Post:

BURNING QUESTION - Bart Hubbuch believes that Aaron Heilman has settled into the bullpen, but he still would prefer to be in the starting rotation.

AMAZIN’ STAFF HAS ANOTHER MAINE MAN

New York Times:

Soothsayer to Mets Won’t Brush Off Signs - Karen Crouse tells a story of a Mets fan in Floriday.

Castillo Feels No Pain in Spring Debut

Mets’ Schoeneweis Puts Painful Year Behind Him - Charlie Nobles discusses the injuries that Scott Schoeneweis suffered last season, and how he aims to put last year behind him.

The Star-Ledger:

Castillo plays, feels healthy

Getting Things Started Wright - Matthew Artus has spent the last few days pondering a debate that arose recently over at Shea Nation regarding where David Wright should bat in the Mets’ lineup.  In his article, he makes his case.

Castro is also a big hit on field - Jeremy Cothran revealed Ramon Castro as the prankster that placed the bubble gum on Castillo.

With 5 at-bats, Schneider feels he’ll be ready

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