Die Hard Sports Fan

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.

Share This

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

Share This

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

Share This

The New York Mets (27-27) are playing Game 55 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Los Angeles Dodgers (27-28) at Shea Stadium.  It’s the final game of the four-game series.  The game began at 8:05 p.m., and it was aired on ESPN.

Dodgers Lineup: Pierre, Kemp, Kent, Loney, Martin, Young, DeWitt, Maza, Kuroda.

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

On the Mound

Johan Santana (6-3) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Top of the 1st, Pierre led off with a double down the third bas line.  Matt Kemp lined a no-out RBI single into center, and Juan Pierre came around to score.  Santana struck out Kent looking.  Santana picked off Kemp at first, and the Mets got Kemp in a rundown and Reyes applied the tag.  Santana struck out Loney looking to end the inning.  Santana gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Martin drew a leadoff walk.  Santana fanned Young.  Santana struck out DeWitt on three straight pitches.  Maza drew a two-out walk.  Kuroda popped up to first, and Delgado made the final out of the inning.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Kemp beat out a one-out infield single to short that Wright barehanded and threw to first.  Kent grounded to short, and the Mets turned the inning ending double play.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Santana pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Santana retired the side for the second straight inning.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Pierre lined a leadoff single up the middle.  Kemp grounded to short, and Reyes got the lead runner out at second.  Kent grounded to third, and the Mets turned the inning ending double play.  Santana gave up 1 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the7th, Loney lined a leadoff single up the middle.  Martin flied out to left center, and Beltran made the catch.  Young grounded to first, and Delgado made the throw to second to get the lead runner out.  Santana struck out DeWitt looking at strike three.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  In the Top of the 8th, Pierre drew a two-out walk.  Kemp grounded a two-out single up the middle, and Pierre advanced to second.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.  Santana left the game after pitching 7.2 Innings allowing 6 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 3 BBs, and he had 6 SOs.

Randolph replaced Santana with Joe Smith with two outs in the Top of the 8th.  Smith hit Kent with the pitch which loaded the bases.  Smith gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Smith with Scott Schoeneweis with two outs in the Top of the 8th.  Loney grounded to short, and Reyes made the out at first to end the inning with the bases loaded.  Schoeneweis gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Schoeneweis with Pedro Feliciano to begin the Top of the 9th.  Feliciano slammed the door on the Dodgers.  Feliciano gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

At the Plate

Hiroki Kuroda (2-4) was the starting pitcher for the Dodgers.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Reyes grounded a leadoff single up the middle.  With Castillo at the plate, Reyes beat out the throw as he stole second base.  Castillo flied out to center, and Reyes held up.  David Wright lined a one-out RBI single into right, and Jose Reyes came around to score.  Beltran hit a slow ground ball towards third, and Kuroda made the out at first as Wright advanced to third.  Delgado flied out to center to end the inning with Wright stranded on third.  Kuroda gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Kuroda pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Kuroda gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Reyes lined a one-out double into the gap in left center.  Castillo grounded to short, andent made the out at first as Reyes moved over to third.  David Wright grounded a two-out RBI single through the hole on the left side, and Jose Reyes scored.  Carlos Beltran hit a two-out 2-run bomb to right field scoring David Wright.  Kuroda hit Delgado with the pitch.  Ryan Church drilled a two-out 2-run jack to right field scoring Carlos Delgado.  Schneider pulled a two-out double down the left field line.  Kuroda intentionally walked Chavez.  Kuroda gave up 5 Hits, 5 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  Kuroda left the game after pitching 2.2 Innings allowing 7 Hits, 6 Runs, 6 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs.

Torre replaced Kuroda with Hong-Chih Kuo with two outs in the Bottom of the 3rd.  Santana grounded to first, and Loney tagged first to end the inning.  Kuo gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the Bottom of the 3rd.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Wright grounded a two-out single up the middle.  With Beltran at the plate, Wright beat out the throw by Martin as he stole second.  Kuo intentionally walked Beltran.  Delgado lined out to left to end the inning leaving Mets on first and second.  Kuo gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Church led off with a leadoff double over the head of Loney.  Schneider grounded to short, and Maza looked Church back to second before making the out at first.  Chavez grounded to second, and Kent made the out at first.  Santana lined out to left ending the inning leaving Church stranded on second.  Kuo gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Kuo pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Kuo gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 7th, Beltran grounded to short but Maza (Error on Luis Maza) made a wild throw to first to Beltran is on first.  Delgado grounded to second, and Kent got the lead runner out at second.  Church grounded a one-out single through the hole on the left side, and Beltran advanced to second.  Kuo struck out Schneider looking.  Chavez lined out to left to end the inning.  Kuo gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.

Torre replaced Kuo with Cory Wade to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Wade quickly retired the side in order.  Wade gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Final Score: Los Angeles Dodgers 1 - New York Mets 6.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Johan Santana (7-3) got the win and Hiroki Kuroda (2-5) took the loss.

Game Notes:

• Johan Santana pitched a great game tonight allowing only 1 run.
• David Wright drove in Jose Reyes twice.
• Carlos Beltran hit a 2-run bomb the second game in a row.
• Ryan Church had a 2-run jack in his first game back from the concussion.

Series Notes:

• The Mets won the series against the Dodgers 3-1.

Other Notes:

• Since June 1st, this is the Mets trend: w.
• The Mets are currently 5-2 on this homestand.
• The Mets are one game above .500 with a 28-27 record

Share This

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

Share This

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

Share This

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.

Share This

The Metropolitans were unable to provide Willie with a post-meeting victory last night.  Various Mets were asked if Willie should be their manager, and only Wagner stated that he supported Willie.  Other players danced around the question, and tried to be politically correct.  Delgado got really weird about the question.  I’ve been trying to find the full quote, but none of the papers got it.  Here’s a portion of what Carlos said, “I’ll tell you what I think. I think we need to play better. I think they don’t pay me to think. They pay me to play baseball. … (That’s) not a good question to ask.”  When I listened to it, he finished the last question by saying that it’s not a good question to ask in front of everybody.  So when should reporters ask the question?  Also, Delgado was very nasty to the reporters after the first couple of questions.  He began swearing which is probably why I can’t find it in the papers.  Remember this, Delgado didn’t want to be on the Mets so he went to the Marlins instead.  So what did Omar do?  He went out and got Delgado.  Carlos had one good year on the Mets in ‘06.  In ‘07, he had a .258 average and was bored.  This year, he has a .215 average.  He’s a classless bum so get rid of him.  The team chemistry should improve a little bit from this.  I’m sure there’s more problems, but this is a good start.  Thanks Willie for benching Delgado tonight.  There are much bigger problems than Willie.  Omar believes that he has championship talent so he is the first person that needs to wake up and smell the coffee.  Once he realizes how wrong he is in his assessment, he will have to get rid of the bums and bring in championship talent.  Even if these players have the physical talent, they don’t have the mental talent.  Take Reyes for example.  He has been great until Willie benched him.  Once there was adversity, he has sucked.  Down the stretch in ‘07, he sucked.  Now that the Mets are supposed to win, Reyes sucks and the Mets are playing .500 ball.  Reyes was able to succeed without pressure.  After the collapse, my question was whether or not Reyes was injured or childish.  I was upset with the Mets for not stating what the problem was until Spring Training.  I thought Reyes should’ve been dealt to the Twins if he was being childish, but not if he was injured.  In Spring Training, we found out that he was being a baby and he’s still on the Mets.  Omar needs to take a better look at this team, and there are so many more issues.

Mets.com:

Mets reliving a bit of history - Marty Noble compared the ‘08 Mets to the ‘04 Mets.

Mets held at bay by first-place Marlins - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Heilman locating pitches better of late - Jon Blau put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Pedro to make return on June 3

Randolph to remain manager of Mets

Church to see a neurologist - Marty Noble reported that Ryan Church, “is to be examined by a neurologist.”  Also, Marlon Anderson was, ”assigned to the disabled list because of a strain of his left hamstring.”

Tigers and Mets have common ground - Fred Claire believes that the Mets and the Tigers are struggling despite big offseason moves.

Newsday:

In the end, this town could make Willie toast

Same old ending as Marlins top Mets, 7-3 - Arthur Staple also summarized last night’s Marlins-Mets game.

Randolph still Mets manager after meeting

Beltran on manager situation: It’s a distraction - Carlos Beltran had this to say about Willie’s status:

I think they should say that and come out with something like that. Because it is a distraction. The reality is people say, ‘No, that doesn’t affect the ballclub,’ but it does. It does because you come to the ballpark wondering what’s going to happen. It’s natural as players, we all think like that.

At one point, I was in that situation when they were talking every day about me being traded when I was in Kansas City. To me, it was thinking it might be today. Tomorrow might be the day. It’s not fun coming wondering like that every day to the ballpark.

Randolph saga is field day for media - I bet it is.  It’s been so overdone.  I was bored of the story after the first two days.

Lightning kills former Mets pitcher Gonzalez - The AP reported that “Former Mets pitcher Geremi Gonzalez was killed by a lightning strike in his native Venezuela on Sunday. He was 33.”  I’ve never actually knew anybody that was killed by lightning.  That is an awful story.  Die Hard Mets Fan sends our prayers to Geremi Gonzalez.

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what happened at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium on May 27 of a year in the past.

New York Daily News:

Embattled Mets manager Willie Randolph has brass’ support - for now

Fielding gaffes fail to boost Willie Randolph and doom Mets vs. Marlins - Peter Botte wrote up a game summary for last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Willie Randolph survives to manage the Mets another day

One meeting can’t clean up the Mets

Met players: It’s on us and not Willie Randolph

Thank Aaron Heilman for preventing blowout vs. Marlins

Ryan Church service still on hold

Lightning kills ex-Met riding boat

New York Post:

THERE’S A WILL, BUT NOT A WAY

DON’T BLAME WILLIE

THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB ON A TEAM OF GOATS

PELFREY’S PUZZLED BY POOR START

BLAME FOR THIS MESS GOES BEYOND DUGOUT

JOSE’S HOT BAT CAN’T START FIRE

WILLIE’S REPRIEVE

PLAYERS: BLAME SHOULD FALL ON US

WILLIE RANDOLPH KEEPS HIS JOB

TRADING PLACES - Dan Tomasino pointed out that, “The first-place team in the NL East will play at Shea Stadium tonight, but it’s not the hometown Mets.”

New York Times:

Randolph Is Still Mets’ Manager

No Good News for Randolph as Mets Lose Again - Joe LaPointe summarized last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

The Star-Ledger:

Game 50: Marlins at Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for tonight’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Wise placed on DL - Jeremy Cothran reported that, “Matt Wise was placed on the 15-day disabled list with weakness in his throwing (right) shoulder. To fill the void in the bullpen, the Mets called up RHP Carlos Muniz from Triple-A New Orleans.”

Somebody has to go, but it’s not Willie

Players speak volumes by staying silent

Reyes continues puzzling season

Willie will, for now

It’s all about the manager right now

Share This

I really believed that the Amazin’s were going to win 5 straight to offset the 5 game losing streak.  That is the first time this month that the Mets didn’t follow that trend, and it’s pretty late in the month.  So the Mets lost again, and Willie’s big meeting with the Wilpon’s is tomorrow.  During the past ten days, the local press and sports radio stations like The Fan have made this a gigantic story.  I was bored of it last weekend, and it’s not over yet.  Let’s see what happens to Willie tomorrow and in the upcoming weeks.

Mets.com:

Long ball tops Maine, Mets in Denver - Owen Perkins summarized today’s Mets-Rockies game.

Church improving but still woozy

Pedro champing at the bit to return - Owen Perkins lets us know the latest on Pedro Martinez, “Pedro Martinez was scheduled to throw a bullpen session in the Dominican Republic on Sunday and is expected to return to Florida on Monday.”

Minaya sees calmer waters for Mets - Omar Minaya was quoted as saying, “We understand there’s other drama around the team, but we’ve got to win games. I think [the drama] is over. Once Willie apologized, that’s it, move forward.”

Evans, Vargas give Mets a boost in win - Owen Perkins summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Tatis’ hard work paying off with Mets - Owen Perkins wrote up a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Delgado homers past Dawson - Carlos Delgado passed Andre Dawson for sole possession of 35th on the all-time list with 439 home runs.

Anderson latest Mets outfielder to sit - Owen Perkins reported that Marlon Anderson is listed as day-to-day.

Newsday:

On hot seat, Mets’ Willie becomes Good Humor man - David Lennon wrote up a game summary for yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Evans’ three-double debut leads Mets

LETS RANT

One watcher’s ride on Mets history by the numbers

Surprise starts: Which teams will stay hot, cold

New York Daily News:

Slumping Mets can’t solve Rockies’ patchwork lineup - The AP summarized today’s Mets-Rockies game.

Willie Randolph gets stay of execution as Mets rock Colorado - Adam Rubin summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Ax Willie Randolph? Omar Minaya deserves share of blame

Win some games, Willie Randolph

The Willie Randolph I know well

Willie Randolph tries to stay upbeat as meeting looms

Pedro Martinez is ready, Mets aren’t

Called-up Nick Evans makes mark on the double

Gary Carter just Kidding, now backs Willie Randolph - What’s wrong with The Kid?

New York Post:

BACK TO SLEEP - Bart Hubbuch wrote up a game summary for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

‘KISS OF DEATH’

RANDOLPH WINS A REPRIEVE - FOR NOW

25 BEST MOMENTS AT SHEA: NO. 18

METS’ YOUNGSTER IS ‘DOUBLE’ THE TROUBLE IN MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT

VARGAS MAKES PITCH TO STAY

WILLIE RESIGNED TO FINAL CUT

New York Times:

Mets Loss to Rockies Adds Pressure on Randolph - Ben Shpigel summarized today’s Mets-Rockies game.

The Star-Ledger:

Final: Rockies 4, Mets 1 - Jeremy Cothran put together a game summary for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Maine no-hitter finished

Game 48: Mets at Rockies - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s Mets-Rockies game.

Finally, all goes right for Mets

Rookie arrives double time

Willie prepared for talk

Share This

For one day, the Mets were clicking on all cylindars.  It must be that Rocky Mountain air.  They scored 5 runs in the first inning and kept tacking on insurance runs.  Vargas was pretty solid today.  He only allowed 2 runs in 6 innings.  And what a great Evans had in his Mets debut.  Perhaps the Mets will be able to win this series before coming home.  I would love to see that.

Mets.com:

Evans makes his mark right away - Nick Evans made a name for himself in his MLB debut today so Owen Perkins lets us know all about that.

Randolph keeping eye on the ball

Mets’ skid stretched to five at Coors - Owen Perkins summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Mets turn to Vargas on short rest - Owen Perkins put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Minaya reiterates support for Randolph - Here’s part of what Omar Minaya stated about Willie Randolph.  Check out the article to find out more.

Willie Randolph is our manager. He has my support. He has our ownership’s support. I am here to support Willie. I’m here to let him know my support, to encourage him and to let him know we believe he can get this team on track. Willie’s totally dedicated to doing that, and I believe he can do that.

The team’s not playing well, and sometimes as the general manager, you have to see how the team is playing. This is one of those situations that you always leave open the ability to visit the team and see the team. We had a good [series] last weekend with the Yankees, but the fact that we didn’t play well — we played some good games, but the bottom line is we lost in Atlanta — and I felt it was important for me as the general manager to be with the team now, especially finishing off the road trip.

When we get back to New York, we’ll sit down and talk and look each other in the eye. Sit down in a room and have Willie have a little bit of a conversation with the ownership and myself and tell us why he felt those things were said.

Mets, Randolph focused on playing ball

Anderson exits with pulled hammy - Owen Perkins lets us know that Marlon Anderson left last night’s game because he suffered a strained left hamstring.

Woozy Church out of starting lineup - Owen Perkins pointed out that Ryan Church sat out for the third straight game after suffering from a mild concussion.

Newsday:

Minaya gives Randolph vote of confidence

Church still dizzy from apparent concussion

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what happened at Shea Stadium and at Yankee Stadium on May 23 of a year in the past.

New York Daily News:

Willie Randolph gets stay of execution as Mets rock Colorado - The AP wrote up a game summary for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Gary Carter would love to take Shea reins as Mets manager - Adam Rubin found out what Gary Carter said about managing the Mets when asked by “The Mike and Murray Show” on Sirius Satellite Radio.

Mets lose in 13 innings to Rockies, drop fifth straight - Adam Rubin also summarized last night’s Mets-Rockies game.

Pedro Martinez wants to pitch - Pedro Martinez said, “My dad told me he wants to see me pitch again”

Ryan Church Bering head woes

New York Post:

RANDOLPH’S ON A ROCKY ROAD

PATH TO REDEMPTION STILL OPEN TO WILLIE

NO HOLLIDAY FOR AMAZIN’S IN COLORADO

MARTINEZ’S DL RETURN DELAYED BY TRIP TO D.R.

New York Times:

Mets Win and Change the Subject for a Day - Ben Shpigel summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

After Minaya Supports Randolph, Mets Lose in 13 - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s Mets-Rockies game.

Wright Wants Mets to Take Losses Personally

The Star-Ledger:

Final: Mets 9, Rockies 2 - Jeremy Cothran wrote up a game summary about today’s Mets-Rockies game.

Game 47: Mets at Rockies - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Closing up shop (finally) in Denver

Church a scratch, dizzy after flight

Who’s in line for Willie’s job?

Omar offers Randolph a vote of confidence

Mets reportedly call up Nick Evans

Omar: We’re going to support Willie

Share This