Die Hard Sports Fan

In this week’s ‘25 BEST MOMENTS AT SHEA’, Brian Costello of the New York Post lets us know what No. 12 is…

SHEA STADIUM

June 21, 1964

Shea Stadium was two months old when it played host to its first truly historic moment. The Phillies’ Jim Bunning pitched a perfect game on Father’s Day, the first perfect game in the National League in 84 years.

It was the first game of a doubleheader and Philadelphia would win 6-0, but all anyone talked about was the pitching performance from the lanky right-hander.

The 32,904 fans at the game became Bunning fans in the final inning as he became the eighth man in the history of Major League Baseball to achieve perfection. He also became the first pitcher in the modern era to throw a no-hitter in both leagues. He had no-hit the Red Sox in 1958 as a member of the Tigers. That day he walked two and hit one.

Against the Mets New York Mets , he was flawless. It took him only 90 pitches and the 32-year-old struck out Mets rookie John Stephenson to complete his 27 up, 27 down masterpiece. The fans gave him a long standing ovation.

Bunning was the first NL pitcher since John Ward to pitch a perfect game. Ward did it for Providence on June 17, 1880.

The Tigers traded Bunning the winter before to Philadelphia. He would play a role in Philly’s pennant chase that season. He struck out 10 Mets with a baffling curveball and a slider he mixed in.

Just three Mets even came close to getting a hit. Jesse Gonder hit a hard shot between first and second that second baseman Tony Taylor knocked down, then threw to first for the out. In the third inning, Amado Samuel lined a ball over the head of shortstop Cookie Rojas, but Rojas made a leaping grab.

Ron Hunt came close to ending the perfection in the fourth with a pop fly along the right-field line that was out of the reach of outfielder Johnny Callison. The ball fell just a few feet foul, though, and Bunning then struck Hunt out.

Bunning would be elected to the Hall of Fame in 1996 and is now a Senator from Kentucky.

Share This

In this week’s ‘25 BEST MOMENTS AT SHEA’, Brian Costello of the New York Post lets us know what No. 13 is…

Pope is king of Queens

SHEA STADIUM

Oct. 3 1979

In the second papal visit to New York, Pope John Paul II made Shea Stadium one of his stops during his seven-day tour.

The appearance in Queens was his last day in New York and a torrential downpour soaked the more than 60,000 people gathered to see the pontiff. The rain cleared up as soon as the Pope reached the stadium, causing some of the visitors to say they had witnessed a minor miracle.

The Pope gave a rousing speech about the qualities of New York City and spoke in four different languages, getting loud applause from the different ethnic groups gathered there.

“Above all, a city needs a soul if it is to become a true home for human beings,” the Pope said of New York. “You, the people, must give it this soul. And how do you do this? By loving each other. Love for each other must be the hallmark of your lives.”

Even when the Pope’s English broke down, the crowd gave him a big cheer. When he referred tot the city’s large buildings as “sky scrappers” or pronounced all the C’s in “Connecticut,” the crowd gave him warm applause.

Crowds that went four deep and covered up by umbrellas lined the route the Pope used to get to Shea Stadium. The Pope rode in a white truck with a handrail and the papal seal on the side. He was surrounded by police and secret servicemen.

During the Mass, the Pope sat on a 109-year-old oak chair that had been found in the basement of St. Augustine’s Church in Bay Ridge.

At the end of the Mass, the Pope blessed the crowd, spoke the Latin words of the blessing then said “Good-bye.” Thousands raised crucifixes, rosary beads and pictures. “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” played as he departed for La Guardia Airport.

Share This

So the Mets are playing their final game in Yankee Stadium right now, and they are stomping the Yankees 15-5.  That’s good news.  Delgado actually hit a grand salami when the score was 7-3.  Then Delgado hit a 3-run dinger giving him a 9 RBI game which is a Mets record.  I’m impressed, but I wish that he could spread that around a little more evenly.

At 8 p.m., the two teams will kick off the final Subway Series at Shea.  The only way that they will face each other this year is if they each make it to the World Series, which is very unlikely.  It is a little sad that the final season for both New York clubs is just about halfway over.  However, I’m looking forward to checking out the new stadiums and the teams will continue to play each other.

The Metsies should at least win 3 out of 4 because the pitching matchups are in their favor.  It would be great to watch the Mets win the final Subway Series in the old ballparks.  Here’s a look at the probable pitching matchups.

06/27/2008 - Sidney Ponson (4-1) - Pedro Martinez (2-1)

6/28/2008 - Andy Pettitte (8-5) - Johan Santana (7-6)

06/29/2008 - Darrell Rasner (4-5) - Oliver Perez (5-5)

Share This

So pretty much everybody in New York knows that John Heyman of SI.com broke the story about how Willie could be run out of Flushing in the very near future, but not as soon as today.  Heyman stated the same thing on WFAN a few hours ago, and on the Mets pregame show on SNY.  Here’s part of the article:

Willie Randolph’s status as Mets manager is extremely tenuous now. General manager Omar Minaya is seriously considering changing managers and at least a couple of the team’s coaches, sources told SI.com. A Mets official indicated that nothing was expected to be decided today regarding Randolph’s status. But that doesn’t preclude something from happening later this weekend. Sources indicate his hold on the job is shaky, at best. Should Randolph be fired, bench coach Jerry Manuel will take over, sources told SI.com.

Personally, I don’t know how Jerry Manuel is going to do.  I’m not really a fan of his.  If the Mets really fire Willie then this Manuel dude is one of the last guys that I want to manage the Mets.  I would prefer that they kept Randolph over Manuel and got rid of everybody on the team except Santana and Wright.  Clean house Omar.  Accept the fact that you do not have a championship caliber team, and so you can fix the problem.  In case Omar ever finds Die Hard Mets Fan, our vote is for Bobby V. of course!

Mets.com:

Yanks-Mets set makeup date for June 27 - The intra-city rivals will meet at Yankee Stadium for a 2:05 p.m. ET game on Friday, June 27, and then face off in the nightcap at Shea Stadium at 8:10 p.m. ET. The original game was to be played on May 16. Schneider playing for Dad every day Mets hope turnaround starts vs. Rangers - Jon Blau wrote up a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Rangers and the Mets.

Newsday:

Wagner blows another save as Mets fall to D-Backs - Mark Herrmann summarized yesterday’s Diamondbacks-Mets game. Mets needing big change could cost Randolph job Could Mets hitting coach Johnson take the fall?

New York Daily News:

Sources: Willie Randolph’s tenure as Mets manager in grave danger - Adam Rubin wrote, “Willie Randolph’s tenure as Mets manager is in grave danger of ending this weekend, sources tell the Daily News. It’s believed that bench coach Jerry Manuel would succeed Randolph if the manager is fired. Randolph has a four-year record of 299-252 with the Mets.”  Manuel is going to be worse than Randolph, but maybe it will work.  Something has to work. After this spell, any positive thinking would be a relief for Mets Billy Wagner is the least of Willie Randolph’s worries In ninth, Mets find bad luck is catching Johan Santana keeps his cool after win is taken away Moises Alou likely returning to DL

New York Post:

SNAKE-BIT BILLY A BUST AGAIN - Mike Puma wrote up a game summary about yesterday’s D-Backs-Mets game. WAGS CARES, BUT IT’S NOT ENOUGH SANTANA’S GEM GOES FOR NAUGHT ALOU MAY BE HEADED FOR THIRD STINT ON DL WAGNER BLOWS IT AGAIN IN 5-4 LOSS

The Star-Ledger:

Willie’s Warm Seat - Dan Graziano examines the Mets managerial position from all angles. Willie still manager…for now SI: Willie still on hot seat Mets can’t close out Diamondbacks Alou (calf) likely DL-bound again

Share This

It’s tough to watch this ‘08 Mets team.  After Pelfrey pitches the game of his life, they give it away and need Beltran to save the day.  Shame on Willie for not allowing Big Pelf to try to get his first complete game shutout.  How is young pitcher supposed to build up his resume, and confidence, when the manager pulls him after the best outing in his career?  When else is he supposed to get a complete game shutout?  Stuff like that may make an inconsistent, young pitcher more confident.  That confidence may pay off in the long run.  As for today, Santana pitched seven scoreless innings before handing it over to the Bullpen who blew it…again.  What is wrong with Wagner?  Three straight blown saves?  The Bullpen was the biggest problem the team had in ‘07.  The Bullpen was dominant until July, and then it was downhill from there.  It just kept getting worse and worse until they were eliminated, and I saw it coming.  I knew that even if they made the Playoffs that they weren’t going to do so well because the Bullpen was giving up way too many games.  It is the same thing in ‘08 because it’s the same cast of characters.  Sanchez returned, but I thought he would’ve been better than he has been so far.  Omar brought in Wise who hasn’t been anything special.  Otherwise, it’s the same people who couldn’t get it done in ‘07 so why would they be able to do it in ‘08?

Mets.com:

Mets suffer tough loss to D-backs - Anthony DiComo summarized today’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Santana watches bullpen falter - Ain’t that the truth?

Return trip to DL possible for Alou - Anthony DiComo reported that Moises Alou had an MRI on Wednesday, and it revealed aggravation of a strained left calf.  Alou said, ”I think that the DL is a possibility. Again.”

Day at Shea remains affordable

Beltran’s blast ends Mets’ long night - Anthony DiComo summarized last night’s Diamondbacks-Mets game.

Santana set to shake off ailing shoulder - Samantha Newman put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Return shortlived for ailing Alou - Alou explained that the soreness in his left calf would once again take him out of the Mets’ lineup less than 24 hours after his return from the disabled list.  It really is a shame that he cannot stay healthy.

Mets add Aguila to outfield mix - Anthony DiComo reported that the Mets called up a hot-hitting prospect, Chris Aguila, to offset the losses of Church and Alou.

Newsday:

Wagner blows another save as Mets fall to D-Backs - Mark Herrmann summarized today’s game between the D-Backs and the Mets.

SNY talks fairly, quietly about Mets

Beltran’s blast in 13th saves Mets’ Wagner - Mark Herrmann wrote up a game summary for last night’s D-Backs-Mets game.

Alou ‘very embarrassed’ by latest calf injury

Turmoil doesn’t mean that Willie isn’t a winner - Shaun Powell wrote this about Willie Randolph, “It’s not that he forgot how to manage or suddenly became dumb. His team simply quit meeting the expectations of the fans, ownership, themselves and Randolph’s, and fair or not, that usually comes back to the manager.”

Marlon came up with ‘62′ as morale booster - Mark Herrmann informed us about how Marlon Anderson “came up with the magic number of 62 wins in the final 100 games, wrote it down and passed it out to teammates at the end of a club Players Association meeting Tuesday.”  I’m loving the creativity Marlon.  I just hope the Mets achieve the goal he set.  Somebody really has to do something.

New York Daily News:

Billy Wagner blows 3rd straight save in Mets’ loss to Diamondbacks - The AP summarized today’s game between the D-Backs and the Mets.

Shaky relief pitching might be start of Mets’ problems - That is the problem, and it began in July of ‘07.

Carlos Beltran’s homer wins it in 13th for Mets, bails out Billy Wagner - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary for last night’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Mets have sympathy for Ron Santo and 1969 Cubs - Anthony McCarron sees similarities between the ‘70 Cubs and the ‘08 Mets.

Ailing Moises Alou’s leg and pride hurting because of injury

Billy Wagner blows game in ninth, win for Mike Pelfrey

Marlon Anderson gets into the flow with inspiration at players-only meeting

New York Post:

BELTRAN BLAST BAILS OUT BILLY - Mark Hale summarized last night’s Diamondbacks-Mets game.

MOISES BACK ON SIDELINE

MINAYA IS MAKING SAME OLD MISTAKES - Great article here by Joel Sherman.  It’s the first article in a long time that I’ve seen putting some blame on Omar Minaya.  Willie takes all of the heat which isn’t right.  They are a tandem.  I would love to see the press go at each of them equally.

IMPRESSIVE PELFREY ROBBED OF WIN

ALOU BACK ON BENCH, AGAIN

STRAW: METS CAN’T HANDLE PRESSURE OF NEW YORK - Darryl Strawberry believes that, “The talent is there with this group, no question. The curiosity is, how much do they want it? Everyone is puzzled, including former players. There’s a lot of questions about if it’s going to happen for them.”

New York Times:

Stuck in His Team’s Undertow, Santana Sees Another Win Slip Away - Ben Shpigel summarized today’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Beltrán Saves the Mets, as Wagner Fails Again - Joe LaPointe wrote up a game summary for last night’s D-Backs-Mets game.

Mets’ Alou Is Left Discouraged After Hurting His Calf Again

The Star-Ledger:

Final: D-Backs 5, Mets 4 - Jeremy Cothran wrote up a game summary for today’s game between the D-Backs and the Mets.

Game 65: Diamondbacks at Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Beltran’s HR bails out Wagner

Pelfrey gets dose of confidence - And he would’ve built up more confidence if Willie let him get 3 more outs.

Blame players for state of Mets

Beltran delivers Mets victory in 13 - Colin Stephenson summarized last night’s D-Backs-Mets game.

Anything to help out - Colin Stephenson asked Scott Schoeneweis why he helped out the grounds crew putting the tarp on the infield.

Share This

As soon as the Mets seemed like they were getting hot, they got swept in a four-game series by the last place Padres.  The pitching was pretty good all series because they lost three games by a score of 2-1.  The offense couldn’t put up more than one run, which is absolutely pathetic, until yesterday when they scored six runs.  It was Wags who was brought in with two outs in the eigth inning yesterday who blew the save allowing four runs.  They are two games under .500 and will face the D-Backs tomorrow.  I’m still waiting for something to happen to get this team heading in the right direction.  Is Willie going to get fired before they get players with heart?  And when will it happen?  Hopefully not before it’s too late because I want to watch my boys in blue and orange playing October baseball.  I didn’t get to watch it last season because of the collapse so the Mets owe me one.

Mets.com:

Mets swept painfully in San Diego - Marty Noble summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Mets hoping for quick return of Alou - Jon Blau wrote a pregame analysis for tomorrow night’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Castro out of lineup after late arrival - Marty Noble tells us that Ramon Castro, “was removed from the starting lineup shortly after noon, shortly after he arrived at PETCO Park for the 4:05 p.m. ET game against the Padres. His late arrival was neither excused nor unnoticed.”  Noble also stated that Casanova started in placed of Castro, and that Castro was embarrased and will be fined.  I’m certain that Willie wasn’t too happy about this.  Especially when the team got swept by the last place Padres and is rocking a 30-32 record.

Carp reels in six big RBIs for B-Mets - Steve Conley lets us know that Mike Carp, “slugged a grand slam and a two-run homer and the Binghamton Mets homered five times and pounded out 17 hits in a 17-4 rout of the New Britain Rock Cats at NYSEG Stadium.”

Newsday:

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what took place at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium on June 9 of a year in the past.

Mets swept as Wagner gives up three-run homer - I can’t get on Wagner because he’s been great, but it was bad timing because Willie brought him in in the eigth inning because the Mets needed a win.

Pedro still not at his best - David Lennon discussed Pedro Martinez’s less than stellar outing yesterday.

New York Daily News:

Tony Clark’s pinch-hit HR off Billy Wagner gives Padres sweep of Mets - Adam Rubin summarized yesterday’s Mets-Padres game.

Surfing the Mets DVD contest (Part II)

Pedro claims squeeze was on

Mets minor league report

Ramon Castro arrives late, fined

New York Post:

DOOM AND BROOM - Bart Hubbuch summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

CASTRO MISSES START

New York Times:

Good News: Mets Score More Than a Run. The Bad News: Don’t Ask. - Ben Shpigel summarized yesterday’s Mets-Padres game.

The Star-Ledger:

Wagner signals SOS in San Diego sweep

Castro checks in too late

Final: Padres 8, Mets 6 - Jeremy Cothran wrote up a game summary for yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Share This

The Mets have two games left with the Padres just to even up the series.  At best, they can come home from California with a 4-3 record.  All of us Mets fans are waiting for whatever it is that is going to ignite this team.  Each time we see signs, we think all is right.  It hasn’t been the case yet because they are struggling against last place teams.  Since the Mets have been playing .500 for so long, there’s no reason to assume that it’s going to get better except for my own hope.  After last season, I thought that this season didn’t even begin until they locked up the division.  I thought that they would pick up where they left off, in September but sealing the deal.  Now, I just hope they get to October.

Mets.com:

Santana hurt as Mets suffer tough loss - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.  He also noted that Johan Santana suffered a bruised left shoulder when he was struck by a pitch in the sixth inning.

After Johan injury, Mets aim to regroup - Marty Noble wrote up a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Church doesn’t play against Padres

Holes filled by departed blue chippers - Jon Blau pointed out that the Mets replenished their farm system by going after collegiate prospects rather than high school prospects.

Meeting with Randolph benefits Reyes - After a routine ball bounced through the legs of Jose Reyes in the third inning of Wednesday’s game in San Francisco, Willie Randolph spoke with Reyes about it Thursday before the Mets played their first game of their four-game series against the Padres.  Willie stated that “Footwork … mechanics … rhythm.” was the message, and Marty Noble believes that it’s paying off on Reyes.

Newsday:

More frustration for Mets in 2-1 loss - David Lennon summarized last night’s Mets-Padres game.

Randolph hasn’t lost faith in Perez - yet - Willie said this about Oliver Perez, “I told him how disappointed I was in his performance and to get ready for the next one.”

Mets’ Church upset about benching Friday night

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what took place at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium on June 7 of a year in the past.

New York Daily News:

Johan Santana’s gaffe aids Padres rally in 2-1 Mets loss - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary about last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Heath Bell rings ‘em up - Adam Rubin lets you know how former Met, Heath Bell, is doing.

Ryan Church out of the lineup again

New York Post:

AMAZIN’ BATS BETRAY JOHAN

TOP PICK ALREADY LOVES NY - Since the Mets drafted Ike Davis, who is the son of former Yankee Ron Davis, Ike had this to say when asked about New York, “He just said they have the best fans and it’s a blast because every game is live and die with them. He loved it, and I’m looking forward to it, too.”

New York Times:

Mistakes Mar Close Game as Mets Slip Back to .500 - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s Mets-Padres game.

Pelfrey Throws More Pitches, Learning More

The Star-Ledger:

Mets can’t muster much, Santana falls to Padres

Church sits as playing time is monitored

Final: Padres 2, Mets 1 - Jeremy Cothran summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Inconsistent Perez driving Mets mad

Share This

The Mets drafted eight players yesterday in the 2008 MLB Draft.  Here they are, and the ones with a link include a Scouting Report from MLB.com.  The others do not have a Scouting Report.  You can check out a description about each player by clicking, here.

1. Isaac Davis (1B) - Arizona State University
2. David Havens (SS) - University of South Carolina Columbia
3. Bradley Holt (RHP) - UNC Wilmington
4. Javier Rodriguez (OF) - Puerto Rico BB Academy HS
5. Kirk Nieuwenhuis (CF) - Azusa Pacific University
6. Sean Ratliff (CF) - Stanford University
7. Charles Doyle (C) - Coastal Carolina University
8. Joshua Satin (2B) - UC Berkeley

Mets.com:

Schoeneweis falters against Padres - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Mets snag college bats Davis, Havens - Anthony DiComo covered yesterday’s MLB Draft and discusses the players that the Mets drafted.

Castillo looks to feast on Wolf - Marty Noble wrote up a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Padres.  The title is eye popping, but it didn’t make sense to me because Castillo doesn’t feast on anybody.  However, Noble wrote that, “Castillo seemingly turns into Chase Utley at the sight of Wolf.”

Wagner looks up to Hoffman - Marty Noble pointed out that Billy Wagner has nothing but praise for Trevor Hoffman.

Mets call up Nuñez to fill infield role - Marty Noble reported that, “The Mets purchased the contract of veteran infielder Abraham Nuñez from their Triple-A New Orleans affiliate on Thursday and optioned infielder-outfielder Nick Evans back to their Binghamton affiliate in the Double-A Eastern League.”  Evans did a pretty good job while he was up here, but it will be good for the Mets to keep trying to bring up some young guys who have something to prove and see who gels with the team.

Newsday:

Walkoff HBP helps Padres defeat Mets, 2-1 - David Lennon summarized last night’s Mets-Padres game.

Mets call up Nuñez for infield depth; Evans down

Mets regulars like Wright have little time to rest

MLB DRAFT: Mets’ top picks in hurry to sign - Ken Davidoff explained why the top two Draft picks, first baseman Ike Davis from Arizona State and shortstop Reese Havens from South Carolina, want to sign with the Mets quickly.

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what took place at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium on June 6 of a year in the past.

New York Daily News:

Mets lose 2-1 to Padres, Schoeneweis gives up run with bases loaded - Adam Rubin wrote a game summary for last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Mets select Ike Davis, son of a Yankee Ron Davis, in MLB draft

Abraham Nunez new infielder; Nick Evans demoted

New York Post:

A REAL PLUNKER - Bart Hubbuch covered how Scott Schoeneweis imploded in the 9th inning of last night’s game.

WILLIE MULLS RESTING WRIGHT

New York Times:

Pelfrey Is Solid, but Mets Still Lose - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s Mets-Padres game.

The Mets Choose Power With Top 2 Draft Picks

The Star-Ledger:

Hit by pitch sends Mets to loss

Evans sent back to Double A

Mets get what they want in draft

Final: Padres 2, Mets 1 - Jeremy Cothran summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Game 59: Mets at Padres - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for last night’s Mets-Padres game.

Mets take Havens with second first-rounder

Mets select Davis with No. 1 pick

Share This

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

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

Mets.com:

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

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

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

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

Newsday:

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

Mets’ Pedro feeling just fine day after start

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

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

New York Daily News:

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

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

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

New York Post:

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

MARTINEZ OK AFTER OUTING

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

New York Times:

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

Martínez Feels Fine but Keeps Outlook Day to Day

The Star-Ledger:

Pedro feels fine after long start

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

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

Share This

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

Mets.com:

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

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

Castro catches Pedro’s return

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

Newsday:

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

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

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

METS: Pedro brings buzz

New York Daily News:

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

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

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

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

New York Post:

PISTOL PETEY

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

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

New York Times:

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

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

The Star-Ledger:

Pedro delivers quality start

Schneider, Castro give Randolph Catch-2 situation

Pedro 6th inning

Pedro 5th inning

Pedro 4th Inning

Pedro 3rd Inning

Pedro 2nd Inning

Pedro 1st Inning

Share This