Thursday, April 30, 2009
What a Putz!
J.J. Putz squandered a one-run lead inherited from Johan Santana. The former Mariners closer walked consecutive batters to open the eighth inning. Both scored on a Cody Ross single as the Marlins won the rubber game of the three-game series.
Carlos Beltran extended his hitting streak Wednesday to 12 games, the longest of his Mets career. He’s hitting .426 (20-for-47) during the stretch. Beltran has reached base safely in all 21 games this season.
Wow! You can actually hear fans chant "Lets Go Mets" at Citi Field. Unlike other games where the corporate scum have overtaken the ballpark.
Not the Wright stuff
Dudley D-Wright is getting booed by Citi Field unfaithful.Wright struck out looking at a fastball from Marlins closer Matt Lindstrom in the ninth inning after Gary Sheffield and Carlos Beltran walked consecutively to open the inning with the Mets trailing by a run.
Wright, who lives in New York in the offseason and grew up rooting for the Mets because the Class AAA team played in his Norfolk, Va., hometown, may be trying too hard because he bleeds orange and blue and has taken consecutive September collapses hard. Wright, whose average has slid to .280, said he needs to settle on one mechanical approach at the plate, too.
“There’s too many adjustments. There’s too many changes in between pitches, in between at-bats,” Wright said about what he’s doing now.
Manager Jerry Manuel recently moved Wright from third to fifth in the order. Manuel said Thursday’s team off day comes at a good time for Wright.
“It’s been a tough go for him,” Manuel said. “I’m very confident that he’s going to get out of it and hit .300 and do his thing—over 100 RBI. Probably this day off comes at the right time for him. He probably needs to exhale.”
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Check the Mets for a pulse
The New York Mets are a heartless team that rolls over and dies. After the Mets took and blew the lead, the bats went to sleep and waited for the game to end. The Mets fell to 0-10 when trailing after seven innings.
Jorge Cantu homered twice and drove in five runs and the Marlins ended one of the wilder rides in baseball history, beating the New York Mets 7-4 to snap a seven-game losing streak.
Down 4-3 in the seventh, the Marlins rallied against Sean Green (0-1). Alfredo Amezaga drew a leadoff walk, Emilio Bonifacio chopped a one-out single to right and Cameron Maybin’s slow groundout scored the tying run.
After a walk to John Baker, Cantu hit his fifth homer into the left-field seats.
What was Jerry Manuel thinking? Bringing Green in again to pitch and leaving him in when everyone at Citi Field knew he couldn't throw strikes.
David Wright, booed after striking out his first two times up at the plate. Wright has been fanned 25 times in 78 at-bats. He is on pace to strikeout 203 times. Wright is hitting .200 with runners in scoring position this season.
Whipping winds made every popup an adventure in the late innings, and Cantu was charged with an error when he misplayed one. Dozens of hot-dog wrappers danced across the outfield as the night wore on.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Omir hits first slam at Citi
Omir Santos had just hit the first grand slam in Citi Field history for his first career RBIs, backing a two-hitter by John Maine and three relievers that carried the New York Mets over Florida 7-1 Monday night, the Marlins’ seventh straight loss.
Santos produced his first four career RBI with a first-inning grand slam Monday against Florida. He became the third player in franchise history whose first homer was a grand slam. The others: Jose Reyes in 2003 and Jack Hamilton in 1967.
Santos is a favorite of Mets pitchers because of his catching technique. He has impressed manager Jerry Manuel so much that he has started three straight games while Schneider’s primary understudy, Ramon Castro, rides the bench.
David Wright tried changing his luck by getting a crew cut. Wright, who was hitting .200 with runners in scoring position this season, then had an RBI single and a triple in the Mets’ 7-1 win against the Nationals on Monday. “I’m more aerodynamic,” Wright quipped.
Oliver Perez will remain in the rotation for Saturday’s start against the Phillies despite a 9.31 ERA. Manager Jerry Manuel had threatened to banish Perez to the bullpen after the southpaw failed to complete the fifth inning for the third time in four starts, but the manager relented because of Perez’s past success against Philadelphia. Perez limited the rival Phillies to one run in 26 innings last season.
Jets new quarterback Mark Sanchez throws like a girl. Sanchez threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Citi Field last night.
Overall, only 15 homers have been hit in 10 games at Citi Field, a stark contrast to the 26 that rocketed out of the new Yankee Stadium during the opening six-game homestand.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Amazin' Mess
Austin Kearns and ex-Met farmhand Jesus Flores both homered off Oliver Perez as Washington won a road game for the first time this season. Perez failed to complete the fifth inning for the third time this season. The Mets’ lone run came on an RBI triple by Carlos Delgado off Nationals rookie Jordan Zimmermann.
After getting tagged for seven runs and nine hits in 4 1-3 innings, the erratic lefty has a 9.31 ERA. Only four starts after re-signing with New York for $36 million over three years, he could be in jeopardy of losing his spot in the rotation.
David Wright has struckout 23 times in 70 at-bats through Sunday, the most in the National League. He's on pace to strikeout 207 times in 2009.
Casey Fossum was designated for assignment after tossing 2 2/3 innings in relief Sunday against Washington. He will be replaced on the roster by LHP Ken Takahashi. The 40-year-old Takahashi pitched his entire career in Japan and spent spring training with the Blue Jays before being released. Takahashi had allowed one run in 11 2/3 innings for Triple-A Buffalo.
Mike Lamb signed a minor-league contract with the Mets. Lamb, who was released by the Brewers at the end of spring training, will be assigned to Triple-A Buffalo after getting back into playing shape at the Mets’ complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Slumping Mets could change rotation, coaching staff
John Maine could heading to bullpen.According to the report, some of the struggling starters — John Maine, Mike Pelfrey, Oliver Perez and Livan Hernandez — could be shipped to the minors or to the bullpen. Perez or Pelfrey, who can be optioned to the minors without passing through waivers, could be ticketed for the minors, while Livan Hernandez's standing as fifth starter could be on shaky ground. Perez would have to consent to a minor-league assignment. Maine, who is out of minor league options, could be moved to the bullpen. According to the Daily News, each starter will be given one more turn to right themselves.
The Daily News also reported there is dialogue about coaching changes already has begun. Aside from Johan Santana, who has allowed one earned run in 19-2/3 innings, Mets starting pitchers have a 7.32 ERA, including Hernandez's flop Thursday. Still, it's other members of the staff besides pitching coach Dan Warthen who might feel the early wrath.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Cardinals sweep Mets
Albert Pujols homered twice and Kyle Lohse lasted just lone enough for another win after jamming his right knee as the St. Louis Cardinals completed a three-game sweep with a 12-8 victory over the Mets on Thursday.
Carlos Beltran had three hits, including a three-run homer, after moving up two spots in the Mets’ batting order to the third slot. Ryan Church hit a two-run homer and David Wright, who switched places with Beltran in the lineup, had two hits.
Mets starters allowed 16 earned in 14 2-3 innings in the series, a 9.82 ERA, and only retired one batter past the fifth inning. Livan Hernandez (1-1) gave up all three homers and allowed seven runs and nine hits in 4 1-3 innings.
Dennys Reyes looks like Fernando Venezuela when he is coming in from the bullpen for the Cardinals. Lay off the candy bars Reyes.
The Mets will score 8 runs today. Then score none tomorrow for Johan Santana and maybe score 8 for the weekend.
Sean Green is over used like last season in Seattle. Jerry Manuel doesn't manage pitching staff very well. It took the Sox years to recovery. Sean Green pitches like Shawn Green. Remember he was assigned Aaron Heilman's old number 48 before switching to 50.
Mets' Manuel will alter lineup to try an avoid sweep
New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel will shake-up his lineup Thursday in an attempt to avoid being swept by the St. Louis Cardinals, the New York Daily News reported.
The report indicated Carlos Beltran will hit No.3 in the order, swapping spots with David Wright. Gary Sheffield will start over Daniel Murphy in left field. Alex Cora will get a game at second base over Luis Castillo. And Omir Santos, who had two homers in a spring-training game against Lohse, will start over Ramon Castro.
Said Manuel: "I'm not benching Murphy. I like for everyone to get a chance to play. That's one thing I like. Cora needs to get a start here and there. And Santos has played well for us. I'd like to see if he can continue to play well. If he can, then he'll play. It's that simple." The Mets (6-8) fell two games under .500 Wednesday night for first time since July 4, 2008, although in that instance they proceeded to reel off 10 straight wins in the early days of Manuel's tenure to vault into first place.
St. Louis Blues
Where's this explosive offense we keep hearing about? The Mets should bring back Victor Diaz or Jeromy Burnitz. They would fit right in with this lineup. Wake up bats.
Joe Torre must be hitting for the Mets again with all these double plays. Torre hit into 22 double plays in 1974 including four in one game against the Astros on July 21, 1975. "I'd like to thank Félix Millán for making all of this possible," said Torre. Millan batted ahead of Torre in the lineup, singling in all four of his at bats.
For the first time I know what Keith Hernandez means about Daniel Murphy looking like Pete Rose from the left side of the plate. Too bad David Wright looks like Pete Rose Jr.
Why does Casey Fossum scare me like Tom Glavine did? Must be the left-hander wearing the number 47.
Breaking News! Daniel Murphy caught a ball and threw to the right base.
Rick Peterson on 1050 ESPN Radio described Oliver Perez as a kite flying in the wind. You let go of the string, he's flies off course. Watch him bat, one swing he looks like Ichiro, the next he looks Jeromy Burnitz or Kaz Matsui.
John Maine and Oliver Perez are identical twins. Maine and Perez have combined for a 7.63 ERA, with the Mets having lost five of their six starts. Why does every batter get a 3-2 count when John Maine pitches. Maine walked 5 batters in 5-2/3 innings.
The Mets may have to sign Pedro Martinez to a minor league deal and shot Perez and Maine. Maine walks the lead off batter again...this time it's the pitcher. Bases on balls kills managers and fans. Especially to .230 hitters and pitchers.
Khalil Greene has the worst hair in baseball. Someone wrote on Twitter that he looks like Sean Penn in Fast Times At Ridgemont High.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Murphy's a one tool player
Daniel Murphy is at it again in left field. He can't throw, field, run, hit with power and is an overrated hitter.On April 12, Murphy dropped a fly ball that led to two runs for Florida in a 2-1 win and cost Johan Santana a victory.
With the score tied 4-4 a half-inning earlier, CF Carlos Beltran was thrown out at the plate when he didn’t slide on a close play.
The Padres filed a complaint with Major League Baseball over the visitors’ bullpen at Citi Field, the Mets’ new home, the New York Daily News reported. A Mets official acknowledged the view of the field is obstructed by the home bullpen and several fences and suggested the organization is working with Major League Baseball to remedy the issue.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Mets to keep Gooden signature—but move it
The New York Mets are keeping Dwight Gooden’s signature—but moving it to another location and putting it under plexiglass.
The star pitcher signed a wall in the Ebbets Club when he attended the April 13 opener at Citi Field, writing: “Doc Gooden/84 R.O.Y./85 Cy Young/86 W.S. champs,” according to Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz.
Perturbed that a clean wall in a new ballpark had been marked up, the team at first said it planned to erase the writing. Following criticism, the team changed course.
“It’s a new building We just didn’t want anything written on the walls,” Horwitz said Tuesday from St. Louis before the Mets’ game against the Cardinals. “We had a lot of calls yesterday, a lot of fan stuff.”
While the Mets honored a former Brooklyn Dodgers star with the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, the main entrance to the $800 million ballpark, there was little to mark their own history. Owner Fred Wilpon said last week that the team intends to build a Hall of Fame, possibly in the area behind center field.
Horwitz said the team now plans to encourage other former Mets stars to follow Gooden’s lead.
“The plan is we’re going to move this to a yet-to-be determined place in the stadium, behind plexiglass,” he said. “And then when other players come back, like the Strawberrys, the Seavers and the Koosmans, we’ll have them writing similar greetings to the fans.”
Mets sign OF Wily Mo Pena
The New York Mets signed outfielder Wily Mo Pena to a minor league contract on Monday.
Pena, who was released by the Washington Nationals on March 28, hit .205 with two homers and 10 RBIS last season before his season ended with a torn labrum on July 18.
The 27-year-old will report to extended spring training in Port St. Luice before joining Triple-A Buffalo.
Pena is a career .253 hitter with his best season coming in 2004 with the Reds when he hit 26 homers and drove in 66 runs.
The Mets are struggling with runners in scoring position, a problem that also plagued them in September as they coughed up a 3 1/2-game division lead with 17 games left. They’re 25-for-106 this season with runners in scoring position despite manager Jerry Manuel’s emphasis on having productive outs during spring training.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Clutch hitting by Mets again
David Wright has struckout 15 times in 55 plate appearances through the first 12 games of this season. He is on pace to 195 K's this season.
Johan Santana hasn’t had much margin for error in matchups against Cincinnati’s Aaron Harang, Josh Johnson and Milwaukee’s Yovani Gallardo. The Mets have scored a total of four runs in Santana’s three starts.
The Mets are hitting .236 with runners in scoring position through 12 games. Wasn't that Howard Johnson's career batting average? Actually HoJo was a .249 career hitter with a corked bat. I remember Johnson going 1-18 in the 1988 NLCS against the Dodgers.
Jose Reyes got the first triple in Citi Field history when Corey Hart lost his high fly to right in the sun. Corey you need to stop wearing "Sunglasses At Night."
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Why Citi Field Sucks!
The sun sets on Citi Field and the Mets first home loss to the Padres.A tribute to the Polo Grounds? I was born the summer the Mets played their second and final season in the Polo Grounds. Are there color photos of the Polo Grounds? Well I found one! When I think of the Polo Grounds I see that advertisement in center field next to the club houses.
You mean to tell me the Mets couldn't create that look in center field with the new hideous big apple in the foreground where the TV cameras and batters view are located. The seats should of blue and orange like at Shea. Forget about those green and red seats from Shea. Hear the Mets are still trying to sell them.
What's with the black walls and orange stripe on top of the outfield walls? Another New York Giants tribute?
Nationals Park Leftovers
The signs around the ballpark and in the parking lot look like leftovers from Nationals Park in Washington D.C. the Mets got wholesale. What's with the Nationals colors around the ballpark?
Citizens Bank Yard Sale
The new security guard uniforms were purchased by the Mets from a yard sale at Citizens Bank Ballpark. The burgundy color outfits make fans think they are in Philly not in the Mets ballpark. Bring back the blue and orange uniforms.
Love the forest green shirts that the food concession people wear now. You can admire the new outfits while waiting in line forever for a $5.75 hot dog and a $7.50 beer. Average wait is about 10 minutes.
The Mets Hall of Fame
What happened to the Mets Hall of Fame that was outside the Diamond Club? Are the fans not allowed to see this or did the Mets forget to remove it from Shea Stadium? Perhaps the Mets organization wants to forget their past at Shea Stadium and the Polo Grounds?
Most Hall of Famers
What MLB team has the most hall of famers? The New York Giants.
Greats who played at the various Polo Grounds include such names like Monte Irvin, Hoyt Wilhelm, Willie Mays, Leo Durocher, Mel Ott, Carl Hubbell, Bill Terry, Christy Mathewson, John McGraw, Casey Stengel, Joe McGinnity, Mickey Welch, Roger Connor, Tim Keefe, Jim O'Rourke, Amos Rusie and John Montgomery Ward.
No tribute for the old New York Giants or other Brooklyn Dodgers besides Jackie Robinson.
Leave in the top of the 8th inning
Citi Field is the modern "Escape From New York" prison with no one named Snake to lead you out of the ballpark. The stairwells are slow going with people walking down the stairs on the phone. Never thought I miss those ramps at Shea Stadium.
People who sat are in the Promenade Reserved seats are still there from last night looking for a way out.
The Pepsi Porch has one way up and one off. It is a modern fire hazard and an accident waiting to happen. Fans sitting in third row and beyond of the Pepsi Porch will miss any ball in play in right field or right center field.
Burgos gets jail in assault
Prosecutors say former New York Mets pitcher Ambiorix Burgos has been sentenced to 9 months in jail for throwing his girlfriend against a wall and pummeling her in a hotel near Shea Stadium.
The 24-year-old reliever was sentenced Tuesday. A jury convicted him last month of assault in the Sept. 8 attack. Defense lawyer Edgar De Leon didn’t immediately return a telephone message Tuesday evening. Prosecutors say Burgos punched, slapped and stepped on then-girlfriend Maria Lopez when she tried to leave the hotel where he was staying.
She testified that he told her, “The police won’t do anything to me. I am a baseball player.” The Mets released Burgos in December.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Night of first's and memories
Mike Pelfrey throws the first pitch at Citi Field. Two pitches later the Mets were losing 1-0.When the Mets began life at Manhattan’s Polo Grounds in 1962, they opened with a 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, who scored what turned out to be the decisive run on an eighth-inning wild pitch by Ray Daviault.
The Pirates won Shea Stadium’s debut 4-3 two years later as Willie Stargell homered leading off the second to drive in the first run, then scored on Bill Mazeroski’s eighth-inning single to break a 3-all tie.
The first batter of the night, Jody Gerut, a Padres outfielder of modest power, lined Mike Pelfrey’s third pitch just inside the right-field foul pole for a home run.
Wayne Westerfield and Padres center fielder Gerut will be forever linked in Mets lore. The New York Daily News identified the Jersey Shore resident as the person who hauled in Gerut's home run, the first homer hit at Citi Field.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, it marked the first time in Major League history that the first batter of the first regular-season game at a new ballpark hit a home run. The home run came on the third pitch of the game.
Fans with long memories – think 40 years ago – might have had another flashback an inning later, when a cat suddenly appeared on the field behind home plate. This cat, however, was calico, not black, like the one a fan dropped onto the field with Leo Durocher’s Cubs in town back in 1969.
That cat made a beeline for Cubs star Ron Santo, who was standing in the on-deck circle, then paraded past the Cubs dugout. The Cubs, in first place at the time, subsequently collapsed, clearing the way for the team that became known as the Amazin’ Mets to sweep past them on their way to a World Series title.
David Wright stepped up in the fifth inning, the Mets were behind, 5-2. His three-run shot tied the game and was the first home run by the Mets at Citi Field.
The winning run scored in the sixth inning when Mets right-fielder Ryan Church dropped Luis Rodriguez’s fly ball for a three-base error, and Mets reliever Pedro Feliciano, his knee twitching at an inopportune time, was called for a balk, allowing Rodriguez to trot home.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Biggest concern for Mets is defense, or the lack of it
That's Daniel Murphy in left field, not Todd Hundley. Murphy looks more like Dave Magadan than Don Mattingly.The Mets committed two errors in Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Marlins, with a seventh-inning grounder from Jeremy Hermida rolling through second baseman Luis Castillo's legs in addition to Daniel Murphy's glaring drop of Cody Ross' fly ball earlier that led to two unearned runs. The Mets had six errors for the week, the Daily News reported.
"I'd like to see us be a little better defensively. And that's not to criticize him," Manuel said, referring to Murphy. "Just overall defensively we haven't been as sharp as I'd like us to be. And I know it's early, but defense is very crucial. This spring, we more or less emphasized the hitting part of it. Now what we have to do, we have to get back and really spend some time on our defense."
Manuel said it's subtle things such as not turning double plays when the potential is there more than things like Murphy's dropped fly ball.
"We're going to treat our defense now kind of like we have treated our offensive fundamentals and put a bigger emphasis on it," the manager said.
Source: Yahoo Sports/N.Y. Daily News
Josh Johnson lost his no-hit bid in the sixth inning, shortly after a heckling New York Mets fan made him laugh. Things became more serious when he lost his shutout with two outs in the ninth.
Johnson persevered through a shaky finish to close out a five-hitter Sunday, and the Florida Marlins scored two unearned runs to hand Johan Santana his first loss since June 28 by beating the Mets 2-1.
While Johnson pitched his second complete game in 45 career starts, Santana was just as good, allowing only three hits in seven innings and striking out 13. But left fielder Daniel Murphy dropped a fly ball in the second inning for an error that led to both Florida runs.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Brothers in arms
Orlando and Livan Hernandez became the third set of brothers to appear in a Mets uniform during their careers when Livan debuted with the organization in an 8-4 win against the Marlins on Saturday. The other sets of siblings: Tom and Mike Glavine and Roberto and Sandy Alomar.
Three sacrifices by Livan Hernandez while batting in his Mets debut Saturday at Florida, in an 8-4 win. The sacrifice total matched Sid Fernandez’s franchise record established July 24, 1987, in Game 1 of a doubleheader against Houston.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Tom Seaver to throw out first pitch at Citi Field
Tom Seaver enjoyed many of his greatest moments on the mound at Shea Stadium. Now, he’ll help the New York Mets christen Citi Field.
The Hall of Fame right-hander is slated to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to former New York catcher Mike Piazza when the Mets open their new ballpark Monday night with a game against San Diego.
“It should be a very exciting day,” Seaver said Saturday on a conference call. “A new era.”
Seaver was on hand for the closing ceremonies at Shea Stadium last September. He and Piazza, perhaps the two biggest stars in team history, shut the center-field gate together, ending the festivities with a symbolic gesture.
“I’m probably more excited about this than the last pitch at Shea Stadium, believe it or not,” Seaver said. “It sounds like a great place to play in and a great place for fans. It brings the element of history forward.”
Seaver pitched for the Mets from 1967-77 and again in ’83. “The Franchise” owns club records for wins, ERA, strikeouts and innings pitched.
Seaver said he still has vivid memories of walking into Shea Stadium for the first time because he was taken aback by how big it was. He’s looking forward to getting inside $800 million Citi Field, and is curious about the park’s configuration and asymmetrical dimensions.
“I’ve only seen the shell of the ballpark,” Seaver said. “One of the things that I’m interested in seeing is the clubhouse, too. Our clubhouse was pretty industrial, as you well know. It will be interesting to see all the bells and whistles.”
Friday, April 10, 2009
Adios Anderson
Marlon AndersonThe alternative is to drop RHP Darren O’Day, a Rule 5 pick from the Angels. "You’ve got to protect pitching," Manuel said about the impracticality of shedding a bullpen arm. "Sometimes that guy never gets in a game, but at least you have that protection."
Ed Coleman said on WFAN that Gary Sheffield may not start in the outfield until next week in New York. Sheffield was expected to play right field in Miami this weekend. Sheffield did pick up a glove all spring with Tigers. He worked out in the outfield at Great American Ballpark and was sweating profusely.
On April 10, 1969, Tommie Agee of the New York Mets hit a home run into the upper deck in Shea Stadium’s left field. It was the longest home run to reach the seats in the history of the stadium.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Both Oliver's return in 2009 debut
Oliver Perez is a thrower, not a pitcher. He over thinks on the mound or perhaps he doesn't think at all. The first two innings he looked like a 12 million a year pitcher. Striking out 4 of the first 6 batters he faced.
In the third after being handed a 3-0 lead. Perez became a thrower as he walked the lead-off batter and surrendered four runs in the inning. Now he looked like an overpaid thrower which he is.
Perez's ERA is 16.63 after giving up eight runs on five hits and five walks in 4 1/3 innings innings and seven strikeouts.
The eight runs surrendered by Perez fell one shy of the career-high total he surrendered in two innings while pitching for Pittsburgh at Colorado on June 7, 2006.
Mets' Wagner to throw off mound; eyes August return
Billy WagnerWagner, who is seven months removed from surgery to repair a ligament and muscle in his left arm, has been throwing long toss and playing catch on flat ground, according to the report.
"I do exactly what I'm told," Wagner said. "But I'm going to break the rules by getting back before they expect it. ... With no big setbacks, I'm kinda shooting for late in July or August. But we'll see. I know I have a lot of hurdles. I told Omar [that] everybody doubting me is my motivation. ... that, and getting a ring. I'm going to get back. I'm not going to get any saves. But I'd like to help. That could be some bullpen."
Wagner intends to travel Monday, throw off a mound Tuesday and Thursday after periods of long toss, and then return home, according to the MLB.com report.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Madoff Mets Tickets
On April 7, 2009, the Trustee filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court seeking approval for the sale of New York Mets tickets through an online auction conducted on eBay. The hearing on the motion will be held on Tuesday April 14, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
Madoff Trustee Site >>>
WFAN's Craig Carton is probably the biggest idiot on the radio next to Mike Francesa.
The number 48 was assigned to ex-Mariner Sean Green upon being traded to the Mets. Because the reliever inherited the number of Aaron Heilman, who was vilified by Mets fans, Green changed to No. 50 to avoid having an unintended bull’s-eye on his back.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Mets win on Opening Day
Francisco Rodriguez and his fellow relievers protected a slim lead for Johan Santana, and New York held on Monday for a 2-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in their season opener.
Daniel Murphy drove in both Mets runs with a homer and a groundout. And on a raw, cold afternoon, New York’s rebuilt bullpen was nearly perfect.
The Mets are 31-17 on opening day, the best winning percentage in the majors. They lost their first eight openers, too. They are 0-47 on the last day of the season including three chokes in the last three seasons.
Wow, I see the offense is still scoring a lot of runs for Johan Santana! The offense scored 4 runs the final three games of the 2008 season.
Aaron Heilman will win 14 games for the Cubs this season or be beaten with a bat by Lou Piniella.
Scott Schoeneweis blew a save opportunity in his first appearance with the Diamondbacks. His ERA is 13.50 for the 2009 season.
Luis Ayala pitched a scoreless inning for the Twins.
Sure Ayala, Schoeneweis, Heilman would saved Mets
As the new-look bullpen of the New York Mets put the clamps on the Cincinnati Reds Monday making the investment in Francisco Rodriguez, J.J. Putz and Sean Green look like genius, the New York Daily News reminded fans what might have happened a year ago.
The Daily News wrote: "The bullpen recorded the final 10 outs, which we know Luis Ayala, Scott Schoenewis and Aaron Heilman would never have accomplished."
Monday, April 6, 2009
First Sighting of the Sasquatch at Citi Field
An eye sore seen at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium for many years is the Sasquatch. He usually is in the company of several other fans who resemble the cast of the 1932 classic Freaks.
The Sasquatch likes Yankee Stadium better than Citi Field.The Sasquatch sits in the upper deck of both ballparks in the last row behind home plate. He usually carries a Duane Reade plastic bag filled with God only knows what. Maybe the bag contains scorecards and yearbooks dating back to the 1970's, definitely not hair care and grooming products.
The Sasquatch was spotted by fans at Citi Field near the fan fest and picnic area causing fans to lose their appetite and parents to cover their children's eyes. The Sasquatch was there to inspect the new ballpark.
Sasquatch was seen outside Citi Field following the Mets open workout for season plan holders, giving his critique to a fellow freak on the phone.
"The other stadium looks great, this place looks like shit" screamed the Sasquatch. "I will see you on Tuesday" exclaimed the greasy beard creature.
Look forward to seeing you in the 2009 season Sasquatch.
Mets picked by Greenberg
ESPN Radio host Mike Greenberg of popular early morning radio and cable show, "Mike and Mike in the Morning" has placed his deadly curse on the New York Mets again.
We hope you get stuck on a desert island with Golic and he starts to think you're a pot roast.Greenie selected the Mets to win the east this season and Johan Santana winning the Cy Young Award in the National League. This could be a painful and brutal season at Citi Field. Thanks… you useless metro sexual Greenberg.
Author of "Why My Wife Thinks I'm An Idiot: The Life and Times of a Sportscaster Dad", well we think you're an idiot too.
We hope you get stuck on a desert island with Mike Golic and he starts to think you're a pot roast.
Mets want to remember failures of past two seasons
New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel doesn't believe the players should forget the shortcomings of the past two seasons or the label of chokers placed on them by Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels.
The only way to rid themselves of the tag and the bad memories is to win, according to the New York Daily News.
"I think we'll always be reminded of that until the end of the season. That's just what you carry when you're with the Mets. And that's OK. If you can handle it, we'll be OK," Manuel said Sunday during the final workout before Opening Day. "I really think it's something we'll carry until we win a championship. And that's OK.
"It's not that it's unfair. That's who we are."
Source: Yahoo Sports/Daily News
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Mets signing Sheffield an act of desperation
The New York Daily News wonders if the signing of Detroit Tigers reject Gary Sheffield by the New York Mets is a sign of desperation? Does it mean the team really isn't sold on Daniel Murphy in left field and Ryan Chuch in right? Or was it simply a way to keep Sheffield and his 499 career home runs out of Philadelphia?
The Daily News noted that the Scheffield will be taking at-bats away from Church for sure, and probably from Murphy, whom manager Jerry Manuel had anointed with everyday status in left. (It is worth noting, too, that Sheffield has also expressed a preference for left field over right.) This after Murphy hit .349 with a .396 on-base percentage this spring while Church posted figures of .338 and .395. Obviously, Fernando Tatis and Jeremy Reed will see a considerable reduction in at-bats as well as the Mets bet on Sheffield proving he's still a lethal force and that the dismal last year and a half was merely the product of being hurt.
The way the Mets look at it must be, according to the Daily News, that here was a career .292 hitter with a .394 on-base percentage and eight 100-RBI seasons to his credit suddenly coming onto the market for the bare minimum. What was there to lose by giving him a one-month tryout and, in the process, cashing in on that 500th home run milestone?
Source: Yahoo Sports/Daily News
Friday, April 1, 2009
Tatis could get time at second base for Mets
Actions speak louder than words in New York. While New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel talks about believing in Luis Castillo at second base, his actions say otherwise.
Thursday, Fernando Tatis played second base and Manuel told the New York Daily News he will not hesitate to use Tatis in Castillo's position when the team is facing a tough left-hander.
Manuel had not used Tatis at second base this spring until Tatis replaced Castillo for the fifth inning of Thursday's 9-8 win against the Orioles. Tatis has played only two innings in the majors there, in 2006 with Baltimore, according to The Daily News.
"I've been playing a lot of second base - not a lot in the big leagues, but coming up as a professional I played a lot," Tatis said. "I've been playing all over the place, but second base is not an easy base to play. It feels kind of weird. If you play a lot of third base, when you come play second base, the field is completely turned. It's something you have to get used to."
Mets may have interest in Ex-Tiger Sheffield
The availability of former Detroit Tigers' slugger Gary Sheffield has the upper management of the New York Mets talking to themselves, according to the New York Times.
The Daily News reported the team's front office staff met after the final spring training game Thursday to discuss whether to pursue Sheffield. Rufus Williams, who represents Sheffield, would not disclose whether the Mets had contacted him.
According to the Daily News, the Mets could use a righty bat for the bench. They likely would have to release Marlon Anderson and eat his $1.15 million contract in order to clear room. Still, how much playing time the Mets could promise Sheffield relative to other teams is debatable. Jerry Manuel feels so good about left fielder Daniel Murphy's ability to hit lefthanders that the manager aborted the team's offseason plans for Murphy to platoon with Fernando Tatis.
And how many at-bats could Sheffield get in right field even if Ryan Church sits against lefthanders? Tatis' at-bats would have to diminish as well. The Mets couldn't even fit a switch-hitting option such as Bobby Kielty, whom they hold in high regard, on the Opening Day roster as a righty bat for the bench. And righty-hitting outfielder Nick Evans only fits for four games before pitcher Livan Hernandez is activated.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The Mets get the Sports Illustrated kiss of death
"I've always said championships are won on the field, not on predictions," Mets GM Omar Minaya said. "The cover business, I don't believe in it. The bottom line is: I think we're a good team, but we've been a good team on paper for the past three years, and all we have to show right now is one playoff appearance."
Jerry Manuel welcomed the prediction, as his team approaches Monday's season opener in Cincinnati.
"That's all right with me," Manuel said. "Anybody. My kids and dogs and all the other folks, they picked me, too." When it was lightheartedly noted that Manuel didn't mention his wife picking the Amazin's, the manager added: "She picked me, too. Thirty-seven years, she better pick me. But she can be like Billy Martin sometimes. She's tough on me."
Of course, getting the ticker tape ready for a Canyon of Heroes celebration may be slightly premature. SI picked the Tigers last season. They finished in last place in the AL Central.
Source: Adam Rubin of N.Y. Daily News
Mets reassign Dessens and Kielty, waive Nieve
The New York Mets’ opening-day roster is set.
The Mets reassigned right-hander Elmer Dessens and outfielder Bobby Kielty to their minor-league camp and waived right-hander Fernando Nieve on Tuesday, leaving 25 players in the major league camp.
Outfielders Marlon Anderson and Jeremy Reed earned the final bench spots, and right-handers Darren O’Day and Bobby Parnell secured spots in the bullpen.
Outfielder Nick Evans will remain with the team until April 11 when fifth-starter Livan Hernandez is called up for his first start. After that, Evans, who is batting .274 with three home runs and 12 RBIs, will head to Triple-A Buffalo.
Also, the Mets released veteran infielder Jose Valentin, pitcher Tony Armas Jr. and second baseman Junior Spivey from the minor-league camp.
Dessens pitched three innings in the spring, giving up four hits and two walks. Kielty batted .296 with one home run and 10 RBIs in 24 games. Nieve posted a 3.00 ERA in six innings, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks.
Valentin, 39, had just been reassigned on Friday. He played for the Mets in 2006 and part of 2007, but spent all of last season in the minor leagues and could be nearing retirement after 16 seasons in the majors. He batted .267 with one home run and three RBIs in 17 games this spring.
Armas, 30, appeared in three games for the Mets last year before having season-ending sports hernia surgery on Aug. 17. He spent the majority of last season with Triple-A New Orleans and finished 5-7 with a 2.54 ERA in 17 starts. The Mets signed him to a minor-league deal in January, but he made just one appearance before being reassigned.
Spivey signed a minor-league deal with the Mets after the Red Sox released him earlier this month. He has a career .270 batting average over five seasons, but has not played in the majors since 2005 with Milwaukee and Washington.
Source: Yahoo Sports