This Day in Keith Hernandez History

Keith final major league hit came on July 20 1990 against the California Angels. It was a single off of Hall-of-Famer Bert Blyleven.

mid season report card

So its been a while. Life gets busy, computers crash. And as Kurt Vonnegut once said "so it goes". But I am prepared to give a slightly late mid season report card for the Mets.

1b - Ike Davis - (INC) Davis was having a good though not spectacular season before his freak injury sidelined him, for what looks like the rest of the season.
- Lucas Duda - (D) He is a butcher out there, much more suited to be an outfielder.
2b/SS/3B - Justin Turner, Daniel Murphy, Ruben Tejada (A) - These guys started the season on the bench or in Buffalo, but fate brought them into starting roles, none of them are superstars, but they are showing they are solid contributors and when the team is back to full strength, the Mets will have a really solid bench.

SS - Jose Reyes. (A) - Right now Jose Reyes is the MVP of the league. He is the most exciting player out there, he plays with joy and he is putting up historic numbers (triples especially). I think his recent stint on the dl was just being extra extra careful. But I expect him to pick up where he left off. The Mets need to sign this guy or they need to change the dimensions of CitiField so he doesn't come in and torch the Mets with triple after triple.

3B - David Wright - (C) - He was on pace to shatter the Mets single season and all-time strike out marks before he went on the DL with a back injury. Hopefully his fresh bat will lengthen out the lineup when he returns and he can help keep the Mets competitive and above .500.

C - Josh Thole (D) - There are times when he looks lost both behind the plate and standing at the plate. Ronnie Paulino has been a solid backup, but Thole needs to step up or the Mets will be looking for a new "catcher of the future."

RF - Carlos Beltran (A) - We will miss you when you are gone Carlos. You never got the love you deserved in Flushing, but you'll be remembered as a natural who knew where to be when he needed to be there. That is why he didn't run all over the place in the outfield, its called instincts. This year you where graceful enough to move over to Right Field, where it looks like you always played there. I hope you find your way to a contender, and have a huge playoffs and get a big payoff again.
CF - Angel Pagan (B) - I still don't think he's an everyday major leaguer. It might just be me. But he has been solid and his flexibility in the lineup has been a valuable asset for Terry Collins.

LF - Jason Bay (D) - He has been dreadful at the plate and for the big salary he makes that is why he is constantly booed. But like Beltran, he is a solid ball player with great instincts. He knows where he needs to be. Remember Lastings Milledge? He was terrible, but it looked like he was always putting all this effort because he always had to run hard in the outfield, why was he running hard? He didn't have the instincts a Jason Bay or Carlos Beltran have.

Manager - Terry Collins (A) - if this team ends up at .500 how can this guy not be Manager of the Year. He was supposed to guide the ship while the front office gutted the team. But he has kept the team competitive and fun to watch.

Too lazy to break down the pitchers but here are some quick grades for the rotation:

SP - Chris Capuano - B
SP - RA Dickey - D
SP - Mike Pelfrey - D
SP - Dillon Gee - B+
SP - Jon Niese - B+

This Day In Keith Hernandez History

Keith Hernandez's final hit for the Mets came on June 20, 1989 at St Louis against Frank DiPino

This Day In Keith Hernandez History

In 1983, Keith made his debut with the Mets on June 17 vs. the Montréal Expos in Montreal. Tom Seaver was the starting pitcher for the Mets. In his first at bat he grounded out to the pitcher. He got his first hit, a single, in the 4th inning against Charlie Lea. He finished the game going 2 for 4.

"DON'T TRADE JOSE REYES" DAY

"DON'T TRADE JOSE REYES" DAY 

Time	Friday, June 3 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location	Citi Field 123-01 Roosevelt Ave Flushing, NY

This is a day to celebrate JOSE REYES and to let the mgt know we will not take it lightly if they do the stupid thing and trade one of our fav homegrown boys! So buy your ticket to this game and wear your finest JOSE tee or jersey and bring a sign or 2 telling how you feel!!!!!! GET YOUR T SHIRTS FROM THE7LINE.COM.....He has special DONT TRADE JOSE SHIRTS!

AND Join us at the top of the 5th inning on the SHEA BRIDGE....we will all start the JOSE CHANT...and hopefully get on TV, and most importantly GET NOTICED BY THE WHOLE TEAM AND THE MGT! It would be awesome  if Jose acknowledges the event ... no movement!

CHEAP TICKETS are always available....no need for a field level ticket to be able to get to the SHEA BRIDGE during the game!

Fact vs Perception --- Fred Wilpon edition

This is a special edition of Fact vs. Perception … a Fred Wilpon Perception versus Facts. The quotes are from the article Madoff's Curveball written by Jeffery Toobin for the New Yorker.

Fred's Perception - On Jose Reyes "He’s had everything wrong with him."

Fact - Wilpon wasn't saying anything during 2005-2008 when he played all but 15 games, or led the league in stolen bases or triples three times. How about all the number 7 t-shirts and jerseys that are being sold, is everything wrong with that as well? 

Fred's Perception - On Carlos Beltran “He’s sixty-five to seventy per cent of what he was.” 

Fact - Four time All Star three time gold glover, two time silver slugger and ranking as high as fourth in MVP voting. That is pretty good for 65%. This year he has ht more home runs than Jason Bay has hit in this and last year combined. 

Fred's Perception - On David Wright “A really good kid. A very good player. Not a superstar.”

Fact - What makes a superstar? Does being a perennial all-star make you a superstar? Does being the face of the franchise make you a superstar? Does being  huge fan favorite with a really great and marketable name make you a superstar? Guess what Fred … yes!

Fred's Perception -  The team is shitty.

Fact - OK, you got it right here.

Other Mets news - 

• Toobin wll have a live chat this afternoon at 3 pm EST.
• Is the "Dock" in the song "Dock by the Bay" a reference to the Disabled list?  Jason Bay is hurting again, If there is a firesale, i hope they Mets can find a buyer for the Bay.
• Really a 10 run loss, nice way to show up. 
• Johann Santana is throwing off a mound ... making his return early enough so he can be showcased and traded, somehow I fear he ends up in Philly or the Bronx.
• God bless you Lenny Dykstra ... your craziness and loyalty to your friends is endless.

The Kid and other things

OK, I will break down the New Yorker article later on. Wow I bet they really wished that article came on  a day when people would have to talk about a game.  One other quick thought. On Friday every caller on WFAN or on ESPN radio who claimed to be a Mets fan said they would be ok with “1 out of 3.” We got that and we need to march on.

So Saturday night I was running around and I heard a news tease about a former Mets star with a very seriously affliction. But I never heard the end of it, later on that evening I read that former Mets catcher Gary Carter has several tumors on his brain. Holy Crap.  He is going for tests this week and hopefully he will survive this. I thought this would be a great opportunity to tell a little story about Gary Carter.

Gary Carter was not my favorite Met of the mid to late 80s, that was of course Keith Hernandez, he was my brother's favorite player. HE hit his 300th home run on my brother’s birthday one summer, my brother had a little plush bear with a Mets shirt that he called Gary. Its not that I didn’t like him, but he wasn’t my favorite.

Fast forward a several years, and I hear on the morning news that he will be at Grand Central Station signing autographs. You could bring your own item, or you can try to throw a baseball 50mph and he’d sign that ball as well as any other item. I had a really crappy job at the time and they were very loose with hours. So I went over. My heater topped out at 43 mph so I went on the slower non-50mph line. Gary signed everything anyone brought in front of him and spent a moment or two with each person, smiling for photos whatever. I have been  When I got there I said to him, “wow your ring is huge,” He was wearing his 86 championship ring. I had recently been to Cooperstown and saw a more normal sized 86 ring. He says yeah I’ve got pretty big hands, and then asked if I’d like to try it on. “Really?” And then he is handing me his championship ring. I put it on and it was enormous, probably would have fit on my thumb more comfortably. I looked at my hand with the ring and thought to my self wow.

Not wanting to linger I took it off and handed it back to him. I thanked him and shook his gigantic hand. The encounter probably took less than a minute but nearly nine years later I can still think how heavy, shiny and warm the ring was. I hope that he pulls through , because he was a great ball player and a really nice guy.

Subway Series 2011 - Part 1

The Mets and Yankees are both within a few games of each other, with the Yanks slightly above .500 and the Mets just under. So lets take a look at the match-ups

1b - Murphy/Turner/Evans vs Mark Teixeira (adv Yankees)
2b - Tejada/Turner/Murphy vs Robinson Caon (adv Yankees)
SS - Jose Reyes vs Derek Jeter (adv Mets)
3b - Murphy/Turner/Harris vs Arod (adv Yankees)
C - Josh Thole vs Russel Martin (adv - Yankees)
LF - Jason Bay vs Brett Gardner (adv Yankees)
CF - Pridie/Harris/Harriston vs Garnderson (adv Yankees)
RF - Carlos Beltran vs Swisher (adv Mets)
DH - FMART vs Posada (adv … I don't know ... but  Posada is hitting like .165)
Manager - Terry Collins vs Joe Girardi (adv Mets)
(Mets 3  - Yankees 6  - toss up 1)

I like the pitching match-ups this weekend versus the Yankees

Game 1 - RA Dickey vs Freddy Garcia (Adv - Dickey)
Game 2 - Chris Capuano vs AJ Burnett  (Adv - Burnett)
Game 3 - Mike "licky fingers" Pelfrey vs Nova (Adv - Licky Fingers)

Let's hope our advantage in pitching can overcome the Yankees advantage.

Oh yeah I hate  interleague games - here is why.

• I can't be friends with my best friend for six days every year .. that sucks.
• The schedule isn't balanced, none of the teams above us are playing the $200 million dollar men.
• The leagues don't play with the same rules, the National League team is weakened by using the DH. 

Rain Rain go away

I'm looking out my window at work right now and its pouring … and the Mets have not called tonight game. While yesterday's game was called an it wasn't Noah-esque outside.  Where did i park the ark?

Holy crap

 David Wright has a lower back fracture. Out for at least a few weeks ... according to WFAN ... Alderson on SNY right now.

Questions from a Yankees fan

My best friend Mike is a Yankees fan and despite our differences we have been friends for well lets say the Mets were still good and the Yankees pitching staff was led by Andy Hawkins. Every now and then he sends me a question about the Mets. His questions are ver thought provoking, and I hope so are my answers.

Do during last nights Yankees game, Michael Kay was talking about some comments Jeff Franker (now on the Royals) made concerning Citi Field. Franker felt like the dimensions of Citi Field were ridiculous and they are hurting the careers of David Wright and Jason Bay. He suggested lowering the walls (in left field I believe) and moving the right center field wall in. Apparently FrancouerFrancouer said that Wright agrees with him. Do you think the dimensions help the Mets because their pitching is kind of shaky? Or do you think it hurts them because it makes it harder to score runs? - Mike

I think the dimensions of CF are great, for hitting doubles and triples. David Wright striking out on average more than once a game is hurting his career, he isn't a huge power hitter in the first place he shouldn't be aiming for the fences, Ryan Howard or Prince Fielder he is not. And if they move the fences in or down home runs will increase among opponents as well. The huge park is great for pitchers and Troy Tulowski - who has no problems hitting homers there.

Jeff Francouer Sucks.

Don't worry its OKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

Ok, I’m not just pilling on David Wright ... But with Brad Emaus out of the organization and Angel Pagan playing his most usual position (DL), Wright is currently my scapegoat . Assuming he is not traded this year, David Wright will take over yet another All-Time Mets record. He is 124 strike outs away from breaking Darryl Strawberry’s all time Mets record with 960 strike outs. So far through 34 games he has 37 strike outs, with 128 games to go 124 is well within reach.

A hole on the left side of the infield

I wonder if we Mets fans are appreciating Jose Reyes more and more, because we know he will soon be gone? Perhaps its just his one final  gift for his fans, but he is just unconscious out there. He is a triples machine.

Can someone tell Sandy Alderson, that they built Citifield for Jose Reyes? That enormous outfield, those deep gaps? Its for Reyes to line doubles and triples.

I know I’m not the first to say this but, how about we trade David Wright. He is going to command more money than Reyes will after next season. And he is much more easily replaced. Daniel Murphy could play third.  I like our lineup better with Murphy replacing Wright much much better than Ruben Tejada replacing Reyes in the line up. I’m just saying. Ughhh just add-on whomever they are going to run out there in right field to replace Carlos Beltran.


RANDOM THOUGHTS: 


The LA Dodgers (despite last nights win) have a terrible record at Citifield, ironic since it is a shrine to their franchises history.

Was R.A. Dickey a fluke? Just like Angel Pagan. He sure is pitching that way.

I wish there was a way for Terry Collins to juggle the rotation so Mike Pelfrey only pitches at home.

Two years from now people we Mets fans will really begin to appreciate how good Carlos Beltran really was.

Fact vs Perception --- mmm cheesy

Dave Racaniello

Perception - Bullpen catchers are useless and a dime a dozen

Fact - Met's bullpen catcher Dave Racaniello set a visitors clubhouse record in Philadelphia when the Mets were visiting the Phillies over the weekend, by eating 14 cheesesteaks during the three game series. Who knows how many he would have eaten if Sunday's game went longer than 14 innings!  

BONUS Fact - Cheesesteaks are awesome!

Fake Fact - Juan Samuel set the single season in 1985 by eating 280 cheesesteaks. 

JOSE JOSE JOSE!

You know if he was actually out he would have been tossed from the game. Chip Hale looks like if he weren't holding Jose back that he'd be hitting the ump with his helmet about the head and shoulders. This is the kind of emotional breakout that the team needs. Reyes was furious because all he wants to do is win. So lets get the sweep of the Nats done today and on to victory 392 against the Phillies on Friday night.

Oh with last nights win the Mets are out of last place in the NL east.

Fact vs Perception

FACT - In 20 games this season, Josh Thole is batting just .227 with a .268 OBP, three doubles and seven RBI.

PERCEPTION - Doesn’t it seem like he is doing much much better than that? Seemingly he’s always on second base. People are scoring around him. I don’t understand how his numbers are so low. 

musings on a off day

Its 8pm and there is no Mets game on the radio, that is why I hate these days off early in the baseball season. It couldn't come at a worse time for the Mets, after a four game winning streak, and five consecutive games with quality starts for Mets starters.

Here are some quick thoughts.

Jason Bay has really solidified the lineup since his return, even with Angel AAAA Pagan out.

Anyone miss Brad Emaus? Me neither.

Dillon Gee has looked really impressive through two starts. But then again Terry Leach was 10-1 at one point. It would be nice to have a rotation with a bunch of home grown arms, Pelfrey. Niese, Gee, and Mejia. That is a lot of arms if you add Young/Capuano/Santana to the mix. There are lots of worse problems to have.

I really have the itch to go out to Citifield ... Gotta see if I can find $1 tickets on Stub Hub. I saw $15 tickets right behind the plate for one of the games versus Houston.

The new ad campaign

Who's laughing now?

This is what Mets Blog should look this morning.

I have to believe that somewhere Jerry Manuel is stroking his goatee and laughing at the last place Mets. "Right, HA HA HA, It was my fault the Mets were in last place, HA HA HA." I'll be the first to say it, Sorry Jerry it wasn't your fault. 

Guess what I am so obsessed with Metsblog.com, almost as obsessed as I was with how much I disliked everything I saw of Brad Emaus. 

I can't wait till Jason Bay comes back ... he's going to fix everything right?

One caller to Mike Francesa gave the perfect rational to trade David Wright rather than Jose Reyes (not that he was advocating trading either) this guys, Doug from LaCrosse Wisconsin (not his name)  said that if the Mets trade, or let go, Jose Reyes they will spend the next decade or two trying to fill the whole he left. Think about the other elite shortstops in the league, no one does the things that Reyes does. Think about the elite third basemen, there are other guys who do pretty much the same thing as David Wright. I don't want either to go in the impending fire sale ... but if I had to chose the right (pun intended) choice to stay is Reyes.

Finally!

The Mets have promoted 2B Justin Turner from Triple-A Buffalo, and designated 2BBrad Emaus for assignment.


Ok who am I going to mock here now? My gut tells me Angel Pagan.

FROM METSBLOG.COM - Sandy is not going to give Reyes $100M

In either case, “Sandy is not going to pay $100 million for a guy who might break down,” a rival team official told Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com.

Guess what everyone might break down.  I think sometimes these Moneyball guys need to take stop looking at their laptops or iPads for a few minutes and take a look at the game. Listen to the crowd.  Scan around the stadium, try and find a Brad Emaus jersey on anyone not named Brad Emaus. I think the immortal Jeff “Frenchie” Francour had it right when he said “If OBP was so important they would show it on the scoreboard”.


Secondly, I love Metsblog.com, its always so well written and the photo treatment is really slick. 

Brad Emaus, better start doing something that looks like a major league baseball player soon or i'm going to have to rename this blog "Tales From the Naked Citi(Field) ... Brad Emaus Sucks"

It could be worse

A few months back I like many other Mets fans day-dreamed about new ownership for the Mets. I'm still pulling for you Mr. Cuban.

But an interesting name came up Donald Trump. He has money; he has New York roots, why not. I'll tell you why not he's nuts.

I heard Boomer and Carton talking about him on the radio this morning; apparently he was saying that LaGuardia airport is like a third world airport. This guy has two speeds talk and sleep.

Picture this scenario Trump buys the Mets; they lose a game Terry Collins is called up to his office. Trump is behind a table, that old dude George is on one side of him a very uncomfortable Sandy Alderson is on the other. "Terry, Your fired".

The next night on the Tonight Show he announces that he is going to pick the next Mets manager on the next installment of the apprentice.

After burning through a few interim managers, he starts trying to change the players. "Alderson sign Willie Mays to play center field this Pagan guy is a joke!"

"With all due respect Mr. Trump. Willie Mays is nearly eighty years old," Alderson replies.  Trump stares.

Sensing his new boss was joking Alderson joked back "perhaps if we had a time machine."

Trump nods his head. "That's why I keep you around. Get the time machine warmed up. Ok you can leave, tell Jay Horowitz to come in he has to write up an announcement about our new centerfielder."

It would be like 1980s era George Steinbrenner.

Honestly as horrible as it would be for him to own the Mets it would be way worse if he were President of the United States, so if you have to choose one, ahhh choose the Mets. We Mets fans suffer enough already.

i dont care about the Knicks, or Rangers

Its true sports talk radio is so infuriating to me when its all Knicks and Rangers. Why can't I hear a radio station that is all Mets talk all year round. I don't care if the host has to uncover the warts of the team. I'm ok with that. Honestly I may give up facebook for the remainder of the Knicks and Rangers playoff runs.

I like Josh Thole hitting second behind Jose Reyes. He'll see more fast balls surrounded by David Wright and Reyes, as opposed to the junk he sees down in the lineup with Brad Emaus and the pitchers spot, and he is a good contact hitter who will take pitches for Reyes to run on.

Reyes has scored at least one run in every Mets win this season.

Yesterdays win was huge. It snapped the longest losing streak the Mets have had in seven years. I find it hard to believe that they hadn't lost seven in a row since the Art Howe era.

Lazy Sunday

Why is everyone giving David Wright a pass. He's been brutal as of late.

Is it me or does Howie Rose seem to always segue Carlos Beltran at bats into commercials. "Carlos Beltran wears number fifteen and I'm fifteen minutes you can save fifteen percent with Geico." You are better than that Howie.

So when Jason Bay comes back is he going to play Left Field and pitch middle relief?

Is there anything more American than listening to a ball game on your car radio, while your toddler daughter sleeps in the back seat in the parking lot of a Walmart? Perhaps a nice slice of melon.

I bought some big league chew, originally it was for one of my buddies son's easter basket. I think we'll find him something else. I love big league chew. God bless you Jim Bouton and Rob Nelson. Kind of ironic that big league chew was invented by independent or minor league players.

Ike Davis is safe a secure at second base like you and your family is safe a secure with some life insurance company.

That is right I'm not going to mention two double header sweeps in a row.

oh the humanity ... oh the humanity

Ok that sucked big time. I can't break it down, but here is a little stream of consciousness.

• At least it was a really nice day to be at the ball park.
• Tickets could be had for $4 on stubub
• Its good that Brad Emaus is having such a great year at the bat ... because he is a butcher out in the field. He has no instincts out there. Wait, what? Mr. Moneyball hasn't been hitting.
• Perhaps the whole team should wear different uniforms so Willie Harris thinks he is playing against he Mets and doesn't let two easy pop-ups drop infornt of him.
• There is a reason why Willie Harris, and whichever Harriston brother we have are bench players ... they aren't good enough to play every day. (I'll admit as I was reading this in my head, I sounded like Mike Francesca yelling at some dude on the phone).
• And not to beat a dead horse, this sweep by the Rockies is exactly why Jose Reyes won't be a Met by Jose Reyes banner day in August. He is tearing it up ... OBP my ass ... but the team is losing. Just trade him now, its not right that he has to suffer any longer. I'm sure we will all love Rueben Tejada or Luis Herandez hitting near the Mendoza line and making nice loopy throws over to first base.
• Some guys I was watching the game with at work, were talking about flipping Reyes for a major league ready arm.  No we are getting a bunch of young "can't miss prospects". You know like Alex Ochoa, Fernando Martinez, Lastings Milledge, Eric Cammack or Scott Kazmir. Trust me no one is sending a yet to be descovered Tim Lincecum our way. But I'm sure the Angels would send us Scott Kazmir.

Wine is fine.
But whiskey's quicker
Suicide is slow with liquor
Take a bottle drain your sorrows

- Ozzy Osbourne

Rainout ... at least the bullpen couldn't blow the lead again

I was running errands after work tonight and it felt really lonely in the car without a Mets game on. Yes I had Steve Sommers, music and some podcasts, but it wasn't like listening to the ball game. The other thing that sucks is now the Mets will have to play a double header on Thursday, kind of wish I could take the day off work and sit at the ball park for 6-7 hours. But alas grids about making books, don't just make themselves.

"What we need is a rain out
 I can get us a rain out
Man, there ain't been a cloud in weeks
Hundred bucks says I can get us a rainout for tomorrow
You're on"
 - BULL DURHAM

Bull Durham is such a great. But I think baseball lends it self to being a good backdrop for a movie. Its slow pace and grace, let people get a word in edgewise.  OK off the top of my head ... here are my favorite baseball movies of all time ...

• Bull Durham
• Eight Men Out
• Field of Dreams
• A League of Their Own (my favorite baseball movie)
• Bingo Long's Traveling All-Stars & Motor  King
• Fever Pitch

No way Jose

I hit .340 all all I got was this non-Mets T-shirt

Dear Jose Reyes,


How they screwed up a game where you hit two triples is unbelievable to me, I guess you can ask Johan what it feels like to be stellar and get nothing in return for you efforts.. Did everyone forget, the more you score the more the Mets win? Seriously you were standing on third base twice ... the crowd was going ape cakes and you only scored once. Nice clutch hitting behind you! That is right I am pointing to you Angel Pagan and you blistering .179 batting average. A whole four RBIs when Reyes is in the midst of a 9-game hitting streak. Guess what he scores from every base on just about any base hit. I’m just saying.  


Does a walk put asses in the seats? No, but triples and inside the park home runs do.

There a lot of people who just love the laundry, but I get connected to the name on the back of the jersey as well, it will be crushing if you have to go. So hopefully someone will come a save the Mets soon enough so you can stay with us for the rest of your career. Because we are long past the time when we can run out a un-exciting slap hitter as our shortstop.

Your pal,

Niel

Generation K ... Is here ... Only 15 years late

   

 With the departure of Lucas Duda and red-headed Abraham Lincoln Blaine Boyer, brings back the return of the last man standing from Generation K Jason Isringhausen. 

It's Outta Here!! (x2) - Mets 8 - Nationals 4

I was doing some work on my new apartment and listening to the game on the radio and its awesome that you can tell when a Met homers because you can't take the smile off of Howie Rose's voice. Anyone understand what I mean by that? You also can't get me not clap. 

I was pretty sick of the announce team harping on Reyes not driving any runs in this season. That is not really his job, his job is mainly to get on base and score runs. RBIs are a bonus for him. but I was glad he ran his hitting streak to 7-games. And like in every other Mets win, Jose Reyes got a hit and scored at least one run.  But this team would be better with a bunch of guys like Brad Emaus.  Yes Mr. Alderson, Bard's .304 OBP is so vastly superior to Jose Reyes' .303. But your computer doesn't calculate heart and excitement. It doesn't apparently compute Reyes 100 point bating average advantage. Money Ball my butt. PAY HIM!

Speaking of talented players that will not be on team next year, shouldn't the Mets just trade Carlos Beltan now? Is he going to have a better game than two homers, three RBI and raising his batting average fifty points? They are panicking in Boston right now ... someone get Theo on the line.

The Mets could really use a victory in Sunday's game. Get themselves over .500 again. But if you go by the formula, win every seres at home and go .500 on the road you have a team wins 94 games. Its not impossible. Last year's team was thirteen games over .500 at home but sixteen under on the road. had they managed to play .500 on the road, they were a playoff team. That is moneyball right there.

Well that sucked- Marlins 6-Mets 2

One of my buddies went to the game today and I saw him afterwards and the only thing I could say to him is "well that sucked". At least I got to enjoy the suck-a-tude in my warm home and car.

Is it just me or are the Mets finding it really had to come up with taht one big hit. It seemed like they are constently getting guys into scoring position with none or one man out and they can't drive them in.

Despite not striking out in Friday's game David Wright has 8 strike outs this season and is on a pace for over 190 times in 2011. He will shatter Darryl Strawberry's franchise record for career strike outs.

My 8 month old son threw up on the Mets t-shirt I was wearing. And then a few hours later my two month old nephew thew up on the same spot of a Mets sweat shirt I was wearing. Either terrific grouping from the boys ... or very ominous foreshadowing.

Opening Day Redux

It’s Opening Day again and I am psyched. I’m not gonna be able to get out to CitiField today, but I am supporting the team by wearing my new Mets Keep Calm and Carry On t-shirt I got in the mail this week from 27up27down. The shirt is even nicer than it looks on the website, I can’t wait until their Phillies styled Mets shirt is available.

My only complaint is that these shirts didn’t arrive in the early 90s when they could have read ...

 Keep 

Calm

and 

Carreon

The Letdown: Phillies 10 Mets 7

I'll admit I was taking yesterday's game as a gimme. But the Phillies bats had a little to say about it. They jumped out to a 7-0 lead on Mike Pelfrey and really never looked back. But there were positives.

The Mets bats are alive, with anothe 12-hit game and a five run inning.

Jose Reyes got at least one hit and scored a run in each of the last four games.

David Wright, Angel Pagan, Ike Davis, Brad Emaus and Josh Thole are all hitting over .300, Reyes is right on their heels at .280.

But the downside is they have Doc Holladay this afternoon.

Yes, its way to premature to say this. But if the season ended today the Mets would win the National League East title. Even though they have the same record as the Phillies, they have a better head-to-head record, after tonight's decisive 7-1 victory at Citizen's Bank Park.

The game was a big win as the Mets are looking to build on the momentum of their series win in Miami. After looking lethargic against the Marlins in the season opener the met bats have been awakened, particularly David Wright who is batting .413 on the young season. But tonight was a night to celebrate Chris Young, he pitched great and had two hits in one inning. That is crazy. I don;t expect him to rake like he did in Philly but he can have a good year for the Mets is he stays healthy and remains consistent on the mound.

The series was set up favorably for the Mets. facing Hamels in game one, he came in with a 2-8 record against the Mets, then we have our ace Mike Pelfrey taking on their number 5 guy Joe Blanton in game two, and yes get a way day doesn't look to good as the Mets and Jon Niese have to take on Doc Holladay. But he was pretty roughed up on Opening Day, so he can be hit.

Wait Reyes got a hit and scored a run? And the Mets won?  Do I see a trend continuing?

Mike Piazza is past the 2000 World Series ... I am pretty sure I haven't

Mike Piazza and Roger Clemens make nice

I am sorry Mike Piazza is way too nice. I would still hold a grudge till this day. I practically do. Actually Piazza did get a slight bit of revenge when he caught Clemens in the the All-Star game in Houston and he got lit up. Was Mike tipping pitches?

But perhaps Mike is just biding his time and when Clemens least expects it all of a sudden he gets the business end of a 7-iron. I'm just saying.

Oral and Orel ... all in one post ... and a pledge

I decided that this season (other than during the subway series) that I will be civil to the Yankees(who have the same 2-1 record as the "lowly" Mets) and their fans, here and on facebook.




Ok after that. But I will sling my hatred (and jealousy) towards the Phillies and their fans.

How good are Orel Hershiser and Bobby V in the ESPN Sunday Night Basbeall booth. Its nice that they can pronounce Carlos Beltran’s name properly. And Dan Shulman is solid despite being Canadian.

2011 - day 3 - Mets 9 - Marlins 2

Howie Rose said something on today's broadcasrt that rings true. In his career when Jose Reyes scores a run the Mets have a .681 winning percentage. This season when Jose Reyes scores a run the Mets have a 1.000 winning percentage. Remember that piece of history Mr. Alderson.

Opening Day take 2 - Mets 6 - Marlins 4 (10)

So a game on April fools day doesn't count right? Regardless the Mets are finally off the shneid (as the kids say).

This was a rollercoaster game, early on I'm calling for Luis Castillo to come back, since Brad Emaus is such a butcher in the field. But I digress. And thenthe Mets take a lead in the ninth. Its gonna happen. And then K-Rod blows the lead.

But the guys who are suppossed to get hits and score runs did as Reyes-Pagan-Wright went back to back to back with hits to start the tenth. And after taking on a few more (thanks Willie Harris), the man with the Conan O'Brien meets Abraham Lincoln beard Boyer picks up the save.

Now its up to RA Dickey to win us this series tomorrow. And K-Rod didn't finish the game so the option countdown hasn't moved at all.

Game 1 Recap - Marlins 6 - Mets 2

 When you build something up in your head it never lives up to your expectations well Happy Opening Day to me. What a cluster F that was. Not to overreact but I know I said maybe Sports Illustrated was correct with their prediction for the Mets - I went a step further and wondered how they would ever win a game.


But there were some positives. 

• Carlos Beltran drove in a run and scored when he doubled in the seventh and didn't pull up lame
• The Mets were not shut out or no-hit
• Mike Pelfrey pitched well when he didn't allow any base runners, not so much when guys were on
• Boyer has a cool beard
• Reyes was really trying to work the count against Johnson
• There are still 161 games left for the Mets to right the ship

We're Number 1

At least until the end of today's Braves - Nationals game

Your 2011 Mets - Part 7 - Big foot steps to follow

While the Mets have been a revolving door at Third Base, they have been well represented by all-stars and hall-of-famers behind the plate. The first player the Mets ever drafted was Hobie Landrith, a catcher. So no pressure Josh Thole.

Thole held his own against major league pitching during his first real taste of the majors in 2010. Hitting .286 so far in his major league career. He isn't going to be a power hitter or middle of the lineup batter like some of his famous predesecours. But he is a solid spray hitter with a little bit of pop. Most importantly Thole calls a good game and has a descent arm. The Mets would be smart to find a more reliable backup for Thole than Ronny Paulino.  He needs an experiecned backup (a Todd Pratt type) who isn't going to push him to be teh starter, but will be a good sounding board for him, and help him get to the next level.

Is he going to be a Buster Posey or Joe Mauer? Its way to early to tell. But young man who was born the day after the Mets last won the World series, is going to be a solid preformer for the team for years to come.


Josh Thole (pronounced toll-EE)

Your 2011 Mets - Part 6 - Mr. (W)right

Coming into the season David Wright is the only given. He is not a youngster who is all about potential (Davis, Thole, Emaus), he is not banged up (Beltran, Bay), he isn’t an AAAA player (Pagan) and he isn’t going to be traded at the deadline (Reyes). All he is is the face of the franchise.

In the first 41 seasons of their existence nearly 130 men played third base for the Mets, and in the last 8 years David Wright has had a strangle hold on the position (about a dozen other played third to give Wright a day off since 2004).  He has picked up two Gold Gloves despite his only adequate play at third base. Yes he makes a great play here or there, but he isn’t great at third.

Where Wright really makes his money and impact is at the plate, a career .305 hitter he is a solid power hitter averaging 27 homers and 107 RBI.  As the Mets most consistent hitter he is situated best in the three hole, he has enough power to drive in the table setters and is quick enough to score runs when the rest of the “heart” heart of the lineup drives him in.

He is currently on pace to be the Mets all-time leader in most major offensive categories.

Homeruns

1.   Darryl Strawberry

4.  David Wright

Doubles

1. David Wright

Hits

1. Ed Kranepool

3.  David Wright

RBI

1.  Darryl Strawberry

2.   David Wright

David is the face of our franchise and being signed through next year and with an option for 2013, he should be in Flushing for the long haul. I just hope he doesn’t end up the only offensive star surrounded by has beens and nobodies like his mentor Howard Johnson endured during the early nineties.

Weird … David Wright and Jose Reyes both wore #2 in the minors.            

Oh Boy only three days before opening day ... keep an eye out for a preview of Josh Thole, Ike Davis and David Wright

 I just ordered this shirt from 27 up and 27 down ... awesome!

Your 2011 New York Mets - Sitting at the dock of the Jason Bay.

Most free agents and newly traded players struggle a little bit when they come to New York. And eventually after their novelty time ends, if they are not living up to expectations, the boo birds come out. Jason Bay struggled with New York and the vast dimensions of Citi Field were quite different than the coziness of Fenway Park.

Luckily he was spared the ire of the Flushing faithful, as we had enough villains in blue and orange to boo. But did he really struggle, or were we all expecting monstrous homeruns and gaudy RBI numbers.  Yes there were times that it seemed a week would go between Jason Bay hits, but then all of a sudden he's easing into  second base after nearly every at-bat. Like team mate Carlos Beltran, Jason is smooth in the field and on the base paths and it appears he isn't giving 100% effort.

He played a solid left field and was beginning to hit when his season was cut short by a concussion. Luckily the Mets let him take his time recovering and he is ready to go for Opening Day. He could have a big year especially is the guys in-front of him are getting on-base consistently, if those doubles are driving in a run or two he can become a fan favorite like another smooth hitting lefty from the Pacific Northwest John Olerud. If he is inconsistent he will be booed and though of like another very calm left-fielder Kevin McReynolds.

Jason Bay will be one of at least seven Mets in the 2011 Opening Day lineup who in the Mets minor league system. Reyes, Pagan, Wright, Bay, Davis, Thole and Pelfrey.

Your 2011 Mets - Part 4 - I had no catchy line to describe ... Carlos Beltran

With Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo gone, the Mets fans will have Carlos Beltran to kick around. Unless he gets off to a hot start and is traded. Regardless, the Carlos Beltran era for the New York Mets will come to an end in 2011, as there is no way he will be resigned. 

I think part of the fans problem with Beltran is he doesn't look like he is hustling. He isn't diving all  over the place, "running through walls", getting really dirty. He is a much more nuanced ball player than that. He is more like a fine wine rather than a six pack of PBR.  I always thought he doesn't run to the ball like a wild man, because he knows where its going and he's gotten there already.  

During his career Carlos has proven himself as a five tool player. Probably the only one the Mets have ever had during the prime years of his career.

a five-tool player is one who excels at hitting for average, hitting for power, base-running skills and speed, throwing ability, and fielding abilities.

Yes this year will be sort of an experiment with Carlos in right field. I think the transition will be easy on him, being such a gifted outfielder.  He has such great instincts out there he is going to be such a huge help to Angel Pagan in center. I hope that his last year in Flushing will be a good one and that we can once and for all forget about the called strike three in the 2006 NLCS.

In addition to being such a fine overall player, he is such a valuable cog in the line up. As power hitting switch hitter he protects the righty David Wight before him and the lefty  Ike Davis behind him. He helps extend the line up out. 

     

Projected lineup with Carlos

1. Reyes (s)
2. Pagan (s)
3. Wright (r)
4. Beltran (s)
5. Davis (l)
6. Bay(r)
7. Murphy (l)
8. Thole (l)

Projected line up without Carlos

1. Reyes
2. Pagan
3. Wright
4. Davis
5. Bay 
6. Murphy
7. Thole
8. Duda (Seriously Lucas Duda would be replacing Carlos Beltran! F-Mart sprained an ankle just thinking about replacing Beltran)

I think without Beltran in the line up there is something lacking and you quickly get

unproven players in the line up. With him you have unproven hitters 7,8 and 9, without him your lineup drops off after the five hole. 

So Mets fans boo him while he is still here. But ask your self why. What did Carlos Beltran ever do to you?

Carlos is tied with Todd Hundley as the Mets single season home run leader with 41.

Piazza's Debut ... now on SNY

I'm watching Mike Piazza's Mets debut on SNY right now and all I wonder is what if Todd Hundley didn't hurt his elbow? Would the Mets have made that bold trade to bring Piazza to New York.  I wonder what the fate of the franchise would have been had Hundley stayed healthy? Think how bold it was replacing arguably your best and most popular player mid-season.

Hundley was traded after the season and brought much maligned, though effective, closer Armando Benitez and Roger Cedeno (the first time when he was good).

Isn't it weird that Olerud was the clean up hitter in the lineup before Piazza got there. Mike batted third that day, and grounded out to future Met Jose Valentin at short.

Technology sucks!

So I wrote this really great post about Ike Davis for my "Your 2011 Mets" series but then I accidentally deleted it off of my Blackberry. So I'll have to re-write it.

I head K-Rod and Dan Warthen on WFAN yesterday and they both were so positive ... I was really pumped up. I want the season to start right now. The pitching staff seems good and solid and quoting the human-cliché machine David Wright "if we play up to what it says on the back of our baseball cards" this team should hit. So if they stay healthy  ... Maybe they can make a run.

I was so pumped up, I threw on a Johan Santana t-shirt and a Mets onsie for my son.

Speaking of Johan, apparently he had a great throwing session.

Angel Pagan said he is going to steal more bases as a Met this year than Jose Reyes ... Sure because Reyes will be gone long before Jose Reyes banner day in August.

I think this blog his becoming a little anti-David Wright. Hmmm.