Mets(courtesy of mlb.com)
While it certainly was a nice sight for Mets fans to see Wright go deep, there was also safety in numbers. In this case, the numbers were three and two. The Mets had three newcomers in their Opening Day lineup, and each delivered two hits. Big free-agent acquisition Jason Bay went 2-for-4 with a run scored while hitting fifth. Gary Matthews Jr. followed Bay in the lineup and went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Rod Barajas started behind the plate and also finished with a double and an RBI. It might be helpful if that carried over, particularly for Bay on Wednesday. The outfielder has gone just 2-for-12 against Nolasco in his career.
Lineup
Cora, SS
Castillo, 2B
Wright, 3B
Jacobs, 1B
Bay, LF
Matthews, CF
Francoeur, RF
Barajas, C
Maine, P
Marlins(courtesy of mlb.com)
Ricky Nolasco was the Marlins’ best pitcher in Spring Training. In fact, the 27-year-old was arguably one of the best starters in the league in Grapefruit League games. He was 3-0 with a 1.78 ERA. Most impressively, the right-hander struck out 21 and walked just one in 25 1/3 innings.
In his last regular-season start, on Sept. 30, 2009, at Atlanta, Nolasco set a franchise record with 16 strikeouts, and he had a streak of fanning nine in a row. He might need stuff like that since the Mets have hit .319 off of Nolasco through his career.
Lineup
Cohlan, LF
Maybin, CF
Ramirez, SS
Cantu, 3B
Uggla, 2B
Baker, C
Ross, RF
Sanchez, 1B
Nolasco, P
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22 comments
saltygary
4/7/2010-7:01pm at 7:01 pm (UTC -4)
Lets Go Mets Go and CMON Jacobs, lets see some 4 hole slugging.
metsfan4decades
4/7/2010-7:05pm at 7:05 pm (UTC -4)
Let’s Go Mets! Make it two.
Kingman 26
4/7/2010-7:07pm at 7:07 pm (UTC -4)
Enjoy the game everyone and LET’S GO METS!!!
rustyjr
4/7/2010-7:39pm at 7:39 pm (UTC -4)
Ne 1 know what just happened with norlasco ?
metsfan4decades
4/7/2010-7:54pm at 7:54 pm (UTC -4)
Went to his mouth on the mound. Apparently, that’s a no-no.
stickguy
4/7/2010-8:38pm at 8:38 pm (UTC -4)
maine can’t be right. he really has lost his stuff (especially the FB). Sad to watch him trying to be a junkballing nibbler.
I predict 5/15 for him to hit the DL, although quite possibly he doesn’t make it out of april.
and isn’t it a little odd to announce before the game that your #5 starter is ready to come in for long relief?
I can’t stand listening to Jerry. Watching what he does (usually not what he said though!) is just as painful.
Hey, at least the clean up hitter hit a long foul ball. Now if he could just get a base hit. Maybe anything other than a K?
Kingman 26
4/7/2010-9:22pm at 9:22 pm (UTC -4)
If Maine is healthy, and his fastball is topping out at 89-90, and his breaking stuff is mediocre, and his control is mediocre, and he can’t throw first pitch strikes, he is done as an effective starter.
Those spring training numbers for Maine and Nolasco and Green sure weren’t a predictor of their first appearances, were they?
And granted, these are two good pitchers, but Jacobs batting cleanup is simply ridiculous. I am just about ready for Carter.
Bay, on the other hand, is a fantastic addition. I am liking Matthews and Barajas too. Nice work by Omar.
Let’s pray that Niese and Pelf are ready to rock.
metsfan4decades
4/7/2010-9:53pm at 9:53 pm (UTC -4)
Uh, Tatis….what in the ?????
gategem
4/7/2010-10:16pm at 10:16 pm (UTC -4)
Even before the rash of injuries struck last year the type of bonehead play as evident by Tatis trying to score with Wright up and the bases loaded occurred too frequently.
Kingman 26
4/7/2010-10:20pm at 10:20 pm (UTC -4)
Correct as usual sir.
Still, despite the pitching, the team is showing hustle and fight, and I am seriously liking that aspect of tonight’s game.
Regardless of the immediate future, when considering Jason Bay and the minor leaguers we have who are nearly ready for the big leagues, I am VERY optimistic about the direction of the team right now.
gategem
4/7/2010-11:38pm at 11:38 pm (UTC -4)
I particularly liked the patience shown by some of the hitters in drawing walks. We have not seen that too often with this ball club.
GravediggerHebner
4/7/2010-10:29pm at 10:29 pm (UTC -4)
I respect your opinion Gate but I gotta say, I was yelling “go go!” at Tatis immediately and it took flawless defensive execution by a team not known for sound defensive play to get Tatis at the plate. I have no problem with his running, I tip my hat to Baker for making an unbelievably accurate throw while falling sideways and to Veras for actually covering the plate.
metsfan4decades
4/7/2010-11:30pm at 11:30 pm (UTC -4)
Well, that is true. But if you’re going, you’ve got to make it. Especially with 2 outs. Took a chance, didn’t work out.
gategem
4/7/2010-11:34pm at 11:34 pm (UTC -4)
While I can appreciate your aggressive approach you have to be aware of the situation. Tatis is not a fast runner, the ball did not roll far from the plate, it was not really a close play at the plate (the winning run scored on a close play), you are down by three runs, the bases are loaded and you have one of the best hitters in baseball at the plate with a struggling pitcher. It’s like making the 3rd out at 3rd base. You don’t run unless you are 100% sure that even with a good play (it was well executed but not a great play) you will be safe.
metsfan4decades
4/7/2010-10:28pm at 10:28 pm (UTC -4)
Tie ball game. We have life.
GravediggerHebner
4/7/2010-10:30pm at 10:30 pm (UTC -4)
Already written then scrapped two post games. It’s gonna be a while after the game since I have to keep starting from scratch with new themes and pics.
metsfan4decades
4/7/2010-11:28pm at 11:28 pm (UTC -4)
Oh, that’s O.K. Now that’s it over, I wouldn’t know where to start. Oh, maybe I would….our pitching is atrocious – if you’re not Pedro or KRod.
And Tatis took us out of a potential big inning. Sigh……
stickguy
4/7/2010-11:48pm at 11:48 pm (UTC -4)
this is going to be a long year, isn’t it?
dirtysanchez
4/7/2010-11:54pm at 11:54 pm (UTC -4)
i wouldnt say that on day 2. We lost a HARD fought game, we can still win the series tomorrow
Kingman 26
4/7/2010-11:59pm at 11:59 pm (UTC -4)
Yes it is, and we are going to see precisely what we saw tonight again and again.
gategem
4/8/2010-12:03am at 12:03 am (UTC -4)
Not necessarily. When Reyes and Beltran come back, assuming they’re healthy, there will be a significant upgrade in the lineup. The problem is and will continue to be the pitching. Maine and Ollie have to be able to throw harder than 90mph. I would like to hear someone address this issue and perhaps give us an explanation. But there should be enough talent to reach .500 for the season.
metsfan4decades
4/8/2010-12:01am at 12:01 am (UTC -4)
The only good news tonight is Sports Night reporting Jose should be back on Saturday.