Why yes, 2-4 is a bad record, especially when you’re playing the dregs of your own division.  However not all is yet sunk and there are some positive footnotes to focus on.
Pelfrey delivers a strike against the Nationals
1.     Jose Reyes is back. Despite being treated with kid gloves so far, Jose Reyes is back and healthy and that’s important for the future of the New York Mets. Reyes has two hits and a walk so far in his return, and it’s only going to get better from there.
2.     The Bullpen. Currently the Mets are tied for the fewest amount of earned runs given up by the bullpen and have the second lowest ERA. The strength of a good bullpen should not be underestimated. The Mets did as well as they did in 2006 in a large part because of their solid bullpen, and they failed the way they did in 2007 because even when they rallied back from a deficit the bullpen gave it right back. Not only is the Mets bullpen looking good this season, but they’ve got depth in guys like Kiko Calero waiting in Buffalo.
3.     The Starting Rotation. The rotation hasn’t exactly been superb, even if it’s been better than league average so far. However when you compare it to how they were predicted to do prior to the season starting, they look excellent. Six starts so far and while a couple of them have been bad, they haven’t been “Oh my this game is over” bad. They’ve kept them in the game with a fighter’s chance to come back.
4.     Jeff Francoeur. A guy that stat-heads hate because they feel he’s one of the worst outfielders in the game. He’s out to prove them wrong so far this season. He’s already shown a great arm and head out in the outfield. He’s shown the ability to drive the ball. He’s even started drawing more walks. Temporary hot streak or not, there is no way he shouldn’t be hitting higher than 6th or 7th right now.
As far as small sample sizes go, six games would qualify. Sometimes slow starts are just the way of things, especially when a lot of the team is returning from injury that may take a little while to really get the gears going full speed again. While they obviously can’t go 2-4 during every stretch of six games, the first big test doesn’t come until the end of the month when they play Philadelphia. After that series we should be able to get a good read on this team and what they need to do to finish first.
160 comments
oleosmirf
4/12/2010-11:10am at 11:10 am (UTC -4)
this series against Colorado and St. Louis will be telling. first Maine, Niese and Pelf will have to pitch in Colorado; then Ollie, Johan and Maine in St. Louis.
We can very well be 4-8 or even 3-9 when we come back home…
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-11:11am at 11:11 am (UTC -4)
So much can happen. The Yankees got off to a really crappy start last year too. In fact, it lasted months. And yes, I know we’re not the Yankees (thank god) but it’s baseball. Anything can happen, anything usually does.
Jeff ‘I’m tired of losing these games like this’ Franceour.
He needs to get that thought into the rest of their heads. Maybe they can come up on the winning side for a change.
Fans lifeless at Citi: I believe they’re all just a bit gun shy yet. It’s not so much they don’t want to cheer, it’s that they’re probably afraid to. Much like those of us watching at home. Until Frankie puts that last pitch in the books, we’re probably afraid to think ‘we’ve got this one in the bag’. We’re all waiting for that other shoe to drop, as so much as gone wrong these past several years.
Let’s see where we’re at the end of May.
GravediggerHebner
4/12/2010-11:44am at 11:44 am (UTC -4)
I hope the Mets aren’t waiting around for “the first big test at the end of the month.” If so they may have dug themselves into too big a hole by then. If @ Colorado, serious post season contender, and @ St. Louis, serious post season contender, isn’t considered by them to be a test they want to study hard for and try their damnedest to pass, it will be a serious test of my ability to continue to follow them on a daily basis.
If this team is really waiting til the Philly series to wake up, then wake me up then too cuz I’m going to baseball sleep.
ceetar
4/12/2010-11:54am at 11:54 am (UTC -4)
Didn’t mean it like that. Meant test as in evaluation. Meaning May 3rd would be a good time to get a sense of the team and what’s working and what’s not and where they stand.
GravediggerHebner
4/12/2010-12:04pm at 12:04 pm (UTC -4)
OK, thank you I appreciate the elaboration/clarification.
I misunderstood and thought you meant the team was just going to yawn it’s way through til they played the Phils which I obviously found disappointing and disturbing.
I evaluate, then re-evaluate at various points: beginning of off season, beginning of spring training, beginning of regular season. My next evaluation point is Memorial Day. After that All-Star break, then September 1.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-12:41pm at 12:41 pm (UTC -4)
Tell that to Jerry and his love for Jacobs and GMJ.
darknova306
4/12/2010-12:23pm at 12:23 pm (UTC -4)
I’m admittedly one of Francoeur’s biggest haters (which is purely based on his offense, his defense is superb to me), but I have to admit he’s making his case to me. While I’ll be quick to say it’s just a hot streak, I think the really telling thing is that he’s seemed to become a bit more selective about his pitches, which has actually led to 4 walks in 6 games?!? Nice.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-12:29pm at 12:29 pm (UTC -4)
And how good was his throw to get Dunn out
darknova306
4/12/2010-12:32pm at 12:32 pm (UTC -4)
That was beautiful to watch.
ceetar
4/12/2010-12:34pm at 12:34 pm (UTC -4)
I didn’t like the trade when it went down. I was skeptical about giving him the job in the offseason, but he’s a likable guy and he _has_ hit. He’s drawn some more walks, and he seems capable of at least driving in runs even if he reverts to a more.. Bravish Francoeur… But Manuel still needs to ride the hot hand and get him into the thick of things instead of behind a guy that doesn’t exactly present opportunities to be driven in.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-12:36pm at 12:36 pm (UTC -4)
I won’t be surprised if Jerry sits him down to give him couple days off while giving GMJ more PT in the RF.
darknova306
4/12/2010-12:39pm at 12:39 pm (UTC -4)
Careful, if you say that too loudly Jerry might hear you and get ideas…
darknova306
4/12/2010-12:25pm at 12:25 pm (UTC -4)
And for every AB that Jacobs gets at cleanup instead of the team’s hottest hitter (Francoeur), that should be one more red mark against Jerry’s tenure here.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-12:31pm at 12:31 pm (UTC -4)
Besides the 1 HR and 1 hit, I don’t think Jacobs have gotten out of infield.
Can we start chanting Carter! Carter! Carter!
darknova306
4/12/2010-12:32pm at 12:32 pm (UTC -4)
Pure rally killer.
darknova306
4/12/2010-12:33pm at 12:33 pm (UTC -4)
Jacobs, that is. I’m all about trying out Carter until Murphy comes back. At least he can get the ball out of the infield.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-12:39pm at 12:39 pm (UTC -4)
Same here. Jacobs needs to go. I know it’s only been a week and Jerry will surely want to give Jacobs a month or so, but if I were Jerry, I can’t afford to lose more games when pitching has been okay.
CaseStreet
4/12/2010-12:40pm at 12:40 pm (UTC -4)
GKR suggested at least a month to evaluate Jacobs.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-12:43pm at 12:43 pm (UTC -4)
I agree that we should give a player at least a month to evaluate. But let’s not do the evaluation at cleanup hitter.
stickguy
4/12/2010-12:47pm at 12:47 pm (UTC -4)
why does he get a month?
he proved to be lousy in the spring, following up years of mediocrity.
he was also a MiL invite guy, not a top prospect trying to get established.
I personally don’t think he even earned a job out of ST, so given all that, I put him on a really short leash!
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-12:49pm at 12:49 pm (UTC -4)
I didn’t mean for Jacobs, but for a player. And even if it’s some unproven prospect, you don’t put him at cleanup spot.
stickguy
4/12/2010-12:45pm at 12:45 pm (UTC -4)
I believe there was a caveat in there, along the lines of “unless he really wasn’t hitting”
sounds like Murphy could be back by the end of the onth anyway. I figure that Jacobs gets to continue to “find himself” (a polite way of saying drag the team down like an anchor) until then.
GravediggerHebner
4/12/2010-12:48pm at 12:48 pm (UTC -4)
The Rockies are throwing 2 lefties at the Mets, but I don’t think the Cards have any lefty starters so Jacobs will probably start 4 of the 6 games on this trip.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-12:52pm at 12:52 pm (UTC -4)
Big task for Jerry to figure out all those lefty-righty match ups.
ceetar
4/12/2010-1:43pm at 1:43 pm (UTC -4)
some trivia. Does Catalanotto get a start before Manuel gets fired?
trs86
4/12/2010-1:44pm at 1:44 pm (UTC -4)
No fair, trick question. IF Catalanotto starts, Jerry should be fired.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-1:57pm at 1:57 pm (UTC -4)
Good answer… but I think we all know what might happen….
ceetar
4/12/2010-2:02pm at 2:02 pm (UTC -4)
I think Catalanotto deserves a start every once in a while. Like Reed should’ve last year. He should have more of a role on this team than being the guy you send up to make the opposing manager bring in a lefty and then pinch hit for.
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-1:10pm at 1:10 pm (UTC -4)
But Ronnie qualified that with ‘of course, if he’s not hitting at all, you have to make a change’.
Kingman 26
4/12/2010-2:12pm at 2:12 pm (UTC -4)
Love ya Case, and love Gary too, but what exactly might we expect from Jacobs?
He will hit for a terrible average, get on base at a terrible rate, and hit a few HR a month off of bad righty pitchers.
CaseStreet
4/12/2010-2:15pm at 2:15 pm (UTC -4)
pretty much that.
trs86
4/12/2010-2:57pm at 2:57 pm (UTC -4)
Hey Jacobs has a secret weapon waiting though.
Career in 185+ PA against Phillies: .286 .368 .602 .970
Kingman 26
4/12/2010-2:59pm at 2:59 pm (UTC -4)
Hey, he can bat against Figgy all day! THAT is the kind of pitcher he eats up!
stickguy
4/12/2010-3:41pm at 3:41 pm (UTC -4)
I am guessing that having 4 lefites in their rotation might just negate that secret weapon.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-12:55pm at 12:55 pm (UTC -4)
Just reading MC Blog about the Daily News article. It says that “Jerry was really hot”. I hope Jerry doesn’t try to be more creative with his lineups now that he’s “hot”.
njstuckintx
4/12/2010-1:07pm at 1:07 pm (UTC -4)
I guess MC caught a view of Jerry wearing is strapless Met’s uni… The mental image makes eating a non-possibility right now.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-1:27pm at 1:27 pm (UTC -4)
Cholly Manuel better not get hot with his players then…..
CaseStreet
4/12/2010-1:00pm at 1:00 pm (UTC -4)
Truth is, 1st base will be a black hole the entire year.
Well, maybe not a black hole, but certainly uncertain.
Jacobs – sucks, but he’ll hit some homeruns
Murphy – hurt and either sucks or isn’t good enough
Carter – sucks enought not to be a ML player yet has posted +.800 OPS in 7 minor league seasons
Davis – right pedigree and build, but should we expect middle of the order production for someone who is green?
Hey, at least we’re not waiting for Delgado to come back from the DL.
GravediggerHebner
4/12/2010-1:13pm at 1:13 pm (UTC -4)
Or are we?
As far as Davis goes, my wild guess is Beltran comes back sometime in the very wide May 15 – June 15 window lengthening the lineup, then Davis gets an All-Star break call up and fits in roughly 7th. Something like:
Reyes
Castillo
Wright
Bay
Beltran
Francoeur
Davis
Barajas
pitcher
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-1:16pm at 1:16 pm (UTC -4)
That would give plenty of time for Murphy to prove himself at 1B. Unless Jerry decides to platoon him with Tatis/Jacobs.
GravediggerHebner
4/12/2010-1:29pm at 1:29 pm (UTC -4)
Of course I’m just wild guessing, who the hell knows what time/opportunity these guys will get. I think, assuming the concept that Davis is truly regarded as “the future,” then mostly the whole equation hinges on Davis’ performance. If he is “the future” and continues to rake, they can’t justify keeping him down for long (much into June) because at that point he will have been around AAA a bit and adjusted to the adjustments.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-1:40pm at 1:40 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed.
stickguy
4/12/2010-1:45pm at 1:45 pm (UTC -4)
I fugre June 1 is a kind of withching hour.
about 1/3 of the season, so plenty of time to get a real good feel of what this bunch can do, and whether Jerry will still beleading the charge.
But, still plenty of time to get back in the playoff hunt (assuming they aren’t already in it!).
And for the AAA prospects (davis specifically), about 50 games/200 ABs of AAA time to show their stuff. If he is putting up dominant numbers in that time frame (and especially if he is hitting lefties), he will have passed the “is he too good for AAA” test.
Oh, and he will probably have sent enough time in the minors that they don’t have to worry about him being a “super 2″ arb guy (if that even exists in the next contract).
At this point, if they are in the hunt (without too much of a stretch) on 6/1, Jerry is gone, Ike is up, Beltran is back, jacobs and GM are history, and the SP is holding up, IMO the team wil lbe in great shape for a run at the playoffs.
ceetar
4/12/2010-1:44pm at 1:44 pm (UTC -4)
I nkow some differ, but I really think Murphy is not going to play himself out of a spot.
stickguy
4/12/2010-1:46pm at 1:46 pm (UTC -4)
I will be OK with it if Murphy doesn’t play his way out, but Ike plays his way into it!
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-1:55pm at 1:55 pm (UTC -4)
I hope this is not true, but Murphy might not get whole lot of chance since Jerry loves to match up righties and lefties.
CaseStreet
4/12/2010-1:56pm at 1:56 pm (UTC -4)
tough call. I’d stick w/ Murph because he at least has gone through the struggles of facing ML competition. That and gap power and aggressiveness, endear me to Murph.
Eventually, though, chicks did the long ball.
ceetar
4/12/2010-2:00pm at 2:00 pm (UTC -4)
I think he’ll hit enough home runs to be decent. As long as he’s not getting platooned. I think you just stick with the (even if it’s slight) experienced player going into the Sept/October bit. Although I guess there is something to be said for getting a rookie’s feet wet. Especially if you’ll have rookie Thole and Martinez (and Tejada?) as well the following year.
Imagine if Davis comes up in September and the Mets win and he has a ring going into his rookie season? Yah too much expectation!
GravediggerHebner
4/12/2010-2:02pm at 2:02 pm (UTC -4)
What Stick said. It’s much less IMO about Murphy playing out of it as it is Davis playing into it.
Even if Murphy “plays well” his reasonably expected production is at or close to the bottom of MLB 1B production.
ceetar
4/12/2010-2:34pm at 2:34 pm (UTC -4)
Yes but the Mets aren’t going to be comparing him to Albert Pujols in August, they’re going to make an evaluation on their own offense and if they think they need more and if Davis gives them that.
GravediggerHebner
4/12/2010-3:10pm at 3:10 pm (UTC -4)
It’s not just Albert Pujols. When they compare him to 29 other MLB 1B and his production is coming in in roughly the 23rd – 26th range, they’ll look to improve.
At the same levels of the minor leagues, Davis has already outperformed Murphy and at a younger age. Murphy’s timer is ticking, it’s simply a matter of when it expires, not if.
CaseStreet
4/12/2010-1:29pm at 1:29 pm (UTC -4)
Can’t wait to see Beltran’s mole again.
CaseStreet
4/12/2010-2:07pm at 2:07 pm (UTC -4)
Any chance a Met will be this or next years ROY.
Kingman 26
4/12/2010-2:16pm at 2:16 pm (UTC -4)
Mejia definitely has a shot this year; appears like he is here to stay, and will be pitching a lot.
FMart, Ike, and Thole 1-2-3 next year!
In that order.
trs86
4/12/2010-2:29pm at 2:29 pm (UTC -4)
Niese?
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-2:32pm at 2:32 pm (UTC -4)
If Niese gets ROY, we really had something special waiting in the wings. That would be great.
ceetar
4/12/2010-2:34pm at 2:34 pm (UTC -4)
If Niese gets ROY Omar’s gonna roll out the “Told you inhouse options were better than Jason freaking Marquis” for years to come.
trs86
4/12/2010-2:37pm at 2:37 pm (UTC -4)
How good would he have to be really? Jason Jennings got it with 14 wins and an ERA in the mid 4′s.
ceetar
4/12/2010-2:40pm at 2:40 pm (UTC -4)
well, Jason Heyward is apparently determined to hit like Albert Pujols, so it might be tough.
CaseStreet
4/12/2010-2:50pm at 2:50 pm (UTC -4)
I’m on board. His stuff is good enough and it’s not like we have someone to replace him in the rotation.
ceetar
4/12/2010-2:33pm at 2:33 pm (UTC -4)
Niese. I doubt any of the three bullpen guys have a shot.
Next year is all about Fernando Martinez and Ike Davis taking votes away from each other.
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-2:44pm at 2:44 pm (UTC -4)
I was thinking the same thing. Don’t you really have to be something special as a pitcher to get ROY (ala Doc?)
Normally, doesn’t it wind up being a bat that puts up big numbers?
And last I checked, Heyward was struggling. I know, very small sample size yet….
ceetar
4/12/2010-2:52pm at 2:52 pm (UTC -4)
yeah but chicks (voters) love the long ball.
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-3:13pm at 3:13 pm (UTC -4)
LOL !!
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-2:53pm at 2:53 pm (UTC -4)
Carter!
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-3:00pm at 3:00 pm (UTC -4)
I wasn’t able to catch the end of the game yesterday. Didn’t know KRod vs. Willie Harris happened. Just watched the highlights and does anyone know what KRod said to Harris? I had really hard time reading his lips.
ceetar
4/12/2010-3:05pm at 3:05 pm (UTC -4)
reading lips is one of those skills (like throwing my voice) that I’ve always wanted to learn.
Maybe more b-ball players should learn it as well.
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-3:15pm at 3:15 pm (UTC -4)
According to what Bobby O said on the post game show, it was something along the lines of: ‘how about you actually pitch over the plate’? Or some such sarcastic remark. Also, expletives deleted….
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-3:38pm at 3:38 pm (UTC -4)
Sorry, I just realized you wanted to know what KRod said to Harris – not the other way around.
Harris did start that exchange and after his sarcastic remark, KRod wasn’t just going to let it go by. He started walking over to him (not rushing him, just walking), cursing the usual along with something like, ‘just take your base and shut the F* up).
You go KRod.
Ronnie and Bobby O – both former pitchers, sided with KRod on this one. Said pitching inside is part of the game, these Nats batters were getting too comfortable out over the plate and if they’re going to do that, expect to get hit by an inside pitch. They both agreed when it happens, you take your base and keep your mouth shut. Ronnie said if he was really plunked – ‘hit between the letters’, he’d have a case. But he was knicked on the elbow. Probably hit his funny bone, probably hurt for a minute or two but ‘take it like a man’ was the theme.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-3:51pm at 3:51 pm (UTC -4)
Sorry.. I was just trying to be sarcastic, but obviously it didn’t work….
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-4:15pm at 4:15 pm (UTC -4)
and that went right by me. lol……
Your smiley face should have been the hint to me. I guess I didn’t have my sarcasm meter on high enough.
ceetar
4/12/2010-3:05pm at 3:05 pm (UTC -4)
btw, what do people think of the name “Optimist’s Dossier”? cheesy, or am I the James Bond of Mets fandom?
Kingman 26
4/12/2010-3:07pm at 3:07 pm (UTC -4)
VERY cool name for a column.
I may think your optimism is a bit loopy, but great name for the articles!
ceetar
4/12/2010-3:10pm at 3:10 pm (UTC -4)
Well all these Bondesque Martini’s are going to make anyone a little loopy.
Kingman 26
4/12/2010-3:19pm at 3:19 pm (UTC -4)
Ah, good point.
I am not picky, I like gin or vodka, shaken or stirred.
But I definitely prefer Roger Moore.
ceetar
4/12/2010-3:20pm at 3:20 pm (UTC -4)
I’ve never tasted Roger Moore, personally.
GravediggerHebner
4/12/2010-3:23pm at 3:23 pm (UTC -4)
You don’t know what you’re missing
And I concur, love the title.
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-3:16pm at 3:16 pm (UTC -4)
I like it.
That’s what this team needs more ‘Bond, James Bond’…..
Kingman 26
4/12/2010-3:05pm at 3:05 pm (UTC -4)
And I respectfully say to Stick and all the rest of the fine folks on here that I am officially ready for the Chris Carter era at first base.
Tomorrow if possible would be a fine time to start it.
ceetar
4/12/2010-3:10pm at 3:10 pm (UTC -4)
I would’ve rather carter to begin with. even Evans instead of Jacobs.
ceetar
4/12/2010-3:12pm at 3:12 pm (UTC -4)
who, btw, (Evans) has a .984 OPS at Binghampton.
Kingman 26
4/12/2010-3:17pm at 3:17 pm (UTC -4)
Just think how good he could be in single A ball!
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-3:17pm at 3:17 pm (UTC -4)
I’m with you concerning Evans.
Is that .984 OPS somewhat evenly split? Or is he just strictly a platoon guy?
ceetar
4/12/2010-3:23pm at 3:23 pm (UTC -4)
He’s only had 1 AB against a lefty. (1 run scored, 2RBI. no hits or walks. I assume this means there were all sorts of fun errors)
stickguy
4/12/2010-3:47pm at 3:47 pm (UTC -4)
When murphy went down, I was perfectly happy to roll the dice with carter and evans platooning (wounds more like a law firm, doesn’t it?)
can’t be any more ugly than watching tatis and jacobs on a daily basis.
stickguy
4/12/2010-3:45pm at 3:45 pm (UTC -4)
welcome back.
I won’t even hold it against you that you are flip flopping like a hamster on crack.
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-3:49pm at 3:49 pm (UTC -4)
See above at 3:38 by response to DNDJohan on the Krod/Harris exchange yesterday.
hahahaha – MC has his opinion on this whole thing yesterday. Sounds like this one really got his blood boiling:
**********************
…you’re damn right, frankie… own it… it’s your plate… i actually think that body armor should be banned… i hate that these hitters are allowed to wear it, whether Mets hitters or not… i understand guys might be injured or have issues that need protecting… too bad… go get another job if you don’t like it, or you don’t think the game is safe… you don’t see pitchers throwing behind a screen during live action, do you… body armor lets these guys hang over the plate, inch in, swing at stuff they ordinarily wouldn’t, and it changes the entire dynamic of the pitcher-hitter relationship in a way that is not true to the game… i wish the Mets would make a habit of this, frankly… i realize that means opposing pitchers will start throwing in on the Mets… i get that… so be it… that’s what teammates are for…
darknova306
4/12/2010-3:55pm at 3:55 pm (UTC -4)
Wow, hard to believe that’s from a guy that always takes a wishy-washy stance on everything, flip-flopping within the same poorly constructed sentence.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-3:58pm at 3:58 pm (UTC -4)
LOL!
Ronnie makes funny comment when Gary mentioned that the “Cavalry comes out of BP when they are 300 ft away”. Ronnie said something like “They should just start fighting in the right field”…
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=7394975
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-3:59pm at 3:59 pm (UTC -4)
I bet you can’t read Frankie’s lips
Kingman 26
4/12/2010-4:36pm at 4:36 pm (UTC -4)
Sorry but I think it is weak.
We can’t beat Willie Harris, so we should hit him? Their crappy sucky journeyman bench player is a threat to us? This is where this team has sunk to?
Weak, loser baseball, and now the Nats will be extra-fired up for every Met game just like the Marlins the last two years. Maybe KRod did not hit him on purpose, but his reaction was ridiculous.
Don’t get me wrong, I love aggressiveness, and HATED how the Piazza-led Mets let Clemens bean them, but this is different. Hit a loser guy on a loser team because they beats you? Weak, loser baseball.
The 86 Mets beat teams between the lines THEN kicked their asses. This team is rapidly on the road to deserving the media bashing they have been getting.
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-4:43pm at 4:43 pm (UTC -4)
Kingman: KRod didn’t hit him on purpose. Far from it. He was leaning out over the plate and got nicked by an inside pitch on the elbow.
If KRod was going to hit him on purpose, everyone would have know it because he sure wouldn’t have been a nick on the elbow.
Kingman 26
4/12/2010-5:04pm at 5:04 pm (UTC -4)
I know; I was responding to Cerrone’s argument that he SHOULD be hitting him.
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-5:23pm at 5:23 pm (UTC -4)
Oh, ooops – sorry. My mis-understanding.
Yeah, MC is just a bit over the top today, isn’t he? LOL.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-4:47pm at 4:47 pm (UTC -4)
I must of missed something. It looks to me like he was not trying to hit Harris 1st of all. I don’t recall either KRod admitting to hitting him nor Harris saying he felt he hit him on purpose.
So where this idea that it is weak and that somehow Krod hit Harris in retaliation because we can’t beat him I wish someone could tell me.
You can see from the video Harris utter something as he glanced at Krod while going to 1st. What did he say? I don’t know. Regardless KRod reacted to it in a negative way and never one to back down let him know about it. Do they have a past history? I don’t know. But this is much ado about nothing the idea that it was purposeful is at best a theory I see no evidence to suggest it was thereby any further comments to describe it as weak is unnecessary imo.
Again, this is much ado about nothing.
Kingman 26
4/12/2010-5:06pm at 5:06 pm (UTC -4)
Hello?
Did anyone notice this sentence in my comment:
“Maybe KRod did not hit him on purpose, but his reaction was ridiculous.”
I am saying that Cerrone’s idea that KRod SHOULD hit him is ridiculous, as was KRod’s reaction to whatever Harris said.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-6:50pm at 6:50 pm (UTC -4)
I’m sorry king I am replying to the following comment,
“Sorry but I think it is weak.
We can’t beat Willie Harris, so we should hit him? Their crappy sucky journeyman bench player is a threat to us? This is where this team has sunk to?
Weak, loser baseball, and now the Nats will be extra-fired up for every Met game just like the Marlins the last two years. Maybe KRod did not hit him on purpose, but his reaction was ridiculous.
Don’t get me wrong, I love aggressiveness, and HATED how the Piazza-led Mets let Clemens bean them, but this is different. Hit a loser guy on a loser team because they beats you? Weak, loser baseball.
The 86 Mets beat teams between the lines THEN kicked their asses. This team is rapidly on the road to deserving the media bashing they have been getting.”
I don’t see in there that you said,
“Maybe KRod did not hit him on purpose, but his reaction was ridiculous.â€
GravediggerHebner
4/12/2010-7:04pm at 7:04 pm (UTC -4)
Umm it’s the last sentence of the paragraph that starts with “Weak, loser baseball…”
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-7:17pm at 7:17 pm (UTC -4)
LoL dude if that was a snake i’d be dead by now LoL.
Thx again 4 da assist.
Now that that is cleared up I agree I don’t think KRod hit him on purpose. His reaction well hey I don’t know what was said and I don’t know if there is prior history so I will give KRod the benefit of the doubt until I know more.
To say it was ridiculous is subject to individual interpretation for some him pointing to the sky is ridiculous while for others its just fine.
I will say that if a player gets hit because a pitcher threw inside more power to them. The last thing I want are hitters getting comfortable at the plate against us.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-7:27pm at 7:27 pm (UTC -4)
Got my glasses Grave
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Kingman 26
4/12/2010-7:37pm at 7:37 pm (UTC -4)
Thx Grave and sorry Mr N; I am really, really frustrated with this team right now.
Would like to have seen some fire yesterday before the last of the 9th and in a meaningful context.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-7:39pm at 7:39 pm (UTC -4)
I sense that, it’s ok I will be there soon myself.
Your not alone in your frustrations there are many that feel like you also.
Kingman 26
4/12/2010-7:48pm at 7:48 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks buddy.
I guess it is the “unprepared” remark, in game 6 of 162, that really drove me batty.
How can a bunch of millionaires be unprepared after 6 weeks in the Florida sun following a 4 1/2 month vacation?
I sure hope they somewow win 4 of 6 this week.
trs86
4/12/2010-5:09pm at 5:09 pm (UTC -4)
Kingman, as much as I am not a fan of MC’s opinions he never says that Krod SHOULD hit him. He said that he should pitch inside and own the plate. I completely agree. As for hitting Harris because he beat us? No one even mentioned that but you right?
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-5:29pm at 5:29 pm (UTC -4)
I thought, through that rambling of MCs, that’s what he was trying to say as well. And actually, Ronnie explained better during that incident – as did Bobby O. Saying that too many hitters are getting comfortable out over the plate and that should not change our pitchers approach towards pitching inside at all. One of them actually said something like ‘brush them back’. Don’t think they meant actually hitting them. But you have to have pinpoint control for that.
Actually, one of them (was probably Ronnie) commented on that during a previous game too. Said these hitters are getting way too comfortable out over the plate and Met pitchers need to take that part of the plate back.
I had no problem at all with KRod telling Harris to shut up and just take the base. Neither did Ronnie or Bobby O.
ceetar
4/12/2010-8:13pm at 8:13 pm (UTC -4)
Wayne Hagin was all over the “Hmm, did he hit him because of the game winning catch? No, I doubt K-Rod even was thinking about that and it hit him on the back arm.”
prismo
4/12/2010-4:13pm at 4:13 pm (UTC -4)
Hamels getting lit up by the Nationals.
stickguy
4/12/2010-4:25pm at 4:25 pm (UTC -4)
Good. I hate the Phillies (even more so living in the hert of phillyland), and especially Hamels. Seeing him get abused is wonderful.
even nicer, he is the designated whipping boy now for the fans. I think they are already on him (from last year, and the whole idiotic “hollywood” thing). Philly people seem to have a major problem with anyone for california.
And if the Mets aren’t winning the division, why not the Nats!
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-4:27pm at 4:27 pm (UTC -4)
How about we propose the same trade that got us Frenchy with the Phillies? Your #2 for our #2. Hamels for Ollie.
stickguy
4/12/2010-4:30pm at 4:30 pm (UTC -4)
Ed wade might have bit on that one. Too bad he is in Houston now.
njstuckintx
4/12/2010-4:49pm at 4:49 pm (UTC -4)
You never know, with Houston as it is. Rumors are already starting about Oswalt being up for trade. As he has the full NTC, it’s more on him than it is on if Wade would trade him or not.
Would you trade Maine, Tejada and Holt for Oswalt?
stickguy
4/12/2010-6:21pm at 6:21 pm (UTC -4)
depends on his contract partly. But, that is not a lot to give up for a solid pitcher you get a couple of years out of. His salary is, however, very high, and I don’t trust him to not fall comepletly apart, so there is some measure of risk there.
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-4:44pm at 4:44 pm (UTC -4)
Good.
I’ve been saying all along that Hamels is an unproven entity thus far. One really good season, one below .500. This year would be the ‘telling’ year.
stickguy
4/12/2010-4:29pm at 4:29 pm (UTC -4)
even sadder, rollins got scratched with an strained calf. Nice to see the competition having problems with injuries for a change.
and talk about depth on the bench. Their BU MI is Juan Castro.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/12/2010-4:31pm at 4:31 pm (UTC -4)
No wonder Valdez almost made the team…
njstuckintx
4/12/2010-4:45pm at 4:45 pm (UTC -4)
Juan or Exxon?
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-4:51pm at 4:51 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, but I think Castro just came through for them. Seems like their offense often does pick up their pitching when it falters.
prismo
4/12/2010-4:52pm at 4:52 pm (UTC -4)
And the Phillies score 7 runs in 2 innings to take the lead (7-4). Guess that’s why they’re the Phillies and we’re the Mets!
Kingman 26
4/12/2010-5:07pm at 5:07 pm (UTC -4)
Jason Marquis didn’t hurt the situation!
Boy am I glad we did not sign him.
asod75
4/12/2010-6:01pm at 6:01 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, but I’m so sick of seeing that team come through day after day in clutch spots, while our guys flail around. 4-0 deficit to the Phils? Oh we’ll just put a crooked number on the board. 4-0 deficit to the Mets? Game, set, match.
asod75
4/12/2010-6:03pm at 6:03 pm (UTC -4)
Unless of course the Mets are facing the Marlins, and they decide to walk and balk everyone in
stickguy
4/12/2010-6:19pm at 6:19 pm (UTC -4)
they also lost Werth to a hip injury. So that is 2 big players (not th ebig 2, but 3 and 4!) lost today, for who knows how long.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-7:23pm at 7:23 pm (UTC -4)
is any1 listening to bisons game?
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-7:24pm at 7:24 pm (UTC -4)
It’s 6-1 Syracuse with Calero coming in to pitch Ike Davis hit a homer.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-7:25pm at 7:25 pm (UTC -4)
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-7:31pm at 7:31 pm (UTC -4)
I heard Francesa just tear up Manuel on his stupid postgame comment.
You’d think he’d be more concerned with Tiger Woods talk and Jets talk since when we won our 2 games it seems we get no air time.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-7:34pm at 7:34 pm (UTC -4)
Olly Olly Oxen Free!!!
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-7:37pm at 7:37 pm (UTC -4)
FYI Davis just struck out on a breaking ball and announcer said he has struggled with that breaking ball all season.
Just food for thought when considering if he should be brought up or not.
stickguy
4/12/2010-9:14pm at 9:14 pm (UTC -4)
he needs to see as many breaking balls and LHP as possible. Once he gets the hang of it, then he is ready.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-7:49pm at 7:49 pm (UTC -4)
Binghamton winning 6-3 Nick Evans hit a 2 run homer.
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-8:38pm at 8:38 pm (UTC -4)
Go Nick!
I wouldn’t mind Evans getting an opportunity up here for some 1st base platoon time.
stickguy
4/12/2010-9:15pm at 9:15 pm (UTC -4)
they could remove tatis and jacobs (or jacobs and cat) and replace them with carter and evans tomorrow, and I would be happy.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-7:55pm at 7:55 pm (UTC -4)
If you are bored like me and find yourself interested in listening to Mets baseball tonight then here are some links that may help.
Buffalo Bisons Game
http://asx.aicmail.net/mlb/flash/int_buffalo_bisons.html
Binghamton Mets Game
http://asx.aicmail.net/mlb/seawolves.asx
Savannah Sand Gnats Game
http://player.cumulusstreaming.com/SLPLayer.aspx?WBMQ-AM
GravediggerHebner
4/12/2010-9:18pm at 9:18 pm (UTC -4)
I haven’t clicked on it, but if that link is the Sand Gnats radio network then I believe the announcer is Toby Hyde of Mets Minor League blog.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-9:23pm at 9:23 pm (UTC -4)
I believe you are correct.
stickguy
4/12/2010-9:49pm at 9:49 pm (UTC -4)
yes he is. That is his new gig, along with being the media relations, chief ad guy, jack of all trades type.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-7:58pm at 7:58 pm (UTC -4)
I see Strasburg had 8 k’s over 5 innings.
and
Chapman had 9 k’s over 4.2 innings.
Would be nice to see these two square off against each other in the Bigs.
stickguy
4/12/2010-9:16pm at 9:16 pm (UTC -4)
would have been even nicer if the wilpons had splurged and signed Chapman. Not really that big of a risk, given the size of the ML payroll, and how little (relatively) they spend on the draft.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-9:23pm at 9:23 pm (UTC -4)
I know I felt it was a worthy investment but then again what do I know.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-8:04pm at 8:04 pm (UTC -4)
Ok then I get the hint. I will just take my ball home then so
GravediggerHebner
4/12/2010-9:17pm at 9:17 pm (UTC -4)
Hey man wasn’t ignoring you so much as when someone uses a cordless phone in my house the wireless internet connection goes out, and this Reds-Marlins game on MLB Network is a very entertaining back and forth affair. 5-4 Reds bottom 6th.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-9:22pm at 9:22 pm (UTC -4)
just checking back in to see any updates.
I was just kidding it was just funny how quiet the blog got for such a long period. I usually see that after midnight.
Plus I would expect most to be having dinner and with no game getting ready to watch a movie that has been put off for a day like today.
ceetar
4/12/2010-10:11pm at 10:11 pm (UTC -4)
yeah. I actually switched to a cordless phone for that reason.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-10:21pm at 10:21 pm (UTC -4)
GravE if your wireless internet and your cordless phone are 2.4ghz then try setting your wireless router to a higher channel rather than having it use Auto for your wireless setting. That should do the trick. I use channel 11 on my Asus router and never have a problem. Also it helps if your cordless phone Base and router are not near each other.
ceetar
4/12/2010-10:30pm at 10:30 pm (UTC -4)
I tried the channel thing, didn’t work. My apartments not that big in terms of moving the router base/phone base since they both come out of the same cable modem. I don’t use my land line though.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-10:36pm at 10:36 pm (UTC -4)
Best advice is if Router is 2.4 ghz try getting a 5ghz phone in an efffort to eliminate as many frequencies in the same range as possible.
Also some phones have the option to set the channel a good thing is to keep your router to a higher end of the channels and everything else to lower end.
In Grave’s case it seems to be specific to when someone uses phone so setting the router to a specific channel may indeed work.
ceetar
4/12/2010-10:49pm at 10:49 pm (UTC -4)
that was the same situation with mine actually, the use of the phone (especially near the router) tripped the internet. But I use the phone so little I just opted to plug in a corded phone rather than spend money on a cordless with a high frequency or channel options.
GravediggerHebner
4/12/2010-10:49pm at 10:49 pm (UTC -4)
I will check out the channel thing thanks for the tip. For many unfortunate reasons though the base for the phone and the wireless router are now and will continue to be about 6 inches from each other.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-8:23pm at 8:23 pm (UTC -4)
OK I had to add this. ESPNNY is posting an AP Report that Joba’s mom was put on probation.
http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=5079698
I have to ask is this really necessary by ESPNNY? What’s next Joba’s Uncle being audited by IRS? If this is where ESPNNY is going God help us all.
metsfan4decades
4/12/2010-8:38pm at 8:38 pm (UTC -4)
Well, if they’re all over this story, I can just imagine the coverage on Tiger Woods they must have had…..
CaseStreet
4/12/2010-10:04pm at 10:04 pm (UTC -4)
Glad to be able to put people in their place. I’m talking about MLB Trade Rumors’ post about NL East trade candidates. Apparently, if Omar gets fired, everyone but Wright would be on the block.
Too bad some find it hard to take the time to do some research. Had they done some, they’d know Santana, Bay and Beltran have full no trade clauses and K-Rod has a limited NTC; Jose ain’t going nowhere, and neither are our 3 top prospects.
Mr North Jersey
4/12/2010-10:32pm at 10:32 pm (UTC -4)
OK Bill Price is officially a D*ck in my book.
“By the way, it’s too bad the Twins didn’t open their new stadium a few years ago, so maybe the Wilpons could’ve gotten an idea what a new park is supposed to look like. I’m sorry, but they don’t get ripped enough for what a joke Citi Field really is. The food is good, though, so who cares?”
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/bitterbill/2010/04/phils-party-like-its-2008.html
A Joke? WTF he just disrespected our house.
ceetar
4/12/2010-10:50pm at 10:50 pm (UTC -4)
screw him. I love Citi Field. I think Target field must have an awesome press box or something.
GravediggerHebner
4/12/2010-10:54pm at 10:54 pm (UTC -4)
Is it supposed to hold only 39,000 people and not have a retractable roof despite being in Minnesota? If so then yeah they did an excellent job.
stickguy
4/12/2010-11:00pm at 11:00 pm (UTC -4)
first time I read this guys stuff. Probably the last. what a dope. Seems like a classic case of trying to be artificial edgy (shock jock syndrome).
I also don’t quite understand the point of this column. And I really have no clue what he finds so awful about citi field.
ceetar
4/12/2010-11:09pm at 11:09 pm (UTC -4)
I skimmed some of his other posts too in the past. typical Philly apologist Was on the Manny bandwagon, etc.
CaseStreet
4/12/2010-11:29pm at 11:29 pm (UTC -4)
Something’s gone wrong at the Daily News. It seems they are trying to replicate the NY Post.
stickguy
4/12/2010-11:35pm at 11:35 pm (UTC -4)
just chasing the lowest common denominator, like most of the rest of the media. Blame it on Howard Stern.
stickguy
4/12/2010-11:13pm at 11:13 pm (UTC -4)
I assume you can file this under “its early”, but still certainly odd.
Not only did the padres score 17 runs today (at home), they did it against the vaunted Braves pitching staff, and absolutely smoked their “ace” jurjjans (I know I spelled it wrong). 8 Er in 3.1 IP, snappy ERA after 2 starts of almost 9.
I don’t know if that, or 2 phils going down, was the best news of the day!
gategem
4/13/2010-12:18am at 12:18 am (UTC -4)
But the Phillies still won. They fell behind 4-0 but rather than roll over and play dead they scored 7 runs to win the game 7-4.