(AP Photo/Seth Wenig) via ESPN.com
The Mets lost to the Washington Nationals today by a score to 5-2.
Today with Jeremy Hefner on the mound vs Stephen Strasburg, Mets fans should not have expected much. Couple in a few early Washington home runs and Strasburg having his A-game, and one could have predicted this would not go well.
Although Hef actually pitched quite well, going 6 innings and allowing 3 runs, while walking just 2 and striking out 7. For someone who is really a 6th starter, I think we can all live with that. His big loopy curve-ball allows his fastball to play up for a pitch that is only hovering around 90. The home runs he allowed (To Espinosa and Michael Morse) came on fastballs that he did not set up with off-speed pitches, electing to throw the slider instead.
I almost forgot, Stephen Strasburg is friggin’ unbelievable. He was simply untouchable today, showing off that upper 90s fastball, 88 mph change-up, and filthy Gooden-like curve. When he has the stuff like this, just be glad that he only struck out 11.
Ike Davis continued his revival, which has been a bright spot over the last few weeks for this team. He pulled a ball down the right field line off of Strasburg for his 16th home run in the season. May I add that he is looking a lot better in the field as his bat has come back around.
As most fans guess, when the bullpen come in, all hell breaks loose. Today the Mets horrific bullpen would surrender a two run home-run to Adam Laroche, essentially putting the game away at 5-1.
If there is one thing that you can say about the 2012 Mets, it is that they are never put away.
The Mets would get the bases loaded and had the top of the order coming up. Ruben Tejada would fly out to center, bringing up Jordany Valdespin. Valdespin would ground a run in, and would allow David Wright to come to the plate as the tying run. Today would not be the day for the Mets however, as Wright would ground out to third, ending the threat.
A 1-2-3 9th would secure the Mets first win-less home stand since 2002.
Here are some assorted notes.
- If the Mets were really throwing at Bernadina, that’s ridiculous. What other way is Bernadina supposed to contort his foot so that his spikes aren’t out? Listen, I love Ruben as much as the next guy, but there was no intent.
- I haven’t found the inspiration to put this in a post, but yes, this run sucks. The Mets slim playoff hopes are over, and they should sell the players that have no long-term value. Byrdak and Hairston should fetch some decent minor league depth, which is something the Mets could use.
- AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!! GUUUUUUUUUUUUUYSSS!! MATT HARVEY TOMORROW!!!! WE SO EXCITED, WE SO EXCITED. That is all.
33 comments
srt
7/25/2012-3:09pm at 3:09 pm (UTC -4)
Oh boy…that home stand was just ugly.
Usually, we wait until the second half west coast trip to start the swoon. Good thing I didn’t have high expectations for this team going into the season.
Not a bad start from Hefner. 2 ER, 6 hits, 6 Ks in 6 innings.
Byrdak and that bench-calling-the-pitch argument was just strange. What the hell was that all about? I guess Byrdak doesn’t much care for the bench calling his game.
Well, I’m looking forward to Harvey’s start tomorrow night.
srt
7/25/2012-3:11pm at 3:11 pm (UTC -4)
Oops, 7 Ks.
Stickguy
7/25/2012-3:14pm at 3:14 pm (UTC -4)
I bet real is still pissed that they got rid of Batista for this guy.
srt
7/25/2012-3:31pm at 3:31 pm (UTC -4)
All I was looking for from Hefner today was to pitch a decent game and keep them in it. Ignore his opposition was Strasburg, ignore the offense if they weren’t going to help him. And he did just that.
He’s probably not even replacement level 5th pitcher but come on….he’s still better than Batista.
NJstuckinTX
7/25/2012-3:16pm at 3:16 pm (UTC -4)
Rough, Rough homestand. I wouldn’t even call it that. It was a home-lay-down-and-die-stand.
Stickguy
7/25/2012-3:13pm at 3:13 pm (UTC -4)
not that bummed I had conferences calls and other assorted work today. Did not miss much.
Though Hef did fine. For a 5th SP (promoted to that role), getting a QS is great. Actually his 3rd 9of 4) starts this year with a QS.
No, he is not going to lead you to the playoffs, but if he can keep you in the game like that, blame the rest of the team!
Byrdak, if someone offers anything, dump him. He pretty much gives up runs every outing now, and I am sure they have someone in AAA that can do that with his left arm.
Hairston, gone. Rauch, who has actually been very good for the last 2 months overall, if someone wants him, Gone. Marmalard, dead man, Neidemeyer, dead man.
NJstuckinTX
7/25/2012-3:18pm at 3:18 pm (UTC -4)
HARVEY! HARVEY!
wanny
7/25/2012-3:45pm at 3:45 pm (UTC -4)
Edgin and Elvin have been impressive lately. They should have a radio show.
You don’t expect to win Hefner v. Strasburg so I would say this is one of the less egregious defeats over the last few weeks. But damn it, bases loaded and no one out in the 8th and the only run that comes in is because of a fart off the bat of Valdespin?
Too bad Jordany wasn’t pinch hitting in that spot.
gategem
7/25/2012-5:01pm at 5:01 pm (UTC -4)
Here is an interesting idea that if nothing else will divert our discussions from the woeful plight of the Mets. With A-Rod out with a broken hand is there a match between the Mets and Yankees and no not David but Murphy to the Yankees for ????????
srt
7/25/2012-5:26pm at 5:26 pm (UTC -4)
Not all that familiar with their minor league system. Are there any catching prospects or even mediocre back ups in their minors that’s better than what we’ve got?
Stickguy
7/25/2012-6:25pm at 6:25 pm (UTC -4)
I saw those speculations about Wright, and knew that was a non-starter. But had not thought of Murphy. Interesting idea.
no clue who the Yankers have as a replacement, but I assume they will pick up a salary dump type to tide them over?
but I was under the impression that they had a few catching prospects, and I would move Murphy for a legit one of those and an arm!
gategem
7/26/2012-12:02am at 12:02 am (UTC -4)
The current replacement for A-Rod is Eric Chavez.
srt
7/25/2012-5:25pm at 5:25 pm (UTC -4)
Rob Johnson up for Nickeas.
Blah.
gategem
7/25/2012-6:03pm at 6:03 pm (UTC -4)
Apparently he worked well with Harvey so that could explain the call-up.
BTW the Phillies are only 2.5 games behind the Mets. Stick may be ready to jump off one of those bridges where he lives.
Stickguy
7/25/2012-6:19pm at 6:19 pm (UTC -4)
I hate the phillies. Really pisses me off that they came back from the brink, and are going to be in the playoffs. Book that, it is guaranteed.
Stickguy
7/25/2012-6:20pm at 6:20 pm (UTC -4)
Johnson is almost hitting as bad in AAA as Nickeas was up here. So not expecting much.
kingman 26
7/25/2012-7:08pm at 7:08 pm (UTC -4)
Sorry kids, but the “plan” is to spend no money and for the Wilpons to hold on.
There ain’t no plan past that, and to believe otherwise is to be passed out on orange and blue kool-aid.
darknova306
7/25/2012-9:35pm at 9:35 pm (UTC -4)
As long as that kool-aid is laced with everclear…
trs86
7/25/2012-7:52pm at 7:52 pm (UTC -4)
I think there could be a fit for Hairston in LA, they still have Abreu playing and having a RH to pair up with him could help. Of course they also need a 3B badly but I am not sure they would give enough to warrant a Murphy deal. I guess they wouldn’t be interested in Turner.
trs86
7/25/2012-7:56pm at 7:56 pm (UTC -4)
Pirates as well would have to be in on Hairston.
Mr North Jersey
7/25/2012-8:11pm at 8:11 pm (UTC -4)
The last 8 posts are all from a different author. I don’t think that has ever happened. – #CallGuiness
NJstuckinTX
7/25/2012-9:42pm at 9:42 pm (UTC -4)
Sounds good. I’ll take a black and tan.
darknova306
7/25/2012-9:50pm at 9:50 pm (UTC -4)
I’ll take a pint of straight wood alcohol based on how the Mess have been playing this month.
Stick
7/25/2012-10:24pm at 10:24 pm (UTC -4)
thought of you tonight (no, not in that way…)
Stopped for dinner at a local pub, and it was discount craft beer night. On the list of specials was a couple of Oomagangs (sure I spelled that wrong!) sounded tasty but I had to go pick up my daughter so passed on the brewskie. Next time though, the white wheat sounded very tasty.
darknova306
7/25/2012-10:44pm at 10:44 pm (UTC -4)
Ommegang Witte is likely what you’re referring to. It’s really good, especially on a warm summer day. And it’s only 5.2%ABV! Nice and light!
Once my brewery in Penn Yan is open in the Fall, I’ll be making a peppercorn saison, which will be better than the Ommegang Witte
Stick
7/25/2012-10:46pm at 10:46 pm (UTC -4)
yeah, that was it. They also had another one, forget the name, that was a 7.7.
Next year I’ll have to swing over on one of my trips upstate.
darknova306
7/25/2012-11:02pm at 11:02 pm (UTC -4)
The 7,7% beer is the Hennepin. That’s a saison, but it’s sweet and brewed with corn, so I don’t approve…
Stick
7/25/2012-11:16pm at 11:16 pm (UTC -4)
yup, that was it.
Mr North Jersey
7/25/2012-10:43pm at 10:43 pm (UTC -4)
LoL
Mr North Jersey
7/25/2012-10:48pm at 10:48 pm (UTC -4)
Off Topic: KRod blows another game. He has blown 6 of 9 save opportunities.
You think the Brewers are looking to get rid of him and whatever they still owe of that $8M he is making?
I’d say that’s a yes.
Stick
7/25/2012-11:01pm at 11:01 pm (UTC -4)
I am really pissed at the brewers for blowing 3 straight late leads, and gifting life to the phils.’
Now i have to watch them storm back and make the freaking playoffs again, and it really steams my clams.
NJstuckinTX
7/26/2012-7:26am at 7:26 am (UTC -4)
Well the mets don’t need that. They can do that with their in house candidates…
Stickguy
7/26/2012-8:58am at 8:58 am (UTC -4)
Saw this comment over on the Met’s director if internel stuffs blog, and thought it was perfect. Could be totally serious, or absolutely tongue in cheek, and you can’t tell. Perfect sarcasm is when you don’t realize it.
Shea_it_aint_so • an hour ago −
As a life long mets fan, i have no problem with this team laying over dead, its no big deal….its what we do. However, doing it in July is a new low….usually around the middle of August, we quit…and play terrible baseball for one month until the season ends, doing so in July is simply unacceptable