Monthly Archives: May 2004
The News Scott Rolen drove in the game’s only run with two outs in the eighth inning, sending St. Louis to a 1-0 victory against the Mets on Wednesday night. The loss drops the Mets to 19-21, as the team failed in its attempt at reaching its first .500 record since May 2002. “We know tomorrow’s a big game,” Mets 3B Ty Wigginton told the Associated Press. “We want to win the series. We go out there and win two out of three and keep winning series, we’ll be OK.” Mets 3B Todd Zeile was spiked on the ear by Tony Womack while trying to break up a double play. Zeile, who needed eight stitches, is listed as day-to-day. Ty Wigginton got his first start this season at second base. Kevin Czerwinski of MLB.com writes: Aaron Heilman dropped yet another decision Tuesday night in Norfolk, this time losing, 4-3, to Rochester at Harbor Park. He is 0-4 in eight starts this season as his stock continues to fall. The former first-round pick continues to suffer from a breakdown at one point in every outing, never able to put together a complete effort. He has a 4.37 ERA and is not close to being recalled. MSG reports that Al Leiter could be headed to the disabled list due to shoulder soreness. Leiter is currently 1-2 with a 2.52 ERA in seven starts. The NY Post reports that Grant Roberts will undergo surgery on his labrum – as a result, his status with the Mets remains on hold until he returns healthy. At that time, the Mets will have to trade him, release him, or put him on waivers. Metsblog.com The News If you would like to receive an email when Metsblog is updated, click here: Update After reading today’s post, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being most confident, how confident are you that the Mets will play “meaningful games” in September of 2004?
The News
Matt Ginter, making his first Major League appearance, allowed eight hits and struck out a career-high four batters in his 5 2/3 innings. Ginter allowed only two runs. A stellar Roger Clemens silenced the Met bats. Mike Piazza, however, hit a two-run, game-tying home run in the top of the ninth off Octavio Dotel, to propel the game into another Sunday extra-inning affair. Jason Phillips smacked a pitch into the left-field bleachers to give the Mets a 3-2 lead in the top of the 13th. Dan Wheeler closed out the game to give the Mets their fourth win in five games. The team is now 18-20 and four games back of the first place Marlins in the loss column.
Manager Art Howe was ejected during Sunday’s game after arguing a play at second. The ejection was Howe’s first of the season. “It won’t be the last,” he said to MLB.com’s Kevin Czerwinski.
Howe told the AP that his “plan” is play Mike Piazza at catcher “a couple of days a week and that he’d be playing quite a bit of first base.” Howe also stated that Vance Wilson and Jason Phillips would share much of the playing time at catcher. Piazza commented, “If I had known how I was going to feel after playing first for a few days, I probably would have done it years ago…I played first a few nights in a row and then I got behind the plate … I felt a lot fresher.”
RP Braden Looper has still yet to allow an earned run this season, pitching is 20 2/3 innings over 17 appearances.
James Baldwin was designated for assignment on Sunday. In two starts, Baldwin was 0-2 with a 15.00 ERA. If the Mets cannot trade Baldwin within seven days, he will go on waivers. If Baldwin clears waivers, the Mets retain him and can either send him to Triple-A Norfolk, cut him or put him back on the 25-man roster. In any scenario, Baldwin would still get the $400,000 the Mets agreed to pay him as a non-roster free agent.
Howe told MLB.com that SP Al Leiter would play catch on Monday in New York. The club is hopeful Leiter will be ready for his start Saturday against Colorado.
In games when Eric Valent bats leadoff, the Mets are 4-2. During that time, Valent is hitting .360, with seven runs scored, a homer, an RBI and four walks.
The Mets are off today. They return home tomorrow to begin a three-game series with the Cardinals and then the Rockies.
Metsblog.com’s Take
It’s funny, because Metsblog feels cautiously optimistic. On one hand, we want to let loose and believe this club will continue to play the .600 baseball it has shown during May. On the other hand, we can’t help but be a bit gun-shy from the last few seasons.
Overall, it is hard to deny that the Mets have shown the attributes of a successful team. They are getting timely hitting, particularly from the bench. Players like Eric Valent, Danny Garcia and Matt Ginter have all come from nowhere to play major rolls in several wins. The starting pitching has been phenomenal, and when it isn’t, the bats have filled right in. I mean, Looper hasn’t allowed an earned run all year.
At the end of the day, however, it feels as though the Mets are either toying with its fans, or are on the verge of ripping off a long winning streak, which will thrust them into first place as a unique and fun team.
Metsblog will keep the “cautiously” in front of “optimistic.” If the Mets win four of their next six, against the Cardinals and Brewers, and enter the 13-game N.L. East swing at 22-22 and a couple of games out of first, however, Metsblog will have no choice but to let go and believe.
If you would like to receive an email when Metsblog is updated, click here: Update
After reading today’s post, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being most confident, how confident are you that the Mets will play “meaningful games” in September of 2004?
The News
Steve Finley hit a grand slam and Shea Hillenbrand went 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs in the D-Back’s 9-5 victory over the New York Mets on Tuesday night, sending the Mets back to five games under .500, and five losses behind the first place Marlins.
Al Leiter’s control was missing all night long, as he walked five batters in four innings, two of which came in front of Hillenbrand’s first-inning homer. Leiter’s ERA was 1.53, tops in the National League. Last night’s bashing jumped his ERA to 2.52, good for seventh in the National League.
“The pitching has been so good for us, you know you’re going to get a time when they struggle somewhat,” manager Art Howe told Peter Abraham of the Journal News. “Baseball’s a crazy game.”
Abraham asks the following: Can Howe survive such a calamity? Now 80-114 in his tepid tenure, he has the lowest winning percentage (.412) among the franchise’s managers since George Bamberger, who went 81-127 (.389) before he was fired in 1983.
The Star-Ledger reports that there is nothing “seriously wrong” with Grant Roberts shoulder.
Jason Phillips is out of options. Meaning, the Mets would need to expose him to waivers if they wanted to send him back to the minor leagues.
Cliff Floyd went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two strikeouts for the Mets’ Class A affiliate in Port St. Lucie last night. Floyd played the entire game in left field. “His command just wasn’t there tonight,” Mets manager Art Howe told the AP, regarding Leiter. “It was obvious right from the first inning, when he walked two of the first three hitters, then gave up the home run. It just wasn’t his night. He just didn’t have it.”
Ty Wigginton hit a two-run home run last night, and is 7-for-9 in his first two games since coming off the disabled list.
For those who would like to cry in their morning coffee, the New York Times runs an article this morning detailing the stature, work ethic and stardom of Vladimir Guererro, and how the Mets lost out on their pursuit of the future Hall of Famer.
Only three other teams have scored fewer runs on the season than the Mets in the National League.
- Don
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The Note
Peter Gammons, in his recently updated Diamond Notes column at ESPN.com, quotes a few baseball insiders regarding the eventual move of Carlos Beltran form Kansas City. “For me,” said one GM to Gammons, “[Beltran's] the best player in the league right now. He does absolutely everything.” Another GM remarked, “If he’s not the best, he’s awfully close. He seems to have better at-bats when games are on the line, which makes him all the more impressive and attractive. The question right now seems to be where he’ll be two months from now, then where he is next spring.” Gammons reports that there is an “industry-wide assumption” that the Yankees will offer Beltran eight years and roughly $130 million come the off-season. “I don’t think anyone but the Yankees will look at a July trade for Beltran as a trade-and-sign thing,” said a third GM. “So we’re looking at a two- or three-month rental. I doubt the Yankees could get him right now because they don’t have the major league-ready prospects.”
The Brief Q-n-A…
Metsblog: Though Jae Seo, Taylor Yates and Grant Roberts have given Mets fans reason to be excited in the past, their recent struggles can’t be ignored. And though Scott Kazmir, Matt Peterson and Bob Keppel have garnered attention as a sequel to Generation-K, their average age is roughly 21-years-old, and they are far from pitching at Shea. That being said, should Mets fans have hope in their team’s system, or will it be the same-old-same-old as far as touted prospects go?
Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com’s minor league expert: Well, there are people that say there is no such thing as a “pitching prospect,” because until a guy gets to the big leagues, you just don’t know. And yes, the Mets have over-hyped their prospects in the past, but I think with Kazmir, when he has pitched he’s been absolutely dominant, so it’s hard not to get excited about him. People got way ahead of themselves with him this spring, but I actually think the Mets have done a decent job in keeping the spotlight off all these guys. I mean, I don’t think people are talking about Peterson and Keppel the same way they talked about Isringhausen, Pulsipher and Wilson when they were first coming up
Comments OffThe News
Ty Wigginton compiled five hits while the Mets had leads of 2-0 and 4-2 by the second inning. However, Arizona hit five home runs, including three by Luis Gonzalez, and James Baldwin and Dan Wheeler gave up six runs apiece, on route to a Mets sloppy 12-7 loss to the Diamondbacks, and a poor start to a crucial road trip.
James Baldwin, called up to replace the injured Jae Seo, threw two innings, blew two separate two run leads, gave up seven hits, two home runs, walked two and struck out none, while surrendering six runs. Four of his six outs were deep fly-ball outs to center.
Kaz Matsui fouled a ball off his right ankle in the fourth inning. Though he finished the at-bat, he was removed from the game later that inning. The NY Post reports that he has a right-ankle contusion, and is day to day.
Cliff Floyd went 0-for-3 in an extended spring game yesterday. Reports indicate the Mets are hoping he returns during this current road trip, but first must play a rehab assignment in Single-A St. Lucie, says the Daily News.
Jose Reyes hit off a tee, took soft-toss and did some throwing yesterday, according to the NY Post.
The Star-Ledger reports that Grant Roberts has notified the Mets he was suffering from shoulder pain prior to his demotion. Under baseball rules, the Mets are unable to move Roberts until the situation is resolved. Roberts will see Mets team orthopedist Andrew Rokito this week for an exam. If he finds a need for surgery, Roberts will remain a Met while rehabbing. If Rokito finds nothing wrong, as the Star-Ledger writes: Roberts could seek a second opinion, at which point he could file a grievance against the Mets for designating him with an injury, which they are not allowed to do.
Eric Valent is 4-for-8 with a homer, three walks and four runs scored when batting in the leadoff spot this season. Art Howe, however, indicated to the NY Post and Daily News that Eric Valent will shift back to the bench when Shane Spencer recovers from his back spasms. For those wondering, Jorge Arangure Jr, of the Bergen Record, tells us a little about Eric Valent.
According to the schedule, it appears the Mets will face Randy Johnson, Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens spanning the next six games of this current road trip.
Metsblog.com’s Take
On Valent
Comments OffThe News
The Mets begin a three game series in Arizona tonight. The Mets are 14-17 on the season, and remain four games out first place behind the Marlins.
The Mets sent SP Tyler Yates back to the minor leagues yesterday and called up veteran SP James Baldwin. Baldwin will start tonight in place of Jae Seo, who is on the mend from a cracked right index fingernail. Baldwin was 3-2 with a 2.90 ERA in five starts at Norfolk – his career ERA is 5.02 spanning 236 games. Yates told the Journal News that he was disappointed, but understand he must work on commanding his fastball. Yates is 1-4 with a 6.04 ERA on the season.
In only 47 at-bats this season, OF Eric Valent is batting .277, has a .382 OBP, seven strikeouts compared to eight walks, three home runs and ten runs batted in, two less than Mike Piazza. “I didn’t know who Eric Valent was,” manager Art Howe told the Journal News. “He was the last guy to make the club…He’s done a good job coming off the bench.”
Since the start of the 2003 season, Edgardo Alfonzo has 613 at-bats, is batting .257 and has 13 home runs. During the same time, Ty Wigginton, who the Mets opted to go with instead of Alfonzo, is batting .248 in 629 at-bats with 13 home runs.
Jon Heyman of Newsday gives the reasons why the Mets will look to trade Mike Piazza by mid-summer, listing Troy Glaus, Carlos Beltran and Richie Sexson as tops on his exchange program wish list.
The Mets have the fourth oldest roster in baseball, with an average age of 31.
Metsblog.com’s Take
On the standings
Comments OffThe Stats
Player
Pos
Level
AVG
OBP
AB
HR
RBI
SO
BB
SB
Victor Diaz
OF
AAA
0.241
0.261
116
3
12
34
3
2
Craig Brazell
1B-OF
AAA
0.299
0.324
107
11
25
25
4
0
David Wright
3B
AA
0.345
0.468
113
6
19
21
21
12
Prentice Redman
OF
AA
0.316
0.392
114
6
25
29
14
6
Aaron Balderis
1B-3B
A
0.275
0.364
120
0
12
24
18
3
Player
Level
W
L
ERA
IP
H
SO
BB
Royce Ring
AAA
1
1
4.26
12.2
16
6
2
Aaron Heilman
AAA
0
2
4.01
33.2
40
30
10
Joselo Diaz
AA
1
1
3.75
24.0
10
24
24
Matt Peterson
AA
2
0
2.27
31.2
29
30
8
Metsblog.com’s Take
Many Met fans have banged the drum to promote Victor Diaz, or at least use him as part of a trade. This strikeout-to-walk ratio, however, leaves much to be desired – even for a DH. Other youngsters should be addressing this problem as well. I’m not naming any names – second down from the top – but homers and RBI aren’t everything.
Metsblog is giddy like a schoolgirl at the thought of Joselo Diaz gaining any sort of control.
Aaron Heilman – heir to the Roger Clemens Strikeout Thrown. Who knew?
Comments OffThe News
Ed Coleman appeared on WFAN’s Mac and Sid program, and indicated the following regarding the Mets injuries:
Mike Cameron is being evaluated this afternoon. If the Mets are in a position where it looks like Cameron will be unable to play during the next few games at Shea, the team will hold off activating Ty Wigginton, so Jeff Duncan, who would suppliant Cameron in the Met lineup, can remain on the roster.
Though the Mets have not alluded to it, Coleman’s “gut” tells him the team will give Monday’s start in Arizona to James Baldwin. Coleman notes that it is Baldwin’s scheduled day to pitch in Norfolk. Baldwin is currently 3-2 with a 2.90 ERA in five starts at AAA. He has struck out 24 batters and walked only five in 31.1 innings pitched.Comments OffThe News
In what was without out a doubt the best Mets baseball game of the season, Mike Piazza, after catching 11 innings, hit a game-winning, walk-off home run to give the Mets their fourth straight win, a sweep of the Giants, and a move closer to .500.
The Mets are now 13-15 on the season, and with the Marlins loss last night to the Dodgers, are now only three games out of first place.
At four wins, the Mets have the longest winning streak in the National League.
Our good friend, Jason from Always Amazin’, does a great, simple job of breaking down last night’s thriller, he writes: This one had it all. Five plus innings of no-hit ball. Zeile’s single to break the tension. Leiter faces Bonds for the third time, gets him, then just as you thought you could relax, Pedro Feliz. Bam. Karim Garcia gets it back. On to the ninth, two outs, bases empty, Looper gives Bonds a pass. One pitch later, extra innings. Back and forth. Eleventh, two on, two out, Bonds. Pass again. Bases Loaded. Weathers. 3-2 to Feliz. Slider, outside corner, side retired. Then Piazza.
Mike Cameron didn’t play last night after suffering a strained ligament in his right hand during Wednesday’s game. Art Howe told the NY Post that he doesn’t know when Cameron will be back in the lineup. Jeff Duncan and Joe McEwing will likely split time in Cameron’s absence.
All reports indicate that Ty Wigginton will be activated from the 15-day DL today. Todd Zeile is batting .300 with one home run and two runs batted in during Wigginton’s absence.
When asked by the Star-Ledger how he celebrated his record breaking home run as a catcher on Wednesday night, Piazza said, “I went home and had a beef burrito at the diner down the street with an O.J. and green tea. I was tired. I’m not 25 anymore.”
Whether or not Jae Seo will make his next start, scheduled for Monday, May 10, was still up in the air, as all key players in the situation spoke of varying scenarios ranging from Seo getting the start, to Dan Wheeler getting the start, to the team calling up a minor leaguer, such as Aaron Heilman, to get the start.
With the activation of Ty Wigginton, the Mets will need to clear a roster spot. There has been no word on who will be demoted or released.
Tom Glavine starts for the Mets tonight in the team’s series opener against the Brewers. Last season, in his only start against Milwaukee, Glavine allowed four runs in a 51 pitch first inning and left the game with a sore left elbow.
Glavine is 4-1 this season. His ERA is 1.85; he is third in the National League behind Jake Peavy, 1.80, and Al Leiter, 1.53.
3B prospect David Wright is batting .360 average, with 11 doubles, six homers and 11 steals. Adam Rubin of the Daily News gives more insight into the Mets’ “next big thing.”
Metsblog.com
On O.J. and Green Tea…
As a person in his late twenties, coming to grips with the fact that my mind and body just can’t handle the rigors of late-night partying and binge weekends, I would like to say that this makes me feel much, much better. Thanks Mike.
On last night’s game…
The visions of Art Howe pumping his fist and swinging it towards the sky, Mike Piazza raising his hands above his head with a burst of excitement from the batter’s box, the collection of smiling teammates awaiting him at home plate, and then jumping on him in celebration, and the look of a giant, collective exhale, which seemed to say, “finally,” leaves Metsblog asking itself: Will we all look back on last night as the turning point in the 2004 season?
If you would like to receive an email when Metsblog is updated, click here: Update
After reading today’s post, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being most confident, how confident are you that the Mets will play “meaningful games” in September of 2004?
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