Monthly Archives: July 2004
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The Game…
Mets players gathered for brunch and a team meeting prior to yesterday’s game against the Atlanta Braves. The theme, according to the New York Times, was simple: Now is not the time to panic. Now is the time to relax. The Mets then lost 4-3, concluding a 3-7 home stand that resulted in two more steps backwards in their quest for a division title.
Of note from yesterday’s performance: Mike Cameron nearly spiked himself while diving for a fly ball in center, Cliff Floyd misread a soft line drive to left resulting in a base hit that ultimately scored, David Wright made a lob toss to second to barely get out a runner, Kaz Matsui pulled his glove away from an easily played line drive because he seemingly refuses to dive, Jose Reyes jogged out of the batter’s box only to see his ninth inning pop-up fall for a hit, the team was 3-for-17 with runners on base and nobody covered first base on a high chop to the right side of the infield. Brilliant play.
The Mets begin a 13-game, four-city road trip tonight in Montreal.
Metsblog still believes, however.
The Standings…
| NL East | W | L | GB |
| Braves | 52 | 45 | - |
| Phillies | 52 | 46 | 0.5 |
| Marlins | 48 | 50 | 4.5 |
| Mets | 47 | 50 | 5 |
The Quote…
“It hasn’t been fun going to the park or fun going home right now. It’s a shame that it’s gotten to this point because we’re better than we’ve shown. It’s unacceptable. These are missed opportunities you can’t get back.” – Cliff Floyd, regarding the Mets recent home stand.
The News and Notes…
SS-2B Jose Reyes hit .348 on the recent home stand, raising his batting average from .215 to .261.
C-1B-C Mike Piazza took batting practice yesterday, and believes he will be ready to play in Montreal.
One major-league official tells the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that as far as Pirates GM Dave Little field is concerned, Ty Wigginton would not provide enough in return for Kris Benson. “There’s a lot more riding on this than a rotisserie league [trade],” Littlefield told the Post-Gazette. “We have our antennae out there.” It is believed the Angels have entered the running by offering former No. 1 pick 1B Casey Kotchman in exchange for Benson. One scout tells Ken Rosenthal that Kotchman, a left-handed hitter, reminds him of Reds 1B Sean Casey. Another says that Kotchman is more athletic than Casey and a better defender.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the Twins have told 1B Doug Mientkiewicz that he will be traded to make room for Justin Morneau. According to the Star Tribune, the Twins might package Mientkiewicz in a deal for Pittsburgh right-hander Kris Benson.
Orber Moreno was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right shoulder. Tyler Yates was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to replace him. Yates was 2-2 with a 3.41 ERA and three saves with Norfolk.
Mike DeJean, acquired from Baltimore for Karim Garcia, has worked five scoreless innings, while striking out six for the Mets.
ESPN’s Peter Gammons believes that if Randy Johnson is not traded by today or tomorrow, that he will not be traded at all due to an overabundance of medical and insurance paperwork involved in the Big Unit’s contract. Jayson Stark of ESPN.com suggests that the Marlins and Phillies are both heavily interested in acquiring OF Steve Finley from the Diamondbacks.
The Mets are currently starting the youngest infield of any major-league team this season yesterday, with Wigginton (26) at first base, Jose Reyes (21) at second, Kazuo Matsui (28) at shortstop and Wright (21) at third.
Mets relievers are 0-2 with a 7.56 ERA during the last six games.
The Riverside Press Enterprise in California suggests that the Mets, along with the Phillies, have expressed interest in RHP Ramon Ortiz.
Adam Rubin of the Daily News gave us this nugget from Sunday: Mike Hampton received flak for defecting from the Mets to Colorado following the 2000 World Series in pursuit of a superior school system. But the Mets would not have David Wright without his decision. Wright was the compensatory pick (38th overall in ’01) awarded to the Mets for Hampton’s departure.
The St. Petersburg Times reports the Mets have expressed interest in Marlins SP Victor Zambrano and C Toby Hall.
Scott Kazmir allowed one run on five hits over seven innings in Binghamton’s 5-2 victory over New Britain this weekend. He struck out seven and allowed only one earned run for a third consecutive start. He has a 1.73 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 26 innings over four starts in AA.
Bob Klapisch of the Bergen Record remarks that Mets officials are “increasingly worried” about the way Art Howe has used and overused the team’s bullpen, noting if they team falls out of the race in the last two months of the season, “don’t be surprised if Wilpon feels in-house pressure to swallow the final two years of Howe’s contract and find a new manager.”
LHP Royce Ring had a 3-1 record, 3.63 ERA and .266 opponent batting average in 29 appearances with the Tides prior to being demoted to Binghamton last week.
The Mets lead the major league’s with 87 errors. Kaz Matsui has committed 20, the most in baseball. David Wright has two in four games.
Poll…
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 this September?
For more Mets coverage, check out
Each
day this week, Metsblog will bring together Matt Loughlin, MSG’s Mets
pregame host; Brian McRae, former Mets outfielder and broadcaster at
MLB Radio; renowned sports journalist Bob Klapisch; Mark Hale, beat
reporter for the New York Post; Jorge Arangure, beat reporter for the
Bergen Record; and Metsblog creator Matthew Cerrone to discuss the
current State of the Mets.
A similar panel will reconvene to discuss a new crop of topics around the three-quarter mark of the season.
Today our panel discusses the Mets sloppy play and ability to make the post-season…
Enjoy…
Metsblog…
A
productive out, as defined by ESPN and Elias Sports Bureau, is a fly
ball, grounder or bunt that advances a runner with nobody out. The
Mets, when faced with these situations, have executed only 29 percent
of the time – good for third to last in the National League. Additionally,
the Mets have had more balls put into play against them than any other
team in the league, and they continue to be amongst the league leaders
in errors. Can a team this fundamentally unsound actually win its division? If
not, how does a team, committed long-term to many of its positional
players, improve upon these numbers and become more efficient?
Matt Loughlin, Mets pregame announcer for MSG…
I think
we will have to see how this new lineup impacts the team’s ability to
play a more productive brand of offensive baseball. Early this season the team was using a patchwork lineup because of injuries. And they didn’t have Richard Hidalgo who has been terrific in the past two weeks. Whatever problems they had have to be discounted at this time. This
is a more formidable lineup without question. I don’t think they will
continue to have problems at critical times – like with the bases
loaded – as they did early in the season.
Mark Hale, Mets beat writer for the NY Post…
To me,
the productive out stat is a bit overrated. I mean, the number-one team
in all of baseball when it comes to productive out percentage is the
Montreal Expos. Number two is Pittsburgh, and three more in the top 10 are Colorado, Detroit and Kansas City. Need I say more.
Brian McRae, former Mets OF and current host at MLB Radio…
Plus they have no speed – for the most part.
Matthew Cerrone, lead writer and creator of Metsblog.com…
It may be overrated, but the fact of the matter is, this team lives and dies on the three-run homer. If it doesn’t come, they lose. They
have such a hard time moving runners, laying down bunts, and so on that
any sort of quality pitching against will simply dominate because they
can’t manufacture runs.
Brian McRae…
It’s just a bad a combination. Cliff Floyd doesn’t run like he used to, so that limits what you can do. Hidalgo is limited to what he can do. Cameron can run pretty well, but everyone else on the Mets is average to below average at best. And you’re limited to what you can do offensively and defensively when you have no foot speed.
Jorge Arangure, former beat writer for the Star-Ledger…
When Kaz Matsui gets on base, the team scores more runs. It’s fairly simple.
Matthew Cerrone…
Not to mention they allow the opposing team an extra out or three each game because of physical and mental errors in the field.
Bob Klapsich, contributor at ESPN, Bergen Record and MSG…
Defense is killing the Mets, no doubt. We saw that a couple Saturdays ago against the Phillies, which was arguably their poorest game of the season. Switching Reyes and Matsui is one way to attack the problem next year. Praying for softer hands and quicker feet for Piazza is another option.
Jorge Arangure…
The Mets need to improve at catcher and Mike Cameron needs to start hitting. They are committed to Cameron, and obviously the team felt his defense would make up for whatever offensive deficiencies he had. David Wright could provide some help, though that’s a lot to ask of a rookie.
Matthew Cerrone…
Having a few pitchers that could strike a batter out one and a while would help too, though. Nearly
every out is a ball put in play, which is a lot of extra chances to
make an error, over the course of a season, than say the Cubs deal with. If you are going to have nothing but finesse pitchers, the defense has to be impeccable. Carl Pavano would be an ideal free agent signing next year for this team. The question is: can they win the division playing this way.
Mark Hale…
Sure. I
still think they will probably sniff first place at some point and
remain in the race into September but ultimately fall short. But
in my opinion, that has less to do with productive outs and errors and
more to do with a lack of a rotation back end, an overused bullpen and
a still-shaky offense.
Matt Loughlin…
According
to the Elias Sports Bureau, only two teams in the last 20 years have
led the league in errors and made the playoffs–the 1985 Dodgers and
the 1995 Dodgers. That doesn’t bode well for the Mets.
However, at this point in the season, the Mets know that no one in the East is significantly better than they are. The other contenders – Atlanta, Philadelphia and Florida – all have holes too, which sets things up for a great stretch run.
Metsblog.com…
Let’s hope so. Thanks guys, that concludes our four-day discussion. Your insight and commentary was greatly appreciated. Metsblog
will bring together a new panel towards the three-quarter mark of the
season to once again discuss the State of the Mets.
###
Each
day this week, Metsblog will bring together Matt Loughlin, MSG’s Mets
pregame host; Brian McRae, former Mets outfielder and broadcaster at
MLB Radio; renowned sports journalist Bob Klapisch; Mark Hale, beat
reporter for the New York Post; Jorge Arangure, beat reporter for the
Bergen Record; and Metsblog creator Matthew Cerrone to discuss the
current State of the Mets.
A similar panel will reconvene to discuss a new crop of topics around the three-quarter mark of the season.
Today our panel discusses Kaz Matsui, his adjustment to American baseball and inevitable shift to second base…
Enjoy…
Topic Three: Kaz Matsui Second Baseman
Metsblog…
There
have been many fans and members of the media that feel the Mets should
shift Kaz Matsui to second base as early as this season, and return
Jose Reyes to shortstop. Given that Matsui
is having a difficult time adjusting to Major League Baseball while
playing a position he is familiar with, do you think it is wise to ask
him to adjust while playing position he is unfamiliar with?
Matt Loughlin, Mets pregame announcer for MSG…
Matsui has had a difficult transition. While
he has fielded better lately, he still doesn’t seem to have the range
or arm to play the position. This has been puzzling to virtually
everyone who saw him in Japan. The Mets will give him the rest of the
season to show what he can do. If there is no dramatic improvement I
think you will see Reyes at short next year and Matsui at second base.
Mark Hale, Mets beat writer for the New York Post…
I’m
fully on board with switching Reyes and Matsui – but no, I wouldn’t do
it this year. There is no way you can ask Matsui to learn a position he
hasn’t played in nine years in the middle of the season. He told me he’s played there once, and that was in his rookie year in Japan in 1995. Now you’re in a pennant race and you’re going to ask him to learn a brand new spot? I just don’t think that’s very smart.
Jorge Arangure, Mets beat writer for the Newark Star-Ledger…
To entice Kazuo Matsui to sign, the Mets promised the Japanese star he’d play shortstop this season. But no promises were made past this year. At
this point, it seems logical for Matsui to move to second base -
perhaps not this year, but certainly during spring training next year.
Mark Hale…
However,
there is one condition – if the Mets fall out of the race this year,
I’d ask Matsui to start taking some ground balls and perhaps play some
games at second base down the stretch. Let him get a head start at learning second base to reduce some of next season’s inevitable growing pains.
Bob Klapsich, contributor at the Bergen Record, MSG and ESPN…
Matsui and Reyes will flip-flop, but not a day before spring training. The
Mets over-estimated Matsui’s arm-strength and overall poise at short,
but converting him to second base now would only compound the mistake.
Matt Loughlin…
The move will not come this year because the Mets told Matsui that he would play shortstop this year. It is also extremely difficult to move to a new infield position in the middle of the season. Matsui is not just unfamiliar with second base; he has never played the position even once. If
he is going to be moved, the announcement should come over the winter
so that he can spend all of spring training preparing for it.
Matthew Cerrone, creator and lead writer for Metsblog.com…
The
question is: can Matsui’s limitations on defense, such as the
slide-n-throw, or the inability to backhand a ball in the hole, which
will happen a lot at second, suffice as a second baseman.
Bob Klapisch…
I have
no doubt Matsui is enough of an athlete to learn a new position; the
Mets’ greater concern is trusting Reyes before he’s proven he can stay
off the DL for any length of time. I’m still not convinced he’s 100 per
cent healthy yet.
Jorge Arangure…
Matsui’s biggest problem at shortstop has been his inability to make consistent throws. His range is above average and he has the hands and feet to succeed. But his arm strength is lacking. A
move to second base would benefit both parties. It’s obvious Jose Reyes
is a better shortstop and has much better arm strength than Matsui.
Brian McRae, former Mets outfielder and current MLB.com Radio broadcaster…
The first year for Matsui is a wash. “He got through it,” is all I’m looking for, as that’s all you can really ask for. It’s a lot to go through.
Matthew Cerrone…
B-Mac
has a point, but tell that to the fans who paid big money to see this
kid dazzle on the infield because that’s what the Mets claimed he would
do. I believe the Mets slogan this year is “Catch the Energy,” not “We’ll get through it.”
Metsblog…
Thanks, guys. Tomorrow
the panel will return on its final day and discuss whether or not the
Mets can continue to play sloppy baseball while pursuing a pennant…
###
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Note:
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Mets GM Jim Duquette concluded an interview with WFAN’s Jody MacDonald only a few minutes ago. And Metsblog provides the conversation’s highlights…
The Recap…
When
asked whether or not Mets GM Jim Duquette could envision a scenario
that would put someone not named Piazza, Wilson or Phillips behind the
plate this season, he said that he doesn’t foresee that happening
unless the team is in a bind with an injury. Though options have been discussed privately, in either case, a solution would not come from outside the organization.
When
asked about the Mets inability so far to sign first round draft pick
Philip Humber, Duquette remarked that he is still hopefull they can get
him signed by the end of the year. He
further remarked that the Mets and Humber have not had many
discussions, but that that is not unusual for this type of high draft
pick. He expected this to drag out all summer, and feels something will get done sooner than later.
As far as trades, Duquette would only comment on his priority list, which remains 1) starting pitcher, 2) middle reliever.
Regarding
Mike Piazza’s injury, Duquette feels he will miss the Braves series,
but could be available to pinch hit. In all likelihood,
Piazza will be back early next week on a regular basis.
Metsblog.com’s Take…
The catcher question was a slick attempt to gauge whether or not Jason Kendall could be part of the Kris Benson acquisition. Judging by Duquette’s answer, it appears the Mets have no interest in Kendall.
For more Mets coverage, check out
Note: If you would like to write a Fan Editorial for Metsblog, click here: I Want to Write!
Note: If you would like to receive an email update when Metsblog is update, or send us a question for the monthly mailbag, send us an email to updates@metsblog, or an AOL IM at metsblog.
Last Night’s Game…
1B Nick Johnson dropped a side-arm toss from 3B Tony Batista with two outs in the eighth inning Wednesday night, allowing Ty Wigginton to score the go-ahead run in a 5-4 Met victory over the Expos. Richard Hidalgo hit a three-run homer for the Mets in the third, who blew a 4-0 lead when reliever Mike Stanton gave up a three-run shot to Endy Chavez in the seventh.
3B David Wright started at third base and was hitless in four at-bats. Due to the travel and arrangements, the 20-year-old phenom was playing on only two-hours of sleep, according to several reports.
Hidalgo is batting .296, with 10 HR and 20 RBI in 29 games with the Mets.
Today’s Game…
The Mets look to take two of two from the Expos today at Shea, game time is 12:00 PM EST.
Zach Day will start for the Expos. Day will make his first since returning from the DL. In three starts against the Mets last season, Day was 2-0 with a 1.86 ERA.
Tom Glavine takes the hill for the Mets, as he looks to snap a career-high five game losing streak. Despite his stellar 2.67 ERA, Glavine posts a 7-8 record for the season. In two starts against the Expos this season, Glavine is 1-0 with a .64 ERA. Glavine is 0-3 with a 5.96 ERA in July. He is 42 wins away from 300 for his career.
The Standings…
| NL East | W | L | GB |
| Phillies | 50 | 44 | 1 |
| Braves | 49 | 45 | - |
| Marlins | 47 | 47 | 3 |
| Mets | 47 | 47 | 3 |
The Quote…
“Everything played out like it did in my dreams. Now I’ll go back to my hotel room and soak it in, replay each at-bat and each ground ball.” – David Wright, on his first game in the Major Leagues.
“Every day is a new day here in New York. You can strike out in the first at-bat and get booed, but then you get a single to lead off an inning and you’re cheered like it’s the World Series.” – Ty Wigginton
The News…
An MRI showed no structural damage in C-1B-C Mike Piazza’s wrist. Though he will miss a few games, he will not be put on the disabled list.
RHP Dan Wheeler was demoted to the Mets International League affiliate on Wednesday to make room for David Wright on the Major League roster. Wheeler, who held right handed hitters to a .196 batting average, was 3-0 with a 4.31 ERA in 26 games this season. According to MLB.com, the Mets had a deal in place with San Diego for Joe McEwing to make room for Wright on the roster. The deal fell through, however, thus Wheeler’s demotion. “Those darn options,” Wheeler joked with reporters. “But this is my last one.”
Mets Notes…
“We’re not going to close any doors right now,” Art Howe told MLB.com, regarding a potential shift of Jose Reyes back to shortstop on occasion. “We’re going to do whatever we can to win. If we have to move Jose to short for a day or so, OK — as long as it’s only for a day or so.”
All reports indicate the upon Mike Piazza’s return from his wrist injury, he will likely return back behind the plate, while Wigginton gets the majority of playing time at first base, assuming he is still with the team.
Kris Benson Notes…
In his past seven starts, SP Kris Benson has a 2.36 earned run average. In his past five, Benson’s ERA is 1.88. Last night he tossed eight innings against the Braves, allowing two runs on five hits.
One scout told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette there’s a “50-50″ that Benson will be traded before his next start on Monday against the Braves.
The list of team’s interested in Benson’s services is now at six, including the Mets, Angels, Twins, Rangers, Phillies and Giants.
ESPN’s Rumor Central recently mentioned that Benson has already begun preparing for a move, going as far as cleaning out his locker and making arrangements for his home while he is away.
N.L. East Notes…
Yesterday, the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel suggested the Marlins are interested in acquiring OF Steve Finley and 1B Carlos Delgado. Today, the Miami Herald throws OF Carlos Beltran‘s and OF Larry Walker’s names into their search for another bat. The Rocky Mountain News believes Walker has no interest in switching teams.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Phillies are “in the mix” for Finley as well, although their priority remains a starting pitcher.
Poll…
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 make the playoffs this season?
For more Mets coverage, check out
Each
day this week, Metsblog will bring together Matt Loughlin, MSG’s Mets
pregame host; Brian McRae, former Mets outfielder and broadcaster at
MLB Radio; renowned sports journalist Bob Klapisch; Mike Hale, beat
reporter for the New York Post; Jorge Arangure, beat reporter for the
Bergen Record; and Metsblog creator Matthew Cerrone to discuss the
current State of the Mets.
A similar panel will reconvene to discuss a new crop of topics around the three-quarter mark of the season.
Today
our panel discusses the future of Art Howe, and whether or not the Mets
should once again pursue Lou Pinella, should he become available…
Enjoy…
Topic Two: Art Howe’s Future
Metsblog…
Here’s a scenario: The Mets contend, but fall short of the post-season. The
Devil Rays contend, but their ownership ignores Lou Pinella and refuses
to make a trade that can help the team get over the hump. They, too, fall short of the post-season. As a result of his temper, Lou Pinella’s managerial services once again become available. Do the Mets fire Art Howe and go after Pinella, or is Howe’s job safe under any circumstance?
Mark Hale, Mets beat writer for the New York Post…
Unless
the Mets win the division, which at this point could very well happen,
if Lou Piniella becomes available, I think they would have to approach
him.
Brian McRae, former Mets outfielder and current MLB.com Radio broadcaster…
Well, they went after Pinella once and didn’t get him.
Jorge Arangure, Mets beat writer for the Newark Star-Ledger…
Think the Mets don’t regret that trade of Aaron Heilman to the Mariners as compensation for Pinella?
Matthew Cerrone, creator and lead writer for Metsblog.com…
Privately, they have too. It
seems Howe’s strengths are getting along with his players and making
them feel he is worth winning for – he is also great at saying the
word, “battle.” His weakness, however, is when the team takes the field. He is among the worst in-game managers I’ve ever seen. When everyday fans and baseball experts are equally quick in calling out his poor decisions, something is wrong. Is that a reason to fire him: probably not, assuming the team wins. However, Pinella is not only a great motivator, but he is also a great in-game manager. If this situation occurred, they’d have to give it some constructive thought. Maybe they don’t actually move forward on it, but they have to consider it. It’s more or less moot, though, as I can’t see Pinella even being an option.
Bob Klapisch, contributor at the Bergen Record, MSG and ESPN…
And
after asking out of his Seattle contract, I find it hard to believe Lou
would walk away from his second straight job, especially with three
years to go.
Jorge Arangure…
If he is available, the Mets should pounce immediately, sacrificing Art Howe.
Despite the criticism, Howe has done a decent job with the team this year, and must be given credit for the team’s success. But Pinella is certainly in a different category. Mike Cameron speaks of Pinella with the affection of a son. The center fielder has called him the best manager he’s ever played for.
Bob Klapisch…
It’d be
Fred Wilpon’s dream-come-true to have Lou Piniella magically appear at
Shea’s doorstep. If that happened, I do believe the Mets would fire Art
Howe – but ONLY if Piniella wriggled free of his D-Rays’ contract. That said, don’t hold your breath.
Matt Loughlin, contributor at the Bergen Record, ESPN and MSG…
Art Howe is going nowhere.
I
believed that when the Mets were playing poorly and I believe it even
more firmly now that they have shown some life. I believe it for a few
reasons.
One, Fred Wilpon was enamored with Art when he first interviewed him. When
Art was named the Mets manager, Fred spoke highly of their meeting and
how he knew immediately that Art was the right guy for the job. While last year was a disaster on the field, Fred knows that it was not Art’s fault. That’s why Steve Phillips was fired. That’s
why the organization changed its philosophy – get younger, faster, more
athletic, build through the draft, build with pitching, etc.
Second,
while the Mets did not get off to a good start this year, Art was able
to keep this team afloat despite injuries to Cliff Floyd, Jose Reyes,
Ty Wigginton and Al Leiter; despite slumps by Jason Phillips and Mike
Cameron; and despite a platoon in right field that worked early but
then dropped off dramatically. This team could have folded early
but it didn’t. Art deserves credit for that.
Third, Art has two more years left on his contract after this season which will pay him over $4 million. The Mets are not going to release him and then pay millions more to bring Piniella or another big name on board.
Metsblog…
Thanks, guys. Tomorrow the panel will return and discuss who should play second base tomorrow, Kaz Matsui or Jose Reyes.
###
Note: If you would like to receive an email update when Metsblog is update, or send us a question for the monthly mailbag, send us an email to updates@metsblog, or an AOL IM at metsblog.
The Game…
Juan Pierre had four hits, one of them a leadoff bunt that turned into a double, and scored three times while Luis Castillo, batting .362 in his last 24 games at Shea Stadium, had two hits and scored twice in the Marlins 9-7 victory over the New York Mets. (AP) The Mets trailed 6-0 before they ever came to bat. Though they rallied to take the lead 7-6, the bullpen, once again, couldn’t hold the Marlins off.
Mike Piazza left the game with a sprained left wrist. X-rays were negative and he is to be re-evaluated at some point today. The catcher-first baseman-catcher was wearing an air cast after the game. “It’s a little swollen and sore,” Piazza told reporters following the loss. “I don’t foresee any significant long-term time off but I don’t know how it will respond.” Piazza is batting just .154, with 1 HR and 4 RBI in July.
OF Richard Hidalgo hit his first home run since July 5.
The Mets have lost seven of their last 10 games and are under .500 for the first time since July 1.
Tonight…
The Mets begin a brief two-game set with the Montreal Expos tonight at Shea Stadium. The Mets have won four of the first seven meetings between the two clubs.
The Expos will start John Patterson, who held the Mets to two hits over seven innings in a 1-0 win on April 10. Two weeks later, he allowed only one run on three hits in six innings while pitching at Shea.
Jae Seo takes the hill for the Amazins in what could be a crucial start for the 27-year-old righty. On the heels of Scott Erickson’s performance two nights ago, and the pursuit of another starting pitcher, Seo’s job could be on the line.
The Standings…
| NL East | W | L | GB | GB WC |
| Braves | 49 | 44 | - | - |
| Phillies | 49 | 44 | - | - |
| Marlins | 47 | 46 | 2 | 5 |
| Mets | 46 | 47 | 3 | 6 |
The Quote…
“It’s definitely not like this anywhere else…I understand why the fans are upset when we do badly, but I hope they never forget that we’re not trying to mess up. We’re trying to win.” – Braden Looper, regarding the Shea Stadium boos.
“As much as they say they’re impervious to what’s going on in the stands, players do respond to how they’re received by their hometown fans. It can cause players to second-guess themselves or interfere with their performance. Being professional, you can overcome that, but people in life don’t generally have critics sitting on their shoulders, evaluating them.” – Dr. Allan Lans, the Mets’ former team psychologist.
The News and Notes…
Peter Abraham of the Journal News believes the Mets will complete a deal for SP Kris Benson within the next 24-hours.
The David Wright era will officially begin on Wednesday night at Shea Stadium. The Mets will call up the third base prospect, and by all accounts he will start at third, while Ty Wigginton fills in at first for the injured Mike Piazza. “To be honest, I haven’t been able to speak too well since I got the news,” Wright told MLB.com last night. “I got the news earlier, and it’s unbelievable. It’s what I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid. I’ll remember this day the rest of my life. I’ve been trying to get myself together all night. It’s really special to get called into that office and hear the news. I’m speechless. I got the word, and I called my parents. They were jumping around. Now I have to get packed and get ready for tomorrow.” He was hitting .298 in 31 games for Norfolk, with eight homers and 17 RBIs.
Over the last two weeks, Jose Reyes is batting .346, has six stolen bases, five doubles and scored nine runs.
The Mets acquired C Tommy Piazza, younger brother of Mike, from the Los Angeles Dodgers and assigned him to rookie ball in the Gulf Coast League. Hey guys, start teaching him to play first base now, not later. Thanks.
The Mets haven’t won more than two in a row since their sweep of the Yankees over the July fourth weekend.
Generation-K alum Bill Pulsipher is 9-2 with a 3.00 ERA playing for the Atlantic League’s Long Island Ducks this season.
Karim Garcia hit two home runs in his Orioles debut. Mike DeJean, who the Mets acquired for Garcia, threw a scoreless ninth inning last night for the Mets.
Scott Kazmir threw six perfect innings for Binghamton last night, allowing one earned run on two hits in eight innings. It was Kazmir’s longest career outing.
The Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel reports that the Marlins are interested in acquiring D’Backs CF Steve Finley and Blue Jays 1B Carlos Delgado.
“Who says the Mets would have to take on the whole contract?” a baseball official tells Daily News writer Bill Madden, regarding Jason Kendall as part of a deal with Kris Benson. “Everybody knows how desperate the Pirates are to unload Kendall, just as (Texas owner Tom) Hicks was to unload A-Rod’s contract last winter, and look how much money he gave back to the Yankees. If the Pirates could get out from even half of Kendall’s contract, they’d still be coming out way ahead.”
The New York Times lists Reds starters Cory Lidle and Paul Wilson as next on the Mets shortlist of starting pitching acquisitions, after Benson.
Metsblog.com’s Take…
on John Olerud…
Assuming he cleared waivers, and Wigginton gets traded for Benson, which seems inevitable, and Piazza is more banged up then appears, I’d love to see our old friend Johnny Olla back at first. He may not be able to hit anymore, but he can still draw a walk and play a mean first base.
on Braden Looper’s quote…
“Do, or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda, Jedi master.
on John Franco…
Fans are getting all over Franco, and rightfully so to an extent. His comments about “keeping his options open,” when asked about a mid season trade to the Yankees, or another contender, were downright disrespectful to the Shea faithful. His on-field play troubles, however, are being overblown.
The real problem behind Franco’s recent failure isn’t his inability to pitch, it’s Art Howe’s inability to recognize that Johnny is strictly a lefty-specialist, ala Jesse Orosco in his waning years – one batter, in-n-out. That’s all.
Last night, Franco retired two batters in a row upon entering the sixth inning. He then walked two in a row, while Dan Wheeler stood in the pen and watched, completely warm and ready to come in. With two runners on, Wheeler was finally allowed to enter the game, and then gave up an RBI single to Miguel Cabrera to give the Marlins the lead. Hindsight is 20/20, but knowing your players is 24/7.
on Art Howe…
The man over-manages. That’s the problem. Whereas Bobby Valentine used little more than gut-and-hunch to manage his ball clubs, Howe is married to tradition and the playbook. Be it his addiction to pitch counts, lefty-righty match-ups or believing in the specialization of the modern game, there are times when, regardless of what ‘the book’ says, your starting pitcher can remain on the mound, or your hottest hitter can remain in a tie game, even if his defense is poor, and so on.
The Metsblog State of the Mets panel explores the future of Art Howe and the Mets later this afternoon, in part two of our State of the Mets Discussion.
Poll…
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 make the playoffs this season?
For more Mets coverage, check out
Each
day this week, Metsblog will bring together Matt Loughlin, MSG’s Mets
pregame host; Brian McRae, former Mets outfielder and broadcaster at
MLB Radio; renowned sports journalist Bob Klapisch; Mark Hale, beat
reporter for the New York Post; Jorge Arangure, beat reporter for the
Bergen Record; and Metsblog creator Matthew Cerrone to discuss the
current State of the Mets.
A similar panel will reconvene to discuss a new crop of topics around the three-quarter mark of the season.
Today our panel discusses the Mets roster, and whether or not the idea of a stable, everyday lineup is overrated…
Enjoy…
Topic One: Lineup Stability…
Metsblog…
In
our first State of the Mets discussion, our panelists talked about how
the Mets are constantly jockeying their lineup, often starting many
players out of position. In fact, this season, Art Howe had used 61 different lineups in the Mets first 76 games. Is
it time for the Mets to abandon the Jason Phillips-Mike Piazza-first
base-catcher experiment, and bring in an every day, defensively sound,
offensively serviceable, catcher, so that the lineup can settle into
some sort of regularity? Or is lineup-stability overrated?
Brian McRae, former Mets outfielder and current MLB.com Radio broadcaster…
I think with this ball club, lineup stability is overrated because of all the injuries. You really can’t have a stable lineup when guys are running in and out of the training room. As
far as getting a catcher and putting Mike Piazza at first base, I don’t
think you want Piazza to play first base everyday, or catch every day
either.
Mark Hale, Mets beat writer for the New York Post…
I wouldn’t say lineup stability is overrated. I think there is something to guys showing up at the park, knowing they’ll be in there and not having to worry. But
since the Mets got OF Richard Hidalgo and SS Jose Reyes, that’s pretty
much what they’ve had, and obviously you’ve seen the results.
Matt Loughlin, MSG broadcaster for the Mets…
There aren’t many “defensively sound, offensively serviceable catchers” available on the market. Jason Phillips has struggled all year long at the plate but he is a good defensive catcher – as is Vance Wilson. The Mets are not hurt defensively behind the plate late in the game. With
three catchers on the roster, Art Howe also has flexibility when it
comes to removing Piazza for defensive purposes late in the game.
Bob Klapisch, contributor at the Bergen Record, ESPN and MSG…
The Mets do need someone other than Jason Phillips to catch, but it’s unlikely they’ll acquire another body via a trade.
Jorge Arangure, Mets beat writer for the Newark Star-Ledger…
Perhaps it is time for the Mets to cut Jason Phillips’ playing time significantly. Phillips has not shown he can match the numbers he put up last year and really doesn’t serve the team well defensively. The Mets sporadically get calls from other teams about his availability. But most teams are interested in Phillips as a backup and are offering little in return. The
Mets would be best served by starting Vance Wilson, who is better
defensively than Phillips and perhaps at this point also better
offensively.
Matthew Cerrone, creator and lead writer for Metsblog.com…
More than “defensively sound, offensively serviceable,” the key is every day. An
A.J. Pierzynski type, that can be on the same page as the pitcher, day
in and day out, hit roughly .260 or so, get an occasional clutch hit,
but not be relied upon as the almighty stick in the lineup, and provide
trustworthy defense.
Mark Hale…
I guess I’m envisioning a Ramon Hernandez type – I’m just not sure that guy’s out there right now…maybe in the off-season.
Brian McRae…
As a catcher I think it depends on what the rest of your ball club can do. With
your catcher, I think you want him to catch the ball first, with
offensive numbers coming later, if you have a team that can support
that.
Matthew Cerrone…
So
like Jorge had said earlier, maybe the answer is to simply start Vance
Wilson at catcher more regularly; bench Phillips; run Piazza out at
first, though he is looking like he is in dire need of at least one day
off each week, like he is accustomed to getting; giving the lineup a
sense of stability so players know who is doing what and when they are
doing it. It’s much easier to hit and run,
or bunt a guy over when you, as a hitter, are familiar with what the
guy ahead of you and behind of you in the lineup are going to do.
Bob Klapisch…
Wilson isn’t much of a hitter, but he’s still an upgrade over Phillips. And
when the Mets eventually call up Wright and turn Ty Wigginton into a
super-sub, the offense will become borderline-respectable.
Matt Loughlin…
Lineup
stability is overrated as long as there is a limit to the shuffling
that takes place. The Mets now generally field the same lineup everyday
with only the catcher and first base position affected. It is a stable lineup.
Jorge Arangure…
Having lineup stability is important simply because that means a team is comfortable with the players in the lineup. If a team has quality players then they likely won’t need to shuffle them regularly.
Matthew Cerrone…
I
guess…to me, that’s the real issue, though: the Mets rarely play their
best catcher at catcher, or their best first baseman at first base, or
even their best shortstop at shortstop. The idea of the stable lineup also breeds strength and confidence.
Metsblog…
Thanks, guys. Tomorrow the panel will return and discuss the future of Art Howe.
###
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The Game…
Braden Looper allowed two runs to score in the ninth, leading to a Marlins victory over the Mets, 6-5, at Shea last night. The loss denied SP Scott Erickson his first win in almost two years. Though the Mets were charged with only two official errors, they made countless mental mistakes, again.
Jose Reyes went 3-for-4 from the leadoff spot, with two doubles, three runs scored, and a steal of third base, while continuing to look bizarre while running the bases.
Erickson allowed just two runs, one earned, while striking out three and walking one over six innings. “He threw his sinker on both sides of the plate, it had phenomenal movement and it was heavy. It was awesome,” catcher Vance Wilson told reporters after the game. “He can definitely help us out. If we can get quality starts like that, he’s going to be a huge shot in the arm.” Erickson’s wheels appeared to be coming off in the sixth, however, as his location became erratic and his fastball, which hit 91-mph on more than one occasion, died down.
Also of note, though Kaz Matsui snapped a streak of four consecutive games with at least two hits, he did a great job of slapping the ball the other way, giving himself up on two occasions, so to advance Jose Reyes to third base. Reyes scored both times. Whitey Herzog would be proud.
Marlins closer Armando Benitiez is now 7-for-7 in save opportunities against the Mets this season. Wait until September, Florida. Just wait.
Tonight…
The Mets complete their two-game series against the Marlins tonight, pitching Steve Trachsel against Nate Bump. In 12 home games, Trachsel is 7-2 with a 1.70 ERA. Over his past three starts, Trachsel is 2-0 with a 1.37 ERA and a .188 opponents’ batting average against him.
Bump makes his first career start for the Fish. His previous 28 appearances this season have all come in relief. The 28-year-old righty has pitched in 39 innings this season, while striking out only 22 batters and walking 19. Teams are batting .303 against him.
The Mets have won 17 of their past 26 games at home.
The Standings…
| NL East | W | L | GB | GB WC |
| Braves | 49 | 43 | - | - |
| Phillies | 48 | 44 | 1 | 3 |
| Mets | 46 | 46 | 3 | 5 |
| Marlins | 46 | 46 | 3 | 5 |
The Quote…
“The bottom line is to win the game…I’d rather give up five runs and win than go six innings and lose.” – Scott Erickson, after the Mets loss to the Marlins last night.
The News and Notes…
The Mets put reliever Jose Parra on the disabled list with a strained right hip flexor. Parra, who told reporters that he woke up yesterday with soreness and believes the air conditioning in his hotel room may have been too cold, appeared confused by the roster shift.
Tom Glavine, Steve Trachsel and Al Leiter have a combined ERA of 2.41. All other Mets starters check in at 5.52.
Mets GM Jim Duquette told MSG before last night’s game that, despite the acquisition of Mike DeJean, and the promotion of Scott Erickson, the club is still in search of both a starting pitcher and a set-up man.
Scott Kazmir is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA and has 12 strikeouts in 11 innings for AA-Binghamton. “He’s still learning how to pitch,” AA manager Ken Oberkfell told the Star-Ledger. “He’s only 20 and still has a little ways to go. The stuff is there, it’s just a matter of polishing it.” Also at the lower levels, LHP Neal Musser, 23, was promoted to AAA to replace Scott Erickson on the roster. Musser was 9-4 with a 3.33 ERA in 17 games at AA. Lastly, Aaron Hielman has given up 120 hits and 15 home runs in 110 1/3 innings at AA.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the Rangers have entered into the list of team’s pursuing SP Kris Benson. The paper speculates that the Pirates are holding out for Rangers OF Laynce Nix. The Pittsburgh Tribune Review adds that the Phillies may enter the mix as well. “We’re not looking toward (Class) A-ball prospects,” said Pirates GM Dave Littlefield to ESPN. “We’d be more oriented toward low-level service time major leaguers or upper-end minor league players who have upside.”
Peter Gammons of ESPN believes the Mets would prefer not to trade 3B Ty Wigginton. “He can play first, second, third and BOTH corner outfield positions,” Gammons told readers in his weekly ESPN Chat. “IF that’s the ONLY way they can get Kris Benson, they might HAVE to do it, but right now they are trying to get him with other trade prospects.
Appearing on ESPN’s SportCenter, Gammons alluded to a potential three-way trade between the Mets, Red Sox and Diamondbacks that would send Randy Johnson to Boston, Derek Lowe to the Mets, and combined prospects to Arizona. Gammons also insists that Kris Benson will be traded, and that his potential suitors are all unwilling, thus far, to part with top prospects, such as Texas with Laynce Nix, the Twins and Justin Morneau, the Mets and David Wright, and the Angels with Dallas McPherson.
Royals GM Allard Baird and assistant Brian Murphy attended last night’s Double-A Binghamton game. Jose Diaz, who had pitched in relief his last two outings, started against Toronto’s New Hampshire affiliate. The Royals could be willing to move reliever Scott Sullivan, who is slated to make $2.6 million next season, or lefty starter Brian Anderson.
Marlins SP Carl Pavano told the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel that he wouldn’t be surprised if Florida traded him before July 31. Pavano is 9-4 with a 2.83 ERA, and will be a free agent at the end of the year. In fact, despite the Marlins being only three games out of first, all three Florida newspapers discuss the Fish as being potential sellers, not buyers. ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark indicates the Mets, Phillies and Rangers have the right pieces to deal for Benson but suggests the Twins might be the best bet.
The Denver Post reports that the Braves may have interested in acquiring Rockies OF Larry Walker. Walker is signed through next season with a base salary of $12.5 million and a $1 million buyout on an option for 2006.
As ESPN’s Buster Olney reports, the Mets have the second-most games left against teams with records under .500 (24) in the NL, and will be finished playing Florida and Philly by September 1.
Poll…
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 make the playoffs this season?
For more Mets coverage, check out
The News…
Ed Coleman of WFAN is reporting that the Mets have traded OF Karim Garcia to the Baltimore Orioles for relief pitcher Mike DeJean.
Metsblog.com’s Take…
DeJean is currently 0-5 with a 6.13 ERA for the Orioles this season. In 2002, he was 3.12 ERA in 68 appearances for the Brewers. He is at his best when his low-90′s fastball remains towards the bottom of the strike zone inducing batters to groundout, helping to make his splitter more effective. However, he tends to work from behind in the count, resulting in a significant amount of walks, 255 in his career against 370 strikeouts over eight years of service.
It’s a decent trade, which had to happen.
