SNY.tvBLOG NETWORKSCHEDULESTATSSTANDINGS VIDEO Headlines:

Mike Nichols

preGame: Mets at Phillies (Game One)
By Mike Nichols - Apr 18, 2008 5:15 pm

The Game:

The Mets (8-6) begin their seven-game road trip with a three-game series against the Phillies (8-8) this evening at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, starting at 7:o5 pm EST.

The Lineup:

The Pitchers:

LHP Johan Santana (1-2, 3.05 ERA) starts for the Mets. He is coming off a loss versus the Brewers where he allowed five runs, on six hits (3 HR), while walking two and striking out seven. Santana is 1-1 with a 1.19 ERA on the road this season. In his only career start against the Phillies, Santana earned a no-decision allowing one run on two hits while walking six and striking out five over 4.2 IP.

LHP Cole Hamels (2-1, 0.82 ERA) takes the hill for the Phillies. In his last start, Hamels tossed seven shutout innings, allowing one hit, two walks and striking out five in a win versus the Nationals. In four career starts versus the Mets, Hamels is 1-1 with a 2.77 ERA.

..this is a bit of a statement game for santana as he needs to rebound off a poor outing in his last start and put up a bunch of zeros on the board against the rival Phillies…no easy task, especially at citizens bank park, but in my opinion this type of game is one of the reasons why the Mets went out and got johan…

The Notes:

The Mets bullpen is tied for the National League lead with a 3.00 ERA and has not allowed a run in its last 13.2 IP.

Jose Reyes is 44-for-133 (.331) with 7 HR and 11 RBI in his career at Citizens Bank Park.

Pat Burrell is batting .350 (7-for-20) with 3 HR and 8 RBI in his last six games.

Carlos Beltran is batting .333 with 2 HR in 12 career at-bats versus Hamels.

The Mets starters have pitched more than 6.0 IP in their last three starts for the first time since June 24, 2007.

For more insight on the Phillies, check out Blogger Beat.

How To Catch It:

Tonight’s game can be seen locally on CW11 and heard locally on WFAN.

The Bleachers:

For a live chat, head over to The Hot Foot Bleachers.

…i’ve been waiting for the Mets return to philly since last september and what a way to start it off with a santana/hamels matchup…let’s hope this turns out to be an UltiMets Classic

…yes, that was corny, but i couldn’t resist…

…enjoy, and as always, Let’s Go Mets

468 Responses to “preGame: Mets at Phillies (Game One)”

  1. Steal Home Jose! says:

    So professional you are Mike Nichols.

    Alright guys, this game is big, get us off to a good start Jose.

    • bringtheapple...leavethecowbell says:

      Good to see Beltran is playing.

      Hopefully, Hamels will be the one with a stiff neck after this game. Let’s play Long Ball !

    • cleonsvan says:

      I like the addition of the pics – no disrepect to you all but the lineup of bloggers lacks some diversity wouldn’t you say? It would be interesting to have the perspective of someone other than a young white man under 35 years of age. Just sayin.

      • christian warrior says:

        When I came across your post I was thinking to myself that I didn’t like the pictures. I don’t know why, really. It seems to change the Metsblog environment a little too much for me, I guess.

      • TheIcon says:

        I agree. I tried to get on the team here, but never heard back from Matt. I’m a former sportswriter, 29-years-old and Hispanic. I do live in Chicago, though, but that shouldn’t matter.

  2. NYCESQ says:

    It does help that Rollins is NOT in the lineup. I will be at tomorrow’s game. What’s the latest on the tailgate? Where is everyone meeting?

    Let’s GO METS!

    • stickguy says:

      Look at the parking map at the phillies web site.

      I would recommend the back corner of lot W or X, near 20th and Packer. Very easy to find, and super easy access back onto the ramp to the walt whitman bridge (straight on 20th across Packer) for those heading abck to the NYT or rt.295.

      Make a Metsblog banner and use it as a gathering point!

      • DAK442 says:

        According to the Phils site, you can’t tailgate in any of the lots north of Patterson – you have to be south of it, lots A-M. I’m thinking lot M.

  3. Nightlife says:

    Man, perfect game to come home to after a grueling week of work.

    • Steal Home Jose! says:

      Hopefully. I thought that last week for the 1st game of the series. Had to work through the weekend for a Tuesday deadline and then came hope, had a beer… and watched an awful game.

      • Nightlife says:

        Well, I was already planning on drinking some beers, so if the game turns out to bad I’ll just try and forget by adding in some bourbon.

  4. metsmets17 says:

    Im liking our lineup tonight. This is the weekend where our guys can really turn the corner. 2/3 in philly and 2/3 in chicago will silence many critics. Screw that……sweep those philthy phillies and fun those fans in the black hole that they deserve to be in.

    Pumped over santana pitching in philly and isiah finally getting the ax.

  5. huge_mets_fan11 says:

    I am hoping we aren’t too tired after the long game last night. Hopefully they got into Philly at a reasonable hour.

  6. bvaz says:

    let’s extend the Mets winning streak against the Phils.
    if they can win 9 in a row, the Mets can win 10 in a row against Philly.
    well, let’s at least start with a win tonight.

  7. Trifecta tonight:

    Isiah fired
    Mets win
    Rangers win

  8. 7 Train says:

    Just a heads up that in the part of connecticut that has CW20 instead of CW11, the game is actually on Fox 61.

  9. toomanyuniforms says:

    Hmmm . . . starters going deep, bullpen pitching well. . . Coincidence? Nope.

  10. nova86 says:

    i live in ithaca and we dont get cw11 so it seems like we dont get to see any of these games. anybody know the alternative channel they might put it on? this sucks.

  11. jimyager says:

    After that long game against the Nats. I am ready for another loss by Santana. It seems that when our ace faces th eace of another team we loss. Thats ok, lets just take the series. If we dont hit then our pitcher cant win. LETS GO METS !!!!!

  12. Steal Home Jose! says:

    OH NO, MLB.tv has the Phillies feed. Instead of the dream team, I have to listen to the Campbells Soup guy.

    • Nightlife says:

      I feel your pain man.

    • khmustache says:

      it’s that damn cw11. direct tv isn’t showing the mets feed either. they don’t even have the game in hi def. god i hate everything about the phillies

  13. therealsince86 says:

    I don’t believe there really is that much of a rivalry between the two teams but if I have to watch this on the Phillies Network for 3 games I will personally hit Utley.

  14. CitizenSnips says:

    I The fact that he just said “electrified” in possibly the most deadpan manner ever gives me hope. This is gonna be a looooong game on mlb.tv.

    • therealsince86 says:

      Me too, and the fact that they are trying to make a rilvalry. I guess they have lost so much they are dying to actually have one for once.

  15. Nightlife says:

    Damn it. I have to listen to Harry Kalas.

    NOOOOOOO!!!

  16. NYCESQ says:

    Guys…watch it on MLB.TV, but listen to it on WFAN. That was too easy.

    • therealsince86 says:

      I wish it were that easy but i can’t listen to WFAN and it won’t let you do both.

      • Steal Home Jose! says:

        Well…if you have 2 browsers. Or if you watch it on Mosaic, and listen to it in the regular browser window, it might work. not sure on the timing. I do know the lower quality you watch, the less delay there is.

  17. Steal Home Jose! says:

    Wow, what a park. I thought Utley might catch that ball, instead it almost made it to the warning track.

  18. khmustache says:

    holy crap this field is tiny!!!

  19. NYCESQ says:

    GO METS!

    1-0.

  20. Nightlife says:

    DWright! My man!

  21. rockets212 says:

    these comcast announcers are horrible i want to go to sleep becuase there so monotone and boring

  22. Nightlife says:

    Bad luck there. Nice to get a run though.

  23. therealsince86 says:

    Wright would have been out either way but he was way too far off for 2nd base. If it was a single then worst case is a man at 1 and 3rd. But I would assume he would have been out regardless.

  24. Steal Home Jose! says:

    Alright Johan, there is your lead, no excuses.

    • Wright88 says:

      lol, c’mon 1 run lead with a flyball pitcher in this park. We need to get him some more runs even if it is Johan Santana.

      • Steal Home Jose! says:

        Well, I expect Johan to wrap one around both the left field and right field poles tonight, so, 1-0 lead should be good enough for him.

    • rockets212 says:

      are you serious? we ned to give him 6 runs!!!! he probably wont need them all but 6 runs
      I want to see hamels crying bcause we beat him so badly

    • metsmets17 says:

      excuses…..it’s one stinkin run. give a guy like santana a lil more respect.

  25. khmustache says:

    suck it tagutchi!!

  26. therealsince86 says:

    High pitch count for Santana there to have absolutely nothing happen against him.

    • rockets212 says:

      i was just thinkin that, hamels had less pitches in the 1st and he gave up a run

  27. metsmets17 says:

    philly fans really let delgado have it after his strike out.

  28. Steal Home Jose! says:

    Wow, this Tom McCarthy guy sucks too. Add Burkhardt to the dream team.

  29. metsfan704 says:

    The philly official scorer gave Hamels an UNearned run on that first inning double by Wright

  30. therealsince86 says:

    So now Hammels is being compared to Steve Carlton, these guys are great.

  31. metsfan704 says:

    I know I am looking ahead and dreaming just a little bit but I would love to see Santana smack a homer off of Hamels in this sandbox to leadoff the 3rd.

  32. NYCESQ says:

    Those kids are better than the broadcasters.

  33. metsmets17 says:

    during an interview today on the wheel house, tom mccarthy said he is a mets fan. how does he actually give an enthusiastic call when the phillies do something good. money talks man.

  34. metsmets17 says:

    santana heating up…..kkkk

  35. NYCESQ says:

    3 k’s!

  36. HLSMets says:

    Johan just has to settle down. Looks like he was overthrowing in the 1st, probably just caught up in the hype of Mets-Phillies/Santana-Hamels in CBP. He’ll get in a groove by the third or fourth.

  37. therealsince86 says:

    Still gotta watch the pitch count. On pace for 72 through 4. Hopefully he will just get better as the night goes on.

  38. metsmets17 says:

    someone said come on ump to that high pitch by hamels

    philly fans=uneducated

  39. HLSMets says:

    Has anyone else on MLB.tv noticed that the phuggin’ Philly pholks can’t even get the pitch count correct? At one point they had 3-0 when Santana was up 2-1. And just now for Santana’s at bat they were all kinds of messed up…idiots.

    • khmustache says:

      that’s been bugging me all night dude…this is like watching a high school broadcast

  40. metsmets17 says:

    after church tagged last nite i though reyes would do it

  41. therealsince86 says:

    I am a big Church fan but do you think he will ever let Reyes still a base?

  42. metsmets17 says:

    oh no jose

  43. therealsince86 says:

    Not good.

  44. NYCESQ says:

    Phillies fans are clapping. I hate them.

  45. CitizenSnips says:

    That looked kinda dirty.

  46. Koko says:

    Can’t watch it today. What happened to Jose?

    • CitizenSnips says:

      Reyes stole second head first and as he slide in the second basemen slide in on his knee to block the bag. Looked so purposeful.

      • Koko says:

        Knee to head? Utley did it on purpose? B**tard.

        He stayed in though. That is good. He’ll have a nice headache tonight.

        Nice job Wright!!

    • HLSMets says:

      Head first slide into the second basemen’s knee. Probably tweaked his neck or suffered a slight concussion. Jose convinced Willy and the trainer to keep him in.

  47. HLSMets says:

    Who the F is booing? And why? That he’s actually alive?

  48. NYCESQ says:

    Man, Reyes looks OUT of it. Does he know he is not at Shea. I hope he is alright.

  49. metsdude13 says:

    These Phillies announcers SUCK

  50. NYCESQ says:

    Ok, I stand corrected. Reyes is A-OK. Did I mention how awesome D. Wright is?

  51. metsmets17 says:

    darling said carlos reyes…..lol

  52. HLSMets says:

    WRIGHT ON PACE FOR ANOTHER 5 RBI NIGHT!

  53. erik says:

    Jose got some guts. MVP for the game no matter what happens.

  54. metsfan119 says:

    You know, if you cheer someone getting hurt in a sporting event, you really have to reexamie your life. I mean what an f’ing disgrace.

    • HLSMets says:

      To be fair, it might’ve been that they were booing the call as the replays showed. I’m sure they figured Jose was out. (He wasn’t).

      • metsfan119 says:

        They were also booing when Reyes was getting his pupils checked out. Don’t give these jackass fans more credit than they deserve.

    • NYCESQ says:

      I agree. I have been to plenty of football games, and the fans are always concerned when a player is down. Since when did baseball get so ruthless?

    • jose--jose-jose-jose says:

      Umm, you guys, hate to be like this, but weren’t the mets fans cheering loudly when Milledge was hit on the arm and obviously in some pretty serious pain yesterday?

      Its a d*ck move by both team’s fans, but I hate to say it, but if the same thing happened to Rollins at Shea, our “fans” would have been cheering too.

  55. NYCESQ says:

    The top 5 of our batting order is excellent. Imagine when Alou comes back? I know he is always a step from the DL, but when he is on the field, he is incredible.

  56. rockets212 says:

    this incident made me realize that i dont mind the phillies players i hate the phillies fans and that city

  57. Dafatone80 says:

    I’m only listening to the radio, so I didn’t see the play at 2nd. Was it actually dirty? If so, I hate to suggest such a thing, but it might be time to throw at Utley’s chin or something.

    Between this and leaning into 3 (3!) pitches at the home opener…

    I’m not suggesting the Mets try to injure Utley. But there’s some way to send a message to stop playing dirty.

    That being said, hitting him with a pitch might just be playing into his plans, given that he took 3 HBPs last week.

    • therealsince86 says:

      Not dirty at all. Just the product of a head first slide and a 2nd baseman trying to block the bag.

    • erik says:

      It wasn’t dirty. It was just the way Utley came down and the Jose slid into the base.

    • rockets212 says:

      its wasnt dirty, but it wasnt bleached clean either
      his knee tried to cover the plate with his leg knowing reyes would slide head first and it just hit in a weird spot
      thats what i got out of it

      • therealsince86 says:

        He was trying to block the bag. That is what he is supposed to do. Dirty would be forcing it into his head or dropping it on his head afterward. He just put the knee there.

  58. metsmets17 says:

    any problems with comments not posting anyone?

  59. cousinrk says:

    That wasn’t a smattering of cheers that Reyes was hurt, that was a lot of people. I guess there goes that classy fans of the year award the Phillie fans were so close to getting. So close guys

  60. NYCESQ says:

    I don’t think he did it intentionally. He seemed concerned about Reyes, and gave him a pat after he got up.

  61. CitizenSnips says:

    I stand corrected. It wasn’t pretty but Utley was a good sport about it afterwards.

  62. NYCESQ says:

    kkkkk!

  63. reyesnwright says:

    Johan is on tonight

  64. cousinrk says:

    Are the SNY cameras off centered? Because this ump has got a crazy wide strike zone. Johan has got nasty stuff tonight but a couple of those pitches seem definitely outside.

  65. metsmets17 says:

    KKKKKK

    there’s a philly fan in here

  66. NYCESQ says:

    kkkkkk!

    Man, when he is on…who is better than this guy?

  67. Dafatone80 says:

    Okay, if it was an accident, I’ll tone down my outrage.

    Utley always seems like a decent guy when I hear him talk.

    Really, I’m pissed at the umpires for that 3 HBP game.

    The rule states that the player must make an effort to get out of the way of a pitch, not simply that he must not move into it.

    Would love to see this rule enforced.

  68. playmaker3128 says:

    So much for all those questions about santana’s velocity. Hitting 93, 94 on his fastball. Nasty change for the strikeout right there.

    Lets get some more runs.

    • metsfan119 says:

      He historically starts off slow. His best pitching is usually after the all-star break

  69. IAmKeithHernandez says:

    I am so giddy watching Santana dominate the Phillies hitters. This is worth every penny the Mets paid him.

  70. therealsince86 says:

    10 pitch inning. :)

  71. rockets212 says:

    i really hope we see peavy santana when we play the padres

  72. NYCESQ says:

    Nice catch, that could have been 3.

  73. cousinrk says:

    Hey MetMets17, you better not be talking about me. Calling me a Phillies fan, that’s fighting words where I come from.

  74. metsfan119 says:

    Tell Burkhart not to drop the soap around those guys

  75. metsmets17 says:

    burkhardt eating with those fem biker guys

  76. NYCESQ says:

    When was Castillo’s last hit?

  77. rockets212 says:

    moises alou DH today!!! went 1-4

  78. khmustache says:

    i miss guiseppe franco…why isn’t he selling his hair stuff in philly?

  79. cousinrk says:

    Nice. Good to know.

  80. metsmets17 says:

    ronnie’s diet just went out the window

  81. khmustache says:

    this color commentary is killing me…it sounds like a drunk hobo is talking about changeups

  82. khmustache says:

    that was filthy

  83. metsfan119 says:

    oh I looooove Delgado

  84. NYCESQ says:

    Carlos Buckner

  85. khmustache says:

    somewhere bill buckners ears are ringing

  86. darkstar73 says:

    BULLDOG

  87. metsfan119 says:

    Wow, this is fun to watch

  88. NYCESQ says:

    Johan is a machine.

  89. HLSMets says:

    Santana is so filthy.

  90. metsfan119 says:

    I hope they throw the pitch count out the window and let him go at least 7

  91. khmustache says:

    i wish schneider wouldn’t wear the hockey style mask…i think he might be the first mets catcher to do that

  92. HLSMets says:

    Let’s all remember this next time he has an off-day and skip on the boos. If I have to hear or read about Santana being booed in his Shea debut one more f’n time….national media/espn jumped all over that…

    • darkstar73 says:

      people who booed him don’t deserve to enjoy this game, that being said, Burrel has stayed in nicely on some pitches, but luckily Santana is good enough that he won’t let something hang up for him.

    • rockets212 says:

      yea well it dont matter who is pitching johan or pedro or anyone else 15000 drunk new yorkers will boo if you have a bad outing

      your right it really is sad

  93. NYCESQ says:

    A one hitter through 4. I hope this shuts up a lot of critics. The guy is an ACE.

    • metsfan119 says:

      Come on guys, take some pitches

    • rockets212 says:

      people didnt debate if hes an ace they debated if the new york media and fans would crush him

      • NYCESQ says:

        I don’t know if I agree with you completely. I read several “sources” stating that the drop in his velocity was a sign of wear. Obviously, this isn’t true.

  94. erik says:

    How many baseballs do you think Jose saw coming at him?

  95. rockets212 says:

    u people ready for a bullpen collapse? becuase im not

  96. NYCESQ says:

    What’s Johan’s pitch count?

  97. NYCESQ says:

    Let him go 8.

  98. metsfan119 says:

    The guy is built like a tank, he should be able to throw 110-120

  99. NYCESQ says:

    MVP…MVP!

  100. metsfan119 says:

    Gee, Mets got f’ed again by the umps…shocked

    • reyesnwright says:

      I can think of about 5 plays already this year where there were close plays at a base that have gone against us that all looked like the wrong call…I thought Wright was safe but didn’t get to see a good replay.

  101. rockets212 says:

    david wright makes men look like boys

  102. darkstar73 says:

    oh my god, so close to being fair, ugh

  103. khmustache says:

    that was close

  104. metsfan119 says:

    Hamels has been awfully lucky so far this game

    • reyesnwright says:

      Seriously…they should have about 5 against him by now. Lot of hard hit balls.

  105. khmustache says:

    3 almost doubles for the big guy….man seems like nothing comes easy for him

  106. metsfan119 says:

    that figures…

    • darkstar73 says:

      it was a good at bat, you can’t take anything away from Delgado, he was inches from a double, you don’t get many 2nd chances in the same at bat against a good pitcher like Hamels.

  107. jammer says:

    beltran needs to steel more bases ahead of delgado. delgado is a below average slow singles hitter at this point in his career

  108. reyesnwright says:

    Jeez, how did he even hit that pitch? Nice play, Angel.

  109. darkstar73 says:

    wow, nice play by Pagan, Werth got lucky though just to hit that though, 95 mph on the previous pitch as well.

  110. khmustache says:

    i’m flapping my arms in my living room!!!!

  111. NYCESQ says:

    Alou couldn’t have made that play.

    • therealsince86 says:

      I disagree, he would have made it but would have left some part of his body on the field when he got up.

  112. therealsince86 says:

    How long will they let him go? I would let him stretch it a little tonight. At least until he gets in trouble.

    • khmustache says:

      figgy, maine and big pelf all went long in the last 3. santana will tell willie when he’s coming out tonight. he’s not gonna let himself get shown up by the kids

  113. khmustache says:

    damn….that could’ve been a double

  114. NYCESQ says:

    Santana was running! Please don’t hurt yourself!

  115. khmustache says:

    the drunk hobo has a terrible home run call….i hate philly

  116. WrightsRight says:

    man, he’s dangerous…best player in baseball.

  117. iamatwork says:

    Howard is pretty overrated. 0-3 without hitting the ball hard once. Whomever gives him his huge contract is gonna be very sorry.

  118. reyesnwright says:

    Wow that was good pitching to Burrell.

  119. Gasface77 says:

    Made Burell look stupid! Damn I am so giddy watching this.

  120. khmustache says:

    these fans are complete idiots…

  121. NYCESQ says:

    ACE.

  122. Koko says:

    No Heilman against the Phillies tonight Willie. Leave Heilman on the bench unless really needed. Please Willie, I love you man, but don’t do it. . . .

  123. Gasface77 says:

    Will he pitch the 8th?

    • Koko says:

      Maybe. 93 pitches for Santana. You’d like to keep him in, but Peterson doesn’t like to extend pitchers past 100 this early in the season.

      No Heilman. . .The Phillies own him.

  124. metsfan119 says:

    THAT’S why you start Castillo

    • Gasface77 says:

      Ruben Gotay, could you have made that play?

    • metsmets17 says:

      starting and staying in the 8th hole is fine w/ me

      • therealsince86 says:

        Once he is healthy he makes our lineup so much deeper in the 2 spot. Right now i am fine with him at 8th. Just think when Alou is back, Church will be a #7 hitter. If Delgado is struggling i would even move him to 7th and let Church hit 5th.

  125. metsmets17 says:

    castillo get points….nice play

  126. reyesnwright says:

    Castillo may not be hitting, but I like the way he plays 2nd base…I hope Santana pitches the 8th.

  127. metsfan119 says:

    Let Santana pitch the rest of the game Willie, PLEASE!

  128. khmustache says:

    nice play…i sometimes forget how good luis is in the field…he’s a beltran type of fielder…just kinda gets things done out there

  129. therealsince86 says:

    I swear I will hear this announcer again, when i am watching Eeore on Winnie the Pooh in the morning.
    Nice play by Castillo, anyone seen my tail?

  130. metsfan119 says:

    So what if Santana pitches close to 120 pitches? It’s not going to kill him. For an April game, that would be a huge statement.

  131. khmustache says:

    no no no no no no no no no no hielman!!!!!!!!

    • therealsince86 says:

      I agree, let Santana stay out until he in trouble. If he gives up another HR at least he had control of it. I don’t think he could take another blow by the pen this early after pitching this well.

  132. khmustache says:

    should have been another ribby

  133. metsfan119 says:

    ooooooh crap, this is the situation where the Mets start to suck

  134. reyesnwright says:

    Finally, these hard hit balls are falling in…they have really been hitting him well.

  135. metsfan119 says:

    Good move Phillies, seriously

  136. DavidDog says:

    let’s wreck em right here!!!

  137. therealsince86 says:

    Anything but a DP Delgado. Why not a nice FO to RF?

  138. cousinrk says:

    not going to kill him if he throws 120 pitches?? Yeah but his arm might fall off in October. No way you made too much of an investment and you need him too much to take that kind of risk. Never happen

    • metsfan119 says:

      Every once in awhile it’s alright for pitchers to extend themselves. They’re not girls for god sakes

  139. khmustache says:

    dwright ate a huge bowl of wheaties this morning

  140. metsfan119 says:

    I’LL TAKE IT!

  141. reyesnwright says:

    I’ll take that, Carlos, just didn’t want a K.

  142. therealsince86 says:

    Good enough Delgado.

  143. khmustache says:

    i’ll take it. remember when first basemen used to know how to field (will clark, keith hernandez, eddie murray) seems like it’s a lost art

  144. DavidDog says:

    howard is such a lousy 1b

  145. metsfan119 says:

    YES!

  146. khmustache says:

    that was awesome!!! why did beltran stop at 3rd?

  147. metsfan119 says:

    come on, let’s get one more schneider, just make contact

  148. NYCESQ says:

    Which jersey do I wear to the ball park tomorrow? Santana or Wright? Both are having such a great game.

    • khmustache says:

      wright…if you wear santana’s then they’ll accuse you of being a new fair weather fan

    • therealsince86 says:

      I would wear Schnieder’s he does not get enough love so far this season. Prob. does not even have one, though. I say we start a campaign for one here today.

  149. Jay says:

    Listening on mlb.tv, the phillies announcers are awful. When pagan hit that double it sounded like he was going to cry.

  150. cousinrk says:

    How about our Lefties vs. Lefty pitchers? Unreal

  151. DavidDog says:

    ahahaha great to see that ballpark slowly fall into depression

    • therealsince86 says:

      Looked away to post on here and heard the crowd cheering, i figured an out. must not be anything left but Mets fans :)

  152. therealsince86 says:

    Hamels pitched well tonight but look at that line now. And the Phillies fans said that Cole and Johan canceled each other out. That’s great.

  153. metsfan119 says:

    Did Church tank it in Washington of something? I thought he couldn’t hit lefties?

    • Dafatone80 says:

      He had a terrible year last year against lefties. He had a very good year against lefties the season before that. So far, it looks like last year was a bit of an anomaly. Plus, once the Nats thought he couldn’t hit lefties, he probably got fewer at bats against them, denying him the chance to turn around his numbers.

      • therealsince86 says:

        And they pitched around him, considering how bad their lineup was most of last year.

  154. metsfan119 says:

    Willie better cool it with his quick hook

  155. khmustache says:

    100 pitches…in the 8th…astounding

  156. metsfan119 says:

    oh no, don’t crap out now Santana

  157. khmustache says:

    i wish these idiots in philly would do some research before a game…their explanation of dirty not being up was retarded…they’re starting to sound as bad as mike and the mad dog

  158. metsfan119 says:

    WILLIE!!!!!!!! YOU SUCK

  159. Midtown says:

    Took him out a batter too late.

  160. DavidDog says:

    good thing we’re not the manager. too bad willie is. should have pulled him after 7

    • therealsince86 says:

      This is actually what I wanted him to do. It was Johan’s game until he got in trouble. He did and now the bullpen has to hold it.

  161. khmustache says:

    7 ip 3 h 10 k 0 bb 1 hr

    i think i’m gonna cry

  162. Don Logan says:

    absolutely ridiculous that willie let santana bat in the 8th and put him back out there. it’s only april and he was at what 96 pitches already. i’d rather try to get a pinch hit, make it 7-1 and use a schoeneweis/heilman combo.

    • therealsince86 says:

      I am sure Santana wanted to go back out and if either of those AB’s produced an out then he would still be in to finish the inning.

      • Don Logan says:

        absolutely ridiculous to start that inning w/ Santana. It’s April 18th and you have a four-run lead. Willie learned nothing from the Milwaukee game when Santana should’ve been taken out after six and around the same number of pitches Santana had tonight after 7

  163. metsmets17 says:

    big spot

    the phillies

    heilman

    ????

    what comes next?

  164. metsfan119 says:

    No lead makes me feel comfortable in this crappy ballpark

  165. Darryl Strawberry says:

    Another poor decision by Willie. Easley should’ve hit for Santana and Heilman pitching to these righties. This game will be tied very shortly.

    • Koko says:

      Funny. Read above and lot of people wanted Willie to extend Santana. I agree and don’t agree considering the amount of work the bullpen put in yesterday.

      Now Heilman against the Phillies is not a good thing.

  166. khmustache says:

    god i’m nervous

  167. metsfan119 says:

    Please don’t suck this outting Heilman. Wait for the Cubs or something

  168. metsmets17 says:

    monday morning quarterback comments about willie

  169. metsfan119 says:

    Yeah, taking out Santana was a GREAT move

  170. WrightsRight says:

    Heilman=buzzkill…he is soooooooooooooooo predictable.

  171. therealsince86 says:

    Ok you have to trade Heilman, I am offically done with him.

  172. khmustache says:

    who didn’t see that coming? how many huge homeruns has heilman given up in philly?:

  173. metsmets17 says:

    i will reserve my anger towards heilman

    u suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  174. NYCESQ says:

    If they lose this game for Johan, I may run into the middle of the street with a blindfold.

  175. metsdude13 says:

    DUANER SANCHEZ NEEDS TO BE OUR 8TH INNING GUY 15 MINUTES AGO.

  176. Gasface77 says:

    I just threw up….seriously…not even just saying that. I’m sick!!!!

  177. DavidDog says:

    another randolph masterpiece, santana’s line shot, W in doubt, Heilman given the chance to further shatter his confidence…

    • therealsince86 says:

      How is that on Willie? Santana had over 100 pitches and had given up two hits in a row. Heilman is the one to blame here. No body else.

      • metsfan119 says:

        Dude, he gave up a bloop and a two strike liner. Stop drinking the Mets kool-aid. You know it’s okay to criticize the team, no one will doubt your fanhood.

        • therealsince86 says:

          Have you been reading lately? I don’t even like Kool-Aid. There is a middle and its ok for most normal people to be there. I see the positives and negatives. I post on here when we are up and down and make suggestions either way. You can shove your constant negative comments where the sun obviously does not shine.

        • Don Logan says:

          in other words, you’re a metsblog troll that’s on here morning, noon and night. and your opinion somehow means more b/c you’re a “regular.”

      • khmustache says:

        gotta agree with you on this one. santana was done. heilman does not have the fortitude to be an effective setup man. he might be as hated as schowenweiss at this point, but the makeup of the 2 guys is completely different. it’s like scho thrives off of the fan hatred and heilman is crumbling. i can’t stand that guy

      • DavidDog says:

        It’s on Willia for letting him bat in the 8th with a runner on 3rd and then sending him out 2 pitch when he was obviously gassed. And it’s especially on Willie for sending Heilman out into the lion’s den. Is his memory so bad?

        • therealsince86 says:

          Obviously gassed? How could you tell that a pitcher who had given up 2 hits and had under 100 pitches was gassed? You have to be right because you are a genius.

  178. metsfan119 says:

    When Matt Wise comes back please get rid of this clown. PLEASE!

  179. therealsince86 says:

    Willie should send Santana out to get Heilman, that would send a message. Willie made the right call but Heilman could not perform.

    • Don Logan says:

      You love defending Willie’s strategy so does that mean you will leave this board when he gets fired? His firing isn’t a matter of if, it’s when. Willie makes at least 1 head scratcher strategy move every single game.

      • therealsince86 says:

        What are you talking about? And besides that, how did you just magically show up when we got in trouble?

        As for head scratcher moves, every manager does if you play armchair QB.

        And for the record, normal posters on here would know that I am indifferent to Willie. I think he is average and does not make a difference one way or the other. I would just as soon he be gone just so people like you would just shut up.

        • Don Logan says:

          haha sorry mr. metsblog. next time i’ll make sure i race to the computer so I make my point right the exact second Santana is in the batter’s box to somehow give my point more validity so a metsblog troll doesn’t think i’m an armchair qb when in fact I call the strategy as the game occurs, not after the fact.
          and perhaps if you watched other teams play you’d realize they actually make less head scratcher moves. but I’m sure I’m 1 of the few diehards on here that was up til 4:30 a.m. watching the padres and rockies and still went to work.
          perhaps in the future you’ll allow other mets fan to vent on here. that’s why we come on here- to vent. if you don’t like that, go away, otherwise let us rant about whatever strategies we don’t like. i can already tell you have to have the last word on everything.

        • therealsince86 says:

          Yup.

  180. rockets212 says:

    remember we still got the lead for now its ok dont give up

  181. it’s ok…we still have a 1 run lead….just get heilman out of there

  182. Gasface77 says:

    I am usually a cheerleader for Heilman…but I have officially changed my position. I am now joining the rest of the metsblog crowd that bashes him on a regular basis.

  183. metsfan119 says:

    if the Mets blow this one…. wow…..

  184. NYCESQ says:

    Warning track?? Are you serious? Pull him please.

    • Gasface77 says:

      I am pissed because now Santana is charged with the runs. haha…I’m so selfish. This is a huuuuuge at bat right now for Feliciano….biggest so far this season…lets go Peeeedddroooo!

  185. cousinrk says:

    I don’t even know what to say with this guy. He always had trouble with the home run ball but not so many in a row like this. He gave up 8 lastg year now we are at 3. He’s killing us

  186. ryankobayashi says:

    man, they’re blowing it for santana again!

  187. khmustache says:

    please tell me somebody is throwing in the bullpen

  188. dwrightisgod says:

    bye heilman thanks for playing

  189. rockets212 says:

    his where the offense must step it up again because i am so worried about heilman

  190. metsfan119 says:

    Heilman should never be allowed to pitch in CBP again. All he does is throw hangers. Sometimes he gets away with it, many times he doesn’t.

    • therealsince86 says:

      I am not sure I would let him pitch in a close game right now. Send him to the minors to work on being a starter again or something.

  191. therealsince86 says:

    Please don’t let Heilman pitch to Utley. At least this is a move we all can agree on.

  192. NYCESQ says:

    Santana is waiting in the dugout with a bar of soap in a sock.

  193. Koko says:

    Feleciano or dare I saw Show. . .

    Feleciano please.

  194. metsmets17 says:

    wise gets back……ship heilman out for a sack of plantains

  195. Wright88 says:

    Ugh…Its still early but man maybe they should yank Heilman form the setup spot until he figures things out. He is the opposite of clutch at this point. Put in Duaner or a Smith/Feliciano combo for the 8th.

  196. metsmets17 says:

    my goodness it’s utley

  197. rockets212 says:

    at least u guys get to listen to cohen ad whoever else during this, i got to listen to the idiotic phillies broadcasters and its killing me

  198. Gasface77 says:

    I would walk Utley…he’s too good.

  199. WrightsRight says:

    I hope Johan gives Heilman a beating….he should not be allowed to pitch to Philly. They own him.

  200. metsmets17 says:

    that homerun cost me mad points on my fantasy team

    heilman……..grrrr

  201. Koko says:

    Heimlich needs to be traded once Sanchez is fully settled and Wise is back. Billy Beane supposedly loves him.

  202. giuseppe franco says:

    Heilman is horrible. There are going to be a lot more games like this and he can’t be trusted to get a big out. I mean if he gives up a single we’re fine, a double we’re ok, but a F’n HR??? I am sick of this garbage with him.

  203. metsfan119 says:

    oh jeez, I truly hate Heilman. This is a perfect example of why the Yankees should pray to god that they have Joba for the 8th inning

  204. meetthemetsinmiami says:

    I blame Santana AND Randolph for this one. I am sure santana convinced Randolph to go out for another inning… but at the same time… Randolph should’ve just put heilman out there to begin with. retarded.

    • metsmets17 says:

      santana is a gamer…….u cant blame him

      gotta give the ace the ball

      pitch count was still ok

    • khmustache says:

      willie should have pinch hit for him…but looking at it from santana’s point of view, the mets haven’t had a complete game in 3 years and he was cruising under 100 pitches

    • therealsince86 says:

      Would not have mattered Heilman would have still given up a 3 run homer. The point is moot.

  205. giuseppe franco says:

    Thank you Pedro, whew.

  206. Gasface77 says:

    Pedro Cajones! …Hello Billy Wagner.

  207. metsmets17 says:

    thank goodness for u pedro

    muchas gracias :)

  208. DavidDog says:

    feliciano has balls

  209. NYCESQ says:

    Why isn’t HE our set up man?

    • metsfan119 says:

      Because he criticized Willie a couple seasons ago. Has been in his doghouse ever since

  210. metsfan119 says:

    Mets better get at least a run here. Sending out Wagner to get a save with a one run lead in this environment…. I mean this game already has a strong negative vibe to it after Aaron “the abortion” Heilman came in.

  211. Darryl Strawberry says:

    Wagner against Howard, Burrell and Feliz makes me nervous.

  212. Dafatone80 says:

    I’m going to get laughed off the internet for this, but Heilman’s been a very unsung hero for the Mets for the past two years.

    He’s pitched a ton of important innings decently. Not great, but decent. If he hadn’t been there, someone else would have to pitch those 80 or so innings each year. That’s an awful lot of innings to make up.

    Now, we know he wants to be a starter, and isn’t all that happy in the bullpen. Even worse, he gets booed a ton at Shea. He’s been terrible this year, no question. But I think you could make a good argument that he was the Mets’ MVP over the last two years. Easily the most important part of the bullpen.

    Just sort of a shame to see him in such a tough position. Wanting to be a starter and getting booed at home after performing very well for us.

    All that being said, he’s sucked this year. The sooner Duaner takes over the 8th, the better.

    • metsfan119 says:

      He’s the eigth inning Benitez, don’t let his numbers fool you

      • Dafatone80 says:

        Nah. Heilman had an awful lot of good performances over the past two years. I think a certain game 7 (understandably) colors everyone’s opinions.

        Throwing 80 innings, mostly in big spots, pretty well is a very, very underrated skill. Just about every good team out there has someone who can do this. Just about every bad team has someone who can’t.

        • metsfan119 says:

          The guy KILLED the Mets last season with back breaking homers. It’s not just one instance. I can look past one instance

    • metsmets17 says:

      so what u are saying is heilman takes u to the dinner but then doesnt serve the food

    • therealsince86 says:

      Nope we have had many more important memebers of the pen. As bad as Wagner has pitched, or so it seems, check out his numbers. Check out Feliciano’s numbers.
      I would love to trade Heilman.

      • Dafatone80 says:

        Wagner’s been exactly what we wanted, and Feliciano’s been FANTASTIC.

        However, what I want to bring up are the innings pitched.

        2006:

        Feliciano: 60.1
        Wagner: 72.1
        Heilman: 87.0

        2007:

        Feliciano: 64.0
        Wagner: 68.1
        Heilman: 86.0

        He has to be up among the league leaders in innings pitched by a reliever each of the past two years. I think the importance of this is often overlooked.

        • therealsince86 says:

          I am not saying he does not have value, hopefully its value to another team or he becomes the 7th inning guy again and Sanchez and Feliciano get the 8th.

        • therealsince86 says:

          Who would you have rather seen there? Heilman or Smith?

        • Dafatone80 says:

          I do think the Mets read too much into “He throws a changeup, and can get lefties as well as righties!” with Heilman.

          Maybe the batting average against is evenly split, but it seems lefties take him deep more often.

          With Duaner, Smith, Feliciano, and Schoeneweis (ugh) pitching alright (again, ugh, but Scho gets lefties) and Sosa as well being functional, there’s more flexibility with Heilman, and maybe he could face a few less lefties in big spots.

        • therealsince86 says:

          I would have much rather have had Show in there against Utley. I just don’t understand why it was not Feliciano against Utley anyway.

        • Dafatone80 says:

          Wasn’t it Feliciano against Utley? Heilman came in, faced Dobbs, gave up a homer, got two outs, Utley came up, in came Feliciano.

        • therealsince86 says:

          Yeah, your right. I got lost in the debate there. Still I would not have Heilman in the 8th inning right now. That being said Smith and Sanchez have seen a lot of action lately.

        • Dafatone80 says:

          I won’t be too broken up if the Mets move Heilman out of the setup role for the time being. I just think he’s been much, much better than most fans realize over the past couple of years.

  213. metsfan704 says:

    At least Wright has another chance at the cycle.

  214. metsfan119 says:

    If the Mets don’t get a run in this inning, they’re not winning this game

  215. DavidDog says:

    anyone notice how not only the broadcasters are what they are (with kalas’ laxative voice), but their directing and camera angles suck 2! the centerfield camera is offline and u cant ever tell if the pitches are over or not, and they dont seem to have the one above the plate to verify. and the replays have been awful 2!

    • gipper91375 says:

      Get used to it. I have to see the Mets via the Extra Innings package, and the road broadcast teams and production values are so second (or third) rate compared to SNY. Florida, DC, and the D’Backs are among the worst. But very few can hold a candle to the SNY team….though, amazingly, Vin Scully still does a great job with the Dodgers, despite his age.

      I was thriled that tonights Extra Innings feed was the NY broadcast.

  216. metsfan704 says:

    I would love to get into Brad Lidge’s head right now. Early in the season.

  217. metsfan119 says:

    Thank god for Howard. At least we got him on our side

  218. metsmets17 says:

    a lil insurance pleeeezzze

  219. metsfan119 says:

    Ok Delgado, don’t be an A-hole and get a run in

  220. metsdude13 says:

    THAT ERROR WAS A BIG PLAY WHY ARE THESE ANNOUNCERS TALKING LIKE THEY’RE FALLING ASLEEP.

    • metsmets17 says:

      u must mean the phillies guys

      i lived in PA for a few years……an awful broadcast team

  221. dwrightisgod says:

    your 2006 mvp ladies and gentlemen

  222. metsfan119 says:

    Thank you Delgado

  223. khmustache says:

    fly ball fly ball fly ball!

  224. metsfan704 says:

    philly radio peeps just said Delgado is 1 for 1 vs. Lidge in his career with a homerun

    • metsfan704 says:

      I tried cancelling it as Delgado swung on the first pitch but it was too late. At least he is still 1-1 w/ a HR and a sac fly

  225. DavidDog says:

    gotta love howard’s glove

    • WrightsRight says:

      yep – getting sick of beltran swinging at the first pitch and turning over on the ball every single at bat from the left side…

  226. NYCESQ says:

    Is it me, or is Church ALWAYS scoring.

  227. metsfan119 says:

    a triple would be nice

  228. khmustache says:

    i’m sorry i called you a jinx gary cohen…

    i’m sorry i called you a drunk keith hernandez…

    i’m sorry i called you fat ron darling…

    i’m sorry i questioned your sexuality gary burkhardt…

    PLEASE TAKE ME BACK!!!! I DON’T WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE PHILLY PRICKS ANYMORE!!!!

  229. metsfan119 says:

    I just have no faith in Wagner to get this save. I don’t know why. Just zero…

    • dwrightisgod says:

      b/c we’re mets fans

    • darkstar73 says:

      defeatist attitudes suck, get an attitude adjustment.

    • rockets212 says:

      would you rather have heilman as closer? how bout schoe? or sosa? or anyone else (except for maybe sanchez) you have to have confidence

    • QueenOfQueens says:

      Someone said this to me when I made a similar comment and it made sense to me.

      It’s the situation that makes you nervous/dont feel confident. No matter who pitches in the bottom of the 9th in a close game is going to make you nervous.

      • jose--jose-jose-jose says:

        Yes, thank you! I’m so glad that somebody else reaslizes this!

        Ha, you guys, for the millionth time, its not the closer that makes you nervous, its the situation, people.

  230. NYCESQ says:

    Ok, 3 outs away. It isn’t so much the loss for the team, i just couldnt stand Johan getting another loss, after pitching a gem.

  231. metsmets17 says:

    1 out……get em billy

  232. rockets212 says:

    F U heilman!!!! Santanas ERA went up so i hope he at least gets the win

  233. metsfan119 says:

    ok, just 2 more billy..

  234. khmustache says:

    $10 million arbitration right there philly…money well spent

  235. therealsince86 says:

    1 big out.

  236. khmustache says:

    the drunk hobo just called that pitch a heater…god i hate him

  237. metsfan119 says:

    whew, HUGE out

  238. khmustache says:

    uhoh…mad dog’s favorite player is up

  239. metsmets17 says:

    1 more

    that’s right philthy fans go home

  240. metsfansberealistic says:

    good luck in your next life as a pinch hitter, Moises Alou

  241. metsmets17 says:

    YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  242. cousinrk says:

    Atta Boy Billy

  243. dwrightisgod says:

    great job johan
    great job david
    great job church
    great job billy
    aaron wake up the season has started

  244. khmustache says:

    whew…i need a beer…or 20…

  245. metsfan119 says:

    Great win, although that Heilman homer did put a little bit of a bad taste in my mouth. He’s still an issue

    • therealsince86 says:

      He won’t be when we move Sosa out of the pen, Wise/Muniz back on the team and Heilman to mop up role. I could handle him is Sosa’s spot, just no more 8th inning please.

  246. rockets212 says:

    time to pregame

  247. khmustache says:

    nice chattin fellas…god it’s only april…i can’t take a whole season

  248. miker94 says:

    i love the mets!

  249. Gasface77 says:

    I just want to thank all of you metsbloggers for you support through this tough two innings. I really got sick after the home run. Couldn’t have got through it alive without you. Here’s to all of you!

  250. metsmets17 says:

    cheers

  251. therealsince86 says:

    Last comment about Heilman tonight but it just does not seem right that Heilman trashes Santana’s ERA but pads his by getting a hold. What a worthless stat that is.

    • Dafatone80 says:

      He gave up a run on that homer. His era goes up.

      Nobody really cares about holds anyway, except fantasy players.

      • therealsince86 says:

        I still think the runs you give up when you come in should count too.

        • Steal Home Jose! says:

          Maybe modify the rules a bit. Runners in scoring position go to the guy who came out. Runner on first belongs to the pitcher coming in?

  252. D-Day says:

    way to go johan! i dont wanna hear anyone else boo this guy at home, hes a STUD!!!!. and D wright is the rock of the team as usual. now lets beat them with rollins in the lineup!

  253. darkstar73 says:

    Heilman’s home run made me sick, Santana made me giddy, Billy looked good, and Dwright’s the man.

  254. Midtown says:

    New rule: Heilman doesn’t pitch in important games, games against the Phillies, or to left-handed batters. All who agree, say “I”.

  255. beltran the warrior says:

    AARON HEILMAN MUST DIE

    or at the very least, leave via free agent.

    duaner, please get your velocity and confidence up quickly, we need you in the eighth!

  256. playmaker3128 says:

    Heilman is a good reliever. He is not an 8th inning guy. That has been pretty evident since the 8th inning of the 2006 nlcs. He can’t handle the pressure. He’s a good 6th 7th inning guy. Sanchez is going to quickly reclaim his spot in the 8th inning. Sanchez is throwing well, his breaking stuff is still nasty and he’s in the low 90’s with his fastball. Eventually he’ll probably get his velocity back up, but remember he hasn’t pitched in 2 years. Not gonna happen overnight. However he has an 8th inning mentality, heilman does not.

    Good game tonight, santana was great. Also were 4-0 since willie moved church into the 2 hole. While we haven’t scored an inordinate amount of runs, the top of the lineup has been more prouctive and Church has performed very well.

  257. DMAT89 says:

    what happens if duaner doesnt get back to his old self? heilman will still be the setup guy, and i still believe you guys are rushing to judgement on heilman, he was one of the mets better relievers over the past 2 years..and yet hes off a tough spot and people want his head.

  258. PhillyMet says:

    I just got home from the game….some notes from CBP:

    - the park was juiced right from the start, and Wright’s 2B off the wall quickly silenced the crowd. There were plenty of Met fans there, but not the usual 15-20k I usually see. I expect that Saturday’s game will be a Met deluge since its a weekend game.

    - I was in the upper deck in LF when Reyes went down after the SB, and there were plenty of cheers! Yay, way to go guys. Reminded me of when Dallas’ Michael Irvin almost broke his neck at the Vet and Eagle fans cheered. And when Reyes got up and tried to stretch it out, fans repeatedly booed him like he was milking it or something. And you think Shea fans are bad?!

    - I liked Willie leaving in Santana into the 8th, but Heilman coming in with 2 runners on was odd. I suspect that if the tying run was at the plate, Heilman would not have been the guy. I think he’s trying to instill some confidence in him. BTW, Heilman was cheered loudly by the Phillie fans when he walked off the mound.

    - ANyone who thinks Delgado is a butcher at first should watch Ryan Howard try and field the position…what a disgrace. And they said he worked on his defense a lot this Spring.

    - I was surprised Wags went after Burrell like he did, he was hitting 97 on the gun a few times. He got plenty of boos coming out of the pen, and he just looks awesome pitching from the full windup. A nice quiet 9th is always nice to see.

    Here’s to two more wins over the weekend!

    • khmustache says:

      philly fans have been the worst fans in sports for over 30 years. easily the most classless fans around

    • Wright88 says:

      Definitely classless, but Mets fans did the same thing when Milledge went down.

  259. stickguy says:

    Didn’t anyone notice that the Mets are once again in 1st place?

    And, just to prove that BB is a funny game (and players take time to develop), Pelfrey is 2-0 with an ERA below 2, and Phil Hughes on the Stankees is 0-3 with a snappy 8.82 ERA.

    Yes it is early, but still nice to see!

    • Midtown says:

      But Hughes is the next Randy Johnson! And Pelfrey is a nobody! How is this happening?