Daily Archives: August 14, 2008
The following is my MetsBlog Minute, during which I talk about the Mets offense, and who should be invited to celebrate the last day at Shea Stadium:
Last night, Brian Stokes pitch four scoreless innings in relief, for a ‘save,’ while striking out three batters, walking none and allowing just three hits.
In 9.2 innings this season, he has let up four runs and 10 hits, while striking out 9 and walking one.
He has a nice, hard slider, which goes well with his 95–mph fastball, which combine very nicely for the bullpen.
It would be nice to see Stokes slot in like Darren Oliver did in 2006, pitching not only in long relief, but also filling in against righties on a night when Joe Smith or Aaron Heilman need a night off.
In short, Stokes, who had a 7.07 ERA for the Rays in 2007, could be just what the Mets have been looking for to help out in their bullpen in 2008.
The Mets and Phillies are tied for first place in the National League East, with the exact-same record, with 42 games left to 
be played.
Jimmy Rollins, when asked if Philadelphia is can be a tough town to play in, during his recent appearance on FOX’s The Best Damn Sports Show Period:
“It can be, yeah. There are times, like, it’s one of those cities…I might catch some flack for saying this, but, you know, they’re front-runners. When you’re doing good, they’re on your side. When you’re doing bad, they’re completely against you.”
…i knew rollins and i would eventually agree on something…
Naturally, according to a report on MLB.com, “Radio talk shows (in Philadelphia) have fielded calls from fans offended by the comments, which are similar to previous comments made by Rollins and other athletes about the city’s passionate fans.”
Tagged Phillies |
Last night, in a win against the Nationals, 23–year-old rookie OF Daniel Murphy was 3 for 6 with two runs scored, three RBI and a home run.
He is batting .467 through his first 11 games, with a .556 OBP.
I am trying desperately to not be so excited about this kid. Every time he gets a hit, and I pump my fist, my wife, who is a Yankees fan, says, “Don’t forget Shane Spencer and Kevin Maas.” And she makes a good point.
What’s interesting is that, from what I can tell, the Mets are far more level-headed about Murphy than most fans are. You’d think the team would be hyping him up, while patting themselves on the back in an, ‘I told you our farm system was good,’ kind of way, but they’re not.
I, on the other hand, am giddy beyond belief, though I know I should just shut up, enjoy his performance and leave it for what it is: a hot start.
The thing is, he’s just so easy for me to cheer for – so, I can’t help but be excited.
Historically, I enjoy two types of players: either the hard-working, perfectionist professional, like Edgar Martinez and David Wright, or the overt, exciting, all-around, over-the-top showman, like Rickey Henderson and Jose Reyes.
Murphy falls in to that first category, obviously.
What intrigues me most is that, as I have been writing over and over again, ‘Daniel Murphy means Business,’ as he appears to be very serious about his job.
Also, for what it’s worth, I like how he prefers to be called Daniel, not Dan or Danny, as it speaks to the seriousness and 
discipline that he clearly applies to his game.
Equally entertaining is how he delicately places his bat on the ground with both hands following a home run, much like Lance Berkman – again, professional, no flare, he just hits and does his job.
I realize he’s played in just 11 games, which is nothing in the grand scheme of a baseball career, but he has shown an advanced comprehension of hitting, and the ability to execute appropriately in a variety of situations, which is not typical of most rookies.
So, while I feel I am justified in my excitement, I am trying real hard to keep it perspective since I may have made this exact-same post about Jeff Duncan.
Mets GM Omar Minaya told reporters before last night’s game that Billy Wagner will start tonight for Double-A Binghamton, during which he is expected to throw roughly 20 pitches.
…the announcement that wagner would be starting got a nice round of laughter from the room, given the day’s earlier discussion about John Maine, Mike Pelfrey and Oliver Perez potentially being used in the bullpen…of course, wagner is only starting as a way to guarantee that he pitches…
If all goes well, Wagner will make a relief appearance for the Brooklyn Cyclones on Saturday, in hopes of returning to Mets on Monday, August 18.
Minaya also explained that Luis Castillo, who had been expected to join Binghamton yesterday, but who has since been delayed by a ‘family situation,’ will likely join Binghamton today, where he is expected to start and play second base.
In his first start in 16 days, John Maine tossed five scoreless innings last night, allowing just one hit, in a win against the Nationals.
Maine, on his sore shoulder, and the outing, while speaking to reporters following the game, said:
“It felt better, but it’s still a little sore. It wasn’t bad. I t’s just tough to come back from a muscle you use that much…The score being how it was, it was a good time to only go five innings. It’s easier to pitch when you’ve got that kind of lead because you’re not really concerned about what’s going on…I would have liked to have gone another inning, but it was 12-0 and I’m just coming back. I hadn’t pitched in two weeks. It made sense to take me out.”
Maine later told reporters that he will have a better sense of where his shoulder is at tomorrow, and the next day, as begins to prepare for his next start.
Jerry Manuel, regarding Maine, while speaking to reporters after the game, said:
“He looked good tonight. The velocity is something that will probably come a little later, but I thought he threw some pretty good curveballs – any time you can break off curveballs like that, you’ve got to feel good.”
…he looked fresh, and free…which is good to see…jerry is right, his velocity is down, but it would seem that should be expected…i’m looking forward to his next start, at which point we’ll all know if he’s back on track…
Maine is 10–7 with a 3.97 ERA in 23 starts this season, during which the Mets are 13–10.
He is on pace to be 14–9 with a 3.90 ERA, which is more or less the exact same season he had last year.
To watch 
‘s exclusive Post Game Extra, hosted by Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez, including highlights and quotes from last night’s win against the Nationals, click below:
