Daily Archives: August 17, 2008
Billy Wagner, who was examined today in New York, has been diagnosed with ‘elbow stiffness.’
He will take tomorrow off, according to SNY, after which he will be re-examined by the Hospital of Special Surgery on Tuesday.
The Mets (68–56) defeated the Pirates (55–69) by the score of 4 to 0 in PNC Park today.
For a recap, boxscore, stats, etc., from today’s game, go to SNY.tv.
Johan Santana cut through Pittsburgh’s lineup like a knife through butter, striking out seven and letting up no runs and just three hits through eight innings. Santana appeared to get stronger as the game went on, getting five of his seven strikeouts in the final three innings of the game. His change-up looked like a curve-ball at times, dropping in to the strike zone, instead of dipping away.
With 108 pitches and eight scoreless innings in the bank, and a four-run lead, Jerry Manuel sent Santana back out to pitch the ninth inning. He needed just three additional pitches to finish the complete-game shut out and close out the win.
Santana is 3–0 with a 2.51 ERA in seven starts since the All-Star break, during which the Mets are 5–2.
Meanwhile, Brian Schneider knocked in three runs with a double and a home run. He had as many RBI today, as he had in the previous 17 games combined. In fact, today accounts for 13 percent of all he’s RBI this season. Sad, but true.
I feel weird when David Wright is not in the lineup. Damion Easley started in his place. I like that Jerry Manuel gives him a day off, don’t get me wrong. I’m just saying, from an entertainment point of view, it’s strange. It just doesn’t feel right when he and Jose Reyes are on the bench.
Speaking of Reyes, with a four-run lead, Reyes tried to steal third base with two outs in the top of the ninth and Carlos Delgado at bat, and was nearly picked off. Odd.
The Mets have won six games in a row. This is the first time since 2001 that the Mets have won the first six games on a road trip.
The Mets move to 12 games above .500 for the first time in 2008.
The Mets conclude their four-game series with the Pirates tomorrow in Pittsburgh, starting at 12:35 pm, with John Maine (10-7, 3.97 ERA) taking on Pat Maholm (8-7, 3.69 ERA).
The Game:
The first place Mets (67-56) continue their four game series against the Pirates (55-68) today at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, starting at 1:35 pm.
The Lineup:
- SS Jose Reyes
- 2B Argenis Reyes
- 3B Damion Easley
- 1B Carlos Delgado
- CF Carlos Beltran
- LF Daniel Murphy
- RF Fernando Tatis
- C Brian Schneider
- P Johan Santana
The Pitchers:
LHP Johan Santana (10-7, 2.89 ERA) starts for the Mets.
RHP Jeff Karstens (2-1, 1.23 ERA) starts for the Pirates.
How To Catch It:
Tonight’s game can be seen locally on CW11 and heard on WFAN.
The Bleachers:
For a live chat, head over to The Hot Foot Bleachers.
…enjoy, and as always, Let’s Go Mets…
Tagged Mike Nichols |
Cole Hamels sports a 3.72 ERA in August despite his usually outstanding strikeout and walk numbers. He’s giving up more hits this month, however, especially with runners in scoring position. Opponents are 6 for 20, a .300 BA in that situation this month.
Casey Kotchman continues his post-trade slump. He’s 2 for his last 24 with zero RBI. He’s hitting .167 since the trade for Mark Teixeira.
Jorge Cantu‘s rough August is helping pull down the Marlins offense. He’s hitting just .203 in the month and is striking out about once a game. He’s a big reason the Marlins were able to absorb the loss of Miguel Cabrera.
For more real-time information, news, links and stats from around MLB, check out Baseball Musings.
The Mets have acquired RHP Luis Ayala from the Nationals in exchange for 2B Anderson Hernandez.
Ayala is expected to join the team in Pittsburgh tomorrow.
Ayala had a 5.77 ERA this season with Washington.
The Daily News reported earlier in the week that the Mets had expressed interest in Ayala, who SI.com’s Jon Heyman mentioned the Mets had been trying to acquire during the Trade Deadline.
Hernandez’s time had clearly expired with the Mets, who now turn to Argenis Reyes in such spots, not to mention the four other second basemen on the team’s roster.
So, to trade Hernandez, and buy low on Ayala, given the recent struggles of the bullpen, makes total sense to me.
Ayala plus Stokes will hopefully be a fix, especially given yesterday’s news regarding Billy Wagner.
The Mets (67–56) defeated the Pirates (55–68) by the score of 7 to 4 in PNC Park last night.
The Mets have won five games in a row, and are in first place by two games over the Phillies in the NL East.
For a recap, boxscore, stats, etc., from last night’s game, go to SNY.tv, or click play to below:
The Mets continue their four-game series with the Pirates this afternoon in Pittsburgh, starting at 1:35 pm, with John Santana (10-7, 2.89 ERA) taking on Jeff Karstens (2-1, 1.23 ERA).
