Daily Archives: August 21, 2008
Al Reyes, who the Mets signed yesterday to a minor-league contract, will report to Double-A Binghamton.
Omar Minaya, on Reyes, speaking to reporters yesterday:
“I told you guys we were going to look for guys not having their best years and looking for a change of scenery will help…He had a chance to go to another team – a major league team – but he chose to come with us, to the minor leagues, for the opportunity to pitch in a pennant race here in September.”
Reyes will need to be called up prior to September 1, at which point, the Mets will have three players on their major-league roster with the last name Reyes.
…i doubt reyes will be the Mets answers to their promblematic closer situation, but at least it give Jerry Manuel another option out of the bullpen…
I did not post this yesterday because it was a super busy day.
So, let’s try it today, instead…
[poll id="163"]
Yesterday, 23–year-old Daniel Murphy had one hit, two RBI and scored a run, while striking out once in four at bats.
Meanwhile, 24–year-old Mike Pelfrey pitched a complete game and moved to 12 wins on the season, while 26–year-old Argenis Reyes, who was 1 for 4, is batting .290 in his last 30 at bats.
The day before, 22–year-old Nick Evans had two hits and scored a run in three at bats.
By the way, Jose Reyes is 25 years old, as is David Wright, both of whom will likely be considered in voting for the National League MVP this season.
In the New York Post, Joel Sherman writes…
“(Last night) was yet another reminder that – forecasts to the contrary – the Mets’ young players are outdoing their Yankee counterparts in 2008…Murphy appeared on no Top-100 – or even Top 300 – prospect lists before the season and Pelfrey – not Hughes or Kennedy – seemed the pitcher most likely to end up back at Triple-A. But here they both are playing major roles on a first-place team…
“The Yankee system got the praise, yet the Mets had enough pieces not only to land Santana, but to sprinkle their roster with youngsters thriving in late August.”
Even the happy-go-lucky Wallace Matthews from Newsday gets in to the act, writing, “Joba who? Phil Whatsisname? Ian Whooziwhatsis,” all while praising, yes, praising, Pelfrey.
…speaking of Newsday, i dig the new web layout, guys…
Tagged Mike Pelfrey, Nick Evans |“Ryan Church will make his long-awaited return to the Mets tomorrow,” according to the Daily News.
Church who went 0-for-4 last night, while playing for Double-A Binghamton.
Manuel, talking to reporters about Church yesterday, said:
“When he does come back, we don’t have to rely on him playing every single day…It depends on how he feels…We feel very confident in the young players we have in left field, and also with Tatis in right…I feel very good with what they have done.”
This makes total sense, in that, a) it says to the team that you play if you produce, regardless of who may be coming back from the disabled list, and b) it allows the Mets to slow-play Church’s recovery, while still getting him in to the mix.
Tagged Ryan Church |
Last night, Mike Pelfrey pitched a full nine innings and let up just three hits, three runs, while striking out three and walking three, in a win against the Braves.
Pelfrey leads the team with 12 wins.
The Mets are 16–3 in Pelfrey’s last 19 starts, during which he has a 3.23 ERA.
Jerry Manuel, regarding Pelfrey, while speaking to reporters following last night’s win:
“Mike has evolved into one of the bright young pitching stars in the National League, no question. He’s very impressive from where he came early in the season. We were questioning whether or not to have him have him in the rotation…
Pelfrey walked to the mound for the ninth inning, with a roaring, standing ovation from the Shea faithful.
“That was awesome,” Pelfrey told reporters after the game.
Pelfrey, on his season so far, following the game, said:
“I’m not the same guy that, early in the year, was trying to be so perfect and nibble at the strike zone. I feel more confident and know that when I throw the ball over the plate and keep it down we have guys behind me that will make plays.”
In the sixth inning, Gregor Blanco reached base on a bunt. Pelfrey walked the next two hitters. Dan Warthen walked to the mound, and, according to Pelfrey, told him to throw a sinker, to get two outs in exchange for one run.
Pelfrey threw a sinker and got the double play, thanks in part to a slick play from Argenis Reyes.
…i believe this is what is known as ‘commanding the inning’…
Tagged Mike Pelfrey |To watch 
‘s exclusive Post Game Extra, hosted by Gary, Keith and Ron, including highlights and quotes from last night’s win against the Braves, click below:
