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Mike Nichols

postGame: Mets 5 Marlins 4
By Mike Nichols - Aug 29, 2008 10:34 pm

The Mets (75–60) defeated the Marlins (68–67) tonight by the score of 5 to 4 in Dolphins Stadium.

For a recap, boxscore, stats, etc., go to SNY.tv.

Whew, you can exhale now.

I don’t think the Mets have had a more shocking win this year than they did tonight.

On a night when Oliver Perez managed to pitch through six innings without having much command of the strikezone and the Mets offense looked to be asleep at the wheel, the game came down to a dramatic ninth inning.

With the Mets down to their final out, down by one in the top of the ninth and the base loaded, Carlos Beltran crushed a first-pitch fastball from Marlins “closer” Kevin Gregg for a clutch grand slam. The Mets dugout couldn’t have looked more pumped, which gave me chills.

However, it can never be easy with the Mets bullpen. In the bottom of the ninth, Mets “closer” Luis Ayala got the first two outs of the innings with ease, just as Gregg did in the top half, but proceeded to let up two runs before getting the final out to preserve the save.

Excellent win tonight gentlemen, keep it rollin’.

The Mets will continue their three-game series versus the Marlins, with Mike Pelfrey (13-8) taking on Ricky Nolasco (13-7).

205 Responses to “postGame: Mets 5 Marlins 4”

  1. khmustache says:

    luis catillo game changing moment tonight….wow what a game

    • The Mets Will Kill Me says:

      Jesus, now I can sleep…

    • Xavier22 says:

      I have to admit Luis looked a bit quicker last night. Gary was commenting that he lost some weight and seemed more agile after his stint on the DL.

      Still don’t like the fact that he’ll be with the Mets for another 3 seasons, but as of right now, he’s an upgrade over A. Reyes.

    • mikewelch7 says:

      Huge hit by Castillo to keep this game alive. What’s more, the time off appears to have done wonders for his speed and defense. He now looks like a threat again on the bases and he’s able to get down on hard hit grounders.

      A healthy Luis Castillo could provide a huge boost to the Mets down the stretch.

  2. dcmetsfan says:

    In fairness to Ayala, the game would have been over if Reyes had flipped to Castillo. But, hey, we got em. What a win.

    • kd bart says:

      I don’t know if he would’ve got him at second. Do know that if it is anyone else but Ramirez on the Marlins, the game ends on that groundball.

      • dcmetsfan says:

        Yeah, it would have been close, but I think he would have gotten him. And agreed, anyone else but Ramirez – well, maybe Reyes – and he’s out.

        You know, even though he made us sweat, I actually didn’t really get nervous until Helms’ at bat. There’s something about Ayala’s demeanor that makes it seem like at least he’s not really too nervous out there.

        • kd bart says:

          What really pissed me off was that Cancel kept calling fastball after fastball when it was obvious that Cantu was all over it. Should’ve mixed in at least one curve. If he gets it over, he’d probably strike him out.

        • dcmetsfan says:

          Yeah, when it went to 3-2 I was saying that he’s going to swing at anything you throw. Just put one in the dirt and it’ll be game over.

          BTW, funny to read the beerleaguer comments on this one, especially since it was Helms who ended it.

        • danlx13 says:

          dude kd bart…he was calling sinker after sinker not fastball after fastball…the sinker is his top pitch to get righties out on…the one time he threw a slider cantu hit a bomb but just foul

        • NYP-BOS-NYP says:

          Yep, and Keith on SNY commented “well, he won’t be throwing that pitch again,” or words very much like that. I don’t think Ayala had his “A” stuff last night, and apparently he was hurt, so given all that, I give him props for toughing it out.

          My blood pressure, however, is another matter.

          And I hope whatever was up with Ayala and his quad (quad, was it?) was a short term thing and not indicative of something we can ill afford on the horizon.

  3. shannon says:

    I don’t think the Mets have had a more shocking win than they did tonight*

  4. J0eSmiTh says:

    give credit where credit is due: Game Ball goes to Luis Castillo.

    • Wright88 says:

      why?

      • therealsince86 says:

        Base hit with 2 outs in bottom of the 9th when all looked hopeless. In some ways that 1st one is the hardest. Once runners are on there is a lot more pressure on the pitcher. For Castillo the pitcher’s coming right at him.

        • Wright88 says:

          Yea, but he also didn’t get the run home when the bases were loaded with one out. He should get a lot of cred for getting the rally started, but Beltran prolly gets the game ball. Also, I’m sticking with my belief he should hit 8th instead of 2nd.

        • Hit The Weights Zeile says:

          wright88, you cant say castillo doesnt deserve the game ball bc he didnt get the run in earlier if they ended up winning the game bc that out ultimately had no negative impact on the outcome of the game.

    • mikewelch7 says:

      Luis is looking strong. Hope he becomes a spark plug down the stretch.

      However, game ball clearly to Carlos Beltran. The way he turned on the pitch was breathtaking.

      He’s one of my favorite all-time Mets. So quietly effective over the course of a season. Just plug him into the lineup and in CF and he makes everyone around him better.

      Hope that Carlos goes on a hot streak. He, like Delgado, has the ability to carry the club for a month or more.

      • Midtown says:

        Agreed.

        How does CASTILLO get the game ball when Beltran drove in all 5 Met runs? It’s ridiculous to suggest anybody else is more responsible for the win than Beltran.

  5. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Whew. Wow.
    Mets win. That’s all that counts.
    Nice effort by Ollie – again – even w/o his best stuff. Kept us in the game.
    Carlos B. is the man tonight.

    • MyaGirl says:

      You said that right. I thought Ollie was getting squeezed tonight. It’s great to see the two men who catch the most flack on this blog… Luis Castillo and Carlos Beltran come through.

  6. mookie says:

    Beep____ Beep______ Beep _________________
    _________________ . Prognosis, another mets fan under stress.

  7. MyaGirl says:

    You would think that’s the Mets have to score 87 runs, and the pitchers to throw a CG for every Mets fan to be happy.

    Be happy Carlos Beltran came up clutch. Be happy this team has continued to show heart and is playing really good baseball.

  8. chicagometfan says:

    I love the info but please how hard is it to get the facts straight. ?
    He did not retire the first two.
    Ayala retired the first batter not the first two. Hermida singeled with one out then Baker K’D. With two out and one on Ramirez legged out the infield single that Reyes probably should have thrown to second on.

  9. ssdisaster says:

    is this beltran’s biggest hit as a MET? WOW!!!!

    • Stems says:

      i think his game winning homer against the cards in 06 was bigger.

      • Wright88 says:

        Was that the famous Coehn call or was that Beltran’s HR vs. Phillies?

        • Chan Ho Parking Lot says:

          The famous Cohen call was the Phillies in the 16th inning. “Hit in the air to deep right field, Abreu looks up, and we’re goin home!”

        • Xavier22 says:

          Both were pretty famous – Beltran’s HR in the Cards game had Gary screaming “IT’S OUTTA HERE!!!!” almost immediately after the ball left his bat. That was a monster shot (not unlike last night’s).

        • hyperion4 says:

          The thing about Gary’s call on Beltran’s HR against the Cards was the double “IT’S OUTTA HERE!!!!” Ron Darling occasionally makes reference to it. So once or twice since Gary has applied the double dip to big Mets HRs.

      • Parvis says:

        Famous Cohen call was when he Orgasmed “its outta here its outta heeeeeee” sounded like a female with her panties on wayyyy to tight..that was against the cards in 06′ since then he “mans up” whe saying outta hee

      • cohenflowinpoop says:

        though he is still in the (-) column against the cards….that 2006 K on an insider slider with the bases juiced to end it all.

        • kingman 26 says:

          That’s great! Thanks for the reminder. Especially this morning, it is especially appropriate.

          Can you make a sensible post??

  10. lourig says:

    paging billy wagner…, paging billy wagner…!

  11. Kevin N says:

    Great win tonight. Big hit for Beltran. It might not have been an easy bottom of the ninth but how many times have we seen them blow that game. This time they didnt and they got the win and thats all that matters.

  12. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Post game reports Alaya complaining about tightness in his (left? right?) quad after the game tonight…

  13. Nate W. says:

    test?

    • Nate W. says:

      sure, that goes through but my actual post wont.

      • BlueCapsOnly says:

        did you have a word that contained a$$ sh-t or f-ck cause they always get blocked

      • therealsince86 says:

        I can’t stand that I can’t say things like pa ss through waivers. LOL That’s important on a baseball blog.

        • MetsFan4Decades says:

          Every post I ever tried to make commenting how I think Pedro is one of the cla ssiest guys in the game today, it gets spammed.

          I don’t think you can put any word in here that has a ss together. Their ’spam’ is just a little too sensitive….

        • Yeah, I can say something like “sucks balls” (as I did above), but when I try to say that the Mets have played with renewed pa$$ion since Manuel took over, it doesn’t show up.

        • Deadpanwalking says:

          Yeah, half my posts don’t go through these days. I’m trying to figure out the logic, but it doesn’t seem to make sense. One thing’s for certain, this should be fixed or Matt’s going to see participation numbers going down across the blog. That’s not cool for sponsors.

  14. therealsince86 says:

    Guys I really think we need to give Castillo some credit tonight. He has not been healthy all season but looks to be close now. He was 2-5 tonight had a SB and got the team going in the 9th when it looked hopeless. All while playing above average defense tonight. I think if we just sit back and look objectively Castillo will be a positive for this team in the stretch.

    • I’d really like to hope so but I’m not sold yet… I could easily be convinced, but I’m not there yet…

      • therealsince86 says:

        I hope I am right. He for sure has not lived up to anything this season. I don’t think he was ever recovered from double surgery and tried to rush back. A guy that hit .300 last season with a .380 OBP does not just go away in 1 season at age 32.

        • “A guy that hit .300 last season with a .380 OBP does not just go away in 1 season at age 32″

          I tend to agree, but when you insert his perpetually bad knees (not matter how mush rest he gets, it seems) into the mix, you really never know.

        • therealsince86 says:

          True, but he was able to get those numbers last year while needing surgery. I think he just came back too early.

        • MyaGirl says:

          I totally agree. Look at Delgado, he after two years is finally healthy… look what is happening?

    • BlueCapsOnly says:

      Just for your info, he has 1 legit hit since coming back, the one in the ninth. one. His other hit was a bunt (who would have thought that) its amazing he beat it out.

      • It also takes time when you spend as much time on the DL as Castillo did. I know we don’t have much right now, but he’ll get up to speed, and hopefully, just hopefully, that means some big hits, big steals, and better defense than we saw earlier in the season.

      • therealsince86 says:

        Didn’t he have one in the Philly game?

    • Hernandez_1B says:

      agreed. He looks real different. Once he gets his swing back, I think he is gonna be the Castillo of old. He looks way more agile in the field and actually has range. The time off did his knees wonders.

      • MetsFan4Decades says:

        Maybe this will be the second Mets infielder we’ll all be apologizing to by the time the season is over – lol…

  15. 4eyeJoe says:

    nice timing for a grand salami by carlos beltran, his first slam since 2006.

    god…..the game was killing me……it felt like there was a lack of blood going into my head….

  16. riggs says:

    anybody know where i can find sny video of the slam?

    • BlueCapsOnly says:

      it’ll be on sny.tv in a bit i’m sure, probably mets.com aswell

    • backinbusiness says:

      yes, please — all i can see is mr. maroone, the worst announcer in baseball, and excuse me if i’d like a better shot of the j-roll-inspiring dugout :)

  17. gipper82475 says:

    Can somebody recommend a good cardiologist?

    Quickly!

  18. I don’t want to be a second guesser when we get wins, but I really would have liked to see Feliciano or Schoeneweis come in to face Jacobs. Anyone else agree?

    • therealsince86 says:

      I guess Jerry as sumed that they would walk him like they always do thus bringing a RH up and there would be no one to bring back in.

    • riggs says:

      Manuel wants Ayala to be the guy who can get both righty’s and lefties… it was 2 righties who beat him on Tuesday night and Jacobs and Cantu a righty and lefty beat him easily tonight, so I’m not sure if the experiment is completely working. However, a win is a win and I’m extremely happy!

    • MetsFan4Decades says:

      Well, I can tell you Maz agrees with you. He said on Post game live tonight, Mets don’t have a closer right now. You have to go with bullpen by committee, situational matchups, to get the door closed. Whatever it takes at this point to get the win coming down the wire with this close of a race.

      He also said, it takes a special type of mentality to be the closer and come in to get the job done with the game on the line. Can’t just throw any BP pitcher out there and actually expect they’ll consistently get it done as the closer. Said that’s why Billy is who he is (or words to that effect).

    • NYP-BOS-NYP says:

      In the postgame, Jerry said that basically the only other reliever he had available last night was Feliciano, and that he was hesitant to swap him in becuase there would’ve been nowhere to go after that. He said that had the hits off Ayala been harder, he would’ve put Pedro in without hesitation, but since they were (at that point) relatively week and essentially ground balls, he thought it would be unfair to “penalize” Ayala for that.

  19. fatburrell92 says:

    somehow I feel that this division is going to come down to Beltran and Jimmy Rollins. They both made those statements at the beginning of the year, and now we get to see who lives up to the hype. They’re both had mediocre seasons, even though Beltran has had a much better season then Rollins, but this is the time for Beltran to come up big and stick it to JRoll.

    • therealsince86 says:

      I just don’t see Beltran’s season as mediocre. That implies below average. What NL CF has better numbers even in a down year for Beltran?

      • None. That’s why the Beltran haters are off-base. He’s under-appreciated, perhaps because he makes so much money.

        • therealsince86 says:

          His contract by now is even a bargin. I think they don’t like his non flashy attitude. They just don’t consider him a NY kinda guy I guess. Either way I am happy to have Beltran be a rock in CF year in and year out.

        • fatburrell92 says:

          He is a very solid CF and I think he’s a good deal, but he hasn’t been that player they saw late in 2004. 2004 is why they signed him. He’s played decent for the Mets, but he hasn’t batted above .276 in any of his 3 seasons w/ the mets. I think he’s a very good athlete and thats why he makes the money, because you can count on him to be healthy and he has all 5 tools, but he has been having a down year. But he can carry this team if he goes on a tear the last month, and he’s long overdue for it.

        • MudvilleNine says:

          His numbers are good for his spot in the field, no doubt. But for his spot in the order, not so much. Dont look at me as hating on him, but you guys keep looking at his numbers as a CF. Definetly the best out there of any CF. How about his numbers as a 3, 4, or 5 hitter. They’re good but not the kind of numbers we would hope for. Maybe people are disappointed in his numbers as it pertains to where he hits in the order, not to where he plays in the field.

        • beltran the warrior says:

          puh-lease… the guy is going to get another 100 rbis and playing gold glove defense. his 2008 year is fine.

    • I’d like Pelfrey to stick a fastball to J-Roll’s back.

      • therealsince86 says:

        Just as soon to strike him out and make him and the Phillies irrelevant again.

        • Yeah, a K is nice and more productive, but man i hate that guy and would love to see him get his.

        • therealsince86 says:

          He already is he plays for Philly AND he is now part of the large group of 1 year wonders. He is returning right back to his career average norms of ….. average.

      • Parvis says:

        Woooo Woooo who’s talking about sticking what where? If you want pelfrey’s J-roll then keep that to your self if not take your own “J-roll” and go shove it in some whole in your nasty wall you bum!!!!!

        • BillyDeeWilliams says:

          this is one of the dumbest, most nonsensical comments ever…i’m sure you’re looking forward to the 8th grade starting next week huh?

  20. PhillyMet says:

    How close were Cantu’s shots? Listening on WFAN, one almost went down the line (I think that was Jacobs), and one just missed being a homer.

    The broadcast was un-friggin-believable….I had to pull over and listen or I would have had a head-on.

  21. PhillyMet says:

    Howie kept saying over and over that Ayala had nothing left…maybe that was due to fatigue (or his quad?)

    I can’t take this pen anymore…can we play Little League rules (7 innings)?

    • therealsince86 says:

      Obviously that would have resulted in a loss the last couple of nights right?

      • PhillyMet says:

        I guess I still have a twitching sensation in my neck when I think about Tue night….yeah, you’re right. But until recently, that was not the case. It was either run off with the lead and hold on or blow the save.

  22. riggs says:

    How bout Daniel Murphy cutting that ball off down the left field line. When it was first hit – I thought for sure Amezega who was running on the pitch would score! Seriously, I still can’t believe that hit with the runner going from first doesn’t score.

    • Yeah, as Cohen pointed out, he knew the situation and knew what had to be done. Stuff like that, that doesn’t show up in the box score, is the good stuff, the real meat of baseball that I just love.

      • PhillyMet says:

        Also, Murph almost slipped! It was a great play for him to keep his balance and get the throw in as quickly as he did.

  23. Nightlife says:

    I’ve watched the Beltran grand slam a few more times on MLB.com–if there was ever a no doubter off the bat it was this one.

  24. bkfitz says:

    It felt like Wagner was closing out the 9th tonight.

  25. Nightlife says:

    Also, really good post game interview from Beltran.

    Stop hating on this guy people!

    • PhillyMet says:

      Yeah, he was just so pumped. I love the life that this team is showing us! Whatever it is (Manuel, infusion of young players), it’s definitely brought the team together.

  26. mylegshurt says:

    Why does it seem like the Marlins attendance is always the same 3,000 people every night? A lot of them look familiar. Must be their marketing (”Marlins Baseball — It’s A Great Place To Be Alone”).

    Didn’t see Murphy’s play but I don’t understand how Amazega didn’t score if he was going on the pitch with two out (and a pinch runner to boot — geez).

    Too bad MLB.com cut off the Marlins color guy crucifying Kevin Gregg — unusual candor from the home booth (”Freddy Gonzalez cannot use him any more . . . .”).

    Volstad mirrored Blanton in Chicago — both were unhittable in the first 5-6 innings, then the bullpen tanks it. Nice to share the pain.

    • khmustache says:

      it was a great play from murphy. amezaga probably would have scored, but because nobody knows how strong murphs arm is and the fact that he cut it off and got it in so quick prompted the 3rd base coach to hold amezaga. it really was a great throw, off balance on the wrong foot moving to the right. he and castillo were the quiet heroes tonight.

      • NYP-BOS-NYP says:

        And I’m not so sure Amezega would have beaten the throw home, either. Daniel’s throw was very quick, very hard, and right on the money, despite his being way, way off balance, and the cutoff man he hit was either Wright or Reyes, I believe, either of whom could’ve gotten the ball home very quickly. I suppose it could’ve been conservative baserunning and coaching that held him at third, but looking at it on replays, I don’t think so. I think, had he gone for it, he would’ve been out at the plate.

  27. In other news, Jon Niese started for NO tonight, and pitched 2.2 innings, (presumably pulled because he was on a low pitch count due to the fact that he’ll be coming up to start on Tuesday) allowed only a hit and no runs.

  28. losmets5 says:

    WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO

  29. teufelshuffle86 says:

    WAWA WEEWAH! METS WIN!!!

    • losmets5 says:

      Couldn’t have said it better myself, my friend. Couldn’t have said it better myself. Oh wait, I already did!!!!! hahaha

  30. BlueCapsOnly says:

    The game highlights are up on sny.tv for those who were looking for them.

  31. fatburrell92 says:

    I love how Castillo was pumped after the grand slam, finally I see the guy show some emotion and some real effort out there on the field. The entire dugout was pumped. It was good to see. This is not the same team from 2007.

  32. dlevin315 says:

    I was at the game tonight. Beltran’s shot was electric, absolutely crushed the ball. I almost had a panic attack when Cantu launched that ball fall. What do you think about pinch hitting Tatis for Church, with 1 out and a man on first, when Murphy was coming up next? Especially since Church is the true Right Fielder. Granted, Murphy got a hit, but still, I wasn’t so sure about the call. No one was warming up in the bullpen the entire 9th. Ayala was laboring – he threw 30plus pitches. He definitely has a nice demeanor on the mound. I could not believe Uggla made that play. Reyes should have flipped to Luis, even if the runner would have been safe. Stokes has been great. Don’t be surprised to see him pitching the ninth at some point. It’s amazing that Wagner’s injury hasn’t cost the Mets more games on the Phils. Let’s go Big Pelf.

    • PedroMANIA says:

      Felicano was warming up in the 9th although it was pointless once the lineup turned past the lefties…

  33. Furioso says:

    Stokes for closer if Ayala can’t go?

    • fatburrell92 says:

      yeah I think he’s your best bet. Except he gives up a lot of homers though, has good stuff but sometimes misses with location. They should really go after Fuentes or Cordero though if they can, give up someone like Evans for em’.

      • Koko says:

        Fuentes won’t clear waivers. . . And he’ll cost more than Evans. That is just silly talk.

        2 1st round draft picks of Nick Evans? hmmmmmmm. . .

  34. hotchipwillbreakyourlegs says:

    you know what’s funny about the closer thing? You can try anyone you want, and it will probably be the same result. Tonight the Mets escaped, so it worked. Tomorrow it might be feliciano, stokes, tatis, cancel, mel rojas. as long as 3 outs are recorded before the opposing team ties the score, i dont give a …….

  35. MyaGirl says:

    It’s 1:45 AM, and I still cannot believe Beltran hit that HR.

    Car-los Bel-Tran clap clap clapclapclap

  36. L.E.S.metfan says:

    Slappy helped out tonight. But trust me he will be back to his phantom bunting, no hit self tomorrow!!!

  37. curiojeff says:

    It wasn’t pretty, but ya gotta admit… the Mets of ‘07 or early ‘08 lose this game. These Mets have a little somethin’ extra goin’ on.

  38. zen says:

    august 30 2007: 2 games lead on the phils

    august 30 2008: 2 games lead on the phils

    different feel this time around though. beltran was 100% on that swing last night.

  39. stevenk says:

    these mets are going to me a heart attack, it almost like they need atleast a three run lead in the last inning to preserve a win.
    Its a 50/50 chance we win these games with this bullpen, do you relize how more wins we would have if we had a half decent bullpen, oh well, it is what it is, take the win when we can. Go Mets

  40. BigPelf4prez says:

    The Mets wi;; run away with this division beginning on Sept 9th when they have 12 vs wash and atl in a row till the 21st and philly has fla and mil that stretch.

    • ghobot says:

      after last year, why wouldnt you just take it one day at a time. running away with it? remember the last time we had a 2.5 game lead? and one weekend later, we were .5 a game behind?

      the mets will continue making us very upset and happy, its going to be a terrific ride.

      time to read up on zen

    • bvaz says:

      yeah and they need at least a 2 or 3 game lead going into the last 7 games at shea. anyone who thinks philly will lose more than 1 of their last 6 if they lose at all is fooling themselves while the Mets will be playing chicago and florida.

  41. curiojeff says:

    I agree. I won’t be predicting any runaways. If anything, the Phils have earned my begrudging respect as a team that just won’t quit. It’ll be tight ’til the end, but I think the sting of last year’s collapse will be an extra motivator for the Mets to find some way to win it. Last night’s game, case in point.

  42. matlack says:

    Slappy has brought back the Jimmy Carter Malaise to the offense.
    He barely got that ball thru the infield. The at bat before that, couldn’t get the ball past a third basemen 60 feet away from him.
    A Reyes brings life to the team that Castillo does not.

    • mrose says:

      HOLY *HIT GIVE IT A REST MY GOD

    • kingman 26 says:

      How can you say he brings malaise this morning? Do you know what that word means?

      He got a hit with two outs and two strikes to start a huge game-winning rally.

      A Reyes is a career minor leaguer with ONE extra base hit and THREE rbi in 100PA. And a comical OBP.

      Man, why does someone like you even watch the games if after a game like last night, you post drivel like this??

      • PhillyMet says:

        Yeah, imagine if Luis didn’t get on…

        • kingman 26 says:

          I know–what would we be talking about this morning if Slappy doesn’t bear down and get that hit?
          Sometimes I wonder if some of these people understand baseball above a little league level.

      • matlack says:

        Castillo failed in the previous game to move em over and get em in …he sucks.

  43. PhillyMet says:

    Interesting comment by Beltran in mentioning how he felt good to come through in a big spot, and then reference the 2006 NLCS strikeout. It’s just good to know that these guys appear to be playing with a bit of a chip on their shoulder.

    You watch these guys and there is such an air of confidence, depsite the fact that the pen keeps blowing up, it doesn’t seem to bother them. I mean, after Tuesday’s disgusting game, they get 2 gutty comeback wins.

    Very, very good signs….

    • kingman 26 says:

      I thought that was great too, that that was foremost in his mind after hitting that homer….two years ago, and he thinks of that right away. That should give pause to the posters with their “Beltran is lackadaisical” and “Beltran is mediocre”, and the guy last night who actually posted that there are “100 outfielders better than Beltran”—yes, three per team are better than he is!!

  44. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Gary Apple on Sportsnight coined a new phrase last night after the game, when leading off that show with the Mets win. He said:

    ‘Call them the Cardiac Mets – or whatever you like, they got it done’.

    HAHAHAHAHA – The Cardiac Mets. Apt description for what they’ve been doing to my heart lately. I’m still reliving Beltran’s GS from last night.

    As always – ‘Let’s Go Mets’.

    • MyaGirl says:

      I woke up this morning with a big smile on my face. I was really getting sick and tired of all the negativity regarding Beltran and Castillo.

      If we Mets fans honestly believe we are better off without Beltran and Castillo then we are sadly mistaken.

      • MetsFan4Decades says:

        Agreed. Without Castillo’s hit in the 9th, it’s all over. And Betran…..I can’t even participate in the discussions on those that think he’s ‘overated’…….

  45. Prismo says:

    Let’s Go Penn State!

    :p

  46. PhillyMet says:

    Important to get one more in FLA….need Pelf today. I’m really down on Petey, so c’mon BIG PELF.

    The MIL series scares me a bit…it’s important to keep one eye on Wild Card as an insurance policy. 2 of 3 three would be very, very nice.

    • MyaGirl says:

      This team is really playing with a sense of urgency. It’s great to see isn’t it?

      • kingman 26 says:

        It’s amazing and fantastic to see. A whole new attitude from last year it seems. Hopefully it is Jerry who is at least somewhat responsible for this. As well as Delgado’s resurgence and Big Pelf’s arrival of course…..

    • BigPelf4prez says:

      We are facing parra and bush and no cc. Brewers will blow 1 game to the Mets in the ninth inning. Guarantee it. Mets will sweep the fish right out of the race

      • PhillyMet says:

        Hope you are right Pelf…it’s going to come down to this team doing it against inferior teams. If Mets can take 10 of 12 against Nats/Braves, last week won’t matter much.

        Funny, but we are in virtually the SAME position as last year, although I believe last year’s team had a better record at this point? Not sure….

        Not to change topic, and I know Cashman is taking blame for Yankees putrid play, but can you imagine if Omar made half the mistakes that GM did with their pitching over the years?

        • MyaGirl says:

          Are you talking about those great FA’s they brought in….

          IE. Carl Pavano, Kyle Farnsworth, Latroy Hawkins just to name a few.

  47. Darth Manuel says:

    This is going to be a battle to the very end. Fearlessness and a aggressive attitude will propel this team all the way to October. Jerry has made me proud of my Mets again. They showed guts when it mattered and look like a team that ready for a fight.

    I think its time we change Luis Castillo’s nickname

    “Slappy” is now “SCRAPPY”

    “Beltran = Clutch

    Great win!

    • MyaGirl says:

      I hope everyone is prepared to eat crow. Luis Castillo is going to make everyone full of it come October.

      • Darth Manuel says:

        I am one,, prior to last nights game a made a post about what a waste he was.. I will start the feast…

        That said,, he still has a long way to go. One clutch hit does not mean he is the right man in the two hole. He needs to become more of an offensive threat. With runners in scoring position and a 3-1 count, he needs to be aggressive and stop looking for walks.

        • MyaGirl says:

          Can I ask you a question? What is the key to Luis’s success? It’s his legs! If he does not have them, he cannot be effective. Since coming back he actually looks healthy.

          If Castillo does not have healthy legs, how can he productive? He’s a lifetime .300 hitter, and a gold glove 2B. Did you see that DP he turned last night?

          Bottom Line- If he’s healthy he will produce. His career stats say so.

  48. Flushing_is_Burning says:

    testing?

    • Flushing_is_Burning says:

      ahh sorry my comments were posting with firefox…. thought i got banned for a minute there

  49. PhillyMet says:

    I try and look at this team as a complete unit, and with the exception of the pen, this team is BETTER than the ‘06 team.

    WIth this current team, I finally sense that they have that hunger back that I thought they would have had going into the season. They are not a tentative, uptight bunch anymore…The former Met squard from mid-07 till June 08 had zero accountability and no one to step up. Imagine if Church were not on this team early on where we would have been?

    Many people have stepped it up:
    Pelf
    DelGado
    Tatis
    Reyes
    Wright

    This team is showing me a lot of moxie and grit.

    BTW…the pen on that 06 team was ridiculous!

  50. bkfitz says:

    This was the best win of the season because it was the least likely.

  51. Darth Manuel says:

    Heres my problem with Castillo in the two hole.. If Reyes leads off with a extra base hit, the only way Luis can drive him in is with a hit to the outfield. Most of his hits are bloops and bleeders.. I think he suffocates the top of the order.. This is all just my opinion and I would love it if he proved me wrong. What about Castillo leading off. If he’s such a high obp guy like most of you constantly remind us Castillo bashers then why not bat Reyes second? He’s not stealing nearly as much as he used to and a little pop in the two hole we allow for many more big innings..

    Castillo
    Reyes
    Wright

    • krispy644 says:

      NO!

      Castillo is a perfect number 2 hitter. he gives the chance for Reyes to steal. he can bunt , unselfish as a number 2 hitter. and if he lets Reyes steal 2nd and drives a sharp grounder up the middle for a hit, Reyes will score easily.

      Castillo does not have the wheels like he used to be a leadoff hitter hitter anymore. Reyes has the power, the better speed and agility. and not to mention, he has improved drastically on his .OBP, getting on base via the base on balls.

      • rustyjr says:

        krispy i don’t like #2 hitters that bunt the #1 hitter to 2nd thats why they are called setup men – wally rarely tried to bunt over lenny and wally had a 257 career b.a

  52. BigPelf4prez says:

    August 30, 2008
    Lineup: Pelfrey takes the hill

    It’s a familiar lineup for Saturday’s Mets-Marlins game:

    Reyes, ss
    Castillo, 2b
    Wright, 3b
    Delgado, 1b
    Beltran, cf
    Church, rf
    Murphy, lf
    Schneider, c
    Pelfrey, rhp

    UPDATE: Jerry Manuel shed a little more light on Friday’s bullpen unavailabilities. In addition to Aaron Heilman (60 pitches Tuesday) and Scott Schoeneweis’ back issue, Duaner Sanchez also apparently tweaked a knee in Philadelphia. Luis Ayala’s injury is actually groin-related. He tweaked it on his first pitch Friday.
    rubin

    • rustyjr says:

      oh jeez does that mean cancel is the closer??

    • k-mets says:

      I wonder who will be left standing after all this. injuries, tweaks, and soreness, and most importantly inconsistency.

    • MetsFan4Decades says:

      Kevin B. just speculated on pregame show it will probably be Heilman, if needed. Possibly Stokes, possibly a split.

  53. krispy644 says:

    I predict Beltran will hit 7 or more homers in Sept.

    he is finding his hot bat.

    and to think that so people on this board wanted Beltran traded. ha!

    think before you speak people!

    • rustyjr says:

      i love beltran and his milk dud mole… always respected him and never understood whhy many fans haven’t warmed up to him btw anyone rememeber the howard stern song “what is that thing on aaron nevilles face?” maybe we can tweak it to whats that thing on carlos beltrans face

    • bkfitz says:

      People who wanted to trade him are stupid. Beltran and Grady Sizemore are the best CFs in the game. There is no one better than those two or even as good as them.

      • rustyjr says:

        right on bk – people have a hardon for him for not swinging in game 7 of 06 – they forgot about that amazing play ioin houston that helped us win in 16 and that game in fla where he tweaked his knee – the man is a human highlight reel

      • BigPelf4prez says:

        Curtis Granderson is a star and was hurt for a month this year. Thats why his numbers are down. BJ Upton is going to be a Star. And O by the way Josh Hamilton is great. Beltran is better than Sizemore. Mcclouth is solid too.

        • rustyjr says:

          but bigpelf i don’t think hamalton would cut it under the bright lights of n.y.c baseball i hate to say it but he’d probably relapse within a month if he was playing with the skanks or us

        • rustyjr says:

          bte go big pelf filet the fish!!! :O

        • bkfitz says:

          Granderson is a solid player but he doesn’t have the type of power Beltran and Sizemore do. BJ Upton has a world of talent but he’s not at their level and he has been dogging it this season. Hamilton is good but his numbers are inflated by Arlington and he’s not as good defensively. McClouth doesn’t put up the same numbers offensively and he should be in a corner OF spot but he’s still good.

          None of those guys are the full package like Sizemore and Beltran. Since you can never replace Beltran with Sizemore, it’s not worth trading Beltran.

          When Beltran is gone and our new CF only gets to 75% of the balls Beltran got to, people will be grilling him saying “Beltran ALWAYS got that ball. This guy is a bum!”

  54. rustyjr says:

    hey guys just got back from r.i did i miss anything??? :)

  55. rustyjr says:

    ummm matt ted somebody a new post woulda been nice today

    • mouserdz says:

      tough economic times. SNY can’t afford to pay any of these guys to work through the weekend.

  56. bkfitz says:

    Is there any word about the Zephyrs? With all the evacuations out of New Orleans I hope the team is not forced to stay there.

  57. J0eSmiTh says:

    here come the cubbiesss

  58. MetsFan1976 says:

    If anybody is watching the Phillies and Cubs, J.C. Romero just screamed and pounded his chest as he walked off the mound at Wrigley Field after striking out Geovany Soto to end the inning and a big Cubs’ rally.

    Think Jimmy Rollins noticed that over-the-top celebration?

    • khmustache says:

      nope, cause unlike jose reyes, romero did it maturely…because i don’t know if you’ve heard, but jose reyes is immature…

      • MetsFan1976 says:

        Thank you for pointing out my mistake, kh. Honestly, sometimes I don’t know what I am thinking!

    • dominicanboy08 says:

      someone on the cubs bullpen should put one in the “neck” of philly.

  59. rj101592 says:

    What an idiot Romero is, he deserves to get pegged in the head for that one

    • MetsFan1976 says:

      Well, in the back would suffice. :)

      That being said, I’d love to see if that reaction gets any response from anybody. Matt Yalloff referenced it in the pre-game show, but just mentioned that he did it–neither he, nor Maz, criticized Romero for his reaction.

      And, frankly, Rollins was crying about celebrations by a superstar, Jose Reyes, that took place IN THE DUGOUT! This celebration was by a mediocre at best (no matter how many times he gets Delgado out) middle reliever ON THE MIDDLE OF THE OTHER TEAM’S HOME FIELD!

  60. metmania says:

    Whats the weather like in Miami…I saw that there was suppose to be thunderstorms today…anyone know the weather curently in MIA

  61. JoseReyesForPresident says:

    phils won but its ight they had to win some day but only 26 games left we cant let them get ground

  62. rM teM says:

    So, we’re sitting here for today’s game?

  63. MetsFan1976 says:

    Seriously…where’s the pre-game blog? I certainly don’t mind if the hard-working MetsBloggers take the long weekend off, but a little notice would’ve been nice, if that was going to happen!

    [knock, knock] Hello! Any bloggers out there in MetsBlog land?

  64. rM teM says:

    I wonder why MLB allowed this team to be in
    Miami without having a proper BB stadium.
    Well, I guess I do. Money talks.