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Mike Nichols

preGame: Mets @ Brewers (Game Two)
By Mike Nichols - Sep 2, 2008 7:03 pm

The Game:

The first place Mets (77-61) continue their three-game series against the Wild Card leading Brewers (80-57) today at Miller Park in Milwaukee, starting at 8:05 pm.

The Lineup:

The Pitchers:

LHP Jon Niese (0-0, -.– ERA) make his Major League debut for the Mets. In 28 combined starts for Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A New Orleans, Niese was 11-8 with a 3.13 ERA. He has allowed only one homerun in 126 at-bats versus left-handed batters this season.

LHP Manny Parra (10-6, 4.00 ERA) starts for the Brewers. In his only career start versus the Mets on April 11, Parra took the loss allowing three runs on six hits and a walk, while striking out four. He is 6-2 with a 3.36 ERA in 15 home games, 14 starts, this season.

The Notes:

The Mets starters are 10-1 with a 3.03 ERA in their last 18 games.

Nick Evans is batting .317 (20-for-63) in his last 24 games. He is batting .351 in 57 at-bats versus left-handed pitchers this season.

Damion Easley is 6-for-14 (.429) with 1 HR, 1 3B and 2 RBI during the Mets current road trip.

The Brewers are 31-14 versus left-handed starters lead the National League with a .821 OPS against southpaws this season.

Prince Fielder is batting .188 (3-for-16) with 1 RBI versus the Mets this season. In 174 at-bats versus left-handed pitching this season, Fielder is batting .224 with 9 HR and 31 RBI.

How To Catch It:

Today’s game can be seen locally on SNY 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

823 Responses to “preGame: Mets @ Brewers (Game Two)”

  1. rustyjr says:

    i love this depth of a evans/murphy platoon . i guess it makes sence haveing cancel – the human speedbump call his game since they have been batterymates in the past – an observation fellas – cancel makes castro look anorexic :P

    • BlueCapsOnly says:

      I think Cancel is in there more becuase of the catching platoon.

    • el_giacomo says:

      I like how Cancel is listed @ 6-0, 190 lbs, and Jose Reyes is apparently heavier @ 6-1, 200 lbs…

      In fact, according to mlb.com, Cancel is the lightest Mets player in tonight’s starting lineup…

  2. fatburrell92 says:

    The Nats are making Hamels work, that’s some good news.

  3. erik says:

    Cancel is probably in because he caught Niese in O’leans. Atleast I think he did and it would make sense.

  4. CaseStreet says:

    Here’s looking at our future #5 starter.

  5. khmustache says:

    it’s good to see tatis back…unrelated topic: who’s fatter, prince “i only eat vegetables” fielder or robinson “watch me steal third” cancel?

  6. rustyjr says:

    im hoping the remnants of these hurricanes don’t impact sat’s game – johan is pitching!!

  7. danlx13 says:

    CRAAP SHHITTTT FUKKK

  8. danlx13 says:

    lets get this fukkking gm started already shiit

  9. fatburrell92 says:

    WTF? Utley tried to steal home?

    • Eggman says:

      Looked like a dirty play to me. He veered left into the catcher and flew into him shoulders first. The catcher wasn’t blocking the plate, a normal slide may have worked but he pulled a Pete Rose vs Ray Fosse.

      • Bogar says:

        Well, in the same inning Flores smacked Ruiz in the face on a play at the plate even though he didn’t catch the throw.

      • hyperion4 says:

        I wouldn’t call it a dirty play. The ball beat him and he did a full airborne dive to get to the plate and/or knock the ball loose. The Nats announcers haven’t said a word in criticism of Utley. I’m sorry about Flores but I love Utley’s hustle.

  10. khmustache says:

    john niese was born the same day they won the 86 series?!! sweet…love the karma!

  11. maybealittlemoredelgado says:

    im really not pleased that since i left the US all i get is stupid wayne hagin from now on.

  12. MyaGirl says:

    The baby won’t sleep and I cannot keep my eyes open.

    Let’s Go Mets!

  13. rM teM says:

    he looks like he’s terrified

  14. khmustache says:

    wow

  15. el_giacomo says:

    Hmmm maybe they were just anxious and excited to see Niese pitch…

  16. rM teM says:

    well….here goes nothing

  17. rM teM says:

    uh huh

  18. stickguy says:

    way to go offense, give the kid a cushion to relax him! j/k.

    now let’s see what the kid can do.

    If he gets through 5 innings without too much damage take it any run. Anything more would be greedy gravy.

  19. Tha Prowler says:

    uh oh !!!! damn niese…..2nd pitch ?? geez

  20. khmustache says:

    welcome to the bigs kid…dang

  21. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Well, I don’t think that’s the way he wanted to start off…..

  22. Gary Busey says:

    WELL THERE GOES THE NO-NO

  23. el_giacomo says:

    wow…

    hopefully Niese can regain some composure. Quite a rude welcome to the Bigs…

  24. maybealittlemoredelgado says:

    yikes

  25. hi5wright says:

    Lookin good.

  26. Tha Prowler says:

    now is that anyway to welcome a young guy to the big leagues?? how rude….

  27. rM teM says:

    well, that’s some improvement

  28. therealsince86 says:

    Well, must have gotten too much advice from Pedro.

  29. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Settle down, kid. You can do this….

  30. maybealittlemoredelgado says:

    good lord almighty

  31. huge_mets_fan11 says:

    Wow, what an annoying Brewers annoucer. On the HR: “Get Out! Get Out! To the Wall! HOME RUN!”

  32. maybealittlemoredelgado says:

    a strike!

  33. johnstearns says:

    There we go, two strikes…

  34. Tha Prowler says:

    these dudes r lookin’ to TEE OFF on niese….i wanna see what his fastball tops out at if he lasts to say the 3rd inn.

  35. hi5wright says:

    Thank the lord for “Foul”

  36. das320 says:

    Walks R Us

  37. therealsince86 says:

    When you need a car, truck or van……

  38. das320 says:

    Well, at least we have Figgy as an emergency starter

  39. maybealittlemoredelgado says:

    to quote jerry seinfeld:

    this is not good…THISISNOTGOOD!

  40. khmustache says:

    cmon kid…you got this

  41. DavidDog says:

    Looks like he might really be the new Barry Zito….

    Hey at least he’s not costing 100 million

  42. rM teM says:

    oh brother. nice help

  43. DavidDog says:

    c’mon GAdo! At least help the guy out!

  44. el_giacomo says:

    Yay, now he has an ML ERA!

  45. khmustache says:

    i like his curveball

  46. stickguy says:

    lets see if this kid can pull it together. You expect him to be erratic with his stuff, making his first start here. More interested to see how his attitude and approach will be. IOW, does he have a big or little pair?

    although it is seeming that going with a vet might have been a wiser idea (although who is that? Figgy?)

    good thing they have the extra guys in the pen.

    and CD aint helping him blowing a DP ball.

    COme on Niese, get out of this!

  47. rM teM says:

    good good

  48. das320 says:

    huge K for the kid

  49. johnstearns says:

    Easy now.

  50. khmustache says:

    there ya go kid…1 more

  51. el_giacomo says:

    Nice K!

  52. johnstearns says:

    And his first K.

  53. maybealittlemoredelgado says:

    ok!

  54. D-Day says:

    no matter how niese does tonight i still like the move of putting him out there. lets see what he has, get the nerves of his first start out of the way incase we need him later and it sets up our lineup for the philly series which, not to overlook the brew crew but we are all looking at that series as the division decider

  55. johnstearns says:

    One more strike, kid.

  56. DavidDog says:

    wow maybe y’all knew this already, but Niese was born on the day the Mets clinched the World Series in Oct. 86. Now that’s interesting..

  57. nyj0126 says:

    It amazes me how dumb some ball players are. Why did Hart make an attempt at running down to first with it open with runners on 2nd and 3rd? You got a third catcher who could throw it into right field. I guess it’s best for the Brewers to not be too smart. Jon has to get out of trouble here.

  58. stickguy says:

    Nice K. Maybe if he gets through the first he can settle in and do OK?

    That curve could be a real 2 strike weapon once he gets his confidence up and control down.

  59. johnstearns says:

    Questec says he was ripped off on that second pitch.

  60. das320 says:

    Nice job kid!

  61. nyj0126 says:

    Cameron’s actually having a decent year. Amazing how he does better without steroids than with it. Than again, you never know lol

    • DavidDog says:

      I think Cameron did get a medical/MLB exemption to use amphetamines this year though….

      (due to the infamous outfield collision, yeah I know, makes a lot of sense…)

  62. khmustache says:

    THERE YA GO NIESE!

  63. Tha Prowler says:

    yeaaaa baby….way to go kid.

  64. rM teM says:

    wee. that’s better than I expected

  65. johnstearns says:

    And his second k.

  66. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Nice. I’m impressed he got himself outta that.

  67. EV says:

    Yea Rook!!!!!!!!

  68. nyj0126 says:

    There we go. I saw that coming. To only give up one run there isn’t bad. Now it’s time to score some runs.

  69. therealsince86 says:

    On pace for 3 1/3. But overall not bad kid.

  70. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Now how about doing something for this kids nerves here and getting about a half dozen runs? If ever a game we needed them…….

  71. el_giacomo says:

    Nice!

    Nerves/jitters are to be expected. Weeks took advantage, but good to see Niese settle down and get outta the inning after a coupla walks.

    I’m only watching on Gameday, but the curve even looks pretty there!

  72. imtiredofguiseppefranco says:

    too bad he gave up the hr, but i will take it as a good inning

  73. Dafatone80 says:

    Awesome.

  74. stickguy says:

    full count change looked sweet. the 2 strike curve did too.

    If this kid gets a little more life (movement or location) on the FB, and calms his nerves down, he could be a keeper.

    Hey, there are other guys in the rotation that probablycouldn’t get 2nd and 3rd, 1 out and K the next 2 guys (even if one was Cameron!)

  75. D-Day says:

    nice kid. NICE!!!! mabe he will settle down now that he got out of that jam and struck a few out!

  76. Eggman says:

    Let’s hope SNY doesn’t show his family after every pitch. Once or twice is OK, but the overkill is annoying.

  77. nyj0126 says:

    How guy’s saw Utley take out Jesus Flores with the ambulance? He had to have broken his femur bone. This is the second Nation it’s happened to that used to play for NY. Talk about a turn of events there. It was a hard slide by Chase. I didn’t even think it was a slide. He never landed on dirt. I don’t know how he didn’t get hurt. If the Nats got anything in them, they’ll actually hit him for real unlike all the other times he’s been this year.

  78. johnstearns says:

    Beltran is John Wayne. “I’m limping, aren’t I?” The best.

  79. danlx13 says:

    that is one of the nicest curves by niese that i have ever seen

  80. danlx13 says:

    carlos and carlos!!

  81. nyj0126 says:

    Come on Delgado. This guy’s a machine

  82. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Smart, Carlos. Right through the shortstop hole they opened up for you. That’ll teach them…..

  83. hi5wright says:

    See THAT Brewers?! Now its OUR turn.

  84. nyj0126 says:

    I actually made that post during the middle of that night lol I didn’t know that happened yet.

  85. nyj0126 says:

    You bunt here?

  86. rM teM says:

    looking good here

  87. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Fernando !!
    Woo – Hoo !

  88. khmustache says:

    TATIS!!!

  89. nyj0126 says:

    I’m happy they didn’t listen to me

  90. el_giacomo says:

    Attaboy Tatis!

  91. EV says:

    Yea Tatis!!!!!!

  92. johnstearns says:

    Niese’s adrenaline must be through the roof.

  93. nyj0126 says:

    We need more…Come on Damion

  94. metsfan42793 says:

    hopefully the mets give niece a lead and he will be able to calm down

  95. nyj0126 says:

    Does anyone know if Niese a good hitting pitcher?

  96. DavidDog says:

    alright, let’s get him the lead!

  97. danlx13 says:

    lets give the rook a little breathing room

  98. metsfan42793 says:

    good job easley

  99. khmustache says:

    mmmmm ribs…delicious

  100. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Every run counts. I’ll take it.

  101. johnstearns says:

    Easley and Tatis ‘ 08 = Valentin ‘06

  102. nyj0126 says:

    Good job. The Brewers announcer said he thinks Damion didn’t start because Luis is in the dog house. Is it that hard to believe that Easley is just the same as him in terms of talent?

  103. nyj0126 says:

    Tatis is even better than Valentin. Valentin was big, but Tatis has gotten hits in areas no one could have ever expected. It’s almost like you can have an expectation he can do it and he actually does it.

  104. johnstearns says:

    Good eye, kid. Make him work.

  105. nyj0126 says:

    I just looked at Damion’s numbers last year and considering he missed a decent amount of the year he actually still had a really good year. His numbers looked very good for a platoon.

  106. johnstearns says:

    Hey, batting in the second inning in your first game, ok!

  107. nyj0126 says:

    I don’t think anything was bigger for us than Timo Perez in September 00′ and the playoffs. Who could have saw that happen? It feels like it was a really long time ago even though it wasn’t that long ago.

  108. EV says:

    Good half inning, plus we clear the pitcher for next inning.

  109. danlx13 says:

    why does he keep throwing that 1st pitch fastball???

  110. Prismo says:

    Brewers broadcasters just had some disturbingly erotic dialogue…

  111. We Were Throwbacks says:

    That 1-2 change-up looked like strike 3

  112. EV says:

    Yea Nick!!!!!

  113. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Nick gets that one! His reactions in the outfield make ya chuckle.

  114. DavidDog says:

    YEAH EVANS!!!

  115. nyj0126 says:

    great catch. that was noise

  116. khmustache says:

    and the johnny damon award for the most hideous catch of the year goes to…

  117. huge_mets_fan11 says:

    Lol this time the Brewers on the Evans catch: “Hi drive deep left field. GET OUT BALL! GET OUT! It is…caught at the wall.” Great stuff

  118. Koko says:

    5 hanging curves so far. . .

    Otherwise his curve looks good.

  119. johnstearns says:

    That fastball rises, huh?

  120. danlx13 says:

    niese inning

  121. EV says:

    I haven’t heard the Brewers announcers, I always thought the worst homer announcers were the White Sox.

  122. khmustache says:

    nice inning niese…7 more to go

  123. MetsFan4Decades says:

    O.K., much better. Nice going.

  124. el_giacomo says:

    alright!

  125. danlx13 says:

    hamels 70 pitches in 6th inning w/ 1 out

  126. nyj0126 says:

    how could the nationals win 7 in a row lol

  127. rM teM says:

    nice catch fatso

  128. therealsince86 says:

    Fielder is no Delgado.

    • MetsFan4Decades says:

      You beat me to it. Was just gonna say, ’show him how to dig those out, Carlos’ – LOL.

  129. khmustache says:

    what’s the difference between howard and fielder at this point?

  130. johnstearns says:

    There we go dwright.

  131. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Love the scruffy beard look on Beltran, Pelfrey, etc. Much better than the shaved heads they all went for last year – lol.

  132. kistics says:

    NICE!!!

  133. rM teM says:

    oh that’s good

  134. khmustache says:

    BELTRAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  135. MetsFan4Decades says:

    GOODBYE !!
    Beltran comes through!

  136. EV says:

    BELTRAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  137. BigPelf4prez says:

    BELTRAN BOMB!!

  138. anonymii says:

    The knee is alright.

  139. therealsince86 says:

    Overrated, so unclutch. Trade him for Willie Tavaras.

    • khmustache says:

      garbage rbis…i hate em

      • therealsince86 says:

        Right, we all know that HR’s only count in the 9th inning when it’s close. If it’s 4-3 in the 9th and you hit a HR in the 1st to score 3 then only the AB in the 9th counts.

  140. DavidDog says:

    BOO-YA!!!

  141. johnstearns says:

    Beltran for MVP

  142. Dafatone80 says:

    Yes!

  143. Tha Prowler says:

    CARLITO’S WAY !!!!

  144. nyj0126 says:

    Awesome. Good call by Jerry. There’s nothing that’ll cool him off. He’s heating up at the right time.

  145. nyj0126 says:

    Home run in 13 consecutive. Awesome.

  146. huge_mets_fan11 says:

    Lol, how about this. Announcers on the Beltran HR: (Very low sounding voice) “High fly ball deep left field, Braun going back, leeping, gone for a three run homer.”

  147. el_giacomo says:

    stepped away for a minute….and am greeted to a 5-1 score thanks to Mr. Beltran! Awesome!

  148. kistics says:

    looks like Beltran is on pace for 30-100 again this year.

  149. Dafatone80 says:

    Beltran for MVP is actually not the most absurd thing in the world.

    He’s obviously not going to get it, but he’s had a good number of runs and rbis this year, plays a defensive position very well, and has been on fire as of late.

    Of course, half the people here still hate him.

    • el_giacomo says:

      Yeah I don’t get it. His defense is simply amazing, and his offensive numbers are right inline with his career numbers. Homers are a tad down, but there is still a month left to play…

    • huge_mets_fan11 says:

      We might have the same problem this year as we did two years ago. Reyes, Wright and Beltran all were MVP candidates and the votes were spead out between them. This year it could be the same thing. Of course if the Mets win the division I could care less about the MVP.

    • johnstearns says:

      Who’s better in the field, Sizemore maybe. But that’s it.

      Think the Twins will get the AL wild card? Go-go Gomez in the playoffs…

  150. nyj0126 says:

    Lets score some more and hold this lead now… Lets remember we got a rookie on the mound. So far, so good. So am I the only one on here who’s had a random Jehovah’s witness ring there doorbell and try to convert them at 10 in the morning? lol

  151. kistics says:

    Niese has a nice curveball.. mix that with a changeup and fastball.. should be pretty good combo

  152. el_giacomo says:

    C’mon Niese throw some strikes you got a cushion to work with

  153. nyj0126 says:

    Beltran’s not an MVP. We’re just not used to seeing him come through like he did against Florida or now. He’s playing through pain. Without a doubt, he’s a gold glove. He’s a decent middle of the order hitter when he’s not in his droughts. No where near MVP. No where even close to club MVP. So many guys would be ahead of him. Delgado, Reyes, Wright, Johan, Pelfrey. If Church had been healthy, he’d have better numbers too.

    • johnstearns says:

      He’s not a real MVP candidate this year — compared to DWright, Jose, or Delgado. (No whammies re September and after.) But he is absolutely MVP material.

  154. fatburrell92 says:

    Throw strikes man, we have a 4 run lead!

  155. nyj0126 says:

    ughh i knew this wouldnt be easy

  156. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Uh, oh….

  157. el_giacomo says:

    singles on a pop up, huh. damn. only watching gameday here…

  158. nyj0126 says:

    If gives us 5 or 6 and only gives up like 2-3 runs, I’ll be okay with that

  159. rM teM says:

    he looks like ralph cramden

  160. JoseReyesForPresident says:

    5-1 no excuses niese lets go!!!

  161. rM teM says:

    if u don’t know who that is, the heck with ya

  162. Koko says:

    Get Bobby Parnell In There!!!!

    (yes a little sarcasm)

  163. huge_mets_fan11 says:

    Niese cannot get behind every batter or he is asking for trouble.

  164. nyj0126 says:

    He’s working hard through this…

  165. kistics says:

    phew…

  166. MetsFan4Decades says:

    He battled his way out of that. Nice.

  167. EV says:

    Yea Niese!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  168. nyj0126 says:

    He could be doing better. These are rookie mistakes. He’s still doing okay for a guy who’s never been in the pro’s before.

  169. johnstearns says:

    And the era is now 3.00.

  170. Doc85 says:

    crazy question… does anyone know why i cant get the game on wfan.com? im in rhode island and i get howie and crew sometimes and other times i just get this crap noise… i cant tolerate these brewers guys anymore… thanks

    • kistics says:

      you can get howie and crew from mlb.com. you need to pay like 15 bucks for the rest of the season though.

    • MetsFan4Decades says:

      I just tried it and even though I can get to wfan.com, the live feed won’t load. I’m on the Jersey Shore in the NYC metro area so don’t think it has anything to do with you being in R.I.

      I usually have no problem but every once in a while it won’t load.

      • NYP-BOS-NYP says:

        WFAN.COM does not broadcast Mets games. During games, the online stream has alternate programming. If you want to listen to game audio on-line, you have to buy the gameday audio package from mlb.com. No way around it, unfortunately…

  171. kistics says:

    Looks like his stuff is pretty good. He just needs couple more outings under his belt to throw for strikes

  172. BigPelf4prez says:

    Where are all the scouts who said the Mets farm stunk???

  173. CaseStreet says:

    What’s Niece’s ball to strike ratio?

  174. therealsince86 says:

    On pace for 124 through 6. Don’t think he is going 6 tonight. Start Stoking the fire.

    • kistics says:

      i’ll take 5 innings 2 er at this time. although the thought of bullpen pitching 4 innings is scary

  175. Nightlife says:

    Neise is getting it done so far despite the high pitch count. If he goes 5/6 and keeps the lead it’ll be a successful debut.

  176. johnstearns says:

    Don’t bunt out, kid. Swing away. :)

  177. nyj0126 says:

    hopefully he goes through enough to be in position to get a win. with figueroa up, they should consider using him first. than try to work the ball into stokes hand. than from there, him or ayala can look to close it out. with niese doing decent after never pitching in the pro’s, why not give al reyes a shot tonight too.

    • johnstearns says:

      That’s a terrible idea — figgy pitched last night and besides he’s seen the brewers twice.

  178. kistics says:

    Dude…

  179. khmustache says:

    terrible terrible terrible slide

    • Nightlife says:

      Yeah, though I will say I didn’t mind the decision to have him steal in that spot. Almost had it…..

      • khmustache says:

        don’t mind it either…they’d never expect him to steal there, just needs to make that slide though

  180. therealsince86 says:

    Is Cancel serious?

  181. kistics says:

    Slid too early

  182. nyj0126 says:

    well at least we start out with the top of the order next time

  183. fatburrell92 says:

    Why the hell does Cancel keep trying to Steal, he’s like 100 pounds overweight!!

  184. das320 says:

    CAN YOU PLEASE TELL HIM NEVER TO STEAL AGAIN?

    HE IS AWFUL

    • Nightlife says:

      Eh, I really didn’t see anything wrong with that decision.

    • NYP-BOS-NYP says:

      He actually runs quite well, and that’s unexpected for a guy his size, which could be an advantage. Has to work on his slide, though.

  185. nyj0126 says:

    its like he popped up with the intention of being out. i dont know why some guys try to get up as soon as they go for the bag. is calling time out insulting to an umpire?

  186. Darth Manuel says:

    ROBINSON CANTSTEAL

  187. therealsince86 says:

    Cancel is incredibly intelligent. Once the pitcher was cleared you try and steal to get Reyes a guy on 2nd or you have Reyes leading off the next inning instead of Evans. He’s a genius.

  188. thats the second base running blunder by cancel WTF!!!!

  189. DavidDog says:

    Just a clarification. I have complained of Beltran in the past and last weekend I mentioned his sometimes nonchalant defense(after which he hit a game-winning GS and went on a tear, so maybe I’ll do it again). But the reason I do so is that I expect alot from him. A LOT. My college best friend was a huge Royals fan (yes, they do exist…) and all I heard was Beltran, Beltran, Beltran…

  190. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Crap.

  191. danlx13 says:

    if he gets out of this jam then i will be impressed!!

  192. EV says:

    Shoot!!!!, come on Niese.

  193. fatburrell92 says:

    Crap Manny Parra can hit!

  194. kistics says:

    damn

  195. johnstearns says:

    Ok, three big hits in a row. Who’s warming up?

  196. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Looks like Figgy next.

  197. nyj0126 says:

    Okay. It might be time to get him out of here early. Maybe if we bring in Figueroa he could make a ‘’spot start” in mid game so we don’t have to see much of the pen

  198. fatburrell92 says:

    This is the one thing I hate about the NL. Pitchers can help their own cause.

  199. EV says:

    Get him out!!!!!

  200. MetsFan4Decades says:

    O.K., think I’ve seen enough here.

  201. khmustache says:

    last batter?

  202. kistics says:

    need to minimize the damage to 2 runs

  203. fatburrell92 says:

    Damn Niese is having a meltdown.

    • Nightlife says:

      I think “meltdown” is a little harsh for a guy making his MLB debut in the middle of a pennant race.

  204. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Now I KNOW I’ve seen enough.

  205. Nightlife says:

    Ruhroh.

    Just get some outs here man.

  206. therealsince86 says:

    LOL, time to go buddy. Lets see what happens next time. Prob. waited one batter too long.

  207. johnstearns says:

    It’s ok, kid. But five hits in a row means time to watch.

  208. kistics says:

    boy..

  209. khmustache says:

    tough outing…looked good at times, looked awful at others, but it’s a very good lineup in an unfriendly park…it’ll be interesting to watch this kid next year

  210. fatburrell92 says:

    Goddammit. Hamels is about to pitch a CG shutout.

  211. huge_mets_fan11 says:

    This is why I wasn’t getting too excited about Niese getting out of so many jams. He was getting hit hard so it was just a matter of time before he was going to give up some runs. Not saying he is going to be a bad pitcher. Just saying he didn’t look like someone who was ready to pitch.

  212. Darth Manuel says:

    all their doing is sitting on his fastball.. He got away with it for 3 innings cause it was a rising fastball high in the zone. Cancel really blew that.. You have to mix it up more…

  213. nyj0126 says:

    Well, I think all of us scoring a high scoring one coming. The baloon was going to pop sooner or later. We should have expected with throwing a rookie out there. The good news is we can put Johan out on the mound on normal rest and not have to start him. If they start him against the Phillies with Pedro in the same series, I’ll lose a lot of respect for Manuel.

    • Ceetar says:

      I don’t think I could lose any more respect for Manuel, but they’ve already released the probable starters for the Phillies series and he’s not in i t.

  214. stickguy says:

    oh well. wheels came off in the 4th.

    3+ erratic innings. Flashes of promise, but obvious nervews.

    too bad he couldn’t start at home against a pansy hitting team like the Pirates or pads.

    But, hopefully the offense can tack on, and the pen can hold them. IOW, get out of the 4th no worse than tied, and it is like they wil lbe playing a 5 inning game of bullpen roulette!

  215. nyj0126 says:

    Look at that Marlins score. 11-10 in the 5th. It’s like the Red Sox Rangers game

  216. stickguy says:

    oh yeah, Niese needs to spend the rest of the week glued to santanas hip talking pitching, change up grip, etc. Just stay away from OP.

    Now time for Figgy to suck it up and pitch at least 3 decent innings.

  217. danlx13 says:

    He was throwing too many fastballs..he needed to use the curve alot more

  218. Nightlife says:

    Good start Figgy.

  219. khmustache says:

    nice k figgy…braun’s a tough out…never mind…113 strikeouts, wow

  220. Stems says:

    Why is it that a rookie pitcher can shut the mets out… but as a met they get pounded… sheesh…

    Was it me or is Niese’s stuff not very impressive? Hope its just a matter of getting better…

    • Nightlife says:

      Its the guys MLB debut against a hot team in the middle of a pennant race. Take this start with a grain of salt.

    • DavidDog says:

      yeah he looked very average, the curve is nowhere near as dazzling as a Zito’s or a Affeldt’s for example. And the fastball is… not fast

    • Dafatone80 says:

      His curve looked real good, and his change looked nasty a few times. If he could locate his pitches, I think he has a future.

      Though his delivery does sort of scream “Righties will pound me!” Which might’ve been what happened today. I wonder what his splits are like in the minors.

      Damn! And good job Cancel!

      • kidfromqueens says:

        His cumulative stats this season are about the same vs. righties and lefties- he actually did better against righties at NO than against lefties (1.11 vs. 1.30 WHIP). For his career so far overall, he’s a little worse against righties (.240 vs. .260 AVGA and 1.27 vs. 1.31 WHIP), but not any more than other lefties, and not really enough to be concerned about at this point.

  221. DavidDog says:

    whered that miss???

  222. das320 says:

    Nice curve Figgy!

  223. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Wow. Caught a break there. Nice throw there Carlos.

    • Nightlife says:

      Well, if Carlos isn’t “100%” right now can’t wait to see what he’ll be like once that bruise heals!

      ;)

  224. Nightlife says:

    Nice D!!

    Freakin’ bloops.

  225. nyj0126 says:

    cancel made up for his mistake. did he learn that from brian

  226. therealsince86 says:

    Unclutch play by Beltran.

  227. DavidDog says:

    that’s what I was trying to say about Beltran: cant think of a single player (except maybe grifey jr) in this era with more all around pure talent : glove range ARM speed on bases and bat from both sides, let’s see if stupid metsblog will let this one go through….

  228. stickguy says:

    look at the bright side. Niese only threw 73 pitches, low for a Mets starter!

    Nice job cutting down the runner at the plate. Keep it tied, and it is a 5 inning 0-0 game effectively.

    • danlx13 says:

      yes but normally a mets starter pitches into the 7th inning

    • therealsince86 says:

      LOL, true. We should try and let the other team score a lot and get out early in the game. It would decrease our pitch count.

  229. danlx13 says:

    NICE FIGGY

  230. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Yes, Figgy. That’s the way to limit the damage.

  231. das320 says:

    I am loving Figgy in the pen

  232. khmustache says:

    HUGE K FIGGY!

    cmon bats, get some runs back!

  233. nyj0126 says:

    Big strike out. Brand new game now.

  234. Nightlife says:

    Excellent Figgy……excellent.

  235. nyj0126 says:

    Not sure why, but I got a hunch a big hit is coming from Tatis tonight… Or maybe Delgado.

  236. fatburrell92 says:

    looks like Hamel’s pitching Sunday they took him out as soon as he reached 100 pitches.

  237. danlx13 says:

    we need to get to thier pen..even tho it might not make a difference

  238. fatburrell92 says:

    Figgy should have started today, he beat the Brewers back in April, and we have another lefty tomorrow. Too many lefties in a row.

    • therealsince86 says:

      Agreed, but no we had to see what Niese had in the middle of a pennant race.

    • Wright88 says:

      Figgy’s numbers in the minors were god awful though.

      • therealsince86 says:

        Not god awful just not great. Who cares about that? You think he did not know he would eventually get his chance? Maybe he was just working on some pitches or going right at batters who knows. All I know is that this was not the best time for Niese to get his 1st start.

        • Wright88 says:

          They were pretty bad, his numbers actually got progressively worse each month he pitched. It probably wasn’t smart to start a 21 yr. old rookie against the Brewers, but he did outpitch Figgy by a wide margin in the minors.

  239. Flushing_is_Burning says:

    ok that was not good…. but let’s start over

  240. rM teM says:

    sometimes david can look so good, and sometimes he
    can look so bad. I used to know a girl like that

  241. Nightlife says:

    Were the hell are all the trolls?

    With our game tied and Philly winning you’d think some guy would be here declaring the season over by now.

  242. fatburrell92 says:

    Wright striking out. What a shock

  243. DavidDog says:

    wow what a game in miami…

  244. nyj0126 says:

    13-12 now Florida in sixth…

  245. Dafatone80 says:

    Wright probably gets tomorrow off, to get a good long rest.

    He’ll be back and crushing the ball before you know it.

    • khmustache says:

      i wouldn’t hold your breath on that one (about wright sitting i mean), jerry basically said today that his core guys are playing everyday from here on out (beltran, reyes, wright, delgado)

  246. rM teM says:

    pitchers duel

  247. stickguy says:

    there’s DW changing things up. Instead of whiffing on a slider in the dirt, he decided to half swing at a fast ball up around his eyes.

    Please don’t tell me the 3 innings and done offense is back! That sure can’t work out good tonight.

  248. nyj0126 says:

    With the day off on Thursday, they may not have to. Giving Tatis a start at 3B is okay with me though. What ever it takes to keep these guy’s fresh. They got to be ready for Philly. They have to take at least one of these last two against the Brewers before they get there. With the Phils, I was just happy seeing them not sweep Washington.

  249. nyj0126 says:

    What sucks about being on the road for the Mets is not having last licks with the pen we got. I think we’ll see the Mets up by like 2 runs by the time the 7th or 8th rolls around. All they got to do is get a few runners on and find ways to drive them in.

  250. Dafatone80 says:

    Wow, was it just me, or was Kendall about to smash his bat in half after that fly out?

    This’ll come back to bite me big, but Jason Kendall isn’t a good enough hitter to get pissed about missing a pitch to hit.

  251. hi5wright says:

    F* Parra!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  252. MetsFan4Decades says:

    We can get the big bats out but not the pitcher????

    Come on, Figgy. Geth this 3rd out.

  253. nyj0126 says:

    whats going on here? another double? this guy’s like johan

  254. stickguy says:

    If fiigy keeps rolling like this, treat him like an SP on a low pitch count and leave him in. No need to automatically PH for him when his turn comes up, unless, of course, it is a big spot in the game. 2 outs no on? He hits.

    even with some extra arms, do you really want to see more of the pen in the 6th?

    And as I type this, Parra smokes another double!

  255. fatburrell92 says:

    How the hell does Parra keep hitting?

  256. Nightlife says:

    The filters on this blog are like WTF sometimes.

  257. WrightsRight says:

    why do pitchers feast on mets pitching?

  258. khmustache says:

    nice stop…

  259. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Shoot. Nice stop but couldn’t quite get enough on that throw.

  260. hi5wright says:

    Nice play. Not nice throw.

  261. WrightsRight says:

    phew…

  262. MetsFan4Decades says:

    YES, Nick Evans tracks it down !!

  263. khmustache says:

    evans…wow…you scare the bejesus out of me…nice catch though

  264. EV says:

    Yea Nick!!!!!!!!

  265. Nightlife says:

    Saved a run there–maybe. Who knows if they would have sent Parra, good play regardless.

    Way to go Figgy!!!

  266. Gary Busey says:

    NICK EVANS I WILL HAVE YOUR BABIES

    OR FIND SOMEONE TO, AT LEAST

  267. nyj0126 says:

    and who says hes not a natural of

  268. DavidDog says:

    nick evans=willy mays?

  269. fatburrell92 says:

    come on Beltran hit another bomb.

  270. stickguy says:

    Well, maybe we can see what Muniz or Parnell can do instead! Lot’s of hard hit balls.

    It would really be nice for the offense to bust out another crooked number here. Chase parra, and fatten up on the pen.

    I hope the Mets lead never gets lower. Just win whenever the Phils do (and also when they lose of course).

  271. khmustache says:

    is there gonna be a mota sighting?

    • johnstearns says:

      God I hope so. Just to fix the impression he may have given yesterday that he is halfway ok.

  272. hi5wright says:

    Phils win :(

  273. DavidDog says:

    ok beltran now steal a base to show off that all around talent..

  274. nyj0126 says:

    yeah watch mota shut us down lol like david newhans gets hits off of us. i’d love to see them beat up on mota. who was more instrumental than him in the collapse

  275. nyj0126 says:

    uh oh mota’s ready

  276. DavidDog says:

    why can you not write ” KEN G R I F F E Y” ?

  277. Nightlife says:

    Good AB Delgado.

  278. johnstearns says:

    Mota!!!

  279. danlx13 says:

    i can see him shutting us down

  280. johnstearns says:

    Bring it, juicer!

  281. khmustache says:

    i can’t believe i still get this mad when i see his face…man i hate mota

  282. Championmets says:

    Now its time for Mota to pay for his time in new york

  283. mets_fan says:

    damn

  284. Dafatone80 says:

    Damn. I don’t mind not pinch hitting there, but would have liked that to not happen.

  285. DavidDog says:

    crucK! frap!

  286. Nightlife says:

    Bad Tatis! Bad!

  287. nyj0126 says:

    ughhh… i hate when some of my negative predictions come true

  288. khmustache says:

    4 pitches for that freakin bum…grrrrrrr

  289. Dafatone80 says:

    That hurts.

  290. EV says:

    Crap that inning SUCKED.

  291. fatburrell92 says:

    How can you not hit Guillermo Mota?

  292. WrightsRight says:

    fing mota…mets should be killing this guy, at least as revenge for being a major culprit in the 2006 NLCS and last year’s collapse.

  293. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Put Mota back out there again. I don’t think he can do that back to back innings. I know I never saw him do that in NY…..

  294. hyperion4 says:

    I was kinda hoping Jerry would have Tatis bunt.

    • nyj0126 says:

      I thought the same thing earlier in the game but than he wouldn’t have driven in runs. Can’t do it every time. We’ll score some. I’m just hoping it doesn’t take forever. Both of these teams leave too many runners on.

  295. Flushing_is_Burning says:

    yup Mota lights out against the Mets…. not for them… against them

  296. teufelshuffle86 says:

    Was that the same Guillermo Mota that pitched for us last year? I wasn’t sure since he came in and actually got outs.

  297. Chavezfan says:

    WHY SANCHEZ? WHY!!!!!!

  298. nyj0126 says:

    to be fair to mota at least he has only giving up one reason in his last 16 appearances. the brewers r just as competitive this year as the mets were last year. he’s had a good turn around. some guy’s will get endless shots in the pro’s. the brewers took a chance on two steroids users and they’ve actually produced.

  299. Nightlife says:

    Ruhroh.

    Duaner in!

  300. fatburrell92 says:

    We’re done, Duaner Sanchez is pitching.

    • nyj0126 says:

      2 outs. Keep your fingers crossed that this is the only inning he throws. The last thing I want to see is our coaching be greedy.

  301. MetsFan4Decades says:

    I don’t know about Duaner here….

  302. Chavezfan says:

    Yikes. Thank goodness for foul balls! Fielder tagged that

  303. nyj0126 says:

    I’d rather see Duaner now than in the 8th. If he goes through one inning without giving up a run, I’m happy. Build a bridge for Stokes and Ayala.

  304. SantanaCYYOung says:

    mota looked good, hopefully he goes out for another inning so we canremind him that he sucks

  305. Nightlife says:

    One more!

  306. MetsFan4Decades says:

    O.K., I apologize for doubting you, Duaner. Good job.

  307. Chavezfan says:

    I’d rather not see Sanchez at all but he was effective!

  308. DavidDog says:

    omg!!! did he actually just retire the side in order???

  309. Nightlife says:

    Wow.

    Nice inning!

    Can the Brewers bring in Gagne already?

  310. nyj0126 says:

    how about that? a great inning for duaner. these kinds of games usually happen from time to time for him. now jerry should be looking for a chair for him to sit on

    • stickguy says:

      no worry. He is due to hit this inning.

      Watch Church come in, get a line drive double, then stay in for Tatis!

  311. SantanaCYYOung says:

    first time dirty doesn’t give up a run in a long time

  312. therealsince86 says:

    Wow, clean inning by Sanchez???

  313. johnstearns says:

    Best I’ve seen duaner since the cab. Six pitches, three outs.

  314. stickguy says:

    I wanted Jerry to PH Church for Tatis to try and blow this game open. Man, what a bad time for a DP.

    Who was that guy wearing the Sanchez jersey and goggles? some ML call up?

    • therealsince86 says:

      Tatis’ numbers against RHP are not bad. Plus, gotta think he would not have hit into a DP.

  315. Flushing_is_Burning says:

    if Mota can pitch a scoreless inning than so should our pen.

  316. EV says:

    Yea Dirty Sanchez!!!

  317. MetsFan4Decades says:

    So far so good for the BP. Can we not waste the good effort here and get some runs ??

  318. therealsince86 says:

    Why not pinch hit for Cancel there?

  319. stickguy says:

    why is Reyes hitting? DOn’t they have real bats on the bench? THere are 3 lefties. I know there is 1 out, no on, but does he want to guarantee it is 2 out no on?

    • Ryn05 says:

      Fake Reyes walk!

      Best possible outcome.

    • johnstearns says:

      I may have missed the sarcasm tag.. dude leads the NL in hits.

    • stickguy says:

      OK, he walked. THey ataully had 5 lefties on the bench. Could have PH Schneider too for Cancel.

      Guess he is saving them all for 9th inning? Not going to use any through the first 5 of the order (unless it is Murphy or Church for Evans). Brewers do have a ton of guys in the pen too for match ups.

      Actually, L/R matchups are overused. Just put the good hitters up there and let them hit! Better Church or Murphy than Castillo with a lefty pitching.

  320. DavidDog says:

    ahah a reyes finally got his pic up on mlb.com.

    it does justice to his ugliness

  321. Willie Randolph says:

    Mota and Duaner now pitching good , when i was there they were trash !

  322. Nightlife says:

    Whoa, Argenis walked. Amazing. Sets up the Reyes to Reyes connection.

  323. Flushing_is_Burning says:

    for the love a all things holy, can someone please destroy Mota!!!!!

  324. therealsince86 says:

    Why no Church here?

  325. stickguy says:

    OK, 2 out RISP, big AB for Evans. Surprised to not see Murphy.

  326. Willie Randolph says:

    he takes 1 hour per half inning.

  327. EV says:

    Crap!!!!!!

  328. WrightsRight says:

    you would think these guys would know how to hit mota…

  329. NYP-BOS-NYP says:

    Yessir, it’s Guillermo “Cy” Mota.

    Damn it.

  330. DavidDog says:

    am I the only one with a bad feeling about the bottom ofthe 7th?

  331. stickguy says:

    Wow, nice string of zeros up there for the Mets. haven’t we seen this before?

    • johnstearns says:

      Wright, Beltran, Delgado in the 8th. Hang in there.

    • nyj0126 says:

      Of course. It was a different game before the 5th. Now it’s a pitchers duel or a matter of who’s bats are more dead. Or who just can’t drive in runs. Who’d think Duaner and Guillermo could be the guys to prevent all this. I’m feeling confident late in this game because of the Mets clutch hitting, but it can’t happen until we score runs. Than the anxiety with the bullpen starts.

  332. miker94 says:

    am i the only one who just gets sick when i see mota’s face?

  333. Flushing_is_Burning says:

    you gotta be kidding me.

  334. fsolomon75 says:

    No Church or Murph for Evans?

  335. nyj0126 says:

    i love seeing gagne warm up

  336. DavidDog says:

    gagne sighting…. c’mon Stkes, get through this!!!

  337. el_giacomo says:

    Yay Stokey!

  338. DavidDog says:

    gotta love how stokes just gets in there looking very relaxed and just pounds away with the fastball

  339. MetsFan4Decades says:

    wow. How good has this Stokes been for us?

    • nyj0126 says:

      He’s been great. He’s basically done exactly what he supposed to do. That seems to be a lot to ask out of Mets relievers. Most other teams wouldn’t regard him so highly. He’s pitched at an even better level than Darren Oliver as a long man in 06′. It’s nice to know there’s at least a guy or two we don’t resent putting the ball into the hand of. That’s why it’s been more Stokes, Figueroa and Ayala lately over Heilman, Duaner and Schoenweis.

  340. Willie Randolph says:

    because of Shouse !

    I would’ve do the same thing

  341. Willie Randolph says:

    STRUGGLING !

  342. nyj0126 says:

    Eric has to shave…

  343. nyj0126 says:

    Come on Delgado. A big hit is coming from Carlos Delgado or Fernando Tatis. Just watch.

  344. EV says:

    Yea Stokes, lets knock around Mr. I need a shave and a haircut real bad Gagne.

  345. johnstearns says:

    C’mon Delgado.

  346. el_giacomo says:

    Who’s this Gagne guy? He’s pretty good. I bet he’d make a great closer.

  347. therealsince86 says:

    Scoreless against Mota (2 innings) and Gagne. Wow.

    • MetsFan4Decades says:

      Yeah, is that necessary on a night our BP gives us scoreless innings? Least we can do is reward that effort with some runs – lol.

  348. Willie Randolph says:

    Gagne was CASTAWAY?

  349. DavidDog says:

    good wood by belt and gado, gagne got lucky! man i hate his face, he just LOOKS like everything that’s wrong with Canada

  350. johnstearns says:

    So I guess Gagne can’t be a bum EVERY night.

  351. miker94 says:

    well that about does it. not good cuz you KNOW the phils will beat the nats tomorrow also. which pretty much makes tomorrow a HUGE game for the mets. almost a must win. of course they are all must wins now. would be nice to go into that series this weekend with a 1 game lead.

    • therealsince86 says:

      Did we lose? You always do this. Can you not wait until we actually lose before you start talking about must wins tomorrow?

  352. Flushing_is_Burning says:

    bullpen duel?!?!?

  353. Gary Busey says:

    I’d rather be stabbed in the eye than hear the Brewers’ announcers slob on Mota’s knob any more.

  354. johnstearns says:

    Fla-Atl tied at 14, top of the 9th.

  355. EV says:

    ENDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  356. khmustache says:

    ENDY!!!!!!!!!!!!11111

  357. Willie Randolph says:

    Super Endy !

  358. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Oh Man. Endy NAILS him !!

  359. DavidDog says:

    YEAH ENDY!!!! ahahah that was funny

  360. khmustache says:

    close call…wonder if yost is gonna send a dvd to the ml office tomorrow for that one

  361. nyj0126 says:

    Come on Rickie did you think you’d knock down an old man and not get called out lol

  362. teufelshuffle86 says:

    ENDY!!!!

  363. nyj0126 says:

    Endy is awesome. I can’t think of a better defensive replacement. That was really big for us.

  364. Dafatone80 says:

    He was safe, but he deserves the out for this stupid new slide everyone’s doing nowadays.

    Slide with your feet. Straight into the bag. Get there faster.

  365. therealsince86 says:

    Are these announcers watching the same game? He was clearly out.

  366. teufelshuffle86 says:

    Brewers announcers saying bad call. Are they looking at the same replay I am?

  367. khmustache says:

    man, how often does that happen, you put a guy out there for defense and he gets a play in the next inning…weird

  368. EV says:

    Yea Stokes!!!!!!!!!

  369. Willie Randolph says:

    CY Stokes !

  370. nyj0126 says:

    Stokes got it up to 95. Impressive.

  371. MetsFan4Decades says:

    And Stokes just keeps on getting it done. I’d be tempted to get a Stokes jersey at this point, if they made one – LOL !

  372. DavidDog says:

    anyone remember when mo vaughn hit a bomb off the right field wall and was thrown out at first? or maybe just barely beat it, cant remember..

  373. therealsince86 says:

    Gotta play conservative and let Stokes bat if possible. Can’t win with him out of the game either.

  374. anrst says:

    Who pitched between Sanchez and Stokes?
    … I had to step away

  375. teufelshuffle86 says:

    Can we score a f’ing run here please???

  376. Flushing_is_Burning says:

    how many innings can Stroke pitch?? 6, 7??

  377. Willie Randolph says:

    Did anybody remember when i put Endy in LF in 06 NLCS an he made THE CATCH ?

  378. khmustache says:

    damn…thought easley had that one

  379. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Crap. I’m really getting tired of these fielding Brewers….

  380. skylog says:

    how is it that hall blows on defense, yet he seems to be getting everything? unreal. yesterday as well.

    • khmustache says:

      not just him…everybody on this team turned into a bunch of gold glovers (except fielder…ironically the only one who can’t field out there right now)

  381. skylog says:

    come on already…the gods are clearly against them tonight

  382. anrst says:

    joe smith? oh god. not feeling confident …

  383. therealsince86 says:

    Still don’t know about PH there. I understand why you do, but with 2 outs and nobody on….. I think I would have just tried to wait it out.

  384. el_giacomo says:

    darn. :(

    Oh, and the Braves have taken the lead in the Battle of Mediocrity. 16-14 heading to the bottom of the 9th. Go Fish!

  385. MetsFan4Decades says:

    If we had managed to keep them to 4 runs, we could be ending this game here with Ayala in the 9th.
    Shoulda, woulda, coulda.

  386. teufelshuffle86 says:

    BTW, the Braves are beating Florida 16-14.

  387. Willie Randolph says:

    Jerry is a backstabber !

  388. anrst says:

    Ray Catena has some slick blow-dried hair.

  389. nyj0126 says:

    Why are we even watching this game if there’s no hope in the Mets scoring runs?

  390. anrst says:

    stokes for 3… wow… I dunno… how much can we ride this guy… we need him day after day

  391. nyj0126 says:

    In home games I can tolerate it because there’s like a revenge you get in the bottom half after giving up a run. Or you can just do it and get out of there. With this though, it’s so stressful just to score one run and than it’s even more to hold it.

  392. khmustache says:

    96 mph on that one

  393. anrst says:

    stokes … how could you

  394. skylog says:

    this is going to be a gut wrencher

  395. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Feliciano vs. Fielder. I’m afraid to watch.

  396. Flushing_is_Burning says:

    I’m a little nervous….

  397. therealsince86 says:

    Chances of things that Feliciano will do.
    SO, DP, GO, FO, Single, Double, Triple, HR, Walk, Walk, Walk, Walk, BB, BB, BB, BB.

  398. khmustache says:

    YYYUUUUGGGGEEEE!!!!!!!!!1

  399. EV says:

    Yea DP, good job running down the line Fielder.

    • NYP-BOS-NYP says:

      Prince Fielder is a big fat vegetarian slob.

      Maybe he needs more protein in his diet, give him a little more “umph.”

      • Nightlife says:

        “vegetarian slob” made me LOL.

        I have a good friend that is a vegetarian and a big dude like Fielder. Blows my mind.

  400. therealsince86 says:

    Wow, that means a walk off HR chances just went way up in the next AB.

    • skylog says:

      i don’t want to see cameron get up there, the way the ghosts have been haunting them of late…that said, i will be nervous regardless

  401. anrst says:

    does fielder suck or what … seriously… talk about a dog

  402. MetsFan4Decades says:

    By now, every Met reliever that comes in should have the mindset of ‘I’m not gonna be the one to blow this’.

  403. BlueCapsOnly says:

    who’s coming in, smith?

  404. MetsFan4Decades says:

    I’ll tell you what: if ever there was a time for this Met BP to turn it around, Sep would be the time.

    Nice play, DAVID !!

  405. EV says:

    DWRIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  406. anrst says:

    well, if you can’t hit, David… you may as well pick it!

  407. khmustache says:

    WRIGHT CLUTCH WITH THE GLOVE!!!!!!!!!!

  408. SantanaCYYOung says:

    great play, can we get some runs now

  409. therealsince86 says:

    And that is why David Wright IS clutch.

  410. ravi3 says:

    At this point, after what…6 scoreless innings, I cannot fault the bullpen, regardless of the outcome of the game, unless of course one of the pitchers walks the bases loaded, as well as the deciding run. The offense too, despite not scoring has at least looked alive, working deep counts, and hitting the ball hard…The defense obviously has been superb. These two teams seem to be very evenly matched.

  411. skylog says:

    unreal. as much as david is in a funk, wow.

  412. anrst says:

    are pedro and wagner watching this together in a bar? I mean, that’s why pedro went back to NY, right?

  413. NYP-BOS-NYP says:

    Mets D has been absolutely stunning for the last few weeks (with very few exceptions).

    Let’s go Murph!

  414. SantanaCYYOung says:

    good start, i like this kid murphy

  415. el_giacomo says:

    aiiight Murphy! Get it started!

  416. grotesmask says:

    What do you guys think about bringing in Heilman? I mean, sure he’s had some tough outings, but he can be just so good in these situations, right?

  417. therealsince86 says:

    Talk about a man crush, ahhhh Murphy.

  418. SantanaCYYOung says:

    if we don’t score here…

  419. el_giacomo says:

    aiiight Jose! Keep it going!

  420. Nightlife says:

    YES.

    MURPH great baserunning too.

  421. MetsFan4Decades says:

    YES! Come on, guys. Get Murph home.

  422. skylog says:

    bunt it towards fielder jose

  423. therealsince86 says:

    Steal Reyes, steal early.

  424. pedro4545 says:

    Just got back to my apartment in time for the top of this inning……great start here…how’d niese look?

    • hotchipwillbreakyourlegs says:

      let’s not talk about that now

    • MetsFan4Decades says:

      3 innings. Didn’t get an out in the 4th. All 5 runs charged to him. A lot of nerves, got out of some jams in the first 3, but no go in the 4th. Nice curve ball.

    • khmustache says:

      young…

      ENDY!!!!!!!!

      nice curve, decent fastball, needs to work on location and nerves

    • Dafatone80 says:

      Shaky, gave up a leadoff homerun, then two straight walks. Then got a groundout and two big k’s with men in scoring position.

      Two decent innings (gave up a few walks), and then unravelled in the 4th, 5 straight hits to start the inning.

      He has decent stuff, had very little location, and doesn’t have a ton of speed on his fastball. He couldn’t throw that many strikes. The Brewers destroy lefties, so it was a tough team to face.

      Looks like the guy could have potential, although his delivery says “Righties can hit me” to me.

  425. Nightlife says:

    Endy scares me here.

  426. skylog says:

    send jose?

  427. therealsince86 says:

    Why is Reyes not running?

  428. skylog says:

    why do you not go? unreal

  429. MetsFan4Decades says:

    YES ENDY !!!!!!

  430. ReyesMets says:

    alright Endy!!! Thatta boy!

  431. EV says:

    Yea Endy.

  432. SantanaCYYOung says:

    there we go endy

    reyes steals, wright finally gets a big hit

  433. Nightlife says:

    Great job by Endy!!

  434. el_giacomo says:

    aiiight ND! Bring ‘em home!

  435. hotchipwillbreakyourlegs says:

    thats getting it done endy. the throw and the AB, good game for endy

  436. skylog says:

    jose should be on third

  437. nyj0126 says:

    i know i’m not the only one hearing the guy screaming beltran yeah boy lol

  438. therealsince86 says:

    Manuel has locked up Reyes. He never seems to run now and when he does it’s just hit and run on 2 strike counts.

  439. nyj0126 says:

    they should be sending jose. it doesn’t make any sense. does not getting another run not matter? come on. this team needs it like it’s a tie game.

  440. therealsince86 says:

    Seriously, I can’t stand it. Why is he not running. Give me one good reason.

  441. Tina says:

    The Brewers announcers sound so sad.

  442. MetsFan4Decades says:

    And now we hold our breath……

  443. miker94 says:

    david “arod” wright!

    • khmustache says:

      considering that he’s saved at least 2 runs on the defensive side of the ball i’d say he’s had a pretty good game

    • therealsince86 says:

      Did you seriously not see the play he made in the bottom of the last inning?

      • miker94 says:

        yeah i saw it, just saying, any big spot at the plate and you can count him out…but obviously he saved our arses a few times tonight on defense!

      • hotchipwillbreakyourlegs says:

        watching the game is for losers. It’s easier just to talk sh– about wright constantly

  444. therealsince86 says:

    And that would have scored Reyes if we would have let him steal like he should be.

  445. anrst says:

    hey david, there are other parts of the ballpark besides the left field fence

  446. el_giacomo says:

    THAT is why they didn’t send Reyes. To set up the double play.

    Oh wait. That makes no sense…

  447. teufelshuffle86 says:

    Vintage David Wright.

  448. EV says:

    Damn, okay buckle your seatbelts everybody.

  449. WrightsRight says:

    jeez, wright, when is he going to start going the other way again….he’s way too pull happy.

    I hate to say this – the NY Times had a side by side comparison of Arod and Wright in the clutch and needless to say Wright does not fare too well. One reason is definitely his inability/unwillingness to go the other way.

    • el_giacomo says:

      Yeah, really wish Wright would go back to being open to hitting it the other way like he used to. If he can hit near .300 being pull-happy, imagine what he could do if he’d go the other way once in a while.

  450. ratatatspat says:

    Wright is the new Arod.

    • khmustache says:

      you mean a gold glove third baseman that gets you 30-100 every year? man that sucks…

    • anrst says:

      seriously, he looks it too… has that same ‘thinking-to-much expression that arod wears… except a-rod tries to play it off like he’s relaxed when he clearly isn’t… d wright doesn’t even play

    • ratatatspat says:

      Difference is I know Wright will turn it around any day and Arod will suck in big spots forever.

  451. el_giacomo says:

    So who is closing tonight?

    And where is my damned Pepto???

  452. metsforever says:

    Odds on this ending well? (crossing fingers)

  453. pedro4545 says:

    I’m scared.

  454. therealsince86 says:

    Reyes only has 14 steals in the 2nd half.

  455. skylog says:

    great to get the run, but they blew it a lot there. before, man on third, infield in, there was no way they were going to throw through. reyes is on second. runs scores….probably gets to third on the sac fly. there with one out. it changes everything. david goes up there with the infield in, and multiple ways to get him in…..AND a looser at bat.

    • hotchipwillbreakyourlegs says:

      dude, if reyes steals, fielder plays off the bag and if endy, who is a lefty, grounds to the right side, instead of finding the hole, it’s an out. thats why you dont run reyes there.

      • therealsince86 says:

        Didn’t Endy fly out to right? Yes if he had hit to 2nd then Reyes would have still been on 3rd and would have scored on Wright’s junk. That’s worst case if he runs, unless he is thrown out of course.

        • hotchipwillbreakyourlegs says:

          yes, but you still want to keep the hole open for a left handed hitter. I’m not agreeing or disagreeing with the move, I’m just saying thats why he didnt run

      • skylog says:

        i see your point, and it is a good one, but there are about scenarios that could play out. maybe they walk endy to load the bases. then maybe david gets a hit…etc…

        i just would not have minded 2nd and 3rd with no outs..of course i know how well that has worked out some times this season

        • hotchipwillbreakyourlegs says:

          yea, sorry I got a little uppity about it.

          I agree there were two ways to play it.

  456. pedro4545 says:

    Come on where did that 1-2 pitch miss?

  457. ReyesMets says:

    ANYONE giving Wright a hard time right now is out of their mind…

    • khmustache says:

      debbie downers…always gotta complain about something

    • hotchipwillbreakyourlegs says:

      i know. it’s totally absurd and we have to listen to it every night. He just made a great defensive play. He’s a little off at the plate right now. Cut him some slack, or name one third baseman you’d rather have

  458. metsforever says:

    Strikes 3 and 4 on that one. Make up?

  459. johnstearns says:

    C’mon Ayala, two more.

  460. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Damn. Keith ‘what do you have to do to get a called strike’.

    and on that note, first K. Two more…..

  461. grotesmask says:

    C’mon Mets! Stay tough and win this thing.

  462. el_giacomo says:

    1 down!

  463. Nightlife says:

    You’re Alright by me Ayala!

    Mike Cameron K’s feel so familiar.

  464. Dafatone80 says:

    Reyes not stealing there… woulda liked him to run, but Kendall’s been throwing real well this year.

    As to David, give him tomorrow off, let him take two days off, and he’ll bounce right back. His career numbers in September are huge.

    That 1-2 pitch was a strike!

  465. el_giacomo says:

    2 down!

  466. SantanaCYYOung says:

    one more out and this will be a GREAT series

  467. Nightlife says:

    1 more!!!

  468. NYP-BOS-NYP says:

    One more, Luis! And this guy was a cupcake yesterday…

  469. skylog says:

    you have to love getting that first out

  470. khmustache says:

    one more one more one more

  471. metsforever says:

    That’s a big boy out there. Matt Stairs Jr?

  472. BlueCapsOnly says:

    Doesn’t Brad Nelson look like a fat Ryan Church?

  473. SantanaCYYOung says:

    damn

  474. khmustache says:

    dang…thought that one was gone…whew…i just crapped myselt

  475. el_giacomo says:

    d’oh!

  476. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Oh, My God. They’re gonna give me a heart attack.

  477. Nightlife says:

    Thank god. I thought that was gone.

  478. metsforever says:

    We’ve seen this show before from the staff. Where is the close out?

  479. johnstearns says:

    Hang in there, Ayala.

  480. khmustache says:

    cmon ayala…ground ball

  481. NYP-BOS-NYP says:

    Son of a…

    That looked foul. Guess not.

  482. EV says:

    Oh man, come on Ayala.

  483. Nightlife says:

    Also, thankfully that guy is really fat otherwise that would have been a triple.

  484. nyj0126 says:

    Come on Louie. Another runner and he has to come out.

  485. BlueCapsOnly says:

    That right field corner was not made for TV

  486. therealsince86 says:

    Do they bring this guy out of retirement just for the Mets?

  487. nyj0126 says:

    Come on he had 2 outs too.

  488. Nightlife says:

    Why did I have a feeling a game would come down to some guy like Gabe Kapler?

  489. nyj0126 says:

    He did this in Philly with 2 outs and 2 strikes with a one run lead.

  490. NYP-BOS-NYP says:

    Man, I don’t want to see Weeks again. Let’s get this guy!

  491. nyj0126 says:

    Luis, get out of this now.

  492. therealsince86 says:

    Ayala is only good for 2 outs. Same every night.

  493. EV says:

    He’s hurt, get someone warmed up Jerry.

  494. MetsFan4Decades says:

    Man, Ayala is hurting out there.

  495. nyj0126 says:

    It’s a demand Luis. Do it. Come on. Don’t let hitters get ahead of you. Not Gabe.

  496. metsfan42793 says:

    PLEASE TAKE AYALA OUT HES HURT

  497. johnstearns says:

    So who do you go with, Schoe? Heilman? Al Reyes?

  498. metsforever says:

    !##@$@#!$ bullpen.

    Learning to love Wagner.

    This guy is hurt. How desparate are we?

  499. nyj0126 says:

    Okay, do we leave him in like imbeciles or take him out?

  500. WrightsRight says:

    pepto…pepto…please, some pepto

  501. Nightlife says:

    Ayala obviously wanted nothing of Kapler.

  502. el_giacomo says:

    ugh…

  503. nyj0126 says:

    Is there anyone even warmed up or do we have irresponsible coaching?

  504. khmustache says:

    cmon ayala…love your heart…one more guy

  505. Nightlife says:

    Time to pour myself a screwdriver!

  506. metsforever says:

    Gary jinx coming up.

  507. johnstearns says:

    They’re leaving him in for weeks.

    (Ba dum bum.)

  508. nyj0126 says:

    Screw Billy. If this were his game, it’d be blown. It’s a big game in September. As far as I’m concerned Luis has as good of a shot as him which isn’t that good. Billy not having 1st and 2nd? I’d say he’d have it with no outs and try to battle out of it. It’d be tie scored.

  509. pedro4545 says:

    This guys got enough hits tongiht

  510. nyj0126 says:

    Close the door Louie.

  511. ReyesMets says:

    HE’S HURT!!! take him out

  512. nyj0126 says:

    One more strike. Please come on. One more. Or an easy out.

  513. pedro4545 says:

    one more strike

  514. metsfan42793 says:

    OMG OMG OMG

  515. metsforever says:

    OMG

  516. nyj0126 says:

    Lucky.

  517. pedro4545 says:

    holy sh!t.

  518. nyj0126 says:

    He gets lucky every night.

  519. ReyesMets says:

    WOO-HOOO!!!!!!!!!!

    Let’s give credit where credit is due, bullpen gets an A+++ tonight

  520. khmustache says:

    DONE AND DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11 WAY TO GO BULLPEN!!!!!!!!!!!11

  521. metsforever says:

    It’s never easy.

  522. Nightlife says:

    Gabe Kapler GRITTING IT OUT ON THE FOUL.

  523. SantanaCYYOung says:

    wow

  524. MetsFan4Decades says:

    YEAH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    GAME OVER ! Put that win in the books.

    Props to the BP. I’m just loving it. Even if they do stop my heart from time to time.

  525. el_giacomo says:

    YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!

  526. EV says:

    YEA BABY GREAT JOB AYALA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  527. johnstearns says:

    Got him. Happy recap!

  528. nyj0126 says:

    He did it. He listened to me.

  529. pedro4545 says:

    YESSSSSS

  530. Nightlife says:

    YEESSSSSSSSS!!!

  531. hotchipwillbreakyourlegs says:

    yeesh

  532. miker94 says:

    holy cow! wow, that was a big one.

  533. nyj0126 says:

    Not easy here. But we did it. I’m happy. All of us get to sleep good. Screw Milwaukee. Screw Philly. Go Mets.

  534. WrightsRight says:

    5 wins on this trip so far. Going in, would’ve been thrilled with 5, but would love to have 6

  535. hyperion4 says:

    Put it in them thar books.

    • alpitt says:

      The underrated aspect of this team this year has been the defense. Tonight, because of our defense and pitching the game was won. That’s why I had a good feeling going into extras. So refreshing. Well done ‘pen! Figgy and Stokes were great. Duaner has a heartbeat. Feliciano gets his DP.

  536. VelvetFoot says:

    YES!

  537. grotesmask says:

    And just who is this Billy Wagner of whom you speak?

    WE LOVE OUR METS!

  538. Nightlife says:

    Really did NOT expect to win this series. Take one, but to win the series and have a chance at a sweep, pretty sweet.

  539. therealsince86 says:

    Yippie. This has been a great pennant race so far. I have not gotten any sleep since the allstar break. If this keeps up I may get fired but as a baseball fan watching these kinda games EVERY night….. This is the most fun I have had in years.

  540. Dafatone80 says:

    Woo!

    Stokes for MVP?

    • wethreekings says:

      Stokes has not let us down thus far.
      I believe he’s earned a permanent bullpen spot (but in this bullpen, nothing is permanent)

  541. Tina says:

    You know what, people? I think we might have a really good team.

  542. SantanaCYYOung says:

    brian stokes and luis ayala our two best bullpen arms…amazing

  543. BlueCapsOnly says:

    Tomorrow is house money

  544. nyj0126 says:

    They an A+++++ for the series lol It better carry into tomorrow because Philly will probably beat the Nats. This is how you play. There pitching was awesome after the 5th. Usually it’s the starters doing the job. The hitting has to get more consistent, but a win is a win. Especially against a tough team.

    I remember a couple weeks ago I said something on here that I’d rather see Milwaukee than St. Louis. I may take that back because the Cardinals simply suck, but no one can sit here and tell me we can’t handle the Brewers. I know we didn’t see CC, but we can beat this team.

    • Nightlife says:

      Why should they “have” to carry it over tomorrow. I would LOVE a sweep but just be happy we WON the series on the road against a very good team. 2 out of 3 on the road is usually the best you can expect.

  545. HangingSlider says:

    Holy crap! That base hit from weeks is fair Jerry is a goat. Its foul so Jerry and Ayala are heroes. Unreal!

  546. nyj0126 says:

    Anyone see a winning streak coming?

  547. johnstearns says:

    Finally over .500 on the road again. Nicely done.

  548. cousinrk says:

    My God I am loving this team. Amazing to say it after last year and the beginning of this year.

    But I don’t know if my heart can handle this daily? I am too young to die of heart disease

  549. ravi3 says:

    Man….how much flak did Omar get for bringing in Brian Stokes, of the 7.08 era last year in 62.1 IP? He is looking like one of those great, under the radar pick ups by Omar.

    • nyj0126 says:

      Can’t forget about Ayala, Figueroa, Claudio Vargas, Endy Chavez, Fernano Tatis and a lot of his random pick ups that make us have incredible depth. He’s a risk taker. He does a lot of good and a lot of damage. If the Mets had not had him, we probably wouldn’t have had guy’s like John Maine, Endy Chavez, Fernando Tatis and Ryan Church. But than again, we might have Heath Bell, Matt Lindstrom and other’s. The Santana trade was a good trade too, but most GM’s would have bit on that. Carlos Gomez will be an awesome player for years to come.

  550. DaN22CaP says:

    good thing i dont watch the comments until the end of the game.. as if the game itself wasnt too much for me, you guys put it over the top. shut up and watch our first place, willie-less mets.

  551. hi5wright says:

    I can now breathe. Kudos to our bullpen which was, I can’t believe that I’m saying this, but GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  552. fatburrell92 says:

    Sure wish these we’re the Playoff games.

  553. chicagometfan says:

    12 straight very big scoreless innings from our pen. Stokes ,Ayala and Figgy are now are big late season pick ups

  554. wethreekings says:

    I was actually pretty impressed by how Niese handled the first 3 innings.
    He was obviously not ready, but I saw a lot of good things from him there.

  555. dominicanboy08 says:

    gotta give credit to ayala, he was pitching hurt. he isnt afraid to throw strikes and pitch.

  556. nyj0126 says:

    He deserves credit for bringing in Brian. He also deserves to lose some for losing Jesus Flores who’s career might be threatened after that injury tonight anyway.

    I don’t think Omar’s a god or the worse thing that’s ever happened to the Mets. He’s what the Mets are. Mediocre to slightly above average. If that above average team carries you into the playoffs, than everyone’s happy. Otherwise, mediocrity doesn’t seem to be a way for this team. Not since the prestige that’s come about since 2006.

  557. dcrockett17 says:

    Tomorrow’s Headline:

    “Luis Ayala channels John Franco!”

    I know he isn’t left handed and doesn’t throw a screwball, but aren’t his outings just like Franco’s?

    Billy Wagner has a totally different feel. You know that every now and then Wags is going to groove a pitch and give up a long one. But in between those times he’s going to be damn near dominant.

    Ayala is like Franco was. He lives on the edge. No such thing as a smooth outing. Every at bat is at least 8 pitches long with really loud foul ball strikes… and that’s in his 1-2-3 innings, which he rarely has. Most of the time he has baserunners everywhere.

    You know. I kinda forgot how much I missed that.

    • nyj0126 says:

      Yeah. Franco does remind me of him. Armando Benitez reminds me of Wagner. All 4 of those guy’s always make things interesting, but you always had the uh oh in your mind with Wagner and Benitez. Like you knew they’d blow it before ever coming it. It’s there mentality. They’re crunchers.

      Ayala looks like he has control of himself there. He looks like he knows how to get outs if he takes his time. Billy manages to not look like he’s not about to have a heart attack, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t know what’s going on. I’m not thrilled about getting Billy back other than having an extra arm in the pen.

      At least they’re using the guy’s who they need. Stokes. Ayala. They’re mixing in Feliciano and Smith. Less Heilman, Duaner and the guy’s who destroy games.

  558. nyj0126 says:

    Honestly, no. Not until these Mets are in the playoffs. All of us have the right to look and monitor every thing as if it’s the most important thing. That’s how we lost it last year. It was painful. If the Mets can get into the playoffs and take the division that’s ours back, than I’ll be somewhat satisfied even if we don’t make it deep into it. Than I’ll look at the playoffs as trying to continue our achievements.

    • wethreekings says:

      Ok…But if you say this team is mediocre, then why have such expectations for them. Make up your mind! Don’t dismiss their accomplishments and only be satisfied if they’re dominant. Being a baseball fan is supposed to be fun, not upsetting.

  559. fatburrell92 says:

    If we win tomorrow, we’ve got a shot to bring the wild card back into reach too.

  560. danlx13 says:

    awesome bullpen…
    STOKES!!!!
    FELISIANO!!!
    SMITH!!!
    AYALA!!

    BIG WIN!!!!!

  561. hotchipwillbreakyourlegs says:

    to win such an unfavorable pitching match-up tells me something about this team. props to the bullpen, the defense and just enough runs to put it in the books!

  562. nyj0126 says:

    Yeah, we do. If we make a big winning streak out of this, we have a chance to knock Philly out of contention. Well, they can never really be knocked out in September – but if we get hot enough than we might actually be able to breath a little easy in September. It wouldn’t taste half as good if Philadelphia gets in winning the division if we are the wild card. I want the division. I want to see Phillies fans using the Eagles as there excuse for the pain they’ll be experiencing when the Mets take there division. They’ll have to deal with Carlos Beltran’s prediction for months and months.

    • danlx13 says:

      yea maybe we can get a 7 run lead with 17 games to go!!!

    • Nightlife says:

      So the Phillies have one amazing September last year and a team has a once in a lifetime collapse and this automatically sets a precedent that this will always happen for the rest of time?

      • Slugwart says:

        To hear Phillies fans talk of it, yes. Any time you say anything that even rhymes with Mets, they automatically respond with some reference to the 2007 collapse.

        I know that Philadelphia hasn’t been known for its smarts since Benjamin Franklin died… but has anyone done the math? 7 games with 17 to play isn’t worse than 6.5 with only 10 (aka The 10 Game Phlop).

  563. nyj0126 says:

    In a way, yes. They are our division rivals. No, not necessarily. It’s more of just a recent memory thing. If it’s not addressed with a personal feel, than it can happen again. I don’t even think it’d be possible to have another historic collapse because the Mets came back on the Phillies and probably won’t ever be that far ahead of them.

    It wasn’t even so much the Phillies having an amazing September. The Rockies had an amazing one. The Phillies had a good one. The Mets had a horrible one. So horrible that even horrible teams didn’t play that bad. It was to the point that Mets hitters couldn’t get anyone on base like the last week of the season except for one game that made the last game of the season even count.

    Now is the time. Last September has to be a motivator and a reminder. I don’t see a reason why they can’t do it. The games that will count the most will be against the Phillies. Being 10-5 this year and doing well against the NL East who is most of our remaining schedule is the difference between last year and this year even though the records are not all that far apart. They play better at home, they are getting better starting pitcher and they’re back to there great ways of scoring runs early. There depth is amazing. There defense is solid. The only big problems are the bullpen, some of the injuries they’ve had to deal with and the inconsistency of the offense late in the games. If they can make all of those categories at least average, they’re in really good shape.

  564. nyj0126 says:

    I know it was a little weird how I initially answered that question, but that’s really the only way of describing it. I know a lot of people who resent the idea of even thinking about last September. I agree with them that it’s not worth the agony. There’s no way of completely forgetting about it though. And if we do don’t make the playoffs regardless of the circumstances, people will say not this all over again. Especially if it’s on the last day of the season.

  565. grotesmask says:

    Um, I’ll gladly take the 7 game lead w/ 17 to go–THIS TIME!