Daily Archives: September 3, 2008
According to Bob Klapisch, in the Bergen Record, citing ‘club officials,’ “Jerry Manuel is well-positioned to get at least a two-year contract extension.”
As Klapisch points out, the Mets have a .623 winning percentage since Manuel replaced Willie Randolph on June 17.
MetsBlog reader Greg L sent in the following e-mail:
“What makes Manuel’s current .623 winning percentage so extraordinary is that, not only would it be the highest first-year winning percentage in the history of baseball, but he took over a team that was under .500 after it’s first 69 games.”
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The Mets announced yesterday that Billy Wagner reported no problems following Monday’s 25-pitch bullpen session in New York.
However, according to SNY’s Kevin Burkhardt, Wagner will likely need a similar bullpen session before making a rehab appearance for Single-A Brooklyn.
The problem, however, is that Brooklyn plays its final regular-season game on Sunday.
…therefore, from what i can gather, the plan may be to have him throw a bullpen session in New York either Thursday or Friday, then pitch a simulated game with his team at Shea Stadium over the weekend, at which point the team can hopefully activate him for the following series…
On Sunday, Pedro Martinez left the team to work on his ‘flexibility’ in New York with his personal trainer Chris Correnti.
Prior to yesterday’s game, Jerry Manuel told reporters that Martinez had difficultly getting his shoulder ‘warm’ before and during his last start against the Marlins.
Manuel, on Martinez’s status, while talking to reporters:
“If this does not work out for him, and he can’t it going, then I don’t know…He can be effective to a certain degree, but there comes a time against experienced people - who you just faced - where that might not be the best type of situation.”
Martinez is scheduled to start on Saturday against the Phillies.
Tagged Pedro Martinez |
Last night, Nelson Figueroa, Duaner Sanchez, Brian Stokes, Pedro Feliciano, Joe Smith and Luis Ayala combined to pitch seven scoreless innings in relief.
Technically, Figueroa allowed a run to score in the fourth, but it was charged to Jon Niese.
Manuel told reporters that ‘his plan,’ or ‘the idea,’ given the number of relievers on the roster, is to use lots of pitchers in short stints – as long as they continue to have success.
By the way, Ayala is 5 for 6 in save opportunities, while posting a 3.00 ERA in nine appearances for the Mets.
The Mets bullpen has not allowed a run in it’s last three appearances, spanning 13 innings.
Jon Niese was roughed up in his major-league debut last night, letting up five runs and seven hits through four innings.
From the first pitch he threw, Niese appeared to be aiming the ball, while ‘telegraphing his pitches,’ as Keith Hernandez likes to say. That said, when at it’s best, his curve ball is seemingly devastating, as it is not all that much slower than his fastball. He clearly has a ton of talent, but for whatever reason he was a total mess last night – and I am not at all concerned about it.
Niese, on Niese, speaking to reporters after the game:
“I’m excited that the team won…This is every kid’s dream, to play in the big leagues. I’m just thankful to have the opportunity to play, and to get the first one out of the way.”
Jerry Manuel, regarding Niese, talking to reporters, said:
“Well, you know, I think that you almost have to throw that one out for him and kind of give him the benefit of the doubt. I think it was obviously a tremendous experience for him. I think th effect that we end up winning the game, which is the most important thing, is a good thing. I think if it went the other way, and having had the lead that we had, I think it would have had an adverse effect. But, I think winning the game, and with the way everybody feels, I think it lifts his spirits when he probably knows that was not his best…I can see the potential in the young man. I think he has tremendous potential, upside. Again, I think we really benefited as an organization with this experience and not losing in the midst of a pennant race.”
For more on Niese, check out John Harper in the Daily News, who writes, “Niese showed plenty of guts and a world of potential. He just didn’t show that he’s quite ready to pitch in the big leagues, particularly in a September pennant race.”
During last night’s win, Carlos Beltran had two hits, including a three-run home run.
Beltran is on pace to hit roughly 25 home runs this season, with around 115 RBI, 20 stolen bases and 35 doubles, while batting .277.
Interestingly, he hit .276 last season and .275 in 2006.
Also, he drove in 116 RBI in 2006 and 112 RBI last season, while hitting 38 and 33 doubles in each of the last two years.
In short, including this year, over the last three seasons, he has been a lock to hit around .275, drive in over 110 runs, and hit at least 30 doubles, while playing Gold-Glove caliber defense.
For what it’s worth, he is hitting .275 with runners in scoring position, also roughly the same as last season.
Yet, most fans, myself included, seemingly struggle to appreciate Beltran’s quiet, successful and consistent style of play.
To watch 
‘s exclusive Post Game Extra, hosted by Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez, including highlights and quotes from last night’s extra-inning win over the Brewers, click play below:
