Daily Archives: September 15, 2008
The Nationals (57-93) are determined to play the role of spoiler 
down the stretch as they defeated the Mets (83-66) by the score of 7 to 2 tonight in Washington.
For a recap, boxscore, stats, etc., from last night’s loss, go to SNY.tv.
Well this is why it’s called a pennant race as it has become evident for some time now that every game is of the utmost importance. The Mets’ lead in the NL East has diminished to half a game.
Long Island native John Lannan held the Mets at bay, allowing just a double to Brian Schneider in the third. Lannan went seven, and gave up one run.
Pedro Martinez had nice movement on his fastball, and gave them a good outing…until the sixth. Former Met Anderson Hernandez had a two-out, two run single to give the Nats a three run lead. I would love to see Pedro be able to stay in the game longer by being more effective, but he has only gone 7 innings twice in 18 appearances.
Ricardo Rincon got two quick outs in the seventh only to be relieved by Duaner Sanchez who allowed a walk, single, then three-run blast to Elijah Dukes. I’m no big league manager, but why is it that skippers always bring in righties to face righties and vice versa in spots like this. I know the stats dictate to do so, but nothing frustrates me more than when they do it and the previous reliever is cruising. Play the hot hand, offensively and defensively.
The Mets had a chance with the bases loaded in the eighth, but David Wright hit into an inning ending double play.
In other news, Bobby Parnell had a nice major league debut, Lee Mazzilli’s Shave Zone commercial seems to have replaced Guiseppe Franco, and Teddy Roosevelt lost the President’s Race…again.
Mike Pelfrey (13-9) matches up against Odalis Perez (6-10) tomorrow in the nation’s capital.
Tagged Regis Courtemanche |
The Mets have announced that Brandon Knight will start on Wednesday against the Nationals.
Therefore, expect the following rotation over the next few days:
Tuesday: Mike Pelfrey at Nationals
Wednesday: Brandon Knight at Nationals
Thursday: Johan Santana at Nationals
Friday: Oliver Perez at Braves
Jerry Manuel told WFAN prior to tonight’s game that Damion Easley’s quad muscle is still ‘tender,’ and he will likely remain unavailable until the weekend.
He also said that while Luis Ayala is ‘the guy,’ with regards to the ninth inning, he will not hesitate to pull him if he need be, though he does believe Ayala matches up well against the Nationals – as does Aaron Heilman.
Prior to today’s game, John Maine did some light throwing from roughly 60 feet and told reporters he could be ready to pitch from the bullpen towards the end of next week.
Maine also said he would be open to being the team’s closer next season, if he were asked, though he would prefer to remain a starting pitcher.
The Game:
The first place Mets (83-65) begin a four-game series against the Nationals (56-93) tonight at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., starting at 7:05 pm.
The Lineup:
- SS Jose Reyes
- RF Ryan Church
- 3B David Wright
- CF Carlos Beltran
- 1B Carlos Delgado
- LF Fernando Tatis
- 2B Luis Castillo
- C Brian Schneider
- P Pedro Martinez
The Pitchers:
RHP Pedro Martinez (5-4, 5.44 ERA) starts for the Mets. In 15 career games, seven starts, versus the Nationals, Martinez is 5-2 with a 2.40 ERA. He has not pitched against the Nationals since 2006. In seven of his last 10 starts, Martinez has allowed three runs or less. He is 4-1 with a 6.06 ERA in10 road starts this season.
LHP John Lannan (8-13, 4.09 ERA) starts for the Nationals. Lannan last start came against the Mets on September 9, earning a no-decision, allowing five runs on eight hits, while walking one and striking out two. He is 0-2 with a 6.53 ERA in his career against the Mets and 3-8 with a 5.65 in 12 home starts this season.
The Notes:
The Mets are 13-8-4 in road series this season.
Ryan Church is batting .444 with 2 HR and 5 RBI in 9 career at-bats versus Lannan.
Christian Guzman is 7-for-21 (.333) all-time versus Martinez.The Nationals are 20-28 in series openers.
How To Catch It:
Tonight’s game can be seen 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…
Tagged Mike Nichols |
According to the Milwaukee Journal 
Sentinel, the Brewers have fired their manager Ned Yost.
The Brewers are 3–10 in September.
They are currently tied with the Phillies for first place in the Wild Card, though they have squandered a five-game lead.
…i am not sure i ever recall a team firing their manager, when essentially tied for a playoff spot…
Yesterday, Jerry Manuel told reporters that he has yet to decide on who will start for the team on Wednesday against Nationals.
According to Adam Rubin in the Daily News, Brandon Knight is expected to get the call.
Speaking of starting pitchers, Manuel also said that Jon Niese will get his next start on Monday, Sept. 22, against the Cubs.
My regularly-scheduled guest appearance on The Natural with Greg Marotta on WVNJ 1160 AM will be today at 4:10 pm.
To listen live, tune in to 1160 AM, or click here.
Also, to watch today’s edition of 
‘s New York Baseball Today, during which Brian Custer, Alex Belth and I talk about whether to re-sign Oliver Perez, and Joe Girardi benching Robinson Cano, click play below:
To submit a question for Monday’s New York Baseball Today, send an e-mail to baseball@sny.tv.
Yesterday was the last day the Atlanta Braves would ever play at Shea Stadium and it brought back a lot of memories for me. As much as I have hated the Bravos over the years, I am more of a baseball fan than anything and it was bittersweet to see them at Shea one last time.
Despite the heartbreak of 14 straight division titles, the Braves have provided nothing less than high drama at Shea and one can do nothing less than respect them, especially, dare I say it, Larry “Chipper” Jones. For this reason I blasphemously clapped for him as he stepped up to the plate. Don’t worry, I won’t name my son Larry.
It is easier to appreciate the diminished rivalry because the Braves are in the cellar of the NL East, and the Phillies have taken their place. Although my Brave hatred will forever linger, I found it fitting that it’s all but gone this year, just as Shea will soon be too. Change is the only constant I suppose.
These are the games and the days we need to really try to remember as we get older, because they will remind us of what baseball is all about. The rivalries, the cheers, the boos, the smells – for better or worse – and just the overall experience of attending a game at Shea Stadium.
Is it weird for me to say that I got a little choked up as my 7 train arrived at the ballpark yesterday…or should I say ballparks. Goodbye Larry, and Goodbye Shea.
For a slideshow of yesterday’s events, including the Citi Field Preview area, click here.
Tagged Regis Courtemanche, Shea Stadium |Send in your questions now and join, and click refresh to see if your question is answered.
Tom, from Brooklyn: What is wrong with Pedro Martinez?
Matthew Cerrone, from MetsBlog.com: Don’t ask me.
Keith, from Queens: Isn’t my mustache great?
Matthew Cerrone, from MetsBlog.com: Well, your name is Keith.
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