postGame: Mets 7 Nationals 2

September 18, 2008 at 22:03 pm · 163 comments

by Matthew Cerrone

The Mets (85–67) defeated the Nationals (58–95) by the score of 7 to 2 in Washington, D.C., tonight.

For a recap, boxscore and stats from tonight’s game, click here.

Lastings Milledge misjudged a hit by Daniel Murphy in the first inning, which allowed Jose Reyes to score the game’s first run.  Actually, Milledge barely hustled after the ball, as it rolled to the warning track behind him.  Now, I’m not saying Milledge intentionally laid up on the ball, but, man, it certainly looked like it.  If so, thanks L’Millz.

The Mets are 31–9 when Reyes scores in the first inning.

Brian Schneider hit two home runs.  Two.  He also threw out a runner trying to steal second. 

In the third, a poor read by Elijah Dukes turned in to a two-out RBI double off the center-field wall from Carlos Beltran, which was followed by a two-out RBI from Ryan Church.  I dig the pedal-to-the-metal offense.  I hope this continues.

Ryan Zimmerman robbed David Wright of two hits with two sensational defensive plays – and, for some reason, I’m pretty sure I wrote those exact words before.  Or, it’s just deja-vu. 

It has to be said, Wright looks awful at the plate.  I mean, just down-right lost.  He has a huge, ugly upper cut going, and, as Keith Hernandez put it, ‘he is flailing at pitches.’  I have no idea what the problem is, but hopefully a change of scenery and a new set of pitchers will help.

Johan Santana, who had a single, a double, and who scored a run, looked outstanding on the mound through most of the game, letting up just one run, while walking two and striking out eight, despite giving up eight hits.

By the way, Santana has not lost a game in the second half, during which the Mets are 9–3.  His second-half ERA is 2.39.

I was not comfortable seeing the bullpen inherit just a six-run lead, and though Joe Smith allowed a run in one inning of work, Scott Schoeneweis and Pedro Feliciano looked strong to protect the win.

The Brewers lost tonight, meaning the Mets now lead the Wild Card by two losses.  However, the Phillies won their seventh game in a row, and continue to lead the NL East by one win, though the Mets and Phillies remain tied in the loss column.

The Mets begin a three-game series with the Braves in Atlanta tomorrow night, starting at 7 pm, with Oliver Perez (10-7, 4.09 ERA) taking on Jo Jo Reyes (3-11, 5.50 ERA), while the Phillies head to Miami to take on the Marlins.

{ 163 comments }

Ceetar September 18, 2008 at 10:03 pm

Magic Number 9 to make the playoffs.

losmets5 September 18, 2008 at 10:07 pm

Darn. You beat me to it.

BiggieSmalls September 18, 2008 at 11:51 pm

how come David Price can come in for the Rays, mow the yanks down for 3 innings and be named a key part of the pen,

K Rod can come out of no where and dominate for the Angels in a playoff race

Wainwright can close games after being a starter and be very effective

Papelbon can convert to a closer in his rookie season and help the sox win it all

yet Bobby Parnell doesnt even get a shot except its 12 – 0 while the rest of our Pen is imploding on a regular basis??

dwright5_godsend September 18, 2008 at 11:59 pm

I don’t know if I’d put Parnell in the same category as Price, Papelbon, K-Rod, and Wainwright. We still don’t know what kind of pitcher he’s gonna be at the big league level. However, I completely agree with the questioning of his playing time. I would also like to know why Al Reyes has yet to be seen. Banish Duaner and Heilman, and give these kids a shot. 7-2 game in the 9th is a perfect time to do so, but yet Manuel goes to Scho and Feliciano. I don’t get it, either.

BiggieSmalls September 19, 2008 at 9:21 am

he point is we’ll never know unless we put him in.. just like the above examples. They needed someone to step up and gave each one a chance to fill the spot.

Parnell continues to whither on the bench. With discussions of throwing a “simulated game” or thrown in when no other options are available.

It was 7 – 1 .. throw him in and see how he does. He did well the other nite so increase his exposure.

cant be worse than what has been out there.

Wright88 September 19, 2008 at 12:07 am

…..have you seen Parnell’s numbers? I mean c’mon…

One Day This Team Will Kill Me September 19, 2008 at 8:56 am

Thank You! I was trying to call the fan to say the same thing last night. I mean its a 7-1 game, the bullpen is not only ineffective, but exhausted. Parnell pitched an 8 pitch DOMINANT inning the other night. I mean if you try him out and he gives up a few hits in a row like everyone else does, then pull him. But just maybe he gets the last 6 outs and strikes out 3! They need someone who can miss bats! If Maine comes back with some velocity hes the closer, and if Parnell comes out of nowhere, hes the setup man. All of a sudden the Met bullpen wouldnt look so bad anymore. I just dont get it, the game wasnt even close, and NO ONE in that bullpen misses bats or throws strikes right now.

racemccloud September 18, 2008 at 10:05 pm

Lidge is not going to be perfect this year. He’s going to blow one. And when he does… it’s gonna be huge.

losmets5 September 18, 2008 at 10:09 pm

Yup. Would’ve been nice of it could’ve been tonight.

losmets5 September 18, 2008 at 10:10 pm

*if

Boscov September 18, 2008 at 11:29 pm

Lidge won’t blow a big game this season. I’m quite certain of this. When the Phillies secure the Wild Card, and through round 1, Lidge still won’t have blown a save.

When the Mets and Phillies meet in the NLCS, Bradley Lidge will blow a baseball game. And the Mets will beat the Phillies, in 5 games (ruining a potential epic clash of the titans), and go on to win the world series over the Angels from Los Angeles and/or Anahiem.

That’s going to happen.

D-Day September 18, 2008 at 10:34 pm

lidge is a headcase, if he blows one it will open the flood gates and he will go into a funk for the stretch. it will happen.

rockets212 September 19, 2008 at 12:48 am

couldnt agree more but he actually has to blow a save and i dont think he will do that

Bogar September 19, 2008 at 7:23 am

You’d think if he was a head case he would have blown one by now. Everyone else has, so I guess all closers are head cases. Sounds about right.

The Ladies Busdriver September 19, 2008 at 8:04 am

He still sees Pujols inside the darkness of his eyelids…

Bogar September 19, 2008 at 9:09 am

Don’t see why he let a Pujols HR get to him. Pujols is one of the best hitters of his generation.

It’s not like he let some stiff like So Taguchi or Bucky Dent or Todd Pratt beat him.

prospect421 September 18, 2008 at 10:07 pm

It’s funny that Wright isn’t hitting now and the rest of the team is….If this is the case I hope Wright doesn’t get another hit the rest of the season as long as the Mets keep winning.

PedroMANIA September 18, 2008 at 10:41 pm

I don’t wish that for Wright but he has been rediculously inconsistant this year… this is not something your number 3 hitter in the order should be doing.

OrangeNblue September 18, 2008 at 11:47 pm

See, I don’t think David Wright should be batting 3rd for the rest of the season. I think Manuel should bat him 2nd, get him going since he will see more fastball (according to baseball experts). I am no expert, but anything that can get David going I’m in favor of. Reyes has been going lately and he is the key to winning games, i’m happy about him the last 2 games. Beltran should move up to the 3rd slot. Move Murphy down in the meantime, I bet Murphy could bat 3rd any time as well, he makes good contact every time. I hate to watch David struggle the way he is right now.

khmustache September 18, 2008 at 10:08 pm

girl horses and the fish tomorrow…well one hot streak has to end…here’s hoping it’s the fillies

losmets5 September 18, 2008 at 10:08 pm

I bet you the Braves are gonna explode when they play the Mets.

Nightlife September 18, 2008 at 10:11 pm

Ollie is usually great against the Braves so we have that going for us tomorrow.

kdubs September 18, 2008 at 10:22 pm

Explode in a good or bad way?

losmets5 September 18, 2008 at 10:35 pm

Bad. For us.

ehog September 19, 2008 at 10:02 am

I bet you’ll be getting it up the dookey chute.

MetsFan4Decades September 18, 2008 at 10:12 pm

Johan is worth every penny they gave him.
Brian ’slugger’ Schneider.
What I like about the last 2 nights is it’s not just one guy carrying the team but a different cast of characters getting it done.

And I’m starting to feel bad for David. Sending some good vibes for him.

kd bart September 18, 2008 at 10:13 pm

Wright’s swing on a 2-1 pitch his first time up was one of the worse swings I’ve ever seen.

sandiegometsman September 18, 2008 at 10:22 pm

Not to be a nitpicker, or ungrateful for the last 2 wins.. but this bullpen still gives me an ulcer. I gotta say. I’m actually glad that i’m a Mets fan and not a Brewer fan today. Blowing a 4 run lead in the 9th inning against a division rival in the heat of a playoff race? Wow, luckily the Packers opened up strong.

pessimetfan1 September 18, 2008 at 10:31 pm

hey matt, not to be nitpicky ,but which shoenweiss did you see pitching that looked strong? cuz the one i saw gave up two hits to the three batters he faced… on second thought i guess for a mets reliever that is actually considered a strong outing these days

Danny September 19, 2008 at 12:36 am

Anytime a reliever gets an out it is to be celebrated.

1DoggLJ September 18, 2008 at 10:24 pm

If I gave you guys the take it or leave it options of the Mets going 6-4 down the stretch, do you take it?

Remember, if the Mets go 6-4, the Brewers would have to go 7-2 to win the wildcard. If the Brew Crew dont go 7-2, the Phils would have to go 6-3 to win the division outright — 5-4 for the Phils would give the Mets the division on a tiebreaker.

SantanaCYYOung September 18, 2008 at 10:30 pm

take it, no question

miker94 September 18, 2008 at 10:38 pm

honestly? 6-4??? i dont think so. i’d say 5-5 or 4-6. not being negative, just realistic. sorry.

1DoggLJ September 18, 2008 at 11:08 pm

The question wasnt whether you think they will go 6-4, its whether or not you would take it. Based on your answer I guess you would.

DAG September 18, 2008 at 10:24 pm

Has a site been determined for a Brewers-Mets tiebreaker?

The Slider September 18, 2008 at 10:31 pm

Bite your tongue. We are winning the darn Division. End of story.

DAG September 18, 2008 at 10:37 pm

Right. I’ll ask you again when the bullpen blows it tomorrow.

curiojeff September 18, 2008 at 10:24 pm

Strange about Wright. We all thought he’d found his stroke last week, esp. after that 2-homer game. Where did that guy go?

Parvis September 18, 2008 at 10:29 pm

Worry about why your stroking 4 times a day and havent seen any daylight in weeks you wuss!!!!

Maybe if you can gather up around $12 you can higher one of those “woMAN” with a mustache like yours with a 12 incher and worry about that stroke you putz…

Sylar September 18, 2008 at 10:32 pm

Are you even speaking English?

D-Day September 18, 2008 at 10:35 pm

man chill dude. whats your problem, the guy made a reasonable statement. what are you a phils fan.

miker94 September 18, 2008 at 10:39 pm

wow, that’s a funny thread! how did it even come to this???

losmets5 September 18, 2008 at 10:39 pm

What the hell, man.

patrick September 18, 2008 at 10:50 pm

“higher” LOL

Danny September 19, 2008 at 12:39 am

Besides the name-calling, that post was funny

washtiger September 18, 2008 at 10:26 pm

Thank goodness we’re done with the Nats. I don’t recall a peskier team in recent memory… At least down the stretch we took 4 of 6 against them this year, as opposed to losing 5 of 6 last year. At least that aspect is reversed.

Now let’s pummel the Braves. The Phillies can’t keep going like this; Lidge is bound to blow one. Cubs will probably have their division wrapped up by Monday, so let’s hope that bodes well for us — maybe they rest their regulars.

Something’s gotta give with this bullpen though. How is it that we can’t feel comfortable with a 5 or 6 run lead against the Nats in the 8th/9th inning? A 1-2-3 inning or two would be nice for a change.

Well things certainly looked worse after losing the first two of this series…

MetsFan4Decades September 18, 2008 at 10:31 pm

I truly believe, if we make it into the post season, the only way we’re going anywhere is to score 10 runs a game. –Because this BP, well what we see is as good as I think it’s gonna get rest of this year…

BiggieSmalls September 18, 2008 at 10:27 pm

“Shoeneweiss looked strong” is a bit of a stretch.

He got one out, gave up two hits and got lifted for another lefty.

walked off the mound looking pissy.. some sack on him.

Ceetar September 18, 2008 at 10:27 pm

Oh, and tomorrow marks one month since Argenis Reyes has gotten a hit.

Santana has a handful more extra base hits than he does. probably in less at-bats.

patrick September 18, 2008 at 10:30 pm

Oh and, the Mets lose when Castillo plays, so, ya know what…Reyes plays.

Ceetar September 18, 2008 at 10:32 pm

quirk of statistics. Just not true in general.

Castillo could’ve sat on the plate for every at-bat, and been sitting down for every at-bat in the field and the Mets would’ve won today. He would’ve batted better than Reyes that way too.

patrick September 18, 2008 at 10:36 pm

Ceetar, you Willie and Luis can have tea in the off season.

Castillo is a liability because he is not healthy. You cry quirk of statistics when Reyes was sent down to the minors and did not play for weeks.

Sylar September 18, 2008 at 10:34 pm

They lost 1-0 with Argenis Reyes on Tuesday.

Luis Castillo isn’t causing them to lose. Our horrendous bullpen and lack of clutch hits is what causes us to lose.

Castillo should start over Reyes, without question.

patrick September 18, 2008 at 10:37 pm

Dude Castillo IS HURT. HE IS A LIABILITY on the FIELD.

Sylar September 18, 2008 at 10:42 pm

A hurt Castillo is still way better than Awful Reyes

Argenis Reyes:

.219/.261/.248

4 walks and 1 XBH in 100 + at bats

That’s unimaginably horrible for a starting position player

Reyes’ edge on defense just cannot overshadow the fact that he can not hit at all.

Parvis September 18, 2008 at 10:49 pm

^^^^^^^Sylar

WOW!!! Ding* Ding* “Slappy’s” Number one fan!!!

Your the Guy that has that pink Castillo Jersey that you sleep with nightly,arent you….

Your so smart, I think Minya should step down and higher you..What do you think? Maybe you can leadoff with Delgado, put your beloved “Slappy” in the cleanUp spot maybe drop Beltran to 8th and bring in Wright as the closer…..

Your are a waste of sperm…..Maybe in the offseason you can really show “Slappy” why your his number one fan!!!

Sylar September 18, 2008 at 10:58 pm

First off you ignoramus, I don’t like Castillo, but Argenis Reyes is one of the worst players in baseball.

Second… your a tool. Why don’t you go do something useful like playing in heavy traffic, or drink the blue stuff under your mom’s sink, you grammar-challenged fruit.

el_giacomo September 18, 2008 at 11:11 pm

I’m not normally one to go all grammar police on internet message boards, but I have to make an exception for our wonderfully kind friend Parvis. I ignored the first post, but now that you’ve said it a second time, it’s time for a little English lesson.

It’s “hire”, not “higher”. H-I-R-E

Judging by your posts, you may be too high to comprehend that, but I thought I’d try anyway.

Parvis September 18, 2008 at 10:33 pm

Wow your a real brainac arent you…Take that useless info and shove it where the better half of you is located…you are a pathetic MORON!!!!

Maybe next post you can tell us that Johan Santana wears the #57 and hes a SP, who the mets traded for…

Or

that Jose Reyes is pretty good!!

Go get lost in a dark ally you swagless Jerk…

losmets5 September 18, 2008 at 10:42 pm

You have some serious anger issues.

Parvis September 18, 2008 at 10:53 pm

Say what you want but DAM that PARVIS is hilarious!!!!!!!!!

el_giacomo September 18, 2008 at 11:21 pm

Yeah, you’re right, utter stupidity can be rather hilarious. :)

D-Day September 18, 2008 at 10:44 pm

man, can you please go play in traffic or something. if you dont have anything worth a crap to add and are just putting people down then GET LOST!

kdubs September 18, 2008 at 10:53 pm

Wow. Is it even possible for this guy to make a post without making some vulgar reference? Can he talk about baseball without making a comment rifled with innuendo?

Gross. Seriously, go back to the Phillies blog.

Boscov September 18, 2008 at 11:36 pm

I VOTE TO BOOT PARVIS OUTTA HERE. BANISH HIM FROM METSBLOG. WHO’S WITH ME?

ehog September 19, 2008 at 10:12 am

BTW, its alley, not ally

Two-By-Four September 18, 2008 at 10:34 pm

Manuel is not playing Castillo and I’m sure it has nothing to do with the commentaries on Metsblog or the media.

therealsince86 September 19, 2008 at 8:02 am

Waiting for the shocker. Everyone get ready.
I, therealsince86, am fine with Awful Reyes starting as long as he bats 8th and the rest of the offense is hitting.

However, If the offense starts to struggle again then Castillo who is much better offensively will have to be put back in the lineup.

Also, I got to thinking about how weak our bench is when Castillo starts and Awful Reyes, Endy and Marlon are the pinch hitters. :( So I guess having a guy that can actually get on base as a pinch hitter is not a bad thing.

D-Day September 18, 2008 at 10:31 pm

heard it on the fan and makes sense, i hope the cubs wrap up their division by the time they play us. if that happens and they are playing out the season theyll go light on their starters and pull them early in games and well have an even better shot, the games wont mean anything to them but mean the world to us. we’ll see. lets just handle the braves and go from there. LETS GO METS!!!!!

kd bart September 18, 2008 at 10:37 pm

If the Cubs wrap it up this weekend, probably will only see token appearances by Zambrano and Harden at Shea next. Probably limited to 50-60 pitches.

patrick September 18, 2008 at 10:31 pm

Also next year, Washington needs to reconfigure where the behind the plate camera sits, vertigo.

The Slider September 18, 2008 at 10:32 pm

I BELIEVE!

dazedandconfused September 18, 2008 at 10:32 pm

We need a new 2nd baseman for sure next season. Maybe you can try murph, but Reyes and Castillo are not options!

wallybackman'sfire September 18, 2008 at 10:38 pm

Christian Guzman as the Mets 2B next year? I think he’s a free agent. But he may be too injury-plagued for the Mets. We’ve gone down that road too often before with Alou, Valentin, Castillo, Pedro, El Duque….

PedroMANIA September 18, 2008 at 10:45 pm

Guzman signed an extension with the Nats

cleonsvan September 18, 2008 at 10:41 pm

two words – Orlando Hudson

ravi3 September 18, 2008 at 11:06 pm

fo sheezy

The Slider September 18, 2008 at 11:15 pm

Heard he’s going to go the Yankees and that they’re going to trade Cano. Just rumor.

I’d love Hudson. But second base is not the, um, problem. It’s, um, the ahhhhh, um, the bullpen.

patrick September 19, 2008 at 6:49 am

Folks, Olrando Hudson has had major surgery to end each of his last two seasons, on the same Wrist.

He is going to no longer be able to hit the ball.

therealsince86 September 19, 2008 at 8:08 am

So lets as sume that the Mets have 38 million to spend. That might be a stretch with picking up Delgado’s option. So you can go 2 ways here
A: Perez 15 million, Krod 15 million, 5th starter 8 million.
B: Perez 15 million, Hudson, 15 million, Fuentes 8 million.

Also you would have to dump Castillo as you can’t have him as a bench guy making 6 million a year. If so then you just spent 21 million a year for 2B.

Besides, have you REALLY looked at Hudson’s offensive AND defensive numbers lately?

wallybackman'sfire September 18, 2008 at 10:32 pm

I heard that Hanley Ramirez didn’t play tonite for the Marlins, nursing his injury from the nite before. I hope he plays vs. Philly. It would totally bum me out if he misses any of the Phillies series, only to play against our Mets.

Schoenweiss was not good tonite. Only got one of the 3 hitters he faced I believe, giving up 2 hits.

I love Matt and this site but I’ve never loved this focus on losses behind or ‘wins ahead’…. I like the good ole half game behind measurement. Seems clumsy doing it the other way. The Mets aren’t tied for first with the Phills. They are a half game behind. You can’t pre-suppose a win will happen to truly tie the standings. I understand a team can’t make up losses, but can only make up wins. But the focus on the loss column misses something.

patrick September 18, 2008 at 10:34 pm

The loss column in entirely accurate

effectivelywild September 18, 2008 at 10:36 pm

There is no such thing as a half game. This is a more accurate measure because of exactly what you said: you can’t make up losses.

smm140 September 18, 2008 at 11:48 pm

nope, i’m sorry. when you say two teams are tied just because they have the same # of losses, despite a different # of wins, you make an a$$umption of a future win. you are basically saying that there is no possibility of a loss, and that after the game in hand is made up there is only one possiblity … the two teams will be tied. clearly, that is not accurate.

SantanaCYYOung September 18, 2008 at 10:40 pm

i agree with wallyback,

this loss column only thing is ridiculous.
the phills have played one more game and they won, the mets will play one more game than the phills down the stretch.

what is the difference if the phills had one more loss? the mets still need to win for that extra number in the loss column.

patrick September 18, 2008 at 10:52 pm

and on the contrary, there is no such thing as a half a game.

patrick September 18, 2008 at 10:33 pm

I also have changed my stance on cloning.

The Mets need to clone Santana tonight.

A 12 man Santana staff should be unbeatable.

D-Day September 18, 2008 at 10:49 pm

if we paid 12 santanas we would have to put little leaguers at everyother position cause wed be BROKE!

patrick September 18, 2008 at 10:53 pm

Dude, when you clone him, you can low ball his mini-me’s

SantanaCYYOung September 18, 2008 at 10:37 pm

I have a feeling that the following is going to happen:

The Marlins are going to sweep the phillies.
The Mets are going to lose 2 of 3.

Standings
Mets
Phills .5 out
Fish 3 out

Wild Card

Phills
Brewers 1 out
Fish 3 out

D-Day September 18, 2008 at 10:39 pm

the fish have owned the phils this season so with the schedules the way they are, this weekend is the best chance for the mets to take back the division lead

SantanaCYYOung September 18, 2008 at 10:41 pm

but my point is that the phills are going to be that much closer

SantanaCYYOung September 18, 2008 at 10:44 pm

i mean the marlins are going to be that much closer

D-Day September 18, 2008 at 10:45 pm

true

sandiegometsman September 18, 2008 at 10:41 pm

Man, a little optimism here… I know historically we have not faired well in ATL but we should return the favor and take 2 out of 3 here. Marlins take 2 out of 3 against Pholls and we end up with a half game lead heading into next wk….

SantanaCYYOung September 18, 2008 at 10:42 pm

i want a sweep, forget 2of 3, but i’m also realistic

patrick September 18, 2008 at 10:46 pm

lets just win tomorrow night.

el_giacomo September 18, 2008 at 11:14 pm

If we are only going to win one in Atlanta, it better be on Sunday. My brother got me tickets to the game for my birthday and I don’t wanna be bummed out watching a Mets loss!!!!

D-Day September 18, 2008 at 10:38 pm

i agree with matt, if maine can get healhty and pitch out of the bullpen it would be a HUGE boost. hes competatvie and his metality would be perfect in that role. i just hope hes not pushing himself too much for an early return. the last thing i want to hear is him doing some very longterm damage.

sandiegometsman September 18, 2008 at 10:38 pm

Just curious Metfans, if things stay as they are i’m looking for honest opinions here as to which team- the Mets or Brewers are having a bigger late season collapse. I’m not really sure but the Brewers might get my vote. Right now they’ve gone 4-13 in their last seventeen games. That is even worse than the Mets 5-12 record over the last 3 wks. I think that its worse based on the fact that its coming on the heels of last yrs collapse. Just curious.

D-Day September 18, 2008 at 10:41 pm

brewers get my vote too. lost a 5 game wildcard lead in the last few weeks. i think the mets and phils are in but i want the division.

sandiegometsman September 18, 2008 at 10:45 pm

I would like division too… I’d hate to see the Phils take the division. Im thrilled that the Mets responded with 2 desperately needed wins against the pesky Nats.. (sense of humor is back) im tempted to say that this isn’t 2007 because it’s not over yet by a longshot. fortunately we’ve got Brewers firing their mgr and their bully might just be worse than ours.

D-Day September 18, 2008 at 10:41 pm

brewers get my vote too. lost a 5 game wildcard lead in the last few weeks. i think the mets and phils are in but i want the division.

effectivelywild September 18, 2008 at 10:43 pm

Just for clarification you are talking about them versus the Mets collapse last season correct? Because the Mets are not 5-12 over the last three weeks. Right now they’re 9-6 in September.

sandiegometsman September 18, 2008 at 10:46 pm

That is correct.. im comparing our collapse last yr. versus theirs this yr.. They’re a sm. market team which i think changes people’s perceptions versus a monster big market team like the Mets. But right now based on what i saw today, and with the mgr firing this wk… I’d have to vote for the Brewers melting down evern worse

SantanaCYYOung September 18, 2008 at 10:43 pm

brewers, let’s hope they continue the slide, but they have a layup of a schedule

kd bart September 18, 2008 at 10:44 pm

Mets are 9-6 in September. .600 baseball. Hardly a collapse. The Brewers on the otherhand are 4-13. That’s a collapse.

sandiegometsman September 18, 2008 at 10:47 pm

i agree, that’s what i’m saying.. not comparing our mini collapse this yr.. im tallking 2007 Mets vs. 2008 Brewcrew..

patrick September 18, 2008 at 10:44 pm

Well the Mets are not collapsing at the moment they are right there.

The Brewers were a lock to be the wild card when the Mets arrived in Milwaukee on Labor Day.

When the Mets swept it put a dent in the Milwaukee road, but a small one. Since that point the Brewers have completely fallen apart.

sandiegometsman September 18, 2008 at 10:49 pm

Agreed, Brewers getting swept at home against the Mets, and then 4 in a row against the Phillies, followed by losing 2 out of 3 against Bears, errr, Cubs is worse.. Although the Mets did lose to the Marlins, Nats, and Braves at end of season.. I give bonus pts. to the Brewers cause they’ve done it 2 yrs in a row..

ehog September 19, 2008 at 11:19 am

Brewers. did you see the cubs game yesterday?

danlx13 September 18, 2008 at 10:44 pm

THE MAGIC NUMBEr has been taken off this site and the mets are playing better again.

DONT PUT IT BACK UP!!!!!! EVER!!!!!!

sandiegometsman September 18, 2008 at 10:51 pm

I could not agree with that statement more. I can see Magic number on the baseball standings every day.. We do not need it EVER on this BLOG!!!.. It’s a freaking curse..

SantanaCYYOung September 18, 2008 at 10:48 pm

alou 8 mill
duque 7 mill
pedro 14 mill
perez 6.5 mill

= 35.5 mill off the books

i know they need to resign ollie and wright/reyes/beltran/santana are getting more money next year, but that is alot of dead money (sans ollie) coming off the books

kd bart September 18, 2008 at 10:51 pm

Have to pay Wagner for sitting out 2009. Contract not covered by insurance.

therealsince86 September 19, 2008 at 8:37 am

What does that have to do with money coming off the books? He does not have Wagner’s salary included up there?
Also it’s more money than that when you factor in a few other guys being gone and Delgado making less money.

Nightlife September 18, 2008 at 10:56 pm

I would love to get Ollie back, but something about him strikes me as a guy who would totally go in the tank once he gets a nice payday.

danlx13 September 18, 2008 at 10:59 pm

forget about resigning ollie….sign aj burnett, krod, and a couple decent relievers

johan
burnett
pelf
maine
niese/anyone else

-then trade castillo for nothing or dump him and put murphy at 2nd
-left field goes to either a cheap free agent or fmart or whoever else is available but nothing too expensive
-spend the money on bullpen..no need for another big bat
C-Schnieder
1b – delgado
2b – murphy
3b wright
ss reyes
lf – blank
cf beltran
rf church

DONE

Jaded1983 September 18, 2008 at 11:01 pm

LF – Evans until 2010 when he plays 1B : )

SantanaCYYOung September 18, 2008 at 11:06 pm

whatever happened to fernando martinez?

i don’t know about murphy at second until we see him in the winter there

MetsFan21 September 18, 2008 at 11:15 pm

Delgado’s option will get picked up. PERIOD. That option is much more attractive than overpaying Texiera who by the way is NOT coming to the Mets… my guess is the Angels or some team in the AL.

As for K-Rod, again – as much as I would love to see K-Rod in a Mets uniform, I think he will stay with the Angels unless the Mets somehow work out a deal with Wagner where his 2009 salary is deferred with interest and pay Wagner $3M to buyout the option for 2010.

Castillo was a mistake to sign to begin with. I would have rathered collected 2 draft picks from Houston which would have amounted to two sandwich picks after the conclusion of the first round. Would have been even sweeter if the 10th overall selection (which Houston used to select Stanford C Jason Castro) wasn’t protected which would have given the Mets a choice to select Castro themselves; Second baseman Jemile Weeks or a first baseman such as Justin Smoak or Brett Wallace. I’d package Castillo and Heilman to get something decent in return and offer to pay anywhere between 50-65% of Castillo’s salary if it means getting a Major League ready prospect (pitcher or hitter).

If Ollie wants a lot of money, I’d rather take the draft picks… Jekyll & Hyde performances do not constitute getting $50M-$60M for four or five years.

AJ Burnett is an injury risk but worth a shot… however, if he opts out, my guess is he ends up in St. Louis, Texas or Kansas City.

I would look into Randy Wolf, resign Pedro to a one year deal for half his salary and anchor the backend of the rotation:

Santana, Maine, Pelfrey, Niese, Free Agent pitcher/Martinez.. Maybe 2008 draft pick Brad Holt could be considered…. I’d keep F-Mart in Double-A just so he can earn his way to Triple-A. Make it a priority to stay healthy, improve his footwork and put on some weight on that skinny frame. I’d look for a stop gap Outfielder in the free agent market and use the 2009 draft pick to get an outfielder even if you have Ike Davis as an Outfielder in the system. If F-Mart proves to be healthy and hit the baseball with authority, then I would say he will be ready to contribute in 2009.

ACMetsman September 18, 2008 at 10:54 pm

Is it just me, or did Manny Acta throw the game at the end?? He took out Guzman and milledge as soon as Johan came out. I think he was throwing his old team a bone. Way to go Acta!!

MetsFan21 September 18, 2008 at 10:59 pm

I certainly don’t think Acta was throwing away the game especially losing 7-0 before the Nats finally scored late in the game. He’s not that kind of manager.

MetsFan21 September 18, 2008 at 10:57 pm

Schoenweis didn’t look good tonight… neither will a scolding from his wife after getting his spot blown… Jose Reyes will have to continue the production he put in tonight and get on base because the Mets will need it… especially after getting caught red-handed so hopefully that civil wedding came with a pre-nup… As for David Wright and Luis Castillo, better start swinging the wood, get on base, drive in runs and get on a hitting streak. Because to get shouted out as philanderers by a scorned woman surely does not make you guys look good but who cares. LET’S GO METS AND SWEEP ATLANTA!!!!!

SantanaCYYOung September 18, 2008 at 11:07 pm

what are you talking about? must have missed the news

MetsFan21 September 18, 2008 at 11:18 pm

Dude… go to deadspin.com or thedirty.com (then click Manhattan)… you will see… I wonder if Matt Cerrone will touch on this hot potato. But knowing him, I’d bet he rather not step on anyone’s toes in the Mets hierarchy.

metsmad22 September 18, 2008 at 11:31 pm

lol jose’s chick is kinda busted

MetsFan21 September 18, 2008 at 11:39 pm

I’d say bad camera angle but I wasn’t there… LOL

But hey – I will say this much: I will bet you money she had the house full of glue trap for this guy so the minute he steps on it, he’s glued for a beat down.

patrick September 19, 2008 at 6:58 am

are you clowns serious….the dirty.com? and deadspin.com

bastions of journalistic and intellectual integrity

and before you go telling me I am naive to think Reyes does not do this think about exactly what and where you are reading it….

egnirc September 19, 2008 at 7:13 am

Yea, the deadspin were so quick to pick up on that fake Maine asking for dresses story last off season. Both sites cater to the “If it’s on the internet it must be true” crowd.

I think I can throw a myspace page up of me and my friends going to a baseball game and a blurry picture of a guy on a bed and claim the same things. (At least thats what I saw of the ‘evidence’)

PhillyMet September 18, 2008 at 11:07 pm

This Braves series worries me….

Braves play us like they are in the NLCS, then go home to get swept by a divisional opponent for the 3rd straight time this season….0-9 at home and 2-13 against Phils overall this year. Now that is pathetic!

Now, watch how they amp it up against us this weekend. We are gonna seat every game out with this pen.

I’ll say right here that tomorrow night, OP throws 130+ and Jerry needs a crane to drag him out of the game rather than turn it over to the pyromaniacs of a pen. God help us…

Koko September 18, 2008 at 11:13 pm

I read somewhere above that David Wright has been inconsistent all year and that is not what you want out of the #3 hitter. Go look at the stats by month. He’s been the most consistent.

While not exactly the same, he’s been pretty good every month.

People just like to nitpick.

69mets86 September 18, 2008 at 11:15 pm

Fish arent sweeping the Phils…..no way.

1)Mets will win 2 out of 3 against Atlanta

2)we MUST at least split the 4-bill against the Cubbies

3)Phils have 1 more day off……we need to win that day to secure the division

If we can meet these 3 criteria……I think we have it!

NO WILD CARD…………NEED THE DIVISION….PERIOD!

zen September 18, 2008 at 11:45 pm

i’m fine with the wild card. part of me doesn’t want to see manny ramirez in the first round

Koko September 18, 2008 at 11:48 pm

But Zambrano and Harden have you licking your chops?

zen September 18, 2008 at 11:52 pm

both have been having health issues though. that’s another reason.

Chan Ho Parking Lot September 18, 2008 at 11:17 pm

I am not a Luis Castillo fan, but I’ve got to be honest. Argenis Reyes is garbage. Castillo needs to play more.

MetsFan21 September 18, 2008 at 11:20 pm

I’d rather have Argenis Reyes over Castillo for one reason and that is at least Reyes isn’t walking with a limp all year unlike Castillo who does not take rehab seriously and this coming from people I know who are friends with people who know Luis Castillo.

ccmetfan September 18, 2008 at 11:38 pm

In case anyone wants to know, Humber pitched today against the Rays for the Twins. 2 runs in 5.1 innings.

MetsFan21 September 18, 2008 at 11:40 pm

Really… I had no idea Humber was pitching. I’m rooting for him only because I think he will pan out more than say Kevin Mulvey.

ccmetfan September 19, 2008 at 12:07 am

The trade for Santana helped out both teams today. Santana pitched great.
Carlos Gomez went 2-3 with a great catch.
Humber pitched 5.1 innings in relief after their starter lasted only .2 innings. He kept them in the game until the twins won in the ninth.

metsmad22 September 19, 2008 at 12:11 am

wow great for him……i truly believe that the twins preferred the mets package to that of the yankees, but the yankee spin machine made it quickly into “well, we didn’t want him” b/c NO ONE SAYS NO TO THE YANKEES!

metsmad22 September 18, 2008 at 11:54 pm

wow so humber performed better on the road against tampa than phil hughes has all year. interesting how that trade was panned as a bag of balls, and yet clearly every yankee prospect is garbage.

metsmad22 September 18, 2008 at 11:55 pm

and damn jose is DUMB for getting his picture taken like that let’s just hope this doesn’t turn into some distraction that messes him up. dumb dumb dumb ugly girl.

MetsFan21 September 19, 2008 at 12:17 am

I would say the beautiful people of Atlanta will probably pull a page from Boston fans and wear brunette wigs to the stadium for Reyes; Dark blonde wigs for Shoenweis and Wright; and sheek black wigs for Castillo.

While reading deadspin as well as thedirty.com, if you also check out http://www.bentleymatthews.com (click on weblog), Johan Santana’s name is mentioned… and this chick was involved with another ballplayer: Jose Arrendondo.

Which makes want to say this… anyone want to play Kanye West’s song, “Golddigger”? LOL

In all seriousness – I hope they focus on the task at hand and clearly avoid being distracted by the mess they created and got themselves in.

MH September 19, 2008 at 12:26 am

I think it’s great that Mets fans are fueling this crap…

LL September 19, 2008 at 8:47 am

It wasn’t Johan Santana that was mentioned, it was Ervin Santana of the Angels.

MH September 19, 2008 at 12:02 am

Senor Santana delivers yet again.

Anyone want to retract the “choke” accusations and recognize that just maybe the Mets faced good left-handed pitching the first two Nats games and are struggling as a team against lefties when those lefties are “on?” I worry that the Mets have no balance in the line-up with the injuries to Easley and Tatis and with Wright struggling and J Reyes not comfortable when batting righty. Anyone know whether we’re slated to face any good lefties in the next few series?

I notice no one has called David Wright “immature” or “petulant” for slamming his helmet two days in a row now. Remember all the fuss about J Reyes when he did it—-once? This is not to diss David—just to point out the double standard…

metsmad22 September 19, 2008 at 12:09 am

agreed…..jose basically has one outburst and he gets KILLED for it. and why? b/c in a yankee town, he isn’t this clean cut white bread paul oneil type.

GravediggerHebner September 19, 2008 at 12:25 am

Interesting point about the lefties, and to take it a step further:

pretend the season ended today, the only team in the NL post season that is likely to throw more than one lefty starter at the Mets is the Phillies, who could throw 3 with Hamels, Moyer and Happ. The Cubs would certainly throw Lilly, but who else? The Dodgers, possibly none, maybe Kershaw?

Two-By-Four September 19, 2008 at 1:16 am

Jerry Manuel admitted the club was pressing a little the first two games and Beltran likewise admitted that the bullpen problems have put pressure on the other areas of the team. They didn’t exactly face Sandy Koufax the first two games.
Stop being so uptight about what people write and stop looking for hidden motives in what people write.

patrick September 19, 2008 at 7:01 am

Before we are so sure of ourselves, lets recall, Santana does not pitch tonight, tomorrow or Sunday, he will no pitch Monday either.

He will not pitch as any of the hapless relievers replacements.

So Santana will sit back and wait for the Next four days.

metsmad22 September 19, 2008 at 12:45 am

i just read that Jose Reyes was actually Omar Minaya’s doing, not Steve Phillips. Much respect for Omar.

MetsFan21 September 19, 2008 at 2:15 am

Pretty much… Remember – Steve Phillips is also the same idiot who was willing to trade David Wright and Jose Reyes for overpaid, over the hill ballplayers to fuel a 2001-2002 run that never came.

1985Mets September 19, 2008 at 12:45 am

The Mets Will GO TO THE WORLD SERIES…

Two-By-Four September 19, 2008 at 1:00 am

But they’ll need a ticket to get inside the ballpark.

1985Mets September 19, 2008 at 1:08 am

no no YOU will need a ticket to get inside.

METS VS ANGELS

Two-By-Four September 19, 2008 at 1:22 am

I’ll be in the golf course with the rest of the Mets players. :)

Surf Rock September 19, 2008 at 1:29 am

Good win by the Mets tonight. If they keep this offensive production consistent, they have a chance to go far.

And for this weekend, go fish.

cver September 19, 2008 at 5:13 am

Not to get ahead of ourselves, but FYI, Manuel has now, when asked, stated that he expects, if it comes to it, that Heilman will be on the postseason roster. I don’t get it or maybe he doesn’t.

patrick September 19, 2008 at 7:03 am

someone has to be the scapegoat…but who cares tonight is this days playoff game.

bittergreen September 19, 2008 at 7:59 am

If Philly and the Mets were to finish tied at the end of the season, and they were both going to the playoffs as the wildcard and the division winners, would they still play a tie-breaker game on the following monday, or is some other criteria used in the tie-breaker.

ftaok September 19, 2008 at 8:19 am

In your situation, the Mets would be the division winner on the strength of the 10-8 head-to-head record against the Phils. Phils would get the wildcard.

If Milwaukee (or another team) would also be involved in, then divisional standings would need to be settled before the wildcard standings are determined. So let’s say that the Mets, Phils, and Brewers are tied at the end of the season. The Mets would play the Phils to determine the NL East winner, then the loser of that game would face the Brewers to determine the Wildcard.

ft

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