Daily Archives: March 18, 2009
Livan Hernandez allowed one run on five hits, while striking out three through five innings today.
Hernandez told reporters he is happy with his performance today, again noting that he is not here to take anyone’s job.
Later, Jerry Manuel said Hernandez has put himself in a very good position with the way he is pitching.
“He has a presence about him on mound and in the dugout,” Manuel said. “He brings a different energy.”
Manuel said he will give Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran, and the other players returning to camp this week, ‘an emotional break from baseball.’
“It’s important that the pitchers get in a routine,” he explained.
Manuel said Oliver Perez may start Friday, though that is not yet official.
Lastly, he said Brian Schneider is ‘day to day,’ while pointing out the team does not yet know what the issue is.
Earlier today, the Daily News said Schneider missed today’s game with tightness behind his knee, which he said was not serious.
Just a reminder, today’s game will be re-run tonight at SNY at 7 pm.
Tagged Mets Spring Training |The Nationals signed free-agent LHP Joe Beimel to a one-year, $2 million contract, according to the Washington Post.
…i believe the Mets expressed interest in beimel, and guys like Will Ohman, early in the off-season, but once the team acquired J.J. Putz, Sean Green and Francisco Rodriguez, their interest faded, especially if you were a pitcher seeking more than a minor-league deal…
The Mets (7-10-1) lost to the Braves (14-3) by the score of 7-to-4 at Tradition Field today.
For a complete recap, boxscore and stats, check out SNY.tv.
- Livan Hernandez allowed one run on five hits, while striking out three over 5.0 IP. Hernandez kept the ball down today, allowing a few hard hit balls, but looked as if he was pitching ‘free and easy.’ Hernandez clearly was the front-runner for the fifth starter spot before today’s game, but may have essentially lock down the spot with his performance today.
- Freddy Garcia looked awful once again, allowing five runs on seven hits, raising his spring ERA to 16.71. Garcia doesn’t look comfortable on the mound. After another dismal outing and Hernandez’s stellar out, Garcia’s chances of becoming the Mets fifth starter has gone from slim to none.
- Jose Reyes was 1-for-4 with run and stolen base.
- Both Fernando Tatis and Andy Green hit two-run homeruns to account for the Mets run output.
The Mets continue their Grapefruit League scheduled against the Astros with Mike Pelrey getting the start. The game will be broadcast on SNY.
Tagged Mike Nichols |
A fairly quiet day today, but there are a few items of note.
MLB.com has an interesting interview with the Washington Nationals outfield coaches…Jose Cardenal, Cesar Cedeno and Marquis Grissom.
Here is a little snippet on former Met Lastings Milledge:
MLB.com: Of all the outfielders, Milledge is the one guy who people, including myself, critique the most. How is he doing in the outfield?
Cedeno: His work ethic has really improved. From what I saw last year, he seems to be more eager and enthusiastic about learning a little more about the things he needs to do. He’s really focused on getting better.
With Cole Hamels experiencing elbow discomfort, the Phillies look to be taking the safe route and plan to make Brett Myers their opening day starter.
Myers has started the last two season openers for Philadelphia as well.
And over at Talking Chop, Gondee and company profile Josh Anderson, the man many feel will be the centerfielder for the rival Atlanta Braves this season.
“Josh Anderson became a September call up and put up a .294/.338/.426 line while swiping 10 bases on 11 attempts during the last 40 games.”
“[UZR] loved his defense and put him at 13.5 runs above average in CF for every 150 games, a Gold Glove caliber performance.”
For more news, notes, analysis and statistics from around Major League Baseball, be sure to visit Baseball Daily Digest.
Tagged MetsBlog |Brian Schneider did not play today due to tightness in back of his right knee, which he said was not serious, according to the Daily News.
…from what i can gather, this isn’t a big deal… just a catcher with some mid-spring pain… shocker…
Meanwhile, Tim Redding threw from flat ground today.
…i believe he is still on target to start the year on the disabled list with shoulder discomfort…
…i’m starting to wonder if the plan will be to use Livan Hernandez in the rotation, while putting Nelson Figueroa in the bullpen to be used as a long reliever and spot starter…
Oliver Perez and Carlos Delgado have returned to camp from the WBC.
Tagged Mets Spring Training |
Livan Hernandez is starting for the Mets at 1 pm on SNY, and will be followed by Freddy Garcia.
I’ll be writing to my Twitter feed, below, as I watch them pitch today:
The Game:
The Mets (7-9-1) continue their Grapefruit League schedule against the Braves (13-3) today at Tradition Field, starting at 1:10 p.m. EDT.
The Lineup:
- SS Jose Reyes
- 2B Luis Castillo
- LF Daniel Murphy
- 3B Fernando Tatis
- RF Ryan Church
- 1B Nick Evans
- CF Jeremy Reed
- C Rene Rivera
- P Livan Hernandez
Brian Schneider was scratched from the original lineup due to tightness behind his right knee, according to Adam Rubin of the Daily News.
The Pitchers:
Livan Hernandez (0-1, 3.72 ERA) starts for the Mets. Freddy Garcia, Ron Villone, Kyle Snyder, Connor Robertson and Heriberto Ruelas are also scheduled to pitch.
Tommy Hanson (1-0, 3.38 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Braves.
How To Catch It:
Tagged Mets Spring Training |Today’s game will be broadcast locally on
and nationally on the MLB Network.
You can also follow the live GameDay boxscore, by clicking here.
Brooklyn Met Fan declares David Wright an ‘American Hero.’
Ken Davidoff of Newsday provides evidence to contradict the myth David Wright is unclutch.
MLB.com will add GameDay Audio to their At Bat iPhone app, writes The Biz of Baseball.
…in the three months i’ve owned an iphone, i have yet to purchase an app, but this will be the first…even without the audio, the current ‘lite’ version is outstanding…
Matthew Artus of Always Amazin’ claims the Mets don’t really do corner outfielders.
…i have to agree, matthew…other than the bench, getting consistent production from left and right field is my biggest concern…
Lastly, Ed Ryan of Mets Fever gives his support to Bobby Parnell for the seventh inning.
Tagged Mike Nichols |Yesterday, Johan Santana throw 56 pitches in a minor league game, allowing two runs on six hits, while striking out five in four innings of work.
“This is the second time that I get into a game, I get to face real hitters, with all the game situations,” Santana told reporters after his outing. “We’re still working. I don’t work by percentages or anything, but I think we still have some room to improve and to get better and that’s what we’re focused on right now.”
Marty Noble of MLB.com notes Santana is on track controlling the strikezone with his slider and changeups.
Meanwhile, David Lennon of Newsday noted Santana was in ‘serious mode’ yesterday, arguing with homeplate umpire about a check swing call.
Santana will make his next official spring start on Sunday versus the Braves.
Tagged Mets Spring Training |Yesterday, Jon Niese allowed two runs on two hits, including a two-run home run to Josh Anderson, while striking out three and walking three. 
In eight innings this spring, Niese has allowed six runs on six hits (2 HRs) and seven walks, while striking out seven.
Ben Shpigel of the New York Times notes Niese’s on the job training may ultimately be the reason why he will not earn the final spot in the starting rotation
Livan Hernandez will start today, then be followed by Freddy Garcia, as the Mets play the Braves in St. Lucie at 1 pm.
The game will be televised live on SNY.
…i’m a bit torn on this issue…i would love for the Mets to announce – just as they did with Daniel Murphy in left field – niese as the team’s fifth starter…perhaps that would allow niese to relax a bit during his spring starts knowing the organization has confidence in his ability to produce at the major league level…however, i understand the need for a veteran presence in the back of the rotation, especially someone like hernandez, who is able to eat innings…
Tagged Mike Nichols | ← Older posts
