Daily Archives: March 28, 2009
The Mets defeated the Marlins, 5–4, in Tradition Field today.
Following today’s game, still, Jerry Manuel would not name anyone the team’s fifth starter.
“I like the young man who started today,” Manuel said, speaking about Dillon Gee, who allowed two runs in three innings today.
“So, we have time… We still have a little time to make that announcement, or decision, to which way we’re gonna go. What’s the hurry?”
Specifically, regarding Gee, Manuel said:
“I like him a lot… He’s very interesting to me… I really like when a young pitcher has a feel for a change up. I’d say he has enough command of those pitches that I feel comfortable he can handle the next level.”
Meanwhile, Carlos Delgado was 2–for-4 with an RBI.
“I see a guy that even at this stage of his career, he has made some adjustments in a hurry,” Manuel said about Delgado.
Tagged Mets Spring Training |The Mets play today against the Marlins at 1 pm.
Livan Hernandez will instead pitch in a minor-league intrasquad game, while right-handed pitching prospect Dillon Gee gets the start against the Marlins, because Jerry Manuel specifically requested to see more of him.
…well, that’s got to be exciting for gee… good luck, kid…
In four appearances this spring, the 22-year-old Gee allowed two earned runs and seven hits in six innings, while striking out four and walking just one batter.
…if i recall, manuel and the Mets were most impressed with gee’s ability to control his pitches and command the inning, at such a young age… i had one scout tell me he is reminiscent of Brian Bannister, though i think he was just trying to cite a younger Mets pitcher i might remember…
Gee was 8–6 with a 3.25 ERA for Single-A St. Lucie last season.
Tagged Mets Spring Training |Prior to last night’s game, Jerry Manuel told reporters Friday’s lineup will look a lot like the lineup he intends to use for Opening Day.
In other words, Jose Reyes will hit leadoff, followed 
in order by Luis Castillo then David Wright, though Wright and Beltran may flip-flop around Carlos Delgado on certain days when a left-handed pitcher is on the mound.
Meanwhile, though Daniel Murphy could eventually get at bats hitting second, he will start the year batting towards the bottom of the order, especially against left-handed starters, along with Ryan Church, who may also sit against lefties in favor of Fernando Tatis.
To read more about Castillo, and where he is at this spring, read Jim Baumbach’s report for Newsday.
By the way, on SNY’s Mets Weekly, Julie Alexandria and I break down what will likely be the Mets Opening Day roster.
Mets Weekly airs Saturday at 12:30 pm on SNY.
…actually, if you paid attention during that week of spring training, elbow-gate never really started… he never really complained of pain in the elbow, he complained of pain in the muscle and tendon in the tricep, above the elbow… also, the Mets never needed to send him for an MRI, and, believe me, if it was truly an elbow injury, he would not have been allowed to look at a pitcher’s mound, let alone throw a simulated game three days later… he’s fine, so it seems…
Last night, in a win against the Nationals, Santana tossed 75 pitches in seven innings, while striking out six and walking nobody.
He set down the final 10 hitters that he faced, while striking out all three hitters in the sixth inning.
“I felt pretty good and had everything working,” Santana told reporters following the game.
…that’s an understatement… he looked great…
To see Santana speaking to reporters, check out the Star-Ledger.
To read more from Santana, go to the New York Post and Journal News.
During last night’s win against the Nationals, Francisco Rodriguez pitched the eighth 
inning, not the ninth, and allowed runners to reach first and third, with none out and a two-run lead, before striking out the next two hitters and getting a ground ball to end the inning.
…he is going to be fun to watch this season, and he will not be short of the occasional adventure, like above – just ask an Angels fan… and if he’s doing well, and the Mets are winning, and his pumping his fists and riling up the other team, we’re going to love it…
“I’m ready to start the season now,” Rodriguez told reporters.
…who isn’t… this is feeling like the longest spring training of all time…
Jerry Manuel told reporters that Rodriguez will pitch again today, he also plans to use him for a four-out save next week.
Rodriguez is also scheduled to pitch at least one inning in the April 3 exhibition game against the Red Sox in Citi Field.
