Daily Archives: April 4, 2009
Following today’s loss to the Red Sox, Jerry Manuel said today’s performance by Oliver Perez needs to put ‘in its right place,’ but he added, “Hopefully his next outing he’ll have better command and velocity.”
Manuel noted, “From what I understand, he couldn’t find a way to grip the baseball.”
Manuel said Perez needs to learn to make adjustments. “When you’re not throwing strikes,” he said, “It puts the defense on its heels. We’re hoping that once the bell rings, he’ll be the consistent pitcher he was at points last year.”
Tagged Oliver Perez |Following today’s game, Gary Sheffield talked to reporters from the podium in the media room at Citi Field.
Sheffield said it’s been a dream of his to play for the Mets, ever since his uncle, 
Dwight Gooden, played for the team.
He says he nearly joined the Mets three or four times before, during his major league career.
“When I was with the Brewers, it was mentioned,” he explained. “I know my uncle said they had my jersey made, but it didn’t happen.”
Sheffield said Gooden is ‘ecstatic,’ pointing out, ‘He’s been blowing my phone up all day.’
Sheffield added, “I realize I am at a point in my career that I am not the marquee guy to demand a position. I want to win a championship. If its coming off the bench, I am willing to do that.”
Sheffield said that David Wright and other players called him during the last week, all while the Phillies, Reds, Rays and other teams were pursuing him.
According to Sheffield, “That was one of the biggest reasons I came here. When the face of the franchise calls you… When he made that phone call, that’s what made my decision.”
By the way, Sheffield will wear jersey No. 10.
Today’s Game:
- The Mets lost to the Red Sox today, 9–3, in Citi Field, in the final exhibition game of the spring.
On the Mound:
- Oliver Perez was pulled from the game with just two outs in the first inning, after throwing 37 pitches while letting up six runs, four walks and two hits, including a grand-slam by Jed Lowrie; prior to which Perez made a throwing error, on a potential inning-ending double play, though the error was technically charged to Luis Castillo. Perez was booed by fans in Citi Field as he walked off the mound… did I mention it was an exhibition game.
- John Maine later walked two batters in two innings, but allowed just one hit and no runs in his final spring appearance.
At the Plate:
- Daniel Murphy had an RBI double in the bottom of the fifth to score Luis Castillo. Murphy also stole third base.
- Jose Reyes went 1-for-2 with a walk and two stolen bases
Random Thoughts:
- Oh, Ollie. Ollie, Ollie, Ollie. I’m going to pretend this is just a rusty spring start. The thing is, I know better than that. I know this is what it is, great one day, all over the road the next. I mean, it was like he was trying to not throw strikes, that’s how wild he was.
- Pitchers from both teams, especially the Mets, were paying a lot of attention to the mound, the rubber, the landing spot, etc., since I guess they are not yet familiar with it.
Game Ball:
- Today’s Game Ball goes to Kevin Burkhardt, for waiting 20 minutes in line for ribs at Shake Shack, then eating it on air.
Tomorrow:
- The Mets are off tomorrow. The Mets return to action on Monday against the Reds in Cincinnati, with Johan Santana facing Aaron Harang, for the first regular-season game of 2009.
Update, 1:33 pm:
Sheffield has arrived to Citi Field.
He is scheduled to speak with reporters after the game.
Original Post:
Mets OF Gary Sheffield is expected to arrive to Citi Field at some point during today’s game against the Red Sox.
In a report for ESPN.com, Buster Olney explains why, diminished skills aside, Sheffield can still help the Mets, adding, “At least at the outset of his time with the Mets, he will impact games. He will make opposing managers do things they wouldn’t normally do. The presence of Sheffield in the Mets’ dugout will strike fear in the minds of opponents in the other dugouts.”
Prior to today’s game, Jerry Manuel told reporters that he spoke with Sheffield, and explained that he will first be a pinch hitter, ‘until we find you a spot and can see what you can do in the outfield.’
Manuel also told reporters Sheffield will not 
play in the outfield during the team’s first three-game series against the Reds.
…i am very interested in seeing how the roster shakes out through the first week of the season… essentially, it feels like the Mets are auditioning sheffield, with the intent of keeping him and seeing him eventually returning to form, batting third and creating depth in the outfield… however, if it doesn’t work out then it doesn’t work out and only costs them $400,000… the thing is, in between that time, who gets cut, who burns an option, who is owed money, etc., to make room for sheffield’s audition… it seems to me, Marlon Anderson will get the boot… but when… does Nick Evans start on the 25–man, or do the Mets simply demote him now, and postpone needing to cut anderson or Jeremy Reed for five days…
…i have always lacked faith in Omar Minaya’s ability to manage the roster properly, so this will be interesting to watch… i hope he chooses wisely this time…
Lastly, Manuel explained that Sheffield will not impact playing time for Ryan Church, who can also start in left field and center field on days when Carlos Beltran or Daniel Murphy need rest.
In the end, Manuel said he sees this situation as a positive, in that if it works out well on all fronts, ‘I think it’s a tremendous blessing.’
Today’s Game:
- The Mets will play the Red Sox today in Citi Field at 1 pm, in the final exhibition game before the regular season begins Monday.
On the Mound:
- Oliver Perez will start for the Mets, and will be followed by John Maine, with both pitchers aiming to throw three or four innings.
- Daisuke Matsuzaka will pitch for the Red Sox.
At the Plate:
- 1. Jose Reyes SS
- 2. Daniel Murphy OF
- 3. David Wright 3B
- 4. Carlos Delgado 1B
- 5. Fernando Tatis DH
- 6. Ryan Church OF
- 7. Marlon Anderson OF
- 8. Brian Schneider C
- 9. Luis Castillo 2B
Random Thoughts:
- “I mean, listen, we talkin about practice.”
Today’s Broadcast:
- Today’s game will air live on WPIX and the MLB Network.
- This game will not be on WFAN.
In-Game Chat:
- To chat live with fans during the game, go to the MetsBlog.com Bullpen, here; or voice your comments below.
