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I e-mailed a few bloggers from other team’s in the NL East, essentially asking the following question – so I thought it would be interesting to see where we, as Mets fans, stand as well:
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the fact that the Citi Field Decor is listed.. AND HAS VOTES, is disgusting
Haha – seriously those 6 people should be banned for life.
disgusting? i think thats a bit of an overstatement. people voting for decor are just pointing out how ludicrous a panic poll is after 12 games of the season. not to say that there aren't red flags, but your post just demonstrates how grossly a lot of mets fans are overreacting. 6-6 after 12 games, a few balls bounce differently and we're 8-4. let's chill out and see what happens.
you obviously don't know my posts, i'm probably a "sunshiner" on here.. I was saying the fact that ANYONE would complain that the citi field decor is their biggest worry of the Mets is pathetic.
I'm not actually worried about the mets after a 6-6 start, so how about you stop trying to figure out what someone thinks from one post eh?
and i was saying that people who vote for decor are pointing out how ridiculous it is to have a panic poll after less than 7.5% of the season has been played.
and i think it's a little hypocritical to presume to know what people voted for decor are thinking (and then call them pathetic despite a naive misunderstanding of what the votes mean), while you get all defensive when somebody responds to your posts.
so wait, its ok for you to assume that people who vote for decor are saying that a poll is ridiculous, but its not for me to assume that they actually think the decor is that bad?
That makes perfect sense… because, if I have naive misunderstanding, so do you. Matt may have been doing it to be funny, but you don't understand the Mets fans on this board or who have called into the FAN over the past week, who TRULY feel that the stadium is terrible.
Come down off your high horse, i'm free to respond to a post when someone wants to twist my words into something I never said.
I partly agree, I am sure MOST of the ones that picked the decor are either trying to be funny or actually are funny. Not someone who is protesting the poll.
The starting pitching clearly has to be on top.
The bats will eventually come through. This is only two weeks into a six month season.
The starters inconsistency is going to be trouble. I can definitely see the Mets grabbing a Kevin Millwood type pitcher come July 31st.
Go get him now. Seen his numbers? He would be a perfect fit.
Starting pitching is and should be the number one concern by far. If the Mets do not start getting better length and quality innings from the middle three in the rotation I would expect them to try and upgrade the starting pitching far before the July 31st trading deadline.
True but I think some of the length issues are on purpose. Not wanting to go over 100 pitches.
and at this early in the season I can understand that. Point is, its the starting pitching that will worry me over the length of the season, not the offense. It is only 2 weeks in and people are already wanting to blow this roster up. Ridiculous. I understand this trend seems to have continued from last year, but so far its in a small sample size. We need to give them more time to really decide if this is the same story all over again. I'm giving credit to Manuel b/c he deserves the time to figure things out.
I don't really see many rational fans wanting to blow up the roster, just change the order. Also could you not say the same thing about the rotation? That it's only been 2 weeks? Wasn't the rotation decent last year? and exactly how should it be worse?>
maine coming off surgery, pelf at risk for the verducci effect, perez no longer playing for a contract (and just the fact that he's perez)
agreed, rational fans…but unfortunately I'm not sure the majority of posters here are rational. And that is obvious every day after a loss.
LOL people actually voted that it's the decor.
This is very important. How is this team supposed to win if their stadium doesn't evoke enough nostalgia????????????????????????
Are you serious?
You think the players actually care if there are no references to anyone in the stadium? The only ones who care are the Fans.
It was a joke dude. I thought that was pretty obvious.
i thought it was obvious especially the part with 20 ?'s
SP has been decent w/ exception of Ollie's blowup in Cincy. For the most part, SP has kept us in games. Bullpen has been lights out. Hitting with RISP must improve. Funny thing is, Mets thus far near the top in team BA and runs scored; near the bottom with RISP and bases loaded. A few more timely hits, and we could be at least 8-4… Of the 6 losses, 4 are by one run; 2 are by two runs.
I agree !
I was just going to whine and say the same thing that udontmesswjohan said. This is just knee-jerk voting. Clearly the serious issue is starting pitching. Considering we came into the season with only 1 solid starting pitching option (Johan) and 4 huge question marks in the form of Maine, Perez, Pelfrey and Livan with one of them already missing a start, this is a no-brainer.
It would almost be nice if you could take anyone who voted on hitting with RISP in this poll and block them from voting on future polls to get more sensible information in the future :)
Seriously? I still think and have all offseason that we have one of the best (for sure deepest) rotations in the the NL. You may disagree but with all 5 guys having a chance to win double figures, there are not many rotations that do that.
For sure. Perez had an ERA+ just under 100, meaning he was hardly average. Pelfrey had a breakout season and banking on that continue on such a small sample size is a huge risk. Maine was having injury issues last year, and Livan is a scrap heap project (even though he might actually have a solid season). The only reason we'd have 5 guys with a chance to win double digit games is because of the offense, which was #2 in the NL last year. Give that rotation a mediocre offense and watch what happens.
What happens when you get six solid innings from your SP, but leave 10 men on base and lose 4-2?
You realize the Mets haven't hit well with RISP (particularly late in games) going back a couple of years now, right?
Let's see, Castillo is hitting .444 with RISP. Beltran is hitting .357. Delgado is hitting .333. Reyes and Wright are hitting .231 and .273 respectively (and Reyes has been cold to start the season either way). Sample sizes are real small here anyway, and we've had a handful of games recently where the RISP was poor and suddenly the sky is falling.
Even when you look at last year's numbers, they aren't bad. Reyes .277, Beltran .286, Delgado .277 (not bad considering his season average). Tatis hit .392 with RISP and was huge for us. When you look at Philly's RISP numbers, with the exception of Howard and Rollins, they look the same (or worse) than those of the Mets.
Also wanted to add — Marlins will not continue playing at a .900 clip for the rest of the season!
True, but the can go .500 for the rest of the season and still have 85 wins. April matters. And the Phils still have that magic. Had another walk-off win yesterday.
At least the bullpen is finally of the top of the list.
Phillies and the Mets have both had walk off wins and neither are playing well. They both have questions surrounding them while the Marlins are hot and playing the Nats. They had the easiest schedule in the MLB last season before the break and everyone was saying watch out. All I am saying is be patient.
Not to mention they now play PIT.
I have not looked but considering how schedules stay basically the same each year, I would assume they play the easiest again this year up to the break. Lets see how that terrible pen, bad defense and heroic wins do in the 2nd half. Don't forget all those young pitchers will run out of gas then too.
That's true that neither is playing well, but you can't put the Mets on the same level as the World Champs who knocked them out the last two years.
You can this year. Otherwise teams would just use last year's record. Obviously the Phillies are the team to beat but right now they are being beat on as well.
I know alot of people are nervous about the starting pitching but basically when it all comes down to it outside of the ollie game in cincy and to an extent john maines outing against SD our pitching has given us a chance to win every game and its been the CLUTCH HITTING that has not held up its end of the deal. This coming offseason there will be yet another right handed power hitting poor fielding left fielder who has shown he can put a team on his back available through free agency, lets see what the Wilpons do this time.
I think that all the aspects of the team will be fine in the long run. I'm not particurally worried about the starters or the defense, and there really isnt anything Omar can do about the RISP issues.
The Marlins making the division a four team race would be a huge problem however. I realize they wont go 146-16 but the longer they stay in first place the better a team they become just by confidence alone. Everyone kept saying the Rays would fall out of first eventually last year, but no one actually went and took it from them. And the Marlins have better starters than the Rays did last year.
The thing that I feel will ultimately prove to be the Marlins undoing is their team defense. They have good young pitching and we know they can hit, but eventually their inability to catch the ball on a consistent basis will do them in IMO…I hope…
agreed, its their defense and depth that will give them a challenge. They have great young starters, but what if they get injured, then they have to go younger and more inexperienced at SP. And we'll see how the bullpen holds up.
If their SP stays healthy, though, then they'll be in many games. even with the defense.
You are basing that on yesterday's game. What about when Maine pitched and gave up 8 runs? Starting pitching is the biggest concern here. OB is right. We already lost a start from Pelfrey. The mets have very little depth at starting pitching.
I think most of us realize that the lack of hitting with RISP has been more of a fluke with a small sample size. I'll take my chances on the Mets offense being better with RISP going forward than I will with Figueroa giving you quality starts every 5th day …
how is it a fluke when they were doing the same last season?
thats fair, but its too early to say they are doing the same as last season. So far yes, but we need more games to claim its happening all over again. More importantly, this is Manuel's first April as manager of the Mets, he deserves more time IMO to straighten things out, or not.
Good point regarding .500 ball
starting pitching without question.
they could just as easily be 3-9 considering they won two games in which they scored a total of 3 runs. (ty Johan) Also they dont have a blown lead from the pen, which every other team has at least one by now. So they've been lucky too…
that wont happen every game. this lineup is too good.. lets see how this RISP thing is in another 2 months. the rotation is the thing thats NOT good.
You can say that about the rotation as well, Lets see how they will be in 2 months. The rotation has guys in it that have won and have had success.
Rotation has at least been good in the past, you cant say that about hitting with RISP.
Which is exactly why the RISP issue is the greater concern.
Not really, you could also refer that too Santana's L in FLA
I'm not sure I would agree. sure they left men on base during the Santana loss, but remember that JJ was pretty good that day as well. Also, they ultimately lost the game casue of a freak error. As far as yesterday, they hit two balls ont he button with runners on base (Delgado and Santos) that could have very easily been hits, and the Mets probably wint he game.
your right, thats why im really not worried, I mean the mets have played some really tough games this year that could of gone either way.
I thought it was snarky for Matt to include it in the poll. I have issues with the lack of Mets history in Citi…but of course I am far more concerned with the play on the field!
I agree. There are people who are serious about the issue with Citi Field's lack of Mets heritage inside the park (including me), but obviously I am more concerned with the Mets performance. Matt is definitely being snarky with that one.
We lost a start from Pelfry sure, but his replacement pitched very well, so what diff does it make?
lousy RISP. good thing we didnt need manny.
True, his .158 w/RISP so far this year would be a huge help…as would his remarks about playing in Cleveland…someone like you would be among the FIRST to call for Omar's head if Manny the Mental Midget went 0-for-5 and then said how much he would love to play in Cleveland again.
He HAS gone 0 for 5 w/2 outs and RISP.
Gogogetaclue.
Nice brock. I think Manny's numbers w/RISP would show he has no heart also, lol.
lets see what numbers manny ends up with lol
Probably better than he has right now.
Probably just like the Mets.
genius
Manny is hitting 326….. 7 rbi's 2 home runs… 43 at bats.. not too shabby at all!!
I still disagree, it's not a fluke if you have had problems there for a year. It's bad situational hitting. Not clutch or any of those crappy arguements but plain ole bad situational hitting. We have been doing that for longer than our SP has been questioned.
I still don't agree with your overall negative assesment of the SP group as well. You could say the opposite of everything you just said and prove that as well.
My assessment of the pitching staff isn't negative … I just think that is the area with the most risk. Our bullpen is pretty strong, and our offense is a better version of the 2008 offense that scored the 2nd most runs in the NL in 2008. We have a much improved Delgado, a healthier and more productive Church, and the youngsters have another year under their collective belts. My concern is still the rotation, especially because I think that in the last two years, Perez, Maine and Pelfrey have all pitched over their heads.
106 ABs is not a small sample size
106 ABs out of what, at least 5000ABs (just a rough guess for a teams ABs in a season)…that is a small sample size…2 weeks out of 6 months (24 weeks)…that is a small sample size.
That's not fair at all. Think back to 2007 with Ollie and Maine. Think that was because of offense? Or that Livan has won double digits his entire career just because of offense? And then to say that Pelfrey will not be good?
The hitting will come around
My major concern is the rotation after Santanna. There has to be consistency with Pelfrey, Ollie and Maine. The bullpen I think is okay .
I agree with this poll. I would be more worried about the SP if Livan wasn't as solid as he has been. I don't believe that Perez, Pelfrey, or Maine are going to fall off the map and all of a sudden become horrible pitchers. The lack of hitting with RISP is a concern. You are talking 4 or 5 more wins, so far, if the offense could just get a hit with 2 outs.
Or even just one out.
the one bright spot is that the Mets have been hitting the ball; unforunately, they just haven't been hitting it to where they ain't. Other than Wright, no one is really striking out with RISP.
Not to mention they now plat PIT.
Never mind the 22 fans who voted on the decor. I'd like to know who that one fan is that voted the BP as the biggest concern. The BP? Really?
The only way I would have a concern with the BP is if they started going down with injuries – which would actually be a concern for any of the 25….
SP could be better. We'd win more games if the offense didn't have to score 6 runs to get a win every night. Need Pelf and Maine to be who we expect them to be. I've already given up on Ollie showing any form of consistency.
Marlins are scary. They are do to make it back to the WS arent they? They dump their team and then a bunch of young guys bring them back to WS before they get dumped.
Its not about the hitting coming around. Its about hitting w/RISP. What will it come around too? last years numbers? In 2008, 12th out of 16 in BAA, and 9th out of 16 with RISP. There is reason for concern as it continues.
"Citi Field's Decor" – too funny.
I found this snippet on RotoWorld: "Carlos Beltran has 15 hits and eight walks after 12 games, yet he's scored just four runs."
Someone needs to pick up some Ribeye steaks!
that also has alot to do with him batting 5th. i still say beltran should bat 3rd and wright 5th. beltran can utilize his speed on the basepaths as he is def faster than wright and maybe dropping down wright to the #5 will take some pressure off him. sometimes its just a quick switch like that, that gets the lineup going
Speed does not do that much good in the 3rd spot, actually it can mean just as much in the 5th spot.
However, it's not like when you switch Beltran and Wright that you are taking a guy that can't get on base and replacing him with one that can.
What this really shows is that Murphy has to bat lower in the lineup so someone can drive in these runs. Slot Castillo 2nd and Murphy 6th.
I think the move will somewhat light a fire under Wright to be more of contact hitter than a power hitter
I agree, but the only concern i have with the BP is over use. Seems as if everyone in that pen has appeared in at least 7 of the first 10 games. that pace can not continue.
Which is why I voted the SP. I think that could go either way right now and am still waiting for Pelfry and Maine to step it up. Ollie will always be Ollie.
exactly, overuse is a direct result of poor SP. Doesnt matter how good our bullpen is, they cant be forced to pitch 3-4 Innings EVERY game. SP needs to pitch at least 6 Innings on average…with as few 5 inning games as possible.
And Perez's ball could have very easily been strikes and the Mets probably win the game?
You can't play that game in baseball. A walk is a walk if it's 4-0 or 4 balls 2 strikes and 18 fouls. An out is an out.
For all of you say the hitting will come aroud. When???? I have been hearing that for the last two years!!! This team NEVER gets a big hit when it needs it.
Uh, ok maybe not. LOL.
who can we trade for a starting pitcher? (serious question, not sure who would be up for a trade, not sure who we can trade for)
Here's why RISP is the biggest concern. The mets have blown opportunities to have big innings. I'm talkin about based loaded no outs, where they only pick up one or two runs because of their lack of ability to get the big hit. If we were able to put runs on the board ALL of the pressure is taken off of the starters. 6-0 leads are a SP's best friend, and day in and day out we fail to capitalize on these opportunities. Think back to 2006 when we went on that west coast road trip and went like 9-1. It was because we gave pitchers 4-0 and 5-0 leads early in the game, and that led to great pitching performances. Once the hitting clicks, (if it clicks ugh) the starting pitching will look much better!
exactly…posted this on the previous page:
if the team was hitting like we know they could (a la 2006) they would be able to score enough runs to help ease the the pressure off the starters…
since we aren't hitting, the starting pitching looks that much more vulnerable (it hasn't been great, but certainly good enough to be 8-4 instead of 6-6). the pitching has been keeping us in these games, but the offense isn't coming through with the big hits. how many times have there been bases loaded and no outs so far this year and we only came away with 1 or 2 runs? too many so far.
why is everyone so certain that the offense will start to click? seems like that same problem as last year got carried over…
Great point. Church was 3 for 3 against Suppan for his career. So instead he sits him and Manuel puts him in against a lefty and strikes out on three pitches. Thats a great way to put him in a funk!!!
Then come on here and say it's ludicrous. Don't just pick something evey more so for the hell of voting. That's like voting for someone you know nothing about because you don't like McCain or Obama.
MEMO: FRED WILPON
I BETCHA MANRAM IS LOOKING MIGHTY GOOD RIGHT ABOUT NOW HUH FRED.
I'm still trying to figure out if Matt meant that choice to be serious – the actual decor – or if it was meant to signify the fan voting for that had no real worries…..
I don't know but the way it is suggested and making post about how everyone is upset leads me to believe that some actually are concerned about it. It's like the ones that get all bent out of shape over a uniform color or a patch you can't see.
30 votes on decor?? man.. what's going on here
The FAN was blowing up with calls last week about it..it was terrible. Heck, evan and beningo were going nuts. Because of that, I seriously wouldn't put it past people to be seriously voting that they hate the decor.
Starting Rotation is the biggest concern 100* over.
Lose Santana, and we're done. Forget the WS.
Lose 2-4 and don't have a guy to fill in like Pelf did last year, and we're in serious trouble.
The hitters will score, that's not a problem. But if we lose one of our SPers and Redding or Garcia or Niese arent' ready. Then we look pretty bad.
In sum, Pitching Wins Games. Don't believe me, check out Team Pitching Stats and how they directly correlate to Wins.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/aggregate?sta...
[polldaddy 1554507 http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/1554507/ polldaddy]
+1. I too voted SP. And not to mention they don't consistently pitch out of the 5th inning, the BP is going to start having issues.
I think we have more depth this year than we did last year. Look who besides Pelfrey pitched games for us.
I agree in part. Beginning of the season looked like we had great depth. Right now, though, Redding and Garcia are MIA. So, if we lost two SPers like we did last year w/ Duque and Pedro and Maine towards the end, who's filling in? Not Garcia or Redding. Niese probably isn't ready for a full year. That's what I mean. Once Redding and Garcia are doing well, I'll feel much better.
Eh Redding will be back. Who did we fill in with last year? Can't count Pelfrey because he was there almost the entire season. Knight? Armas? Lima Jr?
Once they're ready and we actually have SP depth, then no worries. Until then, I won't a$$ume anything and will continue to be most worried about SP Depth.
Redding is supposed to be ready to be back by May 1st.
Followed the link. Which team pitching stats are you saying correlate? There are .500 teams near the top and .500 teams near the bottom.
There are 8 teams with .500 or better at the top and 3 teams with .500 or better near the bottom. So like I said, Pitching Wins Games!
I'm pretty sure his point is if you're looking at last year by ERA, none of the bottom 10 teams were .500 or better. If you're looking at the top 10 teams, only one was sub-.500. Somehow, this seems like more than a coincidence.
that's my point.
OK, sorry. Followed the link to this year's stats, didn't know we were supposed to look at a different page with last year's stats. My bad.
LOL. To everyone who is Most Worried About "The Sky Falling"
P.S. Please let me know if it is.
i'm pretty scared about it. i don't want the big chunks to mess up my hair.
aren't you that dude from the Colt 45 commercials?
Rule number 1: Never run out of colt 45
Rule number 2: Never forget rule number 1
Oh I definitely voted for Sky is Falling…clearly seemed to be the best and funniest choice…..but here in upstate NY, the sky does still seem pretty well attached to its moorings…will keep you posted…..
I voted sky falling, entirely because when I read it, I laughed very loudly.
to me this is a non question. hitting w risp IS the problem right now. even when our pitchers didnt get us to the 6th inning we still had opportunities to win every single game but we just couldnt get that last hit when we got the runners on
def. RISP. Figgy was a post starter and let up 3 runs over 6 innings. The Mets grounded into 3 DPs that ended go-ahead rallies.
DWRIGHT has gotta stop striking out. he's trying to hit a HR every at bat. JUST TAKE THE OUTSIDE PITCH AND GO THE OTHER WAY…I SAW HIM DO THAT FRIDAY NIGHT, I SWEAR I SAW IT!
I would have voted for the amount of taxpayer money they will need to rebuild the upper deck so you can see the field.
What,no one said H-all of the above?
To all those bringing back that we should have signed Manny. He is currently 3-19 with RISP for a nice .158 BA.. He has 5 RBI in those situations.
So would he have made an early difference. Looking at those numbers, not really. Murphy is 3-8 (.375) with 6RBI which is who he would have replaced on the team if he was signed. Church is 2-17(.118) with 4 RBI.
So you can't say Manny would have helped win a single thing so far. If you wanted Manny you wanted Manny. But to say he would have helped when in the same situations he's under preforming in a ridiculously small sample size ,he's worse then Murphy and a tad better then church.
Starting pitching besides an Ollie and Maine start has been pretty good. If the Mets hit with runners in scoring position the last few years I would agree that it is too early to be worried and that I believe the clutch hitting will come.
But they have not hit in the clutch the last few years and have not done it this year. They should have more then 6 wins if they just would have come up with some key hits. If this counties, the Mets will not be much better then a 500 team. It is that simple. The good teams might not put up a bunch of runs and put up fancy offense numbers. But the good teams are the teams that get the hits when it matters and the Mets have not done that this year and as a fan you should be concerned about that. I mean what do you think that does for the team in field? Base loaded and the Mets can’t score, I am sure that pumps up the other team and gets them going and after a while start to deplete the Mets.
No respect for the Filfies?
Well at least for the left fielder.
yup, he did make up for his error w/ the walk-off HR.
Geez, picky aren't we??
if the team was hitting like we know they could (a la 2006) they would be able to score enough runs to help ease the the pressure of the starters…
since we aren't hitting, the starting pitching looks that more vulnerable (it hasn't been great, but good enough to be 8-4 instead of 6-6). the pitching has been keeping us in these games, but the offense isn't coming through with the big hits.
why is everyone so certain that the offense will start to click? seems like that same problem as last year got carried over…
There's always that 10% of people.
Maybe the Mets didn't give them good seats
I want to pick 2 (RISP and starting pitching), but since I can't, I picked RISP. This team's hitting with RISP is pretty pathetic so far this season. someone always ground into a double play.
Maine healthy agin, Pelfrey for a full season, Perez's 2nd half numbers last year.
but thats what we want, and neither me or you can guarantee that. obviously that goes for any team, but Pelfrey staying effective in his 2nd full season is a worry to me, Maine coming off surgery for a FULL season worries me, and Ollie, well I know what to expect out of him and I can live with that. Its Pelfrey and Maine that we need to be healthy and effective. But no matter how strong our BP is, we need our SP to go at least 6 innings on average. Last year our weak bullpen was exposed early in the 2nd half because of the lack of deep innings pitched by our SP. I'm not worried about our bullpen's potential, but I want them fresh late in the season.
Write-in vote;
The sanity of Metsblog commentators.
umm…who were the three people who voted for the bullpen as the greatest concern? Did they fall into a time warp back to last year?
They are anticipating the inevitable… LOL
I gotta say though, our lineup 1-6 does not worry me at all…they will do things just fine over the course of the season. Its the bottom third that worries me. No facts to back this up, but it seems like our #7 and 8 hitters are getting multiple opportunities with RISP and these guys aren't good enough to be successful in those situations. I don't care how well Castillo is batting right now, does anyone here have any confidence in him with RISP? unless its going to be a RBI ground out?
Its funny you mention Castillo, since so far, he is our 2nd best hitter with RISP.
that may be, and maybe b/c his game is so inept that situational hitting is his best way to be successful, and I won't complain about that…but regardless, when there are 2 outs, i have 0 confidence in him to deliver an RBI, im sorry, that just the way i feel.
Actually, w/men on base, he has been looking pretty bad….his 0-for-5 w/2 outs and RISP would surely have us undefeated, you think?
You forgot: "Guts" or "Fire" or "Will to Win."
Is this another one of those "I'm too smart to see the elephant in the room" posts? If the Mets keep ignoring the character of their players, they will continue to fail in clutch situations, be it a ninth inning at bat or the last few games of a pennant race. I'm hoping that psychology can change — that as, say, Wright matures, he'll come through more frequently and not press as much. But there's no evidence of that happening to date. All we have is a team that can't finish.
Starz,
just to make you happy, i will inlcude the 5000 ABs from last season. and since we have the same lineup and same trend so far this season, the 106 Abs are not a small sample size.
thats fair, but this was also Manuel's first ST as a mets manager, and that includes a partial roster for many games b/c of the WBC. So accounting for Manuel as our manager, and this being his first Spring running the show, he deserves a bigger sample size to evaluate any changes and adjustments he makes to help this offense, or lack thereof.
I would say that the 36% who correctly picked starting pitching is a good place to start with that poll question. Maybe 36% on a good day.
Testing. Please ignore.
Thanks,
Michael – IntenseDebate
I'm not concerned whether the starting rotation is the #1 problem and hitting with RISP #2 or vice-versa. I'm cautious about both.
Losing games 0-1 with +10LOB or losing games after scoring +6 runs (but SP giving up 7 runs). They are L anyway.
ONLY 3 things: Starting rotation, defense and offense…
4 you forgot the Core.
Once again, it is hard to decide whether it is his content, his sense of humor, or his baseball acumen which is the most impressive and most razor-sharp in its wit and brilliance.
I'm not concerned at all about any of that stuff…The season is young, and I am as optomistic as ever. I see the team winning the world series, so I'm really only worried about how many playoff games in citi field I'll be able to get tickets to.
I support ex-Mariners in Queens not in Filf Town!
OK, gotta support THAT comment.
AND my 2nd basemen. Even if they include Tatis.
Don't forget Cora!
No chance of that!
By the way I voted for the decor in citi field since I'm not worried at all about the teams performance, and there was no option "I'm not worried" I know they will be fine baseball is a game of ups and downs.
Obviously the mets need another starting pitcher in addition to a bat which they should've addressed in the offseason instead of just fixing the bullpen…What does anyone think of the Mets going after Victor Martinez. The Indians have split his time between catcher and 1st base to keep him fresh and the Mets should be able to rest him here with Castro who is a decent backup. I think he's got a couple of good years left until the Mets develop their other catching prospects (Thole and Pena) he is the perfect fit for this team since they have a weakness at catcher…The Indians figure to be out of it at some point, Minaya and the Indians GM have a good relationship (see the three team trade in the offseason), the Indians have a catcher in the Minor leagues who is almost ready Santana who is their best prospect along with Laporta, and to me he is a good bat and I dont see the Mets trying to get a huge bat along with a big pitcher because they always worry about cost. Thoughts anyone?
can't we ever be optomistic? How about a poll what are you most excited about this season?
1. the most dominant bullpen ever
2. a great lineup with mvp hopefuls reyes, wright, delgado, and beltran
3. Dan Murphy busting onto the scene
4. a healthy ryan church finally showing what he can do
5.the young studs pelfrey perez and maine coming into their own
6. Johan winning the cy young, with 20 plus wins and a sub 2 era, and the pitching triple crown
7.The amazing new ballpark we get to call home
8. castillo returning to form after being hated on endlessly by metsblog commenters
9. bobby parnell pumping cheddar in the 7th inning
10. Sheff, the most badass player on the planet.
11. all of the above!
I think this is a great post, its nice to see some bright lights and positive thinking!!
I agree with you 100%. I voted for the RISP only because had they had one or 2 more hits the team would be off to a better start then 6-6 and you wouldn't be hearing about any of this.
I understand the concern for the starting pitching. it makes sense to me, but at the same time, the question is asking what you're concerned about right now. Right now, they're leaving men on base, so right now i'm worried about that. When the starting pitching goes, then i'll be worried about that, but they've been in every single game so far this year. I just wish they had won more of them.
PS….you're ugly.
The fans negativity. It's been the problem for three years now. They tighten up at home instead of being looser.
*the players tighten up at home, not the fans. They cause it with negative attitude (see: Field, Wrigley)
You were right the first time. I definitely tighten up at home during these close games.
Yeah, it's all the fans fault these multi-millionaires choke every season. Good call…
Sarcasm. Good reply.
haha — busted. You can't say he is wrong by simply saying the egg came before the chicken. I agree the fans make it tough on them to perform. If you think it has no affect, why cheer them on? Goes both ways.
thanks, but his sarcasm was not exactly damaging. It only made me realize I was on to something if his only combat was to make a joke no one laughed at.
it is a good call tho. and its bitter people like you who bring THAT attitude into our ballpark that are the problem. and the rest of us just wonder why the hell you're there. these "multi-millionaires" you clearly resent and love to boo are guys WE would like to see succeed. stop booing when guys make outs and sitting on your hands the rest of the time. im if a major leaguer who can get paid anywhere, i dont WANT to play for the mets. and you people are the reason.
I agree with Greg…to me, it is only really cool to boo your own team when they are like the 1993 Mets—-awful and overpaid and with very questionable desire, and rotten jerks off the field too.
Booing Castillo when he is clearly trying is beyond idiotic. Booing Ollie at that exhibition was embarassing. Continuing the Wright Unclutch stuff, all the time on here and the radio, surely does not help the situation. It only helps ratings for Francesspool, and helps those on here like MrBill and Fiya Minaya who live to whine and complain.
With the way our fans can sometimes be, does anyone think this would help a future free agent or player with a choice in a trade want to come here? When some of us actually think poorly of Wright and think Delgado didn't try for Willie?
If you look at the Marlins rotation, 3 out of 5 of them have era's below 3.00.
We don't have anybody in our rotation besides Johan who can say that. In fact, Livan is the only other pitcher in the rotation with an era below 7.
We've scored 49 Runs to their 45 Runs, scoring is not the issue. You have to point to the SP for the poor start as compared to their red hot start.
If we get better starts from Pelfrey, Maine, and Ollie, we'll start rolling. Starting pitching has to be the biggest worry right now.
The RISP thing does concern me, but 4 of 6 starts being pretty bad by our 2-3-4 starters is, to me, a far bigger area of worry. If Pelf's arm is tired/whatever in April, and if Maine and Ollie are both Jeckyl and Hyde, I think that will be our biggest area of problem…the pen I think leads the world in ERA right now, but if we overwork them, that will change very fast.
1. For now until they get overworked and burnt out by August.
2. We had those 4 guys last year, and the year before that. It didnt help then.
3. Definitely a good sign that he continues to hit for a good average and seems to be an intelligent hitter. I wouldnt say hes bursting on the scene simply bc he is completely inept in the field and thats 50% of the game.
4. ….And being benched for it against RHP.
5. Coming into their own? what drug are you on? Pelfrey is basically on the DL, perez has been the same flip of the coin as always and maine still needs 100 pitches to get 15 outs.
6. Cant get 20 wins if we don't score runs for him, his 3 starts have been masterful but the team has scored 4 runs total in those starts.
7. A field is as beautiful as the memories of the play on that field. Come September people may not care about their comfy seat and delicious food.
8. definitely good, for now. He is already doing his castillo limp and we know where that leads, the DL.
9. I like what Im seeing from him, he is a big bright spot thus far.
10. sure
11. post these 11 things again in 3 months and lets see what the reaction is.
#8: Castillo is always gonna look like that, considering he's got one leg shorter than the other. Doesn't mean he's hurt right now.
Looking at RBI totals and comparing them to OPS, I'd say the Mets have a problem in the SLG department. Care to analyze further:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/aggregate?sor...
[polldaddy 1554671 http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/1554671/ polldaddy]
don't you think this team is gonna turn there hitting around sooner or later but to me the SP is the main thing.. they dn't look good at all. Santana is the only one. Livan only does ok till june july.
I was really hoping it was JoBu, cuz I got a box of KFC ready.
Brock,
Bottom line, when all is said and done, Ramirez who is the premire RBI man OF THIS GENERATION, ARGUABLY THE GREATEST RIGHT HANDED HITTER IN BASEBALL HISTORY WILL AS ALWAYS HAVE THE NUMBERS WHICH HAVE ATTESTED TO HIS GREATNESS AS A HITTER OVER A PERIOD OF MANY YEARS.
HE UNEQUIVOCALLY WOULD HAVE MADE THE METS THE FIERCEST LINEUP IN ALL OF BASEBALL.
JUST CURIOUS DOES THE 0 FOR 5 INCLUDE HIS GAME WINNING HR THE OTHER NIGHT OR HIS TEAMS ASCENT TO 1ST PLACE ? JUST WONDERING.
If you had asked this question on Friday instead of Monday there is no question that SP would have been far and away the most chosen answer. But that's Met fans for you – reactionary and a bunch of lemmings.
True, although I would have still voted the RISP as I really think our overall pitching AND offense will be fine. I just don't want this to continue.
TRS i agree with you. I only voted for RISP because it's the only thing that has bothered me to date and that I'm worried about. The SP I'm not concerned with, the Bullpen not at all. The Defense and hitting I'm not yet either.
So i had to vote for something and the Marlins, the Bench don't worry me. And i would never complain about the Lack of Decor in the stadium
Agreed, I think that if pitching after a month or two is still a problem you can bring in 1 guy and fix it. You can't bring in ANY 1 guy and fix the RISP problem. Not Manny, Dye or anyone else can do that.
welcome to NY…
This is all so ridiculous….60% would have given Johan's contract to Lowe after his first start…after his 2nd, maybe not.
Sure we could use more runs, but we have gotten 2 of 6 good starts from our 2-3-4 starters….how can you vote 60–35 for RISP being the biggest worry?
Right now to me it is Brock. Not because I think our offense is bad but because it is something that has been a problem for 2 years. Not the CLUTCH crap but bad situational hitting is the problem and has been since 2006. I think the SP will be fine and if not will be fixed but can you honestly say the RISP thing will?
Even if the "decor" thing was done as a goof, if you're the type of person who's concerned about the lack of certain features at CitiField(i.e. a Mets Museum) than you really need to get your priorities straight. I myself,I don't go to a ballpark to get a history lesson, or worry about wether the outfield walls are the "right color". I go to see a game being played. Save the proper decor complaints for your living room,not a baseball stadium lol.
Only way the SP should be a concern, is if we lose a game 22 -4. Thats what you call being concerned with your rotation
In the same week you lise 15-5. Yikes!
And 10-2.
What does this poll suggest about us as fans that the world champion phillies aren"t even considered a selection in it?
The Mets team defense is the biggest concern. Most astute GMs in the game are aware of the fact that the performance analysis of defense is now nearly at the level of offensive or pitching analysis. This is why the Rays were able to quantify the value of adding a Jason Bartlett at SS last year. Unfortunately, since we have an ignoramous as general manager who is unable to analyze offensive statistics, and is therefore 25 years behind the times, we can hardly expect him to be able to evaluate defensive value. As a result, you have Gary Sheffield in RF, Daniel Murphy in LF, with almost no regard for the negative effect on the team as a whole. Sheffield looks good in a uniform, used to be able to hit 5 years ago, and that's how Minaya makes his decisions.