Daily Archives: May 27, 2009
The Mets (26-20) defeated the Nationals (13-33) by the score of 7 to 4 tonight in Citi Field.
For a complete recap, boxscore and stats, click here.
The Least You Should Know:
- Johan Santana, who clearly disagreed with Sam Holbrook’s strikezone, struck out 11 batters through six innings, but allowed six walks, including four in the top of the fourth. In all, Santana allowed three runs in his six innings of work. It was the first time in 15 home starts Santana allowed more than two runs. Despite his outing, Santana recorded his National League leading seventh win of the season.
- In the sixth inning, Daniel Murphy hit what was originally called a double, however, for the fourth time in the Mets last five games, it had to be reviewed because Jerry Manuel argued the ball hit the facing of the Pepsi Porch. After reviewing the play, the umpires overturned the call and Murphy was credited with the go-ahead two-run homerun. I’m not sure what conclusive evidence the umpires saw to overturn their original call, but hey, the Mets and especially Murphy will take it. Murphy ended the evening with three hits in his four at-bats and five runs batted in.
- Bobby Parnell, Pedro Feliciano, J.J. Putz and Frankie Rodriguez each combined to pitched three scoreless innings in relief.
Other Moments And Observations:
- Gary Sheffield continues to provide the Mets with much needed production from the cleanup spot, going 1-for-2 with two runs batted in.
- Adam Dunn is a monster. Dunn launched a two-run homerun off of Santana that went over the bridge in right-center field. He nearly hit another homerun, but Fernando Martinez made a nifty catch next to the 378 sign in right field.
- Speaking of Fernando Martinez, he embarrassed himself by not running on a pop up that was dropped by the Nationals catcher in front of homeplate. Martinez was promptly and properly booed by the Citi faithful.
- Great job by SNY’s Kevin Burkhardt to survey fans in both the Pepsi Porch and the above the Mo ‘Zone on if Murphy’s ball hit the facing of Pepsi Porch. According to Burkhardt, fans opinions differed between the two sections.
- Angel Pagan looks like his pedaling a tricycle when tracking balls down in center field.
- Before tonight’s game on Twitter, I predicted Santana would throw a no-hitter. Of course, Santana arguably had his worst outing of the season. Last time I do that, I promise.
The Game Ball:
- Tonight’s Game Ball goes to Daniel Murphy for his big night and the umpiring crew for the gift homerun.
After and off day tomorrow, the Mets resume their homestand on Friday against the Marlins with Mike Pelfrey facing Sean West, starting at 7:10 pm EDT.
Tagged Mike Nichols |
MetsBlog reader Dykstraw sent in the following picture of a fan who used creative arts and crafts to turn his old Pedro Martinez jersey in to a new-and-improved Fernando Martinez jersey.
Nice work, buddy, whomever you are.
By the way, a person following me on Twitter suggested a home run from Martinez be referred to as an ‘F-Bomb,’ which I think is brilliant.
I hope this catches on, whenever he hits his first home run.
Alex Cora told the Daily News that he expects to play three games with Triple-A Buffalo before being activated from the disabled list next week.
Cora visited a doctor yesterday, after which he threw a baseball, suggesting his injured thumb does not need surgery.
On Monday, SNY’s Kevin Burkhardt reported on air that if Cora is able to throw he will return from the disabled list sooner than expected.
He is eligible to return from the disabled list next Wednesday.
Rubin also provides other pre-game news from Jerry Manuel, including why Omir Santos is out of the lineup tonight.
Tonight’s Game:
The Mets (25-20, 14-8 Home) look to sweep their three-game series against the Nationals (13-32, 6-16 Road) tonight at Citi Field, starting at 7:10 p.m.
On The Mound:
- LHP Johan Santana (6-2, 1.50 ERA) starts for the Mets. Santana earned a victory in his last start on May 22 versus the Red Sox, allowing three runs, two earned, and striking out eight over 7.0 IP. Santana has not allowed a stolen base this season. He is holding opponents to a .085 BAA with runners in scoring position this season. Santana is 5-1 with a 2.36 ERA in his career versus the Nationals.
- RHP Jordan Zimmermann (2-1, 5.71 ERA) takes the hill for the Nationals. Zimmermann received his fourth straight no-decision in his last start on May 22 versus the Orioles allowing two runs over 7.0 IP. In his only career start versus the Mets on April 26 at Citi Field, Zimmermann allowed just one run, while striking our five over 5.1 IP.
The Lineup:
- Angel Pagan, CF
- Luis Castillo, 2B
- David Wright, 3B
- Gary Sheffield, LF
- Daniel Murphy, 1B
- Ramon Castro, C
- Fernando Martinez, RF
- Ramon Martinez, SS
- Johan Santana, P
Tonight’s Broadcast:
- Tonight’s broadcast can be seen locally on SNY and heard on WFAN.
Daniel Murphy will start at first base tonight, while Fernando Martinez will bat seventh and start in right field.
Manuel said before the game that he plans to leave Luis Castillo batting second, and he likes what Angel Pagan brings to the lead-off spot.
He said he will likely rest Ramon Martinez and Castillo this weekend, which will allow him to get Wilson Valdez in to the lineup.
Manuel said Carlos Beltran is on target to return to action on Friday.
Lastly, Manuel said he was part of the group that reached out to bring Gary Sheffield to the Mets.
Tagged News |
According to Jon Heyman at SI.com, a trade for Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez may happen, but would warrant a lot in order to occur.
Heyman writes:
“Gonzalez, who is tied for the major league lead with 17 home runs despite playing half his games in that pitchers haven, PETCO Park, might actually bring back more even than Haren or Teixeira.”
“Gonzalez has a much more favorable contract situation than Teixeira had when Texas sent him to Atlanta in the summer of 2007 for several excellent young prospects. And Gonzalez has a contract about as favorable as Haren and is an even bigger star than Haren was when the Diamondbacks sent six players to Oakland for him.”
…in other words, the mets doubtfully have enough talent to bring gonzalez to queens…
Tagged Regis Courtemanche |According to a Phillies press release, The May 3rd Phillies versus Mets game, which was postponed due to rain, has been rescheduled as part of a day-night separate admission doubleheader on Sunday, September 13 at 8:05 p.m.
Fans with tickets for the May 3 game can use those tickets for the rescheduled night game on September 13.
Tagged Regis Courtemanche |
Joe Blanton gave Philadelphia his best effort of the season on Tuesday night, tossing 7 scoreless innings while scattering 5 hits and striking out 11 to lead the Phillies to a 5-3 win over the Florida Marlins.
Shane Victorino went 4-for-5 with 2 doubles and an RBI to lead the home town offense.
Florida’s Hanley Ramirez left the game in the third inning of the game with tightness in his right groin. He’s listed as day-to-day.
The teams meet again tomorrow evening in the rubber match at CBP. Burke Badenhop gets the start for Florida while Brett Myers takes the ball for Philadelphia.
In the City by the Bay, San Francisco’s Tim Lincecum displayed his Cy Young stuff once again, pitching 8 scoreless innings as the Giants shut out the Braves, 4-0. The young right-hander allowed just 5 hits and struck out 8.
Edgar Renteria and Aaron Rowand each had 2 RBI for San Francisco. Atlanta rookie Kris Medlen struggled in his second Major League start, giving up 4 runs in 5+ innings of work.
The Braves did get some good news, however. Chipper Jones returned to the lineup for Atlanta and doubled in 4 trips to the plate.
The Giants will go for the sweep on Wednesday. Randy Johnson tries for career victory #299. He’ll be opposed by the Braves Kenshin Kawakami.
For more news, notes, analysis and statistics from around Major League Baseball, be sure to visit Baseball Daily Digest.
Tagged MetsBlog, News |
Joel Sherman of the New York Post believes White Sox OF Jermaine Dye will be available in a trade this summer, as will Indians infielder Mark DeRosa and outfielder Ben Francisco, Nationals 1B Nick Johnson and outfielders Austin Kearns and Josh Willingham, Pirates 1B Adam LaRoche and Eric Hinske, O’s 1B-OF Aubrey Huff, A’s OF Matt Holliday, Royals OF Jose Guillen and D’Backs OF Eric Byrnes and 1B-3B Chad Tracy.
Sherman continues on to explain why he feels the Mets will inevitably make a deal, and other teams in the NL East who could post competition in the market place.
Meanwhile, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, the Rockies appear likely to trade a variety of players, while suggesting the team comsider moving OF Brad Hawpe, 
who will earn $5.5 million this season and $7.5 million in 2010, after which he has a $10 million team option for 2011 with a $500,000 buyout, after which he is eligible to be a free agent.
Hawpe is hitting .336 in 39 games for the Rockies this season, while batting .275 on the road.
He has hit at least 22 home runs with at least a .381 OBP during each of the last three seasons.
Mets 20–year-old prospect Fernando Martinez made his long-awaited 
major-league debut last night, going 0–3, with an RBI on a fielder’s choice with the bases loaded.
Martinez spoke to reporters from the media room in Citi Field after the game, and had the following to say about:
How he felt when he walked on the field:
“Today was unbelievable for me, because I worked all of my life for this moment. It’s great. It’s something like, ‘Wow, this is my life.’… I want to stay here, and I’m thankful to the Mets for giving me the opportunity.”
The major leagues, and whether he is ready for this level:
“Yes, yes, I feel very good… I would think every day and every night, I want to play in the major leagues, that’s my life. I have worked for this moment.”
His first at bat, and the ovation from the crowd:
“I tried to stay relaxed, and play my game. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll play better, hopefully I will have a couple of line drives and hits, and I’ll try to better everyday… To be here, to play in New York, to play for the Mets, to play for the people, that’s great. That’s unbelievable for me.”
Martinez told reporters that Tony Bernazard called him earlier in the day and said, ‘You’re coming to New York today.’
…he looked strong and comfortable, but he was definitely aggressive at the plate… i talked with some one this morning, he watched him regularly in Buffalo, and he said martinez was a lot more jumpy at the plate than he normally is… this person said he typically has a slower, steadier swing and looks to go up the middle more… so, i have to think, first game in the majors, the big crowd, ballpark, etc., he was a tad excited and understably so… hopefully, he’ll settle down today, because it’s clear he has some serious tools and is capable of being a good player…
