Daily Archives: June 18, 2009
The Mets lost to the Orioles, 4–3, tonight in Baltimore.
To read a full recap, and see the boxscore, go here.
The Least You Should Know:
- Francisco Rodriguez blew his second save of the season as he allowed two ninth inning runs. The tying run scored on a bases loaded walk to Adam Jones. After striking out Nick Markakis, Rodriguez allowed the game-winning single to Aubrey Huff. He hasn’t had many sketchy innings this season, but tonight was a classic K-Rod adventure. He was bound to have one of these types of games eventually, but I fully expect him to bounce back in his next save opportunity.
- Livan Hernandez pitched effectively, allowing just two runs over seven innings pitched.
- Alex Cora got the first hit in each of the Mets scoring frames. He also stole a key base with two-outs in the seventh. Cora was 2-for-4 with two runs scored.
Etc, Misc., and Other Stuff:
- After botching a flyball that allowed the Mets to win game one of the series, Aubrey Huff redeemed himself by getting the game-winning hit in each of the final two games of the series.
- Daniel Murphy is still trying to fight out of his slump, but did manage to hit the go-ahead double in the seventh. Murphy was 1-for-5 on the night.
- I know the Mets are working shorthanded, but I beginning to feel less and less optimistic about this team each day, which is difficult to say as I generally look at the team with rose-colored glasses. This is such a rough stretch for this team, that I’m not sure they’re going to be able to stay afloat without bringing in some outside help until the mash unit returns.
The Mets come home to face the Rays tomorrow night at Citi Field with Fernando Nieve taking on Andy Sonnanstine, starting at 7:10 pm.
Tonight’s Game:
The Mets (33-30, 15-19 Road) continue their three-game series against the Orioles (28-37, 20-17 Home) tonight in Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland, starting at 7:05 p.m.
On The Mound:
- RHP Livan Hernandez (5-1, 4.33 ERA) starts for the Mets.
- RHP Jason Berken (1-3, 7.32 ERA) takes the hill for the Orioles.
The Lineup:
- Alex Cora, SS
- Daniel Murphy, 1B
- Carlos Beltran, CF
- David Wright, 3B
- Gary Sheffield, DH
- Ryan Church, RF
- Omir Santos, C
- Fernando Martinez, LF
- Luis Castillo, 2B
Tonight’s Broadcast:
- Tonight’s broadcast can be seen locally on SNY and heard on WFAN.
According to Gordon Edes of Yahoo! Sports, the Yankees, Rays, Cubs and Dodgers plan to watch Pedro Martinez throw in the Dominican Republic tomorrow.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post believes the Rays were looking to Martinez to be a relief pitcher, then explains why this is not likely to happen.
Meanwhile, in the Chicago Sun-Times, Gordon Wittenmyer explains why it is unlikely Martinez will end up with the Cubs, who do have interest.
Wittenmyer reports Martinez is still seeking the prorated equivalent of $5 million per season.
…i’m thinking that is essentially $30,000 per game on the roster… so, let’s say he’s on the roster July 15, figuring he needs time to work back in to form, that would be about $1.8 million for two and a half months, or roughly 10 starts…
In a report for SNY.TV, Ted Berg explains, “If there’s any move the Mets should make immediately, though, it’s this: Sign Pedro Martinez.”
…i am still undecided on if the Mets should go after pedro, but the thought of him on the Yankees makes me squirm…
Tagged Pedro Martinez |
Omir Santos will start at catcher tonight, making his first start since Sunday in the Bronx.
Santos is batting .279 in 38 games for the Mets, including 11 extra base hits and a .323 average with runners in scoring position.
Alex Cora will bat leadoff, followed in order by Daniel Murphy, then Carlos Beltran, David Wright, Gary Sheffield, Ryan Church, Santos, Fernando Martinez and Luis Castillo.
Update, 5:20 pm:
In a post to Twitter, Newsday’s David Lennon says not to expect John Maine to return from the disabled list when he’s eligible.
By the way, Lennon also wrote, “Just tried to talk Jerry Manuel into joining Twitter. Don’t think he’s going for it.”
…hilarious… i wonder if he even knows what Twitter is…
For other updates, keep an eye on Lennon’s blog for Newsday.
Tagged News |Oliver Perez threw 48 pitches in three shut out innings today in St. Lucie during an extended spring-training game, according to the Associated Press, who described it as a ‘pain-free performance.’
Perez said he feels good, and was clocked in the low 90s.
He will next pitch Tuesday, either in another extended spring training or in a minor-league rehab game.
Meanwhile, John Maine threw 60 pitches in a simulated game.
Guy Conti told the Associated Press that Maine still feels a pinch in his shoulder, “but it wasn’t painful like it was before.”
Conti also said OF Angel Pagan could re-join the Mets within 10 to 12 days, while Billy Wagner, who is throwing three side-sessions per week, could begin facing hitters in two weeks.
Tagged News |
Here is the latest New York Baseball Today, during which Ted Berg talks with Alex Belth of BronxBanterBlog.com about comments from the blogs regarding trades and the AL East race:
Tagged News |
Yesterday on WFAN, here, Jerry Manuel again said that his short-term goal is to simply keep his team above .500, setting them up for a run once players like John Maine, Oliver Perez, Jose Reyes, Carlos Delgado and J.J. Putz return from the disabled list.
Last night, I was sent tons of e-mail from fans who feel the same way as Brendan Bilko of Priced Out of Citi, who argues that setting the bar at .500 is simply settling for mediocrity.
Their argument, in short, is that this is no way to lead a team.
Frankly, I believe Manuel is using right approach.
He is simply trying to create a sustainable, manageable environment.
I do not believe that just because Manuel said, ‘.500,’ these professional, major-league players will not only want to win every other game. These men want to win every game they play.
To me, he is simply creating a reasonable atmosphere given the injuries, this way the team can over-achieve, believe in itself and build momentum.
I mean, what’s he going to say? They should win every game? What if they don’t, which, realistically, given the injuries, they’re not likely to do. Then what? Then they’re underachievers, and the media starts pestering his players with quotes from his mouth about losing and not living up to expectations; and from that a whole other atmosphere is created.
Manuel is wise to create a fight-for-your-life, survival mentality, and use that to his advantage. I like that the Mets have taken on an under-dog vibe, which is a style I am far more familiar with.
The risk, however, is that when Delgado, Reyes, etc., and rest of the cavalry return, if the team does not go on that magical winning streak he expects, then what does he say?
This Friday, June 19, I will be attending a Viewing Party to watch the Mets take on the Rays at the Hawaiian Tropic Zone in New York City
According to SNY, “Drink specials, great food and fun with fellow fans, at the newly reopened Hawaiian Tropic Zone located at the corner of 49th Street and 7th Ave… Call 212.626.7312 to make a reservation.”
Tagged SNY |
To watch today’s edition of The Nooner, go to TheNoonerBlog.com.
Adam Rotter of SnyRangersBlog.com takes a look at all the mock drafts for the upcoming NHL draft.
On TheJetsBlog.com, learn something about Jets head coach Rex Ryan you probably did not previously know.
Lastly, GiantsFootballBlog has video footage from SNY’s the Wheelhouse where the guys talk about Giants WR Sinorice Moss.
Tagged News |
The Phillies have put Raul Ibanez on the 15–day disabled list, according to a team press release.
25–year-old Rookie OF-1B John Mayberry Jr. will replace Ibanez on the roster.
Mayberry hit .222 with one HR and a double during nine at bats in a previous stint with the Phillies this season.
Tagged Phillies | ← Older posts
