Daily Archives: June 23, 2009
Mets manager Jerry Manuel talked to reporters after last night’s win against the Cardinals, and had the following to say regarding:
Brian Stokes, who got Albert Pujols to hit in to an inning-ending double play in the eighth inning:
“Yeah, that was huge for us… That gives us, again, now we begin to have length in our bullpen… and that’s crucial for us.”
Tim Redding, who allowed four runs in seven innings:
“Redding seemed to have a little cut on the end of his fastball… They weren’t end to get solid contact against him, and he threw strikes. He went right after them from the start.”
…also, he was spot on with his control and he used all of his pitches… he didn’t overthrow, and try to do too much… he just pitched his game… he made two mistakes, and paid for it, which is going to happen against a team like the Cardinals… but, it was a good example of just doing your job, executing, for the most part, and getting good results… nothing fancy…
Daniel Murphy, who has 10 hits and three RBI during his last six games, including a home run last night:
“He and Howard Johnson are constantly working on things. Hopefully he’s found a comfort level. I think also playing on a daily basis, and the match ups we’ve had lately favor his swing. It’s been a good time for him.”
…murphy hit his home run on a change-up out in front of the plate, that looked to fool him a bit… but, he let go of the bat, made his adjustment and golfed the ball up and over the wall in right-center field, which was helped out by a strong cross wind… nice hitting…
By the way, click here to watch SNY.TV’s Post Game Extra from last night’s win against the Cardinals, featuring clips from the game; quotes from Jerry Manuel, Brian Stokes and Tim Redding; and analysis from Ron, Keith and Gary.
Last night, Brian Stokes entered the game specifically to face Albert Pujols in the eighth inning, with a man on first and the Mets leading 5-4.
…stokes was breaking me out, flirting with two weak breaking ball inside… turns out, he was setting up his hard slider on the outside of the plate, which pujols hit on the ground for an inning-ending double play…
…like i said last night, the best part of the play was Daniel Murphy’s aggressive fist pump, after making the catch for the final out… i like it…
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, 
courtesy of ESPN.com, last night was only the second time in the last three seasons in which Pujols hit in to a double play with a runner on first and less than two outs.
…i get lots and lots of e-mails, and hear from fans i talk with, all of whom wonder why stokes does not pitch more… i always assume it’s because Jerry Manuel is keeping him on hold to use in long relief… yesterday, however, manuel said before the game he would turn to stokes in the eighth inning, while giving rest to Pedro Feliciano, Bobby Parnell and Sean Green… now, with yesterday’s addition of Elmer Dessens and Pat Misch, i hope stokes can be freed up to pitch more in situations like last night, because he’s throwing too well right now to sit on the sidelines…
Stokes is 1–2 with a 3.38 ERA in 26 innings pitched, during which opponents are batting .279 against him.
He has not allowed a run in 22 of his 25 appearances this season.
By the way, click here to watch SNY.TV’s Post Game Extra from last night’s win against the Cardinals, featuring clips from the game; quotes from Jerry Manuel, Brian Stokes and Tim Redding; and analysis from Ron, Keith and Gary.
Jose Reyes and trainer Ray Ramirez were in a car accident Monday, the team told reporters following last night’s game.
Reyes and Ramirez were not injured in the accident
According to Matt Gelb in the Star-Ledger, “Reyes and Ramirez were rear-ended by a firetruck on the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge sometime Monday while driving to the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan for a check-up visit.”
…a) thankfully reyes and ramirez are ok… which, given the way injuries are flying around this team, is a miracle…
…b) notice the writer of the Star-Ledger article… yes, it’s Matt Gelb… back in 2005, around the same time i started MetsBlog, matt teamed up with the guys on Mets Geek… he has since graduated from college, and is working for the Star-Ledger, where he’s been filling in as a beat writer this week… good for you, matt…
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