SNY.tvBLOG NETWORKSCHEDULESTATSSTANDINGS VIDEO Headlines:

Quote: The Momentum Kind of Slipped Away

In his lead for the Associated Press, Tom Saladino says it best, writing, “Another late lead and another bullpen meltdown for the New York Mets.”
In yesterday’s loss, Mike Pelfrey handed off a two-run lead to his team’s bullpen, but Brian Stokes let up one run in the seventh, after which Scott Schoeneweis, Joe Smith, Pedro [...]

Note: Bullpen is Good, Bullpen is Bad

Yesterday, Nelson Figueora, who pitched a perfect seventh inning, let up a lead-off double in the eighth inning.  However Pedro Feliciano struck out Prince Fielder, after which Joe Smith struck out Corey Hart and Mike Cameron to end the inning.
Luis Ayala, who is pitching with a sore groin, retired Milwaukee in order for a save in [...]

Quote: Feliciano and Smith for the Save

Last night, Joe Smith and Pedro Feliciano combined to pitch two scoreless innings in relief, while striking out four of the seven batters they faced, to lock down a win for the Mets and Johan Santana.
Prior to the game, Jerry Manuel told reporters that he might turn to Eddie Kunz in a save situation, but instead [...]

Note: Interview with Heath Bell, Stats on Bullpen

I wrote a column today on SNY.tv discussing potential bullpen solutions with Billy Wagner out, but I found a couple of interesting stats in the process.

Since Wagner last pitched on Aug. 2, Aaron Heilman has allowed six earned runs in 4 1/3 innings over five appearances and Joe Smith has allowed four earned runs in [...]

Quote: It’s OK with Pedro, Bullpen didn’t Quit

Yesterday, Joe Smith, Pedro Feliciano, Duaner Sanchez, Aaron Heilman and Scott Schoeneweis combined to let up six runs in three innings, blowing a four-run lead handed to them by Pedro Martinez.
Martinez, regarding the bullpen, while speaking to reporters following yesterday’s loss:

“With me, it’s OK.  Everybody out there was trying to reel in and win.  They never quit, and [...]

Note: Mighty Joe Smith

In his last night’s win, Joe Smith retired Carlos Ruiz to end the 10th inning with a runner on second, then pitched a 1–2–3 inning in the 11th, including a pop-out by Chase Utley.  Smith then went on to pitch a scoreless 12th, including a pop-out from Ryan Howard.
Jerry Manuel, on Smith:
“Joe [...]

Buzz: Joe Smith Being Sent Down

According to Adam Rubin at his blog for the Daily News, the Mets have decided to send down Joe Smith on Wednesday to make room for either Adam Bostick or Willie Collazo, who will start Wednesday – and only Wednesday – for the Mets.
…as rubin points out, the goal is to use a pitcher [...]

Health: Wise, future of Smith, Sosa, Etc.

Matt Wise will likely pitch again today in a minor-league rehab start, meaning a) he will have finally pitched on back-to-back days, and b) will be one step closer to re-joining the Mets this weekend in New York.
Once Wise is promoted, a current pitcher from the team’s pitching staff will be displaced.
…it does not appear [...]

Note: The Return of Joe Smith

Last night, Joe Smith entered during the seventh inning, in relief of John Maine with two on and two out. 
Smith got the final out of the inning, then pitched a scoreless eighth inning as well.
He has allowed one run in seven appearances this season.
Willie Randolph, on Smith:

“Joe did a great job…He’s really whipping the [...]

News: Joe Smith, Clark make the Mets

Joe Smith has beaten out Brian Stokes, Nelson Figueroa and Ricardo Rincon for the final spot in the team’s bullpen, according to the Journal News and Newsday, both of which also provide quotes from Smith.
…excellent…welcome back, smith, who has been fairly consistent of late, which is exactly what the team wanted to see from him…
Also, [...]