September 2012
1 post
4 tags
Mets 5, Marlins 1: Bay Hits Grand Slam(?)
Final Score: Mets 5, Marlins 1
Player of the Game: Jason Bay- 2-for-4, first-inning grand slam
Goat of the Game: Scott Hairston- 0-for-4, 2 K
Jason Bay hit a grand slam. I know, I know, it sounds ridiculous, but it actually happened! The struggling Bay, who was hitting .152 coming into today’s game in Miami, had been hitting .120 since returning from a concussion in July and lost a...
August 2012
12 posts
“In a bizarre attempt to avoid a 50-game drug suspension, San Francisco Giants...”
– Exclusive: Daily News uncovers bizarre plot by Melky Cabrera to use fake website and duck drug suspension
3 tags
PEDs Still A Problem In Baseball?
In the fallout from Melky Cabrera’s 50-game suspension for PED (Performance Enhancing Drug) use this week, Victor Conte made a big splash with what he said about drug use in baseball in an interview with USA Today:
”I’m not going to name names, but I’ve talked to a lot of top players in Major League Baseball, and they tell me this is what they’re doing,”...
4 tags
Mets 8, Reds 4: Hey, Who's This Harvey Kid?
Source: FanGraphs
Final Score: Mets 8, Reds 4
Player of the Game: Matt Harvey- 7.2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, 89 pitches (63 strikes)
Goat of the Game: Frank Francisco- 0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, K, HR
Just one night after Mike Leake stole the show in Cincinnati, it was Matt Harvey’s turn. Harvey, looking to snap a personal three-game losing streak, took the mound for his...
5 tags
Reds 6, Mets 1: Leake Shuts Down Mets, Dickey... →
Post-game recap up at UpAlongFirst.com.
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New Met: Kelly Shoppach
Kelly Shoppach
Quick Info:
Position: Catcher
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Height: 6’ 0”, Weight: 220
Why he was brought here: Josh Thole has proven recently that he is not the long-term answer for the Mets at the catcher position. He has proven that he cannot hit lefties. Sandy Alderson needed to bring in someone who can platoon with Thole.
What he will be used for: Terry Collins...
4 tags
Reds 3, Mets 0: The Worst Bullpen In Baseball
Source: FanGraphs
Final Score: Reds 3, Mets 0
Player of the Game: Chris Young- 5.2 IP, 8 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 105 pitches (65 strikes)
Goat of the Game: Josh Edgin- 0.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 1 HR/ Manny Acosta- 0.0 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 1 BB
Notes:
Chris Young wasn’t particularly great. Sure, he kept the Reds scoreless, but they were so close to breaking the game open. He had...
3 tags
Puma: Wright 'Optimistic' He Will Stay A Met
As the offseason gets closer and closer, speculation about which uniform David Wright will be wearing for the 2014 (or even 2013) season heat up. Wright won’t negotiate with the Mets in-season, and has made that very clear publicly. Despite this, however, David told Mike Puma of the New York Post that he is very “optimistic” that a deal with him and the Mets will get done:
...
12 tags
Series Preview: Mets End Homestand With Three...
The Mets begin a three-game series with the Atlanta Braves tonight at 7:10.
The Braves come into this series red-hot and look like they are going to challenge the Nationals for the NL East crown. Atlanta has won seven of their last ten, and 12 of their last 15 games. They currently sit only four and a half back of Washington.
The Braves, as of late, have looked more like a team that could play...
11 tags
What Can Be Salvaged From This Year's Bullpen?
The bullpen has been a major discussion virtually every day in Mets-world over the past few months. As a unit, they are clearly the worst in baseball, and the numbers back that up as well. We know that Sandy Alderson needs to acquire a reliever or two net off-season. However, the bigger question this winter will be: Who stays?
Despite the Mets having one of the worst bullpens in baseball,...
10 tags
Morning Recap: Hefner Pitches Well, Mets Beat...
[iframe src=”http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=350&w=475&date=2012-08-04&team=Padres&dh=0” width=”475” height=”350”]
Final Score: Mets 6, Padres 2
Player Of The Game: Daniel Murphy- 4-for-4, 2 R
Goat Of The Game: Andres Torres- 0-for-4, 3 K
Notes:
The Mets knocked out Padres...
11 tags
Series Preview: Mets Play Three Against Struggling...
The Mets begin a three-game series with the Padres tonight at PETCO Park in San Diego. The first pitch is at 10:05 eastern time.
The Padres have really struggled lately. After opening up the second half 7-3, including winning two of three against the Dodgers on the road, San Diego has gone just 3-7. In their last series, a four-game set against the Reds, they lost three of four.
Pitching,...
6 tags
Game 106: Mets Rough Up Zito, Win 9-1
Final Score: Mets 9, Giants 1
Player Of The Game: Ronny Cedeno- 3-for-5, 5 RBI, 2 triples
Goat Of The Game: Normally, if there’s no clear goat, I would just pick Jason Bay, but even he drove in two runs…
Notes:
Chris Young was dominant. Young tossed seven innings of one-run ball, allowing just four hits. He also didn’t walk a single batter.
Daniel Murphy was 2-for-3 with...
July 2012
41 posts
1 tag
Game 102: Dickey Dominates, Mets Beat D-Backs 5-1
[iframe src=”http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=350&w=475&date=2012-07-29&team=Diamondbacks&dh=0” width=”475” height=”350”]
Final Score: Mets 5, Diamondbacks 1
Player Of The Game: R.A. Dickey- 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 8 K, 111 pitches (72 strikes)
Goat Of The Game: Ike...
3 tags
Jenrry Mejia Going Back To The Starting Rotation,...
The Mets are moving Jenrry Mejia back to the starting rotation and it’s about time. Mejia, 22, has bounced between the bullpen and the starting rotation throughout his career including a stint in the big league bullpen as a relief pitcher.
The original thought on Mejia was he was coming off Tommy John surgery, so his innings would be limited this season. The Mets front office decided to...
2 tags
Why All The Hate For Sandy Alderson?
Alright, I know these past few weeks have been frustrating. The Mets have gone from a playoff contender to almost completely out of it. The team has obvious holes and inconsistencies. But why are so many people mad at Sandy Alderson?
If we look back to late 2010, when it was obvious that Omar Minaya was going to be fired, the Mets were in bad shape. Word of financial troubles were emerging and...
4 tags
Jason Bay May Be Getting His Last Chance As A Met
While Terry Collins has always been patient with Jason Bay, even he has to be sick of his perforemance right now. He stuck with him these past two years based on his long track-record of success in Pittsburgh and Boston. However, his leash with Bay is shortening, as it should be.
Prior to Friday night’s game in Arizona, Collins told reporters that it could be Mike Baxter who gets the...
9 tags
Series Preview: Mets Begin West Coast Trip With...
Tonight at 9:40, the Mets begin the first game of an eleven-game west coast road trip against the Diamondbacks in Arizona.
The Mets are coming out of their last homestand desperate for wins. They really need a big run to turn this season around and they need it fast. They are on the brink of being irrelevant. If they don’t roll of a bunch of victories fast, they will be out of the playoff...
11 tags
Morning Mets Links: July 25, 2012
Here are this morning’s Mets links:
The Mets lost last night by a score of 5-2. R.A. Dickey was only alright. Combine that with only three hits on offense and you have a big problem. Even a dramatic late-inning home run by Jordany Valdespin couldn’t save them. (Post, Box Score)
The Mets called up Matt Harvey and Manny Acosta yesterday, sending Pedro Beato and Lucas Duda back to...
12 tags
Morning Links: July 24, 2012
Here are this morning’s Mets links:
The Mets imploded in the 10th innin last night, losing 8-2 to the Nationals to drop to 47-49. Chris Young pitched well and Ike Davis tied it up late, but Pedro Beato got rocked in the top of the tenth. (Post, Box Score)
Sandy Alderson told reporters before yesterday’s game that they would not be major buyers at the trade deadline. The only moves...
6 tags
Game 96: Extra Innings, Extra Painful...
[iframe src=”http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2012-07-23&team=Mets&dh=0” width=”450” height=”450”]
Final Score: Nationals 8, Mets 2
Player Of The Game: Chris Young- 7 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 SO, 106 pitches (64 strikes)
Goat Of The Game: Pedro Beato- 0.1 IP,...
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Series Preview: Mets Get Another Shot At Nationals
Tonight at 7:10, the Mets take on the Nationals in the first game of a three-game series at Citi Field.
This may be the last chance for the Mets. If they can’t take this series, it will be very, very hard for them to get out of the hole they’ve dug for themselves.
The last time the Mets played the Nationals just last week, they lost two of three. The two losses were both of the...
8 tags
Morning Mets Links: July 23, 2012
Here are this morning’s Mets links:
The Mets lost yesterday afternoon in a marathon 12-inning game with the Dodgers that ended in an 8-3 defeat. Jonathon Niese pitched well, but the offense couldn’t score until the ninth, when they tied up the game. In the end, however, it all went to waste as Ramon Ramirez allowed five runs in the 12th to lost. (Post, Box Score)
The Mets announced...
10 tags
Morning Mets Links: July 22, 2012
Here are this morning’s Mets links:
The Mets placed Johan Santana on the DL yesterday with a sprained ankle. Santana hurt the ankle against the Cubs on July 6 when he had his foot stepped on while covering first base. Santana, 33, is 6-7 on the season with a 3.98 ERA. (MLB.com)
The Mets lost yesterday to the Dodgers by a score of 8-5. Miguel Batista got the start and got rocked. He went...
9 tags
Phillies Working On Deal With Hamels, Other Trade...
Cole Hamels and the Phillies front office are reportedly ‘moving in the right direction’ on a contract extension, according to Jon Heyman. The Phillies have been looking to sign Hamels to a Matt Cain-type extension, while Hamels is looking for much more than that. The Giants signed Cain to a five-year, $112.5 million deal this April. Hamels wants something closer to Johan...
3 tags
Buffalo Bisons: Jeurys Familia Bouncing Back From...
Jeurys Familia may have had the best start of his professional career Wednesday night, holding Toledo to one run on three hits over eight innings pitched.
Familia over his last three starts has been stellar. He has allowed a total of two runs on eight hits in 20.2 innings. His strikeouts have also been rising. He struck out five on July 6, six on July 13, and nine on Wednesday. He may finally be...
8 tags
Morning Mets Links: July 21, 2012
Here are this morning’s Mets links:
The Mets were defeated last night by a score of 7-6. Johan Santana struggled early, but the Mets mounted a comeback. The comeback wouldn’t be enough however, as the Mets fell one run short. (Box Score)
The Mets dealt Omar Quintanilla to the Orioles for cash considerations yesterday. The 30 year-old infielder played 29 games for the Mets this...
11 tags
Series Preview: Mets Head Home, Try To Stay Alive...
The Mets begin another critical series tonight against the Dodgers at 7:10.
The Mets and Dodgers are both currently in the hunt for the second Wild Card spot, with the Dodgers currently ahead of the Mets by 1.5 games. The Mets need to take this series to not only keep up with the Braves, but also distance themselves with some of the other Wild Card contenders. There are currently five other...
12 tags
Morning Mets Links: July 20, 2012
Here are this morning’s Mets links:
Yesterday afternoon, the Mets salvaged the third game in Washington, in part thanks to a fantastic two home run game from David Wright en route to a 9-5 victory. R.A. Dickey also recorded his 13th win of the season. (ESPN New York)
Mike Baxter is slowly progressing in his rehab. He has reportedly still not thrown yet, and only has a maximum of 16 days...
12 tags
Morning Mets Links: 7.19.12
(NOTE: I’m trying out a new format for the morning links. Let me know what you think.)
Here are this morning’s Morning Mets Links:
Frank Francisco will probably not return until August with a left oblique injury. Francisco recently suffered a setback and will not begin his rehab assignment until next Friday. That leaves an already consistently awful bullpen shorthanded even longer....
14 tags
Morning Links: 7.18.12
News:
Source: Mets looking at Broxton- ESPN New York
Mets seek pen help but view K-Rod and Huston Street as too pricey- CBS Sports
Miguel Batista to start Saturday, not Harvey- MetsBlog.com
Zack Wheeler will not pitch in MLB in 2012- MetsBlog.com
Gee says he’s sympton-free, calls blocked artery ‘very scary’- New York Daily News
Gee hopeful for 2012 return- ESPN New York
...
11 tags
Series Preview: Mets Take On Washington In...
The Mets begin a three-game series with the Nationals, one that has major playoff implications for New York, tonight at 7:05 in Washington.
The Mets, currently coming off a horrendous three-game sweep at the hands of the Atlanta Braves, desperately need a series win here. Not only do they need wins mentally, but this series is very important for the Mets playoff chances. If they blow it here in...
9 tags
Morning Mets Links: 7.17.12
[caption id=”” align=”aligncenter” width=”403”] The hero is on his way back![/caption]
News:
Baxter back in action- ESPN New York
Matt Harvey Solid In His Audition For Mets Execs- MetsMerized Online
Yankees, Mets looking at Francisco Liriano- CBS Sports
Phillies said willing to offer Hamels at least $120 million- CBS Sports
Opinion:
Collins brings right...
6 tags
Morning Mets Links: 7.16.12
News:
Mets outfielder Lucas Duda to be examined for hamstring tightness- NJ.com
Mets continue to search for bullpen help, backup catcher- MetsBlog.com
Wheeler dominates, goes the distance- MiLB.com
TC praises Wheeler … but says no way- ESPN New York
Opinion:
The Sound and the Fury: The fall and rise of the first all-sports talk station, WFAN- Grantland
Could Liriano Be A Solution?-...
9 tags
Morning Mets Links: 7.15.12
News:
Zack Wheeler could pitch in big leagues in 2012- MetsBlog.com
Bay return close; Baxter to begin rehab- ESPN New York
Duda has a hamstring problem, to lose playing time- MetsBlog.com
Batista or Harvey could be Mets’ fifth starter- MLB.com
Mets may target Kelly Shoppach- CBS Sports
Opinion:
Comparing Pelfrey to Harvey first call-up- Mets
Five keys to Mets success in the second...
6 tags
Morning Links: 7.14.12
News:
Gee has surgery, discharge after weekend- ESPN New York
Lenny Dykstra pleads guilty to bankruptcy fraud, money laundering- NJ.com
Mets sign lefty Nitkowski- ESPN New York
Mets could use Dickey on 3 days rest beginning in Aug.- MetsBlog.com
Mets closer Frank Francisco shut down due to oblique trouble- NJ.com
Opinion:
Mets Key Learnings: First Half- Mets Today
Can’t See Mets Making A...
8 tags
Series Preview: Mets Open Up Second Half With...
Tonight at 7:35, the Mets begin a three-game series against the Braves at Turner Field.
The Braves ended the first half 46-39, four games behind the Nationals and a half a game in front of the Mets in the NL East. They finished up the first half with a devastating sweep of the Phillies.
The Braves have been a balanced team this season and haven’t been particularly great at anything....
5 tags
Mid-Season Review: Top 20 Prospects
This winter, I did a series of posts on the top 20 prospects in the Mets minor league system. Now that we are halfway through the season, let’s review how they’ve done.
[ws_table id=”3”] Note: stats as of 7/12
Names to watch for next year’s list:
Matt Den Dekker, who had an excellent 50+ games in Binghamton before being called up to Buffalo would be on this list....
4 tags
Morning Links: 7.13.12
News:
Bay returns to game action- ESPN New York
Santana OK; Harvey use ‘remote’- ESPN New York
Bullpen help, righty bat on Mets’ trade radar- MLB.com
B-Mets likely to remain in place- Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
Opinion:
Mid-Season Mets Minor League All-Star Team- MetsMerizedOnline (I took part in this)
The Mets’ Forgotten First Half- Amazin’...
9 tags
What Will The Rest Of The NL East Be Doing At The...
Well, it’s not just transaction season for the Mets. The rest of the National League East may also be wheeling and dealing towards the deadline. Here’s a team-by-team breakdown.
Nationals- buyers
With an excellent first half and nowhere to go but up, the Nationals will surely be looking to upgrade their lineup as the trade deadline approaches.
The Nationals’ pitching staff is...
4 tags
Morning Links: 7.12.12
[caption id=”” align=”aligncenter” width=”480”] Not ready for the big leagues…[/caption]
News:
Source: Gee to undergo surgery Friday- ESPN New York
Edgin to realize dream of reaching Majors on Friday- MLB.com
Padres’ Street would reconcile with Geren if dealt to Mets- New York Post
McCullough: Mets don’t feel Harvey is ready to “thrive” in MLB-...
6 tags
Keeping 2012 In Perspective
Dillon Gee went on the DL yesterday with a blood clot in his right shoulder. Depending on the severity, he could be out anywhere from two weeks to over a month. So today, Terry Collins had to make an adjustment to the rotation. He had two choices: Miguel Batista or Matt Harvey.
He made the decision to plug in Miguel Batista into the rotation as opposed to Harvey, saying that he didn’t...
3 tags
Morning Links: 7.11.12
News:
 Metsâ Gee going on DL after blood clot found; Collins ‘very worried’- New York Daily News
Vascular expert weighs in on Gee’s clot- ESPN New York
Reliever promotion likely, rotation juggled- ESPN New York
Interleague rivalry games - like those between the Yankees and NY Mets - to be reduced under baseballâs new schedule for 2013- AP Sports
Opinion:
David...
8 tags
Morning Links: 7.9.12
[caption id=”” align=”alignnone” width=”490”] New York-bound?[/caption]
News:
Jon Niese pounded by Cubs, NY Mets head into All-Star break six games over .500 following 7-0 loss to Chicago- New York Daily News
Alderson On Chemistry, Valdespin, Trade Market, Harvey, Wheeler- MetsMerized Online
Wheeler, Flores showcased at Futures Game- MLB.com
Rumors:
Mets...
4 tags
Watch Wheeler, Flores In Tonight's MLB Futures...
Zack Wheeler and Wilmer Flores will both take part in tonight’s MLB Futures game in Kansas City. Both will be making their second trip to the game. Wheeler was selected for the USA team in 2010 with the Giants organization and Flores was selected at just 17 years old in the 2009 game.
Wheeler, 22, is 8-4 on the season with Double-A Binghamton to go along with a 2.62 ERA in 92.2 innings...
10 tags
Morning Links: 7.8.12
[caption id=”” align=”aligncenter” width=”512”] DOMINATION[/caption]
News:
Dillon Gee pitches NY Mets to 3-1 win over Chicago Cubs; Ike Davis and Jordany Valdespin power the offense- New York Daily News
Mets’ Johan Santana will not miss a start after ankle injury- NJ.com
Alderson plans to call up lefty reliever Edgin- New York Post
Frank Francisco...
7 tags
Morning Links: 7.7.12
[caption id=”” align=”aligncenter” width=”286”] Roughed up last night at Citi Field[/caption]
News:
Mets lose to Cubs, 8-7, as comeback attempt falls short- NJ.com
Mets expect Bay back for Nationals series- New York Post
Andres Torres is day-to-day with back pain- MetsBlog.com
Ryan Dempster to start vs. Mets- ESPN Chigaco
Opinion:
Few tougher than Tejada...
10 tags
Series Preview: Mets Get Rematch With Cubs
Tonight, the Mets begin a three-game series with the Cubs at Ciri Field. First pitch is at 7:10.
Since we last left the Cubbies, they have played… surprisingly better. They took three against the Astros (is that an accomplishment?) and also played well against Atlanta in a four-game set.
These are the same old Cubbies, however. They’re towards the bottom in baseball in every major...
8 tags
Morning Links: 7.6.12
[caption id=”” align=”alignnone” width=”540”] Back and as mediocre as ever![/caption]
News:
Bullpen could use work, but righthanded bat would be a bigger relief for NY Mets- Andy Martino- New York Daily News
Mets claim Chris Schwinden off waivers, option him to AAA- MetsBlog.com
Bay, Baxter heading to PSL, Francisco progressing- MetsBlog.com
Dickey to be...
10 tags
Morning Links: 6.5.12
[caption id=”” align=”aligncenter” width=”450”] He’s back[/caption]
‘Spin active; Kirk avoids DL; Hampson out- ESPNNewYork.com
Beato to replace Hefner- ESPNNewYork.com
Phillies’ Lee Stops Mets for First Win This Year- New York Times
A tweet yesterday from Buster Olney: “The Mets are...
