I love off days following an exciting series win. For an extra 24 hours, you get to be on top of the world. So the real question for me is this: why didn't I feel that way?
Yes, we took two out of three from the Yankees and got three fantastic starting efforts in a row. K-Rod gave everyone a heart attack, but came through in the end - which he will do more often than not. Jason Bay remembered how to hit, David Wright came up with some big RBIs, and Jose Reyes seems to be playing like his old self.
But I don't trust this team. I'm fairly certain this is just a defense mechanism. In 2006, we were built to dominate the NL East for years. Somehow, one curve ball changed all that... and things really haven't been the same since. I've said before that I didn't have the same kind of confidence in the 2007 team, even though they held first place for most of the season before ultimately leading to an epic collapse. There was even less faith in 2008, and last year's Mets will always be remembered as a AAA squad masquerading as a major league team.
I just feel like we're constantly living on a dime and a dream, something that is perpetuated by statements that both Omar and Jerry have made in the past. I was never convinced that John Maine and Oliver Perez would return to the form they once had under Rick Peterson, but Omar literally shoved those guys into the starting rotation and guess what - the former landed on the DL and the latter has been banished to the bullpen. Quite honestly, Omar is lucky that Mike Pelfrey has seemingly undergone a complete transformation as a pitcher. Without Pelfrey in this rotation, Jerry Manuel would have already been fired and Omar would be taking even more criticism than usual for not exploring starting pitching options in the off season.
Maybe this is just the calm before the storm. Change is coming - whether or not it's just for change's sake remains to be seen. The more I think about it, I realize it's a difficult position for the team to be in because Jerry is the obvious scapegoat here... but should he really be blamed for a roster that he did not construct? I really believe this series with the Phillies is critical - as critical as a series can be in the last week of May. The Mets need to make a statement over the next three games. It doesn't have to be "we're the team to beat".... but a reminder of "we're here and we're not going anywhere" would be nice to see, especially since they are only five games out of first place. It's time to make a move, heat up, and just play good baseball. Hopefully, the rest will just fall into place.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
There's no place like home
That goes for me and the Mets. After a quick vacation, I'm back in action. According to my dad, I didn't miss much during the week I spent in Mexico - one win and other than that, a lot of mediocrity. Seems to be a growing trend these days. But now the Mets are coming back to Citi Field after that horrific road trip and I'm hoping things will turn around.
Since I've been back, the Mets have split a two game series with the Nationals. Even in their win last night, I never really felt good about the game. Why is it that no lead feels safe with this team? You can't tell me you weren't freaking out when the Nationals were suddenly back in the game at 10-6 with the bases loaded and Adam Dunn at bat. Why does it feel like the Mets are constantly playing with house money?
Last night was a strange enough game right from the start. John Maine inexplicably left after facing just one batter. According to Ron Darling's update, Maine was not hurt but will see a doctor today (I have no idea what he's seeing the doctor for but I guess that's a different issue). Raul Valdes was fantastic in long relief, which was great because the bull pen had to cover nine innings. That's really unfortunate, because now I don't see how Valdes could possibly be available for any games this weekend and with Hisanori Takahashi getting the start tonight, where exactly is our long relief coming from? I guess Jerry will just have to piece the puzzle together as the situations come up.
Aside from the offensive explosion, (obviously much needed, since the Mets gave back most of their 10-1 lead) I think the thing that made me feel the best last night was seeing Jerry's reaction to John Maine needing to leave the game after throwing 5 pitches. I don't actually know what was wrong or what was said, but Jerry was visibly angry with the situation and seemed to let Maine know it in the dugout. That's the kind of thing I like to see. I'm not saying that managers should publicly rake their guys over the coals, but it's nice to know that there was some accountability for last night's failure. John Maine might be even more frustrating than Oliver Perez at this point. At least with Ollie, you know what you are getting: expensive mediocrity with flashes of brilliance.
The Mets and Yankees open a three game Subway Series at Citi Field tonight with Takahashi facing Javy Vazquez. As much as I despise inter-league play, I'm excited for this weekend. We'll either win and make everyone feel better or lose and turn up the heat on Jerry's hot seat. Seems like a win-win scenario to me.
Since I've been back, the Mets have split a two game series with the Nationals. Even in their win last night, I never really felt good about the game. Why is it that no lead feels safe with this team? You can't tell me you weren't freaking out when the Nationals were suddenly back in the game at 10-6 with the bases loaded and Adam Dunn at bat. Why does it feel like the Mets are constantly playing with house money?
Last night was a strange enough game right from the start. John Maine inexplicably left after facing just one batter. According to Ron Darling's update, Maine was not hurt but will see a doctor today (I have no idea what he's seeing the doctor for but I guess that's a different issue). Raul Valdes was fantastic in long relief, which was great because the bull pen had to cover nine innings. That's really unfortunate, because now I don't see how Valdes could possibly be available for any games this weekend and with Hisanori Takahashi getting the start tonight, where exactly is our long relief coming from? I guess Jerry will just have to piece the puzzle together as the situations come up.
Aside from the offensive explosion, (obviously much needed, since the Mets gave back most of their 10-1 lead) I think the thing that made me feel the best last night was seeing Jerry's reaction to John Maine needing to leave the game after throwing 5 pitches. I don't actually know what was wrong or what was said, but Jerry was visibly angry with the situation and seemed to let Maine know it in the dugout. That's the kind of thing I like to see. I'm not saying that managers should publicly rake their guys over the coals, but it's nice to know that there was some accountability for last night's failure. John Maine might be even more frustrating than Oliver Perez at this point. At least with Ollie, you know what you are getting: expensive mediocrity with flashes of brilliance.
The Mets and Yankees open a three game Subway Series at Citi Field tonight with Takahashi facing Javy Vazquez. As much as I despise inter-league play, I'm excited for this weekend. We'll either win and make everyone feel better or lose and turn up the heat on Jerry's hot seat. Seems like a win-win scenario to me.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Walk-off weekend, Ollie P., the Nationals,and the Bench
All right - I'm officially retracting my complaints regarding the signings of Rod Barajas and Henry Blanco to fix the catching situation. Apparently Brian Schneider just made me forget how important having a competent catcher is to a team's success. It's kind of impressive/scary that he erased memories of Mike Piazza and Paul LoDuca. Anyway, Barajas and Blanco each provided the Mets with a walk-off win over the Giants this weekend. I was at the Friday night game and it was incredible - the ball park went from completely flat (thanks, K-Rod..) to absolutely insane with one swing of the bat. (And that's not even taking Ike Davis's circus catch into account. Also, for whatever reason, "We Like Ike!" chants have no power at Citi Field... I'm hoping this changes soon).
So of course, after riding high on two walk off wins, we sent Oliver Perez to the mound on Sunday. Unfortunately for us, Bad Ollie showed up to play. I really don't even know what to say about him anymore. I'm going to chalk him up to a horrifically overpriced 5th starter and just leave it at that. Now my concerns are about how he just crushes the bullpen. He lasted only 3.1 innings on Sunday, during which he threw 98 pitches, walked 7, and hit a batter for good measure. It also didn't help that the Mets weren't able to get to Tim Lincecum early because he had a shaky start. But, it's a series win and obviously I'll take that every time.
And now the Nationals are in town. I'm not too happy with the Nationals imitating the Marlins at this point in the season. I suppose it's still too early to make decisive comments about what a team is or isn't - but it seems like the Nationals are much better than anyone gave them credit for, myself included. After dropping last night's game, I'd like for the Mets to come out and make a statement tonight - one that does NOT include getting ejected for arguing balls and strikes. The players are obviously frustrated, and I understand that, but getting thrown out of a game doesn't make you productive... it forces Jerry to use one of his not-so-stellar bench players.
Speaking of bench players! Frank Catalanotto was designated for assignment - and Chris Carter has been called up to replace him. Hopefully Carter can breathe a little life into this offense, like Ike Davis did immediately following his promotion to Queens. We certainly could use the help.
So of course, after riding high on two walk off wins, we sent Oliver Perez to the mound on Sunday. Unfortunately for us, Bad Ollie showed up to play. I really don't even know what to say about him anymore. I'm going to chalk him up to a horrifically overpriced 5th starter and just leave it at that. Now my concerns are about how he just crushes the bullpen. He lasted only 3.1 innings on Sunday, during which he threw 98 pitches, walked 7, and hit a batter for good measure. It also didn't help that the Mets weren't able to get to Tim Lincecum early because he had a shaky start. But, it's a series win and obviously I'll take that every time.
And now the Nationals are in town. I'm not too happy with the Nationals imitating the Marlins at this point in the season. I suppose it's still too early to make decisive comments about what a team is or isn't - but it seems like the Nationals are much better than anyone gave them credit for, myself included. After dropping last night's game, I'd like for the Mets to come out and make a statement tonight - one that does NOT include getting ejected for arguing balls and strikes. The players are obviously frustrated, and I understand that, but getting thrown out of a game doesn't make you productive... it forces Jerry to use one of his not-so-stellar bench players.
Speaking of bench players! Frank Catalanotto was designated for assignment - and Chris Carter has been called up to replace him. Hopefully Carter can breathe a little life into this offense, like Ike Davis did immediately following his promotion to Queens. We certainly could use the help.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Mythbusters: Fans Love the All-Star Game
Ok, I made that one up. I don't think that fans like the All-Star Game at all anymore - and if you do, I'm about to change your mind. The current All-Star Game is a shadow of its former self and it frustrates me. The issues I have with the All-Star Game are all connected: fan voting, representing each team, deciding home field advantage in the World Series, using the DH in all future ASGs, and Hall of Fame implications.
Let's jump right in - if you want to have the fans voting for a starting line up, that is fine. However, the game then has to be an exhibition. How are you going to tell me that the ASG determines home field advantage in the World Series.... but we're not going to field our best team to try and win (also, the idea of this game deciding home field is absurd in and of itself - there is no earthly reason why home field shouldn't go to the team with the best record, other than that Bud Selig is a moron). This ties into the fact that each team needs to be represented by at least one player. The people who made this rule are the same ones who don't think we should keep score in Little League because God forbid there are losers! Why should someone who is deserving of an All-Star selection be left off the roster because (for example) the Pirates don't have a representative yet? It's ridiculous. I think the selection that angered me the most in the past few years was Kosuke Fukodome - although a friend of mine has a theory that drunk Chicago frat boys overtook that vote just because of his name. Fukodome had no business being anywhere near the All-Star Game that year - but with the fans given free reign, anything can happen.
This ties in nicely with the fact that ASG selections carry far too much weight in Hall of Fame voting. If you're going to point to the number of games a player was selected to appear in, then there needs to be an actual process to make the selections. I think the Hall of Fame is already becoming watered down - for example, there should be no such thing as a "borderline" Hall of Famer. If you want the selections to mean something and lend weight to an argument about a player's Hall of Fame credentials, then stop it with the fan vote and team representation. Again, MLB wants to have the game be an exhibition while simultaneously being important to not only the playoffs but individual players' careers. Sounds like a classic "have your cake and eat it too" scenario to me.
Now, onto my newest ASG annoyance: the decision to use a DH in all future games, even ones that take place in National League parks. First of all, if you don't think that this is a sign of things to come for the NL, you're not paying attention (remember, chicks and Bud Selig dig the long ball). Major League Baseball has this ridiculous obsession with the need to keep aging former stars hanging around the game through the DH position. The fact that baseball keeps trying to force this rule down the NL's throat bothers me. I'll admit to a bias here because I follow NL baseball and I love the strategy behind double switches. But I think the fact that the leagues are different is a good thing, and I like watching my pitchers help themselves out with sacrifices or hits.
At this point, the reason I watch the All-Star Game is because it's really the only time I get to see players from the American League (because you all know I don't watch Yankees games). But I can't take it seriously, because it's become a joke. I think that's sad because an All-Star selection should be something to take pride in - for the players, but also for the fans of those players. Instead, all I can think about are the idiots in Chicago mass-voting for Fukodome.
Let's jump right in - if you want to have the fans voting for a starting line up, that is fine. However, the game then has to be an exhibition. How are you going to tell me that the ASG determines home field advantage in the World Series.... but we're not going to field our best team to try and win (also, the idea of this game deciding home field is absurd in and of itself - there is no earthly reason why home field shouldn't go to the team with the best record, other than that Bud Selig is a moron). This ties into the fact that each team needs to be represented by at least one player. The people who made this rule are the same ones who don't think we should keep score in Little League because God forbid there are losers! Why should someone who is deserving of an All-Star selection be left off the roster because (for example) the Pirates don't have a representative yet? It's ridiculous. I think the selection that angered me the most in the past few years was Kosuke Fukodome - although a friend of mine has a theory that drunk Chicago frat boys overtook that vote just because of his name. Fukodome had no business being anywhere near the All-Star Game that year - but with the fans given free reign, anything can happen.
This ties in nicely with the fact that ASG selections carry far too much weight in Hall of Fame voting. If you're going to point to the number of games a player was selected to appear in, then there needs to be an actual process to make the selections. I think the Hall of Fame is already becoming watered down - for example, there should be no such thing as a "borderline" Hall of Famer. If you want the selections to mean something and lend weight to an argument about a player's Hall of Fame credentials, then stop it with the fan vote and team representation. Again, MLB wants to have the game be an exhibition while simultaneously being important to not only the playoffs but individual players' careers. Sounds like a classic "have your cake and eat it too" scenario to me.
Now, onto my newest ASG annoyance: the decision to use a DH in all future games, even ones that take place in National League parks. First of all, if you don't think that this is a sign of things to come for the NL, you're not paying attention (remember, chicks and Bud Selig dig the long ball). Major League Baseball has this ridiculous obsession with the need to keep aging former stars hanging around the game through the DH position. The fact that baseball keeps trying to force this rule down the NL's throat bothers me. I'll admit to a bias here because I follow NL baseball and I love the strategy behind double switches. But I think the fact that the leagues are different is a good thing, and I like watching my pitchers help themselves out with sacrifices or hits.
At this point, the reason I watch the All-Star Game is because it's really the only time I get to see players from the American League (because you all know I don't watch Yankees games). But I can't take it seriously, because it's become a joke. I think that's sad because an All-Star selection should be something to take pride in - for the players, but also for the fans of those players. Instead, all I can think about are the idiots in Chicago mass-voting for Fukodome.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The woes of the bench
With another extra innings loss yesterday afternoon, the Mets fell to 2-4 on their road trip. I suppose it could have been worse - we could have been swept in Philadelphia. Or in Cincinnati. Anyway, I noticed yesterday that different Mets blogs were FULL of people complaining about the line up Jerry was starting. Now, while I do agree that he falls back on a "day game after a night game on get away day" B-lineup (which is frustrating, because it just feels like giving up on the last game of a series), I don't think the issue is really that he's giving the starters a day off. I think the problem is who is replacing them.
Our bench right now contains the following people: Henry Blanco, Alex Cora, Gary Matthews, Jr., Fernando Tatis, and Frank Catalanatto. I don't take issue with Blanco and Cora. Although Omar misjudged the market slightly when resigning Cora, I applauded him at the time and I still support it. Cora is not an everyday player and, through no fault of his own, was completely overused last year. Now, don't get me wrong, he's not a super utility guy like Mark DeRosa, but he does a fine job as a back up. While Blanco hasn't been playing much or really producing a lot, I'm beginning to appreciate the way he works with pitchers (particularly Mike Pelfrey). And Tatis is here for better or worse, so there's no point in even discussing how he shouldn't have been resigned this season.
As far as the other two... I'm trying to have patience. I recognize that GMJ needs to stay on the roster as a back-up center fielder. With Carlos Beltran out, the Mets simply don't have other options at this point. However, he is currently an automatic out in a line up that isn't exactly striking fear into the opposing pitchers in the first place. GMJ has just been awful. I think I understand now why the Angels are paying $20 million to not have him on the team. I feel the same about Catalanatto. He isn't producing during his limited playing time (and yes, I do understand that it is difficult to be a pinch hitter). So why keep him around??
Chris Carter (part of the Billy Wagner exodus/debacle) is tearing up AAA at the moment. In 102 plate appearances, he's batting .344 with a .402 on base percentage. In a much smaller sample (23 at bats), Catalanatto is currently batting .174 with a .208 on base percentage. He's not even batting his weight right now. We saw Ike Davis give this team a shot in the arm a few weeks ago - who's to say that Carter wouldn't be capable of the same? There is some speculation that Chris Carter is a AAAA player - someone who tears up the minors, but is not good enough for the majors. This could absolutely be true, but I think the Mets need to ask themselves this: could he really be THAT much worse than the bench players we're currently carrying? Shouldn't we at least see what he can do at the major league level? Without any depth on the bench, we're going to be in for a long season. Anyone else miss Joe McEwing and Matt Franco? I know I do.
Our bench right now contains the following people: Henry Blanco, Alex Cora, Gary Matthews, Jr., Fernando Tatis, and Frank Catalanatto. I don't take issue with Blanco and Cora. Although Omar misjudged the market slightly when resigning Cora, I applauded him at the time and I still support it. Cora is not an everyday player and, through no fault of his own, was completely overused last year. Now, don't get me wrong, he's not a super utility guy like Mark DeRosa, but he does a fine job as a back up. While Blanco hasn't been playing much or really producing a lot, I'm beginning to appreciate the way he works with pitchers (particularly Mike Pelfrey). And Tatis is here for better or worse, so there's no point in even discussing how he shouldn't have been resigned this season.
As far as the other two... I'm trying to have patience. I recognize that GMJ needs to stay on the roster as a back-up center fielder. With Carlos Beltran out, the Mets simply don't have other options at this point. However, he is currently an automatic out in a line up that isn't exactly striking fear into the opposing pitchers in the first place. GMJ has just been awful. I think I understand now why the Angels are paying $20 million to not have him on the team. I feel the same about Catalanatto. He isn't producing during his limited playing time (and yes, I do understand that it is difficult to be a pinch hitter). So why keep him around??
Chris Carter (part of the Billy Wagner exodus/debacle) is tearing up AAA at the moment. In 102 plate appearances, he's batting .344 with a .402 on base percentage. In a much smaller sample (23 at bats), Catalanatto is currently batting .174 with a .208 on base percentage. He's not even batting his weight right now. We saw Ike Davis give this team a shot in the arm a few weeks ago - who's to say that Carter wouldn't be capable of the same? There is some speculation that Chris Carter is a AAAA player - someone who tears up the minors, but is not good enough for the majors. This could absolutely be true, but I think the Mets need to ask themselves this: could he really be THAT much worse than the bench players we're currently carrying? Shouldn't we at least see what he can do at the major league level? Without any depth on the bench, we're going to be in for a long season. Anyone else miss Joe McEwing and Matt Franco? I know I do.
Monday, May 3, 2010
What happened...
After continuing to roll with a feel good win on Friday night, the Mets imploded over the next two days. We all knew that Mike Pelfrey would eventually come back down to earth, but did it have to happen against the Phillies and Doc Halladay?? The Mets could not do anything against the Phillies ace... but then again, not many teams can. That loss was difficult, but at the same time, we'd stuck it to the Phillies so badly the night before I just sort of chalked it up to baseball karma. And then, Sunday came.
Have you ever seen Johan Santana completely lose it like he did last night? I mean, we're talking 2009 Mike Pelfrey meltdown status. Thankfully, I happened to be driving a friend home during Johan's meltdown, so I had Wayne Hagan and Howie Rose to talk me through it rather than Jon Miller and Joe Morgan. My favorite moment from last night's broadcast, courtesy of Jon Miller in about the fifth inning: "If Jamie Moyer hits a home run here, the Mets should just pack their bags." Thank you, Jon. Because Mets fans across the nation couldn't figure out that things were bad enough, you're actually encouraging a team that had already mailed it in to give up. And you read that correctly - the Mets completely mailed it in last night.
The game started off wonderfully... David Wright hit a home run in the first inning to give the Mets a 3-0 lead. Santana immediately gave back 2 of those runs in the form of homers. We picked up another 2 runs to make the score 5-2 - and then all hell broke loose. And the second that Johan left the game, the Mets had given up. That's a bigger problem for me than the fact that Johan got shelled. It's going to happen to everyone at some point - but again, did it really have to be against the Phillies? Against Jamie-freakin-Moyer? With ESPN doing the broadcast?! (ok, that last one is just me. I'm really bitter we had to deal with 3 ESPN Sunday games in a row PLUS 2 Fox Saturday games during that stretch).
The Mets will get a chance to start a new streak tonight in Cincinnati. They need to show us that they can rebound from brutal losses and get back on track. Having Ike Davis and Angel Pagan (who were inexplicably given the day off yesterday) back in the line up should help. Show us some fight, boys.... we really do want to believe, you just make it so damn hard sometimes.
Have you ever seen Johan Santana completely lose it like he did last night? I mean, we're talking 2009 Mike Pelfrey meltdown status. Thankfully, I happened to be driving a friend home during Johan's meltdown, so I had Wayne Hagan and Howie Rose to talk me through it rather than Jon Miller and Joe Morgan. My favorite moment from last night's broadcast, courtesy of Jon Miller in about the fifth inning: "If Jamie Moyer hits a home run here, the Mets should just pack their bags." Thank you, Jon. Because Mets fans across the nation couldn't figure out that things were bad enough, you're actually encouraging a team that had already mailed it in to give up. And you read that correctly - the Mets completely mailed it in last night.
The game started off wonderfully... David Wright hit a home run in the first inning to give the Mets a 3-0 lead. Santana immediately gave back 2 of those runs in the form of homers. We picked up another 2 runs to make the score 5-2 - and then all hell broke loose. And the second that Johan left the game, the Mets had given up. That's a bigger problem for me than the fact that Johan got shelled. It's going to happen to everyone at some point - but again, did it really have to be against the Phillies? Against Jamie-freakin-Moyer? With ESPN doing the broadcast?! (ok, that last one is just me. I'm really bitter we had to deal with 3 ESPN Sunday games in a row PLUS 2 Fox Saturday games during that stretch).
The Mets will get a chance to start a new streak tonight in Cincinnati. They need to show us that they can rebound from brutal losses and get back on track. Having Ike Davis and Angel Pagan (who were inexplicably given the day off yesterday) back in the line up should help. Show us some fight, boys.... we really do want to believe, you just make it so damn hard sometimes.
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