Team meeting a.k.a. ‘family talk’

The Mets kept the clubhouse doors closed for 28 minutes as they had a bit of a team meeting.  Jerry Manuel later described it as “family talk.”

But what struck me most was Brian Costa’s tweet, which read, “Jerry said he addressed team after game. message: we have enough here to win.”

Really?

Because just 24 hours earlier, Mr. Manuel told reporters, “We're a below average team. Period.”

6/29: “We’re a below average team.”

6/30: “We have enough here to win.”

Hmm…Sounds like someone got a phone call from someone higher up.

Game Recap: Brewers 6 – Mets 3

This recap brought to you by my good friend Ben…

Along with being the focus of this image, Fernando Martinez connected for his first “F-Bomb” of his major league career.  Congrats.  Here’s to many, many more.

Game Chat: NYM @ MIL [Game 2]

Johan Santana (9-5, 3.08 ERA) vs. Mike Burns (0-1, 3.72 ERA)

Join in for some barstool banter with your fellow fans.

(Chat removed, as usual.)

Twitter Poll: Who would you rather see traded: Nick Evans or Daniel Murphy?

Though an unpopular choice, as no one likes to trade away young, home grown talent, the time may come (very) soon when the Mets might deal away one of these players.

So I asked my Twitter followers, who would they rather see traded away: Nick Evans or Daniel Murphy.  Here are their responses…

NICK EVANS

NYMetsGrrl94 said: Nick Evans. Daniel Murphy seems like he would be more helpful at 1B than Evans would anywhere in the long run.

BlackMagic718 said: Hmm that's a tough one....I say Evans but if Murphy doesn't get his act together I may change my mind.

cutiepie0319k said: Nick Evans

REHalFR said: I think Nick Evans, he has more trade value.

springfan said: nick evans but I can't really explain it. It's a gut feeling thing. I have unexplained faith in murph.

AnneMolnar said: I'd rather keep both. But if I had to trade one, it would be Evans.

letsgoduke said: I would rather trade Evans. Murphys baseball IQ is excellent.

DANIEL MURPHY

MarcARodriguez said: Murphy

mattclausen said: neither....but i'd probably have to say murph if absolutely necessary...though the kid is eventually going to hit a ton

saffir_99 said: Gonna go with Murphy. I just think he's forgotten how to handle the major leagues.

wrongheaven said: as much as I love him, Daniel Murphy - Evans is worth more defensively

FMauceri said: Murphy.

pymrod said: I had Murphy's back for a while..even when my girl hated him in the 1st week. TRADE HIS A**.

sdettling said: Trade Murphy. I think he has potential as a hitter down the road but he doesn't seem to me making any progress defensively.

BOTH

darknova306 said: Either/both in the right deal(s). (This is despite my giant Murph-crush, he just isn't good enough on D or powerful for 1B)

darknova306 continued: Though, to be fair to Murph, Jerry sits him whenever he gets hot. Doesn't help the kid's confidence and focus. Jerry sucks!

Not on Twitter?  Hit the comments to discuss who you would rather see traded.

Follow me on Twitter (@TheRopolitans) to
participate in the next Twitter Poll!

Ex-Mets: Milledge traded away from Nats

It’s a sad day on The ‘Ropolitans having just learned that the Mets will likely see Lastings Milledge only six times a year from here on out.

Milledge and his teammate Joel Hanrahan were traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates today.  In return, the Washington Nationals received Nyjer Morgan and pitching prospect Sean Burnett.

Good luck in Pitt, L-Millz.  You’re going to need it.

Lineup for game two against MIL

How does Jerry Manuel spend his day?  Thinking up new and inventive ways to plan the lineup.  Here’s the one for tonight’s game…

1. Alex Cora – SS
2. Fernando Tatis – 2B
3. David Wright – 3B
4. Gary Sheffield – LF
5. Ryan Church – RF
6. Nick Evans – 1B
7. Fernando Martinez – CF
8. Omir Santos – C
9. Johan Santana - LHP

Poll Results: F-Mart deemed not ready by Mets fans

In my last poll, I asked Mets fans for their thoughts on Fernando Martinez.  Here are the results…

1. Still needs seasoning – 72%
2. Play him every day – 19%
3. Major league ready – 5%
4. Let him ride the pine – 3%

An overwhelming majority thinks Martinez still needs some time in the minor leagues to work on his game.  His .183 batting average and .256 OBP seems to highlight that thought.

Next poll: Will the Mets make the postseason?

Mets sign three more draft picks

This is from five days ago.  Guess I missed it.

The New York Mets today announced that they signed three more draft choices from the 2009 First Year Player Draft, including fourth-round selection Darrell Ceciliani, the team's highest pick to agree to terms so far. The 19-year-old outfielder will report to Kingsport (R) of the Appalachian League.

The Mets also came to terms with James Ewing, the team's 12th-round round pick, and 26th-rounder John Semel. Ewing, an infielder from the University of Southern Mississippi, will make his professional debut in Brooklyn (A) of the New York-Penn League. Semel, an outfielder from Chapman University, will join Ceciliani in Kingsport's lineup.

Beltran only has bone bruise

Adam Rubin quiets the Carlos Beltran “career-ending injury” banter with his latest post.  In it, he cites a source that says Dr. Richard Steadman, the doctor Beltran visited in Colorado, explains that it’s only a bone bruise and needs extended rest.

The bad news is that Dr. Steadman wants Beltran to sit out a little longer than originally planned, until after the All-Star break.

I’m OK with that, as long as he doesn’t need microfracture surgery.

Amazing.  Actual good news about an injured player.  What a novel idea.

New Shirt: Santana is ‘Smooth’

Click the image to be taken to the store.

Here is the newest T-shirt in The ‘Ropolitans design catalog.

An outline of everyone’s favorite pitcher, Johan Santana, with the best word to describe him: Smooth.

Head over to the CafePress store to order this image on any selected number of items, from shirts to mugs to clocks to boxers!

Welcome to third place in the worst division in baseball

 Welcome to a sub-.500 and third place, Mets fans.

Both the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets are 3-7 over their last 10 games.  The puts the Florida Marlins in the “surging” category, as they have won six of their last 10.

With a .534 winning percentage, the Phillies are the “worst” team to be leading a division.  The Washington Nationals, undoubtedly the worse team in the game, has a putrid 22-52 record, good for a .297 winning percentage.

The combined records of all five teams is 172-203.  That is a .458 winning percentage.

All this keeps me believing that the Mets actually have shot at the NL East title.  And I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.

Manuel’s Musing for June 29

“We're a below average team. Period.”

-Jerry Manuel

Completely Unfounded Rumor: Steroid list leaked

I hate rumor-mongering and I hate the argument over steroids, but this is too “juicy” to pass up.

Rotoinfo.com (who?) has posted a rumor of the list of 103 names on the mythical 2003 steroid list. Just look at all the former and current Mets on the list. Nos. 20 and 49 are especially disheartening.

Mets in bold, italics and underlined. “Mets” being loosely applied to anyone within the organization, ever.

I don't believe this to be true at all. Simply take a look at the names and feel free to discuss it in the comments. If you take it any further, please excuse yourself from the Internet.

1. Nomar Garciaparra
2. Manny Ramirez
3. Johnny Damon
4. Trot Nixon
5. David Ortiz
6. Shea Hillenbrand
7. Derek Lowe
8. Pedro Martinez
9. Brian Roberts
10. Jay Gibbons
11. Melvin Mora
12. Jerry Hairston
13. Jason Giambi
14. Alfonso Soriano
15. Raul Mondesi
16. Aaron Boone
17. Andy Pettitte
18. Jose Contreras
19. Roger Clemens
20. Carlos Delgado
21. Vernon Wells
22. Frank Catalanotto
23. Kenny Rogers
24. Magglio Ordonez
25. Sandy Alomar
26. Bartolo Colon
27. Brent Abernathy
28. Jose Lima
29. Milton Bradley
30. Casey Blake
31. Danys Baez
32. Craig Monroe
33. Dmitri Young
34. Alex Sanchez
35. Eric Chavez
36. Miguel Tejada
37. Eric Byrnes
38. Jose Guillen
39. Keith Foulke
40. Ricardo Rincon
41. Bret Boone
42. Mike Cameron
43. Randy Winn
44. Ryan Franklin
45. Freddy Garcia
46. Rafael Soriano
47. Scott Spiezio
48. Troy Glaus
49. Francisco Rodriguez
50. Ben Weber
51. Alex Rodriguez
52. Juan Gonzalez
53. Rafael Palmeiro
54. Carl Everett
55. Javy Lopez
56. Gary Sheffield
57. Mike Hampton
58. Ivan Rodriguez
59. Derrek Lee
60. Bobby Abreu
61. Terry Adams
62. Fernando Tatis
63. Livan Hernandez
64. Hector Almonte
65. Tony Armas
66. Dan Smith
67. Roberto Alomar
68. Cliff Floyd
69. Roger Cedeno
70. Jeromy Burnitz
71. Moises Alou
72. Sammy Sosa
73. Corey Patterson
74. Carlos Zambrano
75. Mark Prior
76. Kerry Wood
77. Matt Clement
78. Antonio Alfonseca
79. Juan Cruz
80. Aramis Ramirez
81. Craig Wilson
82. Kris Benson
83. Richie Sexson
84. Geoff Jenkins
85. Valerio de los Santos
86. Benito Santiago
87. Rich Aurilia
88. Barry Bonds
89. Andres Galarraga
90. Jason Schmidt
91. Felix Rodriguez
92. Jason Christiansen
93. Matt Herges
94. Paul Lo Duca
95. Shawn Green
96. Oliver Perez
97. Adrian Beltre
98. Eric Gagne
99. Guillermo Mota
100. Luis Gonzalez
101. Todd Helton
102. Ryan Klesko
103. Gary Matthews

Did I miss anyone?

This could all be a crock of nothing, and that’s the way I’m leaning right now. But geeze-louise, look at all those Mets.

Current Mets listed (7): Delgado, Alomar (coach), Rodriguez, Sheffield, Tatis, Hernandez, Perez

I, obviously, don’t believe this list further than I can throw my car. Take this with a grain of salt the size of Texas. If nothing else, it is interesting to look at and could be a jumping off point for a nice discussion in the comments.

[H/T JSchil]

Update: If you still, somehow, thought this was true. It's not.

Brewers 10 – Mets 6

GOOD

• Ryan Church: 4-5
• Church’s outfield assist (even if it was Braden Looper running).
• Gary Sheffield: 3-5, HR, 3 RBI
• Elmer Dessens: 1.2 IP, 0 H
• Three run 9th inning rally
• Five extra-base hits

BAD & UGLY

• Too little, too late
• Braden Looper: 6.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 2 K
• Argenis Reyes leading off
• Brian Stokes: 1 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, HR (GS)
• Fernando Nieve: 11 H in 3.1 IP.  He had allowed 10 hits over last three starts.

Game Ball: Ryan Church

Game Chat: NYM @ MIL [Game 1]

Fernando Nieve (3-0, 1.31 ERA) vs. Braden Looper (5-4, 5.16 ERA)

Join in for some barstool banter with your fellow fans!

(Chat removed, as usual.)

Beltran in Colorado for second opinion

I’ll let Bart Hubbuch of the Post pinch-hit here.  He says it better than I can (or want to):

In a ominous-sounding move, Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran flew to Vail, Colo., today for a second opinion on his ailing right knee from the inventor of microfracture surgery.
---
If Beltran ends up having microfracture surgery, he would miss the rest of the season, at the least.

The surgery, which involves drilling holes in the knee so that blood and bone marrow clot to form new cartilage, has been done on numerous NFL and NBA players.

The hits just keep on coming.

Update – 8:13 p.m.: Assistant GM John Ricco, on Beltran, “He asked to go have a second opinion, which is his right under the rules. With him, there’s no reason for us to not be in favor of that. Our doctors are fully on board with that.” (via Ben Shpigel)

Ollie’s next stop: Buffalo

Oliver Perez will join the Mets Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons, for what is expected to be one start.

Adam Rubin expects him to pitch on Friday, so if you’re in the Buffalo area, plan accordingly.

What is expected to happen, says Jerry Manuel, is Perez and Tim Redding share starts.  That should be interesting to see be implemented.  It’s not that Redding has been bad, but he’s just the weakest part of the rotation.

Maybe it’d be good to get Perez’s .429 AVG and .500 OBP back in the lineup.

Lineup for game one against MIL

A Reyes is leading off, too bad it’s A. Reyes.

1. Argenis Reyes - SS
2. Daniel Murphy - 1B
3. David Wright - 3B
4. Gary Sheffield - LF
5. Ryan Church - RF
6. Fernando Martinez - CF
7. Brian Schneider - C
8. Luis Castillo - 2B
9. Fernando Nieve - RHP

Twitter Poll: Would you want the Mets to trade, and for whom?

At .500, the Mets are struggling to keep their heads above water.  It begs the question: Do the Mets need to trade?

So, as usual, I took to Twitter and asked my followers if they would want to see a Mets trade, and if so, for whom?

Here are their responses…

kerelcoop said: yes, for Adam Dunn

SundayNightMets said: Totally, I was all for Mark DeRosa but that is dead now. I hope they can grab an Adam Dunn now. They need a bat big time.

nymx5793 said: Yes, but I don't want them to mortgage the future. A guy like Mark Teahen would compliment Reyes and Beltran when they return

dopmmw said: Yes- targets should be Pierre, Wiggy, Peralta, Atkins

NYMetsGrrl94 said: yes, for joe smith. (jk, that would never happen). teahen or dunn.

julierubes said: Yes, not sure who though, and I don't know if it would really make that much of a difference.

BlackMagic718 said: Yes, Adam Dunn please!

DMXBRAND said: Mark tehan would be good

metstweets said: I do not want the Mets to make a trade -- unless they fall 10+ games back, in which case, sell.

ClareLafferty said: for anyone who can hit, hit, hit!!!!

MetsTalk_JT said: I wanted DeRosa, but apparently Omar and the rest of CitiField doesn't...could use the 13Hr and 50RBI..both would lead club

mikexdavis said: Carlos Lee: Hou.'s fading, and he's easier to get (prospect-wise) than Holliday because of his big contract (til 2012, $56M).

mikexdavis continues: Also, he's a righty who hits for avg. AND power, and has never committed more than 6 errors in a season, so could play LF ok.

And the jokesters…

dtmfr said: Mets should get Mark DeRosa from CLE for... wait, he was already traded?? Damn you, Omar!!

dances_w_vowels said: I'll trade Omar Minaya for Frank Cashen. #mets

metstweets said: RT @dances_w_vowels: I'll trade Omar Minaya for Frank Cashen.

patrickboegel said: They all lay eggs, Juan Samuel RT @dances_w_vowels: I'll trade Omar Minaya for Frank Cashen.

Not on Twitter?  Hit the comments to throw in your two cents a possible trade.

Follow me on Twitter (@TheRopolitans) to
participate in the next Twitter Poll!

Baseball Digest: Beaten, Battered and Bruised

Head over to Baseball Digest to read my latest article,
“The New York Mets: Beaten, Battered and Bruised”

Some sobering Subway Series stats

Inning played: 27

Mets hits: 9

Mets runs: 3

Mets walks: 9

Mets XBH: 2

Mets HR: 1

Mets GIDP: 1

Mets LOB: 15

Mets strikeouts: 28

Mets wins: 0

Mets losses: 3

Manuel’s Musing for June 28

“I wasn't applauding him tonight, but you do have to applaud that.”

-Jerry Manuel on Mariano Rivera’s 500th save

Subway Series recap [Photo]

In lieu of a recap, I’ll just post this image.  It sums it up pretty nicely…

Live Game Chat/Blog/Place to talk: NYY @ NYM [Game 3]

Chien-Ming Wang (0-6, 11.20 ERA) vs. Livan Hernandez (5-2, 4.05 ERA)

Join in for some barstool banter with your fellow fans.

(Chat removed, as usual.)

Oliver Perez’s start in Brooklyn

Oliver Perez made a rehab start for the Brooklyn Cyclones today.

His final line: 72 pitches, 5 IP, 2 H, 6 K, 1 BB

Remember, this is Single-A baseball.

Lineup for Subway Series finale

Take a look at who is leading off tonight for the Mets.  Also, Ryan Church is quite literally sick to his stomach and was replaced by Fernando Tatis in right field.

1. Daniel Murphy - 1B
2. Alex Cora - SS
3. David Wright - 3B
4. Gary Sheffield - LF
5. Fernando Tatis - RF
6. Fernando Martinez - CF
7. Brian Schneider - C
8. Luis Castillo - 2B
9. Livan Hernandez - RHP

I like the idea of Teahen and the Mets

The blogfather, Matt Cerrone, relays a tweet from Peter Gammons in which the ESPN analyst links the Mets to Mark Teahen.

Teahen, 27, has played first, second, third and right field this season. He’s batting .282 AVG / .343 OBP / .448 SLG with nine home runs and 27 RBI in 259 at bats.

No clue what the Mets would have to give up to land Teahen, but the Kansas City Royals just lost Coco Crisp for the season with shoulder surgery. Could a young, B-level outfield prospect with a high ceiling be enough to bring in Teahan? Maybe in my dreams, but a package of decent prospects with some potential could be enough.

He’s arbitration eligible for two more years beyond 2009, so it wouldn’t be just a “rental” player.

I’d like to see Teahen in left field or anywhere really, as long as he takes Fernando Tatis’ roster spot. I just don’t see Tatis helping this team much for the rest of 2009.

Twitter Poll: Would you have traded Bobby Parnell for Mark DeRosa?

Yesterday, the St. Louis Cardinals landed Mark DeRosa for Chris Perez and a player to be named later.  Perez is a very similar pitcher to the Mets Bobby Parnell.

So I asked my Twitter followers if they would have traded Parnell (and a PTBNL) to the Indians for DeRosa.

Here are their responses…

YES

matthawco said: At this point yes, plus i love the versatility when all the regulars comes back, I think u can call up Kunz then...

julierubes said: Yes! He's a proven big league player. Give F-Mart more time and lose A. Reyes and Tatis!

darknova306 said: a reliever who gives up tons of hits for a utility guy who hits HRs? Yeah, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

nymx5793 said: Yes. Parnell for DeRosa is a steal. And we know a player to be named later would be like...an Emil Brown

NO

dances_w_vowels said: No, because Mark DeRosa alone would not have helped this team.

PaulsRandomStuf said: No, DeRosa wouldn't have a big enough impact on the #Mets now to justify the trade.

dailystache said: No

kranepool said: NO!!!!!

sellitman said: Nope

gabefarkas said: N-O. No.

Not on Twitter?  Hit the comments to throw in your two cents about if you would have traded Parnell for DeRosa.

Follow me on Twitter (@TheRopolitans) to
participate in the next Twitter Poll!

Manuel’s Musing for June 27

“We played a bad game.
It was just one of those nights.”

-Jerry Manuel

DeRosa dealt to Cards

Well, there goes that option.  If the Mets want to make a trade, it won’t be for Mark DeRosa.

The New Jersey native was sent from the Cleveland Indians to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Chris Perez and a player to be named later.

Shucks.

Game Chat: NYY @ NYM [Game 2]

A.J. Burnett vs. Tim Redding

Join in for some barstool banter with your fellow fans.

(Chat removed, as usual.)

Red sky at night…

Via Flickr user beau-dog.

Manuel’s Musing for June 26

“Their big guy was very good.”

-Jerry Manuel on CC Sabathia

Game Recap: Yankees 9 – Mets 1

Slppy.  Slopy.  Lopy.  Sloppy.

The New York Yankees (40-32) beat the New York Mets (37-34) by a score of 9-1.

Three errors led to two unearned runs off of Mike Pelfrey, who surrendered four runs total over five innings. Pat Misch pitched well for his 1 1-3 innings on the mound.  Elmer Dessens escaped trouble in the seventh, then surrendered two home runs in the 8th inning.

Bobby Parnell got one out, but also balked and threw a wild pitch.  Sean Green allowed two runs on three hits in mop-up duty.

Overall, not a great night for the Mets pitchers.

Also, not a great night for the Mets batters.

The Mets managed just three hits and CC Sabathia carried a perfect game into the fifth inning.  Gary Sheffield broke up the bid with a solo home run to deep left field.  Sheffield now leads the Mets in home runs with nine.

That says something when a 40-year-old outfielder who doesn’t play everyday leads your team in home runs.  Yeesh!

Game Chat: NYY @ NYM [Game 1]

CC Sabathia vs. Mike Pelfrey

Join in for some barstool banter with your fellow fans.

(Chat removed, as usual.)

Lineup for game one against NYY

Fernando Martinez’s glove just isn’t good enough to keep him in the lineup, as Ryan Church gets a shot at manning the expanse of Citi Field’s center field. Also, Gary Sheffield is back.

1. Luis Castillo – 2B
2. Alex Cora – SS
3. David Wright – 3B
4. Gary Sheffield – RF
5. Fernando Tatis – LF
6. Ryan Church – CF
7. Nick Evans – 1B
8. Omir Santos – C
9. Mike Pelfrey - RHP

Niese improving at Triple-A

After an abysmal start to the 2009 season and a call-up to the Major Leagues, Jon Niese has been impressing at Triple-A Buffalo.

Last night, in the 7th inning of his start, his consecutive scoreless innings streak was snapped by a sacrifice-fly.  The streak ran 24 1-3 innings.

Niese is 3-0 over his last three starts and has a 1.03 ERA over his last four, according to Joel Sherman.

With John Maine and Oliver Perez on their way back to the major leagues and decent starting pitching already on the roster, this logjam is a great problem to have.

The State of the Mets [6/26/09]

After a long time off, I’m back with another edition of The State of the Mets.

Today, I discuss the injury bug, Daniel Murphy and Nick Evans and update you on John Maine and Oliver Perez.

Two Mets minor leaguers in Futures Game

The 2009 Futures Game rosters have been released and two members of the Mets organization have been named to the World team.

17-year-old Wilmer Flores and 19-year-old Jenrry Mejia will play in the Futures Game in St. Louis on July 12.

Flores is playing his first full professional season this year. Mejia was recently promoted to Double-A Binghamton and was rumored to hit 102 mph on the gun in his last start.

Get to meet Daniel Murphy and win Subway Series tix

YANKEES’ JOBA CHAMBERLAIN AND METS’ DANIEL MURPHY JOIN DELTA TO SEND FANS TO THE SUBWAY SERIES FOR “FIRST CLASS” EXPERIENCE

OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF THE NEW YORK YANKEES AND NEW YORK METS CELEBRATES SUBWAY SERIES WITH PREMIUM TICKETS TO SUNDAY’S GAME FOR FANS WITH THE MOST FLAIR

New York Yankee Joba Chamberlain, New York Met Daniel Murphy and Delta Air Lines are sending fans with the most team flair to this weekend’s Subway Series at Citi Field to watch the game in truly “first class” seats at the ballpark.

The players will join Delta, the official airline and proud sponsor of the New York Yankees AND the New York Mets, to host “Fan Flair at Pershing Square” on Friday, June 26, 12pm at Pershing Square in Manhattan. Yankees and Mets fans are invited to dress in their best team-themed attire for a chance to attend Sunday’s game, the grand finale of the Subway Series.

Joba Chamberlain will be on hand to pick the Yankee fan with the flashiest flair and award one pair of tickets to Sunday’s game at Citi Field, while Daniel Murphy will award one pair to the Mets fan with the most festive attire. The lucky fans will sit in the Field Level premium area with access to the Delta Sky360 Club, a 22,500-square-foot, club-level space behind home plate that offers upscale dining and superior views of the game from behind home plate.

The first 50 Mets fans and first 50 Yankees fans to show up in their best team attire to Pershing Square will be eligible.

PHOTOS AVAILABLE WITH CHAMBERLAIN AND MURPHY

WHO:              JOBA CHAMBERLAIN, DANIEL MURPHY, DELTA AIR LINES

WHAT:           DELTA HOSTS “FAN FLAIR AT PERSHING SQUARE” -- PREMIUM TICKET GIVEAWAY TO SUNDAY GAME OF SUBWAY SERIES FOR FANS WITH THE MOST FESTIVE ATTIRE

WHEN:           FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 12PM

WHERE:         PERSHING SQUARE, 42^nd STREET AND PARK AVENUE  (Across from Grand Central)

If you go, send some photos my way: TheRopolitans@gmail.com

Where have the strikeouts gone, Johan Santana?

With only three strikeouts in yesterday’s win, Johan Santana has only struck out 14 batters over his last five starts, spanning over 30 innings.

Here’s a chart of Santana’s strikeouts by starts… Look how far his strikeouts per nine innings has fallen for the month of June… The problem seems to be that Santana just isn’t throwing as many strikes swinging lately.  Strangely, though, his strikes looking have gone up over his last two starts.  Take a look… It seems to just be a strange anomaly, I would guess.  With the increased strikes looking, one might assume an increased strikeout count.  Not so, lately.

What gives, Johan?

Don’t get me wrong: In no way am I complaining.  Outside of the debacle at Yankee Stadium a few weeks ago, Santana has been just as good as we all expected from him. 

It’s just strange to see his strikeouts dip so low after he was seemingly mowing them down in the beginning of the year.

Manuel’s Musing for June 25

“He keep hitting, he keep playing.”

-Jerry Manuel on Nick Evans

Mets hat in Michael Jackson’s ‘Bad’

RIP Michael Jackson

How is this Mets related?  Check for the Mets hat in the “Bad” video.

Game Recap: Mets 3 – Cardinals 2

A series win, against the Cardinals, using mostly backups.  Pinch me.

The New York Mets (37-34) beat the St. Louis Cardinals (40-34) by a score of 3-2.

Johan Santana struggled early, allowing an unearned run in the first inning, and threw 57 pitches in the first three innings.  He settled in nicely though, and coming out for the seventh inning with 100 pitches.  He completed the seventh with help from Fernando Martinez, who made a diving stab in center field to end the inning.

Santana scattered seven hits and three walks, striking out three.  He allowed two runs, one of which was earned.

It looked like a disaster start in the first few innings, but he bounced back and settled in beautifully.  I don’t know why I doubt him.

Pedro Feliciano allowed a leadoff double in the 8th, but worked around it for a scoreless inning.  Francisco Rodriguez got two quick outs to start the ninth, then forgot how to hit the strike zone.  Nine pitches out of the strike zone meant back to back walks to Albert Pujols and Ryan Ludwick, bringing Yadier Molina (of all people) to the plate.  Molina flew out to Jeremy Reed in LF to end the game.

K-Rod loves to make the fans hearts’ pound.

Chris Carpenter was equally good for the Cardinals.  The Mets were held hitless into the 4th, when Luis Castillo led off with a single to LF.  David Wright followed with a single of his own.  Fernando Tatis came to the plate with one out, singling to right field, plating Castillo. 

After coming down hard on Tatis a few days ago, he’s really made me eat my words the past two games.  Keep it coming, Tatis.  I’m hungry!

Nick Evans came to the plate with two on and two out and laced a double into bump-out in right field, plating both runners.

Evans’ RBIs were the eventual game winners.  I like it.

And because of those RBIs, Nick Evans won the first ever Game Ball as voted on by my Twitter followers.  Get your vote in after every game to vote for the Game Ball recipient!

Game Ball: Nick Evans

Game Chat: STL @ NYM [Game 4]

Chris Carpenter vs. Johan Santana

Join in for some barstool banter with your fellow Mets fans.

(Chat removed, as usual.)

MLB Network to telecast Saturday’s Subway Series game

For those out-of-towners that frequent the blog, here’s some good news…

MLB Network will telecast the Subway Series featuring the New York Yankees at New York Mets on Saturday, June 27, with live coverage beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET from Citi Field in Flushing, NY. MLB Network’s Matt Vasgersian and Harold Reynolds will call the game, a special edition of Saturday Night Baseball. MLB Tonight,the signature program of MLB Network during the regular season, will air after the game, followed by Quick Pitch, MLB Network’s daily highlight show. 

MLB Network’s telecast of the Subway Series will be blacked out in the New York Yankees and New York Mets home television territories. Viewers in areas subject to blackouts will be provided with a simulcast from a local telecast of theFlorida Marlins at Tampa Bay Rays at 7 p.m. ET.

For everyone in the NYC area, the game will be on WPIX.

Lineup for game four against STL

The Mets pounded out 11 runs on 16 hits last night, so Jerry Manuel is sticking with the same lineup, outside of the catcher.

1. Alex Cora – SS
2. Luis Castillo – 2B
3. David Wright – 3B
4. Ryan Church – RF
5. Fernando Tatis – LF
6. Fernando Martinez – CF
7. Nick Evans – 1B
8. Omir Santos – C
9. Johan Santana - LHP

Manuel’s Musing for June 24

“It looks like his ball really gets on guys.”

-Jerry Manuel on Fernando Nieve

Game Recap: Mets 11 – Cardinals 0

The Mets were on the right side of this laugher.

The New York Mets (36-34) beat the St. Louis Cardinals (40-33) by a score of 11-0.

Fernando Nieve was stellar once more.  Six shutout innings, allowing only three hits and four walks, he continues to impress.  Nieve struck out three as well.  He is now 3-0 in three starts.

How good has this guy been?  Keep it up, Snow!

Brian Stokes, Pat Misch and Bobby Parnell stitched together three innings of scoreless relief to preserve the shutout.

David Wright: 4-4, 2B, 3 R.  Ryan Church: 3-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R.  Fernando Tatis: 2-4, 3 RBI, 1 R.  Nick Evans: 2-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R.  Brian Schneider: 1-4, 2 RBI.

Wow.

Game Chat: STL @ NYM [Game 3]

Brad Thompson vs. Fernando Nieve

Join in for some barstool banter with your fellow Mets fans.

(Chat removed, as usual.)

Gary Sheffield and his cortisone shot

Gary Sheffield, the Mets biggest power bat right now, hasn’t played in the last two games.  Now, he is said to have received a cortisone shot in his right knee to help with the pain he’s been feeling.

Remember, this is the knee that the Mets said didn’t warrant an MRI last week.

It’s only a matter of time before Sheffield lands on the DL.  His 40-year-old body just can’t stand up to everyday play in the field and that’s what he’s been unfortunately forced into.

How long will he last?  If I had to put money on it, I’d say not long.  Not long at all.

Lineup for game three against STL

Fernando Tatis, the double play machine, is bumped down the 5th in the order.  Daniel Murphy takes a seat as Nick Evans gets his first start of the season.

1. Alex Cora – SS
2. Luis Castillo – 2B
3. David Wright – 3B
4. Ryan Church – RF
5. Fernando Tatis – LF
6. Fernando Martinez – CF
7. Nick Evans – 1B
8. Brian Schneider – C
9. Fernando Nieve - RHP

Jon Switzer sent down, Argenis Reyes recalled

Lefty reliever Jon Switzer has been designated for assignment, reports Adam Rubin.

Update – 4:45 p.m.: Argenis Reyes has been recalled, tweets Bart Hubbuch.

Original post: This is likely the precursor move to the earlier suggested by Rubin, who mentioned that Argenis Reyes would likely be in uniform very soon. 

No official word on Reyes or other move yet.

Costas & Kaat to call Mets game on July 9

Via a press release for the MLB Network…

MLB NETWORK LIVE THURSDAY GAME SCHEDULE THROUGH JULY 23 (all times Eastern):

• July 2 – 8:00 p.m. Brewers @ Cubs – Matt Vasgersian & Dan Plesac
• July 9 – 7:00 p.m. Dodgers @ Mets – Bob Costas & Jim Kaat
• July 16 – 7:00 p.m. Brewers @ Reds – Matt Vasgersian & Joe Magrane
• July 23 – 7:00 p.m. Athletics @ Yankees – Matt Vasgersian & Harold Reynolds

Interesting.

Fernando Tatis is a DP waiting to happen

Fernando Tatis leads the Mets with nine GIDP, three of which have come in the last two games.

And he’s the Mets cleanup hitter.

Oh yeah, and he’s batting .248 AVG / .322 OBP / .364 SLG this season and is 4-for-his-last-28 with one RBI in that span.

Again, he’s been the Mets cleanup hitter the past two nights.  Enough said.

Manuel’s Musing for June 23

“We need a couple guys to get hot, and we'll have to manage around that.  Right now, we don't have that going on right now.”

-Jerry Manuel

Game Recap: Cardinals 3 – Mets 0

Tonight belonged to Joel Pineiro.

The St. Louis Cardinals (40-32) beat the New York Mets (35-34) by a score of 3-0.

Livan Hernandez was good, Pineiro was just better.  Hernandez held the Cardinals to three runs (two earned) over seven innings of work.  He walked three and struck out three.

He was very good.  It could be argued that outside of his start against the Yankees, he’s been the best pitcher since the end of May.

Elmer Dessens turned in two solid innings in relief, setting the side down in order both times.

Pineiro held the Mets to only two hits, singles by Luis Castillo and Jeremy Reed, over his nine innings.  He needed only 100 pitches thanks to inducing 22 ground balls for outs.  The meager Mets lineup didn’t hurt either.

Just have to tip your cap to him and move on.  He’s just great against the Mets, especially when Fernando Tatis is their cleanup hitter.

Game Chat: STL @ NYM [Game 2]

Joel Pineiro vs. Livan Hernandez

Join in for some barstool banter with your fellow Mets fans.

(Chat removed, as usual.)

Lineup for game two against STL

Fernando Martinez will be making his first start in center field this season, at any level.

1. Alex Cora – SS
2. Daniel Murphy – 1B
3. David Wright – 3B
4. Fernando Tatis – LF
5. Ryan Church – RF
6. Omir Santos – C
7. Fernando Martinez – CF
8. Luis Castillo – 2B
9. Livan Hernandez - RHP

Pitches / Plate Appearance for the Mets pitching staff

If you follow the blog or my tweets, you know that Francisco Rodriguez has thrown the most pitches out of the bullpen and Johan Santana has thrown the most pitches overall.

Here’s a chart of the Mets pitchers and their pitches per plate appearance.  Look who is “leading” the way…

Tonight is Baracklyn Cyclones night

We linked to this way back on January 12, but the day is finally upon us.  Tonight, the Brooklyn Cyclones will become the “Baracklyn Cyclones.”

Here’s their press release:

The landmark game will take place on Tuesday, June 23rd – the “Inaugural Tuesday” of the 2009 New York-Penn League season – and will feature, among other highlights:

• Alternate red, white, and blue jerseys adorned with the team’s new name
• FREE Barack Obama bobbleheads to the first 2,500 fans in attendance, featuring the President in a Baracklyn Cyclones Jersey
• The Economic Stimulus Package: From 10am on January 20th – Inauguration Day – to midnight on January 23rd, ticket prices for the June 23rd game will be “rolled back” to the Cyclones’ inaugural 2001 season rates: $10 Field Box Seats, $8 Box Seats, $5 Bleacher Seats. Beginning January 24th, tickets will be priced at the regular 2009 rates ($15, $12, $8)
• Universal Health Care: Free Band-Aids to the first 1,000 fans
• Naming Rights: Anyone named Barack gets in for free
• Joe the Plumber special: any plumber named Joe gets two free tickets – one for himself, and one to “spread the wealth” with a friend
• Bi-Partisan Consolation Prize: anyone named McCain or Palin will get a free Bleacher Seat
• A clear-cut Exit Strategy: fans will receive American Flags and discount coupons as they leave the ballpark

In addition, the Cyclones will hold four seats directly behind home plate, Row A, Seats 1-4, for the new First Family, should they decide to attend the festivities.

And here’s the video for it:

Get your tickets here.

Fernando Martinez’s double-dip

With Carlos Beltran heading to the disabled list yesterday, the Mets recalled Fernando Martinez from Triple-A Buffalo.

Martinez, who was sent down on Friday in favor of Nick Evans, actually played in a game with the Bisons yesterday.  He went 1-4, striking out twice, as the Bisons late innings rally fell just short against the Charlotte Knights.

Martinez then got travelling and was at Citi Field for last night’s Mets game.

He appeared in the Mets game in the 8th inning with a runner on first base, pinch hitting for Brian Stokes.  Martinez reached base on an error by St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Dennys Reyes, setting up the RBI single that followed off the bat of Alex Cora.

I know it’s not unheard of for a player to play a minor league game and a major league game in the same day, but it is still pretty interesting to see.

Manuel’s Musing for June 22

“We have to believe.  We have to be optimistic that we can stay competitive.  We have to guard against that particular mind-set that might permeate in the clubhouse that, man, there's not much left.”

-Jerry Manuel

Jose Reyes in car accident

You can’t make this stuff up.

Via Bart Hubbuch’s Twitter:

Jose Reyes and the #Mets trainer were in a car accident on the Triboro Bridge today. Reyes was not injured.

Hubbuch later noted that Ray Ramirez and Reyes were hit from behind by a fire truck.

It’s official.  This team is cursed.

And I have to agree with Brendan Bilko from priced out of the citi, when he said, “Poor job on SNY's part. Even if both are okay - this is news.”

No report on this, SNY?  Come on, you’re better than that.

Game Recap: Mets 6 – Cardinals 4

The B-team notches a win.

The New York Mets (35-33) beat the St. Louis Cardinals (39-32) by a score of 6-4.

Tim Redding was great.  Sure, he gave up four earned runs, but that’s what you expect out of him.  Holding the Cardinals to only four runs is quite an accomplishment.  Seven innings for Redding, who was victimized by two home runs, finally earned his first win with the Mets.

Very nice, Redding.  Maybe you shouldn’t have started the 8th inning, lowering your “should have been” runs to three, but it’s OK.  I’ll take it.

Brian Stokes entered with a one run lead, a runner on first and Albert Pujols at the plate.  Stokes came through brilliantly, inducing a double play ball to get out of the inning and avoid any damage.

Love it.  Absolutely love it.  Were you watching, Jerry?

Francisco Rodriguez set the Cards down 1-2-3.

Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy.

Two players had stand out nights for the Mets on a night where the team knocked out 14 hits. Luis Castillo went 3-4 with a double, RBI and two runs scored and Omir Santos had a perfect night, going 4-4 with a run and an RBI.

What’s up with the catchers lately?  Whatever it is, I could get used to it.

Daniel Murphy picked up two hits, including a solo home run into the visiting bullpen in the 5th inning.  Alex Cora picked up two RBI on singles in the 6th  and 8th innings.

And Murphy has more home runs than David Wright.  Wow.

Cora has earned every single penny of his $2.5 million contract.  For a guy that was supposed to be a backup forced into everyday duty, he’s been nothing short of spectacular.

Maine OK, Perez struggles in rehab starts

Here’s an update from the NY Post about John Maine’s rehab start:

Maine, who is on the DL with a pinched nerve in his shoulder, allowed two hits and three walks while striking out one in his 60-pitch outing for Single-A Port Lucie in the first game of a Florida State League doubleheader.

Maine threw 37 strikes and was the winning pitcher in a 4-3 Port St. Lucie victory.

And here’s an update from the Daily News about Oliver Perez’s rehab start:

In St. Lucie's regularly scheduled game against Charlotte on Monday night, Perez surrendered six runs on seven hits and a walk in the three innings, including a monstrous homer. Four runs were unearned because a throwing error by third baseman Hector Pellot began the second inning, and Perez subsequently allowed a two-out walk, bunt RBI single and a two-run double.

Both sound like they’re in mid-season form.

Check both links for more on the respective pitchers.

Mets release Connor Robertson and Bobby Kielty

It must be “Trim The Fat Day” for the Mets.

Today, they designated Wilson Valdez for assignment, and cut four players from Triple-A Buffalo.  Two of those players, Wily Mo Pena and Javier Valentin, were discussed earlier today. 

In a press release about the other moves, the Mets announced they also released Connor Robertson and Bobby Kielty from the Buffalo Bisons.

Robertson came over from the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Scott Schoeneweis trade and the Mets signed Kielty to a minor league contract before spring training begin.

Happy trails, Pena, Valentin, Kielty and Robertson.

Game Chat: STL @ NYM [Game 1]

The slumping Mets welcome the red-hot Cardinals to Citi Field.

Join in for some barstool banter with your fellow Mets fans.

(Chat removed, as usual.)

Carlos Beltran to DL; Flurry of roster moves

Carlos Beltran is officially heading to the disabled list.

Beltran was found to have a bone bruise, as he suspected, and could be out through the All Star Break.

Taking Beltran’s place on the roster is Fernando Martinez.  Martinez, sent down just days ago, is allowed to come back to the Mets without waiting the required 10 days due to a player going on the DL.

Ken Takahashi has been sent down and Wilson Valdez was designated for assignment with two relievers coming up to take their place.  Pat Misch, a lefty, and Elmer Dessens, a righty, will join the Mets bullpen tonight.

Misch, picked off of waivers from the Giants back on June 5, was sporting a 6.43 ERA and 1.571 WHIP in 7 1-3 innings pitched for Triple-A Buffalo.

Dessens was 3-2 in 27 relief appearances with Buffalo.  He had a 2.31 ERA and 1.000 WHIP in 35 against the International League.

This means the Mets will be playing slightly short on the bench, opting for more arms in the bullpen.

OUT	IN
Carlos Beltran - OF	Fernando Martinez - OF
Wilson Valdez - IF	Pat Misch - RP
Ken Takahashi - RP	Elmer Dessens - RP

Lineup for game one against STL

With Carlos Beltran likely heading for the disabled list, the Mets are starting to wear thinner and thinner.  Just take a look at the 4, 5 and 6 in the Mets order…

1. Alex Cora – SS
2. Daniel Murphy – 1B
3. David Wright – 3B
4. Fernando Tatis – LF
5. Ryan Church – RF
6. Omir Santos – C
7. Jeremy Reed – CF
8. Luis Castillo – 2B
9. Tim Redding – RHP

Yikes.

Rubin: Beltran to DL, Misch, F-Mart up; Takahashi optioned

Update – 4:14 p.m.: Carlos Beltran must be heading to the disabled list, according to Adam Rubin.

That’s because Fernando Martinez is heading back to the Mets, he reports.

Also coming up is Pat Misch to replace Takahashi.

Original Post: According to various tweets, the Mets have optioned Ken Takahashi back to Triple-A Buffalo.

Does this mean that Lance Broadway is coming?  Maybe.

THE GREAT T-SHIRT POST

Here’s the collection of designs I’ve made.  Click the image to be taken to the CafePress store to purchase assorted items emblazoned with the design.

I don’t agree with all of them (guess which?), but some fans might, so enjoy…

K-Rod and the fainting fan

Check out the interview of Francisco Rodriguez from FOX5 New York where he talks about a fan that fainted when they met.

Is Lance Broadway New York City-bound?

The depth chart on Mets.com is probably the last place I’d be looking for roster news, but as I was glancing at it while working on another story a new name caught my eye.

On the bottom of the bullpen depth chart, Lance Broadway’s name is listed.  No longer on the list is Jon Switzer.

Broadway, as you may remember, was the player the Mets landed when they traded away Ramon Castro.

Broadway is 1-3 in six starts with the Bisons.  He has a 5.97 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP in 31 2-3 innings.

It seems the people over at Hot Foot spotted this too.

Haven’t heard anything about this possible move yet, so who knows what is up here.  I wouldn’t be against the move if it did come to fruition.

Mets release Wily Mo Pena and Javier Valentin from Triple-A

Via Bisons.com:

New York also announced that INF/OF Wily Mo Pena and INF Javier Valentin have been released.
---
Pena hit .276 (40-145) with five home runs and 21 RBI in 41 games with the Bisons.

Valentin, who had been on the disabled list since June 15 with a strained right shoulder, hit .260 (20-77) with three home runs and 10RBI in 23 games with the Herd.

Valentin I can understand due to his shoulder issues.

Why release Pena?  Not that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things, but Pena was second on the team with five home runs.  His 21 RBI was good for third.  His OBP was pretty poor, standing at .296 , but not low enough to warrant a release.

Again, not that huge in the grand scheme of the Mets, but something that might come back to bite them, especially with all these injuries.

Bullpen burnout

Much has been made of the workload of the bullpen lately.  Even Jerry Manuel has admitted to overuse.

“I've probably, to a fault, used them too much,” Manuel told David Lennon.  “What I have to do is probably trust the other people I have down there. If I'm not trusting them, then I should find someone else.”

Selecting the six main members of the bullpen, I took a look at games pitched in, innings pitched and pitches thrown.  No surprise Pedro Feliciano leads the way in games pitched in, but look who has thrown the most innings and pitches.

So Francisco Rodriguez, the closer and most highly paid pitcher in the pen, has thrown the most pitches, with 583 through June 21.  That’s great news.

K-Rod is sitting at 4.19 pitches/plate appearance through 139 plate appearances.  His highest in his career is 4.20 P/PA, when he faced 285 batters and threw 1,198 pitches in 2007.  He’s faced as many as 335 batters and thrown 1,352 pitches, both coming in 2004.  At least he’s somewhat used to it.

We’ve also seen Bobby Parnell’s season hit the skids lately.  He’s allowed six earned runs in his last four innings pitched, sporting a 13.50 ERA over those six games.

The answer to all of this bullpen usage is simple.  The Mets need to get longer outings out of their starters.  For that to actually happen, isn’t so simple.

We, as fans, don’t want to see repeats of 2007 and 2008 with the bullpen falling apart late in the game and late in the season.  Hopefully something changes before 2009 gets added to the list.

Manuel’s Musing(s) for June 21

“I felt that offensively we could still score on their bullpen.  I was obviously wrong about that.”

-Jerry Manuel on the Rays bullpen

“I've probably, to a fault, used them too much.  What I have to do is probably trust the other people I have down there. If I'm not trusting them, then I should find someone else.”

-Jerry Manuel on his own bullpen

“I'll be honest with you: I can't figure it out.  I really don't have [an explanation].”

-Jerry Manuel on David Wright’s offensive season

Happy Father’s Day, Dad

My father is the reason I’m a Mets fan.

He grew up in Newark, New Jersey and has always told me he started off as a Yankees fan.  I block that out of my mind at times, but I am constantly reminded when I glance over my desk to a framed photo of the 1949-1953 World Champion New York Yankees that was passed from my grandfather to my dad.

But my dad eventually saw “the light” and started rooting for the Mets when the Yankees took a bit of a turn in the late-60’s (not that the Mets were any better (except in ‘69, of course)).

When I was born many years later, there was a battle for my baseball allegiance.  My entire mother’s family was, and still are, die-hard Yankees fans.  My dad, the lone Mets fan, had to take them all on to have his son become a Mets fan. 

I can remember the day I got “Metty-Bear,” a small teddy bear dressed in Mets pinstripes.  That was the day my heart was tied to the Mets.

I carried that thing everywhere when I was little and had it in my bed when I would sleep.  To this day, it sits on a stool next to my bed.

My father and I (and now my mother, too) always have the Mets.  Even if he is one of the grumpiest fans I know, we always have the team in orange and blue.

Thank you Dad, for fighting the good fight and making sure I turned out all right.

Happy Father’s Day and Let’s Go Mets!

Carlos Beltran latest Met to go for MRI

On Monday, Carlos Beltran will join the long list of Mets players that have had an MRI in 2009.

Beltran’s right knee has been the problem, as he has a bone bruise below the knee area.  He is starting in centerfield today despite the planned visit tomorrow.

For all the woe Beltran has caught for his various injuries since joining the Mets, he has played at least 140 games every year and played in 161 last season.

Let’s just hope everything is OK with his knee, because losing Beltran might just be the final straw with this beat up Mets team.

Manuel’s Musing for June 20

“When I come to the park, I come to play.”

-Jerry Manuel on rainouts.

From the comments: Update on the Phillies jerseys in Citi Field

Take this with a grain of salt.  First off, we have no idea if the original story is even true, nevermind the update.  Still, it could be real for all we know.  I haven’t heard anything about this, so I’m leaning toward “myth” but read it and make your own decision.

Here’s the original story.

And here’s the comment…

The guy who put the phillies jerseys into the cement at Citifiled got fired last week from Hunt. I didnt agree with what he did but he was a friend of mine through our job. Someone else ratted on him when the story started to spread. They pulled up some of the fanwalk bricks and found one jersey. I dont think they will do the other 2 spots until the season is over. I believe in second chances. He was a good guy who was always willing to lend a hand or money if a guy needed it. It was just a stupid prank. Its not like the foundation was flawed or something like that - I cant believe how mad some people got over this.

Manuel’s Musing for June 19

“It's been a tremendous surprise, obviously a pleasant one.”

-Jerry Manuel on Fernando Nieve

An afternoon with Ron Darling

Gallagher's Steak House and SNY Present: “An Afternoon With Ron Darling: A Benefit for Urban Dove” to Assist New York City's at Risk Youth on Wednesday, June 24, at noon at Gallagher's Steak House

New York — New York Mets 1986 World Champion hurler and SNY Mets television analyst Ron Darlingwill be the guest of honor at a benefit luncheon for Urban Dove to assist New York City’s At-Risk Youth on Wednesday, June 24, at noon at Gallagher’s Steak House in New York City.

“An Afternoon with Ron Darling: A Benefit for Urban Dove” is priced at $75 per person, and includes a three course Power Lunch featuring Gallagher’s Certified Angus Beef steak as the entree, a copy of Darling’s book “The Complete Game,” and an autograph and Q & A session.  Seating is limited, and for reservations contact Gallagher’s at 212.245.5336. Darling’s teammate, pitcher Bobby Ojeda, SNY’s Mets studio analyst, will be a special guest. Gallagher’s is located at 228 West 52nd Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue, in Manhattan’s Theater District.

***

What:     “An Afternoon with Mets World Champion pitcher Ron Darling: A benefit for Urban Dove”

Who:       1986 World championship pitchers, SNY Mets television analysts Ron Darling and Bobby Ojeda

When:     Wednesday, June 24, 2009

                noon

Where:    Gallagher’s Steak House, 228 West 52nd Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue, NYC

Reservations: 212.245.5336

Price:     $75

Subways:  1, 2, 3, Q, N, R, W trains

The menu: Appetizer: Caesar Salad or Onion Soup or fried calamari; Main course: Gallagher's Certified Angus Beef steak or grilled salmon; Sides: cream spinach and Gallagher's potatoes; Dessert: Gallagher's Cheese Cake.

Game Recap: Mets 5 – Rays 3

On a sunny day in NYC, it snowed.  Or at least, Fernando Nieve pitched, and pitched well.

The New York Mets (34-31) beat the Tampa Bay Rays (35-34) by a score of 5-3.

Nieve, which is Spanish for “snow,” had another stellar outing for the Mets.  Over six innings, Nieve held the Rays to only three hits and one earned run.  He walked three and struck out four.  The one run came in the sixth when Carlos Pena hit into a fielder’s choice, scoring B.J. Upton.

Two times out, two great starts.  Keep pitching him, please.

Bobby Parnell started the 7th, walking the first batter and allowing a hit to the second before tallying two outs, including striking out Pat Burrell.  He then let up a two-run double to Upton, bringing the Rays within one.  Pedro Feliciano finished out the 7th and Sean Green pitched a scoreless 8th.

Francisco Rodriguez pitched a 1-2-3 9th inning to earn the save and close out the win.

Bounces right back.  Great stuff.

Brian Schneider got the Mets off to a quick start with a three-run home run in the second inning.  It was Schneider’s first home run of the season and the first since Sept. 18, 2008.

David Wright picked up his only hit of the night with an RBI double in the third inning, plating Alex Cora.

He also struck out three times.  It’s one or the other, isn’t it David?

Ryan Church provided an insurance run in the bottom of the 8th, driving in Carlos Beltran with an RBI single.

Game Chat: TB @ NYM [Game 1]

The Mets welcome the Rays to Citi Field for the first time.

Join in for some barstool banter with your fellow fans.

(Chat removed, as usual.)

Lineups & notes for game one against the Rays

1. Alex Cora – SS
2. Daniel Murphy – 1B
3. Carlos Beltran – CF
4. David Wright – 3B
5. Gary Sheffield – LF
6. Ryan Church – RF
7. Brian Schneider – C
8. Luis Castillo - 2B
9. Fernando Nieve - RHP

• Fernando Martinez demoted, Nick Evans promoted.
• Mets picked up LHP Arturo Lopez off waivers from San Diego Padres.
• The Mets are 7-5 all time against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Game Chat will go live at 7 p.m.

Nick Evans promoted, F-Mart demoted [Updated]

Adam Rubin is reporting that Nick Evans has been promoted to the New York Mets from Double-A Binghamton. He reports it isn’t clear who has been demoted, but Fernando Martinez is a likely option.

Update – 3:45 p.m.: Martinez is the odd-man out. David Lennon just tweeted he was the player demoted.

Evans, who was set on the Mets roster before the signing of Gary Sheffield, hit just .093 with Triple-A Buffalo before being sent to extended spring training. Of his five hits with Buffalo, three were home runs. After his stint in Florida, he was sent to Binghamton where he was hitting .279 AVG / .350 OBP / .467 SLG with three home runs and nine RBI.

Martinez is hitting just .194 AVG / .286 OBP / .274 SLG with five RBI with the Mets.

If Evans is coming around, this might be a good move for the Mets. It looks like they’re heading into “fixing” mode after realizing this team just isn’t built to win right now.

What I wish happened last night

Not exactly, CBSSports. 

Not. Exactly.