State of the Mets: 4/28/08
Overall Record 13-11
Week 4 record 3-4
I get the feeling a lot of these write-ups are going to seem very confused. It seems as if the Mets are totally incapable of having a solid week. I feel like it’s 2005 all over again. Lose 4 in a row win 5 in a row, lose 5 in a row win 3 in a row lose 3 in a row win 4 in a row. I’m not going to be able to last a full season if that’s the case. Regardless, I will try my best to truly capture the state of the Mets as it flowed throughout the week…
The week started after a tough loss Sunday night on ESPN to the Phillies, another game where the Mets did everything they could to look awful on National Television. Despite the loss, the Mets had taken 2 of 3 from their new arch rivals heading into the
Not only was the lack of sleep going to be a problem, however, as the Mets were going up against one of the most dominant right handers in the game in Carlos “Don’t make fun of my brother” Zambrano. I swear, how are he and Victor from the same womb?
That being said, the Mets could do nothing right offensively or defensively in this one. John Maine went 6 innings, keeping the Mets in the game, surrendering just two runs, and Duaner Sanchez bridged the gap to Heilman, who can’t get out of his own way right now, giving up 4 runs, none earned because of a Jose Reyes fielding error. Felix Pie capped off the scoring with a 3-run homer off of Jorge Sosa to put the Mets to bed with a 7-1 loss.
Can’t get much worse than that, can it? Oh contraire. Nelson Figueroa took the mound against our old friend from the other Borough, Ted Lilly. Figgy was only able to get through 5 surrendering 3 earned runs before turning it over to the pen. Lilly, despite coming into the game with an ERA of over 7, allowed just one run on 4 hits through 6. Read that sentence again. I think this one quote from Jon Greenberg of mlb.com tells the story:
“The play was in the fourth, with the Cubs holding a one-run lead. Ted Lilly, the Cubs starter, hit a ground ball between first and second with two outs, and Figueroa and Delgado miscommunicated on who was covering first, allowing Lilly to reach base. The next batter, Reed Johnson, hit a two-run bloop single, and just like that, the Cubs had a three-run lead.”
Fundamentals seemed to plague the Mets all week as they could not get their act together from the start, including another 4 run outing from a reliever, this time it was Sosa serving up a Grand Slam ball to the light hitting Ronny Cedeno. 8-1 Cubs. After the game, I texted Mike saying let’s pretend this road trip to
Despite the nonsense, the Mets did have a chance to come home with a winning record on the trip, with a quick stop in
Thursday proved why I need to just keep my mouth shut at all times, unless an actual championship is won. The Mets scored single runs in the 3rd, 4th and 5th, and things were looking good despite leaving 9 men on base for the game. Then Mr. Perez’s Wild Ride continued and the wheels fell off in the 5th as did the rest of the components of the bus in the 6th. When the dust settled, Heilman had walked Milledge with 2nd and 3rd and two outs, then served up a Grand Slam ball to the always heavy hitting Felipe Lopez, who has really made a great baseball name for himself after his promising basketball career at St John’s, and the Nats had a 7-3 lead, never looking back. Heilman’s partner in crime, Jorge Sosa allowed a run on three hits in his inning of work, but luckily Pedro Feliciano held the Nats’ hitters at bay. The Mets scratched out two more runs on two meaningless solo shots from Beltran and Marlon “Yes I’m still on the team”
What a way to limp into the Braves series. I did not see any of this game, but from what I understand, the Mets couldn’t get anything going offensively against Jair Jurrjens, getting just two singles, one from Castillo and one from Casanova and 3 bases loaded walks in the third. Pelfrey had nothing. 5.1 innings, 5 runs. Would the real Mike Pelfrey please stand up? 6-3 Braves. Move on.
Riding a 1-5 stretch, the Mets headed into Saturday praying John Maine would give something, anything to put them in position to win. He did. Then he left with a 4-2 lead after five due to tightness in his forearm and 100 pitches. Heilman got the first two batters in the sixth in his new role before getting Jeff Francoeur to two strikes and with the crowd loudly behind him, Heilman gave up a double, followed by a single and it was a one run ball game. The pen however shut the door and Billy Wagner extended his no-hit streak to 9 innings. In my mind, Billy Wagner has thrown the first no-hitter in Mets history. 4-3 Mets.
I didn’t see much of Sunday’s game, but getting a 4-0 Mets text message while on line for my Italian Chicken Sandwich at Burger King always makes me happy. Apparently, Carlos Delgado remembered who he was going 2 for 2 with 2 homeruns, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored, raising his average to .205. John Smoltz had nothing and was out after 4. Nelson Figueroa held the fort allowing 3 runs in 5.1 innings. Joe Smith bailed Figgy out of a jam in the 6th and the 3 lefties shut the door on the Braves offense. The Mets tacked on a run in the 6th and a run in the 7th to take the game 6-3 and the series 2-1.
Two strong wins to finish the week heading into a three game set at home against
5 Up:
#1 Wagner/Sanchez/Feliciano/Schoeneweis: Billy finally gave up his first hit of the season yesterday. I know he’s only pitched 10 times, but has anyone looked more dominant? Maybe it’s the new windup, or maybe it’s the lack of work, but man, Billy looks good. Duaner’s ready. He looks like the Duaner of 2006. Of course he will give up runs at some point this season, but right now, I say just let the dog loose. He’s ready to go. Feliciano and Schoeneweis were equally as good, each throwing at least 3.1 innings without allowing a run and striking out 2 a piece. Who says our bullpen is a problem?
#2 Johan Santana: Two doubles? 7 innings and only 97 pitches? Seriously, is it fair to pitch him against the Pirates this week? Screw it! I love this guy and I’m getting the feeling he loves pitching in the National League.
#3 Luis Castillo: Luis? Is that you? .429 BA with 2 RBIs and 4 runs scored over the last seven days will get you on the Up side.
#4 Raul Casanova: Filling in for Brian Schneider’s thumb, he’s only hit .389 the last week, including a homerun yesterday. We seem to do well with backup catchers, don’t we?
#5 Ryan Church: He had a decent offensive week, but what about his defense? This guy just finds the ball. He’s quickly climbing the ladder of Rick’s favorites status. I knew I liked this trade for a reason.
Honorable Mention: Mr. Met: He signed my little cousin Mikey’s hat at the game on Saturday. Does the Phillie Phanatic do that? Probably not. Rumor has it he can’t read or write.
5 Down:
#1 Aaron Heilman: Last week Mike said, “Raise your hand is you have faith in Aaron Heilman in the 8th inning. Now raise your hand if you would rather see Heilman than Duaner Sanchez in the 8th inning. If you have just raised your hand for either of those options, go have your head checked…seriously.” I’ll up you one Mike. Raise your hand if you have faith in Aaron Heilman to do anything without the oops factor. Aaron, just try getting through one inning without allowing a run. Then try it without allowing a hit. Then try it without allowing a base runner. Then we’ll talk about having faith in you again.
#2 Jorge Sosa: Stop trying to emulate Heilman. This is baseball, not monkey see, monkey do.
#3 Oliver Perez: Dude, what is your deal? Can you get through 5 innings without throwing your arm out? Seriously. I’ve had enough of this. If something goes wrong, suck it up and worry about the next batter. You look like a 9-year old out there ready to cry after giving up a run. Find your release point and throw freakin strikes. Maybe I need to raise my beer to you again.
#4 The Carlos’: Beltran hit .192 for the week and I know Delgado hit 2 homers yesterday, but that does not excuse the 4 for 49 slump before that. Hopefully, this was a turn in the right direction for C-Del. C-Bel, on the other hand, be prepared to face the wrath of Rick, similar to what Perez just got if you don’t get your poop together. Capice?
#5 Brian Schneider: Infected thumb? How exactly does this happen? WAIT! I don’t wanna know. This guy has been so great when he’s on the field. If only we can keep him on the field.
Dishonorable mention: David Wright: Also mired in an awful slump all week after owning Phillies pitching. He did have a few nice at bats going the other way and driving in a clutch insurance run. Whenever he hits the ball to right field he’s breaking out of his slump, that’s why he’s not on the list.
Looking back at Mets history:
April 28, 2003
Current Record 11-14
Overall Record 66-95
ARI 6
NYM 1
Coming in at 8-15, the Diamondbacks behind a solid pitching performance from Brandon Webb smack around Tom Glavine for 6 runs on 7 hits in 6.1 innings. The Mets do not get their first hit until the 4th with back-to-back singles by Ty Wigginton and Cliff Floyd. Glavine gave up a run in the first and two in the fifth before really falling apart in the 7th, giving up a lead off homerun to Matt Williams, followed by a double, single, sac bunt and another single. David “Stormy” Weathers came in to induce a ground ball double play, but the damage had been done. The Mets did not push across a run until a Tony Clark homerun in the 8th. The D-backs take the opener in a double header 6-1.
ARI 7
NYM 3
In the night cap, the Mets still could not get the offense going, this time against Randy Johnson. Even with Joe McEwing, who historically owned the Big Unit was 0-3. Jae “It ain’t” Seo started for the Mets, with his cheering section cheering loudly in left field. It wasn’t a bad outing for Seo, who went 6 innings, allowing three runs. Mike Stanton allowed a run in the seventh to make it 4-2 and Scott Strickland held it in the 8th allowing just one hit. Then came he’s not Your mando, he’s not My mando! He’s ARMANDO BENITEZ in a non-save situation. You know how it went. Theirmando allowed 4 runs in the ninth including a 2-run shot to Mark “Amazing” Grace. The Mets got a run back in the 9th, but it wasn’t enough as the D-backs sweep the doubleheader with a 7-3 victory in Game 2.
April 27, 2000
Current Record: 14-9
Overall Record: 94-68
CIN 2
NYM 1 (12)
In a pitcher’s duel at Shea Stadium before 50,000-plus, Glendon Rusch locked up with Reds’ starter Steve Parris. Rusch allowed a run in the sixth on a solo homerun by Ken Griffey, Jr., which was matched in the bottom half by a solo shot off the bat of Robin Ventura off of Parris. Jon Nunnally hit in the leadoff spot for the Mets. Guess who took the loss? That’s right His mando was out there in the 12th. Another non-save situation. He started off the inning with a walk to Sean Casey. Aaron “Not bleeping yet” Boone sacrificed Casey to second. The Mets elected to intentionally walk Hal Morris and Hermando allowed a single to the very light hitting Travis Dawkins, who was batting .190 on the season. The single plated Casey with the winning run and Benitez took the loss, his second of the season. God I hate Benitez.
April 28, 1986 (off)
April 27, 1986
Current Record: 11-3
Overall Record: 108-54
NYM 5
STL 3
KEVIN MITCHELL ALERT! Leading off and playing SHORTSTOP? Is there anything Kevin Mitchell couldn’t do? Mitchell led the way going 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI, on a solo homerun in the 4th inning. Tim Teufel hit a two run shot in the 5th, as the Mets scored 5 in those two innings, more than enough for Bob Ojeda, who went the distance, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits. Remember when pitchers threw complete games? I’m beginning to think there is a generation of young fans out there who don’t know what a complete game is. Anyway, in a quick, 2 hour and 15 minute game, the Mets win their 11th of the season.
April 28, 1969
Current Record: 7-11
Overall Record: 100-62
CHC 0
NYM 3
Speaking of complete games, here something you DEFINITELY don’t see anymore: a pitcher pitch a full game and take the loss. Cubs starter Rich Nye pitched 8.1 innings before giving up a 3-run walk off homerun to Cleon Jones. The inning went as follows: error, sacrifice, intentional walk, homerun, also things you don’t see from too many Mets innings these days. Jim McAndrew started for the Mets and was brilliant in his five innings allowing just three hits and walking two. Tug McGraw carried the load the rest of the way, pitching four innings, allowing 3 hits, one walk and striking out six.
April 28, 1962
April 19, 1962
Current Record: 1-12
Overall Record: 40-120
PHI 11
NYM 7
After winning their first game of their existence earlier in the week, the Mets lost three in a row, including an 11-7 slugfest to the Phillies at the Polo Grounds. Roger Craig took the loss for the Mets, going 1 inning, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits. Craig Anderson faired no better allowing 2 runs on 3 hits in his one inning of work, followed by Herb Moford’s 3.1 innings, allowing 6 runs on 7 hits. Bob “Sure I’ll have some”
