tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67310048571745139452024-03-14T03:31:41.652-04:00The Three Run Homer<i>"If you play for one run, that's all you're going to get."</i><br />
--Earl WeaverkMitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259702486911748904noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-50007780267454853992008-03-13T00:12:00.002-04:002008-03-13T00:21:46.367-04:00Mets vs. Red Sox (Away)The New York Mets lost to the Boston Red Sox today 4-3 in Fort Myers, Fla. Starting pitcher Nelson Figueroa gave up five hits and four runs over three innings. He walked two and struck out one. Steven Register followed Figueroa and looked good, allowing two hits and no runs over two innings. Lugo, Diaz, and Fields followed Register with scoreless innings. At the plate, Argenis Reyes singled and scored a run from the leadoff spot. Also, Angel Pagan continued his hot hitting by connecting for a two-out triple in the third.<br /><br />The Mets are now 8-5-1 in Spring Training.Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-46228922671717228962008-03-11T17:43:00.003-04:002008-03-11T17:52:45.598-04:00Mets vs. BostonThe N.Y. Mets tied the Boston Red Sox 1-1 Monday at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Johan Santana pitched four innings, allowing no runs on two hits. During those three innings Santana looked outstanding, striking out four while walking none. He had a batters off balance most of the time. Santana was followed by Matt Wise who added two shutout innings of relief. Pedro Feliciano and Willie Collazo also pitched scoreless innings. At the plate, the Mets were happy to boast a lineup nearly full of regulars. Reyes, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Schneider, and Church were all in the lineup together for the first time this spring. Nevertheless, the Met bats quiet all day. It was not until the bottom of the 8th inning that the Mets finally broke through. Angel Pagan got the inning going with a out double. After Martinez advanced Pagan to third, Argenis Reyes hit a ground ball to score Angel Pagan. Unfortunately, Brian Stokes blew the Mets lead in the top of the ninth. Both teams failed to score again after the 9th inning Red Sox run.<br /><br />The Mets are now 8-4-1 in Spring Training this year.Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-61678805156886804372008-03-11T17:33:00.002-04:002008-03-11T17:42:55.900-04:00Split Squad - Mets vs. Baltimore / Mets vs. Florida<span style="font-weight: bold;">Mets vs. Baltirmore</span><br /><br />The New York Mets beat the Baltimore Orioles today 4-1 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For a full recape of the game please click <a href="http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080308&content_id=2413030&vkey=spt2008gamer&fext=.jsp">here</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mets vs. Florida</span><br /><br />The N.Y. Mets lost to the Florida Marlins 3-2 today at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie, Florida. At the plate, Brian Schneider hit a homer in the second inning. Right fielder Ryan Church went 2-2 (both singles), and Damion Easley hit a two-run homer in the sixth. On the mound, starting pitching Mike Pelfrey struggled. He allowed seven runs in 3 1/3 innings. Pelfrey walked four and hit a batter. Scott Schoeneweis followed Pelfrey with 1 2/3 innings of shutout relief. This line is deceiving though. Schoeneweis entered the game with the bases loaded and allowed all three of his inherited runners to score. Duaner Sanchez followed Schoeneweis with one inning of scoreless work. For a full recap of the game please click <a href="http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080308&content_id=2412953&vkey=spt2008gamer&fext=.jsp">here</a>.<br /><br />The Mets are now 7-4-1 in Spring Training.Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-3530035517538920772008-03-07T16:29:00.002-05:002008-03-07T16:52:11.432-05:00Mets vs. IndiansThe New York Mets beat the Cleveland Indians today 8-6 in Winter Haven, Fla. Starting Pitcher Oliver Perez allowed 6 runs (only 3 earned) in 2.2 innings on 6 hits and 2 walks. Perez was sabotaged by poor defense and adverse playing conditions. Figueroa replaced Perez and pitched 3.1 scoreless innings allowing only 3 hits and 1 walk. Wise, Feliciano, and Wise finished off the game by pitching a scoreless inning each. At the plate, Pagan continued his hot hitting going 2-4 with a double. He drove in 1 run and scored 1 run. DH Saenz had a big day at the plate going 2-4 with a home run and a double. He drove in 2 runs and scored 2 runs. Cancel also had a big day at the plate, as he went 1-3 with a home run. He drove in 2 runs while scoring 1 run. A Reyes played well today going 3-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Murphy and Carrera drove in the remaining runs for the Mets today.<br /><br />The Mets are now 6-3-1 in Spring Training.Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-64433862410386707142008-03-05T20:55:00.002-05:002008-03-05T21:00:57.605-05:00Alou Out 4-6 WeeksAccording to an <a href="http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080305&content_id=2406441&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym">article by Anthony DiComo</a>, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Moises Alou has a hernia and requires surgery. DiComo reports that Alou will be out 4-6 weeks.Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-33369542412007929222008-03-05T16:54:00.003-05:002008-03-05T17:03:12.120-05:00Mets vs. DodgersThe N.Y. Mets beat the L.A. Dodgers 3-2 today at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Johan Santana pitched three innings, allowing one run on two hits. During those three innings Santana looked sharp, walking only one while striking out four. He had a batters off balance most of the time. Santana was followed by Steve Register who tossed two scoreless innings. During those two innings he struck out two. Scott Schoeneweis pitched a scoreless 6th, while Juan Padilla allowed one unearned run on two hits in the 7th. Nate Field and Joe Smith each pitched one scoreless inning to finish off the game. At the plate, the Mets bats were mostly quiet today. Fernando Martinez, however, had two hits (line drive single and a double in the gap) and a walk in four plate appearances. Anderson Hernandez, who was 3-5 in the game, drove in the winning run off Tom Martin in the bottom of the 9th.<br /><br />The Mets are now 5-3-1 in Spring Training this year.Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-81026965509330485152008-03-04T16:58:00.001-05:002008-03-04T17:00:18.224-05:00Following the Fundamentals....<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Following the fundamentals….</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">2007</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">In 2007 the Mets played abysmal spring baseball.</span><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">They amassed a terrible record of 12-21-1.</span><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">During that time their team allowed an average of 5.21 runs per game, while scoring only 4.17 runs per game.</span><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">At the same time, their defense played miserable making 24 errors in only 34 games.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Here is a breakdown of the errors committed last spring by the Mets:</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">0 errors on 3/31</span></p> <pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >1 errors on 3/30 = D Easley<o:p></o:p></span></pre> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">0 errors on 3/29</span></p> <pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >0 errors on 3/28 <span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></pre><pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >1 error on 3/27 = R Castro<o:p></o:p></span></pre><pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >0 errors on 3/26<o:p></o:p></span></pre> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">0 errors on 3/25</span></p> <pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >2 errors on 3/24 = D Wright, L Milledge<o:p></o:p></span></pre><pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >2 errors on 3/23 = D Newhan, A Hernandez<o:p></o:p></span></pre><pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >1 error on 3/22 = D Wright<o:p></o:p></span></pre><pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >1 error on 3/21 = D Wright<o:p></o:p></span></pre><pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >0 errors on 3/20<o:p></o:p></span></pre><pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >1 error on 3/18 = R Castro<o:p></o:p></span></pre><pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >2 errors on 3/17 = M Carp, A Hernandez<o:p></o:p></span></pre><pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >1 error on 3/16 = D Wright<o:p></o:p></span></pre> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">0 errors on 3/15</span></p> <pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >1 error on 3/14 = M Carp<o:p></o:p></span></pre><pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >1 error on 3/13 = A Hernandez<o:p></o:p></span></pre><pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >0 errors on 3/12 <o:p></o:p></span></pre><pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >1 error on 3/11 = J Coronado<o:p></o:p></span></pre><pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >1 error on 3/10 = A Hernandez<o:p></o:p></span></pre> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 error on 3/9 = P. Humber</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">3 errors on 3/8 = J. Valentin, J. Vargas, J. Reyes</span></p> <pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >1 error on 3/7 = J. Valentin<o:p></o:p></span></pre><pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >1 error on 3/6 = M Carp<o:p></o:p></span></pre> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">0 errors on 3/5</span></p> <pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >1 error on 3/4 = A Hernandez<o:p></o:p></span></pre> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">0 errors on 3/3</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">0 errors on 3/2</span></p> <pre style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >1 error on 3/1 = A Hernandez<o:p></o:p></span></pre> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">0 errors on 2/28</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">2008</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">So far in 2008 the Mets are playing far better spring baseball then 2007.</span><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">To date the Mets have accumulated a 4-3-1 record.</span><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The pitching has allowed an average of 3.63 runs per game.</span><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">That is down from last year.</span><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Also, thus far this spring the Mets defense has only committed 4 errors in 8 games.</span><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">That is below the pace of last year.</span><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The only downside is that the Mets offense has failed to produce this spring, as it is only average 3.25 runs per game thus far.</span><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Still, one must keep in mind that the Mets are still with Delgado, Beltran, Castillo, Church, and Schneider.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Here is a breakdown of the errors committed thus far this spring by the Mets:</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 errors on 3/4 = Lucas (1, fielding), Pagan (1, fielding)</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 error on 3/3 = Acosta (1, pickoff)</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">0 errors on 3/2</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">0 errors on 3/1</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">0 errors on 2/29</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 error on 2/28 = Wright (1, throw)</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">0 errors on 2/27</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">0 errors on 2/26</span></p>Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-56412568300849767632008-03-04T15:59:00.002-05:002008-03-04T16:08:19.260-05:00Mets vs. MarlinsThe N.Y. Mets beat the Florida Marlins 6-2 today in Jupiter Florida. John Maine got the start today, and pitched 3 innings while allowing 1 run on 4 hits. He also struck out three. Feliciano and Wise followed Maine with scorless innings. Sosa pitched the 6th and 7th allowing only 1 unearned run. Stokes and Cavazos finished off the game with back to back scoreless innings. At the plate, Angel Pagan continued to impress going 3-5 with 2 RBI's. Anderson Hernandez went 2-5 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored. Tejada also got 2 hits and scored 2 runs. Both Hernandez and Tejada also stole a base today. The other two Met runs were driven in by Carrera and Casanova. In the field, the Mets turned 1 double play and super prospect Fernando Martinez had an outfield assist gunning down Rableo at home plate to save a run.<br /><br />The Mets are now 4-3-1 in Spring Training this year.Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-76969238554178611962008-03-03T16:01:00.002-05:002008-03-03T16:12:43.304-05:00Mets vs. BravesThe N.Y. Mets beat the Atlanta Braves 3-2 today at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie. Mike Pelfrey started the game for the Mets and was solid. He gave up no runs over 3 innings of work. He broke two bats and only allowed 2 hits. Pelfrey was supported by 2 early runs. Castro drove in the first Mets run with an RBI triple while reyes drove in the second with an RBI single. After 3 the Mets were ahead 2-0. Wagner then came in. He started off using the full wind up, as he has been doing this spring. He threw a lot of curve balls in the inning. Initially, they looked sharp. Eventually, however, the Braves adjusted. They scored 1 run off Wagner in the 4th. The Mets did not score in the bottom half of the inning, so the score was 2-1 after 4. Wagner was then followed by Figueroa who pitched 2 scoreless innings for the Mets. After 6 innings the score remained 2-1. Vargas pitched a scoreless 7th inning, and the Mets remained ahead 2-1 going into the 8th. In the 8th Muniz gave up 1 run. The score was tied going into the 9th. Rincon pitched a scoreless inning for the Mets (looked good - struck out 2 of the 3 batters he faced), but the bats did not produce in the bottom of the inning. Ivan Maldonado followed Rincon with a scoreless inning of his own. After the Mets held the Braves in the top of the 10th, the Mets put together bat to back 2 out hits to win the game. Ruben Tejada drove in the winning run with a double to the gap that scored a Michel Abreu on a close play at home plate. The ball beat Abreu to the plate, but a nifty slide gave the Mets the win.<br /><br />The Mets are now 3-3-1 in Spring Training this year.Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-6984875431029422592008-03-02T18:32:00.002-05:002008-03-02T18:41:20.157-05:00Mets vs. Dodgers (away)The N.Y. Mets beat the L.A. Dodgers 6-5 today at Vero Beach, Fl. Oliver Perez started the game for the Mets and was touched up for 3 runs on 5 hits in 2 innings of work. Heilman followed Perez with a scoreless inning of work. Scott Schoeneweis then came in and gave up 1 run on 3 hits in 1 inning of work. Joe Smith followed suit by also giving up 1 run in 1 inning of work. Lugo, Register, Field, and Diaz closed out the game by combining for 4 innings of scoreless work. In the field, the Mets defense turned 3 double plays today. At the plate, the Mets bats finally came to life scoring 6 runs. Angel Pagan led the charge going 3 for 5 with 3 rbis and a stolen base. Anderson Hernandez and Reuben Gotay also had multi-hit games. Castro, Clark, and Gotay each drove in 1 run. Mets super prospect Fernando Martinez went 1-4 today.<br /><br />The Mets are now 2-3-1 in Spring Training this year.Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-9926129169884500902008-03-01T16:21:00.002-05:002008-03-01T16:34:18.835-05:00Mets vs. DodgersThe Mets beat the Dodgers today 1-0 at Tradition Field on another warm and sunny day in Port St. Lucie.<span style=""> </span>Traditional Field was packed to capacity today, and the crowd had great energy. Before the game Willie Randolph walked over the the Dodgers dug out and gave Joe Torre a big huge - a gesture that brought a load roar of approval from the fans in attendance. LHP prospect Jon Niese started and threw two hitless innings, walking one and striking out three. Pedro Feliciano pitched one inning. Although he loaded the bases, he was able to escape without giving up any runs. Jorge Sosa also pitched a scoreless inning. Prospect Bobby Parnell pitched two scoreless innings. Willie Collazo, Brian Stokes and Matt Wise followed with scoreless innings. Matt Wise picked up the win. Early in the game Marlon Anderson and Ryan Church collided in shallow left field. Both players remained on the ground for several minutes. Eventually, Anderson was able to walk off the field. Church, however, had to be helped off the field by two trainers. He looked visibly shaken and dazed. According to an article by <a href="http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080301&content_id=2398485&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym">Marty Noble</a>, Church suffered a concussion and will be out two weeks. In the 3rd inning David Wright made a great barehanded grab to rob Pierre of a bunt base hit. In the top of the 9th, with the score tied 0-0, Ezequiel Carrera made a leaping catch in left field to rob the Dodgers of a go-ahead home run. In the bottom of the night the Mets loaded the bases with one out. Brady Clark came to the plate and was immediately hit by a pitch driving in the winning run. Angel Pagan had another good day going 2-for-3 with a stolen base while also playing solid defense in center field.<br /><br />The Mets are now 1-3-1 in Spring Training this year.Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-63739532504925586052008-02-29T16:56:00.006-05:002008-02-29T17:31:43.302-05:00Mets vs. Cardinals<p>The Mets lost 5–4 to the Cardinals today at Tradition Field on a warm and sunny day in Port St. Lucie.<span style=""> </span>Johan Santana made his Mets debut before a large ST crowd.<span style=""> </span>In the first inning he allowed three runs on three hits, including a home run to left field off the bat of Juan Gonzalez.<span style=""> </span>Santana settled down in the second, pitching a scoreless inning despite a 2 out triple.<span style=""> </span>Eddie Kunz pitched the 9<sup>th</sup> and gave up a run.<span style=""> </span>This run, however, only scored after Brady Clark lost a lazy fly ball to right field in the sun.<span style=""> </span>Duaner Sanchez pitched one inning for the second time this year, allowing a run.<span style=""> </span>Aaron Heilman, Billy Wagner, Nelson Figueroa, Joselo Diaz and Ricardo Rincon all pitched scoreless innings for the Mets today.<span style=""> </span>An interesting note – Wagner pitched his entire inning using a full windup.<span style=""> </span>This is something that Wagner has been playing with this spring.<span style=""> </span>Jose Reyes was 2–for-3 with an RBI today. David Wright drove in a run in the first inning with a hard shot line drive to right center.<span style=""> </span>Moises Alou also had an RBI as well on a ground ball to short stop that was misplayed.<span style=""> Carlos Delgado struck out in his first at bat (looked very bad), but got a hard hit single to right in his second at bat. </span>Ruben Gotay drew a walk, and hit a ninth inning home run. Fernando Martinez played the late innings today. He was thrown out trying to steal second. In the 9th, he made a spectacular diving catch on a line drive down the line.<br /></p>The Mets are now 0-3-1 this year in Spring Training.<br /><p></p>Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-69742733896354260092008-02-28T19:17:00.004-05:002008-02-29T17:21:57.846-05:00Mets vs. Cardinals (Away)The Mets lost to the Cardinals 7-0 Thursday in Jupiter, Florida.<br /><br />For a full recap of the game please visit: <a href="http://www.metsblog.com/2008/02/28/postgame-cardinals-7-mets-0/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Metsblog.com</span></a><br /><br />The Mets are now 0-2-1 in Spring Training.Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-23007514732105851702008-02-28T19:14:00.005-05:002008-02-29T17:23:23.257-05:00Mets vs. Tigers (away)The Mets lody to the Detroit Tigers 4-2 on Wednesday in the Grapefruit League opener in Lakeland, Florida.<br /><br />For a full recap of the game please visit: <a href="http://www.metsblog.com/2008/02/27/postgame-tigers-4-mets-2/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Metsblog.com</span></a><br /><br />The Mets are now 0-1-1 this year in Spring Training.Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-60904278715992438832008-02-28T19:10:00.004-05:002008-02-29T17:13:32.249-05:00Mets vs. University of Michigan<p>The Mets tied the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:placename st="on">Michigan</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> 4 to 4 at Tradition Field on a HOT and sunny afternoon in Port St. Lucie on Tuesday. <span style=""> </span>Jason Vargas pitched two innings, allowing 1 run in the second inning of work.<span style=""> </span>Aaron Heilman also pitched and allowed one run.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Ryan Cullen allowed two runs on three hits.<span style=""> </span>Billy Wagner, Nate Field, Ricardo Rincon, Nelson Figueroa and Eddie Kunz each pitched a scoreless inning.<span style=""> </span>Brady Clark was hitless in four at-bats.<span style=""> </span>Jose Reyes crushed a double to left field in the first inning.<span style=""> </span>Two batters later, David Wright crushed a two-run home run over the left field wall on the first pitch he saw.<span style=""> </span>Carlos Delgado struck out in the first inning, and looked bad doing so. He was extremely late on three straight fastballs. However, Delgado made a nice pick at first base on a low throw from David Wright.<span style=""> </span>Michel Abreu hit a game-tying, two-run home run in the botton of the ninth inning to make the game a push, since no other pitchers were scheduled to throw today.<span style=""> </span>The home run was initially ruled a double. However, after Willie Randolph argued the call, it was reversed.</p> <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Some notes courtesy of <a href="http://www.metsblog.com/">Metsblog.com</a></span>Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-92160578381081786262008-02-17T08:15:00.002-05:002008-02-17T08:18:07.149-05:00Greetings from FloridaAnnouncement: Like many New York Mets, I have recently arrived in sunny Florida. I will be here until April 1. While here I will attend and report on all of the Mets spring training games played at Tradition Field. The first game will be on Tuesday, February 26.Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-92078926742119991092008-02-04T13:10:00.000-05:002008-02-04T13:11:42.173-05:00Poll Results<span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:12;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Our recent poll asked readers, “Which team should be favored to win the 2008 NL pennant?” The results of our poll were clear: 75 percent of readers believe the Mets should be favored to win the 2008 NL pennant. The remaining readers were split between the Cubs (15 percent), the Diamondbacks (5 percent), and the <st1:place st="on">Rockies</st1:place> (5 percent). None of our readers selected the Phillies, Braves, Brewers, Padres, or Dodgers.</span><o:p></o:p></span>Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-35992053749095894102008-02-04T13:00:00.001-05:002008-02-04T13:09:24.171-05:00The Impact of SantanaIn a recent article for <a href="http://www.mlb.com/">mlb.com</a>, Marty Noble examines the new look New York Mets. In the article Noble breaks down the projected lineup and rotation of the 2008 New York Mets. He also examines the players the Mets have added and removed during this off-season. Be sure to check out the article by<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080201&content_id=2362245&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym&partnered=rss_nym">clicking here</a><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080201&content_id=2362245&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym&partnered=rss_nym">.</a>Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-14338657159249222022008-02-03T10:39:00.000-05:002008-02-03T10:40:56.209-05:00Mets Avoid Arbitration with FelicianoThe New York Mets and LHP Pedro Feliciano avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.025 million contract.Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-36598080727865144572008-02-03T10:36:00.000-05:002008-02-03T10:39:32.884-05:00Mets Settle Arbitration Case with SosaThe New York Mets settled their salary arbitration case with RHP Jorge Sosa, agreeing to pay him $2 million for the 2008 season. Sosa had been seeking $2.75 million.Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-40556245317432063922008-02-02T21:38:00.001-05:002008-02-02T21:38:52.425-05:00Final Terms of Santana's ContractHere are the terms of Santana's record setting deal with the Mets. <br /><br />(*) The Mets ripped up Santana’s original contract. So it no longer matters that the Twins owed Santana $13.25 million for 2008.<br /><br />(*) Santana got a six-year deal with an option for 2014. The terms:<br /><br />2008: $19 million<br /><br />2009: $20 million<br /><br />2010: $21 million<br /><br />2011: $22.5 million<br /><br />2012: $24 million<br /><br />2013: $25.5 million<br /><br />2014 (option): $25 million, with a $5.5 million buyout.<br /><br />Note: It’s a vesting option that can be triggered with innings pitched or a high finish in the Cy Young voting. Santana also received a full no-trade clause. The average annual value of Santana’s six-year deal is actually $22 million. Only Alex Rodriguez (at $27.5 million) will make more.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-49486219306180802962008-02-02T10:37:00.000-05:002008-02-02T10:41:33.607-05:00Mets, Santana Finalize ContractYesterday at 6:30pm ET the New York Mets and representatives of Johan Santana agreed to a record contract. People familiar with the terms of the agreement said Santana will be under contract beginning this year and through 2013, that an option exists for 2014, and that he will be guaranteed $137.5 million. Santana is scheduled to take a physical today. If he passes, it will complete one of the most significant trades/signings in Mets history.Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-29519960578883774692008-01-31T17:48:00.001-05:002008-01-31T18:24:03.495-05:00A Changeup Exhibition at SheaWith the acquisition of Johan Santana, the Mets added the best pitcher in baseball, and the hurler who sports the best lefthanded changeup ever thrown. (If anyone can think of a lefty with a better changeup, please post in the comments section. Cole Hamels' change isn't far behind.) Santana's change is one of, if not the best out pitch in the game, a dastardly circle-variety that floats down-and-away from righthanders in the mid-to-upper 70s, providing a stark contrast from his fastball (low-to-mid 90s) and nasty slider (80s).<br /><br />The best righthanded changeup ever? That's right--with apologies to Trevor Hoffman, that pitch belongs to Pedro Martinez, who was bumped to the number two slot in the Mets rotation by the arrival of Santana. If Santana's changeup is a great pitch, than Pedro's is legendary. He throws the same circle variety as Santana, which moves down-and-in to lefthanders thanks to the pronation (counterclockwise twisting motion of the right hand upon delivery of the pitch--think of turning a doorknob to the left--which imparts a reverse, screwball spin on the ball, and wicked sinking movement due to Pedro's long fingers). Pedro's pitch has even more movement on it than Santana's, and is a truly untouchable offering when the righty has his best stuff.<br /><br />Shea Stadium this year, then, will be the exhibition grounds for two of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, one future Hall-of-Famer in the twilight of his career and one moving through the peak. It will also be the place to go to see perhaps the two greatest changeups in baseball history, one thrown from the left side, and one from the right. And while you're there watching Santana and Martinez, don't be surprised to see dozens of National League hitters out on their front foot, made to look foolish by lunging at an offspeed offering from the Mets twin aces.kMitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259702486911748904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-82786390485344917272008-01-30T12:20:00.000-05:002008-01-30T12:33:15.055-05:00Santana's 2008 PECOTA projectionOver at Baseball Prospectus, Nate Silver has released <a href=http://baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=738>Johan Santana's 2008 PECOTA projection</a> for Shea Stadium, as well as what it would have looked like were he still a member of the Twins next year.<br /><br />Santana is projected to put up a sub-3.00 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and strike out 239 batters in 225 innings. He does get a slight boost from moving to the National League and pitching in Shea, although Silver makes the point that the Metrodome has become a decent park for pitchers lately, lessening the impact on his numbers. However, one has reason to believe that his numbers could be even better than that--the esteemed BobbyBo made the point that Pedro Martinez's ERA dropped over a full run when he moved from the A.L. to the Mets--and Santana's 3.33 ERA from last year could be viewed as something of a fluke, anyway, due to an elevated home run rate. Santana will be just 29 this season, as well. The Mets pulled off an absolute coup, trading for the best pitcher in the game and doing so without giving up their best prospect, Fernando Martinez. This move instantly elevates New York to the favorite in the National League. Omar Minaya, whose curious moves this offseason have been criticized in this space, deserves full credit for taking advantage of a hamstrung Twins front office and leveraging one team's headache (Santana's trade demand) to land the 2008 favorite for the N.L. Cy Young award.kMitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03259702486911748904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731004857174513945.post-54859589391780605822008-01-29T17:25:00.000-05:002008-01-29T17:27:45.604-05:00Mets Acquire Santana for 4 ProspectsAccording to multiple media outlets, the Mets have acquired Johan Santana from the Twins for Carlos Gomez, Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey.<br /><br />Provided below is a report given by Peter Gammons on ESPN.<br /><br /><object height="361" width="440"><param name="movie" value="http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/player.swf?mediaId=3220926"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/player.swf?mediaId=3220926" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" height="361" width="440"></embed></object>Dykstra04http://www.blogger.com/profile/05438833105970706578noreply@blogger.com0