Baseball Info: April 2012

Senin, 30 April 2012

Standings, Beat Reports and What's Next for April 30

The Mets and Braves won yesterday, while the Phillies, Nationals and Marlins lost.

The Braves and Nationals are tied for first, with the Mets one game back:

In case you missed it this past weekend, the Mets got clobbered on Friday, but rebounded to win Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, which you can read about here, here and here.

Andres Torres is expected to be activated from the disabled list today. Terry Collins has been saying for a week that, when he returns, Torres will start in center field, while Kirk Nieuwenhuis will shift to left field. However, he suggested to reporters yesterday, that he could be open to other configurations if necessary.

R.A. Dickey (3-1, 4.44 ERA) will open a three game series in Houston tonight at 8:05 pm ET. Bud Norris (1-1, 5.84 ERA) will start for the Astros.

Photos: Mets dress western for flight to Houston

According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, 'In part to build team chemistry, Mets veterans suggested in spring training that players and staff wear western apparel during the trip from Denver to Houston,' which they carried out last night.

Here are some pictures from the team on Twitter:

Rubin says the team has a hockey-theme planned for their interleague series at Toronto in May.

Zach Lutz will be demoted to minor leagues on Monday

Zach Lutz will be demoted to the minor leagues when Andres Torres is activated from the disabled list tomorrow, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.

In three games with the Mets, Lutz went 1-for-8 with four strikeouts.

Minggu, 29 April 2012

Standings, Last Night, and what's next for April 29

The Mets, Marlins, and Phillies all won last night, while the Braves and Nationals both lost.

To read more about the Mets win over the Rockies, read this post from MetsBlog.com, and check out beat reports from MLB.com, the Wall Street Journal, Star-Ledger, Bergen Record, ESPN, Newsday, the Daily News and New York Post.

Today at Coors Field, the Mets will look to take the rubber game of their three game series against the Rockies with Johan Santana facing Jamie Moyer at 3:10 PM ET.

About Last Night: Gee got stronger as he progressed

In last night's 7-5 victory over the Rockies, Dillon Gee allowed three earned runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out seven in seven innings.

Gee faced 29 batters and threw 116 pitches, 77 of which were strikes.

'I actually felt like I was getting stronger as the game went on,' Gee told reporters after the game. 'In the sixth and seventh innings, I felt some of the best I had felt all night. It's definitely a positive sign to be at 110 pitches and still feel good.'

Gee retired nine of the final ten batters he faced and improved to 2-2 with a 4.85 ERA in 26 innings over four starts this season.

Michael Baron: Typically, its very difficult to get breaking balls to break at Coors Field, but Gee was actually getting some nice break on his curveball. He needed that early in the game because his fastball looked kind of lifeless at that stage of the game. However, he made some kind of adjustment and not only did he find the command of his fastball, but the velocity and movement to go with it after a very rough fourth inning. That, coupled with his outstanding change-up made the fifth, sixth and seventh innings a breeze for him as he dominated the Rockies lineup from that point forward.

Op-Eds and back pages for April 29

In today's Bergan Record, Mike Kerwick says goodbye to Mike Pelfrey.

Andy McCullough thinks Ike Davis swing is starting to come around, he says in the Star Ledger.

Johan Santana is excited to make his Coors Field debut this afternoon, explains Roger Rubin in the Daily News.

Sabtu, 28 April 2012

Transcript: Terry's comments, sticking with Schwinden

Following tonight's loss in Colorado, Terry Collins said Chris Schwinden will start again for the Mets in Houston, despite giving up six runs to the Rockies.

Collins also had the following to say about'

What he was thinking during the fifth inning:

'Innings like that are going to possibly take place. One thing I was starting to think about is, I didn't want to start burning out my bullpen in the fifth inning. Knowing that this thing could go a long way, we had to get some outs and we didn't get them.'

Scott Hairston, who hit for the cycle:

'Scott had a great day and it's going to go unnoticed in a game like this.'

The six errors made by his team in tonight's game:

'That certainly is something we can't do anymore. ' Stuff like this happens. It's one of those nights. It's hopefully the last time we'll see it this summer.'

Op-Eds and Backpages for April 28

Jordany Valdespin must temper an aggression which has cost him both on and off the field, explains Andy McCullough of the Star Ledger.

In today's Bergan Record, Mike Kerwick reminisces with Kirk Nieuwnhuis about growing up a Rockies fan in the Denver area.

Andrew Keh explains how the fall of one player represents an opportunity for another, he says in this report to the New York Times.

Standings, Last Night and What's Next for April 28

The Mets, Nationals, Phillies and Marlins all lost last night, while the Braves won.

To read more about the Mets loss to the Rockies, read this post from MetsBlog.com, and check out beat reports from check out MLB.com, the Wall Street Journal, Star-Ledger, Bergen Record, ESPN, Newsday, the Daily News and New York Post.

The Mets continue their three-game series with the Rockies tonight at Coors Field, with Dillon Gee facing Guillermo Moscoso at 8:10 pm.

Jumat, 27 April 2012

Transcript: Terry on the Mets rally win over Miami

After today's 3-2 win over the Marlins, Terry Collins had the following to say about:

Justin Turner's at bat in the ninth:

'It was a tremendous at bat. To fight all those pitches off, to take the breaking balls. A terrific at bat'Closers don't usually throw fifty pitches and I thought that might have worn him down a little bit.'

Kirk Nieuwenhuis so far this season:

'He's a baseball player. He's a good player. He's done a great job. As I told you before he grinds it out every game. When game time comes he's business'Right now he's playing terrific and I hope it continues.'

The series overall, during which the Mets swept the Marlins:

'We played very good'We've got great pitching this series. Tremendous pitching. So did they. Jon pitched very well today, deserved a better fortune. He did what a starter is suppose to do and that's kept you in the game and give you a chance to win.'

Mike Pelfrey likely to undergo Tommy John Surgery

Mike Pelfrey will likely undergo Tommy John Surgery on his right elbow and miss the remainder of the season, Terry Collins told reporters today.

Pelfrey will travel to Birmingham, Alabama to have the procedure performed by Dr. James Andrews.

Pelfrey was placed on the 15-day disabled list after an MRI revealed a partial tear in the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

Matthew Cerrone (Updated April 26, 5:43 pm): This sucks. It does. There is no other way to put it. My gut feeling was that he was likely to be traded this summer had he kept pitching as he was. I can't count the number of people connected to the team who mentioned how Pelfrey might benefit from a 'change of scenery.' Plus, the Mets had already talked about cutting him in Spring Training, before his deal locked in. Now, though, he'll be on the shelf for quite a while and there is no telling what or where his career will be when he returns. Crazy. What a shame. Good luck, Mike.

Michael Baron: This will likely sideline him for at least the next 12 months, and it's a real shame. He was off to such a good start after making some key adjustments during Spring Training. But I have to wonder if those modified mechanics had some kind of impact on this injury'

To read more about Pelfrey's injury, and what it means for his future, check out the Star-Ledger, Post, Times, Daily News, Journal, Record and Newsday.

To listen to Pelfrey discuss his injury with reporters, watch this:

Standings, Beat Reports and What's Next for April 27

The Mets beat the Marlins yesterday, to sweep their three-game series. The Nationals lost, while the Braves and Phillies had the day off.

To read reports about New York's sweep of Miami, check out MLB.com, the Wall Street Journal, Star-Ledger, Bergen Record, ESPN, Newsday, the Daily News and New York Post.

The word from Citi Field seems to be that Andres Torres will meet up with the Mets in Houston on Monday, when he'll most likely be activated from the disabled list. According to MetsBlog's Matthew Cerrone, though he could be activated sooner, maybe in Colorado, the team would prefer to him to give him a few extra days in St. Lucie to be sure he's 100 percent.

The Mets begin a three-game series with the Rockies at Coors Field tonight, with RHP Chris Schwinden taking on LHP Drew Pomeranz (0-1, 6.75 ERA) at 8:40 pm.

Kamis, 26 April 2012

Standings, Beat Reports & What's Next for April 26

The Mets, Phillies, Braves and the Nationals all won last night, while the Marlins lost.

To read more about last night's win, check out MLB.com, the Wall Street Journal, Star-Ledger, Bergen Record, ESPN, Newsday, the Daily News and New York Post.

The Mets will look for the series sweep of the Marlins tomorrow afternoon at Citi Field, with Jon Niese facing Ricky Nolasco at 1:10 pm.

Also today, according to multiple reports, the team expects to hear back from Dr. James Andrews regarding the condition of Mike Pelfrey, who was placed on the disabled list earlier this week with swelling and soreness in his elbow.

Terry Collins said yesterday that Triple-A RHP Chris Schwinden is scheduled to pitch in place of Pelfrey during the team's trip to Colorado.

Op-Eds and Backpages for April 26

George Willis thinks David Wright is an amazin' class act, he says in today's New York Post.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis emergence give the Mets options in their lineup, explains Brendan Prunty in the Star Ledger.

David Wright is proving he is the face of the franchise, explains Rich Coutinho of WFAN.com.

Today's Marlins/Mets lineups at Citi Field (1:10 PM)

About MetsBlog

MetsBlog.com publishes both rumor and opinion, as well as accurately reported information from other sources. Owned and operated by SportsNet New York, part of the SNY Blog Network Information on MetsBlog.com may contain errors or inaccuracies - links to content and the quotation of material from other news sources are not the responsibility of MetsBlog.com.

MetsBlog.com and Matthew Cerrone are not responsible for what is written by non-MetsBlog.com writers within the sites comments section.

Rabu, 25 April 2012

Nice post-game response from @redturn2

About MetsBlog

MetsBlog.com and Matthew Cerrone are not responsible for what is written by non-MetsBlog.com writers within the sites comments section.

Transcript: Terry talks Johan, Ike, Thole & Kirk after win

Terry Collins talked to reporters after tonight's win against the Marlins and had the following to say about:

Johan Santana, the importance of last night's win given the team's recent slide:

'For me, that's what your big pitchers do. They stop losing streaks. They go out there and give you what you need to win the game. He did that tonight. I've said it all along, what this guy brings to this team isn't just wins and losses, he steps up when you need someone to step up. ' He may not be the same guy he was five years ago, but he's still a winner.'

The importance of Kirk Nieuwenhuis's leaping catch on the warning track to rob Jose Reyes of an extra base to lead off the game:

'It was huge. ' We really needed it, we really needed that lift in the beginning and that gave it to us.'

Ike Davis, who was a pinch hit for in the seventh inning:

'I love Ike Davis. He's gonna hit and we're gonna put this in our past real soon, because he's going to start hitting. But, like I said the other day when I took Frank Francisco out of the game, once in a while it's not about one guy it's about all 25. He understood. I told him he'll be in there (Wednesday). ' We need him to get going.'

Francisco, who rebounded from a few poor outings to get the save:

'That's huge for him and for us. He and Dan Warthen worked on something in the bullpen the other day, he felt good about it and he came out and made some pitches tonight. ' I thought tonight was a good night for him.'

Josh Thole's walk in the seventh inning, and was it the turning point of the game:

'Yes, I don' think there's any question about it. Josh is swinging the bat very good. I just felt comfortable with his ability to slap the ball around he's a tough guy to defend. ' To draw four base on balls and score a run that inning, that's the team that I know we have. Those guys are willing to be patient at the plate until they get something to handle.'

Standings, Beat Reports & What's On Tap for April 25

The Braves, Phillies and Nationals all win last night, while the Mets defeated the Marlins.

To read more about last night's win against Miami, check out MLB.com, the Wall Street Journal, Star-Ledger, Bergen Record, ESPN, Newsday, the Daily News and New York Post.

In case you missed it yesterday, Mike Pelfrey and Jason Bay were both put on the 15-day disabled list. Triple-A infielder Zach Lutz and Double-A LHP Robert Carson were promoted from the minor leagues and added to the big-league roster.

The Mets and Marlins continue their three-game series tonight, with R.A. Dickey (2-1, 5.71 ERA) facing Mark Buehrle (1-2, 2.66 ERA) at 7:10 PM.

Selasa, 24 April 2012

What's up with Mets starters this past week?

About MetsBlog

MetsBlog.com and Matthew Cerrone are not responsible for what is written by non-MetsBlog.com writers within the sites comments section.

Jason Bay has bruised ribs, unsure if he'll play Tuesday

Terry Collins told reporters tonight that Jason Bay injured his ribs in the outfield during the second game of the team's doubleheader, while diving for a ball over his head in the fourth inning.

X-Rays were negative, Collins said, though Bay will be still be reevaluated on Tuesday.

'I fully feel like I absolutely laid out for that one,' Bay said after the game, indicating the pain is on his left side. 'It was a full extension, backwards dive. I know I didn't land gently, I can tell you that.'

Bay wouldn't say if he'll be able to play tomorrow.

Standings, Beat Reports & What's On Tap for April 24

The Mets, Phillies and Braves each lost yesterday, while the Marlins and Nationals were off.

To read about yesterday's disastrous double-header losses for the Mets, check out MLB.com, the Wall Street Journal, Star-Ledger, Bergen Record, ESPN New York, Newsday, the Daily News and New York Post.

The Mets begin a three-game series against the Marlins tonight. Jose Reyes is scheduled to meet with New York media around 3:45 pm, after which with Johan Santana (0-2, 3.97 ERA) is slated to face Josh Johnson (0-2, 5.94 ERA) at 7:10 pm.

Senin, 23 April 2012

Sandy Alderson talks to WNBC about Wright

Last night, Sandy Alderson told Bruce Beck on WNBC in New York, he cannot see David Wright playing for another team.

'We've said, 'Look, let's play out at least part of this season and see where we are,'' Alderson explained. 'But, I honestly, at this point, cannot foresee David playing elsewhere.'

To read Matthew Cerrone's take on what could, and should, happen with Wright and a possible contract extension this summer, check out this post from last week.

For Michael Baron's thoughts from last weekend on Wright's value to the franchise, click here.

Video: Byrdak and Turner on joining WWE

[WizardRSS: unable to retrieve full-text content]

Here, Tim Byrdak interviewsJustin Turner to discuss answering his fans on Twitter and possibly joining the WWE on SNY’s Mets Weekly: Your browser does not support iframes.

3 Must-Read Op-Eds for April 23

1) In today's New York Post, Kevin Kernan explains in order for success to continue for the Mets the starting pitching has to continue to excel.

2) Bill Madden thinks the Mets have a superior rotation to the Yankees so far, he writes in this report for the the Daily News.

3) In today's Wall Street Journal, Joshua Robinson looks at the career paths of Philip Humber and Mike Pelfrey.

Minggu, 22 April 2012

Today's Mets/Giants lineups (1:10 PM)

About MetsBlog

MetsBlog.com and Matthew Cerrone are not responsible for what is written by non-MetsBlog.com writers within the sites comments section.

Sean Ratliff announces retirement

Mets outfield prospect Sean Ratliff has announced his retirement, the team said.

While on-deck during a Spring Training game last year, Ratliff was struck in the face by a foul ball and suffered six broken bones ' he was never able to fully recover from the injury.

The 25-year-old Ratliff hit .317 with 16 home runs and 50 RBI for Double-A Binghamton in 2010, and combined with Single-A St. Lucie and Binghamton, he hit .298 with a .353 on base percentage with 21 home runs and 80 RBI.

For complete coverage of the Mets minor leagues, be sure to check out SNY's Mets Minor League Blog.

Thoughts and reactions to Philip Humber's perfect game

Yesterday in Seattle, White Sox RHP Philip Humber pitched the 21st perfect game in the history of Major League Baseball, a 4-0 shutout over the Mariners at Safeco Field.

Humber joins Mike Scott, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Dwight Gooden, David Cone, A.J. Burnett and Hideo Nomo as pitchers who have been in the Mets organization but threw either a no-hitter or a perfect game for another organization.

Humber appeared in five games for the Mets between 2006-2007, and allowed six runs in nine innings over that span. His only start for the Mets came on September 26, 2007 against the Nationals in which he allowed six earned runs in four innings of a 9-6 loss at Shea Stadium.

Humber was traded along with Deolis Guerra and Carlos Gomez to the Twins in exchange for Johan Santana in February, 2008.

First off, this is a tremendous accomplishment and am very happy for Humber, regardless of his connection to the Mets. Naturally, while watching his outing, I couldn't help but think about that connection, and Humber wearing number 41 for the White Sox (which Seaver also wore when he was with the White Sox in 1985) didn't help to shed any reminder of that, either. But while he undoubtedly once wore a Mets uniform and has now achieved something so rare and so unique, I'm not particularly frustrated yet another former Met has achieved something so elusive to the Mets organization.

I'm not old enough to reflect on guys like Seaver and Nolan Ryan throwing no-hitters for clubs other than the Mets. But I am old enough to have seen both Dwight Gooden and David Cone play for them, and I'm still frustrated both of them threw no-hitters for another team, especially with that team being the Yankees. But both Doc and Cone had unique connections with me as a fan in that they are part of the most successful era in franchise history and were major contributors towards winning with their own degrees of dominance in the late 1980's.

With Humber, that is simply not the case. I was talking to a close friend last night, who was born in 1962 and has been a Mets fan for as long as she can remember, and she said to me 'ok, the Mets traded [Humber] over four years ago, but I draw no personal connection between him & the team. To me, it was a great baseball moment and appreciate that as a fan of the sport. It just so happens he was with the Mets at one point. Why should this bother me as a Mets fan?' I thought that through and I think that's the reason I am not bothered by this no-hitter in the context of the Mets. Rather, it served only as a reminder the Mets have played 7,981 without a no-hitter or a perfect game, but I think about that everyday, anyway. Humber was simply one of the minor league pieces, who at this point is a journeyman pitcher, the Mets traded for a superstar pitcher in an attempt to get better.

The amazing thing is, before every game, I wonder if today is going to be the day. I look at the pitcher's stuff immediately, no matter who it is, and try and figure out if he's got what it takes. Sometimes I believe virtually immediately a pitcher has the stuff which is dominating enough to do it. Sometimes I look up and, all of a sudden, it's the fifth inning and no hits have been allowed, at which point the thoughts commence. There were a couple of instances I thought David Cone would do it only before having his no-hitters get disrupted late. There was one time I thought Tom Glavine might do it as well. I also thought that if Robin Ventura could have jumped one extra inch in Game 4 of the 2000 NLDS, Bobby Jones would have thrown a no-hitter then. Jon Niese made a bid for a no-hitter in the third game of this season before having it disrupted in the seventh inning.

The list goes on and on with so many 'almosts.' But as each day goes without that no-hitter, the Mets have to be getting closer to the day they do get a no-hitter, right?

Sabtu, 21 April 2012

Today's Mets vs. Giants lineup (1:10 PM)

New York Mets

1) Kirk Nieuwenhuis, CF
2) Daniel Murphy, 2B
3) David Wright, 3B
4) Ike Davis, 1B
5) Jason Bay, LF
6) Lucas Duda, RF
7) Josh Thole, C
8) Ruben Tejada, SS
9) Mike Pelfrey, RHP

4 Must-Read Op-Eds for April 21

1) David Wright turned to his childhood coach to help with his swing this off-season, explains Mike Puma of the New York post.

2) The task of finding the Mets' center fielder of the future has proven far more complicated, writes Brian Costa in the Wall Street Journal.

3) George Willis believes Kirk Nieuwenhuis is making a strong impression, he says in today's New York Post.

4) Mark Simon believes Jason Bay and Lucas Duda's inability to hit with RISP has become a meaningful statistical issue for the Mets, he says in this post to ESPN New York.

About Last Night: Jon Niese got riled up last night

In last night's 4-3 loss to the Giants, Jon Niese allowed three runs and seven hits while walking two and striking out five in six innings.

Niese faced 27 batters and threw 109 pitches, 72 of which were strikes.

Niese allowed all three runs in the third inning, and after the game, Niese told reporters he was 'riled up,' but Mike Nickeas helped him to calm down, saying:

'[Nickeas] does a great job of that. I was kind of riled up there in that third inning when it could have gotten away from me. But like I said, the defense made great plays, and they calmed me down. [Nickeas] just came up to me and told me to take one pitch at a time, one inning at a time.'

Michael Baron: Niese was not on top of his game last night. He couldn't throw either his curveball or cutter for strikes early which caused him to rely on that fastball early on, and was erratic with it during the third inning in particular. He wasn't going to be unhittable all season, and so it was important for him to be able manage this game despite not having his best stuff and give this team some much needed length after two games when the bullpen was taxed. It's a sign he's maturing, which is exciting to see.

Jumat, 20 April 2012

Leave a message for Verizon Connect video

This season, every Friday, MetsBlog.com will be posting random fan voicemails during a short, video mailbag segment.

To phone in a question, comment, criticism, rant, etc., about the Mets, this blog, you name it, to maybe air in tomorrow's Verizon Connect with MetsBlog video, call 860.245.9851.

Vote: This week's MetsBlog's Fan Confidence Rating

About MetsBlog

MetsBlog.com and Matthew Cerrone are not responsible for what is written by non-MetsBlog.com writers within the sites comments section.

The next 7 games, and building on momentum

In the Daily News, columnist Bill Madden asks, 'Which is the real Mets ' the version that swept the Braves in the opening series, and won two of three against the Citizens Bank bullies? Or the Metsian Mets who were outscored 23-9 in their final two games in Atlanta this week?'

According to Madden, baseball experts feel the Mets are some place in the middle.

Matthew Cerrone: They started hot at 6-2, and have since gone 1-3. This is the Mets, I think. Thankfully, I'm used to it, and you probably are as well. You know the deal: There are moments and streaks of joy and overconfidence, followed by moments and streaks of doom, gloom and no confidence. Frankly, that's baseball during a 162-game, six-month season, and I've come to enjoy the drama and emotional swings.

I fully expect the Mets to rebound, win a bunch of games soon, get my hopes up, and then go 2-6 so I can re-write this exact post in the middle of May. But, roughly above or below .500 is what a lot of fans expected, myself included. This is why tonight and these next seven games are a bigger deal'

The Mets have played well at home. 5-2 would be great this next week, but even 4-3 would put them at 11-7 closing in on the end of the month. I think most fans and players would have signed up for that when leaving St. Lucie. I still believe that ' the more this group of young players win early ' the more they'll begin to buy in to their success and it could become a 'thing,' which keeps building on its momentum as confidence rises, fans get louder and the national media takes notice. I hope it happens. However, if they lose tonight, drop both series and sink below .500, we, they and everyone else will likely begin to question potential and assume the haters were right'

Tonight is big step toward better of these two directions.

To read Madden's three dark and sunny story lines so far, check out this report in the Daily News.

Kamis, 19 April 2012

NL East Standings & Beat Reports for April 19

The Mets are off today, after losing 14-6 to the Braves yesterday in Turner Field, which you can read more about here.

To read beat reports for yesterday's loss, check out MLB.com, the Wall Street Journal, Star-Ledger, Bergen Record, ESPN New York, Newsday, the Daily News and New York Post.

The Mets next open a four-game series with the Giants on Friday night at Citi Field, with Barry Zito facing Jon Niese at 7:10 pm.

RA Dickey is sorry, thankful for the support

About MetsBlog

MetsBlog.com and Matthew Cerrone are not responsible for what is written by non-MetsBlog.com writers within the sites comments section.

Chris Young has thrown two sessions of live BP

Yesterday afternoon, Dan Warthen told Andy McCullough of the Star Ledger that Chris Young has thrown two sessions of live batting practice at the team's complex in Port St. Lucie.

Young, 32, made four starts for the Mets in 2011. He went 1-0 with a 1.88 ERA in 24 innings before undergoing season ending surgery to repair a torn capsule in his right shoulder.

Michael Baron: Young was brilliant before needing surgery in 2011. On a minor league deal, the Mets would have nothing to lose by seeing if he can be a healthy contributor though I certainly wouldn't count on him playing a significant role. Frankly, anything he might provide should be considered a bonus rather than meeting any sort of expectation. They could sign Young, but they should additionally keep an open mind to adding to their depth.

Rabu, 18 April 2012

About Last Night: Santana lacked command, says he's fine

Johan Santana allowed six runs, four earned, on four hits in 1 1/3 innings last night. It was the shortest start of his career.

He faced 11 batters, threw 55 pitches, 35 of which were strikes.

'I felt fine,' Santana told reporters after the game. 'It was just a rough one.'

'Obviously, he didn't hit any of his spots, he fell behind the count, and that's not him,' Terry Collins said about Santana after the game. 'It was just one of those nights. Probably something he has never experienced before. ' I wasn't going to let him stay out there and throw and throw and throw. I thought he threw enough pitches for the game, so that's why I got him out.'

According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, prior to last night's game, Collins said Santana will begin working every fifth day after next Monday's start against the Giants.

Collins had once suggested he might use a spot starter against the Rockies on April 28, but Rubin says Collins will only do so now if Santana does not feel strong enough for that start.

Santana is now 0-2 with a 3.97 ERA in 11 1/3 innings over three starts this season.

Michael Baron: The defense behind him was terrible. No question. But Santana didn't look good from the very beginning of his start, as well.

1) His tempo was dreadful. He worked very slowly and looked uncomfortable as he prepared to throw. He seemed out of sync with Josh Thole and there appeared to be a tense discussion in the dugout between the two after Santana came out of the game;

2) He had no command at all and was wild inside the strike zone when he managed to throw a strike;

3) His fastball and change-up were flat and up in the zone, so he couldn't put hitters away.

This is going to happen from time to time, as Santana continues to work his way back from shoulder surgery. I'm concerned that his command hasn't improved very much since the start of Spring Training. Hopefully, his athleticism and intelligence will help him limit these kind of ineffective outings as he continues to build.

NL East Standings, and Reports from Last Night's Loss

The Mets lost to the Braves last night, which you can read more about here.

The two teams conclude their three-game series in Atlanta today at 12:10 pm, when RA Dickey takes on Jair Jurrjens.

To read beat writer reports from yesterday's loss, read at MLB.com, the Wall Street Journal, Star-Ledger, Bergen Record, ESPN New York, Newsday, the Daily News and New York Post.

3 Must-Read Op-Eds for April 18

1) Mike Vaccaro believes Chipper Jones is more deserving of a tribute than Jose Reyes, he explains in today's New York Post.

2) In today's Daily News, Andy Martino explains why Jackie Robinson Day hits home for Scott Hairston.

3) The Mets have been simply Amazin' in April, explains Terence Moore on MLB.com.

Selasa, 17 April 2012

Mets will give video tribute to Reyes

According to a team source the Mets will acknowledge Jose Reyes' nine years in New York with a video tribute on April 24, writes Andy Martino of the Daily News.

For more on the Mets lists of video tributes, check out this report by Martino, here.

Vinny Cartiglia: Really? There is no denying that Jose was a dynamic Met; not to mention my favorite player next to Carlos Beltran. And so, if the Mets want to tribute Reyes after he retires, great. I'm all for it. I'll even buy three tickets to bring my wife and son to the game. Right now, let the fans honor him with a standing ovation and a nice Jose-Jose-Jose chant and call it a day.

Today's NL Standings, and Reports from Last Night's Win

The Mets defeated the Braves last night, in the first game of a three-game series in Atlanta, which you can read more about here.

To read beat writer reports from yesterday's loss, read MLB.com, the New York Times, Star-Ledger,Bergen Record, ESPN New York, Newsday, the Daily News and New York Post.

3 Op-Eds about the Mets for April 17

1) The Mets have shown enough potential in their first 10 games that it's reasonable to wonder if this is more than just a fluke, explains Brain Costa in the Wall Street Journal.

2) Mark Simon of ESPN New York explains how Dillon Gee was so successful yesterday, particularly against Chipper Jones.

3) Chipper Jones is wary of a Citi Field sendoff, explains Mike Puma in the New York Post.

Vinny Cartiglia: Last week, MetsBlog's Matthew Cerrone wrote: 'If the Mets plan to acknowledge him, it should only be to arrange the largest L-A-R-R-Y chant in the history of the ballpark. If they honor him, put a spotlight on him, and give him something special, all for kicking our collective asses and making us look foolish during the last 15 years, I will be very, very disappointed.' Most fans I have spoken to seem to agree ' as do I. Anything more than saying 'Congratulations on a great career' on the centerfield scoreboard is too much for me.

Senin, 16 April 2012

Transcript: Terry on Pelfrey's performance and today's loss

Following today's loss to the Phillies, Terry Collins talked to media and had the following to sayabout:

Mike Pelfrey's performance:

'Pelf was outstanding. He gave us another very, very good start. ' He got a lot of ground balls and got it going. I thought Mike was very, very good today, and that's a good sign, because as he got into the game he got better and better.'

Ruben Tejada's eighth inning error:

'Orr got way off the base, and I think Ruben maybe thought he had a play in the beginning. I don't know if the ball slipped out of his hand, but he didn't make that crisp throw that he usually does.'

On the wild pitch by Ramon Ramirez and his seventh inning outing:

'It changed the whole inning completely. It moved those runners up. But [Ramirez] made good pitches. He made a good pitch on Jimmy's [Rollins] ball to right field. Lucas broke back on that ball. Pence hit that chopper in the hole ' he made a great pitch on him, but he just beat it in the ground and put it when no one could get to it. But the wild pitch hurt us.'

If Jason Bay will play tomorrow:

'I don't know.'

On Lucas Duda's performance in right field:

'I think Lucas is going to be fine. The one thing about Lucas Duda is that he doesn't want to make mistakes. He doesn't want to be the reason that costs us the game. I know Tommy [Goodwin] been on him constantly about staying aggressive out there. Don't be afraid to leave you feet, don't be afraid to take your shot once and a while. There's nothing wrong with that. I think the more comfortable he gets, the better he's going to be, but I think he's been very good out there.'

Whether he's able to savor the positives of this series despite a loss today:

'Absolutely. We came in here against the team that everyone has favored to win the division. I know they're banged up a little bit, but we came in here, won two out of three. We need to take it as an advantage, we're on the road. We'll get on the plane, have a sandwich, and get ready for tomorrow.'

Weekend Review: Mets win 2 of 3 in Philly, now 6-3 on year

In case you missed, the Mets took of two of three from the Phillies this weekend, winning Friday night and Saturday afternoon, but losing yesterday.

The Mets travel to Atlanta today to begin a three game series with the Braves tonight.

To read beat writer reports from yesterday's loss, read MLB.com, the New York Times, Star-Ledger,Bergen Record, ESPN New York, Newsday, the Daily News and New York Post.

Also, this past weekend, David Wright returned to the lineup Saturday with a broken finger and hit a home run in his first at bat.

'I don't think I would have gone out there and played if I couldn't contribute,' Wright told reporters. 'I'm happy and very thankful to the training staff and doctors they were able to get me back on the field so quickly.'

Jason Bay hit a home run on Friday night, then missed Saturday and Sunday with a jammed right ring finger. Terry Collins told reporters he did not know when Bay would return to the lineup.

Ike Davis also hit his first home run of the season, to raise his average to .125.

The Mets returned to wearing their all gray (with blue hats) road uniforms.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis made this fantastic catch on Saturday afternoon.

R.A. Dickey allowed one run and nine hits, while striking out seven, during seven innings on Friday night. He is 6-5 with a 2.41 ERA through his last 14 starts, dating back to last season.

3 Must-Read Op-Eds for April 16

1) Mike Pelfrey can become a more economical pitcher with a curveball, explains Kevin Kernan in this report to the New York Post.

2) For the Associated Press, Ben Walker takes a look at all the different ballpark tributes to Jackie Robinson.

3) The Mets know there will be days when their defense proves costly, writes Jon Harper of the Daily News.