A day after losing Fernando Tatis for the rest of the regular season, the Mets got some more bad news despite winning last night's game 9-7. Veteran infielder Damion Easley is at least a week away from even pinch-hitting as he recovers from an injured quadriceps muscle.
Asked Wednesday if he is through for the season, Easley sounded unsure at best."I don't know if that's true," Easley told reporters. "I mean, anything is I guess possible. I know it's not going to be a hundred percent. At the same time I've got to get it past a walking stage. I feel it walking, sitting, getting up from sitting. Just the initial moves, just normal functions. Until I can get past that stage, it's useless trying to do anything." "I want to be healthy right now, but that's not reality," he added.
It's a difficult situation for Easley, who has never been to the playoffs in 17 big-league seasons. Nor is it a good situation for the Mets, who will have to carry on the fight for their playoff lives with rookie Argenis Reyes or veteran Luis Castillo at second.
Easley had been seeing the bulk of playing time at second base, even though Castillo, who signed a four-year, $25 million deal in the off season returned from the disabled list in late August. In 108 games, Easley is batting .272 with six home runs and 44 RBIs. Mets manager Jerry Manuel said Easley is at least a week away from even being able to serve in a pinch-hitting role.
Easley was hurt Saturday trying to beat a throw on a double-play grounder. He said he felt a "pop" in the leg. However, despite Easley's hopes of finally reaching the postseason, he's not going to rush his recovery. "You've got to be careful," he said, "because if I go out and lie and say I feel good and I wrap it up and the first day I do it I take two steps out of the box I pull it. Then I make Jerry look bad. I make myself look bad. The team that was counting on me can't count on me."
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tatis Done For Year After Separating Right Shoulder In Loss To Nats
The Mets shot at making the playoffs took a huge blow last night when one of their key players got injured. Outfielder Fernando Tatis is out for the season after separating his right shoulder in the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals, which was a game that the Mets lost 1-0 to continue their September soon.
Tatis was hurt when he attempted to make a diving catch on Pitcher Odalis Perez's double. Tatis landed on his shoulder and stayed on the ground as the ball rolled past him for a double. He was replaced by Nick Evans.
New York manager Jerry Manuel said Tatis would not return during the regular season or for a possible playoff run."He's done. "That's very discouraging, to lose a big piece of where we are and what we've accomplished so far."When we lose Tatis, we definitely have to reassess where we are offensively."
A pleasant surprise since coming up from the minors, Tatis batted .297 this season with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs. He did a nice job filling in for injured outfielders Moises Alou and Ryan Church. Losing Tatis hurts the Mets, who fell out of first place in the NL East, a half-game behind Philadelphia with the loss. New York is also missing second baseman Damion Easley (quadriceps), another productive right-handed bat.
Tatis was hurt when he attempted to make a diving catch on Pitcher Odalis Perez's double. Tatis landed on his shoulder and stayed on the ground as the ball rolled past him for a double. He was replaced by Nick Evans.
New York manager Jerry Manuel said Tatis would not return during the regular season or for a possible playoff run."He's done. "That's very discouraging, to lose a big piece of where we are and what we've accomplished so far."When we lose Tatis, we definitely have to reassess where we are offensively."
A pleasant surprise since coming up from the minors, Tatis batted .297 this season with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs. He did a nice job filling in for injured outfielders Moises Alou and Ryan Church. Losing Tatis hurts the Mets, who fell out of first place in the NL East, a half-game behind Philadelphia with the loss. New York is also missing second baseman Damion Easley (quadriceps), another productive right-handed bat.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Not Again
After building up a three and a half lead over the Phils with 17 to go, the Mets have only won one game thanks in large part to a bullpen that has continued to implode.
Tonight, Pedro Martinez and the Mets lost to the lowly Nationals by a score of 7-2. After tying the game at one on a Jose Reyes ground out that scored Brian Schneider, Nationals Starter John Lannan shut down the Mets by giving up only one hit in seven innings, which was a double by Brian Schneider in the top of the third.
The Nationals took a 4-1 lead in the sixth thanks to a double by former Met Anderson Hernandez that scored Right Fielder Elijah Dukes who walked earlier in the inning, and Third Baseman Ryan Zimmerman who singled to lead off the inning.
In the bottom of the seventh with two outs and nobody on, the bullpen imploded again as Duaner Sanchez came in to relieve Ricardo Rincon. However, Sanchez provided no relief at all, as he gave up a walk, a single, and a three run homer. The three run homer was hit by Elijah Dukes.
In the top of the eighth, the Mets had the bases loaded with one out, but David Wright grounded into a double play to end the threat, and any hopes of coming back in the ball game.
With the Phillies red hot after sweeping the slumping Brewers, the Mets have a slim 1/2 lead in the division. If the Mets and specifically the bullpen keep struggling, they will be watching the playoffs from home again this year thanks to yet another collapse.
Tonight, Pedro Martinez and the Mets lost to the lowly Nationals by a score of 7-2. After tying the game at one on a Jose Reyes ground out that scored Brian Schneider, Nationals Starter John Lannan shut down the Mets by giving up only one hit in seven innings, which was a double by Brian Schneider in the top of the third.
The Nationals took a 4-1 lead in the sixth thanks to a double by former Met Anderson Hernandez that scored Right Fielder Elijah Dukes who walked earlier in the inning, and Third Baseman Ryan Zimmerman who singled to lead off the inning.
In the bottom of the seventh with two outs and nobody on, the bullpen imploded again as Duaner Sanchez came in to relieve Ricardo Rincon. However, Sanchez provided no relief at all, as he gave up a walk, a single, and a three run homer. The three run homer was hit by Elijah Dukes.
In the top of the eighth, the Mets had the bases loaded with one out, but David Wright grounded into a double play to end the threat, and any hopes of coming back in the ball game.
With the Phillies red hot after sweeping the slumping Brewers, the Mets have a slim 1/2 lead in the division. If the Mets and specifically the bullpen keep struggling, they will be watching the playoffs from home again this year thanks to yet another collapse.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Mets Blow Big Lead, But Outlast Nats To Extend East Gap
David Wright had an assortment of hits to choose from Wednesday night. There was the long two-run homer in the eighth inning. A sharp double down the leftfield line in the first? A lead off hit in the go-ahead seventh?
Nope. None of those worked for him as the hit that might be the elixir for solving his hitting woes. Wright preferred the run-scoring blooper, a jammed shot to center in the third for his breakthrough at bat in the Mets' 13-10 win over the pesky Nationals after blowing a six-run lead.
"The at-bat that I drove in the run wasn't necessarily a great at-bat, but you get the results. All of a sudden you get it in your head that you can relax a little bit," said Wright, who came in hitting .214 for the month. "One of the biggest problems I've had with runners in scoring position is that it's been in my head that I'm putting too much pressure on myself."
Wright, who scored four runs, has worked hard the past few days in the cage and on the field Tuesday, taking extra batting practice to work out his struggles, which he said was due to poor timing on his swing.
Well, his timing is back and the Mets couldn't have benefited more on the second straight night New York's starting pitcher. This time, Mike Pelfrey couldn't hold down the lowly Nationals. "The way that we continue to fight, continue to add on I think this is what championship teams are made out of," Wright said.
The NL East-leading Mets swept the two-game series against Washington and moved 3 1/2 games ahead of Philadelphia. The Mets rode Carlos Delgado's second straight multi homer game Tuesday night for a 10-8 victory after blowing two leads. On Wednesday, Delgado hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the seventh inning, Carlos Beltran had three hits and Jose Reyes swiped a bag to become the Mets career leader for steals.
"I'll tell you what was good about the game was I felt we were going to continue to score," Mets manager Jerry Manuel said. "There have been times during the year where I felt we wouldn't come back." The Mets began their embarrassing collapse at this point last year, wasting a seven-game lead in the division with 17 games to go. They have 17 games left after this victory over the Nationals, who won five of six against New York down the stretch last year to contribute to its fall.
"I don't think anybody in here is thinking about what happened last year," Wright said. "I just think we're going out and finding ways to win. Last year, it seemed like everything went wrong. This year when a part of the game goes awry for a day or two another part of the game steps up and gets the job done and that's the big difference." Delgado's sinking liner scored Wright and gave New York an 8-7 lead. Brian Schneider added had a two-run single off of Reliever Saul Rivera in the inning.
"This happens. We got a lot of runs. Enough to win, but they have a lot of good hitters over there," said Shortstop Cristian Guzman, who homered twice and finished with five RBIs for Washington, which became the first team in the majors to lose 90 games. Guzman's three-run drive in the eighth ended Reliever Brian Stokes' 12-inning scoreless streak and cut it to 11-10 but Wright went deep in the eighth to give New York some room.
Closer Luis Ayala got three outs for his seventh save in eight chances. The Mets blew a 7-1 lead, but Reliever Joe Smith stopped the surging Nats for the second straight night to give the Mets a chance. Smith entered after Reliever Aaron Heilman allowed a tying two-run homer to Guzman and pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
Nope. None of those worked for him as the hit that might be the elixir for solving his hitting woes. Wright preferred the run-scoring blooper, a jammed shot to center in the third for his breakthrough at bat in the Mets' 13-10 win over the pesky Nationals after blowing a six-run lead.
"The at-bat that I drove in the run wasn't necessarily a great at-bat, but you get the results. All of a sudden you get it in your head that you can relax a little bit," said Wright, who came in hitting .214 for the month. "One of the biggest problems I've had with runners in scoring position is that it's been in my head that I'm putting too much pressure on myself."
Wright, who scored four runs, has worked hard the past few days in the cage and on the field Tuesday, taking extra batting practice to work out his struggles, which he said was due to poor timing on his swing.
Well, his timing is back and the Mets couldn't have benefited more on the second straight night New York's starting pitcher. This time, Mike Pelfrey couldn't hold down the lowly Nationals. "The way that we continue to fight, continue to add on I think this is what championship teams are made out of," Wright said.
The NL East-leading Mets swept the two-game series against Washington and moved 3 1/2 games ahead of Philadelphia. The Mets rode Carlos Delgado's second straight multi homer game Tuesday night for a 10-8 victory after blowing two leads. On Wednesday, Delgado hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the seventh inning, Carlos Beltran had three hits and Jose Reyes swiped a bag to become the Mets career leader for steals.
"I'll tell you what was good about the game was I felt we were going to continue to score," Mets manager Jerry Manuel said. "There have been times during the year where I felt we wouldn't come back." The Mets began their embarrassing collapse at this point last year, wasting a seven-game lead in the division with 17 games to go. They have 17 games left after this victory over the Nationals, who won five of six against New York down the stretch last year to contribute to its fall.
"I don't think anybody in here is thinking about what happened last year," Wright said. "I just think we're going out and finding ways to win. Last year, it seemed like everything went wrong. This year when a part of the game goes awry for a day or two another part of the game steps up and gets the job done and that's the big difference." Delgado's sinking liner scored Wright and gave New York an 8-7 lead. Brian Schneider added had a two-run single off of Reliever Saul Rivera in the inning.
"This happens. We got a lot of runs. Enough to win, but they have a lot of good hitters over there," said Shortstop Cristian Guzman, who homered twice and finished with five RBIs for Washington, which became the first team in the majors to lose 90 games. Guzman's three-run drive in the eighth ended Reliever Brian Stokes' 12-inning scoreless streak and cut it to 11-10 but Wright went deep in the eighth to give New York some room.
Closer Luis Ayala got three outs for his seventh save in eight chances. The Mets blew a 7-1 lead, but Reliever Joe Smith stopped the surging Nats for the second straight night to give the Mets a chance. Smith entered after Reliever Aaron Heilman allowed a tying two-run homer to Guzman and pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
Monday, September 8, 2008
After Surgery, Wagner To Miss Rest Of Season, Most Of '09
After winning the second game of a day-night doubleheader 6-3, which was a huge win that pushed the Mets ahead of Philadelphia by two games with 19 to go, the Mets confirmed today that Closer Billy Wagner will be out for the rest of the season as well as the 2009 season.
He will have surgery this week to repair the MCL ligament in his left throwing elbow. "It is a tear of the flexor pronator," Mets VP of public relations Jay Horwitz told 1050 ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand. "He will have surgery and is expected to be out a year." GM Omar Minaya will be held a conference call with reporters at 4 p.m. today.
Wagner has been sidelined since Aug. 3 because of a tender pitching elbow. He has tried several times to work his way back but hasn't been able to shake the pain. Wearing a protective sleeve on his left elbow, Wagner tested his arm Sunday with disappointing results. Between games of the doubleheader, he went to the mound and faced teammate Gustavo Molina. A wild Wagner hit the reserve catcher on the left foot with his 13th pitch and walked off the field to consult with a trainer and the Mets' coaching staff.
The 37-year-old Wagner is 0-1 with a 2.30 ERA and 27 saves in 34 chances. He is in the third season of a four-year, $43 million contract and ranks sixth on the career saves list with 385.
"He was trying to get us to activate him today," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said Sunday. "The last pitch he threw, he really felt some discomfort in the elbow area. He didn't want to risk it. We are going to be conservative."
To the Mets credit, despite Wagner's injury, they are 22-11 since Wagner went down thanks in large part to Carlos Delgado, who continued his tear with another multi-home run game in the night cap last night.
Luis Ayala, acquired from Washington last month in a trade, has quickly become manager Jerry Manuel's closer. Ayala, who struggled with the Nationals most of the season, is 5-for-6 in save opportunities for the Mets. Ayala allowed an unearned run in the ninth Sunday night. Before that, Mets relievers had not allowed a run in 23 innings since Aug. 31.
Still, Wagner's loss is a huge one for a bullpen that has been unreliable much of the year. Manuel has mixed and matched as much as possible with his relievers during the past month."Anytime you have a guy such as him and you lose him, it becomes a big challenge," Manuel said. "I think they have matured somewhat down there very well. We have some candidates down there to get outs. We just have to continue matching them up."
If there is a silver lining to all of this, the Mets have money, and I believe K-Rod is a free agent at season's end.
He will have surgery this week to repair the MCL ligament in his left throwing elbow. "It is a tear of the flexor pronator," Mets VP of public relations Jay Horwitz told 1050 ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand. "He will have surgery and is expected to be out a year." GM Omar Minaya will be held a conference call with reporters at 4 p.m. today.
Wagner has been sidelined since Aug. 3 because of a tender pitching elbow. He has tried several times to work his way back but hasn't been able to shake the pain. Wearing a protective sleeve on his left elbow, Wagner tested his arm Sunday with disappointing results. Between games of the doubleheader, he went to the mound and faced teammate Gustavo Molina. A wild Wagner hit the reserve catcher on the left foot with his 13th pitch and walked off the field to consult with a trainer and the Mets' coaching staff.
The 37-year-old Wagner is 0-1 with a 2.30 ERA and 27 saves in 34 chances. He is in the third season of a four-year, $43 million contract and ranks sixth on the career saves list with 385.
"He was trying to get us to activate him today," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said Sunday. "The last pitch he threw, he really felt some discomfort in the elbow area. He didn't want to risk it. We are going to be conservative."
To the Mets credit, despite Wagner's injury, they are 22-11 since Wagner went down thanks in large part to Carlos Delgado, who continued his tear with another multi-home run game in the night cap last night.
Luis Ayala, acquired from Washington last month in a trade, has quickly become manager Jerry Manuel's closer. Ayala, who struggled with the Nationals most of the season, is 5-for-6 in save opportunities for the Mets. Ayala allowed an unearned run in the ninth Sunday night. Before that, Mets relievers had not allowed a run in 23 innings since Aug. 31.
Still, Wagner's loss is a huge one for a bullpen that has been unreliable much of the year. Manuel has mixed and matched as much as possible with his relievers during the past month."Anytime you have a guy such as him and you lose him, it becomes a big challenge," Manuel said. "I think they have matured somewhat down there very well. We have some candidates down there to get outs. We just have to continue matching them up."
If there is a silver lining to all of this, the Mets have money, and I believe K-Rod is a free agent at season's end.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Phillies Insider: Schmitty Offers Rally Cry
Mike Schmidt is like the happy wanderer.
He'll poke his head through the clubhouse now and then. He'll make his annual week-long cameo at spring training, working with the hitters and such.
He'll go on national television and discuss how he pisses a lot in the middle of the night.
Other than that, he minds his own business.
Well, Mike Schmidt just dropped a bomb. No, it wasn't his latest bowel movement.
Phillies.com reported that Schmidt sent the Phillies an e-mailed message prior to Friday's series opener against the Mets. It was posted in the clubhouse before the must-win game.
It read:
"Guys,One pitch, one at-bat, one play, one situation, think 'small' and 'big' things result. Tough at-bats, stay up the middle with men on base, whatever it takes to keep the line moving. Hot offense. 27 outs on defense. The Mets know you're better than they are. They remember last year. You guys are never out of the game. Welcome the challenge that confronts you this weekend. You guys are the best.Good luck,#20."
What strikes me is the "Mets know you're better than they are" comment. Boy, if that doesn't light a fire under the Mets -- who, may I remind you Mr. Schmidt, had won 10 of 15 against the Phils heading in Friday's game -- what the hell will??
Jimmy Rollins, who thankfully had arrived to Shea Stadium early enough to know what was going on, said, "that part is true," regarding the Schmidt comment about the Phillies being better than the Mets are (or, the Mets allegedly knowing that the Phillies are better...)...
I sense a major storm coming... and it's not the remnants of Hanna.
This can backfire in a hurry. I love Mike Schmidt, but I'm pretty sure the Mets aren't going to take this with a grain of salt.
Myers Shuts Down Mets
So close, but yet so far. After getting shutdown by Brett Myers, who struck out 10 through eight, and gave up just three hits, the Mets had a chance to tie the ball game up at three in the bottom of the ninth when they had both Carlos Beltran and Ryan Church up. However, Brad Lidge converted his 34th save in as many chances after getting both men to fly out to cut the Met's NL East lead down to just two games. The loss was only the 6th in the last 23 games for the Mets.
The Phillies got their runs thanks to a Chase Utley ground out in the first that scored Shane Victorino who also singled in the inning, stole second, and went to third on an overthrow by Brian Schneider into center field on a throw that Jose Reyes didn't even attempt to catch. Then in the seventh, Greg Dobbs hit a two-run homer off of Mike Pelfrey that was almost brought back in by Ryan Church.
The Phillies got their runs thanks to a Chase Utley ground out in the first that scored Shane Victorino who also singled in the inning, stole second, and went to third on an overthrow by Brian Schneider into center field on a throw that Jose Reyes didn't even attempt to catch. Then in the seventh, Greg Dobbs hit a two-run homer off of Mike Pelfrey that was almost brought back in by Ryan Church.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Phillies Insider: The Season Is Slipping Away
The Phillies dropped two of three to the last-place Nationals this week and find themselves three games behind the sizzling Mets.
While the Mets were busy sweeping the Brewers, the Phillies couldn't avoid tripping over their own feet. The bullpen coughed up another late-inning lead Wednesday and it appears that everyone is pretty well spent at this point of the season.
Chad Durbin, in particular, has been dreadful. A pleasant surprise 75 percent of the season, Durbin is showing wear and tear. So is Ryan Madson (who trusts him anyway?). Rudy Seanez. Clay Condrey. ....
When was the last time Ryan Howard hit two homers in one game and the Phillies didn't win? It happened Wednesday night against the Nats.
Good teams don't let the doormats step all over them. Good teams shut the door.
Obviously, it's must-win time for the Phillies. They begin a three-game set against the Mets at Shea Stadium on Friday. Now is the time to win a series against the New Yorkers... something the Phillies haven't done all season.
Three game behind the Mets, the Phillies have to gain ground.
A losing series is a lost season...
... because who wants to be 7 games back with 17 to go??
While the Mets were busy sweeping the Brewers, the Phillies couldn't avoid tripping over their own feet. The bullpen coughed up another late-inning lead Wednesday and it appears that everyone is pretty well spent at this point of the season.
Chad Durbin, in particular, has been dreadful. A pleasant surprise 75 percent of the season, Durbin is showing wear and tear. So is Ryan Madson (who trusts him anyway?). Rudy Seanez. Clay Condrey. ....
When was the last time Ryan Howard hit two homers in one game and the Phillies didn't win? It happened Wednesday night against the Nats.
Good teams don't let the doormats step all over them. Good teams shut the door.
Obviously, it's must-win time for the Phillies. They begin a three-game set against the Mets at Shea Stadium on Friday. Now is the time to win a series against the New Yorkers... something the Phillies haven't done all season.
Three game behind the Mets, the Phillies have to gain ground.
A losing series is a lost season...
... because who wants to be 7 games back with 17 to go??
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Church's Slam Helps Mets Pound Brewers
The Mets are like a freight train running down hill right now, and it couldn't come at a better time as they get ready to welcome the hated Phils to town on Friday, while hopefully putting last September behind them once and for all.
"We understand what happened last year. It's a new season. We just have to play every day," said starter Oliver Perez, who benefited from the highest-scoring first inning by the Mets in more than a year by scattering two runs off five hits and five walks. "We're playing well; we have to continue to do the same."
The Mets continued their winning ways by beating the Brewers 9-2 to finish off a three game sweep. Ryan Church hit a grand slam, his first home run since June 1, and Brian Schneider added a homer in a six-run first inning that provided all the offense the Mets needed.
"Delgado, he was joking about it today, 'Hey, it's been a while, you haven't hit a home run in a while so why don't you get one today?'" Church said. "We shared a little laugh there when I touched home plate, 'Hey, I got it out of the way.'"
The Mets, winners of four straight and six of the last seven, finished this road trip in style after beginning it by squandering a seven-run lead against the Phillies on Aug. 26. "It seems like a tough loss seems to propel us, or catapult us to another level," Mets manager Jerry Manuel said."They responded real well, I'm very happy for them, very excited for them. We're in a position to do some good things. We've got another big series coming up, and we're playing pretty good baseball right now."
Delgado had a new message for Church after the game, as reporters thronged his locker, waiting to talk to Church for the first time in a while: "Talk to these guys, so I can have my space back."
On an injury note, Mets Closer Billy Wagner threw a 36-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday in New York. Tony Bernazard, vice president of player development, said that Wagner was "very strong" and Wagner's next step will be to throw another bullpen on Friday.
"We understand what happened last year. It's a new season. We just have to play every day," said starter Oliver Perez, who benefited from the highest-scoring first inning by the Mets in more than a year by scattering two runs off five hits and five walks. "We're playing well; we have to continue to do the same."
The Mets continued their winning ways by beating the Brewers 9-2 to finish off a three game sweep. Ryan Church hit a grand slam, his first home run since June 1, and Brian Schneider added a homer in a six-run first inning that provided all the offense the Mets needed.
"Delgado, he was joking about it today, 'Hey, it's been a while, you haven't hit a home run in a while so why don't you get one today?'" Church said. "We shared a little laugh there when I touched home plate, 'Hey, I got it out of the way.'"
The Mets, winners of four straight and six of the last seven, finished this road trip in style after beginning it by squandering a seven-run lead against the Phillies on Aug. 26. "It seems like a tough loss seems to propel us, or catapult us to another level," Mets manager Jerry Manuel said."They responded real well, I'm very happy for them, very excited for them. We're in a position to do some good things. We've got another big series coming up, and we're playing pretty good baseball right now."
Delgado had a new message for Church after the game, as reporters thronged his locker, waiting to talk to Church for the first time in a while: "Talk to these guys, so I can have my space back."
On an injury note, Mets Closer Billy Wagner threw a 36-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday in New York. Tony Bernazard, vice president of player development, said that Wagner was "very strong" and Wagner's next step will be to throw another bullpen on Friday.
Niese Struggles in Debut, But Mets Win in Extras
Carlos Beltran hit a three-run homer, Endy Chavez drove in the decisive run in the 10th inning and the Mets beat the Brewers 6-5 Tuesday night thanks to a stellar effort from its much-maligned bullpen.
Pinch-hitter Daniel Murphy opened the 10th with a single off Reliever Salomon Torres and went to third when catcher Jason Kendall made a throwing error on Jose Reyes' sacrifice bunt. Chavez then drove in Murphy with a sac fly. I was just trying to put the ball in play and make something happen," Chavez said.
Six relievers combined for seven shutout innings, helping the Mets remain two games ahead of second-place Philadelphia. Jonathan Niese, who started in place of injured Mets Starter John Maine, gave up five earned runs and seven hits to go with four walks and two strikeouts. Brewer Second Baseman Ricky Weeks hit Niese's second pitch of the game for a home run to left. Niese then walked the next two batters, but managed to get out of the first giving up only one run by stranding runners at second and third.
"It's the first one," Mets Manager Jerry Manuel said. "You almost have to kind of throw that one out for him. You have to give him the benefit of the doubt. It was obviously a tremendous experience for him. The fact that we end up winning the game is the most important thing."
The Mets shook off the 1-0 deficit, and took a 2-1 lead in the second on a run-scoring double by Fernando Tatis and an RBI ground out by Damion Easley. Beltran, who left Monday's game in the eighth with a bruised knee, then gave the Mets a 5-1 lead with his 22nd homer in the third, which kept the Mets home run streak alive. They have homered in 13 straight games.
Milwaukee tied the score at 5 in the fourth after Niese gave up hits to the first five batters, but as was said before, Endy Chavez drove in the decisive run for the Mets in the top of the 10th, with a sac fly.
The Mets improved to 5-2 on their eight-game road trip against playoff contenders, winning for the 16th time in 21 games overall. Joe Smith got the final out in the ninth and Luis Ayala pitched the 10th for his fifth save in six opportunities since coming to the Mets in a trade with Washington.
It wasn't easy though, as Ayala gave up a two-out double to pinch-hitter Brad Nelson, his first major league hit, and walked pinch-hitter Gabe Kapler before striking out Weeks to end the ball game.
"When you have a number of pitchers like we have, and we have put most of them in somewhat stressful situations, you're not afraid now to call them in those times," manager Jerry Manuel said. "And you figure if you keep them short, keep them having some success, then the next time they go out there, they feel very confident about themselves. That's the plan. Sometimes it goes well. Sometimes it doesn't."
Pinch-hitter Daniel Murphy opened the 10th with a single off Reliever Salomon Torres and went to third when catcher Jason Kendall made a throwing error on Jose Reyes' sacrifice bunt. Chavez then drove in Murphy with a sac fly. I was just trying to put the ball in play and make something happen," Chavez said.
Six relievers combined for seven shutout innings, helping the Mets remain two games ahead of second-place Philadelphia. Jonathan Niese, who started in place of injured Mets Starter John Maine, gave up five earned runs and seven hits to go with four walks and two strikeouts. Brewer Second Baseman Ricky Weeks hit Niese's second pitch of the game for a home run to left. Niese then walked the next two batters, but managed to get out of the first giving up only one run by stranding runners at second and third.
"It's the first one," Mets Manager Jerry Manuel said. "You almost have to kind of throw that one out for him. You have to give him the benefit of the doubt. It was obviously a tremendous experience for him. The fact that we end up winning the game is the most important thing."
The Mets shook off the 1-0 deficit, and took a 2-1 lead in the second on a run-scoring double by Fernando Tatis and an RBI ground out by Damion Easley. Beltran, who left Monday's game in the eighth with a bruised knee, then gave the Mets a 5-1 lead with his 22nd homer in the third, which kept the Mets home run streak alive. They have homered in 13 straight games.
Milwaukee tied the score at 5 in the fourth after Niese gave up hits to the first five batters, but as was said before, Endy Chavez drove in the decisive run for the Mets in the top of the 10th, with a sac fly.
The Mets improved to 5-2 on their eight-game road trip against playoff contenders, winning for the 16th time in 21 games overall. Joe Smith got the final out in the ninth and Luis Ayala pitched the 10th for his fifth save in six opportunities since coming to the Mets in a trade with Washington.
It wasn't easy though, as Ayala gave up a two-out double to pinch-hitter Brad Nelson, his first major league hit, and walked pinch-hitter Gabe Kapler before striking out Weeks to end the ball game.
"When you have a number of pitchers like we have, and we have put most of them in somewhat stressful situations, you're not afraid now to call them in those times," manager Jerry Manuel said. "And you figure if you keep them short, keep them having some success, then the next time they go out there, they feel very confident about themselves. That's the plan. Sometimes it goes well. Sometimes it doesn't."
Monday, September 1, 2008
Delgado Homers Late To Push Mets Past Brewers
After taking two out of three against NL East rival Florida over the weekend, the Mets got off to a good start in a pivotal series against the Brewers today by defeating them 4-2 in Milwaukee thanks again to the heroics of Carlos Delgado.
Ever since Jerry Manuel took over as Manager in June, Delgado has practically single handedly propelled the Mets into first place, and himself to one of the top spots for MVP. Before Manuel took over, there was talk of him platooning with Andy Phillips. Well, Andy Phillips is gone, and Delgado has been tearing the cover off of the ball ever since Yankee series when he had nine RBI's.
Today was no different as his two-run home run off Eric Gagne in the eighth inning propelled the Mets to a 4-2 victory over the Brewers today, as I said before. Trailing 2-1, Daniel Murphy greeted Gagne with a double. One out later, Delgado hit his 31st home run of the year to give New York a 3-2 lead.
It was Delgado's 462nd career homer, tying him with Jose Canseco for 31st place on the all-time list. Delgado has 20 homers and 60 RBI since June 27, the most of any NL player in that time. Also in the 8th, Carlos Beltran singled and scored on Ryan Church's double to the center-field wall, increasing the Mets' lead to 4-2. Beltran later left the game with a right knee contusion, but the severity of that injury was not immediately known.
Mets Starter Johan Santana pitched six innings, giving up two runs and seven hits. He struck out 10. Tomorrow as I said in an earlier post, Jonathan Niese makes his MLB debut for the Mets when he faces Manny Para. Hopefully, he'll keep the Mets on a roll.
Ever since Jerry Manuel took over as Manager in June, Delgado has practically single handedly propelled the Mets into first place, and himself to one of the top spots for MVP. Before Manuel took over, there was talk of him platooning with Andy Phillips. Well, Andy Phillips is gone, and Delgado has been tearing the cover off of the ball ever since Yankee series when he had nine RBI's.
Today was no different as his two-run home run off Eric Gagne in the eighth inning propelled the Mets to a 4-2 victory over the Brewers today, as I said before. Trailing 2-1, Daniel Murphy greeted Gagne with a double. One out later, Delgado hit his 31st home run of the year to give New York a 3-2 lead.
It was Delgado's 462nd career homer, tying him with Jose Canseco for 31st place on the all-time list. Delgado has 20 homers and 60 RBI since June 27, the most of any NL player in that time. Also in the 8th, Carlos Beltran singled and scored on Ryan Church's double to the center-field wall, increasing the Mets' lead to 4-2. Beltran later left the game with a right knee contusion, but the severity of that injury was not immediately known.
Mets Starter Johan Santana pitched six innings, giving up two runs and seven hits. He struck out 10. Tomorrow as I said in an earlier post, Jonathan Niese makes his MLB debut for the Mets when he faces Manny Para. Hopefully, he'll keep the Mets on a roll.
Phillies Notebook: J-Werth, Sept. Call-Ups, J.C. Romero, Pat Burrell, Matt Stairs, Tom Gordon
Had it not been for Jayson Werth, the Phillies easily could have lost four in a row to the Cubs over the weekend.
The Cubbies tortured the Phillies bullpen in the first two games of the four-game set. The 'pen gave its best Mets impersonation (sorry Joe -- cheap shot!) by blowing two leads late. Suddenly, the Phillies found themselves two games back of the Mets after Friday...
Thankfully, the Phillies managed a split due in large part to Werth's performance. The Illinois native slammed three homers and drove in seven of the team's 10 runs Saturday and Sunday. The Phillies won those games, 5-2 and 5-3, and are only one game behind New York.
Werth has been red-hot recently and is carrying the Phillies up-and-down offense. He batted .538 against the Cubs and solidified his status as an everyday player. Werth platooned with free-agent bust Geoff Jenkins in right field most of the year. Jenkins is sidelined with a hip flexor strain and could miss the remainder of the season
The Phillies called up outfielder Greg Golson, catcher Lou Marson, and pitchers J.A. Happ and Adam Eaton for the September stretch run.
Golson and Marson are arguably the Phillies' top minor league position players.
Golson had struggled mightily since being drafted by the organization in 2004, but has come along nicely this year. The 22-year-old center fielder hit .280 with 13 homers, 60 RBIs and 23 stolen bases at class-AA Reading. He'll likely see action as a defensive specialist and in pinch-running situations.
Marson burst onto the scene this year. The 22-year-old is the Phillies' catcher-of-the-future after putting up strong numbers at Reading (.308, five homers, 46 RBIs). Charlie Manuel said he'll likely use Marson considering the Phillies already split catching duties between Carlos Ruiz, who has grossly underperformed, and Chris Coste, who can play no more than three days a week.
It appears Marson is the favorite to win the everyday job next season.
Happ will see more action out of the bullpen, where he's struggled. Happ did well as a spot starter and could spell oldie-but-goodie Jamie Moyer or Kyle Kendrick, who hasn't pitched well as of late.
Should I even comment on Eaton? He has no business on a big league roster. The Phillies had demoted him in July to class-AAA Lehigh Valley, where he posted an 0-5 record and an ERA above 7.00. How's that for quality?
J.C. Romero has emerged as the Phillies' new set-up man.
Romero did a masterful job of getting the team out of an eighth-inning pickle Saturday. He has the mindset to be the bridge to Brad Lidge and is no longer considered a situational left-hander.
Pat Burrell had a dreadful month of August.
Burrell batted .304 in July and was a steady middle-of-the-order presence throughout the season. However, his production suffered in August as he batted under .200. In the Phillies' marathon win over the Mets last Tuesday, Burrell was 0-for-6 and left 10 men on base. His problems continued against the Cubs.
Burrell, who is a free agent at season's end, better make a strong September push. Unfortunately (I'm a Burrell fan), Pat the Bat isn't doing himself any favors by playing so poorly. He's giving our thrifty management team more reason not to re-sign him. Sad, but true.
The Phillies acquired Matt Stairs from the Blue Jays this weekend for minor league reliever Fabio Castro.
Stairs, a power bat from the left side, fills the void left by Jenkins. He won't start many games, but could see some time as the slumping Burrell will likely sit a game or two against the Nationals this week.
Stairs can qualify for a postseason roster spot because he was acquired before the September 1 deadline.
Tom Gordon was moved to the 60-day disabled list, officially ending his season.
Gordon has had shoulder problems and will likely not return next season. There was a slim chance he'd return in late September.
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