The NL East Blog

World Champions Preparing for Title Defense

2009-03-02T11:28:00.001-08:00

If anybody in Blog Land is still reading, I will be updating the Phillies for the 2009 season. Here's some quick news bites to get started...

-The Phillies cut ties with RHP Adam Eaton on Saturday. Eaton was banished from the team -- and the World Series parade -- last year.

-Jayson Werth is sideloned with an apparent shoulder injury that could be worse than what the Phillies are letting on

- Chase Utley should be ready by Opening Day

- Marcus Giles is raising some eyebrows with his play. The former All-Star second baseman was out of baseball last year, but is fighting for a roster spot on the Phillies' bench. Unfortunately, unless the Phillies decide to get rid of the versatile Eric Bruntlett, only way Giles makes the Open ing Day roster is if Utley remains out.

- Competition for the fifth spot in the starting rotation is heating up. So far, Kyle Kendrick, Chan Ho Park, J.A. Happ and Carlos Carrasco have all pitched very well.

- Pat Burrell received a warm hand from the BrightHouse Network Field faithful Saturday, as the visiting Rays fell to the Phillies in Grapefruit League action. Burrell is still trying to get used to the idea of no longer playing with the organization that drafted him No. 1 overall in 1998. Good thing is, Burrell will be on hand when the Phillies receive their World Series rings April 8 against the Braves

-More news and blogging to come...

Injured Quad Might Keep Easley Out For Rest Of Regular Season

2008-09-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

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."

Tatis Done For Year After Separating Right Shoulder In Loss To Nats

2008-09-17T06:08:00.000-07:00

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.

Not Again

2008-09-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Mets Blow Big Lead, But Outlast Nats To Extend East Gap

2008-09-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

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.

After Surgery, Wagner To Miss Rest Of Season, Most Of '09

2008-09-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

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.

Phillies Insider: Schmitty Offers Rally Cry

2008-09-05T21:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Phillies Insider: The Season Is Slipping Away

2008-09-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

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??

Church's Slam Helps Mets Pound Brewers

2008-09-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

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.

Niese Struggles in Debut, But Mets Win in Extras

2008-09-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

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."

Delgado Homers Late To Push Mets Past Brewers

2008-09-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

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.

Phillies Notebook: J-Werth, Sept. Call-Ups, J.C. Romero, Pat Burrell, Matt Stairs, Tom Gordon

2008-09-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

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.

Mets' Top Prospect Niese Expected To Start Tuesday vs. Brewers

2008-08-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

Top pitching prospect Jonathan Niese will be recalled from Triple-A New Orleans to make his major league debut Tuesday against Milwaukee. Eight other players also will join the Mets on Monday when the active roster can be expanded to 40 players. They include pitching prospect Robert Parnell, three relievers and infielder-outfielder Marlon Anderson, who will be activated after spending a month on the disabled list with a hamstring injury.

Niese will take the rotation spot left vacant when right-hander John Maine was placed on the 15-day disabled list a week ago because of a bone spur in his right shoulder. "We think very highly of Jonathan Niese," vice president for development Tony Bernazard said Sunday. "He's a 21-year-old that we expect to be an important member of this organization.

"You have to perform at some point, and it happens to be Tuesday against a very good team. Let's see what he has. We'll find out a lot about where we're at with him in the next month." Niese was a seventh-round draft pick in 2005. The left-hander went 5-1 with a 3.40 ERA in seven starts for New Orleans.

The Mets also will bolster their shaky bullpen. Joining them Monday will be recently acquired right-hander Al Reyes from Double-A Binghamton and two pitchers from New Orleans; right-hander Carlos Muniz and left-hander Ricardo Rincon.

Closer Billy Wagner, sidelined since Aug. 3 with a strained elbow, is scheduled for a bullpen session Monday in New York. If it goes well, the next step might be for Wagner to pitch in a game for the Mets' Class A affiliate in Brooklyn."He's improving," Bernazard said. "He's feeling much better."

Also joining the Mets from New Orleans will be right-hander Bobby Parnell, infielder Ramon Martinez, catcher Gustavo Molina and infielder Argenis Reyes.

Where Are My Rolaids?

2008-08-29T19:23:00.000-07:00

Ok. I'm really going to die before season's end. Who says the Mets can't score late? After rallying on Wednesday night against Brad Lidge and the Phillies, the Mets did it again tonight against Kevin Gregg and the Marlins tonight in Florida. After being shut down for eight innings, after scoring one run in the first inning, (what else is new?) the Mets were down to their last out in the 9th down 2-1, and rallied to win the ballgame 5-4, but it wasn't easy.

The Met ninth started with a pop out by Pitch Hitter Robinson Cancel. After that, Jose Reyes grounded out to second on a great play by Dan Uggla. After the Reyes at-bat, Luis Castillo singled to center after being down two strikes. Then, David Wright singled to left. After that, Carlos Delgado was hit by a pitch. That set the stage for Carlos Beltran who hasn't had a big hit in a while when it's been needed.

However, that all changed when he hit a first pitch change up over the right field wall for a grand slam that gave the Mets a 5-2 lead. Before Beltran's homer, the Mets were 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. Trailing 2-1, they left the bases loaded in the seventh and stranded two in the eighth.

While it looked like smooth sailing with Luis Ayala trying to close it out in the bottom half of the 9th, with a three run lead, it was anything but. Second Baseman Dan Uggla lead off by grounding out to second. After that, Right Fielder Jeremy Hermida singled to center. Next up, John Baker. He struck out. After Baker, up stepped Shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who reached on an infield single. After Ramirez, it was Pitch Hitter Mike Jacobs' turn. He singled to center to make the score 5-3. First Baseman Jorge Cantu then doubled to left to cut the lead to 5-4.

With the tying run at third, and the go-ahead run at second, Third Baseman Wes Helms was looking to end the game. However, unfortunately for Marlin fans, he grounded out to short to end the game, and revive Met fans watching the game. With the win, the Mets moved out to a 2 game lead on Philly, who lost earlier in the day to the Cubs 3-2.

Huh?

2008-08-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

Coming off yet another heartbreaking loss to the Phils last night, the Mets headed into tonight's game looking for redemption. They got exactly that, as they defeated the Phils by a score of 6-3 to earn a split of the two game series to move back into first by a half of a game.

After getting out to an early 1-0 lead thanks to a Carlos Delgado single that scored Jose Reyes, who also singled in the first, the Phillies answered back by scoring two in the bottom of the first thanks to a Ryan Howard homer that scored Jimmy Rollins who singled earlier in the inning. In the bottom of the 2nd, the Phils tacked on another run on a Jayson Werth home run.

In the top of the 6th, the Mets cut the deficit to 3-2 after Carlos Delgado hit his 29th homer of the season, his third in three games. If you've followed the Mets at all this season, or have read this blog, you know that the Mets haven't scored at all late in games. That all changed for one night at least, as they scored four in the top of the 8th tonight.

It all started when Carlos Delgado hit his second homer of the game, 30th of the season, and fourth in three games, when he connected off of Rudy Seanez. He now has hit at least 30 homers in 11 straight seasons. Here's where the title of the post comes in. Delgado's home run came with two outs. Brad Lidge was warming up in the pen presumably to face Delgado, who came in 2-6 with two homers against Seanez. Why didn't Manuel go to Lidge there? Maybe my colleague Matt will have an answer.

Anyway, with the scored tied at 3, Manuel went to Lidge after Seanez gave up an infield single to Beltran following the homer. Beltran then proceeded to steal second without a throw. With Beltran on second, Ryan Church was intentionally walked to bring up the struggling Daniel Murphy who had been 0-3 coming into the at-bat, and had never faced Lidge.

Maybe that was a good thing, because he doubled to right to give the Mets a 4-3 lead. Then, Catcher Brian Schneider singled to left to score Murphy and Church to give the Mets a 6-3 lead. Unlike last night, the Phils went quietly in the 9th, as Luis Ayala picked up his second save as a Met.

Phillies Complete Improbable Comeback, Stun Mets In Extras

2008-08-26T22:14:00.000-07:00

Ahh, what a game.

I just returned from Citizens Bank Park, where I watched the Phillies overcome a seven-run deficit to down the Mets, 8-7, in 13 innings Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.

Chris Coste came through with a walk-off single to put the Phillies back in first place by a half-game in the NL East

So, how did this magical night unfold?

Well, read a newspaper or watch ESPN because I'm not going to give you ALL the highlights. Here's the skinny...

The Mets slammed starting pitcher Jamie Moyer for six runs in three innings. They added a run in the fourth inning to go up 7-0...

The Phillies gradually chipped away. Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard each belted two-run homers. The Phillies trailed by a run going into the ninth inning.

Pat Burrell has been labeled a Mets killer in his career (oh yeah, he was 0-for-7 on this night)...but the new Mets killers are Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino, I do believe...

I'll explain why in a second...

The Mets' dreaded bullpen reared its ugly head after the Phillies knocked out Pedro Martinez (4 2/3 innings, five runs allowed). I caught a Pedro soundbite moments ago. He said something like this ...and I'm paraphrasing:

The Phillies have a distinct advantage at Citizens Bank Park because the place is a bandbox.

End paraphrasing...

Sounds like Pedro is bitter. Ok Pedro, perhaps you didn't take notice at the stat sheet... but you blew it, buddy. Don't try to excuse your rapidly declining skill by blaming the ballpark. The Phillies touched you up and it was absolutely legitimate. Rollins and Howard hit home runs that would have gone a far way in any park. And in case you didn't notice, Pedro, there was absolutely NO WIND EFFECT AT ALL!!! Otherwise, Burrell's long fly ball in the ninth or 10th inning would have ended the game...
The Phillies' park gets its reputation because of all the open space in center field, thus allowing the northeast winds to play a role in most games (i.e. mother nature tends to carry balls far)...

I understand CBP is hitter-friendly, but in my mind, it's not the be all and end all. Pedro Martinez simply coughed up a seven-run lead(well, most of it, anyhow). It's not like the Phils hit seven home runs to win the game, Pedro. Get over the fact that you are a five-inning pitcher... and you didn't even last that long!!!

Ok, sorry for the tangent...

So, about the Victorino and Werth Mets-killing statement I made earlier...

Luis Ayala had two outs in the ninth inning when Werth singled to keep the game alive. It came with two strikes. The last time Werth was in that situation against the Mets, he homered off Billy Wagner to send the game into extras. The Phillies lost eventually... but I thought it was kind of ironic to see Werth keeping things alive against those hated Metskis...

Anyways, as it turned out, Eric Bruntlett hit a double to the gap to score Werth. The Phillies had mutliple chances to win the game in extras against Aaron Heilman (how the hell did he wind up pitching three scoreless innings???).

Finally, in the 13th, Victorino led off the frame with a triple against Scott Schoeneweis, who issued back-to-back intentional walks to Werth and Bruntlett to get to the pinch hitter... Brett Myers...

Myers was instructed to take every pitch because of fear he would ground into a 5-1-3 double play... or something like that...

...I have to stop right there to go on another tangent....

I just caught the end of the Charlie Manuel press conference. The few Media members in attendance asked about the Myers at-bat. Manuel, who is never mistaken to be the wittiest guy in the world, said of Myers, "I said to him after, 'you see, you can take orders.'" Hahaha... umm, Myers and Manuel got into a heated exchange a few weeks back, so that's why it was funny... if you care...

OK, back to the game. So Myers struck out and up came Chris Coste, who promptly hit a shot way over Carlos Beltran's head to end the game. Wouldn't have mattered if it were caught because all the Phils needed was a sac fly...

So all is well that ends well... and at the start, I thought the Phillies wouldn't end well. I was reminded by the kind Mets fan next to me (what, did I just say that???) about the Phillies' penchant for rallying against the Mets... no matter the score.

"And you do know our bullpen is horseshit, right?," said the lovely, adorable, cute, cuddly and super cool Mets fan.

Sure enough, he had a point...

Mets May Call Up Pitching Prospect Niese

2008-08-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

With John Maine back on the disabled list with a sore shoulder, the Mets are reportedly eyeing their farm system for pitching help. Newsday reported that the Mets are preparing to call up top pitching prospect Jon Niese, according to a person familiar with the team's thinking.

According to the report, the Mets will tinker with their pitching rotation so they won't need a fifth starter until their Sept. 2 game at Milwaukee. Niese, who last pitched Sunday, would have one more minor-league outing before making his major-league debut against the Brewers.

The left-handed Niese, 21, is 5-1 with a 3.65 ERA in six starts at Triple-A New Orleans. Mets GM Omar Minaya said he is confident the Mets can turn to young players like Niese in the midst of a playoff race, according to the report.

"I'm very comfortable with our young prospects coming here and doing it the way Argenis Reyes has done it, the way Daniel Murphy has done it, the way Nick Evans has done it. I feel comfortable internally that we'll find a way to get it done," Minaya said, according to Newsday.

Other possibilities to fill in for Maine could include long reliever Brian Stokes or Robert Parnell, another of the Mets' top pitching prospects.

Pelfrey Does It Again

2008-08-25T18:41:00.001-07:00

With John Maine going on the DL, the Mets know that the starters have to really step it up if they want to maintain their lead in the NL East. Well, Mike Pelfrey did his part tonight as he pitched his second consecutive complete game in the Mets 9-1 win over the Astros tonight at Shea.

The Mets got the bulk of their offense from 2 Carlos Delgado 3 run home runs. It was Delgado's 46th multihomer game, fourth this year. The other runs came via a sacrifice fly from Daniel Murphy and a two run triple by Jose Reyes, who also had a single and a double in the game.

The second consecutive complete game by Pelfrey was the first since Bret Saberhagen (remember him?) did it for the Mets back in 1995.

The two stars of tonight's game have been key in the Mets run to the pennant this season. Back in March, if I told you that Delgado would be near 30 home runs by August, would you have believed me? He has 28 home runs, and has driven in 55 runs in his last 54 games. He has hit 24+ home runs in 13 straight seasons. Also, Mike Pelfrey who started the year 2-6, is now 13-8, which leads a staff in wins that includes $137 million dollar man Johan Santana. The Mets are 13-2 in Pelfrey's last 15 starts.

After an embarrassing loss by the bullpen yesterday, the Mets bats look to keep clicking as they head into a division showdown against Philadelphia in Philadelphia tomorrow night with a slim 1/2 game lead.

Should be real exciting.

Bone Spur Forces Maine To Disabled List

2008-08-25T17:15:00.000-07:00

John Maine was put on the 15-day disabled list because of a bone spur in his right shoulder Monday, leaving the Mets without a key starter as they head into September looking to erase the memory of last year's disastrous stretch run.

Shelving Maine allowed the Mets to activate second baseman Luis Castillo two days after he asked for more time to rehabilitate a left hip flexor. Maine was on the DL from Aug. 3-13, retroactive to July 29, and returned knowing that he'd have to pitch with the shoulder problem the rest of the season. He didn't go more than 5 2/3 innings in his three starts and gave up eight runs on Saturday. His fastball, normally in the low to mid 90s, rarely exceeded 89 mph. Maine said rest helped alleviate the pain the first time he sat and hopes another break will allow him to pitch the final couple of weeks of the season.

"It's frustrating because I want to be here and help the team, but for me not being 100 percent to go out there it's not just hurting the team, it's me not being 100 percent," Maine said. "I was told nothing could make it worse which is why I wanted to pitch through it. It just hasn't gone away." He said that a cortisone shot on Thursday did not help.

Mets General Manager Omar Minaya said surgery is the only way to fix the problem but even though it is a minor operation, Maine would not have enough time to recover to pitch again this season. Instead, Maine will not throw for two weeks and hold off from any exercise for a week.

The Mets, will have to do without Maine for at least three weeks, Minaya said. "We've all seen John Maine. Even without his best stuff, if I'm not mistaken he had a pretty good game in Pittsburgh," he said. "But the bottom line is we cannot risk his long-term health in the midst of this pennant race, which means that guys are going to have to step up."

The Mets started Monday a half-game ahead of Philadelphia in the NL East, and travel to play both the Phillies and the third-place Marlins. Manager Jerry Manuel said Oliver Perez will likely move into Maine's slot on Friday, and that because of a day off Thursday, an extra starter will not be needed until Sept. 2.

Maine's injury is the second big blow to the Mets' staff. Closer Billy Wagner has been on the disabled list since Aug. 5 with a strained left elbow and his return this season is uncertain. Just as the Mets have used its existing players to fill that hole, Minaya said that a starter will probably come from within the organization, but he didn't entirely rule out claiming a pitcher off waivers.

More likely, it will be long reliever Brandon Stokes or a minor league player. Top prospects Jonathan Niese and Robert Parnell will be considered. Minaya refused to call up Niese earlier in the season to make one start because he didn't want to waste a minor league option on the pitcher for just one start, but since teams can expand their rosters on Sept. 1, Minaya said it would be a long-term call up. If the replacement is brought up by Aug. 31, he could be included on the postseason roster.

Castillo, struggling with the hip injury and sore quadriceps, was batting .261 with three home runs and 26 RBIs when he went on the DL July 3. He was given back his spot as the No. 2 hitter and starting second baseman on a conditional basis. The Mets have gone 31-16 without Castillo, who is in the first year of a four-year, $25 million contract, and Manuel has been happy with the platoon of Damion Easley and rookie Argenis Reyes. "We'll watch him play, watch him perform, watch the level the team is playing at with him performing and see where we are," Manuel said. "We are in a fight for our lives."

The Pen Blows Yet Another

2008-08-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

Looking for redemption after losing 8-3 last night, the Mets quickly jumped out to a 2-0 lead today thanks a Carlos Beltran home run in the bottom of the first that scored David Wright who walked in from of him. In the bottom of the third, the Mets added on a run with a bases loaded walk to make the score 3-0. However, the lead didn't last very long as the Astros tied the score at 3 in the top of the fourth on a sacrifice fly, and a 2 run home run by Right Fielder Hunter Pence that scored Short Stop Miguel Tejada, who doubled earlier in the inning.

In the bottom of the 5th, the Mets took a 4-3 lead when Carlos Beltran hit his second homer of the game over the left field wall, making this the 24th multi-homer game of his career.

However, again, the lead was short lived because in the top of the 7th, a single by former Met David Newhan brought home Pence who walked, and moved to third on a double by Geoff Blum. The run was given up by Aaron Heilman who relieved Mets Starter Oliver Perez.

With the scored tied at 4 going into the 10th inning, Pedro Feliciano relieved Luis Ayala. However, he didn't provide any relief whatsoever as both Catcher Brad Ausmus and Center Fielder Darin Erstad tagged him for home runs of the solo variety to put the Astros on top 6-4, a deficit that was too large for the Mets to come back from, as they went quietly in their half of the 10th.

With the loss, the Mets lead is down to a game pending the outcome of the Phillies-Dodgers game tonight. The loss was the Mets second consecutive and first losing streak since August 10th & 11th. The Mets are now 1-5 against Houston with the series finale tomorrow night.

Phillies Insider: Williams, Bowa 'Get' Philly... Rollins, Not So Much

2008-08-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Mitch Williams is the Bill Buckner of Philadelphia Phillies lore.

The "Wild Thing"was the eccentric closer who gave fans a heart attack each time out. Williams will contend that when he was called upon to pitch, he'd throw without any real clue where the ball would end up.

That's honesty...

Williams surrendered the game-winning home run that propelled the Blue Jays past the Phillies in the 1993 World Series. In my mind, Joe Carter is STILL rounding the bases.

Williams endured the hate mail and the passers-by shouting obscenities. He was traded to Houston in the offseason.

Today, Williams is one of the brightest sports personality in the city. He hosts a pre-game show on the Phillies radio network and is the lead analyst on Comcast SportsNet's Phillies Post-Game Live.

Mitchy-Poo has never been afraid to speak his mind and he never hid from the criticism. And, despite feeling the wrath of Phillies fans all too often, he fully supports them... and is one of many former Phillies who have opined about the Jimmy Rollins Situation.

In case you haven't heard, Rollins went on Best Damn Sports Show, Period! earlier this month and labeled Phillies fans "frontrunners."

Hey Mitch, what'ya gotta say to that?

"I think (Rollins) used the wrong word, I really do.," Williams told the Delaware County Daily Times. "They're a lot of things, but they ain't frontrunners. They show up. They're always here. The word fan comes from fanatic, and that's the way they are about their sports here.

"They show up, and when it's good, they're cheering, and when it's bad, they're booing. As a player, give them something to cheer for."

Larry Bowa is a beloved former player, manager and coach. He was the starting shortstop for the Phillies' in 1980 -- the only year the franchise has won the World Series

Bowa tried giving J-Roll a lesson in Understanding Philadelphia Philosophy 101, which Rollins in eight seasons has yet to pass...

"I think what he meant to say was, 'When you're going good, they're on your side, and when you're going bad, they get on you,' " Bowa told the Philadelphia Inquirer.
"Frontrunner is not the right word. They're not frontrunners or they wouldn't come out, because God knows there have been droughts here. I told Jimmy, 'You just used the wrong word.' He said, 'Yeah, I think I did.' "

Phillies Notebook: New Lineup, Geoff Jenkins, Pat Burrell, Cole Hamels, Mets Preview

2008-08-23T22:04:00.000-07:00

Charlie Manuel has been juggling the lineup in recent weeks.

Move Jimmy Rollins to the two spot. Put Shane Victorino lead off or in the six hole. Move Ryan Howard to the fifth spot. Place Pat Burrell clean-up.

Nothing seemed to work.

So, like solving the Rubik's Cube, Manuel aligned the colors perfectly Friday night against the Dodgers. With this currently constructed one-through-nine, the Phillies have scored 17 runs in two wins over L.A.

1. Jimmy Rollins
2. Chase Utley
3. Pat Burrell
4. Ryan Howard
5. Shane Victorino
6. Jayson Werth
7. Pedro Feliz/Greg Dobbs
8. Christ Coste/Carlos Ruiz
9. Pitcher

Utley scored three runs Saturday and had two hits. Burrell knocked in five runs. Victorino and Werth continued having consistent ABs. I like the lineup as it is. I always felt Utley was better suited in the No. 2 spot, despite his power and ability to drive in runs. Burrell splits up the left-handed hitters (Utley and Howard) and ... finally... we're starting to see some results. That said, I won't old my breath if things start to sour...

The Phillies placed Geoff Jenkins on the 15-day disabled list with a hip flexor.

Jenkins suffered the injury while legging out an infield single Friday night. Jenkins hasn't been hitting much this season, but had shown signs of working his way out of the year-long funk. Werth would have gotten the majority of playing time, anyways, but losing a veteran/proven guy in Jenkins is semi-important (Um, I think...). To replace Jenkins, the team called up minor league lifer and Andy Tracy, an infielder.

As previously mentioned, Burrell had a big day Saturday afternoon.

In addition to driving in five runs, Burrell homered for the 30th time (surprisingly, it was only his 10th dinger at Citizens Bank Park). Burrell continues to have a career year... meaning he's been consistent by his standards and is hitting for power. I like him batting in the third spot, or anywhere he can get in the middle of Utley and Howard. He only has 75 RBIs this season because Utley and Howard have been knocking most of them in. If he continues hitting in the third spot, he'll present interesting match-up advantages and will have more opportunities to boost his RBI total.

Cole Hamels pitched another fantastic game Saturday to pick up his 11th win.

Hamels has been a tough-luck loser most of the year and should have at least 16 wins. The left-hander also surpassed a career-best in innings pitched.

With the Mets series on the horizon, it's worth noting that Hamels will -- once again -- not face the New Yorkers.

It would be the fourth time this season Hamels has not started against the Metskis. The Phillies aren't going to shuffle the rotation... and I agree with that decision. After all, there's another huge four-game series against the Cubs waiting in the wings. Every game at this point is a must-win. It's just a shame fans won't get to see another Hamels-Johan Santana showdown.

The Train Keeps Rolling

2008-08-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

Last night he got the win. Tonight, he picked up the save. Luis Ayala has been a bullpen savior since coming to the Mets, who have improved to 13-4 since Billy Wagner went on the DL. Oh yea, I almost forgot, Johan Santana and Roy Oswalt pitched outstanding as well, as the Mets won 3-0.

For the fifth straight game, the Mets scored a first inning run. Tonight, it was a David Wright single that brought home Jose Reyes, who singled to lead off the bottom half. In the bottom of the second, Brian Schneider homered. The homer also brought in Ryan Church who made his return from the DL. Church reached on an infield single, and finished the game 1-3. (Robinson Cancel was sent down to AAA to make room for Church) After the Mets scored in the second, Oswalt retired 19 in a row, but that wasn't enough, as Santana pitched a career high 121 pitches to pick up his 12th win of the year to match Pelfrey for the team high in wins. Tonight, Santana won his third straight start and fifth straight decision. The Mets have gone 14-4 since being swept by Houston in a three-game series to start the month, and are a season-high 15 games over .500.

On an injury note, 2B Luis Castillo (strained hip flexor) will be activated by New York on Saturday.

How Sweep It Is

2008-08-21T19:24:00.000-07:00

The Mets have won nine of their last ten games, the latest coming tonight in a 5-4 victory against the Braves to finish off a three game sweep of the once mighty NL East dominators. Carlos Delgado had 5 hits tonight. The five hits matched a career high that was set when he was a member of the Blue Jays back on May 7, 1998 against the Mariners at the now imploded Kingdome.

David Wright also had a good game for the Mets, as he went 3 for 4, hitting his 25th homer of the season, and two doubles. Luis Ayala pitched 1 1/3 shutout innings for the Mets, to earn his first win since being acquired from the Nationals on Sunday. With the win, the Mets increased their NL East lead to 2 1/2 games over Philadelphia, who lost 4-3 to Washington tonight.

On an injury note, New York Right Fielder Ryan Church (post-concussion syndrome) played another rehab game for Double-A Binghamton on Thursday night going 0-4. He could be back in the lineup Friday against Houston.