Kuzul

Last night’s game may have been a glimpse into the Mets’ future.

And the future looks pretty bright.

The Mets pulled off their fourth win in a row (ninth in a row at Citi Field) in dramatic fashion.

It took the Mets eleven innings to beat the pesky Padres, 2-1.

Mike Pelfrey Gets a No Decision in His Most Impressive Start of the Season

Big Pelf gave the Mets nine innings, as he mixed his pitches effectively all night.

His maturation this season was highlighted on two particular moments in the game.

In the eighth inning, Lance Zawadzki produced a pinch-hit double with one out in the inning.

Big Pelf was able to strike out David Eckstein, a player that very rarely strikes out.  Especially, in these situations.

Mike then shut the door in the inning when he got Chase Headley to fly out to right.

The second example was more telling.

In the ninth inning, after getting Adrian Gonzalez to ground out, David Wright threw a ball away on a play that should have been made.

The errant throw not only allowed Scott Hariston to reach base, it put him in scoring position.

Big Pelf picked Wright up as he struck out Nick Hundley and then forced Wilson Venable to tap one to the mound.

Pelfrey now owns a 2.23 ERA on the season, and in my opinion a spot on the All-Star team.

Ike and Jose Save the Day

The Mets were able to come up with nine hits on the night, but had trouble scoring runs.

David Wright continued his hot hitting as he went 2-4 with a double.  He also collected his 11th steal of the season.

Jose Reyes looked sharp after a few days off his game.  He was 2-4 as well.

His second hit of the evening was critical.  Reyes was able to tie the game on a solo home run that was initially ruled a double.

This at bat illustrates how important the ability to review home run calls is in Major League Baseball.

Gary Cohen from SNY made a great point in last night’s telecast.

He commented that a close home run call is one of the most difficult calls in sports as the umpire is so far away from where the ball eventually winds up landing.

Ike Davis is enjoying a rookie season that most player’s dream of.  He added another chapter to that story last night.

In the bottom of the 11th inning, Davis absolutely crushed a Edward Mujica change-up for the walk-off home run.

The ball caromed off of a railing in the upper deck in right field.

Before the home run, he was zero for eight in his last eight at bats.  It just shows his confidence as he would not allow his struggles affect his at bat in extra innings.

How exciting was this blast?

It produced a smile from R.A. Dickey as he gave Ike a high-five upon his return to the dugout.

Interesting Fact

The Padres have won more games than anyone in baseball, having scored three runs or less.

The Mets were able to beat them at their own game.

On Deck

Johan Santana faces Mat Latos in the second game of the series.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

I started thinking about the Padres, which is a rarity for many people.

They give me an impression of this west coast, easy-go-lucky squad, that Tony Gwynn used to play for.

I would be willing to bet that most people couldn’t name another Padre player other than Adrian Gonzalez.

Normally, that’s about as far as it goes.

I can’t remember the last time they struck me as a team that I was worried about when they show up on the Mets’ schedule.

This morning, another thought crossed my mind.

It seems like the Mets always have trouble with this team.

Nah.  No way.  Maybe I am just having flashbacks of the 18-6 pounding they gave the Amazin’s last week.

I decided to take a look at their head-to-head record.

Dating back to 2007, the Mets have a 7-16 record versus the Padres.

2007:  2-4
2008:  2-5
2009:  2-5
2010:  1-2

I have been reading a lot about the Mets’ upcoming “easy” road schedule as they face the Orioles and the Indians.

Let’s not forget about these pesky Padres.

Not only have they given the Mets fits in recent history, but they happen to have the best record in the National League.

Shockin, isn’t it?

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Painful.  That is the perfect word to use when describing the Mets loss to the Padres in the series finale.

The Mets had a chance to accomplish something they haven’t since July 25 and 26 of 2009: Win back to back games on the road.

Unfortunately, they lost a game that they were one strike away from winning.

Johan Santana’s Aceness

I have always said that the true mark of an ace, is a pitcher that can hold offenses at bay when he doesn’t have his best stuff.

That’s exactly what happened last night.  Santana gave the Mets a very gritty performance as he did not have his best control of the season.

He walked a season-high five batters and allowed five hits, but somehow managed to hold the Padres scoreless for seven innings.

One of Johan’s greatest attributes is his competitiveness.

Santana marched out to the mound in the seventh inning already having thrown over 100 pitches.  His total for the night was 123.

There isn’t a pitcher in baseball that is more deserving of  his offense going out and putting up a whole mess of crooked numbers on his next start than Johan Santana.

You Said It

David Wright on the Mets’ road woes:

“If we were just decent on the road we’d be in pretty good shape.  But it hasn’t been the case. We are where we are because of not being able to get it done on the road.”

Play With Fire And You Might Get Burned

The F-Rod show is starting to become unbearable to watch.

Allowing two hits on 0-2 counts is inexcusable.  Eckstein’s at bat that tied the game was particularly frustrating.  He was able to get Eckstein to swing and miss on two curveballs.  He then went to the well one too many times.

Rodriguez has to know he can’t fool a gritty veteran like David Eckstein on the same pitch three consecutive times.

F-rod allowing Gwynn to steal is also inexcusable.  After Gwynn reached first on an 0-2 pitch that had way too much plate, he was able to get a huge jump off of F-Rod to steal second.

Steals happen.  What irritates me about this particular one, is that Rodriguez never even looked over at first, let alone throw one over to keep him close.

I do give Franky credit for going out to pitch the 10th.  Apparently, he made the following request in the dugout:

“I made a mess. I’d like to clean it up.”

Wake Up Call

My hope is that this game serves as a wake up call.  The Mets can ill afford another month of .500 baseball.

They need to start putting together some winning months if they hope to make the playoffs.

My opinion is that 90 wins will do it.  To get to that bench mark, the Mets need to win games like this.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

R.A. Dickey seems to be a player that doesn’t get excited by much.  As a matter of fact, I don’t think I have seen him smile since he was brought up from Triple A.

Maybe it’s because I am so used to seeing players pound their chests and point to the sky for every success on the field.

This includes getting a hit, a walk, a sacrifice fly, a productive out, striking out a hitter, getting down a sacrifice bunt, and grabbing the regular flavor of sunflower seeds instead of the dreaded barbecue-flavored ones.

Most pitchers would appear to be thrilled with having a 2.84 ERA and a 2-0 record in their first three starts.

Not R.A. Dickey.

Upon watching him at the end of today’s game, he appeared to be heading out to his lunch break after a successful Powerpoint presentation over next quarter’s revenue.

Enjoy it, R.A.!

To each his own, I guess.

Frankly, I don’t care if he ever cracks a smile, as long as he continues to put the Mets in position to win the games he starts.

I much prefer Dickey’s workmanlike approach to his game. 

It strikes me differently than Oliver Perez’s deer in the headlights gaze or John Maine’s scowl every time something goes wrong.

If you stop and think about it, his reaction is realistic.  It would look awfully ridiculous if Dickey were to scream at the top of his lungs while he was going with a Tiger Fist Pump.

Especially after striking out someone with a 77 mph knuckleball.  It doesn’t quite fit like blowing away a hitter with a 98 mph fastball.

Some Dickey detractors may point out that today’s performance included four earned runs.

That number is deceiving, because he kept the Brewers close, enabling the offense to finally break free and put the Mets ahead.

It is also crucial that he pitched seven innings, which gave the bullpen a rest.

Only time will tell if his output will be consistent or if he is in the middle of a hot streak.

I just hope that deep down inside he is enjoying this.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Originally posted on Midwestropolitan.

The Mets dropped their second game in a row to the Milwaukee Brewers tonight, losing 8-6.

It appears that the pitch by committee strategy employed by Jerry Manuel was doomed from the start, thanks to Corey Hart and his first inning grand slam.

The Mets fought back with a big blast of their own.  It came in the shape of an Ike Davis three run bomb in the fourth inning.

Unfortunately, the Mets couldn’t catch the Brewers and now find themselves back at .500.

I don’t blame Fernando Nieve or Jerry Manuel entirely for this loss.

I blame Oliver Perez.

Ollie Is Useless

Oliver Perez’s decision to refuse to go to the minors is killing the Mets’ pitching staff.

It is obvious Perez isn’t a big league pitcher.  He was ineffective tonight as he gave up three runs in just two innings of relief.

I have to believe that guys in the Mets’ clubhouse are getting frustrated with the fact that he is wasting a roster spot, which in turn makes the Mets very vulnerable every fifth start.

It is time for the Mets to cut their losses.  I know it’s not my millions I am throwing away, but the Wilpons have to recognize Perez is hurting this team in a major way and he represents a sunk cost.

Here’s the definition if they are reading:

A cost that has already been incurred and  cannot be recovered to any significant degree.

Oliver Perez cannot be recovered to any significant degree.

Getting To The Bullpen Early

I keep thinking about how the game would be different if the Mets were able to go with an actual starting pitcher tonight.  Fernando Nieve followed by a committee of pitchers is not the answer.

Think about it from this perspective.

Very frequently in this game, we hear someone state that the goal of the offense is to get to the opponent’s bullpen.

Tonight, the Brewers were able to accomplish this common goal before the game even started.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Originally posted on Midwestropolitan .

Much has been said about the last three spots in the starting rotation for the New York Mets.

Throughout the off-season, spring training, and the beginning of the season, there have been many questions.

During the majority of this process, Hisanori Takahashi has quietly taken the mound when asked and has pitched effectively.

Takahashi has made the most out of his last two chances to start, and in one Midwesterner’s opinion, has earned a permanent spot in the rotation.

I don’t care if John Maine’s tendinitis is miraculously healed and he blows away the field in the minors. Tak has shown he can be effective in getting big league hitters out.

Sorry, Johnny.

Prior to Oliver Perez and John Maine’s latest issues, there had been a talk of Takahashi being given a chance to start.

I was always reluctant, because I felt he was doing so well in relief. The last thing I wanted to see was an unreliable bullpen.

Fortunately, Raul Valdes has emerged as a pitcher who is perfectly capable of assuming the role Tak left behind.

Tak’s latest performance included six scoreless innings with six strikeouts, while allowing five hits.

The most satisfying stat?

Zero walks.

Jose Reyes Is Playing Like the Jose We Thought He Was

Having fun with the infamous Dennis Green quote never gets old.

One of the reasons why I love baseball is the game’s association with numbers.  Numbers rarely lie, so it is no surprise that Jose Reyes continued his hot streak by going 2-for-4 with two RBI.

One of his hits was his first home run of the year.

The numbers don’t paint the complete picture, however.

Reyes seems to be much more comfortable at the plate, and he appears to be seeing the ball better.  He is taking far fewer swings in which he looks completely baffled.

The Jose smile is back, along with the pep in his step as he moves around the clubhouse.

One could argue that his recent streak has brought back the swagger that we have all missed.

I hope it is here to stay.

Resting Rod

Gary, Keith, and Ron brought up a good point as they were doing the game for SNY.  At what point does Jerry Manuel have to think about resting Barajas more?

It is a slippery slope.

Manuel will be tempted to see how far he can push Barajas.

He has been their most clutch player so far this season, and has demonstrated that he has some much-needed pop for this lineup.  Barajas’ two-run double in the sixth gave the Mets a much-needed breathing room tonight.

However, he is a 34-year-old catcher who needs rest.  Manuel will be tempted to see how far he can push Barajas.

I Don’t Want To Hear Excuses about the Phillies Slumping

The Amazin’s have already accomplished what many didn’t give them much of a chance to do this week. They have won back-to-back series against the Yankees and the Phillies.

I understand the Phillies have had trouble scoring runs. I am a realistic person.

However, if the Mets were as awful as some believe, this would have been a prime opportunity for the Phillies’ bats to wake up.

Mets’ pitches haven’t allowed that to happen, and they deserve credit for that.

On Deck

The series finale gives us the most intriguing pitching match-up with Mike Pelfrey facing Cole Hamels.

Dare I say, break out the brooms?

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Originally posted on Midwestropolitan. 

Admit it pessimists, this was an encouraging weekend for the Mets.

It’s okay to feel good about this weekend. It doesn’t mean that you can’t go back to your grumpy ways during the next Mets slide.

The series victory over the Yankees is a potential stepping stone. Nothing more, nothing less.

Johan Is An Ace

Tonight’s performance for Johan Santana is exactly the type of start he was signed for.

He was called upon to go against the opposing team’s ace, C.C. Sabathia no less, and was asked to out duel him.

Johan answered the call, going deep into the eighth inning. He gave up only one run, six hits, and struck out five batters.

His counterpart, was chased after five innings, allowing six runs (five earned), and ten hits.

A scary thought for opposing hitters, Johan is traditionally a better second half pitcher.

If he and Mike Pelfrey can continue to put together starts like this, the Mets will find themselves on the other side of .500, and climbing.

Jason Bay, Streak Killer

Jason Bay continued his torrid hitting. This time, he flexed his muscles a bit as he hit two home runs, and drove in three runs.

His second home run was a screaming line drive that went straight into the bullpen in right center.

Bay ended an impressive streak for the Mets offense. His lead off homer in the fifth stopped the two out run scoring streak the Mets have enjoyed during their last two games-they had scored nine straight runs with two outs.

The Rest Of The Lumber

Alex Cora started everything off for the Mets with a great at bat in the second inning in which he produced a two strike hit that drove in two runs.

David Wright drove in a run on an RBI double.

Jose Reyes, and Ike Davis each collected two hits.

A-Rod vs. K-Rod

Francisco Rodriguez has earned his pay check this weekend. Although he didn’t have his best stuff when asked to come in with runners on in the ninth inning, he got the job done.

Derek Jeter was able to drive in a run on a double that hit off the left field wall.

Another run came in when Rodriguez was able to get the second out of the inning when Brett Gardner was thrown out by David Wright on a very close play at first base.

Mark Texiera then proceeded to bounce one a mile high off the plate,  and get an infield hit.

This brought Alex Rodriguez to the plate, representing the go ahead run.

We were then left to watch a tense eight pitch at bat, in which Franky got the best of A-Rod, and got him to swing and miss on a change-up.

The “Wussification” Of Baseball Continues

I miss the old school way in which teams protected their hitters. Hit our guy, expect your guy to get one in the ribs the next inning.

Now, the minute a pitch sniffs someone’s jersey, the umpire’s warn both teams, and the next pitcher that hits someone is ejected along with the manager.

In the bottom of the seventh Jason Bay was hit by a pitch in the back by an obvious breaking ball that got away from Sergio Mitre.

Home plate umpire, Marvin Hudson felt it was necessary to warn both teams.

I understand the intent of the rule, but I don’t agree with it. It brings too much subjectivity into the game.

Let the players handle issues on the field. Not the umpires.

On Deck

The hated Phils come calling on Tuesday night.

R.A. Dickey will get his second start as he faces Jamie Moyer.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Originally posted on Midwestropolitan .

The brutal road trip continues for the Mets (they are now 1-6 if you are playing at home). 

Not even a triple play or an inside the park home run could spark the Mets to a victory against the Nationals.

R.A. Dickey Starts Off Well

R.A. Dickey did his part. 

He allowed two runs in six innings which qualifies as a quality start.  He did walk four batters, but what else would you expect from a Mets’ starter?

I liked his composure on the mound. 

Dickey didn’t seem to get rattled when he found himself in a tight spot in the fifth inning. He didn’t come unglued, threw strikes, and was rewarded by the defense umpires (thanks to their indecision on the triple play).

Having a knuckleballer on staff is going to be fun to watch.  It definitely makes the hitters uncomfortable as they have no idea where the pitch is going. 

The flip side, of course, is neither does Dickey.

Two Simple Reasons For The Loss

1.  Hitting or lack there of.

After last night’s loss, the lineup Manuel had on the field included no one batting .300 or better, and three players batting .220 or less.

Ouch.

I don’t blame Manuel for resting Wright.  I am torn by the decision, but I understand the rationale.

The offense’s futility is beyond frustrating right now.  Last night they only mustered three hits.

I’m happy Jose Reyes is back at leadoff, but I am really getting tired of seeing him pop the ball up twice a game. 

Surely, Hojo and Jose could do something to try to limit them.

Might I suggest the Willie Mays Hayes treatment?

“Well, you can run like Mays, but you hit like $#%&. With your speed, you should be hitting the ball on the ground and legging them out. Every time I see you hit one in the air, you owe me 20 push-ups.”

Speaking of Hojo, why is it he gets a pass for the most part?  This team has talent offensively.  The hitters just aren’t making adjustments.

Most of the blame falls on the players’ shoulders, but Johnson needs to be held accountable as well.  He is the hitting coach, after all.

2.  The bullpen was not impressive.  

After Dickey left, Raul Valdes and Fernando Nieve gave up three runs in two innings.

Nieve looks like a completely different pitcher in his last several appearances.

I am not sure why Jerry pulled Valdes so quickly to get to Nieve.  Valdes is actually better against righties than he is against lefties this season (.208 BA vs .292 BA).

Lost In The Shuffle

Angel Pagan has impressed me this season.  I know, I know.  It is easy to say that when he was responsible for an inside the park home run and starting a triple play with a nice catch.

He has been the Mets’ most consistent hitter of the season.  His defense has been excellent.  Last night he made two huge catches, both saving a number of potential Nationals’ runs.

His base running has quietly improved as well.  At the end of last year, he seemed to be  a liability in the lineup due to his ability to make bone headed decisions on the base paths.  We haven’t seen much of that from him.

If he continues to play like this, he should be starting over Francoeur or Bay when if Beltran returns.

On Deck

John Maine faces Luis Atilano in the final game of this two game series with the Nats.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Whew….

It’s funny how long losing streaks feel compared to winning streaks.

Thanks to Mike Pelfrey, the Mets obtained a much needed victory over the Braves.

Big Pelf went deep into this game pitching 7.2 innings for the win.

Tipping Pitches?

I was forced to watch the Braves’ coverage of the game. I have to tell you, they bring a whole new meaning to the word excitement.

I do have to admit, they are a bit more interesting now that John Smoltz is in the booth.

They repeatedly talked about how Pelfrey was telegraphing some of his pitches. It didn’t seem to matter, but it will be interesting to see what happens the next time he pitches against the Braves.

Sticky Situation

Things got a little dicey in the eighth inning when Pedro Feliciano took over for Pelfrey.

The Braves had runners on the corners with two outs. Intelligently, Pedro pitched around Chipper Jones to load the bases. There were a couple of really close pitches in the at bat that didn’t go Feliciano’s way.

He then had to face Nate McClouth. Fortunately, he was able to strike out McClouth to end the chance. It was the biggest moment of the game.

Nicely done, Pedro.

The Lumber

There is not a whole lot to write here.

Rod Barajas was the hero once again as he continues to endear himself to the Mets’ faithful. He provided the biggest hit of the night with a two run double in the second inning.

Jose Reyes was able to manufacture a much-needed run in the sixth inning. He singled up the middle and was then bunted over by Luis Castillo. Jose stole third with a tremendous jump from second. He was then able to score on a weak ground ball by Chris Carter.

Huh?

Speaking of Chris Carter. Jerry Manuel replaced the Animal in the seventh inning with Jeff Francoeur.

Jerry wasn’t completely out of his mind, as he wanted to improve the defense late in the game. I get that.

If this is going to be your plan, then take Carter out of the four hole .

Dubious Streak

David Wright now has a 14 game strike out streak. At first, I thought he was going to break the streak. However, he was completely over matched by Takashi Saito in his last at bat.

In D-Wright’s defense, Saito’s fastball looked un-hittable. Just ask Ike Davis and Rod Barajas. They were also blown away by Saito that inning.

On Deck

The Mets have their ace on the mound with a chance to sweep the series.

Can I even say sweep the series when it is only a two game set?

Johan Santana will face Kris Medlen.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com