If you needed any additional evidence of why Johan Santana is the best pitcher in the game on a day in, day out basis, here it is. Johan Santana’s ranks during 2004-09 Victories 87 First ERA 2.75 First Winning percentage .690 First Strikeouts 1,209 First Opposing batting average .213 First Presence, Swagger, Class, Attitude – First! Santana was initially tied in wins with Roy Oswalt at 86, but passed him on Opening Day. Already first going [...]

The first week of the season has been one of mixed emotions. It has provided us with both sources for optimism as well as reason for concern. Our hitting is off to a good start. Delgado has continued his offensive onslaught from last year, Beltran and Wright are definitely doing their part, Daniel Murphy is hitting just under 300 and Reyes, although a bit sluggish thus far, will soon kick it into high gear. Last [...]

Typically, when a pitcher throws seven scoreless innings and allows just three hits and strikes out thirteen batters, he comes out of it with a win. But, that wasn’t the case today for Johan Santana, Sunday’s hard luck loser. The Mets lost a heartbreaker to the Marlins by a score of 2-1. Both Marlins runs were unearned and the result of a fly ball that dropped out of the glove of Daniel Murphy in the [...]

Buffalo 4, Pawtucket 2 in 15 innings Boy, we’ve had some long games early this season. I believe a 14 inning affair for Savannah, now a 15 inning game in Buffalo, resulting in the Bisons first win. Nick Evans provided the heroics with his first hit of the season, a walkoff 2 run homer in the bottom of the 15th. Jesus Feliciano had the lone multi hit game, while Fernando Martinez (0 for 4, run, [...]

Okay, it’s a silly question, but it just seems he can never catch a break. We all know that a combination of an incredible error and absolutely no bat support did him in once again. How many times did we watch this scenario unfold in 2008! Admittedly, Josh Johnson is becoming Public Enemy #1 as an opposing starter. Wicked, wicked stuff. He’s like a Greg Maddux on Steroids. I think he hurt us at the [...]

One of baseballs greatest charms is how unpredictable it can be at times. We spent an entire off season arguing and debating who out fifth starter would be. When Livan Hernandez was finally tabbed for the job, I’m sure that many of us weren’t entirely thrilled, but as Mets fans we accepted it just the same. Now, after one turn in the rotation, it’s Livan Hernandez who finally gave the Mets the length and endurance [...]

Buffalo 0, Pawtucket 1 Old fashioned pitcher’s duel today between the Sawx and Bisons, with Connor Robertson surrendering the only run of the game (in the 8th). The Bisons were held to 4 hits and 2 walks on the day, it didn’t help that they went 0 for 3 with RISP. 3b Jon Malo 1 for 4, 2b, K, .154 ss Jose Coronado 0 for 3, BB, 2 Ks, .100 dh Fernando Martinez 1 for [...]

No surprise here, but as expected the New York Mets have designated pinch-hitting specialist and reserve outfielder, Marlon Anderson for assignment. The Mets made the announcement this afternoon to make room for tonights starter, Livan Hernandez. If Anderson clears waivers, he can either accept a spot at Triple-A Buffalo or become a free agent. Anderson was 0-for-4 this season at the time of his demotion. And so it goes…

Every year more than dozen new baseball books hit the shelf at this time of the year. If you only have time to read one, then let me suggest Ron Darling’s new book entitled “The Complete Game”. The book is a wonderful look into the life of a major league pitcher. Darling includes his own trials and tribulations as well as his triumphs and accomplishments. One of the things you’ll notice right away is the [...]