27
2011
Spring Notes: Ollie Blames The Sun, Give Mookie No. 1, Gee’s Impressive Stint
An article by Hojo's Mojo
Sunday Night Spring Notes
After allowing all four runs in the Mets 5-4 win over the Braves on Sunday, Oliver Perez had plenty of excuses. “I think they took more pitches, and I think most of the pitches were around the home plate, and that’s why I walked those three guys.” He also blamed nerves, “ I felt a little nervous, you know, my first time, my first outing, I was excited and nervous … at the same time.” The sun was also at fault, “Because in the past week, we’ve been working hard, and I think everybody is kind of tired a little bit, because it was very sunny.” This is kind of comical.
Anthony DiComo writes that Mookie Wilson doesn’t look right wearing No. 53 — or for that matter, any number other than 1. I totally agree with him. A clubhouse guest suggested Sunday that Luis Castillo might be better off giving his No. 1 to the coach and finding a degree of anonymity in wearing 53.
Dillon Gee might be the underdog in the 5-way battle for the last two spots in the rotation, but his performance on Sunday could change that. Gee pitched 2 1-3 hitless innings and fanned four batters while walking one. Pitching coach Dan Warthen had this to say, “He’s come on nicely. He’s a working man’s pitcher, a blue-collar guy. He put up some very good numbers last year against teams in contention.”
Sunday Morning Spring Notes
In yesterday’s exhibition opener against the Braves, Jenrry Mejia allowed just one hit and an unearned run in two innings of work while walking none and striking out three. He displayed a much improved changeup and an outstanding curveball that drew high praise from manager Terry Collins. It’s obvious too many that as good and as electric Mejia was last season, he has shown more refinement and an ability to spot his pitches better thus far this spring.
Luis Castillo looked solid in the field and at the plate in yesterdays game. He is somewhat baffled that after all his time in the majors, he’s being treated like a rookie. “I have 15 years in the big leagues,” Castillo said after Friday’s Grapefruit League opener. “This is my 16th year, and I feel like a rookie right now. I have to show I can still play.”
Leftfielder Jason Bay got his first game action in nearly seven months when he took the field in yesterday’s spring opener and played four innings. “I’ve felt good for a while,” said Bay. “What was pleasantly surprising was it didn’t feel like I was trying to overcome anything. I just kind of felt like I was going out there and getting ready. And I guess that’s a good thing.”
The Mets will play two games this afternoon – one against the University of Michigan at Digital Domain Park, and the other against the Braves in Lake Buena Vista. Here are the lineups for this afternoons action.
Mets vs. University of Michigan 12:10
1. Jose Reyes SS
2. Luis Castillo 2B
3. David Wright 3B
4. Jason Bay LF
5. Fernando Martinez RF
6. Nick Evans 1B
7. Jason Pridie CF
8. Dusty Ryan C
9. Kai Gronauer DH
Chris Capuano (4-4, 3.95 ERA in 2010) will start for the Mets, Dillon Gee, Taylor Tankersley, Bobby Parnell, Blaine Boyer, and Tim Byrdak to follow.
Mets vs. Braves 1:05 PM SNY, WFAN
1. Willie Harris LF
2. Angel Pagan RF
3. Daniel Murphy 2B
4. Ike Davis 1B
5. Scott Hairston CF
6. Justin Turner 3B
7. Josh Thole C
8. Val Pascucci DH
9. Ruben Tejada SS
Chris Young (2-0, 0.90 ERA) will start for the Mets, Oliver Perez, Pat Misch, Boof Bonser, Ryota Igarashi, and Mike O’Connor to follow.
It will be interesting to get our first glimpse of Chris Young today, who throw two innings, and we’ll also get to see if Oliver Perez is as improved as everyone is saying he is.
About the Author: Rob Johnson
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 24 | 18 | .571 | - |
| Nationals | 23 | 20 | .535 | 1.5 |
| Phillies | 20 | 23 | .465 | 4.5 |
| Mets | 16 | 24 | .400 | 7.0 |
| Marlins | 11 | 32 | .256 | 13.5 |
Last updated: 05/18/2013
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It’s too bad that Luis feels he’s having to prove himself but this lack of depth and competition has kept ALL the starting players way too comfortable for way too long. The Organization has to become known for having 2nd, 3rd and even 4th options if need be regardless if there on the 25, 40, AA, A+.
It’s probably more that it’s a rule 5, a guy with no position and a guy who was waived last year that is providing the competition. Almost like he’s being singled out but a 2B with no power, a high OB guy but only when the bases are empty with limited range in the field at 34 years of age isn’t really as great an option as you would like.
I Believe I predicted that Castillo was going to come out and impress, and make fools of all the Mets fans who don’t care if he’s the best option at 2B and just want him gone and sure enough he did.
Also, where are the Fernando Martinez is a “bust” people today? The only thing that was a bust yesterday was the cover of the baseball after he hit it.
Murphy and Emaus, the ball is in your court today, let’s see if you two are even going to put up a fight or just let Castillo coast into the 2B job.
Why don’t we just cancel the rest of ST and start the regular season tomorrow?
how about we just count today’s game too, so we are a game up on the braves!
Fern’s HR was off a BP fastball, don’t get too excited. He doesn’t get his legs into the pitch, strikes out a lot, brushes the top of the ball when he doesn’t K and has lost his speed at 22. His hitting is all wrist, nothing else. His swing and stance should have been reworked a long time ago.
Please change your name to either
I am t agee and i hate every single met
or
I hate every met brought into the org by omar minaya
or
I am the moron who has humiliated the name of the great Tommie Agee.
PS: If you knew 1% of what you claim to know why you are hiding your Met hatred behind your keyboard? Why aren’t you the manager? Because you are a Met hater, plain and simple.
Harry C. — has anyone of your gender ever suffered from PMS as you do? Or are you the first? Really Harry, you’re a trip1!!
Well Des I am so glad that you are having fun. That’s what these sites are for. But all we can do is poke fun back and forth because there are two camps in mets land. The Sandy is perfect camp so you are a jerk if you don’t bleed Sandy orange and blue; and the Sandy is mortal camp and you are an idiot if you buy into every little move he makes. So enjoy the trash talk…. You get a B+ for your effort today.
No Harry you lump people into two camps but there are many more than you propose.
For one you lump anyone whi is not as Pissed off as you as Saber Sandy Acolytes.
Not true the majority of us don’t see a need to trash the GM based on moves he has made this year that have yet to even have a chance by you to show they were failed moves.
You obviously a Black and White simpleton. Either you are with me or your a brainwashed idiot!
Thats your method for selecting friends and enemies apparently.
Some people here actually have an OPEN MIND!
But I can understand those that don’t. I mean you have to have a mind to be opened first!
Harry C before the economy tanked and he lost his job…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rdu3dA2RdTA&feature=related
Ollie’s comments are a joke? Right? Please?
He seems serious to me.
“I think the second inning, they took more pitches, and I think most of the pitches were around the home plate. But when it was a real good pitch with two strikes, they took it. And that’s why I walked those three guys. … They took really goods [at-bats], and sometimes you have to tip your hat.”
“I felt a little nervous, you know, my first time, my first outing, I was excited and nervous … at the same time, but I think that’s very important for everybody, making that first step. That was not what I wanted, but you just go to take it easy, and try to be ready for the next game.”
“Right now, I feel really good, I know my velocity’s not there — that’s why I’m working so hard, that’s why I want to win, try to feel real good with all my pitches. I know my velocity’s not there yet, but I think that’s why I have to work, keep working, trying to go more in the game and try to have that velocity back.”
“Because in the past week, we’ve been working hard, and I think everybody is kind of tired a little bit, because it was very sunny, But it’s Spring Training — trying to get ready and trying to build confidence in all your pitches for the season.”
“I feel really good. I know that was a tough inning, and I think they scored two runs, and after that, we make an out at third base [in a rundown], but after that I felt real good. I feel confident with the lefties, with my sidearm. This is my first outing, and I just have to be ready for next one and try to get better.”
It’s enough to make you want to puke. I don’t care if they owe him $50 million, they need to cut him loose. It is getting to the point where I am starting to blame Alderson for keeping him around. Enough already Sandy, for cryin’ out loud!
Someone should point out to Ollie that those pitches that are AROUND the plate are called BALLS and if he wants to get someone out he needs to get a little closer than AROUND the plate!
I think the guy had a hit in the head or something, Maybe Bay’s concussion was contagious or something!
Well Luis That kinda sums up your time as a Met doesn’t, nothing to prove just wanna sit back and do what you want and collect that check. Actually I’m not that over the top with him but he shouldn’t be surprised that the team is looking for ways to be more consistent offensivly. Ollie is a lost cause it’s a shame though. As far as Fmart he isn’t a bust yet but he’s not going to be on the 25 man unless there is an injury. He still hasn’t played a full year of ball so I think it’s best to reserve judgment until he is a full time major leaguer.
Ollie blames the sun!!! Reminds me of when Billy Loes, the Dodgers talented young pitcher or yesteryear, blamed the sun for not fielding a comeback grounder in the 1952 World Series. After being behind late in the game, the Yankees tied it up on Loes’ miscue. They went on to win the game and the Series.
Billy was a bit of a flake and he enjoyed, I think, his one-liners, as much as the more famous Yogi did. Billy passed away this past year.
I don’t have a problem with a player who makes an error on an individual play because of the sun. However, I do have a problem with a player who can’t perform up to par because he is tired by being exposed to a few days of sun. Ollie is a wimp, pure and simple. Will he ever toughen up? The answer is simply NO!
Ollie is simply a test of Alderson’s veracity. If he is a man of his word, Ollie will be gone. Let’s see how this works out. The Mets still need to prove to me that they will cut a hgih price player who doesn’t perform. Ollie is that test. Will FW stifle Alderson and keep Ollie and his overpriced salry on the roster? I say he does and the Mets will effectively have a 24 man roster as Collins will not use him except for a few worthless innings here and there. Prove me wrong Sandy!
DAMN GOOD THING IT WASN’T RAINING OR HE MAY HAVE NOT STOPPED @ WALKING 3 CONSECUTIVE WITH 2 OUTS, WHAT’S MORE WORRISOME WAS TC’s COMMENT THAT HE WAS FINE WHEN HE WAS AHEAD OF THE HITTERS NEEDING ONLY A COUPLE OF PITCHES EACH TO DO THEM IN, NOW THATR’S DILLUSIONAL IN A MANNER THAT WILLBE QUICKLY DISPELLED IF NOT BY OLLIE HIMSELF, BY WARTHEN & THE FANS. HOPFULLY SOONER RATHER THAN LATER. I WONDER WHAT THE OUTCOME WOULD BE SHOULD THE TEAM NOT RELEASE HIM AND BARELY ACKNOWLEWGE HIM OTHER THAN ISSUING HIS PAYCHECKS, BY TELLING OLLIE HE NEED NOT EVER REPORT TO PLAY EITHER HOME OR ROAD, AS LONG AS THEY’RE PAYING HIM I’M NOT CERTAIN WHAT GROUNDS A GRIEVANCE WOULD HAVE; BUT I DON’T DOUBT BORAS’ CREATIVITY.
THIS IS A CONTUINUING TRAGEDY THAT THREATENS THE ENTIRE FRANCHISE. HOW CAN THERY POSSIBLY CONSIDER WRITING A 12M CHECK WHEN THET WERE SO DESPERATE TO PICKPOOCKET SELIG FOR 25?(UNLESS THEY ACTUALLY HAD THE FORESIGHT TO FACTOR BOTH RELEASES IN)(ANOTHER QUESTION IS, DID THEY THINK TO APPROACH CITI FOR A DISCOUNTED ADVANCE ON THE NAMING PAYMENT FOR A YR OR 2?)
ADD IN LUIS & U GET A POSIDON ADVENTURE FLUSHING STYLE! FORGET “MAN OVER BOARD!” THE ENTIRE FRANCHISE IS TEETERING ON TURNING TURTLE! GRANT WAS NEVER THIS INCOMPETANT & I’VE ALWAYS SKEEVED MY PERCEPTIONS OF HIM