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Billy Wagner Drops F-Bombs and Atom Bombs!

2008-05-16T02:30:18Z

Thanks to Steve Popper of the Record for this unnerving heads-up. He quotes Billy Wagner who completely lost it after todays disastrous loss...

"Can somebody tell me why the (bleep) the closer is being interviewed and I didn't even play?" Wagner said, his voice rising. He paused and waved his hand in the direction of the lockers of Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran. "Why they're over there not being interviewed. Oh, I got it. They're gone. (Bleeping) shocker."

Willie Randolph has lost control of this clubhouse! He has got some major issues and the writing is now on the wall...

Steve goes on to say...

With that Wagner stalked out of the room. While a similar episode tagged Paul Lo Duca as a racist last year when he said, "Other guys in this room speak English," this was not a racial split as much as it was a divide between the players who are held accountable and those who bolt. Beltran did speak after the game, something that Wagner probably could not see. But Delgado was gone quickly - and not the only one.

I actually saw the video and the reporters who were there all went into shock!

WOW! The writing is on the wall.. The divide inside this clubhouse was cleverly covered up last season by Omar and Willie. But now it's gotten as vast as the San Andreas Fault. Willie might be the first one to fall into the crack, but Omar can't be too far behind. My gut tells me that neither will step foot onto Citi Field next spring. It's the end of the world as we know it!

It's amazing how most of the Mets offenders darted out of the clubhouse faster than Aaron Heilman can blow a game. I'm talking about Castillo, Delgado, Reyes and just about everyone not named Wagner, Wright, Church and Schneider.

Things are getting ugly in Flushing and with the Yankees just ahead, it can only get worse. Somebody save us please!

Willie Should Concentrate On Winning Today Not Tomorrow

2008-05-16T00:31:11Z

Willie has it all wrong... He needs to wake up and smell the coffee...

Yesterday, his excuse for bringing in Aaron Heilman, a move that cost the Mets a win, was that he wanted to get a couple of innings out of him, so the bullpen would be rested for the weekend.

What's he thinking?

Why not worry about winning the game at hand first? Isn't that the way it oughta' be?

To make matters infinitely worse, after that disappointing loss he decides to give Moises Alou the day off today. The reason? He wanted Moises Alou to rest up for the weekend.

Mind boggling...

Here is what Moises Alou had to say, he was just as dumbfounded as the rest of us...

"Maybe because I got thrown out after two at-bats on Wednesday, you guys figured I would play. I thought the same way. Willie told me he wanted to rest me for the weekend. Unfortunately, it looks bad now because we lost 1-0. Tough luck for me and Willie."

I think the fat lady has been spotted at Shea Stadium...

Quick Willie, go hide the microphone...

Game Recap: Nationals 1 -- Mets 0

2008-05-15T20:36:49Z

This game went from promising to frustrating very quick.

Mike Pelfrey was sensational as he carried a no hitter through the sixth inning and into the seventh. Unfortunately for the Mets and Pelfrey, Aaron Boone led off the 7th inning with a single to right field to break up the no-hitter.

What else can I say about this? He walked three, eventually allowing three hits and one earned run through 7 2-3 of an inning. Pelfrey struck out four during his stint on the bump.

If his start against the Reds was telling of things to come, I can only imagine how he'll follow up this performance. Amazing, simply amazing. I'm very pleased by his poise on the mound his last few starts. He's really starting to blossom into everything the Mets thought he could be. Go Big Pelf!

The only run of the game came in the top of the 8th, as Jesus Flores doubled to lead off the inning. After pinch hitter Willie Harris, who would play a huge role in the next inning sacrificed Flores to third, Felipe Lopez hit a long fly ball to left field, deep enough to score Flores for the game's only run.

They executed this inning perfectly. Hats off to them. Wish the Mets could do that once in a while.

Jason Bergmann, a product of Rutgers University, matched zero's with Pelfrey the entire day. Bergman ended up going seven strong, allowing only thee hits and walking two while fanning nine. The Mets had huge chances in the 8th and 9th, but nice plays by the Nationals and bad luck for New York foiled their chances.

Jose Reyes led off the 8th inning with a swinging bunt up along the third base line. Luis Castillo was up next, and laid down a beauty of a sacrifice bunt to move Reyes to second. Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman came in to field the bunt, so third base was unoccupied. Reyes spotted this and took off for third. Again, unfortunately for the Mets, short stop Christian Guzman saw the vacant base and took off a few steps ahead of Reyes. A perfect throw from Aaron Boone from first to Guzman on the run, and a behind the back tag nailed Reyes for the second out, killing any rally in the 8th.

I like the idea, but not the execution. Man on second, one out with your 3, 4, 5 hitters coming up is something you kill for. Bringing the man to third would be nice, but only if you're absolutely sure you're going to make it. Reyes should have only taken off if Guzman was unaware of the empty bag.

In the ninth, with Carlos Beltran on first after leading off with a single, Ryan Church came to the plate and blooped a ball down the left field line. Harris, who as mentioned earlier was brought on in the 8th and laid down a successful sacrifice to help bring in the only run, made an absolutely amazing diving backhand grab on the foul line in left to erase Church and chase Beltran back to first.

Absolutely amazing. One of the best catches I've ever seen.

The bad luck wasn't done for the Mets in the 9th. With Carlos Delgado batting, Beltran broke for second, Flores popped up and airmailed the ball into centerfield, allowing Beltran to move all the way to third base with only one out. A few pitches later, Delgado smoked a ball to the right side, where Boone made a very nice catch at first. Beltran had broke for home on the ball, and was easily doubled up off the bag to end the game.

Rough game to cap off a rough series. You have to count on plays not going your way and need to cash in on the opportunities handed to you. Dropping three out of four to the Nationals is not good. Not good at all.

This has to be the most heartbreaking and frustrating loss all year.

Game Ball: Pelfrey, without a doubt.

Mets Mailbag: Will Mets ever retire Piazza's Number?

2008-05-15T17:56:44Z

Isn't it unfair that the Mets have to play the Yankees six times every year, while the other teams in the division play lesser teams?

In one word, YES... However the problems with scheduling since the insertion of Interleague play and the 3 division format goes much deeper then interleague play. For example last season the Mets played a combined 17 games vs. the Diamondbacks and Dodgers two above .500 teams while the Phillies played 12 total games vs. those two teams. On the other end Mets played 13 combined games vs. the Cardinals and Giants two teams with losing records, while the Phillies played those two teams a combined 17 times. MLB can easily fix this problem by expanding to 32 teams, return to a two division format of 8 teams in each division with 16 teams in each league. Many will question the idea of adding an additional 50 major league roster spots, however this too can be solved by cutting rosters to 24 (the same as AAA and AA) which would only add 18 new total major league jobs.

Do you think the Mets will ever retire the numbers of Keith Hernandez or Mike Piazza?

I think the Mets where holding off on retiring any numbers until they where to move into a new stadium. The Wilpon’s have indicated that they plan to unveil tributes to players and moments of the past in the next few years at Citi Field. While they haven’t made any of their plans known to the public I believe these plans will include retiring a number or two.

Randolph Needs to Learn that Nice Guys Finish LAST

2008-05-15T17:18:43Z

I have to. I just have to. I couldn't sleep all night thinking about the mess that happened last night. True, with few minor exceptions, the Mets bats were not awake until the latter part of the game, but the end result would have been enough to win or at least force extra innings and have a shot at winning had Heilman not loused things up again. I blame Heilman for not pitching well. But I also blame Willie for yanking Vargas so quickly.

As Lee Mazzilli said on the post game show, it's possible that Willie and Claudio had an understanding before the inning started that if he allows a base runner, he would be pulled. But why even stir that notion? He walked a guy and he was taken out. Heilman gives up the go-ahead run, walks a batter and then gives up a few more, and he remains in? Earth to Willie. Vargas should have been given an opportunity to get out of his own mess, if you want to call it that, since he pitched so brilliantly all night. I think he earned that. It's sad that he didn't get a win, but what's even more sad is that he took the loss.

Heilman now needs to be used in situations that don't matter - a blowout in either direction, etc. He needs to learn how to pitch again. He needs to learn how to deal with the ups and downs of the game.

Willie's post-game addressing of the media needs an overhaul. I don't know why they even waste their time. I'll give the interview: "So-and-so didn't get the job done tonight... we left too many ducks on the pond... they're a good team but we didn't come out fighting tonight... blah, blah, blah!" His lips are moving but I'm not hearing anything. After a while, I just drown him out. Eventually I flip the channel or use the picture-in-picture feature to minimize the hurt - literally and figuratively.

I love this team. I love them so much, that it hurts me so much to say it, but the Mets are going nowhere this year. I am not a pessimist. I am not anything less than a die-hard fan and supporter. But I am also not a moron and know when to admit the obvious. I hope I am proven wrong.

Who Am I? I'm Batting .355 With 4 Homers And A 1.298 OPS This Season

2008-05-15T16:57:24Z

That's right Mets fans, you read that right...

I'm batting .355 with four game winning homeruns and currently have a 1.298 OPS!

In just 31 at-bats I have driven in 13 runners and I own a .459 On-Base Percentage while sporting a .896 Slugging Percentage!

Do you know who I am??

I am the New York Mets' worst nightmare.

If you prorate my numbers over 500 at-bats this is what you get...

.355 Batting Average - 59 Homeruns - 185 RBI's - We're talking MVP numbers!

I own you..

Give up?

I am a compilation of all the left handed hitters that have come to bat against Aaron Heilman this season!

You guys might hate Aaron Heilman right now but I love him! I love Willie Randolph too for continuing to put Aaron Heilman out there whenever I come up to bat. They may be your worst nightmare, but to me they are a dream come true!

Game Preview: Nationals vs Mets

2008-05-15T16:33:33Z

The Mets try to get the split today as they end their four game set with the Nationals. The Nationals have Bergman today who has not been effective yet this season. In three games, two started, he has pitched 12.1 innings and has an ERA of 11.68 (bringing him to an 0-1 record). Last year, he was very effective against the Mets. He went 1-1 in two games pitching 12.2 innings, striking out 9, walking 4 and posting a 2.84 ERA. Some Mets vs Bergrman:
    Beltran 5-11, 2B, 3B, HR
    Wright 1-11
    Reyes 3-9, HR, 3B
The Mets have Pelfrey taking the mound today. Pelfrey has had some issues lately, but hopefully he will bring back his good stuff today. He has pitched against the Nationals once already this year and it was a fantastic start. In 7 innings he walked 2, struck out 4 and did not allow any runs. Thats the Pelfrey we want to see today. Some Nationals vs Pelfrey:
    Belliard 3-15
    Kearns 5-14, HR
    Zimmerman 4-14
    Lopez 2-5
If the Mets offense is awake today, and if the bullpen is strong today, no problem getting the win. Those are both things that are easier said than done though.
Lets Go Mets!

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Redding Says "We've Got The Mets Number"

2008-05-15T13:00:25Z

Last night after the game and during the post game coverage, SNY stuck a mic in front of winning pitcher Tim Redding who went on to stick a fork into the Mets.

"There's something about the Mets that makes us play harder against them. We were a reason for there collapse and to know we can beat them makes us feel good. We know how to overcome their style of play. We always look forward to playing the Mets."

It's pretty sad when a team as bad as the Nationals can come out and pretty much say they own us.

Does this fall on the manager? The players?

Does anyone else feel like the Marlins are licking their chops waiting for the next opportunity to take some jabs at us too?

Video: Mets Invite Keith Olbermann To Check Out New Stadium

2008-05-15T12:20:44Z

Pretty interesting video with a cool look at Citi Field.

Game Recap: Nationals 5 -- Mets 3

2008-05-15T02:33:46Z

I have to be blunt. Aaron Heilman blew it again and this loss is all on his back.

Claudio Vargas was downright impressive in his first start with the Mets. He threw 6 1-3 innings, allowing only one run while on the mound and another was charged to him later on in the inning. He gave up three hits, walking four, while striking out six.

I had my expectations set very low for him, but he surprised me, as I'm sure he surprised you. Well done, Vargas. You earned yourself another start, at the least.

Vargas was handed a lead in the fifth inning when Brian Schneider homered to right field, right off the 1988 NL Division Champs banner for the first run of the game.

I'm very pleased by Schneider's hitting ability. Great to see some pop out of this guy who was billed as a "defensive catcher."

Vargas handed the lead right back, allowing Ryan Zimmerman to crank one off the front of the mezzanine level to tie the game up at 1-1.

Vargas was pulled from the game after issuing a one out walk to Elijah Dukes. Aaron Heilman was called in from the bullpen to try and finish out the inning. The Mets eventually recorded three outs, thanks to Joe Smith, but not before the Nationals scored four runs to take the lead.

All the runs came with two outs, and I believe Heilman had two strikes on every batter he faced. He was even ahead 0-2 on Jesus Flores before allowing an RBI single to him.

Heilman needs a change of scenery. New Orleans or another organization, take your pick.

The Mets rally attempts fizzled out too early, as they scored one run in the 7th and 8th innings, but couldn't scratch out anymore. Schneider picked up another RBI with a ground ball to first base, allowing Endy Chavez to score. Carlos Beltran brought home the Mets final run, singling to right and plating Marlon Anderson.

The Mets went down in order in the ninth inning, striking out twice.

This team has fire, but it's equivalent to a cigarette lighter when they need a bonfire. Spurts are shown here and there, but overall, it's just not there. Moises Alou showed a bit of emotion and fire when he was ejected in the fifth after being called out on strikes. Alou immediately slammed his bat into the ground and was ejected seconds later by home plate umpire Dana Demuth.

You have to beat up on last place teams, and now they're heading into tomorrow's matinee hoping for a split of the series, at best. Not good.

Game Ball: Schneider

For those wondering, my site is in the process of switching servers, and I think I made a boo-boo. Hopefully I'll be back up and operational sometime tomorrow. Thanks.

Do You Trust Heilman In A Close Game?

2008-05-15T01:40:58Z

Willie Randolph inherited the wrath of the fans tonight when he came out to take the ball from Aaron Heilman who had just allowed four Nationals to cross the plate and take the lead in the seventh inning.

The boos were twice as loud and twice as thunderous than the ones that greeted Heilman as he walked back to the dugout.

For some reason Willie keeps sending Heilman out in close games, only to take him out minutes later and usually after at least a couple of more runs have scored.

Keith Hernandez said it all tonight, "If you wanna win the division, you have to beat up on second division teams."

How can the Mets do that if they continue to make the same mistakes?

Does anybody else besides me want Heilman to fall prey to an alien abduction?

Hey Yankee Fans, Joba Couldn't Hold Joe Smith's Jock Strap

2008-05-14T21:17:47Z

I'm so sick and tired of hearing about how great Joba Chamberlain is. The guy is a freaking clown and fits right in with that magical Yankee mystique.

His antics on the mound are as overly dramatic and ridiculous as they come. I could see if this guy had years and years of accomplishments at the Major League level, but let's face it, what exactly has he done? In his one shining moment in the spotlight he got done in by some gnats.

Joe Smith is every bit as good as Joba Chamberlain plus he's got him beat by a landslide in class.

	G	IP	H	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA
Joe Smith	18	16	12	5	0	5	17	2.81
Joba Chamberlain	15	16	11	5	1	6	16	2.76

The best thing about Joe Smith is that he conducts himself like a true professional. When he takes the mound he's all business. He is usually bought in to pitch with guys on base and when the pressure is on. Joba on the other hand, comes in during the eight inning with a clean slate, no runners on base, and only when the Yankees are leading.

Joe Smith has never been handled with kids gloves either. There never were any "Smith Rules" instituted to baby his arm. He comes in and pitches his ass off day in and day out, including, "back to back to back" appearances and he never complains.

The numbers don't lie. Statistically they are exact equals except Joe Smith's head isn't shaped like a mutant pineapple.

The Subway Series is just around the corner and I wanted to get the party started with some positional and player comparisons. This one was just an appetizer! Tomorrow I will show you why Ryan Church is the best outfielder in New York and why Johan Santana and John Maine are the best 1-2 punch in the East!

First Blood - John "Rambo" Maine Shows Heart

2008-05-14T20:20:15Z

When I watched John Maine groove that first pitch right at Felipe Lopez, I had to stand up and watch it again as they played it in slow-mo. I couldn't believe what I was seeing...

For the first time since forever it seems, a Met pitcher actually threw a purpose pitch. It was revenge from the night before when several National's players led by Elijah Dukes, heckled the former Mets starter Nelson Figueroa. A livid Figueroa made light of their antics after the game and referred to them as a bunch of "softball girls".

During the rest of the game that night, the Mets lost a stinker and not once did any Met retaliate in anyway to the circus taking place in their own home park. Not one!

Enter John Maine...

It didn't take our "new stopper" longer than 5 seconds to retaliate and exact revenge on the lowly Nats. First he did it with some "chin music", then he followed that up with yet another stellar performance. He improved his record to a team leading 5-2 while trimming his ERA to an impressive 2.81.

In my opinion, John Maine is the heart and soul of this pitching staff. he took on that role after throwing that gem during his last start of the 2007 season. While the rest of the team was bailing out, Maine was stepping it up. Those are the times in which leaders are born., giving it your best effort when the odds are stacked against you.

What Maine did last night will hopefully open some eyes in that clubhouse. Maine has got swagger. Something the Mets have lacked since Carlos Beltran stared at a called strike three during the 2006 NLCS.

Maine is the reason I am so forgiving of any bad moves Omar Minaya makes. His acquisition erases a ton of bad moves as far as I am concerned. Maybe it's time to start talking about a nice long contract extension for Maine...

We can officially laugh at all the experts who called Maine a fluke in the past two years. It goes to show you how much they know. They make their judgments based on on stats and skills, but they forget the most important thing of all... HEART!

Game Preview: Nationals vs Mets

2008-05-14T19:23:41Z

Tonight the Mets and Nats continue their four game set with a duel between Redding and Vargas. Redding has already pitched against the Mets this year while this will be the first start for Vargas this year.
In the last game Redding pitched against the Mets, he lasted 5 innings, gave up 3 runs, walked 3 and struck out 4 on his way to a loss. In 2007, he pitched against the Mets twice, getting two ND's over 10 innings pitched, 5 earned runs, 5 walks and 10 strikeouts. Here are some Mets vs Redding stats:

    Alou 5 -20, 2B
    Anderson 1-12, HR
    Reyes 4-11, 3B
    Wright 2-7, HR
    Beltran 4-6, HR
    Delgado 0-4

Needless to say, if for some reason, the Mets need a pinch hitter tonight against Redding, it is very unlikely that Anderson by these numbers will get the nod. When you look at these numbers as a whole, they do not seem particularly great, but they don't seem horrible. Generally, thats a good sign.

Vargas pitched for the Brewers last year where he started 23 of his 29 games. During that span he went 11-6, 134.1 innings, and posted a 5.09 ERA. He pitched a game against the Nationals last year and he did very well. He picked up a no decision over 6 innings, allowed one run, walked two and struck out 4. He has pitched three games and 16 innings in the minors so far this season posting a 3.94 ERA, one walk and 17 strikeouts. Here are some National stats vs Vargas:

    Kearns 1-10
    Lopez 4-8, 3 HR (.375 Homer Average)
    Zimmerman 0-6

In 9 seasons, Lopez has only hit 66 homeruns. 3 of those homers (out of 4 hits) have come off of Vargas, or 5% of the homeruns Lopez has hit have come from Vargas pitches. So Vargas should be careful with him tonight.
Lets Go Mets!

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Let's Go, Metsies, Let's Go! (clap, clap)

2008-05-14T16:38:47Z

What the hell was with the Nationals Monday night, specifically, Elijah Dukes and Lenny Harris? It was like little league out there. A last place team chanting in the dugout, during a meaningless game, as each player stepped into the batter’s box. Were they that bored? That cold? Figueroa had the perfect response, if you were observant enough to read his lips as he walked off the mound at the end of the inning. But seriously, was that necessary? Leave it up to the fans - that’s their job! I think most Mets fans would agree that when John Maine hit the first batter he faced last night, a little retaliation was behind it. Good for Maine! (Boy, I just love a controversy!)

Ok, now that that’s out of the way, good choice keeping Smith here and designating Sosa. His time was up, at least for now, and he had to go. I wish things would have worked out better for Figueroa, though. I think being a Brooklyn native and a Mets fan growing up, it would have been great for him, the team and the fans if he was here. But I am sure that we have not seen the last of him. And I am sure he will only improve as he works towards a return later in the year.

As far as the team - where they stand, how they are playing, etc. – no need to beat a dead horse. I think most other bloggers who posted already today (and in days past) have covered it all. And yes, while I have been known to repeat my self (and others), I’m just not in the mood for it today. The bottom line is, this team needs to be consistent and start putting together big innings (which they have, to an extent), longer winning streaks and quality performances. They win one, they lose one. I don’t know about you, but that causes me to ask the question, which is the fluke and which is the real deal? Is this team just so-so or do they have what it takes?

I know it’s only May. Then it will be only June. Then before you know it, it’s already September and the team is 72 and 68 and in fourth place behind the Marlins, Phillies and Braves, and no hope is in sight. Then we are right back in the position we were last year, and no fan – neither you, nor I, or anyone else – is going to put up with that again.