Mets Merized Online

The Mets conclude their season with a three game series against the Houston Astros.  For over a month, I have just been waiting for this horrendous season to end.  Come Monday though, I will anxiously waiting for next spring.  I will spend the playoffs rooting for whoever plays the Phillies or Yankees.  I will spend the rest of the winter watching the three other major sports – but nothing will compare to my love for baseball, particularly Mets baseball.

Unlike the previous two years, there is not much interesting to see in these final games.  Of the many questions to be answered in the offseason, John Maine’s future with the Mets is key.  He will make his final start on Friday, and show how his recovery is going.  Other then that, not much really stands out as meaningful – most of the team is on the disabled list, and other questions won’t be answered in the final three games.  It would be nice for David Wright to smack a couple homeruns, and for K-Rod to strike out the side for a save this weekend.

Probable Starters

Friday: Wandy Rodriguez (14-11, 2.97) @ John Maine (6-6, 4.72)
Saturday: Wilton Lopez (0-0, 8.44) @ Pat Misch (2-4, 4.71)
Sunday: Yorman Bazardo (1-2, 8.23) @ Nelson Figueroa (2-8, 4.70)

Prediction

Mets take series two games to one

Conclusions 2009

-Brian Schneider should probably retire; Omir Santos was a nice surprise this year at times but at best he should be a backup;  Josh Thole is close, but not ready for the major leagues.
-Luis Castillo is still capable of contributing, even starting if the lineup around him is very good.
-A team needs more then one backup infielder capable of fielding the shortstop position.
-Daniel Murphy does not hit enough to play everyday at first base – but I feel he could be a valuable utility guy.
-The Jeff Francoeur trade will prove valuable next year
-Angel Pagan is a very nice fourth outfielder.
-Players I don’t want to see back next year: Tim Redding, Brian Schneider, Sean Green, Ramon Martinez, Cory Sullivan

If you are still watching most of the Mets games right now, I would have to consider you a hardcore fan.  There hasn’t been much to look forward to the past few weeks, as the team roster has been reduced to a Triple A squad.  The injuries never end, and the disabled list has become a black hole.

The Mets start September with a three game series against the Colorado Rockies.  The start of September signals the expansion of rosters – which will give the Mets an opportunity to see some of their future.  If all this news about the financial woes are true – the current group of prospects are going to play an even more important role.  So far only one prospect has been called up – catcher Josh Thole.  With Binghamton, he hit .328, with 29 doubles and 46 RBIs.  He is probably a year away from being major league ready, but it should be interesting seeing him in action against Major Leaguers.

David Wright should also be back Tuesday, after missing two plus weeks with a concussion.  It will be interesting watching if he makes any changes in his hitting approach because of the incident.  A more optimistic view is that this is the first stretch in his career he has had off, so it could refresh his physical and mental state.

The Rockies, on the other hand are tied for the Wildcard with the Giants.  On Monday night, they acquired former White Sox pitcher Jose Contreras.  Colorado will be looking at this series as an oppurtunity to beat an injury plaqued team and take over the Wild Card lead.
This series can still be exciting for a Mets fan – Josh Thole will make his debut, David Wright is back, and the Mets have a chance to ruin another teams playoffs hopes.

Probable Starters

Tuesday: Mike Pelfrey (9-9, 4.80) @ Jorge De La Rosa (12-9, 4.72)
Wednesday: Tim Redding (2-4, 5.94) @ Ubaldo Jimenez (12-10, 3.33)
Thursday: Pat Misch (0-1, 3.41) @ Jason Marquis (14-9, 3.60)

Predictions

Game 1: Mets 7 Rockies 5
Game 2: Rockies 6 Mets 5
Game 3: Mets 5 Rockies 4 (12 Innings)

The Mets begin a seven game road trip starting tonight against the San Diego Padres.  Although any chance at going to the postseason is probably out of the question, if the team could pull it off – there is not better team to face than the San Diego Padres.  The Padres have scored the fewest runs in baseball, and have a team batting average of .235.  As long as the offense can hold their own, and Oliver Perez doesn’t allow all his runs on walks – the Mets should find success.  History doesn’t support that though, as we all still remember the disaster that happened in last years trip to PETCO Park.

Earlier today, the Mets re-aquired Anderson Hernandez.  Although I don’t see him impacting the team in any major way – I would much rather have a young, good defensive player with some potential, rather then a has been like Angel Berreo.

At this point, the Mets chances are looking pretty bleak.  I don’t want the players on the field to quit – but management needs to start looking towards the future.  Rushing our injured players back – especially the ones who figure into the long term plans – would be a mistake.  Jose Reyes should probably be shut down for the year.  Players such as Daniel Murphy should be out there everyday showing what they got.

Probable Pitchers

Thursday: Livan Hernandez (7-5, 4.77) @ Clayton Richard (4-3, 4.47)

Friday: Oliver Perez (2-3, 7.03) @ Kevin Correia (7-9, 4.73)

Saturday: TBD @ Mat Latos (3-1, 2.66)

Sunday: Johan Santana (12-8, 3.10) @ Tim Stauffer (1-3, 3.12)

Matchups

Adrian Gonzalez against Oliver Perez, Johan Santana & Pedro Feliciano 4 for 21,  11 K
David Wright against Kevin Correia 6 for 8, 2 HR

Prediction

In all likelyhood, the Mets should salvage at least a split of the series.  If the bats stay alive, then taking three out of four isn’t too much of a stretch.

Mets take series 3 games to 1

The Mets are hoping that the All Star break is what they needed to turn this season around and give his weary troops a much needed physical and mental rest.  The Mets went into the break taking their last two games, coinciding with their newest acquisition Jeff Francoeur being in the lineup.  Omar Minaya is hoping the trade will shake things up enough to hang in there long enough for the return of Carlos Delgado and Jose Reyes.

The Mets will lead off the post All Star break against the Atlanta Braves – the team they made the Francoeur/Church trade with.  Hopefully, it will be Francoeur hurting his former team, and not Ryan Church.  It is a bit of irony that Oliver Perez will start the first game coming out of the break.  His season in many ways parallels the Mets first half – and if the Mets are going to turn around in the second half, he is going to have to be a big part of it.

How the Mets perform this first week is going to be vital in determining if Omar Minaya is going to go out and find additional help.  One thing is for sure – and that is we need Reyes, Delgado, and Beltran back in the lineup as soon as possible for this season to have any chance of being salvaged.

Pitching Matchup

Thursday: Oliver Perez (2-2, 8.78) @ Derek Lowe (8-7, 4.39)
Friday: Mike Pelfrey (7-4, 4.47) @ Jair Jurrjens (7-7, 2.91)
Saturday: Johan Santana (10-7, 3.09) @ Kenshin Kawakami (5-6, 4.26)
Sunday: Fernando Nieve (3-3, 3.03) @ Javier Vazquez (6-7, 2.95)

Matchups

Oliver Perez (10-7, 2.85) in July
Chipper Jones (.423, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 26 AB) against Oliver Perez
Brian McCann (.400, 3 RBI, 20 AB) against Mike Pelfrey
Johan Santana (58-17, 2.70) post All Star Break
Johan Santana (0-4, 2.31) against Atlanta
Matt Diaz (.556, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 18 AB) against Johan Santana
Gary Sheffield (.471, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 17 AB) against Derek Lowe

Prediction

Game 1: Mets 8 Braves 4
Game 2: Braves 5 Mets 3
Game 3: Mets 6 Braves 1
Game 4: Braves 4 Mets 2

The Mets are in a serious need of power.  Due to injuries, we have only two proven home run hitters (Sheffield & Wright) in the lineup – one of which is not really hitting homeruns.  Citi Field is playing a significant part in our lack power – but I believe hitting for power is important to be a contender.  We are 25th in the league in slugging percentage, and if it wasn’t for the fact that we are 5th in on base percentage, we would really be in bad shape.  During the past few weeks, it has felt like the Netherlands could put out a more powerful lineup then we are.

The position I belive needs to be filled in the most is first base.  Daniel Murphy, Fernando Tatis and Jeremy Reed have played alright there – but none of them are hitting close to what is expected for a first baseman.  A player for Omar Minaya to consider is Tony Clark from the Diamondbacks.  Arizona should be willing to make deals, as they have little hope of contending this year.  The former Met is pretty much as pure of a power hitter you can have.  He strikes out a ton, and doesn’t hit for average – but the trade off would still be worth it.  The Mets won’t have to give up hardly anything in return, and if Delgado comes back this year, he will fit nicely on the bench.  Some will say he hasn’t done much the last three years – a line of .236, 24 HR, 85 RBI in 419 at bats.  But the combo of Murphy, Reed & Tatis have averaged .274, 8 HR, 51 RBI every 419 at bats during the past three years.

It has been an awful past few weeks being a Mets fan.  I was so angry after Castillo dropped that ball a week and a half ago, that I vowed not to watch any more games this year.  Obviously, as a hardcore fan, that idea didn’t last long – although the latest results make me wish I did.

It feels like everything that could possibly go wrong this season has.  There is still some hope, as even with all the injuries, base running mistakes, and terrible defensive plays – we are only two games out of first.
If you asked me at the beginning of the year where I thought the team would be if Delgado, Reyes, Putz, Perez had been injured most of the season, I would probably expect to be worse off.

Although there is still a glimmer of hope, it is fading little by little each day.  Today, Carlos Beltran got sent to the fifteen day DL.  You can say he will not miss any significant time, although each game right now is significant for this team.  Fernando Martinez will return, and although I would like to see him play, I wish it was under different circumstances.  Ken Takahashi and Wilson Valdez were sent down, neither of which will be missed.

Probable Pitchers

Monday: Todd Wellemeyer (6-6, 5.36) @ Tim Redding (0-2, 6.27)
Tuesday: Joel Pineiro (5-8, 3.76) @ Livan Hernandez (5-1, 4.18)
Wednesday: Brad Thompson (202, 3.89) @ Fernando Nieve (2-0, 1.84)
Thursday: Chris Carpenter (5-1, 1.53) @ Johan Santana (8-5, 3.22)

By The Numbers

.183 – opponent’s batting average with RISP against Livan Hernandez this year
.407 – Albert Pujols’ average against Tim Redding
1-9, 6.10 – Tim Redding’s career stats in June
.700 – David Wright’s career average against Todd Wellemeyer (7 for 10)
1-3, 5.09 – Chris Carpenters career performance against New York

Prediction

The Mets and the Cardinals split the series 2-2

The Mets face their first big test of the summer (although it’s not officially summer) against the first place Philadelphia Phillies. Considering all the injuries, the Mets are in a good position being only three games out going into June. The way the Phillies have been playing lately, we also have to start looking at the Wild Card – which the Mets currently hold.

The fact that the Mets are three games out makes this series more important, as I believe a deficit more then three games feels much greater to overcome. Also, the Mets will be traveling to the Bronx on Friday to play the Yankees – who have been playing very well the past couple of weeks.

Normally, the Mets would take comfort that they are playing at home – where they have gone 17-9. But the Phillies are the best road team in baseball, at 21-8 (compared to 12-14 at home). With Santana pitching, the Mets really need to come through Tuesday night, and find a way at least split the other two games.

Probable Pitchers

Tuesday: J.A. Happ (4-0, 2.48) vs. Johan Santana (7-3, 2.00)

Wednesday: Cole Hamels (4-2, 4.40) vs. Mike Pelfrey (4-2, 4.85)

Thursday: Jamie Moyer (4-5, 6.27) vs. Tim Redding (0-2, 6.97)

Matchups to Watch

Hopefully Gary Sheffield will be in the lineup on Thursday, as he has crushed Moyer in his career. If we need an out against Ryan Howard late in the game, Feliciano has shown good success against him in his career. And Tim Redding could get his first win of the year if he continues his dominance of two of the Phillies best hitters.

Gary Sheffield vs. Jamie Moyer .467 4 HR 7 RBI

Ryan Howard vs. Pedro Feliciano 25 AB .160 1 HR 2 RBI

Ryan Howard vs. Tim Redding 3 for 21, 1 RBI

Jimmy Rollins vs. Tim Redding 5 for 32, 4 RBI

Prediction

Game 1: Mets 6 Phillies 5

Game 2: Phillies 7 Mets 4

Game 3: Mets 8 Phillies 4

The Mets travel to Pittsburgh for a four game series against the Pirates.  The Mets look to get the month of June off to a good start, after going 19-9 in May.  The Mets matchup well against the Pirates.  They swept the Pirates in there last meeting, and I expect the Pirates to be over matched again.  The Pirates have a poor offense that lacks power, and although their pitching is competitive – our rotation is set up perfectly against them.

To bring the Mets continues success in June, you might want to purchase a Three Wolf Moon shirt.  I wore mine everyday in May, and the Mets had a great month – not to mention other benefits it possessed.

Probable Starters

Game 1: Livan Hernandez (4-1, 4.28) vs Ian Snell (1-6, 5.43)
Game 2: Johan Santana (7-2, 1.77) vs Zach Duke (5-4, 2.75)
Game 3: Mike Pelfrey (4-1, 3.88) vs Ross Ohlendorf (5-5, 4.45)
Game 4: Tim Redding (0-2, 9.20) vs Jeff Karstens (2-2, 4.83)

Matchups

Matt Capps against Mets (1-0, 0.39, 1 Save)
Johan Santana against Pittsburgh (2-0, 1.19)

Prediction

Mets take series 3-1

The Mets should welcome a return home to Citi Field after their latest road trip. Considering the injuries that keep piling up day after day, and the mental mistakes – going .500 on the road isn’t all that bad. The Mets start the six game home stand against the Washington Nationals, a team that they should be able to handle regardless.

The team will miss Delgado, but if Murphy can play an adequate first base, and Sheffield continues hitting better as the season progresses, it won’t be detrimental. This week has shown that not having Jose Reyes is a big loss for this team. Hopefully Reyes gets back in the lineup (or should I say on the field) as soon as possible. The back spasms experienced by K-Rod also concern me, and although it doesn’t seem serious – I would probably rest him for the entire Nationals series.

When previewing the Mets catchers the beginning of the year, I didn’t give Omir Santos much thought. He has surprised me throughout this season, and his game winning homerun on Saturday night was amazing.

Probable Starters

Monday: John Lannan (2-3, 3.63) vs. John Maine (3-3, 4.53)

Tuesday: Craig Stammen (0-0, 5.68) vs. Livan Hernandez (3-1, 4.93)

Wednesday: Jordan Zimmermann (2-1, 5.71) vs. Johan Santana (6-2, 1.50)

Matchups

Jerry Manual may want to think twice about using his lefty specialist this series…Adam Dunn & Nick Johnson against Pedro Feliciano 8 for 12, 4 RBI

Ryan Zimmerman against Johan Santana 5 for 15, 1 HR, 4 RBI

David Wright against Joel Hanrahan 5 for 12, 1 HR, 6 RBI

Gary Sheffield against Julien Tavarez 10 for 28, 2 HR, 5 RBI

Weather

Monday: High 75 degrees, Low 62 degrees, Mostly Sunny

Tuesday: High 79 degrees, Low 53 degrees, Mostly Cloudy

Wednesday: High 60 degrees, Low 56 degrees, Showers

Prediction

Mets win series two games to one

The Mets start the interleague portion of their schedule against a tough opponent in the Boston Red Sox.  The two teams are going in opposite directions as the Red Sox have won three straight, and are within a half game of first place.  While the Mets are juggling the roster due to injuries, the Red Sox are getting Daisuke Matsuzaka back into their rotation in time to pitch Friday’s game and David Ortiz broke out of his homer-less streak.

Coming off the horrendous effort against the Dodgers, this series will show the character of the team.  If the team believes it is one of the best in baseball, then playing in Boston after getting swept is a pretty good test.  The Met’s offense must come back to life to have any chance of winning this series.  The have to limit mistakes and errors, and continue fighting all nine innings.

Probably Starters

Game 1: Johan Santana (5-2, 1.36) vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka (0-1, 12.79)
Game 2: Mike Pelfrey (4-1, 4.61) vs. Josh Beckett (4-2, 5.85)
Game 3: Tim Redding (0-0, 3.00) vs. Tim Wakefield (5-2, 3.59)

Matchups

Sheffield: 6 for 11 against Matsuzaka
Ramon Martinez: 3 for 4 against Josh Beckett
K-Rod: 2-0, 11 Saves, 1.23 ERA against Boston

Santana: 1-3, 6.89 ERA at Fenway
Wright, Beltran, Church combined 4 for 36 against Beckett

Weather

Friday: First Pitch 7:10 PM, 79 degrees, Partly Cloudy (TV: SNY)
Saturday: First Pitch 7:10 PM, 66 degrees, Partly Cloudy (TV: SNY)
Sunday: First Pitch 1:35 PM, 74 degrees, Scattered Thunderstorms (TV: WPIX)

Prediction

Red Sox win series two games to one