Fielding a team that can win enough to hold back the onset of apathy in the fan base is a standard goal for a front office engaged in rebuild mode. Failing that, constructing a roster that features young, exciting players that provide the promise of greatness to come can compensate to a degree, an approach that has been used before during the “Bring Your Kids to See Our Kids” campaign of 1979 and again in 1983 when the slogan “Catch Our Rising Stars” was employed to communicate the same enticement.  It is possible that the law of averages alone will dictate a better level of performance by certain key players (guess who) and the team overall as the season progresses, but it will likely coincide with the arrival of Messrs. Wheeler and D’Arnaud. At that point, we may be looking at a roster that has undergone some significant changes.

In the last piece in which I speculated about Met trade possibilities, I concentrated on potential targets for the team to pursue by leveraging their apparent surplus of pitching prospects. Today I intend to look more closely at trade chips on the major league roster, probable suitors for their services, and some possible acquisition candidates. Some of this may represent examples of wishful thinking, but I have striven to keep things realistic.

BULLPEN: Seriously? Other than Bobby Parnell is anyone really going to want these guys? Well, contending teams are typically looking to shore up their relief corps with veteran arms, and capable left-handers are always a desirable commodity, so yes, I expect some interest to be shown in the Met Fire Brigade by at least a few teams. With “veteran” being a key word here, one should assume that the more senior members of the bullpen staff will be shopped and will generate a goodly amount of interest as long as they remain reasonably effective. LaTroy Hawkins, Brandon Lyon, Greg Burke, Scott Rice and the rehabbing Tim Byrdak all fit the bill of future marketable trade fodder, Rice’s “older rookie” status notwithstanding. Just about any contending team qualifies as a possible destination for these players, but those with the most obvious need at this point include Tampa Bay, whose bullpen is ranked one notch from the bottom in all of MLB despite their being only 4 games out of first at the time of this writing, and St. Louis, currently in first place in the NL Central but with a bullpen ranked fourth from last and only one tick higher than that of the Mets.

Relievers  are among the more transient assets in baseball (as Met fans can attest), so the payoff in trade is generally a prospect or two of less than stellar quality, with quantity often compensating for the relative lack of star potential. These players often come from AA and below, so I don’t foresee much in the way of quick fix material arriving in any hypothetical deal that could materialize. However, with the philosophy and track record of the Alderson team being what it is, we can expect that any return package obtained by New York will include at least one prospect that merits a flyer.

STARTING ROTATION: Not that the Mets have any to spare, but as starters  are at a premium at all times, you can’t rule out the possibility of someone making a good enough offer to pique the Sandman’s interest. The only candidates I can truly envision going in a deal of this nature would be Shaun Marcum, who would probably have at least a couple wins by now on a team with a decent offense, and  Jon Niese, whose youth, left-handedness, experience, highly affordable contract, and relatively successful track record make him a highly marketable chip. Clearly the team will not be looking to deal Harvey, and Gee’s inconsistency and injury history are not likely to interest many looking to arm up for a stretch drive.

Teams with the greatest need in this area include Baltimore, Oakland, San Francisco, and Colorado, all of which are either leading their divisions or in contention despite having starting staffs that rank lower than that of the Mets (thanks largely to Mr. Harvey), and other than the Rockies (who barely escape this distinction) are firmly in the lower 33% of MLB rotations. Trades of this type usually involve pitching going in both directions, where one team swaps inexperienced, often erratic arms full of promise for the hoped-for consistency and veteran mound presence that can help carry them to glory. Of course, teams also deal from strength, so, recognizing the Mets’ shortage of viable outfield options, it is probable that trade partners with a surplus in this area will come calling.

Baltimore’s highest rated prospect is pitcher Dylan Bundy, but both his injury status and outrageous potential pretty much exclude him from the picture. Their best AA pitcher, Kevin Gausman has already been promoted to the big club due to their desperation for starters. He’s a big hard-throwing righthander with a terrific K/BB ratio and any deal involving Niese would have to include him in my opinion. After the whole Wheeler/Beltran thing, Brian Sabean might not be as anxious to do a deal with the Mets so soon after, but outfielder Gary Brown is pretty well blocked by in their system by Angel Pagan so there appears to be a fit. Oakland’s top outfield prospect is Michael Choice, a corner outfielder with the kind of power bat the Mets crave. Colorado has Kyle Parker at AA, an outfielder who profiles similarly to Choice, but is probably at least two years away.

POSITION PLAYERS: Before you start, even if there were any takers on Ike now, which is questionable, I’m not inclined to sell low on anyone. Anyway, I’m still looking for him to snap out of it. No, the real potential trade chips here are the veteran outfield bats of Marlon Byrd and the surprising Rick Ankiel (provided he keeps it up), along with the soon-to-be superfluous John Buck and the versatile Daniel Murphy. Of this group, Murph is probably the most valuable, being able to adequately man three infield positions and going through the occasional unconscious period at the plate where line drives materialize out of his bat seemingly at will. Speculation has already arisen that the Nationals could look to acquire him to replace the ineffective Danny Espinosa.  Knowing the Alderson approach, he would likely ask for Washington’s top outfield prospect Brian Goodwin, a five-tool CF currently at AA Harrisburg, but trades between division rivals are tricky and I’m not sure even Sandy could pry him away. A more realistic target would be AAA CF Eury Perez, a speedy leadoff type whose slot in the big club is held down by recent acquisition Denard Span.

Buck is attractive to teams for his veteran presence, defensive prowess, and occasional power, but I wouldn’t expect him to command a big return. Byrd and Ankiel profile as the type of players teams acquire to strengthen their benches for the stretch run, but again, the return on trades of this type are not likely to include anything of top-tier value. We will have to put our faith in the scouting ability of Alderson, DePodesta, et al to help insure that something useful comes back on this end of any deal.

The Mets are clearly in transition mode and changes are to be expected. Hopefully we can all glean some excitement from those shifts even if we have to wait longer for the eventual payoff. I just hope the wait isn’t too much longer.

I came across this post by Matt Myers on ESNY New York, that was about outfielder (or infielder) Jordany Valdespin. It really had little to do with Valdespin’s performance, well maybe just a tiny bit. but ventured more into Spn’s personality, cockiness and how it drives some fans crazy.

Whether it’s hitting a game-winning homer off Jonathan Papelbon, getting hit in the groin by a Justin Verlander fastball while not wearing a cup, or getting blamed for Daniel Murphy’s baserunning blunder, Jordany Valdespin is always in the middle of something, good and bad.

Unlike Woody Allen’s Zelig, this isn’t by accident. Valdespin plays with a flair typically associated with pro wrestlers, and his Instagram account suggests a man who is sure of himself. Baseball culture has always discouraged individualism, and it seems like Valdespin’s histrionics have made him a lightning rod.

I love Valdespin… I love everything about him. He makes the game fun to watch and as I’ve said before there is a catalyst-like quality to his performance that reminds me of Jose Reyes. He’s electric.

When I hear or see some of the fans and bloggers go off on him, I think they’re either overreacting of or just a bunch of prudes. There’s even one blogger who’s on a mission to prove to his readers that “Valdespin is a cancer.” (His words, not mine.)

Baseball is just a game, and it’s supposed to be fun. Valdespin makes it fun. I only wish we had a few more like him rather than some of the dull personalities we’ve had that never brought anything to the field or to the team’s chemistry.

Myers refers to a recent road game against the Phillies, when Valdespin earned a hearty round of boos from the Philly faithful when, after hitting a fifth-inning triple while the Mets were trailing 8-2, he pounded his chest and pointed to the sky.

Newsflash: Valdespin is not the only player that does that and there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s his way of thanking the man upstairs for his God-given talent and just a cultural thing. Even the great Roberto Clemente would do something like that, albeit a little less flashier, whenever he hit a homerun.

So did Ruben Sierra, Juan Gonzalez, Sammy Sosa and even our own Angel Pagan and  Carlos Beltran. Their not doing it to show anyone up, it’s a gesture that’s part gratitude and part excitement. So as for the Phillies and their fans, get over it.

The article concludes that Valdespin could have a 10-year career or be out of the majors in August; neither would be surprising. But while he’s around, it’s important to embrace what he represents, which is a history that makes the Mets lovable and unique.

Like him or not, Valdespin is a Met in their grand tradition of colorful characters, which should make him a fan favorite. As a bonus, he may even turn out to be a decent player, too.

Sooner or later it will dawn on Terry Collins that Jordany deserves to play everyday and that there’s more to his game than just an occasional start to rest any of the other outfielders. Who knows, maybe Collins will take a look at his team’s stats and see that no Met outfielder has a higher batting average than Spin. Maybe he’ll even dig a little deeper and see that he is equally effective against left-handed and right-handed pitching.

Until those facts sink into his head, I’ll continue to enjoy Valdespin’s occasional starts and all the energy and excitement he brings to the lineup and the team.

For better or worse, Michael Bourn fell off the New York Mets radar Monday when he agreed to a four-year, $48 million deal with the Cleveland Indians.

Mets/MLB beat writer Anthony DiComo suggests, if history is any indication, Sandy Alderson committed an error.  DiComo wrote:

The 11th overall Draft pick has a bizarre history of busts relative to the picks around it. Of the 48 players in history taken 11th overall, only five have amassed more than 10 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), according to Baseball Reference … 17 of the 48 players never made the Majors …

Couldn’t that be said about the eighth pick? How about the six pick? Or, the 12th pick? DiComo’s logic is founded on coincidence, not any legitimate connection that the 11th pick is cursed. If there is truth in this logic, there is legitimacy in black cats, walking under ladders and idea that a Billy goat holds the key that unlocks the Cubs future hopes of winning a World Series.

Nonsense.

Metsmerized Online writer Connor O’Brien takes a more common sense approach, claiming the Mets suffered from “lack of preparedness.” Alderson was “too passive,” he wrote. The Mets GM needs to be “more aggressive.”

To those three claims: Maybe. OK. I guess.

Doesn’t Alderson’s inaction reflect a consistency in his approach? Since 2010 the Mets GM has systematically dismantled and rebuilt the organizational infrastructure. In are: J.P. Ricciardi and Paul DePodesta. On the field, Ruben Tejada, Ike Davis, Lucas Duda, Matt Harvey, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Jenrry Mejia, Josh Edgin, Jordany Valdespin, Zack Wheeler (eventually), Travis d’Arnaud (soon). Out are: Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, Francisco Rodriguez, Angel Pagan, R.A. Dickey, Scott Hairston, Mike Pelfrey. (these lists are not exhaustive)

Younger, talented, building success from within, or as the Mets GM said, “We’re going to strive for consistency, but above all, excellence.”

This was the promise, right?

“I’ve always had a preference for holding on to our own talent and seeing how far it can go,” Alderson told the media at Citi Field in November 2010. “If it succeeds and realizes its full potential, we benefit. If it doesn’t, I think we’ve still made the right decision in terms of our fan base.”

Instead of analyzing decisions we can’t control, how about we ask a really intriguing question: Who will the Mets select as the 11^th overall pick in the June 2013 MLB Draft? Imagine being that guy!?

The good news: That guy will be fresh out of high school (or college) and he will have the distinct honor of calling himself a first round pick in the MLB June Draft. There’s a story for your grandchildren one day.

The bad news: Will that guy have to live in the shadow of Alderson’s decision to keep the draft pick instead of signing a legitimate MLB center fielder? Will he feel pressure? New York alone has wilted the careers of both young and established veteran ballplayers, but this scenario will create a new level of expectation for No. 11.

The jury is out – and will be for a couple years – on whether or not Sandy Alderson made the right call on letting Bourn slip away for the price of a first-round draft pick.

Still, I wouldn’t want to be that guy. Would you?

The offense, spearheaded by a David Wright three run shot in the first never let up, and R.A. Dickey pitched a quality six innings in the Mets 7-3 win against the Nationals.

Game Notes

R.A. Dickey had a good outing and the definition of a quality start, going six innings allowing three runs on nine hits, striking out one. Dickey may have not had his strikeout stuff today, but allowing three runs is nothing to scoff at. This win has been the easiest win Dickey has had in well over two months.

The bullpen got a fair amount of work today, and most of it was displaying new faces. Tim Byrdak came out and continued to impress, striking out two in his two-thirds of an inning. Ryota Igarashi came out for one-third of an inning, and gave up a hit and struck out a batter. One of the two new bullpen arms called up to the Mets, hard throwing righty Josh Stinson went one and two-third innings, giving up two hits and striking out two. His stuff does look impressive, and his control wasn’t that erratic today, throwing 15 of 20 pitches for strikes. The second lefty in the bullpen now, Daniel Ray Herrera came out, and struck out the only batter he faced.

The only plus of roster expansions & being out of the playoff race – get to test the competence of your farm system, and in the Mets case rebuilding the bullpen from within.

The offense today was hot from the start, as David Wright sent a three-run homer into the left-center bleachers. Nick Evans agreed with David’s decision, and sent another ball into the left field bleachers for a solo shot. Angel Pagan hit a two-run single, scoring David Wright and Lucas Duda and the last long ball belonged to Mr. Duda when he deposited a ball into deep right field. Today, the offense ran on all cylinders and was not going to let R.A. Dickey pitch another good game and suffer a loss.

Justin Turner – 1 for 5 with three strikeouts. Tough day.

Jason Bay – 0 for 4 with two strikeouts….and Bay has cooled again.

Mike Nickeas – 0 for 4. Not up here for his bat.

Turning Point

When the Mets came out swinging for the fences, and connecting. As dissapointing as it is to say, the three best power-hitters on the team all went yard today.

Game Ball

Lucas Duda – 2 for 4 with two runs, a solo home run and a strikeout. Duda has been on fire this entire month, and if this is Duda “figuring it out” then next year can only improve

On Deck

The Mets will continue the series against the Nationals and send Dillon Gee to the mound against Tom Milone, making his MLB debut. Game time is 7:05 P.M.

For Mets thoughts, responses to the game, and news about the Mets in general follow me on twitter @TheSeanKenny

Miguel Batista pitched a solid game, and the Mets offense was buoyed by Marlins mistakes in their 7-5 win.

Game Notes

Miguel Batista, just recently called up and in his first MLB start as a Met, had a solid outing for his 100th career win. Batista went six innings, allowing two runs on six hits, walking three and striking out three. Batista gave up two of his walks and five of his hits in the first three innings. After that, Batista continued to coax weak contact, and overpower hitters with his 93 MPH fastball with movement. Just getting the definition of a quality start from a waiver-wire pick-up is a great thing.

Pedro Beato came out for the seventh, and pitched an inning, walking one and striking out one. Manny Acosta came out for the eighth, and had another great outing. D.J. Carrasco came out in mop-up duty and allowed two runs on three hits in two-thirds of an inning. Bobby Parnell and came out for the ever-difficult one-out save and after allowing an RBI double he collected himself to nab his fourth of the season.

For the most part recently the bullpen has been good sans Carrasco & Igarashi.

The Mets offense managed some hits against Marlins starter Clay Hensley, knocking him out of the game by the beginning of the third. However, after allowing a two-RBI single to David Wright, the Mets offense didn’t manage a run until the eighth inning. After being hit by a pitch for the second time today, Ruben Tejada scored on a long double by Lucas Duda. The Mets then relied on some shoddy defense for another run in the eighth, when Angel Pagan reached on a bunt single thanks to a poor throw by Marlins pitcher Steve Cishek. Mike Nickeas proceeded to tack-on another run with an RBI bloop single, scoring David Wright.

Josh Thole left the game with a hand contusion and is day-to-day, Mike Nickeas replaced him and went 1 for 4 with an RBI and two strikeouts.

David Wright – 1 for 2 with a run, two RBI and two walks.

Lucas Duda – 1 for 3 with two runs, an RBI and a walk.

Ruben Tejada – 1 for 2 with two hit-by-pitches and two runs. A regular Craig Biggio Day

Turning Point

The Mets putting the nail in the coffin in the eighth inning. Tacking on three runs with some timely hitting, agressive baserunning and capitalizing on sloppy play is always good to see.

Hero

Miguel Batista. Called up from Buffalo after the Jonathon Niese injury, and made a major fill-in start to help the Mets win a game.

On Deck

The Mets will come off of their Marlins homestand to travel to Washington and face off against Ross Detwiler. R.A. Dickey will take the mound for the Mets, and game time is 7:10 P.M.

For Mets news, comments on the game and other thoughts or questions, feel free to follow me on Twitter @TheSeanKenny

Jonathon Niese had possibly his worst outing of the season, and the Mets offense could not figured out Phillies starter Vance Worley yet again in their 9-4 loss.

Game Notes

Jonathon Niese only made it into the fifth, but was completely ineffective today. Niese allowed eight runs on ten hits, walking one and striking out six, while allowing two home runs. Niese was effective until the third inning, and then he was rendered useless. The Phillies were drilling everything he was throwing, and by the time he walked his first batter, that would be his last batter. Hopefully this wasn’t fatigued and may have been attributed to the back tweak he suffered in his last start.

Pedro Beato came out, and allowed all of Niese’s baserunners to score, and one of his own. Beato has looked extremely overmatched and just not able to stop the bleeding. As the season is progressing you see Terry Collins working him into a middle-relief role. Ryota Igarashi & Tim Byrdak came out and combined to pitch a scoreless inning.

The offense tried to mount some offense early on, but was silenced for the middle innings and didn’t manage a run until a seventh inning RBI groundout. The first eight Mets accounted for five baserunners, and after that they didn’t manage one baserunner until a Nick Evans double. Lucas Duda sent a two-run home run out in the eighth on a ball that was absolutely skyed into the RF bleachers.

Angel Pagan made a HORRIBLE play in the outfield completely misreading a ball in both distance and side, coming in on a ball that sailed over his head and to his right.

As awful as the Mets were, only Wright & Bay didn’t manage to get at least one hit for the Mets.

Nick Evans – 2 for 4 with two runs scored. Not a bad day for Nick, and if he can prove himself capable offensively then maybe next year he can get a shot somewhere for the Mets

Turning Point

Jonathon Niese becoming ineffective in the third inning and pretty much being about as horrible as one pitcher can be for three innings.

GOAT of the Game

Jonathon Niese – Bad stat line not reflected by poor defense, inability to throw out runners or anything out of his control. Just a poor outing.

On Deck

The Mets will look to salvage at least one of the games from the series, sending Mike Pelfrey to the mound against the Phillies and Kyle Kendrick at 1:10 P.M. EST at Citizen’s Ballpark

Mike Pelfrey had one of his usual one inning explosions, and the Mets offense couldn’t hit with RISP in their 6-1 loss to the Brewers

Game Notes

Mike Pelfrey took 86 pitches to get through two difficult innings, and three fairly clean innings. Pelfrey’s final line was five innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits, walking four and striking out four. Pelfrey didn’t seem to have good control at all, but a nearly three hour rain delay can have that effect on pitchers, especially ones like Pelfrey. Pelfrey couldn’t get Prince Fielder out, and Fielder killed the Mets

D.J. Carrasco didn’t help the situation much, allowing two runs on three hits, walking one and striking out one. Carrasco has been exactly as advertised, a middle-reliever, nothing more. A wild pitch helped score a run, and the Mets bullpen will need some work in the offseason considering Igarashi & Carrasco may not be viable options. Iggy & Byrdak each pitched a clean inning, walking one and striking one

The Mets offense managed some hits off of Brewers starter Shawn Marcum, but couldn’t manufacture the runs from second home. The Mets only drew one walk, but that is more a product of Marcum pitching in the zone and trying to limit damage. The defense continued to vex the Mets, as a David Wright error in the first lead to a run, and caused Pelfrey to throw more pitches. Angel Pagan tried his Jose Reyes impersonation in the first, only to be thrown out trying to steal.

Angel Pagan – 3 for 4 , good day for Angel but still skeptical on whether or not he fits on the 2012 Mets.

Ruben Tejada – 2 for 3, good bat Ruben. Now if only you could hit a few doubles.

Harris, Wright, Duda,Baxter, – 0 for 14 with two K’s and a walk. Yet again, can’t win when your 2 through 5 hitters don’t manage a hit

Turning Point

Pelfrey’s exploding fifth inning. When it happens, its like a re-run of a TV show. You’ve seen it, but you watch it anyway just to make sure its the same

Game Ball

Angel Pagan – 3 for 4, best day of any of the Mets hitters/fielders/pitchers. Maybe half a ball for the groundskeeper?

On Deck

The Mets will play a 4:10 P.M. game today, and send Chris Capuano up against the Brewers’ Randy Wolf at Citi FIeld.

Dillon Gee pitched a great game and the offense didn’t manage many hits, but a big David Wright hit ensured the 7-3 Mets win.

Game Notes

Dillon Gee was in control both figuratively and literally up until the seventh inning, after being hit on the right knee in an at-bat the inning before. Gee went six and two-third innings, allowing one run on five hits, walking four and striking out five. Two of the hits Gee gave up on the night came in the seventh. By Gee’s recent standards, this was an outstanding game and its good to see a productive outing from Dillon Gee

The bullpen today was stable, with Tim Byrdak coming in to face a righty and walking him. Manny Acosta came in with the bases loaded and struck out Jason Bartlett on a 96 MPH fastball. Bobby Parnell pitched a quality eighth, striking out one and allowing no hits or walks. Ryota Igarashi came out, and did his usual routine of being wild, then allowing a hit and two runs to score, and then striking out Jasn Bartlett to end the game

Both offenses overall struggled, but that didn’t matter since David Wright decided today was a good day for the long-ball, sending a three-run homer to LF in the third. Ruben Tejada scored on an Angel Pagan RBI groundout in the seventh. The Mets had an offensive outburst in the eighth inning fueled by walks and scored two runs on an Angel Pagan two-RBI single and another run on a Willie Harris RBI single. The offense did come alive, and finally got through to the Padres relievers who have been worked hard this entire series.

Jason Bay – 0 for 4 with two strikeouts and a walk. Currently in an 0 for 19 streak.

Jason Pridie – 0 for 4 with a walk and two strikeouts. Pridie hasn’t hit much and I imagine he’s up here as the defensive outfielder, with Harris being the pinch-hitting option.

Turning Point

Getting out of the seventh inning only allowing one run. Kudos to the bullpen for holding when needed.

Game Ball

Dillon Gee/David Wright. Big game pitched for a needed series win after the sweep at the hands of Arizona. David Wright had a key hit, and its always good to see David hit the ball with authority either pull or opposite way

On Deck

The Mets have off tomorrow as they travel back to New York to face the Brewers on August 19th (my birthday, coincidentally). Mike Pelfrey will face off against Shawn Marcum. Game time is 7:10 P.M.

Chris Capuano pitched a great six innings and the Mets defense managed to falter again in their 4-3 loss against the Marlins

Game Notes

Chris Capuano had a great outing after a few bad outing including two against the Marlins. Cap went six innings, allowing two runs on four hits, striking out five and walking two. As has been Capuano’s strong suit, he gave up two long balls to account for two of the four hits he allowed, and he has always been a flyball pitcher. What kills? It was against Omar Infante, who had one homer before todays game.

The bullpen today picked up where it left off yesterday, sending out Manny Acosta for an inning, allowing one hit. Acosta has looked much better and is splitting time with Iggy it seems bridging the middle innings. Bobby Parnell came out and after giving up a single up the middle, proceeded to throw a pitch in the dirt Mike Nickeas couldn’t handle. Parnell bucked up, and struck out Gaby Sanchez on a 101 MPH fastball on the black and Greg Dobbs on a 99 MPH two-seamer that was well outside.

Jason Isringhausen came out for the ninth and walked the leadoff batter, got an out, and then gave up a single. He proceeded to hit John Buck and loaded the bases with two outs. Izzy then proceeded to get a double-play ball, but Turner threw the ball away and allowed two runs to score. Izzy got himself into trouble, and the defense couldn’t save him. Izzy went an inning, gave up two runs (one earned) on one hit, walked one, hit one, struck out one.

The bats today managed some hits, but nothing that honestly amounted to major rallies. Jose Reyes sent a ball to deep LF for his fifth HR of the year, a solo shot. David Wright drove in Chris Capuano on an RBI groundout in the fifth. Angel Pagan then had a single in the sixth, stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a Lucas Duda sac-fly. Manufacturing runs is essential for the Mets to be able to win games.

David Wright – 0 for 4 with an RBI and a strikeout. Can’t hit .400 every game.

Mike Nickeas – 0 for 3 with a K – he actually threw a runner out though, which is something Paulino and Thole haven’t done well/at all.

Angel Pagan – 2 for 4 with a run and a steal. One day he drives you mad, the next day he drives the other team mad.

Scott Hairston – 2 for 4 with a K. Caught stealing, but hey. Good day.

Turning Point

Justin Turner choking in a key situation that could’ve ended the inning in a tie instead of one run down

Game Ball

Chris Capuano did everything he could to keep the Mets in the game against a team that has hit him well.

On Deck

The Mets will end the series with the Marlins on a high note, sending Dillon Gee to the mound to face off against Clay Hensley. Game time is 7:10 P.M.

From the beginning of the season, defense had seemed to be a big question, but one the Mets front office seemed to ignore for the sake of offense. While the offense has been good if not great this season, the runs the defense has cost the Mets is definitely showing differential in the pitchers FIP, or fielding-independent pitching.

The real experiment from the onset of the season was “who will play second?” and that was answered by a group of three hitters (Emaus, Turner & Murphy) and one fielder (Tejada). Emaus played below average defense and couldn’t hit at the professional level, so he was gone by April 19th. Justin Turner and Daniel Murphy platooned the position, and Turner was scorching hot from the beginning, with average defense and range. However, Turner’s bat cooled and Murphy’s heated up right around the time of the Ike Davis, and then David Wright injuries. For that reason, Lucas Duda and in some cases Nick Evans were left to play 1st base. Then, the Jose Reyes two-week hamstring injury.

If an infield of Duda/Turner/Tejada/Murphy doesn’t scream gold glove, there is a reason why. Daniel Murphy, who is a great hitter is truly comfortable at zero positions on the field, and the best he has looked was at first base, but still makes as many mental and fielding mistakes as he does amazing plays. Lucas Duda also has no position, and is much better served as a LF, but he just doesn’t look right at first base. Justin Turner has decent range, but a constant theme by most of the Mets has been the inability to turn the double play, and in most cases that is spearheaded by Turner covering second or feeding the ball to second.

If the last few games has taught Mets fans anything, it is that defense is key and mistakes will happen. When mistakes keep happening, however they show that its in the players nature. Yesterday, two errant throws by both Jose Reyes and David Wright, and the huge mental error by Daniel Murphy ensured the Mets would and will get their pitchers in to trouble with their gloves.

With the season being two months from completion, the Mets may need to look into a few avenues to improve their infield defense, because signing a free agent pitcher to a poor defensive team (Angel Pagan has been..interesting in CF) will become difficult. It is essential to hold on to some foundations or ideas of a good fielding team, because a team can score runs, but if they can’t save them with their defense – its a lost cause.

Given that outfielder Carlos Beltran is all but guaranteed to be moved at some point here before the July 31st non-waiver trading deadline, the return of David Wright to the Mets lineup tonight is huge to say the least.

For much of the season the 34-year-old Beltran has been the Amazin’s leader both on and off the field. Carlos has taken to mentoring the likes of the younger players on this team including Angel Pagan, Ruben Tejada, and Lucas Duda to name just a few. But with the anticipation that the Mets right fielder will be dealt at some point here seemingly sooner rather than later, David Wright will have to replace Beltran as that leader both on and off the field, all while trying to replace Beltran’s production in the Met line up.

I think both the Metropolitans and Carlos Beltran have been surprised to some extent as to how much Beltran has been able to produce for the Mets lineup, given that the Mets were hoping to get 3-4 games out of the veteran a week. It’s been anything but for the veteran, aching knees and all he’s been able to hold his own here in 2011, and has appeared to regain his 2006-2008 form both in the field but more importantly at the plate.

That being said, with Beltan’s departure expected any day now, the burden will be left to five-time All-Star, third basemen David Wright. The 28-year-old had gotten of to a slow start here in 2011. However, lets not forget prior to being placed on the DL in mid-May, Wright tried to tough out and play through a stress fractured back, but ultimately it was just too much to overcome and David just wasn’t performing  up to his ability.

For years now many have looked at Wright as the guy who needs to take charge and be the Mets leader both on and off the field, but it appears at certain times that David is very indifferent to role. Certainly, he won’t be the vocal leader calling guys out, but at some point Wright will have to step up and be that leader for the Mets if this team is going to succeed and win in years to come.

More importantly, at least in the short term if Carlos Beltran is indeed dealt, which at this point seems like a forgone conclusion, David Wright will have to step up and replace the production Beltran was giving this team on a night in and night out basis.

Jonathon Niese had a good outing, but two errors in the fifth inning lead to two unearned runs, and the Mets offense struggled today in its 6-2 loss to the Cardinals

Game Notes

Jonathon Niese pitched a good game, but his pitching line will not show that. Jonathon went six innings, giving up five runs (three earned) on five hits, walking one while striking out seven and giving up a two-run HR to Albert Pujols in the first. Niese was victimized by poor defensive plays in the fifth, because outside of the HR, he only allowed one other run. The defensive struggles of Lucas Duda and Angel Pagan have been evident for the last few weeks, with Pagan struggling to field balls cleanly and Lucas Duda struggling at first base.

The bullpen today was essentially mop-up, with D.J. Carrasco pitching two clean innings, striking out one. Manny Acosta came out for the first time in five days, and gave up one run on two hits walking one and striking out one. Hopefully, this was rust and not his usual #AcostalypseNow routine

The bats today were fairly quiet, and the only run scoring hits were a Justin Turner RBI groundout scoring Jose Reyes and a Jason Pridie RBI single scoring Lucas Duda. Other then those hits, not much damage was managed against Jake Westbrook, who gave up four hits and walked one in eight.

Reyes, Turner, Beltran – 2 for 11 with an RBI, a walk and two strikeouts. As the top of the lineup goes, so do the Mets.

Lucas Duda – 2 for 3 with a run, but that big error in the fifth could have been inning-ending.

Turning Point

The aforementioned Duda play. Ends the inning, game is 3-1.

Game Ball

Carlos Beltran, not based on his day at the plate, but because there is a pretty good chance this was his last game at Citi Field. Carlos, you were maddening sometimes, injury prone and probably slightly overpaid, but when you performed, you turned in huge seasons. You will be missed

On Deck

Tommorrow, the Mets will begin a big road trip in Florida, and will see the return of David Wright at third base. Mike Pelfrey will face off against fellow maddening sinkerballer Chris Volstard and the Marlins. Game time is 7:10 P.M.

The return of Jose Reyes and big hits from Daniel Murphy and Angel Pagan, in addition to a great start from Dillon Gee secured the Mets a win, 4-2 against the Cardinals

Game Notes

Dillon Gee went out, and in his first start since the All-Star break, pitched a gem. Gee went seven innings, allowing two runs on three hits, walking two and striking out two. Gee was pulled after 96 pitches, and he looked good enough to possibly go into the eighth, but was pulled. Gee looked in control the whole game, and outside of the moonshot home run he gave up to Lance Berkman, only gave up two hits. Hopefully, Gee can rebound because his last two pre-break outings weren’t very pretty.

The bullpen today consisted of Parnell and Isringhausen. Parnell went out for a full inning, gave up two hits and hit a batter, but struck out one. Parnell was either nervous, or just not locating that fastball down in the zone. Closer by committee moments to worry about: one. Isringhausen came out for the ninth and pitched a clean inning to notch his first save as a Met since 1999, and first MLB save since 2008.

The offense today was quiet until the top of the fifth inning, when singles by Reyes & Turner and a walk by Beltran left the situation open for Angel Pagan to hit a two-RBI double. In the sixth, Daniel Murphy atoned for lining out with the bases-loaded the inning before with a double to center field that scored two more runs. The offense obviously missed Reyes for the last 16 days, and missed Beltran for the last few.

Reyes/Turner/Beltran – 7 for 13 with two walks and all four of the Mets runs. They get on base, they score runs. It works.

Ronny Paulino – 3 for 4 – The guy is apparently hitting righties now too. One of Alderson’s better finds.

Jason Bay – 1 for 4, one strikeout. Had a good hit, then look bad in the rest of his at-bats.

Turning Point

Daniel Murphy double in the sixth inning, providing Gee with some breathing room to go out for the seventh inning. Without it, Berkman blast in seventh ties game.

Game Ball

Carlos Beltran, 3 for 3 with two walks. Can’t do much better then .1000.

On Deck

The Mets will look to keep this going, facing up against Kyle McClellan and the Cardinals tomorrow night at Citi Field, and will send R.A. Dickey to the mound. Game time is 7:10 P.M.

With the news breaking that All-Star Shortstop Jose Reyes would run Sunday, which he did, and then fly to Brooklyn today for a rehab game with the Cyclones – it’s just what the doctor ordered for the Mets.

Right now the Mets are on thin ice, they stand 8 1/2 games behind the wild card leading Atlanta Braves, who like the Philadelphia Phillies just don’t seem to lose, making it difficult for the Mets to make up any kind of ground in the standings.

Now the Amazin’s have not helped themselves by doing what every contending team needs to do, which is win in your home ballpark. The Mets are now four games under .500 at home, but have a chance to break even at .500 for the season at home with a win tomorrow in a makeup game against the Marlins combined with a three game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals – a daunting task.

So what does this all have to do with Jose Reyes you may ask? Well, depending on how these next four games go, it could determine whether Carlos Beltran remains a Met before the Mets head out to Florida to open up a 10 game road trip… it could determine if the Metropolitans in fact become sellers sooner rather than later.

A Reyes return will do wonders for an offense that has struggled mightily of late outside of Saturday’s 11-run outburst  and today’s late rally to net the Mets five runs, most of which came when the game was already decided.

With Reyes’ return not only will you get his play, but he will bring back some excitement and energy at the top of the order, something the team has lacked since the 28-year-old went down. No knock on Angel Pagan, but he just doesn’t have the patience or ability to be a leadoff man, he’s best suited either hitting behind Reyes in the two hole, or down in the order in the fifth or six slot.

If the Mets can get hot here in the next week or so, imagine a lineup that would feature the likes of Reyes, a healthy David Wright, Carlos Beltran (if he’s not traded), Daniel Murphy, Jason Bay, and Angel Pagan. All of a sudden, the Mets could have themselves one of the NL’s stronger lineups to go along with a starting rotation that’s been better than anyone expected, considering they’ve been without their ace Johan Santana all season.

If Reyes hits the ground running on Tuesday, it could put the Mets back on track and prolong what some believe is the inevitable trade of Beltran

R.A. Dickey pitched a great game, and a big home run in the ninth by Scott Hairston put the Mets ahead and they would go on to win, 5-2 against the Giants.

Game Notes

R.A. Dickey went out and pitched a very good game, fighting through his injury to keep the Mets in the game and also manage to not injure himself further. Dickey’s only major mistake was the shot he gave up to Nate Schierholtz in the sixth, because other than that, no runners really came close to scoring. His final line was – two runs on seven hits with four strikeouts, zero walks and one home run allowed in seven innings pitched. It’s a great stat line for Dickey, showing he had control and was able to minimize the hits.

Tim Byrdak came out, got a lefty out, and then walked the other lefty. He was relieved by Beato who threw one pitch and induced a tailor-made double play. Thanks to the Hairston home run, Beato earned the win with K-Rod earning his 23rd save after a perfect 1-2-3 ninth.

The Mets went through another bout of the LOB’s , stranding ten runners. They failed to capitalize on a wild Ryan Vogelsong who walked five. The biggest hit came when Angel Pagan sent an absolute blast over the RF wall for a two-run home run, his third of the season.

In an awkward play to advance Beltran to third, Daniel Murphy batting cleanup bunted him over, with no outs, in the fourth. Odd to say the least. Scott Hairston played the hero today, sending an absolute moonshot out to LF for the go-ahead run off the HR, and this time the Mets would hold the lead for good.

Carlos Beltran and Daniel Murphy both had big games with three hits a piece. Beltran also collected his 58th RBI of the season which ranks 6th in the NL and puts him on pace for 120 RBIs this season. 

Turning Point

Scott Hairston’s home run in the ninth turned the tide.

Random Things

R.A. Dickey with an injured glute managed to leg out an infield single that got lost in Miguel Tejada’s glove.

Jason Bay had two walks, and Nick Evans got his first hit of the year with an RBI single in the ninth inning, breaking an 0 for 23 slide to start his season.

Josh Thole continues to struggle, leaving three on base including a key GIDP with men on first and second.

Game Ball

R.A. Dickey – he pitched a great game for seven innings, and if it weren’t about the matchups probably would’ve gone another inning at least.

On Deck

The Mets will continue their series against the Giants, sending Chris Capuano to the mound against Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum. Game time is 9:05 P.M.

For thoughts, reactions and other chatter with Met bloggers, follow me on twitter @TheSeanKenny

Dillon Gee was hit hard in five and two-third innings and the Mets offense struggled in the 6-0 loss to the Dodgers.

Game Notes

Dillon Gee went to the mound today, went pitch-for-pitch with Clayton Kershaw and then fell apart in the sixth. Gee’s final line will read six runs (five earned) on five hits in five and two-third innings, walking one and striking out two. Gee was handling the Dodgers, until the sixth when he continued to give up hit after hit. It is difficult to explain how he unraveled so quickly, but a single, SB and then error on the throw, allowing Tony Gwynn Jr. to advance to third couldn’t have hurt.

Manny Acosta came out and promptly gave up an RBI triple to Dioner Navarro, but the run was charged to Gee. Acosta’s final line would be one and one-third, two hits, one walk and three strikeouts. The line doesn’t really express the trouble he got himself into and then out of. Izzy came out for a clean inning.

Kershaw was dealing, so the Mets didn’t really put much offense together. Six baserunners in eight innings, no extra base hits. Pagan managed a steal in the first, but thats about the most interesting offensive thing to happen today. The biggest threat was in the eighth, and even that was two singles and a walk.

Pagan – 2 for 4 with an SB and took a bad route on a ball that made it passed him in the inning Gee exploded.

Turning Point

Gee’s explosion in the sixth inning really put the game out of reach.

Game Ball

Flat game today, nobody really deserves a game ball.

Random Thoughts

Nick Evans came into the game 0-12 with six strikeouts and five walks. In Triple-A? Evans was mashing. Now? 0-15 with EIGHT strikeouts and five walks.

Ronny Paulino hit cleanup for the fourth time this year, and was hit – literally. Also, struck out in a key spot, against Kershaw with the bases loaded in the eighth.

The umpire blew a call in the second inning when Juan Uribe was called safe at home. Replays showed he was obviously tagged out prior to touching home, but Greg Gibson of yesterdays 1st base infamy returned to cause more chaos.

Ruben Tejada stole a base. Unfortunately, it was third base, with two outs, down by six, in the eighth inning. Inexplicable.

On Deck

The Mets will continue their West Coast swing, facing off against All-Star Ryan Vogelsong and the San Francisco Giants, sending R.A. Dickey to the mound even with the strained glute. Game time is 10:15 P.M.

To read my thoughts during this game or other Mets news, follow me on twitter @TheSeanKenny

Chris Capuano and the bullpen combined for a shutout and the offense exploded in the late innings for a 7-0 win against the Pirates

Game Notes

Chris Capuano pitched a strong seven innings today, giving up three hits, allowing six total baserunners (two via walk, one via HBP) and five strikeouts. Capuano kept inducing weak contact and surprisingly, ground balls which allowed him to get out of trouble. The only thing that worries me about Capuano is, at 93 pitches entering the eighth he could have easily gone another inning, but I guess the Mets would rather seal it up.

Jason Isringhausen came out and pitched an inning, striking out one and allowing one hit. Izzy must appreciate this sense of rest he has gotten with Mets starters going into the seventh in the last four games. Bobby Parnell came in for mop-up duty in the ninth after the Mets were ahead 7-0 and allowed two hits, but struck out two including Ronny Cedeno to end the game on a 100 MPH fastball.

The bullpen didn’t have to worry much, as a 7-0 lead into the eighth is almost insurmountable.

The offense today couldn’t get it going against Kevin Correia until the fifth when they managed their first hit. In the seventh, on a confusing play Jason Bay hit a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Daniel Murphy but Angel Pagan was called out for failing to touch second base on his way back to first. After review and discussion, the run was allowed to score. The Mets went big in the eighth inning, on an RBI double by Justin Turner, a Carlos Beltran two-RBI single and an Angel Pagan RBI single. By then, everything else was breathing room. Forgotten man Scott Hairston hit a blast to LF for his second homer on the season. Right after that, Jose Reyes sent his second of the series, third of the year to the RF bleachers making the game 7-0.

The Mets have been winning without the long ball, and in most cases without extra-base hits, but still winning.

Josh Thole – 0 for 4. Don’t see the hook coming any time soon though. Unless he can’t throw out 20% of baserunners.

Ruben Tejada – 0 for 4 with a strikeout. Everyone has an off-day, Ruben. Shake it off for tommorrow

Murphy & Pagan – 4 for 8 with an RBI and a run. Both of these guys are scorching hot.

Turning Point

The eighth inning explosion. The Mets like to find one inning, and expose the other teams weakness.

Game Ball

Jose Reyes & Chris Capuano split the game ball. Seven amazing innings from Chris and a 3 for 5 day with two runs, an RBI and a home run for Mr. Reyes.

On Deck

The Mets will look to win the series outright tomorrow, sending Mike Pelfrey to the mound against Pirates lefty Paul Maholm. Game time is 7:05 P.M.

For random thoughts about the Mets, today’s game and any other insights, follow me on twitter @TheSeanKenny

Jonathon Niese was strong all game, and the offense managed to win with small ball, as has been the recent method and the Mets won the game 4-1 and also took the series on the road.

Game Notes

Jonathon Niese had his third straight quality outing today, going seven and two-thirds while allowing one run on three hits, walking four and striking out eight. Although the walks don’t look flattering, they were each to the Brewers best hitters (Braun, Fielder, Weeks) innings apart. Niese was removed in the eighth after getting two men on with a walk and a single.

Today, the bullpen disaster was just K-Rod, and he wasn’t much of a disaster today actually. K-Rod would earn the save, going one and one-third innings, giving up one hit and striking out two. The hit he gave up was to possible new Mets nemesis Prince Fielder, who scorched the ball the whole series.

Today the pen got some much deserved rest to refocus and see what they could do. I am still wondering, why is Manny Acosta up here at all? The day to pitch him wouldve been yesterday, up four. Even pitching him before Dale Thayer, who only throws a fastball it seems.

The offense today wasn’t about the big hits, notching only one XBH (Angel Pagan triple) and playing small ball to manufacture runs, as well as the stolen base. An RBI single in the first by Ruben Tejada helped put the Mets on the board, and a Jason Pridie sac fly in the fourth scoring Angel Pagan made the score 2-0. After a Prince Fielder RBI double made the game 2-1, the Mets decided to rally the offense there, knocking out Yovanni Gallardo in the process. An RBI hit by Daniel Murphy scored Justin Turner while allowing Beltran and Murphy to advance to third and second respectively. Last, an Angel Pagan RBI single scored Beltran who would amount to be the final met to score on the day

Jose Reyes – 0 for 5 with a strikeout. No-Se?

Josh Thole –  1 for 4, looking a little better at the plate offensively. Defensively, still a toss up.

Carlos Beltran – 2 for 4 with a run, a walk and a strikeout. If i were to tell you two months ago Carlos Beltran would have the most games played of any Met up to this point, would I have been believed?

Turning Point

The fifth inning eruption/the fight of Jonathon Niese. The combination ensured the Mets wouldn’t lose a low-run support game, or the bullpen wouldn’t get a chance to truly mangle it

Game Ball

The game ball today is going to Jonathon Niese. The offense was good, but Niese allowed seven baserunners total, and only three on contact (Ryan Braun infield single, SMH).

On Deck

The Mets will travel to Pittsburgh tonight and face off against Charlie Morton and the Pirates. Dillon Gee will take the mound for the Mets and go for his seventh win of the season. Game time is 7:05 P.M.

Jonathon Niese had a great start, but the bullpen collapsed YET AGAIN and the Mets lost against the Braves, 6-3

Game Notes

Jonathon Niese pitched a great game, going seven and two-third innings giving up two runs on eight hits striking out seven and walking one. Niese had everything working today, and with most Mets starters recently, the gas seemed to be running low in the eighth inning. What that has meant usually, is exactly what has happened. Worst case scenarios

Izzy came out for another outing…in hopes to deconstruct his arm, and walked a batter, then advanced him to second on a wild pitch, then with some Jose Reyes help (the ball literally went under his glove, he didn’t commit) and allowed a run to score. Izzy final line is one-third, one unearned run, one walk, one strikeout. K-Rod came in for the ninth, and gave up a home run to Eric Hinske, then a double to Martin Prado, an intentional walk to Brian McCann and a double by Freddie Freeman (and a stupid baserunning play to get them out of the inning) left the score at 6-3.

Honestly, someone in the pen needs to step u and stop the bleeding. Or a starter needs to go a full nine.

The offense today had one good inning, and put across all its run on singles, which has been fairly customary with the Mets missing Wright and Ike (Jason Bay’s power stroke, is still MIA as well). RBI hits by Beltran (#RBIWhore) Murphy and Pagan was all the runs the Mets could push across. After the seventh inning, if the Braves send out the 1-2 of Venters/Kimbrel, you don’t have much of a chance.

Ruben Tejada – 0 for 3. Cooling down a little bit, but still good.

Jose Reyes – 2 for 4 with a run and his seventh error of the year in a HUGE spot. That makes two in the last few games, on plays he could’ve made easily.

Willie Harris – I really do hope when David Wright returns, you aren’t on the team.

Turning Point

The Chipper Jones home run/Jose Reyes error. Without Chipper’s HR, that error doesn’t amount to much but a run.

Game Ball

Jonathon Niese. You go out, throw a quality game, and then have it spoiled by bad defense, bad pitching and bad luck.

On Deck

The Mets will hope to hold a lead (if they have it) in the seventh inning, sending Dillon Gee to the mound against Jair Jurjjens and the Braves. Game time is 7:10 P.M.

For levels of rage and ideas about how bad the mets are, follow me on twitter @TheSeanKenny

R.A. Dickey was stellar today, even with his injured foot but the Mets offense couldn’t capitalize and Bobby Parnell in his first outing since his return from the DL gave up two runs in the eighth inning.

Game Notes

R.A. Dickey went out today, after injuring his foot in his last start and looked no worse for the wear, going seven and two third innings, giving up three runs on five hits, walking two and striking out a career-high ten. Dickey looked excellent up until the eighth inning, when he gave up a single, got two key outs and then hit a batter and gave up an RBI single, a walk and a two-RBI single.

Izzy came out to finish the inning, and got a deep flyout in his one-third of an inning of work. Bobby Parnell, for the first time since he hit the DL came out and didn’t have very good control, as his fastball was consistently 95+, but it was everywhere. Parnell was hittable, giving up singles, two runs, one walk and striking out one in two-thirds of an inning. Dale Thayer and his mustache came out, and three more fastballs later, a fly out to shallow center for his one third of an inning.

The offense today struggled to bring men home, despite getting runners on base. The only RBI of the game was knocked in by Jason Bay after a double by Angel Pagan in the first. Small hits never expanded into larger hits, and the absence of a true power hitter or Jose Reyes is fairly evident in this lineup. The last ten Met hitters all went down without a fight, and that is what wound up killing the Mets.

Nick Evans – 0 for 2 with a walk and two strikeouts, including one with men on first and second.

Daniel Murphy – 2 for 3 with a strikeout and a great defensive play at third.

Angel Pagan – 2 for 4 with a run. Angel has looked good since coming off the DL, and nothing is surprising.

Turning Point

R.A. Dickey’s eighth inning. So close, but so far.

Game Ball

Despite the loss, R.A. Dickey gets the game ball. With an injury, seven and two-thirds of quality baseball.

On Deck

The Mets will look to grab the win in the third of four games, sending Chris Capuano to the mound to face Kevin Correia and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Game time is 7:10 P.M.

For my color commentary, thoughts and other insights during the game, check my twitter page and follow me at @TheSeanKenny