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 [...]

With the Mets 7 1/2 games behind the wild card leading Atlanta Braves, but still having two months to go in the season, I’m not one to give up and give in concerning the Amazin’s playoff chances here in 2011. After the trade of closer Francisco Rodriguez the night of the All-Star game, and then just a few short weeks later with the trade of the resurgent Carlos Beltran many saw this as this team [...]

Jonathon Niese went five and one-third innings, and Bobby Parnell ruined a comeback attempt in their 3-2 loss against the Nationals Game Notes Jonathon Niese looked very good for five innings, and then came unraveled in the sixth, allowing three straight doubles. Jonathon’s final line was five and one-third innings, allowing two runs on eight hits while striking out six. Niese looked good, but seemed to lose his location and that summoned his early exit. [...]

The Mets offense jumped on Nationals starting Chien Ming Wang early, and Dillon Gee pitched a quality game in their 8-5 win. Game Notes Dillon Gee was on point today, and without one defensive miscue may have only allowed one run for his entire outing. Gee went six and two third innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits, walking four and striking out five. Gee was a little wild, hitting two batters but [...]

In Monday night’s thrilling 4-2 defeat of the Reds, we were reminded yet again just how much Daniel Murphy has evolved as a hitter. With his two doubles, including his two-run scoring double in the 7th, Murphy now sits just four doubles behind teammate Carlos Beltran for the National League lead. Quietly, the young 26-year-old utility man has become one of the best overall hitters in the National League here in 2011. Murphy remained red-hot last night and picked up [...]

And so it begins, and so it begins… Everyone is already wishing Carlos Beltran goodbye and I must do the same in due time. Carlos Beltran has done a great job for the Mets in the past – but for now, I’ll just focus on last week. He put up some nice numbers over the week – but I can’t help but give credit to a returning player that showed that he was ready to [...]

Dillon Gee had a shaky start, and Bobby Parnell blew the game in the eighth inning as the Mets lost 5-4 to the Marlins. Game Notes Dillon Gee had a rough outing, giving up three runs on seven hits, walking three and striking out three. It took Gee 96 pitches to get through five innings, and he consistently found himself in trouble. The Marlins were being patient, and making Gee work to even get outs. [...]

Mike Pelfrey had another mixed outing, and the return of David Wright helped the Mets in their 7-6 win against the Marlins Game Notes Mike Pelfrey had yet another uneven outing, but this one was marred by control issues and some bad defense. Mike went six innings, allowing four runs on five hits, walking four and striking out three. Pelfrey’s been trending more towards a fly ball pitcher, and today two of those fly balls [...]

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, [...]