Now that the All Star game will be held at Citi Field this season, the hope is that more Mets players will be represented at the home field, but with the state the Mets are in at this point, there is no guarantee that that will happen. There is a chance that the fans will vote in David Wright as the starting third basemen and he only trails Pablo Sandoval by 127,176 votes.. With a little more than a month away from the game, Wright still may be able to land on the team as a reserve, but starting would be his preference especially with the game being at Citi Field.

John Buck can possibly join David Wright on the All Star team because he leads all NL catchers with 11 HR and 35 RBIs, but if you are looking at his other stats, his batting average is not typically considered all star material especially at .219. Buck has received 523,843 and his currently third in the voting, but highly unlikely that he will gain enough votes to surpass Buster Posey who has 1,275,956.

With regards to the Pitchers, at 5-0 with a 2.17 ERA, and 89 K’s, Matt Harvey was looking as a great potential to start for the Mets but he has not won a start since May 17 and prior to that he last won on April 19th. It isn’t anything that he has done wrong; just the typical Mets lack of run support or timely hits. If Harvey had a better hitting squad, it’s safe to say he might be at least 10-0 by now. That may sound crazy, but if you look at his numbers, he hasn’t allowed more than 4 runs in a game so far this season. Harvey does have a great chance to be on the roster on July 16th, and it would be a nice feather in his cap if he started. But that decision will ultimately rest with Giants manager Bruce Bochy.

At this point in the season I do not see any other Mets players that warrant an All Star nod at Citi Field, and if I am wrong, that will mean that the team turned things around and are playing great baseball. That may be too much to wish for, but you never know. So we just wait and see and hope that with the Mid Season Classic in our stadium, that we will be able to root on more men in orange and blue then originally thought. I know I am dreaming, but I have still about a month and a half before I really need to wake up.

On Sunday, Bobby Parnell notched his sixth save of the season, recording the final three outs of the Mets’ 4-3 victory over the Cubs.  With the save, Parnell now has 20 in his six-year career with the Mets.  Now that may not seem like much, but it does give Parnell a special title.

Tell me, my fellow Mets fans.  Do you know which homegrown Met has the most saves in team history?  That would be Tug McGraw, who had 86 saves in a Mets uniform.  (Jesse Orosco, who had 107 saves in Flushing, made his major league debut with the Mets, but was originally drafted by the Minnesota Twins and made his professional debut in their minor league system.)

McGraw is followed by Roger McDowell (84 saves), Neil Allen (69 saves), Randy Myers (56 saves), Doug Sisk (33 saves), Bob Apodaca (26 saves), Danny Frisella (24 saves) and Parnell.

Did you notice that all of the homegrown relievers ahead of Parnell pitched for the Mets exclusively in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s?  When Randy Myers was traded for John Franco after the 1989 season, that began a nearly quarter century stretch in which the Mets went with closers whom they traded for or signed as free agents.

First it was John Franco (acquired from Cincinnati).  Then it was Armando Benitez (acquired from Baltimore).  Benitez was followed by Braden Looper (free agent signing), Billy Wagner (free agent signing), Francisco Rodriguez (free agent signing) and Frank Francisco (yup, another free agent signing).  During that 20-plus year stretch, homegrown pitchers were used to close games primarily when the incumbent closer needed a day of rest or was on the disabled list.

So since the departure of Randy Myers following the 1989 campaign, which homegrown pitchers have registered the most saves for the Mets?  Here is the top three list:

1. Bobby Parnell (20 saves)
2. Anthony Young (18 saves)
3. Aaron Heilman (9 saves)

The only homegrown pitchers to record at least ten career saves for the Mets since Randy Myers’ last season in New York are Anthony Young and Bobby Parnell.  Young is also the only homegrown closer since 1990 to record an individual season of more than seven saves when he saved 15 games in 1992 – the same year he began his major league-record 27-game losing streak.

Bobby Parnell has been given the closer duties by manager Terry Collins.  He is the first homegrown pitcher since 1989 to earn that responsibility out of spring training.  And he is now the team’s all-time saves leader for homegrown pitchers since that year.

The Mets have not developed many closers over the past quarter century, choosing to bring in closers from other teams.  Bobby Parnell is finally getting a chance to become the next Tug McGraw, Roger McDowell or Randy Myers.  If he succeeds, he stands to join those pitchers as the best homegrown closers in franchise history.

Our ninth inning savior has finally arrived!  And his name is Bobby Parnell.  It sure is nice to see a familiar face on the mound in the ninth inning instead of a recruit from another team.

This is a scene that very few homegrown closers have been able to repeat.

K-Rod said he would welcome a reunion with the Mets and would be extra motivated if given a second chance to redeem himself.

Rodriguez is currently a free agent, and the Mets showed minimal interest earlier in the offseason.

But please, please, please Sandy Alderson: Don’t bring this guy back!

The Mets have moved on from K-Rod and his antics, and there’s really no point in reverting. Why watch a washed up reliever struggle when we have some young guys capable of getting the job the done?

And if those younger guys struggle, give them the chance to work through their mistakes rather than keep giving the same guy numerous chances.

He has already been given a second chance with the Mets. After the whole incident with his girlfriend’s father in 2010, he returned to the Mets in 2011 – after many rumors of a potential release – and actually pitched pretty well.

In fact, he pitched so well that the Milwaukee Brewers traded for him for their stretch run, and he resurrected himself as a setup man.

That was his second chance. The Brewers re-signed him for the 2012 season, and he tanked to 2-7 record with a 4.38 ERA.

So basically he’s now seeking a third chance. Well, he’s come to wrong the place.

With the game on the line in the seventh and eighth inning, I’d much rather see the ball handed off to Bobby Parnell (if he’s not closing), Jeurys Familia, Josh Edgin or Robert Carson.

Give these guys a chance. We know that K-Rod is more of a headache than what his production will be on the field. He was actually charged with domestic abuse in September, 2012, so it doesn’t seem he’s changed too much.

It’s great that K-Rod wants to redeem himself to Mets fans for a three-year period of craziness. But hopefully, the Mets stay far away from this guy.

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?

Earlier today I had the pleasure of being joined by MetsBlog.com blogger, Michael Baron on my radio show “Mets Talk Live! Wright or Wrong?!? and he has a lot to say on the K-Rod trade as well as the Mets going forward in 2011 and beyond.

Here is what Michael had to say on Sandy Alderson’s conference call earlier today regarding the K-Rod trade:

JS: Hey Michael, I saw the news break last night on the K-Rod trade via twitter, I doubled take and had to look it up. I didn’t really see anything but sure enough within minutes it was confirmed the closer had been dealt to the Brewers. What’s been the feeling around the Mets concerning the trade?

MB: Just in talking about the conference call, Sandy Alderson said that the option vesting was just one of many the factors in trading K-rod, I have to believe it was a larger factor than he made it out to be. He’s doing the right thing by not making a big deal of that option, I’ve been saying it all along, and as you mentioned it on your show, it wouldn’t have mattered whether they were ten games up or ten behind, from a financial standpoint this was the absolute right move to make in my opinion.

Also, here’s what Michael had to say on replacing Rodriguez:

JS: As far as replacements go for K-Rod is Bobby Parnell the first man up?

TB: He’s certainly the strongest candidate on paper, I don’t necessarily believe they are going to stick with Parnell whether they win or lose. If he doesn’t perform I think they will look for someone to fill those shoes. Okay, he throws 100 MPH but he has had his share of command problems. He’s thrown great of late, but he has to be a shut down pitcher in the 9th inning, if he can’t prove he can do that than Terry Collins probably won’t stick with him. They have Jason Isringhausen, but he’s struggled over the past month or so, and it still remains to be seen whether he’s going to remain a Met in three weeks. I think there’s still a lot we don’t know, but we’ll have a better idea when Terry Collins and Pitching Coach Dan Warthen speak at their press conference tomorrow before team work outs at Citi Field.

Hear what else Michael had to say about the Mets moving forward in 2011 and beyond. Topics include, Michael’s grading of the Mets to this point in the season, Carlos Beltran’s future as a Met, the Mets seven game home stand following the All-Star break, and Jose Reyes’ impending free agency.

If you’d like to listen to this and everything else Michael had to say concerning the Mets here’s the link:

Mets Talk Live! Wright or Wrong?!?

—

Although a game has yet to be played after the All-Star break, this Mets team already takes on a new appearance. The bullpen corps is comprised of the same pitchers, and two (Bobby Parnell & Pedro Beato) will look to close out games now. Jason Isringhausen is a candidate to close as well, due to experience but this is a new dawn of allowing prospects to try and carry their weight. If either one of the three closer candidates can prove to be adequate if not excel in closing out games, the flexibility it provides financially is immense.

The thought is that with some added free space on the payroll this year, can they become players for another starter, possibly improve at catcher or add some right-handed bench depth? The options have expanded, and now the Mets can explore in-season options even though this K-Rod move is seen as somewhat of a defeatist move from a standpoint of competition.

In the offseason, the K-Rod option – no loger a worry, opens more options. Will the Mets re-sign Jose Reyes? That still isn’t known, but the amount of payroll that was opened is a much more positive sign today then it was a few days ago. Will the Mets re-sign Beltran? It is a dark horse option, but maybe Beltran won’t feel as betrayed by the Mets since most of the damage was done by the Minaya regime. Will the Mets look to sign some help in the offseason in both the starting rotation and at the catcher position.

This has been an interesting last few months, and with 18 days until the trade deadline, this can become a very exciting time for Mets fans.

For other thoughts, Mets news and Mets related talk, follow me on twitter @TheSeanKenny

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of talking with SNY’s Ted Berg on my radio show, “Mets Talk Live! Wright or Wrong?!?”, and and boy what a show it turned out to be.

Here are just a few of the topics we mulled over:

JS: Given the injuries to stars like David Wright, Ike Davis, Jose Reyes, and Johan Santana who’s been out all season long, the team is still a game over .500 and very much alive in the NL Wild-card race, if you had to put a grade on the Mets season to this point what would it be?

TB: Yeah you said they’ve been pretty good, right? I think that the key has been the depth of the team, they’ve been playing without some of their best players, and they’ve been playing pretty well.  You can’t call them an A team because they’re playing .500, you have to factor in the injuries what’s .500? B, B+? You may grade them on a curve because of the injuries.

JS: In all likely hood, Francisco Rodriguez is more likely than not to be dealt at the trade deadline, that being said, is Bobby Parnell the guy to replace Rodriguez as the Mets closer?

TB: I do, I think it’s a combination of him having the hot hand and he has the stuff to do it. I don’t know where the slider is at and if his secondary arsenal is up to snuff. He’s pitching well and I think the Mets realize they have to audition someone, because if K-rod is not gonna be around, and if they’re still going to be going with that traditional one inning closer, they want someone for the future, someone inexpensive. Turning that role over to Jason Isringhausen just means giving it to a guy who probably won’t be around next year and is just one pitch away from injury at any given point.

Hear Ted’s takes on all the latest hot topics surrounding the Mets in 2011 and beyond. Topics include, Ted’s grading of the Mets to this point in the season, Carlos Beltran’s pursuer’s, K-Rod’s vesting option as well as trade suitors, the Mets seven game home stand following the All-Star break, and Jose Reyes’ impending free agency.

If you’d like to listen to this and everything else Ted had to say concerning the Mets here’s the link:

Mets Talk Live! Wright or Wrong?!?

Ted is a wealth of knowledge and it was a pleasure having the opportunity to talk about the Mets in 2011 and going forward with Ted.

With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Mets still appear uncertain about whether they’ll be buyers or sellers. Eventually, they’ll have to make a decision, and if they wind up being sellers, they possess several risky trade targets—possibly too risky to be thought of as rental players.

The first of course is Jose Reyes. Though Sandy Alderson has claimed it’s unlikely that the Mets trade Reyes, he may reconsider if the Mets fall wildly out of contention.

Reyes is having arguably the best first half of any New York Met in history, but his hamstring injury could be a problem for potential buyers.

For a player that relies on his great speed, a sore hamstring can be a lingering injury.

Would a team be willing to overlook injury concerns to acquire Reyes? Even so, would that team be willing to only treat him as a rental player if he is to sign elsewhere this offseason?

It’s a great risk especially since Alderson will seek prime value in return for Reyes. It will likely cost a contender one or two top-level prospects.

If Reyes can’t return to form and then chooses to sign with a different team, it would have been a lost trade for whoever acquires him.

On now to Carlos Beltran, who like Reyes is having a great first half.

Gradually, Beltran’s name has been popping up in multiple trade rumors, but like Reyes, has had his share of injures in his Mets career.

He’s been healthy this year, which has added to his play on the field. However, he still has two pretty poor knees that a team scouting him would have to notice.

All it takes is a minor aggravation of his past injuries for a potential trade to flop.

Beltran would not be considered so much of a risk if he was traded to an American League team who could use him at DH.

The riskiest of potential Mets trade targets is definitely Francisco Rodriguez.

K-Rod has been good this year, despite a few temporary lapses, but that looming $17.5 million option vests if he finishes 55 games.

He’s well on his way to reaching that figure, so a team looking for bullpen help needs to be skeptical.

If a team trades for him and he reaches 55 games, then that team is on the hook for the option.

However, a team may look to add him as a setup man so it won’t have to worry about dealing with him next season.

K-Rod isn’t accustomed to a setup role, and it remains to be seen how he fares in that spot. He’s no stranger to making things interesting in the ninth inning, so we could only imagine the havoc he could potentially create in the eighth.

If there’s a team in dire need of a long-term closer, K-Rod could be the answer for this year and next. But the likelihood that a team pays him that much money to appear in less than half the games is slim.

So while the Mets do have some trade chips, each carries significant risks that could call off a potential deal. Let’s see how the next few weeks unfold, however, before casting these players aside as trade bait.

From the latest news on K-Rod according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports,  apparently Sandy Alderson has put out more then a feeler for K-Rod, and the Yankees response wasn’t a rejection, but rather a “call us closer to the deadline” move. While they would be willing to pick up the salary of K-Rod, the Yankees would be expecting to get K-Rod for pennies on the dollar as a classic salary dump.

While this was to be expected in regards to what K-Rod would grant in return, the Mets may feel that Parnell/Beato could be ready to take over the ninth inning and the ability to clear out K-Rod’s option gives them much more freedom in the offseason to retool or keep players.

The largest reason for the trade isn’t K-Rod’s declining velocity or effectiveness, but more Sandy Alderson’s wish to drop the payroll roughly 20 million dollars. While this isn’t going from big-market to small-market, it is aimed at being more efficient with spending and limiting expensive contracts in hopes of being able to make a big splash when it presents itself.

For other Mets news, notes and thoughts, follow me on twitter @TheSeanKenny

Some of you may remember the article I wrote earlier in the season where I predicted the Mets would move Carlos Beltran, Francisco Rodriguez, and others. All the while I predicted Reyes would NOT be traded at the deadline. That now is certain because of this injury, but he would have not been traded at the deadline anyway.

It’s now becoming clear Sandy Alderson is doing one of two things.

A. Truly interested in re-signing Reyes. (This is what he should be doing. It’s obvious Reyes is the best player on this team right now.)

B. Alderson is just gauging interest to see what it may take to bring him back. In this scenario, Alderson can better prepare for his offseason plan now by seeing the range of $$$$ Reyes agents are dreaming about. (We can all thank god Reyes didn’t switch to Boras.)

Forget Reyes for a minute and let’s switch back to our inevitable mini fire sale.

I expect Alderson will attempt to trade Beltran, Rodriguez, Capuano, Isringhausen, and Byrdak. Hell, he may even shock us and deal Pelfrey. I wouldn’t shed a tear. We could move all the guys above and I’d be praising Mr. Alderson for whatever he gets in return.

The Mets have proved one thing this year – They are not the same Mets, but they’re really similar. Extremely injury prone and Streaky (Mets biggest downfall every year in recent memory).

However they’ve shown bright spots in an otherwise mediocre season. Dillon Gee, Pedro Beato and Justin Turner are just a few. These guys could very likely be on many future 25-man rosters. Alderson will craft the team in the fashion he sees fit. If that includes Reyes, amazing. That’s what I’ve been predicting (and praying) would happen all along. If it does not, then it’s obvious he wasn’t interested in coughing up 100+ million for a player that relies so much on his legs. This of course is due to his history of leg injuries. That may very well happen. It wouldn’t shock me at all if Alderson saw Reyes price skyrocket, then decided his money might be better spent in other various areas.

Regardless, selling is inevitable. Let’s hope we get some nice presents for Baseball Christmas (July 31st).

R.A. Dickey pitched a good outing, but left in the fifth inning with a glute injury and the Mets offense rallied late against the Yankees to prevent the series sweep, 3-2.

Game Notes

R.A. Dickey pitched a quality five innings, but was removed for a pinch hitter in the top of the sixth after he walked off the field gingerly after pulling his left glute muscle. R.A’s final line is five innings, one run allowed on two hits, with two walks and three strikeouts. Dickey had great control today, and had a no-hitter until the fifth when he gave up the double to Robinson Cano. Dickey has just been continually unlucky this year.

The bullpen got a heavy load today, with Pedro Beato, Jason Isringhausen and K-Rod coming out today. Beato had another great outing, going two innings allowing one hit and striking out one. Beato has looked much better recently, challenging hitters to beat him. Izzy came out today, and wasn’t particularly sharp, allowing two hits and one run in one inning. The pitch that Gardner hit for a triple was a good pitch, but it needed to be in a little more. Izzy has been uneven recently in his outings, and if this is fatigue-related or just people getting hip to his style. K.Rod had his longest outing of the season and earned a win, going two innings allowing three hits and walking one (intentionally)

The bullpen has had bouts where it is good, and some where the performance is lackluster. K.Rod is still being hit pretty hard, and that isn’t a good sign.

The offense today was slowed yet again, scoring a run in the first on an RBI single by Daniel Murphy. The Mets had chances to score, but a few rallies were killed by double plays. The Mets decided the dramatics were the way to win a game, waiting until the ninth inning off arguably the best closer of all time. Jason Bay drew a walk, advanced to third on a Lucas Duda single and scored on a Ronny Paulino RBI single. The game was almost won in the ninth, when Ruben Tejada hit a ball through Ramiro Pena’s legs and Lucas Duda tried to score from second. Duda had no business running at that point, but I guess you play aggressively and he poorly read the play.

The big blow came in the tenth inning, when former Met Luis Ayala walked Scott Hairston who moved to second after an Angel Pagan sacrifice. Justin Turner would be hit by a pitch, and Daniel Murphy reached base after Ramiro Pena made his second error in as many innings. Everyone’s favorite Met, Jason Bay decided to put the game in the books and hit a walkoff RBI-single.

The offense today seemed to struggle against Freddy Garcia, which has been a common theme with “junkballer” pitchers.

Pagan & Turner – 0 for 7 with a walk and a strikeout. Turner had an ugly error that could’ve been much worse and been an inning-ending double play.

Daniel Murphy – 3 for 5 with an RBI. Murphy has been in a good groove, hitting .303 for the year. Is this what Daniel Murphy can be? A .290-.300 hitter with some pop and versatility? Lets hope so.

Willie Harris – Came back after the unfortunate event that occurred to him and his wife. Drew a walk in the rally that could’ve happened in the eighth.

Turning Point

Mariano Rivera apparently forgetting how to close games in the ninth/Paulino’s RBI single.

Game Ball

The game ball today goes to…Jason Bay. If the power doesn’t come around, but he can hit when it matters, that is good enough.

On Deck

The Mets will travel to the west coast to face off against the Dodgers and Rubby De La Rosa. Chris Capuano will be taking the mound for the Mets and the game will start at 9:10 P.M.

Happy Fourth of July to all MMO readers.

For thoughts on the Mets, during, before and after games follow me on Twitter @TheSeanKenny

Dillon Gee pitched around some early inning trouble, and the offense put up enough runs to put the game out of reach as the Mets won the game, 8-5 and the series versus the Rangers

Game Notes

Dillon Gee was effective, if not spectacular in his six innings of work today. He allowed three runs on eight hits, walking two and striking out one while allowing one HR. Gee looked to be doomed in the first inning, giving up numerous hits. He settled down and looked very good in the later innings for the most part. He hasn’t shown that good control recently, and thus has been getting hit because he cannot locate.

Four of the bullpen boys came out today. Beato went an clean inning, Byrdak a clean two-thirds, Izzy a clean one-third and K-Rod came out in a game that was five runs ahead and managed to make it only a three run win. K-Rod has consistently looked…bad. It isn’t a matter of pitching himself in and out of trouble now. He is walking batters, giving up extra base hits and being forced into situations. His ineptitude to “close” also hurts some of his trade value.

The offense today existed thanks to major Ranger errors. The first run scored on a wild pitch, the second on an error and the fourth and fifth on a failed “intentional walk”. Its good to see the Mets winning with some timely hitting and aggressive baserunning, but at what point will the lack of any power create problems?

Jason Bay – 0 for 5 with an RBI and a strikeout. 51 K’s in 187 AB’s. Eek.

Daniel Murphy – 3 for 4 with two runs and an RBI. Also, caught stealing. Great to see Daniel put up some hits.

Ronny Paulino – 2 for 4 with two runs. He may not be hitting the lefties for power right now, but he is hitting them. Much more then can be said about..

Scott Hairston – 1 for 5 with a strikeout. Hairston only hit wasn’t hit very hard. How much longer is he the acceptable fifth OF?

Turning Point

Mets second inning after Gee gave up two runs. It just gave Dillon confidence to know he wasn’t going to have to win the game, he just couldn’t give it away.

Game Ball

Jose Reyes – 4 for 5 with three runs, an RBI and an SB. Honestly, he slumps for three games and does this. If thats how long he will slump for, opponents will begin walking Jose.

On Deck

The Mets have off tomorrow, and then will face off against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday in Detroit. R.A. Dickey will toe the rubber against the Tigers Rick Porcello. Game Time is 7:05 P.M.

To read my thoughts on this game and the Mets in general, follow me on twitter @TheSeanKenny

Jonathon Niese pitched a solid game and the offense sparked by Jose Reyes beat the Atlanta Braves 4-3 on Tuesday.

Game Notes

Jonathon Niese went a quality six and one third innings, giving up two runs on five hits, striking out five and walking one. After some early season control trouble Niese has been extremely good, as has the whole Mets pitching staff. To see this staff come around without Johan Santana and without anything is a major plus.

Beato, Byrdak, Izzy and K-Rod allowed one run over the last two and two third innings. Beato walked his only batter, Byrdak struck out both of his batters, Izzy gave up a home run to Dan Uggla and K-Rod went a clean inning striking out two for his nineteenth save.

The offense today existed as it has operated for the last few weeks, singles upon singles, aggressive baserunning and some timely hitting from Carlos Beltran (RBI single), Angel Pagan (RBI single), Lucas Duda (sacrifice fly) and Jose Reyes (RBI single)

Mets, 4 for 4 on steal attempts. Two for Jose, one for Willie Harris and the second of the season for Carlos Beltran, running wild on David Ross.

Turning Point

When the bullpen held up in the ninth inning. The bullpen has faltered so much in recent weeks it is amazing to see them hold a lead and earn a well deserved win for the starter

Game Ball

Jose Reyes. – 3 for 5, two steals, two runs scored, RBI. Jose is a man possessed right now, and he is playing like one of the best players in either league

On Deck

The Mets will look to use this momentum to take another one from the Atlanta Braves. Dillon Gee will take the mound and face off against Tim Hudson. Game time is 7:05 P.M.

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.

R.A. Dickey pitched a great game today going eight strong innings and thanks to some good run support on the heels of Jose Reyes, the Mets won 6-4 and won the series against the Braves

Game Notes

R.A. Dickey look substantially better today then he had in his last outing. Although his foot still seemed to be bothering him, specifically when running after batting, he was in control today. Dickey went eight innings, allowing one run on four hits while striking out three and walking one. His only run was on a home run to Brian McCann, which was a fastball McCann grooved. Dickey has a mentality when he goes to the mound that hasn’t changed since last season.

Manny Acosta came in for his first appearance of the season, and promptly did what he did a lot of in Buffalo – walk a hitter. He then got a fly out, and gave up a double. His final line was one-third of an inning, one walk, one hit. K-Rod came out for ANOTHER game finish, which is setting him on pace for 63 games finished aka “17.5 Million Reasons To Panic”. Promptly, gave up a three-run home-run to light-hitting Diory Hernandez. After that ordeal, K-Rod went on to strike out the next two hitters swinging. Final line for K-Rod, giving up one run on one hit with two strike outs and one home run allowed.

The bullpen was shown some mercy today, as the usual suspects were not expected to show face after the Mets were in control the entire game. I am sure Izzy, Byrdak, Beato and Parnell were thankful for that.

The offense today was not going to let the Braves get off the hook early, scoring runs in 4 of the first five innings, and knocking Braves starter Tim Hudson out of the game by the bottom of the fifth inning. RBI hits by Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Angel Pagan, Justin Turner, a bases-loaded walk to Ruben Tejada and Jose Reyes scoring on a wild pitch. The offense may not be knocking in major hits, but they are hitting the ball hard, taking extra bases and manufacturing runs,

Carlos Beltran left the game when he fouled a ball off of his calf/shin/ankle while batting left handed. The x-rays came out negative and apparently he is day-to-day, but I would see him taking a game or two off just to ensure it doesn’t get worse before it gets better.

Jose Reyes – 2 for 4 with two runs scored, one RBI and one walk. Continuing to be awesome.

Daniel Murphy – 2 for 3 with a walk and a strikeout.

Ronny Paulino – 0 for 4 with a strikeout. Against a righty, to be expected.

Turning Point

The Mets stepping on the throttle in the first inning.

Game Ball

R.A. Dickey gets the game ball. Take away one home run given up, and it would have been a flawless outing. Saving the bullpen, pitching through pain. Trademarks of a gamer.

On Deck

Tomorrow the Mets will have off, but on Tuesday will open a series against Shawn Marcum and the Milwaukee Brewers. Chris Capuano will be on the mound for the Mets. Game Time is 8:10 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

Mike Pelfrey had another bad outing, but the bullpen brigade and a great comeback spearheaded by Carlos Beltran helped the Mets split the series and win the game, 9-8

Game Notes

Mike Pelfrey was hit hard from the onset of the game, getting shelled for three runs in the first, second and one in the third. For those who don’t want to read that, Mike Pelfrey gave up SEVEN RUNS in three innings. His final line was five innings, seven runs on ten hits including a home run, with one walk and three strikeouts. The Pirates stole with impunity today, taking three bags on Pelfrey. This was a real head-turning effort for Pelfrey, because he seemed to be turning a corner in terms of not being a bad pitcher.

The bullpen combined to ONLY allow one run in four innings, which is a major improvement in the last few days. Tim Byrdak allowed one hit in his one inning, but navigated around it by picking off Xavier Paul. Bobby Parnell after his last disastrous outing got two outs, walked someone, moved him to second with a wild pitch then struck out the last batter. His final line was one inning, one walk, one strikeout. Izzy came out in an attempt to provoke a fourth TJ surgery, and gave up one hit and struck out two in his inning of work to earn the win. K-Rod came out today after having a tooth pulled yesterday, and gave up two hits and a run in one inning, striking out one to earn his sixteenth save.

Bullpen, better today but definitely overworked. The entire bullpen has had outings in the last two days, and it seems like its beginning to take a toll.

The offense today was trying to atone for Pelfrey’s horrible outing, and they started it with a bang. Carlos Beltran obliterated a shot to left field for a three-run home run in the third showing he still has gas in the tank, and is an #RBIWhore (check the twitter, numerous whore jokes). The Mets weren’t going to lose another game in such criminally embarrassing fashion and went ballistic in the sixth. Ruben “Secret Squirrel” Tejada, two-RBI single, Daniel Murphy, pinch-hit RBI single, Tejada advancing to third on an error, then scoring on a passed-ball. The Mets weren’t content with the 7-7 tie, and a Ruben Tejada sac-fly and a Carlos Beltran bases-loaded walk made the game 9-7.

This was the best comeback, if the only comeback the Mets have had this season. The offense was operating on all cylinders, and even without a ridiculous Jose Reyes or Justin Turner, they managed to put up nine runs.

Beltran was the only Met who put up more than one hit.

Tejada – 1 for 3 with a run and three RBI. Big day Ruben, be a shame when they send you back down. IF they do.

Reyes – 1 for 4 with a walk and two strikeouts. Back from the bereavement list.

Paulino – 1 for 4, most of the AB’s against a lefty. Waiting for the “lefty-mashing” element of Paulino.

Turning Point

The epic sixth inning putting across four runs on what amounted to essentially no major hits.

Game Ball

Carlos Beltran – 2 for 4 with four RBI, two runs and a walk. Beltran is really a monster when he locks in.

On Deck

The Mets will look to take on the division rival Atlanta Braves tommorrow at Citi Field, and will send Jonathon Niese to the mound against Derek Lowe. Game time is 7:10 P.M.

Follow me on twitter @TheSeanKenny to see my random rants and in game chatter

The Mets as a team pitched well, but the bullpen wound up being the culprit of loss again today, and the Mets lost the opening game in the series, 6-4 to the Phillies

Game Notes

Chris Capuano, coming off a disastrous outing in the Bronx, went six effective innings, allowing two runs on four hits with one walk and eight strikeouts. Cap looked good today, and the return of Chase Utley just helps that platoon split. Capuano only had thrown 78 pitches, but was pinch hit for in the seventh.

The bullpen today had mostly negative results. Pedro Beato, after the worst two outings of his young career had a clean inning. Jason Isringhausen got himself into trouble with a leadoff single, stolen base and then a Jimmy Rollins double on a hanging curveball. He managed to get out of the inning on guile, getting a fly out, pop out and then fly out. K-Rod came out today and did his usual tight-rope act, but with the assistance of a bad fielding play by Daniel Murphy, allowed the Phillies to scratch across three in the ninth for the win.

Bullpen’s sometimes falter – lets just hope this was a one time issue. Izzy couldn’t hold the Phillies in the eighth, putting the Mets in a bad situation.

Offense today existed in spurts. #RBIWhoreBeltran had a big day. knocking in some RBI. Mets did some major stranding, and for the sake of long winded rebuttal’s on how the Mets need to hit with RISP, we go to individual stats

Jose Reyes – 2 for 5 with three runs. Jose is just on another planet right now in terms of productivity.

Turner – 4 for 5 with an RBI. The kid seems to understand how to play the game.

Harris & Hairston – 0 for 2 in pinch-hitting duty. Harris was in a big spot, Hairston was in a HUGE spot, against a lefty.

Daniel Murphy – 1 for 5 with an SB and three runners stranded. Also, two bad defensive plays not scored as errors that led to runs.

Turning Point

Murphy misplaying the grounder in the ninth that scored the first run of the inning

Game Ball

Chris Capuano pitched a great game, and if it wasn’t for the situation in the game he would’ve stayed in

On Deck

The Mets will hit the field tommorrow, sending Mike Pelfrey to face off against the Phillies and Cole Hamels. Game Time is 7:10 P.M.

R.A. Dickey may have had his best outing of the season, and the combination of Justin Turner and Daniel Murphy provided all the offense for the Mets in their 2-1 win against the Yankees.

Game Notes

R.A. Dickey went out today and pitched a phenomenal game. Robert Allen went out today, and went six innings allowing one run on four hits striking out six and walking three. The only run R.A. allowed was on a Teixiera home run that just went over Carlos Beltran’s glove all of the 320 feet to RF. Dickey got himself in trouble in the early innings, and some strong pitch selection as well as great defensive plays, specifically by Reyes in the fifth ensured Dickey would see the sixth inning

The Mets bullpen today was lights out, going three innings, striking out five and walking none. Mike O’Connor pitched a clean inning with one strikeout, Izzy pitched a major eighth with two big strikeouts and K-Rod pitched the ninth for his fifteenth save, striking out two.

This bullpen has been so crucial in this team’s success.

The offense struggled to get good contact against Freddy Garcia, but after an F.Mart double, Justin Turner kept his torrid RBI pace up, knocking him in with an op.field double in the fourth. The bats were held in check until Daniel Murphy lead off the sixth inning with a home run to that lovely 314 region in right field to put the Mets up 2-1. The momentum of the dog fight style of game seems to benefit the Mets and they play like every hit will win the game.

Justin Turner – 3 for 4 with an RBI – will you be the godfather to my unborn child? If not, cool. Your on a streak right now.

Ruben Tejada – 0 for 4 with two strikeouts (looking) – it’s ok Secret Squirrel, you looked good on defense.

Beltran – 1 for 2 with two walks. Beltran is a major reason the Mets are leading the league in walks.

Turning Point

The Jose Reyes play to end the fifth gave the momentum to the irish hammer Daniel Murphy and his home run.

Game Ball

The Mets bullpen. This is the fourth straight close game and they have continued to do nothing but hold the opponents to NOTHING.

On Deck

The Mets will look to keep their four game streak going, sending Chris Capuano to the mound against the Yankees and A.J. Burnett. Game time is 7:10 P.M.

Chris Capuano grinded through five innings, and Justin Turner had a huge day with five RBI and the Mets won the last game, and the series against the Astros 7-4.

Game Notes

Chris Capuano went out today and pitched a great game, but getting himself into trouble as most Mets starters have been doing this year. Cap gave up two runs in five innings on six hits, striking out six and walking three. While Capuano seemed to be struggling with location, the Astros seemed to want Capuano to succeed from the start, when Michael Bourn was picked off of first after he singled on the first pitch. Capuano faced a primarily righty lineup and didn’t seem too phased, but he did have to work hard and apparently.

The bullpen got a lot of work today. Taylor Buchholz pitched two innings, allowing one run on two hits, while walking one and striking out two. Taylor has been great, but some long-ball tendencies are beginning to be seen, allowing four home runs in 21 2/3 innings. Tim Byrdak made his first appearance since May 10th, and gave up a double and a walk before being pulled. Jason Isringhausen would stop the bleeding, but not before allowing an RBI double to end the frame. Byrdak’s line – 0 IP, one run on one hit with one walk, Izzy one IP, one hit, one strikeout. K-Rod came out for his fourth save attempt in five days, and nailed it down with a clean inning, notching his twelfth save of the season.

The bullpen bent a little bit more today, but two five inning outings back-to-back can do that to a bullpen. Byrdak was the only completely fresh arm, and he is a LOOGY, as he has been ineffective against righties.

The offense today can be renamed “Justin Turner” as the Red One went 2 for 4 with a home run, the first of his career and five RBI. The other RBI was knocked in by Jason Pridie. In an awkward play in the fifth, after a late move by catcher J.R. Towels to throw out Jose Reyes on a stolen base attempt, Jason Pridie broke home without Bill Hall ever noticing there was a play at the plate, stealing a run. The Astros overall sloppy play seemed to kill them today, with everything falling apart in the fifth, and then the wound just being opened further in the sixth.

Daniel Murphy – 1 for 3 with two runs, and the rare 3-ball walk. Just an error overall, but Murph still will take the free BB any day.

Carlos Beltran – 0 for 4 with a strikeout – not sure if the eye was an issue, but love the grit.

Reyes, Thole, Wright – 0 for 9 with four walks, three strikeouts and two steals. The patience is great, but David Wright is third in the league in walks – and near the top in strikeouts. This problem is only getting worse.

Hairston/Harris – 0 for 2. At least no Hu appearance.

Turning Point

When Carlos Lee dropped the fly ball in the infield and the Mets pushed across four in the fifth.

Game Ball

Justin Turner. Big day, first MLB home run and five RBI. He isn’t going to make the decision easy when Ike comes back as to who is the starter.

On Deck

The Mets will travel back home to face the Marlins tommorrow at Citi Field, in a rematch of the Opening Day starters, Josh Johnson and Mike Pelfrey for the Mets. Game time is 7:10 P.M.