I’m sure like most of you, I was tickled orange-and-blue when Johan Santana was traded to the New York Mets in the offseason leading to the 2008 season.  I have a few friends who were from Minnesota who did warn me, however, that Santana takes a while to “warm up” during the season.  Expect a not-so-dominant first half, but he finishes strong second-half. I thought – pshaw!  That would all change.  I mean, wasn’t the [...]

The National League has always been seen as more of the “cerebral” league in baseball, the one where managers have to think and not just throw out eight hitters plus an additional one each day but have strategy, one of which pitching is more valuable than hitting.  Pitching has created several headlines this season, with one no-hitter and two, count ‘em, TWO perfect games (one in each league).  And it’s only May!  I’m sure like [...]

Who is Hisanori Takahashi? Peering into the vacuum of 2010, I would have to say he has been one of the most consistent relievers for the Mets this season.  And…well, that’s about it. The rumblings we’ve been hearing on blogs, news sites and other media forms are true: Takahashi is scheduled to make Friday night’s start against the Yankees, which was projected to be Jonathon Niese’s.  The other news there is that Niese apparently has [...]

The Mets created a lot of goodwill with their loyal fans after a 9-1 homestand late in April.  It certainly seemed as though some things were working: Ike Davis was called up and created an impression on the team and the fanbase, Jose Reyes moved his spot in the lineup and it seemed to work for at least the short term and two of the so-called “big bats” in David Wright and Jason Bay were [...]