Another wasted pitching performance, this time by Jonathon Niese and the explosion of the Mets bullpen accounted for the most recent loss, 7-5 to the Phillies in the opening game of the series

Game Notes

Jonathon Niese was wildly effective today, giving up one run on four hits in seven innings, walking five but striking out seven. Niese got himself into big trouble early in the game, but in the later innings pitched with a much higher efficiency. If not for those early inning trouble, Jonathon may have had a chance to take this one all the way – or at least all the way to K-Rod, which is where the fun began tonight.

Bobby Parnell relieved Niese, and gave up a single to everyone he faced, allowing two runs to score on his own account. Pedro Feliciano relieved him, and proceeded to allow a bunt single, then to walk home a run. After that, he allowed an RBI single to Jimmy Rollins, and decided he would get an out on Raul Ibanez swinging. Manny Acosta was called in, and got Placido Polanco to sacrifice fly to center, but made sure he gave up an RBI single to Mike Sweeney before Jayson Werth grounded out. For those counting at home – that is SIX runs allowed, with four scoring before an out was recorded. This is by far, the worst showing the Mets bullpen has had this entire season. Horrible to watch

The Mets offense was stifled by Joe Blanton, but they did manage to score runs on a Jose Reyes RBI single in the third, scoring Jeff Francoeur and and Josh Thole single in the fourth, scoring David Wright. After that 2 inning scoring streak, the Mets bats fell silent and in most innings went down 1-2-3. Mike Hessman, in the ninth inning in a pinch-hitting appearance launched his first HR as a Met, bring the score to 7-5. After a managerial tango involving Henry Blanco and Chris Carter being substituted after they were announced, Jesus Feliciano struck out looking.

Carlos Beltran, 0-4 now batting .203. Hopefully he finds his bearings sometime soon.

Jeff Francoeur, 3-4 with two runs scored. Frenchy, why do you tease everyone? This will go on for another few games, the Mets fans will love you, and you will betray us.

Luis Castillo. 0-2, some sacrifices. Seriously…this guy has limited purpose on this team.

Turning Point

When Bobby Parnell decided to play tee-ball with the Phillies in the eighth inning.

Game Ball

Jonathon Niese – as many Mets starters have found out this year, it is possible to pitch absurdly well and take the loss.

On Deck

The Mets will look to recover from this assault, sending Johan Santana to the mound to face-off against Cole Hamels. Game time is 7:05

The Mets currently have Daniel Murphy rehabbing at AAA, and with Brandon Wood struggling as well at 3B for the Angels, could he be a fit?

Murphy could platoon between 1B and 3B and possibly be a good trading chip with a team the Mets have already dealt with earlier in the season (Thanks GMJ).

If not Murphy, then Mike Hessman, who is leading AAA in home runs could possibly be another name that could fetch a piece or two. Of course, this is just speculation on my behalf, but considering the other trading options (Ty Wigginton, Lance Berkman, Paul Konerko) the Mets would seem to be the least demanding in terms of getting a great return back.

If it could happen, the Angels have a few hard-throwing bullpen pieces to replenish a fatigued bullpen, and possibly a few starters who could possibly help with another prospect being bundled in the deal (Nick Evans, anyone?)

Hessman, 31, played of the Class-AAA Toledo Mud Hens last season and batted .217 with a team leading 23 home runs and 77 RBIs.

The third baseman is adept as several other positions including outfield, and is most likely nothing more than another  addition for a depleted Buffalo Bisons roster that had suffered many defections since their season ended.

Hessman has a .208 average with 13 homers in 168 major-league at-bats.

He signs a split contract for the league minimum and there’s a chance he might leave and play for Japan.

Yawn…