Good Morning Mets Fans !

The Metropolitans had themselves a weekend to forget, getting swept by the Miami Marlins as the team has now dropped five games in a row.

The Washington Nationals head into town today as the Mets look to right the ship against a division rival who has also underperformed in 2019.

Patrick Corbin (4-1, 2.91 ERA) will take the ball for the Nats in what will seemingly be a bullpen day for New York. Tonight’s game is scheduled for a 7:10 PM ET first pitch and can be seen on SNY as well as heard on WCBS 880.

Latest Mets News

Tim Healey reported that Robinson Cano‘s claim that the scoreboard showed the incorrect amount of outs in his double play on Friday, causing him not to hustle was false. This though was quickly shut down from those in attendance at the game who saw it first hand. It was a weekend of mishaps for Cano as again he did not run in a scenario that resulted in a double play on Sunday.

Jon Heyman believes that though the seat may be hot, Mickey Callaway is not in immediate danger to be fired.

Latest MLB News

The San Diego Padres are hoping to see Fernando Tatis Jr. return to action this week.

Jose Leclerc took some steps to regaining the closer role for the Texas Rangers.

Latest NL East News

Jordan Hall of NBC Sports writes on the rise of Aaron Nola after a tough start to his season.

Thomas Boswell of the Washington Post believes things cannot get much worse for the Nationals.

Mark Bradley of theAJC addresses the bullpen issues disrupting the Atlanta Braves season.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald takes stock on some Marlins prospects.

Latest on MMO

JE provides us with a fan shot going over how things just never seem to change for this organization.

Rob Piersall reports on the faith that manager, Mickey Callaway has in himself and his team.

This Day in Mets History

On this day in 1966, the New York Mets purchased Gerry Arrigo from the Cincinnati Reds.

Birthdays: Wilson Valdez (41), Wayne Housie (54) and Ken Boyer.

The post Morning Briefing: Struggling Mets Open Homestand Against Nationals appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Yesterday had all the trappings of being a great day at the ballpark at Citi Field. The sun was out warming the many fans that came to celebrate the recently reinstated Banner Day. Mets Rookie phenom, Rafael Montero was on the mound for the first game of a single admission doubleheader, and to boot it was Bartolo Colon poster day (albeit I had hoped the poster would show him in a string bikini looking all seductive in a Farrah Fawcett-esque pose – but that’s just me).

My Wife and I got to the game and headed directly to the Caesars Club for lunch. When we reached our seats in the sun drenched Pepsi Porch there was no sign that the Banner Day parade was about to start, and I found out later that it was held way before the gates were opened to the public.

Well this got my Irish up, I mean what is the point of  having a Banner Day in front of an empty Citi Field? How is this supposed to instill a sense of tradition in the newer generation of Mets fans – and with all this talk from their PR arm – Wouldn’t real Mets fans show up in the stands to watch Banner Day? In my opinion the Mets dropped the ball once again.

Here are some more random thoughts that I took away from yesterdays game one debacle.

I still feel that the Mets traded away their best first base option. Ike Davis would not have dropped that routine foul pop – Duda looked as though he was trying to spot clouds shaped like fuzzy bunnies while the ball plopped right in front of him.

Chris Young has no use on this team – unless there is a need for a feast or famine power hitter who doesn’t hit for average. He seemingly pops up on first pitch swings or is stranding a boatload of runners in scoring position. Oh and by the way his walk up music sucks also!!!

Yeah Stephen Drew might not be deserving of the 10 million dollar contract that he just signed with the Red Sox – but Ruben Tejada isn’t even worth the league minimum.

Murph, Murph, Murph – I understand that you have made great strides learning the second base position – but jeez that error that you committed in the eighth inning was just painful to watch!

Montero I think is going to become a stalwart of this rotation – that is if he can get any kind of run support from this anemic offense.

And lastly a message to Saul Katz….  PLEASE CONVINCE FRED TO SELL THE TEAM!!!!!

By the was I was on hand for a blogger event at Citi Field this past Thursday and I had the chance to participate in a group interview with both Dillon Gee and Travis d’Arnaud. To see the Dillon Gee interview click here and to check out d’Arnaud please click here – he reveals that he is a big New York Rangers fan!!!

And with that said…. HERE COMES THE INFAMY!!!!!

Mets alumni celebrating a birthday today includes:

Mets coach from ’82-’83, Jim Frey turns 83 (1931). The season after he left the Mets, Frey led the Chicago Cubs to the National League East pennant over his former team.

Other transactions of note include:

The New York Mets released utility man Bobby Pfeil on May 26, 1970.

The New York Mets signed free agent pitcher, Terry Leach on May 26, 1984. Leach was  quite possibly the most dependable pitcher during the ’87 campaign. He went 11-1 with a era of 3.32 for a Mets team that saw the bulk of it’s pitching staff on the disabled list that season.

The New York Mets traded spot starter/middle reliever, Geremi Gonzalez to the Milwaukee Brewers for minor league pitcher, Mike Adams on May 26, 2006.

The New York Mets purchased the contract of reserve infielder, Wilson Valdez from the Cleveland Indians on May 26, 2009.

Mo Vaughn bought 5 cases of hot dogs and buns, 10 cases of Bubba Burgers, 5 suitcases of Sam Adams, 20 2 liters of Diet Coke and at least 20 lbs of potato salad, coleslaw and chips for his Memorial Day Party.  If you attend you can’t have any of it, bring your own eats and beverages!!!

The post This Day In Mets Infamy: Random Thoughts From Yesterday’s Doubleheader appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

This is why whenever somebody looks at me cross-eyed when they find out that I am indeed a Mets fan I summon the old credo:

“I’m a Mets fan – I hope for the best, but I expect the worst”

That being said I am trying to stay positive this hot stove season because I have to think that ownership understands that they are at a crossroads. Because of the Madoff scandal, this team has seen it’s payroll shrink from its $150 million dollar apex to the $90 million dollar level when this season opened on April 1st.

Both Ownership and General Manager Sandy Alderson are on the record saying they have money to burn and they intend on importing better talent than in previous seasons. I hope against hope that they aren’t paying lip service to the fans, and maybe I will be less skeptical when I see the first “big” acquisition – whether a free agent signing or trade – announced. But right now I will try to check my apathy at the door.

The thing that makes me feel a bit skeptical is that the general feeling out there is that the Mets may only be able ( or willing) to spend upwards of $40 million on new talent which would bring the payroll up to around the same $90 million give or take. Teams can win with that kind of payroll, but this team has a serious lack of talent on the big league level with the exception of a handful of players. With this alleged $40 million you definitely wont be able to afford a Ellsbury – or even a Choo, Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if Marlon Byrd will command – and get a 3-year, $40 million dollar contract coming off the season he just had.

The rumors that are circulating out there and say that the Mets aren’t interested in any of the three available Dodger outfielders makes me just scratch my head. I feel like the Mets have the money and want to buy the Kobe beef, but they may once again settle for the 2 day old chuck roast that has been reduced for a quick sell.

For now, I’m not really jaded – more like confused – and I can only hope that by the time the Mets are set to open Spring Training come February, they will have imported some much needed talent that will be impactful not only in 2014, but for many years to come.

But once again my mind reverts back to that old credo:

I’m a Mets fan – I hope for the best, but expect the worst.

And with that said…..

HERE COMES THE INFAMY!!!!!!

Mets alumni celebrating birthdays today include:

Outfielder from ’75-’77, Mike Vail is 62 (1951). One has to wonder what might have been if he didn’t shatter his ankle while playing a pickup game of basketball during the  ’75 offseason.

Mets general manager from ’04-’10, Omar Minaya is 55 (1958) Although I am not one of Minaya’s biggest fans I am thankful that he was able to get the Mets back into contention within 2 years of his hiring. It is the simple fact that he sacrificed the future by making some ill advised trades and draft selections that have partially put this team in the situation it is currently in.

Utility infielder from the ’92 season, Junior Noboa is 49 (1964).

One of the biggest goats in Mets history, Kenny Rogers  is 49 (1964).

Outfielder from ’93-’98, Butch Huskey is 42 (1971). Lets face it, Huskey was Lucas Duda before Lucas Duda ever picked up a bat.

Right fielder from the ’06 and ’07 seasons, Shawn Green is 41 (1972). Yes by the time the Mets obtained the “Hebrew Hammer”, Green was on the downside of his career. He still managed to hit a combined .284 with14 homers and 61 ribbies, and he absolutely raked in the ’06 postseason.

Some other notables include:

The New York Mets signed free agent utility outfielder, Carlos Mendoza on November 10, 1992.

The Atlanta Braves signed reserve outfielder,  Esix Snead of the New York Mets as a free agent on November 10, 2004. Snead played parts of 2 seasons with the Mets, compiling a .308 batting average with one homerun, 3 rbis and 4 stolen bases in 18 games.

The Mets granted middle reliever, Shingo Takatsu  free agency on November 10, 2005.

The New York Mets signed free agent middle reliever,  Raul Valdes on November 10, 2006.

The Philadelphia Phillies  signed utility infielder,  Wilson Valdez of the New York Mets as a free agent on November 10, 2009.

When a Queens donut shop owner discovered that his morning supply of fresh-baked donuts had all been robbed and called the police, the two officers that responded looked at each other and said, “Gotta go to Mo’s.” Thirty minutes later the caper was solved as Mo Vaughn was cuffed and taken into custody – covered in powdered sugar. (Guest Mo Vaughn joke by Joe D.)

The post This Day In Mets Infamy With Rusty: Hope For The Best, But Expect The Worst Edition appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Of course, those jubilant fans were just kids running the bases after the game in the Mr. Met Dash.  The mounted police and their horses were in the parking lot making sure to leave deposits behind for me to step in after I left the game (bingo…).  Despite the lack of pomp and circumstance, the Mets can still feel good about their latest victory, one that gave them only their second series victory since late July.

Another thing they can feel encouraged about is the performance by John Maine over his five innings of work.  Maine held the Nationals hitless through the first four innings and earned his first win since May 31.

The Mets got hits early and often, as they scored four runs in the first three innings off Nationals’ starter Garrett Mock.  Daniel Murphy played a big part in the early scoring.  He tripled to lead off the second inning and later scored on an infield single by Josh Thole.  In the third inning, Murphy hit a long double to center, scoring David Wright and Carlos Beltran.

The game remained 4-0 until the eighth inning, when Wilson Valdez tripled to right field, scoring Jeff Francoeur and Josh Thole.  In addition to Murphy and Valdez, Angel Pagan provided some offensive punch.  His three hits raised his batting average back over .300.  He is now hitting .304.

After being held to only two hits through the first eight innings, the Nats made one last attempt to prevent the Mets from clinching fourth place.  Two runs and three hits later, it was time to call in closer extraordinaire Francisco Rodriguez.  With the fans ready to continue the time-honored tradition of shooting silly string after their team clinches fourth place, Rodriguez froze Cristian Guzman on a 1-2 pitch and the party was on at Citi Field.

Not to be lost in today’s clincher is the second straight pain-free and effective performance by John Maine since his activation from the disabled list.  In his two starts, Maine has pitched eight innings, giving up one run on only four hits.  He has also exhibited better control, walking only two batters in the starts.  Since he kept his pitch count low (70 pitches in five innings), he was able to stick around long enough to qualify for the victory.

Just because fourth place is clinched doesn’t mean the Mets should play lackadaisically for the remaining two weeks of the season.  (Who was that in the back of the room who said “they’ve been doing that all season so why change now?”  Don’t think I didn’t hear you just because I have silly string stuck in my ear.)  The Mets can use this time to continue to see how the players who have come back from injury (Carlos Beltran, John Maine) fare and they can also use these last 12 games to see if Josh Thole is ready to be a major leaguer or if he needs more minor league seasoning.

The Mets will open up a series against the red-hot Atlanta Braves at Citi Field Monday night.  Although the Braves just lost two out of three to the Phillies over the weekend (after winning seven straight, including a three-game sweep over the Mets at Turner Field last week), they’re still mathematically alive in the wild card race.  They stand 5½ games behind the Rockies for the National League wild card berth.  If the Mets can regroup from their post-clincher hangover, they can put a serious crimp in the Braves’ run for the postseason.  Pat Misch will square off against Derek Lowe in the 7:10 PM start.

Useless stat of the day (because I didn’t get to run on the field during the Mr. Met Dash): Each of the last two times the Mets finished in fourth place in the five-team NL East (1996 and 2004), they recovered with winning seasons the following year.  In 1996, the Mets finished 71-91 and improved to 88-74 in 1997.  Similarly, in 2004 the Mets also finished 71-91 and followed that up with a 12-game improvement in 2005 (83-79).  None of this means anything when it comes to the 2010 Mets, which is why it’s the useless stat of the day.

The post Let’s Party! Mets Clinch Fourth Place In 6-2 Victory appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Green, 32, was hitting .270 (33-122) with six doubles, one triple, three home runs and 14RBI in 35 games for the Bisons this year. He has been on fire recently, hitting in his last nine games with the Herd. Green has averaged .444 (16-36) since August 9, with three doubles, six RBI and five runs scored.

Mets have also called up SS/2B Wilson Valdez on Tuesday to help with Cora being placed on the DL. Valdez was hitting .298 with 4 doubles and 6 rbis for Buffalo.

Valdez was also playing for the Mets earlier this season hitting .208 in 24 at bats. He had 1 double, 1 triple and 3 RBIs as a Met. Also Struck out 3 times and walked twice.

Welcome to the team boys!

The post Mets Call Up Andy Green & Wilson Valdez appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Mets Sweep! It may have not been the prettiest win of the season, but the Mets beat the Nationals 7-4 tonight and completed the sweep for their third straight win. Johan Santana clearly didn’t have it today, but luckily the offense picked him up and he was able to walk away with the win. Daniel Murphy had a big day at the plate with three hits including a double and a homerun that needed some help from the umpires. Murph ended the game with a career high 5 RBI’s.

Here is the rest of the story…

Pitching

First run, second run: 4th inning, Dunn homered to right, Zimmerman scored.
Third run: 4th inning, Guzman walked, Willingham scored, Maxwell to third, Zimmermann to second.
Fourth run: 9th inning, Johnson singled to center, Guzman scored.

Hitting

First run, second run: 1st inning, Sheffield doubled to deep right center, Castillo and Wright scored.
Third run: 3rd inning, Murphy singled to right, Pagan scored, Sheffield to second.
Fourth, fifth run: 6th inning, Murphy homered to right, Sheffield scored.
Sixth, seventh run: 7th inning, Murphy doubled to deep left, Pagan and Castillo scored, Sheffield to third.

1. Pagan: 2-4   .323
2. Castillo: 2-2   .295
3. Wright: 1-4   .345
4. Sheffield: 1-2   .295
    Putz: 0-0   .000
  c– Valdez: 0-1   .000
    Rodriguez: 0-0   .000
5. Murphy: 3-4   .262
6. Castro: 1-4   .253
7. F-Martinez: 0-4   .000
8. R-Martinez: 1-3   .121
9. Santana: 0-2   .067
  a– Tatis: 0-1   .275
    Parnell: 0-0   .000
    Feliciano: 0-0   .000
  b– Reed: 0-1   .298

a– Tatis pinched hit for the pitcher in the 6th inning.
b– Reed came in for defensive replacement in 8th inning. Double switch, Reed plays left and goes into the 9 hole, pitcher into the 4 hole.
c– Valdez pinched hit for the pitcher in the 8th inning.

HR: Murphy (4)
RBI: Sheffield 2 (18,19), Murphy 5 (13,14,15,16,17)
R: Castillo 2 (26,27), Wright (31), Pagan 2 (5,6), Sheffield (23), Murphy (21) 
2B: Sheffield (5), Castro (5), Murphy (5),
K: Pagan (9), Murphy (14), Castro 2 (15,26), R-Martinez (7), Santana 2 (3,4), Wright 3 (47,48,49), Reed (7)
BB: Castillo 3 (9,10,11), Sheffield 2 (21,22), R-Martinez (7), Pagan (6)

Baserunning/Fielding

CS: Castillo (2)
E: Murphy (4)
DP: 1 (Putz-Martinez-Murphy)

Additional Info

Happy birthday to Todd Hundley. Mets catcher/outfielder 1990-1998.

Omir Santos was out with a bruised shin after he fouled away a pitch that hit on Tuesday.

Johan Santana now has four 10+ strikeout games this season, 47 times in his career.

Another game where the umps needed a instant replay, Murphy’s homerun. IT’S GOOD! 4/4 on replays.

Fernando Martinez hit a pop up in front of the plate in the 6th inning, and could have reached first if he ran it out as the catcher dropped the ball.

First time in David Wright‘s career he struck out 4 times in a game and earned a Golden Sombrero.

Daniel Murphy had a career high 5 RBIs in the game.

Wilson Valdez had his first Mets at bat and grounded out.

Carlos Beltran will likely be back in the lineup for Friday night.

Game Ball

Daniel Murphy (HR – 5 RBIs)

Game ends: 10:31 P.M.

Up Next

Mets have the day off tomorrow and get some rest before taking on the Marlins Friday. Mike Pelfrey (4-1, 4.31) will go up against the Marlins Sean West (0-0, 3.60).

The post Mets Sweep The Nationals, Mets Win 7-4 appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Today’s Quote

“I just want to make sure that everything is going to be fine and it’s not going to get worse,” Beltran said. “Mentally I know something is wrong.” (Beltran talking about having an MRI on his knee Tuesday)

Pitching

First run: 7th inning, Dunn homered to left.

Hitting

First run: 2nd inning, R-Martinez doubled to right center, Santos scored.
Second run: 3rd inning, Tatis singled to shallow center, Pagan scored, Castillo to third, Sheffield to second.
Third run: 3rd inning, Martinez grounded into fielder’s choice to first, Castillo scored, Tatis out at second, Sheffield to third.
Fourth, fifth, sixth run: 7th inning, Sheffield homered to left, Castillo and Wright scored

1. Pagan: 2-4   .296
2. Castillo: 1-3   .283
3. Wright: 2-4   .349
4. Sheffield: 2-3   .291
   a– Reed: 0-0   .304
5. Tatis: 1-3   .278
6. F-Martinez: 0-3   .000
7. Santos: 1-4   .268
8. R-Martinez: 1-4   .100
9. Hernandez: 0-4   .111

a– Reed came in for defense in ninth inning.

HR: Sheffield (5)
RBI: R-Martinez (2), Tatis (10), F-Martinez (1), Sheffield 3 (15,16,17)
R: Santos (10), Pagan (4), Castillo 2 (24,25), Wright (30), Sheffield (22) 
2B: Santos (4), R-Martinez (1)
K: F-Martinez 2 (1,2), Wright 2 (45,46), Pagan (8)
BB: Castillo 2 (18,19), Sheffield (20), Pagan (5)
HBP: F-Martinez, Tatis

Baserunning/Fielding

SB: Wright (11), Pagan (4)
DP: 3 (Castillo-Martinez-Tatis), (2 Martinez-Castillo-Tatis)

Additional Info

Jose Reyes and Ryan Church were sent to the 15-day DL.

Mets brought up top prospect Fernando Martinez who Made his major league debut.

Mets purchased 31-year-old shortstop Wilson Valdez from the Indians.

John Franco will represent the Mets in the 2009 Amateur draft.

Center fielder Carlos Beltran (tibia) is already expected to miss the next two games.

Alex Cora will delay surgery until after the season, he will be back next week.

Livan Hernandez is the first Mets starting pitcher to go into the 8th or 9th inning.

He tossed the first complete game of 2009 for the Mets.

1,000 career hit for Adam Dunn.

Oliver Perez‘s start in AAA-Buffalo: 4.1 innings, 1 run, 3 hits, 5 walks, 5 strikeouts, 2.08 ERA.

Aflac trivia question: Who is the only player to win 3 batting titles and retire batting under .300?
Aflac trivia answer: Carl Yastrzemski (.286)

Game Ball

Livan Hernandez (complete game victory)

Game ends: 9:51 P.M.

Up Next

Johan Santana (6-2, 1.50) will go up against rookie pitcher Jordan Zimmerman (2-1, 5.71) for the sweep at CitiField.

The post Mets Win 6-1 On A Hernandez Complete Game Victory appeared first on Metsmerized Online.