World Baseball Classic
On Saturday I attended the USA/Canada game of the World Baseball Classic. The game was close, with the United States pulling out the win 6-5. It wasn’t the best day to wear a David Wright jersey though, as he went 0-4. JJ Putz pitched the ninth and got the save, giving up 1 run.
I enjoyed the game a lot. I was impressed with the Canadian fans – they were a lot more passionate then I expected. I almost found myself rooting for them to comeback at times because they were the underdog. There hitting was pretty good – but most of their pitchers I knew little about. They kept Canada in the game against some tough hitters. It reminds me of why I like baseball so much. On any given day any team can beat any other team.
This was my first time at the Roger’s Centre, or any baseball park with a roof. The weather was nasty – so being closed in was good. By the end of the game, I did find myself missing the fresh air and atmosphere of being outside at the game. Next time I visit the Roger’s Centre, I am hoping the roof will be opened, to see what that experience will be like. Judging by the last few years, when I attend my first game at Citi Field this April I may be wishing for a roof though.
The first round of the World Baseball Classic just ended hours ago. I have been watching all the action I could find the time for. I was very excited for the WBC from the beginning – but this past week grabbed my interest even more than I though. The Netherlands upsetting the Dominican Republic was one of the best games I have seen in a while.
Five Met’s including Jose Reyes and Fernando Tatis will be returning early to camp as they have been eliminated. Puerto Rico will be a team to watch for Met’s fans. Six Mets are on the team, and they are all red hot.
WBC Stats
(Eliminated) Australia
Stefan Welch – No Plate Appearances(Eliminated) Canada
Shawn Bowman – Did Not Play(Eliminated) Dominican Republic –
Jose Reyes – 1 for 9
Fernando Tatis – 0 for 4, 1 RBIMexico
Elmer Dessens – 1-0, 6 IP, 1.50 ERA, 3 K’s
Oliver Perez – 2 IP, 18.00 ERA, 5 K’s(Eliminated) Panama
Ruben Tejada – 0 for 4Puerto Rico
Pedro Feliciano – 1.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 3 K’s
Nelson Figueroa – 3.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 3 K’s
Alex Cora – 1 for 4, 1 RBI
Carlos Delgado – 5 for 6, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 Doubles, 1 SB
Carlos Beltran – 4 for 12, 1 RBI
Jesus Feliciano – 4 for 7, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 SBUnited States
J.J. Putz – 1 IP, 9.00 ERA, 1 K, 1 Sv
David Wright – 3 for 13Venezuela
Francisco Rodriguez – 2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 3 K’s, 1 Sv
The State of the Mets
A few important things took place in Met’s camp this week. The biggest thing was the release of Duaner Sanchez. I understand the reason behind the move, but would have handled it differently. Sanchez has not performed close to what we remember in 2006 – but he wasn’t exactly awful. He was 5-1, with a 4.32 ERA. It should be noted that Sean Green, one of the arms replacing Sanchez was 4-5 with a 4.67 ERA. While I understand that 1.7 million is a lot for that kind of performance – we had until April 1st. Might as well see how things play out – who knows if any injuries come up, as they always do.
Another things that bothered me this week was the Mets coming out and saying they have no interest in Pedro. This just doesn’t seem logical to come out and say. At this moment none of our candidates for the fifth starters spot are looking good. Maybe the organization feels that Pedro is done (although he excelled in the WBC), but maybe we should keep that quiet incase they are forced to look in that direction. There just aren’t many pitchers out there with a lot of upside.
Tim Redding got shelled again, and at this point there is no way he is going to be on the opening day roster. With Redding having a 40.50 ERA (which doesn’t include the inning against the University of Michigan), and Freddy Garcia at 20.25, Livan Hernandez looks like the best option – but there has been a lot of talk that his velocity is down significantly. Pedro anyone?
Lately, I am starting to question Omar Minaya. From the day he was hired I hopped in his bandwagon. But lately I haven’t felt comfortable with him. It all started with last year’s firing of Willie Randolph. I felt the decision wasn’t bad, and I like Jerry Manuel, but I felt the way it was handled and the timing of it was all wrong. The last couple interviews I have heard have bothered me. I am not sure what it is, but he seems full of himself and more distant from players, management, and coaching.
In better news, Johan Santana pitched tonight, and although the results weren’t good, he said he felt good. I always thought the worried over Santana were a little overblown this spring – and tonight should put that to rest. His performance isn’t all that important, because as long as he isn’t hurt, he will be in form for the regular season.
