A Game Of Redeeming Features

After seeing this McGehee fellow, one had to wonder, "who the hell is this guy?" We got to know Mr McGehee very well last night. First he one-upped Luis Castillo on a dropped pop up- it was easier than Luis' attempt, although did not happen with two out in the ninth inning. Too bad Castillo's miscue did not happen in the top of the ninth a couple of weeks ago. Perhaps he would have had the chance to redeem himself with a grand slam in the bottom half. Sure. Luis Castillo? Never mind Luis, how about a MET homerun?

Granted, the Mets did come up with a nice little ninth inning rally last night. That was quickly snuffed by one pitch from Trevor Hoffman, who induced Brian Schneider (who seems to get juiced up when he finds two men on base) into a game ending double play.

Then there's news like this on Beltran. The Mets are overly optimistic when it comes to injuries, and the Post is doom and gloom. Can we find any middle ground here?!?

On a side note, while the Mets were being knocked around in Milwaukee, I was running the old Shea bases at Citi. I was at the Mets new home for a company party in the Caesars club, and I must say, if you have a special occasion and want to hold an event, the place works. How much it costs to rent for a few hours I have no idea. However, if you are in charge of ordering the food for your party, please do not pick Flan for dessert.

Painful

The inflatable raft that's been holding us up has a hole. We are not going to be able to stay afloat much longer. This weekend has brought us a reality check. You can only go so far with a bunch of backups comprising your starting lineup every night. Talk about a weak end to the homestand.

The thing to be worried about all of this is the mental errors. Backups or not, some of the stuff we have seen recently just should not happen. I know Daniel Murphy is learning a new position. But I believe his situation is hopeless. He is a third baseman. We have one. Trade him. Ike Davis is making his move in the minors and could be ready to play here in 2011. Get something for Murph now while he is young. The window to deal him might have passed, if it has not already.

Have I asked to send Fernando Martinez down? It's painful to watch him fall behind 0 and 2. You know what's going to happen. Swing and a miss at ball 1. Send the kid down. I don't care if he hits the occasional double and looks good in centerfield. Send him down.

Do you think K-Rod wanted to pitch to Jeter because he knew he was at risk of walking Mariano Rivera? As lights out as he's been as our closer this season, you have to look at that walk rate and wonder how much longer he can keep it up. There will be more blown saves in the near future.

Chien-Ming Wang gets his first win of the season. Of course that was going to happen. Although how funny would it have been to see him get injured running to first? Steinbrenner would not have the team play another game unless the DH was mandatory in the National League.

Our savior, Fernando Nieve, is pitching tonight. When are we going to get the reality check on that one?

Gutless, part II

You are being outscored 29-1 in the last three games vs a team. You get a hit to break up a no-hitter in the sixth inning. Will anyone throw at somebody now? I'm still waiting. We'll be waiting for a while.

And why the hell is Argenis Reyes hitting second??

David Wright should have smacked that Yankee photographer in the front row in the first inning after missing a chance at that popup. He wouldn't. He's David Wright. Mr. Nice Guy. Mr. I pat everybody's behind when they join me at third base.

Jorge Posada needs to just age and retire already. Enough is enough. And to think, in this series, we would have been better off had Derek Jeter been playing instead of Ramiro Pena.

To the person who bought my tickets for last night's game at 200% above face value, I quote the great Mark Messier at his retirement ceremony: "Thank you, thank you, thank you!!"

A Yankee Islander Night

Two Fridays ago we had an unimaginable loss against the Yankees and the Penguins winning the Stanley Cup. Last night we had a Yankee blowout against the Mets and the Islanders taking significant steps to rebuild their franchise, while the Rangers continue to swim in mediocreville.

Aside from some walks here and there this game was not on Mike Pelfrey. You had to feel bad for him in that second inning when bloop after bloop followed error after error.

This game was so in the bag that I feel asleep at 4-1 in the 7th. The eyes opened at 9-1 in the 9th; what a surprise. Early in the game at 4-0 all you wanted was a hit off C.C. Sabtathia, who was perfect through four.

Brett Gardner is slowly ascending the hate list.


As for the NHL Draft (another night of channel flipping during a Met-Yankee game), this was the first time in years you saw some joy from Islander fans. I like it- it's good for the rivalry. If the Islanders move to Kansas City, where's the fun in that? What would become of Ranger-Island- rather, Rangers-Chiefs games then? It would be no different than Rangers-Nashville.

Stay away from Dany Heatley. The guy run himself out of two cities AND has a bonus payment of four million due in addition to his seven million salary this season? Leave Ottawa with that headache unless they want Wade Redden back.

Guaranteed

If my ass was in the Promenade yesterday, that ball hit by Yadier Molina goes over Jeremy Reed's head for a two-run double and a 4-3 Cardinal lead. Ryan Franklin comes in and gets the Mets 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 9th. If that happened it was only fitting that Pujols got clearly picked off at second base (how can the third base umpire not overrule that play- you could be leaving the bathrooms on the third base side of the Promenade and see that he was clearly out). However, the blown save did not happen. 7/10/08, 7/24/08, 8/7/08, and now 6/25/09. Four weekday matinees I missed or sold, 4-0 record. When I go, 0-6. As of now, I am scheduled to go to camp days 7/30 and 8/5. Anyone want tickets?

How about Fernando Martinez's play in centerfield? Unfortunately he went 0-for-3 to drop his average to .167. Bite the bullet with Jeremy Reed in center for the next week or so (besides, let's see what he can do when given a string of consistent at bats) and send the kid down before his confidence goes down the toilet.

K-Rod just refuses to throw strikes if he does not have to. Sure, he made it scary, putting two men on after striking out the first two batters in the 9th, but it's all part of the master plan. Worked great against the Yankees, until- let's forget about that one- wait, we can't. They're next on the schedule. Can someone please drill Robinson Cano at some point this weekend?

Finally An Easy One

It's been a while since the Mets had a laugher in their favor. Laugher was the appropriate term, because the Cardinals looked like a little league team the entire second half of the game.

Fernando Nieve continues to throw zeroes and now there should not be any question about him leaving the team or moving to the bullpen once John Maine or Oliver Perez return. He's bought himself at least a few more starts.

Nick Evans looked very comfortable in Citi Field. After all, he was one of the few players invited to take batting practice in the park when it was still a construction site. It's fitting that he hit a homerun in his first start there.

Brian Schneider just missed yet another three-run homerun. Anywhere else that ball would have probably been out. Speaking of robbed by the park, that shot by Pujols late in the game in garbage time- that's outta here anyplace else.

As for more good news, I have sold my tickets to today's workday game. My record in attending these has been less than stellar. I'd have to double-check, but in the last two seasons I believe the Mets have won any weekday home game I missed to complement the 0-fer in those I attended. No blowout or blown saves today, just a good old fashioned victory, guaranteed.

Look, It's Another Met Grounding Out

Change the backdrop of the game to a splash of orange and blue and last night you have a clone of a game from that fateful final week in September 2007. Being out of the country, I did not know that was Joel Pinero who started that makeup game at Shea. Hell, the only thing I knew about him was the fact that he throws strikes, which is why I picked him up for my fantasy team a few weeks back. The strikeouts were not there, but the sinker was out in full force and the Mets did nothing with it.

The game featured a one-hour rain delay and still ended before most other 7pm starts around the league. Maybe we'll get by tonight without a delay. It has rained in parts of every day this month of June. The Mets have been relatively lucky. This homestand, not so much- we have gotten to know the Citi Field Grounds Crew very well, enough to see them fail to cover the entire field on first attempt last night. That's a tough job.

Elmer Dessens was very efficient in his Met debut, pitching the final two innings as the main guys in the bullpen were able to get a much needed couple of days. That's about the only positive in this one.

Series Opener Killers

The Mets won their fourth- what should have been sixth- straight series opener last night. With news of Carlos Beltran off to the DL, hope seems lost. However, this is the National League East. After the win, the Mets are only a game and half out.

Fernando Tatis was told before the game he would be the man and get more playing time. Too bad his first two at bats were ground ball double plays. He just needs some confidence after being put on the back burner with the arrival of Sheffield and playing only against lefties.

Daniel Murphy has been hitting. Yesterday, he showed some power, another good sign.

Omir Santos and Luis Castillo went 7 for 7 combined. Castillo showed some pop- from the left side, a sight you never see. He even looked like his Florida Marlin self with a sparkling defensive play up the middle.

Chris Duncan looked like some scary dude when he was waiting to hit. Good thing Jerry left Switzer in there to face the righty pinch hitter in the 8th. And how can we forget about the following at bat? Brian Stokes inducing a huge 1-6-3 doubplle play from Albert Pujols, who put on a show in BP, but did nothing in the game. There are still three more games though.

The goal is to stay afloat. Asking the rest of the teams in the division to stay mediocre would help. Stay within striking distance, hope the injured return, and get ready for a crazy September.

Excruciating

The game itself was a 3:55 affair, add to that an umpire and rain delay which gives you a very long Father's Day at Shea- I mean, Citi. Pick a random at bat in the game and there's a good chance the batter had a three ball count.

The downfall of Bobby Parnell continues. The very next inning after Brian Schneider hits his second three-run homerun of the series to give the Mets a lead, Parnell gives it right up, failing to retire a batter. Remember that stellar ERA he had just a few weeks ago? It's now up to 5.00 on the season. The Mets were fortunate the inning did not turn out to be worse had it not been for the boneheaded move by Carl Crawford trying to steal third with nobody out.

Sean Green also looked like the Sean Green of April/May, giving up two runs without getting a batter out. The bullpen has imploded. It seems as though the loss of Putz was indeed significant despite the way he pitched before the injury. Losing him has put everyone else in unfamiliar roles and with the exception of everyday Pedro and a temporary Green revival, everyone else has sucked.

Between the two teams, 13 pitchers threw in this one.

Pretty scary moment with the home plate umpire not feeling well out of nowhere early in the game, and it was actually good news that it was just a back injury. Thoughts of Eric Gregg and John McSherry were on many minds when that happened.

When the top of your lineup goes 11 for 16 like Upton, Crawford, and Longoria did today, you should not lose, period. Now that you are out of town, we would like to see more of that the next time you arrive via LaGuardia- in the Bronx.

Fernando Nieve, our #2 starter? After today's effort by Mike Pelfrey, that seems to be the case.

And So It Goes

For the second straight series, the Mets win the first game, but lose the second and now face yet another two out of three series loss.

What's there to say about this one? Four hits on the day, with a sleepwalk from the third inning on. Beltran singled in the 9th to give us hope that maybe, just maybe, David Wright would come up with a dramatic game tying 9th inning homerun when you least expect it. Instead he flails away at two pitches in the dirt to end the game. Sigh.

Pedro Feliciano made an appearance yet again. The guy does not get sore. It helps when you throw only a few pitches a day, but damn.

At least Johan was Johan again. However it was the same story with him as earlier in the season. Locked into a pitcher's duel, and coming out on the short side.

John Who?

Fernando Nieve continues to roll. John Maine, take your time coming back. Fine, I've been a little hard on Maine the past few days, but he spoiled us in 2007 with that good season. Our expectations were for him to at least repeat or better that season. He simply has not been doing that the last year and a half. Right now, he's just another 5th starter. Until he starts popping high fastballs in the 90s again, there no sense to get excited about a possible return anytime soon.

Brian Schneider just might be getting hot at the right time. He needs to take the catcher job and run with it. Leave Omir on the bench for that big pinch hit late in the game. It seems like it's the only time he gets hits on a consistent basis.

Good move in calling up Nick Evans for Fernando Martinez. Evans could have easily made the team out of spring training, but struggled mightily when sent down. He was not even an option earlier in the season. In the last month, he's been tearing up AA, so it was finally time. In addition, unlike with F-Mart, he does not have to play every day.

Sean Green, your new 8th inning man. Although you can't help but wonder if Putz and Wagner can find their pre-surgery selves and return to action for September. Another lefty in the pen would be nice. Can we win a game without stress so we don't have to run Feliciano out there for the 15th straight game?

Bound to Happen

His name is circulating in trade rumors involving the Mets. I don't know, looking at his numbers and his defensive play, is he something we really need right now?

5-for-8, a double, a homerun and 4 rbi, that's all Aubrey Huff has done to the Mets since I wrote that following the first game of this series. The final hit was a game-winning single off Francisco Rodriguez. It was the first Met closer meltdown we have witnessed this season. Have you missed those?

Feliciano will not get the lefties out some days and K-Rod will blow some saves. Unfortunately, as shorthanded as the Mets are right now, we need them to be flawless. Last night was a tough one indeed. It's another series loss. The Orioles were supposed to be the cookies in this rough stretch of games against above .500 teams. A 5-10 record in the month of June. We should be thankful the Phillies have only gone 1-5 since their series victory in Citi Field last week. It's the only reason the Mets are within striking distance of the division lead.

Alex Cora tried his best to pull out a Met victory last night. With key hits and great defensive play you only wonder how much worse it would be had he not returned early from the torn ligament with Reyes out.

Fernando Martinez, please find your game and confidence at AAA. You don't belong right now.

It will be interesting to see Fernando Nieve pitch today. The news yesterday was that John Maine threw 60 pitches in Florida, but it was not really any progress. Maine, Redding, Figueroa, a call-up- seriously, what's the difference? He hasn't been the same since 2007.

Felicianono

Huff giveth, Huff taketh away. Pedro Feliciano was brought in the perfect spot. Markakis and Huff, two lefties coming up. Don't criticize for wanting to keep Parnell in there. It was simply a case of the right move gone wrong. I say Huff ain't nothing to write home about the day before and the next day he hits what eventually is the game-winning homerun.

Fernando Martinez hit a nice looking double. However, I'm tired of seeing the kid struggle up here (he was all twisted on that early homerun by that other hot shot prospect who was going all season without an rbi) and he needs to go down and get some confidence as soon as National League ball returns this Friday.

A painful 0 for 5 for David Wright, with three of those at-bats coming with runners in scoring position. I wonder if David was trying too hard to go yard there as the tying run in the 9th inning. It's amazing the guy is on pace for about ten homers on the year. Sure, you'll take the .357, but you'd like some pop when the team desperately needs it.

At least Gary Sheffield went yard again and has caught fire. The question is will it keep up now that he has to resume playing the field on Friday.

Giftwrapped

The Orioles allowed three earned runs and scored four. That was the difference. Aubrey Huff dropped a pop up, although this one was a little tougher than the one Castillo had to handle. His name is circulating in trade rumors involving the Mets. I don't know, looking at his numbers and his defensive play, is he something we really need right now?

After retiring 11 straight, Mike Pelfrey lost the perfect game/no hitter in the 4th. Yes, it was one of those you had to intently watch and not do anything else until he gave up that first hit. But how easily the Big Pelf gets unraveled? Settle down young man! If you haven't listened to Boomer and Carton on WFAN in the morning of Pelfrey's starts, then look for the clips here that contain songs about Pelfrey. A must listen. Also lookup the clip titled "Manuel Mouthful" from 6/1, another classic.

Sean Green! Lights out. And Pedro Feliciano continues to dominate, making lefties look foolish. Bobby Parnell, on the other hand, has been quite the opposite. Since hitting 100 on the radar gun in Boston, going into yesterday's game he's 0-2, and ERA of 4.50, a batting average against of .333 and on base against of .438. Add two more earned runs with 0 innings pitched. The ERA is slowly rising to match his batting average against, which is not good.

Gutless

15-0. The image on the right is that of Robinson Cano and his mug living it up after his homerun to make it 11-0. Off the bat the guy wanted to raise his arms like he hit a game winning homer in the 9th. When he came up to lead off the 6th, you think the Mets were angry enough? Embarrassed? No, just serve him up another pitch he can sock for a double.

To end the nightmare 9-run 4th, Melky Cabrera doubled in the final two runs of the inning. As he's rounding first if your wearing a Met uniform, you have to be steaming. Another hit? Come on already? Then you see Cabrera rounding second taking an extra base?? The guy has to get taken down. David Wright, Mr. Nice Guy, gets the throw from the outfield well in time and what he should have done was slap the tag on Cabrera's face- send some kind of message- for taking the extra base after making the score 13-0. Aww Melky, give me a hug instead.

At least K-Rod showed some guts. In-game, there's no fight with this team. You think after two collapses, losing two of three to the Phillies, and a crushing loss like Friday night, the time bomb would explode with the smallest thing, like, I don't know, Robinson Cano gleefully circling the bases to make it 11-0 at your expense.

As for the result of the game, think about your expectations before Saturday's game with Nieve and Johan next in line to start. Just flip the results and pretend Johan was solid in a 6-2 win and Nieve got tattered and you got what you thought was going to happen.

Shake It Off

Some carryover effect. Go figure. They say momentum is as good as your next day's starting pitcher, and there's no better example than today's game.

Luis Castillo had a couple of hits and even fielded some balls today. It seemed like everyone had at least a couple of hits. On the subject of one-handed popups, it's a matter of time before David Wright drops one of them gimmes. Just look at where his body is and where the ball is on EVERY popup.

Speaking of Wright, I can't forget to mention the big hit off Rivera in that game to forget, which was a "clutch situation." I've been complaining that seemingly all of his hits during this hot streak have come with the bases empty.

The story of this one was Fernando Nieve. For an unheralded starter, his stuff looked pretty good.

No lead is safe in this park. It's Mile High Stadium and pre-humidifier Coors Field all over again. A nice place to boost your offensive numbers. Is there any fly ball to left field that does not reach the warning track?

Safe to say Gary Sheffield is benefiting from the DH; a homer for the second straight day. Four more games in AL parks. Nice.

Fernando Martinez should still go to AAA when the Mets return from Baltimore. Unless Sheffield, who's scheduled for an MRI, is diagnosed with something that puts him on the DL.

Nightmare

I've slept on this one and still can't come to grips with what happened last night.

In the last day or so, we've seen the lists of top games in Subway Series history since this stuff started back in 1997. A second before the ball clanked off Luis Castillo's glove last night this one was headed for that list in the Mets favor. Instead of future Mets classics on SNY airing Joba walking the ballpark and Wright shooting one up the gap off Rivera, the video of this one will only be seen on the YES Network.

Everyone's crying about Castillo and they want him out. Aside from a buyout, it's not happening. Who else is going to play second base? Argenis Reyes? Alex Cora, when Reyes returns? They tried to get rid of him in the offseason. There were no takers. We're stuck with him for two and half more years. Two and half more years of choking and heartbreak. Pop quiz. Who is the one player on this team that symbolizes the collapse? Wright? Reyes? Beltran? Wrong. Luis Castillo. We acquired him in the 2007 season for the stretch drive. Some stretch drive.

K-Rod was not going to be perfect all the time (maybe this season, who knows), but wow, that's a tough way to get tagged with your first blown save of the season in June.

***

The night as a whole was a disaster. It was frustrating the damn Met game took so look that it conflicted with the final minutes of Game 7 of the Cup Finals. Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Penguins on their victory, as much as it pains me to says it. They were the better team and I pretty much called it, aside from a St. Louis Blues non-upset in the first round. Hey, when your bracket almost comes out perfect you have to mention it. Now if I left out the series length it would've really looked good.

How does Marian Hossa feel right now? Aside from Penguin fans, do you feel bad for the guy? Does he agree to go back to Pittsburgh this summer at a discount, citing "the best chance to win a Cup?" Maybe he hated Therien, who knows?

An awful night all around. Can't remember one worse than this one if you're a Mets/Rangers diehard, considering the only conflicts with the two sports is playoffs in one and early regular season in the other. The loss in the regular season affair would have to be brutal. It's safe to say last night fit the bill.

Speechless

Luis Castillo drops the ball. Minutes after the Pittsburgh Penguins win the Stanley Cup. One of the worst sports nights for Met-Ranger fans in recent memory.

The Team to Beat

Usually we come off losses criticizing every single move our team's manager/coach made. Or chalk it up to a blown call.

The Phillies are just too good. Power? Check. Ibanez and Utley hitting homer after homer. Never mind Howard. Speed? Check. Rollins, Victorino, Werth (he who stole home earlier this season). Defense? Check. Every one of gets to anything questionable and Ibanez is throwing out everyone from left. Bullpen? Check. No Lidge, but the other guys, with the matchups they present, are right up there with the Mets pen as it currently stands. Starting pitching? Maybe we found something. However, if they acquire a stud via a trade this season, we're screwed and looking at the frightening possibility of a Philly-Yankee World Series come October (Yes, the Yanks are 0-8 vs the Sox, but after all that they are only two games out and are a Joba move to the pen away from fixing their mess).

Speaking of which, if you switched over to that Yankee game last night and all you heard was "this is the game C.C. was brought here to pitch," you had to feel a little bit better with the eventual result. Just a little bit. It all goes down the toilet if we have a bad weekend.

It does not matter who pitched that 10th inning last night. The result would have been the same.

John Maine is now on the DL. As Billy Wagner says, "F-n shocker." Who is the poor soul that will be taking his place in the cauldron that is the New Yankee Stadium?

David Wright had three hits again and the stats say he is on fire. All three hits came leading off an inning. He had another stolen base and is still stuck on four homers on the season. When the team gets healthy, that sounds like a number two hitter to me. Remember the spring training a couple of seasons ago? Maybe that spot in the lineup is not so farfetched for Wright after all.

Fernando Martinez has one last shot to prove he can stay, with Sheffield likely taking DH duties and fly balls to right that are homers in the Bronx.

Chase Phucking Utley

When you're at the game with your mother-in-law and it's still tied after nine innings and its pushing 10:30 on a worknight, you kind of know you have to go. Don't get me wrong, I've converted her to full blown die-hard (although she seems to be taking a fairweather liking to teams like the Red Sox and Red Wings). If the game was brisk and going into extras, maybe you get a 10th inning. As it was the Phillies were held scoreless during the walk to the car, but two of the biggest plays of the game were described by Wayne Hagin in the car- Jayson Werthless robbing David Wright and Chase Utley hitting his second homerun of the game in the Jody Gerut corner. They hit cheap homeruns at CBP and find a way to get them at Citi.

The bottom of the 11th was watched at home, always the weirdest feeling, one that I'm not used to and refuse to experience under any other circumstances. Sticking it out for the 16 inning classic back in May 2006 on a Tuesday night was one of the better recent experiences in Flushing. By the way, that walkoff homerun was against Ryan Madson, who shut the door last night.

I guess Charlie Manuel does not care too much about matchups. He stacks three lefties in the lineup, perfect for Pedro Feliciano in the 8th, and then keeps J.C. Romero in the game with 1st and 2nd one out in the 8th and Sheffield and Wright coming up. Speaking of Wright, there was a stat flashed on Citivision last night before that Wright at-bat that showed him hitting .370-something in the 7th or later. We are still waiting for that memorable hit late in the game.

Longball

If you look at the boxscore and don't pay attention to the placement of the teams (left/top for away, right/bottom for home) you would have thought this game was played at Citizens Bank Park. Seven homeruns? Citi Field? It could have easily been nine as Fernando Tatis and Gary Sheffield were robbed by the high wall in left.

"Here's Church from downtown...Yes!!" Marv Albert with the call of the Ryan Church homerun, a swish into the bucket in dead center, the first ever.

Pedro Feliciano did an excellent job, but at 91 pitches, but that 8th was Johan's inning to finish. He's the best pitcher out there.

To Jimmy Rollins, who put his finger to his mouth to shush the crown after hitting his go-ahead homer: What's your on base percentage this season? And nice lack of a stolen base attempt in the 9th? Didn't want to chance it because you thought fatty was going to hit another pinch hit homerun? You're lucky the ball was hit slow enough that it allowed you to take out Cora preventing the game ending double play.

Shane Victorino had the death stare for the Mets celebrating after the game. Suck it. You're lucky no one on the Mets has any cojones to throw one at you.

***

The Pittsburgh Penguins got away with so much last night and kept pushing the envelope to the point the refs had no choice but to give Detroit the two power plays in the third period. Have I mentioned Evgeny Malkin is dirty? The picture in picture will get another workout on Friday with Game 7 and Mets-Yankees on at the same time.

No More Softies

I don't mean El Duq- er, Livan's pitches. I'm talking about the schedule. A nice first inning to start off the game, before Livan even threw a pitch, was just what the doctor ordered in the final game before the big battle in the coming month against some tough teams. He now has a 3.88 ERA. One who was fighting for the 5th starter job in spring training.

As nice as it was to pad the schedule, I'm sick of seeing the Washington Nationals. It's time to see what the Mets are made of.

David Wright kills lefties, but has done most of damage recently on the road. Three Philly lefties facing the Mets at Citi- something's gotta give.

Welcome back Ryan Church; two hits in his return from the DL. I hope they don't jerk him around again. Play the guy. If he can do some hitting vs the Philly lefties, it could springboard into better things the rest of the season and ease the blow of not having Reyes and Delgado during this tough stretch. It was really nice to see him patrol right field again.

Daniel Murphy hitting would be nice as well. He also had two hits today. He and Fernando Tatis have to come up big.

Twin Killing

At least it was quick.

The Mets hit into a double play in seemingly every inning. You even had double plays of the comical variety, such as Luis Castillo running back to first without seeing Emil Brown, the batter, passing him on the basepaths, a no-no. And why is Emil Brown batting second anyway? That about sums it up.

John Maine is what he is. An average fourth starter. If he does not have his stuff, as he did last night, we're screwed. Great pitchers battle their way through times they don't have they're best. Last night was batting practice.

Jerry continues to cool off players by sitting them. See Gary Sheffield.

If Fernando Martinez is here to play everyday then why has he sat in two games already since his callup?

Are we going to wait to lose five of six to the Phillies and Yankees this week before some kind of outside help? The problem is the Mets have no chips to make a big acquisition. We're going to have to suffer until some of these guys on the DL come back. Unfortunately by then, it might be too late.

***

How sweet was it to see the Penguins absolutely unravel last night? Evgeny Malkin should be suspended a game. The guy is as dirty and cheap as any fourth line goon out there.

We'll Take It

It was not pretty, but it will end the streak, thank you very much.

Was there a full moon tonight? What the hell was going on with players and umpires in the first couple of innings alone? Carlos Beltran gets thrown at third with two out (I know, how positive of me, in a Met win, to post an image of that), David Wright does the same (except he was called safe by the umpire), Cristian Guzman does not go after a popup, and Fernando Tatis is called out on a play at first in which he was clearly safe. Everyone was having a rough go of it.

David went on to get thrown out at third for what seemed to be the rest of his at bats. I understand the one with one out. But trying to steal third with no one out after scoring a couple with the douple?? You can score on two outs, let alone a ball that finds a hole!

Keith's description of Guzman letting Adam Dunn go after that popup: "Shortstop's gotta know that's a strat-o-matic 4 out there". Or a ptp D. Whatever your flavor of tabletop, those games are addictive. I'm still shaking my head over Jose Rijo letting me down in a recent 1993 league.

With no J.J. Putz out for at least three months, we can only hope Bobby Parnell continues to pitch well. Even Sean Green looked like the Sean Green we were hoping for in the offseason, a very good sign. Yes, these are the Natioanls, but you have to remember, they are fourth in the N.L. in runs per game.

Tim Redding was solid I guess. I still don't expect much when he gets out there. Thanks to the rainout, we have Johan for the Phillies and Yankees, very important. The schedule overall is looking rough in the month ahead.

To D.C. Please

Disaster.

Mike Pelfrey was awful. The Pirates were anything but, despite having their best player traded the night before. At least Carlos Beltran looked good in his return from the stomach flu. Alex Cora returned as well, so the lineup was looking a little better. Anything but Ramon Martinez hitting sixth. The offense was fine. This one was full of pp- Pelfrey and...

J.J...ah, never mind, we've discussed him way too much lately. Would you like to reverse that trade with Seattle today? Jason Vargas is 2-0 with an ERA under 2. You win some, you lose some, but it seems like Omar is losing them lately. We can only rely on the fact that there's still a lot of time left this season.

It has to suck being a Pirates fan (aside from the fact that you own the Mets in your city). Andrew McCutchen, enjoy your time in Pittsburgh, you'll be gone in a few years.

And to think, the Mets have to come back here for one measly game on July 2nd due to the rainout last night. How about we forfeit the game and take the rest instead? The result won't be any different.

Hell is Black and Gold

Could it get any better for a Pittsburgh sports fan yesterday? If you had great seats to the Pirates game last night and could not refuse them despite wanting to watch Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals last night, you had almost the best of both worlds. A just-over-two-hour baseball game in which your team continues to make the New York team look like the one that's been losing for almost twenty years and a hop over to the Igloo, a short walk across the bridge, to join the party watching the hockey. A fun night all around. Screw you guys.

I give up trashing this city and it's teams. The Mets need to get out fast and we need to forget about terrible towels and white-outs once and for all. Oh wait, it's a four game series? At least the pain will be quick with an early day game after night game.

Johan was cruising last night. I missed the first inning and my only concern was "did he give up a hit?" Not only did he not, but he retired the first ten in order. This was going to be the one, especially after the two sparkling defensive plays the Mets made. But it was not to be, and then later it fell apart in the sixth.

Have I told you I hate the Penguins? So much for a sweep.

Thundersuck

This was going to be the headline for the Sunday game recap had J.J. Putz stayed in the game and eventually blow one to the Marlins. I guess we did not have to wait too long. Yesterday was batting practice and the Pirates were working on shooting it up the middle.

Pittsburgh is a house of horrors. Wait, this sounds familiar. Oh right, I've only been saying it all winter for the Rangers. At least unlike the NHL, the Pirates are not in our division. Thank goodness for that realignment that brought us the wild card in 1995 and knocked them out of the East. Just look at the recent history there, as described by Faith and Fear in Flushing. I was there to personally experience that brutal 7/8/05 collapse. Ouch, wrong word.

It's a shame because watching the game last night on TV made me want to plan a trip back to that ballpark, despite the wonderful outcomes. It certainly is one of the nicer ones out there. Just go there with thick skin. Nothing like hearing a five-year old on your way out from a game like the one in 2005 saying "Daddy, the Mets suck!" You bunch of losers, when was the last time you won anything? I hope Detroit wins in four to clinch on your home ice again. You know they're all Penguin fans. What else is there to do in Pittsburgh?