Early in the 2013 baseball campaign, the New York Mets have been a team of streaks. They began the season winning their first two, then promptly losing their next two. Then they won three in a row, then lost two in a row. They're currently riding a two game winning streak as they get set to start a four game series against the Colorado Rockies tonight at Coors Field.
The Major League baseball season is a long drawn-out journey filled with hills and valleys, highs and lows. If the season was a race, it would more resemble the NYC marathon then the 40 yard dash. So it is with great trepidation that I start trying to make any categorizations 11 games into the season with such a small sample size to work with. With that being said, if you delve a little deeper into how the Mets have won games thus far, particularly who the starting pitcher was, you might find an interesting pattern developing.
The Mets record stands at a very respectable 7-4. They have now gone through their stating rotation two and a half times now, with two their two best pitchers Jonathan Niese and Matt Harvey both getting 3 starts each. In those games, the Mets record is an astounding 6-0. When getting a start from anyone else in the rotation the Mets record is a dismal 1-4. Their only win coming on a Aaron Laffey start against the putrid Marlins, in which they needed a Marlon Byrd walk-off hit to win the game.
Coincidence...? Possibly, but my better judgement tells me otherwise. Their mini winning and losing streaks have directly correlated with who's turn it was in the rotation. You can make a case that all teams in MLB have a much higher winning percentage when they have their "top of the rotation" guys on the mound, in which case you would be absolutely correct!.. But unlike other teams the Mets seem to have a massive, almost frightening, drop off in talent the further you go down the rotation. It is also not out of the realm of possibility that the stark difference seems more prevalent and glaring because of the unbelievable success Matt Harvey has had. Again 11 games is such an extremely small sample size, but these 2-3 game win streaks followed by 2-3 game losing streaks could be a sign of things to come for this team.
This is exactly why Dillon Gee's start tonight looms very large in my eyes. Gee(0-2) has had one really good start (San Diego) and one really bad start (Philadelphia) and in both cases he has taken the loss. His ERA coming into tonight's game is 7.71. Gee has to be that consistent, middle of the rotation, inning eater for the Mets to have a chance. He goes up against RHP Juan Niasion (1-0) of the Rockies who comes into tonight's game with a 4.91 ERA. First pitch at 8:40 pm. Let's go Mets!
Monday, April 15, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
Feeling Minnesota?
When I think of Minnesota, I think of "purple people eaters", tiny musicians in purple blouses singing "purple rain", the Great Lakes, ice fishing, the tv show "Coach", and a great Minnesota band called Soul Asylum. Soul Asylum was an early 90's band that had a huge hit with a song called "Runaway Train".
When it comes to the 2013 New York Mets, I'm hoping this season isn't heading "the wrong way on a one-way track", as the Mets head into the Twin Cities losing two in a row to the Phillies and dropping their first series of the season. Their record stands at 5-4 and sit in 3rd place in the NL East behind the Braves and the Nats respectively, who just seem to keep winning games. After 9 games, there have been some encouraging positives for the Amazings and also some glaring negatives. Here's a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly:
The good.. That's an easy one! John Buck has been unconscious at the plate. He has been absolutely on fire to start the season, providing power to a lineup that hasn't gotten much from Ike Davis and David Wright thus far. Matt Harvey in his first two starts has looked like the real deal. He has somehow combined the youthful excitement and live arm of a raw talent with the temperament and baseball savvy of a seasoned veteran. In addition, I think Lucas Duda should gat a small mention. I stated earlier in the season that Duda would be a key for this lineup, and it was a good sign to see him hit those two bombs against Philly Wednesday night.
The bad... The back end of the rotation is becoming a real problem! I was so hopeful the first time through the rotation that some how guys like Gee, Hefner and Laffey could be competent enough to give the Mets some quality starts. But if the last couple of games are any indication of how the rest of the season plays out.. the Mets are in some serious trouble! I heard someone say the other day that Dillon Gee is probably the most important player on the Mets roster and I would tend to agree with that statement. Gee has to be that consistent bridge from Niese and Harvey to the back end for the Mets to have a fighter's chance. Another concern of mine is Ike Davis. It's a little disconcerting to me that Ike has gotten off to such a slow start once again. I thought with the great second half last year and the solid spring training, this was going to be the year Ike would finally turn the corner and be that all-star caliber player I know he has the potential to be. As of right now though, he looks completely lost at the plate.
The ugly... I am one of the biggest Daniel Murphy supporters and always have been, but every so often he does something that makes you say.."What the hell was he thinking?" That bone-head mistake on the bases the other night was inexcusable. (Not to mention Valdespin's light jog to home plate when tagging up). I understand the Mets want to be aggressive on the bases but they also have to be smart. They can't afford to run themselves out of an inning and take runs off the board. In addition, Ruben Tejada has been shaky at best at shortstop. His costly errors earlier in the season and his general lack of fluidity out there, has been making me hold my breathe every time the ball his hit in his direction. Bottom line is this, the margin of error for this team is minuscule( especially defensively and on the bases) for the Mets to have a chance to win a decent amount of games this year.
Whew.. I digress.. My apologies for the rant! I needed to get that off my chest! I'm moving on to Minnesota and this upcoming series with the Twins and I'm sure the Mets are too. The first of three is tonight as Jon Niese takes the mound against RHP Vance Worley. First pitch at 8:10 pm. Let's go Mets!
When it comes to the 2013 New York Mets, I'm hoping this season isn't heading "the wrong way on a one-way track", as the Mets head into the Twin Cities losing two in a row to the Phillies and dropping their first series of the season. Their record stands at 5-4 and sit in 3rd place in the NL East behind the Braves and the Nats respectively, who just seem to keep winning games. After 9 games, there have been some encouraging positives for the Amazings and also some glaring negatives. Here's a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly:
The good.. That's an easy one! John Buck has been unconscious at the plate. He has been absolutely on fire to start the season, providing power to a lineup that hasn't gotten much from Ike Davis and David Wright thus far. Matt Harvey in his first two starts has looked like the real deal. He has somehow combined the youthful excitement and live arm of a raw talent with the temperament and baseball savvy of a seasoned veteran. In addition, I think Lucas Duda should gat a small mention. I stated earlier in the season that Duda would be a key for this lineup, and it was a good sign to see him hit those two bombs against Philly Wednesday night.
The bad... The back end of the rotation is becoming a real problem! I was so hopeful the first time through the rotation that some how guys like Gee, Hefner and Laffey could be competent enough to give the Mets some quality starts. But if the last couple of games are any indication of how the rest of the season plays out.. the Mets are in some serious trouble! I heard someone say the other day that Dillon Gee is probably the most important player on the Mets roster and I would tend to agree with that statement. Gee has to be that consistent bridge from Niese and Harvey to the back end for the Mets to have a fighter's chance. Another concern of mine is Ike Davis. It's a little disconcerting to me that Ike has gotten off to such a slow start once again. I thought with the great second half last year and the solid spring training, this was going to be the year Ike would finally turn the corner and be that all-star caliber player I know he has the potential to be. As of right now though, he looks completely lost at the plate.
The ugly... I am one of the biggest Daniel Murphy supporters and always have been, but every so often he does something that makes you say.."What the hell was he thinking?" That bone-head mistake on the bases the other night was inexcusable. (Not to mention Valdespin's light jog to home plate when tagging up). I understand the Mets want to be aggressive on the bases but they also have to be smart. They can't afford to run themselves out of an inning and take runs off the board. In addition, Ruben Tejada has been shaky at best at shortstop. His costly errors earlier in the season and his general lack of fluidity out there, has been making me hold my breathe every time the ball his hit in his direction. Bottom line is this, the margin of error for this team is minuscule( especially defensively and on the bases) for the Mets to have a chance to win a decent amount of games this year.
Whew.. I digress.. My apologies for the rant! I needed to get that off my chest! I'm moving on to Minnesota and this upcoming series with the Twins and I'm sure the Mets are too. The first of three is tonight as Jon Niese takes the mound against RHP Vance Worley. First pitch at 8:10 pm. Let's go Mets!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
"Gee Whiz"
Coming into last night's game the Mets starting pitching has been everything you could have hoped for so far this season. With Johan Santana's career threatening injury in spring training, the Mets rotation definitely had some question marks to begin the year. Surprisingly though, the starting staff has been this club's strong suit so far.
Niese has looked good in his first two outings with two quality starts. Hefner pitched extremely well albeit in a losing effort in his first start. And Harvey...? Well let's just say Harvey has been everything advertised... Tenfold!
So as Dillon Gee walked to the mound last night, I honestly liked the Mets chances. They were facing Cliff Lee, still one of the premiere pitchers in the league, but Gee looked impressive himself in his first start against the Padres going six and a third giving up only one earned run.
My optimism quickly dissipated though because in the 2nd inning the Phillies began their hit parade against Gee. Single.. after single.. after single.. It just seemed like Gee couldn't get an out. When the inning was over.. 4-0 Phillies.
Simple equation.. Phillies 4 run lead + Cliff Lee Pitching = Met Loss.
Gee never seemed to recover from that 2nd inning as Philly uped the ante by hitting homeruns in the next inning. Gee's numbers for the night were ugly..3 innings pitched with 10 hits and 7 earned runs. The only bright spot for the Mets was John Buck, who continues his torrid pace to start the season, by hitting a 2 run homerun in the 4th. Otherwise Cliff Lee was cruising almost going the distance before he was pulled in the 9th much to the dismay of the Philly faithful, who wanted to see their lefty get the complete game.
So on to the rubber match tonight as the Mets try to win 2 out of 3 for the 3rd consecutive time. It's still so early in the season, but in my opinion, this could be a huge win for the Mets. Not to just keep pace with the Nats and Braves but more for this team's psyche. To go into hated Philadelphia and take the series would not only be a huge confidence boost for this club but also a "take notice" to rest of the league. Early "statement game" if you will...Starting pitchers tonight are Hefner for NY and Kendrick for Philly. First pitch at 7:05pm. Let's go Mets!
Niese has looked good in his first two outings with two quality starts. Hefner pitched extremely well albeit in a losing effort in his first start. And Harvey...? Well let's just say Harvey has been everything advertised... Tenfold!
So as Dillon Gee walked to the mound last night, I honestly liked the Mets chances. They were facing Cliff Lee, still one of the premiere pitchers in the league, but Gee looked impressive himself in his first start against the Padres going six and a third giving up only one earned run.
My optimism quickly dissipated though because in the 2nd inning the Phillies began their hit parade against Gee. Single.. after single.. after single.. It just seemed like Gee couldn't get an out. When the inning was over.. 4-0 Phillies.
Simple equation.. Phillies 4 run lead + Cliff Lee Pitching = Met Loss.
Gee never seemed to recover from that 2nd inning as Philly uped the ante by hitting homeruns in the next inning. Gee's numbers for the night were ugly..3 innings pitched with 10 hits and 7 earned runs. The only bright spot for the Mets was John Buck, who continues his torrid pace to start the season, by hitting a 2 run homerun in the 4th. Otherwise Cliff Lee was cruising almost going the distance before he was pulled in the 9th much to the dismay of the Philly faithful, who wanted to see their lefty get the complete game.
So on to the rubber match tonight as the Mets try to win 2 out of 3 for the 3rd consecutive time. It's still so early in the season, but in my opinion, this could be a huge win for the Mets. Not to just keep pace with the Nats and Braves but more for this team's psyche. To go into hated Philadelphia and take the series would not only be a huge confidence boost for this club but also a "take notice" to rest of the league. Early "statement game" if you will...Starting pitchers tonight are Hefner for NY and Kendrick for Philly. First pitch at 7:05pm. Let's go Mets!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Buck the Phillies!
John Buck blasted a 3 run homerun against Roy Halladay in the 2nd inning as the Mets pounded the Phillies 7-2 last night at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
The expectations for John Buck coming into this season were probably mediocre at best. You knew he was going to be a great clubhouse guy. You knew he was going to be a solid presence for the young burgeoning Mets pitching staff. Buck was going to be the guy to plug the hole behind the plate until the young catching phenom Travis D'Arnaud was ready for the big leagues.
I guess that old adage of "that's why you play the games" rings true once again because Buck has proven to be all that and so much more. His value and worth to this club seems to be rising exponentially each game.
Coming off a dreadful offensive season last year, met fans weren't expecting much with the bat from their starting catcher. But Buck has been hitting "lights out" the first seven games this season, hitting .375 with 3 homeruns and an astounding, National League leading 12 RBI's. His biggest knock coming last night as he powered an opposite field blast off of Roy Halladay.
That was all young ace Matt Harvey (2-0) needed as he pitched 7 innings giving up only 1 earned run and only 3 hits with 9 strikeouts. (without his best stuff I might add). It smelled a little like a " changing of the guard " so to speak as Halladay(0-2) struggled mightily and quite frankly looked old and dated. Halladay's velocity is way down on his fastball and looks no where near the pitcher he once was. His ERA has ballooned to 14.73 compared to Harvey's 0.63 ERA so far this season. Two pitchers that couldn't be on more different sides of the spectrum in terms of pitching careers.
The Mets improved to 5-2 and couldn't have began their 10 game road trip in better fashion. They have now won 3 in a row and look to keep the positive vibes going tonight as Gee takes the mound for the Amazins against Lee for the Phils. First pitch at 7:05pm. Let's go Mets!
The expectations for John Buck coming into this season were probably mediocre at best. You knew he was going to be a great clubhouse guy. You knew he was going to be a solid presence for the young burgeoning Mets pitching staff. Buck was going to be the guy to plug the hole behind the plate until the young catching phenom Travis D'Arnaud was ready for the big leagues.
I guess that old adage of "that's why you play the games" rings true once again because Buck has proven to be all that and so much more. His value and worth to this club seems to be rising exponentially each game.
Coming off a dreadful offensive season last year, met fans weren't expecting much with the bat from their starting catcher. But Buck has been hitting "lights out" the first seven games this season, hitting .375 with 3 homeruns and an astounding, National League leading 12 RBI's. His biggest knock coming last night as he powered an opposite field blast off of Roy Halladay.
That was all young ace Matt Harvey (2-0) needed as he pitched 7 innings giving up only 1 earned run and only 3 hits with 9 strikeouts. (without his best stuff I might add). It smelled a little like a " changing of the guard " so to speak as Halladay(0-2) struggled mightily and quite frankly looked old and dated. Halladay's velocity is way down on his fastball and looks no where near the pitcher he once was. His ERA has ballooned to 14.73 compared to Harvey's 0.63 ERA so far this season. Two pitchers that couldn't be on more different sides of the spectrum in terms of pitching careers.
The Mets improved to 5-2 and couldn't have began their 10 game road trip in better fashion. They have now won 3 in a row and look to keep the positive vibes going tonight as Gee takes the mound for the Amazins against Lee for the Phils. First pitch at 7:05pm. Let's go Mets!
Monday, April 8, 2013
Byrd and Magic
Marlon Byrd's dribbler down the third baseline in the bottom of the 9th wins the rubber match for the N.Y. Mets against the Miami Marlins yesterday at Citi Field. The Amazin's win their first two series to start a season for only the second time in the past 11 years.
When I think of the old Celtics vs. Lakers rivalries in the 80's two obvious names come to mind. Larry Bird, the ultimate competitor, the clutch player, but at times looking like he was moving in slow motion. Magic Johnson, the floor general of showtime, leading the fast break, at times making it look so easy out there. Two very different athletes, two very different styles of play, but both sharing
some distinct similarities. Their intelligence of the game, their ability to take what the defense gives them, their unselfish team first attitude and most importantly, their shear will to win the game, never giving up.
Early in these 2013 season the Mets seems to be making it a point to be extremely aggressive on the bases. The problem is a lot of the roster probably couldn't beat Larry Legend in a foot race. But so far, they seem to picking their spots wisely. Like Bird and Magic they're playing smart. Taking what the defense gives them. Playing team first baseball. And most importantly, never giving up till the game is over!
So does this team have some magic in them? Only time will tell, but with their second comeback win in a row, looks like they at least have some fight.
With a win yesterday the Mets improved to 4-2 and a begin a 10 game road trip tonight in Philadelphia. A must-see pitching duel tonight as Matt Harvey takes the mound for the Mets against Roy Halladay for the Phillies. First pitch at 7:10pm. Let's go Mets!
When I think of the old Celtics vs. Lakers rivalries in the 80's two obvious names come to mind. Larry Bird, the ultimate competitor, the clutch player, but at times looking like he was moving in slow motion. Magic Johnson, the floor general of showtime, leading the fast break, at times making it look so easy out there. Two very different athletes, two very different styles of play, but both sharing
some distinct similarities. Their intelligence of the game, their ability to take what the defense gives them, their unselfish team first attitude and most importantly, their shear will to win the game, never giving up.
Early in these 2013 season the Mets seems to be making it a point to be extremely aggressive on the bases. The problem is a lot of the roster probably couldn't beat Larry Legend in a foot race. But so far, they seem to picking their spots wisely. Like Bird and Magic they're playing smart. Taking what the defense gives them. Playing team first baseball. And most importantly, never giving up till the game is over!
So does this team have some magic in them? Only time will tell, but with their second comeback win in a row, looks like they at least have some fight.
With a win yesterday the Mets improved to 4-2 and a begin a 10 game road trip tonight in Philadelphia. A must-see pitching duel tonight as Matt Harvey takes the mound for the Mets against Roy Halladay for the Phillies. First pitch at 7:10pm. Let's go Mets!
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Hefner Without His Playmates
What would Hugh Hefner be without his playmates..? Some might say a creepy old man donned in a smokers jacket, slippers, and a pipe. What would Jeremy Hefner be without his playmates..? A sore luck loser, as his bullpen destroys what was a solid start for the right hander as the Mets lose to the Marlins 7-5.
Last night at Citi Field the winds were swerving and so was Jeremy Hefner's curveball. He was getting great action on that curve, which at times resembled something you might see playing whiffle ball. Hefner gave the Mets 6 strong innings giving up just one earned run, with 5 hits, only 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. His only blemish of the evening was a solo homerun to Greg Dobbs in the 2nd inning. He left in the 6th trailing 1-0, getting absolutely no run support from his teammates. ( The Mets hitters stranded base runners in every inning up to that point.)
Terry Collins gave the ball to his bullpen in the 7th inning and the game promptly became out of reach shortly after that. Greg Burke and Scott Rice gave up a combined 5 runs and when the pipe smoke cleared it was 6-0 Fish. One of my biggest concerns out of spring training was this unproven bullpen. I'm hoping last night was an aberration, and not a sign of things to come, because let's face it, the Mets do not have the offensive firepower to come back from a 6 run deficit.
Kudos to the Mets for trying though. They didn't lay down and kept fighting, scoring 3 in the bottom half of the 7th thanks to Daniel Murphy's 3 run blast to the opposite field, cutting the lead in half. The Marlins added an insurance run in the 9th off of Latroy Hawkins. The Mets tried to stage a late rally in the 9th but to no avail as Justin Turner weakly grounded to first to end the game.
The Mets have now lost two in a row after winning their first two games. It is a bit disconcerting losing to a Marlins team that basically had a fire sale during the offseason, getting rid of half their roster. Miami came into Citi Field with an 0-3 record, fresh off a schalacking by the Washington Nationals. The Mets need to get all the wins they can against inferior teams like the Marlins, before the big boys start coming to town. They'll try and right the ship this afternoon. Probable starters are RHP Nolasco for Miami and LHP Niese for N.Y. First pitch at 1:10 pm. Let's go Mets!
Last night at Citi Field the winds were swerving and so was Jeremy Hefner's curveball. He was getting great action on that curve, which at times resembled something you might see playing whiffle ball. Hefner gave the Mets 6 strong innings giving up just one earned run, with 5 hits, only 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. His only blemish of the evening was a solo homerun to Greg Dobbs in the 2nd inning. He left in the 6th trailing 1-0, getting absolutely no run support from his teammates. ( The Mets hitters stranded base runners in every inning up to that point.)
Terry Collins gave the ball to his bullpen in the 7th inning and the game promptly became out of reach shortly after that. Greg Burke and Scott Rice gave up a combined 5 runs and when the pipe smoke cleared it was 6-0 Fish. One of my biggest concerns out of spring training was this unproven bullpen. I'm hoping last night was an aberration, and not a sign of things to come, because let's face it, the Mets do not have the offensive firepower to come back from a 6 run deficit.
Kudos to the Mets for trying though. They didn't lay down and kept fighting, scoring 3 in the bottom half of the 7th thanks to Daniel Murphy's 3 run blast to the opposite field, cutting the lead in half. The Marlins added an insurance run in the 9th off of Latroy Hawkins. The Mets tried to stage a late rally in the 9th but to no avail as Justin Turner weakly grounded to first to end the game.
The Mets have now lost two in a row after winning their first two games. It is a bit disconcerting losing to a Marlins team that basically had a fire sale during the offseason, getting rid of half their roster. Miami came into Citi Field with an 0-3 record, fresh off a schalacking by the Washington Nationals. The Mets need to get all the wins they can against inferior teams like the Marlins, before the big boys start coming to town. They'll try and right the ship this afternoon. Probable starters are RHP Nolasco for Miami and LHP Niese for N.Y. First pitch at 1:10 pm. Let's go Mets!
Friday, April 5, 2013
"2 Outta 3 Ain't Bad"
If I could title all my posts after a "Meatloaf" song I truly would. But this quote from the chubby crooner seemed quite apropos when referring to the young New York Mets season.
The Mets lost to the Padres 2-1 last night at Citi Field, but took two of three from San Diego beginning their season with a 2-1 record and winning their first series of the year.
Dillon Gee pitched for the first time in 9 months due to a blood clot in his right shoulder and looked sharp. He ended up going 6 and a third innings giving up only one earned run, with 3 hits, 3 walks, and 4 strikeouts. Gee's outstanding performance is extremely encouraging news for Met fans.
In my opinion, Gee has to have a stellar season, solidifying that number three spot in an already decimated rotation.
What was not so encouraging for Met fans was the Met bats! Those same Met bats that made so much noise in the first two games (scoring 19 runs) suddenly went completely silent. I mean "hearing crickets" silent! Besides John Buck (2-4) with a homerun and Justin Turner (3-4) the Mets offense was anemic. The middle of the lineup went a combined 0-13 with a combined total of 10 strikeouts.
All in all though, it was a good start to the season. The pitching staff looked great and the offense showed they have a little pop. We have to keep in mind that they did play the Padres who frankly are going to be terrible this season. Speaking of terrible this season, in come the Miami Marlins to start a 3 game series at Citi Field. Probable starters are RHP Sanabia for Miami and RHP Hefner for N.Y. First pitch at 7:10 pm. Let's Go Mets!
The Mets lost to the Padres 2-1 last night at Citi Field, but took two of three from San Diego beginning their season with a 2-1 record and winning their first series of the year.
Dillon Gee pitched for the first time in 9 months due to a blood clot in his right shoulder and looked sharp. He ended up going 6 and a third innings giving up only one earned run, with 3 hits, 3 walks, and 4 strikeouts. Gee's outstanding performance is extremely encouraging news for Met fans.
In my opinion, Gee has to have a stellar season, solidifying that number three spot in an already decimated rotation.
What was not so encouraging for Met fans was the Met bats! Those same Met bats that made so much noise in the first two games (scoring 19 runs) suddenly went completely silent. I mean "hearing crickets" silent! Besides John Buck (2-4) with a homerun and Justin Turner (3-4) the Mets offense was anemic. The middle of the lineup went a combined 0-13 with a combined total of 10 strikeouts.
All in all though, it was a good start to the season. The pitching staff looked great and the offense showed they have a little pop. We have to keep in mind that they did play the Padres who frankly are going to be terrible this season. Speaking of terrible this season, in come the Miami Marlins to start a 3 game series at Citi Field. Probable starters are RHP Sanabia for Miami and RHP Hefner for N.Y. First pitch at 7:10 pm. Let's Go Mets!
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