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!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
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!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Is It Too Early To Start Believing?
With a winter chill in the air, Citi Field feeling more like Lambeau Field, the under-achieving NY Mets took the field with their future (if not present) pitching ace Matt Harvey in tow.
Maybe it's his "bulldog" demeanor on the mound or his refusal to wear a jacket on the base pads, but this kid has some heart. By the time he was done, he threw 7 scoreless innings allowing just 1 hit and 2 walks with 10 strikeouts.
The young righty cruised as the Mets took care of the Padres 8-4. Lucas Duda, Ike Davis, and John Buck all hit 2 run homeruns in a seemingly easy victory for the Amazings. The offensive juggernaut that is the New York Mets have scored 19 runs in the first two games.
So I pose the question? Is it too early to start believing in these scrappers?... I know, I know.. It's the second game of the season and maybe, just maybe it has something to do with that other N.Y. team losing their first two games, but call me crazy I think this team might be a lot better then people expect.
In my opinion, the key for this lineup rests in the hands of Lucas Duda. If Duda can have a good year and hit a solid 260 and give you 20-25 dingers with 90 plus RBIs it takes so much pressure off Ike Davis and David Wright. If Duda can contribute it suddenly makes that lineup a lot more formidable. You add in a young pitching staff to that equation that only seems to be improving.. We might have something here!
So is it too early to start believing? Unfortunately, Yes it is! But breathe easy for now fellow Met fans. We're 2-0 and it feels pretty amazing! 160 more to go! Whatever happens I know it will be fun and I for one can't wait!
Maybe it's his "bulldog" demeanor on the mound or his refusal to wear a jacket on the base pads, but this kid has some heart. By the time he was done, he threw 7 scoreless innings allowing just 1 hit and 2 walks with 10 strikeouts.
The young righty cruised as the Mets took care of the Padres 8-4. Lucas Duda, Ike Davis, and John Buck all hit 2 run homeruns in a seemingly easy victory for the Amazings. The offensive juggernaut that is the New York Mets have scored 19 runs in the first two games.
So I pose the question? Is it too early to start believing in these scrappers?... I know, I know.. It's the second game of the season and maybe, just maybe it has something to do with that other N.Y. team losing their first two games, but call me crazy I think this team might be a lot better then people expect.
In my opinion, the key for this lineup rests in the hands of Lucas Duda. If Duda can have a good year and hit a solid 260 and give you 20-25 dingers with 90 plus RBIs it takes so much pressure off Ike Davis and David Wright. If Duda can contribute it suddenly makes that lineup a lot more formidable. You add in a young pitching staff to that equation that only seems to be improving.. We might have something here!
So is it too early to start believing? Unfortunately, Yes it is! But breathe easy for now fellow Met fans. We're 2-0 and it feels pretty amazing! 160 more to go! Whatever happens I know it will be fun and I for one can't wait!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
newyorkmetropolitan coming soon
Best blog in NY that is only dedicated to New York Mets Baseball 2013
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