Pelfrey Pitches Like An Ace, But Bullpen Implodes

The Mets dropped the second game in their series against the Phillies, losing 5-2. They have now lost six of their last seven games.

• Mike Pelfrey went 7.2 very strong innings, giving up two runs on four hits, while striking out six and walking two. He got into a little trouble in the fourth inning when he gave up two doubles, a balk, and a walk, but was able to get Domonic Brown to ground out to end the inning. Pelfrey retired 11 batters in a row before giving up a single to Jimmy Rollings and being pulled out of the game with a 2-1 lead.

• Justin Turner and Jason Bay each had an RBI single.

• The Mets were being aggressive on the base paths tonight, stealing five bases.

• The bullpen let this game get away. Mike O'Connor, Jason Isringhausen, and Dale Thayer, all allowed a run to score.

• Another fun fact from tonight's game: The Mets didn't have a hit after the fourth inning. While it's easy to blame this loss on the bullpen alone, the lack of offense is killing this team just as much.

Next up: The Mets close out their series with the Phillies tomorrow at 1:10 p.m. Jon Niese will take the mound against Vance Worley.

Mets Set To Take On Hamels And The Phillies

May 28, 2011

7:10 PM ET

Citi Field

TV: FOX

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Mike Pelfrey (3-4, 5.37 ERA)

In his last outing, Pelfrey pitched six strong innings, before falling apart in the seventh, against the Yankees. The last two times he's faced the Phillies, he's allowed ten runs in 6.1 innings. Lifetime, he is 6-5 with a 5.25 ERA against the Phillies.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

Starting Pitcher: Cole Hamels (6-2, 3.06 ERA)

Hamels went six innings in his last start, allowing five hits, three runs, and two walks. In his career, Hamels hasn't fared well against the Mets, posting a 2-9 record with a 4.35 ERA. 

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Turner-3B, Beltran-RF, Bay-LF, Evans-1B, Pagan-CF, Paulino-C, Tejada-2B, Pelfrey-RHP

Mets Morning News: Wright's A Superstar, Carter's Diagnosis, & InjuryUpdates

David Wright told reporters that the comments made about him by owner, Fred Wilpon, will not affect his decision to stay with the Mets in the future.

"That's not the first negative thing somebody's said about me and it's not going to be the last. I think to play in this market, you have to have some thick skin, and I feel like I have thick enough skin where I'm not going to let a comment affect a relationship or affect the way I go out there and play baseball."

He later added:

"My parents texted me and said that I was their superstar"

Doctors from Duke University announced Friday that the tumors found in Gary Carter's brain appear to be malignant.

According to Sandy Alderson, Wright and Ike Davis could both return to the lineup before the team's ten-game home stand ends.

Bullpen Can't Hold It For The Mets, Lose Opener To Phillies

The Mets and Phillies went back and forth all night, but eventually, the Mets lost by a score of 6-4.

• Chris Capuano went six innings, giving up two runs on four hits, while striking out eight. Terry Collins pinch hit Willie Harris for Capuano in the sixth inning. What the reason for that was, I'm not sure. Capuano had only thrown 78 pitches and was having himself a nice ball game.

• Pedro Beato threw a scoreless inning of relief, which was much needed after his disastrous outing in Chicago. Jason Isringhausen gave up the tying run to the Phillies in the eighth inning.

• Carlos Beltran singled to drive in the Mets first run of the game in the fifth inning. Ronny Paulino and Justin Turner each had an RBI single as well. Turner went 4-4.

• In his return from the disabled list, Angel Pagan went 2-4 with a run scored.

• After throwing 19.2 scoreless innings of relief, Francisco Rodriguez allowed three runs.

• Daniel Murphy killed the Mets in the field and at the plate. He missed a ground ball off the bat of Domonic Brown  in the ninth, allowing the winning run to score. Murphy later grounded into a double play to end the game. Ike Davis needs to get back from the disabled list. Fast.

Next up: The Mets send Mike Pelfrey to the mound to take on Cole Hamels and the Phillies, Saturday, at Citi Field.

Mets Finally Have An Angel In The Outfield

Angel Pagan was activated from the disabled list today, and will hit sixth in tonight's lineup.

So what does this mean for the roster?

Fernando Martinez was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo, and Pat Misch was designated for assignment. Filling Misch's spot on the roster will be right-handed pitcher, Dale Thayer.

In 20 starts for Buffalo, Thayer has a 2-0 record with four saves, a 2.05 ERA, and 25 strikeouts.

Met Look To Get Back On Track At Home Against The Phillies

May 27, 2011

7:10 PM ET

Citi Field

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Chris Capuano (3-5, 5.36 ERA)

Capuano gave up four home runs in his last start, and went 5.1 innings against the Yankees. Against the Phillies, Capuano is 0-2 with a 3.20 ERA.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

Starting Pitcher: Roy Oswalt (3-2, 2.77 ERA)

Oswalt allowed just one run in seven innings of work his last time out. Oswalt is 6-5 against the Mets with a 3.33 ERA.

Mets Morning News: Phillies, Injuries, And A New Investor

Jeff Bradley of the Star-Ledger believes Mets should take a look at how the Phillies rebuilt their team to go from a team in chaos to NL East and World Series champs.

"It wasn't that long ago that the Phillies were going through a lot of the same issues as the Mets are going through right now. This was a team with a losing history and a lot of angry fans, a far cry from the sought-after destination it's become, where big-time free agents like Cliff Lee go for less than a team like the Yankees are willing to pay."

Injury updates:

• Angel Pagan will return to the lineup Friday. To make room, Fernando Martinez will, in all likelihood, be sent down to Triple-A Buffalo. In regard to Martinez, Terry Collins stated:

"I think this guy is one of our top prospects in our organization. To have him sitting on the bench I don't think benefits him or us."

• David Wright is healing. He has started doing exercises to strengthen his core muscles.

• Things aren't going so well, however, for Ike Davis. He has been unable to do any exercises on the field the past two days.

Record columnist Bob Klapisch believes that new investor, David Einhorn, will eventually want more than his reported 30 percent stake in the team:

"If Einhorn, a human shark, is ready to take down one of the nation's foremost executives, what chance do the Wilpons have of surviving? Einhorn already knows how badly the Wilpons, along with brother-in-law Saul Katz, have ruined the franchise."

I know Mets fans are excited with the the team finally finding an investor. It means the Mets won't run out of cash...yet. Like I said yesterday, however, it's not going to change anything in the immediate future, and before everyone gets excited at the thought of Einhorn overthrowing the Wilpons, let's wait and find out a little more about the guy. Just because he's new, it doesn't necessarily make him better.

Cash-Strapped Mets Find An Investor

The Mets announced today that David Einhorn, President of Greenlight Capital, Inc., personally invested $200 million for a minority, non-investment stake in the team.

In other words, he shelled out a lot of cash, but will not be making any decisions.

In a press release, Fred Wilpon said:

"We are very excited about David joining our ownership group for several reasons. David's investment immediately improves the franchise's financial position. Equally important, David's intelligence, integrity and success in both business and civic affairs provides us with another perspective in evaluating what is best for this organization and our fans, and we welcome his input. In partnership with David, we look forward to achieving our ultimate goal of again becoming World Series champions."

Einhorn stated:

"Having an opportunity to become part of the Mets franchise is exciting beyond my wildest childhood dreams. I spent my first seven years living in New Jersey and rooting for the Mets. In 1975, I even dressed in a homemade jersey as a Met for Halloween. I have been a baseball fan for my entire life and have enjoyed teaching the game as the coach of my daughter's little league team. I look forward to partnering with the Wilpon and Katz families through the good seasons, the tough seasons and especially the championship seasons."

What this will all mean for the team in the long run, only time will tell. Will it equate to wins? Will it bring in better players? I don't know. I do know that it means the team is getting some much needed cash.

In reality, not all that much will change in the immediate future with this team. At the end of the day, Wilpon is still the man in charge, and the same 25 players will be in the dugout. Only difference being, now everyone will get paid.

Things Go From Bad To Worse For Mets

The Mets got smacked around, yet again, losing to the Cubs 9-3.

• R.A. Dickey went 2.2 innings before leaving with an injury to his right foot and heel. He tripped while trying to cover first base. The team is reporting that he did not tear his achilles tendon, however, he is now using a boot and crutches.

• Pedro Beato took the loss after replacing Dickey on the mound in the third inning. Beato allowed four runs. Pat Misch followed and barely squeaked by in the "worst relief appearance" contest, allowing just three runs.

• Jose Reyes got the Mets on the board first with an RBI double in the third inning. Josh Thole and Justin Turner each had an RBI as well.

• Carlos Zambrano. What can you say? The Cubs pitcher went 3-3 with a double and an RBI. Killed them on the mound. Killed them at the plate.

Next up: Thankfully, the Mets leave Wrigley Field and return home for a ten-game homestand. They begin a three-game series against the Phillies Friday night.

Mets Hope For Another Quick Win Against Cubs In Series Finale

May 26, 2011

2:20 PM ET

Wrigley Field, Chicago

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: R.A. Dickey (2-5, 4.71 ERA)

Dickey had his best outing of the year on Friday against the Yankees, going six inning and striking out six. He doesn't have a good history against the Cubs, posting a 0-1 record and a 10.50 ERA.

CHICAGO CUBS

Starting Pitcher: Carlos Zambrano (4-2, 4.88 ERA)

Zambrano went 5.2 innings in his last start against Boston. He gave up three runs on seven hits. Against the Mets, he has is 5-3 with a 3.52 ERA.

Mets Morning News: Potential Buyers, Payroll, And K-Rod

According to Richard Sandomir of the New York Times, the Mets have found a a potential buyer.

"The Mets appear to have settled on a buyer who will give them at least $200 million for less than 49 percent of the team and will not receive a portion of SNY, the team's profitable cable network, a person briefed on the matter said."

Sandy Alderson, addressing the issue of the 2012 payroll, almost wishes the world ended on Saturday, saying:

"I was thinking, 'If the world had ended on Saturday the way it was supposed to, we wouldn't have to deal with these issues.'"

Andy Martino of the Daily News reports that Francisco Rodriguez would be willing to waive his no-trade clause and $17. 5 million option, if whatever team he ends up with, signs him to an extension. When asked about it, K-Rod said:

"I would have to sit down and think about it, but I'm definitely open to anything."

Terry Collins plans to continue to hit Jason Bay in the cleanup spot, saying:

"The minute he breaks out, we want him in those spots to drive in runs."

Here's a thought, how about you hit him in the cleanup spot only after he does break out and hits something.

Mother Nature Helps Out The Mets

At this point, the Mets will take a win any way they can get one. Tonight's game was called after 7.2 innings, and the Mets walked away with a 7-4 victory.

• Dillon Gee went six innings, giving up four runs on four hits, while striking out four and walking two. Gee struggled in the first inning, allowing four runs to the Cubs. He settled down in the next inning, and went on to throw a very nice game.

• The Mets put up a five-run second inning. Thank goodness for Cubs pitcher, Justin Berg. Berg came in relief in the second inning and threw 12 straight balls, and walked in two runs. Again, the Mets will take 'em however they can get 'em.

• Carlos Beltran went 2-3 with two RBIs. Daniel Murphy also knocked in a pair of runs.

Next up: The Mets finish their series against the Cubs, Thursday, at 2:20 p.m.

Gee Takes The Mound As Mets Look To End Three-Game Skid

May 25, 2011

8:05 PM ET

Wrigley Field, Chicago

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Dillon Gee (3-0, 3.44 ERA)

Gee is coming off his best start, throwing a no-hitter through the first 5.2 innings against the Nationals. He went on to throw a scoreless 7.2 innings.

CHICAGO CUBS

Starting Pitcher: Casey Coleman (2-3, 6.03 ERA)

Coleman has struggled at home this season, going 0-2 with a 9.69 ERA. He did well in his last start, however, going 5.2 innings and striking out seven.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Thole-C, Beltran-RF, Bay-LF, Murphy-1B, Turner-3B, Pridie-CF, Tejada-2B, Gee-RHP

Mets Morning News 5-25-11

The Mets didn't go out of their way to prove their owner wrong in Tuesday's game, losing to the Cubs 11-1.

Jason Bay left Tuesday's game in the seventh inning with a stiff right calf. Bay called it a, "non-issue," and he plans to be in tonight's lineup.

Brian Costa of the Wall Street Journal describes how the life of a Major League ball player isn't always glamorous, especially players who are "at the fringes of the roster."

Mets Play Their Most Craptastic Game Of The Year

Tonight's game looked a little like this:


Yes. That would be a train wreck.

Officially, however, it went something like this:

• Jon Niese lasted five innings, giving up six runs on seven hits, while striking out five and walking one.

• The Mets' lone run came in the fifth inning on an RBI single off the bat of Jose Reyes.

• The bullpen with the exception of Mike O'Connor, was a disaster. Taylor Buchholz allowed two runs, while Pat Misch allowed three.

• The Mets committed three errors in the game, two of which belonged to Ronny Paulino.

• Jason Bay left the game in the seventh inning with a stiff right calf.

Next up: The Mets play game two in this three game series, Wednesday, against the Cubs. Game time is 8:05 p.m.

Game Preview: Wilpon's Sh**** Mets vs. Cubs

May 24, 2011

8:05 PM ET

Wrigley Field, Chicago

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Jon Niese (3-4, 4.39 ERA)

In his last start, Niese went seven scoreless innings against the Nationals. Lifetime against the Cubs, he is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA.

CHICAGO CUBS

Starting Pitcher: Ryan Dempster (2-4, 6.91 ERA)

Dempster was less than stellar in his last outing. He gave up five runs in five innings of work against the Marlins.

METS LINEUP:

Mets Morning News: Wilpon, Bleeding Cash, And Oh Yeah, A Game

In case you've been living under a rock, Mets owner Fred Wilpon blasted David Wright, Jose Reyes, and Carlos Beltran in an extensive interview with the New Yorker.

According to the Daily News, Wilpon admitted in an upcoming Sports Illustrated story that the Mets are "bleeding cash," and could lose up to $70 million this year alone.

Hey, if you're interested in actual baseball game at all, the Mets are beginning a three-game series tonight in Chicago against the Cubs. The Mets send Jon Niese to the mound against Ryan Dempster.

Pelfrey Responds To Wilpon Mess

David Waldstein of the New York Times was able to get player reaction to Fred Wilpon's quotes in the now infamous New Yorker article.

Mike Pelfrey has the best response to the Wilpon fiasco:

"I think guys will be upset...But we're all a family: ownership, coaches and players. Sometimes people say things they regret. It's a mistake and you learn from it. Maybe next spring when we have our media workshop for the players, Fred can come and sit in on it."

Oh, no he didn't!

This is a fantastic quote. Well done, Pelf. This is the best thing you've done all season.

Fred Wilpon, Please Stop Speaking

This morning I awoke thinking today would be like any other off day for the Mets. Quiet.

Then I read "Madoff's Curveball" by Jeffrey Toobin of the New Yorker. It appears, even on an off day the Mets find a way to slip up.

In this very lengthy article, Mets owner Fred Wilpon ripped Jose Reyes, David Wright, and Carlos Beltran.

After calling Reyes a "racehorse," Wilpon went on to say:

"He thinks he's going to get Carl Crawford money. He's had everything wrong with him. He won't get it."

Then he had this to say about Wright:

"A really good kid. A very good player. Not a superstar."

When I thought I was done reading these gems, Wilpon went on to say the following about Beltran:

“We had some schmuck in New York who paid him based on that one series. He’s sixty-five to seventy per cent of what he was.”

Finally, for good measure, Wilpon had this to say when speaking about Ike Davis:

"Good hitter. [Expletive] team, good hitter."

Mets Morning News 5-23-11

The Mets have the day off. They begin a three-game series in Chicago against the Cubs on Tuesday.

David Wright will fly to Los Angeles today to see a back specialist.

This is one of the weirdest interviews I've ever read. Frankly, I don't even know if it's real. In an interview with the New Yorker, Fred Wilpon says Jose Reyes won't get Crawford-type money, says David Wright's not a superstar, and that the team is "snakebitten, baby."

Yankees 9, Mets 3: Add This To The List Of Games To Forget

Disaster. This is the only word that describes today's game.

• Mike Pelfrey went six innings before imploding in the seventh. He allowed five runs on eight hits, while striking out four and walking two. Pelfrey began the seventh by giving up a single to Brett Gardner and then followed with a walk to Chris Dickerson and a hit batsman. Why Pelfrey was allowed to even continue after allowing the single to Gardner is beyond me. He's proven so far this season that he can't get himself out of jams.

• The Mets allowed the Yankees to score eight runs in the seventh inning. Pedro Beato's perfect ERA is no more after giving up two runs in one-third of an inning. Mets pitchers are not the only ones to blame for this disaster of an inning. Willie Harris bobbled a ground ball that would have been the final out of the inning, but instead it prolonged it.

• The Mets had a three-run second inning and then went on to do just about nothing at the plate the rest of the game. Willie Harris, Ronny Paulino, and Jason Pridie each had an RBI in that inning.

This was quite possibly one of the most boring series I have watched in a long time, and today's game had one of the worst innings I've seen all year out of the Mets. At least the team wasn't swept and Interleague Play is over for a while.

Next up: The Mets have an off-day Monday, and begin a three-game series against the Cubs in Chicago on Tuesday.

Mets Send Pelfrey To The Mound In Subway Series Finale

May 22, 2011

1:05 PM ET

Yankee Stadium

TV: WPIX

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Mike Pelfrey (3-3, 5.11 ERA)

Pelfrey seems to have gotten into a groove as of late. Despite taking a no decision in his last outing, he pitched well, allowing just one run in seven innings of work against the Marlins. Lifetime agains the Yankees, Pelfrey is 2-2 with a 4.70 ERA.

NEW YORK YANKEES

Starting Pitcher: Ivan Nova (4-3, 4.33 ERA)

In hist last start, Nova gave up one run in 5.1 innings of work, and helped the Yankees end a six game losing streak. He has never faced the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Murphy-1B, Beltran-DH, Bay-LF, Martinez-RF, Turner-2B, Harris-3B, Paulino-C, Pridie-CF. Pelfrey-RHP

Mets Morning News 5-22-11

A few links to get you through the morning:

• Even though he got smacked around yesterday, Chris Capuano put everything into perspective thanks to a pre-game chat he had with a young fan.

• Steve Serby of the New York Post sits down for a Q & A with Justin Turner about everything from being drafted by the Yankees to the 2003 college World Series.

• In case you missed it, Gary Carter was diagnosed with four small brain tumors. It will not be known if the tumors are benign or malignant until Carter undergoes surgery at Duke Medical Center in the coming days.

• Mike Lupica of the Daily News talks with Triple-A Buffalo manager Tim Teufel about the Bisons and the loss of players.