Pelfrey Finally Throws Like The Ace Collins Thought He Could Be

The Mets beat the Angels by a score of 6-1.

• Mike Pelfrey threw his first complete game in three years. Pelfrey was outstanding, allowing just one run on five hits, while striking out five. His only slip up came in the sixth inning when he gave up a solo home run to Mark Trumbo.

• Carlos Beltran had a huge night, going 2-4 with three RBIs and one run scored. He hit his tenth home run of the season in the fifth inning.

• Jason Bay continued to hit. He went 2-4 at the plate with an RBI and one run scored. After the wretched season he's had, it's nice to see Bay finally making contact and putting the ball in play.

• The Mets stole four bases tonight. All of those stolen bases resulted in a run scored.

Next up: The Mets close out their series with the Angels Sunday afternoon. They send Jon Niese to the mound to take on Tyler Chatwood. Game time is 1:10 p.m.

Mets Send Pelfrey To The Mound To Take On Angels

June 18, 2011

7:10 PM ET

Citi Field

TV: WPIX

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Mike Pelfrey (3-5, 5.11 ERA)

Pelfrey went seven innings in his last start, giving up two runs on four hits, while striking out six. He is 1-0 with a 9.00 ERA against the Angels.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

Starting Pitcher: Dan Haren (6-4, 2.54 ERA)

Haren has the third best ERA in the American League, entering this series with the Mets with a 2.54 ERA. He is 1-0 with a 3.89 ERA against the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

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

Reyes Meets With Scott Boras...This Can't Be Good

According to Ken Rosenthal, Scott Boras is meeting with Jose Reyes about representing the shortstop. The fact that Reyes would even entertain a meeting with super-agent Boras means one thing, he wants some of this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll3uipTO-4A

Rosenthal points out the following:

"Reyes, a potential free agent, currently is represented by Peter Greenberg. A switch to Boras almost certainly would reduce his chances of re-signing with the Mets."

Reyes is the best player in baseball right now. I get that he deserves to be paid. But if he truly loves New York like he claims he does, he'll stay away from money grubber Boras.

We Believe in Comebacks, Just Not Tonight

The Mets had plenty of chances to win this one, but failed to, losing to the Angels by a score of 4-3.

• Chris Capuano pitched six good innings, giving up three runs on eight hits, while striking out five and walking three.

• Angel Pagan went 2-4 with two RBIs.

• The Mets had a chance in the ninth to complete a comeback win, but failed. After Jose Reyes and Justin Turner both walked, Carlos Beltran, Daniel Murphy, and Angel Pagan all struck out to end it. Epic fail.

• They were 3-16 with runners in scoring position and left 11 men on base.

• Bobby Parnell had a rough outing during his two innings of relief. He allowed one run on two hits.

• Tonight was not the Mets' finest game defensively either. Turner made a throwing error in the second, allowing a run to score. Reyes later booted a ball in the third inning, which allowed another run to cross the plate.

Next up: The Mets continue Interleague Play against the Angels Saturday night. Game time is 7:10 p.m.

Mets Welcome the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, of the U.S., of Earth...

June 17, 2011

7:10 PM ET

Citi Field

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Chris Capuano (5-6, 4.40 ERA)

Capuano has not allowed more than one run in three of his last four starts. He has never faced the Angels.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

Starting Pitcher: Joel Pineiro (2-3, 4.03 ERA)

Since recording his 99th win, Pineiro has not gotten a win in his last six starts, going 0-3 with a 5.50 ERA. He is 3-0 with a 4.15 ERA.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Turner-3B, Beltran-RF, Murphy-1B, Pagan-CF, Bay-LF, Paulino-C, Tejada-2B, Capuano-LHP

Mets Morning News: Reyes, Bringing Home Kazmir, & Preventing a Fire Sale

Jose Reyes had his 100th hit of the season last night, and set a new team record for achieving the milestone in such a short period of time. Lance Johnson previously held the record. With Reyes playing so well, don't expect Terry Collins to give him time off.

"If he's not playing in the All-Star Game, there might be an investigation. So he's not going to get the other days off some of those other guys are going to have. So there's a time right there when there's a possibility I might grab a day, in that spot. Because that's a long haul in the middle of July to play."

Sandy Alderson stated the Mets would consider picking up former Mets prospect Scott Kazmir who was released by the Angels on Wednesday.

"We look at everybody who hits the wire, and the same would apply to him."

The Mets recent success could help prevent a fire sale by the July 31st deadline. Alderson said:

"Certainly, what's going on now affects our thinking over the next several weeks. It definitely matters. The short answer is we still have a long-term plan, but we have short-term goals, as well. The team is playing well and I think fan interest is picking up. Both of those things are important factors and I think we need to be mindful of the present while thinking of the future."

MLB overturned the ruling from last Saturday's game against the Pirates in which two runs were charged to R.A. Dickey after a Andrew McCutchen double. It was changed to a fielding error by Daniel Murphy.

Well, It was Fun While It Lasted: Mets Back To Below .500

If there was a paper bag large enough, I'd be wearing it. 

The Mets lost on a walk-off balk to the Braves. They are now back to being one game below .500.

• D.J. Carrasco balked, yes BALKED, in the winning run. Don't for a minute place all the blame for this loss on Carrasco alone. Francisco Rodriguez blew the game in the ninth, giving up a two run home run to Brooks Conrad. Then, with two outs in the tenth, Lucas Duda booted what would have been the final out of the inning.

• R.A. Dickey was not good tonight. Dickey lasted just four innings, giving up six runs on six hits, while striking out four and walking three.

• Jason Bay was 2-5 with an RBI and a run scored. Baby steps, Bay. Baby steps.

• Another day, another triple for Jose Reyes. Reyes went 3-6 with a run scored. He also stole his 23rd base of the season.

• Scott Hairston hit a three run homer in the sixth inning to tie the game.

• It wasn't all bad for the bullpen. Manny Acosta, Pedro Beato, Tim Byrdak, and Jason Isringhausen were all perfect in relief.

Next up: The Mets welcome the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, of the U.S., of the Earth to Citi Field for some Interleague Play. Chris Capuano will take the mound. Game time is 7:10 p.m.

Mets Morning News: Dollar and a Dream, Watergate

Left-hander Tim Byrdak is expected to be back for tonight's game after missing Wednesday's game to attend a funeral.

The NY Post reported that David Einhorn has the option of taking full control of the Mets in three years for just a buck.

"Of course, the agreement is still being negotiated and a final deal is not expected until later this month, so its terms can change -- but the $1 option price is startling. It underscores how desperate Wilpon and Katz are for a cash infusion, and also how confident the two are that they will be able to avoid activating the Einhorn option."

The Mets weren't terribly upset about the Braves attempt to slow down Jose Reyes, and Terry Collins chalked it up to gamesmanship.

"That's just part of the game. We all know that a lot of times you alter your field to benefit your own team. That's no big deal."

This doesn't mean they weren't going to complain about it though. The Mets did send a complaint to the Commissioner's Office about the waterlogged field.

Rain Ruins Gee's Night, But Mets Reach .500

It took two rain delays, but the Mets beat the Braves 4-0, and were finally able to get to the .500 mark.

• Dillon Gee pitched four excellent innings before leaving due to the second rain delay. He allowed just one hit in those four innings of work, and struck out five. The rain and hail prevented Gee from reaching 8-0 on the season.

• Angel Pagan went 2-4 with two RBIs.

• Jason Bay went 2-4 and stole his fifth base of the season.

• The bullpen was the best it's been in a while. D.J. Carrasco took over for Gee after the second rain delay, and went two perfect innings. Bobby Parnell gave up just one hit in his two innings of work, and struck out five. He was awarded the win by the official scorer.

Next up: The Mets go for the sweep of Atlanta Thursday. R.A. Dickey takes the mound against Mike Minor. Game time is 7:10 p.m.

It's Safe To Say Gee Is The Ace of This Mets Staff

What defines an "ace"?

An ace doesn't just throw strikes, get outs, and go deep into games. Any pitcher at the major league level has the ability to do that. It doesn't make him an ace though.

In his rookie season, much to everyone's surprise, Dillon Gee has proven that he possesses ace-like qualities.

A rare find from the 2007 draft, he was far from a first round pick. He was taken in the 21st round as the 663rd overall pick to be exact.

After starting the season in Triple-A Buffalo, Gee has emerged as the Mets' top pitcher.

Far exceeding expectations, he is 7-0 with a 3.05 ERA. The Mets have won every game he's started. But being an ace is more than just numbers.

Gee never wears his emotions on his sleeve.

He could have allowed 15 runs, or he could have thrown a no-hitter, and no one would be able to tell.

He doesn't have meltdowns which invoke constant wiping of the forehead and hand licking (which, by the way, is so unsanitary. Knock it off, Mike Pelfrey).

Gee just goes about his business on the mound. This care free, laid back attitude, however, does more than just help Gee on the mound.

It helps the eight other guys playing alongside him.

When your pitcher throws with confidence, you as a position player have more confidence.

That's what Dillon Gee provides this team. A sense of calm, and new found confidence every time he steps on the hill. Just like an ace.

Will Tonight Be the Night? Mets On The Hunt For .500

June 15, 2011

7:10 PM ET

Turner Field, Atlanta

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Dillon Gee (7-0, 3.05 ERA)

With a win tonight over Atlanta, Gee will improve his record to 8-0. He is currently, the only pitcher who is undefeated in the National League. Against the Braves, he is 2-1 with a 1.38 ERA.

ATLANTA BRAVES

Starting Pitcher: Tim Hudson (5-5, 4.06 ERA)

The last time Tim Hudson pitched against the Mets, he lasted just four innings and allowed five runs on seven hits. Hudson is 13-7 with a 2.64 ERA against the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

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

NOTES:

The Mets will once again be attempting to reach the .500 mark. They have had about three opportunities to do so already in the past week, and have lost each time. Maybe the fourth time's the charm?

Mets Morning News: Braves Play Dirty, Anti-Bullying, & Gee's NoWorrywart

Did the Braves try to slow down the Mets' running game Tuesday night?

"A new chapter began Tuesday night when the Braves, in what appeared to be an overt attempt to slow Jose Reyes and the Mets' running game, soaked the infield dirt to the wettest level that Reyes, for one, said he had ever seen.

It was so wet and muddy that Reyes slipped three times. The Mets complained to Major League Baseball because they considered the conditions a safety issue, if not an overt tactical advantage for the Braves."

The Mets are looking for an organization to partner with to begin a general anti-bullying campaign. Unlike the San Francisco Giants who have recorded a video for the It Gets Better Project, the Mets plan to campaign for the end of all bullying.

"We are interested in inclusiveness. If you target one specific subset, what about the other groups that are bullied?"

Dillon Gee has risen to be the Mets unofficial "ace" so far this season, and possibly the most care-free pitcher on the team.

"If Gee frets over anything, the Mets have yet to discover it. On the mound and in the clubhouse, he seems perpetually at ease, a man seemingly without a care in the world. It is his most distinctive trait, and it is part of what has made him an All-Star candidate in his rookie season."

Injury Updates:

Justin Turner is expected back in the lineup Thursday against the lefty. Turner injured his thumb earlier in the week while fielding a ground ball.

Josh Thole is just fine. Thole was pulled after getting hit in the knee with a pitch in Tuesday's game. Terry Collins told reporters that Thole left the game only so a double-switch could be made to allow Francisco Rodriguez to pitch multiple innings if necessary.

Hellooo Third Place: Mets Movin' On Up In the Standings

The Mets beat out Atlanta 4-3, and with a Florida loss, was able to move into third place in the NL East.



Now, on to the game...

• Jon Niese pitched well tonight, going 6.1 innings, and giving up two runs on five hits, while striking out four.

• Tonight's real hero was Tim Byrdak. Byrdak inherited two runners when he entered in the seventh inning to face Brian McCann. He got McCann looking on four pitches, however, and struck out Diory Rodriguez to help the Mets escape the inning.

• Jose Reyes went 3-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. He also appeared to be the only player from either team who was battling the mud on the infield. Mud, or no mud, it doesn't matter. Reyes continues to dominate.

• Francisco Rodriguez wasn't messing around tonight, pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning to record his 19th save of the season.

• Willie Harris played for the benched Jason Bay. He went 1-2 at the plate with a run scored.

Next up: The Mets send Dillon Gee to the mound Wednesday to face Tim Hudson and the Braves. Game time is 7:10 p.m.

Collins Pulls Names Out of Hat For Mets Lineup

Not really, but it looks that way.

June 14, 2011

7:10 PM ET

Turner Field, Atlanta

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Jon Niese (5-5, 3.51 ERA)

Niese had his longest outing of the season in his last start. He went 7.2 innings and had a career-high eight strike outs. Lifetime against the Braves, he is 1-2 with a 2.88 ERA.

ATLANTA BRAVES

Starting Pitcher: Jair Jurrjens (8-2, 1.82 ERA)

Jurrjens earned his eighth win of the season in his last start. HE went seven innings against the Marlins and allowed two runs. His ERA rose to a whopping 1.82. Against the Mets, he is 8-3 with a 2.68 ERA.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Harris-LF, Beltran-RF, Murphy-3B, Pagan-CF, Duda-1B, Thole-C, Tejada-2B, Niese-LHP

NOTES:

Nick Evans cleared waivers and has been sent to Triple-A Buffalo.

Mets Morning News: Reaching .500, Warthen, Tejada, & Injury Updates

The Mets just can't seem to get to the .500 mark this week. Three times this week, the Mets have tried to reach .500, but have failed.

"Since April 9, the Mets (32-34) have spent all of 24 hours at .500. They have not been at .500 since May 20, when they were 22-22, and five times this year, they have attempted to reach that mark from a game behind, only to go 1-4."

Pitching coach Dan Warthen will celebrate his third anniversary with the Mets later this week. His gift? Just the best starting pitching in the league for the past few weeks. Warthen made a couple of changes with the rotation after they got off to a slow start.

"I was not pleased early on about the catching and a lot of the game-calling that was going on. I certainly don't blame it on the catchers. I blame it on the pitchers for not shaking their heads to the pitches they should have been throwing." 

"These past three weeks we've added a couple of pitches," Warthen said. "[Chris] Capuano is throwing a cutter now. We weren't using [Jon] Niese's curveball enough. . . . [Now] he throws it 70 percent of the time for strikes, and that's an incredible number. Getting him to utilize that pitch is important."

Ruben Tejada has done everything he's been asked at the plate since being called up, and now Terry Collins and hitting coach Dave Hudgens are starting to take notice.

"Hitting coach Dave Hudgens praised that moment [Moving Reyes to third], saying he thinks Tejada has the potential to be a 'Polanco type of player,' a reference to the Phillies' Placido Polanco, who has made his name by being a great situational hitter."

Injury Updates:

Johan Santana stopped throwing off a mound on June 3, after experiencing soreness in his surgically repaired left shoulder.

"Though Santana did not see a doctor in the wake of the discomfort, he was limited to mostly just long-tossing at the team's facility in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Santana is scheduled to return to the mound later this week, throwing with the same level of intensity that sidelined him earlier this month. From there, if his soreness does not return, Santana will continue the tentative process of trying to pitch during the 2011 season."

Ike Davis and David Wright will both be re-evaluated next week.

Mets Bats Are Quiet In Loss To Pirates

Despite a solid outing from Mike Pelfrey, the Mets failed to do anything offensively, falling to the Pirates by a score of 3-1.

• Pelfrey went seven innings and gave up two runs on four hits, while striking out six. He allowed an RBI single in the first inning to Neil Walker, and a solo home run off the bat of Brandon Wood in the fifth inning.

• The Mets only run of the game came in the eighth inning on yet another weird play. Jose Reyes hit a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Ruben Tejada. Apparantly unaware that Pirates left fielder Jose Tabata had caught the ball, Lucas Duda was doubled up at first base. This wouldn't be their only base running blunder of the night, however.

• Daniel Murphy. Ugh. Murphy was caught off second base during the fifth inning, while Pelfrey was at the plate trying to bunt him over.

• The eighth inning was not the Mets bullpen's finest hour. Manny Acosta was put in the game because he needed some work. After his outing, it's clear he still needs some work. After getting a quick ground out to start the inning, he promptly loaded the bases. Tim Byrdak took over for Acosta and proceeded to walk in a run. D.J. Carrasco, recently recalled from Buffalo, was finally able to get the third out of the inning.

Next up: The Mets head to Atlanta Tuesday to begin a three-game series against the Braves. Game time is 7:10 p.m.

Mets Look To Get Back To .500 With Win Against Bucs

June 13, 2011

7:05 PM ET

PNC Park, Pittsburgh

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Mike Pelfrey (3-4, 5.35 ERA)

The last time Pelfrey pitched against the Pirates, he last five innings and gave up seven runs on ten hits. Lifetime against Pittsburgh, he is 3-1 with a 5.28 ERA.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

Starting Pitcher: Paul Maholm (2-7, 3.39 ERA)

In his last outing against the Mets, Maholm went 5.2 innings and allowed six runs on eight hits. In his career, he is 3-3 with a 5.15 ERA.

METS LINEUP:

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

Mets Morning News: Beltran Thinks Reyes Should Stay, Mets Want An Error

Carlos Beltran wants the Mets to keep Jose Reyes.

"He grew up in this organization. I don't know what's in his mind, but players like him, they don't come too often. He's had nothing wrong with him. He's playing the game and having fun every day, so you want to have a player like that."

The Mets have appealed to Major League Baseball to have Andrew McCutchen's hit in Saturday's game changed to an error (Committed by Daniel Murphy).

"The team wants the ruling changed to an error, which would deduct two earned runs from R.A. Dickey's line. The process will not likely be resolved until mid-week."

In general Major League Baseball news, MLB and the Players' Association are considering realigning the leagues.

"According to a highly-ranked executive, one proposal raised in ownership committee meetings was eliminating divisions altogether, so that 15 AL and 15 NL teams would vie for five playoff spots within each league."

This move would also require a National League team to move to the American League. As of right now, that team would appear to be the Houston Astros.

An Eventful 7th Inning Leads To A Mets Win

The Mets beat up on the Pirates this afternoon, winning 7-0.

• Chris Capuano went six innings, giving up three hits, while striking out five and walking two. He pitched a nice game, and he finally got some support from the Mets' offense to get a win.

• Jose Reyes went 3-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Reyes hit his third home run of the season in the ninth inning. PAY THE MAN.

• Even the bench showed some life today. With two outs in the eighth inning, Willie Harris hit a single to kick start the Mets' four run inning. Scott Hairston later had a pinch-hit home run in the ninth.

• Justin Turner, Carlos Beltran and Angel Pagan all drove in a combined four RBIs in the eighth inning.

• What would be a Mets game without a little controversy. In the top of the seventh inning, Daniel Murphy hit a single and later advanced to third base on a single by Pagan. Jason Bay then hit a fly ball to center field, which was caught by Andrew McCutchen. Murphy tagged from third, and Pagan returned to first base. On his way back to first, however, Pagan did not retouch second base, and was subsequently called out. The run scored by Murphy was then removed, but after much deliberation, Bay was awarded with a sacrifice fly and the RBI.

• In the bottom of the seventh inning, Pagan made a leaping catch to rob Lyle Overbay of a possible home run. The Pirates argued that Pagan did not catch the ball, but trapped the ball against the wall instead. The umpires stuck with the original call, and Pirates manager Clint Hurdle was ejected.

Next up: The Mets close out their series with Pittsburgh Monday night, sending Mike Pelfrey to the mound to take on Paul Maholm. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Capuano Looks To Change His Luck Against Pirates

June 12, 2011

1:35 PM ET

PNC Park, Pittsburgh

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Chris Capuano (4-6, 4.86 ERA)

In his last start against the Pirates, Capuano allowed five runs in six innings of work. Lifetime against Pittsburgh, he hasn't had much luck, going 3-7 with a 6.54 ERA.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

Starting Pitcher: Kevin Correia (8-4, 3.64 ERA)

Correia has struggled at home so far this season, going 1-3 with a 5.76 ERA at PNC Park. Against the Mets, he is 2-3 with a 2.95 ERA.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes SS, Turner 3B, Beltran RF, Murphy 1B, Pagan CF, Bay LF, Thole C, Tejada 2B, Capuano LHP

Mets Morning News: The Roster, Collins Fires Back, & Court

The Mets made some roster moves after last night's game. Dale Thayer was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo, and the team recalled D.J. Carrasco.

Tim Byrdak will not be with the Mets for the next few days, as he attends a family funeral. It is not clear if he will be gone for three days, which is the amount of time a player needs to be away in order to be placed on the bereavement list, and allow a team to make a roster move to replace him.

Terry Collins responded to Howard Johnson's comments that benching Jason Bay was, "Ridiculous."

"I think the world of Howard Johnson, but he hasn't got all the facts. He should be careful with what he says when he hasn't got all the facts."

Mets owners plan to ask the federal judge presiding over the Bernie Madoff suit to move the case from bankruptcy court to a U.S. District Court.

"The motion filed last month by the team's owners sought to move the case out of Burton R. Lifland's court and into the Southern District of New York on the basis of Picard's broad interpretation of bankruptcy law and conflicts with federal law, as well as what lawyers for Wilpon and Katz called "false allegations" put forth by Picard."