Mets Drop Third Straight, Reyes Leaves With Injury

The Mets dropped their third straight, losing to the Yankees this afternoon by a score of 5-2.

• Dillon Gee was impressive through the first five innings. Then the sixth inning mess happened. He gave up a solo home run to Curtis Granderson, followed by a two-run triple to Robinson Cano, and then a sacrifice fly to Nick Swisher to bring home Cano. His final line was seven innings, allowing four runs on seven hits, while striking out seven and walking three.

• Jose Reyes left the game in the third inning due to tightness in his hamstring. It was not the hamstring he had surgery on. He will undergo an MRI Sunday morning which will let the Mets know how serious of an injury it is. The infield hit Reyes legged out in the first inning which led to the injury, was the Mets only hit off Bartolo Colon until the fifth inning.

• Colon retired 13 consecutive Mets batters.

• It wasn't until the ninth inning that the Mets were able to get on the board. Jason Bay and Lucas Duda were each credited with RBIs.

Next up: The Mets try to win the final game of their three game series with the Yankees. R.A. Dickey will get the start for the Mets. Game time is 1:10 p.m.

Gee, Mets Look To Even Up Subway Series

July 2, 2011

4:10 PM ET

Citi Field

TV: FOX

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Dillon Gee (8-1, 3.32 ERA)

Gee gave up three runs on eight hits in six innings of work in his last start. He will make his first career start against the Yankees this afternoon, leading the league in winning percentage (.889).

NEW YORK YANKEES

Starting Pitcher: Bartolo Colon (5-3, 3.10 ERA)

Colon's last start was June 11 when he suffered a left hamstring strain which forced him onto the disabled list. In his career, he is 3-1 with a 3.46 ERA against the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

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

A Little Minor League Action: Brooklyn 3 - Hudson Valley 1

Last night I had the chance to watch the Brooklyn Cyclones take on the Hudson Valley Renegades.

Full Box Score

Coming off their 16-5 victory over the Renegades Thursday night, it looked as though the Cyclones were going to continue to dominate at the plate. After giving up singles to Jonathan Clark and Brandon Brown to start the first inning, Renegades starter Andrew Bellatti allowed an RBI ground out by Luke Stewart. The next batter, Brian Harrison, singled to center to drive home the Cyclones second run of the inning.

Cyclones starter Marco Camarena allowed just one hit through the first three innings. The Renegades got on the board in the bottom of the fourth inning on an RBI single off the bat of Jeff Malm.

Brooklyn added to their lead in the fifth inning thanks to Javier Rodriguez's two out double. Rodriguez fouled off eight pitches before hitting his team leading eighth double of the season.

Hudson Valley had a chance to come back in the bottom of the fifth. With the bases loaded, however, the Cyclones went to reliever Steve Winnick to get out of the jam. On just two pitches, he was able to get Juniel Querecuto to line into a double play to end the inning. Winnick would get the win for Brooklyn.

Brooklyn's bullpen was in control for the final four innings. Randy Fontanez, Hunter Carnevale, and Jeremy Gould gave up a combined three hits over that span. Gould recorded his third save of the season, striking out the side in the ninth.

Taking the rubber game against the Renegades, Brooklyn has improved their record to 10-5, and are 2.5 games behind the Staten Island Yankees in the McNamara division.

Mets Morning News: Depression, Bonilla's Back, & Injury Updates

The New York Times reported that middle reliever Taylor Buchholz, who was placed on the disabled list with shoulder problems, has been battling depression and anxiety. Buchholz has had difficulty finding the appropriate medication to treat his depression and anxiety.

Buchholz found that the mild medication he was taking had become increasingly ineffective, but the symptoms became worse when he switched medications. The situation was so difficult that several Mets officials who wanted to check on his condition after he left the team, including Manager Terry Collins, were told not to by Buchholz's doctor, who said it would only make matters worse.

Bobby Bonilla was back on the Mets' payroll Friday. The 47-year-old will collect $1.2 million over the next 25 years as part of buyout of his contract in 2000.

Injury Updates:

Johan Santana threw from a mound on Wednesday. According to Sandy Alderson, if Santana throws his next bullpen session without soreness, he will be cleared to begin a spring training routine.

Manny Acosta has told Terry Collins he is fine after suffering a contusion in his right wrist Thursday. Collins said Acosta will be evaluated and may land on the disabled list.

David Wright could begin a minor league rehab assignment in the next week. Wright has been hitting off a tee, and began swinging at front tosses Friday.

Mets Can't Overcome First Inning Mess Against Yankees

Round one of the Subway Series went to the Yankees, who jumped out to an early lead and never quite looked back, beating the Mets by a score of 5-1.

• Jon Niese had a rough go of it in the first inning. He allowed a two-RBI double to Mark Teixeira and a two out RBI double to Robinson Cano. Before you knew it, the Yankees already had a 3-0 lead. Niese straightened out though as the game went on, going on to pitch an additional five scoreless innings.

• The Mets lone run of the game came in the second inning on a single off the bat of Ruben Tejada.

• Jose Reyes had yet another multi-hit game, going 2-5 at the plate. This was his 43rd multi-hit game of the season. Reyes was thrown out at third base in the seventh inning after being tagged out by Alex Rodriguez. Problem was, A-Rod didn't tag him. Terry Collins was ejected for arguing the call.

• The Mets were 2-10 with runners in scoring position.

• Attendance for tonight's game was announced to be 42,020. That is the highest in Citi Field history.

Next up: The Mets send Dillon Gee to the mound tomorrow afternoon as they try to even out the series. Bartolo Colon will get the start for the Yankees. Game time is 4:10 p.m.

Side Note:

Don't have tickets to tomorrow afternoon's game, and have a burning desire to stand for three and a half hours? Well it's your lucky day. The Mets announced that beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, standing room only tickets for the 4:10 p.m. start will be sold for $45.

Mets Morning News: Change Up At SNY, Niese Cleared

According to the NY Post, Al Michaels and Bob Costas will begin calling games on SNY beginning July 8. The pair will share the announcing duties with Gary Cohen and Ron Darling.

When Michaels and Costas are on SNY, Mets broadcasters Gary Cohen and Ron Darling will move to MLB Network.

Following a battery of tests at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Jon Niese has been cleared to make his scheduled start tonight against the Yankees. Niese left his last start against the Rangers due to a rapid heart beat. According to Niese, he has had a rapid heart beat before.

"When it happens, it races, then it goes away after a few seconds. It's only when I pitch. It's not like I'm sitting, watching TV, and my heart races."

In other injury news, Manny Acosta left Thursday's game after facing just one batter. He suffered a contusion on his right wrist after making a play.

Big Pelf Gets Rocked In Detroit

The Mets only managed to score a measly two runs in their 5-2 loss to Detroit this afternoon.

• With Mike Pelfrey, it's one step forward and two steps back. Pelfrey lasted 4.2 innings, but he probably deserved to be pulled earlier than that. He allowed five runs on eight hits, while striking out three and walking a career-high five batters. Three of those five walks were in the first inning. He gave up one homer, a solo shot off the bat of Andy Dirks.

• Daniel Murphy and Carlos Beltran each homered for the Mets. Murphy gave the Mets a 1-0 lead in the second inning with his solo shot. Beltran blasted his 12th of the season in the eighth inning.

• You won't believe this, but Jose Reyes had a multi-hit game. It's only his 42nd of the season. No big deal. His average is now up to .352.

• Jason Bay had a decent day at the plate, going 2-4.

• The Mets had their chances to score on Tigers starter Justin Verlander, but couldn't, going 0-7 with runners in scoring position.

Next up: The Mets head home to take on the Yankees in the Subway Series. Jon Niese, who was cleared by Mets medical staff, will get the start. Ivan Nova will take the mound for the Yankees. Game time is 7:10 p.m.

Mets Offense To Be Put To The Test Against Verlander

June 30, 2011

1:05 PM ET

Comerica Park, Detroit

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Mike Pelfrey (4-6, 4.78 ERA)

Pelfrey struggled in his last start, giving up three first inning runs to the Rangers on ten hits. Pelfrey has never faced the Tigers in his career.

DETROIT TIGERS

Starting Pitcher: Justin Verlander (10-3, 2.38 ERA)

Verlander is 6-0 with a 0.72 ERA in his last six starts. He has pitched two innings against the Mets in his career. That one appearance led to a 0-1 record with a 22.50 ERA against New York.

METS LINEUP:

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

Mets Morning News: Pelfrey's Role, Wright, Harris

Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger writes how Mike Pelfrey has come to turns with the fact that he's not an ace.

Bestowed the title of staff ace, Mets starter Mike Pelfrey exhausted himself trying to live up to that status. He said he found himself attempting to throw the best fastball you've ever thrown with every pitch. His teammate, R.A. Dickey, saw him trying to morph his slider into a 'Super Slider.' Disaster followed.

"In April, I tried to be great. I tried to do more than I was capable of. I think anybody who understands pitching, if you try to do that, it doesn't work out."

David Wright is progressing in his rehabilitation. Terry Collins believes if everything goes according to plan, Wright could be back in the lineup by mid-July.

"I talked to David this afternoon, after he was done with his rehab. He did all his exercises today. He caught ground balls (hit) at him. He swung in the pool today as a start. . . . I'm sure it relieves some of the tension that's involved (in swinging)."

In case you missed it, Willie Harris has been placed on paternity leave to be with his wife who went into premature labor. Fernando Martinez has been called up to take his place on the roster.

Who Is This Team, And What Have They Done With The Mets?

The Mets offense continued to be ridiculous, scoring 16 runs, and beating the Tigers 16-9. They are now two games above .500. The last time they were that many games over .500 was April 5.

• Chris Capuano wasn't bad, but he wasn't good either. In five innings of work, he allowed five runs on six hits, while striking out six. He gave up three home runs before leaving in the fifth.

• Seven Mets batters had two or more hits in the game.

• Angel Pagan went 4-6 with four RBIs and three runs scored.

• Ronny Paulino went 4-6 with an RBI and four runs scored.

• Jose Reyes had another multi-hit game. What else it new?

• There was an awkward moment in the seventh inning. It appeared that Terry Collins called in Tim Byrdak to take over for Pedro Beato. Only problem...nobody told Byrdak he was supposed to be pitching. He went on to throw two pitches, and give up a two run homer to Andy Dirks.

• The Mets have set a franchise record with 52 runs scored in the past four games, and have 69 hits.

• Of the Mets 16 runs, 13 of them were scored with two outs.

• Willie Harris left during the middle of the game to fly back to New York to be with his wife who went into labor early. He has been placed on paternity leave. Fernando Martinez will take his place on the roster.

Next up: The Mets offense will be put to the test tomorrow afternoon as they face Justin Verlander. Mike Pelfrey will take the mound for the Mets. Game time is 1:05 p.m.

Mets Look To Keep Things Rollin' In The Motor City

June 29, 2011

7:05 PM ET

Comerica Park, Detroit

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Chris Capuano (6-7, 3.99 ERA)

Capuano left his last start with cramps in his left side. He went six innings before being pulled, giving up five hits while striking out seven. In one career appearance against the Tigers, Capuano is 1-0, with a 3.86 ERA.

DETROIT TIGERS

Starting Pitcher: Phil Coke (1-7, 4.32 ERA)

Coke has not won a game in his last eleven starts with Detroit. He got a no-decsion in his last start after blowing a four-run lead to the Diamondbacks. In his career, Coke is 0-0, with a 0.00 ERA and two strike outs against the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes SS, Turner 3B, Beltran RF, Paulino C, Bay LF, Pagan CF, Hairston DH, Murphy 1B, Tejada 2B, Capuano P

Mets Morning News: Interleague Scheduling, Trading Beltran, & Update onNiese

Jared Diamond of the Wall Street Journal writes of how no team has had a harder schedule for Interleague Play over the past 15 years than the Mets.

Since interleague play began in 1997, the Mets' American League opponents have had an average year-end winning percentage of .527,” the highest in all of baseball. The Mets' two biggest division rivals, the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies, registered at .513 and .506, respectively. The Florida Marlins and the Washington Nationals, the other two teams in the National League East, have both played AL slates against teams with an average winning percentage below. 500.

Mike Puma of the NY Post writes that Carlos Beltran would be willing to waive his no-trade clause if GM Sandy Alderson were going to trade him to a contending team.

Beltran to some degree controls the outcome, he holds a full no-trade and can block any deal, but indicated he's willing to waive that clause should GM Sandy Alderson come up with the right deal.

"The team is always going to do what is best for the team, and as a player you have to make a decision if the trade makes sense or not."

After leaving his last start with a rapid heart beat, Jon Niese underwent a battery of tests at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit Tuesday. He was required to wear a heart monitor for 24 hours.

The Mets' training staff is calling Niese's condition "tachycardia," which simply means a rapid heartbeat, and team officials are cautiously optimistic that Niese will avoid missing a turn in the rotation. His next scheduled start is Friday against the Yankees at Citi Field.

The decision of whether or not Niese will make his next start depends on the results provided by the heart monitor.

Mets Hit Two Grand Slams In a Laugher Over Tigers

The nightmare is finally over. The Mets ended their grand slam drought, hitting not one, but TWO in back-to-back innings. With this win, they are also one game above .500.

• R.A. Dickey went seven innings, giving up three runs on ten hits, while striking out six and walking three. The only runs he allowed came on home runs to Austin Jackson in the fifth inning, and Andy Dirks in the seventh.

• Jason Bay was 1-5, but what a hit it was. Bay ended the grand slam drought, hitting the team's first grand slam in over two years, in the fourth inning.

• An inning later, Carlos Beltran hit the second grand slam of the night. He finished the night going 2-5 with four RBIs and two runs scored.

• Even Josh Thole joined in the fun, hitting his first home run of the season in the fourth inning.

• Jose Reyes was 4-4 by the fifth inning of tonight's game, and it was his 40th multi-hit game. He was a home run shy of hitting for the cycle. Reyes stole his 29th base of the season, and hit his 15th triple. He is now hitting .349 this season. If you haven't done so already, vote for him to start the All-Star game.

• The Mets offense has been ridiculous in the past three games. They have scored 36 runs, and have had 49 hits.

Next up: The Mets play the second game of their three game set with the Tigers. Chris Capuano gets the start for New York. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Mets Get Set to Take on First Place Tigers

June 28, 2011

7:05 PM ET

Comerica Park, Detroit

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: R.A. Dickey (3-7, 3.76 ERA)

Dickey had one of his best starts of the season in his last outing. In eight innings, he allowed just one run, while striking out nine and zero walks. In 13 appearances against the Tigers in his career, he is 3-2 with a 4.02 ERA.

DETROIT TIGERS

Starting Pitcher: Rick Porcello (6-5, 4.50 ERA)

Porcello has struggled in his last two starts, lasting a combined 7.2 innings, giving up eleven runs on 17 hits, while striking out two. Porcello, who grew up a Mets fan, has never faced the team in his Major League career.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes SS, Harris DH, Beltran RF, Murphy 3B, Pagan CF, Bay LF, Duda 1B, Turner 2B, Thole C, Dickey P

If The Mets Spend Money This Offseason, It Better Be On Reyes

The Daily News reported this morning that Cecil Fielder, the father of Milwaukee slugger Prince Fielder, believes his son would consider signing with the Mets when he enters free agency in the offseason.

Um...thanks, but no thanks.

First of all, let's consider the source for this story. Fielder's father admits that his current relationship with his son is, "really mute," a.k.a. he most likely hasn't talked to his son and probably has no clue if he is even willing to come to New York.

Second, if the Mets plan to spend money this offseason, it better be on re-signing Jose Reyes (assuming he's still around).

Mets Morning News: Trading Deadline, Prince Fielder, & Speed on the Bases

According to Adam Rubin, don't be surprised if Carlos Beltran and Francisco Rodriguez are not traded by the July 31st non-waiver trading deadline.

For instance, if the Mets hold Carlos Beltran at the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline and then subsequently want to trade him because they have faded from contention, Beltran would secretly be placed on waivers.

If Beltran is claimed, the Mets have three options:

• Pull him back, which would prevent Beltran from being traded anywhere. 

• Let the claiming team have Beltran and receive nothing in return other than the salary relief.

• Try to swing a trade with the claiming team. (If no trade can be worked out, Beltran then is pulled back and cannot be traded anywhere else.)

However, the far more likely scenario is that Francisco Rodriguez and Beltran would clear waivers in August and then could be traded to any of the 29 other teams. The players would need only to be traded before Sept. 1 in order to be eligible for the new team's playoff roster.

Fromer Yankee, Cecil Fielder, told the Daily News he could see his son, Prince Fielder, signing with the Mets when he hits free agency.

"I don't think the Yankees are gonna get him. But I think if everything goes well on the other side, the Mets are one of those teams that if they get that situation all squared away, they could get him."

Brian Costa of the Wall Street Journal writes that the Mets speed and aggressiveness on the base paths have not only help them score runs, it's also made them the best base-running team in the majors.

When a hitter reaches base, he looks over to Hale, who relays a sign from Collins. More often than not, Collins will give players the green light to steal, though that is not the same as ordering them to do so. Players are left to use their judgment.

The result: The Mets entered Monday tied for the major-league lead with 77 stolen bases. And they have been successful on 78% of steal attempts, which was tied for the third-highest mark in baseball.

Mets Morning News: Business With The Yankees, Niese To See Doctor

The Mets and Yankees don't like to do business all that often, write Brian Costa of the Wall Street Journal. Over the years, the two teams have made just nine trades with one another, none of them blockbusters. Former GM Jim Duquette remembers the Mets' former owner Nelson Doubleday refusing to help the Yankees.

"There was no way we wanted to trade with the Yankees. I remember [former co-owner] Nelson Doubleday saying, 'I'm not helping the [expletive] Yankees.' The point was made."

Jon Niese will be checked out by doctors in Detroit on Tuesday. Niese left the game in his last start due to a rapid heart beat.

Chris Capuano will make his next start. He was pulled from his last start after suffering an abdominal issue.

Mets Over Rangers 8-5: We Don't Need No Stinkin' Homers

It was a wild game, but the Mets held on to beat the Rangers 8-5 to take the series and get back to .500.

• Dillon Gee struggled today, but was able to get through six innings to get the win. He gave up three runs on eight hits, while striking out one and walking two. He gave up a home run to who else...Michael Young.

• Gee gave up quite a few hard hit balls, but the defense behind him was outstanding. Jose Reyes and Ruben Tejada saved Mets pitching with a couple of web gems.

• Speaking of Reyes, he went 4-5 with one RBI and three runs scored. One of those four hits was his league leading 14th triple. He also raised his National League leading batting average to .341. This guy is amazing, and there isn't a more exciting player in baseball right now. There is absolutely no reason why he shouldn't be starting in the All-Star game. So vote.

• Daniel Murphy continues to produce at the plate. He went 3-4 with an RBI and two runs scored.

• The Mets had 31 hits in their last two games. None of those hits were home runs. Save a few for Detroit, boys.

• Pedro Beato, Tim Byrdak, and Jason Isringnhausen were fantastic out of the bullpen, throwing a combined two scoreless innings of relief. Then there was Francisco Rodriguez. What would a Mets game be without some K-Rod drama. What wasn't a save situation, turned ugly quick as he fumbled his way through the bottom of the ninth. He managed to get through it, however, allowing just two runs on two hits.

Next up: The Mets have Monday off. They begin a three-game series in Detroit Tuesday night. R.A. Dickey takes the mound for the Mets. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Gee Looks To Get Back On Track In Front Of Hometown Crowd

June 26, 2011

3:05 PM ET

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Dillon Gee (7-1, 3.21 ERA)

When Gee ends a streak, he really ends it. After starting the season 7-0, Gee fell apart against the Athletics in his last start, lasting just four innings, and giving up four runs on three hits, while walking six. He looks to bounce back against Texas, a team he has never faced. Gee, a native of Cleburne, Texas, will be pitching in front of at least 40 family members and friends this afternoon. No pressure.

TEXAS RANGERS

Starting Pitcher: Derek Holland (6-2, 4.69 ERA)

Holland went 7.1 innings in his last start, allowing just three runs. It was possibly his best start at home this season, where he has struggled. Despite posting a 3-0 record at home, Holland has a 6.10 ERA in Arlington and batters are hitting .302 off him. He has never faced the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

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