Mets Rally, But Parnell Couldn't Seal The Deal

The Mets rallied, but the bullpen, namely Bobby Parnell, blew it.

• Gee went five innings, giving up six hits on eight hits, while striking out six and walking one. It was not a night for Gee. He allowed five runs in the first two innings, including a three-run home run in the second inning to Nationals pitcher Tom Milone. It was Milone's first Major League plate appearance.  He did retire eight of nine batters before giving up a home run to Roger Bernadina in the fifth inning. So, I guess he had mini-success. Kind of.

• The Mets rallied for four runs in the fourth inning against Milone. Angel Pagan got the Mets started with a two-run single. A few batters later, Nick Evans hit his fourth home run of the season to left center field.

• Jason Bay hit his tenth home run of the year in the sixth inning to tie the game. He had been 0-35 on the road before the home run.

• Lucas Duda drove in the Mets short-lived go-ahead run in the seventh inning with a single to bring home Willie Harris.

• Manny Acosta was fantastic tonight, throwing two scoreless innings of relief. In his two innings of work, he struck out five batters.

• Bobby Parnell entered the game in the ninth to try and get the save, and as you can tell, it didn't go so well. Parnell started the inning by giving up a single and walk before he was able to get Ian Desmond out. He then intentionally walked Roger Bernadina to get to Ryan Zimmerman. He walked on okay hitter, to throw to a very good hitter...with the bases loaded. I don't get it either. I understand Terry Collins was going for the potential double play, but come on. Anyway, Zimmerman then singled to right field. Duda made a diving attempt at the ball, but was unable to come up with it, allowing the tying and winning runs to score.

Next Up: The Mets finish their series with Washington Sunday afternoon. Mike Pelfrey gets the start against Livan Hernandez. Game time is 1:35 p.m.

Gee, Mets Look To Ruin Milone's Debut

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Dillon Gee (12-5, 4.24 ERA)

After his disastrous outing in Philadelphia, Gee was able to bounce back in his last start, giving up just one run and striking out six. In his career, he is 3-0 with a 1.27 ERA against the Nationals.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Starting Pitcher: Tom Milone (0-0, -.-- ERA)

Milone is making his Major League debut tonight for the Nationals. In 24 starts for Triple-A Syracuse, Milone was 12-6 with a 3.22 ERA.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Turner-2B, Duda-RF, Wright-3B, Pagan-CF, Bay-LF, Evans-1B, Paulino-C, Gee-RHP

NATIONALS LINEUP:

Desmond-SS, Bernadina-RF, Zimmerman-3B, Morse-LF, Werth-CF, Espinosa-2B, Marrero-1B, Flores-C, Milone-P

Mets Morning News: Mr. OBP, Johnson Asks If Mets Are Ready For LowPayroll, Davis & Santana Updates

Josh Stinson made his Major League debut last night, and along with pitching 1.2 innings of relief, he also managed to work out a four-pitch walk in his first plate appearance. He now has a 1.000 on-base percentage.

"J.T. [Justin Turner] told me the guy threw 89-90 (mph)," Stinson said. "The first pitch to Nickeas was 98 and I said, 'Uh-oh. It looks like I’m not taking the bat off my shoulder.' T.C. told me when I was going on deck, 'Take two strikes no matter what. Don’t swing before that.' Luckily it got to 3-0 and he didn’t throw a strike."

Mike Puma of the NY Post felt the need to ask Nationals manager Davey Johnson his thoughts on the Mets financial woes, and the potential for just a $100 million payroll next season.

"That's fine, $100 million, if you've got all the pieces together and you only have one or two question marks, then you're a competitive club," Johnson said. "But in the scheme of things, $100 million is not a huge payroll. What's the Phillies' payroll? One hundred and [seventy] million? And you're in a bigger market. You do the math and analyze the process, and 'Are they ready?' "

Ike Davis reported to Port St. Lucie on Friday to begin baseball activities. According to David Lennon, Davis played catch, hit off a tee, and took 20 ground balls. He is expected to continue baseball activities today.

Johan Santana will pitch two innings for Class A St. Lucie today.

Mets Show Some Power In Win Over Nationals

The Mets took command of this game early on and never looked back, beating the Nationals, 7-3.

• R.A. Dickey went six solid innings, giving up three runs on nine hits, while striking out one and walking none. He gave up a two-run homer to Rick Ankiel in the fifth inning.

• David Wright provided Dickey with some early run support. With two on in the first inning, Wright hit a three-run shot to left center field to give the Mets a 3-0 lead. Wright finished the night going 2-3 at the plate.

• Nick Evans began the second inning with a solo home run, his third homer of the season.

• Angel Pagan drove in two runs in the third inning with a single to right field.

• Lucas Duda hit his eighth home run of the season, a solo shot to right field, in the seventh inning.

• Josh Stinson made his Major League debut tonight. He went 1.2 innings, and gave up no runs and only two hits. He was lifted in the ninth with two outs, and manager Terry Collins opted to bring in another newbie, Daniel Herrera, to close out the game.

Next Up: The Mets continue their series against Washington on Saturday night. Dillon Gee will get the start against the recently called up, Tom Milone. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Mets Minor League Update: As Regular Season Ends, Opportunities InPlayoffs Begin

Buffalo Bisons: 3 – 4

The Bisons were eliminated from playoff contention a long time ago, currently sitting 15 games back in the Wild Card race with only three to play. Their season comes to a close Monday.

Josh Satin has already finished his season with the Bisons, as he was called up to the Mets when rosters expanded. To earn at bats, Satin will have to produce early, whenever his chance ma come, because with Justin Turner and Ruben Tejada already splitting at bats at second base, Nick Evans playing well with his chance as the everyday first baseman, and David Wright at third, there is not a lot of room for Josh.

Some other potential AAA call-ups include Val Pascucci, Chris Schwinden and Pat Misch. It is doubtful these guys have a long term impact on the Mets, but will mainly just be bodies to give the regulars some rest, or eat up some innings as the season winds down.

As for the prospects still in Buffalo, Jordany Valdespin is finishing the season on a tear. He now owns a ten game hitting streak, hitting .400 with a .600 SLG over that span, with two walks and eight strikeouts. It is not a large sample size, only 91 at bats, but it should boost his confidence knowing he can play at AAA, heading into the offseason.

Who Needs Rest? Dickey Ready To Go Against Nationals

September 2, 2011

7:05 PM ET

Nationals Park, Washington D.C.

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: R.A. Dickey (6-11, 3.57 ERA)

Dickey is pitching on three days rest. In his last start, he finally got a win, giving up no runs over seven innings. In his career, Dickey has made five starts on three days rest, going 1-3 with a 7.52 ERA.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Starting Pitcher: Ross Detwiler (2-4, 2.86 ERA)

Detwiler was not good in his last start, giving up six runs over six innings of work. Against the Mets, he is 1-0 with a 0.96 ERA.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Turner-2B, Duda-RF, Wright-3B, Pagan-CF, Bay-LF, Evans-1B, Nickeas-C, Dickey-RHP

Mets Morning News: Einhorn Deal Dead, Thole & Tejada Injuries, K-RodDeal Complete

The Mets announced yesterday that the deal that would have allowed for David Einhorn to buy a $200 million stake in the team ended after an agreement could not be reached.

Einhorn, the 42-year-old president of hedge fund Greenlight Capital, said the Mets had altered the deal last week. “Given the extensive nature of the last-minute proposed changes, further negotiations would be pointless,” Einhorn said.

If the deal had gone through as planned, Einhorn could have potentially bought a controlling interest in the team if the Wilpons were unable to return his $200 million.

Instead, team officials worried that Einhorn — despite numerous public denials — desired full control of the franchise. That led to their backing off of the deal. The Wilpon family favors control of their beloved franchise over all other considerations. They did not want their ownership to be compromised.

Josh Thole and Ruben Tejada had a painful night last night. Thole left the game after being hit in the wrist by a pitch from Miguel Batista. X-rays were negative, and he will see a hand specialist. Tejada was hit on the knuckle of his left middle finger. X-rays were negative for him as well.

The trade which sent closer Francisco Rodriguez to the Milwaukee Brewers for two players to be named later was finally completed yesterday. The team acquired left-handed pitcher Daniel Herrera and right-hander Adrian Rosario.

Bullpen Tries To Blow It, But Mets Hold On To Beat Marlins

Things got a little shaky in the ninth inning, but the Mets were able to hold on, beating the Marlins by a score of 7-5. This was the 3,800th franchise win for the Mets.

• Miguel Batista pitched six innings, giving up two runs on six hits, while striking out three and walking three. This was Batista's 100th career win.

• Lucas Duda got the Mets on the board after drawing a bases loaded walk in the third inning. David Wright then followed with a big two-run single. Duda would go on to score the fourth run of the inning on a passed ball.

• The Mets would score three more runs in the eighth inning. With a runner on, Duda hit his 16th double of the season to drive in a run. Duda would once again come around to score after Angel Pagan hit a sacrifice bunt and Marlins pitcher Steve Cishek threw the ball away. A few batters later, Mike Nickeas hit an RBI single to left field.

• Josh Thole left the game in the second inning after taking a pitch off his left wrist. X-rays were negative, but Thole will see a hand specialist.

• D.J. Carrasco was charged with three runs in his two-thirds of an inning of work. After giving up a two-run single to Emilio Bonifacio, Carrasco was taken out, and Bobby Parnell entered the game. He allowed Bonifacio to score, but was then able to get Greg Dobbs to pop out and end the game.

Next Up: The Mets head to Washington D.C. for a weekend series with the Nationals. R.A. Dickey will take the mound against Ross Detwiler. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Mets Close Out Series With Fish

September 1, 2011

7:10 PM ET

Citi Field

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Miguel Batista (0-0, -.-- ERA)

Batista will make his first start as a Met tonight. Over the span of 17 years, the Mets are the 11th team that Batista has played for. He was called up recently to replace Jon Niese was who placed on the disabled list.

FLORIDA MARLINS

Starting Pitcher: Clay Hensley (2-5, 5.40 ERA)

Hensley went 5.2 innings against the Phillies in his last start, giving up three runs on three hits. He is 2-2 with a 3.63 ERA against the Mets.

Mets Morning News: The Joshes, Davis Is Making Progress, 9/11Remembrance Ceremony, How Many Times Does Pelfrey Lick His Hand?

Rosters expand today, and the Mets have added two new faces. Right-handed pitcher Josh Stinson and infielder Josh Satin have been called up.

"It’s incredible," Satin told the Bisons radio broadcast. "I mean, all the years I played baseball, the goal was always to get to the big leagues. It’s been 20 years since I started playing baseball. You always dream, but you never know if it’s going to happen. And now it happens. I honestly don’t even know what to think. I’m happy, proud and just ready to go."

The team is hoping that the reports of Ike Davis running without pain is a sign that the first baseman can avoid surgery. Davis will begin to participate in some baseball activities soon, which should be the final test before a decision on surgery is made.

"He’s done very well," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "Right now it looks like he might meet us in Florida to do some baseball activity stuff. I don’t think it’s been determined yet [whether to opt for surgery or not]. He’s run the last couple of days with no discomfort. So I think everybody is in line to have him start doing some baseball related stuff, taking [batting practice] and some grounders, not getting carried away but see how that is."

The Mets announced on Wednesday that John Franco will being throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to Mike Piazza during the September 11 pre-game ceremony. Why Franco and Piazza? The Mets offered this reason: "Franco and Piazza played on the 2001 Mets and were instrumental in the club’s relief efforts after September 11."

Ever wonder how many times Mike Pelfrey licks his hands during a game? Brian Costa of the Wall Street Journal apparently had a little time on his hands during a recent game. The count: 89.

"It's something I've always done," Pelfrey said. "I think it becomes an issue where people tell me, instead of licking my hand, it looks like I'm licking my whole arm. That's why it gets brought up. Guys have talked about, 'Ahhh, you're eating your whole hand.'"

Capuano Wasn't His Best, But Mets Hold On To Beat Marlins

The Mets held on to beat the Marlins by a score of 3-2.

• Chris Capuano struggled in the first inning, but settled down soon after. In five innings of work, he allowed two runs on seven hits, while striking out four and walking two.

• The bullpen did a nice job tonight. Pedro Beato threw a 1-2-3 sixth inning, Manny Acosta worked around a walk and a single in the seventh inning, and Jason Isringhausen threw a perfect eighth inning. Bobby Parnell gave up a leadoff single to Greg Dobbs, but went on to retire the next three batters to record his third save of the season.

• The Marlins helped the Mets out multiple times throughout the night with their awful defense, but the Mets will take help anywhere they can get it.

• Nick Evans got the Mets on the board in the fourth inning with a single.

• Jason Bay hit the ball! Bay was 3-4 with an RBI.

• David Wright was 2-3 at the plate, with two doubles and a walk. There was talk after each of his hits about how those could have been home runs in other parks. Unfortunately, the Wright wasn't hitting in another park, he was hitting at Citi Field. He'll have to get used to it.

• Lucas Duda drove in the winning run in the seventh inning on a single to center field.

• After the game it was announced that the Mets have called up right-handed pitcher Josh Stinson from Binghamton and infielder Josh Satin from Buffalo.

Next Up: The Mets close out this horribly long series against the Marlins tomorrow night. Miguel Batista will make his first start as a Met. Game time is 7:10 p.m.

Coming Off His Best Start, Capuano Looks To Shut Down Marlins

August 31, 2011

7:10 PM ET

Citi Field

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Chris Capuano (10-11, 4.43 ERA)

Capuano is coming off a two-hit shutout against the Braves. He also struck out 13 batters. In four games against Florida this season, he is 0-2 with a 4.87 ERA.

FLORIDA MARLNS

Starting Pitcher: Chris Volstad (5-11, 5.61 ERA)

Volstad has lost three straight starts since being recalled from Triple-A New Orleans. In his career, he is 1-2 with a 3.51 ERA against the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Tejada-2B, Duda-RF, Wright-3B, Pagan-CF, Bay-LF, Evans-1B, Thole-C, Capuano-LHP

Mets Morning News: Pelfrey Blows Another One, HoJo's Back, Turner &Tejada To Split Time

Mike Pelfrey threw six great innings last night, but completely destroyed all of that good work in the seventh inning. Pelfrey ignored second baseman Justin Turner's call for a pick-off at second base with Javier Vazquez at the plate. Instead, Pelfrey threw home, and Vazqeuz put down a bunt. Turner was stuck at second base, and because of that, no one was covering first base. This all led to a five run inning for the Marlins.

"I screwed that up," Pelfrey said. "Any time that an infielder gives 'open glove' you're supposed to pick. And, if not, step off. I threw home. That's why there was no one at first. That's two screw-ups in that inning (including walking No. 8 batter John Buck after Cameron's leadoff double). That's all on me, and I ended up paying for it."

Pelfrey has now gone 16 straight starts without a win against the Marlins.

Howard Johnson and his son, Glen, will be playing together for the Rockland Boulders for the team's final homestand of the season.

"This may be my last go ‘round so it’s a great opportunity to play in a professional game with my son," said Howard Johnson. "How many fathers can do that?"

According to the Star-Ledger, manager Terry Collins plans to split the playing time at second base between Justin Turner and Ruben Tejada in half. Each will get equal playing time.

Mets Look To Continue Their Winning Ways Against Florida

August 30, 2011

7:10 PM ET

Citi Field

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Mike Pelfrey (7-10, 4.60 ERA)

Pelfrey threw 125 pitches in six innings of work in his last start. He currently has a 15-start winless streak going against the Marlins. Lifetime against Florida, he is 1-7 with a 5.14 ERA.

FLORIDA MARLINS

Starting Pitcher: Javier Vazquez (7-11, 4.63 ERA)

Vazquez hasn't won a game since July 27. In his last start, he struck out a season-high 11 batters. Against the Mets, he is 10-9 with a 3.11 ERA.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Turner-2B, Wright-3B, Duda-RF, Pagan-CF, Bay-LF, Evans-1B, Thole-C, Pelfrey-RHP

Mets Morning News: Reyes Returns, Ike's Running, Anti-Bullying Campaign

My apologies for not posting anything the past few days. Hurricane Irene wreaked havoc on my power lines.

Jose Reyes was activated prior to game two of yesterday's double header against the Marlins. He went 1-4 at the plate with an error.

Ike Davis has been running in Arizona. Sandy Alderson reported that he ran  with "few problems," or in other words without pain. The Mets and Davis are still on track to make their decision as to whether or not Davis will undergo surgery.

"We'll make a decision before Labor Day, but no decision has been made," Alderson said. "The last few days have been encouraging, but we have to see what happens."

The Mets announced on Monday that they will begin an anti-bullying public service awareness campaign. The PSA's began airing Monday at Citi Field and during the games on SNY. Some of the players involved are Jason Bay, Chris Capuano, R.A. Dickey, Daniel Murphy, and David Wright.