Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Mets Morning News 4-26-11

Chris Young makes his return to the Mets tonight against Washington after battling bicep tendinitis in his pitching arm. Young claims, "Now it feels back to normal and maybe even better than it did before the end of spring."

Despite being able to come off the Disabled List today, Ronny Paulino is scheduled to make one more start with Triple-A Buffalo. He needs the extra day to test his left oblique which he injured during a rehab assignment.  

According to Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger, David Wright is not worried about his future with the team. He compares Wright with Mark Teixeira's situation with the Rangers a few years back. Wright has the most trade value of anyone on the Mets and could bring in a ton of prospects with which the team could build their farm system around.

Monday, April 25, 2011

R.A. Dickey Is A Real Character

R.A. Dickey, in case you haven't heard, entered the Mets clubhouse the other day in a full Darth Vader costume.

Why would he do this, you ask? Well, according to Tyler Kepner who originally reported this event, Dickey said, “It’s just so hilarious to hear Darth Vader say something like, ‘I would like a turkey sandwich.’”

What a character.



Forgive my sloppy paint skills. A graphic designer, I am not.

Mets Morning News 4-25-11

Don't forget, the Mets have today off. They begin a three game series tomorrow night in Washington.

In case you  missed it, Dillon Gee will stay with the Mets, while D.J. Carrasco has been optioned to Triple-A Buffalo. It's unclear whether Gee will be in the bullpen or rotation, but Sandy Alderson said his role will change slightly.

According to Joel Sherman of the NY Post, Jon Niese was in line to be sent to the bullpen before his success on the mound yesterday.

The Mets plan on visiting Walter Reed Army Medical Center during their trip to Washington this week. Carlos Beltran plans on attending.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Gee Stays, Carrasco Gets The Boot

The Mets made some roster moves after today's game. Dillon Gee will stay, while D.J. Carrasco will be optioned to Triple-A Buffalo.

What Gee's role will be, has yet to be determined. A decision is expected by Terry Collins in the next few days.

According to Sandy Alderson, Carrasco will get some starts while in Buffalo and get back on track. Carrasco hasn't been terribly impressive out of the bullpen for the Mets so far this season.

Gee needs to be kept in the starter role. He's been successful, both in AAA and with the Mets. The problem, however, is who would Alderson and Co. move to the bullpen to make room for Gee? As of late, everyone in the starting rotation has done well.

At this point, it's a good problem to have.

Mets Go Streaking, Win Four In A Row

The Mets swept the Diamondbacks this afternoon, winning 8-4.

  • Jon Niese (1-3, 5.10 ERA) pitched seven innings to get his first win of the season, giving up three runs on six hits, while striking out three and walking two. Niese was impressive this afternoon, getting out of trouble multiple times.
  • David Wright went 2-4 with two home runs and three RBIs. The first was a two-run shot in the bottom of the first inning, the second was a solo shot in the bottom of the fourth inning.
  • Jason Pridie hit his first Major League home run in the third inning, a three-run shot to right-center field. 
It's amazing what a team can do when you get good starting pitching that goes deep into the game. In the last four games, Mets starting pitchers have gone seven innings, with the exception of Dillon Gee who went a respectable six. As Bobby Ojeda pointed out, with starting pitchers going farther in the game, roles are starting to be developed in the bullpen. The Mets pitching staff is finally getting some structure, and so far it's paid off. 

Next up: The Mets have the day off tomorrow, and begin a three game series in Washington Tuesday night.

Easter Game Preview

April 24, 2011
1:10 PM ET
Citi Field
TV: SNY
RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS
Starting Pitcher: Jon Niese (0-3, 5.87 ERA)
 
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Starting Pitcher: Armondo Galarraga (3-0, 6.00 ERA)

Mets Morning News 4-24-11

With Chris Young's return, Dillon Gee is most likely going to be sent to Triple-A Buffalo, but it won't be an easy decision for Terry Collins.

Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger, explains how Jon Niese has been working on a changeup to add to his arsenal of pitches. 

The feel good stories just keep coming with the Mets this season. Yesterday's the team welcomed the family of a slain police officer from Poughkeepsie. Give them heat about their play on the field, but off the field, they're doing all right.