Frank Francisco is awful. Manny Acosta is even worse.
Francisco can blame the umpire all he wants, but at the end of the day, he blew it. He blew Sunday's game against the Marlins, as well as Friday's game, and blew the Mets' chance to sweep Miami.
The ump didn't give up a triple to Emilio Bonifacio and a single to Greg Dobbs.
When Francisco argued with the home plate umpire, and eventually got himself ejected, SNY announcer Gary Cohen wondered if Francisco would land himself a suspension.
I doubt it, but may I suggest a 128 game suspension?
I have zero confidence in Francisco when he enters a game. I haven't felt this way since the days of Armando Benitez.
The fact that Terry Collins told reporters after Sunday's game that he would address the closer situation on Monday suggests to me that he is about done with Francisco's nonsense.
As for Acosta, I don't even know where to start. Someone explain to me why he is even on this team. I can't figure it out.
Give this team their props. They fight back day after day and put themselves in positions to win. What's the point of all that though if you go to the bullpen and they ruin it?
At this point, I'm not sure who would be the ideal choice to take over as closer. We may be seeing a closer by committee situation taking place soon.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
David Wright Is Impressing This Critic
I'm not a big David Wright fan. I never have been. Don't ask me why, because I don't know.
It's hard not to be impressed by Wright at the moment though.
Since I can't keep up with what the Saber Nerds consider a "good stat," I'll just give you his whole line.
He leads the National League in batting average (.402) and on-base percentage (.489).
There's only one man who has had a hotter start to the season as a Met, and that was Cleon Jones who hit .411 in his first 50 games of the 1969 season.
In Saturday's start against the Marlins, Wright went 4-6 with three RBIs. Not too shabby for a guy who still has a fractured right pinky.
It's also hard not to notice that the apparent confidence he has at the plate right now is carrying over to the field.
To date, his fielding percentage is .986, and he has committed just one error. His throws the past few games have been spot on.
I don't expect Wright to maintain any of these stats. He's bound to go into a slump at some point. It's just the nature of the game.
Even Wright feels that his dominance at the plate won't continue.
Let's hope for the Mets' sake that these numbers do continue. Let's face it, whether you like him or not, if Wright is playing well, the Mets are playing well.
It's hard not to be impressed by Wright at the moment though.
Since I can't keep up with what the Saber Nerds consider a "good stat," I'll just give you his whole line.
He leads the National League in batting average (.402) and on-base percentage (.489).
There's only one man who has had a hotter start to the season as a Met, and that was Cleon Jones who hit .411 in his first 50 games of the 1969 season.
In Saturday's start against the Marlins, Wright went 4-6 with three RBIs. Not too shabby for a guy who still has a fractured right pinky.
It's also hard not to notice that the apparent confidence he has at the plate right now is carrying over to the field.
To date, his fielding percentage is .986, and he has committed just one error. His throws the past few games have been spot on.
I don't expect Wright to maintain any of these stats. He's bound to go into a slump at some point. It's just the nature of the game.
Even Wright feels that his dominance at the plate won't continue.
Can .400 continue for Wright?
"I'm going to be honest with you," the third baseman replied as he prepared to depart Marlins Park on Saturday. "No."
How does Wright feels looking at the stadium scoreboard and seeing .402?
"It feels like it's May," Wright replied. "There's a long way to go. Those are unrealistic goals."
Let's hope for the Mets' sake that these numbers do continue. Let's face it, whether you like him or not, if Wright is playing well, the Mets are playing well.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
All Aboard!
With the sweep in Philadelphia Wednesday night, it seems as though more and more people are hopping on the Mets bandwagon.
Yes, it's early and there's still plenty of time left in the season for the team to tank, but for now, they're a lot of fun to watch.
They're a young group that has some personality and some fight.
Raise your hand if you thought, going into Philadelphia Monday night, that after having to face Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee the team would walk away winning not one, not two, but ALL THREE games?
If you raised your hand I think you're lying. But anyway...
The 2012 Mets may not be the most talented group out there, but they have a lot of heart and it's paying off.
This has been a fun season so far. Keep it up. Let's Go Mets!
Yes, it's early and there's still plenty of time left in the season for the team to tank, but for now, they're a lot of fun to watch.
They're a young group that has some personality and some fight.
Raise your hand if you thought, going into Philadelphia Monday night, that after having to face Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee the team would walk away winning not one, not two, but ALL THREE games?
If you raised your hand I think you're lying. But anyway...
The 2012 Mets may not be the most talented group out there, but they have a lot of heart and it's paying off.
This has been a fun season so far. Keep it up. Let's Go Mets!
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Harvey: He's Not Ready, So Stop Asking
"He's not ready."
It's a pretty simple sentence that I don't find to be too complicated to understand. But for some reason, there is an alarmingly large group of Mets fans out there that can't comprehend this fact about prospect Matt Harvey.
Sandy Alderson has said himself that Harvey is not ready, and that the organization is not even looking to bring him up any time soon.
With the loss of Mike Pelfrey to Tommy John surgery, and the disaster that followed with Chris Schwinden, I still see fans asking about Harvey.
Right now the Mets need a stopper. Someone who can fill the void until someone is ready to be in the starting rotation long-term.
If I had to guess, I would say Chris Young will get the spot in the rotation as soon as he is done rehabilitating his shoulder.
To date, Harvey has just 30 innings under his belt at Triple-A. His first few starts for Buffalo were ugly, and he has just recently found his groove.
The same thing happened last season when he was called up to Double-A Binghamton. He struggled in his first few starts before finding success.
I don't know about you, but I'm sensing a pattern here.
If Harvey were to get called up now, I'd bet that this pattern continues. He'll probably get shelled in his first few starts, and hopefully straighten things out.
He still has things he needs to work on, and I think we can all agree that the Major Leagues is not a place to learn as a young player.
I understand that fans want to see him pitch, but now is not the time.
He's not ready.
It's a pretty simple sentence that I don't find to be too complicated to understand. But for some reason, there is an alarmingly large group of Mets fans out there that can't comprehend this fact about prospect Matt Harvey.
Sandy Alderson has said himself that Harvey is not ready, and that the organization is not even looking to bring him up any time soon.
With the loss of Mike Pelfrey to Tommy John surgery, and the disaster that followed with Chris Schwinden, I still see fans asking about Harvey.
Right now the Mets need a stopper. Someone who can fill the void until someone is ready to be in the starting rotation long-term.
If I had to guess, I would say Chris Young will get the spot in the rotation as soon as he is done rehabilitating his shoulder.
To date, Harvey has just 30 innings under his belt at Triple-A. His first few starts for Buffalo were ugly, and he has just recently found his groove.
The same thing happened last season when he was called up to Double-A Binghamton. He struggled in his first few starts before finding success.
I don't know about you, but I'm sensing a pattern here.
If Harvey were to get called up now, I'd bet that this pattern continues. He'll probably get shelled in his first few starts, and hopefully straighten things out.
He still has things he needs to work on, and I think we can all agree that the Major Leagues is not a place to learn as a young player.
I understand that fans want to see him pitch, but now is not the time.
He's not ready.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Mets To Host 10th Annual Autism Awareness Day
The Mets announced today that they will host the 10th annual Autism Awareness Day at Citi Field on Sunday, May 6.
According to the team,
Why are all of these accommodations so great? Why are they making them? I'll break it down for you.
It can be very difficult for those with autism to ignore any background noise or visuals like you or I. As a result, bright flashing lights, and loud booming music can lead to sensory overload. This sensory overload can be overwhelming and lead to stress and anxiety.
Hence the private, secluded area in the Bullpen Plaza. This quiet space will help people decrease their sensory overload, and essentially take a break from all the chaos around them.
As for the "Guide to Citi Field," people on the autism spectrum benefit from knowing what to expect. They will need to know what to expect once they arrive at the park (e.g. going through security, getting their ticket scanned, going to their seats, etc.), as well as what will happen and what they will see once they enter the park.
Good for the Mets for taking the time to make sure that everyone who attends Sunday's game, can do so comfortably.
According to the team,
"The Mets will take numerous steps to ensure fans participating in Autism Awareness Day have a special day at the ballpark. Based on recommendations from Autism Speaks, the Mets have created a private, secluded area in the Bullpen Plaza where fans can go if they need a break from the crowd. The ballpark's sound system will be turned down in the Left Field Landing and Citi Vision and the rightfield scoreboard will have reduced use of strobe lights or similar pulsating special effects. The club also collaborated with Autism Speaks on a 'Guide to Citi Field' that teaches children what to expect at the game."This is fantastic. I love that the team is going out of its way to accommodate those on the autism spectrum. (For those who don't know, I work with students with autism during the summer).
Why are all of these accommodations so great? Why are they making them? I'll break it down for you.
It can be very difficult for those with autism to ignore any background noise or visuals like you or I. As a result, bright flashing lights, and loud booming music can lead to sensory overload. This sensory overload can be overwhelming and lead to stress and anxiety.
Hence the private, secluded area in the Bullpen Plaza. This quiet space will help people decrease their sensory overload, and essentially take a break from all the chaos around them.
As for the "Guide to Citi Field," people on the autism spectrum benefit from knowing what to expect. They will need to know what to expect once they arrive at the park (e.g. going through security, getting their ticket scanned, going to their seats, etc.), as well as what will happen and what they will see once they enter the park.
Good for the Mets for taking the time to make sure that everyone who attends Sunday's game, can do so comfortably.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
So Long, Big Pelf
Mike Pelfrey underwent Tommy John surgery today and odds are good that he will not pitch for the Mets again.
I can't say I'm terribly upset by that.
I don't mean the surgery. I don't wish injury on anyone, and I hope that he has a speedy recovery. I'm talking about his playing time with the Mets.
Yes, he had some success during his time here, but for many fans and myself, we only remember last season. The ugliness. The hand licking. The wiping of the forehead. Then back to the hand licking.
So gross.
He's been labeled a head case by some. Maybe they're right. Maybe they're wrong.
Either way, I don't think New York was the best setting for him.
Assuming all goes well with the surgery, I'm guessing that he will recover and go on to pitch for a smaller market team and find success...like most ex-Met pitchers do.
Good luck, Pelf.
I can't say I'm terribly upset by that.
I don't mean the surgery. I don't wish injury on anyone, and I hope that he has a speedy recovery. I'm talking about his playing time with the Mets.
Yes, he had some success during his time here, but for many fans and myself, we only remember last season. The ugliness. The hand licking. The wiping of the forehead. Then back to the hand licking.
So gross.
He's been labeled a head case by some. Maybe they're right. Maybe they're wrong.
Either way, I don't think New York was the best setting for him.
Assuming all goes well with the surgery, I'm guessing that he will recover and go on to pitch for a smaller market team and find success...like most ex-Met pitchers do.
Good luck, Pelf.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Interview With Tim Byrdak
 |
| Tim Byrdak |
Talk about this team from last year to this year. Is there a different atmosphere?
Terry's done a great job, last year, even this year. I think the biggest thing about this year, with this team, is Johan Santana. He sets our rotation up where everyone kind of falls into place. You can use R.A. as your number two and Niese, it sets everybody up in a rotation so nicely. Without him last year, we had a couple of injuries, trying to keep guys in the rotation and fill spots. It's a little tough, but the atmosphere he brings around the clubhouse keeps things loose and we go from there.
Losing Pelfrey and having Jason Bay out to the 15-Day disabled list, does somebody say just pick up the slack and go from there?
There's nothing you can do during the course of the year. Guys are going to go down. It's a shame that it happened so quickly, and again, two or three guys sitting out at the same time, but again it's going to give the young kids an opportunity to come up here and compete, and show them what they can do. I think you've seen in in Nieuwenhuis. The role that he's played out there and stuff like that. It's make or break. Can you play up here or not? He's showing right now that he deserves to stay.
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