This will come back and bite the Mets.
According to Metsblog, Terry Collins told reporters before Wednesday's game that the Mets intend on using R.A. Dickey on short rest, although he doesn't know when that will be.
Nothing is set in stone, but it sounds like it will happen at some point before the season ends.
To me, this sounds like, "We're starting to panic and we're going to use one of the only things that has been consistently good as many times as we can before the season ends."
First of all, Dickey is no spring chicken. While his arm doesn't deal with the normal wear and tear of a traditional pitcher, he's still 37-years-old. It will eventually catch up with him.
Second, how will this effect the rest of the rotation? I can see how providing Johan Santana and Chris Young with an extra day of rest could be beneficial, seeing as how they are both coming off surgery. But what about everyone else?
I know that Jon Niese has been better when he gets an extra day of rest, but too bad. This is the big leagues. You pitch every 5 days. Deal with it.
Finally, despite having a remarkable first half, Dickey is starting to come back down to earth. He's been good lately, but not quite as dominant.
Whatever the Mets' reasoning behind this, to me, it just seems like an act of desperation.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
A Night With Ike Davis
As first mentioned by Anthony DiComo over at Mets Cetera, Ike Davis will be holding his annual charity event, "A Night With Ike Davis," on Sunday, September 9 to raise money for Solving Kids' Cancer (SKC) and the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative.
All proceeds from the event will go to SKC and the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative.
The event, which will be held at City Winery, will feature a benefit concert starring country music artist Lee Brice, along with Ike and his teammates serving as celebrity bartenders.
Also featured will be an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, a raffle, auction, and VIP Clubhouse (The clubhouse includes access to the VIP area with Mets teammates, an autographed item, 2 tickets for a VIP-only premium raffle item, and a limited edition event poster).
For more information, click on the links below.
Event info: http://solvingkidscancer.org/give/events/#a-night-with-ike-davis_
To buy tickets: https://solvingkidscancer.org/give/buy-tickets/701C0000000dGpt?eid=44
All proceeds from the event will go to SKC and the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative.
The event, which will be held at City Winery, will feature a benefit concert starring country music artist Lee Brice, along with Ike and his teammates serving as celebrity bartenders.
Also featured will be an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, a raffle, auction, and VIP Clubhouse (The clubhouse includes access to the VIP area with Mets teammates, an autographed item, 2 tickets for a VIP-only premium raffle item, and a limited edition event poster).
For more information, click on the links below.
Event info: http://solvingkidscancer.org/give/events/#a-night-with-ike-davis_
To buy tickets: https://solvingkidscancer.org/give/buy-tickets/701C0000000dGpt?eid=44
Sunday, July 29, 2012
ICYMI: The Week In Review
The Mets slide continues as they have lost 13 of their last 15 games. They are now 5 games under .500 and are 12.5 games behind Washington in the division, and 8.5 back in the wild card.
On a positive note, Ike Davis is looking good at the plate. In Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Diamondbacks, Davis hit three solo home runs, becoming the ninth player in franchise history to do so.
Miguel Batista was released be the Mets earlier this week and has since signed a minor league contract with the Braves.
Matt Harvey made his long anticipated debut on Thursday in Arizona. Harvey struck out a franchise high 11 batters in 5.1 innings of work to earn his first major league victory. He was also 2-2 at the plate with a double.
Lucas Duda was sent to Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday. According to ESPN New York, Terry Collins has instructed Buffalo manager Wally Backman to move Duda to first base should he struggle in the outfield. Duda is to solely focus on hitting while in Buffalo.
Tim Byrdak, Josh Thole, and Dan Warthen found themselves in a little brouhaha during Wednesday's game. After giving up a home run, Byrdak approached Thole in the dugout between innings. Pitch selection was apparently the issue. The bench instructed Thole to call for a fastball, which Byrdak shook off twice. Byrdak then threw a fastball...down the middle of the plate. I don't think the bench called for that.
On the injury front...
Mike Baxter is expected to return to the Mets in time for Monday's opener against the Giants.
Frank Francisco suffered a setback while rehabbing in Binghamton. He once again suffered soreness in his oblique. He is, however, expected to pitch today.
On a positive note, Ike Davis is looking good at the plate. In Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Diamondbacks, Davis hit three solo home runs, becoming the ninth player in franchise history to do so.
Miguel Batista was released be the Mets earlier this week and has since signed a minor league contract with the Braves.
Matt Harvey made his long anticipated debut on Thursday in Arizona. Harvey struck out a franchise high 11 batters in 5.1 innings of work to earn his first major league victory. He was also 2-2 at the plate with a double.
Lucas Duda was sent to Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday. According to ESPN New York, Terry Collins has instructed Buffalo manager Wally Backman to move Duda to first base should he struggle in the outfield. Duda is to solely focus on hitting while in Buffalo.
Tim Byrdak, Josh Thole, and Dan Warthen found themselves in a little brouhaha during Wednesday's game. After giving up a home run, Byrdak approached Thole in the dugout between innings. Pitch selection was apparently the issue. The bench instructed Thole to call for a fastball, which Byrdak shook off twice. Byrdak then threw a fastball...down the middle of the plate. I don't think the bench called for that.
On the injury front...
Mike Baxter is expected to return to the Mets in time for Monday's opener against the Giants.
Frank Francisco suffered a setback while rehabbing in Binghamton. He once again suffered soreness in his oblique. He is, however, expected to pitch today.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Random Observations From Blogger Night
The Mets invited bloggers to a game earlier this week, and I'm finally getting around to posting about it. Better late than never I suppose.
Before the game, the Mets along with the Council of Fashion Designers of America, launched their 50th anniversary clothing collection. Proceeds from all sales will be split between the Mets Foundation and CFDA Foundation. All items can be purchased at Citi Field or at Edition01.com.
For photos of the collection, check out Mets Police.
Now for a few observations...
Before the game, the Mets along with the Council of Fashion Designers of America, launched their 50th anniversary clothing collection. Proceeds from all sales will be split between the Mets Foundation and CFDA Foundation. All items can be purchased at Citi Field or at Edition01.com.
For photos of the collection, check out Mets Police.
Now for a few observations...
- Nobody did the wave. Thanks for that.
- Ever watch a game on t.v. and ask yourself, "Why are they cheering so much for Scott Hairston?" as he steps up to the plate? I noticed this at a game once before and again earlier this week. What you and I don't realize while watching at home is that the Mets put up the noise meter on the scoreboard asking fans to cheer as loud as they can. Hence the occasional cheering for random players (e.g. Scott Hairston).
Sunday, July 22, 2012
A Few Thoughts on Matt Harvey
I couldn't fit this thought into 140 characters, so I've taken to the blog...
Fans have been calling for Matt Harvey to be called up for some time now. Many were upset when the Mets announced that Miguel Batista would get the start on Saturday instead of Harvey.
Looking back, would it really have made that much of a difference?
While Batista was stinkin' up the joint in Queens, Harvey was doing the same up in Buffalo.
Let's say the team's decision had been different. Harvey was called up and he got the start yesterday. What if he pitched the same way for the big league club as he did for Buffalo? What help would he have been?
His confidence would no doubt have taken a slight blow, and lord knows the nonsense that would have been talked about on Twitter and throughout the media.
I'm not saying that I expect Harvey to never struggle. He will. It's just a part of baseball and a part of life. Everyone struggles sometimes.
The Mets were on hand to evaluate Harvey's previous start, and they apparently weren't impressed enough with what they saw.
I'm going to go ahead and guess that they know more about Harvey and the situation than you or I.
If he hasn't been called up, and doesn't get called up, there's probably a good reason for it.
He's not the savior. He shouldn't be treated as such.
You know that if he gets called up, is put on this pedestal, and fails miserably, fans will be enraged wondering why the team would put him in such situations and how he was thrust into a position when he wasn't ready.
Don't deny it. You know it would happen.
Fans have been calling for Matt Harvey to be called up for some time now. Many were upset when the Mets announced that Miguel Batista would get the start on Saturday instead of Harvey.
Looking back, would it really have made that much of a difference?
While Batista was stinkin' up the joint in Queens, Harvey was doing the same up in Buffalo.
Let's say the team's decision had been different. Harvey was called up and he got the start yesterday. What if he pitched the same way for the big league club as he did for Buffalo? What help would he have been?
His confidence would no doubt have taken a slight blow, and lord knows the nonsense that would have been talked about on Twitter and throughout the media.
I'm not saying that I expect Harvey to never struggle. He will. It's just a part of baseball and a part of life. Everyone struggles sometimes.
The Mets were on hand to evaluate Harvey's previous start, and they apparently weren't impressed enough with what they saw.
I'm going to go ahead and guess that they know more about Harvey and the situation than you or I.
If he hasn't been called up, and doesn't get called up, there's probably a good reason for it.
He's not the savior. He shouldn't be treated as such.
You know that if he gets called up, is put on this pedestal, and fails miserably, fans will be enraged wondering why the team would put him in such situations and how he was thrust into a position when he wasn't ready.
Don't deny it. You know it would happen.
ICYMI: The Week In Review
Turns out, it wasn't Harvey-Time this past week. Despite all of the hoopla surrounding Matt Harvey, the Mets decided to leave him in Triple-A Buffalo and have Miguel Batista start in the rotation. Did the Mets make the right move? Well, both pitchers were smacked around in their starts on Saturday.
The Mets have recalled Elvin Ramirez for some help in the bullpen. So far, there has been no corresponding move. Kirk Nieuwenhuis or Miguel Batista could get the boot.
Jeremy Hefner was called up to take Johan Santana's spot on the roster.
To make room for Jason Bay, who was coming off the disabled list, the Mets traded Omar Quintanilla to the Orioles for cash.
R.A. Dickey won his 13th game of the season on Thursday, extending his winning streak to 11 games. He has gone unbeaten in 16 straight starts.
Terry Collins called a team meeting to address a quote from Pedro Beato following Tuesday's loss, suggesting that Josh Thole could have made a better attempt at catching his wild pitch. Here's the quote: "I tried to get it down...on the floor, so he can swing over it. And I yanked it a little too far. Unfortunately, Thole wasn't able to get to it and it got away from him." I don't know. Maybe it's just me, but I don't see a problem with the quote.
In another example of quotes being blown way out of proportion, Miguel Batista told reporters this past week that the Mets are better than the first place Nationals. Read the quote and judge for yourself. Of course it didn't help that Batista made the comments after surrendering two runs to the Nationals.
On the injury front...
The Mets placed Johan Santana on the disabled list with a sprained ankle. Santana has struggled lately. He told reporters after Saturday's game that he doesn't attribute his struggles to the 134 pitches he threw in his no-hitter, or the surgery he had on his shoulder. Instead, he found that he was changing his delivery on the mound to support his ailing ankle.
Frank Francisco is expected to throw a bullpen session today. Francisco could begin rehab games next week.
Mike Baxter has moved his rehab games to Double-A Binghamton.
Jon Rauch had both of his knees drained earlier in the week. He was unavailable for one game, but entered Wednesday's game and pitched a scoreless inning of relief.
Lucas Duda returned to the lineup on Wednesday after receiving a cortisone shot to help with his strained left hamstring.
The Mets have recalled Elvin Ramirez for some help in the bullpen. So far, there has been no corresponding move. Kirk Nieuwenhuis or Miguel Batista could get the boot.
Jeremy Hefner was called up to take Johan Santana's spot on the roster.
To make room for Jason Bay, who was coming off the disabled list, the Mets traded Omar Quintanilla to the Orioles for cash.
R.A. Dickey won his 13th game of the season on Thursday, extending his winning streak to 11 games. He has gone unbeaten in 16 straight starts.
Terry Collins called a team meeting to address a quote from Pedro Beato following Tuesday's loss, suggesting that Josh Thole could have made a better attempt at catching his wild pitch. Here's the quote: "I tried to get it down...on the floor, so he can swing over it. And I yanked it a little too far. Unfortunately, Thole wasn't able to get to it and it got away from him." I don't know. Maybe it's just me, but I don't see a problem with the quote.
In another example of quotes being blown way out of proportion, Miguel Batista told reporters this past week that the Mets are better than the first place Nationals. Read the quote and judge for yourself. Of course it didn't help that Batista made the comments after surrendering two runs to the Nationals.
On the injury front...
The Mets placed Johan Santana on the disabled list with a sprained ankle. Santana has struggled lately. He told reporters after Saturday's game that he doesn't attribute his struggles to the 134 pitches he threw in his no-hitter, or the surgery he had on his shoulder. Instead, he found that he was changing his delivery on the mound to support his ailing ankle.
Frank Francisco is expected to throw a bullpen session today. Francisco could begin rehab games next week.
Mike Baxter has moved his rehab games to Double-A Binghamton.
Jon Rauch had both of his knees drained earlier in the week. He was unavailable for one game, but entered Wednesday's game and pitched a scoreless inning of relief.
Lucas Duda returned to the lineup on Wednesday after receiving a cortisone shot to help with his strained left hamstring.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
ICYMI: The Week In Review
It's almost Harvey-Time. With Dillon Gee undergoing what could be season ending surgery, all eyes will be on Matt Harvey Monday night as he auditions for a spot in the rotation. A number of Mets executives will be on hand for his start Monday, which can be seen on SNY.
According to Terry Collins, with Gee out for the foreseeable future, his choice of replacement has been narrowed down to Harvey and Miguel Batista.
The Mets called up left-handed reliever Josh Edgin from Buffalo. Don't let his line fool you. Despite posting a 7.71 ERA in 2.1 innings of work, he has been impressive, striking out six batters, five of which were lefties.
R.A. Dickey may find himself working a little more as the season goes on. Terry Collins has suggested that after August 1, if the Mets are still in the race, Dickey could begin pitching on short rest.
Speaking of Dickey, the knuckleballer made his first-ever All-Star appearance this week. He allowed a leadoff single to the Angels' Mike Trout, but went on to pitch a scoreless sixth inning.
Of course, this year's All-Star Game was not without its controversy. National League manager Tony LaRussa chose to start San Francisco's Matt Cain over Dickey because starting catcher, Buster Posey, couldn't catch a knuckleball.
David Wright made his sixth All-Star Game appearance. He went 0-2.
Terry Collins, who was selected by Tony LasRussa to join the National League coaching staff for this year's game, coached first base and made a pitching change late in the game.
The Mets and Yankees will play fewer games against each other starting next season. Instead of the usual six games, the two will play just three or four games.
Chris Schwinden is back with the Mets. After the Mets dumped him earlier in the season, he has since played with the Blue Jays, Indians, and Yankees. He is now back with Buffalo as a non-40 man roster player.
On the injury front...
Dillon Gee underwent surgery on Friday to replace part of a damaged artery in his right shoulder. Gee was hospitalized earlier in the week with a blood clot. Doctors used a catheter to break up the clot. He could begin throwing in about eight weeks, but all signs indicate that Gee is done for the season.
Frank Francisco was shut down this week after he continued to feel discomfort in his oblique.
Jason Bay has moved his rehab assignment to Triple-A Buffalo. He went 1-4 with a walk and two strikeouts for Buffalo. He did not play in the outfield. He could return to the Mets on Tuesday.
Mike Baxter is scheduled to begin his rehab assignment in St. Lucie today.
Lucas Duda will sit out of today's game with a strained left hamstring. It had been bothering him for over a week, but the All-Star break did not help him any.
According to Terry Collins, with Gee out for the foreseeable future, his choice of replacement has been narrowed down to Harvey and Miguel Batista.
The Mets called up left-handed reliever Josh Edgin from Buffalo. Don't let his line fool you. Despite posting a 7.71 ERA in 2.1 innings of work, he has been impressive, striking out six batters, five of which were lefties.
R.A. Dickey may find himself working a little more as the season goes on. Terry Collins has suggested that after August 1, if the Mets are still in the race, Dickey could begin pitching on short rest.
Speaking of Dickey, the knuckleballer made his first-ever All-Star appearance this week. He allowed a leadoff single to the Angels' Mike Trout, but went on to pitch a scoreless sixth inning.
Of course, this year's All-Star Game was not without its controversy. National League manager Tony LaRussa chose to start San Francisco's Matt Cain over Dickey because starting catcher, Buster Posey, couldn't catch a knuckleball.
David Wright made his sixth All-Star Game appearance. He went 0-2.
Terry Collins, who was selected by Tony LasRussa to join the National League coaching staff for this year's game, coached first base and made a pitching change late in the game.
The Mets and Yankees will play fewer games against each other starting next season. Instead of the usual six games, the two will play just three or four games.
Chris Schwinden is back with the Mets. After the Mets dumped him earlier in the season, he has since played with the Blue Jays, Indians, and Yankees. He is now back with Buffalo as a non-40 man roster player.
On the injury front...
Dillon Gee underwent surgery on Friday to replace part of a damaged artery in his right shoulder. Gee was hospitalized earlier in the week with a blood clot. Doctors used a catheter to break up the clot. He could begin throwing in about eight weeks, but all signs indicate that Gee is done for the season.
Frank Francisco was shut down this week after he continued to feel discomfort in his oblique.
Jason Bay has moved his rehab assignment to Triple-A Buffalo. He went 1-4 with a walk and two strikeouts for Buffalo. He did not play in the outfield. He could return to the Mets on Tuesday.
Mike Baxter is scheduled to begin his rehab assignment in St. Lucie today.
Lucas Duda will sit out of today's game with a strained left hamstring. It had been bothering him for over a week, but the All-Star break did not help him any.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)