Jerry Manuel Watch - I Want Bobby V Back Edition!

[whitey]

Let's face it Mets fans. This guy is basically Willie Randolph with a little more personality. He has the Mets off to a 9-12 start. An April series against your divisional rival should never be a big deal. But given the last two Septembers and the not-so-good start to this season, as a fan, this weekend's series has a lot more meaning.

Manuel's misuse of the bullpen and over-managing techniques (evident in pinch hitting for Castro with Santos yesterday) is going to cost this team, in my estimation, at least 5 wins this season. If this team doesn't make the playoffs he needs to go. Omar needs to go regardless of the outcome of this season...but that ain't happening. He must have some good info on the Wilpons he's using as blackmail.

/end rant

I know there's at least 3 or 4 Mets fans on this board and lots of Phillies fans (and even Bravos fans) who will undoubtedly be given a lot of good ammunition to post in this thread as the season progresses. So my idea is to keep the Mets talk here, that way I don't clutter up the Charlie Manuel Watch thread with my blatant Mets homerism. xthumbsupx

[gmoney55]

I wish it was that easy for me to blame Manuel....I really think this group just isn't that good. I saw today they are 151-141 since June 2007. I know everyone in the NL hated them in 2006 and 2007, but at least they were disliked because they had a swagger. Now it looks like a team that's anxious every time they have to produce at the plate. After the finishes of the past two years I'm not sure how they get that swagger/confidence back, it might just be something either you have it or you don't (i.e. the phillies do). Two of their four stars (Reyes and Wright) are at least a little overrated in my opinion, and they get nothing from 2B or C. Starting pitching outside of Santana is shaky.

Really I think the problems with the lineup in clutch spots have been going on long enough that it's not just a coincidence. Only way I see it turning around is at least two of three of Maine, Pelfrey and Perez getting locked in.

[bulldog10jw]

You're depressing me. xsmhx

Mostly because your right.

You think Wright is overrated?

[whitey]

Yeah, it's not all Jerry's fault. However, a good manager might be able to manage his team a couple extra wins a season. Jerry isn't going to do that for this team. He will cost the Mets wins instead. When you add that to the other negatives that you pointed out (starting pitching question marks & hitting with RISP) surrounding this team right now it could be a recipe for another 88 or so win season and once again sitting outside the playoffs.

My issues with Manuel go beyond over-managing and misusing the bullpen. There are other small things that have really freaking bothered me so far this season:
- Base running blunders
- Allowing Razor Shines to be way to over-aggressive at 3rd base
- Giving hitters the green light to swing on 1-0 and 2-0 pitches when the opposing pitcher is struggling to find the strike zone.

These things should be easily correctable and it seems to me he hasn't forced his team to make these small adjustments. It's mind boggling.

In other news I'm also worried about Delgado's hip and Castillo's back. Delgado is a huge piece of the offense and not replaceable. This team was beyond bad offensively last year when Delgado was flat out just not hitting. Castillo, surprisingly, started off strong this season and I was hoping he could continue. Now his back is giving him fits. We don't need Castillo to be an RBI producing second baseman. But if he can hit .300 with an OBP of .375+ he'll be valuable for this offense: assuming they stop leaving men LOB.

[whitey]

Wright is not overrated. Yeah he wasn't great last year with RISP and he's not off to a good start this year. But the guy is a career .299 /.393.495/.889 with runners in scoring position. He's a career .258/.379/.447/.827 with RISP and two outs. That's pretty freaking good. Our memories are too short.

At 24 years old Mike Schmidt put up an OPS+ of 154. Wright, at 24, put up an OPS+ of 150. At 25, Mike Schmidt had an OPS+ of 142. Wright, last year (25), had an OPS+ of 141. Just saying. :)

Wright probably deserves a lot of slack.

[Seahawks Fan]

If Manuel goes, Omar has to go with him. Minaya put this team together. He fixed the bullpen, but did nothing about the Mets lack of clutch hitting and the bench. It was his decision to re-sign Ollie instead of going after another free agent. As for David Wright, as much as I hate to say it, he is a disaster with men on base.

[bulldog10jw]

I wish it was that easy for me to blame Manuel....I really think this group just isn't that good. I saw today they are 151-141 since June 2007. I know everyone in the NL hated them in 2006 and 2007, but at least they were disliked because they had a swagger. Now it looks like a team that's anxious every time they have to produce at the plate. After the finishes of the past two years I'm not sure how they get that swagger/confidence back, it might just be something either you have it or you don't (i.e. the phillies do). Two of their four stars (Reyes and Wright) are at least a little overrated in my opinion, and they get nothing from 2B or C. Starting pitching outside of Santana is shaky.

Really I think the problems with the lineup in clutch spots have been going on long enough that it's not just a coincidence. Only way I see it turning around is at least two of three of Maine, Pelfrey and Perez getting locked in.

The Phillies have swagger? Huh!

[Go...gate]

IMO, this team missed its best shot the last two years because the of GM, not the Managers. Minaya is the worst Mets GM since Joe McDonald in the M. Donald Grant days. He needs to go.

[whitey]

I agree this is mostly Minaya's fault. However, unfortunately it seems he isn't going anywhere. That means Jerry Manuel is on the hot seat this year (even though it should be Minaya or both of them).

[gmoney55]

I agree this is mostly Minaya's fault. However, unfortunately it seems he isn't going anywhere. That means Jerry Manuel is on the hot seat this year (even though it should be Minaya or both of them).

It really has to be Minaya too this year...I don't want to make too much of a Triple-A team especially this early in the season, but it's not a great referndum on his major-league ready prospects that Buffalo is 2-16 and has been shutout five times.

[whitey]

Well, the Mets philosophy with their AAA team for along time has been to fill the roster with as many retreads as possible. That's why the team is full of Wily Mo Pena's, Mike Lamb's & Bobby Kielty's. Only a few spots on the AAA team are actually for those close to MLB ready prospects. I think you can count them on one hand with this year's team:

1. Fernando Martinez
2. Nick Evans
3. Eddie Kunz
4. Jon Niese
5. Dillon Gee

Yep. Muniz, Robertson and Argenis Reyes don't really count. These guys have "AAAA" written all over them.

[whitey]

Did Omar (knowingly or unknowingly) light a fire under this team with his comments to Rosenthal? We'll have to wait and see I guess. That was a fun game to watch last night. I haven't had fun watching a game in quite some time. Hopefully we can take one of the next two and maybe this team can use that as a jumping off point to get themselves out of this early season slump. If we don't its not the end of the world of course. But it would be nice.

[Seahawks Fan]

I agree this is mostly Minaya's fault. However, unfortunately it seems he isn't going anywhere. That means Jerry Manuel is on the hot seat this year (even though it should be Minaya or both of them).

Willie Randolph was already fired because of the team Minaya put together. I doubt that Omar can survive another disaster. At some point he has to answer for this team.

[whitey]

Didn't he receive a 3 year extension this past offseason? Or was that the previous offseason? Not that it really means anything I guess.

[Seahawks Fan]

Yes, the Mets gave Omar a three year extension last October (what were they thinking?). But if the Mets continue to play like they are now, I doubt that it matters. The fans are too vocal right now. And the Mets need to sell seats at Citifield.

[bulldog10jw]

Strange that the Yankees and Mets have been having home games on the same day a few times already this year.

Never used to happen.

[Hoyadestroya85]

Is it just me or is Johan FUHREAKING ridiculous

[whitey]

Is it just me or is Johan FUHREAKING ridiculous

It's not just you. xthumbsupx

[Seahawks Fan]

Is it just me or is Johan FUHREAKING ridiculous


He is as good as Tom Seaver. The man is unreal. Now if the Mets could only score a few runs for him....

[Hoyadestroya85]

I think the runs will come.. I just wish there was two of him

[Go...gate]

Watching that man pitch is a pleasure.

Mets crawl back to .500 at 13-13, but I see the Phillies taking tonight's game. That is a very good ballclub.

[whitey]

I can get use to this winning thing.

[Seahawks Fan]

I'm amazed how the Mets can't put any runs on the board for Santana, and then score seven runs the next night against a tougher pitcher. And this has been going on since he arrived last year. It cost Johan the Cy Young last year.

[tribe_pride]

I'm amazed how the Mets can't put any runs on the board for Santana, and then score seven runs the next night against a tougher pitcher. And this has been going on since he arrived last year. It cost Johan the Cy Young last year.

That and the bullpen as well.

[gmoney55]

Good to see them come through with a big eighth inning last night, 5 in a row. Niese looked sharp, I'd say he at least earned another start.

[whitey]

Yeah, he definitely earns another one. I like his curveball and the fact that he can throw strikes (lots of them). I don't want to detract too much from the 5 game winning streak, but I just have to ask: WHAT THE **** WAS JERRY DOING LAST NIGHT WHEN "MANAGING" THE BULLPEN?

I really hate how he manages the bullpen and last night was a perfect example. First of all, why does he bring in Sean Green...the worst pitcher in the bullpen to pitch in the a tie game in the 7th? Thankfully Takahashi bailed Green out.

Second of all, I don't care if Putz is already warmed up. Once the team got up by 4 runs he needs to sit down. Once the team got up by 5 runs he should be headed for the shower. The guy is on pace for 95+ innings this year. That's just ridiculous. When Jerry has an opportunity like he did last night to save the guy an appearance he has to do it. Put Stokes in there instead.

[Seahawks Fan]

All of a sudden the Mets have a six game winning streak. Jerry Manuel was in the stands serving a one game suspension for protesting a terrible obstruction call on Reyes. Mets bats starting to come alive.

[whitey]

What a difference a week makes!

[gmoney55]

Yeah, he definitely earns another one. I like his curveball and the fact that he can throw strikes (lots of them). I don't want to detract too much from the 5 game winning streak, but I just have to ask: WHAT THE **** WAS JERRY DOING LAST NIGHT WHEN "MANAGING" THE BULLPEN?

I really hate how he manages the bullpen and last night was a perfect example. First of all, why does he bring in Sean Green...the worst pitcher in the bullpen to pitch in the a tie game in the 7th? Thankfully Takahashi bailed Green out.

Second of all, I don't care if Putz is already warmed up. Once the team got up by 4 runs he needs to sit down. Once the team got up by 5 runs he should be headed for the shower. The guy is on pace for 95+ innings this year. That's just ridiculous. When Jerry has an opportunity like he did last night to save the guy an appearance he has to do it. Put Stokes in there instead.

Maybe Alomar should keep handling things, Jerry would have felt the need to go to Putz or K-Rod with a 10-1 lead haha.

Very nice win today, and I know it's the Pirates but Maholm is a solid pitcher.

[Go...gate]

I have a feeling that some ass-kicking went on in the Mets' clubhouse.

[whitey]

I have a feeling that some ass-kicking went on in the Mets' clubhouse.

I hate doing this...but I might just have to give Omar a little credit here. His comments to Rosenthal might just have provided a spark. I don't know if that was his plan or not. But I like it.

[Hoyadestroya85]

Does it get any better? A seven game winning streak and the best pitcher in the majors on the hill tonight

[whitey]

Does it get any better? A seven game winning streak and the best pitcher in the majors on the hill tonight

The only thing better would be facing someone not as good as Lowe. xthumbsupx The bullpens could certainly decide this one tonight. Should be a good one, can't wait.

[gmoney55]

The only thing better would be facing someone not as good as Lowe. xthumbsupx The bullpens could certainly decide this one tonight. Should be a good one, can't wait.

Come on, Lowe is no better than Oliver Perezxsmhxxsmhx

[Seahawks Fan]

It will be interesting to see if the Mets put up some runs for Santana. They have been scoring during this winning streak. Should be a good game.

[gmoney55]

It will be interesting to see if the Mets put up some runs for Santana. They have been scoring during this winning streak. Should be a good game.

True, would be nice to get 2 of 3 going into what is probably the toughest stretch of the year, with west coast trip with no day off at SF and LA and then three in Boston.

[whitey]

Come on, Lowe is no better than Oliver Perezxsmhxxsmhx


LOL. Omar head slap coming up: xoopsx

[Dukie95]

Very positive sign that they were able to beat up on inferior competition. They haven't been able to do that the past couple of seasons.

So, Chipper's out tonight, but McCann is back...is it strange that I'd be more comfortable having it the other way around?

The Braves have some good right-handed hitters that worry me a bit, and Johan hasn't done well against the Braves.

[gmoney55]

I guess you can't get too upset about a 7-game win streak ending, but man, that's two Ls for Santana this season WHEN HE DIDN"T EVEN GIVE UP AN EARNED RUN! He's 4-2 but the Mets should be at least a game if not two better in his starts (4-3) the way he's pitched.

[whitey]

I certainly feel bad about Santana. The bullpen might have kept him from winning the Cy Young last year and the offense/defense is shaping up to hurt him this year. It really is ridiculous that the idiots who vote for those awards look at win totals. Wins & Losses are quite possibly the worst stat to use when judging pitchers performances.

[Dukie95]

I know hindsight is 20/20, but even foresight told me Matt Diaz was going to hit Feliciano there.

[whitey]

Yep. Feliciano is just terrible against righties. He's the prototypical LOOGY and Manuel should always use him as such.

[gmoney55]

I know hindsight is 20/20, but even foresight told me Matt Diaz was going to hit Feliciano there.

Yup, and Maunel's inability to manage the bullpen comes into play again. First off you should probably just stay with Parnell through the inning, he's shown enough to believe he can pitch to righties and lefties. And Feliciano did his job by getting McCann, but after the error you can't leave a left-handed specialist into pitch to a guy that kills lefties. It's not even hindsight, I thought it was pretty clear at the time.

[UMass922]

It really is ridiculous that the idiots who vote for those awards look at win totals. Wins & Losses are quite possibly the worst stat to use when judging pitchers performances.

Couldn't agree more. I do think Lincecum was a deserving winner last year, though Santana was equally deserving, and you probably could have flipped a coin to choose between the two. It is a joke, though, that Santana finished behind Brandon Webb in the voting. And it's a travesty that he didn't win '05 AL Cy Young, which went to Bartolo Colon (who won 21 games but had only the third best ERA+ on his own staff!).

I think a very extreme case of this is Nolan Ryan in 1987, who probably deserved the NL Cy Young award that year despite his 8-16 record. In fact, that was arguably Ryan's best season (which is saying a lot, considering how great he was and how many years he pitched), even though the .333 W/L % was the worst of his career.

This is also why I think things like Cy Young awards, MVP awards, and All-Star appearances (or the lack thereof) shouldn't be taken too strongly into consideration when evaluating a player's resume for the Hall of Fame. Those are subjective honors, not ones that are earned on the field. Bert Blyleven might be in the Hall by now (as he ought to be) if voters didn't put so much weight on those things.

[Go...gate]

I guess you can't get too upset about a 7-game win streak ending, but man, that's two Ls for Santana this season WHEN HE DIDN"T EVEN GIVE UP AN EARNED RUN! He's 4-2 but the Mets should be at least a game if not two better in his starts (4-3) the way he's pitched.

Reminds me of a number of Tom Seaver starts...wonderful pitching and no run support. xbawlingx

[whitey]

After having what seems like every call go against us all season, we finally benefit from a blown call from an umpire. Sweet! xthumbsupx

Day game today. It'll be interesting to see how Niese fares against a better lineup.

[gmoney55]

Got the first one on the road trip....with some of the injuries and the fact that SF, LA and BOS are all outstanding at home, I'd be thrilled with a 5-5 record.

[whitey]

Ditto. We aren't playing bad teams on this road trip so 5-5 would be fine. Especially considering Delgado is likely headed to the DL, Reyes has a strained calf and Putz is now a little banged up as well.

That was a helluva start from Maine last night. 118 pitches is a lot but the bullpen really needed him to go into the 7th like he did. It's also nice to see D. Wright coming through with some clutch hits.

[Go...gate]

Did any of you hear some of Mike Francesa's rant on the Mets yesterday? Geez, I know he is a Yankee fan, but he went a little far.

[Seahawks Fan]

Did any of you hear some of Mike Francesa's rant on the Mets yesterday? Geez, I know he is a Yankee fan, but he went a little far.



As the Yankees sink more and more into mediocrity Francesa has spent much more time criticizing the Mets. While he never suggests that they break up the "core" of the Yankees (who are getting old), he is the first one to want to break up the Mets.

[gmoney55]

Did any of you hear some of Mike Francesa's rant on the Mets yesterday? Geez, I know he is a Yankee fan, but he went a little far.

Yup, of course you can understand the panic with that and the Reyes article since they have lost of 9 of 11....oh wait, they've won 9 of 11 and lead the division.

Funny thing is Francessa will never say anything about core Yankee players who are breaking down.

[Seahawks Fan]

You would never know the Mets are in first place listening to Francesa. xlolx

[Hoyadestroya85]

I heard from Francesa's "sauces" in the Mets clubhouse that David Wright killed Jesus

[whitey]

LOL. Francesa sounds like an idiot on the airwaves but he's no idiot. He knows what his audience wants to hear (complaining about the Mets not breaking up the aging Yanks) and he's giving it to them. When I listen to him its purely from a comedic standpoint.

Another comeback last night. Of course I feel asleep at about 10 and missed the game, but I do like how this team has responded when they lose a tough game. First the winning streak after Green walks home the winning run against the Phils now taking the first two in San Fran. Last year after both those losses the team would have immediately went into a 3 game mini slump.

[gmoney55]

LOL. Francesa sounds like an idiot on the airwaves but he's no idiot. He knows what his audience wants to hear (complaining about the Mets not breaking up the aging Yanks) and he's giving it to them. When I listen to him its purely from a comedic standpoint.

Another comeback last night. Of course I feel asleep at about 10 and missed the game, but I do like how this team has responded when they lose a tough game. First the winning streak after Green walks home the winning run against the Phils now taking the first two in San Fran. Last year after both those losses the team would have immediately went into a 3 game mini slump.

KRod's the MVP of this team....there were a few games the past few years where they did that and still lost by blowing the ninth.

[whitey]

True. KRod has been lights out. Except for Sean Green the whole bullpen has been pretty damn good. Especially Parnell & Stokes. Beltran has been sick all year too. And Wright, despite his slow start, is once again right in the mix for team MVP as well.

Sounds like Delgado is going to be placed on the DL today. If he needs to get surgery he better do it soon. I wonder if they'll call up F-Mart and then go with a platoon of Murphy & Tatis at first?

[Seahawks Fan]

KRod's the MVP of this team....there were a few games the past few years where they did that and still lost by blowing the ninth.


A few? xlolx

[Seahawks Fan]

Jerry Manuel is beginning to look like a genius. xlolx

[gmoney55]

Can we please never have Steve Phillips do another Mets game? What was up with the Beltran needs to be traded because he's "not clutch enough" talk. Look at the history of the Mets players in big spots, other than one very huge K in game 7 he has probably the best track record.

[whitey]

Steve Phillips is an idiot. He doesn't have a job in a major league front office right now for a reason.

[Dukie95]

Yeah, that's two straight ESPN games now where Steve Phillips has been on this Mets leadership kick. The Monday night game last week against the Braves was the same...

You know it's bad when you start agreeing with Joe Morgan, who was putting him in his place a little about leadership from someone who's actually played beyond rookie ball.

[Dukie95]

Open letter from a Mets blog to ESPN:

http://www.amazinavenue.com/2009/5/18/878410/an-open-letter-to-espn

[whitey]

Santana and K-Rod have just been sick. I love that Santana didn't take any of Youk's **** after he plunked him either. Parnell has quickly become my favorite non-closer in our pen.

Of course Church tweaks his hammy last night. As if we didn't have enough injuries already. I hope Omar DFAs Ramon Martinez before tonight's game. If you have a backup SS that can't hit then that's fine. But the guy has to be able to field. Martinez obviously sucks in that department too. Time to hold these guys accountable. Call up Coronoda. The guy probably hits worse than Maine or Pelfrey but he's supposedly a slick fielder.

[Hoyadestroya85]

my take on a curious situation:
http://www.amazinavenue.com/2009/5/23/884311/pardon-me-for-seeming-sour-grapes

I <3 Johan

[gmoney55]

Santana and K-Rod have just been sick. I love that Santana didn't take any of Youk's **** after he plunked him either. Parnell has quickly become my favorite non-closer in our pen.

Of course Church tweaks his hammy last night. As if we didn't have enough injuries already. I hope Omar DFAs Ramon Martinez before tonight's game. If you have a backup SS that can't hit then that's fine. But the guy has to be able to field. Martinez obviously sucks in that department too. Time to hold these guys accountable. Call up Coronoda. The guy probably hits worse than Maine or Pelfrey but he's supposedly a slick fielder.

Agreed on all points....like Cohen pointed out on the telecast last night, at one time Martinez was a nice backup but not anymore. Glad they got one last night because with the lineup the Mets are sending out right now the prospects don't look great for the rest of the series.

I hate to ever agree with my friends that are Yankee fans, but now I see what they are talking about with Youkilis. What a crybaby, making an issue of a ball that was barely even off the plate and he ducked his elbow into.

[gmoney55]

my take on a curious situation:
http://www.amazinavenue.com/2009/5/23/884311/pardon-me-for-seeming-sour-grapes

I <3 Johan

It does seem odd, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that he's just having his hot spell of the year early. If he hits .350 with 50 home runs then we can talk.

[whitey]

my take on a curious situation:
http://www.amazinavenue.com/2009/5/23/884311/pardon-me-for-seeming-sour-grapes


You can ask the Phillies fans on this board how much of an awful move I thought signing Ibanez was. I was always of the belief that signing a 37 year old corner outfielder for mucho dollars and more than 2 years and giving up your first round draft pick in the process is a recipe for disaster. I thought he'd be pretty good this year, but certainly not this good. And I thought for sure he'd be pretty bad in at least the final year of his deal. Ibanez's ridiculously strong start has made me think I might have been wrong. The Phillies fans on this board have every right to throw that back in my face right now. And I'm preparing to eat crow at some point next season if he continues to play as well as he has been. xthumbsupx

Unfortunately this is the time we live in and any time a corner outfielder whose approaching 40 hits like this its going to make you think. So you have every right to be suspicious. Personally, with all the drug testing in place now I think he's probably clean. I'm always going to think innocent until proven guilty. That's just the way I am and having that mindset allows me to enjoy the game more as a fan.

Ibanez certainly has gotten off to a hot start. Maybe it's the change of scenery effect coupled with playing for a winning ball club + surrounded by better hitters in the line up + playing in a more hitter friendly park + facing probably worse NL pitching. I think his BABIP (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BABIP) is also kinda high right now (close to .340). His career BABIP is closer to .280 which also is about the MLB average. That indicates that he's been a bit lucky at the plate. Normally (but not always) players will regress towards the mean so a slump or cold streak will probably happen sooner or later. But if I was a Phillies fan I'd enjoy the ride as long as it lasts.

[93henfan]

my take on a curious situation:
http://www.amazinavenue.com/2009/5/23/884311/pardon-me-for-seeming-sour-grapes

GMAFB. xnonono2x

I guess a change of scenery, a hitters park, and not being considered the most dangerous threat in the order thus avoiding pitch-arounds has nothing to do with his better numbers?

Ibanez had to put up with this two years ago when Shane Monahan tried to drag the rest of the Mariners clubhouse down with him when he was exposed. Do you really think Ibanez has evaded MLB for two years when it has ratcheted up testing and snared JC Romero, Manny Ramirez, A-Rod, etc?

[Hoyadestroya85]

One thing we've learned is that Cheaters are always ahead of the testers.. and that the big league testing policy is a joke... The testing policy didn't snare A-Rod, but Manny is a moron and JC Romero it seems like it was an accident. The MLB needs to enact an olympic drug testing policy that is completely random and people submit to weekly tests even in the offseason.

[gmoney55]

What a great win tonight! I don't know what will happen when Schneider comes back, but it's going to be hard to send Santos down. Nice bounce-back from Martinez and Pelfrey in a good groove now.

[Go...gate]

One of the more courageous games I have ever seen the Mets play. A lot of redemption in that performance.

[Seahawks Fan]

The Mets have surprised me in Boston. Finally scoring some runs, and Murphy looks so much more comfortable at 1B than in LF. Parnell looks really good, and Putz stepped up last night. Sheffield starting to hit. This might be interesting.

[whitey]

Still need to get healthy. Apparently K-Rod might even be available today after having to go to the hospital yesterday with back spasms. If I was Jerry I'd try to not use him unless you absolutely had to. Beltran supposedly will be back in CF tomorrow night but will get one more day of "rest" as a DH today. Reyes was feeling much better yesterday so hopefully he'll be back in the lineup on Monday as well. The Church hamstring injury does worry me, hamstring injuries can be tough to come back from. Schneider and Perez look to be back soon too, although I'm not sure if that's a good thing.

Well no matter what this will turn out to be at least a 5-5 road trip against San Fran, LA and the Red Sox. That's pretty good considering how bad the injury bug hit the team these last 2 weeks. Hell, I was hoping for a 5-5 trip against those teams with a healthy squad.

[Hoyadestroya85]

The Maine Train is looking pretty good... Please don't mess up this recent string of good juju livan!

[gmoney55]

It's getting clear that Omar stole Sheffield for $400,000...he still has a good amount to offer and he has already been worth that deal.

[whitey]

It's getting clear that Omar stole Sheffield for $400,000...he still has a good amount to offer and he has already been worth that deal.


He's been well worth the $400k so far and probably alot more. I love bashing Omar but he actually pulled a good one out here. Although I can always argue that it was a no brainer. xlolx The next 11 games are against the Nats, Marlins, Pirates and Nats again. Hopefully Wright and Sheffield can continue to carry the offense during this stretch while the rest of the team gets healthy.

[Hoyadestroya85]

he's already paid for himself.. and i have a feeling that he's been a pretty good veteran presence in the locker room. He really is looking like he's having fun and at this point, he's probably earned himself a spot in the lineup until he stops hitting.

[Dukie95]

I don't know if it was nerves, but F-Mart doesn't appear to have much patience at the plate. Did he swing at any balls that were actually strikes?

[gmoney55]

I don't know if it was nerves, but F-Mart doesn't appear to have much patience at the plate. Did he swing at any balls that were actually strikes?

Like most 20-year olds it doesn't appear to be a strength....but hopefully some of that was nerves.

[gmoney55]

I'm enjoying watching this rag-tag bunch right now. Santos was great again to win the job as Castro got shipped to the White Sox.

[Hoyadestroya85]

another big win.. The Amazins continue a weak stretch while the phillies go to one of those suicide road trips

[93henfan]

the phillies go to one of those suicide road trips

Agreed. The Phillies' June consists of 17 games on the road, 9 at home, and 6 of the home games are vs Boston and Toronto. It looks to be an opportunity for the Mets to try to build some cushion for the inevitable late season collapse. xsmiley_wix

[gmoney55]

Agreed. The Phillies' June consists of 17 games on the road, 9 at home, and 6 of the home games are vs Boston and Toronto. It looks to be an opportunity for the Mets to try to build some cushion for the inevitable late season collapse. xsmiley_wix

Mets better get healthy quick though or that Philly/NYY week will be ugly.

[Hoyadestroya85]

I saw last years "collapse" coming from a mile away... the only thing i agree with Omar about is that the team overachieved last year given the hand it was dealt. It wasn't nearly as painful to me as the year before because there was nothing the team could do with such an inept bullpen.

[Dukie95]

The Phillies have already played the Nationals 12 times this season. They are 10-2 against the Nationals and 28-20 overall.

That means they're just 18-18 against their other opponents.

The winner of the NL East will be the team that takes care of business against the Nationals just as the Phillies have done.

Comparing the overall records, records vs the Nats, and other opponents of the Phillies, Mets and Braves...you can see that everyone's pretty average if you take away that Nationals W farm.



Team Overall vs WAS vs Other
---- ------- ------ -------
Phillies 28-20 10-2 (12) 18-18
Mets 28-21 5-1 (6) 23-20
Braves 25-25 4-2 (6) 21-23


How lucky have the Mets been to be hit by such injury problems while facing this easy stretch in the schedule? They pretty much mailed in Saturday's game and still won the series against the Fish.

[Dukie95]

Starting to really detest Rob Dibble again...it feels like I've gone back about 15 years.

First off, I hate the way he calls the Nationals games on MASN...such a homer and it drives me crazy. HATE that I can't watch SNY on mlb.com when they're playing the Nats.

And then the other day, he was talking about the Phillies pitching situation, how they have just one ace (Hamels), then a bunch of #5 starters...then said the Mets are in a similar situation.

Is he crazy? The Mets starters definitely have some question marks, but Pelfrey and Maine have been solid 2 or 3-level guys. At least they both have ERAs under 4 now. In no way is the Mets starting situation equal to, or as bad as, the Phillies.

[93henfan]

Is he crazy? The Mets starters definitely have some question marks, but Pelfrey and Maine have been solid 2 or 3-level guys. At least they both have ERAs under 4 now. In no way is the Mets starting situation equal to, or as bad as, the Phillies.

No doubt. I check out MASN sometimes and Dibble is terrible. Phillies starting pitching was already dreadful, and now Myers is likely gone for the year. It's amazing the Phils are still in first. I'd take the Mets staff in a heartbeat.

[whitey]

What happens to the Dodgers record when you subtract out their games versus the Rockies? Or the Cards/Brewers when you take out the Astros? I bet you see something similar. But your point is still valid because you can't be a good team or a first place team at the end of the season unless you win the games you are supposed to win.

[whitey]

I check out MASN sometimes and Dibble is terrible.

Agree 100%. He couldn't be any more of a homer. And he's wrong almost every time he "analyzes" an opposing player or team.

[gmoney55]

Agree 100%. He couldn't be any more of a homer. And he's wrong almost every time he "analyzes" an opposing player or team.

I've found that on a lot of local broadcasts. Try watching a game on YES. I may be biased but I think Keith and Ron are great for the Mets.....they are both pretty tough on the team at times, especially Keith, and Darling does national games for TBS so he knows what is going on in the rest of the league.

[Dukie95]

What happens to the Dodgers record when you subtract out their games versus the Rockies? Or the Cards/Brewers when you take out the Astros? I bet you see something similar. But your point is still valid because you can't be a good team or a first place team at the end of the season unless you win the games you are supposed to win.

My point was that the team that wins this divisino will be the one to not screw up in those games. Those games become so important. The Phillies have done their job, the Mets need to do the same...and in recent years they haven't done well against bad teams.

[Dukie95]

I've found that on a lot of local broadcasts. Try watching a game on YES. I may be biased but I think Keith and Ron are great for the Mets.....they are both pretty tough on the team at times, especially Keith, and Darling does national games for TBS so he knows what is going on in the rest of the league.

Rob Dibble has audible grunts and cheers like "Yes!" and "Bah!". He's like Ron Santo with more brain cells still in tact and about 50 years less history with the franchise to really care THAT much...

Also, say Ryan Zimmerman is at bat with two on, he'll say something like.."Sure would be nice to get 'ribbies' 31, 32 and 33 with one swing right here and take 'this puppy"".

The SNY folks never openly root for the team BEFORE something happens. Sure they have some inflexion when something good happens, but they'll say, "Beltran will be looking to put the Mets in front here"...sure it's obvious, but it's also not really cheering the team on.

[whitey]

Putz has to be hurt. Not good. Also, good job by Warthen tinkering with his delivery. Not.

[gmoney55]

Anyone starting to feel like this is just going to be one of those years? Looks like Reyes could be out until the All-Star break or after and Putz could be heading for surgery as well. Delgado's already out until late July at best, who knows what's going on with Perez. Wright hasn't looked great except for one week. Mets have an absolutly brutal schedule stretch after this Nationals weekend, 7 with the Phils and 6 with the Yanks and plenty of other winning teams before the AS break. They'd do well just to stay in the hunt with the guys that are out, but it doesn't look good. Phils look like they might run away with the division.

[whitey]

Having all these injuries at the same time is pretty crazy. I don't think I've ever seen anything like this. Sigh. This team (and they players getting injured) aren't even that old sans Delgado. Looking like a long year. Just have to hope the pitching keeps the team in it until we get/if we get these bats back in August.

[whitey]

Anyone see this article on Beyond the Boxscore (http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2009/6/4/896616/dissecting-the-disabled-list-by)?

Look how high up the Mets are on this list. I guess having Moises Alou on your team for a couple seasons doesn't help but it's pretty awful how high the Mets rank on this list. These numbers seem to indicate the Mets have serious conditioning/training issues.

[Dukie95]

If they're going to remain in the hunt, they're going to HAVE to trade for a bat (or two) somewhere. I'm just not sure you should sell out the remaining farm system to make up for a rash of unfortunately-timed injuries.

Where do you fill it in? You can't get a SS because Reyes will be back, likewise with 1B (and Murphy seems to be the heir apparent there anyway). So, do you add another to the already crowded outfield situation?

I think their only hope is to hope the Phillies (and Ibanez) are unable to keep up this pace through mid to late July. If they do, this race will be over in a hurry.

Mets have the Nationals and the Philles are in LA. Here's a chance to close the gap. If by Sunday, the Mets are no closer than about 2 or 3 games, things are really going to be bleak.

[whitey]

Well to stay in the race till the team gets healthy later this summer they are going to have to rely on good pitching. So that means Oliver Perez needs to get back in the rotation in the next few weeks so that Tim Redding isn't starting anymore games. It also means that Mike Pelfrey can't have any more outings like he did yesterday.

If they make a trade for a bat it's got to be for someone like DeRosa or Huff. A guy who can play multiple positions. You can't trade for a Nick Johnson, because then what do you do with him when Delgado gets back?

[gmoney55]

Looks like it's going to be 6-8 weeks for Putz as well. Puts him right in that All-Star break to late July camp that Delgado and Reyes are in. It was one thing to do ok in the recent stretch against WAS, FLA and PIT, but how do they survive a brutal June schedule without making a move? And as you said Whitey and Duke, it's tough to say who you want to fit in when these guys will be back in a few months.

[whitey]

Looks like it's going to be 6-8 weeks for Putz as well. Puts him right in that All-Star break to late July camp that Delgado and Reyes are in. It was one thing to do ok in the recent stretch against WAS, FLA and PIT, but how do they survive a brutal June schedule without making a move? And as you said Whitey and Duke, it's tough to say who you want to fit in when these guys will be back in a few months.

WFAN is saying 8-10 weeks. So this team could actually get Reyes, Delgado and Putz back by August. Then add Wagner in late August or the first week of September. This is probably a .500 ball club with the current roster (assuming Cora and Church don't regress). So they just have to hang on until then.

[gmoney55]

WFAN is saying 8-10 weeks. So this team could actually get Reyes, Delgado and Putz back by August. Then add Wagner in late August or the first week of September. This is probably a .500 ball club with the current roster (assuming Cora and Church don't regress). So they just have to hang on until then.

I'll hold my breath on Church especially, I'm sorry if I don't exactly believe in the medical staff much right now. But I do know the reports have been good so far.

Wouldn't it be ironic if all that happens, they put up a great September but are too far out of it to come back this time.

[Hoyadestroya85]

how about miguel tejada? He's a durable guy and we could probably trade him when Reyes gets back.. either that or make a deal for a big time pitcher and pray that our pitching is outstanding

[gmoney55]

Be nice to see the Mets somehow win three games this week, but it's highly unlikely with this lineup. One against the Phils and one against the Yanks would be ok I guess. At least Santana goes in both series. Hopefully they can survive the brutal schedule until the A-S break and get healthy.

[whitey]

Be nice to see the Mets somehow win three games this week, but it's highly unlikely with this lineup. One against the Phils and one against the Yanks would be ok I guess. At least Santana goes in both series. Hopefully they can survive the brutal schedule until the A-S break and get healthy.

Yeah with Santana pitching twice I think we still have a shot at going 3-3 this week. Maine & Pelfrey have to have decent outings though, unlike their last starts.

This next stretch to the All Star break looks brutal. Only four games against teams under .500 (Baltimore x 3 + Pittsburgh). I'd be pretty happy with going .500 till the break (give or take a couple games). Then come back strong and hopefully healthy during the second half.

[gmoney55]

Yeah with Santana pitching twice I think we still have a shot at going 3-3 this week. Maine & Pelfrey have to have decent outings though, unlike their last starts.

This next stretch to the All Star break looks brutal. Only four games against teams under .500 (Baltimore x 3 + Pittsburgh). I'd be pretty happy with going .500 till the break (give or take a couple games). Then come back strong and hopefully healthy during the second half.

Yep...I figure the Phils will run away with the division in that time, they look like a 95-100 win team. But the WC should be wide open, you can pretty much count out the west, I'm not that impressed by the Braves and then you'll see who emerges with the central. 88-89 wins should do it again.

[gmoney55]

Nice W last night, really had to get that one against the Phils and hope to scratch out one of the next two. Most encouraging part of the night for me was that ball Church hit....they need him to be the player he was in the first two months of 2008 for a little while here. He had the concussion symptoms last year and apparently was bothered all year by the leg injury, so hopefully he's getting healthy for the first time in a while.

[Seahawks Fan]

Citifield looked like the launching pad in the South Bronx last night.

[Dukie95]

Nice W last night, really had to get that one against the Phils and hope to scratch out one of the next two. Most encouraging part of the night for me was that ball Church hit....they need him to be the player he was in the first two months of 2008 for a little while here. He had the concussion symptoms last year and apparently was bothered all year by the leg injury, so hopefully he's getting healthy for the first time in a while.

Was that the first HR to land in the apple?

[Dukie95]

Look what you've started, Hoya...

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20090610_I_m_clean__angry_Ibanez_says.html


A column in yesterday's Inquirer brought to light an Internet blogger who wondered if Ibanez had used such drugs.


"I'll put that up against the jobs of anyone who writes this stuff," he said. "Make them accountable. There should be more credibility than some 42-year-old blogger typing in his mother's basement. It demeans everything you've done with one stroke of the pen.

[whitey]

Haha Hoya. At least it wasn't Hoya's post:


Shortly after the sun was up, a site called Midwest Sports Fans (MSF) posted a piece titled "The Curious Case of Raul Ibanez: Steroid Speculation Perhaps Unfair, but Great Start in 2009 Raising Eyebrows."

[Hoyadestroya85]

hahaha... oh man. Start the speculation. How could you not have suspicions when he's approaching his career averages and may have a home run career high by the all star break!

[Hoyadestroya85]

FTR.. i wish it was my post

[bulldog10jw]

Now these are the Mets that we are used to seeing the last few years.

13 hits and only 4 runs.xsmhx

[93henfan]

Now these are the Mets that we are used to seeing the last few years.

13 hits and only 4 runs.xsmhx

Yeah, lots of LOB, but what really hurt you was the case of the bobbles that Beltran and Wright caught in the top of the 7th. Tatis did make up for one of those though with that snare of a Rollins line drive in the 10th. Great play.

At any rate, it's anyone's game still, in the middle of the 10th.

[gmoney55]

Yeah, lots of LOB, but what really hurt you was the case of the bobbles that Beltran and Wright caught in the top of the 7th. Tatis did make up for one of those though with that snare of a Rollins line drive in the 10th. Great play.

At any rate, it's anyone's game still, in the middle of the 10th.

And I think this post was before an outstanding catch by Werth...gutsy play to lay out instead of keeping it in front of him with the man on first.

16 LOB heading to the 10th is bad but when you aren't getting extra base hits, it's going to happen. That said the DP call on Beltran in the fourth was atrocious, replay showed it wasn't even close. But I guess those are the breaks and they even out through the year.

I'll say this before anything happens, I don't like Parnell facing the lefties in the 11th. Would have gone Takahashi here.

[93henfan]

I'll say this before anything happens, I don't like Parnell facing the lefties in the 11th. Would have gone Takahashi here.

Prophetic!:p

[gmoney55]

Prophetic!:p

Haha well at least Utley's on my fantasy team....the ball was out about 30 seconds after posting.

Anyone who claims baseball is boring, watch these first two games of this series....outstanding intensity.

[whitey]

Anyone who claims baseball is boring, watch these first two games of this series....outstanding intensity.

Yes. These two games have been awesome, despite last night's outcome. What a week this is gonna be for these two teams. Mets vs. Phillies. Followed by the Subway Series and Phillies/Red Sox.

[whitey]

its official. manuel manages the bullpen worse than randolph. unbelievable.

[gmoney55]

And the news keeps getting worse....John Maine to the 15-day DL. By my count that's 5 of the top 10 players on the team (Reyes, Delgado, Putz, Perez) on the DL. That would hurt any team, sure, but it's really exposing the lack of depth that Omar has built in the franchise, both at the majors and high minors. At this point I just hope they get through this brutal schedule stretch to the All-Star break at a couple of games over .500, then hopefully get healthy and use the easier second-half schedule to make a run at the wild card.

[gmoney55]

its official. manuel manages the bullpen worse than randolph. unbelievable.

agreed, but the offense has to actually keep playing after the 5th inning one of these days.

[bulldog10jw]

I'm starting to hate the Mets

[gmoney55]

I'm starting to hate the Mets

I'm with ya....luckily I've got some errands to keep me from watching Sat. and Sun.

[whitey]

I don't know how much more of this I can take. What a ****ing embarrassment this team is. It all starts with Jerry too. This team is so terrible when it comes to the basic fundamentals that there really is no one to blame but the manager. Players are not held accountable on this team and that is Manuel's fault. Castillo shouldn't so much as see any more than a pinch running appearance the next two weeks, but of course we'll see him in the starting lineup tomorrow.

Oh and I have a serious problem with Manuel bringing in Switzer in that tight spot like he did tonight. Manuel needs to go and he needs to go tomorrow morning.

[whitey]

****ing Manuel. Once again not holding his players accountable for making huge mental errors. USE TWO HANDS TO CATCH A FLY BALL CASTILLO! So I called it. Here is today's lineup. Not only is stone hands starting at second, he was rewarded with the leadoff spot!

Luis Castillo
Alex Cora
Carlos Beltran
David Wright
Gary Sheffield
Fernando Tatis
Ryan Church
Omir Santos
Fernando Martinez

[whitey]

Nice bounceback win. Castillo played hard, but I still hate him for now. The Mets looked good at the plate. 17 hits + 1 walk. 5 extra base hits including two homers. That'll help improve the Mets league leading .361 OBP even further. Nieve surprised everyone watching today, including the Yankees.

I do have a beef with Manuel once again (I'm so predictable, I know). Why does he bring K-Rod in with a 4 run lead in the 9th inning against the bottom of the Yanks order? K-Rod already has thrown 30 innings before today's game. He is on pace for 82+ innings now. He hasn't thrown 80 innings in a season for 5 years. Ugggh. Why does he always forget about Brian Stokes? A guy who has been good for us and totally underutilized by Manuel this season. Grrrrrr.

[bulldog10jw]

Nice bounceback win. Castillo played hard, but I still hate him for now. The Mets looked good at the plate. 17 hits + 1 walk. 5 extra base hits including two homers. .

Castillo has a LONG way to go to be forgiven for Fridays disaster. Nice win, but the Mets just do not score enough runs for the number of hits they are getting. 17 hits should be producing more than 6 runs.

It's just like the other night against the Phools, 13 hits and only 4 runs. That won't cut it.

Too many men LOB.

[whitey]

17 hits should be producing more than 6 runs.

Too many men LOB.

Agreed. But if they continue to get on base like they have the runs will come. Hopefully it starts happening sooner rather than later. With as banged up as this roster is right now the more offense they can muster the better.

[whitey]

Sigh. I try hard not to be pessimistic (especially in June) when it comes to baseball because of the long season. But this just seems like its going to be one of those years, doesn't it?

[Dukie95]

This thread has been too quiet lately...

Mets playing with house money now and the Phillies are lending them a hand.

I just hope they can continue to tread water and remain 4 or 5 games back of the Phillies while everyone else gets healthy (including Wagner).

[Ivytalk]

This thread has been too quiet lately...

Mets playing with house money now and the Phillies are lending them a hand.

I just hope they can continue to tread water and remain 4 or 5 games back of the Phillies while everyone else gets healthy (including Wagner).


Why so modest? They way the Phillies have been imploding, the Mutts will be 5 or 6 ahead when Wags comes back.xmadx

[Seahawks Fan]

The more the Mets go on the DL, the closer they seem to get to the Phillies. xconfusedx



http://liftingfog.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/injured-mr-met.jpg

[whitey]

The more the Mets go on the DL, the closer they seem to get to the Phillies. xconfusedx


Well everyone said let's just stay within a handful of games until we get healthy. So far so good. *** Knock On Wood ***

I'd love to take 2 out of 3 this weekend. xthumbsupx

[Hoyadestroya85]

Well everyone said let's just stay within a handful of games until we get healthy. So far so good. *** Knock On Wood ***

I'd love to take 2 out of 3 this weekend. xthumbsupx

two out of three would be inadequate.. i think its time to get a couple sweeps.

[gmoney55]

two out of three would be inadequate.. i think its time to get a couple sweeps.

I love the optimism, but they don't pitch Santana, face Sabbathia and Burnett and obviously there are the holes in the lineup right now. I would be absolutely thrilled with two of three.

Still a brutal stretch until the All-Star break, but if they can stay at around .500 or a couple games above it they should still be in the wildcard race and surprisingly the Phils haven't put away the division. Easier schedule and cross fingers, hopefully better health in the second half. It's nice to hear words like gutty, gritty and overacheiving attached to the Mets for once. Great energy from this group.

[bulldog10jw]

Well everyone said let's just stay within a handful of games until we get healthy. So far so good. *** Knock On Wood ***

I'd love to take 2 out of 3 this weekend. xthumbsupx

Should have taken 2 of 3 the FIRST time. xsmhx

[Dukie95]

Should have taken 2 of 3 the FIRST time. xsmhx


They did, didn't they? ... right?

xbawlingx

[bulldog10jw]

Be nice if the Mets decide to actually show up tomorrow night. They have been MIA so far this weekend. xsmhx

[whitey]

I don't think we can even call this team the "Mets". Not with all these guys on the DL. A better name for this team would be the Misons.

[gmoney55]

I don't think we can even call this team the "Mets". Not with all these guys on the DL. A better name for this team would be the Misons.

Agreed, it's hard to get worked up with this team. It's not hard, however, to get upset with Minaya. I know you couldn't have predicted the Reyes and Beltran injuries (Delgado they knew the hip could be an issue), but even with all of those guys healthy he left the offense short. Any idiot could have known they needed a better bullpen from last year, but he put way too much faith in too many average hitters.

[Go...gate]

Agreed, it's hard to get worked up with this team. It's not hard, however, to get upset with Minaya. I know you couldn't have predicted the Reyes and Beltran injuries (Delgado they knew the hip could be an issue), but even with all of those guys healthy he left the offense short. Any idiot could have known they needed a better bullpen from last year, but he put way too much faith in too many average hitters.

Agreed. And Church was a late scratch tonight.

[Dukie95]

Now things just seem bleak. David Wright and the Buffalo Bison played admirably for a while, but now just staying at .500 seems unlikely, let alone remaining within 5 games of the Phillies (and now Marlins) and wait for the wounded to return.

[Seahawks Fan]

The Mets need to start playing their young players on an everyday basis now. Murphy, Evans, Martinez, A. Reyes et al. Also, and just as important, they need to improve on their fundamentals. I've never seen a major league team make so many boneheaded plays as they make. This is a reflection of their leadership. After the season is over the ownership should clean house, starting with Minaya.

[gmoney55]

The Mets need to start playing their young players on an everyday basis now. Murphy, Evans, Martinez, A. Reyes et al. Also, and just as important, they need to improve on their fundamentals. I've never seen a major league team make so many boneheaded plays as they make. This is a reflection of their leadership. After the season is over the ownership should clean house, starting with Minaya.

And this post was actually before last night's Little League fourth inning. It's one thing to have the hitters out, but you can't have a weaker lineup and then come out and fall down on a fly ball, walk the pitcher on four pitches, etc..

[Seahawks Fan]

And this post was actually before last night's Little League fourth inning. It's one thing to have the hitters out, but you can't have a weaker lineup and then come out and fall down on a fly ball, walk the pitcher on four pitches, etc..

It's worse than I thought.

But today they win 1-0 behind Pelfrey. One run! xrotatehx

[Seahawks Fan]

The Mets continue to make the opposing pitchers look like Cy Young. Can't anyone hit on this team? xconfusedx

[Go...gate]

No, no one can hit. And Minaya has to go for not getting depth on this damned team. Today was painful.

[Seahawks Fan]

It's very tough to watch. Brilliant move by Jerry with the bases loaded and one out and Daniel Murphy coming up. He pinch hits for him and sends up Fernando Tatis, the Double Play Machine. Inning over! How much worse could Murphy have done? The Phillies starting pitching looked like Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson and Cy Young!

When does the football season start? :(

[gmoney55]

It's very tough to watch. Brilliant move by Jerry with the bases loaded and one out and Daniel Murphy coming up. He pinch hits for him and sends up Fernando Tatis, the Double Play Machine. Inning over! How much worse could Murphy have done? The Phillies starting pitching looked like Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson and Cy Young!

When does the football season start? :(

Come on, the Mets have just faced an incredbile string of excellent pitchers lately. I mean what team could hit Joel Piniero, Chien-Ming Wang, whatever the hell that guy from the Brewers was named and the dynamic Phillie trio.

I don't mind losing but the way they play is unwatchable. No major league team should score two runs or less 7 times in 10 games. In all seriousness I can't imagine there's another team in the major leagues with a worse active roster than the Mets right now. And none of the key injured guys are anywhere close to coming back....guess it's wait til next season time. Just hope they don't trade away what few prospects they have for a useless rental player.

[Hoyadestroya85]

Does anyone else feel that ESPN piles on the Mets a bit ridiculously? They had a special Mets Not Top 10 today, the morning after an off day.

[Dukie95]

The formula is easy... Don't give David Wright anything to hit and breeze through everyone else.

They've made some bad pitchers look really good lately, so...what does that make Paul Maholm?

[Seahawks Fan]

How much is Bernie Madoff responsible for this mess? xconfusedx

[Dukie95]

Uhm, yeah, so can anyone recommend any good TV shows this summer? Lately, I've found I'm looking for something to do at about 7:45 each night.

[gmoney55]

Uhm, yeah, so can anyone recommend any good TV shows this summer? Lately, I've found I'm looking for something to do at about 7:45 each night.

I'm actually enjoying my summer more now that I'm not trying to watch this team in the last week....maybe flip on a few innings if I'm really bored but the apathy has set in for sure.

[Dukie95]

I've got a dentist appointment Monday morning and I'm going to the Mets game that night (at Washington).

So, my question is...which will be the more painful event?

[whitey]

Mets game obviously.

[DSUrocks07]

New York Mess (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko58rm3jMkA)

[gmoney55]

So the Mets rejected FMart, Parnell, Niese and Tejada for Halladay? I think I would have taken a chance at Halladay where you keep Holt, Flores and Mejia. I don't see "future star" for Niese, Parnell or Tejada.

[whitey]

There is no possible way that rumor is true. Since last night a few other news sources have come out and said there was no truth behind Heyman's rumor. Which makes more sense because I refuse to believe that Ricciardi is dumb enough to make the proposal and Minaya is even dumber for rejecting it.

Now, I wouldn't be surprised if the Blue Jays have started talking to Minaya to try to get the Mets in the mix to jack up the bidding war. But really the Blue Jays have to have way better offers on the table already than that one.

[Go...gate]

I think Manuel deserves to stay, but IMO, right now the franchise is deep trouble.

[Hoyadestroya85]

I don't think the franchise is in trouble.. i think you clean up the mess that is Omar and restructure the front office and they're in much better shape.

[Go...gate]

I don't think the franchise is in trouble.. i think you clean up the mess that is Omar and restructure the front office and they're in much better shape.

Hope you are right.

[Seahawks Fan]

I don't think the franchise is in trouble.. i think you clean up the mess that is Omar and restructure the front office and they're in much better shape.


Yes Omar is part of the problem, but until we understand the financial mess the Mets are in (Madoff) we can't be sure that they are not a franchise in trouble. They may have to put the team up for sale. In the long run that may be the best thing for the fans.