Mets Braves 8/5 Sweep or bust

On the pregame show, they just asked whether or not the Mets need to sweep to stay alive in the playoff hunt. Um, yes. If they only take 2 of 3, they are 7 games back and quickly running out of real estate. What's more, they will only have 6 games left against the Braves.

Currently, the tragic number is 44. If they sweep it stays there. Otherwise it drops to 42. Even if Atlanta plays .500 ball the rest of the way, the Mets would need to win 2 of every 3.

For the record, if you told me in February that the fork wouldn't be stuck in the Mets until August, I would have called you crazy.

Mets Marlins 8/2

the last 2 games have been so depressing-

Tonight 9th inning up a run- bases loaded 1 out and a ground ball to 2nd- this is what is commonly known as a double play ball- the 2nd baseman throws it to the shortstop covering 2nd who throws it to 1st for the double play. Would someone please explain this concept to Justin Turner!!!!!

Screw it just break out the golf clubs they are not interested in making the playoffs- they could have been 4 1/2 back instead of 7 1/2- they are running out of real estate.

Mets Nats 7/30

There's an old adage in baseball that everybody wins 54 games, everybody loses 54- its what you do with the other 54 that matter. Well, the Mets have won 54, they still have 3 more to lose but we really are in that "other 54" already.

Mets Reds 7/27

So the Carlos Beltran era ends, at least for the season- they have expressed interest in signing him as a free agent. Tonight's match-up is "Throw Strikes Mike" Pelfrey against Bronson Arroyo. I wonder if Chris Berman calls him Arroyo con pollo.

Mets up 2-0 after 1.

Lucas Duda's solo shot makes it 5-1 in the top of the 6th. He had admitted doubts about whether he could hit at the major league level. He's learning that the answer is yes.

At 8-1 in the bottom of the 7th we are at "save some runs for tomorrow territory.

Our Reality check moment says that we are still 7 1/2 games out of the wild card spot with 9 games against the Braves and 59 games overall- is it realistic? Not so much. But it still lives in the real of doable.

Mets Reds 7/26

We join the Mets ahead 4-0 in the middle of the 3rd. The Carlos Beltran trade watch is still quite active as he's still on the team.

So the Reds take the lead in the bottom of the 5th, and the Mets have an opportunity to take momentum right back with 2nd and 3rd and none out- I was about to wonder with 2 strikes why Jason Pridie doesn't shorten his swing but he hit a 2 rbi double.

Okay, so It's 8-6 good guys going into the bottom of the 9th. The Braves and Bucs are knotted at 3. If the Mets hold on and Pittsburg manages to win that brings the deficit down to 6.5 and with 9 games against Atlanta, suddenly this becomes a manageable thing.

Mets Marlins 7/22

Reyes came back earlier than expected, Wright is finally back, Pelfrey's on the hill.

The Mets start off with 3 runs but give 1 back in the bottom of the first. Here is the simple math for the Mets. They have 9 games left against Atlanta, so if they can get within 4 in other games, a 6-3 split gets them to within 1 and who would have thought that would be possible this season, especially after the first 10 games.

It should now be apparent that Mike is susceptible to the long ball. His sinker is heavy, but when he leaves it up, it's got more lift than a jersey shore girl's hair.

Mets Cards 7/20

We join the Mets and Cards in the top of the 6th tied at 4 on a 2 run jack by Carlos Beltran.

A wise move to walk Beltran with a runner on third in the bottom of the 7th. Murphy is securing his place in the core of this team. And we go to 8 still tied at 4.

After giving up the go ahead run in the top of the 8th great job to get that 2 out single by Thole to tie it up at 5.

Reyes leading off the 9th with a chance to win- let's watch. Ah well, bonus baseball- no extra charge.

Pagan Walks off with the win bottom 10 Yay!

Mets Cardinals 7/19

Reyes returns- and Dillon Gee is pitching well, but the truth is that it is over. The Mets need to win 10 games more than Atlanta to catch them for the Wild Card and 12 more than Philly for the division. If either team plays at only .500 for the rest of the way which is unlikely, the Mets would have to win 2 out of 3, which over 66 games is nearly unheard of.

Expect Beltran to be gone within a week. Carlos, you've given us your all and you've got nothing to apologize for. Thanks for choosing the Mets when you did.

Mets Marlins 7/18

Will wonders never cease? The Mets got some good news on the injury front with Jose Reyes who will be activated tomorrow. This series with the Marlins will be a better indicator of how the Mets are than the one against the Phil's.

Spoke to soon- er Blogged to soon. I didn't realize this was a make-up game and the series is actually with St. Loo starting tomorrow- the Marlins series follows this weekend.

Mets Phils Rubber game 7/17

Good win for Niese and the Amazins yesterday. However, if they only scored 5 and won 5-2 Rhey could have used the 6 extra runs on Friday to win 8-7. Even though it doesn't work that way.

Mets Phils 7/15

R.A. Dickey gets the Mets off to a strong start to the second half with a 1-2-3 inning. With K-Rod gone, the Mets get to see if Bobby Parnell has a closer's head to go with his Closer's arm. The Mets needed 2 players to be named later more than they needed K-Rod at this point.

Did anyone honestly expect the Mets to win this one? I said, "honestly." I'd have to say that the bases loaded with one out and down 4-0, to come out of that with only 1 run was when the game ended.

Mets Giants 7/8

So we get blanked in the finale in LaLa Land big deal. Dillon didn't really have a bad outing.

Mets Dodgers 7/7

Staying up past my bedtime as the Mets have set a new High water mark of 3 over .500, and I want to support them. Was anybody shocked that Reyes, who was only going to miss a few days, was put on the 15 day DL and a physician recommended a 3 week rest. (3 weeks is more than 15 days).

Okay, we all know that the run shouldn't have counted, the tag was made. At first I thought Collins was trying to get tossed. The other issue is that Dillon Gee panicked and rushed his throw to second which allowed the runner to get to third in the first place.

Jose and the DL

With the Amazin's still playing past my bed time on the left coast, I thought I'd share a thought about Jose's status. I understand the logic of not placing him on the DL if he truly is day-to-day and could play this weekend. However, with the Mets training staffs history the past few seasons, I think it far more likely that he miss the rest of the season, than he be ready for the Phillies after the break.

Mets Dodgers 7/5

I hate when the Mets are on the west coast. 10:00 is too late for me to watch a game. We are 1 game over .500 as we head into the final games before the All-Star break. If you told me that we would have this record with the names in our starting rotation and an infield missing David Wright and Ike Davis, I want to know what you were on and where I could get some. Here we are! Kudos to the Mets and Terry Collins.

Subway Series Volume II Game 3

Okay, R.A. Dickey throws knuckleballs to try to avoid the sweep.

Subway Series 2011 Volume II 7/2

Dillon Gee tries to get the Mets back into positive territory.

Subway Series 2011 Volume II

When we last encountered our crosstown rivals, we entered the series one game under .500. This time around we start out 1 game over.

I think about being under .500 like being under water. However, this season, 2 games over .500 is our high water mark, so you could say that 1 game over is under water.

Niese seems to have settled down after a rough start. Two comments on the top of the 3rd- somebody needs to explain the 4-6-3 double play to Ruben Tejada, and Justin Turner did a good job in not panicking when he bobbled the ball with 2 outs and made the throw in time to end the inning.

Okay you can't win if you don't score-apparently the aliens who abducted the mets have returned them

Mets Tigers 6/29

The Mets are in unfamiliar territory with their heads above water. Let's see if they can keep it up. Yesterday, they scored 14 runs- they didn't need them all I hope they don't end up having been wasted.

I am not going to jinx the Mets by saying the barrage is continuing after starting with 4 runs in the first.

Okay, you've got an 8-2 lead and the Tigers put runners on 2nd and 3rd with none out and their best hitter comes to the plate having already hit one out. Question: Why are you pitching to this guy? I said "Walk him." before he hit the 3 run jack and I have witnesses.

So if they had listened to me it would now be 8-5 and not 8-6. I hope that run doesn't come back to bite them in the ass.

After extending the lead to 10-6 they gave up another 2. But they've added one insurance run.

Mets Tigers 6/28

For the 4th time since opening day, the Mets start the day at .500 can they get through?

Stay tuned!

At 13-2 I'm thinking they might want to save some runs for tomorrow.

Duane Reade is doing a promotion with a special coupon should the Mets hit 2 home runs in 1 game and I was thinking- "yeah, like that's gonna happen" and of course it does on the very first day.

The coupon is for Allegra- oooohhh I'm so stoked-- NOT

Mets Rangers 6/24

Whenever I hear Rangers, I think New York and not Texas. However, the reason the New York Rangers got their name was because the owner's name was Tex Rickard, and the press referred to the team as Tex's Rangers.

The fact that the Mets came into this game 1 game below .500 meant the odds would not be in their favor. Like the sound barrier, they just can't seem to break through. When the first Ranger's hit ball had the misfortune to land in Jason Bay's glove and decided to jump out prompting Angel Pagan to fall it looked embarrassing. You can't blame Pelfrey for giving up the 2 run jack.

Pelfrey has pitched well after not showing up with his "A" game. Though, to be honest, this line-up would be tough even against his best stuff (Don, I threw that in for you, in case you drop by). Harrison can bring it- consistently hitting the mid 90's, but he's all over the place. They showed a stat that said the Mets are 5- 10 when at or 1 game below .500

All right, at 6-1 Rangers, color this game over.

A's at Mets 6/22

Score is tied at 1 at the 7th inning stretch. The A's are a losing team on the road- the Mets should win this series if they are a good team.

The big news from the day is that Ike Davis' bruised leg is still not healing. They are taking the boot off and will re-evaluate after yet another 3 weeks. This is the same training staff that consistently turns day-to-day status injuries into season ending injuries. What the F is up with that?

When Reyes scored the go ahead run in the bottom of the 8th I thought it was a good opportunity for the Mets to pick up the victory- I know it's only K-Rod's 3rd blown save but he's given up runs on many occasions.

A well executed bunt puts Willie Harris on 2nd with 1 out in the bottom of the 9th.

Why was Willie not on the bag to possibly tag?

Rule #1- never swing at the 1st pitch after a walk.

Bottom 10- if the game doesn't end now, well it's past my bedtime. And Jason Bay with RISP-as Monty Python would say- "Say no more!"

Mets Braves 6/16 A chance to sweep

I was going to title this post "To Sweep, perchance to dream" but I don't dare jinx the Mets (which I may just have done). R.A. Dickey is reporting that his foot feels like it is finally beginning to heal. He has been pitching really well hurt, so I hope that doesn't change his fortunes. Some finesse pitchers have used feeling too strong to explain bad outings.

He gave up a run in the first. However , in the second he couldn't beat my grandmother down the line to first and she's been dead for 20 years.

Dickey struggled tonight and at 6-2 I was ready to write the Mets off. However, Nostradamus, okay his name is Owen, said the Mets, like the guy in the Monte Python sketch, were not Dead.

The Mets take the lead on a strikeout that should have ended the inning- Wow!

Byrdak was impressive in pitching his way out of trouble in the bottom of the 7th.

Top 8- Pagan never touched the bag, I'm guessing the Umpire called interference on what looks like it might have been a trip- but its questionable.

K-rod blows the save- after last night's rain delayed game, I don't know how long I can go tonight.

Bottom 10 bad miscommunication- Tejada fields the ball and the inning is over

Mets Braves 6/15

Dillon Gee on the mound for the Amusin's. The Mets once again have a chance to hit the .500 mark. It would be an earth shattering event to do this in Atlanta as the Braves have owned the Mets number forever.

Sitting in this rain delay watching the Bruins win the Stanley Cup I noticed a couple of stats pointed out during last night's broadcast- to wit over the past 18 games the starters had a 2.54 ERA and yet the Mets went 9 and 9 during that span. Since May 21st the Mets lead the league in batting average. I must be watching something else.

Okay, they've made it through 5- both starters are gone due to the length of the rain delay. There may be more stoppage due to rain. The game is official now.

Atlanta did a good job to get out of a bases-loaded none out situation giving up only one more run. Then again, maybe the Mets are saving the runs for tomorrow. Bobby Parnell has closer potential in his arm- somebody needs to tell his head.

We are at .500 again, can the playoffs be far behind?

Mets Brewers 6/9

Niese and Pelfrey have been showing signs that they can be the core of a pitching staff that Mets fans can get excited about. There's an old adage about the bullpen that says when your bullpen is struggling the problem is your starting pitching. The Mets are an exception to that rule. They are getting the necessary innings from their starters. It is possible that the relievers are wearing different uniforms under their Mets unis.

Through 3 innings, the Mets manufacture a run and Niese gets through the Brewers order with little trouble.

Pagan has no businiess getting caught up like that in the top 7th- getting out of it and awarded 2nd is no excuse.

We're in trouble now- K-Rod is on the mound with 2 on 2 out in the 8th.

From the even a blind squirrel file: Braun flies out to Pridie to end the threat.

Mets Brewers 6/8

Pelfrey vs Wolf- remeber Throw strikes Mike!

Can anyone really explain what a balk is? I don't think so. I don't mean citing the balk rule. Point to something and say- there that move was a balk and explain why. Don't get me wrong, I'll take the run!

Fielder hits another homer- this time with a runner on.

Pelfrey's unassisted play at 1st was impressive followed by another put-out.

Beltran comes through with the RBI double to tie the game after a very hard luck o-fer since he fouled a ball off his shinguard. Hale should have green-lighted him on Pagan's single.

These guys are getting clutch hits with runners in scoring position- who are they and what have they done with the Mets?

Fielder's 2nd 2 run shot ties the game in the 8th.

No comment on the end of the game. Though when the Mets took the 4 run lead late I thought it would be enough.

Mets Brewers 6/7

A pitchers' duel through 6- you can't complain about giving up a homer to Prince Fielder.

With 1st and 2nd and none out, it was crucial for Pridie to stay out of a double play which he did. Especially with the hottest hitter on the team Reyes on deck. Reyes came through with a triple to take the lead.

Reyes was probably running on contact and a half step and he's safe- I can't complain about the aggressive call there.

K-Rod pitches the perfect 9th inning- will wonders never cease. Great way to start a road trip.

Mets Braves 6/4

This time it actually is the 4th of June.

I missed the first couple of innings because I played golf. In basketball you don't miss anything until the last 2 minutes. With the Mets you don't miss anything until the 7th inning. Seriously, they've now lost 6 straight home games that they led in the 7th or later- who knew they kept a stat like that?

Tonight's 7th belonged to the Mets- scoring 5 and then the game ends. Halleluyah!

Mets Braves 6/3

Jason Bay leading off? Really?

I apparently missed the first inning when I posted. On a side note, Donnie Walsh is gone from the Knicks. Friends don't let friends sons run sports franchises- Jeff W. and Jimmie D.

Damn we're up 3-1 Atlanta's got us right where they want us.

8th inning- Niese is still going strong and I'm nervous.

Not 5 seconds after I hit enter and Chipper parks one. Call me Ishmael- um er I mean Nostradamus.

I think when Yogi said, "It ain't over til it's over" he was referring to the Mets.

I'm sure that the Elias Sports Bureau will tell you that you can be reasonably sure that you will win a large percentage of games with a 3-1 lead going into the 7th inning. The Mets deviation from the norm is most likely significant.

As Clyde Frazier would say, "And the Mets with the Matador D" I don't bereave it!

So they scored 3 runs in the 4th, took the lead and figured they were done for the night?

Dr. Kevorkian died today. He is no longer available to help put the Mets out of my misery.

Mets Bucs 6/1

Blogging every inning is decidedly silly. So, I'll only comment on stuff that deserves to be mentioned. I will be the arbiter of what deserves to be mentioned. Like McCutheon's catch in the first. Tejada's stop and backhand toss to second followed immediately by Paulino's nailing the attempted theft of second in the fourth.

Bottom 4th: You've got to send Beltran on Paulino's grounder to second. Even if he comes up with the ball he's oriented towards the outfield. Just because we scored anyway does not vindicate the decision to hold him.

Great reaction by Capuano on the comebacker.

What a nightmare of a 7th inning the first 4 balls didn't get out of the infield.

I knew a guy who had a tape of Bette Midler doing a cabaret show, and one song (bit?) was called "Why bother?" I wonder if the author was inspired by the Mets.

Mets Bucs 5/31

Angel Pagan is the best alternative to Reyes at the top of the batting order and its good to have him back. Our sincerest condolences go out to Reyes and his family on the loss of his grandmother.

In the eighth inning you let your pitcher who had a shut-out an opportunity to become the losing pitcher. Then the tying run scores. Then with second and third he walks a batter and you still leave him in there- What are you thinking?

Logically speaking, if your starter has a 1 run lead with 2 outs in the 8th, and you replace him with anyone other than your closer, you don't have a closer.

Why Bother- Mets Phils 5/29

Somebody should remind the Mets that baseball is a nine inning game. The new part-owner Einhorn is good with numbers.

Inning 1: Niese shows his reflexes and smarts going to second on the comebacker. Mets bat around and score 4- the Phillies must feel like they've got the Mets right where they want them.

Another 4 in the second and yet the Mets managed to make it a close game

Mets Phils 5/28

I can never trust the score on Fox. Remember- Throw strikes Mike!

Inning 1:Good start for Mike Pelfrey. The bottom of the inning is what the formula is supposed to be. Reyes gets on base (in this instance a double), steals a base and Turner singles him home. The RBI people didn' anything, but Turner stole second.

Inning 2: another solid inning for Pelfrey, but you don't win in the first 2 innings. Pagan cannot get caught up like that- Tejada's hit would have been an RBI.

Inning 3: The Mets scored another formula run.

Inning 8: Great performance by Mike and the bullpen can't throw strikes- 2-1 mets turns into 4-2 bad guys. As Yogi would say, it's deja vu all over again.

Mets Phils 5/27

Oswalt V Capuano would seem like a miss match.

Inning 4: After playing 9 holes of golf I'm back- a good bunt by Oswalt led directly to the Phillies run in the third. Capuano is pitching well.

Inning 5: The Phillies lead off pop-up triple was an embarrassment, but I guess par for the course- great D by Justing Turner for the first out and the double play was executed well. The collision between the shortstop and second baseman looked like a Mets error maybe we're contagious- but hey we got a run.

Inning 6: Capuano really impressed in the top half of the inning. I must admit that I never would have sent Pagan on Paulino's single but they got the job done and tied the score.

Side note: Chip Hale, the Mets coach hit the ball that led to Rodney Mcray running through the outfield wall in Portland 20 years ago tonight.

Inning 7: I can't fault Turner for trying to steal second- he got the lead RBI. For years people were calling Reyes great- i always said- talk to me when he's batting .300- He's batting over .300

Flash trivia: Not counting K-Rod name 3 Mets relievers- can't do it.

Inning 8: Phillies tied it up against Izzy. not much more to say.

K-rod was less than effective tonight

Mets Cubs 5/25

Inning 1: Maybe I just shouldn't bother.

Inning 2: I think the Mets and Cubs may be bipolar. So the Mets benefited from a train wreck here and Dillon Gee had a good inning.

Inning 6: Gee settled down after the first. Beltran gets a leadoff triple and stays there.

Rain Delay: It's gonna be past my bedtime- Mets lead 7-4

Met's Cubs 5/24

Jon Niese against Ryan Dempster in the first game since Fred Wilpon opened his mouth to reveal his feet.

Inning 1: Reyes singles and then gets caught stealing before Murphy walks. Has Jason Bay swung at every first pitch he's ever seen? Solid first for Niese.

Inning 2: The bottom of the inning has made me blank on the top. 5 runs in an inning that never should have happened. Tejada drops the over the shoulder catch, Wright with the "Matador D" to quote Clyde Fazier- if they re not on base they can't score. With a runner on second Murphy then gets the second out at first instead of throwing to Paulino who drops the ball. Are we celebrating the 25th anniversary of 1986 or the 39th anniversary of 1962?

Had to refocus after that unwatchable 2nd inning

Inning 4: Not much to comment on, but did I see that the Mets had 1 error????? I've counted 3.

Inning 5: Niese's bunt is directly responsible for Reyes' RBI. Castro hit a triple???? C'mon if Beltran takes a step to his left he fields the ball on one hop and its a single- yeah no error there- smart play by Tejada to pick him off 3rd on the fielder's choice.

Inning 6: A 2-out pick-off attempt when Murphy was nowhere near position to accept the throw leads to yet another Cubs run. Color this game over. If I'm wrong i'll have my crow braised with faa beans and a nice chianti.

Rubber game

Inning 1: I blinked during the Mets half Granderson homers, and Pelfrey faces an extra better due to quick reflexes- if he doesn't deflect A-rod's ball he's out #3.

Inning 2: The Mets put up 3 with the help of the Yankees. Fernando should have scored on Willie Harris' single. The broadcast said he held-up at second. He didn't hold up he turned around when nobody was there to catch the ball. he eventually scored so no harm no foul. Pelfrey gave up to homerun length strikes but was otherwise unscathed.

Inning 3: Two more hits for the Mets- I thought ball 3 to Turner hit him. Pelfrey threw a pitch right down the middle that was called a ball and Jeter inches closer to 3,000.

Inning 7: do you need a better example of how this site got its name. unbereavable. After 6 innings, you don't let Pelfrey absorb the loss.

Subway Series part 2

Madison Square park set up a big screen and had some promos going and I tried to live blog from there, but I couldn't log in. It's a nice set up but the guy who's working mike- the MC asked some Mets trivia and he went to people wearing Yankee gear to answer them. I don't have a problem with Yankee fans winning prizes for knowing Mets stuff but he referred to them as Mets fans. Sorry but not being able to distinguish between the two NY logos is unpardonable.

Then again Delta, the sponsor is an acronym for Doesn't Ever Leave The Airport.

Subway series game 1

Inning 1: Beltran worked out a walk from an 0-2 count nice job! Tejada probably should have thrown to Reyes for a traditional 4-6-3 double play but when Jeter is standing in front of you temptation takes over.

Inning 2: Creative hitting with the bunt by Turner- Hit it where they ain't. Good job by Dickey after the leadoff double by A-rod. Things happen 5 seconds sooner on the Yankees broadcast than they do on the Mets channel.

Inning 3: Don't blink- I think Garcia's pitch count might have been 2. If Beltran were an inch taller we'd still be scoreless.

Inning 4: It was important to get the run back quickly- Justin Turner with another big hit after yesterday's lone RBI. Good inning for Dickey.

Inning 5: No comment on the Mets half. Does calling a Yankee safe at first when he was out make up for calling a Nat out at first when he was safe? Does anyone know the Baseball rule for Karma?

Inning 6: Murphy with the homer to take the lead. The Yankees caught a break- If Swisher deflects Turners fly and it stays in play it could have been an inside the park home run. Another good inning for Dickey.

Inning 7: No comment on the Mets half again. Mike O'Connor in to pitch for the Mets- this season he's still not given up a run I wonder if Pedro Beato still has an ERA of 0.00 too.

Inning 8: So I'm nursing a beer as the Mets nurse a 1 run lead into the ninth.

Inning 9: K-rod's got an impressive scoreless streak going on and the Mets reach .500! Woohoo!

You are Here X

I thought it might be funny to live blog the rerun of this afternoon's Mets game against the Nats, but I thought better of it. With this afternoon's win, the Mets are 21-22, one game under .500. That is really not bad when you consider their 2-9 start and a few other factors I thought I'd mention here:

They started the season without their Ace, Johan Santana, who is still inactive.

The Starting Left Fielder, Jason Bay, began the season on the DL.

The Starting Center Fielder, Angel Pagan, has been out since April 22.

The Starting 2nd baseman was demoted on April 21

The Starting 1st baseman went on the DL May 11th

The Back-up 2nd Baseman who became the starting 2nd baseman became the starting 1st baseman.

I could go on, but suffice it to say that half their everyday line-up and 40% of their starting rotation has spent significant time on the DL.

Met's fans, we're just one game under and it gets better.

Nats v Mets 5/18

Happy Birthday, Larry! (My brother)

So the Mets decided they needed a rainout yesterday.

Last week they moved their second baseman to first.

Yesterday, the move the replacement second baseman to third to make room for the shortstop of the future.

Inning 1: the first inning was better for Niese than the 2 hits suggest- the second was a seeing eye single. Reyes and Turner set up the table 2nd and 3rd with none out. Turner can't get picked off on the sac fly. Rookie mistake there- Gorzelanny got a gift with that.

Inning 2:Niese was very strong after the leadoff double. The popup for out #2 was key.

Inning 3: Not much to say here strong pitching from both sides.

Inning 4: More strong pitching. I actually called Niese's at bat. I said I'd show bunt on the first pitch- then shot it on the second and swing away.

Inning 5: Since the leadoff double in the 2nd, Niese has retired 12 straight. The Mets strand more people than airlines.

Inning 6: I would normally acept the blame for the leadoff hit against Niese because I jinxed it. However, SNY broadcast the fact first, and nobody is reading this. 2 runs added in the bottom of the inning and either Justing Turner is in a groove or even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every once in a while.

Inning 7: You cannot let a pitcher with a 3 run lead after 6 2/3 face the potential go ahead run. He had done his job. Sure we got away with it but that doesn't make it right. Bay swings at the first pitch with a 3 run lead and a steady rainfall. The doppler radar says it is getting more intense.

Inning 8: The puddles were getting huge. I was surprised they didn't bring out the tarp.

Inning 9: K-rod allows the tying run to come to the plate but denies him a meal as the Mets shut out the Nats for the win.

Note: I will not be live blogging tomorrow's game- it is a day game and I don't py myself enough to miss work.

Rainout

Harmon Killibrew, who entered hospice care a few days ago has succumbed to his esophageal cancer.

Tonight's Mets game is rained out and it is not raining.

So, I missed the last inning last night- it was past my bedtime. What's with the pitchers and their bats? The game winning RBI from a guy who was 1 for 23, and a 2 out triple from John Niese?

Florida at Mets 5/16

A stress fracture in Wright's back. Pelfrey going tonight. He needs to throw strikes. I know pitchers always need to throw strikes. However, I have always felt he tries to get hitters to swing at bad pitches, and when they don't he's behind in the count and they sit on his fastball.

If the rain delay goes on much longer I may have to give up on waiting it out.

Inning 1: An economical 10 pitches for Mike- the Mantra is "Throw strikes Mike!" One thing that drives me crazy is when a a pitcher throws 4 straight balls to walk a guy (Beltran) and the next hitter (Bay) swings at the first pitch he sees!

Inning 2: Another solid inning from Pelfrey. Johnson responds in kind.

Inning 3: So far this is shaping up as a classic pitching match-up. Pelfrey was a highly touted prospect and Johnson can be unhittable at times. Just wondering- is an inning the opposite of an outing?

Side Note: I just noticed on the crawl at the bottom of the screen that the Mets announced successful surgery on Chirs Young and Jennry Mejia. Ho do they know the surgery was successful before the guy throws another pitch?

Inning 4: Willie Harris ends the inning with a run saving catch that should be a web gem. 3straight hits that have a caught stealing (Bay) and a wild pitch lead to the first run of the game- Murphy on a double by Justin Turner that would have brought in Bay.

Inning 5: Another spectacular defensive play ends a Florida threat Beltran to Reyes double play! Pelfrey has been terrific. Johnson gives up a couple of hits, including one off his back but escapes unscathed.

Inning 6: Pelfrey is cruising. Johnson came out as a result of the ball hit off him.

Inning 7: Just as I was typing "Pelfrey is cruising" Stanton's ball was heading over the wall- ah well. Good outing for Mike. 1 all heading into 8.

Inning 8: A thought occurred to me half of the Mets lineup tonight and probably for the next couple of weeks are not the players they thought would be in there.

Inning 9: There is always debate when you bring in your closer during a tie game- K-rod needs a new nickname. A man on 2nd with none out and we don't score that's rough.

Inning 10: Words fail me.

Mets At Astros 5/15

coming live from Fitzgerald's- Capuano going for the Mets

Inning 1: Read Terry Collins reasons for moving Thole to the 2 hole and they make sense as a temporary move. Capuano ensured that the Mets no no-hitter streak would continue right from the outset.

Inning 2: Don't blink when the Mets are at-bat- you can miss the entire inning. Back in 1986 (25th anniversary btw), to beat the Mets you had to score early and often. This team you just have to score. The Mets offense often reminds me of a soccer game.

Inning 3: Nothing worth commenting on.

Inning 4: The Mets offense, well there is no "O" in M-E-T-S. Jason Bay made a top play nominee or Web gem to end the inning after the 'stros doubled their lead.

Inning 5: Usually, the Mets are on the wrong end of that dropped pop-up. Then like the army corp of engineers the floodgates seemed to open. Great heads up by Pridie to score on Reyes' steal. preventing the 'stros from regaining momentum in the bottom half of the inning was big for Capuano.

Inning 6: The 3 runs added by the Mets made the solo shot in the bottom of the inning absolutely meaningless. Justin Turner is batting close to .300 and he's the back-up to Daniel Murphy starting at first in place of injured Ike Davis and yet the opening day starter at second was Brad Emaus?????? Whodathunkit?

Okay I misplaced an inning somewhere- it is probably going to turn up in the last place i look for it- but nothing happened of consequence.

Inning 8: nothing of note offensively. The bullpen has been impressive, though there were some scary moments here giving up a 4th run and having 2nd and 3rd occupied with little margin for error.

K-Rod pitched a 1-2-3 inning wow.

Mets At Astros 5/14 live blog

1st Inning: Before last night's game, I would have told you that this game is already over. 4-0 Astro's. The entire line-up came to the plate. The Mets had displayed a glass jaw during the first weeks of the season. getting leads and then seeming to fold the second the other team came back. Last night, however, the Mets seemed lifeless and beaten until the 8th inning. This is also the first time this season that J.A. Happ, the Astro's starter hasn't given up the first run of the game- can he pitch with a lead?

2nd Inning: Bottom of the order for the Mets and we had a Fernando Martinez sighting- Can you hear the drums? He hit double with 2 outs and the pitcher up next- Oh well. Dickey cut his ERA for this game in half.

3rd Inning: A Reyes lead-off double leads to the Mets getting one back. Dickey has another calm inning. Surprising that a ball hit off his glove still got to Reyes in time for him to make the throw to first.

4th Inning: Murphy parks one. I love this kid. Three years ago he has a good call-up. Two years ago they ask him to fill the hole in Left Field- a position he never played, and he was an adventure, which is a euphemism for liability. With Delgado out they had a hole at first so they move him there and he's better. Last season he was injured and Ike Davis arrived to take first base. This spring he was in the 2nd base competition which was won essentially by default by rule 5 draftee Brad Emaus. That didn't work out well, and Murphy got the job hitting well and playing defense at a level that exceeded expectations. Ike Davis goes down for a couple of weeks after colliding with David Wright and Murphy moves to first playing well in the field and for today providing some pop.

5th Inning: Okay, I wasn't expecting the Mets to score a run every inning for the rest of the game.

6th Inning: Nothing to talk about offensively. Dickey gave up 2 solo shots prompting me to do a shot. People wondering why he was still in the game- He hadn't given up a run since the first inning. the first solo HR you say stuff happens- the second, its the 6th inning and its time to go.

7th Inning: At 7-2 I'm ready to color this game over. Unless something noteworthy happens this i my last post of the game. A friend told me earlier that the Mets needed to win this game and I said they didn't. They won yesterday, they can try to win tomorrow. They don't absolutely need to win today. It reminded me of the Abbot and Costello bit where Costello is boxing and Abbot says, "give 'em the old 1-3, 1-3" Costello asks what happened to 2? 2 you get.

Liveblogging Mets Astros

Coming to you live from Fitzgerald's pub, this is my first ever attempt at live blogging-

My goal is to sum up my impressions of each inning.

A true Bereavement pause to mention that Harmon Killebrew has entered hospice care and acknowledged his battle with esophageal cancer will soon end.

Reyes at the plate see ya in a bit.

UPDATE1: Thole in the 2 hole? Really? Reyes can't get picked off- very sloppy. Dillon Gee with the start on the mound. I had hoped he would make the staff out of the spring. All things being equal, I'd rather a young pitcher that has been developing in my system than a reclamation project.

UPDATE2: Don't blink- quick top of the second there-and the Mets quest for a No-hitter continues-I was surprised the third base coach ave the green light there- NAILED. There is an old adage about not making the first or third out a third base- how bout the plate? Reyes bobbled a double play. Gee pitches out of trouble.

UPDATE3: Another quick inning at the plate for the Mutts, um, er Mets. Norris keeping his pitch count low. Lead off walks can be killers- 39.9% score. I swear nobody knows what a balk actually is- they may know the rule- but the application, I don't think so. Someone needs to give Gee a TomTom so he can find the plate. And the lead-off walk scores.

Gotta make room for more beer.

UPDATE4: I wonder if local broadcasters refer to Carlos Beltran as a former Astro. It's accurate, but he only spent a half season there. Great catch to keep the Mets scoreless. A strong inning for Gee.

UPDATE5: Norris answers Gee's strong inning. A good inning for Gee, but his pitch count must be getting up there.

UPDATE6: After another don't blink because there is no "O" in "Mets" 2 on for the 'stros- I don't think Gee survives the inning- 3 up no outs and out he goes. 2nd and 3rd with none out this is a bad way to come into a game. I'm not saying the bottom has dropped out of this game, but okay maybe i am thinking it- Here's a rule of thumb- you cannot win a game if you do not score. The Astros have scored 3 in this inning alone- the Mets? we're waiting.

A most unusual double play ends this inning.

UPDATE7: Home runs- even solo are nice. Down 4-1 the bullpen holds the fort.

UPDATE8: Fernando Martinez parks one to bring the Mets within one. but for injuries he would have been with the club a year or two ago- instead he is a puppy, albeit a puppy with a huge homerun tonight. Beltran had 3 Homers yesterday and the last Met to do that was surprisingly Jose Reyes who now represents the tying run on 1st. And Norris is done for the night for Houston.

Wright at the plate- 8th inning- tying run on I feel like saying "Davey"- and just like that he comes through.

With 2 out and a runner on 2nd it looks like a double switch.

K-rod is going for the save- this is a tenuous situation

UPDATE9: Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there with an insurance run.

Question: when was the last time the Mets had a shut down closer?

Answer: What's a shut down closer?

1 out to go- I hope there's no msg. Mets win!

Wait Till Next Year

It's early, but the Mets actually came into this season with the slogan Wait Till Next Year. Just look at the starting pitching- No Ace. Mike Pelfrey has been consistently inconsistent, John Niese is a puppy, R. A. Dickey is a journeyman knuckleballer, and the pair of Chris' Capuano and Young are coming off injury. Now Young is done and replaced by Dillon Gee. Gee has pitched well, but he makes Niese look like a veteran.

Offensively, who in this lineup scares you? Sure you don't want to see Reyes get on base if your an opposing pitcher, but Beltran was still hurting coming into the season, so you were able to avoid Wright, who is now sore himself. Ike Davis is a promising slugger, but he, too is a puppy, as is Josh Thole who is suffering through what is the second half of his rookie season.

Sandy Alderson and Terry Collins must be wondering what they were drinking, um er, I mean thinking when they took their jobs. However, if they manage to end up not supremely sucking this year, they do have the makings of a decent nucleus for a team beginning in 2012. Just in time for the world to end. That is the next date for the Apocalypse if May 21st turns out to be wrong.