Bleacher Report - Articles by David Marine

A Reasonable Phillies' Fan Misses the Rivalry

David Marine — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:14:00 -0400

When Matt Seeker commented on one of my posts today, I saw that he sent me a link to his Phillies' blog, I rolled my eyes as I clicked the link. But to my surprise, Matt's Phillyosophy is a blog written by a reasonable Phillies fan.

Matt's post today about the Great Misfortune is an insightful take from the folks down 95 about the current plight of the Mets. Matt takes the position that he's sorry to see this happen to the Mets because there's no joy in beating this current Mets club. There's no competition that made the past two seasons of matchups so exciting.

I'm with you Matt. I think the Mets/Phillies rivalry is really the first rivalry the Mets (or even the Phillies) have had in recent memory. Sure the Braves were the Mets hated nemesis, but it wasn't a rivalry of heated battles or back and forth jockeying for first place.

That's what I'm missing this year. The competition. The rivalry.

At least one Phillies fan feels the same way.

Citi Field: Home to Amateur Baseball

David Marine — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:51:00 -0400

Citi Field opened its door to amateur baseball so it only makes sense that the closing month would feature amateur baseball as well. St. John's University baseball team played the first ever baseball game at Citi Field, and right now I might rather have their lineup and starting rotation than what the Mets will put on the field this week.

21 players will have seen the disabled list before the end of August. The Mets can now add Johan Santana and Jeff Francoeur to the list of casualties as both appear to be done for the season. Santana's injuries open up a Pandora's box of questions and issues that are sure to stir the winter hot stove fire for months to come.

For those optimists out there, there is a bright side. Let's get the blood letting done now while we're still numb to the pain. Let's clean house in August and get ready for an extremely busy and anxious off season unlike any the Mets have ever seen.

If you thought last September was painful, September 2009 might be worse. The games will be without interest and meaning. It's sure to flood Mets fans with memories of those glorious seasons of 1994 or 2003 where baseball was merely a gap to fill between basketball and football.

I will say this. There is no team, I repeat no team, out there that could that have predicted or withstood this onslaught of injuries. The Mets could have made moves to improve their team, but it's undeniable that preparing for an injury epidemic of such magnitude could have been prevented. The Mets disabled list looks like an All-Star lineup featuring Beltran, Wright, Reyes, Delgado, and now Santana.

But what this does for the Mets is force them to start over and build anew. The focus must be on starting pitching and then filling the holes of a power bat and a few bench adjustments.

If you thought the wait from last season's end to this season's start was long, you've just been given an extra month to endure this off season. The wait for 2010 starts today, August 25th, 2009.

Mets Reality Check

David Marine — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:28:00 -0400

Time for a quick Mets reality check as a lot of folks have been talking to me about their thoughts on this pathetic team and their hopes for what's to come. Let's set the record straight.

Bobby Parnell is not your saving grace
It's only his third start, but let's not paint Parnell to be the Queens version of Joba Chamberlain. I do think Parnell should stay in the bullpen and develop into that future closer for the ball club, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I hope this doesn't ruin him for future seasons.

The 2009 seasons is over
In case you didn't notice, but I think we're all at that point now.

Mets management is moronic
Omar Minaya has done everything to get himself fired. He's made some dumb moves. He's said some stupid things. He's even started a public fight with a reporter. But this is the guy management is supporting. Now they could be lying about backing Minaya and Manuel, but that's even dumber. Just don't say anything. Why come out with this vote of confidence during the most dismal stretch of games we've seen in the last three seasons? Because management is moronic.

Jeff Franceour is a New York guy
Jeff Franceour has done everything right since coming to the Mets. He's played hard. He's produced. He's dealt with the media better than guys who were here for a decade. His demeanor in the clubhouse and the dugout are infectious. The guy belongs here and I think he deserves a shot to stick around.

Mets farm system can't develop talent
Develop is the key word here. Outside of Reyes and Wright can you name the last great talents to come out of the Mets farm system? Ok, how about mediocre talent that at least deserves to play in the big leagues every day? Even the lock-it-up, shooting star players like Milledge haven't turned out so well. I don't know what's wrong, but there's something awry here.

Training staff has got to go
You can't tell me that all these injuries doesn't reflect in some way the training staff on the Mets. If guys are popping hamstrings like Pringles, it's time to look into a new training staff. I think you'd switch mechanics if every car you brought in for a tune up ended up having something else go wrong with it, right?

Oliver Perez is the Devil

David Marine — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:39:00 -0400

I do not make this claim lightly and frankly it's no joking matter, but I've come to the conclusion that Oliver Perez is the devil.

You see films like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings always paint evil as being this ominous black cloud or blatantly dark being, but in actuality the power of the Prince of Darkness is in the fact that no one can tell who he is. But I'm telling you, he's Oliver Perez.

The year is 2006 and a desperate man named Oliver Perez decided to sell his soul to the devil for a shot at pitching greatness in game 7 of the 2006 NLCS. Perez relinquished his soul to the sole possession of the devil and got some majestic pitching magic out of it. In fact an Endy Chavez, catch sealed the deal for Perez and he thought he had made the best move of his life.

But of courses, the devil is a conniving being and as soon as Perez was taken out of the game, the deal was sealed, and one Yadier Molina at bat later the devil laughed at the foolishness of his subject. And so Perez has set a course for destruction not only for his mortal being, but for the franchise he is a part of.

You think the past two seasons have not had some influence by an evil and unseemly source? Do you think that giving up six runs in the first inning and being pulled with a 3-0 count to the pitcher is not the sort of thing only the seediest of minds could concoct? Or that Sunday's game was ultimately ended on the most freakish of plays in all of baseball right in the midst of the most unlikely of comebacks?

No team is this cursed on its own and I can trace it all back to that game 7 in 2006. Ever since that day, Oliver Perez has cast a shadow on this franchise and fooled them into believing he could be the pitcher they saw on that one day in October.

He does not exist. The mortal being known as Oliver Perez exists no more. The Devil himself lives in Queens and the Mets need to exorcise Perez from this team.

Pay him his ridiculous contract, but send him off to Buffalo to rot away his remaining years. I don't care that he's young. I don't care that he's been lights out in certain starts. I know a cancer when I see one and it's name is Oliver Perez.

Until the Mets right this wrong be prepared for a continued spiral downward into the depths of destruction.

Oliver Perez is no ordinary man. He's pure evil.

Mets Are Made of Minor League Talent

David Marine — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 08:23:00 -0400

Don't interpret this headline the wrong way. I'm not talking about how the current Mets team is made of guys who they've developed in their farm system. I'm referring to the depressing fact that much of their team are guys who have no business being in the major leagues.

Pat Misch is exhibit one. Why on earth he was brought in after Tim Redding pitched masterfully is still a mystery? Soft tossing Misch against those power Phillies' bats? It's a match made in heaven. Of course Misch came through, for the Phillies that is, giving up a leadoff walk to Victorino (cardinal sin No. 1) and throwing a down and in fastball to Utley (cardinal sin No. 2) which he sent into Utley's porch over in right field.

But Misch is not alone in being a minor league talent playing for the Mets. There's Elmer Dessens, Wilson Valdez, and you could even throw in Anderson Hernandez. Before you start arguing on behalf of Anderson Hernandez just stop and think for a second. Ok, now you're with me.

It's amazing this team wins any game that the starting pitcher doesn't go seven innings without giving up more than one run. I'm not one who longs for the drama and trauma of September 2007 & 2008, but this team has me longing for the days of meaningful baseball instead of mediocrity.

Mets Lifer: Fan on the Street Q&A

David Marine — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:08:00 -0400

Mets Lifer took to the street to ask some every day, non-blogging New York Mets fans about their answers to a few pointed questions. Of course, Bryan and I felt the need to chime in, but you’ll find many of the answers to be pretty in line with each other and a few that stand out as unique.

Let’s introduce you to our five fans on the street. There’s Tom (who’s in the unenviable position of not only being a lifelong Mets fan, but a New York Jets season ticket holder), Gus (talented musician and 20-something Mets Lifer), KK (a newlywed Mets fan whose husband is unfortunately a Yankees fan), Bob (Jersey-based Mets Lifer who has possibly the best hair of any Mets fan), and Desiree (hardcore Mets fan and professional photographer).

Roll the questions:

In Three Words or Less, Describe Your Feelings about This Mets Season?

Tom: Disappointed, Disgusted, Disenchanted

Gus: Where’s Bobby Bonilla?

KK: Utter disgust

Bob: Shocked, unpredictable, disappointed

Desiree: Disappointing

Bryan: Cheated

Dave: Mortified and stupefied

Is It Better, Worse or Indifferent That at Least You Won’t Have To Endure a Mets' Collapse This September?

Tom: Better. Much better. I absolutely do not want to be put through a third consecutive postseason tease. So now for the next six weeks, I can casually tune in and not have to rearrange my schedule to make sure I don’t miss a game. I can also focus my energy on the NFL.

Gus: As much as the past two Septembers have driven me insane, I have to say that it feels great to route for a winner. I’d go for a 2008 collapse over what we’ve gone through this year. Kind of feels like we're just skipping right over 2009...at least football starts soon.

KK: Better to know that we are not even close this year. Two years of collapsing was exhausting.

Bob: Better, as with all of the injuries the pressure and expectation is off and they are now not expected to win.

Desiree: Indifferent.

Bryan: No question this is better. I’ve written on this blog before about heartbreaking losses vs. blowout defeats and I’d much rather prefer a blowout. The same applies in this case for the season and for one very simple reason: I sleep much better. When your team loses in such crushing fashion as our beloved Mets have, it takes a very long time to get over that sick feeling.

To this day, I obsess about Game Seven of the 2006 NLCS. What if Randolph bunted in the ninth? What if fan favorite Cliff Floyd made like Kirk Gibson? What if Jose Valentin was more patient with the bases loaded in the inning following the greatest catch ever? For 2007, you can rattle off any number of blown games that just make you want to vomit, but there’s one that sticks out in my mind more than any other.

It was the second to last weekend of the season and we were playing the Marlins. The Phils had just swept us the weekend before to cut into our lead, and on this night, our lead was at three games. We were down by a run in the ninth, and with two outs, and the bases loaded, Marlin Anderson hit a bomb off of the wall to clear the bases. Beltran singled in Anderson and we were up by three...in the last inning! Well, in that inning, Jorge Sosa came on to close because Wagner had back spasms that night, and sure enough, Sosa blows it. But if it weren’t for a crucial throwing error by David Wright in that inning, we would have won the game. This is also the game, you will remember, the Phillies were watching on TV in their Clubhouse after they had won their game. They were jumping for joy and even laughing.

And who could forget 2008, Mets vs. Cubs in the last week. Murphy leads off with a triple in the ninth inning of a tied game and we can’t get him in. And Wright, as we all know, struck out with no outs.

Long-winded response I know, but, it clearly illustrates why I prefer this kind of a season than a humiliating collapse. I will not obsess on any one game from this 2009 campaign and that’s a good thing for me. And the games noted above? Well, they will continue to have a special place in my tortured mind.

Dave: To me this is worse. A collapse is painful, but there’s interesting baseball games to be played, some excitement in a pennant race and the hope that you’ll pull it out at the end. This season is just pure disappointing and often times the games are unwatchable. I’ve lost interest in the team when the lineup is filled with C-list players and you have to endure Tim Redding or Livan Hernandez as your starter. In a perfect world I choose neither.

In Your Opinion, What, If Any, Is the Bright Spot for the Mets This Season?

Tom: Not many bright spots, to be frank. The farm system has shown it can produce some marginal talent, but nothing to write home about. The guys I wanted to see really take another step didn’t (Pelfrey and Murphy) and there’s not enough of Niese and Parnell to make a determination if they can be legit starters. Only one minor bright spot I can point to is that I think if healthy, Angel Pagan could be a starter in the majors.

Gus: There are a few positives that I see coming out of this disastrous Mets' season. First, David Wright comes out of this mess a much better leader and player. He will perform in future Septembers and will be a legitimate MVP candidate next year (top three). Second, Minaya gets fired, which I think is a great thing. Lastly, the abysmal season propels the organization to make a blockbuster trade in the offseason or at least a series of trades that add up to W’s.

KK: Picking up Jeff Franceour. That’s it.

Bob: Bright spot would be trading Church for Francoeur. While Francoeur has had a tough year this season, he is young still and very capable of having a 25-plus HR/90-plus RBI in the future. Don't know if I could say that of Church. Looking to next year an outfield of Pagan, Beltran, and Francoeur sounds very, very right.

Desiree: The acquisition of Jeff Franceour. Period.

Bryan: Wow, I had to think about this for a little bit. I guess Angel Pagan looks like a nice player and has played well here, but I’m not totally sold on him as a starter. I think he’s at least a fourth outfielder which is a critical role on any team, especially the Mets. It does concern me, however, that he has a tendency to be a little lackadaisical out there, but I guess that means he's a perfect fit on this club. I’m intrigued by Parnell, and am interested in seeing how he progresses. Strangely, I still believe in Daniel Murphy. I do think there’s something there. While he certainly hasn’t been a “bright spot” this year, his play at first base has been a pleasant surprise and I actually think he’ll get better with the stick. Don’t lose faith in this guy just yet. Remember, he’s still a kid and in a lineup that’s had only one real offensive threat in it all year.

Dave: KK and Bryan hit it spot on. Franceour was both the most surprising move of the season and the smartest. You got a young guy with energy for a decent outfielder in Church. I remember seeing the trade on my phone and thinking "huh?" It was an unlikely deal, but it's already paid dividends. I think Gus makes a good point about David Wright. This could be the year similar to what Michael Jordan went through when he lost Scottie Pippen for an entire season and had to carry the load. Made Jordan a better leader, while being surrounded by mediocre talent. Let's hope it has the safe result with David Wright.

Who Should be Fired? Jerry Manuel? Omar Minaya? Both? Neither?

Tom: Jerry gets a pass because of the injuries and it's only his first full season managing the team. However, the heat gets turned on in 2010 and a bad start might get him canned midseason, like his predecessor (the name Bobby V. will be tossed around all winter, I’m sure).

If anyone has to go, it’s Omar. Five years into the Minaya regime has produced one good year that ended on a crushing loss, the worst late season collapse in the history of baseball, with a repeat performance the next year...all sandwiched by two miserable seasons. To be fair, he brought in some good free agents and the Santana trade was an absolute steal, but the overall body of work is lacking. Toss in his public embarrassments (the Rubin fiasco and the mishandling of Randolph's firing), it's time to move on.

Gus: Minaya has been average at best and I believe it's time that we part ways with him at the end of the year. I'd like to see us sign the assistant who put together the Franceour–Church deal. As for Manuel, not sure any Manager could have succeeded this year, but I think we need a Joan Rivers (facelift). Give me Bobby V.

KK: Omar Minaya should be fired. Jerry needs someone to light a fire under his butt!

Bob: Neither of them, as no one could have predicted the injuries to Reyes, Delgado, (although I felt they should have traded him in the offseason), Beltran, Putz, Maine, and now Wright.

Desiree: In a word, both.

Bryan: Omar has to go. Period. And I’m sorry to say, but I want Manuel to go as well. Nice guy, funny, and honest—maybe too honest—but I need a change. And John Ricco does nothing for me either. Is he qualified? Maybe. But as a Mets fan who has been through hell the last few years, I want to hit the "refresh" button.

I wish the Wilpons would sell the team, but since that’ll never happen, I want to gut the organization. Not sure who to bring in at GM (maybe Beane?), but I would definitely get excited for the return of Bobby V. I’d also have to give a call to LaRussa who is a free agent at the end of this season. Like him or not, the guy always, always has his team prepared to play. You’ll never hear him talk about the need to "stay around .500" until star players get healthy. Thinking outside the box? How about Ron Darling? I think he would make a great manager. The downside of this of course is that he wouldn’t be in the booth with Gary and Keith.

Dave: I say clean house. I like Jerry a lot, but I’m not sure he is a top tier type of manager and baseball mind. Omar is definitely gone. His ship is sinking faster than El Duque's career.

Should the Mets Break up the Core of Wright/Reyes/Beltran?

Tom: I hate to say it, but yes. The only way to jolt this team is to trade away one of the un-tradeables. I would get of rid of Beltran first, but I think you’re stuck with him because of the contract. Wright is still the face of the organization so he has to be the last to go. Which leaves Reyes. This would be one of the toughest decisions in the last 20 years, but he’s had a history of injuries and he has never become the superstar everyone thought he would be by now. With what you can potentially get in return, it might be time to silence the "Jose, Jose, Jose, Jose" chants at Citi Field.

Gus: I think that the core must be broken up. Beltran’s soft, but is one of the top three center fielders in the game. Wright is the heart and soul of the organization and the only untouchable we have on the team. So...Deal Reyes! He’s still young at 26, but he hasn’t matured or markedly improved and has a history of leg injuries. I’d like to see him dealt for a stud pitcher or really young and talented position player...not sure what his value is anymore, but give me Ellsbury whose the same age but possesses more of that spark we need as a team...or Kazmir and Crawford.

KK: Yes, they should break up the core...but keep David Wright.

Bob: They shouldn’t break up the core. Wright and Reyes are the face of the franchise and the three of them are among the greatest players at their position now in the NL.

Desiree: I believe that if any of them should go, it should be David Wright. Beltran is a much better player in clutch situations and finding a replacement shortstop that could match Jose Reyes would be very difficult. By bringing on Jeff Francoeur, the Mets have found the possible leadership person they have been looking for, a role David Wright has not been able to fill.

Bryan: Well, I didn’t feel this way even after two-straight September collapses, but I do think we need to consider a change now. First, I would explore a Beltran deal, but you have to get him to waive his no trade clause, which would be no easy task. Plus, there are serious questions about his knees so I’m not sure you can get good value in return.

As much as I love Reyes, he’s never come close to the MVP-like numbers he put up in ’06. Plus, his air-brain decisions are a major concern, not to mention his leg injuries. But, much like Beltran, I’m not sure what you can get for him at this point. I would do Bucholtz and Ellsbury for him, but I don’t know if the Sox would go for that. Would it be possible to package Reyes in a deal for Halladay? I would make getting Halladay priority No. 1 by the way.

And I would not trade David Wright, but I will say this. Of all the things that have gone wrong this year, the most alarming and troubling issue for me and my No. 1 concern going into next season is Wright’s lack of production at the plate. It is absolutely amazing that a guy can go 30 and 100 four-straight years and then completely fall off a cliff. No one really wants to admit it or discuss it because David is such a likable guy and literally the face of the franchise, but his drop off is without a doubt the white elephant.

We used to be able to pencil his numbers in at the end of the year. .300/30/110/.390 OBS. Now, I can’t confidently say for sure whether we’re going to see the David Wright of old (especially now after the beaning), or are we going to have the next Brian Giles? That’s a scary thought for Met Lifers.

Dave: I say keep the core unless a team makes an offer you can't refuse (i.e. Reyes for Bucholtz and Ellsbury, which is crazy ridiculous if the BoSox offer that). Here’s why you keep the core. What better players are you going to get at each position? Beltran is possibly the best CF in baseball when you combine his hitting and fielding. I’ll give you Grady Sizemore if you want, but Beltran is definitely top three. There aren’t any third basemen lying around that the Mets could pick up and you can’t trade Wright who is the franchise. The fans would revolt (except for Desiree). Lastly, who’s going to replace Reyes at shortstop? Where can you find a legit leadoff hitter, with a very good glove, and exceptional speed? They're hard to find.

Remember August 18th of the 2009 Mets Season

David Marine — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:12:00 -0400

I want you to remember August 18th, 2009. Why? Because it is likely the only bright spot and memorable game in the second half of the Mets season. I give Omir Santos' home run off of Baby Papelbon as the bright spot in the first half, but last night is the post All-Star Game cake taker.

Of course, this is a meaningless win on a Tuesday night in a season where the Mets are going nowhere, but it's nice to have a relief from the losing and a surprise comeback.

The Mets were able to string together 10 hits in one inning which scored 8 of their 9 runs. The amazing thing is, it all came against Derek Lowe who just imploded and Bobby Cox refused to take him out.

As I was watching the game I honestly couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was one of the most unexpected comebacks. When Oliver Perez gets you down 4-0 before the 4th inning is over, you can pretty much back up your bags and leave the ballpark. But Sheffield was hitting the ball to the opposite field, Tatis was avoiding double plays and Santos found the gaps leading to one of the great one inning rallies the Mets have ever seen.

Everyone but Daniel Murphy got in on the action, including a surprise single from Oliver Perez. Of course I fully expect the Mets to get shutout tonight, but I'm going to enjoy these few fleeting moments.

Brian Schneider is a Reincarnated Charlie O'Brien

David Marine — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:54:00 -0400

I don't think there was a Mets player I disliked more growing up than Charlie O'Brien. Ok, maybe Doug Sisk, Don Aase and Kevin McReynolds after 1988, but O'Brien is definitely in the top five.

I couldn't understand how a major league baseball player could bat under .200 and be completely worthless at the plate. Every time O'Brien would get up with runners on base, it was an automatic out or a double play. How on earth did a guy like this get to play every day?

Fast forward 18 years and I give you Brian Schneider.

Schneider has become the same liability that O'Brien was back in the early 90's. Schneider is a pretty good defensive catcher, but let's not fool ourselves into thinking his woes at the plate are covered because he's got an arm like Yadier Molina. Schneider is a serviceable defensive catcher who calls a good game, but his presence in the lineup is as fearsome as Oliver Perez's.

In 2008, Schneider had arguably his best offensive year batting .257 with an OBP of .339, both career highs. This year Schneider is taking a step backward as his current average is a few notches below the Mendoza line at .192 and his OBP is a horrific .288.

Compare that to O'Brien's back to back years of batting .185 and .212 in '91 & '92 and you have a closer resemblance to Schneider than you may initially think.

I was one of those people that liked the Schneider pickup. For some reason I thought he was a decent hitter and a very good defensive catcher. The truth is he's a not-so-good hitter and a respectable defensive catcher. And in this lineup of mediocre bats, Schneider's ineptitude at the plate is all the more glaring.

What about Omir Santos you ask? Santos is the heir to Ramon Castro's throne. He's a guy who comes up big a few games a year and has you thinking he can be an everyday player. I think Santos is a solid backup or platoon catcher, but not a guy you can expect to deliver every game.

I'm starting to think that this off season after the Mets acquire ________ (insert really good starting pitcher here), they should start investigating a new catcher.

Matt Cain is A Really Good Pitching Punk

David Marine — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:17:00 -0400

Matt Cain is good. Correction, Matt Cain is very good. He may very well win the Cy Young Award this year.

But ultimately he's a Class A punk.

The hat tip during Saturday's game sealed the deal for me. I believe Cain didn't throw at Wright on purpose or at least he wasn't trying to hit him in the head. He was visibly upset about having done that, but then he had to go and tip his hat to the irate Mets fans who were obviously, and deservedly, angered at Cain for almost killing the face of the franchise while sending him to the hospital.

Andrew Baggarly at the Mercury News had this to say in defense of Cain's hat tip:
"Cain tipped his cap as he came off the mound, which I’m sure the Mets fans didn’t appreciate. What they couldn’t have known is that the small contingent above the Giants dugout that stood and cheered him weren’t just any group of out-of-town Giants fans. They were the minority owners of the club, along with their families. Bill Neukom, Larry Baer and many of the investors accompanied the team to New York for the series. After Friday night’s loss, they were glad to have something to cheer—finally.

I’d tip my cap to the people who sign my checks, too."

But here's the thing, Cain isn't saying that's why he tipped his cap. In fact he's changing his story. On WFAN's Joe & Evan, Evan Roberts noted that Cain, when asked about tipping his cap after the game, originally said something to the effect that "hey, this is New York" alluding to the fact that fans often prey on players and players in turn play to the crowd.

But Roberts went on to say when Cain was asked again later about whether or not he tipped his cap on purpose Cain said, "I was just adjusting my cap" and that he wasn't tipping his cap to the crowd.

Now if he was tipping his cap to the Giants fans behind the dugout, why not say so? Why change your story? Just come out and say you're a punk and it was probably not the right thing to do. End of story.

I don't care if the Mets don't face Matt Cain for another two seasons. The next time he's up at the plate, he should be put on his back. Then we'll close the case on this one.

The only good thing about this is it gives us something else to be angry with other than this ball club. Kinda nice for a change of pace.

Update 4:15 p.m.
I guess I've confused some people with this post because I say Cain appeared to regret hitting Wright, but then I'm angered by the fact that he tipped his cap. So which body language is correct?

I admit it's difficult to sentence someone for "body language" but I think the second act (a.k.a the hat tip) added to the fact that he's changing his story when asked about why he did what he did that makes me think he showed no regard for hitting Wright. Cain basically wanted to be a punk to the fans and tell them to shut up because he was leaving the game with the lead.

It's just stupid to react to negative fans. No good can come from it. Any action you do is not going to help you in any way. It just adds fuel to the fire. And that's what Cain did.

Things I Have Learned from the 2009 Mets

David Marine — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:26:00 -0400

No game is worth staying up past your bedtime to watch
Baseball fundamentals are more important than anyone gives them credit for
There's a reason why Angel Pagan has never been an everyday outfielder
Bench players rarely become contributors on a regular basis
Fernando Tatis is the perfect example that lightning never strikes in the same place twice
You can turn the Mets game off if they are down by more than two runs after the second inning
Tim Redding is a better mid-reliever than starting pitcher
Star players get big money for a reason
Livan Hernandez's better days are behind him
Bad baseball is more painful to watch than Judge Judy
Although I hate him, the Mets need a guy like Shane Victorino on their team
It's quite possible that Pedro Martinez would be the number two starter on this team
Chances are we'll never see the John Maine who pitched the second to last game of the 2007 season ever again
David Wright desperately needs a wingman
Luis Castillo is better than I ever expected him to be this season
Both Omar & Jerry Manuel need to move on, just to change the scenery a bit
Daniel Murphy is not an everyday first baseman
Jeff Franceour should stay a Met
It's easy to be a Yankees fan
I remember why I lost a little love for baseball in the mid 90's
Brian Schneider is this century's Charlie O'Brian

Mike Pelfrey is Becoming Oliver Perez

David Marine — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:16:00 -0400

The similarities between the two neurotic pitchers are becoming more evident every time Mike Pelfrey takes the mound.

The guy who was once considered a potential No. 2 starter behind Johan Santana is looking more and more like a No. 4 or 5 starter at best. Pelfrey has become as inconsistent as Oliver Perez.

Pelfrey can't seem to string together back to back good outings. He's not producing the ground balls off his sinker like he used to. Hitters aren't just getting singles, but are pounding Pelfrey like he's throwing batting practice. It seems like every start Pelfrey has one inning where he just implodes.

Sounds a lot like Oliver Perez.

The other similarity which is more worrisome than his pitching is the mental status of Pelfrey. We all know Ollie is a head case. Somehow that's what makes him intriguing, but also causes Perez to have such disparaging highs and lows on the mound. Pelfrey is looking lost at times on the mound. He doesn't have the mental fortitude to get past a tough situation or an unfortunate break. It just leads him further into the depths of destruction.

Perfect example was last night when Mark Reynolds got his bat sawed off and it looked ready to pierce David Wright. Now that was a ground ball that should have gotten the out at first base, but the unfortunate circumstances of being potentially injured by a flying bat caused Wright to not play the ball like he normally would. As soon as that play happened, it sentenced Pelfrey to a loss. Reynolds stole second and then back to back doubles and three runs later, Pelfrey had lost control of the inning.

Pelfrey needs some therapy and some lessons in mental strength this off season. I still think he has the stuff to be a solid pitcher for the Mets in the future, but he's got to be more consistent and develop a killer instinct to be a successful pitcher in this town.

Otherwise we'll have two Ollie P's on our hands.

There is No Joy in the 2009 Mets

David Marine — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:47:00 -0400

Many words can be used to describe the 2009 Mets, but "joy" is sure to be missing.

When you look at this team, simply look at their faces, you'll see no youthful happiness, no excitement in playing the game of baseball for a living. Instead you'll find the weight of disappointment, off field drama, and the worrying that they might be the next Met to hit the DL.

Jose Reyes is known for his energy. So was Pedro Martinez. But I would venture a guess that even those fellas would have a hard time finding joy in this season.

But it's not just the players. It's weighing on the fans as well. Even with the utter and total disappointment that were 2007 & 2008, there were some memorable moments. Off the top of my head, I can remember some great moments from last season like Delgado's 30 RBI day against the Yankees, David Wright's first walk-off home run, Santana's "gangsta" performance and his undefeated streak after the All Star break, Nick Evans breakout performance against the Rockies, Damion Easley's game winning home run in Arizona, winning the season series against the Yanks, beating the Phils in back-to-back comeback wins over July 4th weekend, etc.

Now there were some painful moments mixed in there too, but those highlights are at least bright spots you can reflect on. What bright spots are there in 2009? A five game win streak? Will that be the sole highlight of this season? Sheffield's 500th home run? Did you even remember that happened this season?

There hasn't been a joyful moment that we'll talk about for days or weeks. This may be the most forgettable Mets season of the decade, if not for the fact that we'll remember all the injuries.

From a pennant race standpoint, the 2009 season is over. All I ask from this Mets team is to give me something to remember in this final month and a half of games left, and don't make it yet another injury.

Give Mets Lifers a reason to cheer for this team, not just follow them.

Mr. Double Play Finds Redemption

David Marine — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:21:00 -0400

Tell me you weren't thinking "oh no!" when you saw Fernando Tatis come in as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning with the bases loaded and one out.

The Rockies had just intentionally walked Jeff Francoeur for the very purpose of forcing a double play situation and up to the plate walks Mr. Double Play himself.

Down 0-2, Tatis reached down with his nine-iron and pushed on out to left field. Mets go up 7-3. Game over.

It was a fitting end to just a ridiculous day in the Mets organization. The Tony Bernazard drama had ended only to open up the second act of Omar Minaya vs Adam Rubin. While the front office can't get out of their own way, the Mets are making a way for themselves as they've now won three straight for the first time since May.

Tonight's affair was the most fun I've had watching a baseball game in what seems like months. It's always nice to see a guy who's struggling redeem himself in the biggest of spots.

But I guarantee tomorrow Tatis hits into a double play.

Searching for Happiness in the Lost Cause Mets

David Marine — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 08:13:00 -0400

While the Phillies continue to roll (how good is Jayson Werth?) and the Mets continue to slide (can I give Fernando Tatis a ride back to the Dominican Republic?), it's difficult to find joy in the 2009 Mets season. We are being forced to watch B-list players start on what was supposed to be a title contending team.

The last week has found me barely watching an inning of every game because I already know the outcome. John Lannan is pitching? Four hit shutout. We're playing the Braves in Atlanta? Lose three out of four. It's pitiful, but the optimism in me has to find something to root for.

It's been difficult to find, but there are a few glimmers of hope that I'll be watching as we head into the dog days of summer until NFL training camp starts. Here they are:

Angel Pagan: I really want to see if this guy can perform at a high level for the next few months. When he's healthy, Pagan looks like a high quality everyday outfielder. He's got speed. He can hit with some pop and he's got a solid glove. The question mark is his health and how he can handle extended playing time. With Reyes out, Pagan is our next best leadoff hitter and I really think he adds a spark. Or will too much playing time cause him to break down?

Jeff Francoeur's arm: I've always known Frenchie had a good arm, but until you see him every day you don't get a true sense of just how good it is. Last night he threw a ball to third in the air from deep right field that was on a rope. If David Wright didn't have his glove up, the ball would have hit him square in the chest. Obviously, Francoeur's bat will be the real question mark, but his arm is something to behold out there in right.

Daniel Murphy's development: Did you know Daniel Murphy was our opening day left fielder? Yup, hard to believe. But now Murphy is looking more and more comfortable at first base. The kid is making veteran plays over there and he seems to mentally be at ease over there. His bat is questionable, but I wonder if the nerves and expectations of playing left field made him lose focus at the plate or try to overcompensate for his lack of fielding by making big plays at the plate. In my mind, Murphy can be a solid defensive first baseman in a few years, but that's not ideally what you're looking for from that position. You either want some power (like Adam Dunn), or a guy who can hit for average (like Olerud or Hernandez). If Murphy can start hitting, we will have an interesting bargaining chip for offseason trades if not a guy the Mets want to hold onto.

Insult to Injury for Mets Fans: Mets Reject Jays' Offer For Halladay

David Marine — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:11:00 -0400

As if this 2009 season wasn't bad enough...I nearly jumped through the screen when I saw that John Heyman reported that the Mets rejected the Jay's offer for Roy Halladay. I can't even believe Halladay was a possiblity for the Mets let alone, they turned down a proposal for him. According to Heyman's report, which apparently was not denied by Omar Minaya, the Blue Jays asked for Fernando Martinez, Bobby Parnell, Jon Niese and SS Ruben Tejada.

If I'm Minaya, I'm like, where do I sign? I can't beleive we have the chance to get the best right hander in the sport and we're just gonna pass on him. For what? So he can go to the Phillies? Somehow, some way, Minaya and the Mets need to get back on the phone and make this happen. I don't care what it takes, just get it done.

Having Santana and Halladay at the front of the rotation might possibly be the greatest 1-2 punch in the history of the game, let alone in 2009/2010. And listen, I'm not thinking this move would get us back in the race this year, but I no doubt would be dreaming about the 2010 season like tonight if they pulled this off. The Mets could tank the rest of the games this year for all I care, I'd still be fired up knowing we have Halladay going into next season.

I never actually thought the Mets would even be at the table, so I never really considered Halladay as a real option. I know Dave has been pulling for a deal and rightfully so, I just can't believe Minaya said 'no.'

Look, with Santana and Halladay pitching 40 percent of the Mets' games next season, we can realistically have a chance at winning 33 percent of our games with just two guys. Think about that! Plus, if we ever find a way to get back to the post season, and how could they not get in (I know, they are the Mets), think about those two guys in a short series? It would be ridiculous.

We all know pitching wins games. Go get him! What are we really giving up anyway? Prospects? Come on, the fact is, this organization produces just about two good ball players a generation. I want to win a championship and I want to win now (or next year). Guys like Halladay don't come around often, and when he's made available to you, you go get him. Period.

I mean what are we really talking about? Niese? Let's face it, he's not a can't miss prosepect, he's projected probably as a No. 3 at best—in fact, we'd probably sign for him to be just that and be happy about it. F. Mart? He looked pretty overmatched this year, I know he's still young, but come on, he hasn't exactly lit it up in the minors either. Besides, you can always find an outfield bat. Ruben Tejada? 17 years old. 17! He's at least three years away from the big leagues and...well...he's only 17.

Oh, and by the way, we do have Jose Reyes at short, one of the two really good players this franchise has produced in a generation. Parnell? I like him, he throws gas, and I do think he'll be a good major leaguer. In fact, he might be the toughest one for me to give up in the deal.

He has the potential to be a good closer but, we already have one, a very good one actually. Look, I'm a huge fan of letting the kids come up and develop into good home-grown NY Mets, but it so rarely happens, and I'm so tired of losing, that I, like Dave, would do whatever it takes to make this happen.

Again, Omar has to pull the trigger on this deal. He cannot let this go. If Halladay ends up going to Philly, the backlash would be so harsh on this franchise, that I truly believe it will take a long time to recover. Plus, if we can't beat the Phillies now, and the last two season for the matter without Halladay, then how are we going to beat them with him? Tell me, just how are we going to get to the post season with Roy Halladay on the Phillies?

And I really hope this isn't about money. Delgado and Wagner come off the books after this year. That's $24 million right there. Halladay I believe is due to make $14 million in 2010. That gives them $10 million to work with. If they don't do this, I will lose all faith in the future of this organization. If they don't know enough about the game, and the business for that matter, to get Roy Halladay when he's right there in front of you, then I don't know that they'll ever get anything. Memo to the Wilpons: Halladay is not Victor Zambrano.

Let's hope the movement becomes so big on this deal, much like the Mike Piazza trade in '98. We cannot let this die down. Blogs, the media, Boomer & Carton, even Francessa have to get on the horn and force the Wilpons' hand on this. Please make this happen!

In One Series, Mets Do And Don't Disappoint

David Marine — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:18:00 -0400

Losing three out of four games to the Braves is disappointing. Having two of those games be total blowouts is disappointing. Losing Fernando Nieve after one inning is very disappointing. Watching Saturday's phenomenal game only to have Sunday's utter and total debacle follow it is disappointing.

Knowing for certain that the 2009 season is over is not.

I requested the Mets do me the favor of not dragging out this season and they have obliged. Face it folks the 2009 season is over.

Quit calling WFAN talking about the moves the Mets need to make. Quit telling me we don't need starting pitching because we can't score runs. Quit talking about injuries.

Let's focus on 2010.

This season is now all about next season. What guys can the Mets rely on in the future? What are the holes we need plugged? What's it going to take to get Roy Halladay? These are the important questions.

No moves need to be made to help this team here and now, but every move should focus on the following year.

I know it's the middle of July, but this organization would be better off letting this season just play out. Sit down with Johan Santana and David Wright and let them know. Apologize to the fans for the mistakes that were made in the offseason and promise us something to look forward to next year. Put Mets Lifers on notice that you know you screwed up and now it's time to improve.

Let's see what we have with Daniel Murphy at first base. Let's have Jon Niese pitch half a season without pressure and expectations. Let's find out if Nick Evans can become a serviceable everyday player.

It's time for the kids to play. It's time to make some changes. It's time to let 2009 go.

For three straight years, either Bryan and I have written a post with this same picture of a white flag. The last two have been in September. This year it's just a little earlier than we thought.

The Future is Not Now: Mets Fans Too Short Sighted About Roy Halladay

David Marine — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:37:00 -0400

Ever since I started on my Roy Halladay soap box, I've got Mets fans telling me that I'm ignoring the real issue; the lack of hitting. I've got Phillies fans mocking me—thinking that Halladay will make us a contender—and I've got my wife telling me that Roy Halladay is my new girlfriend.

Well you're all correct—sort of.

You can't think of adding Halladay as a short-term fix to the Mets woes this season. Without a doubt, our offense is atrocious. We lack any sense of a clutch situation. We hit into more double plays than Julio Franco did. We need to fix our offense.

But honestly, there's not much that can done to fix it until some of the Mets' best offensive players are off the deal, and until New York gets to the off-season and unloads some contracts.

Oh and by the way, if you think offense is the Mets' only issue, did you happen to see Livan Hernandez pitch last night? What about his previous start? How about the one before that?

Have you seen Oliver Perez at any point this season? How was Tim Redding last night? Or the two starts before that?

Catch my drift?

Getting Roy Halladay is not a short term fix. If the Mets traded for him this season, I believe we'd still fall short of the playoffs. He's not a fix for this season.

Unless there is a witch who can heal muscles, bones, and slumping bats, there is no fix for this season.

When the Mets have healthy players and maturing youngsters, Halladay could help the team get to that next level. The Mets absolutely have to upgrade their offense, but it probably won't be done until the off-season when they'll have Carlos Delgado and Billy Wagner off the books. At that point, they can address their needs at first base and in the outfield.

But for the first time in a long time, the Mets won't have to worry about pitching as much as they have in the past. With Halladay and Johan Santana, the Mets' starting rotation would consist of the two most dominant pitchers in the NL. Backing up the starting pitchers would be a solid bullpen with KRod and J.J. Putz still around.

If you don't get Halladay, you still need a starting pitcher this off-season.

That is unless you feel that the Maine/Perez/Pelfrey/Livan rotation you want.

Acquiring Halladay drastically improves the Mets rotation, prevents the Phillies from acquiring a dominant ace, and allows the team to shift their off-season focus on improving the offense.

Forget about the 2009 season. No moves made this year will send the team to the playoffs. The Mets need their injured players to return and for their existing players to become more consistent.

Halladay will not solve our 2009 problems, but he will absolutely help the Mets in the years to come if they can sign him to a multi-year deal.

If Phillies Get Halladay Expect Pain and Suffering

David Marine — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:17:00 -0400

I'm warning you, Omar. If the Phillies get Roy Halladay, you are out of job and Mets fans are in a world of hurt for years to come.

People keep telling me that Roy Halladay will not fix the Mets problems this year. You're absolutely right. Forget this year. Let's focus on the years to come.

If the Phillies are able to trade for Halladay, they will have 1-2 punch in their rotation that can't be matched in the NL with Halladay as their number one starter and Cole Hamels as number two. Add to that the potential that J.A. Happ is showing and the Mets will have to face at least one of these three guys every time they play.

Meanwhile the Mets will still have the best pitcher in baseball, Johan Santana, but we're then left with our potluck of Pelfrey, Perez, & Maine as number two guys.

Halladay is the best investment you're going to find east of Albert Pujols. It's not like the Blue Jays are asking for Wright, Reyes & Beltran for him. They want prospects who may or may not pan out. We're talking guys who are in double A right now.

Remember how untouchable Lastings Milledge was? Now look at him. There are no guarantees when it comes to prospects. Chances are they won't become the next Manny Ramirez, Josh Beckett or Mariano Rivera.

Give me Roy Halladay for the next five years and the Mets will have the best pitching tandem in baseball. It's the smartest, safest investment in these troubled times. Pitchers like Halladay don't come around very often.

Grab Roy Halladay while you can or else we'll be dealing with his complete game shutouts during the heart of a pennant race for the next several seasons.

The Mets Have to Get Roy Halladay

David Marine — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:03:00 -0400

I'm telling you right now the Mets have to get this done. They HAVE TO.

If Roy Halladay is seriously available, the Mets need to let go of their coveted prospects and go get the second best pitcher in baseball.

Can you imagine a Halladay/Santana tandem? I just got chills.

I hear the argument about his age, and how the Mets always give up on prospects too soon. Understood, but this isn't a chance the Mets are taking. This is a lock it up, guaranteed win.

Look at all the prospects we gave up for Santana. So far looks like we're on the winning end of that one.

F-Mart may turn out to be a great player. Same can be said for Flores. But then again, they might not.

Halladay is already a great player and will be for the next several years.

The Mets are a franchise that has proven success when they have a stellar starting pitching tandem. Koosman & Seaver. Gooden & Darling. Leiter & Hampton/Reed.

This is a franchise (not to mention a ballpark) that is currently built for and succeeds with pitching.

The alternative? The Phillies sign Halladay. That's what is going to happen if the Mets don't get on the phone right now and make this deal happen.

Santana/Halladay for the next five years will give you 30+ wins a season, allow you to rest your bullpen, and give you 18 innings of quality pitching when you throw in the fact that KRod/Putz are there for the eighth & ninth.

This has to be done. FMart, Murphy, Evans, Flores, Holt, or whoever they want (how 'bout Castillo?).

Omar Minaya better be on the phone with the Blue Jays right now.

If Halladay is a Phillie this year, we'll be hating ourselves for the next half a decade.

Howard Johnson: Time To Go

David Marine — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:59:00 -0400

Let me preface this post by saying I realize that hitting coaches can't swing the bat for the players, but I'm starting to think that it's time for Howard Johnson to be dismissed.

I don't know how much of an impact hitting coaches have on players, especially veterans, but I can tell you that if Howard Johnson is having an impact on this bunch of Mets hitters, it's not very good.

While the Mets bats continue to slumber, HoJo's name is somehow being left out of the mix. We're ready to trade Wright, Reyes & Beltran but no one is asking what the heck is HoJo doing with these players?

He was supposedly brought up to the majors as a coach because of the influence he had on David Wright in the Minor Leagues. Well that influence has worn out or it's starting spoil with the way Wright looks up at the plate.

This is on top of the fact that two of the Mets commentators have offered advice that HoJo should already have picked up on and should be considered.

Keith Hernandez mentioned on air about three weeks ago how Fernando Tatis has changed the way he holds his bat which is slowing down his swing.

This week Darryl Strawberry was quoted as saying he mentioned to HoJo that David Wright is dropping his back shoulder on his swing which is potentially causing some problems.

Now HoJo could already be on top of both these items or maybe Tatis and Wright are both refusing to heed his advice, but somehow I don't think that's the case.

HoJo is not the root of the Mets problems by any means. But if you're team is horrendous at the plate and your star player whom you tutored is struggling mightily, and commentators are pointing out things you should already notice, maybe it's time for a change.

The Mets Will Be Below .500 At the All Star Break

David Marine — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:18:00 -0400

Unless the Mets manage to go 5-1 against the Dodgers and Reds this week, the Mets will find themselves in an unlikely place—under .500 at the All Star Break.

Few teams that are under .500 at the break find themselves in playoff contention at the end of September.

The scarier thought is that the Mets could be worse than just under .500, but more like eight games back if they don't win one of the next two series.

The crazy part is, just when you think the Mets can't spiral down any further, or can't get any worse, they do. It seems like all the injured players are now not expected to return until it's almost September.

The top prospects we once had dreams of are looking more like nightmares. Talk of breaking up "the core" has started earlier than expected.

All this still begs the question, what else is going to happen this year?

The answer is uncertain, but the most likely choice is "nothing good."

An Unlikely W

David Marine — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:59:00 -0400

If there was ever a game the Mets were destined to lose it was today's game against the Pirates. They were down five runs. They were playing a make-up game in between two tough series and had Redding on the mound.

But somehow they came back.

Tatis finally produced. Church is showing Wright how to hit when it counts. Sean Green was sharp yet again. The defense was solid.

K-Rod had to make things too exciting, but was given a chance at redemption thanks to Church's single in the 10th.

I fully expected a loss today, but this team is painfully surprising at times. It's on to Philly. What waits for this team is anyone's guess, but one thing is for certain it won't be easy.

David Wright and the Scrubs

David Marine — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:33:00 -0400

The Mets banded together last night to pull out a much needed victory. With the news of Carlos Beltran heading to the DL and the previous week's painful losses, the Mets needed a victory to take their minds off of all the bad and to stop the bleeding.

But what was most evident to me last night, besides the fact that Fernando Tatis is an automatic double play with a runner on first and one out, is that this team is now David Wright and everybody else.

Wright is going to be walked more in the next two weeks than he has all of the previous games this season. If you're an opposing pitcher why on earth would you want to pitch to Wright when you can deal with Tatis or Murphy or Santos behind him?

The scrubs will put up a good show for the next few days, but then reality will set in and they will start playing to their potential instead of exceeding it. This is going to be a trial by fire for David Wright. Can he be consistent? Can he be a leader not just in the dugout or clubhouse, but at the plate by coming through when he's needed most?

These injuries the Mets have experienced are unbelievable, but in a way this could be the struggle that David Wright needs to turn him into the reliable and clutch performer that we need him to be. Or the weight of this team could crush him and he'll rival Ryan Howard for being the strikeout leader.

Either way it appears as if David Wright will be getting zero help from the front office in the way of a trade for additional support. The Mets seem to be willing to ride out this wave of injuries and play with the hand they've been dealt for better or worse.

So get used to the power core of bats you saw in the lineup last night and say a little prayer for David Wright (and Johan Santana while you're at it).

Welcome to Suicide Week

David Marine — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:29:00 -0400

It's June 22 and 18 of the first 21 days in the month in the NYC metro area have included rain, so it's not stretch to think the dark cloud that hangs over the Mets may very well continue through the end of the month.

That's why this week is suicide week; at the end of this week if you're a Mets fan you may contemplate suicide.

There are a number of factors that bring me to this conclusion including:

Carlos Beltran will have an MRI today. Expect a press conference at 4 pm announcing he'll have season ending surgery.
Ken Takahashi is currently poised to take over the 8th inning role in the bullpen.
David Wright is thinking about going 2 for 50 for the rest of the month.
Brian Schneider is arguably the Mets best power hitter
Albert Pujols and his magic stick are coming to town.
The Yankees are coming after the Cardinals.
The Mets get to face the best pitcher in baseball right now, Chris Carpenter.
There's no way the Phillies can keep losing like this.
Rain is in the forecast practically every day this week.
Daniel Murphy is looking more like Ty Wigginton than we originally thought.
Bobby Parnell is giving me nightmares of Scott Schoeneweiss

Add this all up and you have one of the worst times to be playing two very good teams this week in the Cards & Yanks. There's a reason Seattle has the highest suicide rate of any major city in the U.S. It's a combination of all that rain and all those really bad sports teams.

We're getting a taste of Seattle in New York. Please sun, come out and and play.

New York Mets: Bobby Parnell's Fall from Grace

David Marine — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 19:44:00 -0400

Bobby Parnell was an untouchable player in trade talks, but now Mets fans are ready to run him out of town.

Parnell has hit his sophomore slump just when the Mets seem to need him the most. Over his last eight starts, Parnell has an ERA over 20 and 15 of the 16 batters he's faced have gotten on base.

Sunday afternoon's game was yet another notch in his tragedy belt as he started a Tampa Bay rally that ended with the Rays scoring four runs in the inning en route to another Mets defeat.

The question to me is why Manuel brought him in yet again.

Parnell, out of all the Mets relievers, could have used the day off. He's gotten pounded every time he's pitched this week and at this point it's as much mental as it is mechanics.

Now Parnell is not the sole reason for the Mets problems of late, but he does seem to be on the mound for the pivotal swing moments like he was on both Saturday and Sunday. Shawn Green is not far behind Parnell in regards to relief issues, but it's Parnell who has fallen the farthest from grace.

I'm not giving up on Parnell just yet, but he does need a few days off and a chance to pitch in situations where the outcome of a game is resting on his arm.

But if Parnell cannot straighten out his problems, the once-formidable Mets bullpen will look as pitiful as their offense.

With Putz out, a struggling Parnell and an overworked Feliciano, we're going to be seeing more Takahashi than anyone wants. That's not a good thing.

(Photo from Flickr user talaba)

Mets Friday Rant - 6/19/09

David Marine — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:09:00 -0400

It's Friday and I should not be expected to put together intelligent sentences that form a paragraph. So from now on, Friday will be a day for ranting on the Mets.

Short and semi-short sentences to just get what's on my mind about this roller coaster of a team off my chest. Hang on:

You will not see me write another post like this about K-Rod for a while. I think I jinxed him.
Who's ready for a David Wright 0 for 30 streak? See you after July 4th, David!
Why is Sean Green pitching in every game these days? Is running relievers into the ground enjoyable?
Aubrey Huff doesn't look bad, but I don't know if I'd give up prospects to get him.
Luis Castillo deteriorates every day. Twice on weekends.
Would this team be any different if we had a healthy Maine & Perez? The word "NO" comes to mind.
Is it just me or do you get nervous every time you see a pop-up and the guy catches it with one hand? TWO HANDS PEOPLE!!!!
Thank you Toronto Blue Jays.
Matt Pignataro at Seven Train to Shea feels the same way I do about the new Mets goat, Fernando Tatis.
Very tough week ahead. Could be very bad.

Don't Blame Castillo For Debacle

David Marine — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:08:00 -0400

This may come as a surprise, but I do not blame Luis Castillo for failing to catch a little league pop up. No, for I always knew Luis Castillo sucked so how could I blame him? The one that deserves all the blame in the world for Castillo wearing...check that...disgracing a Mets uniform is Omar Minaya. He was the one who handed him the most laughable contract in all of baseball two years ago and he is the one who opted to keep him rather than sign All Star second baseman Orlando Hudson for a bag of peanuts this year - WHO BY THE WAY MUST I REMIND YOU - WANTED TO PLAY FOR THE METS!!!! And what do we have to show for it? A gimpy, hobbled old man who freakin' blows one of the worst games I can remember in all of my years as a Mets fan.

OMAR MINAYA, I beg of you, release this person from the club. I do not ever want to see him put on the orange and blue again! It's one thing to have to ednure years of humilation, embarrasment, and downright mocking of our team (on the MLB network, Mitch Williams and Dan Plesac were cracking up about this, in fact, Plesac pulled out a Freddy Krugar glove saying that's what Castillo was wearing). But it's another thing to continue to accept the lacidasical, apatehic style pf play that your team displays night in, night out.

I am so sick and tired of losing. I am so fed up with this absolute garbage of a franchise. Are you kidding me? Are you freaking kidding me? He actually dropped that ball and lost the game?

But you know what? He will be back there tomorow manning second base and we Mets Lifers have to continue taking it. We'll have to continue watching that guy play for our team. Awesome...

Omar you are a joke! Your team is the joke of baseball, around the league. Do you know how many teams are laugning their heads off right now watching that highlight? Do something about it or please, dismiss yourself from this organization because I truly cannot take it anymore. I really can't.

Sad to say, but I was very prophetic when I wrote this post before the season started.

Citi Field: Home Run Haven?

David Marine — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:08:00 -0400

You would have thought the game was being played in Philadelphia. A total of six home runs were hit Tuesday night during the Phillies-Mets game in New York's Citi Field, and it ended up being the only way the Mets could.

Wright, Beltran, and the newly returned Ryan Church all hit blasts to give the Mets a much-needed win against the division leading Phillies.

Johan Santana was not on his "A" game and I was fearful that the Mets would continue their habit of not giving him run support, but that was not the case.

The Mets should have scored eight or nine runs, but the bottom half of the order is extremely light on "clutch," and it showed.

But really, the key to this game was the bullpen. Santana gave up all five runs, but Bobby Parnell, Pedro Felciano, and Francisco Rodriguez were able to help out Santana and lock down the Phillies' power bats to close out a one-run victory.

What a difference a year makes.

They've got another game against the Phils tonight, and I'm hoping the Mets can take two out of three before the Yanks come in on the weekend.

The Mighty Fall of Tom Glavine

David Marine — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:41:00 -0400

When Tom Glavine first signed with the Mets, I was hopeful that this pitcher who had tortured the Mets as part of the Atlanta Braves would be just as effective in our uniforms.

Boy was I ever wrong.

The Mets acquiring of Tom Glavine may have signaled his ultimate demise as a baseball player and possibly a legendary pitcher. The final chapter of this horror novel has just been written as Tom Glavine was released by the Braves and now is considering filing grievances against the team according to ESPN.com.

One of the last 300 game winners that we may ever see has been released by the same team that gave him his start and who he helped pitch to a World Series title. But instead of bowing out gracefully, Tom Glavine wants reparations.

Some may call this a sad state of affairs, but I call it sweet justice.

You see I won't remember Tom Glavine for his off-speed pitches or his 300 wins or his ability to stay in this league without a pitch over 85 mph. I will remember Glavine solely for his putrid performance against the Florida Marlins on that late September day in 2007 where he puked all over the Mets season giving up nine runs in half an innings work on the most crucial game of the Mets season.

Possibly the worst part about Glavine's performance that day was his nonchalant comments after the game and his "oh well" attitude as the dreams of many a Mets Lifer was crushed, then spit on, then run over again in that 24 hour period. Glavine wanted to be rid of the Mets, be rid of New York, and go home to his beloved Braves.

The prodigal son got his wish as he returned to Atlanta.

So Mr. Glavine, you got what you wished for and then some. Call it karma. Call it justice. Call it sweet revenge.

The Hall of Fame lefty is no longer the glowing last 300 game winner that he was once remembered. Glavine leaves the game of baseball as a washed up pitcher who was trying to hold onto the game for one more season and in the end had his beloved Braves toss him out to the curb.

Here's to you Mr. Glavine.

Hop on the David Wright Hot Streak

David Marine — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 17:32:00 -0400

Here we go again.

David Wright is on fire. After several weeks of abysmal baseball, David Wright is heating up, and just in time.

Wright is batting over .500 on this last road trip and getting multiple hits per game. I fully expect his average to jump 50 points over the next several days.

While this type of performance is not what we expect from David Wright (we expect him to bat .400 all season long) it couldn't come at a better time. The Mets are about to embark on their toughest stretch of the season as they play the Phils, the Yanks, the Orioles and Cards in the next two weeks.

We'll see if Wright's new found swing continues against more formidable opponents than the Pirates & Nats although when you look at the Phillies starting rotation it hardly the fearful force many Phillies' fans made it out to be at the start of the season.

In any case, a streaky, hot David Wright is what the Mets need. We'd like him to be a steady hitter, but that's obviously not what we're going to get from him at this point so we might as well ride this gravy train as long as it last until Omar can make a trade.

Bring on the Phils.