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Well…that happened.

Johan Santana finally had his run support, and in a rare moment of WTF-ery, he practically gave it all away himself tonight.  Taking a 4-0 lead into the 4th inning, he quickly gave up 2 runs, but then managed to hang on until the 7th, until Michael McKenry blasted a 2-run homer over the left field wall to tie the game.  Johan wasn’t the only culprit tonight however…

In a botched play that will go into the books as the one that lost this game, Kirk Nieuwenhius and Mike Baxter had a “failure to communicate” in the OF, when they both chased after a Neil Walker fly ball in the bottom of the 8th inning.  Kirk waved off Mike, who later said he didn’t hear the call, and the two promptly collided with the ball running away into left field.  This little hiccup allowed a triple.  Two batters later, Clint Barmes’ sac fly would give the Pirates the lead.

David Wright, who has been stellar in the field all season, picked up 2 errors tonight.  Granted, he’s been rather sick, but after only making 2 other errors all season, that’s got to be a tough pill to take.  Still, he entered tonight’s game batting .412 and still managed to go 2-for-4 with 2 singles and an RBI.

All this after chasing Pirates starter Erik Bedard from the game after 5 innings and 97 pitches.

Turning Point

Michael McKenry’s game-tying 2-run home run in the 7th that tied the game.

Moment(s) of Note

David Wright notched 2 errors in this game after having just 2 other errors all year…ouch.

Terry Collins consoling a dejected Mike Baxter after that awful play in the outfield.

Ronny Cedeno got his revenge (somewhat) against the boos from Pirates fans, getting 2 hits in his first 2 AB’s.

Game Ball

Jon Rauch, who came in and pitched beautifully.  Got a loss he didn’t deserve.

Next Game

R.A. Dickey (5-1, 3.75 ERA) will take the mound tomorrow and try for his 6th win against James McDonald (3-2, 2.68 ERA) as the Mets (22-20) and the Pirates (20-22) play game 2 of their 2-game series at PNC Park tomorrow night at 7:05 pm EST.  The game can be seen on SNY and heard on WFAN660 AM. @MetsWFAN @dailystache @Meriwyn

Let’s go METS!!

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The Mets head to Pittsburgh to play a 3-game series against the Pirates at PNC Park.  Game 1 will be tonight, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm. The game can be seen on SNY and heard on WFAN660AM.  Be sure to follow @MetsWFAN, @dailystache and @Meriwyn as well.

That lineup…WOW.

Starting pitchers Johan Santana and Erik Bedard have something in common.  Together, they are a combined 3-7 for their teams due solely to lack of run support.  Johan’s track record at PNC Park however may provide some much needed relief for Santana.  He has a 1.80 ERA in Pittsburgh and has held the Pirates to a .176 average.  On the flip side, Erik Bedard hasn’t pitched against the Mets since 2006, and David Wright is the only current Met that has ever faced him.

Part of the Pirates problems is that CF Andrew McCutcheon has been the only one swinging the bat thusfar, much like the Mets with David Wright providing most of the offense as of late.  Speaking of Wright, yesterday he surpassed Jose Reyes on the Mets all-time hit list, moving him into second place behind Ed Kranepool.

The Mets’ starting rotation took yet another serious hit with the news that Miguel Batista (who started out pitching another gem yesterday) would be placed on the DL today with lower back issues.  He says he is feeling better, but he will still most likely miss his next start.

Mets Lineup

Torres, CF - Turner, 2B - Wright, 3B - Hairston, LF - Duda, RF - Rottino, 1B - Cedeno, SS - Nickeas, C - Santana, SP

Pirates Lineup

Tabata, LF - Harrison, RF - McCutcheon, CF - Alvarez, 3B - Walker, 2B - McGehee, 1B - Barmes, SS - McKenry, C - Bedard, SP

Pitching Matchup

NYM: Johan Santana (1-2, 2.89 ERA).  Santana has pitched beautifully so far this year, but  due to lack of run support, he has wound up with no-decisions in 4 out of 5 of his starts. In 5 of his 8 starts, he’s held the opposition to 2 runs or fewer.

PIT:  Erik Bedard (2-5, 3.07 ERA).  No stranger to the injury bug, Bedard has recently been battling back spasms, but did OK against Washington in his last outing keeping the Nats scoreless until allowing consecutive 2- out home runs in the 6th inning.

Stache Keys to the Game(s)

• Forget about the blowouts in Toronto.
• The bullpen is in dire need of help, hopefully Mejia can add some stability.
• Ike Davis better find his groove soon, or he’s facing time in AAA.

May 21st  in Mets History

Happy Birthday to Hank Webb and Tom Martin!

LET’S GO METS!!

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A day after being thrown at second base in yesterday's game, Mike Baxter went 3-for-4 with an RBI on Sunday

The New York Mets salvaged the third game of a three-game interleague series with the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon defeating the home team by a score of 6-5. The Mets took a 3-0 lead in the first inning and didn’t look back from there.

The Mets jumped on the board first as designated hitter Andres Torres drew a walk as home plate umpire Wally Bell gave the calls to the favor of the batter instead of young starter Henderson Alvarez. Mike Baxter who got the start for the second straight day capitalized with a double to right centerfield to put two runners in scoring position with David Wright coming up. The unofficial-official captain followed with a double of his own up the middle to plate two runs. Two batters later Kirk Nieuwenhuis “doubled” after Colby Rasmus made a diving catch that popped out of the glove as he came to a stop to bring home Wright.

With a 3-0 lead, Dillion Gee took the mound for the Mets and started in similar fashion to Jon Niese on Friday night as Kelly Johnson and Yunel Escobar reached based then got Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion on strikeouts. This time Gee got catcher JP Arencibia to retire the Blue Jays in the bottom of the first.

Ronny Cedeno got things started with a base hit in the top of the second and was moved over to third on a pair of groundouts. Mike Baxter then laced a ball over the glove of a diving Ben Francisco and made it all the way to third base with a run-scoring triple into rightfield.

After two of the first three batters reached via walk in the bottom of the third, rookie sensation who’s spent less than a week in the big leagues Yan Gomes singled through the left side to scratch across Toronto’s first run. Johnson and Escobar grounded out to end the inning and send the game to the third with the Mets up 4-1.

Jose Bautista cut the lead in half with a solo home run just inside the leftfield foul pole just above the 328 mark in the corner. Gee got the next three batters out with ease to hold the Blue Jays at bay to send the game to the fourth inning.

Baxter picked up his third hit of the afternoon with a single to the opposite field followed by Wright singling while behind in the count to put runners on first and second. Duda reached on a fielder’s choice that erased Wright and put runners at the corners, and was followed by Daniel Murphy who singled up the middle to bring home Baxter to give the Mets a three run lead back. Nieuwenhuis walked to load the bases, and Ike Davis hit a chop that came up on Johnson at second base and allowed Duda to score to put the Mets up 6-2.

Find out how the Mets hold onto their their lead after the jump.

After Escobar reached on a fielding error by Cedeno, the Mets played some nifty plays behind Gee to get him out of the inning. First Bautista hit one right up the middle but Murphy was positioned well and turned the unconventional 4-4-3 double play, then Cedeno redeemed himself with a throw that skipped off the FieldTurf in Toronto that was scooped by Davis to retire the side.

Both teams went down with ease in the sixth inning as the Mets faced Luis Perez who set down New York 1-2-3, followed by Gee’s sixth inning of work which saw him work around a leadoff single from Arencibia. On the third out of the inning Murphy intended to take the short route to retire the baserunner, but instead changed his mind mid-way through and threw the ball across his body to first to end the inning.

Gee hit Yan Gomes to start off the bottom of the seventh, but got the next two batters to bring up Bautista with a runner on second. Bautista singled through the shift to bring home Gomes which also chased Gee from the game to bring on Bobby Parnell. Encarnacion grounded out to end the inning to send the game to the eighth.

Davis doubled to Rajai Davis in right field and moved up to third base on a passed ball, on a wild pitch later in the at bat Davis scampered for the plate but was tagged out as Arencibia threw the ball back to the plate to Carlos Villanueva covering. Cedeno and catcher Rob Johnson followed up with back-to-back singles. Two batters later Baxter walked to load the bases but Wright struck out swining to end the threat.

Arencibia who made the nice play in the top of the inning, started things off with a double in the bottom of the eighth and came around with a second consecutive double off the bat of Eric Thames to trim the lead to two. A pair of batters later Colby Rasmus broke his 0-for-20 slump with a base hit up the middle to score Thames to make the score 6-5, Gomes came up and struck out on a 101 MPH or 162.5 KMH pitch for the second out. Tim Byrdak came on to face Kelly Johnson and got him to fly out to Duda to hold the Blue Jays’ bats in check.

The Mets had a two-on, one-out scenario in the top of the ninth but neither pinch-hitter Scott Hairston nor Ronny Cedeno could do anything as both batters struck out. Frank Francisco came on for the bottom of the inning and walked Escobar, followed by Bautista poking one through the big hole on the right side to put the first two runners on. Encarnacion struck out swinging, as did Arencibia after him for the second out of the inning. Thames came up and Francisco got him swinging to end the ballgame and salvage the third game of the series for the Mets.

Game Ball: Mike Baxter, was a home run shy of hitting for the cycle hit the ball hard every time it was put in play. He was walked in front of David Wright in the top of the eigth but Wright struck out with the bases loaded to end the inning. Baxter still only has one home run on his Major League record book which came last season with the Mets.

The Mets will hop on a plane with their Pierogi suits on which aren’t as fashionable as the hockey jersies and will make their way to Pittsburgh for a three game set with the Pirates at beautiful PNC Park. Johan Santana will return to the hill as he faces off with another left-hander in Erik Bedard.

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Buffalo Bisons (26-17, 1/2 GB)

-Buffalo had a very hot week winning six of seven games to put them only 1/2 game back in the division. The Bisons won their final two games in Charlotte before coming home and dropping the first of their four-game set from Gwinnett, which they took the rest of. The team is currently in the midst of a four-game set with Indianapolis and took the first game yesterday by the score of 11-6. If the Indians continue to put the team they had on the field yesterday, Buffalo should have no problem sweeping since their best hitter is hitting .284 and their leadoff hitter is at .091.

-Vinny Rottino had a big game yesterday with five RBI which puts him second on the team with 25 driven in, behind only Val Pascucci who has 32 RBI. In terms of batting average, that title is now held by Fred Lewis (yes the same one who was Barry Bonds’ replacement in SF) after the departure of Bobby Scales for Japan, Lewis is hitting .324 in 74 at bats. Meanwhile in terms of pitching, Jeremy Hefner who was recently called up had a 2.72 ERA before heading to Toronto, while prospects Matt Harvey (4-1, 4.31 ERA) and Jeurys Familia (4-1, 4.35 ERA) are still adjusting to AAA Baseball.

Binghamton Mets (20-20, 4 1/2 GB)

-The B-Mets got back to .500 with a 4-2 week which includes taking two of three from the Trenton Thunder or as the B-Mets publicize them as…the AA-Yankees. The Mets continue their roadtrip with one last game in Portland today before traveling to New Britain for four games and a return home next weekend to take on New Hampshire.

-In yesterday’s 6-5 win over Portland all nine starters had at least one hit including the 4-7 hitters who each had a pair of knocks. The biggest story took place on the mound as Jenrry Mejia threw three innings allowing one run on six hits, then Darin Gorski came on in relief and struggled allowing three runs in 4 1/3 innings to bump his ERA up to 4.28. Former starter turned reliever Brad Holt picked up the win allowing a run over 1 2/3 innings as he tries to resurrect his career after being moved to the bullpen midway through last season.

St. Lucie Mets (34-8, 12 1/2 GA)

-This team is perfect, I don’t know what to say about them the next closest team in their division has 12 more loses than they do. The big test this week comes in the form of a four-game set with the Daytona Cubs, the team that knocked the Mets out of the Championship Series last season. The Cubs aren’t the same team they were last season as they are 16-24 entering Sunday and are 10 games back in the North Division of the FSL.

-Darrell Ceciliani is still leading the team in hitting at a .346 clip with only six RBI, next on the list in Wilmer Flores who’s hitting .318 entering today with six homers and 24 RBI, both of which lead the team. Some of the other big name players on St. Lucie are as followed; Wilfredo Tovar (.294, 14 RBI), Cesar Puello (.282, 10 RBI), Robbie Sheilds (.257, 14 RBI), Blake Forsythe (.239, 18 RBI). On the mound Erik Goeddel is back and pitching to a 1.57 ERA through six starts, meanwhile Chase Huchingson has a 2.68 ERA through 40 1/3 innings this season.

-Then there was Danny Muno, earlier this week he was suspended 50 games for the use of performance enhancing drugs. I will admit I was very high on him as I have been following him since being drafted from Fresno State last season, he had a fantastic rookie season with a .355 average last season and was hitting .283 this season with five homers and 23 RBI. Will the Mets allow him to come back after this? Probably but he’ll definitely have some competion since his return will come a month after this year’s draft.

Savannah Sand Gnats (25-16, 3 GB)

-The Gnats had a .500 week this week going 3-3 after Sunday’s game was cancelled because of rain. The team finishes up their seven-game homestand on Wednesday before heading on the road for seven straight as we push towards the end of the month of May. Yesterday Savannah snapped a three-game skid with a 7-4 win over Augusta as first baseman Brian Harrison had a big day with four RBI.

-Bronx, N.Y. native T.J. Rivera is leading the team in hitting right now with a .338 average with five homeruns and 17 RBI as well. Meanwhile 2011 draftee Travis Taijeron continues to impress hitting for both power and average at .281 with eight homruns. Taijeron is tied for the team lead in RBI as well with 27, tied with 3rd baseman Aderlin Rodriguez. Tyler Pill leads the pitching staff with a 2.29 ERA in 39 1/3 innings during his first full season in the Mets minor league system, Alex Panteliodis (3-2, 2.94), Rafael Montero (2-2, 3.05 ERA),  Michael Fulmer (2-2, 3.94 ERA) and Domingo Tapia (3-2, 4.25 ERA) round out the very impressive starting rotation for Savannah.

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Injuries to Mike Pelfrey(above) and Miguel Batista have opened the door for Jeremy Hefner to show what he has got.

After a season ending injury to Mike Pelfrey and some early bullpen woes, the Mets reached down to AAA and recalled Jeremy Hefner. Hefner was placed on waivers twice this offseason, and was eventually picked up by the Mets.

Hefner was brought in to be insurance for the starting rotation, and he has done everything asked of him thus far. Hefner’s first outing was against the Giants where he pitched 3 shutout innings in relief. Yesterday after Miguel Batista left the game with a back injury, Hefner gave up 2 runs in 5 innings. Despite pitching well, Hefner earned the loss on Saturday.

If Miguel Batista has to go on the disabled list, Hefner will get a shot to pitch in the starting rotation. Hefner has 2.72 ERA through 46 innings in AAA as a starter this year. Hefner has never been a high level prospect, but his on field results have been fairly decent. While his minor league numbers are good, I see Hefner as nothing more than a stopgap until prospects like Matt Harvey and Jeurys Famila are ready to pitch at the MLB level.

Hefner has been known to mix in four solid offerings, but his fastball velocity is average to below average coming from the right side. Hefner pitched to an ERA of 4.98 last year at AAA Tuscon. He is not a strikeout pitcher, and he has shown decent control in his Minor League career.

After watching video, several live starts, and his outings with the Mets, I believe that Hefner’s lack of velocity will eventually catch up to him and Major League hitters will adjust to him. He sort reminds me of Dillon Gee, who survived on merely smoke and mirrors for a while. Eventually Gee was caught on to and adjusted to as we are seeing this year.

Overall Hefner isn’t a terrible option at the moment to replace Miguel Batista as of right now. Who knows what lies in the future for him. Eventually I think he will join the likes of Pat Misch and Chris Schwinden, AAA players who struggle to find there niche in the Majors.

Players like Misch, Schwinden and Hefner find success at the AAA level because the hitters they face are generally not used to facing pitchers who throw as many different pitches as those mentioned above. Unlike their minor league counter parts, Major League hitters adjust to pitchers like this rapidly.

I am rooting for Hefner to find success with the Mets, but I think it is unlikely that he is a contributor beyond this season. As always I’d like to hear your thoughts and ideas. You can leave a comment or send me a tweet, @tysim19.

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Terry Collins was right…twice.  First, he stood up for Miguel Batista, saying he was going to get many more chances to prove himself as a starting pitcher.  Well, tonight he did more than prove himself, throwing 7 scoreless innings of 4-hit ball.  He stymied the Brewers tonight, with Tim Byrdak and Bobby Parnell taking care of the 8th inning.  On a side note, Bobby Parnell has allowed only 1 run in his last 12 appearances (11 innings)…quite an improvement from last year.

Terry’s second triumph came tonight after Frank Francisco managed to close out the game.  Yes, things looked shaky there for a bit and he gave up a run, but Terry was very forthcoming about how adamant Francisco was about wanting to get back on the mound and pitch.  Francisco picked up his 9th save in the process.  It was a heck of a risky move, but I have to give Terry credit for having faith in his closer.  Hopefully it will give Francisco a confidence boost and he’ll continue to improve.

Milwaukee starter Yovani Gallardo certainly had his problems tonight, including his catcher Jonathan Lucroy.  The two couldn’t seem to get their act together, and both endured a “talking to” from their pitching coach between innings.  Gallardo somehow managed to keep the Mets to only 2 runs however, during his 6 innings pitched.

Turning Point

Ronny Cedeno laid down the perfect suicide squeeze bunt, allowing Daniel Murphy to score in the 6th.

Moment(s) of Note

Cedeno’s textbook-perfect suicide squeeze that enabled Murphy to score from 3rd, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead in the 6th.

Aramis Ramirez bobbling the ball and dropping it during a run-down with David Wright, allowing the Mets to score a much-needed insurance run, making it 3-0.  The pitcher he scored against?  None other than old friend K-Rod.

David Wright with another great night on defense, making two great plays to keep the Brewers off the board until the 9th inning.

Game Ball

Daniel Murphy, the Irish Hammer, who continues to produce in clutch spots, and simply gets better on defense every single night.

Next Game

Dillon Gee (2-2, 4.78 ERA) will take the mound tomorrow against Zack Greinke (3-1, 3.35 ERA) as the Mets (20-15) and the Brewers (15-20) play game 2 of their 2-game series at CitiField tomorrow night at 7:05 pm EST.  The game can be seen on SNY and heard on WFAN660 AM. @MetsWFAN @dailystache @Meriwyn

Let’s go METS!!

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In what could be called a rather dumb move, I boldly told Twitter that if Mike Nickeas saved/won this game I would “eat his glove…with salt”.  Welp…pass the salt, folks.  While Nickeas may not have driven in the winning runs (I’ll get to that in a bit), he was a vital part of the Mets’ 8th inning rally that broke the tie-that-wouldn’t-die.

It wouldn’t come without a price, however.  Josh Thole took a Ty Wigginton shoulder to the head during a play at the plate in which Wigginton was called out.  How Thole managed to hang onto the ball is a feat in and of itself.  As I write this, the diagnosis seems to be a concussion for Thole, and he will more than likely be out at least a week.  Hopefully the Mets handle this concussion the way they did David Wright’s and not Ryan Church’s.  Josh would be avenged, however, as his backup Nickeas filled in rather nicely and as I said before, came up big to help the Mets in the 8th.

Jon Niese once again started off a little erratically, but would eventually settle down and kept the Phillies to only 2 runs.  Personally, I’m still not convinced there isn’t something physically wrong with him, but I suppose only time will tell.  The bullpen, after a few nail-biting moments, was also good tonight, with special props to Bobby Parnell and Frank Francisco.  The fact that Shane Victorino was the final out made it all the more sweet (see below).

Turning Point

This is one of the only times you’ll see me give Shane Victorino credit for anything good.  Victorino, doing his best Chase Utley impression, interfered with Justin Turner while attempting to slide into 2nd base (more like right center field).  Victorino was nowhere near the bag, and after Turner neatly hopped over him, he was called out via interference.  That unusual double play kept the game tied and gave the Mets the chance to eventually win.

Moment(s) of Note

Yeesh, where to start…

In what seemed to be a near-impossible (and highly improbable) out, Frank Francisco’s lob to Ike Davis, who then batted Jimmy Rollins away from 1st base with the tag, was a thing of beauty…and web gems!

Justin Turner shooing manager Terry Collins back to the dugout after he came out to argue the Victorino interference play, which was immediately reversed in the Mets’ favor.  So instead…sit down Charlie Manuel!

David Wright broke an 0-for-99 extra-base hit drought tonight with his 2-run RBI double that tied the game.

The Philly fans, in a moment of class, applauding Josh Thole as he walked off the field on his own power.

Game Ball

Congrats on your 1st MLB hit Jordany Valdespin!  And boy, was it a doozy.  With 2-out and 2-on in the top of the 8th inning, the pinch-hitting Valdespin rocketed one to the right field seats, giving the Mets the 5-2 win.  Now go call your mom!  Gary Cohen’s call of said home run makes this all the more awesome.

Next Game

Miguel Batista (0-1, 6.92 ERA) will take the mound tomorrow against Joe Blanton (3-3, 2.83 ERA) as the Mets (16-13) and the Phillies (14-16) play game 2 of their 3-game series at Citizens Bank Park tomorrow night at 7:05 pm EST.  The game can be seen on SNY and heard on WFAN660 AM. @MetsWFAN @dailystache @Meriwyn

Let’s go METS!!

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With a lineup that actually has great potential, the Mets roll into Philly after taking a series from the Arizona Diamondbacks.  However, they will face old reliable, Doc Halladay, who is coming off a bad outing against the Braves, and is looking for redemption.  Also looking to bounce back from a bad outing is Mets’ starting pitcher Jon Niese.

The game begins a 3-game series at Citizens Bank Park, with first pitch at 7:05 pm.  The game can be seen on SNY and heard on WFAN660AM.  On a side note to FOX…Kenny Albert > Joe Buck/Tim McCarver.  Just sayin’…

After a weekend of freakish injuries all around MLB, Ruben Tejada is the latest Mets casualty, straining his quad and bruising his face after tripping on the way to first base yesterday.  Although the Mets say his MRI results were “not good”, he is with the team and at Citizens Bank Park today, as is Jordany Valdespin.  How did you enjoy your day back in Buffalo, Jordany?

Andres Torres has made himself a welcome (back) addition.  He has at least one hit in each of his 6 games (including 5 RBI’s in 5/6 games) since returning from the disabled list.

I really like today’s lineup.  I’m not sure why, but it just seems like the perfect mix for some good offense today.  Of course, that all depends on if everyone can produce today; a task not made any easier by the fact that it’s Halladay they’re facing.  In their first series this year, the Mets took 2 out of 3.  Here’s hoping they can do it again.

Mets Lineup
1. Andres Torres, CF
2. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, LF
3. David Wright, 3B
4. Lucas Duda, RF
5. Daniel Murphy, 2B
6. Ike Davis, 1B
7. Justin Turner, SS
8. Josh Thole, C
9. Jon Niese, SP

Phillies Lineup
1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. John Mayberry, LF
3. Shane Victorino, CF
4. Hunter Pence, RF
5. Ty Wigginton, 1B
6. Carlos Ruiz, C
7. Placido Polanco, 3B
8. Freddy Galvis, 2B
9. Roy Halladay, SP

Pitching Matchup

NYM: Jon Niese (2-1, 4.08 ERA).  After starting the season brilliantly, Niese was rattled by the Astros (yes, the Astros) last week and was pulled after the 3rd inning. Niese held the Phillies to 6.2 scoreless innings already this season.

PHI:  Roy Halladay (3-2, 3.40 ERA).  In his last outing, a wild one against the division rival Braves, Halladay blew a 6-run lead in the eventual loss. He allowed 12 hits and 8 earned runs in just six innings…very un-Doc-like.

Stache Keys to the Game(s)

• Niese really needs to shake off his last outing, especially in this park.
• I REALLY like tonight’s lineup.  Has the potential to really shine.  They need to bring it on “O”.
• Smack Cole Hamels in the head for being a little bitch.

May 7th in Mets History

Happy Birthday Billy Murphy (1944), Manny Hernandez (1961) and Brook Fordyce (1970)

1976 – Mets trade Tom Hall to the Kansas City Royals for Bryan Jones

1992 – Mets claim Chico Walker off waivers from the Chicago Cubs

LET’S GO METS!!

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Photo courtesy of Michael Baron, MetsBlog

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love this man.  I am a strong David Wright supporter, so if you’re a D-Dub hater, you should probably not read any further.  No, this is not going to turn into a gushing post about how awesome he is, but you cannot argue that he HAS been great so far this season.  However, after the dog-and-pony-show circus that was Jose Reyes last year, with his “will he or won’t he” remain a Met, one can’t help but be skeptical and more than a bit nervous that we could be in for Round 2 this year with Wright.  Also, one has to wonder if his performance is legit or is “contract year syndrome”?

Before you jump all over me, I believe David is truly talented, and has pretty much had to deal with every bit of bad luck under the sun since 2006.  He has a bit more protection in the lineup this year and admittedly he WAS playing with a broken back last season and got clocked in the head in seasons past, so it couldn’t really have gotten much worse.  The reason I bring up the contract year thing, is because of Jose.  I too loved Jose while he was here but I have to be honest and say I lost a bit of respect for him with the way he departed New York.  Yes, the Wilpons are just as much (if not more) to blame, but the whole bunt-to-protect-the-batting-title thing while people paid money to see him for the last time was a snub to the fans…at least in my opinion.  He topped it off by whining like a jilted girlfriend for weeks afterwards.

The other reason I am a little wary is the way Jose performed last season.  He was the NL batting champ and played as well as I’ve ever seen him play, which leads me to believe he was playing for a contract.  Again, I realize he was hurt in the past few years and he is an exciting player to watch, but it was too little too late for me.  He FINALLY shines again, and promptly walks out the door.

Now, David has said many times that he wants to remain in New York and finish his career with the Mets.  I really, really want to believe him, and I do think he is an honest and loyal person, but I also know he desperately wants to win.  Do I think he’d leave the Mets for a chance to win a World Series with another team?  I want to say that he wouldn’t leave New York, but who wouldn’t want a chance at a ring?

The Wilpons would be absolute fools (even more than they are now) to let David go.  The fact that they haven’t even started contract negotiations with him makes me a tad concerned but Sandy Alderson himself did say “I can’t imagine David playing anywhere else”, so that’s something to keep a little faith in.  If indeed that’s the case, it’s all up to David as to whether or not he really wants to stay in New York.  Let’s hope he says YES, and let’s hope that the Wilpons are listening.

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The root’nest toot’nest sheriff to ever don a Mets uniform, R.A. Dickey will take the ball tonight for the Mets as they open a 3-game series with the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.  The game tonight can be seen on SNY and heard on WFAN660AM.  First pitch is at 8:05 EST.  Follow @MetsWFAN @dailystache and @Meriwyn as well!

I love the fact that the Mets are doing team bonding activities like the dress-up flights.  Tampa Bay Rays manager, Joe Maddon, has had his team doing this for a couple of years now, and they always seem to have a really good time with it.  Also, if it helps the Mets be a bit more light-hearted and not angry and pressing all the time, then I’m all for it!

Andres Torres rejoins the Mets today and will once again be at the top of the lineup.  What does this mean for Kirk Nieuwenhuis?  No one knows for sure, but with how hot he’s been, he needs to remain somewhere in this lineup.  He can only help it at this point, and it would put less pressure on Ike Davis, who finally seems to be coming around after going 2-3 yesterday in Colorado and driving in the winning run.  In addition, I wouldn’t bank on Torres being healthy for the entire length of the rest of the season, so hopefully Kirk gets to stick around.

Mets Lineup
1. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, LF
2. Ruben Tejada, SS
3. Daniel Murphy, 2B
4. David Wright, 3B
5. Ike Davis, 1B
6. Mike Baxter, RF
7. Andres Torres, CF
8. Josh Thole, C
9. R.A. Dickey, SP

Astros Lineup
1. Jordan Schafer, CF
2. Jose Altuve, 2B
3. Jed Lowrie, SS
4. Travis Buck, LF
5. Matt Downs, 1B
6. Brian Bogusevic, RF
7. Chris Johnson, 3B
8. Jason Castro, C
9. Bud Norris, SP

Pitching Matchup

NYM: R.A. Dickey (3-1, 4.44 ERA).  Dickey comes off a tremendous outing and into a climate that is good for knuckleballers (either humidity or a closed roof, both are good).

HOU:  Bud Norris (1-1, 5.84 ERA).  Norris gave up 9 hits and 7 runs (including 3 homers) on Tuesday in Milwaukee.

Stache Keys to the Game(s)

• Dickey needs to turn in another performance like he did last week.
• Save Captain Kirk!  Nieuwenhuis is hot right now, both at the plate and in the field.  He needs to stay in the lineup!
• Hopefully his performance yesterday has given Ike Davis a confidence boost.  Keep at it, Ike!

April 30 in Mets History

Happy Birthday Bob Hendley (1939)

LET’S GO METS!!