The Mets came through with an explosive offensive effort today against Brad Penny. This was nothing new as Penny's record against the Mets is now 5-12 with a 6.21 ERA. We've all seen a player that has a pitcher's number. The monkeys have cringed in the past when Pat Burrell or Brian Jordan faced Armando Benitez. Some of our more die-hard fans might remember how Glenallen Hill dominated John Franco. But sometimes an entire team dominates a pitcher and it is surprising when it is someone who is as talented as Brad Penny.
After a lengthy game the night before, the Mets sent out their "B" team today with Marlon Anderson at First, Angel Pagan in Left and Raul Casanove behind the plate. It didn't matter though against Penny as the Mets scored 10 runs off him to continue their dominance.The Mets early season MVP Ryan Church went 3-4 with a homer. Raul Casanova, who may be sent to AAA as soon as Friday, went 2 for 4. Marlon Anderson took advantage of a rare start and went 2 for 5.
John Maine delivered the best starting effort thus far in this young season going 8 1/3 innings and alllowing just one run. Maine has won 4 of his last 5 starts and is starting to perform as well as his impressive spring indicated he would.
The Mets finished a tough trip against the NL West's two best teams with a 3-3 record. That's solid work. They found a bad Penny and had some good times. Now they face the Reds and Nationals. Time to get fat against the second division teams.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Only One Wise Move
Matt Wise is scheduled to throw in back to back games during his minor league rehab this week. He recently had a tidy 2 inning outing where he struck out 3 and did not allow a hit. Wise was expected to add another nice 7th inning right-handed option to the Mets bullpen. He managed to only stay healthy for 2 appearances, including one where he gave up a game-winning homer to legendary power threat Robert Andino, before experiencing forearm tightness. Still, the Mets will welcome a fresh arm to their overworked bullpen.
In order to bring Wise back into the fold, the Mets will need to make a roster move. The easiest, but certainly not the smartest, would be to send Joe Smith to AAA because he still has options and only made the team because of Duaner Sanchez' injury and only stayed on the roster because Wise got hurt. However, Joe Smith has been the most consistent and effective of the Mets right-handed relief options. He also provides a different look to a bullpen filled with fastball and change-up types.
If some sources are to be believed, Nelson Figueroa may be pitching for his spot tonight since the Mets are considering moving Jorge Sosa into the rotation to open a bullpen spot for Wise. Figueroa may yet turn back into a pumpkin, but he's been a reliable starter for the Mets. Who else besides Johan Santana and just recently John Maine can say that?
Yesterday, the monkeys posted some their feelings on Mike Pelfrey. We think he still will be a solid starter, but if the Mets decided he needs some more time in AAA, we'd hardly argue with that. What we would argue is that Tony Armas Jr. who is 1-2 with a 2.57 ERA in AAA would be a better replacement for Pelfrey in the rotation than Jorge Sosa.
Which brings us to the only wise move ... DFA Jorge Sosa. The monkeys have already delved into their feelings about Jorge Sosa in previous posts (see "Swing, man"). Willie Randolph constantly marvels at Sosa's versatility. Just because you can do a lot of things does not mean you can do them well. Sosa is a versatile failure. He has failed as a starter, a long man, a situational righty and a short man. He has the highest ERA on the team. Who wants to bet that his next pitch won't be a slider? Any takers? Bueller...Bueller? The Mets have many others in their organization who could fill his swingman role. The monkeys have previously suggested Joselo Diaz, but Tony Armas and Ruddy Lugo could also fill this role. We all know the Mets don't like to eat contracts, but if they don't, they'll be hungry for a new swingman soon enough.
In order to bring Wise back into the fold, the Mets will need to make a roster move. The easiest, but certainly not the smartest, would be to send Joe Smith to AAA because he still has options and only made the team because of Duaner Sanchez' injury and only stayed on the roster because Wise got hurt. However, Joe Smith has been the most consistent and effective of the Mets right-handed relief options. He also provides a different look to a bullpen filled with fastball and change-up types.
If some sources are to be believed, Nelson Figueroa may be pitching for his spot tonight since the Mets are considering moving Jorge Sosa into the rotation to open a bullpen spot for Wise. Figueroa may yet turn back into a pumpkin, but he's been a reliable starter for the Mets. Who else besides Johan Santana and just recently John Maine can say that?
Yesterday, the monkeys posted some their feelings on Mike Pelfrey. We think he still will be a solid starter, but if the Mets decided he needs some more time in AAA, we'd hardly argue with that. What we would argue is that Tony Armas Jr. who is 1-2 with a 2.57 ERA in AAA would be a better replacement for Pelfrey in the rotation than Jorge Sosa.
Which brings us to the only wise move ... DFA Jorge Sosa. The monkeys have already delved into their feelings about Jorge Sosa in previous posts (see "Swing, man"). Willie Randolph constantly marvels at Sosa's versatility. Just because you can do a lot of things does not mean you can do them well. Sosa is a versatile failure. He has failed as a starter, a long man, a situational righty and a short man. He has the highest ERA on the team. Who wants to bet that his next pitch won't be a slider? Any takers? Bueller...Bueller? The Mets have many others in their organization who could fill his swingman role. The monkeys have previously suggested Joselo Diaz, but Tony Armas and Ruddy Lugo could also fill this role. We all know the Mets don't like to eat contracts, but if they don't, they'll be hungry for a new swingman soon enough.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Untangling the Webb
The monkeys were very intrigued by an article today in the New York Times. The article mentions that on Saturday, Mike Pelfrey was intently observing his mound opponent, Brandon Webb. "In Webb, Pelfrey sees a more — much more — advanced version of himself. More precisely, he sees what he aspires to become."
Well to date, Pelfrey has more closely resembled Peter Parker than a webslinger, but there is reason to believe Pelfrey can get there. Pelfrey does throw a hard sinker that tops out at 97 MPH. Mets fans have seen a few rare glimpses where this could be a dominant pitch. As Pelfrey observes from Webb, he needs to pound the strike zone which he just hasn't done consistently. The New York Times article states that Pelfrey is performing balance drills intended to get his hand on top of the ball when throwing the pitch. When Pelfrey does not do that, his sinker flattens out, running laterally across the plate instead of diving down in the zone, where hitters often cannot help but pound the ball into the ground — à la Webb.
Mets fans need to acknowledge that the Mets have rushed Pelfrey along. A lot of that has been more on need rather than merit. Pelfrey made a grand total of 33 starts in the minors (only 16 at AAA)and pitched a total of 176 innings. On the advice of Rick Petersen, Pelfrey also bagged his power curve and has still not perfected the slider Petersen recommended instead. Ask Petersen why Pelfrey abandoned the curve he wes comfortable with and you'll likely get a dissertation on why peanut butter goes together with jelly.
In 2006, Fausto Carmona another pitcher with a power sinker was mishandled and wound up going 1-10 with a 5.42 ERA. He has since blossomed into one of the AL's best pitchers. You can't teach "stuff." Sometimes it takes time to harness talent. Pelfrey is watching the guy he should be watching. Hopefully, he's taking copious notes. There may still be a radioactive spider in his future.
Well to date, Pelfrey has more closely resembled Peter Parker than a webslinger, but there is reason to believe Pelfrey can get there. Pelfrey does throw a hard sinker that tops out at 97 MPH. Mets fans have seen a few rare glimpses where this could be a dominant pitch. As Pelfrey observes from Webb, he needs to pound the strike zone which he just hasn't done consistently. The New York Times article states that Pelfrey is performing balance drills intended to get his hand on top of the ball when throwing the pitch. When Pelfrey does not do that, his sinker flattens out, running laterally across the plate instead of diving down in the zone, where hitters often cannot help but pound the ball into the ground — à la Webb.
Mets fans need to acknowledge that the Mets have rushed Pelfrey along. A lot of that has been more on need rather than merit. Pelfrey made a grand total of 33 starts in the minors (only 16 at AAA)and pitched a total of 176 innings. On the advice of Rick Petersen, Pelfrey also bagged his power curve and has still not perfected the slider Petersen recommended instead. Ask Petersen why Pelfrey abandoned the curve he wes comfortable with and you'll likely get a dissertation on why peanut butter goes together with jelly.
In 2006, Fausto Carmona another pitcher with a power sinker was mishandled and wound up going 1-10 with a 5.42 ERA. He has since blossomed into one of the AL's best pitchers. You can't teach "stuff." Sometimes it takes time to harness talent. Pelfrey is watching the guy he should be watching. Hopefully, he's taking copious notes. There may still be a radioactive spider in his future.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Facing Our Fear of Snakes
What could have been a very frustrating loss turned into a really nice win in a hurry. This was the second straight start the bullpen blew Johan Santana's win. Once again though, Santana was partially to blame because although he pitched very well, he didn't give the length that he's going to need to give as the season goes on. The monkeys have all the confidence that he will as it traditionally takes Santana about two months to get into top form. Santana, even as he is now, is still a really good pitcher.
The Mets were only able to get two runs today off a strong Danny Haren. David Wright hit his 6th homerun and Jose Reyes drove in the other run. In the 9th inning, Conor Jackson messed up a sure double play with an awful throw that went into leftfield. If the Diamondbacks didn't provide the Mets with enough help on that play, Bob Melvin made a puzzling decision to intentionally walk Luis Castillo who was 0-14 and has had all sorts of trouble this year getting in men from third with less than two outs.
What was nice to see though was that the Mets added a couple of insurance runs with Marlon Anderson's pinch hit single and Jose Reyes' sac fly. Make no mistake, even with the help the Mets received this was big that they took 2 out 3 in Arizona. It is good to see we can beat them in a series. It will better to see that in October.
THINGS THAT DROVE US BANANAS
Watching Luis Castillo at the plate and wondering again if Omar really had to offer a 4 year contract. Couldn't he have given him a 2 year contract? Even a 3 year contract?
2 more errors. The Mets need to tighten up the defense, particularly against good teams like Arizona.
The Mets were only able to get two runs today off a strong Danny Haren. David Wright hit his 6th homerun and Jose Reyes drove in the other run. In the 9th inning, Conor Jackson messed up a sure double play with an awful throw that went into leftfield. If the Diamondbacks didn't provide the Mets with enough help on that play, Bob Melvin made a puzzling decision to intentionally walk Luis Castillo who was 0-14 and has had all sorts of trouble this year getting in men from third with less than two outs.
What was nice to see though was that the Mets added a couple of insurance runs with Marlon Anderson's pinch hit single and Jose Reyes' sac fly. Make no mistake, even with the help the Mets received this was big that they took 2 out 3 in Arizona. It is good to see we can beat them in a series. It will better to see that in October.
THINGS THAT DROVE US BANANAS
Watching Luis Castillo at the plate and wondering again if Omar really had to offer a 4 year contract. Couldn't he have given him a 2 year contract? Even a 3 year contract?
2 more errors. The Mets need to tighten up the defense, particularly against good teams like Arizona.
Friday, May 2, 2008
An Oasis in the Desert
The Mets responded to the monkey's challenge tonight and beat a tough Diamondbacks team. The young stars shined tonight. Jose Reyes went 4-5 with two triples and three runs scored. David Wright added a 3-5 hitting his 5th homerun of the season. John Maine had his 5th straight outing letting up 2 runs or less. The Mets just seem to like playing at Chase Field.
Other positives included the return of Moises Alou who makes the lineup look a lot better. Glad to see Ryan Church back in the 2 spot. The Mets have thrived when Church has batted second. Duaner Sanchez had a nice bounce back effort and all in all, a really good win for the Mets.
Things get tougher from here on this trip as the Mets will face Brandon Webb and Danny Haren before heading to Los Angeles to take on a hot Dodger team, but tonight they came out aggressively and were the ones providing the venom.
Other positives included the return of Moises Alou who makes the lineup look a lot better. Glad to see Ryan Church back in the 2 spot. The Mets have thrived when Church has batted second. Duaner Sanchez had a nice bounce back effort and all in all, a really good win for the Mets.
Things get tougher from here on this trip as the Mets will face Brandon Webb and Danny Haren before heading to Los Angeles to take on a hot Dodger team, but tonight they came out aggressively and were the ones providing the venom.
Fear of Snakes
The Mets missed a golden opportunity in 2006. They were clearly the best team in the NL, if not all of baseball. They made it as far as the 7th game of the NLCS before Adam Wainwright threw a knee buckling curve to a frozen Carlos Beltran.
In 2007, the Mets maybe still the best team in the NL, went on cruise control in September and suffered one of the worst collapses in the history by blowing a 7 game lead with 17 left to play.
In 2008, some Mets will tell you they are still the most talented team in the NL. And if they tell you that then they are delusional. The Arizona Diamondbacks have become a powerhouse and are clearly the cream of the crop in the NL, if not all of baseball. They are the young and athletic team that Omar Minaya had promised to build. They have youthful energy and a desire to win fueled by the four game sweep they suffered in last year's NLCS. The kind of desire most Mets fans hoped the 2007 Mets would bring after their heartbreaking loss to the Cardinals.
The monkeys preseason World Series pick was Arizona vs.Detroit. And while, Detroit is just starting to find its way, Arizona has been pedal to the metal since day one. They lead the league in ERA with a 3.25 ERA playing in what has traditionally been more of a hitter's park. Brandon Webb is 6-0 and the early Cy Young favorite. Their key acquisition, Dan Haren is 4-1 with a 3.13 ERA. Youngster Micah Owings is 4-0 and as a side note has the same number of pinch hit homerun as the entire Mets team.
Youngsters such as Conor Jackson (5 homers .348 BA), Justin Upton (5 homers, .327 BA) and Mark Reynolds (7 homers, 24 RBI) have started coming into their own. Hot pitching prospect Matt Scherzer was just added and threw 4.1 scoreless innings with 7 strikeouts. Chad Qualls acquired for their former closer Jose Valverde has pitched 15.1 scoreless innings to start the season.
The monkeys are not saying the Mets should give up on the season. We still believe they are the best team in the division. An injury to Brandon Webb can change the landscape pretty quickly. And just because they may not be the best team in the playoffs should they make it doesn't mean they would lose. Just ask Yadier Molina. However, no should blame Mets fans if they suddenly have developed a fear of snakes.
QUOTE THAT DROVE US BANANAS
"We're okay - but I think we can do better - and we're going to get better," Reyes said. "It's still early in the season and I know that when we get Moises and Pedro back, everything is going to be good. " -- Jose Reyes. Uh, Jose who knows how long Moises and Pedro will stay healthy when they come back. Take some personal responsibility, kid.
In 2007, the Mets maybe still the best team in the NL, went on cruise control in September and suffered one of the worst collapses in the history by blowing a 7 game lead with 17 left to play.
In 2008, some Mets will tell you they are still the most talented team in the NL. And if they tell you that then they are delusional. The Arizona Diamondbacks have become a powerhouse and are clearly the cream of the crop in the NL, if not all of baseball. They are the young and athletic team that Omar Minaya had promised to build. They have youthful energy and a desire to win fueled by the four game sweep they suffered in last year's NLCS. The kind of desire most Mets fans hoped the 2007 Mets would bring after their heartbreaking loss to the Cardinals.
The monkeys preseason World Series pick was Arizona vs.Detroit. And while, Detroit is just starting to find its way, Arizona has been pedal to the metal since day one. They lead the league in ERA with a 3.25 ERA playing in what has traditionally been more of a hitter's park. Brandon Webb is 6-0 and the early Cy Young favorite. Their key acquisition, Dan Haren is 4-1 with a 3.13 ERA. Youngster Micah Owings is 4-0 and as a side note has the same number of pinch hit homerun as the entire Mets team.
Youngsters such as Conor Jackson (5 homers .348 BA), Justin Upton (5 homers, .327 BA) and Mark Reynolds (7 homers, 24 RBI) have started coming into their own. Hot pitching prospect Matt Scherzer was just added and threw 4.1 scoreless innings with 7 strikeouts. Chad Qualls acquired for their former closer Jose Valverde has pitched 15.1 scoreless innings to start the season.
The monkeys are not saying the Mets should give up on the season. We still believe they are the best team in the division. An injury to Brandon Webb can change the landscape pretty quickly. And just because they may not be the best team in the playoffs should they make it doesn't mean they would lose. Just ask Yadier Molina. However, no should blame Mets fans if they suddenly have developed a fear of snakes.
QUOTE THAT DROVE US BANANAS
"We're okay - but I think we can do better - and we're going to get better," Reyes said. "It's still early in the season and I know that when we get Moises and Pedro back, everything is going to be good. " -- Jose Reyes. Uh, Jose who knows how long Moises and Pedro will stay healthy when they come back. Take some personal responsibility, kid.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
A Walking Disaster
Oliver Perez continued to frustrate the monkeys yesterday with a ridiculously quick outing where he allowed 7 runs and walked 5 batters. After yesterday's game where the Mets went into extra innings, they needed Perez to go give them some length. This week's rainout turned out to big for the Mets because it allowed Nelson Figueroa to eat some innings and not further tax an overworked bullpen. Another small, but noted contribution by Figgy who does not have anywhere near the God given talent that Mr. Perez was born with.
Perez is so frustrating because we all know how good he can be. He came up big his 2 playoff games in 2006. He has consistently dominated the Yankees and the Braves which are always high profile games for the Mets. In the early part of this year in what were statement games, Perez provided two shutout, although not lengthy, outings vs. the Phillies. The monkeys still like Perez in a big game. But why does he struggle against a team like the Pirates?
Judging by the number of unearned runs he has allowed the past two years (20 last year and 5 already this year), Perez lets things bother him when things are not going his way. He has a hard time repeating his delivery. If you were to golf with him, you'd expect to see a few birdies and then some holes where he got a 13.
Billy Wagner seemed to partially absolve Willie Randolph and Rick Petersen of some responsibility by claiming Perez is "like talking to a wall." Of course, you can be sure Scott Boras who is representing Perez will talk to him. Perez could still be one of Boras' top commissions this offseason. And even a wall eventually listens if you tell them you are going try and paint them gold.
Perez is so frustrating because we all know how good he can be. He came up big his 2 playoff games in 2006. He has consistently dominated the Yankees and the Braves which are always high profile games for the Mets. In the early part of this year in what were statement games, Perez provided two shutout, although not lengthy, outings vs. the Phillies. The monkeys still like Perez in a big game. But why does he struggle against a team like the Pirates?
Judging by the number of unearned runs he has allowed the past two years (20 last year and 5 already this year), Perez lets things bother him when things are not going his way. He has a hard time repeating his delivery. If you were to golf with him, you'd expect to see a few birdies and then some holes where he got a 13.
Billy Wagner seemed to partially absolve Willie Randolph and Rick Petersen of some responsibility by claiming Perez is "like talking to a wall." Of course, you can be sure Scott Boras who is representing Perez will talk to him. Perez could still be one of Boras' top commissions this offseason. And even a wall eventually listens if you tell them you are going try and paint them gold.
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