The Mets just finished their road trip against two of the NL's weakest teams and went 6-1 so it's hard not to be positive. The starting rotation which the monkeys said was going to vault the Mets into first place has been dominant with John Maine's nagging shoulder injury the only slight concern. The lineup has been hitting consistently despite today's effort. Still, the bullpen remains the thing that most fans fear will keep the Mets out of October.
It seems like the Mets can get a few good efforts in a row from someone in the pen and then a bad one ruins any feeling of confidence you get. Duaner Sanchez got two huge outs against the Nats on Thursday then gave up a homer to the Pirates over the weekend and imploded this afternoon. Joe Smith had a couple of strong outings before struggling in his recent few. Aaron Heilman gets two saves, implodes, gets another save and who's not expecting him to implode again in at least one of his next three outings?
Fans are latching on to any glimmer of hope they can. Brian Stokes tosses 4 scoreless innings in a mop up role and fans dream he can be the 8th inning setup man we have lacked. Eddie Kunz comes from AA and fans think he can be our new closer. Ambi Burgos strikes out four in his rehab in the Gulf Coast League and fans feel he can save us in September. Maybe Luis Ayala can revert back to his 2006 form if they change his arm angle. These miracle remedies are probably not going to happen. Even if the Pen has a hot 30 -35 games (and they've had some very good 20 game stretches), too much has happened this season for fans not to be worried every step of the way. The Mets are going to make us sweat it out and they are either going to just get in despite their bullpen woes or the bullpen will cost them the playoffs.
NATIONALS STADIUM
The monkeys spent the weekend in Washington DC and visited the new ballpark when the Mets played there this past Thursday. It's a beautiful park with a lot of fun bars and some good food (get a burger at Five Guys). A Build-A-Bear stand is good for the kids. The monkeys loved the running of the presidents where Teddy Roosevelt takes the lead before always losing the race at the end for some reason bringing to mind the old Wacky Races cartoons where Dastardly and Muttley would always lose at the end.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Concession Speech in the Bronx Amuses Monkeys
The monkeys spend most of their time focused on the Mets, but we were amused to read Hank Steinbrenner's comments today. For those monkeys and humans that skip the articles on our floundering neighbors, below are some highlights:
"No team I've ever seen in baseball has been decimated like this. It would kill any team."
"Imagine the Red Sox without (Josh) Beckett and (Jon) Lester. Pitching is 70 percent of the game. Wang won 19 games two straight years. Chamberlain became the most dominating pitcher in baseball. You can't lose two guys like that."
For all the heat the Mets took in the preseason about their age, only three of their projected regulars began the season over the age of 31. In contrast, seven of the Yankees projected regulars began the season over the age of 31. Yet strangely, you rarely read about how age might affect the Yankees chances. It is far more surprising that an over 35 year old catcher hadn't broken down yet than it is that he finally did. Injuries to older players like Hideki Matsui are expected to happen. Yes, he was an ironman compared to Moises Alou, but not compared to players under 30. The reason Joba dropped so far in the draft was because of past arm issues and the feeling that he might have future issues so that was a risk the Yankees knew they were taking. Yes, it was unlucky that Chien Ming Wang got hurt running the basses as it was unlucky that Ryan Church had two concussions with the Mets, but most of the Yankees injuries should not come as surprises. In fact, the young Rays losing their top two offensive players at the final stretch of the season have a better argument that they have been unlucky.
The Joba comment is even more ridiculous. The monkeys would love it if he was on the Mets, but he only made it 7 innings one time. Mentioning Joba in the same breath as Roy Halladay who routinely completes games is ridiculous. Joba is getting there, but simply doesn't belong in a conversation that includes the aforementioned Halladay, Josh Beckett, Brandon Webb and our own unlucky Johan Santana.
Time to get back to worrying about our bullpen issues, but Hank does make a funny opening act, no?
"No team I've ever seen in baseball has been decimated like this. It would kill any team."
"Imagine the Red Sox without (Josh) Beckett and (Jon) Lester. Pitching is 70 percent of the game. Wang won 19 games two straight years. Chamberlain became the most dominating pitcher in baseball. You can't lose two guys like that."
For all the heat the Mets took in the preseason about their age, only three of their projected regulars began the season over the age of 31. In contrast, seven of the Yankees projected regulars began the season over the age of 31. Yet strangely, you rarely read about how age might affect the Yankees chances. It is far more surprising that an over 35 year old catcher hadn't broken down yet than it is that he finally did. Injuries to older players like Hideki Matsui are expected to happen. Yes, he was an ironman compared to Moises Alou, but not compared to players under 30. The reason Joba dropped so far in the draft was because of past arm issues and the feeling that he might have future issues so that was a risk the Yankees knew they were taking. Yes, it was unlucky that Chien Ming Wang got hurt running the basses as it was unlucky that Ryan Church had two concussions with the Mets, but most of the Yankees injuries should not come as surprises. In fact, the young Rays losing their top two offensive players at the final stretch of the season have a better argument that they have been unlucky.
The Joba comment is even more ridiculous. The monkeys would love it if he was on the Mets, but he only made it 7 innings one time. Mentioning Joba in the same breath as Roy Halladay who routinely completes games is ridiculous. Joba is getting there, but simply doesn't belong in a conversation that includes the aforementioned Halladay, Josh Beckett, Brandon Webb and our own unlucky Johan Santana.
Time to get back to worrying about our bullpen issues, but Hank does make a funny opening act, no?
Monday, August 11, 2008
What is it about Kunz that they don't like?
The Mets bullpen today blew a Mets lead in the 8th inning or beyond for the 9th time this season. Fans who were ready to burn Billy Wagner at the stake and now wistfully awaiting his triumphant return. The monkeys are checking out Gulf Coast League box scores seeing how Ambi Burgos is doing in his rehab appearances. At least, Burgos gets some strikeouts once in a while. Feliciano, Smith, Heilman and Schoenweiss combined to blow a 5-1 lead against a team that just traded away 2 of its 3 top offensive players in the last two weeks.
And it got the monkeys wondering "What is it about Kunz that Jerry Manuel and Dan Warthen don't like?" In his first appearance, he appeared a bit nervous and threw a ball away, but recovered to get a ground ball double play which had been his specialty in the minors. In his second appearance, he gave up his first homer in three years, but no other hits. In his third appearance, he came in with the bases full, threw a wild pitch before walking a batter. However, he did regain his composure and whiffed the next hitter. So while he may have looked nervous at times, he has shown some resiliency. Have the other members of the bullpen showed that?
The monkeys are not saying Kunz is going to be Mariano or K-Rod or even Billy Wagner. However, Kunz does have closing experience and whether that came in AA or the majors, closing is still something he has been groomed to do. Why not throw him out there a couple of games in a row? Because an overworked Heilman has been such a sure thing? Because Schoenweiss has been lights out? Because Pedro Feliciano puts fear into major league hitters? Because Joe Smith has a "funky" delivery? Really, who is a better current option?
This was another terrible loss for the Mets in a season filled with them. It is only because the starting pitching has excelled that the Mets find themselves in a Pennant Race. The bullpen cannot keep letting them down. Let's try Mr. Kunz for a couple of days since the other options are driving us and everyone else bananas.
And it got the monkeys wondering "What is it about Kunz that Jerry Manuel and Dan Warthen don't like?" In his first appearance, he appeared a bit nervous and threw a ball away, but recovered to get a ground ball double play which had been his specialty in the minors. In his second appearance, he gave up his first homer in three years, but no other hits. In his third appearance, he came in with the bases full, threw a wild pitch before walking a batter. However, he did regain his composure and whiffed the next hitter. So while he may have looked nervous at times, he has shown some resiliency. Have the other members of the bullpen showed that?
The monkeys are not saying Kunz is going to be Mariano or K-Rod or even Billy Wagner. However, Kunz does have closing experience and whether that came in AA or the majors, closing is still something he has been groomed to do. Why not throw him out there a couple of games in a row? Because an overworked Heilman has been such a sure thing? Because Schoenweiss has been lights out? Because Pedro Feliciano puts fear into major league hitters? Because Joe Smith has a "funky" delivery? Really, who is a better current option?
This was another terrible loss for the Mets in a season filled with them. It is only because the starting pitching has excelled that the Mets find themselves in a Pennant Race. The bullpen cannot keep letting them down. Let's try Mr. Kunz for a couple of days since the other options are driving us and everyone else bananas.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
The Boy Has Skills
David Wright crushed a big two run homer last night. Carlos Delgado continued his power resurgence by adding another homer. And yet neither was the at bat that stood out to the monkeys.
Young Daniel Murphy batting for the first time in the majors against a lefty came back from a 1-2 count to work out a walk. Murphy continues to make pitchers work against him. He hits to all fields. He has made the best first impression of any Mets callup since David Wright.
The Yankees and Red Sox in recent years have had offenses that worked the count and ran up pitch counts of the opposing starting pitchers. The Mets have been less successful in doing that in recent years. Besides David Wright, the only guy in the last two years who consistently worked counts was the since departed Ruben Gotay who obviously didn't have the potential upside of Daniel Murphy.
The Mets have really gotten some energy from the minors this year. Even the older Fernando Tatis subtly helped turn the culture around by being the first player to really bust it to first 4 times a game. While some fans screamed the Mets needed to pick up a veteran outfielder, the Mets have so far been able to keep above water with in-house options.
Now the monkeys do not expect Murphy to keep up this torrid pace. And his defensive reputation means there could be a play down the road that costs the Mets in a key spot. Still, he is a very welcome addition and one who could be a big part of the Mets future.
STOKES
The monkeys were initially baffled by the Brian Stokes choice for today, but now actually buy the explanation. There is no point in adding Niese to the roster for one start and having to protect him on the 40 man roster. And with Vargas injured, Stokes is a reasonable choice. He has had some very good starts and some very bad starts at AAA. Honestly, there is no way to guess which Stokes shows up today.
Young Daniel Murphy batting for the first time in the majors against a lefty came back from a 1-2 count to work out a walk. Murphy continues to make pitchers work against him. He hits to all fields. He has made the best first impression of any Mets callup since David Wright.
The Yankees and Red Sox in recent years have had offenses that worked the count and ran up pitch counts of the opposing starting pitchers. The Mets have been less successful in doing that in recent years. Besides David Wright, the only guy in the last two years who consistently worked counts was the since departed Ruben Gotay who obviously didn't have the potential upside of Daniel Murphy.
The Mets have really gotten some energy from the minors this year. Even the older Fernando Tatis subtly helped turn the culture around by being the first player to really bust it to first 4 times a game. While some fans screamed the Mets needed to pick up a veteran outfielder, the Mets have so far been able to keep above water with in-house options.
Now the monkeys do not expect Murphy to keep up this torrid pace. And his defensive reputation means there could be a play down the road that costs the Mets in a key spot. Still, he is a very welcome addition and one who could be a big part of the Mets future.
STOKES
The monkeys were initially baffled by the Brian Stokes choice for today, but now actually buy the explanation. There is no point in adding Niese to the roster for one start and having to protect him on the 40 man roster. And with Vargas injured, Stokes is a reasonable choice. He has had some very good starts and some very bad starts at AAA. Honestly, there is no way to guess which Stokes shows up today.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
The Team, The Time
The Mets bullpen has been in shambles as dictated in the monkeys' last post. Since then, Billy Wagner has been officially put on the DL. There is no better time to play the San Diego Padres.
The Padres are hitting .236, last in the NL. Only the woeful Nationals have scored fewer runs. Even as they beat the Mets four straight, 3 of those games were won 2-1. Only Adrian Gonzalez should be feared in their lineup and the Mets should make sure he doesn't beat them. In theory, the Padres should be a tonic for the Mets bullpen as it looks to get back on track.
It would be nice to see the Mets really go after the Padres who really embarrassed them with their sweep and put Randolph firmly on the hot seat where he eventually did burn. A sweep would put them back 8 games over .500 and back on track.
BREW CREW STEW
Milwaukee first baseman Prince Fielder apologized Tuesday for pushing a teammate in the dugout during a loss, saying he should have done a better job of handling frustration due in part to the Brewers' losing streak. Fielder exchanged words and twice shoved Manny Parra after the pitcher was removed for a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning of a 6-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night. Still any kind of disturbance in Milwaukee is good for the Mets since the Brewers are currently the wild card favorite. The monkeys will watch very carefully to see how this affects the Brew Crew.
The Padres are hitting .236, last in the NL. Only the woeful Nationals have scored fewer runs. Even as they beat the Mets four straight, 3 of those games were won 2-1. Only Adrian Gonzalez should be feared in their lineup and the Mets should make sure he doesn't beat them. In theory, the Padres should be a tonic for the Mets bullpen as it looks to get back on track.
It would be nice to see the Mets really go after the Padres who really embarrassed them with their sweep and put Randolph firmly on the hot seat where he eventually did burn. A sweep would put them back 8 games over .500 and back on track.
BREW CREW STEW
Milwaukee first baseman Prince Fielder apologized Tuesday for pushing a teammate in the dugout during a loss, saying he should have done a better job of handling frustration due in part to the Brewers' losing streak. Fielder exchanged words and twice shoved Manny Parra after the pitcher was removed for a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning of a 6-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night. Still any kind of disturbance in Milwaukee is good for the Mets since the Brewers are currently the wild card favorite. The monkeys will watch very carefully to see how this affects the Brew Crew.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Deja Vu Feeling Disturbing
The overworked bullpen keeps blowing games. Billy Wagner is having health issues. Players are getting thrown out stealing third with two outs. Is this disturbingly sounding like 2007?
Of course, one thing that has been different is that Jose Reyes has been sparking the offense routinely getting multiple hit games. The offense only recently has reverted back to not getting clutch hits. That can easily turn back around.
The bullpen though could be a continuing problem. Eddie Kunz looked nervous entering today making a poor throw to first base that sailed over the head of Delgado although he did regain his composure and get a double play to get out of the inning. The monkeys have requested the Mets call up Kunz for a couple of weeks and he is going to need to perform. Still, Heilman is being asked to do too much and he hasn't been able to do it. Duaner Sanchez is showing the effects of the innings piling up after not pitching for a year and a half. Joe Smith has slumped of late. Pedro Feliciano is not having the year he had last year. Another reinforcement would help though Kunz seems like it from the minors unless Ambi Burgoss has an accelerated recovery which seems unliklely or Bobby Parnell is converted to the bullpen. Omar will be and should be scouring the waiver wire for bullpen help.
The Phillies have some of their own issues as Cole Hamels seems to be hitting a wall making the ancient Jamie Moyer their most reliable starting pitcher. The Marlins pitching and defense is still below par. One of these flawed teams will win the division. The Mets need to get some answers for the bullpen if they are to be the one.
Of course, one thing that has been different is that Jose Reyes has been sparking the offense routinely getting multiple hit games. The offense only recently has reverted back to not getting clutch hits. That can easily turn back around.
The bullpen though could be a continuing problem. Eddie Kunz looked nervous entering today making a poor throw to first base that sailed over the head of Delgado although he did regain his composure and get a double play to get out of the inning. The monkeys have requested the Mets call up Kunz for a couple of weeks and he is going to need to perform. Still, Heilman is being asked to do too much and he hasn't been able to do it. Duaner Sanchez is showing the effects of the innings piling up after not pitching for a year and a half. Joe Smith has slumped of late. Pedro Feliciano is not having the year he had last year. Another reinforcement would help though Kunz seems like it from the minors unless Ambi Burgoss has an accelerated recovery which seems unliklely or Bobby Parnell is converted to the bullpen. Omar will be and should be scouring the waiver wire for bullpen help.
The Phillies have some of their own issues as Cole Hamels seems to be hitting a wall making the ancient Jamie Moyer their most reliable starting pitcher. The Marlins pitching and defense is still below par. One of these flawed teams will win the division. The Mets need to get some answers for the bullpen if they are to be the one.
Friday, August 1, 2008
The Day After Deadline Day
The monkeys had hoped the Mets would be able to add a relief pitcher. They thought an outfielder might also be nice. Still, the monkeys would have hated it if the Mets had overpaid to acquire anything less than top talent. Watching throughout the day, the Monkeys were appalled to hear that the Mariners were asking for two out of Fmart, Niese and Kunz for Raul Ibanez. Minaya was correct to say the Mets cannot trade multiple prospects for rent a players.
Sometimes timing makes someone untouchable. Jon Niese looks like a nice pitcher, but not a #1 or a #2 and in most cases, the Mets can afford to give up a guy who only projects as a #3 or a #4. In fact the Mets have 3 pitchers in the lower minors that potentially project as top of the rotation starters that may have brighter futures than Niese. However with Oliver Perez and Pedro Martinez both free agents next year, the Mets had to be very careful trading their only realistic minor league option for next year's rotation.
The one player who it looked like Omar kicked the tires on that excited the monkeys was JJ Putz. Putz is having a down year because of injuries, but maybe a change of leagues would help helped him. What's more, he is a great bounce back candidate for 2009. Too bad the Mets missed out on this one.
The monkeys were shocked that the Red Sox traded Manny away. Couldn't they have dealt with a motivated Manny who knew they were declining his option and thus had to play for a contract? Minaya said that the Mets didn't have a ready to start outfielder to offer the Sox neglecting to mention that the Dodgers didn't give one up to get Manny. Couldn't the Mets have matched the Dodgers offer and offered prospects to the Pirates?
Reading the Boston papers, the local reporters weren't as miffed as we were. Manny's teammates really wanted him gone. How would Mets fans feel if Manny sat out a game against the Phillies with a questionable injury? How about if he was laughing as the Mets lost a key game in September when they were in first place and looked like they were starting to again fall apart at the end? How would he influence the easily impressionable Jose Reyes? The monkeys understand if there was some hesitation among the Mets hierarchy.
Deals could still be made in August and the Mets could acquire someone who passed through waivers. Both Jon Niese and Dan Murphy were promoted to AAA this week. Eddie Kunz is still pitching lights out in AA. Fans are much more likely to be okay with the Mets lack of a trade if some of these guys help down the stretch. Time to give some a shot particularly Eddie Kunz. The final third of the season is upon us.
Sometimes timing makes someone untouchable. Jon Niese looks like a nice pitcher, but not a #1 or a #2 and in most cases, the Mets can afford to give up a guy who only projects as a #3 or a #4. In fact the Mets have 3 pitchers in the lower minors that potentially project as top of the rotation starters that may have brighter futures than Niese. However with Oliver Perez and Pedro Martinez both free agents next year, the Mets had to be very careful trading their only realistic minor league option for next year's rotation.
The one player who it looked like Omar kicked the tires on that excited the monkeys was JJ Putz. Putz is having a down year because of injuries, but maybe a change of leagues would help helped him. What's more, he is a great bounce back candidate for 2009. Too bad the Mets missed out on this one.
The monkeys were shocked that the Red Sox traded Manny away. Couldn't they have dealt with a motivated Manny who knew they were declining his option and thus had to play for a contract? Minaya said that the Mets didn't have a ready to start outfielder to offer the Sox neglecting to mention that the Dodgers didn't give one up to get Manny. Couldn't the Mets have matched the Dodgers offer and offered prospects to the Pirates?
Reading the Boston papers, the local reporters weren't as miffed as we were. Manny's teammates really wanted him gone. How would Mets fans feel if Manny sat out a game against the Phillies with a questionable injury? How about if he was laughing as the Mets lost a key game in September when they were in first place and looked like they were starting to again fall apart at the end? How would he influence the easily impressionable Jose Reyes? The monkeys understand if there was some hesitation among the Mets hierarchy.
Deals could still be made in August and the Mets could acquire someone who passed through waivers. Both Jon Niese and Dan Murphy were promoted to AAA this week. Eddie Kunz is still pitching lights out in AA. Fans are much more likely to be okay with the Mets lack of a trade if some of these guys help down the stretch. Time to give some a shot particularly Eddie Kunz. The final third of the season is upon us.
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