New York Mets 2010

[Sausy]

Wonderful job by Pelfrey last night...if he can control his splitter he will have the kind of year that builds on the promise of 2008....but he has to stay mentally tough,not get flustered when his stuff isn't on.The best pitchers know how to work around that.Mike has to learn to trust himself.

Love the power on display last night...2 by Jeff Francouer and two by Rod Barajas.Great to see the Mets putting a real charge on the ball like that!

Francouer is on fire to start the season,just scratching the surface of his enormous gifts.And good to see David Wright start off well.

I know sonny isn't big on Ruben Tejada,but from what I've seen about him he could really be a strong defensive second baseman and a capable hitter,though with very limited power.Then again,Castillo at his best is a .300 type hitter without power as well,and at 20 Tejada defensively would represent a significant range upgrade.He'll be back sometime during the season and could surprise as a heady,steady player with some speed.

Of course terrific to hear Ike Davis is off to a ripping start and just the thought of seeing that powerful bat of his in the mix with Beltran,Wright,Bay and Francouer sets my heart atwitter!

Thanks sonny for the clarification...my bad!Speaking of Ike,hope you do indeed get to see him in person when you and the guys from the Cyclones go up to Buffalo...hope you can give a report on Josh Thole's progress as well and any other Met hopefuls on the roster who are playing that day!

 

[sonny10305]

Hey guysI haven’t posted much the last couple of days cause I have not really seen any Mets games. I have been with my boys down in PA with the Bisons watching their first couple of games, We stayed the whole weekend and I only got a chance to log on to JUB once or twice but I will tell you no I had a blast.

It started Friday when I met Jason Pridie who won he game for us that night In case you forgot, Pridie was claimed off waivers by the Mets and is hoping for an outfield job soon. He told me he spent most of last year at AAA Rochester, and is totally comfortable “hangin in and biddin his time”
I asked what he batted and he said “.265. oh, and nine home runs in like 120 games”.

But the excitement for me was to see Ike Davis and man did he deliver. going 3-for-4, with two doubles. Tobi Stoner was in the mound for 3 terrific innings struck out 4.Then the freakin rain came and shut us down for about an hour and a half.
But no matters it was all about the Ike who also got his first Bisons home run and drawing two walks or was it three?? I also saw Fernando Martinez in the outfield but did not meet him, he went 2-for-4.

Saturday I shook hands with Pat Misch who went six innings without giving up a run. Pat is expected to stay in the Buffalo rotation for most, of the 2010 season. Gee, are ya sure we can’t bring him down and send Ollie away??

We are heading up to Buffallo . on Wednesday for the home opener, that is when I will be able to spend more time with the players and hopefully meet a few more of em.
I did not mean to hijack my own thread from Mets to Bisons but truth be told I just had so much fun I had to shout it out. Besides sad but true, the Bisons played better ball than the Mes did this weekend anyways.

 

[Sausy]

Thanks sonny for the update....glad you and the boys could meet with Ike and Pat and had a blast watching Ike and Frernando blast the ball.Damn except for that 8-2 win Friday night against the Nats no power explosions for the Mets....Saturday night they almost rallied largely due to a bad Nats bullpen and yesterday that flat out phoned it in.That Jerry Manuel has to rip his club for NOT being mentally prepared to face Livan Hernandez?Bad enough Johann Santana gave up a grand slam and five runs altogether in five innings but the way the Mets have let down everyone the past few years,they are supposed to be hungry and compete EVERY game.Especially against beatable squads like the Nats!

Have fun Wednesday with the home opener in Buffalo....damn I can picture you guys talking and having fun with Ike!I'm trying to remember Kevin Pridie but I'm not sure what kind of a prospect the Mets got in him when the Mets picked him up...damn know sonny can refresh our memories further about him!Least you get to enjoy some great baseball so far!

I will say,if the Mets get off to a bad start,come All Star break I'd bring up Ike Davis,Josh Thole,Fernando Martinez...whoever can help.The transition to the new era should start ASAP rather than us enduring the possibility of another underperforming season for whatever reason.Fire Minaya,fire Manuel and start fresh.Hoping it doesn't come to that,but losing two series at home to open the season to two less than stellar clubs does not bode well.

 

[syam24]

THe Mets underperforming???? Who'd a thunk it. Watched Saturday's game, and their goose was cooked when they had bases loaded, no outs, and didn't score. Francoure hit the nubber in front of the plate that was turned into a DP. Frustrating start, but it is still very early, we need to make a decent showing on this short road trip. Let's go METS!!

 

[sonny10305]

Thanks Saucy I am expecting a great day Wednesday.
Breathe Syam
We decided to take the Metro rather than drive it’s just to freakin much driving up and back so we are gonna pussy out and ride the train.
Saucy you mentioned Thole and I forgot to write yesterday I watched him catch Fri or Sat but he did not come out to greet the fans so I did not get to speak with him. I have been promised to be able to hook up with him in Buffalo. So we will se how that goes.

As for the Mets, I think everyone needs to chill out and stop the panic. Jezz the shit I am hearing already is ridicules. Ok so Johan had a bad day, Hey, that’s gonna happen he was great on opening day against the Marlins so everyone breathe and relax please. Reyes was shaky, ok so again so what, the kid did not play in almost a year give him time. Our pitching while not great has not been terrible either especially the pen which has actually been pretty good.
What we need is a good showing in this road trip coming up and all will be good again. I would like a sweep in at least one of the series or even a series win. We are talking about two great teams there.Besides if we sweep the Cards, Cory (abs) will go into the fetal position
I will tell you what my biggest concern is and that is Manual. He has been making some very questionable decisions lately and sayin some pretty dumb things “we were not prepared” being one of em. The whole Cora over Pagan lead off thing, the Jacobs/Bay batting order, I mean I could go on, the man is not managing well. I think our pitching will improve and our offense will wake up, but Jerry I’m not so sure about.

 

[Sausy]

It's not pussying out,it's a nice way for you guys to enjoy the scenery going up to Buffalo..leave the driving to the conductor!

Yep,hope you guys have a great time and meet up with Ike and Josh after the game.The way things are going they may be called up real soon if people don't get their act together,though!

Tonight goes down as the Sinking of the Maine....started off bad enough,but the meltdown which got the game out of hand with Tatis' misplay is the most disheartening thing tonight.Johnny Maine then proceeds to throw the ball away on a relatively simple play,give up a run scoring well hit double to the Rockies starter,and then a two run homer.He looked shellshocked once thy panned the dugout for reaction shots after he was pulled....Mets fans weren't doing much better.

I know you're being reasonable and trying to put things in perspective sonny...we know it ain't over this early by any stretch but this is really worrisome right now.We can't depend on our starting staff and the lineup can't get hot in synch,we're going to test our bullpen mightily and Jerry Manuel and Omar Minaya are not inspiring one bit of confidence at this point.


I wish I had your patience,but Met fans can't see a silver lining of hope...and believe me,that's all the Mets have to do.They are underdogs now....they have to get their fans believing in Amazing things again.We just seem to be getting the same song and dance as last year,the year before,the year before that...ever since the Mets were ousted from the playoffs by the Cards and the image of a helpless Carlos Beltran staring at strike three by a jubilant Adam Wainwright in 2006...we see nothing but potential unrealized,lofty dreams but pedestrian efforts...we need a killler streak to run through the organization where refuse to quit,refuse to let down and get complacent and lazy and make excuses...if they do lose God help the opponent the next game,cause they'll be coming back with a vengeance.We need something in the current organizational makeup I'm not encouraged is possible...a heart transplant.

 

[sonny10305]

Thanks Saucy for that, I appreciate you guys holding down the thread while I whore around with the boys in the minors. I cannot comment much on what has been going on with the Mets, been busy chasing the Bisons. I have not seen a Mets game is a few days now. But that Maine game was all the talk in buffalo and many are fearing he may be done. The kid can not repeat pitches and has lost all mental control of his game. I learned talking to a few of the guys who know John that he is pretty much a loner keeps to himself. Other than his chess partner Pelfrey who John hangs with.John is very moody, and easily frazzled by just about anything, just like he gets when he pitches or when it is not going well. It does not take much to irritate him both off the field and on. Sad.

The Bisons home opener was a blast. The weather was perfect, like low 60s and the trip up and back went well and I recommend anyone going up there to take the train. It leaves you off about a block from the field.
We got there early to watch the boys workout, take BP and watch Thole catch bull pen. After we spent about an hour meeting a bunch of the guys. Of course my main plan was to get together with the Ike man, and son of a gun if he did not catch my eye and point over to me give out a shout out. One of my good Cyclone friends is close to Davis and on the way up to the game he said try and not bring up the first base Jacobs/Tatis mess. Ike is very much aware that everyone is talking about him for the job and the demand to bring him down now is growing fast. Ike is trying to deal with the job at hand and that is with the Bisons and improving his defense and hitting against the lefties. He dos not want to dwell on the thought that the phone could ring t any time. If that happens sooner than later, the pressure will be tremendous and Ike is well aware of that. So I did not bring it up, and by the way neither did Ike.
I was introduced to Josh Thole, Chris Carter and pitching coach Ricky Bones I also talked with Jason Pridie again so I was feeling pretty good. Later I was told that Josh was impressed by my baseball savvy and love for the game. How bout that!
I was impressed with Josh as well, so level headed and down to earth. He knows who he is and is very comfortable with that. Talking to josh he always seems to be smiling and he does this cute little wink in his left eye when he speaks to you. It’s kinda like a wink or a lazy eye thing I dono, but while he is talking the eye lid kinda droops and …well it’s just so so cute. Sorry, didn’t mean to go there but I could not help it.

The opening ceremonies began about 245, the guys were introduced along with an Olympic bobsled gold medalist. Dono who threw out the first pitch some local dude.
What a performance e by R.A. Dickey who tossed a complete game and by Chris Carter who drove in four giving the Bisons the win 8-2 In fact the thing no one was talking about was Carter and his possible cycle, he need a homer to do that, with four hits, two doubles and a triple. He drove in four, and I think he scored three times.
But back to Dicky a total of nine hits and he struck out five. I was blown away by his knuckleball and his pitches for strikes, something like 85 out of 110
Ike Davis went 1-2, scoring 2 runs.
But in the end it was, wow, can theses guys just trade places with the Mets.
Chris Carter was nothing but outstanding and Dicky just about brought tears to my eyes watching him pitch. Only bummer was I did not get to meet him and tell him that.

Ok guys I promise tomorrow it will be back to the Mets. I should have come down from my high from yesterday by then. Well ….maybe.

Here is Josh Thole and Mike Cervenak a day or so ago

 

[sonny10305]

That’s’ more like it, I guess I had to stop running with the minor leaguers to get those Mets back on track.

Of course the best news was the great outing by Mike Pelfrey who allowed only 5 hits no walks in 7 innings, He struck out 6 with 108 pitches, 70 of them strikes. I was impressed by the command of his split-finger fastball I believe he is the first Met in 2010 to finally pitch beyond the sixth inning.You had to love the way he was hitting spots on either side of the plate and changing speeds just enough to keep batters off balance. Plus how bout that focus, now that was good to see and so important to his success. Then, as they have been, the pen came through once again with Pedro Feliciano pitching a scoreless eighth, with Francisco Rodriguez doing the same in the ninth.

Now if our offense could get it together, we have got to stop leaving men n in scoring position. So many lost opportunities yesterday, sooo frustrating.

Then there were the base running blunders, I mean what the Hell were Reyes and Castillo doing? Was that a double steel gone berzerk or was Reyes just trying to confuse the pitcher? Either way it was bush league. Castillo never looked up to see that Reyes had held at the bag, which you learn in little league is the duty of the trail runner, and was eventually tagged out in the rundown. Not bad enough, Reyes was caught trying to steal third.

Yesterday I wrote about Maine and his troubles, (ERA 13.50). He could be looking at his last start on Sunday if he does not improve his game. Yesterday John said he was going to scratch everything he has been doing since the beginning of spring and get back to what he was doing two years ago and even last year.
I don’t understand why Dan Warten has not noticed theses problems. I men if Maine's mechanics are wrong isn't that the job of the pitching coach to fix and see these kind of things? Besides, none of that is going to help the twilight zone music that plays all day in his head or increase the speed of his diminished fastball. Good luck John I love ya dude and I am concerned for your future.

 

[syam24]

Yesterday's win was too long in coming, very nice job by Pelfrey. A good win in spite of the baserunning follies. They'll have to play a cleaner variety of baseball this weekend to have any chance against LaRussa's Cardinals. THey're usually fundamentally sound. Ollie vs Carpenter tonite, sounds like a total mismatch, but sometimes the underdog comes back to bite ya. Let's go Mets!!

 

[sonny10305]

As hard as it was I will take last nights loss in return for the excellent outing by Ollie Perez. He was efficient with his pitch count, throwing just under 100 pitches, 60 of em for strikes in his 6.1 innings. He was around the strike zone most of the time and looked better than we have seen him in a long time.
Unfortunately the pen blew it for Ollie which was sad indeed woulda been just what he doctor ordered for Ollie and the Mets to have held on to win that game. But except for the last two games I can’t complain too much about our relievers who for the most part have been getting the job done.

I would like to see our bat come more to life, last night 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position, they left 8 runners on base. This has been a pattern that must stop.
Our defense as outstanding last night Wright and Francoeur in particular, David was on fire.

Off to play handball, then check out Santana this afternoon, after his last outing, Johan has a game to win.

 

[syam24]

What a strange game that was on Saturday, they might as well have used whiffle ball bats to hit with. Horrid hitting display. Only 2 runs in 3 innings against fielders, not pitchers, a good thing they won this game, I'd have not slept a wink otherwise. Pitching was superb, especially the bullpen work. Not sure why they did not intentionally walk Molina to pitch to the young kid behind him. I'm thinking that's what I'd have done. The final result was good, but geez, let's get the bats working!!!

 

[sonny10305]

I am so on board with you syam, well said indead.
I suppose I should say something about that 20 inning game on Saturday, I thought it was a sad day for two major league teams, an embarrassment on so many levels. The pitching was incredible yes for sure, but after about the 15th inning of lackluster, no make that boring offense I looked up and shouted,
For the love of God make this stop!

The Mets have been saying that Ike Davis will remain in Buffalo for a while, but things are beginning to change. The first sign of that was the roster move yesterday to bring Tober Stoner in from AAA with Mike Jacobs designated for assignment. They could have sent Valdas but decided on Jacobs instead. Interesting situation wouldn’t you say?
Jacobs still has an option left on his contract, and so the possibility remains he could accept an assignment in Buffalo, but I doubt Jacobs will go to the minors and sit on the bench, which is also interesting cause it’s unusual for The Mets to force veterans to the minors. I don’t care for Jacobs he has been a big disappointment and not much use to use anyways. I was done with him when the other day he tried to throw out the runner going to second instead of the runner at home which cost us a run (the runner at second was safe btw) afterwards when asked abut it instead f owning up to the mistake Mike said he made the right move and would do it again. Sorry Mike wrong answer, good riddins goodbye.
So where does that leave us for first base you ask, well for a day or so expect Fernando Tatis and Frank Catalanotto to platoon at first. But look for some news today or tomorrow cause I think Ike Davis (.364) is gonna get the call. We can’t keep Tatis/Catalamotto in the position till Murphy gets back, that ain’t gonna happen and Murphy is at least 2-3 weeks away from returning maybe 4
The Mets are now carrying 13 pitchers, but ya have to think they will reduce an arm and promote a position player once the bullpen is settled down.
So is Ike ready? Well a week or so I would have said no let him mature in Buffalo, but things at first base are dire right now we have to make a move and I believe we need to bring Ike up and let him loose. One thing is for damn sure he is a hell-of-a- lot better than what we have at first now. I am not worried about him jumpin in to soon, after seeing him in Buffalo and speaking with a lot of guys about it I have changed my mind, we need Ike in NY NOW
Ike just had a seven-game hitting streak with Buffalo hitting .364 with two homers and four RBIs in 33 at-bats. He had a strong spring training performance, hitting .480 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in a dozen spring training games To refresh your memory, Ike was a first-round pick (18th overall) out of Arizona State in 2008, Ike has D Wrights support, David said "When it's time for him to come up, he just needs to remember to come in and do what he's done his whole career, I know there are expectations. I know there is going to be a lot of pressure. But he seems like he's a tremendous player, a great guy, and will do well at this level." David has been there done that and knows of which he speaks.
A couple of Ike’s fiends were thinking Ike is prolly sleeping in a Mets uniform with his bag packed while he lays there tonight with his cell phone ready to answer and run out the door.
I am so excited for this to happen. It has to…it just has to.

 

[syam24]

I think you are probabaly right, I think we will see Ike in NY this week. The only thing I can think of that would stop it is if there is a waiver wire guy available we don't know about. I don't think they're going to wait for Murphy to heal either. Nothing else on offense seems to be going too well right now, so what could it hurt. Bring Ike up, if he hits he stays, if not, then when Murphy is ready you bring him in and option Ike to Buffalo for a little more seasoning. No real negatives with that, only a chance to improve and get Ike an earlier chance to perform.

 

[Sausy]

I think you are probabaly right, I think we will see Ike in NY this week. The only thing I can think of that would stop it is if there is a waiver wire guy available we don't know about. I don't think they're going to wait for Murphy to heal either. Nothing else on offense seems to be going too well right now, so what could it hurt. Bring Ike up, if he hits he stays, if not, then when Murphy is ready you bring him in and option Ike to Buffalo for a little more seasoning. No real negatives with that, only a chance to improve and get Ike an earlier chance to perform.

Ike should be there,I think Chris Carter should be the power bat off the bench and glad Mike Jacobs is gone(Chris hit so well in spring training,he is so intense and dedicated why he was left off the roster as he truly is a superior hitter and he's patient as well is beyond me)Using Frank Catallanato,a nice role player and fellow New York paisano at cleanup yesterday was ridiculous...Ike may well have to be the guy for now.And if he gets off to a sizzling start,the Ike Davis era will have begun and Daniel Murphy may need to develop his skills elsewhere.

Love Daniel though....where Mike Jacobs started off so hot for the Mets a few years back with his monster September,he never developed as a player other than one really good power year for the Marlins,and even then he wasn' t much of a fielder and only hit .260 with a ton of strikeouts.Daniel seems like he really is just scratching the surface of his abilities offensively and wants to work hard to become a solid defensive first baseman.I'll miss that Irish cutie and hope wherever he lands he'll do a good job,except of course against the Mets!


Last night was so frustrating(many frustrating nights for us Mets fans these past few years)as the Mets had Adam Wainwright on the ropes after Angel Pagan delivered that two-run single in the second and the Mets scored another run when Adam lost his footing and hurled a tremendously wild throw trying to catch Angel off of first.One more hit after that...that's it.Adam bolted the door shut.He recovered so well he pitched a complete game looking like the dominant Cy Young candidate he is with his nasty curve working so viciously complimenting his fastball.The Mets have done this so often....struck first and stalling completely after that.They do not know how to manufacture runs...you got to make your own breaks,take advantage of EVERY opportunity and this club never seems to get it.

John Maine just has so much work to do...gave up those two home runs,the one to Ludwick was the most frustrating.He doesn't inspire confidence.He may be healthy but in many respects he is a shell of the rising,confident young starter the Mets got from Baltimore for Kris Benson.I read what sonny wrote about himthe other day,sad to see Maine in this situation but how much longer do we give him to get sharp and consistent again?It seems like a mental thing with him now more than anything...he was around 90 yesterday.His fastball moves 92-94 when he's going right...it's been some time since we've seen that from him and he can't seem to get more life on has fastball anymore even though his shoulder is supposedly healthy now.

Indeed,the scary thing commented on last night's game was that ALL the Mets starters have seemed to have lost some velocity on their best fastballs...pitching coach Dan Worthern was giving some excuse that they all were working so much on their off speed stuff that is was having an effect when throwing their fastballs.Seems like bunk to me but sonny knows the technical aspect of that well being a pitcher in his summer league,would love to hear his take on it.

 

[syam24]

Just saw on the NY Daily News site, Ike Davis pulled from Buffalo day game lineup, on way to NY for tonite's game vs Cubbies. .....and so it begins. Let's wish him luck and not put too much pressure on him. Oh, my brother and nephew will be at tonite's game. Let's Go Mets!!

 

[Sausy]

Just saw on the NY Daily News site, Ike Davis pulled from Buffalo day game lineup, on way to NY for tonite's game vs Cubbies. .....and so it begins. Let's wish him luck and not put too much pressure on him. Oh, my brother and nephew will be at tonite's game. Let's Go Mets!!

Thanks syam for the breaking news!Sonny's gonna be all atwitter!He may be going to the game tonight after he hears this too!....good luck Ike,just keep doing what you do best and you'll be terrific!

 

[sonny10305]

Thanks syam for the breaking news!Sonny's gonna be all atwitter!He may be going to the game tonight after he hears this too!....good luck Ike,just keep doing what you do best and you'll be terrific!

Yup Ike was actually taking batting practice around noon to play for buffallo tonight when he got the call. He will be in the linup tonight hitting 6th and wearing #29

We are going up tomorrow to see Ike, he is going to get an apartment in Long Island City.

Ike Davis is a major league baseball player, I can hardly breathe

 

[Sausy]

Yup Ike was actually taking batting practice around noon to play for buffallo tonight when he got the call. He will be in the linup tonight hitting 6th and wearing #29

We are going up tomorrow to see Ike, he is going to get an apartment in Long Island City.

Ike Davis is a major league baseball player, I can hardly breathe

Mets winning 4-1 now in the seventh and Ike had his first major league hit and just had his first RBI,slapped right through the middle!Way to go,Ike!Sonny,so excited for youcan't wait to hear your update on his reactions about this!I know Ike always takes a professional approach,team oriented ...but he's got to be excited about tonight!

 

[Red Storm]

I have now become a fan of the NY Mets. Ike Davis is the 93rd Sun Devil to become a major league player. And could not have asked for a better start 2-4 ,1 rbi.

CONGRATULATIONS IKE DAVIS
Sun Devil nation is proud of you!!!!

Here is to a long and prosperous career!!!!!!

 

[Red Storm]

Called from Triple-A at around noon to help the slumping Mets, the top prospect had two hits and an RBI in his debut, a 6-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Monday night.

“It’s great, especially being up here and getting a win, it’s awesome,” said Davis, who was welcomed after the game with a shaving-cream pie in the face. “I’m going to sleep well tonight. Maybe not. Who knows, I might be too excited.”

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