New York Mets 2011

[Sausy]

Thanks sonny for the updates....really great hearing about how much these two key Mets stars really give of themselves and are terrific people in and out of the uniform.There are too many examples of guys who are stars but put themselves first....overall as a group while our Mets aren't World Series champion material yet most of the guys on the club seem like world class people we can be proud of.

 

[sonny10305]

Thanks saucy, I am privileged to call a few baseball players friends and Ike is way up there on the scale of amazing guys both on the field as well as on. He is very dedicated to a lot of charity issues as is DWright. He is truly one of a kind. I spent a couple of hours with him this afternoon out in Merrick on Long Island He spoke to a bunch of kids at day care center there He did this morning try putting more weight on his ankle an it felt fine in fact he ran a bit as the doc said to do on a treadmill both under water and regular with no pain. Ike believes the cortisone shot he got is working but he remains optimistic about the 2011 season THe problem is if the inflammation completely disappears and surgery is not needed he will still need many weeks of conditioning training and rehab which would mean perhaps just a couple of at bats in September at best. He has been out for so long he will pretty much need another spring training He is more and more looking for a full return to baseball in2012 In fact he told the campers that .
Ike has decided that he will not travel with the team to Florida but will go home to Arizona after the game on Thursday. Not to say he has given up on 2011 but he is being realistic about it, generally healing from an injury like the one he has takes at least 12 weeks which is abut how long he will have been out. Ike just thinks that with all the false starts while trying to come back during the past couple of months have him a little nutz but he has not given up. When he told that kid he knows he will be back in 2012 it was kinda of a joke meaning who knows what for 2011.

In a surprise to me mover the Mets have sent Tejada back to Buffalo to make room on the roster for Reyes tonight. Terry Collins decided on Rubin cause he feels that he's got some things he needs to work on. He sees tremendous positional in him and wants him to work out all of his kinks. Terry felt that he thought Rubin looked a little tired, which happens when you do play every day here, Tejada will play shortstop with the Bisons with the thinking that he will be a hedge against Reyes departing as a free agent. NOT
Collins also said today that Justin Turner, Daniel Murphy and even Willie Harris will share second base once David Wright returns as soon as Friday. He also sees Lucas Duda at first base and Murphy at second base on some occasions against right-handed starters.

Thole finally got the call that the baby is coming and left for leave,Nickeas is coming up from Buffalo to take over

 

[syam24]

A return to some semblance of a ball team last nite with Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran back in the lineup and making their presence felt. Big two run doubles by Pagan and Murphy drove home the runs, and Dillon Gee was back on his game after a bit of a slump. Reyes provided a stellar defensive play keeping a ground ball from going into left field with runners at first and second. Although an infield hit, it prevented a run from scoring and the next batter, Albert Pujols grounded into a double play, also started by Jose, that ended that threat, and then Izzy put the Cards to sleep in the ninth for his first save since 2008. A solid team effort last nite, we need more nites like this. Lets go Mets!!

 

[sonny10305]

Yup syam, so how fun was it to see Reyes back in the lineup.
After seeing him in Brooklyn the other day I knew he was back 100% and last night he was sharp making two outstanding defensive plays and going 2-5, oh boy have I missed that. Pagan moving down in the lineup helped him as well he just was not comfortable in that lead off spot he even admitted as much and last night he drove in two of the 4 runs with Murph (of course who else) bringing in the other two. Seriously other than DWright or Beltran is there anyone else you would want in that clean up role than Murph, I think not. Then the was Beltran who just had a miserable attack of the flu leaving him weak and in fact he lost 5 lbs but yow old not have know it cause he came on strong going 3-3 and never missed a beat. I can not leave out the great job Gee did and our pen was outstanding with Parnell and Izzy putting the game to bed in style. Izzy is looking like our closer but I am sure if he pitches in two or more game in a row Collins will mix it up a bit to give him some rest. Izzy is available to close of needed tonight.
The next step will be on Friday when DWright comes back, he has been doing really well in Florida in fact he is currently batting .412 in the Florida State league. I am so excited about seeing David and Jose side by side playing together again it has been just too long. Another addition to Fridays game will be the return of Kevin Burkhardt back from vacation doing the best field reporting in the business I have missed his insight, interviews and opinions.

Congrats to Josh and Cathy Thole on the birth of their son Camden, Josh is on paternal lave but is expected back tonight. Meantime Nickolas was supposed to fly back to replace Josh but his plane was delayed and he would not have gotten to the ball park in time leaving the Met with no backup catcher. But I remember when Nick Evans first came up from the minors he told me he was working with Sandy Alomar Jr. on how to be a catcher, the idea being he could increase his versatility, So last night the idea of Nick catching was a real possibility. While I would not have wanted anything to happen to Paulino to cause Nick to fill in I would have loved to have seen Nick behind the dish calling the game.

In the that sucks department Kirk Nieuwenhuis underwent season-ending surgery on the labrum in his left shoulder. I got to know this kid pretty well and lemme tell you to remember his name cause he will be one of the Mets top outfielders in years to come As a matter of fact if not for this injury he could have easily taken Beltrans place should /when he got traded, he is that good.

Fernando Martinez just landed on the AAA DL with a hip flexor injury, it never ends with that kid.

OK now I have to vent, you may have heard or saw items regarding Ike Davis having supposedly said he was done for this year. Well that is not what he said. As I told you yesterday Ike was out at a summer camp on Long Island yesterday speaking to the kids about this and that and one kid asked how his ankle was doing. Ike jokingly responded “not good” and he promised to be back healthy next year. He did not say he would not play this year just that he was sure he would be back in 2012. Well some numb nutz idiot took what Ike said out of context and reported that Ike said he was done this year. I was there I heard what he said and HE DID NOT SAY THAT!!! I have the video of the entire chat he had with the kids and cut it down to the part about his ankle for you to see and know what he really said. As I told you yesterday Ike will wait out the next two weeks and then get a new MRI to determine if the cortisone cleaned up the inflammation or if he will have the surgery. Until then Ike is remaining positive and hopeful and most certainly has not given up as some are now reporting. Pleased don’t believe all the crap you hear, while it’s possible he will have the surgery it is just as possible he wont. We will know in a couple of weeks and trust me you guys will be one of the first to find out.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcE4ToObgsg[/ame]

 

[sonny10305]

I dono about you guys but watching Beltran in the bottom of the ninth in yesterdays game coming p to bat for what could be the last time at Citifield chocked me up a little. The response from the fans was awesome they greeted him with a standing O knowing that he may be gone by the time the Mets return home on Aug 1st. and he may very will be gone. The talk has been fast and furious about his leaving but I am just not ready to accept that, I want him to stay around. Right now there are 5 teams vey much interested in Carlos. Atlanta, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Boston and Texas. His agent Boraus said that Beltran would be willing to consider the idea of re-signing with the Mets in the offseason, even if he is traded. So even if he goes as basically a two month rental he could be back with the Mets. I am not going to go on and on about all the rumors cause there are far to many so I am just gonna sit back and wait for the outcome.

So excited to see DWright back in the lineup tonigh,Kevin Burkhardt returns to the airwaves as well tonight after a much deserves vacation. I sent him message saying “Good baseball tonight DW right returns and so does KB”, he jokingly wrote back “thanks but maybe David just a bit more important.”
Nah Kev I missed you a lot can’t wait to have you back.

Wright bats cleanup tonight with Murph at first moving down to the 5 spot, Bay still out so Duda will play right field.So it will be Reyes. Turner. Beltran. Wright. Murphy. Pagan. Duda. Paulino.Pelfrey

The Mets plan to hold Jason Isringhausen at the trade deadline
in order for him to serve as a mentor to Bobby Parnell. GOOD!,

The Phillies signed Aaron Heilman

In the Oh dear department, K-Rod blew his first save with Milwaukee.

Just had to mention that yesterday The Cyclones had 20 hits in their game 13-1 win game yesterday.

 

[syam24]

Well, except for some good hitting from David Wright, losing 2 or 3 doesn't sit well with me. Murphy's defense was NOT must see tv, abominable, at best. Dillon Gee pitched will enough, but Parnell brought back some bad memories in the third game. Hopefully, just a glitch, not a trend. Capuano was sailing along, when he gave up 4 quick runs. It's on to Cincy amid all the trade winds for Carlos Beltran. I expect he'll be traded by Thursday, and when that happens the rest of the teams will begin their trading in earnest, as that will unlock the dam. Let's go Mets.

 

[sonny10305]

Hey guys I hope you all had a great weekend and survived that heat wave here in NY and around the country. Playing ball was not as much fun as it should be hard to stay hydrated and do much of anything physical outside. I pitched in 102 degree heat and that was a bitch, only went 4 innings the umps called the game after that afraid of the effect of the heat on us, it was bad out there.

So how great was it to se DWright play again, he delivered in the offense department pretty well and looked to be in great form going 6 for 14 with a home run and six RBI He even caved in to the pressure of the other guys to throw up a claw after his first hit, he had told the guys no way was he gonna get into that but after the first hit all the guys were at the rail of the dugout givin him the claw so he gave into the pressure and did a kinda half assed version. David is just not into that kind of thing hates to bring attention to himself we are not likely to see him doing often as most of the guys have started dong. To me he looked comfortable at the plate I thought his bat and hand speed look terrific. We will wait now and see if can keep the strikeouts down and continue to go away with that outside pitch and not go back to trying to pull, I loved seeing him go away with it. Many believe as I do he is gonna have a monster second half. Kevin Burkhardt asked David what was most encouraging thing he did this weekend and David said “I played” KB said David is always upbeat and happy but this weekend he was just glowing he has never seen David so happy
David did have problems with his throwing thou dono what is up with that but he made some really bad throws in two of the games. Why he is side winding so much I can’t figure.

If I am going to mention Wrights throwing I also have to give my boy Murph a shot across the back of his head for two things, first of all as syam mentioned that one handed catch of that foul ball he dropped. Dude, God gave you two hands use em one handed catching is bogus you should know better, fortunately it did not hurt us but it was an out we shudda got. Then there was that bunting, you’re a .300 hitter what was up with that bunt did it come from Collins or did the heat melt your brain a little, stop doing that please.

Really good news from Santana Johan Santana he tossed a 45-pitch bullpen session yesterday and it went really well he will be evaluated today and if he feels good he will throw another simulated game, and then start in a minor league game later this week.

We remain on Beltran watch as we get closer and closer to that deadline which technically is four o’clock on Saturday. Carlos has made it clear he is only interested in the NL he will not DH and has even narrowed his choice down to just two teams. His contract allows him to make the final decision about where he goes. The talk around the clubhouse is that Duda will be our right fielder for at least the short term very soon and Terry Collins has already started contemplating the contents of a speech to his players for after Beltran is traded, thinking about what he will say and how he will say it when the time comes. Collins said that the other players had better understand Beltrans leaving is not a white flag, they better understand they still have something to prove. He wants his team to remember if they let something like that get to them the other team will kick their butt. WOW!
Watch for the Mets to finish evaluation of rival farm systems in next day or two, getting ready for the Beltran deal

I got a little worried about Angel Pagan when he left the game yesterday, he later said that he felt like he might pass out in the field if he stayed in the game. He actually felt like he needed to sit down in the outfield his body seemed to be getting heavier so he told the trainer about it and the decision was to tale him out. Later in the game he felt much better he saw the doctor got tested and it was determined he was very dehydrated, so he was told to keep drinking liquids. Hopefully Monday he will be ok. He did not require intravenous fluids. He is out of the line up again tonight.

Mets lineup tonight Reyes-SS, Turner-2B, Beltran-RF, Wright-3B, Murphy-1B, Bay-LF, Thole-C, Pridie-CF, Dickey-

 

[syam24]

Good job by the Metties last nite, nice pitching from RA Dickey. Parnell was a little shakey, but got thru the eighth and Izzy got the save, althought the error by DWright to start the inning made it a tougher chore. His strikeout of Phillips with the bases juiced to end the game was awesome. The offense featured back to back RBI doubles from Murph and Jason Bay in the 4 run seventh. A solid team effort against a team in the playoff hunt. Let's go Mets!!

 

[sonny10305]

Yup syam DWright is still struggling defensivly but not to worry give hi a few more games. Murph it’s always an adventure on the field but his bat remains hot delivering a two-run double again yesterday followed by Tim Byrdak, Bobby Parnell and Jason Isringhausen keeping the Redes qiuiet. So we are once again .500
Murphy is a trip is he not, I laughed my ass off watching him flopping to the ground to stop that grounder barehanded and almost killing Isringhausenin the process. Hey…he got it done right?? Not sure what he was thinking earlier in the game when he chose to cut off a that strong throw to the plate. He said he did not want to allow another runner to reach scoring position but then realized he later said he should have faked the cutoff to hold the runner who was close enough to first base, and allowed the throw to go through. Hey, that’s his story and he’s stickin to it. Look he makes some blunders out there but he is still a work in progress in the big leagues and he is trying really hard not to repeat the same mistakes. No one and I mean NO ONE works harder at his game he has outstanding determination and drive to be a success and he will be, as I have been saying for a couple of years now, one of our great ones.

Angel Pagan’s story is getting strange, seems those dizzy spells he had have been happening for over a week now and thou the blood work came up clean he is having more tests today and will not be in the lineup again tonight. He has been acting weird in the clubhouse that always chipper happy angel has not been around lately, as a mater of fact he is often seen with a very sad his face. He has not been productive, and he seldom interacts with teammates, so what’s up? Angel insists that he is fine but clearly it isn’t. He is very close to Beltran but not even Carlos has been able to get thru to him. Hope it’s not a family issue and of course not a physical one. Right now many are wondering about his sudden quiet.

We should have word later today as to when Santana will make a rehabilitation start this week.

Mets lineup tonight Reyes-SS, Turner-2B, Beltran-RF, Wright-3B, Murphy-1B, Bay-LF, Pridie-CF and Paulino catching Niese

 

[syam24]

Another victory in Cincinnati, quite a chore, but a victory nonetheless. Niese, given a 4 run lead, couldn't hold it, but the Mets bounced back, including a key 2 RBI double by Pridie and a valiant, if shakey effort from some of the bullpen guys. They got the job done, which is what matters in the end, and Niese gets win number 10! Let's get another one tonite, Let's go Mets!!

 

[sonny10305]

So its pretty much a done deal after MLB approval the Mets will trade Carlos Beltran to the Giants for cash and a prospect, pitcher Zack Wheeler,
Funny, just this morning the press continued to hound Beltran without letup he cant make a move without some media dude shoving a mike in his face. But Carlos has been a real sport about it all never getting frustrated of annoyed just smiles and says basically that nothing is new and that he has not spoken to his agent all week. The Stupidest question asked of Carlos Beltran regarding trade was how will make the decision you or your wife? Carlos actually answered, I will, she decides everything else. I have said that if we are going to give up Beltran it had better be worth it and from appears to be the deal I don’t think we did. He has been outstanding for us this year and is a Mets institution for the past 6 years we gotta get something back worth losing him for. I would not be satisfied with Zack Wheeler, a good pitcher yes but that would not satisfy me at all, we have to do better. But what do I know. This whole trade just makes ne sad I hate giving Carlos up for what I consider so little. The deal has not been announced yet by the Mets but by the time you guys read this they probably will have. Trying to reach Kevin Burkhardt on the phone but it goes to voice mail I imagine he is getting bombed with calls and is probably preparing a statement for later today.

Great to see Angel Pagan pinch hit and even better to see him getting that bloop single to give us the lead.
He had been 5-48 up to that point and had to have been getting to him. He seems to be bouncing back physically even thou he is still not himself mentally. He will be back in the line up tonight in center field. All his teats and blood work came back negative But what I wonder is could he end up a candidate to be non-tendered this winter, in other words the Mets will not offer him a contract. He has been very disappointing this season and the Mets have not been impressed with him. Think about it, at the plate as I said he was 5-48 as of yesterday clearly he if’s trying too hard to hit home runs rather than be a contact hitter, and has looked lost in center field, remember all his problems with things like overthrowing cutoff men allowing trailing base runners to move up, missing balls that should have been caught and some goofy base running. We do have options, really good ones I might add, kids like Cory Vaughn, Darrell Ceciliani and Matt den Dekker, of course only den Dekker is as high as AA right now which has to change soon cause Cory and Darrell deserve to move up quickly. In AAA I had hoped for Kirk Nieuwenheis but he is out for the season after surgery so that will have to wait till 2012. F-Mart gets hut every other day, Nick Evans could certainly be in the mix he has had an awesome year in Buffalo, and problem is he has not been able to transform that success to the Mets when ever he comes up. Part of that can be blamed on Collins who gives Nick so little playing time opting instead to leave him mostly on the bench. Nick should clear waivers today and head back to Buffalo; I will speak to him over the weekend for an update on how he is doing.

With Beltran gone and if Pagan follows the Mets would search for an outfielder thru free agency or trade who can fill one of those spots. There are some decent free agent outfielders available next offseason, although I would be hard pressed to name one as good as Beltran right now. What Angel needs to do is get his problem what ever the hell is bothering him fixed get his ass to winter ball and get back to the Pagan we knew last year. He is a terrific athlete then and could be a be Met for a long time, he just has to get back to the Angel that showed us the speed and defense we first saw in him.

Daniel Murphy was 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI singles and a run scored last night. The kid just keeps on going and now has multi-hit games in four out of his last five, his batting average went to .313 now.

Johan Santana will begin a minor league rehab assignment Thursday in Florida tomorrow. He is due to throw 45 pitches. If all goes well and there are no setbacks, he should be back with the Mets within 30 days

Cyclones Danny Muno now leads the New York-Penn League with a .375 average

 

[sonny10305]

More on my post above^^
Still no official announcement from the Mets but it is done, Beltran is gone. He knew it last night when he took the whole team out to a steakhouse for dinner which he prolly did cause he already knew he had just played his last game with them. Terry Collins said a little while ago Lucas Duda will be primary RF. "He better get comfortable really fast," Collins said. "He's got about an hour and a half.

Lineup tonight with no Beltran will be Reyes Harris Murphy Wright. Pagan. Bay. Duda Paulino catching Pelfrey. Harris is at second cause Justin Turner has an enormous welt on left hamstring from getting hit by pitch two nights ago. He wanted to play but Collins wanted him to rest.

It is a sad clubhouse tonight; Carlos was very much loved and respected by his teammates. Pagan Wright and Reyes will feel it the most but even Duda, Beltran took under his wing recently and spent much time teaching Lucas who will miss him a lot.

I am just not satisfied with this deal. This kid could be a major addition but he could also not be. Right now he is in A ball and we wont see him at Citi for st least a year, I understand this move was part of Aldersons plan for the future and perhaps this will be a good addition to that plan he was a #1 draft pick BUT we just don’t know how he will develop, will he turn out to be another stud for us or will he be another Perez, come on ya have to worry about that.
Tomorrow I will work the phones with a lot of my baseball friends finding out all I can about this Wheeler kid maybe then I will feel bettter about this....doubt it

So now we have an opening in the roster and I am thinking could Nick Evans be back next week??
More on that later

 

[sonny10305]

Last night was a tremendous win for the Mets simply to prove they are still relevant and unlike the Mets of old who would have gone into the fetal position after the loss of Beltran. The Mets of old would have not necessary responded well after adversity we all remember pre Collins that they often did that. But not this team not theses players, yes there was sadness in the locker room when Carlos came in to clean out his locker and say good bye, he then left for Philly to join Giants. Then guys like DWright came lout to say we have games to win and there is no looking back. Beltran for sure was one of the driving forces in what kept the Mets relevant this year but day after day we learn what a scrappy bunch of hard working determined to win ball players we have on the team. Dwright for example came back stronger than ever he continues to dominate since returning to the Mets. Recently with two hits and a homerun, and four big RBIs. Think about how David missed two months, and he is 2 HR shy of 2009 output. Welcome back big guy we sure missed you.
Then of course here is my boy Daniel Murphy who continues his offensive streak.
Murph finished with a career-high four hits last night with two doubles (he is a legitimate doubles machine now). I wondered and discussed with him the move to the third spot and how that would go, well I got that answer quick obviously hitting third seems like it is going to work out rather well. I am counting down to his 300 hits who also happens to be the team leader in doubles with 28, As of last night he is hitting .355 which is the third-highest average in the majors. He is also second in the majors with 82 hits and tied for fifth with 19 doubles and fifth in the National League batting average including being tied for ninth in the NL with a .346 batting
average with runners in scoring position and tied for sixth with 26 doubles. WHEW! I am bustin my buttons with pride for this kid, and now ya know why way back when I first saw him I told you guys watch out for this Murphy kid he is gonna be special. The Irish Hammer

Mike Pelfrey showed us what he can do with a terrific complete game giving our pen the night off that sure felt good to see. Big Pelf has had a rough time of it but got it together last night with a victory with two runs given up on seven hits, one homerun; three K’s and no walks.

Lucas Duda is starting to show the power with his second homer in two days.

Angel Pagan seems to be doing much better and has better at bats since coming back after his dizzy spell thing. With a two-run double in the first inning.

For a while Mike Nickeas will join the Mets as the roster replacement for Carlos Beltran. I am not sure he will be eligible for today’s day game if not he will join the team on Friday. The Mets went with the third catcher because there were simply few guys ready to come up. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Fernando Martinez Zach Lutz are all injured. But Nick Evans who was just cleared waivers and returned to Buffalo will be available as soon as he has spent the required 10 days in the minors in order to come back to the Mets. Also available soon Ruben Tejada and Mike Baxter who will also have to play out the required 10 days in the minors first. But my money is on Evans coming back to replace Nickeas in 10 days. Nick has yet to show Mets fans what he is capable of his minor numbers are outstanding

If you were wondering who threw the seeds at Josh Thole during the interview during last nights game last night with Kevin Burkhardt it was our newest goofball Justin Turner. The kid is a lot of fun to be around.

So I spoke to a few guys who know Zack Wheeler I wanted to learn more about that kid.
Starting with his velocity he throws a low-to-mid-90s fastball, with plenty of sink which of course is the way you want to get hitters out. He has an impressive use of his breaking ball, I have to say thou it’s possible to look at the breaking pitch and see what may appear to be below average. His curve sucks but that is prolly cause he throws from a lower arm slot. Still instead of not using that pitch he turns it into something positive. by fooling the batters changing the speed and break of the pitch by adjusting his arm speed and angle to make batters think he has more than one breaking pitch. As to his ground ball numbers he is so so and fall short of classifying him as a ground ball pitcher. Not much of a changeup and with that arm angle it may never be good. His command right now this year at least totally blows he has a lot of trouble hitting his spots, especially down in the zone. Any success he is having with that is because now a lot of batters are still chasing, but for sure that will that may change once he starts facing more disciplined hitters. On the positive side he doesn't often elevate his pitches when he misses; he tends to either miss down or away. Which will help in limiting the home run, but once again seasoned batters will lay off, he'll find himself intentionally elevating. His command. Troubles me but a good coach will teach him to be more consistent with his arm angle he just has to be careful not to let it ruin the effectiveness of the breaking ball. He has also had shoulder injuries so ya have to worry about shortening his stride thing which can sometimes help aggressive pitchers from getting their bodies too far in front of their arms during delivery, he just will have to learn to locate better
Based on what I have heard so far don’t expect to see this kid in Flushing for at last two years.

 

[syam24]

Very nice win for the Mets last nite, especially with all the drama surrounding the trade of Beltran to the Giants. Carlos will be missed for sure. The lineup again displayed a lot of pop with Murphy's 4 hits, 2 doubles, DWright's 3-run bomb to center, Lucas Duda with his second HR, and a solid performance from Mike Pelfrey, and in a road game, no less. Really, a great game for him, considering the band box that ballpark is. We go for the sweep today, and follow the trade winds, as they are a-blowin'. Lets go Mets!!

 

[sonny10305]

Very nice four game sweep just showing our boys are not letting the loss of Beltran get to them. Everyone is contributing even Jason Bay, and the hits, as they say, just keep on-a comin. Speaking of Carlos Beltran he made his San Francisco Giants debut wearing No. 15 and going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Philadelphia. Typical of the Philly fans Carlos was booed. Why? Cause he did not join the Phillies?
Nah it's just the Philly fans poor souls just can’t help them self. Sorry Scrubs.

Next stop, Davey Johnson and the Washington Nationals, can we do another sweep? Why not, after all Washington can use some winners now unlike those losers in congress,
oh. Sorry, did not mean to go political, it slipped out.

Lineup for tonight’s game in Washington will be Reyes-SS, Turner-2B, Murphy-1B, Wright-3B, Pagan-CF, Bay-LF, Duda-RF, Paulino catching Gee

Johan Santana made his first rehab start in the minors, tossing three scoreless innings and hitting 88-90 mph on a radar gun. Santana allowed two hits and hit a batter. He threw 33 pitches, 26 for strikes. A very positive and encouraging start to his comeback. More work will be needed, physically his shoulders just not ready yet, perhaps in about a month when he will have built up the strength and recovery he will be ready to return. Santana's next start should be on 6 days rest in St. Lucie on Wednesday. With Santana’s return on our mind it will be interesting to watch Chien-Ming Wang tonight in Washington, he makes his first major league start since he underwent surgery two years ago to repair a torn shoulder capsule which is the same injury Johan Santana had and is now trying to work back.

Zack Wheeler has been assigned to A ball St. Lucie and will pitch his first game on Monday. He has been working on his curveball and has made a lot of progress on that. Fastball has hit 99. I am not planning on following his development just yet I will begin to watch him more closely when he reaches AAA.

Off to Brooklyn tonight to meet up with my Cyclone boys, big fireworks show after the game tonight

 

[syam24]

Two disappointing losses in a row, after getting game tieing HR's from Hariston and Duda, only to give it up rather quickly to the Nats and Fish. Last nite was rather an infrequent poor outing by Izzy, aided by a Murphy faux pas at first on the rundown play. THe offense has been in a three game funk, and needs to bust out at home. Let's go Mets!!!

 

[sonny10305]

The Post's Mike Puma labels Daniel Murphy the Mets' MVP in spit of Murphs continuing missteps on the field. Murph is a great Offensive player but he has a lot to learn defensively. I will give him the fact that he is never given much chance to master any one position bouncing around from first, second, third and even in the outfield; he needs to concentrate on one position at this point. He has said as of now he has no plans to go to winter ball as he did last year but I wonder if that is a wise choice given his need for defensive training. He is thinking he would take a couple of months off then get down to Lucie (he lives just a short ways from there ii Florida) and get an early January start on learning second base which is his best shot for 2012. Davis will be back and Murph will have to move from first and we all think second is his best shot. My worry for him is his instincts he has drive energy and a competitive spirit like no one else I know but his instincts are just not there. I will be seeing him on Thursday maybe I can learn more about what he is thinking about all that these days. Keith Hernandez must stop beating up on Murphs defensive weakness, as an umpteen gold glover we get it you were a great first baseman now show some class and offer some constructive advice instead if ragging on him so much. I love and respect you Keith but you are started to get on my nerves on this.
Murph will not be in the line up tonight but that is because Collins wants to give Hairston some well deserved playing time against the Marlins lefty pitcher. Nickeas who was called up to fill the roster spot last week finally gets some work tonight. The full line up for tonight will be Reyes-SS, Turner-2B, Wright-3B, Hairston-RF, Bay-LF, Pagan-CF, Duda-1B, Nickeas catching Capuano.

Why has Jose Reyes started swinging at balls out of the strike zone again.

See, see, see, I told you guys over and over last year that DWright was standing to far from the plate; well finally hitting coach Dave Hudgens told him the same thing so he moved closer and now we have the ole David back. We all think David was a little shy about getting to close after getting hit in the head last year but he seems to be finally over that; in addition his approach ahs changed s you can see him keeping his front side closed and being short to the ball, which gives him a short hand path to the ball. Notice too the adjustment he has made to his approach you can see how he brings his elbows back, and watch how his toes on his front foot tap the dirt, what that does is it gives him the right mechanics to produce a good line drive swing, bat seed is quicker as well. His hitting streak since returning from the disabled list had Wright hitting .455 during the 10-game road trip and had seven straight multi-hit games through Saturday, way to go dude.

Highlight for me in Monday game was Duda’s homer and curtain call, what power he has been showing such a strong kid if he becomes a home run hitter look out.

A day after returning from his latest stint on the disabled list in Buffalo, Fernando Martinez went 2-for-4 and scored a run Stay healthy dude. Pat Misch was scoreless thru 7 and Nick Evans homered.

Johan Santana's rehab start has been tentatively pushed back from Wednesday to Thursday due to a lack of strength in his left arm after his start last week, he didn't feel quite as strong as he would've liked. So rather than force it they are going to back off a day and see how he feels. It is not considered a set-back necessarily but they will know on Wednesday it looks like something more significant.

Ike Davis has picked up the amount of running he is doing bask home in Arizona going at 30-yard intervals now and will continue testing that ankle out all this week after which a decision on his next step will be made. He said he is still going to take a day off from running in between to rest not running every single day. He says he feels great there is no pain but we have been down that road before and I am hoping as many are that this time he will have no set back. We will know more by weeks end.

Taylor Buchholz will not return this season; he has been on the disabled list since late May after being diagnosed with anxiety and depression

 

[sonny10305]

We had a very scary time last night soon after the Cyclones/Crosscutters game in Brooklyn. The Crosscutters team bus left after last nights game to go to the hotel but the bus driver got lost and after some confusion collided with an SUV and then a utility vehicle and guide rail, the bus then dangled from the overpass. Thanks to God all 52 people are ok with only a couple of minor injuries, two pitchers and strength and conditioning coach, were taken to the hospital got treated and released. What is scary is had the bus been going any faster or had gone further over the rail the results would have been very different and tragic with the real possibility of the bus falling onto the expressway. I went to the ball park this morning to see the guys and do the big brother thing with hugs and happy thoughts, everyone seems still shaken but in good spirits. Today’s game will be played as scheduled. I am going back tomorrow night for the last game of the Crosscutters three game series with the Cyclones, Kevin Burkhardt will be there doing the play by play for SNY.

Do we miss K-Rod Much?
When Franscisco left my feelings were kinda mixed. On the one hand I was glad to get rid of all his baggage and drama not to mention the blown saves; but since then I worry we will need a good closer if we are to contend and maybe Izzy and Parnell ain’t it. I’m not ready to throw in the towel on those guys yet cause they have given us some good outings but we for sure need someone more reliable in that spot. To be fair I have to give Terry (what was he thinking)Collins and crack upside his head for putting Izzy back in yesterdays game after he threw so many pitches the day before and another bigger slap for leaving him in after it was clear he was outa gas. He will for sure not pitch tonight. I figured Izzy or Parnell as the Mets' top option to close games after Rodriguez was traded away. But his status has taken a hit after a lousy showing the last two nights. Bobby Parnelli has been spotty and not ready for that role as we have seen.

The good news was Capuano who showed us what he can do with that slider of his and in keeping the ball which we did not see the last two outings when he was pitching up in the zone which you will recall allowed an inning filled with long home runs from the Marlins. So putting the two home runs to Infante I would say he had a pretty good game.

Jose Reyes hit one out and the best part was that it was from the right side of the plate, but he, as I complained about yesterday, is still swinging at pitches he was not swinging at before going on the DL. I dono if he is still a little anxious or off his game after a long time away but he needs to get back to that ole disciplined and patient Reyes we all love

So you heard the news about Santana, yesterday I told you his next stat was going to be pushed back cause he felt some discomfort in his arm but then later yesterday it was decided he need to have it checked by a doctor and so he is going to be in NY tomorrow to see what’s up. Supposedly Santana who for sure by now knows the difference between pain and injury isn’t overly concerned about the discomfort in his left shoulder, basically no need for concern…..yet. We need to keep in mind that after the surgery Johan had is one from which some pitchers have never fully recovered.

Its official Ike Davis is coming in to NY tomorrow he has a doctor’s appointment for Friday. He also has a promo thing for Pepsi Max he will be doing in Whitestone on Saturday. Ike will be signing autographs and greeting fans at a Pathmark store. WFAN is sponsoring the meet and greet. I will try and take some pics and post em on Sunday. Of course I will also fill you guys in on how it goes with the doctor.

So hear we go again our friend Saucy has often complained about how the Mets set us up by playing well and then crash and burn letting us down time after time. So after a great road trip they come home and piss all over it giving up much of the ground they made. So typical and yet confusing to watch. But we have to remember that for a long while his team was mostly made up of minor leaguers who are going to make mistakes and that is understandable and yet they managed to float around the .500 mark most of the season without guys Like Reyes, Wright and Davis but now with two of them back we should be able to go over the top and play winning baseball. Some of the minor guys remain like Duda, and Turner who have both contributed greatly but have also lost games for us. That play last night by Justin (thank goodness it wasn’t Murph again) Turner was another heartbreaker, but I have to think that the kid learned a big lesson here and that his intentions as misdirected as it was were good; of course he coulda woulda shuda have thrown home with the bases loaded and one out, me I am not so sure he would have made that play and I have to think (and I have not asked him) that he was sure as sure as can be that he could have gotten a double play. Unfortunately he missed the tag between first and second and then threw wild and wide to first. I am also sure he thought he was going to make that tag and get the double play; but he panicked after the runner did not run into the force. So we can’t forget that guys like them are still learning the game and one might argue that the majors is no place to do that but then I ask what where our options short of the major trades we could not do. I am a major minor league player supporter theses guys want nothing more than to advance their skills and become great baseball players I am privileged to call many of em friends and understand what they are feeling What’s also important is for the manager coaches and players to rally around one another and put a bad day to bed and wake up the next day with the support of the team to lift you up and make you better. Here is a picture I thought speaks well to that, A veteran player comforting Turner after that play last night, the players name is David Wright and it says hang in there kid we got your back we have all been there.

 

[sonny10305]

Ok so here is the latest on Ike Davis.
You may recall I told you guys Ike was going to come back to NY on Thursday and go to see the doctors at the hospital in Queens, actually he has seen three so far. Friday he went and was told that while the bone has not gotten worse it has improved but ever so slightly and it was recommend that he go another 4 weeks with no activity what so ever before doing anything with surgery. The slow healing in it self is not unusual and that the bone should heal on it’s own it is not unusual as a matter if fact it is the norm to take as ling as it is. The surgery is out for now unless after 4 more weeks the bone does not heal itself and then revisiting the surgery idea may happen. Thing is there is no guarantee the micro fracture surgery (drilling small holes in the ankle to allow blood and marrow to help heal the cartilage) will even work. He has been out for over three months so another month pretty much means no playing at all in 2011. I think this time finally Ike has resolved himself to the idea that he will not play this year and must stop pushing the healing thing by overdoing it again; he has to stop giving into his urges to push which he has not been able to do. The doctor does not believe surgery is the best option since the bone is healing all be it very slowly and waiting it out a bit longer is absolutely the best option for Ike now. He simply has got to take this thing slow and stop pushing In fact he thought last week it was improving to the point where hw would move to another level and try and take some ground balls made some lateral moves which is when he tweaked it again and next day the pain returned. He has got to stop running jumping jogging you name it for 4 weeks and then give that thing a real chance to heal on it’s own which the docs believe is quite possible,. Maybe now that he knows returning this year is pretty much no longer an option he will relax and let the real healing take place. He just wanted so bad to return and help the team that he overdid it for sure but now finally he is convinced that he must slow down and forget 2011 and that’s the good news cause Ike was just not gonna stop pushing, now he will. But Ike likes that doctor in North Carolina he went to last month and is going back there on Tuesday which will be good for him to hear from another source on the best course of action. While he is there Ike will have some cartilage cleanup done and find out more about the unknown amount of damaged cartilage and If it is primarily the bone bruise that has been bothering him and not the cartilage As of right now, the doctors are pretty sure that it's a bone bruise, and although he has cartilage damage, the amount he has is not very big, which is why it doctors believe it is not to be the problem nor do they think it's going to be a big problem, They are pretty confident because of the way that it's progressed that it will heal if I just take time off. Meantime you may see him bouncing around the Mets dugout this weekend he has no plans to go back home as yet and really loves hangin with his team here I should have more on his plans for a possible winter ball this year as Murph did last year provided of course the bone really heals well enough for that, it is something Ike has already said he would like to do. You may recall I followed Murph all thru winter ball kept you guys up to date and if Ike goes there I will do the same thing with Ike.So for now it’s just stretching while treating his ankle with ice, massages and possibly anti-inflammatory medication.
So how is Ike feeling mentally? well surprisingly good, he is sad about not being able to move on but it was funny speaking to him I got the impression that the latest news although not what he wanted to hear was like a big weight has been lifted off and he an now move on with 2011 behind him. I will tell you something he has not admitted and that is that after the pain returned late last week after he tried to take those ground balls that deep inside he knew what the outcome of this latest doctors visit would be and that ok, enough is enough he has got to stop aggravating that bone and let it heal.

The other big injury news came from Johan Santana, the good part is that the doctor saw no damage to his shoulder simply what is described as fatigue so he will refrain from throwing over the next week just doing strengthening exercises for the next few days and then he will be evaluated again.
It is unlikely Johan will pitch much for this season if at all.
I had an interesting conversation with Dillon Gee at a Cyclones game in Brooklyn on Thursday, we talked about Ike of course but also about Santana, Dillon thinks that Johan will pitch this year even if in only one game just to show himself and the fans that he is ok. He will need t prove that he can do that, that’s just the way Johan is. Gee was honored at that game for his success in the majors with Dillon Gee Night, there were post game activities and he threw out the first ball. It was"OMGee Night" I first met Dillon when he played in Brooklyn back in ’07 after being drafted by the Mets in the 21st round of the MLB baseball draft was claimed off waivers from the Orioles, although he mostly worked mostly out of the bullpen it was clear that he was gonna be something special. He even came out to watch me pitch on Long Island and helped me with some pitches, I mean come on, how many guys do that? Just a great guy. Justin Turner came to the game as well tagging along with his buddy Dillon for support. I had briefly met Justin in Buffalo when he played there but never got to know him, after sending about 20 minutes speaking with him I quickly realized what a terrific kid he is, he has such a positive outlook on life always smiling and up beat, just a heck of a good kid.

As we expected Nick Evans finished his 10 day post waiver requirement and will return to the Mets this weekend. Nickeas, who took Beltrans spot temporarily waiting for Evans, has been optioned.

 

[gtru1981]

So i know i havent posted in a very long time. Usually i read all the comments, but i even havent done that lol. I have a few things to say.

A. It totally sucks Sonny about your boy Murphy, as he suffered a MCL tear and his season is over. I always been a huge supporter of his and i think he worked his ass off this season to prove many disbelivers and himself just how wonderful he trully is. He seems like a great kid and had a very good season and the poor kid cant catch a break. To me, this one takes the cake of the season of being the most heartbreaking injury of the season. Next time you talk to him Sonny..tell him a Yankee fan said good job this season!! Also keep us posted on him.

B. Bobby Parnell just blows so much! He seems like Pelhrey on training wheels! In my opinion, he shouldnt be the every day closer as he doesnt have the mental aspect and it leads to me the point below.

NYC is a very tough market and many players dont have the mental abilities to play here. Pelhrey and Parnell arent NYC ball players, i think they are suited better for a mid to small market team. Every time Pelhrey is on the mound, all the comments are"another lose under his belt" or" he is a nut case".

This season has proved to me that 3 pitchers dont have the ability to play in big market teams. Lackey from the Soxs, Burnett from the Yankees and Pelhrey from the Mets. Why is Dan Warthan still the pitching coach on this team? He totally sucks and i really think Pelhrey career in NYC is almost over!

Also, is this team cursed or what? Is the medical staffed being paid off by the phillies, so many injuries. Also, i think the training staff needs to go as well.

But everyone knew that this was a rebuilding year for the Mets and it annoys me that Met fans are trashing this team. I honestly think they are really good team with what they have. It will take a couple of years to get rid of bad contracts and build a suitable team that Sandy thinks can will. I dont see Pelhrey and sadly Pagan with the Mets with this team much longer. Also, You Met Fans and front office people need to give up on Santanna. To many set backs and what if he cant pitch as good as he did? The Mets need to look into the future and focus on another started, to fit in with Gee and Niese and even Dickey.

The Mets need to wipe everything clean under the Minaya era and focus on a brighter future!