NY Mets 2014

[Sausy]

Great pics and perspective from Pittsburgh, sonny... knew Ike would do something dramatic while you were visiting and he hit a big home run and JT provided some memorable moments too. One thing I'm really concerned about though is that Ike really hasn't been hitting much though and next year may be forced to accept a minor league invite for some team to re-spark his career... don't understand that because he was so explosive that second half in 2012 and even in his first year he was steady and hit .260. I really wish he can get started again.... he'll be 28 next year and at this point in his career really needs to work on his swing in the offseason and get back to being a dangerous hitter. He's too good a guy and teammate to be relegated to being a yearly low budget fill in.... there's still a lot of talent locked up in there and he's got to find a way to bring it out again.

Like syam said we did a good job getting two out of three in Seattle. Tuesday night de Grom was his usual steady, unflappable self going seven innings, allowing just one run on five hits, eight strikeouts and again showing very good control of all his pitches. The guy is fearless and mature and incredibly intelligent out there, he worked in great sync with Travis d' Arnaud and is proving for all the talk of Harvey, Wheeler, and Syndegaard (and justly so) he well belongs there, maybe even above the next well regarded pitcher(one he is most similar to as well) Rafael Montero...his record doesn't fairly convey, with the exception of a game or two, overall just how impressively he's pitched as a rookie. Even a great professional hitter like Robinson Cano he just made look silly and came out impressed with his ability.

Lucas Duda hit a moon shot Tuesday night to give the Mets a little extra room in their 3-1 win. That shot was a monster... over 440 ft of screaming liner hitting the second level deck. Lucas has 15 home runs now and around 50 RBI and is proving rapidly he's a force to be reckoned with as he grows more comfortable... got walked twice Wednesday night, showing both a good eye and patience and getting respect from Seattle.

Travis d'Arnaud joked about Monday night when he was robbed of a homer in Monday night's loss after being asked if he thought he hit it out that he DID hit it out.... it DID go over the fence, but got caught as the left fielder jumped and reached over to get it.


Bartolo Colon was outstanding last night going into the eighth inning with a perfect game but ran out of gas though only gave up three hits and two runs. Mets still have some hope a team in contention may show interest, though his guaranteed second year they may have to pay a part of. Now off to Milwaukee, and like syam says, "Let's go, Mets!"

 

[Sausy]

Well, you take games like tonight against the Brewers in Milwaukee and you just file it under "best forgotten" and get right back up tomorrow night and resume play. Dillon Gee gave up six runs in five innings on six hits and Dice-K was awful in relief giving up three more. Only Met highlight was Lucas Duda's 16th home run but with the game being so uncompetitive from fairly early on this 9-1 Brewers shellacking of the Mets is something the Mets bounce back from and give it a good run the rest of the weekend series. Let's go, Mets!

 

[syam24]

Agree, Saucy, the less said the better, just an ugly game, only two hits. Better to only get two hits instead of getting ten and losing 9-7. Can only get better the rest of the weekend....

 

[sonny10305]

Sooooooooo I am on of the lucky ones who missed last nights Mets game lucky me I guess

I am back to reality again after an absolutely awesome time in Pittsburgh; Justin and Ike I am happy to tell you are both very happy it is so good to see them both doing so well and feeling so good about themselves after leaving the Mets. There is something perhaps a bit freaky how the guys who leave the Mets like Justin and Ike seem to improve the quality of their lives and move forward without missing a beat; the same can thing can be said for Josh Thole and Nick Evans who are happier now than they ever were as Mets. I am not sure what it is but all the guys I follow after they leave the Mets just seem to do very well and that is interesting to me and when they return after going to AAA seem to lose it. I take Nieuwenhuis as a prime example, Kirk is on fire at AAA but every time he returns to the Mets he crashes, go figure that one out. Yeah something’s not quite right there, I recall speaking with Ike’s dad when I was in Arizona recently and even he said that Ike’s leaving the Mets is the best thing that could have happened to Ike professionally. Ron Davis complained bitterly about the way he thought his son was being treated as a Met. When Justin Turner got the boot Ron was all over it saying how upsetting that situation was but at the same time felt it would be the best for JT who by the way is like a son to Ron with Ike and Justin being best friends.

But enough about that I wanted to reply to Saucy about Mike Conforto who I finally go to meet yesterday in Brooklyn. I welcomed him and wished the same success for him as previous Cyclone’s like Murphy, Nieuwenhuis, Gee, Mejia, Lagares, Cambell and of course Davis. I told Mike I had followed the careers of all those guys after they left us here in Brooklyn and looked forward to the same success for him very soon in the majors. The very first thing I noticed in very short time was how much he reminded me of LJ Mazzilli very outgoing friendly and humbled by the whole experience I could see a little of Danny Muno in him as well. Mike talked to me about his love of the game and how he played football as well and although he is playing in the outfields he also played shortstop in high school back in Washington. His mom is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in synchronized swimming and was born in my ole stomping grounds in Hawaii. and his dad was a linebacker at Penn State. No question this is a kid with a good head on his shoulders the kind of person you take an immediate liking to. I always judge someone who I meet in this game not so much by the way they play but by the way they treat others and carries themselves and Mike impressed me on all those counts. I just levitate towards guys like that which is why I love guys like Murphy Davis and Turner they are just awesome individuals. The way they play the game is a far second in importance to me. Mike told me he simply wants to blend in as fast as he can with us here in Brooklyn and help the Cyclones win. At one point I said it would be great if you went out to the field and to meet some of our fans I am sure they are here mostly to see you. “Really he said, Let’s go” and as I stood back and watched him signing autographs a warm feeling came over me as I thought, Oh yeah, he is goon be just fine.
Just for background let me remind you guys that Mike was the Mets' first-round draft pick in June and signed a contract that included a $2.97 million bonus. A three-time All-American at Oregon State where he batted .345 with seven homers and 56 RBI in his final season. He was also named a finalist for the Dick Howser Trophy, which if you are unfamiliar with is given to the top college player in the country, then there was the Golden Spikes Award, which is given to the best amateur baseball player in the country, But wait there is more, Mike was named Pac-12 Player of the Year for the second consecutive season and was also selected as an All-American for the third time. How’s that, Impressed yet? I call tell you that what I have seen so far, and I admit I haven’t seem much of him yet, I can say he's very gifted and pretty much all that has been said about him looks to be true. One of the things I was impressed by watching him take his turn at bat is how selective he is I don’t see him as much of a strike out hitter at all I also se lot of walks for him. Mike also said he was happy he felt so good at the plate, seeing the ball well and I thought that he put a lot of really good swings on the ball.
He was a little pumped to get it going when he arrived mainly cause as he said he hadn't played in a game since Oregon State's season ended the end of May. When I found him yesterday he was working out and later enjoying the feel of swinging a wooden bat instead of aluminum which he got a taste for when he took batting practice at Citi Field last week. Mike is staying in the hotel which is maybe little less than half an hour away from the ball park rooming with Luis Rengel. Mike has other buddies on our team he is close to Will Fulmer. The kid loves Ping-Pong which is very big in the Cyclones clubhouse so he loves that I mean Ping pong rules in that clubhouse. A Taylor Swift fan as well.
In yesterday’s Cyclones game which we won I am happy to say thanks in a big part to our awesome pitching.
In his first at bat Mick put down a single to left field, but sadly was not able to score which was something I so wanted to happen. My boys blew the game wide open in the seventh we scored runs and making it a 7-2 game with lots of very aggressive base running which helped our win.Mike is batting a very hot .400 in his first five games as a Cyclone. Yup, I feel lot of excitement coming to the game now an his name is Mike Conforto

Check him out meeting the press after the game

 

[Sausy]

wow, sonny...... nice words about Ike, JT , and especially all the Michael Conforto stuff. He seems like a real likeable, genuine young man and glad to see you're really impressed by what you have seen and heard so far. Yep, a lot of Mets take some of their first big steps in Brooklyn and hopefully Michael will continue to develop very quickly and be in position to help us in a couple of years. What I read was his tools arm and speedwise aren't exceptional but he has made himself into a good fielder who has made some impressive catches and throws in his college career. He's the kind of player who fans will love because of his constant hustle and positive nature. We know he can hit and while not a pure home run hitter he has a lot of gap plus power and if he stays within himself I've heard 40 doubles and 20-30 homers a year is very possible should he keep working at it... he has great patience too and will get a good amount of walks. Glad you spent some real quality time welcoming him only the way you can being so familiar with the organization and hope to hear more good stuff about him.

Darn if you know Kirk went back down to Las Vegas and promptly hit a big three run homer,lol... up and down, but at least he's focused and though it's easy to get down after so many wild callups and send downs Kirk is a professional though.

Zack Wheeler was great tonight with his only big mistake in the seventh allowing a home run to ex Met farmhand Carlos Gomez, who has really finally become a real good player over the last few years. Zack went six and two thirds innings giving up only two runs, three hits, two walks and punched out nine showing a lot of gas tonight. Mets came back in the ninth in thrilling fashion from a 2-0 deficit in a game the Mets really wanted to have after last night's shellacking by Milwaukee and losing tonight would have been a disappointment. David Wright drove in Daniel Murphy with his second hit of the night( Murph had been slumping since his return from the All Star break but had three hits tonight including a double) and was followed in exciting fashion by the red hot power of Lucas Duda driving a liner over the right field wall, #17 for The Dude. Making this one extra special was that it was all done to the Milwaukee closer, three run Mets comeback victory in the ninth 3-2,against ole Met Francisco Rodriguez,who frustrated Mets fans a couple of years with his erratic closing performances for the Mets a few years back. Well, he blew it again but this timethe Mets didn't mind at all!

 

[syam24]

Exciting win by the Mets last nite as Saucy described. Wheeler continues to pitch well and seems to be finding himself as a bonafied major league pitcher. The Mets saved most of their offense for the ninth against KRod, how nice to see, with a double from Murphy (third hit of the nite), an RBI single from DWright, and Duda's bomb to right for the winning margin. Then Mejia, after giving up a lead off walk, slammed the door by striking out the side. The exclamation point on the victory. Way to go, Lets go Mets!!

 

[sonny10305]

In my post about Michael Conforto I forgot to mention what a great arm he has.Check him out making an outstanding play to the plate.

 

[Sausy]

Thanks, sonny... read that Michael in some scouts minds was thought not to have a great arm but others point out he's worked a ton on his defense, and his release and accuracy are very good... had a lot of assists last year throwing out runners. A really nice kid who will be a pleasure develop in the Mets system starting in Brooklyn and hopefully very quickly he'll be ready for the big club.

Jonathon Niese went five innings allowing three runs on five hits last night... going strong and with two outs in the fifth, coming apart a bit. Has to be frustrating to him to finally be in his right rhythm then just lose it in the Mets 5-2 loss to the Brewers in Milwaukee. Carlos Torres gave up two more runs as Francisco Rodriguez exacted revenge for the Mets getting to him in the ninth in Friday's 3-2 thrilling Mets win getting all three runs in that inning by easily taking them down in the ninth on Saturday for his 30th save in 34 attempts, not even a sniff of come from behind heroics replaying.

Good news is that Curtis Granderson seems to be coming ot of his nasty funk with two hits including a solo homer and another RBI by the rapidly coming on Lucas Duda. Let's get out of Milwaukee with a win today with Jacob de Grom going...Let's go, Mets!

 

[Sausy]

Hall of Fame induction today at the Baseball Hall of Fame Museum in Cooperstown, New York.... three great players Frank Thomas, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine and three stellar managers in Joe Torre, Bobby Cox and Tony LaRussa inducted in a terrific ceremony filled with emotion, great memories, humor and history. Congrats to all the inductees of the 2014 class, gave us so many wonderful memories and are a credit to the game.

Wow... Jacob de Grom was always considered talented but who saw THIS coming? He was all right for the Mets on the farm last year but his stats weren't eye popping, but starts of in the minors this year really stepping up his game and it's proven even better at the major league level. Has all of his pitches working including a mid 90's heater and has really improved his command of all his pitches. Best thing about him is his steely focus, his great even keeled temperament... he can't be flustered. He has had so much bad luck with support, mainly run scoring but sometimes the defense has failed him, or he gets a bit of a wild streak but he shuts down the damage and rarely has a stinker of a game. Today our flowing haired rock star continued showing he well belongs in the talk of among the best young starting talent among MLB pitchers today with a six and a third inning, four hit, no run effort allowing two walks and striking out four. Tired a bit in the seventh but Vic Black took care of that, and Jeurys Familia and Jennry Mejia closed things up as usual.

And goodness, Lucas Duda is just starting to show what he can do launching a rocket into the second deck in Milwaukee for his 18th homer, a two run shot giving the Mets the margin for today's 2-0 victory splitting the series and taking the Mets home with a 5-5 road trip, much better than how things started off so badly for the Mets. In total typical modest fashion he just said he's happy to contribute, but it's clear he really has become more confident and adapting better... and with his build once he gets a hold of em, he can take em as far as anyone!

 

[syam24]

Following a nice 5-5 road trip including two stops on the West Coast, the Mets returned home and thumped the Phillies 7-1. A big 4 run first inning allowed Bartolo Colon to ease his way to another victory. Travis d'Arnaud added a three run homer to put the icing on the win. Was nice to see the bats awaken after having gone nine games or so with 3 runs or less. Tonite we have to see if Dillon Gee can get back in sync. Not hearing or reading of too much on the trade front as we near the deadline. Some speculation on Colon, but nothing appears imminent. Saw that Nick Evans homered over the weekend for the Dbacks, and then got released and signed with a Japanese club. Best wishes for success in Japan. Lets go Mets!!

 

[sonny10305]

Yes Syam the D-backs placed Nick Evans on unconditional release waivers, but he is doin ok with that he has been expecting the move and is excited about the possibilities he has never been to Japan before. He is leaving today for a very long flight, thing is he hasn't been getting much regular time mostly spending most of it as the 25th man off the bench and being used mostly as a pinch-hitter. This could be good for Nick who is getting used to getting bounced around but this time may be good for him, plus signing with Rakuten would also get him a nice jump in salary. Thanks for the good wished for Nick I will keep you guys up on how he is doing.

Not much time now I am on my way out but I did want to clear the air a bit on Nick and also say how exciting it is to see one of my favorite boys Lucas Duda doing so well. Early this year Murphy said “watch out for The Dude he will be special”. Duda’s problem comes against the lefties which is why Soup plays first against the left handed pitchers. All Lucas needs to do now is hit lefties better, basically he needs to do what he does best against righties and that is reorganize what is a strikes and what isn’t. It just seems when he is pitched a curveball low and in he is vulnerable plus he chases sliders outside, interestingly he does not do that when they are inside .Lucas knows what adjustments he needs it’s just a matter of time before he hits lefties as well as righties just like Murphy. I am sure you noticed he loves the curveball if he gets pitched one inside of the plate he will drive it.

 

[syam24]

Nice bounce back on Wed vs the Phils after being shut out 6-0 on Tues. Zach Wheeler had another fine outing for the victory as the Mets bashed the Phillies 11-2. Murph, who is as hot as a firecracker, smashed a 3 run homer to the opposite field to put the Mets in front for good, and had lots of help throughout the lineup. Duda cracked another HR to put the finishing touches on the victory. Familia even had an RBI hit. Today is an off day, and the July trade deadline is approaching. Have not heard or seen any "hot" rumors on any Mets trades to this point, but many players are moving around. The Giants come to town for the weekend, they will be tough, Let's go Mets!!

 

[sonny10305]

Sandy Alderson: "¯\_(ツ)_/¯"

It’s past four the deadline has come and gone and the Mets did nothing which came a no surprise to me I did not expect them to make any moves not even Colon although I do think we will deal him over the winter. As to Daniel Murphy we knew that both The Nationals and Giants were very interested in acquiring Daniel, the Nats spoke with Alderson again bout him this morning but a deal between the Mets and Nationals was always considered a longshot, The Mets did want to trade him not without a large return. The Blue Jays also showed interest in Murph and Yes the Mets did listen to offers right up to late this afternoon but they pretty much have to listen cause it’s all about getting better so a deal that included Colon or Murphy that makes the overall team better would be tempting to Alderson But that type of deal was never offered.

I know basically what Murphy did on his off day from the time he got up this morning till he deadline came and went and what I can tell you is that the one thing he did not do was concern himself about the trade it Just was not something he would allow himself to think much about today and a little while ago he looked at his phone saw no missed calls or message’s and thought, ok so I am still Met, good. Murph wants to stay a Met and all the attention he has had has him feeling really good and humbled by it all.

So no disappointment for me not unhappy we did nothing I think KB said it best today “My take on the Mets is if they do nothing today, I won't have a problem with it. If they do nothing this winter, I'd have a major problem with it”. I agree with Kevin now if only I could convince him to shave that beard. It does not in my opinion look good on him and he admits it’s not growing in the way he had hoped it would and in fact shaved t off once this week already but still wants to try it a bit longer. Shave Kevin give it up!

So Daniel Murphy stays a Met at least for now and that’s very good news indeed. Of course today’s deadline isn't an actual final trade deadline it’s the non waver deadline and trades can still be made next month, and they can even be made in September, right up until the end of the year. Thursday is just the end of the rules that make it easy to make a deal, because once the calendar flips over to August, waivers become involved and things get a bit more interesting if not downright complicated. The guys who get moved in August are usually those who have big, expensive contracts, so Thursday's deadline doesn't really apply to them. We can expect that although The Mets can still move Murphy this season I think they will revisit the situation during the off season and make a decision on him for 2015

 

[Sausy]

Glad to see that Daniel Murphy wasn't traded. I know he wants to remain here and I want him back and goodness knows sonny does, but in the end the best move the Mets could have made, and did make, was to hold off on any deals because more likely the best deals will be possible this winter. Alderson said the Mets were active but not desperately so, seeing what was around and making what they considered fair offers and nothing was amenable to other teams or the Mets in what they would get in return. Like sonny mentioned if the Mets trade Daniel it will be in a major trade that will have other pieces involved and bring back a great deal to the Mets. Alderson mentioned he would rather deal multiple prospects in a really big deal that would being back major league ready or nearly ready players. He just doesn't want to add to the depth of the organization but move the big club forward.

I am glad that the Mets did not go for Carlos Gomez or Troy Tulowitzki... as good as they are they are still flawed in some areas and their stats play much better at high offense Coors Field than more spacious, pitching oriented Citi Field. Tulowitzki also has a tendency of injuries.... he's great defensively and at least at Coors a bigtime hitter but he's not the guy , neither is Cargo, that you roll the dice for and trade your biggest prospects especially if the Mets do trade Noah Syndergaard who's starting to pitch very well again. Obviously you aren't going to get a stud like Mike Trout who's going to remain in LA after signing his extension with the Angels but a player like that, young and extremely promising ... someone whose skills can make a big impact on the everyday lineup as a young core player. Murph is dependable and solid, very good offensively and has made himself more than adequate at second base.... it's as conceivable the Mets extend Murph in the offseason as trading him but the thing Sandy Alderson wanted most was a chance to see what other kinds of possibilities are out there and that won't play itself out until the offseason. Murph knows it's a business and will do well whether he remains a Met or is traded but he is valued by the Mets, and they just don't want to make a move in trading him(especially to a division rival like Washington) or the Giants just to add a serviceable player but will trade him only if it is part of an effort to dramatically increase the odds of serious contention for the Mets. That's what it should be... there are nice young players in the system like Dilson Herrera, Matt Reynolds or LJ Mazzilli who possibly can do as well as Murph in time but for now Murph is a known quantity and the Mets aren't just giving him up because he's one of the steadiest Mets, dependable and has a lot of character and respect among his teammates, in addition as sonny well knows of being an endearingly sweet goofy kid who takes his responsibilities as a player and being a father and husband seriously, but never himself. KB leaving for FOX sports and the West Coast bearded or not, lol after the season will be tough, nobody's in a rush to see Murph go just yet.

The Mets play this weekend against the Giants, WAY too up and down. We've got to get Jon Niese (and Dillon Gee who hasn't been sharp since his first game back and again was off against the Phils ) though goodness Jacob de Grom was spectacular.... the lanky, long haired rookie phenom was brilliant through almost seven innings giving up only a walk before he gave up his first hit after two outs in the seventh... got one out in the seventh but tired a bit allowing only two runs on four hits with seven strikeouts and getting another win with the Mets cooperating just enough offensively for the 4-2 win. However today against Bumgarner Mets were thoroughly blanked getting only two hits while Bartolo Colon, who had been so good his last two July starts, was pounded four eight runs in innings. Mets have a few games here and there where the offense comes together but just don't seem to get it done near often enough and this weekend have struggled so much for runs. Lucas Duda though has started August like he left July... hit his 20th and really looks good for 30 homers.... the Dude is one thing offensively that has been a pleasant surprise, that he is finally coming around to believing in his talent and the Mets look like they won big choosing Duda to stay and play first over former incumbent Ike Davis. I really believe though Ike will work hard this offseason to make some club really happy next spring training they invited him.... Piitsburgh may decide to work with him anyway and try to retain him but ultimately I hope Ike lands on a club that will believe in him and help him psychologically get to somewhere close to the good defense left handed power stud with patience he was showing at times here in New York.

 

[Sausy]

Not a great conclusion to the homestand as the Mets lose 3 of 4 to the San Francisco Giants at Citi Field, losing 4-3 on Monday's getaway game for the next Met road trip. Disappointing as Dillon Gee while not sharp yet after a couple of really off outings was better allowing only two runs on five hits in two and two thirds innings while walking 3 and striking out six. Daniel Murphy had two hits and scored two runs while knocking in two with an early homer, his 9th. David Wright knocked in the other Met run scoring Murph on an infield single. Juan Lagares had three hits but otherwise no other offensive highlights. The relief effort, usually so tight over the past couple of months, faltered as both Jeurys Familia and Jennry Mejia were off their games and each gave up a run.

Mets did make a little news as well today designating Bobby Abreu for assignment, one step towards giving him an unconditional release. Hit only .238 but the venerable veteran was very good with the young Latin players on the club, but really this was the right call as Captain Kirk got the callup from Las Vegas over the sizzling Matt den Dekker(who will probably be up after the AAA 51's season is over and hit his eighth home run and had three hits tonight)and at this point seeing Kirk and then den Dekker battle for a spot next season makes more sense in the short and the long run.

 

[syam24]

Not much of a series vs the Giants, except for de Grom's spectacular game on Saturday, matching no hit for no hit innings with Jake Peavey, before the Mets "exploded" for four runs to win 4-2. That interrupted a pair of 2 hit games by the Mets prior to Monday's finale loss 4-3. Congrats to Jacob de Grom as the NL Rookie of the month of July! More awards should be in his future. Abreu is gone, Chris Young should be next, and possibly Eric Young down the road. Neither is providing much right now. Get some young kids out there to gain experience. On to Washington, lets go Mets!!

 

[sonny10305]

Saucy you will get your wish very soon we expect Matt den Deckker here any time now. In his last 10 games with Las Vegas Matt is hitting .436 that’s 17-for-39 with eight walks and only five strikeouts. Thing is in AAA he gets to play every day and I don’t want to see the Mets bring him back until they have a spot for him like maybe getting rid of Chris Young, he can’t be allowed to rot and rust way on the bench as he did last time. Speaking with Matt he will tell you he is leaving the future up to God and just like Murphy puts all trust in their faith in the Lord, Matt will often quote scripture when speaking with you as does Daniel Murphy and his brother Johnathan. In fact my Mom, as she often does, recently asked “Are you going to Church” no need ma I just spent an hour with Matt, Daniel and Johnathan so I’m good.

As to not getting enough paying time Kirk Nieuwenhuis who came back yesterday was promptly put on the bench he could have played the outfield but Collins decided on Soup instead and although that turned out to be a good thing with him having made two amazing catches and an awesome throw to the plate to gun down the runner at home. Still, Kirk can’t not be allowed to just sit. Collins promised Kirk he will play more this time around let’s just hope he keeps his word. As Saucy wrote having Nieuwenhuis and den Deckker in the outfield will be tremendous alongside of Juan Lagares and maybe pepper in some EY Jr here and there. Let Chris Young and Grandma Granderson sit a while and let the young studs take over the outfield now that will be great baseball. Another player who is the subject of not being used enough is Anthony Recker he is becoming more a more frustrated with the role a backup catcher he wants to play more and so don’t be surprised if Anthony ends up on another team in the not so distant future one who will give him the full time catchers job he craves and deserves. Anthony is not complaining publically about his role as backup catcher he is just not that kind of kid he is a salt of the earth kind of a guy and man oh man is he ever the hugger. Anytime I see him I don’t expect a handshake or high five cause he will always come in for the hug, always.
But getting back to Nieuwenhuis I know him well enough to say that he does not like it in AAA and very excited to be back, this time he needs to continue what he brings to the table in AAA here in NY he said he thinks he will do better cause he has figured out what has plagued him. He simply tries too hard when he is here and feels he has to prove his worth. Thing is Kirk has always wanted to be a big league baseball player going back to when he was a kid playin with this dad, whiffle ball I think he said it was, As a top prospect he has had more than his share of highs and lows, remember when he first came to NY he was a powerhouse hitting righties and lefties spraying the ball all over the field that is when he tried to do more too much maybe ya know trying to prove that he belonged in the bigs when he thinks back he thinks his swing had gotten a little long at times and the inconsistencies and injuries had him bouncing around for a long time now But maybe not this time, he has vowed to keep it simple and not try and do too much he is going to simplify his swing shorten it a bit, gone is that two piece swing he had it’s much more fluid now. He plays the game exactly how you want the game to be played all out max effort; tough with power and throws yup he’s got all the tools he just needs to start hitting at the major league level just as he did last night in his only at bat form the bench. His sweetheart mom gave him great advice telling him don’t try and control things that you can’t control which is something he has very much taken to heart

Last night’s game also showcased Daniel Murphy going 3-4 who now has 47 RBIs and getting back to .300



This morning Dillon Gee Daniel Murphy and the boys will as they have many times before visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center which Murph has said “will be a humbling experience,” Gee pronounces Strike out Cancer




For those of you who have been missing Kevin Burkhardt and haven’t we all I am happy to tell you he arrived in Washington to rejoin the team yesterday from his FOX sports conference in LA. Last time KB was here the boys broadcasted from a remote location leaving the booth empty and vulnerable to Kevin raiding the goodies the boys stash there and eatin em all up; now you had to know we would catch ya KB



Jeremy Hefner continuing his bid to return will pitch for the St. Lucie Mets. Matt Harvey said that he and Bobby Parnell will be in the stands tonight watching and cheering him on. Don’t let anyone fool you Matt is determined to pitch a game for the Mets before the season ends he was very candid about that when I last saw him at a Rangers game he absolutely aches to get back to the mound.

I want to join Syam in congrats to Jacob for NL Rookie award who deserves it better

 

[sonny10305]

Murphy was one of a couple of Mets who suffered a bad call by last nights incompetent home plate rookie umpire. The only fun thing about last nights awful game was the Murph doin what he does when the home plate umpire was irritated by the remarks coning for the dugout asked "who said it"" Murphy pointing to himself to say I said it
Gota love the Murph

I said it



WHAT!!!

 

[Sausy]

Gotta love Murph.... he's a treasure and I certainly think he belongs in New York for a long time. Other than Murph there's no core guy we can depend on right now in the everyday lineup. He'll still go into short slumps but always seems to bust out with a couple two or more hit games. Unless we can get a sure bat in the lineup through trade I'm just not willing to give him up in a trade for complimentary parts.

LOL, gotta love sonny's declaration to his mom that being with Murph, his bro Jonathan and Matt den Dekker(Captain Kirk is pretty religious too which sonny knows as well!)is like church for him he doesn't need to go to a real one! These guys though as much faith as they have never act as if they've got all the answers or are better than anyone, they're genuinely spiritual, caring people and I'm glad sonny's come to know them fairly well.

LOL KB's a fairly lean dude but he must love to eat... damn wish I could raid the goodies and keep my weight under control. Gonna miss him when he leaves the Mets organization though of course sonny will keep in contact and I'm sure keep us updated.


Captain Kirk made some incredible catches last night but the Mets offense is still too often stuck on neutral and can't get going. Jacob de Grom wasn't sharp early but as usual made adjustments and still had a quality start giving up three runs in six innings. The key with him is how unflappable he is... his personality is made for New York because he NEVER gets rattled, ever. He has talent but most importantly a high pitching IQ with the ability to throw several different pitches... if one isn't working he can adjust to the situation and so even if hit early he has the mental toughness and talent to hang on until he finds his rhythm. The only area where I think Zack Wheeler hasn't matched de Grom as of yet is that Zack's command comes and goes but he too is great for New York and has improved a lot. When he believes in his command he'll be dangerous,but he still needs to get more efficient earlier in the game.

Mets had enough to stay in the game but again late in the game and in the extra innings couldn't get anything started. Carlos Torres has been great mainly but lately has been plagued by giving up the long ball and yesterday afternoon , bottom of the 13th he did it again after giving up a walk... struggling Bryce Harper sent a two run missile out of the park for the walk off two run homer for his 4th homer and the Mets lost 5-3 in 13.


nothing against Chris Young or Eric Young Jr. personally but by the end of this month I'd just rather get released, sooner if Alderson gets the cajones to just cut his losses now. It's bad enough having David Wright suddenly unable to find his swing, or the extreme streakiness of Curtis Granderson... Young just hasn't been able to regain his once potent swing and has regressed in the field, and Eric while a dynamo when he gets on isn't used enough and doesn't get on enough...on a strong team he's a great fourth outfielder but here he's just taking space.

 

[Sausy]

A little scary in the ninth in Philadelphia, with Eveland letting the first two batters on and Jenry Mejia not having it art first and got hit hard twice consecutively on first pitches, highlighted by double off the right field wall by Grady Sizemore. But Curtis Granderson who had a couple of hits and drove in a run made a brilliant sliding catch of a sinking looper and Mejia got a groundout that scored Philly's fourth run and struck out his final batter to hold on to a much needed 5-4 victory. 200th win by Bartolo Colon who went eight innings and was magnificent, allowing only ex- Met Marlon Byrd's 22nd homer and while he has had a few stinkers he's usually going at least seven innings and keeping the Mets in the game and he was at his best tonight. Colon is the third Dominican player as was mentioned to 200 wins... he's had ups and downs in his career but never quit believing in himself and has revived his career a number of times when he looked like he was on his way out. But whatever he does in the future it's the respect he gets from the young Latin pitchers that shows that he's not just about the numbers but being there for other players... okay, he isn't a physical marvel or specimen but like was said of him after the game "you don't judge a book by its cover" and that so fits Colon's situation.

Other big hits were contributed by Juan Lagares, Daniel Murphy and Travis d' Arnaud hit his eighth home run and scored two runs and had two hits. Daniel Murphy again had a multi hit night getting two hits and drove in a run as mentioned... the Irish Hammer is just on fire at the moment with a whole series of multi hit games as the boys on SNY were discussing. Murph like I said is too important to the Mets to think of unloading this winter in any trade except for a true young star potential who is major league ready or close... no injury prone, Coors Field dominant question marks like Troy Tulowitzki nor Carlos Gomez need apply. If at all possible I'd love to keep Murph who loves New York and can handle it.. takes his job seriously, but never himself. Never get sick of praising Murph and he deserves the love....not that sonny minds at all! I know he's got to feel the same way, not only offensively and on the field but also his presence in the clubhouse and being such a great teammate.

News after the game... well didn't take long, Sandy! Mets designated Chris Young for assignment...just wasn't working out after over 250 abs only hitting around .210 with 8 homers and 28 RBI. Mets called up Matt den Dekker from AAA Las Vegas who was hitting nearly .330 with 8 homers and a lot of extra base hits but had become much more selective dramatically cutting down his strikeouts from 1 in 3 at bats to a bit under 1 in 5 and was walking more. WE know he can cover ground and defend and it's expected he plays the bulk of games in left field, with Kirk Nieuwenhuis coming off the bench and getting in a rotation mix.