NY Mets 2014

[sonny10305]

Very well said Syam but at least with this Braves series we won’t have all that chanting and chopping

As or Murph, fun story, he was at his locker after Sundays game and got the word that Collins wanted to see him. So Daniel headed over to Terry’s office and inside there was Terry and Sandy Alderson. Well Murph's first thought looking at those two guys was I’ve been traded. But then he noticed how cheerful everyone was and figured no wait a sec they are too happy to be given me news like that and sure enough he was told about the All Star selection.

Murph is riding high these days with 108 hit which is first in the NL, 7 homers where he is tied for second in the NL, 20 doubles which puts him third in the NL and 52 runs which is first in the NL, so he is an all-star alright. He has had a base hit in 68 out of his 84 starts offensively he is hands down he Mets most consistent player.
It all did not come easy for the Daniel he had to change positions three times and had two major knee surgeries

He is my hero and I challenge any of you to spend 5 minutes with Murph and be taken by his charm honesty, personality and wit, oh my, that Murphy wit

 

[syam24]

Well the Mets snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, then reversed the process and pulled the game out vs the Braves. Having a 2-0 lead in the eighth, the bullpen responded by giving up 3 runs to the Braves. The lead was built on the tight rope pitching of Dice K early on, and an RBI double by D'Arnaud, and a line shot HR by DWright. That was the Mets offense, two hits. After the Braves got the lead, Granderson tied the game with a solo HR, and the Mets, after squandering a first and second, none out opportunity in the ninth, pushed across a run in the 11th on a Tejada single up the middle. This could have been a disastrous loss after last week's debacle, but the victory may boost the teams's confidence a bit to continue beating up on the Braves. Let's go Mets!!

 

[Sausy]

A little under the weather so my posting fingers and big mouth haven't been on in a few days but feeling better now(HATE summer colds!)but I definitely have been following the news and I'll comment after I get back from work tonight more in detail but absolutely thrilled for Murph on his selection to the NL All Star roster... I knew sonny would be over the moon and he's so spot on about Murph. I really wish I could spend some time talking baseball and just regular stuff with Murph... like sonny says how could you resist him? He's serious abut his responsibilities as a husband, father, person and player but NEVER takes himself too seriously and the best thing about him is how his faith keeps him humble... not that he thinks he's better than anyone because of it, or that he pushes his faith but he tries his best to live a good example and doesn't consider himself the center of things like many sports and entertainment personalities do. I'm glad for sonny he saw his friend receive such a great honor being selected but most of all I'm thrilled for Murph!

 

[sonny10305]

Saucy, Hope you’re feeling better and Thanks for all those kind words about Murphy; he is as you said and so much more just hands down one of the most beautiful people I have ever known. Now we wait and see if the Mets are going to trade him or not. We would have to get a player worth giving Daniel up for, Alderson has said many time it would have to be a deal he could not resist. Well Sandy it had better be casue Murphy is having a breakout season and has become the team's second-longest-tenured player behind David Wright. There’s a demand for Murphy, Blue Jays, Giants and A's are all interested in him and need a second baseman. Question is will any of these teams come up with a suitable package for Murphy. And of course there is the money; what we expect is that he'll get about $10 million through arbitration for 2015 and then he will be a free agent after 2016. So Alderson will no doubt consider the financial end of it in deciding to keep him or not. I want him to remain a Met and Daniel wants that as well but the fact is that if he is traded he will be just fine thank you very much and will thrive and succeed wherever he goes. For me the most important thing is for Murph to get all that he deserves and grow into the best he can be and if that means on another team well so be it, whatever is best for Daniel is what I want even if it means playing somewhere else. When I see how happy Turner and Davis are away from the Mets I am comforted by the ideas that Daniel will as well. It will just mean more road trips for me to see him play and that’s ok as well. Still of course as I said while I want him to remain with the Mets but more important than that is that he stay healthy happy and continue to be great wherever that is.

So tonight we will have the return of Dillon Gee who returns after two months away. I saw him pitch twice in Brooklyn last week, his first start was very good but the second was really really good. I asked Tom Signore our pitching coach what he thought and Tom replied “Oh yes, he’s ready” To clear a roster spot the Mets optioned relief pitcher Gonzalez Germen to Triple-A Las Vegas.
Dillon threw 75 pitches with the Cyclones on Friday, and ya gotta think he will probably be limited to about 90 pitches tonight so he can continue to build up his arm strength.

Gees return comes as Niese goes on the DL, I have to say that move was no surprise to me cause I thought after he came back he seemed to have lot something he just did not seem right. Missing was that great two seamer an cutter and we did not see that really crisp breaking ball either. No, something just was not right with him. Of course he remained good at making his pitches so it made up for that a bit But still I had concerns when he would start to lose his command which is the first red flag for me with any pitcher, it showed a lack of arm speed which he needs to make those pitches effectively. Then there was his velocity which had peaked at 85-88 I am sure many of you thought as I did that he was having problems and was just not right. So the DL came as no surprise I fully expected it and think without question it was the right move. He has been the best pitcher for us all season and we need to be very very careful with our only starting lefty especially when you consider his injury history Think about how well it went last year when he returned after a rest and pitched so brilliantly the second half after getting his arm strength back

Just quick thought about how we befuddled the Braves last night with the trouncing we gave Teheran He was so daze an confused he did not know what the heck was going on he even thought we were stealing signs and the best and funniest part was as soon as the guys picked up on the idea that the Braves thought they were stealing signs made motions on the field that could have been misconstrued as giving signs to the batters. For example when Murphy, that little scamp, got on base he scratched his nose making sure of course that Teheran saw him do it just to play along and the let Teheran think he was passing signs to the hitter SOOOO much fun I loved that!

How about Jacob deGrom striking out 11 in 7 shutout innings, and our boy Nieuwenhuis continues to impress off the bench.

 

[Sausy]

Yep sonny, I really think the Mets cannot move Murph unless part of a huge deal for young impact bat. LJ Mazzilli seems at most a couple of years away, he's progressing very nicely so it's not like the cupboard is bare but Murph is a very special player who has worked to become a more than serviceable second baseman defensively and the guy is such a good hitter and thrives in New York City. Unless you're really sure what you get in return won't hurt you by losing the things Murph does really well and means to this team and his teammates in particular, you don't move him. Again though like sonny said Murph knows it's a business and not personal and will do well in any circumstance traded or not.

Three wins in a row against Atlanta and our fourth straight win overall... who's tomahawk chopping now, Braves fans????? great return by Dilon Gee, Travis d'Arnaud is looking more and more like the offensive stud we thought we were getting hitting his sixth home run with DWright on board after a hustle double. Curtis Granderson's numbers are skyrocketing..... while I don't think anyone expects him as a dynamo at leadoff that's where he seems to be thriving, this series having games of leading off the game with a home run.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis has really been productive as has Lucas Duda and wow... Ruben Tejada showing the promise again of his first couple of seasons. Zack Wheeler is showing that while his command and efficiency isn't quite there yet he has confidence and stuff and keeps showing just why he was considered one of the hottest prospects and a steal for the Mets in the Carlos Beltran trade. Jake de Grom has been amazing... command, poise, an impressive mid 90's fastball and command of all his pitches.

Happy that Niese isn't seriously hurt but the periodic shoulder tiredness and drop in velocity is a scary prospect.. Terry Collins and Sandy Alderson think it may possibly be something they need to do yearly, shut him down a week or two around All Star time. Hopefully he can come back as strong as he's been and over the next offseason they really can work more intensively on a shoulder exercise regimen to keep the muscle flexible and strong and lessen the chances for more weakening.

 

[sonny10305]

I wanted to give you guys a heads up about a new show premiering tonight on SNY called Battle of the Broadcasters. I got a sneak peek at it (thanks KB) and it is awesome. The TV guys against the radio guys to determine who knows the Mets better, SNY’s Gary, Keith and Ron or WOR’s Howie, Josh and Seth,
soooo much fun I watched it twice in succession. And if you love my boy Kevin Burkhardt, and who doesn’t, you are gonna really enjoy his role as moderator he is a hoot. KB is always fun but on this show he out does himself, you need to check it out tonight. The show repeats all week on SNY in case you can’t catch it tonight or of course set your DVR. If the ratings are good SNY has said it will do it again maybe even turn it into a series of show so please check it out.

 

[syam24]

After getting the first 3 from the Braves, the Mets dropped a 3-1 decision basically due to a lack of hitting. Colon gave up 3 in the first and shut them out the rest of the way. Can't complain too much, the product on the field has been much better this home stand. We need another good series vs the Marlins to close out the first half and give the bullpen a well deserved rest. Let's go Mets!!

 

[sonny10305]

Murphy saved the go ahead run from scoring in a tie game yesterday with this off the hook catch

Followed by Soup's single to drive in he go ahead run and Mejia closing it out for the win, my, my, my

 

[Sausy]

BEAUTIFUL catch, thanks sonny for the clip!!!!!!!!!!!!! Murph may still be spotty occasionally defensively but has come a long way and really has proven he is a solid defensive second baseman... yesterday his bat was uncharacteristically quiet but that glove sure made up for it!!!!!!!!!


Yesterday biggest offensive contributions were from Campbell and Chris Young's two run homer... you need games where you get support from elsewhere in the lineup. Campbell "Soup" is the kin of contact hitter perfect for filling in, coming of the bench and can play several positions. Young's been struggling so much, good he can contribute like that in a win that gives us at least the series victory, and along with 3 out of 4 from those Braves maybe we can bring out the broom and head for the All Star Break in a really positive frame of mind!

 

[Sausy]

More later tonight and thoughts going into the All Star Break tomorrow but suffice to say, bring out the brooms we've ended the first half with a sweet sweep at home of the Marlins after winning three of four over the Braves... Mets now 25-23 at home following an 8-2 homestand to lead into the All Star break. Jake de Grom proves it again today in a 9-1 Mets victory... he's got an ace's temperament and belongs #2 in a conversation with comparisons to Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler. He can hit, too!

 

[Sausy]

What was really telling about Jake de Grom was how composed he was when several mistakes were made early in the game by Mets fielders which extended the inning, and he gave up a run he would most likely wouldn't have. He went into the dugout afterwards without any negative attitude and as the Mets broadcasters were pointing out he was being given a lot of support by Matt Harvey and seemed to be responding well to it. He had a great mix of pitches with great command, going seven innings and allowing only the one run on five hits, two walks and eight strikeouts. He had it all working.... fastball, off speed and using them to maximum effect. He may not have the constantly blazing fastball of Harvey or Wheeler but gets in the mid nineties and is most effective low- mid 90's with movement smartly mixing in his other stuff. He just has a great temperament... he doesn't get riled up or panicky but just goes there and gets it done. He's going to remain in the rotation for the time being no doubt, they're not going to overwork him but probably through August he'll be in the rotation. At least the Mets have so many good options... Jonathon Niese, Dillon Gee, Dice K... soon enough Noah Syndegaard and Rafael Montero knocking at the door next season. However Jacob really has impressed and deserves to be a big part of this rotation not just for now but being part of the Mets' future.

Such a great way to end a homestand going into the All Star break.... as much as some criticize him I cannot but be impressed by the way Terry Collins has grown as a manager since his last turns ended with him wearing out his welcome and being too intense and critical. He's still passionate but stands by his players and has gained patience and wisdom in dealing with people. He gives respect and gets more from his players by not losing it because things aren't going well but keeping his players focused and positive. He demands his players keep at working seriously to get the team to where everyone wants but accepts sometimes there are setbacks and you can't rip away when things aren't going right. I do think he deserves to remain as Mets manager, and I ask his critics do they know just how much he is respected by the players? He has their back and hopefully now they believe they really can compete with anyone in their division. They are now at 45-50 in third place, higher than the Marlins or Phillies.

Just so happy not only that they were able to go to a 5-1 lead after the early mistakes but tack on four more runs in the eighth. They used a lot of small ball... walk, clutch hits, aggressive base stealing and were able to blow the game open 9-1. Will talk later today on my perspectives on the performances of some key Mets players but just feel good the boys after such a miserable time have got things going positive again for the players, organization and most especially the fans.

 

[sonny10305]

Saucy I like what you said about deGrom, I donno if you read my post about a week ago I wrote about meeting him and how impressed I was with him. I also commented on how focused he stays even when things get a bit dicey as he did in the fourth inning yesterday with Granderson and Tejada screwing up behind him. With Marlins on the bases poised to score Jacob remained cool and pitched himself out of trouble and then came back to pitch even better than he had in previous innings. That is something not all pitchers can do many of em will fold up and go into a tailspin when they get into trouble; but not Jacob he always remains calm cool and collected.
The important decision will be what to do with Jacob in the second half; there was talk originally that deGrom might find himself in the bullpen to open the second half so as to conserve innings, but it does not look like that’s the way it will shake out, not the way he is pitching. Collins has now said that deGrom would remain in the rotation when Jonathon Niese returns from the disabled list he will probably pitch in Seattle sending Dice-K to the pen which will be a good place for him and just strengthen our already strong Bull Pen. WHAT! STRONG BULL PEN!!!! did not think I would ever say that say that any time soon. By the way, Jon Niese threw a bullpen before Sunday’s game, which went pretty well which seemed to indicate that he should be back in the rotation for the Seattle series.
DeGrom is 3-1 with a 1.65 ERA over his past five starts. Mets handling him kinda different cause usually they are pretty darn conservative with innings counts for their young pitchers, Jacob actually logged about 150 innings last season in the minors which makes it easier for the Mets to allow deGrom to reach 185 innings this season. If my math is correct DeGrom is at just about 110 innings right now between the majors and minors and ya figure he could have 13 more starts during the regular season if he stays in the rotation. Of course I am no fool we gotta see how he looks in a about month and if he is getting tired. By the way I hope you guys realize that in yesterday’s game Jacob as well as he pitched did not even have his best stuff

As a Mets fan you have to feel pretty darn good about the team goin into the break they have really come together with offense to compliment the really good pitching we have had all season. AND the big thing to consider is that for the first time in a while we are actually hitting well at Citi field something we have had a lot of problems doing, we just won eight of 10 games on the home stand. Another thing to ponder is that we have 67 games left to pay in our division so can we think Wild card??? Well it doesn’t seem so farfetched any more. The Mets are now 45-50 trailing first by seven games. But we are actually now closer in the wild-card standings, trailing by 6½ games. Sooooooo
DeGrom as no surprise is very well respected by his teammates, Matt Harvey in particular has been spending lot of time talking and encouraging Jacob. Cute story, during batting practice yesterday Jacob came close to hitting DWright with a foul ball, so how did David react to that? Well he cut a piece off of Jacobs’s hair and attached it to a clubhouse poster of Jacob which reads HAIR WE GO. In case you have not noticed Jacob has a whole mess of hair. When David came to Jacob with a pair of scissors in his hand he thought why not let him do it, it was actually second time he almost hit David with a pitch and felt he kinda deserved it. I would be remiss if I did no mention that besides his pitching the kid can hit the ball as well he has an idea when he is at the plate
And how refreshing is that. He broke a 1-i tie Sunday with an RBI single and has seven hits in his first 12 major league games, which ties him with Matt Harvey for second-most in franchise history.

Did you guys see Travis d'Arnaud respond to Marlins' criticizing Mejia's win celebration? He turned to the Marlin dugout and mouthed Fuck You!. I Loved that

I Spoke with a bunch of the guy yesterday all of em are really looking forward to the break many of them going home to family some goin on a mini vacation and of course we know where Murphy is going

So here is to a mighty second half for the Mets it should be a whole lot of fun.

 

[syam24]

Great ending to the first half (a bit more, I know) of the season, but a killer of a home stand going 8-2. The play has been much crisper, good pitching and the lineup seems to have found its way, finally. Looking forward to some great baseball the rest of the way. The rotation is pretty solid, and if Jon NIese comes back fit, will be in damn good shape. The bullpen has sorted itself out, with both roles and performance, and we are getting production from Granderson, d'Arnaud, Tejada, and Duda that was lacking in the early season. Need to have a decent road trip after the break with some West Coast action that has in previous times, doomed the Mets. At least we Mets fans can have a relaxing All Star break, knowing we can compete in the division and league. Lets go Mets!!

 

[Sausy]

Yep sonny I remember how you talked about having dinner with Jake and his girlfriend and being impressed by him in person. Hope he doesn't cut that hair much for awhile... it's like a trademark! Has a great array of pitches, good command of them and a temperament that's even keeled which only can help in the big media lights of New York where everything gets magnified and some just can't handle the 24/7 media scrutiny. That absolutely won't be a problem with Jake... he's really got the talent and the head to do very well here in New York.

Daniel Murphy didn't have a memorable All Star appearance striking out with a runner on base for his only at bat in the NL 5-3 loss to the AL but from what I read was awe struck and humbled just for the chance to be there among all his contemporaries and some great baseball luminaries. Had a great time taking his family to Minnesota and then travelling for a couple of relaxing days with them joining the Mets in San Diego. hopefully he will get more opportunities to do it again, and it's in a Met uniform. I really doubt they trade him unless it's for a long term difference maker on offense, and to get that the Mets may have to part with Murph this winter and make him part of a blockbuster trade. The Mets though seem in no rush to trade him, appreciate what he has meant to he Mets players and organization as someone who can do well in New York. He failed to transition effectively to left field, was injured as the Mets first baseman a few years back and sustained a couple of serious knee injuries after converting to second base. No matter what is thrown at him Murph continues to show improvement defensively and is as always a top flight offensive second baseman, with a lot of doubles and some power making him a legitimate extra base threat. Sandy Alderson has made it clear the Mets are NOT trading players like Murph or their deep young pitching prospects corps for someone essentially two moth rent a player they aren't able to re-up in the offseason. They want a foundation piece and won't make a trade just to make a splash for a dream run to the playoffs. I'm glad they won't and expect to see Murph here through the end of the season and hopefully well beyond. As sonny says though Murph understands this is a business and if the Mets can really improve their future by dealing him he's not going to take it personally. Wherever he plays it will be all out and he'll have his teammates back and after work will be the playful, lovably goofy Murph but also the loving and devoted family man and friend.

Mets came back from the All Star break with a weekend series in San Diego that began tonight with a 5-4 win in the ninth inning on the roaring hot Travis d'Arnaud's RBI sharp grounder to right field, his third hit and second RBI of the game. Other big players tonight were Curtis Granderson scoring two runs on two his and continuing an improbable but rousing run as the dynamic Mets leadoff hitter. Bet NOBODY saw that coming early on but he's up past .240 after such a dreadful start and has 14 homers and been so dynamic when he gets on base the last few weeks. Also Juan Lagares early on as well had a big two run single. Bartolo Colon was very so so giving up a 4-0 Mets lead and went five innings giving up four runs on four hits. The bullpen however did a fantastic job and Jennry Mejia finished it off for the save.

David Wright's 10th anniversary as a Met will be on Monday, July 21 and the papers here had some great perspectives on our captain from fresh faced rookie wild eyed and in awe in the locker room for the first time to a well respected, beloved, passionate Met who wants nothing else but to finally achieve the team success he had a taste of in his early days. So many opportunities to go for an easier route to a World Series championship but he didn't want to do it that way. It will be so much sweeter for him to help lead the Mets especially with all the talented pitching they have here and on the farm and improving offensive depth on the farm as well. He wouldn't have done it any other way. David asked his family about what his move should be when facing free agency and they all knew what David knows.... here with the club he rooted ever since he was a huge fan of theirs growing up in the Norfolk region of their longtime former AAA affiliate the Tidewater Tides where he wanted to be... good luck David on your remaining Met years, may a chance at a World Series ring be among the "Amazin" possibilities!

 

[sonny10305]

Oh my goodness only the Mets could lose a game like the one they lost last night. So the pitcher trips makes a bad throw and the Padres score the win. Yup we keep finding new ways to lose games that’s our Mets ya gotta love em. At least Murph prevented the no hitter, funny thing as Daniel came to the plate I said out loud “that is it the end of the no hitter” and sure enough it was . Well anyways in spite of the loss Zack Wheeler had a great outing his ERA has a 1.42 ERA in his past four starts. And he has limited teams to one run and completed at least six innings in each of those starts. He finished on a good note; ok so his command was off a tad last night that homer they hit an if you looked at it was a good pitch it was down and in the middle of the plate, just good hitting is all.

The positive this weekend was the return of Kevin Burkhardt from his duties over at Fox and wasn’t it sweet having him back for a while at least. In case you did not know KB is leaving SNY at the end of the season

Nice words on Murphy Saucy, although he would have loved to have crushed a double in that one at bat he had in the All Star game I was all about the honor of being there. As Murph has said in so many interviews it was “humbling” and a day he will never forget and looks forward to the day he can tell his son Noah about it. Yup he was surrounded by family his parents; Sharon and Tom rarely miss an event that Daniel is a part of; Tori’s mom also attended. Brother Johnathan had wanted to go it would have been about a four and a half hour drive from where he was but since his wife could not make the trip was talked out of it. Mama Murphy did not want Johnathan on the road for almost nine hours alone and Daniel told his brother to stay home with his wife since days off during the season are a precious few and he should not make the trip but instead stay home with his wife and not make the trip.
As to Daniel getting traded, although Alderson has said they are not actively looking to trade him Murphy understand that the possibility certainly exists but it is something he just does not think about much it is out of his hands and he puts complete faith in Jesus as he does in all things in is life, knowing that the best will come for him. I have written Saucy privately about Murphs faith but choose not to discuss it here Daniels faith is very important part of his life and he knows whatever happens will be the best for him and put it all in the hands of the Lord.. He is honored and that other teams have shown interest. Although he wants to stay in NY what he really wants is a long term contract where ever that may be.

So tonight we pick it up with Jon Niese coming off the disabled list, Dice-K is in the bullpen now and Buddy Carlyle was designated for assignment. Good move I really wanted deGrom to stay in the rotation that kid has a lot more to give exciting to watch and a heck of a nice guy.

So I am off to Pittsburgh in a few hours for the Pirates and Dodgers. Turner and Davis together ya think I’m gonna miss that party? Me thinks not ‘ll be the dude in the stands wearin a Dodgers cap for Turner and an I like Ike shirt for Davis that ill confuse the fans in the stands. Can’t play favs for my two boys. JT was just reinstated from the 15-day disabled list where he has been on since June 29 after he strained his hamstring. Before he went down Justin was batting .302 with three home runs and 21 RBI’s this season. With the Mets so shorthand in the infield especially at short and with JT playing so well it just continues to irritate the Hell out me that the Mets let him go .

 

[syam24]

Certainly one of the stranger ways the Mets have lost a game. As you said, at least they didn't get no hit. Another fine effort from Wheeler. Need the bats to reawaken vs the Mariners, tonite would be good! Let's go Mets!!

 

[Sausy]

Niese wasn't sharp in his return night where the offensive was offensive. Mets lose 5-2 opener in Seattle. Tenth anniversary of David Wright's first game coming up from then AAA Norfolk, a fresh faced rookie who has become the best Met ever owning all major Mets position player records except Darryl Strawberry's home run record which David should easily pass sometime next year. On his tenth anniversary David had two hits and drove in a run but the Mets after such a good streak are falling back again losing their third straight... hopefully Jacob de Grom will be able tonight to get the Mets back on the right track. Of course the Mets won't be able to continue the 8-2 streak they had going into the break but they can't get back into listless habits and the hitting better pick up.

Travis d'Arnaud was robbed of a home run on a great play by the Seattle left fielder but the Mets can't seem to make the other team pay like they were doing before.... they need Granderson to get going again and act as the catalyst he was turning into over the past month heading into the All Star Break.

On Saturday in Brooklyn Mets first round pick Michael Conforto played his first game after being signed by the club going 1-4 and scoring a run. Wonder if Sonny was at the game or had left for Pittsburgh... he mentioned awhile back he was going to go there when the Dodgers with Justin Turner came in, and as we saw in Sonny's post, NOTHING is going to stop him from watching two of his guys going against each other... have fun, Sonny!

 

[sonny10305]

No Saucy I missed Michael Conforto’s game I have not had the chance to catch up with him yet or even welcome him to Brooklyn, I will make up for that on Thursday when I get back and we play Vermont Lake Monsters I plan on spending some quality time with him and will fill you guys in later this week on my impressions of him. I do know that he is going to be very special not much doubt of that. Not sure how long he will be with us in Brooklyn from what I was told he will in all likely hood not finishing his season here,Mets expect him to move up the organization quicker because h is just that special a player with advanced skills

Meantime here in Pittsburgh I just got back from watching BP, the game last night was as much fun for me as the ole barrel of monkeys. Ike did not start but came in to the game in the 8th to pinch hit but he grounded out. He is not having a good game last few weeks but ya know Ike always looking to figure it out and improve. Just hearing “Start Me UP” blast over the speakers at PNC Park when Ike came to bat was thrilling in itself I sure miss hearing that most days at Citi.
Of course I hear it as the ring tone on my phone when a certain someone calls
Justin Turner however was in the Dodgers’ lineup batting 2nd and playing short. Justin does not play every day but is in the ;lineup for Ramirez who got plunged by a pitch twice the other night and is out a few days nothing serious X-rays negative jut taking a few days off. I like to think he did I for me knowing I was going to be at the game in Pittsburgh and wanted to watch JT play, well, maybe not Justin went 2-4 including a 2 run double where he later scored on he also had a single bringing his batting average up his RBIs are now at 23. Watching him play short for the Dodgers makes me wish he was playing for us in NY nothing against Rubin who has been really great in the position but still….

As Saucy said NOTHING was going to keep me from watching Justin and Ike play one another they have a ton of fun doing it and I love love love watching em. Dodgers went on to win that game 5-2

I dono if you guy have ever seen Brain Wilson up close but I did yesterday and that is one scary lookin dude. The beard is outrageous enough but add to that his Mohawk haircut and he just looks mean.

Did not see last night’s Mets game but Ike has the hookup at his place so we can watch it after the game here tonight. Last night we all got back very late and missed that game. They play here at 7 and the Mets pay much later so we should be able to see much of the game live.

Congrats to Daniel Murphy ho will once again be the Mets’ recipient of the MLBPAA Heart & Hustle Award later today, In case you are unaware of what that is The players association, which includes former and active players, vote on an honoree for each club who “demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game,” Yup that’ our Murph all right. Daniel was the Mets’ winner last year as well.

 

[sonny10305]

So yesterday’s Pirates Dodgers game was outstanding loaded with conflict and some great baseball to give the Pirates a 7-12 win. Both Davis and Turner were in the lineup which made us all very happy, Of course with Ike and Justin playing against each other there had to be some mischief and interesting fun. In JTs first at bat he lined it to the third baseman Pedro Alvarez, who threw it on a hop to Ike at first it was a great play Ike scoped the ball brilliantly, ya know as he does, but the First-base umpire called JT safe saying that Ike’s foot was pulled off the bag. But wait, here comes the manager to say Ike’s foot was on the bag when he made the tag and Justin is out so the pay went to challenge review. While the umpires were reviewing they showed the play on the big screen and we could see that clearly Ike’s foot was not off the bag when he made the catch and Justin was out. After a very quick review the umps agreed and overturned the call and Justin was out much to the amusement of the two boys. Man I tell ya it had to be Ike and Justin to make that play interesting and fun leave it to them to be involved together in that. The play may have made it even more fun with Ike getting Justin out after in yesterday’s game when in Ike’s only at bat he lined out to first and was out. As he left the field Ike saw Turner with a big ole grin on his face giving him a big sarcastic,be it all loving, thumbs up such a brat. Interestingly baseball commissioner Bud Selig was in the park and had to be pleased at how the challenge was handled so effectively and most importantly so quickly

But Justin’s interesting day got even more interesting later in the game when he got hot by pitcher Justin Wilson which many thought clearly it was retaliation for Andrew McCutchen getting drilled earlier. Wilson got ejected for the pitch and so manger Hurdle came out to argue and it got heated and both Hurdle and Wilson were ejected. Maybe an overreaction on the umps part, even JT thought that a warning would have been enough. Come on, that’s baseball. Justin by the way after being awarded first base on that came in later to score on Gonzalez homer, nice!


Oops watch out JT that ball is comin right at ya



Your outa here



Now we come to Ike Davis who on an 0-1 pitch crushing the ball to right center his second against Dodgers pitcher Beckett this season Ike hit one against him in LA recently. Davis owns Beckett
Yup, that one is gone or as Cohen would day “outta here” The Pittsburgh crowd went nutz cause two batters earlier Walker hit one out as well. Ike has his 6th home run of the season and driven in 29 runs.

Yeah that ball is gone








What a day at the ball park just awesome cant wit to see what will tonight bring

Meanwhile back in Metsville deGrom was brilliant last night I will leave the details to Saucy and Syam but he has now pitched 52 innings without giving up a home run. Yeah I’s d say he’s a keeper

 

[syam24]

Good job by the Mets to get 2 out of 3 from the Mariners. Colon was terrific retiring the first 20 batters before Robby Cano, don't you know, broke up the perfect game with a base hit. The M's chipped away and got 2 runs, but Familia and Mejia eventually closed it out. The offense barely had a pulse with DWright getting 2 of the 4 hits, and the Mets only getting one run from a bases loaded, no out situation. Now it's on to Milwaukee for 4 games with the Brew crew. Let's go Mets!!