Monday, March 31, 2008

Mets Take Season Opener

Baseball is back and Johan and the Mets won their opener 7-2 over the Marlins. I love this game! I can’t wait for tomorrow’s game when our other ace, Pedro Martinez takes the hill.

Some thoughts on today’s game…David Wright broke the game open in the 4th with a bases clearing double to drive in 3, but my favorite part of that inning was Jose Reyes getting an RBI single with 2 outs to give the Mets 3-0 lead. That is what made Reyes so lethal in ’06 – he was so clutch with 2 outs and runners in scoring position. That was a big hit. You also gotta love Johan Santana, who got into trouble in the 5th inning, when he found himself with 2 men on, and only one out in a 6-2 game. Santana, in true Ace fashion, proceeded to strike out 4 consecutive batters and was on his way to his first Mets win. It’s funny because I actually felt anxious watching him pitch. You know how much the Mets need him…you just want to see him throw zeros on the board. (Incidentally, Carlos Gomez is putting on a clinic tonight in Minnesota. Hitting, running and fielding. He’s so exciting to watch. If only we could have held on to him…but, you have to give up something to get something).

I don’t want to be too negative on this day, but I was disappointed to see Luis Castillo jogging around the bases in the first inning watching a short fly, rather than burning it around the bags. He should have scored on the play but instead, was left stranded at 3rd base. When asked about it by a reporter in the post game, Randolph got very defensive, and actually commented that he didn’t he know what the guy was asking about. Then, in an effort to cover for his player, said that maybe “Castillo is still not 100%” I’m not going to go crazy after one game but truth is, he didn’t hustle, period. And it shouldn’t happen, especially after last season. He’s a veteran, a gamer, and he knows better.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

It's so funny you mention feeling anxious watching Santana in the 5th because I felt exactly the same way! It's been so long since we've had a top notch pitcher like Santana but the way he changes speeds is an art form. Only 161 games left!