With the Mets down 2-0 last night, they showed to me that these are no longer the Mets of June & July. The Mets rallied to tie the game and then open up the flood gates to beat the Astros 11-3.
It was the type of game I love to see. It was close at first, the Mets come back, and then they crush their opponent like a grape. That's the killer instinct the Mets need to continue to have as the season comes to a close in 3 weeks.
Lastings Milledge showed he wants his starting job back making a stellar diving play in right field and then crushing a 3 run home run a little bit later. Milledge's catch was remarkable and I loved the fact that he popped right up after he made the dive to show everybody that he actually caught the ball. He looked like an excited little leaguer who was just as surprised as everyone else that he caught the ball.
The only concern I have from last night's game is Jose Reyes. Keith Hernandez pointed out an error in his swing in that he leans too far over the plate and tops curveballs while getting under fastballs. Reyes looks like he's trying too hard to crush the ball instead of slapping the ball the opposite way. I wish Reyes would take some tips from Luis Castillo who just continues to impress me as a hitter. I know Reyes will get out of the slump, but I'd like it to be before we play the Phillies again.
A day game today so be prepared for team B to make an appearance. I'm hoping Carlos Gomez gets the start in left. I've missed his energy and excitement.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Friday, September 7, 2007
The Enigma That Is the 2007 Mets
Ben Shpigel of the New York Times wrote a great article this morning about the oddity that has been the 2007 Mets. He starts his column with the following:
"The Mets have had more disappointments than celebrations in their 46-season history, but they are only about three weeks away from evening things out a little. Enjoying a relatively comfortable five-game lead in the National League East with 23 games to play, they are in reach of winning consecutive division titles for the first time, perhaps establishing that last season was the start of continued success and not only a case of catching the Atlanta Braves in a down year"
Shpigel goes on to make some really interesting points about this team compared to other winning Mets teams. The point that I think he's getting to, but doesn't come right out and say it is that the 2007 Mets don't have a "hook."
Like any musician will tell you a catchy pop tune needs a hook in the melody to make the song applicable to mainstream audiences. You know the tune that gets stuck in your head all day. Right now the Mets don't have a hook.
Sure we have one of the most exciting players in the game in Jose Reyes and a potential MVP candidate in David Wright, but this team has been so inconsistent and lack luster in production at times that it's hard to notice those two guys. Plus there are a ton of other baseball story lines that are taking precedence like the fact that the Yankees are still struggling to secure the wild card, the Brewers are suddenly winning, the NL West is a shootout, and of course Rick Ankiel.
Last year's team had the hook of the Mets finally overcoming the Braves. The '86 team had the bad boys image and an unbelievable pitching staff. The 1969 Mets were a miracle team. Think about it what is the hook for the 2007 Mets? A team who can win with Scott Schoeneweis on the roster? The team of injuries?
The great thing is as a Mets Lifer we don't need a hook. We're with this team whether Shinjo is playing right field, Mackey Sasser is behind the plate or Bobby Jones is our #1 starter. With all the turmoil and ups & downs of this season, winning a division title and making a playoff run will make it all worth it.
Sure we don't have an "Actober" commercial, but if we have a shot at a World Series in October it won't really matter.
"The Mets have had more disappointments than celebrations in their 46-season history, but they are only about three weeks away from evening things out a little. Enjoying a relatively comfortable five-game lead in the National League East with 23 games to play, they are in reach of winning consecutive division titles for the first time, perhaps establishing that last season was the start of continued success and not only a case of catching the Atlanta Braves in a down year"
Shpigel goes on to make some really interesting points about this team compared to other winning Mets teams. The point that I think he's getting to, but doesn't come right out and say it is that the 2007 Mets don't have a "hook."
Like any musician will tell you a catchy pop tune needs a hook in the melody to make the song applicable to mainstream audiences. You know the tune that gets stuck in your head all day. Right now the Mets don't have a hook.
Sure we have one of the most exciting players in the game in Jose Reyes and a potential MVP candidate in David Wright, but this team has been so inconsistent and lack luster in production at times that it's hard to notice those two guys. Plus there are a ton of other baseball story lines that are taking precedence like the fact that the Yankees are still struggling to secure the wild card, the Brewers are suddenly winning, the NL West is a shootout, and of course Rick Ankiel.
Last year's team had the hook of the Mets finally overcoming the Braves. The '86 team had the bad boys image and an unbelievable pitching staff. The 1969 Mets were a miracle team. Think about it what is the hook for the 2007 Mets? A team who can win with Scott Schoeneweis on the roster? The team of injuries?
The great thing is as a Mets Lifer we don't need a hook. We're with this team whether Shinjo is playing right field, Mackey Sasser is behind the plate or Bobby Jones is our #1 starter. With all the turmoil and ups & downs of this season, winning a division title and making a playoff run will make it all worth it.
Sure we don't have an "Actober" commercial, but if we have a shot at a World Series in October it won't really matter.
Winning At Home
The Mets have not been winning at home. For some reason they like going out on the road. They love Arizona. Recently they seemed to like Atlanta. However, they're not too fond of Philadelphia.
But why is this team having some trouble winning at home? They got swept by the Phillies at home. They have trouble sweeping a series at home when they win the first two (a la Dodgers two weeks ago). I'm not going to even talk about last year's NLCS performance at home.
If you look at the batting averages of Beltran and Delgado, their averages are tremendously better away than at home. I don't have an answer as to why this is the case. You can blame it on Shea Stadium being a pitcher's park, but that's just a lame excuse.
I think it comes down to lacking a killer instinct. The Mets haven't found that instinct that allows them to put a team away, and once their put away kick 'em so they don't get up. Sure it sounds harsh, but you need that to win championships. Look at Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods and you can tell that they have that instinct.
Baseball is the ultimate team sport so it requires every player to embrace this type of attitude. I can see it in Jose Reyes. I see it in David Wright. I can also see it in Luis Castillo.
I really want to see it in our bullpen though. If they get the type of confidence that breeds a killer instinct, we'll see a vast improvement in their performance.
This is the last big home stand of the year against two big opponents (Braves/Phillies) and one who would like to be a spoiler (Astros).
Let's welcome them to the Big Apple.
But why is this team having some trouble winning at home? They got swept by the Phillies at home. They have trouble sweeping a series at home when they win the first two (a la Dodgers two weeks ago). I'm not going to even talk about last year's NLCS performance at home.
If you look at the batting averages of Beltran and Delgado, their averages are tremendously better away than at home. I don't have an answer as to why this is the case. You can blame it on Shea Stadium being a pitcher's park, but that's just a lame excuse.
I think it comes down to lacking a killer instinct. The Mets haven't found that instinct that allows them to put a team away, and once their put away kick 'em so they don't get up. Sure it sounds harsh, but you need that to win championships. Look at Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods and you can tell that they have that instinct.
Baseball is the ultimate team sport so it requires every player to embrace this type of attitude. I can see it in Jose Reyes. I see it in David Wright. I can also see it in Luis Castillo.
I really want to see it in our bullpen though. If they get the type of confidence that breeds a killer instinct, we'll see a vast improvement in their performance.
This is the last big home stand of the year against two big opponents (Braves/Phillies) and one who would like to be a spoiler (Astros).
Let's welcome them to the Big Apple.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
David Wright to be NL MVP?
Via Metsblog.com, I came across this blurb from ESPN.com's Rob Neyer as he discusses the MVP race in both leagues: " P.S. By all measures I can find -- both numbers and media buzz -- if the Mets finish in first place, David Wright is a lock in the National League. Book it."
I'm shocked to hear a national baseball analyst make this remark. It could be just me but for the most part you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who is complimentary of the Mets outside of Jose Reyes.
I'm surprised by this also because if you compare Wright's numbers this year to Beltran's last year, I think Beltran was a better MVP candidate. But I'm not going to complain about this. David Wright deserves to be considered for MVP. If you base the MVP race solely on where the team would be without that player, Wright is the hands down MVP.
No one is more valuable to the success of the ballclub than David Wright. He's also without question the best hitter in the NL since the All Star break, and those who vote for awards like to see a surge down the stretch.
Sure I'm biased as a Mets fan, but I think the numbers speak for themselves. I'd love for Wright to be the MVP, but right now I just want him to keep leading this team to the playoffs.
And I know that's what David Wright wants more than anything too.
The El Duque T-Shirt
I think I need the ladies at Do Me Wright to outfit me with a whole new line of t-shirts. Those creative designers and fantastics Mets bloggers have done it again with their new El Duque tee.Never before has a high leg kick looked so fashionable. Rumor has it the shirts was the highlight of fashion week in NYC.
Check it out as well as some great posts over at Do Me Wright.
Thank You Phillies
You don't become the losingest franchise in sports history without trying. The Phillies imploded yesterday after leading 8-2 in the bottom of the 8th to lose to the Braves 9-8.I turned the game off after it was 6-1 and was shocked to see the score on SportsCenter this morning.
The Mets must be the luckiest team in baseball to continue to have the teams behind them get so close only to fall apart.
Let's hope this string of Philadelphia bad fortune continues next week when they arrive at Shea.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
This One Was Mailed In
John Maine was the last guy to know that this Wednesday afternoon game against the Reds was mailed in by Willie Randolph. Of course Maine didn't do much to help his cause, but I think Willie was pleased to have finally won 5 games in a row that he decided it was time to play team B. Scratch that, he played team C.
Jose Reyes finally got the much-hyped "day off" that everyone on talk radio was pleading for (hello, didn't Cal Ripken play shortstop?). Conine got the start. Lo Duca got a day off after tearing up the Reds for 7 RBIs the night before.
Even the bullpen got a day off as Willie marched out call up after call up to finish up this laughing stock of a game. I was pleased to see Humber pitch, but you could tell he was less than happy to be out ther in this situation. By the way what the heck was DiFelice thinking calling for a fastball from Humber facing Adam Dunn? Welcome to the big leagues kid.
You can't win 'em all, but you'd like to see a competitive game every day. Hopefully there's one on Friday. I'd settle for another Mets win at the least.
Jose Reyes finally got the much-hyped "day off" that everyone on talk radio was pleading for (hello, didn't Cal Ripken play shortstop?). Conine got the start. Lo Duca got a day off after tearing up the Reds for 7 RBIs the night before.
Even the bullpen got a day off as Willie marched out call up after call up to finish up this laughing stock of a game. I was pleased to see Humber pitch, but you could tell he was less than happy to be out ther in this situation. By the way what the heck was DiFelice thinking calling for a fastball from Humber facing Adam Dunn? Welcome to the big leagues kid.
You can't win 'em all, but you'd like to see a competitive game every day. Hopefully there's one on Friday. I'd settle for another Mets win at the least.
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