Photo of the Day: Santana

This is an absolutely gorgeous photograph from Doug Benc from Getty Images. Amazin'.

Game Recap: Mets 7 -- Marlins 2

The New York Mets opened their season in Miami this afternoon, receiving great performances from Johan Santana and David Wright, as they went on to win 7-2 over the Florida Marlins.

Santana pitched seven strong innings, allowing only three hits, one of which went for a 2-run home run to Josh Willingham in the bottom of the fourth inning. Those two earned runs were the only runs allowed. Santana walked two while striking out eight. He set down the first nine Marlins in a row, and also struck out four batters in a row between the fifth and sixth innings.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say everyone in their right mind is absolutely impressed and excited about this performance. I will accept no less than this for every game from here on out (kidding). Great stuff.

The eighth inning saw three pitchers make appearances, each tallied one out. Matt Wise, making his first appearance as a Met, started the inning, allowing two hits, both singles to Alfredo Amezaga and Dan Uggla. Scott Schoeneweis came in to face ex-Met Mike Jacobs, getting him to ground out to first. For the final out of the inning, Jorge Sosa came in with runners on second and third, and got Willingham to strike out swinging to end the inning.

Interesting inning management from Willie Randolph here, but I can't get on him because it worked. Wise struggled a bit, but before any damage was done he was pulled, in a nice move from Randolph. That's something I don't think he would have done last year.

Aaron Heilman finished out the game, striking out Jorge Cantu and Cody Ross to start the inning, and inducing a comebacker off the bat of Luis Gonzalez to end the game.

I didn't think he was going pitch at all when he didn't come in for the eighth. I guess we should throw out the book on how Randolph is handling the bullpen this year, or is it too early to tell?

The Mets offense came to play today, picking up 10 hits, five of them doubles.

David Wright and Carlos Beltran led the way, each picking up two doubles. Beltran started off the fourth inning with a double, scoring on an Angel Pagan double. Wright had a three-run double later in the six-run fourth, scoring Ryan Church, Luis Castillo and Jose Reyes.

Now that is how you start a season.

Reyes went 2-4, scoring once and driving in one run. Castillo was on base three times, picking up one hit and walking twice. Church and Marlon Anderson each picked up one hit on the day. Anderson singled in the ninth inning, moved to second on a Reyes sac-bunt, swiped third on a passed ball, and scored on the same play when Cantu couldn't handle the throw from Matt Treanor.

I could get used to some of this small ball stuff.

Game Ball: Mr. Johan Santana.

Santana's first final line

Johan Santana: 7 IP, 3 hits, 2 ER, 2 walks, 8 K's.

Santana allowed one home run to Josh Willingham, allowing both runs.

Honestly, could you ask much more of this man. Great stuff from him today. I'm going to jump the gun right now and get used to this. We better get this sort of stuff from him everyday. Too much to ask?

Lineup vs. the Marlins

Alright everyone...here we go!

Mets @ Marlins, 4:10 p.m.

Johan Santana vs. Mark Hendrickson

Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
1B Carlos Delgado
LF Angel Pagan
RF Ryan Church
C Brian Schneider
LH Johan Santana

This is the moment we've all been waiting for. I can't wait to watch the first inning, and then go to class. Awesome!

Santana effect felt in Venezuela

Jack Curry relays a pretty cool comment about Johan Santana from a sports writer from Venezuela, Alfredo Villasmil:

"When Johan pitches,” Villasmil said, “the country is paralyzed."

I'm sure the same feelings are being felt by Mets fans all around the tri-state area.

That's really awesome though. I wonder how much Mets merchandise is available in that country. I'm sure the Mets have enough smarts in their front office to get their shirts, hats, and all things numbered "57" down there as soon as possible.

Weather in Miami

According to Weather.com, it's supposed to rain all morning, and into the afternoon, until about 4 p.m. After that, it's supposed to get very windy.

As long as they play baseball today, I'll be happy. A two hour rain delay would be nice though. Then I can watch the entire game.

I just made a bet with my American Political Literature teacher that if Johan Santana gives up 15 runs in the first inning, I have to cry in front of my class on Wednesday.

Don't make me have to do it, Mr. Santana. Please.

A message from Willie Randolph

This just popped up in my e-mail: A MESSAGE FROM WILLIE RANDOLPH

It goes on and on about how the team is amazing and how we will win and so on.

In closing I want to say one more thing. We all hated the way last year ended for us. For 98 percent of the season we were the best team in our division, but we let it slip away. When I spoke to the team this spring I didn't look backwards that much, I tried to look forward so we can all learn from what happened. The lesson is simple: don't take anything for granted and don't expect things to happen just because you think they will.

The season is here. It's time to make it happen.

Alright, I'm officially pumped. Make it happen.

I think I'm going to adopt that phrase.

Lucky rocket ship underpants

The day us fans have waited half a year for is finally here.

Johan Santana will take the mound for the New York Mets as baseball season is back in business.

The question I pose to my readers is this: What are your superstitions?

Calvin, from Calvin & Hobbes, always had his lucky rocket ship underpants for good luck. What is your version of his underpants?

I know for a fact, I laid out my Carlos Beltran t-shirt last night and dusted off my Mets helmet to prepare for the game today. During football season I wore the same clothes for every game of the playoffs, and it worked.

Do you wear a special shirt? Do a special dance? Create a shrine of Mets memorabilia? Leave it in the comments!

25-man roster set

Joe Smith, Brady Clark, Mike Pelfrey and Raul Casanova all made the roster.

Orlando Hernandez, Duaner Sanchez and Ramon Castro are heading to the DL.

Here's the press release. I pretty much got everything I wish for.

And here is tomorrow's opening day lineup:

Jose Reyes SS
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Carlos Beltran CF
Carlos Delgado 1B
Angel Pagan LF
Ryan Church RF
Brian Schneider C
Johan Santana P

Pretty interesting where Pagan is batting tomorrow. They're breaking up the lefty / lefty against Marlins starter Mark Hendrickson.

18 hours. Only 18 more hours.

Early indications

Today is the Mets final day to finalize their roster before they open the season against the Florida Marlins on Monday afternoon. It seems they are willing to wait right up until the 3 p.m. deadline to make their decisions.

Adam Rubin relays some things he's heard about the final spots that are still up for grabs:

Mets officials appeared to be leaning toward placing Orlando Hernandez on the DL to start the season, paving the way for Mike Pelfrey to make at least two starts

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Joe Smith also looked close to claiming the final spot in the bullpen, a vacancy created with Duaner Sanchez not yet ready for regular-season action.

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Fernando Tatis also seemed to hold a lead over Brady Clark for the final bench spot, but a team insider insisted Tatis — who had a .212 Grapefruit League average — was not a foregone conclusion to be on the roster.

Just to reiterate, I'm supporting Pelfrey (or even Nelson Figueroa), Smith and Clark for the final spots.

If the Mets take Pelfrey, he won't be able to work on his mechanics as much, as he will have to win the game he is in. If he waits and stays in minor league camp, the results don't matter, so he can stay in a game even if he's given up a few runs just to work on his pitches. What do the Mets have to lose if they pitch Figueroa? Nothing. Why not give him a shot?

Smith, who struggled mightily early in spring, has come on strong these last few weeks. Yesterday was a great game for him, when he came in with the bases loaded, and got Alexi Ramirez to strike out on three pitches. Inherited runners was a huge problem for Smith last year and if he can remedy that, it would be a huge accomplishment.

Again, I don't get why Tatis is so wonderful. Sure, he can play pretty much any position besides center field if need be, but he doesn't play any of them especially well. We already have two guys in Marlon Anderson and Damion Easley who can play the entire infield and two guys in Endy Chavez and Angel Pagan who can play the entire outfield. So why do we need a guy who can do all of those, but none well? Clark will be much more lasting and consistent, I feel, and that's why I want him to make the team.

It's a travel day for me, back down to New Jersey for a bit and then back to Quinnipiac tonight. I'll be back with a recap of the day and the finalized roster moves tonight. Enjoy your last day before the season begins!

Photo of the Day: Church

Ryan Church has a ball tip off his glove, and seemingly into the stands for what would have been a 3-run home run. Luckily, the man knocked the ball back in play and the umpires botched the call.

Church has been getting hot at the plate over the last few weeks. He's my pick for breakout player of the year on this team.
(AP Photo/Bill Waugh)

Game Recap: Mets 3 -- White Sox 2

Playing in the second-annual Civil Rights Game, the Mets beat the White Sox by a score of 3-2, rounding out their spring season. The Mets went 20-11 in spring training.

John Maine made the start for the Mets, pitching four innings, allowing only three hits, while striking out five. Maine struck out two in the first inning alone. He only needed 56 pitches, 39 went for strikes.

He looked great today. Easily the best #4 in the league. Would you pitch him ahead of Oliver Perez??

Pedro Feliciano and Aaron Heilman each logged an inning of work, allowing three hits between them. They both struck out two batters. Scott Schoeneweis gave up the runs for the Mets, pitching 2-3 of an inning, walking three and giving up one hit as two runs scored.

Schoeneweis has looked a lot better this spring, and if he is used in the correct situation, I think he's going to have a much better year.

Joe Smith relieved Schoeneweis in the seventh with the bases loaded and got Alexi Ramirez to strike out swinging. Billy Wagner came on to close out the game, getting the side in order. Wagner tallied one strikeout.

I think Smith is going get the call for the last bullpen spot, especially with this last outing.

Carlos Beltran drove a 2-run home run over the left field wall in the fourth inning off of White Sox starter Jose Contreras for the Mets first runs. Carlos Delgado picked up a double, going 1-3. Ryan Church went 2-3, scoring once.

Beltran looks excellent this spring. Those newly cleaned out knees are going to help out a lot. Church is getting hot. I like it.

Game Ball: Maine and Beltran.

Shea will not go boom

According to Richard Sandomir, from the New York Times, neither Shea Stadium or Yankee Stadium will be imploded.

Each stadium will be taken apart by hand, piece by piece.

From Sandomir:

The wreckers will arrive at Shea Stadium soon after the Mets’ final home game in late September or sometime in October. In February or March, Yankee Stadium’s dismantling will begin. The old ballparks will be taken apart piece by piece over two to three months with hydraulic jackhammers, blowtorches and grapplers.

The concrete will be chopped up, pushed toward the middle of the fields and removed by trucks. The steel girders will be cut out, cut up and carted away for salvage.

Shea will then be reclaimed as part of the parking lot, and Yankee Stadium as three baseball fields surrounded by 12,000 trees.

The article also points out that pieces of the stadium, such as the seats, bricks, and signs, will be sold, most likely for a very high price.

Also at the New York Times, Ben Shpigel has a great article about Shea.

From Shpigel:

By any objective standard, Shea is bleak and outdated. It has not aged, shall we say, gracefully, its imperfections and architectural shortcomings growing more prominent over the years, particularly as glorious baseball-only parks have sprouted around the country. Those flaws are now magnified by Citi Field, the Mets' new home in 2009, whose beatific presence beyond Shea’s right-center-field fence prompted Ron Darling, the SportsNet New York analyst and former Met, to make this comparison: “It’s like driving a VW bus with a Maserati in the lot.”

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“It’s dilapidated and obsolete, sure, but I could say the same thing about the apartment where I grew up, in Bayside, Queens,” said Howie Rose, the Mets’ play-by-play broadcaster on WFAN. “That apartment was home. My memories there are happy, warm and indelible, just like they are from Shea. To me, Shea is home.”

That article brought a little tear to my eye. Wonderful, wonderful stuff.

Lineup vs. the White Sox

The Mets are in Memphis, taking on the Chicago White Sox for the Second Annual Civil Rights Game, a 5 p.m. start. This is the last exhibition game before the Mets open up in Miami on Monday afternoon.

Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
1B Carlos Delgado
RF Ryan Church
LF Angel Pagan
C Brian Schneider
DH Brady Clark

SP John Maine

There you have it ladies and gentlemen, as this will most likely be the opening day lineup for the 2008 Mets.

I think if Clark can get a few key hits here today, he might make that jump to the 25 man roster. That might just be me hoping for Fernando Tatis to not make the team.

Raining in Memphis

The Mets will face the Chicago White Sox in the Civil Rights Game in Memphis at 5 p.m.

Unfortunately, the weather does not look like it wants to cooperate, as it is pouring in Memphis right now. John Maine is slated to take the mound for the Mets today.

Hopefully, they can get this game in, but if it's a sloppy field, I don't see how the teams would want to play in this final exhibition game before the season and risk someone getting hurt.

A song tribute to Ruben Gotay

Someone going by the name "The Gato" posted this in the comments for Gotay claimed by Braves, sung to the tune of Don McLean's hit "American Pie."

A long, long time ago…
I can still remember How Ho-Jo used to make me smile.
And I knew if he had his chance
Jose Reyes could make those people dance
And, maybe, they'd be happy for a while.
But march made me shiver With every trade Omar deliver.
Bad news on the doorstep;Gotay couldn't take one more step.
I can't remember if I cried
When I heard about the waiver wire,
But something touched me deep inside
The day the Ruben Gotay died.

Hilarious. Becoming a Brave is equal to passing on for Mets fans. The phrase "You're dead to me," comes to mind.

I have never heard of such a public outcry over losing a backup infielder. He was obviously a fan favorite and it stings that much more that he went to a hated rival in the Mets division.

Updated: Why are the Mets in the Civil Rights Game?

The Mets have the honor of playing the Chicago White Sox in the 2008 Civil Rights Game on March 29th.

My question is simple. Why the Mets?

"The intent of the game is to embrace baseball's history of African-American players, as well as to generate interest for future black players," says its Wikipedia page. On MLB.com, the game is said to represent "a symbolic eternal torch commemorating the struggle for racial harmony near where the most painful obstacle had been thrown in its path."

So, in a nutshell, it's supposed to showcase and embrace the African-American community in baseball and attempt to raise awareness supporting baseball in those communities.

So who was the genius who chose the Mets?

On the 40-man roster, the Mets only have two African-American players. On the coaching staff, they also have two men from African-American descent. Damion Easley and Marlon Anderson on the field, Willie Randolph and Jerry Manuel on the coaching staff.

In the 2006 Racial and Gender Report Card for Major League Baseball (PDF), it is noted that "A total of 40.5 percent of the players were Latino." For the Mets, it's a little more than that. On the 40-man roster, 19 players are from Latino descent.

The report also states that the drop in African-Americans in the sport since 1996 from 17 percent to 8 percent, as the percentage of Hispanic players increased during that period, from 20 percent to 29 percent.

African-American players make up 5 percent of the Mets roster. Latino players make up 47.5 percent.

If the Civil Rights Game is supposed to raise awareness for the African-American community, choosing the Mets probably wasn't the best move, as almost half of the team is Latino.

The only possible reason the Mets are in this game, that I can figure shows up later in the MLB article. It goes on to quote Omay Minaya as saying "Since the days of Jackie Robinson, baseball has been at the forefront of social change in this country, and this game is just another example that our sport understands the significance of paying the proper respect to such an important part of American history." Again, the Mets are tied to Jackie Robinson, not that it's a bad thing, but it just makes little sense to me.

So for a team that is comprised of nearly 50 percent of players from Latino descent while they are only 5 percent African-American, they were chosen to participate in a game promoting African-Americans in baseball.

That just doesn't make sense to me.

Postscript:
After seeing some of the reaction to this, I would like to talk about some things.

I'm not saying the Mets shouldn't be in this game and I'm also not saying that the civil rights movement didn't affect the Latino community. The way I read the articles about the game, it was primarily, if not exclusively, celebrating African-American and their perseverance and their effect on the game. It was also supposed to serve as a way to gain interest in baseball in the African-American community. For these reasons, I spoke primarily of that community and their role on this Mets team.

Randolph being the first African-American manager in New York is big, I understand that. He's a pretty good manager and I can live with all his different tendencies. No dissing on Randolph was meant by this post. Same goes for Manuel.

Also, I'm sure if I traced my roots back to Sicily and Italy, I'd be black too. The same could be said for more people than most people think.

Any way I look at it, I'm still glad the Mets are in this game, and it should be a nice experience for all involved.

Photo of the Day: El Duque

Orlando Hernandez seemingly locked up the fifth starter spot today with a five-inning, one run performance.

El Duque returned to his familiar high leg kick after spending most of spring working with a new delivery. As long as he can stay healthy and effective, I'll take it.
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

SNY drinking game

Zoe, over at Pick Me Up Some Mets!, put out her SNY Drinking Game.

It's amazing.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Gary sings: 1 drink
Keith gets his ice cream: 1 drink
Gary impresses Ron and/or Keith with some esoteric baseball-historical detail: 1 drink
Keith SHOWS his footwear (or lack thereof): Drink until done
"And it's out of here!" 1 drink

If you follow this game during a broadcast, you'll probably be out cold by the third inning.
Gosh, I just love Gary / Keith / Ron. They're the best.

(This blog does not endorse drinking, but if you must, you better be of age!)

Game Recap: Orioles 4 -- Mets 3

In the battle for the fifth starter spot, it seems that El Duque has come out on top and will be in the rotation for the Mets to start the season. In a fitting finish to the game, Mike Pelfrey gave up three runs in the bottom of the ninth as the Orioles beat the Mets by a scored of 4-3.

El Duque got the start today, and with his old leg kick back, pitched five innings, only allowed one run. Hernandez ran into a bit of trouble in the third inning, but benefited from a base running blunder and got out of the inning with only the one run. He gave up four hits and one walk while striking out two.

Welcome to the fifth starter spot, Mr. Hernandez. Please don't get hurt and be, at the very least, somewhat effective. I like you, we all like you, now go out and perform like all the fans know you can.

Pelfrey took over for the rest of the game, and only allowed one hit through the first three innings while he was on the mound. In the ninth inning Pelfrey allowed three runs to score, blowing the game and taking the loss. Pelfrey walked three and struck out two today.

El Duque's performance punched his ticket to New Orleans today. I'm absolutely, 100 percent sure that he will be up with the Mets within a few months due to injuries.

The Mets will have a hot Jose Reyes coming into the season, as he went 2-3 on the day, with a double, scoring two runs. Reyes hit .328 in spring training this year.

Good stuff from Reyes as usual. He's going to be a new player this year. Much more focused and driven. I will miss the dances though.

David Wright, Endy Chavez and Marlon Anderson each added a single for the Mets to round out their hitting on the day. Both Wright and Carlos Beltran walked twice in the game.

In the battle for the final bench spot, between Fernando Tatis and Brady Clark, there was no clear winner determined today. Tatis went 0-4 with one strike out and one man left on base. Clark went 0-3 with one walk and one strike out.

It looks like Tatis has the spot locked up, but you never know with the Mets. All we know is it won't be Ruben Gotay.

Game ball: El Duque.

Gotay claimed by Braves

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news Doug...

The Atlanta Braves have claimed Ruben Gotay off of waivers.

Mets fans, prepare yourself for all the time Gotay gets a hit off of us in the coming year(s).

In other news, Steven Register was returned to the Colorado Rockies and Anderson Hernandez was optioned to AAA.

So long Cash, we barely knew ye. AHern, stay healthy, you're our backup infielder waiting in the wings, again.

9/11 game

For those who are nostalgic and also love America, the first game after 9/11 is airing on SNY right now.

I love Tsuyoshi Shinjo and all his arm bands.

Duque's mechanics

I'm so confused.

After all the talk and work to get El Duque to change his delivery and his leg kick, he has apparently abandoned it and returned to his normal high kick.

This makes no sense. So was all of his spring training a sham to try and trick other teams?

He's held the O's to one hit through two innings, if that means anything to anyone. He's faced the minimum, inducing a double play ball after allowing his first hit.

Lineup vs. the Orioles

The Mets will take on the Orioles in Ft. Lauderdale in the second to last game before the season begins. The Mets will have El Duque and Mike Pelfrey face off to see if one takes a definite lead for the fifth starter spot.

Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
1B Carlos Delgado
RF Ryan Church
LF Fernando Tatis
C Brian Schneider
DH Brady Clark
RH Orlando Hernandez

The first six in that order will be your opening day lineup. It looks like the Mets want to see if Tatis can play in left and if Clark can hit a bit. Glad to see Schneider behind the dish.

Gotay's fate TBD

Ruben Gotay will be in limbo for a few more hours.

It is believed that Gotay was placed on waivers on Wednesday, after facing Pedro Martinez in a minor league game. The game ended around noon, and Gotay is on waivers for three days. That means sometime in the next few hours, it will be determined if Gotay will stay with the team.

Rumor has it that Gotay will refuse any assignment to AAA. Gotay could refuse assignment and become a free agent.

This stinks. Even though he might not have the best glove, he makes some fine plays in the field. If he gives up on switch hitting, he could be a really good hitter.

I'd love for him to stick with the Mets, because I don't see one of Damion Easley, Marlon Anderson, or (ugh) Fernando Tatis not going down with an injury at sometime during the season. The first guy the Mets will turn to would probably be the light-hitting Anderson Hernandez, again.

Gotay, take the assignment if you make it through waivers. Please. You're going to get your shot with the team, you just have to wait until some people come to their senses.

Pelf vs. Duque, take 2

Here we go again...