Welcome to first place, Mets fans; Mets win 10-8

This game deserves more that just a sentence...

Johna Santana has his worst start in blue and orange, lasting a mere four innings and allowing five runs to score before getting chased. The Mets didn't seem to care. The bullpen faltered, for the first time in 22 innings. The Mets didn't seem to care. Billy Wagner blew the save in the All Star game. The Mets didn't seem to care.

After handing away a lead, twice, the Mets faced watching their nine game win streak go up in smoke. The Mets wanted none of that. The team stormed back, tying the game at 8-8 with a two run home run to right field off the bat of David Wright, scoring Argenis Reyes.

After two more singles, Carlos Delgado served the game breaker into left field, plating the go ahead run. Fernando Tatis didn't feel comfortable with just the one run lead, so he singled and drove in one more, bringing the score to it's final of 10-8.

Oh, and Wagner shut down the Reds 1-2-3 in the bottom of the ninth inning. No heart attacks tonight.

The winning streak has reached double digits. Possibly the best win of the year for the Mets, as they keep on rolling after the break.

With the Phillies taking a night off, the Mets move into a tie for first place with a record of 52-44.

David Wright is a lucky man

I'm so proud of you, David. The future Mrs. Wright (maybe) is pretty cute, and that is the understatement of the century.

(Ed. note: This is post #1,000 on the new site...including a backlog of 2006, but not 2007. It's probably more near 2,000 but we will never know. Thanks for reading, everyone!)

With Alfonso Soriano out, David Wright may make the All Star team

Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soraino will not play in the All Star game due to a broken left hand.

Corey Hart, an outfielder for the Brewers, is currently leading David Wright for the final spot on the All Star roster. With the NL needing another OF, Hart could get the call since he is leading the final vote.

That would leave one more spot open, most likely for the runner up of the final ballot, Mr. David Wright. I do urge you to look at what Wright has done since getting one day off back in June, and think about what he could do with three days off.

The NL needs an outfielder, it only makes sense for Hart to get the call, and the second place vote getter would earn the final spot. At least that makes sense to me. This all lies in the hands of Clint Hurdle, whos jawline bares a striking resemblance to Quagmire from Family Guy.

So as long as Wright stays in second place by 5 p.m. today, I think he'll be the second player to represent the Mets in the 2008 All Star Game.

Maybe we shouldn't vote David Wright into the final All Star spot

David Wright is on the ballot for the final spot on the National League All Star roster. There are posts out the wazoo extolling all of Wright's accomplishments and achievements.

Yes, I'd like to see Wright get the recognition he deserves (he is tied for third in the league with 70 RBI). But I'd also like to see the Mets win.

We all saw what a day off does to this kid. Since he took a seat June 24 against Seattle, Wright is 19-53, a .358 batting average over that span. He's hit five home runs, scored 13 times, and driven in 14. His average has jumped 12 points, rising from .276 to .288, and his OBP has risen 10 points from .373 to .383.

In an even more drastic change, Wright has worked his slugging percentage up from .488 to .510 and improved his OPS from .861 to .893.

Now sit back, imagine what three days free of the grind of baseball could do, and see if you can still click your mouse around and vote for Wright. I've already cast three votes for Corey Hart as you are reading this.

Early Morning Madness: Nearly handing it away edition

I can't freak out and worry about the Mets meltdown and as they nearly served up last night's nine run lead on a silver platter because the bullpen has been extremely dominant as of late.

Aaron Heilman's two runs allowed were his first let up since June 12. Heilman has seemingly turned it on lately, but still has not quieted doubters of his talent and ability. I still hear people calling for him to be traded for Rockies reliever Brian Fuentes.

I don't get that. It would be like trading for the same guy. They have similar build, similar pitching style, similar numbers. What's the point.

Trust the things you know, I say. Heilman has been great for the last month, and is getting better every day. No need to fret.

** * **

Sticking with the bullpen, I'm not worried about Billy Wagner either.

Every pitcher is going to struggle. His fastballs will go flat, his breaking balls won't break, and hitters will just seem to be able to hit everything he throws. It's going to happen.

Wagner is enough of a veteran to shake off bad performances. He seems to always string together his poor starts, so as a fan, you can rely on him to scare you for a few days every few months, and then be practically lights out otherwise.

He's one of the best in the biz, but for the next few days, I'm going to worry if he comes into the game to try and seal it.

** * **

I don't know how much stock I put into this latest quote from Carlos Beltran. His ill-advised throw to third in the ninth, which was trying to nail a meaningless runner at third, sailed wide, and allowed the run to score to bring the Phillies within one, was questioned by a reporter.

Here's how it happened, via Adam Rubin:

Beltran resoundingly disputed any suggestion he made the incorrect decision throwing to the third base trying to catch Eric Bruntlett in the ninth. The throw allowed the potential tying run, Pedro Feliz, to reach second. When the ball got past David Wright, Bruntlett trotted home and made it 10-9. When an MLB.com reporter told Beltran he didn’t think it was a good decision, Beltran replied: “You’re not a baseball player.” Even Jerry Manuel, though, didn’t think it was wise. Beltran kind of threw Wright under the bus, saying he should have made the catch since he had Bruntlett nailed.

Beltran, sans Sunday's game, has been mired in a slump. I'll sort of give him a pass here. He's frustrated at the plate, and now his one constant ability, his fielding prowess is being questioned, it cannot feel good.

His throw seemed to beat Bruntlett, but bounced a few feet left of Wright. It seemed to glance off the tip of Wright's glove as he tried to bring the glove across his body and apply the tag, unfortunately with an empty mitt. The throw had him beat, and I'm almost certain Wright will treat this like water off a duck's back.

Bad idea turned into a run, but the Mets still won. Let's not gripe about it too much.

Celebrate, Mets fans: Chase Utley to compete in HR Derby

It's music to my ears: Chase Utley will be one of players participating in the 2008 Home Run Derby.

Pardon me while I take a few minutes for some diabolical laughing.

OK, I'm back. We all saw what happened to David Wright after his stint in the HR Derby, and as Mets fans, we can only hope the same sort of funk sets in with Utley for the rest of the 2008 season.

Dan Uggla will be competing as well.

This is great. What more can we ask, as Mets fans? Oh, taking three out of four from the Phillies in Philadelphia, that's right.

Billy Wagner is lone Mets representative in ASG

Billy Wagner will be the only member of the New York Mets to represent the team in the 2008 All Star Game.

That is, barring a push for the final player, or an injury replacement.

Rightly so, for Wagner. David Wright maybe deserved a spot on the bench, and Johan Santana could be argued for a spot based on his ERA, not his record.

Represent the team well, Wagner.

Update: Wright is on the final ballot.

Final ballot candidates:
Pat Burrell, Phillies
Corey Hart, Brewers
Carlos Lee, Astros
Aaron Rowand, Giants
David Wright, Mets

Vote for Wright here.

A tale of two seasons

Last week I brought you "A Tale of Two Stadiums," this week, it's "A Tale of Two Seasons."

J.A. Happ has made two major league starts in his career, both against the New York Mets.

In 2007, the Mets pounded Happ for five runs in four innings. He surrendered three home runs to Carlos Beltran, Paul LoDuca and David Wright. Happ allowed seven hits, while striking out five and walking two. Jorge Sosa earned the win for the Mets, who upped their record to 46-33.

Beltran ended up going 4-5, hitting two home runs and picking up 10 total bases.

This time around, it was an entirely different story. Happ went 4 2-3 of an inning, allowing only three hits, striking out three and walking four. He surrendered only two runs, the only ones the Mets managed to put across.

On the flip side, Johan Santana pitched 8 innings, allowing only six hits and two runs. He took the loss as the Mets fell to 42-44. Beltran went 0-4 and struck out twice.

Two different teams, two different seasons, and two vastly different outcomes.

The Mets bats stink

Another excellent Johan Santana start wasted.

Santana gave up only two runs, and the Mets lost again. This reminds me of when Roger Clemens pitched with the Astros. He would dominate the other team, but the 'Stros simply did not score for him.

I sort of feel bad for Santana, because he's doing pretty much all that he can do, and his team still can't manage to win. He may not be the best pitcher in the league anymore, but he's pitching very, very well and the Mets are now 0-6 in his last six starts.

This team always seems to fail horribly with timely hitting. The Mets had the bases loaded and nobody out, and managed to score only two runs. Luckily, at that. Thanks to the speed of Jose Reyes, who beat out a double play ball, and a good eye by David Wright to walk a run in, otherwise the inning could have ended without the Mets pushing any runs across.

I'm not sure if the Mets need to add a bat from elsewhere, but this team needs a jolt. In big games like last night's, the team should be fired up and aggressive, but they still looked flat. Is the team dynamic that different without Ryan Church? Without Moises Alou? Maybe a lineup shakeup will do the trick, but who knows.

Maybe this team really is just a mediocre, .500 team.

Giving up on the Mets?? Not me, not yet

Last night's 7-1 drubbing by the Cardinals could be explained by any one of: terrible, awful, disaster, gross, boring, ugly...so on and so forth.

I've heard many claims for trades to go down, to start selling the farm and some major leaguers in return for prospects with talent and futures.

Not me, not yet. And here's why:

It's the first of July. The Mets are 3.5 games back, and only three in the loss column. The Mets have the talent, but most of them are under-performing.

Here are some reasons the Mets won't make the playoffs:

• Pedro Martinez might be done. He just doesn't seem to have it, tipping pitches or not. His power is gone and he seems to be throwing batting practice on the mound.
• Moises Alou is old and injured. 15 games is all Alou has been able to play this season. He's on his way to returning to the Mets, possibly by next weekend, but how long will it last?
• The bench has been awful. Just...awful.
• Another concussion for Ryan Church and he's really in serious trouble. He has to protect that noggin.

Reasons the Mets will make the playoffs:

• Johan Santana is a second-half pitcher.
• Aaron Heilman is a second-half pitcher.
• David Wright is a second-half player.
• Carlos Delgado's days are numbered. He may not be cut, but his playing time will diminish.
• Omar Minaya will pull off another spectacular trade. I'm just waiting for it. I don't know who it will be for, but it will work in the Mets favor.
• Fernando Martinez will be called up in late August and have a Jacoby Ellsbury type of season.

I still think the Mets will make the playoffs. I know my father wanted me to rip into them, but I'm still confident in this baseball team, and probably will be until they're mathematically eliminated from contention.

TSTDIA: Mets 8 -- Mariners 2

Rest does a David Wright good.

Rebuttal: Blame Santana On This One

Lou Di Falco, over at Never Forget 69, pens his latest article entitled "Blame Santana On This One."

From Di Falco:

No question the second inning was a bit bizarre. After walking a batter and giving up a hit, with two outs David Wright made an error on a routine ground ball that should have ended the inning. The next batter, the pitcher Felix Hernandez, on the first pitch he has seen all season hit an opposite field grand slam home run. How does this happen? Sorry, but Johan Santana has got to do a better job than that. This you would have expected from Oliver Perez, not Santana. He is supposed to be the Mets stopper. Since the Mets won on Sunday, you had to feel good that with Santana on the mound the Mets had a chance to end up on the right side of the .500 ledger.

Ah yes. If you're Santana and your Gold Glove third baseman makes an error to keep the inning alive, then you throw a pitch high and outside of the strike zone to the opposing pitcher, he closes his eyes, swings, and hits a home run, it's obviously all your fault.

How could I not see that?

I do agree this is something I would more likely see out of Perez, or even Jorge Sosa, but we all know, or at least we should, that Santana gives up a lot of home runs. He lead the AL in home runs allowed last year with 33. So far in '08, he's given up 14, running at pretty much the same pace.

After that grand slam, Santana buckled down and allowed only three hits and one earned run through the next five innings. The Mets offense on the other hand, after knocking out King Felix in the fifth, managed only two hits off the beleagured Mariners bullpen.

If you're going to place blame, it's on the offense, not Santana.

Early Morning Madness: Smiles edition

Since Jerry Manuel took over, I've never seen the team smile this much.

Almost everywhere you look, players are flashing their pearly whites. U don't even think I saw Carlos Delgado or Carlos Beltran smile under Willie Randolph. Ever.

This team is playing in a completely new environment under Manuel. He demands hustle and quality play, but he also knows it's a game and you can't be 100 percent somber all the time.

The one smile noticeably absent is that of David Wright, who's struggling at the plate against righties. As mentioned below, Wright will finally see some rest tonight. Hopefully this allows Wright to clear his head and just relax at the plate, as it looks like he's pulling off pitches and trying to rush things.

Either way, players finally seem to be enjoying themselves, and instead of treating games like a funeral service, they look like they have a passion for the game again.

** * **

Finally, Manuel is fielding some praise in the New York media, though probably not for the reason one would hope.

From Bob Raissman:

It remains to be seen if Jerry Manuel can lead the Mets to the promised land - or at least a trip to the playoffs. But in the eight days since Omar (It Was My Decision) Minaya gave him the keys to his blue and orange jalopy, the interim manager has provided ample evidence that he deserves his own TV show.

** * **

Man, I miss Ryan Church.

It's about time: Wright will ride the pine

Jerry Manuel announced during the post-game that David Wright will sit tomorrow night against the Mariners.

Wright, who had played every inning of every game before assuming the role of DH in Anaheim last week, will finally hit the pine for the first time all season.

Originally, Wright was charged with two errors in Monday's game, but the official scorer eventually changed one to a hit, leaving him with only on error. Wright also grounded out three times, once into an inning ending double play.

As pointed out during out in-game chatter on Mets Lounge, Wright has watched his average slip roughly 20 points since the beginning of June. Enjoy the day off, Wright. Rest up and prepare for the stretch run to the All-Star game.

Early BP pays off

Yesterday, I wrote about how the Mets were taking early batting practice on a more regular schedule. Last night, the batting practice paid off to the tune of 15 hits and seven runs.

Jeremy Cothran fills us in on Jerry Manuel's new approach:

The Mets normally go with four shifts of eight swings each, and then rotate groups. Manuel has chopped those in half after noticing a lot of tired swings in games.

"Pitches that we normally put in play or put in play with authority, we're popping up and doing those types of things."

So true. Without looking at statistics, and just going on info from recent memory, almost every game seems to go the exact same way.

• Mets score runs early. They look good, and show no signs of stopping through the first three innings.
• The fourth inning comes and now they can't hit.
• Mets pitchers can only do so much, and the early lead begins to shrink.
• The lead is gone, and the Mets bats are completely asleep.

Tired bats could definitely be to blame. With this new approach, the Mets might be able to keep their bats going past the first few innings.

I always remember the story about how in the minors, they would have to stop David Wright from working out too much, because he would wear himself down just by training and working out. Of course, he's at all the early batting practice session.

I like the way this team is going.

So far, so good with the new manager. These next five games can change the season.

Early bird gets the worm

Jerry Manuel has quickly instituted early batting practice, optional for the players.

I like this, and it seemed to only pop up when there was a dire need under Willie Randolph.

Today, as always, David Wright was out taking the early BP. Joining him, among others, was Brian Schneider and Carlos Delgado, someone who rarely came out early with the previous manager.

Hopefully it pays off, since the Mets struggled last time in Colorado, especially against tonight's starter, Aaron Cook. Last time the Mets visited Denver, Cook tallied a complete game, four hitter on May 25.

TSTDIA: Mets 5 -- Angels 4

The sentence(s) that define it all: I'm so glad I stayed up for this one. Congrats to Jerry Manuel for picking up his first win as the Mets skipper.

The Mets battled back in the 9th inning, with David Wright driving in Jose Reyes to tie it, and rallied in the 10th to take the lead, thanks to a Damion Easley home run. Billy Wagner came in and shut the door, retiring the side in order, to earn the Mets easily their best win of the year.

This is the kind of game that can turn your season around. Big win.

Early Morning Madness -- 5/30

I never worry about David Wright. Any time he looks like he's going into a slump, or actually goes into a bit of a slump, I know within a few days, he'll turn it around.

He's rumored to be the hardest worker on the team, and when he was in the minors, they had to stop him from doing drills, lifting, etc. because he was wearing himself down.

He's a stellar young player, only 24 and years away from getting into his prime.

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Scott Schoeneweis is having a stellar year. After stumbling through his first half year as a Met, he turned it on at the end of last year. That has carried over to this year, where he's been downright dominant against opposing batters. He's having a Carlos Beltran-esque sophomore explosion.

But feelings still linger, and as recently as 20 days ago, while Schoeneweis was still sporting a 1.74 ERA (down to a 1.25 ERA now) people were calling for his head.

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I think Howard Johnson has earned a raise. This team is hitting again, and some guys are looking like they're going to have career years. Ryan Church and Wright are his disciples, and he's teaching them very well.

That two finger handshake needs to happen more often.

What the heck?

So the 4th inning seemingly ended with a ground out from Caludio Vargas to short. SNY went to commercial, as usual.

They just cut back, with Vargas on base, and Jose Reyes on first. Luis Castillo promptly doubled to left, scoring Vargas. Reyes came around to score on an errant throw.

David Wright just hit his second 2-run home run of the game. It's 6-0 now, and four of them came after the inning was seemingly over.

Ah!!! Gary Cohen just updated us. It was a catchers interference call when Vargas was batting.

So crazy. Did that happen to anyone else?

TSTDIA: Mets 9 -- Rockies 2

An all around solid game from Claudio Vargas on the mound and Carlos Beltran, David Wright and especially Nick Evans at the plate.

So this is what it feels like to win. I forgot what this was like.