Mets Game 54: Win Over Dodgers
Mets 3 Dodgers 2компютри втора употреба
I’m starting to believe that the Mets are becoming the team we’ve been dying to see for over a year.
The New York Mets — OUR New York Mets — came from behind AGAIN to steal a win away from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
There was life, there was spirit, there was drama — and best of all, a story with a happy ending.
High on the list of outstanding performers was Mike Pelfrey, who pitched seven innings — six of them excellent — and held the Dodgers to only two runs on seven hits and one walk, striking out three. I’m absolutely convinced he was motivated by my suggestion he swap places with Aaron Heilman a few hours before the game. No doubt, he’s cemented his place in the rotation once Pedro returns … let’s hope we don’t have to suffer through five awful outings before we see another gem. Oh, but let’s stay on the positive …
While Pelfrey was setting down the Dodgers, Chad Billingsley was doing the same to the Mets — until the 8th, when he was removed for Jonathan Broxton. Broxton gave up a double to David Wright and homerun to Carlos Beltran to tie up the ballgame, then allowed a single to Carlos Delgado. Delgado was replaced by pinch-runner Nick Evans, who was sacrificed to second by Damion Easley. Brian Schneider was then intentionally walked, and Fernando Tatis ripped a single up the middle to score Evans, put the Mets ahead for the first time and for good.
Billy Wagner came on in the ninth and struck out the side on 15 pitches to earn his eleventh save. Dominating.
Notes
This game was reminiscent of the ones we enjoyed in 2006 — plenty of chutzpah, and a never-say-die effort. Tatis is playing the role of Jose Valentin — the washed-up veteran middle infielder who reinvents himself and surprises everyone.
Next Game
The final game of the series will be played at 8:05 pm and carried on ESPN. Johan Santana takes the hill against Hiroki Kuroda.
Great game all around. Though, I was pretty sure that the pitchers were getting the outside strike (3″-4″ outside) in the last few innings. Why bother to throw inside?
Although it’s always a nice problem when a team has to make tough roster decisions because there are too many players deserving to stick around on the 25-man roster, I’m somewhat worried the Mets are going to make some bad decisions in the near future. No doubt about it, Pelfrey was terrific yesterday. But it still doesn’t erase the fact that he had lost each of his previous 6 starts, and that he still carries an ERA near 5.00, a WHIP of 1.70, and an opponents’ batting average of .317. Meantime, Claudio Vargas has been everything we’ve hoped for and more. His WHIP is 1.04, his opp. batting average is .200. And he does not have minor league options, which means if the Mets demote him he’d have to pass thru waivers and I doubt he’d make it thru still Mets’ property. With as unstable as the Mets’ starting rotation has been (and is likely to remain), we need to keep all the able-bodied pitchers we possibly can. And since Pelfrey still has options, and clearly still needs development in the minors, it would behoove the Mets to let him do it at AAA rather than in the majors, thus allowing Vargas to keep his spot. I would hope Carlos Muniz isn’t a candidate to be demoted, because A) he’s proven he’s able to contribute at the major league level, and B) neither Pelfrey or Vargas belong, or represent better options, in the bullpen.
So I’m hoping that when Pedro is activated, Pelfrey goes to AAA.
When Alou is activated, Evans goes back to AA.
Willie sticks with a lineup of Reyes, Castillo, Wright, Beltran, Church, Alou, Delgado, Schneider/Castro.
And the bench is rounded out by Casanova, Castro/Schneider, Easley, Tatis, Chavez.
I’m torn between wanting Pelf to stay up here in the major leagues and build off his start, and knowing in my heart that probably he needs some work in the minors.
Of course, all of this could change in a heartbeat considering Pedro’s fragility over the past several years.
I can’t wait for tonight’s game. And I can’t remember the last time I felt that way. 🙂
Vargas brings big league experience with him, and he really hasn’t looked all that bad since being called up from New Orleans. Besides being out of options, I believe he would bring the continuity this rotation needs.
I will be at Thursday’s game at Petco Park. Looking forward to seeing the boys in blue and orange beat up on the Friars.
LET’S GO METS!