Mets Game 137: Win Over Cubs

Mets 4 Cubs 2

Finally, it’s all coming together — and it only took 137 games!

The Mets won their first series since early August, learned how to win without “the cavalry”, and gave a sneak peek at what 2010 has in store during this weekend series with the Cubs.

Mike Pelfrey was spectacular, settling in and confirming his status as the #2 starter with an 8-inning, 5-hit, 1-run performance. This is the Mike Pelfrey we know he can be — surely he will do this 80-90% of the time next year and possibly compete with teammate Johan Santana for the Cy Young.

Helping Big Pelf was none other than Danny Murphy, who with this 4-RBI afternoon and 9th homer of the year, solidified himself as the Mets’ starting first baseman in 2010. No need to be throwing money at the likes of Adam LaRoche during the winter when Murph can be counted on for games like this!

And finally, Frankie Rodriguez showed why they used to call him K-Rod, as he closed out the ninth and earned his 30th save of the year.

Notes

I am soooooo glad that Pelfrey and Murphy finally stepped out from their shell and showed us what they can do. In addition, Angel Pagan went 2-for-5 with a stolen base out of the leadoff spot. No wonder Carlos Beltran is in a rush to get back — he needs to win his centerfield job back!

The only thing that would’ve made this day complete would have been Josh Thole behind the plate and adding a few hits of his own. Looking at all these bright young stars, we can pretty much bank on a postseason appearance in 2010. I can taste the Champagne now.

Actually, the way these youngsters are playing now, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them rip off a 20-5 streak through the end of the year and push the Mets into the playoffs THIS YEAR. That type of run would have them finish 82-80 — just like the 1973 Mets. Ya Gotta Believe !!!!!

Murphy was 3-for-4 with a triple, homer, and single. All he needed was a double to hit for the cycle.

Brian Schneider was 2-for-3 during the at-bats he was stealing from Thole. Too little, too late, Brian.

Next Mets Game

The Mets get a well-deserved day off on Monday, Labor Day, then return to action on Tuesday to host the Marlins at 7:10 PM. Tim Redding faces Rick VandenHurk.

Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
  1. Barry Duchan September 7, 2009 at 8:54 am
    Imagine if Beltran and Maine return and the Mets went 22-3 the rest of the year and finished a game or 2 out of the wild card. Then, Omar Minaya would be convinced that once the team gets Reyes back, they will coast to the playoffs in 2010 with no further changes necessary ! Free-agents to-be like Delgado, Schneider, Tatis, and Sheffield could go without need for replacement. Imagine the abundance of talent. With Beltran and Francoeur set, the Mets can choose from Pagan, Sullivan, Reed, Carter, and Murphy to fill the leftfield and first base positions. Maybe they’d need a righthanded bat or they could just re-sign Tatis. They’ll have a rookie of the year candidate in Thole behind the plate, an abundance of utility infielders to choose from, starting pitching to spare with Santana, Pelfrey, Perez, Figueroa, Misch, Redding, Niese, Maine, and Nieve and a formidable bullpen led by K-Rod, Feliciano, Putz, Stokes, and Green. World Series 2010, here we come !
  2. isuzudude September 7, 2009 at 9:00 am
    I was unaware that the first Sunday in September was the official observance of Sarcastic Sunday. If I had only known I would have a lot more fun with my girlfreind’s family at yesterday’s barbeque.
  3. gary s. September 7, 2009 at 10:44 am
    I was reading that dan uggla will be a free agent next year.what do u folks think about putting him at second next year and chone figgins in left and batting in the 2 hole behind reyes?? (if reyes ever returns)that wouldn’t break the bank and would upgrade 2 positions.Obviously we are stuck with murphy at 1b for next year.please trade or give away castillo.his numbers are meaningless to me.he’s old and has no range and there was that popup at yankee stadium that i recall….
  4. isuzudude September 8, 2009 at 9:33 am
    gary, if you think castillo has no range than you must think uggla has a cement block attached to his ankles at 2B. take a gander at his (lack of) range over the course of the next 3 games, as well as his lack of contact ability at home plate, and tell me he’s worth the trouble.

    any offensive free agent is going to ask the world from the Mets because of what CitiField will do to their statistics. that means the strategy should become find offense from within and pitching from without.

  5. joejanish September 8, 2009 at 10:09 am
    Uggla is not going to be a free agent this winter unless the Marlins choose not to offer him arbitration / non-tender him.

    If he’s available, I’d consider signing him and giving him a shot at LF or 1B.

  6. murph September 8, 2009 at 11:53 am
    were the P.T.B.N.L.s in the Wagner deal named yet?
  7. joejanish September 8, 2009 at 1:02 pm
    No word on the PTBNLs. It’s almost a certainty that one of them is Chris Carter, but he can’t join the Mets’ organization until after this season ends.

    As for the other player, he may not be announced until the winter months. There could be some issues with the 40-man roster of both teams, in regard to both space and the Rule 5 draft.

  8. joejanish September 8, 2009 at 1:06 pm
    My bad … actually the Red Sox have sent Eddie Lora to the Mets, and eventually will send Carter.

    I wasn’t paying much attention this past weekend.

  9. Walnutz15 September 8, 2009 at 4:58 pm
    That was the whole point, Joe.

    I made sure to post that on my usual haunt over the weekend, after it was announced.

    Another crap-fest of a deal for the Mutts. All about salary-relief.

    This just in, Tickets are going for $0.50 on Stub Hub….