Mets Game 10: Loss to Rockies
Rockies 7 Mets 6
The good news: Mets #1 pitcher Mike Pelfrey made it past the fifth inning. The bad news: he didn’t make it much further, and had to give up the ball to the beleaguered Mets bullpen, which continues to struggle — both as pitchers and as fielders.
Game Notes
Pelfrey wasn’t great, but his outing was encouraging compared to his first two starts of the year. He struck out 3 and allowed 4 runs (3 earned) on 6 hits and 4 walks in 5 1/3 innings, expending 113 pitches. He labored through every inning.
Bobby Parnell would be a pretty good pitcher if he could throw strikes, not throw the ball away on 40-foot throws to home, and not give up home runs.
All kidding aside, Parnell’s body language and facial expressions evoke a lack of confidence. It may be time to send him down to AAA to build up his psyche.
Jason Isringhausen appeared as a Met for the first time in a dozen years, and received a rousing ovation from the five thousand people in the stands at Citi Field. He did a nice job of pitching out of a jam left behind by Tim Byrdak in the seventh.
OK, there were more than five thousand people in the crowd, but for such a warm and inviting spring evening, the seats were sparsely filled.
Pedro Beato was impressive again in his first-ever Citi Field appearance, setting down the Rox in order in the top of the ninth to preserve the one-run deficit, humming his fastball at 95-96 MPH.
The Mets executed their first “wheel play” on a bunt since 1976, when Felix Millan, Bud Harrelson, and Roy Staiger pulled it off.
Jose Reyes electrified the park with two triples on the night. However, he didn’t draw any walks, so I don’t see any reason for the Mets to try to extend his contract.
David Wright hit a solo homer in the eighth to give the Mets a chance, but it was too little, too late.
The Mets had three leads and the Rockies none until the top of the 8th, when the Rox finally went ahead and stayed ahead.
During the third inning, there was much discussion in the SNY booth about the relationship between Josh Thole and Mike Pelfrey and game calling in general. Ron Darling was adamant about his feeling that the pitcher should be in charge of what pitches should be called — “large and in charge” was a term he borrowed from Bobby Ojeda. Generally speaking, I disagree with Darling — the last thing the pitcher should be concerned about is what pitch he should be throwing to the batter, because it is the catcher’s job to know what pitch should be called. Why? Three reasons specifically: 1) the catcher should know most if not all the hitters inside and out — since he sees them every day rather than one in every five days; 2) the catcher should be paying attention to what each batter is doing on that particular day, and pick up on things that can be seen squatting next to each batter as opposed to standing 60 feet away; 3) the catcher can see how each pitch is coming in from the batter’s perspective, which is very different from the pitcher’s viewpoint. There are other reasons as well, but these are the main ones. Further, most pitchers can’t repeat their mechanics and release point as consistently as they need to, and by taking the mental load of game pitch calling off the pitcher’s mind, the pitcher can spend more focus on getting the right delivery and release point. When it comes right down to it, the pitch that is chosen is not nearly as important as the pitcher EXECUTING that pitch.
That’s not to say that a pitcher should never be thinking about the next pitch or setting up a hitter — nor that a pitcher should throw a pitch he’s uncomfortable throwing — but for the most part, a pitcher will pitch his best when he follows the orders of a catcher who can call a good game.
By the way, I should add that most people inside baseball considered Ron Darling as one of the most talented pitchers of his time, but didn’t come close to realizing his potential because he was a “head case” — i.e., he thought too much. He was still a good pitcher — a few years, a very good pitcher — but many feel he could have been much, much better had he not spent so much of his energy and concentration over-thinking things.
Four years ago I stated that Troy Tulowitzki would be a Gold Glover and was a “star in the making“. He’s fulfilled both prophecies, making me look smart (of course, I was not the only one who felt that way back then). His jump-and-throw play on a Dan Murphy ground ball with two outs and Jose Reyes on third to end the inning was spectacular and clutch. Oh, and then there was that two-run homer in the 8th to give the Rockies a 7-4 lead (and would eventually be the difference-making clout of the ballgame).
The Mets have lost 6 of their last 7 games.
Next Mets Game
The Mets and Rockies do it again at 7:10 PM on Tuesday night. Jonathon Niese takes the hill against Esmil Rogers.
As for Parnell, if he is out of confidence in 10 games, and I agree with your evaluation of him, then its probably time to find a new home for him. Maybe he can become the next Heath Bell. He’ll be sent down and Acosta will be brought back in a few days. However, Sandy Alderson was happy he was able to keep all his relievers. Unfortunately, he was able to keep them because they all are crappy pitchers.
The wheel play was telling. They made the play and the hope (forlorn or not) is that it will be something for their toolbox in the future. But, you really got to laugh, Reyes still messed up. The Rockies still got a man on 2nd and 3rd, which is after all what the Mets wanted to avoid. And, scored with the extra out.
That is why Parnell didn’t pitch on Sunday. If he actually didn’t look like Heilman on a bad day out there, overwork might not have been an issue.
So, they bring a guy up and he walks the first guy, flubs a 1-2-3 double play and gives up two runs. Oh, for at least the third time in a short season, the opposing pitcher got a key hit that lead to run(s). I would suggest a drinking game for the Mets, but there are so many options, it’s hard to decide the rules.
Looks like we’re going to have this wrinkle thrown into the fray this year, too with Pelfrey/Thole. This has been evident from the early goings, but we’re seeing/hearing more about it each time they work together.
Without having the splits handy, I think it has always been clear that Pelfrey’s been at his best when working with veteran catchers (Schneider/Blanco)…..essentially, guys who call his games/pitch selection for him.
A blanket statement, for certain — but we’re seeing that he’s essentially citing that Thole’s calling for pitches he’s not comfortable throwing.
No excuse for a “veteran” pitcher – I use that term loosely with Pelf, but — as we both know, Joe….a catcher has to work to his pitcher’s strengths as well.
Further proof that Pelf’s all over the joint when it comes to taking the hill…..and that it could potentially be compounded in working with Thole; who’s still making his way in The Bigs, to boot.
These 120-pitch, 5+ Inning-type outings are not going to fly….and if we think the bullpen’s bad NOW (in April) — what’s it going to look like with extended use by the time May rolls around.
Questions generally reserved for The Dog Days, are already being contemplated.
NOT GOOD!!
Away from Pelf’s continuous struggles:
I was very curious to see what the attendance would look like last night. Figured it would have been a ghost-town…and it was.
Monday night, coming off a bad loss — beautiful near-80 degree night in NYC.
This is what happens when there’s so many other options in New York. As much as baseball “is what it is” – synonymous with beautiful, warm summer evenings — nobody likes to come out and support a disingenuous, half-arsed product.
Started a couple of years ago, and will be going through growing pains now. Expected, but at the same time – who’s going to be paying premium pricetags to support it?
Truth be told, it’s pretty horrible to see 6 people sitting behind home plate at the 2nd game of the year. Things like this are reasons why the Wilpons will ultimately have to sell.
No one’s buying a 25% stake of The Titanic…..and that’s what really scares me, heading into next year “and beyond” with this ballclub.
As someone who will always find a reason to watch the Mets:
I’ve been APPALLED by the pitching — the number of strikeouts from the hitters — weak situational hitting, period — and flat out sloppy defensive plays we’ve witnessed in the first 10 games.
Please play better…..it’s not much to be asking.
I’m a die-hard, and I’m looking for a team to “play harder” for me……this has been pathetic at every turn.
Yes, when Jeff F. is having a better time of it playing for the Kansas City Royals, well, trouble.
Glad we didn’t decide to keep either of them around — ditto, Petey Feliciano.
Just goes to show you what an overpaid hodge-podge of players we began to employ….I can’t call it a team.
….still can’t – and am hoping for the day to come soon, where I can say I’m proud of the Mets again.
2. Pelfrey i think has hopefully punched his ticket.
Shame we could not get a minor league deal for millwood or Silva.
3. Keep it going Murph. I’m out on a long tree limb……BUT Sandy, look to trade DW, Put Murph at 3rd and possible deal for Michael Young.
Maybe we do need to clean house completely and start over. How about being honest w/ yourself for once & admit 4-6 is not good baseball. When your losing 2 of 3 to the Nats on opening weekend at home. That is not good baseball. When you lose 5 of 6, however many games you might be in. That is not good baseball. I have a pretty good idea where this attitude comes from. But, why does it still exist today? Why is it allowed to exist?
You can show fight & that is great & all. But, the fight has to be fight that gets you over the hump to win a ballgame, otherwise it is fruitless fight.
I figured this was comming for two reasons: 1. it’s still early (I know that only lasts so long but I’ll give it till May 1) 2. This is a hodge-podge bullpen that needs some time to gel. (again I realize they only have so long)
The real suprise to me so far, has been the Mets hitting, we’re third in the NL in team batting and were driving in runs. Could it be better? Yes, of course, but it’s a good sign at least that it’s not an anemic lineup and anemic pitching right?
While I’m extremely skeptical with Terry Collins, (looking at the litlle “letter” I got from him make’s me laugh so hard right now.) I think we’ll start playing slightly better. Not win the East or Wildcard better but simply respectable baseball.
After watching last night’s game, however, I sort of had a minor epiphany (not to mention a major bout of indigestion). The REAL reason we are mediocre is that while we have some really good players (e.g., Wright w/ homer/sac fly, Reyes w/ 2 triples), we just don’t have any TRULY great players (e.g., Tulo backhand, 2 run dinger.) I understand that we’re financially strapped, our bullpen sucks, we’ve had too many injuries to too many important players, etc….I’m so tired of the excuses. We need someone who makes a big play at the critical time on a relatively consistent basis. Until we get a couple of those players, I’m gonna continue to expect mediocrity. (And if a fire sale is needed to find them, sign me up.)
By the way Joe – I think what Darling was really trying to say was that Pelfrey rarely waives his catcher off. Not that he should actually be calling the game…
Also, I don’t ever recall yelling at the TV, “Dammit, Carter, why did you make Gooden throw that pitch?” But I’ve often asked, “Why did you throw that, Doc?” when a punch and judy hitter knocked one out. The pitcher is ultimately responsible for the ball, not the catcher, so he should be “large and in charge”.
The way I see it, the pitcher’s responsibility is to execute the pitch — not choose it. Somewhat similar to a soldier’s responsibility to carry out the sergeant’s commands.
Funny, when I watch a game and I see a poorly called pitch — or more frequently, a poorly set location — I scream at the TV, “catcher, what the heck are you thinking? why would you call that pitch / that location in that situation?”. So I suppose it’s all about perspective.
I disagree with the “great player” comment above somewhat. I expected a mediocre year. But, that’s .500 ball with the pen giving up runs and inconsistent hitting. It isn’t error after error or not being able to bunt or having the Nats hold you from getting a hit for innings on end.
A team with good players who play good ball is possible w/o greatness. Niese isn’t great. He had a good game though even if he ran into the buzzsaw of the Phillies in his second game. More than I can say about Pelfrey.
DW to the As for Kouzmanoff, Brett Anderson and the shortstop prospect green. Or another arm instead of green. Or Kouzmanoff plus 3 prospects– say green and two arms. If the As are in it come July, they’d at least have to think about it, right…?
The A’s? Okay hypothetically lets say they give us Anderson, Green, and Kouz face. Kouz is a significant decline in fielding at 3b (Wright is a + defender), his plate discipline is atrocious (more so then Wright) and he’s in gerneral an average at best player. Andersonis a legit pitcher and will be a bonafide ace someday, but Green from all reports ive ever seen hes Tulo lite, range (laterally is’nt there (yet) and again is Tulo-lite at the plate.
So we significantly down grade at 3b, get a semi decent but not great ss prospect and a young Ace pitcher who could go through some growing pains that you want to let Dan Warthen mess with?
I’m sorry Wright is worth more to the Mets than that in my opinion, I could only see Reyes going for an Ace and a SS prospect.
Last night I saw both guys do their best to help the team win (notwithstanding Reyes’ error on the wheel play.) We still lost.
I think Gary mentioned last night that the Rocks got Carlos Gonzalez and Huston Street from the A’s for Matt Holliday, Q: Were they just lucky?
I think the Rockies did a great job of scouting the A’s minor league system (and other teams’ systems) when they made the Holliday deal — which at the time, was somewhat criticized on both sides. And they had the opportunity to trade Holliday to the A’s; in contrast, look at when the Twins traded Johan Santana — they had only about 3 or at most 4 options, and once the Bosox and Yankees bowed out of the competition, they were pretty much stuck with the Mets and maybe one other big-payroll club (Cubs? Dodgers?).
You might say there was some luck involved, but I think the Rox simply did a great job of evaluating the options they had, and made an informed decision.
For the Mets to pull off a similar deal for Wright, they would have to have great scouts who did a great job of evaluating opposing teams’ talent.
Btw – Mets fan since Don Clendenon days. Loved the DUPACR stuff. Keep up great work.
And I agree with everyone who believes Wright will not and cannot be traded — he is far too valuable to the franchise above and beyond on-field production. If he does get swapped, it will set the franchise rebuilding project back another 2-3 years and it will guarantee record lows in attendance for the near future. Remember the Mets will be without Reyes and Beltran in 2011, so Wright is the closest thing they will have to a true “draw” (unless Ike Davis keeps up his current pace and turns into a superstar this year).
It annoys me when catchers just do whatever the pitcher wants, instead of going out to the mound and saying, “Listen, meat, there’s a reason I called for that.”
That said, every interview I’ve read with a modern catcher makes it seem like they view their job as pitcher psychologists foremost and strategists second. Even Varitek said, “The most important thing is that the pitcher feel comfortable and confident with what he’s throwing on each pitch.” In context, it sounded like, “If he wants to throw all fastballs, okay by me, as long as he feels good about them!” What crap.
The happiest I’ve been with pitch-calling by a Mets catcher was LoDuca. Every other catcher has consistently set up exactly where the hitter should be looking. “Low and away with 2 strikes? Gasp!” But even LoDuca let Mota throw his macho fastball to a hitter who couldn’t hit his change-up, and it cost us the 2006 pennant.
As for Thole, I’ve been underwhelmed thus far, but maybe once he’s more confident in the obvious, he’ll start being more creative. Calling for Niese’s cutter 3 times against Polanco in an RBI spot was a clear mistake. Niese has the stuff to get that out. Pelfrey, well, ya work with what ya got…
The thing is, this seems 100% on the pitcher to me. You think Santana ever threw a pitch with doubt in his mind? You think Pelfrey ever threw one without doubt in his mind? I’m not sure how the catcher could matter to this in the middle of a game.
Talking enough pre-game to inspire trust in a game plan seems like the majority of it to me. I mean, I guess a few, “Your stuff is awesome, let’s kick some ass!” trips to the mound don’t hurt, but that seems kinda trivial among professionals, right?
Hairston looked so under control in spring training, and is now trying to pull the ball out of the stadium on every swing. It’s like he was suddenly infected with Mets Desperation or something.
Curious to see how Collins will go about this; especially since it becomes a pretty weak lineup with both Harris and Hairston in it.
It’s what they’ll have to do, though – if they’re smart (IMHO) and are serious about wanting to keep Beltran around for awhile.