I don’t want to be cliche and use the “this is a trap series” but this is a trap series. When playing well, the Mets have a bad habit of playing down to their competition. This is a young team and I expect lapses such as this, but I am hoping they go out and put the foot to them. Because folks, the Cubs are not very good. The team might be tough to watch, but here are some players worth keeping an eye out for: Continue reading
Justin Hampson
In the 8th inning of last night’s game, two left-handed hitters were due to bat for the Yankees. Terry Collins elected not to bring in LHP Tim Byrdak, but kept Miguel Batista in for a second inning of work. Batista threw a tailing fastball to Robinson Cano, who drove it over the home run apple in center field for the eventual game-winning run.
It’s possible, with a shorthanded bullpen in a tie game, Collins wanted to get multiple innings out of Batista. It’s also possible he wanted to save Byrdak for another situation in the 9th or 10th. On Saturday, he said he was saving Byrdak and Parnell for the 9th inning in lieu of Frank Francisco, who had injured his oblique during warmups.
Francisco would go on the DL on Sunday, at which point Collins said Parnell would be his interim closer. Still, he chose not to use Byrdak in the 8th.
To give Collins another left-handed option, the Mets recalled LHP Justin Hampson today from Buffalo. Hampson was killing it at Triple-A to the tune of a 2.13 ERA and a .218 opposing batting average against left handers. He has also held right handers to a .233 average.
Having 2 lefties in the bullpen is something this team has needed all year. Robert Carson was recalled from Double-A earlier this season, but Collins used him sparingly, and usually in a mop-up role.
To make room for Hampson on the 40-man roster, the Mets designated OF-1B Vinny Rottino for assignment. Rottino has been a useful right-handed bat off the bench, and was in the middle of the Mets’ 4-run, game-tying rally. Rottino will have to clear waivers before being sent back to Buffalo.
Hampson last pitched in the majors for the San Diego Padres. He has a career 3.38 ERA over three seasons. He was a member of the independent Long Island Ducks in 2010.
At least it wasn’t a sweep. Continue reading
Through the first two-thirds of the game, it looked like it might be an easy win for the Mets. But, we found out why you shouldn’t count your chickens before they hatch. Continue reading
Mets get a taste of victory against the Yankees — and the flavor is just like chicken. Continue reading
A battle of aces - and initials - is scheduled for Sunday night.
Round 2 of the 2012 Subway Series kicks off (whoops, wrong sport) tonight at Citi Field. The Yankees (41-27, 1st place in the AL East) take on the Mets (38-32, 2nd place in the NL East) beginning tonight at 7:10 PM. The Yankees swept the Mets two weeks ago in the Bronx.
Mets closer Frank Francisco added extra fuel to the fire by referring to the Yankees as “chickens.”
“I can’t wait to strike out those chickens,” Francisco told the New York Post. “I want to strike out the side against them. I’ve done it before.”
After teeing off on the Orioles this week, the Mets head to the links to tee off on their off day. Ah, team bonding. Anyways, the Mets have decided to alternate series sweeps – loss, win, loss, win. This weekend would be a fine time to buck that trend, as they take on the Yankees at Citi Field.
Fore, please. The Blogs are now teeing off:
So, sweep your way through the links, or hit the links. Either way, keep coming back to Mets Today.
As expected and per the biorhythms, the Mets sweep the Orioles.
Due to work commitments, I was unable to view this game, so please post your comments so we can all discuss. Many thanks!
The Mets get a day off on Thursday, then face the Yankees for a three-game series beginning on Friday at 7:10 p.m. Jonathon Niese faces Andy Pettitte.