Well that didn’t take long … Captain Kirk Nieuwenhuis has been beamed up from Buffalo to take over the roster spot vacated by non-vulcan Andres Torres.
Terry Collins has suggested that Nieuwenhuis will be used in a platoon situation, which makes zero sense to me.
Thoughts?
The Mets beat the Braves and take over first place in the NL East. Let’s enjoy it while we can. Continue reading
After an offseason of litigation, anxiety, hand-wringing, gloomy forecasts, exoduses, rumors, accusations, malaise, and fear of the unknown, opening day is finally here – the annual reminder of why we love this game. The long, cold winter melts away to reveal the sight of green grass and the greatest game on Earth. And after all we’ve witnessed, there’s still a spark of hope.
Here to throw out the first pitch – The Blogs:
Enjoy the season, and check out Mets Today for all the latest news and analysis.
The other day we discussed the six concerns the Mets have going into 2012. Just to prove to you that I’m not always, 100% pessimistic — and to satisfy the request of MetsToday reader “Steven” — today we’ll look at bright spots. Continue reading
Ideally, we’d be discussing the Mets’ embracement of Six Sigma to help them in the 2012 season. Instead, there are at least six concerns they have going into Opening Day. Let’s take a look at the six most burning questions for the Mets as of right this moment. Continue reading
Ike Davis ended the game dramatically with a prodigious solo blast over the batter’s eye in the bottom of the ninth to give the Mets the victory. It was fun to watch.
However, if there’s any concern about Davis it’s his continued habit of complaining publicly to the home plate umpire after striking out looking. We’ve discussed this here many times before; it’s bush league, disrespectful, and does nothing to endear himself to the men in blue. By now, Davis has established himself as a whiner among that tight-knit group of men who call balls and strikes — who in turn will continue to “ring him up” on close calls.
In Ike’s defense, the home plate umpire seemed to have a very liberal strike zone for both sides and against all batters.
One of the beneficiaries of that big strike zone was Mike Pelfrey, who pitched very well. He had excellent focus and oozed with confidence throughout his outing, throwing tons of strikes and showing good command of his sinker. I think he’ll be a Cy Young candidate if he can prevent runners from reaching base and avoid adversity.
How about Justin Turner coming up with a big hit to tie the ball game? He’s struggled this spring, but is picking up right where he left off in clutch situations.
Jonathon Niese got roughed up; the Yanks looked very comfortable against him and assaulted him with an ensemble of both hard-hit balls and bloopers. I can’t get too concerned about it, though, since Niese has otherwise had a strong spring. I still don’t like his laredo angle, and hope he shelves it.
Great to see Tim Byrak on the mound. His knee seems fine. His timing looked a little off, like maybe his arm was lagging behind, but that should work itself out after a few bullpens.
The Mets offense exploded for 7 runs on 13 hits, perhaps inspired by my critical piece from the other day. The players read this blog every day, don’t they?
Fun to see the Yankees’ switch pitcher Pat Venditte throw from both sides of the mound. You don’t see that every decade.
Also fun to see Francisco Pena rip a base hit and throw out a runner. Remember when Pena was supposed to be the next Tony Pena? Seems a long time ago, but he’s still only 22 and still has time to turn it around.
That’s all from me. What did you see in the game that was interesting? Sound off in the comments.
Earlier today, word leaked that Bobby Parnell could be used as a spot starter. Then word leaked he might be the first out of the bullpen in a John Q. Bullpen situation (multiple relievers pitch multiple innings in place of an injured starter). Then finally, it was leaked, er, reported, that he wouldn’t be used as a starter at all. So there’s that.
In other news, Opening Day (for the Mets, anyway – there will already have been about 12 Opening Days before then) is Thursday. Why does it already feel like mid-season?
Anyway, on to the Blogs:
The teams are in the pace lap, the green flag is in hand. Mets Today says, “Gentleman, start your lineups!”
If you haven’t yet heard, the San Francisco Giants have signed pitcher Matt Cain to a 5-year, $112M extension — which averages out to over $20M per season.
This news comes about a week after the Dodgers were purchased for over two billion dollars in cash, and leads me to ask, has the world gone mad? Continue reading