An even dozen — the Mets collected their 12th walkoff loss of 2010, losing in extras for the 7th time in 11 tries, and on the short end of a one-run ballgame for the 19th time out of 30 occurrences.

Does losing so many times in tight ballgames indicate anything? Bad luck? Poor management? Subpar fundamentals? Lack of intestinal fortitude? Or do they just plain stink?

Game Notes

Mike Pelfrey walked off the mound allowing “only” two runs, but he walked off after only five frames and 82 pitches. He gave up 6 hits and 2 walks, striking out 2, in his longest outing since June 26.

Jerry Manuel continues to insist that Pelfrey’s problems are due to his inability to establish the fastball and get ahead early. That’s partly true, but it’s mostly unhelpful. Manuel’s explanation is similar to telling you that your shirt is full of red blotches because you have a nosebleed. Thanks, I already know my nose is bleeding — but can you tell me WHY it’s bleeding? Can you tell me how to make it stop? And how to prevent it? As mentioned here before, the reason Pelfrey can’t establish his fastball, and can’t get ahead of hitters — with any of his pitches — is because of an intermittent balance problem during the leg lift that affects his arm angle and release point. You probably noticed that he was still doing that slight hunch over about half the time during the game. If he can go back to staying tall more consistently as he comes out of the leg lift, he’ll regain command, likely regain his confidence, and hopefully get back close to where he was in the first half.

Carlos Monasterios pitched pretty well for a Rule 5 pick, spinning five shutout innings. Too bad the Mets didn’t choose him in that December 2009 draft. Oh wait, they did.

The Mets used 7 pitchers in the 13-inning game, with Oliver Perez the last man standing. Somehow Ollie managed to work out of trouble started by Elmer Dessens in the 11th, and his luck continued when Matt Kemp flied out on a 3-0 pitch to lead off the 13th, but that luck ran out with the next batter James Loney — who hit a walkoff homer.

Just what the heck was Kemp thinking, by the way? There’s nothing wrong with swinging away on a 3-0 count when the situation warrants it, but considering Ollie’s wildness, hacking away there made little sense.

More bad baseball: Jose Reyes going from first to third on a groundout with one out in the top of the third. Had Reyes been thrown out — and he nearly was — it would have been out number three. Not worth the risk, since with two outs it would’ve taken a base hit to score him anyway.

Reyes pulled a Marv Throneberry and lost a ground ball in the sun in the first frame. A few minutes later, it appeared that Ike Davis similarly lost sight of a pickoff throw. The disappearing ball trick resulted in the Dodgers scoring the first run of the game.

Jason Bay had two more hits. Let’s hope these past two games are the beginning of a rampage by Bay.

Rod Barajas left the game with an oblique strain in the sixth inning. Henry Blanco took his place as a pinch-runner on second base with one out and Jose Reyes coming to bat with the score 2-1 Dodgers. Reyes singled to left to score Bay (who was on third) but station-to-station Blanco had to stop at third base. Luis Castillo hit into a DP to end the inning and strand Blanco on 3B. Why did the lead-footed Blanco pinch-run instead of Josh Thole? Hmm … well, Blanco did throw out an attempted base-stealer in the bottom of the sixth, so maybe Jerry Manuel saw that coming. (Blanco threw out another runner in extras, but there wouldn’t have been extras if the Mets score a third run in the 6th.) Maybe Thole — who isn’t exactly a speed demon, though more fleet of foot than Blanco — doesn’t score either, but it did seem to be a curious decision at the time and looks even worse after the fact.

Next Mets Game

The final game of this four-game set begins at 4:10 PM EST. R.A. Dickey goes to the hill against Clayton Kershaw. The contest will be broadcast on channel 11 / WPIX.

Much was made of the fact that for the first time in over a year, the Mets’ lineup was as intended — in other words, intact with all the planned regulars healthy.

Unfortunately, it didn’t matter.

Mike Pelfrey was the one of the top three or four pitchers in baseball through June 25th. Since then, he has been one of the three or four worst in baseball — and that includes PONY leagues. Big Pelf dug a big hole early and the Mets never had a chance to climb out. It took him 51 pitches to get out of the first inning, and he left before finishing the second. By the time he hit the showers, his line looked like this: 1 1/3 IP, 6 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 1 K. Ouch.

Unfortunately for the Mets, the next arms brought in provided no relief. Raul Valdes helped Pelfrey increase his ERA by allowing an inherited runner to score, and Fernando Nieve allowed 5 runs on 5 hits in the 6th inning. So even if the offense showed any sign of life, it probably would not have made a difference.

Game Notes

If you read my post on Pelfrey’s minor mechanical issue, you may have noticed during this game that he was hunching over fairly often — which in turn wreaked havoc with his arm angle, release point, and command. Just as significant, his body language was negative; he looked lost and lacking in confidence. In some ways, he reminded me of bad outings by Ron Darling back in the mid-1980s, when Darling used to think too much on the mound. Pelfrey was thinking about something, and to me it looked like he was filling his mind with negative thoughts. When mechanical issues are combined with psychological issues, bad things happen. Success generally breeds confidence, which in turn follows with more success — but in Pelfrey’s case, that hasn’t happened. I wonder if he’s one of those self-sabotaging types who fear success?

The Mets scored once, in the fifth inning, after pinch-hitter extraordinaire Josh Thole walked, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and scored on a blistering line drive off the bat of Angel Pagan.

David Wright went 2-for-3 with a double. Did anyone notice? I didn’t.

Though “the plan” was to have a four-man outfield rotation, Jerry Manuel nixed that by announcing that Pagan would play every day. That was the best news of the day.

Speaking of, whatever happened to the idea of “easing” Carlos Beltran back into everyday duty? Wasn’t he supposed to play one day, sit the next, play two in a row, sit one, etc. ? Yes, he did get the day off on Sunday … but I don’t remember the plan being three days on, one day off. Not that it matters, and I’m sure the Mets know what they’re doing.

While we’re on the subject of players returning from the DL, Luis Castillo returned to the roster and started at 2B. He punched two of the Mets’ 8 hits and scored half their runs. His legs looked fairly healthy running the bases.

Jose Reyes returned to the lineup as well, and looked good offensively but lost and rusty on defense. He made a terrible throw on an attempted DP turn and completely missed a perfect throw to 2B by Rod Barajas on an attempted steal.

Pedro Feliciano continues to look bad, as he allowed 2 runs on 4 hits and a walk in the eighth inning. He threw the entire inning and expended 36 pitches. Yet, Jerry Manuel keeps telling us that Feliciano can pitch every day because he’s a “situational” guy and doesn’t face many guys nor throw many pitches. Did you know Feliciano has thrown 109 pitches so far in July? That’s kind of a lot for someone who is supposed to be a “LOOGY”. (For comparison, Cardinals LOOGY Trever Miller has thrown 38 pitches this month, threw 133 total in June and 118 in May.) But I’m sure overuse has nothing to do with Feliciano’s drop in effectiveness — he’s probably just not throwing the right pitches at the right times, as Manuel explained the other day.

Next Mets Game

The Mets play again in Arizona on Tuesday night at 9:40 PM EST. R.A. Dickey faces Barry Enright.

We briefly touched on the subject of Pelfrey’s mechanical issues prior to the All-Star Exhibition, seeking to dispel the “dead arm” myth. Let’s take a look at more video stills to compare and contrast.

Balance point. See how Pelf is more upright on the left, slightly hunched over on the right.

These next two series of images are frames of a pitch in Pelfrey’s start vs. the Cincinnati Reds on July 5th.

Compare the above to the below, taken from Pelfrey’s start in San Diego on June 1.

So, what do you see?

What I see in the top series is the hunch-over leading to the body moving just a bit too much toward third base and then compensating by turning the upper body in the opposite direction toward first base. (The body innately tries to find a center of balance at all times.) You can see Pelfrey’s head and shoulders twisting toward first base at the release point in the first image of the second row of stills. Because his upper body is moving toward 1B, his release point is just a hair off (and in turn, his command). It’s not that noticeable but if you watch the following frames, you see his glove fall down and out toward 1B and behind his left hip. Why is the glove going there? Because Pelfrey’s momentum is taking him sideways instead of toward home plate. Again, it’s very slight and almost unnoticeable, but that little bit of motion means there is less body behind the baseball. So, either the arm has to work harder to keep the same velocity, or some velocity is lost — hence, the “dead arm” theory.

In the second set of stills, from San Diego, you see Pelfrey start and finish in a more upright — and controlled — position. In the first row of frames, he’s staying “tall” for a long time before “falling”, which means he is able to use gravity and his 6’7″ frame to his full advantage. At the release his head looks like it might be starting to go toward 1B, but the following frames show that his momentum is definitely driving more forward, toward home plate. Evidence of that is his follow-through, where he finishes facing home plate. Contrast that last frame from San Diego to the last frame from Cincinnati, where he is actually taking steps toward first base.

The good news is, this isn’t a major problem, and can be easily fixed. In fact, Pelfrey looked to be staying upright, “tall”, and balanced at least 60% of the time in his last start. You can easily tell at home watching on TV by taking note of two checkpoints: the balance point (is he hunched over or keeping upright?) and the follow-through (is he facing home plate or turning toward the first base dugout?).

Bottom line? Keep your chin up and your back stiff, Mike. Maybe that stiff neck could be a reminder.

1) Question: What is this team’s attitude?

Assessment: By all accounts, it has been superb. There is a different chemistry in the Mets clubhouse than I have previously seen. The Mets have shown a remarkable resiliency to bounce back from adversity and Sunday’s win is just another example. There have been no issues about a lack of hustle, and no finger pointing. Both Jeff Francoeur and Angel Pagan said the right things about the prospect of reduced playing time as Carlos Beltran is about to be activated from the disabled list. The only sour note was, surprise, Oliver Perez’s refusal to accept a minor league assignment, instead, waiting for the disabled list to leave the roster to work on his issues.

2) Question: How healthy is this team?

Assessment: Injuries sabotaged the 2009 season, and injuries have cost Beltran and Daniel Murphy in the first half, and Jose Reyes for nearly a month. Beltran is due back to start the second half, but there’s no timetable for the return of Murphy, who reinjured his knee while on a rehab assignment. Murphy was playing second base at the time in preparation for a position change. After treating Reyes with kid gloves in the wake of his thyroid issue, the Mets rushed him back from an oblique injury, which he aggravated Saturday. There’s no telling how long he’ll be out. Luis Castillo is on the disabled list and his is another injury where the Mets tried to have him play through. Fortunately, his replacement, Ruben Tejada, has been more than filled the void. Reliever Kelvim Escobar, penciled in as a set-up man, is out for the year with a shoulder injury. The Mets are still trying to find an eighth-inning solution. Oliver Perez and John Maine are currently on the disabled list.

3) Question: What is the status of the three pitching questions, Mike Pelfrey, Oliver Perez and John Maine?

Assessment: Pelfrey made a point of saying he understood this trio represented a significant key to the Mets’ success this season. Perez and Maine are on the disabled list, but the team upgraded with R.A. Dickey and Hisanori Takahashi. Pelfrey was superb for much of the first half but has been going through a dead arm period and has been largely ineffective over his last five starts. Perez balked at a minor league assignment, but an injury was found that conveniently landed him on the disabled list. He has been sound, and somewhat effective, in his rehab assignment. Look for the Mets to activate him shortly after the break and send Takahashi back to the bullpen. There’s no timetable for Maine’s return.

4) Question: Who is the fifth starter?

Assessment: Fernando Nieve, Jon Niese, Nelson Figueroa and Hisanori Takahashi were in the mix in the spring, but Niese won the job and has been very good since coming off the disabled list. Niese has been so good that management tabbed him untouchable when Seattle asked for him in trade discussions surrounding Cliff Lee. Figueroa is now in Philadelphia, while Nieve is in the bullpen. Takahashi replaced Perez in the rotation and pitched well at first, but clearly showed he’s more valuable in the bullpen. The Mets are searching for a fifth starter in the trade market, as there are lingering questions about Perez and Maine.

5) Question: What is the make-up of the bullpen?

Assessment: Jenrry Mejia went north in the pen in an undefined role, but eventually went to the minor leagues to work on being a starter, when he was injured. Losing Escobar went a large part in opening the door for Mejia, who threw hard, but never grasped the eighth-inning role. Bobby Parnell, who appeared to wash you last year, now appears to be the arm having the inside track in the eighth inning to start the second half. Ryota Igarashi was the guy at one time, but pulled a hamstring and hasn’t been the same since. He’s now in the minor leagues. Nieve and Pedro Feliciano were over worked early, and still have heavy workloads. The distribution of work should be improved when Takahashi goes back to the bullpen.

Any chance of gaining ground on the Braves in this series are now gone.

The Mets were shut out by the Braves and are now five games behind the NL leaders — and only a game ahead of the third-place Phillies (who were in the midst of playing the Reds when this post was published). The way the Mets are looking lately, the All-Star break cannot come soon enough.

Game Notes

Mike Pelfrey had another bad outing — his third straight poor performance, and also the third consecutive time he failed to pitch at least five innings. Big Pelf allowed 4 earned runs on 12 hits and 3 walks in 4 innings, and the scary thing is, it could’ve been worse. Pelfrey allowed the leadoff batter to reach base in four of the five frames he started, and was in trouble in every inning. However, he was like a cat with nine lives, and escaped trouble twice thanks to the double play. It was only a matter of time before his luck ran out, and it did in the fifth.

All week we’ve been hearing that Pelfrey is suffering from a “dead arm phase”, but it looks to me like a mechanical issue — one that’s been mentioned here before. After collecting more video stills, we’ll investigate this further.

Elmer Dessens did not have an earned run charged against him, but he did allow two inherited runners to score — both charged to Pelfrey.

The offense was anemic — an alarming recent trend. While the Braves pounded out 15 hits, the Mets managed only 4 — three of them were smacked by Angel Pagan. Pagan hit his 17th double and stole two bases. Carlos Beltran better be comfortable playing right field, because there is no reason to remove Pagan from the lineup.

Jose Reyes left the game in the top of the 7th after making a throw from deep in the hole to put out Troy Glaus — presumably after aggravating his nagging oblique injury. I would hope that he is placed on the DL and held out of the All-Star festivities. I wonder if Mike Bordick is available?

Next Mets Game

The Mets and Braves play the final game of the first half on Sunday at 1:10 PM. Johan Santana faces Derek Lowe. Is anyone else surprised that Lowe has a better won-loss record than Santana?

If Mike Pelfrey has a problem that is affecting his performance, it is a mechanical flaw that has crept up here and there sporadically since last spring. It’s very, very subtle, but it can be avoided.

Check out these two stills, one taken from Pelf’s June 1 victory in San Diego and the other taken from his last start against the Reds:

Again, it’s very subtle, but do you notice anything different in the two photos?

In the left image, Pelfrey is slightly more upright as he begins his descent from the knee lift and is about to take the ball out of his glove. In the right image, see how he’s just slightly hunching his shoulders and leaning a hair toward third base? It seems like a little thing but it is enough to throw off his balance and cause his body to make a contrasting adjustment — which in turn throws off his mechanics just enough to affect his command. As Sir Isaac Newton once observed, “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction”.

I’ll go further into this later, but in case you are watching the game, keep an eye on Pelfrey’s upper shoulders and his follow-through. When you see that little lean over, you will see his follow-through take him toward 1B, and the ball will likely be off-target. When you see him straighter, you’ll see a follow-through more in line and facing home plate — and likely his pitch reaching its intended target.

Pelfrey didn’t lose last night because he didn’t get a couple of calls. He lost because of his reaction to not getting those calls.

Whereas Pelfrey had been composed most of this season, he became flustered and unnerved. Whereas he had minimized damage he dug himself into a hole the Mets could not dig out of. His body language spoke of frustration and anger.

Pelfrey couldn’t stop the bleeding. He didn’t do his job, which, is when things go awry to remember he still needs to get outs.

“I thought, for the first time in over a year, I let my emotions get the best of me,’’ Pelfrey said. “And, that wasn’t very good on my part.’’

Pelfrey’s last few starts did not have the crispness he’s had all season. He gave up seven runs last night and 11 in his past two starts, neither of which he made it out of the fifth. He’s given up runs in the first inning of his last six games. All of a sudden, he’s been susceptible to the home run.

While the All-Star talk has died down, it’s too early to say if he’s regressed of simply hit a rough patch. Maybe he’s going threw a dead arm period. I don’t know. But, what I do know is Pelfrey has pitched too good for too long in the first half for panic.

That he acknowledged his downfall and accepted responsibility is a great sign, another step in his ascension to becoming an All-Star caliber pitcher.

Perhaps more than any other start he’s made in the first half, Saturday’s game against Atlanta could be his most interesting if not revealing.

Well, at least they fought back.

The Mets fell behind 8-1 after a six-run top of the fifth but before the Reds could relax, the home team responded with five runs of their own in the bottom of the frame. Unfortunately, the Mets didn’t score again while the Reds added an insurance run, hence the final score. Hey, the guy is 10-3 … games like this are going to happen once in a while.

Game Notes

Mike Pelfrey had a bad night, allowing 7 earned runs on 9 hits and 4 walks in 4 2/3 innings.

David Wright was 2-for-4 with a triple, a walk, and 2 runs scored. Angel Pagan also had two hits and went yard.

Fernando Nieve crawled out from under his rock and pitched three innings of relief, allowing one run and striking out 3. I still like his running, sinking fastball but he seems to have lost his “edge” — and that has nothing to do with Derek Jeter.

Not much more to say, other than that Joey Votto is the best Canadian in MLB right now (sorry, Jason Bay). He may also be the best North American-born hitter as well.

Next Mets Game

The Mets and Reds do it again at 7:10 PM on Tuesday night in Flushing. Johan Santana faces Aaron Harang.

Crazy things can happen in San Juan.

Strange things occurred before the game even started — Jose Reyes was held out of the game after experiencing “back stiffness” during batting practice. The blame was placed on the hard astroturf surface at Hiram Bithorn Stadium. This would be the same hard astrotuf surface that the other 49 players have been playing on for the last three days. But hey, everyone is different.

Then, rainfall delayed the start of the game. OK, that’s not necessarily crazy, but it added to the plot.

When the game finally began, Jesus Feliciano was in the leadoff spot and Ruben Tejada in the two-hole. Somehow, however, the Mets jumped out to a 3-0 lead. Unfortunately, things did not go well with almost-ace Mike Pelfrey, who left the contest before finishing the fifth. Elmer Dessens finished it for him — recording one out on the evening yet winding up with the victory.

A lot of stuff happened in between, including 17 hits by the Fish. When the dust settled, however, it was the Mets who gained the win — their 44th of the season.

Game Notes

Mike Pelfrey allowed 12 hits, a walk, and 4 runs in 4 2/3. He did strike out 3, though, so there was that.

Although Dessens was given the win, the trio of Ryota Igarashi, Bobby Parnell, and Frankie Rodriguez combined to allow one run over four frames. So really, the entire bullpen should’ve been credited with the victory.

Despite scoring 6 runs on 10 hits, no one really stood out on the Mets offense — it was more or less a full team effort, as 8 Mets collected at least one hit. David Wright and Jesus Feliciano had two apiece. Both of Wright’s hits were doubles, and Feliciano hit a double of his own.

Josh Thole drove in a run with a pinch-hit single for the second time in the series. He keeps this up and he could carve himself a niche in the big leagues. Remember Matt Franco?

Next Mets Game

Thankfully, the Mets return to the continental United States on Thursday to begin a four-game set with the Nationals in DC. Game one begins at 7:05 PM and pits Johan Santana vs. 2009 Met Livan Hernandez.

Are the Mets this good, or are they really lucky? Or is it something about The Field at Shea Bridge that intimidates opposing teams?

The Mets continued their dominance of the American League by beating a Twins team that played very much unlike the Twins. Meaning, Ron Gardenhire’s club is known for excellent fundamentals, solid pitching, and homerun power from middle of the lineup. But what we saw instead were two errors in the field, mediocre starting pitching, and lack of punch from the meat of the order (though leadoff hitter Denard Span went deep to start the game).

Game Notes

Mike Pelfrey struggled early, but settled down and mowed down the Twins after the Mets took the lead — something you expect an ace to do. He allowed 2 runs on 6 hits in 6 innings, walking none and striking out 2 in a somewhat inefficient 116-pitch outing.

David Wright was the star on offense, going 2-for-3 with a double, a homer, and two RBI. Keith Hernandez says he “likes what he sees” from Wright, and also suggests that David Wright “might get back to where he was before”. Gee, thanks Keith … but D-Wright is hitting close to .400 this month, so that’s not exactly a revelation.

Jose Reyes also had two hits and scored a run.

Jason Bay hit a monster RBI double in the fourth, his 18th of the season.

Ruben Tejada also blasted a double off the wall to extend his hitting streak to 8 games, the second-longest of any rookie in MLB. He is scorching hot, and now up to .264. He reminds me of a righthanded Robinson Cano, and could be a batting champion some day. Alternatively, he also reminds me of Alex Cora, and could be a backup middle infielder some day. Time will tell.

Tejada scored on a sac fly in the fifth, somehow eluding the tag of Joe Mauer. Keith Hernandez went on and on about Mauer not properly blocking the plate, but Keith was WAY off base (pardon the pun). The fly ball was hit down the left field line, and was caught by Delmon Young very close to stands and his momentum took him into foul territory. If Mauer set up his target closer to the baseline, Young likely would have thrown the ball in the same path as Tejada, which in turn a) might’ve resulted in the ball hitting Tejada in the back; and/or b) Mauer getting his view of the ball screened by Tejada. Mauer absolutely was in the right position by being a few steps to the right of home plate on that particular play — it’s kind of like when the catcher drops a third strike and the first baseman sets up in foul territory to receive the throw. Stick to hitting and first base play, Keith.

Other than Wright and Reyes, and the blasts to the wall by Tejada and Bay, not much excitement from the offense — which has been kind of the story recently. As Wright and Reyes go, so go the Mets. Remember to include Wright in that statement.

Francisco Rodriguez threw 24 pitches en route to his 17th save. He lost his balance and fell flat after one of his pitches. Could his old and chronic ankle issues be flaring up?

Next Mets Game

The Mets and Twins do it again at 1:10 PM in the afternoon on Saturday. Johan Santana faces his old team while Carl Pavano pitches for the Twins.

Sadly, all good things must eventually come to an end — including Mets’ winning streaks on the road.

For the first time since June 10th, the Mets lost. In fact, it was the first date the Mets played and didn’t win since June 2 (they won the second half of a doubleheader on the 10th).

They had to lose eventually, right? You can’t win ‘em all, as they say.

Game Notes

Mike Pelfrey pitched fairly well considering the circumstances — the key circumstance being the jet stream carrying baseballs over the right field fence. But Phil Hughes pitched a little bit better, mainly in limiting the damage of the high flies. All runs in the game were driven in via the big fly, and Pelfrey’s line was 7 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 106 pitches.

Jose Reyes drove in all 3 Mets runs with a pair of dingers — one leading off the game. Angel Pagan also had two hits, including a double. No one else did anything of consequence. Strange, considering that both Alex Cora AND Henry Blanco were in the lineup.

Ryota Igarashi threw one inning without imploding, which was encouraging.

Derek Jeter took a rare day off, but no one seemed to notice.

Next Mets Game

The rubber match will be played on Sunday afternoon at 1:05 PM in the Bronx. Reminder: it’s Father’s Day, so run to the store and buy a tie for pop while the malls are still open. Johan Santana faces C.C. Sabathia in a classic matchup of underperforming aces.

This is the way to beat the worst team in baseball — handily, in a “laugher”.

The Mets finally pasted the Orioles, as the offensive went ballistic on Baltimore pitching, en route to a three-game sweep on the road.

Game Notes

Mike Pelfrey struggled for the first time since May 1 at Philadelphia, but this time I don’t think it was because the hitters knew what was coming. His command on all pitches was off, he couldn’t get good rotation on the curve, and he wasn’t driving hard off the rubber. Why? My eyes saw him hunching over slightly in his leg lift, just before the left leg began its descent. As a result his upper body was leaning toward 3B ever so slightly, throwing off his balance just enough to affect his release point and control. Additionally, it’s hard to “get on top” of the curveball when the body is leaning to one side — so it wasn’t surprising that Pelf’s deuces were moving more sideways like sliders. Pelfrey has had this minor mechanical issue on occasion in the past, but it was more prominent in the first three innings of this game than it’s been in a long time.

As it was, Pelfrey hung in there long enough to grab the win, allowing 3 runs on 9 hits and 3 walks in 6 innings, striking out 1 in a 101-pitch effort. Those numbers could’ve been uglier, but Baltimore couldn’t capitalize on several opportunities in the early innings.

David Wright blasted two homers and a double and drove in 4 runs. He looked quite comfortable at the plate.

Jason Bay was supposed to get the day off, but played instead and went 4-for-4 with 4 runs scored. Among his hits was a double and a homer over the wall in dead center.

Chris Carter also homered, a three-run shot that put the Mets up 5-zip in the first frame. I see no reason whatsoever to remove him from the lineup while playing in AL parks — I don’t care if Sandy Koufax is pitching.

Alex Cora quietly drove in two runs with a 3-for-4 day and made several sparkling plays at second base. If he could do this over a full season he might be worth $2M with an option that automatically kicks in after 80 games.

Jesus Feliciano collected his first MLB hit, a single to center in the first inning. He rapped another single in the seventh.

Next Mets Game

The Mets get Monday off to travel to Cleveland, then take on the Indians on Tuesday night at 7:05 PM. Johan Santana faces Justin Masterson.

Nine is fine.

For the second time this season, the Mets won their ninth game in a row at home. Clearly, they are more comfortable playing at The Field at Shea Bridge than anywhere else.

Game Notes

Mike Pelfrey stepped up and pitched nine full innings — that’s a complete game if there aren’t extra innings — and allowed one measly run on five hits and no walks, striking out six. Granted, it’s the Padres — one of the weakest offensive teams in baseball. But it’s still an MLB club, and Big Pelf was magnificent. He is finally becoming the ace-like stud we envisioned ever since he was drafted in the first round of 2005.

As if from a storybook written for Mets fans who love homegrown talent, Pelfrey’s outstanding moundwork was suppored by the firepower of fellow farmhands Ike Davis and Jose Reyes — each of whom hit a solo homer to provide all the Mets’ runs in the contest. Reyes’ shot tied the game one-all in the seventh, and Ike’s blast in the eleventh frame was his first career walkoff homer.

By facing — and striking out — one batter in the top of the 11th, Elmer Dessens earned his first MLB win since August 26, 2007.

Seems like every day we mention Angel Pagan. He had another two hits in this game and another stolen base (his 11th).

David Wright also had two hits, including a double. Did you know that Wright is 15-for-29 (.517) over his last eight games? That’s not just hot, that’s Francoeur-hot.

Speaking of, Jeff Francoeur had only one hit, but it extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

The Mets (0-8) and Padres (0-9) combined to go 0-for-17 with runners in scoring position.

Next Mets Game

The Mets and Padres do it again at 7:10 PM on Wednesday night. Johan Santana faces Mat Latos.

Before our very eyes, Mike Pelfrey is developing into a legit #2 MLB starter. And all it took was a little change of pace.

Game Notes

Mike Pelfrey spun 8 brilliant innings en route to his 8th victory of the season, allowing only one run on 4 hits and 2 walks, tying his career high of 8 strikeouts. He tossed a total of 110 pitches, and probably could’ve finished the game, but some surgeons who never threw a baseball in their lives believe that would’ve permanently damaged his arm. So Francisco Rodriguez was brought in to raise the heartbeats of Mets fans. We didn’t want to fall right to sleep after midnight anyway, did we?

K-Rod pitched one inning, yet threw more than one-quarter as many pitches and allowed just as many runs on three-quarters as many hits, as Big Pelf did in eight innings.

David Wright was the offensive star of the game, driving in half of the Mets’ runs, lashing three hits — including his 9th homer — and swiping a base.

Ike Davis blasted his 6th homer of the season, a two-run job to dead center, to put the Mets ahead 4-1. Without those insurance runs we might still be watching the game right about now.

The Padres did not reach second base until the sixth inning. Prior to the sixth, catcher Nick Hundley was the only Padre to collect a hit, and he had two, but was thrown out stealing and picked off to erase both.

Next Mets Game

The final game and rubber match of the series starts at a reasonable 6:35 PM EST. Johan Santana faces Clayton Richard.

Run for cover! Do not leave your home! At any moment, frogs and toads are certain to fall from a blue and orange-tinged sky, signifying the rapture! Cataclysm is near!

Or maybe the Mets shutting out the Phillies in three straight is a completely normal event, having nothing to do with the apocalypse. Perhaps it was a staged episode for the return of the Twilight Zone.

Whatever it is, it ain’t normal. But I’ll take it. And revel in it.

Game Notes

Mike Pelfrey was brilliant (again), shutting out the Phillies through seven frames, allowing only three hits. The five walks were too many, but no baserunners scored, so we’ll glaze over them.

I find it funny — now — that one of the questions posed to me by Bill Baer at Crashburn Alley prior to the series was “How much patience do the Mets have with Jose Reyes? He’s currently sporting a .550 OPS.”. Well, I think it’s safe to say that those questions won’t be coming up again. Reyes went 3-for-4 with a double, 2 RBI, and a run scored. Further, he was 8-for-13 with 5 RBI and 5 runs scored in the series, sparking the club from the leadoff spot (note: Reyes was NOT batting third).

Angel Pagan went 2-for-4 with a stolen base, AGAIN. Seems like he goes 2-for-4 with a stolen base every game, doesn’t it?

Cole Hamels didn’t pitch poorly — allowing 3 runs on 9 hits and a walk through 6 1/3 — but the Phillies hitters are in a team-wide, massive funk. The question is: did this three-game sweep say more about the Mets or the Phillies? Meaning, were the Mets pitchers really that spectacular, or are the Phillies hitters in that horrendous a cold streak? Is it a combination of both?

After winning the Yankees series and pasting the Phillies in three straight, the Mets will go into Milwaukee to face a struggling Brewers club. You’ve got to believe that confidence alone will help the Mets to another series win this weekend (don’t even start with the “jinx” thing — if I have that kind of power I’ll use it for something like world peace). A little confidence can go a long way, and in the case of the Mets, it just might jettison them to the top of the NL East come Memorial Day.

At 19-9, the Mets have the best home record in MLB. At 6-14, they have the third-worst road record in MLB. Again I mention the 1987 Minnesota Twins. Look it up.

During the rain delay, SNY showed the press conference announcing the purchase of the Mets by Nelson Doubleday and Fred Wilpon for $21M. This year, the Mets are paying Johan Santana $21M. How times have changed, eh?

Next Mets Game

The Mets move on to Milwaukee to face the Brewers on Friday night. Johan Santana faces Yovani Gallardo. Game time is 8:10 PM.

Jerry Manuel remains employed for another night.

The Mets went ahead early, carried on the back of Jason Bay and rolling behind the outstanding pitching of Mike Pelfrey. There was a tense moment in the 8th, but Francisco Rodriguez came on with the bases loaded and ended both the threat and the inning.

Game Notes

Mike Pelfrey was excellent through 6 frames, allowing only 1 run on 6 hits and 2 walks, striking out 5. He threw 108 pitches, and if it were me I might’ve let him pitch a seventh inning. But thanks to modern technology and training habits the kids can’t go that far any more.

Jason Bay was on fire, going 4-for-4 with 3 runs scored. He is now officially on a hot streak, and may carry the team and Jerry Manuel’s employment for another week or so.

Gary Matthews Jr. struck out again in his only at-bat. I was gone a week and his batting average jumped to .180. Someone fill me in — he’s closing the gap between himself and Jose Reyes. Yikes.

Reyes, by the way, was a very quiet 2-for-5. He tried to stretch a single into a double to end the 8th, and was out by 15 feet. I guess it’s been a while since he’s run the bases.

Angel Pagan went 3-for-4 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI, and a run scored. If Carlos Beltran ever returns, Jeff Francoeur may find himself on the bench.

Francoeur, by the way, was 0-for-4 with 2 strikeouts. He’s now hitting .215 with a .274 OBP. But, his presence in RF did keep the Yankees from trying to score at least twice during the game. Still, he’s going to have to get that bat going to stay in the lineup.

Did I miss something while I was away, or is Chris Carter still on the roster? It was strange not to see him make an appearance in this game at some point. Jerry Manuel opted for Alex Cora in a big pinch-hitting situation in the 6th, and Cora rapped a key, two-out, RBI single, but it seemed like a place for The Animal. I guess that’s why Manuel is so smart.

K-Rod recorded a five-out save, coming into the game with the Mets up by 3 and the bases loaded in the 8th. If that doesn’t smell of desperation from Jerry Manuel then I don’t know what does. Yes, I understand that the Mets didn’t have any other relievers to rely on in that situation but, um, that might have something to do with the Game Seven management of the ‘pen from Opening Day through now.

Next Mets Game

The final game of the “Subway Series” will begin at 8:05 PM on Sunday night, televised by ESPN. It will be a matchup of the aces, as Johan Santana faces C.C. Sabathia.

It wasn’t pretty…

It wasn’t ugly…

It just kind of WAS… ya know?

The Mets topped the Braves 3-2, behind Mike Pelfrey, Rod Barajas, Chris Carter and a huge stolen base by Jose Reyes.The Braves were listless for the most part, but this is the kind of game the Mets have to win. And they did. Pretty cool, huh?

Pelfrey was every bit the workhorse the Mets need him to be, tossing 7 2/3 innings, scattering 7 hits and allowing 2 runs. Barajas had a 2-RBI double in the 2nd inning. Carter scored on the Barajas double and he also knocked in Jose Reyes on a groundout in the 6th inning. If Reyes hadn’t stolen third base, the Mets may never have scored their third run and the game may have continued in perpetuity – theoretically – or at least until Barajas batted again.

Random Notes: Gary Matthews Jr. is starting to remind me of Chick Gandil in Eight Men Out… You could hear Gary Cohen deflate when Matthews hit into a double play with runners on first and second in the top of the 7th… Speaking of Cohen, he REALLY wants Jeff Francoeur to hit a home run in Atlanta – so much so that he nearly fell off his seat when Francouer flied out to left field. Cohen then went on to describe Francoeur’s swing as a “lusty cut” (yikes)… Francisco Rodriguez’s windup and follow-through is circus-like and kinda scary. I’m not sure it’s a good thing when a pitcher consistently falls off the mound like he’s getting tossed off a merry-go-round at 50 mph. It certainly didn’t help his control any.

Next Mets Game

The Mets take on the Braves again tomorrow night at 7:10pm EDT. Johan Santana (3-2, 3.88) goes up against Kris Medlen (1-1, 2.35).

So that’s it. My first “guest post” in about a year. How’d I do? Leave your comments and pontifications below, tip your waiters and enjoy some smooth jazz, Ozzy Osbourne-style:

Burning rubber is not something the Mets do well.

For the sixth time in as many chances, the Mets failed to take the “rubber match” of a three-game series. As a result, the Nationals enter Thursday as the only second-place team in the NL East.

Berna – who?

Game Notes

Roger Bernadina was the star of the game, making a Ron Swoboda-like catch in the fifth on a Jeff Francoeur liner to save three runs and hitting two huge homeruns — including one off Francisco Rodriguez in the top of the ninth that gave the Nats the victory. Did I mention those two taters were the first homers of his big league career? For the uninitiated, Bernadina is known as a singles hitter who is in MLB because of his speed and his glove. Comps: Willy Taveras, Roger Cedeno, Omar Moreno. He was hitting .212 coming into the game.

Mike Pelfrey dribbled an RBI single through the left side to tie the game 2-2 after Rod Barajas was walked intentionally to load the bases in the third. The more I watch Jim Riggleman “manage”, the more I wonder how in the world the Nats are in second place — it’s like they win in spite of his incompetence.

On the mound, Pelfrey was so-so, not great, as many of the balls hit off him found holes. For all that contact, it is somewhat ironic that the first 5 outs of the game made by Washington came via the strikeout. He allowed 4 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks in 5 2/3 innings — expending a career-high 119 pitches. Too many pitches, too many baserunners. Has he fallen the Earth?

Nats starting pitcher Craig Stammen was slightly more inefficient on the mound, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks in only 5 innings. However, Stammen was better than Pelf at the plate, as he went 2-for-2 and drove in 3 of Washington’s first 4 runs.

Jason Bay has a six-game hitting streak, and has a hit in each of his last 12 games at Citi Field.

Gary Matthews Jr. struck out again in a pinch-hitting appearance. He’s now struck out 19 times in 46 ABs. But Frank Catalanotto was let go because GMJ can play CF. OK. Whatever.

Tyler Clippard won his league-leading 7th game. Wouldn’t it be funny if Clippard won 20 out of the bullpen?

Matt Capps earned his league-leading 14th save. Glad he’s on my fantasy team, but wish he’d get these saves against the Phillies, Braves, and Marlins.

Fernando Nieve threw 21 pitches in the 8th, which was also his 21st appearance of the year. He’s on pace to appear in only 100 games this year — which is still in the neighborhood of Mike Marshall’s all-time record.

Francisco Rodriguez has been startlingly ineffective this year — not dissimilar to what we saw from him last year. His loss in velocity has made him more hittable than ever before. It feels like he has more than 1 loss and 2 blown saves — or is it me? I’m too tired to check the stats and figure out why that is.

The Mets have made more pitching changes than any other team in the NL. That’s what happens when your manager is managing for his job.

Next Mets Game

The Mets fly to Miami to face the Marlins in a three-game set. Game one begins at 7:10 PM. Johan Santana faces Josh Johnson.

The Mets upended the NL West first-place team, and now own sole possession of second place in the NL East.

By all accounts, it was the most thrilling and fulfilling game of 2010.

Game Notes

Mike Pelfrey returned to the “pre-Phillies” form that made him one of the best pitchers in baseball in April, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits and no walks over 7 1/3 innings. Fernando Nieve retired two batters in the eighth to hold the lead, but Frank “The Vulture” Rodriguez gave up a game-tying homer to pinch-hitter John Bowker to set up a dramatic finish.

Despite two long homeruns and nosedive into the Mets dugout to snare a foul fly ball by favorite son Ike Davis, the hero of the game was Rod Barajas. Like Davis, Barajas also blasted two taters, but Rod’s second came in the bottom of the ninth to give the Mets the victory. Barajas has now hit 7 homers in his last 11 games, and is on pace to hit about 50 this season.

Beyond Davis and Barajas carrying the club from the #7 and #8 spots at the bottom of the lineup, the Mets did just about nothing offensively. Jose Reyes was a soft 2-for-4, flailing and failing with runners in scoring position. The other two hits in the game came from Jason Bay — who hit a double — and David Wright, who also stole his 8th base.

Next Mets Game

The Mets and Giants meet again at 1:10 PM on Saturday afternoon. Johan Santana faces Todd Wellemeyer. I don’t care what Johan did in Philly — it’s time for him to step up and give the Mets a series win before sundown Saturday.