It’s been a while since I watched an American League ballgame, so was interesting to watch. And hey, neither team used the DH — and the pitchers provided some offense. (Cue: Mel Allen) How about that?
The Mets pull off a doubleheader sweep, as Bobby Parnell saves two games in one day. Did anyone notice amphibians falling from the sky or horses running through the outfield? Hey, we’ve also experienced an earthquake and a hurricane so I’m not taking anything for granted …
Just when you were ready to write off Mike Pelfrey, he mans up at Citizens Bank Park and gives you a glimmer of hope.
If the weather cooperates, this is the lineup the Mets will send to the plate against Braves pitcher Mike Minor:
Jose Reyes – SS
Justin Turner – 2B
David Wright – 3B
Scott Hairston – RF
Jason Bay – LF
Angel Pagan – CF
Ronny Paulino – C
Nick Evans – 1B
Dillon Gee – P
Note Nick Evans getting a start at 1B against the lefthander, and Slugging Scott Hairston filling the cleanup spot.
Let’s hope the Mets have their way with Cole Hamels like this when they face him in the postseason as well.
Did you expect the Mets to be one game over .500 at the All-Star break?
According to the Mets PR department, Jose Reyes has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 3rd. Nick Evans has been promoted from AAA Buffalo to take his place on the roster.
Glad to see Evans return to show, though it remains to be seen how much of an opportunity he’ll get this time. There were a few times in the past two weeks that the Mets could have used a righthanded-hitting first baseman, and if that trend continues of seeing LHPs, maybe Evans will get a few starts. He was on a torrid hot streak over the last month and a half, with a 19-game hitting streak from May 12-June 29, batting .514 (38-74) during that span. Overall, Evans hit .329 (74-225) with 28 runs scored, 13 doubles, seven home runs and 29 RBI in 57 games with the Bisons.
As for Reyes, I’m glad the Mets are being cautious and placing him on the DL. However, I’m concerned about one report referencing a doctor who suggests that Reyes rest for three weeks. I wanted him on the DL to keep him rested until right after the All-Star Break, not out for three weeks. Hopefully that source is wrong or there was something lost in the translation.
In many ways, this 2011 season is reminding me of 2005 — though, in reverse.
