About time

Sept. 3 -- BREAKING: HAMELS TO START SUNDAY (UPDATED) | 5:10 PM

BY SCOTT LAUBER

WASHINGTON -- Cole Hamels will start Sunday night against the Mets -- and Johan Santana.

More in a bit.

(Updated, 5:23 p.m.): Here's what Hamels said moments ago ... "I understood the situation. I think this is the time that really matters. I know [pitching every] five days is what I just did five days ago. That's what I've been able to do all year, and that's what I'll do this time. The main guy, when it's the playoffs or the division championship or the big division rivalry, that's what I want to be. It's time to step up to the plate, and I know that I'm ready for it."

Upon hearing that he actually has pitched better this season when he has four days between starts (8-2, 2.47 ERA) than five (4-5, 4.14), Hamels wasn't surprised: "Mentally, your body is ready. When you get that extra day, sometimes you feel off."

This from pitching coach Rich Dubee: "All year, we were pretty much protecting him. This is September. We've got what, 24 games? How long can he go? We're hoping nine innings."

By the way, Dubee said Kyle Kendrick, who would've started Sunday, will be available out of the bullpen this weekend. A decision on whether Kendrick will make his next start hasn't been made.

Much more in tomorrow's News Journal.

Bring on Your Ace

I have decided to come out of my mini siesta to discuss an issue which has been bothering me in all this NL East race chatter. I am sitting there reading all of these who's gonna come out on top of the NL east talk and the topic of position by position breakdown always seems to be somebody's proof that a so-so team will win out. Now in almost every article I have read, it states that Cole Hamels is as as good as, Shea's own, two time cy young winner Johan Santana. Now the argument for Hamels seems evident. He is first in the NL in IP(150.2) and 2nd in the NL in Complete Games (2), Strikeouts (133), and Whip (1.01). While Johan is 9th,8th,and 10th, with no complete games in those categories this season. So clearly he is having a better year statistically then Johan. While it is noteworthy to point out however, that Santana's ERA is slightly lower then Hamels with a 3.10 compared to a 3.15.
With that being said, Hamels is clearly the Philth's ace, no doubt about it. So it seems quite obvious that you put your ace out there against the your division rivals. Yet, the Phillthies seem to keep Hamels away from any big pressure game, especially against the Mets. The Philths could have easily arranged the pitching rotation coming out the all star break to have Hamels, their supposed ace, to face the Mets in a showdown for the NL East but instead chose to throw out guys with ERA's of 4.96, 5.84, and 3.90. I guess nobody told told Charlie Manuel, that you generally want to put your ace out there when it counts.
Hamels will have faced the Mets one time out of the first thirteen games that the Mets and the philths have faced off this season. In that one game, way back on April 18, Hammels went 7 inning gave up 5 runs, 4 of those earned, had 3 walks, and 4 strikeouts, good enough for his second loss of the season. The Mets of course had Johan on the mound that day (big games mean big pitchers) who gave up just three runs in a Mets 6-4 win. After that early spring game Hamels has been MIA from facing the Mets this season.
Let's take this a step further. IN 2007, Hammels faced the Mets 3 times out of 18 games. The latest of those being in June. In those three games he managed to pick up two losses and a no-desicion. He allowed 5 home runs in those three starts while walking 9 guys. He struckout 17 Mets while allowing 8 Earned Runs. Hardly numbers to gloat about for an ace against his teams rival. You have to go all the way back to his rookie season, to find a game that Hamels beat the Mets.
Overall, Cole is 1-3 in 5 games started vs the Mets in his Career. He's faced the Braves 8 times and the Marlins 7 times over that same time while neither team has really competed for the top of the NL East. So do I think its a coincidence that Hamels is not pitching against the Mets this series. NO way. THe PHillies are scared. There so called ace is nothing but another young lefty against the Mets, and they know it. So it just happens to be that he started the game before the series. Maybe Hamels should win one big game in his life (he lost his only playoff start) before sport writers scratch him off heck put him even in the same league as Johan Santana. But I would say a nice place to start would be having him, I dont know, pitch against the Mets?

Filthy

Sorry that I haven't posted... its finals for me it sucks but we won 4 straight so why not...

Its really discusting.  The Phillies arent good.  David Wright is amazing.  One homer short of the cycle. It seems like each night the Mets take the field its usually Wright or Reyes one hit short of a cycle... I am loving baseball right now.  Tonight Johan looked great 10 Ks ??? Are you kidding me? 7 innings of great baseball for Santana.  Johan (2-2) completely blew out the second best lefty in baseball, Cole Hamels.  Hamels let up eight hits on 4 earned runs in 7 innings, Cole got torn apart in Citizens bank... A big help went to Davey who went 4-4 with 2 RBIs and a BB. Santana left in the eighth after letting up two consec. base hits the heilman let up a jack to the right field seats ... then the bullpen strengthened and held it up for the remainder of the game.

Big win... Lets continue this series strong

Why I went to sleep smiling, Nice.

Let me count the ways:

1- Godson (Davey) had five RBI's, including his 4th Homerun on the season. He now has 15 RBI's in 12 games, nice.

2- I was going be content with just seeing him not get hurt and on the field again, but Reyes had four hits, including almost achieving a natural cycle, nice.

3- Mike "mouthpiece" Pelfrey pitched 7 scoreless innings. Lets go Big Pelf. After starting last season 0-7 before being sent down. He is 2-0 this season with a 1.50 ERA, nice.

4- L-Millz after belting a double in the first, really struggled the rest of the game. It just seemed that he was trying to pull everything. Hmm is that why we got rid of him, nice.

5- Beltran, after grounding into an inning ending double play earlier in the game, redeemed himself with a solid RBI single in the seventh.

6- And most importantly. Duaner Sanchez made his return last night, pitching a scoreless ninth inning. And what do you think he said after the game about the standing ovation he received when jogging out from the bullpen, " Everything was perfect,...That was really NICE."

100

I went to my first game of this season on Sunday and although the result was not what I was looking for, Im glad baseball is back. The Mets won just one game the Brew Crew, with Nelson Figeruoa getting the 4-2 W on Friday Night. Baseball tonight noted that Figeruoa is the only player in Major league history to have all five vowels in his last name. Saturday was not one Mets fans want to remember. Santana pitched poorly and was booed as he left the mound. Now while im not against booing anyone who wears a jersey and gets paid millions to do his job, but still Johan in his first game at shea, CMON METS Fans, really?

Now onto Sunday. My gameball goes to David Wright, who hit his 100th career HR. Im just glad i was there to see it. In typical David fashion he showed his tremendous power to opposite field. In a game where the Mets scored 7 runs, the pitching and sloppy play really killed them. Brady Clark made a costly base running blunder in the 8th. The Mets grounded into four double plays. Ollie couldnt hold a 6-2 lead. Sosa gave up a couple in relief. All runs the Mets couldnt afford. Lets put this Brewers series behind us and prepare for the Nats boys. L-MILlz is coming back to town, and you know hes going to come to play.

Willie learned about specialists this game..I was impressed

The Philth is cleaned out, Now let's grab a Brew

After losing opening day and having everyone this side of the East River in an uproar over this team's future, the Mets came out and took the final two games from the Philths (suck) to bring the team back to .500 on the season, and hopefully, well never go under that again. So now the Mets sit 1 and 1/2 games behind the Marlins (no joke). And This is why April is the best time of the year (excluding October and maybe September of course). Teams are full hope. I mean, the Orioles lead the AL East, the Royals lead the AL central, and the baseball gods continue to enjoy themselves as the new season begins to unfold. Now you know these teams cant last, they dont have lineups, they dont have bullpens, they dont have rotations(minus the Royals, whose big 3 most teams would trade for), but for now they have a swagger and thats all you need to win a few games.

Swagger is an interesting word. The Mets had it all of 2006, and even for most of 2007. But many began to question, whether the Mets had lost that with the epic collapse of last season. I'm saying right here, right now, a series win over the Philths(suck) will get that swagger back. The Mets won in walk off fashion on Thurs night, as out hottest hitter, Angel(straight from heaven) Pagan saved Heilman's ass coming through with a monstrous game ending single. Is it just me (and Rob) but has Angel Pagan, been the reason we have won 4 games this season. It just seems like to me whenever there are men on, he's coming through. He began the season with RBI's in the first four games of the season only the 5th Met ever to do that. He's so hot Mets fans are starting to question what Willie will do (most likely the wrong decision) when Mosies come back. Now I'm not going that far, but he's 24 and he looks great right now, and the Mets are winning games, So I'm happy.

The State of the Bullpen is one which we can surely start blaming Willie for.
Will Met fans please stop booing Schoenweiss. Willie is the one who sets him up for failure. He shouldnt be facing right handed batters in tight games, It's Willies fault if he is. Now it two consecutive tight spots, he induced inning ending double plays, Good job scott, you Duke shitbag. Heilman, looks dreadful right now. He's not hitting his spots. Leaving meaty pitches over the heart of the plate, simple not performing like a lock down eighth inning pitcher. Duaner, please come back already. Wagner and Smith have been solid so far this season. And good job to Muniz for pitching two scoreless innings this far.

We need to start hitting. But for now 4-4, aint that bad. Time to battle the Brew Crew.

Things Willie needs to learn:
1- The Wheel Play
2- Left handed and Right handed specialists
3- Squeeze Bunts

Jordan Schafer loves HGH

Jordan Schafer, the braves higly touted centerfield prospect "destined" to roam CF for years replacing Andruw Jones, has been suspended for 50 games in violation of the minor league HGH drug policy. After leading the minor league's last season with 176 hits, this future bravo is tainted. Now the braves are stuck with Kotsay playign CF. Schafer was only batting .091 for the Braves Double-A team. I guess the future isnt now.

13,720

Yup, that was the attendance last night on hand at Dolphin Stadium to witness the mets 13-0 drubbing of the Florida Marlins.  I would say more than half of those people were chanting a premature "MVP MVP MVP" when Davey came up to bat.  Wright was explosive in last night's rebound win, taking the rubber game from the Marlins to get the Mets off to a 2-1 start to the 2008 campaign.  Wright hit a single, a double, and a 3 run BOMB (when I say bomb i mean this went left the park), with 3 RBIs and just a triple short of the cycle.  Angel Pagan helped out with another RBI, Pagan has at least an RBI every game this season.  Ryan Church also jacked one over the fence bringing in 2 runs, Church hit a nice 3-5.  Beltran was also hot last night hitting 3 doubles( one of which hit the top of the fence and clearly should have been ruled a home-run).  What it comes down to is what we are going to see all season long... The mets offense really really showed up last night and it was great to see and we should expect to see this from them night in, night out. 

On the other side of ball, with such a bad start to the day, knowing Pedro would be out on the 15 day DL with a strained left hamstring, Oliver Perez got it done, plain and simple.  O.P got his first start of the season and really looked outstanding.  Perez pitched 6 scoreless innings, allowing 5 hits and  1 walk while striking out 8 Marlins.  As usual, his slider looked better then ever and it was just really a great outing for him.  The bullpen stepped in to finish off the game and also could not have looked better. What I really would like to point out is our new 5th starter Nelson Figueroa came in for an inning a pitched a perfect inning.  Figueroa will probably only get one shot as a started since El Duque should be back by the time he would have a second start, and eventually Pedro will be healthy after that.

The mets really had a great game and are going into an off day and then a series in Atlanta on a really good note.  With the offense that the Mets displayed last night, no teams will be able to match that type of play.  Good Job Boys, now go crush Tommy and co. 

Not So Perfect

Maybe this is an opportunity for Pelfrey to step up and show the Mets and all of the Shea faithful what he's got. What I can't understand is how Pedro could have hurt his hamstring. Coming off a Spring where he supposedly was healthier then ever, one pitch turns him into a piece a spaghetti. Now I hope this injury isn't serious, but with Pedro you know that just not gonna be the case. All I can think about is how I wish Brian Bannister was on the team. I get upset when the Mets lose. I'm in a bad mood all next day. I understand this isn't healthy but I cant do anything about it. Robert Andino? Who the heck is that? 81 career at bats? Are you kidding me? TO me the problem was Matt Wise who had struck out the two guys before Andino did not realize that an 81 mph changeup isn't a changeup to a single A caliber player, its a fastball. And he really got a hold of that one. Damn it.

On the bright side, the Mets came back from a 4-0 deficit with nice hitting, not leaving runners on base, moving guys over, sac flies, it was good baseball. Our Bullpen was great. Sosa, Heilman, and Schoenweiss did thier job magnificently. We have the best bullpen in the NL. And we havent even seen Billy yet. Nice. Brian Schnieder was 3-4, I thought he cant hit. The Highs and lows of the baseball season are killer one day to the next is ridiculous. I love baseball.

In honor of my love of Brian Bannister, I would like to name my Top 5 worst Minaya moves.
1)Brian Bannister for Burgoix - Really Omar
2)Heath Bell - Traded for nothing
3)Lindstrom and Owens - Traded for nothign again? nice give away young arms for nothing
4)2004 Draft - Passed on Phil Hughes
5)2005 Draft - Passed on OF's Cameron Maybin, Travis Buck and Jacoby Ellsbury, Jay Bruce and Colby Rasmus, and Matt Garza, Clay Bucholz

Perfect

How much better could the 2008 season have started. "He's as good as advertised" Wright said. "A pleasure to watch" Willie added, " A joy to catch" Schneider was quoted as saying. All of course refereing to the Amazin Johan Santana who's changeup was filthy in a 7-2 drubbing of the lowly Marlins. Sure you can make the argument that Johan is making 2 million dollars more this year then entire Marlin's roster combined, but still. He went 7, gave up 2 runs on 3 hits, and had 8 strikeouts to just one walk. Wow, he looked great in that uniform yesterday, starting the day and ending it with a nasty K on Ramirez and Traner respectivelly.

The Mets bats came alive at least in one inning, where they sent 10 to the plate in the fourth, scoring 6 runs, the highest single inning output in Mets opening day history. Hope you like that run support Johan, you'll be getting it all year. Beltran and Wright both had two doubles, along with Reyes two hits, to fuel the mets offense. Even the newcomers contributed with RBI's from Pagan and Church. Scheneider did what he does best making an outstanding slide to stop an errant castillo ball from heading out of play. Overall, it was a great day to wear the orange and blue. 1 down, 161 more.

-Both Reyes and Wright were caught stealing when both were safe on replay. Reyes wasnt even close, and Wright made an outstanding slide but was still called out.
-Both the Phillies and the Braves Bullpen were terrible yesterday while the Mets held strong. Willie's gut call to go with Sosa over Heilman worked out wonderfully. When asked after the game,he responded "It wasnt a tight situation".Good Call Willie.
- Baseball Tonight refered to Lastings Milledge(who homered and scored three runs yesterday, as former great met. When did that happen? Also on BBTN, when they did that OH my God highlight of Texeira, he's tapping Ruben Gotay on the shoulder.

Clean Slate 2008

The smell of the fresh grass, hot dogs, and iced brews can only mean one thing: Opening Day.  That's right it is opening day 2008.  That means every team is 0-0, the race to October starts now.  For the Mets though, the approach is very serious.  The Metropolitans are set on one goal: Winning the World Series. Anything worse would be a failure.  After reconstructing the mishaps that led to last season's monumental collapse the Mets have their goal and will reach it.  The Orange and Blue's first mission: The Florida Marlins.  The Marlins spoiled the Mets season last year dominating them on the final game, ultimately eliminating them from the playoffs.  However, the Marlins took huge hits losing their main ace, Dontrelle Willis, and their best position player in Miguel Cabrera.  The Marlins are a very young team with alot to prove.  The core of their team is the middle of the infield with youngsters Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla, both whom have the ability to have 30 homers in 2008.

Pitching Matchup

Johan Santana (NYM):  Santana is starting his first game after being traded to the Mets on opening day at the Marlins.  Santana has played the Marlins twice in his career beating them both times with an ERA of 1.59 against them.

Mark Hendrickson (Fla):  The Marlins have serious pitching issues.  This guy has only seen the Mets for a total of 3 innings.  He was signed as a free agent from the Dodgers over this offseason. Last year he had a 4-8 recored with a 5.21 ERA

Key Player: 3B David Wright batted .411 with 3 HRs against Florida last year.  Wright is also on a 17 game hitting streak going into opening day 2008.

Santana-Mania

While the Mets teams of the past two seasons have been thought of as offensive juggernauts, starting pitching is now what has catapulted the Mets into National League favorite in the 2998 season. The biggest off-season move made by any team, ever, was obviously replacing Tom "Thank God I never have to see that f'in brave wear the orange and blue, piece of garbage, son of a bitch" Glavine with the greatest pitcher alive on this planet. Its good to be a met fan right now and the number one reason is:

Johan Santana - He's sensational, he's dynamic, he's the complete pitcher with an outststanding delivery. He has the best changeup in all of baseball and features a fastball between 92-94 mph.

Pedro Martinez - After missing most of last season, Pedro appears to be in a great shape showing shades of his Red Sox days. He's going to bring a fire to the clubhouse. His fastball isn't what it to used to be, but hes brilliant on the mound mixing up speeds and speeding through lineups.

John Maine - He's easily the hidden gem of this pitching staff. An all star snub last season, he throws hard with a great sink on his pitches. He always come up big in important games, and when in a zone, he can absolutely dominate. Expect him to have 18 wins this season, the second most on the staff.

Oliver Perez - He has the most explosive arm on the staff. One of Minaya's few good trades acquiring Opie, he should be on the brink of a huge season with a contract year looming ahead. Like Maine, he dominates when they are on a roll.

The big question is: who will be the fifth starter? Willie insists El Duque will be the fifth starter when healthy, but when will he be healthy is the big question. He's toyed around with changing his leg kick but that doesn't seem to be working. Mike Pelfrey, the 6'10, hardthrower out of Wichita State, started last season 0-7 before being sent down . He has a nice bite on his pitches but he must keep the ball down in the zone to be successful.

NL East Starting Pitchers Rankings

1)Mets - Johan is better then every other pitcher in the NL combined.
2)Braves - Aging starters may have one year or two years left. Rookie Jurgens has great stuff, watch out.
3)Philth - Cole is a dogs name not a SP. This rotation is why they will not make the playoffs.
4)Nationals - Gets the nod over Florida, for no good reason. Isn't Matt Chico cute?
5)Marlins - Will miss Willis at the top of the rotation. Scott Olsen has a lively arm, but thats all.

Enter Sandman

In 2006, the New York Mets Bullpen was rated first in the National League in ERA.  This helped the team to come within outs of becoming the National League representative in the 2006 world series.  Last Season the bullpen was ranked eighth and was terrible down the stretch in a handful of games decided by walks and homers by tired and shaky relief pitchers.  However the Mets' strategy over the offseason was to fix this problem by getting the best starting pitcher in baseball... Wait, how does getting a starting pitcher help the bullpen?, you ask?  The answer is that if Johan replaces a shaky starting pitcher giving us a much stronger starting rotation, there is less need to use relievers and the bad relievers could pitch when we have the game in the bag, while the good relievers can rest and pitch in games when they need good relief.  So now I will tell you about these relievers, it is going to basically look alot like last year.  There is a lack of variety amongst the pitchers (2 power throwers, and the rest sit around the 88-90 range): (Also Duaner when healthy will be here)

Matt Wise (Pre-Setup Man):  You probably never heard of him but he has been in the league for 7 years and we signed him for a little over a million dollars this offseason.  His main problem was that he hit Pedro Lopez in the face last July and that caused him to change his pitch structure from throwing a nice heater inside, but it looks like we are seeing better pitches from him now and he is regaining that pitch and we are likely to see him in the bullpen for 2008.

Scott Schoenweis (Relief):  If there is a lefty up, Schoenweis is a possibility in the bullpen... because he has shown trouble with getting righties out.  But look for him to gather up a couple of saves here and there.

Joe Smith (Relief): Sort of the opposite of Schoenweis.  He struggles with lefties and could get righties out.  However, Joe Smith is young and does have all of the utilities to be a big-time closer... Is this the year that we see his talent bloom?

Jorge Sosa (Relief Roller Coaster):  Yeah thats right, 2007 was a roller coaster for Sosa.  Started the season in the roation going 4-1 with 3.64 ERA then went 0-3 with around a 6.50 ERA.  Then he got bumped into the bullpen and went 2-0 in August and 0-2 in September.  But who knows what Sosa will look like in 2008 with Santana around and a stronger starting rotation.

Pedro Feliciano (Relief/Setup): Same deal, who knows what kind of pitcher he will be.  I hope its the kind that gets batters out.  That is all I care about.

Aaron Heilman (Main Setup Man):  What should happen, is that The starting pitcher will pitch 6-7 innings and then Willie should give the ball to Heilman followed by Billy.  Aaron is one of the best setup men in the league.  I am saying this because even though he had 4 losses down the stretch in '07, he still maintained a 2.34 ERA and those losses came on runs when ground balls kept finding holes.  Heilman is a ground ball pitcher and can get players out to set the game up for Billy.  If Billy is out for any reason, Heilman is the man who will close the game out.

Billy Wagner (Closer):  Billy is the heart and soul of this bullpen.  Billy throws hard and really showed that he is the best closer in the national league.  Although he is 26 and complained of being tired late in 2007, after watching the collapse, he may have realized that we wants to win a ring and the only way to do that is to close every game properly.  Over the offseason Billy has added a curveball and a changeup in addition to his slider and heated fastball, making him a unique 4 pitch closer. If Billy's stuff is hot in '08 then the Mets will be hot in '08.

2008 NL East Bullpen Predictions:

1) New York Mets:  Listen, Billy is one of the best closers in baseball and is a lock for 45+ saves, while setup man Aaron Heilman will also throw his heat.  When Duaner Sanchez gets back, assuming he coudl return to pre-injury form, this bullpen should be the best in the East.

2) Philadelphia Phillies: The acquisition of Brad Lidge will really help this bullpen.  With Lidge getting around 35 saves and setup man Tom Gordon setting the game up for him, look for the closeouts to be pretty decent.  However, behind them 2 it looks pretty thin.  JC Romero and Ryan Madsen ( who is coming off a shoulder injury) should be okay.

3) Atlanta Bravers:  For the first time ever, Rafael Soriana will get to be a full time closer.  Soriana defenitely has some talent but his problem is that he is always getting injured.  Their relief is basically Peter Moylan (who had a decent '07 with a 1.80 ERA) and Manny Acosta.

4) Washington Nationals:  Although at times it was rough Chad Cordero, the Nats closer, still got it done with around 35 saves.  They have a great setup man in Jon Rauch, who had 33 holds last season.

5) Florida Marlins:  Being on the Marlins, there may not be many save opportunities but if there are, Kevin Gregg is their man.  Last season Gregg had 32 saves but also led all full-time closers in walks with 40 BBs in 84 innings pitched.

Lopsided Trade?

Yeah it was... but what's done is done.  Milledge is gone.  But the outfielder we do get will be just as productive in 2008 as Milledge will be. His name?  Ryan Church, our new regular right fielder.  After the retirement of Sean Green, it looks like that our new regular out in right will be Church.  Besides a concussion Ryan suffered in spring training because of a collision with Marlon Anderson you could pretty much pencil him in as our every day right fielder for 2008.  How will he do, you ask?  He should be an above-average hitter.  Having a weak right field wall will help him considering Shea's right field wall is closer then RFK and he did have the most doubles (43) on the Nats last season.  In '07 Church batted .272 with 15 HRs and 80 RBIs, if he improves his batting against lefties we should be in good shape.  His solid glovework in right field will also help out our outfield.  Yeah, in the future Milledge will only get better considering he is turning 23 this year compared to Church's turning 30, but Church should be an above average right fielder that could help out our batting order and fielding.

2008 Predictions: .277,  19 HRs,  82 RBIs, .828 OPS,  55 BBs

2008 NL East RF Predictions:

1) Jeff Francoeur(Atl): Yeah his 2006 season was alot better but he will still be solid in 2008 and undoubtedly the best right fielder in the NL East.

2) Austin Kearns (Wash):  Kearns was on teh brink of 30 Jacks when he played in Cincy in 2006 but getting traded to Washington did not help him, but he is still a decent power hitter who should bat around .270 with 20+ homers.

3) Ryan Church ( NYM): If he stays consistent he should hit around 40-45 doubles and drive in over 85 runs which would help out this all star lineup just fine.

4) Geoff Jenkins ( Philthy): After 10 years in the Brewing capital of the US, you leave and go to the most disgusting city in America.  You don't deserve any credibility as an athlete. However you will still be better then Jeremy Hermida.

5) Jeremy Hermida ( Fla):  Sorry, but youre young, and you will get better.

Some Daily Yankee Hating

Some Funny Reyes 2K8 promos

Left Field is for Lovers

At least when they're medically cleared to play. Moises Alou is scary good when he is healthy. Last September, he hit .402 during the Mets collapse to go along with his 30 game hitting streak. Unfortunately, Alou is out till at least May with a Hernia. Dont even ask me who gets hernias in baseball these days, maybe i should get him a patch. His career numbers with the bases loaded are something the Mets are truly going to miss during his absence as he is a lifertume .354 hitter. Most importantly, he needs to be healthy for October where he averages an RBI a game. Last season, Alou had the fourth highest batting average for a player over 40 who had a minimum of 350 plate apperances with a .341 average. But the real reason we need Alou is for his right handed bat. The Mets have struggled against leftys over past few seasons and Alou's precense in the lineup changes all that. Stay Healthy man we need you.

To supplement the injury prone Alou, the Mets (provided that we dont add an outfielder) will platoon Angel Pagan and Endy Chavez. Mets fans will forever love Endy for making the greatest catch in the history of postseason baseball apply named "the catch" . He's another lefty who hit .287 last year after missing a few months with a hamstring injury. Endy still has good speed and should do a nice job against righties replacing Alou. The big question mark is Angel Pagan. He has had a blistering spring where he is batting .333 with 22 hits and 10 RBI's. But will that translate into the regular season I guess well see.

Predicted Alou/Chavez/Pagan 2008 stats: .275 21 HRs 90 RBI's

NL East Left Fielders

1)Matt Diaz - In his third year out of FSU the guy has already had two season which he hit above .320
2) Moises Alou - If the 41 yr old is healthy, hes has explosive bat speed, and did I mention he pisses on his hands
3) Pat Burell - Pussy, sucks against every team except the Mets..OVERATED and OVERPAID
4)Josh Willingham - In his first season starting, he hit 21 HRs and knocked in 74 RBI's. Not to shabby for a Marlin.
5) Elijah Dukes - Devil Ray outcast has had a career marred by off-field issues.

The 'Tran Train is Back

"El esta Aqui," the words that last year made some bite their tounges and some roar and cheer for him.  But the 2007 Carlos Beltran is no more.  The 2007 Carlos Beltran roller coaster ride is gone.  The inconsistnacy of last year (10 HRs in the first half and 23 in the second half), should be gone for 2008.  Beltran was plagued by injuries all of last season that didn't allow him to play to his full power hitting potential.  Although 33 HRs, 113 RBIs, 23 SBs and a .276 BA may not be considered a bad year for most major leaguers for Carlos that is just not okay.  At times Carlos would have walkoffs that made us cheer but the next day he would come up to bat at a crucial moment and blow it with a strikeout (See: 2006 playoffs).  Carlos has a whole offseason to get back on track and get healthy to be alot more consistent in 2008.  We look for Carlos to bring that batting average up and consistently get those extra base hits that will score Reyes or Castillo when they got on base at the top of the order.  One stat that I do believe will decline in 2008 for Carlos is Stolen Bases.  Because of Carlos' history of injuries in the hips, it will slow down his jump for second and cause a decline in the statistical category.  Carlos is the leader of this new revamped outfield.  Carlos should also be great in the outfield with his rocket arm that should help out the stellar defense that the Mets will show off in the final year at Shea.

2008 Predictions: .282, 35 HRs, 118 RBIs, .530 SLG,  20 SBs, 75 BBs

2008 NL East CF Predictions

1) Carlos Beltran (NYM)- Yep, he's the best out there when it comes to leading the outfield in the NL East.  Look for his numbers to improve in 2008 when he is healthier after a nice offseason.

2)Shane Victorino (Phi)- Now that Aaron Rowand is gone, Shane Victorino takes his place, with less power numbers, Victorino will be alright.  He will steal around 40 bases and bat around .275 for an okay season.

3) L-Millz (Wsh)- Yeah... Lastings is back in NL East, but this time with the Nats.  Milledge was traded in a terrible offseason trade for Schneider and Church.  L is still young but will only get better.

4) Cody Ross(Fla)- Could bat around .300 but will split time with other utility players since none of the Marlins are good.

5) Mark Kotsay (Atl)-  The worst outfielder in Atlanta overshadowed by Franceour.

We traded Milledge for Who?

Brian Schnieder is his name and defensive mastery is his game. Many of you faithful may remember his 3 hit, 3 RBI game on Sept 25, of last season in a 10-9 Nats win at Shea. Well I guess Omar so something there and decided that Paulie needed to go. It has been rumored that the Mets had no interest in resigning Lo Duca after posting a sub par year after being in the 2 hole all of 2006. Many insiders believed that Lo Duca and Wright had forged a friendship, and were concerned of his influence on the cornerstone of the Mets. They thought about the gambling, the young girls, any other inequities which the team wanted no part of thier Golden Boy involved in. So Goodbye Paulie, Hello Brian Schnieder / Ramon Castro.

So Maybe Omar remembered him from his Expo days, where he was played throughout his whole career from 2000-2007(obviously as a Nat). Schnieder has contended for several Gold gloves throughout his career. He has always been known for his rocket arm, and runners will surely be afraid when he is behind the plate. Something the Mets have been missing since the days before Mike Piazza. Schnieder's staffs have also been known to post lower ERA's when he is behind the plate. This may have been another reason, Omar brought Brian in, as the Met executives never really got over Lo Duca's apparent poor pitch calling in Game 7 against the Cards in 2006. The past two years, his numbers have improved offensively. Last season he was one of two catchers (Mauer,the other) to have had as many walks and strikeouts. Additionally, he hit .357 with the bases loaded in 2007. Not to shabby for our 8 projected 8 hitter.

Ramon Castro, should see starts in at least 50 games this season. Last year, he set a career high in homeruns, and should be a great right handed poer bat off the bench, and add a nice punch when Schnieders is not playing. With more at bats, Castro will only improve, and his progress should be fun to watch.

Predictions 2008 Stats: .250 8 HRs, 60 RBIs, 60 BB

NL East Catchers Rankings:

1) Brian McCann - The only real offensive catcher threat in the NL east
2-5) Paul Lo Duca - No reason to rank these guys there all pretty bad.
Brian Schneider - The best defensively of the bunch
Carlos Ruiz - Worst position player on the Phillies
Matt Traener - Maybe he'll start?

Jose,Jose, Jose,Jose, Jooseeeeeeeeee

Jose Reyes is the most dynamic player in baseball. Without a doubt. Even in a supposed off year,last season, he had a career high in stolen bases,78, which in part may have slowed him down in september. But, he also had a career high in walks with 77, showing how his patience has vastly improved over a guy who used to love swinging at the balls in the dirt. Most suprisingly, was his OBP at .354, the exact same as his 2006 campaign, the year he won the Silver Slugger in the NL. So what can be expected from Reyes in 2008. Well as the saying goes, As Jose runs, the mets go. Jose gets on base, the mets win. It's that simple. One of my all-time favorite Reyes moments was a game against Oakland at Shea. Reyes led off with a double, two errors later and Reyes was sliding home to give the Mets a 1-0 lead(sort of like an inside the park homerun. Shea was rocking. Reyes pumps up the masses that will enter Shea for the last time this year.And I cant wait.

Am i worried about last season's September slump? Not even in the least bit. Players slump, it happens. I just so happened Reyes slumped at the wrong time last year. Jose has vowed to be better prepared this year. He says (which i hope not) that he will not do those handshakes anymore. Jordan and I, love doing the Wright/Reyes handshake, and we will carry it on even if Jose doesnt. I would like to personally thank Reyes for taking Roger Cedeno out of the Mets records books. And with all the criticism he was taking last year, everyone forgets how the Mets signed him for almost nothing for a player of his calliber. I expect a big year from Reyes, as the sparkplug of the Powerful Mets lineup, will need to have. Reyes should Omar Visquel move on, also deserves a gold glove at SS. His tremendous range and laser rocket arm, make the left side of the infield incredible for the Mets this year and for many to come.And I cant wait to hear the roar of Shea chanting. JOSE, JOSE, JOSE, JOOOOOOSEEEEE, JOOOOOSEEEEEEEEEE.

Predicted 2008 Stats: 125 R,204 H,40 2B,15 3B,22 HRS,95 RBI,80 BB,67 SB, 302 BA.

NL East Shortstops Rankings
1)Jose Reyes - Wow the NL East SS's are good. Reyes get the nod with hometown bias playing a major role.
2)Jimmy Rollins - Die, I hope you like your MVP, becuase thats the last piece of harware youll ever see. Dont expect him to have a season like last. Hes cocky and a piece of S**T.
3)Hanley Ramirez- Wanted to give him the second best in the NL but couldnt becuase J-Roll of toilet paper did win the MVP last year(Shouldve been Wright). But man Hanley looked great last year. The problem is the Marlins lineup is thin, and why would opposing teams pitch to him.
4)Yunel Escobar - Part of the Braves youth movement,He's go a long way to go before he can match the other NL east SS's. But the Braves are taking small steps. Keep walking slow Atl.
5)Christian Guzman/Felipe Lopez - And you wonder why Washington is predicted to lose 100 games this season. Manny Acta is a great manager. But can you get some real players please.

He Batted .321 in SEPTEMBER?

The Answer to that question is Yes... Although some may think Delgado is in the decline, he is defenitely not a reason to blame the collapse of last season.  Delgado did bat .321 last September during the Mets crumble, having the best month of his 2007 season at the end.  I understand that some people consider last season as a blip for Carlos Delgado's career batting .258, but after coming off surgery before the 2007 season and hitting 24 HRs and 87 RBIs and hardly call Delgado's 2007 campaign a blip.  With the hip injury, the hand injury on the last game of the 2007 season, and the forearm injury from a broken back during spring training, and his turning of 35 this year, Shea faithful is panicking.  

People of Flushing,  there is no reason to panic he is the best we have right now.  There is no reason to give up good minor league prospects to get an inconsistent 1B from around the league who probably wont put up the power numbers that we know Carlos will have.  Yes, he may be a little overpriced as of now making around 14,000,000 but, we would rather have that knowing he is going to put some numbers to compliment the best offense in the national league.  After getting rid of Sean Green, Delgado will be trusted to be starting many games during the 2008 season and I believe he will do well at that.

2008 predicitions: .276, 28 HRs, 95 RBIs, . 498 SLG,  62 BBs

2008 NL East 1st Baseman:

1) Ry-Ho (Phi) - Okay although Ryan Howard didnt put up MVP numbers like he did in 2006 (.313, 182 Hits,  58 HR), Ryan still put up a solid 2007 season wiht 47 HRs adn 136 RBIs.  He will still have around 50 bombs, but who knows, Howard is known to struggle against lefties.  Mr. Howard meet Mr. Santana...

2) Mark Teixeira (Atl)- Also a Top 5 1st Baseman in the majors.  After being traded to Atlanta mid- 2007 and only playing 54 games with the braves he produced stellar numbers (.317, 18 HRs).  Teixeira will likely be a free agent after this season, which will only cause him to improve his statistics.

3) Carlos Delgado (NYM)- Coming off a couple of injuries, and people worried about his aging. Fans should not worry so much as Carlos is one of the most consistent 1st baseman out there.  Delgado will continue to raise the apple in Shea, in its final season, and will help out the Mets infield, as opposed to what most critics think.

4)  Dmitri Young(Wash)- Although he batted an extraordinary  .321 last season, lets be honest that is just not going to happen ever again.   With Nick Johnson getting healthier he is liking to split time with Dmitri Young, who may have a shot at .300 but is not going to anything great like the 2007 season.

5) Mike Jacobs (Fla)-  After the Marlins gave away the meat of their squad (Cabrera and D-train) they are just in trouble.  Mike Jacobs, however sheds some light upon them.  If he hits 20 HRs and bats .275 even coming off last season's wrist injury that may just be all they need from him.

The Man between Delgado and Reyes

"So who's the man you ask is in between Delgado (when he returns) and Jose Reyes?" You ask. The answer is Luis Castillo.  After having issues with his game in Minnesota, going through injuries and such.  Luis Castillo came to the Mets midst their 2007 campaign.  Luis played 50 games and managed to get 10 steals while batting .301 over the 2007 season.  Although at the time Luis has struggled with power hitting only 1 homer last year, he still managed to drive in 34 runs.  We will look for Luis to stay consistent this year giving us a batting average around .300 and it will be good enough to fill out the best infield in the National League.  Luis also gives us age and provides verteran status along with Carlos in the infield to guide our younger players through the upcoming season.  However Luis will likely share time with Ruben Gotay and Damien Easley.

Ruben will give us depth at the utility infield position as last year he batted .295 and we look for Ruben to stay consistent and give us the big at bat or game day for as many at bats as he does get when Luis doesn't play.  Easley is another great veteran in the infield who plays at various positions and at his age when he could jack 10 long balls that is a good sign.  

2008 Predictions (Luis Castillo)- .295, 2 HRs, 93 RBIs, 19 SBs,  55 BBs

2008 NL East 2nd Basemen (ranked in order-even though Santana will be in their league so...subject to change)

1) Chase Utley (Phi)- The philthy pride.... Chase, I hate to say it but, is the best second baseman in baseball without a doubt.  The guy missed a portion of the season with a broken hand and still bats .332 and 103 Rbis.  I hate him, but the man is money.

2) Dan Uggla (Flo)- His team is terrible... I felt bad so I give him this spot.  Also because he will put up big numbers.  He scored 113 runs with 157 hits and all he has to do is work on his K count (167-2nd worst in NL) and he will bring his average up to .300 . ( Once again refer to the above and you will say why this will be difficult)

3) Kelly Johnson (Atl) - Sorry Luis, but Kelley is just younger and only getting better.  He bombed 16 homers and scored 91 times.  

4) LUIS CASTILLO (METS)- Listen Luis your getting old I just hope you could maintain a good batting average, and put enough power numbers up to help this team win a world series, either way the rest of the batting order will help out.

5) Ronnie Belliard/Felipe Lopez (Wash)- Either sucks...

The Most Valuable Third Baseman in Baseball

David Wright is the best third baseman in baseball. Arod may put up more power numbers, But D-Wright is the complete five tool player. Had it not been for last years catastrophe, he would have had his first MVP of his career. His Career numbers have gone up every year













SEASON G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS
2004 NYM 69 263 41 77 17 1 14 40 14 40 6 0 .293 .332 .525 .857
2005 NYM 160 575 99 176 42 1 27 102 72 113 17 7 .306 .388 .523 .911
2006 NYM 154 582 96 181 40 5 26 116 66 113 20 5 .311 .381 .531 .912
2007 NYM 160 604 113196 42 1 30 107 94 115 34 5 .325 .416 .546 .962

And theres no reason to think he'll stop improving now. At 6'0, 200 pounds and only 25, he is just entering his prime. He already has a Silver Slugger and a Gold Glove under his belt, and the hardware is only going to continue to roll in. What's his weakness you ask? Not pitcher's arms . Versus lefties, he has a career .327. While righties can do slightly better, giving him a career average vs righties at .310. Plus he's hit thirty one more homeruns vs right handed pitchers then left handed ones. So basically, as a righty bring in any specialist you want, it isn't going to work. His eye at the plate is ever improving. He has continued to increase his walk totals in each of the last four years. Every statistical category has increased since hes been in the majors and I would only expect that to continue. If there is a weakness, I would have to say it would be the duece. Yes that dreaded curveball that Beltran knows so well. David has a career .129 average versus the curve compared to a career .329 average verse the heat. Fortunately, Wright's patience at the plate is tops in the majors, so pitchers wont be finding him chasing anything these days. Good luck trying to get him out. The Golden boy only gets better and we're not even talking about his amazing character and dedication to the game.
Predicted Stats .327 ,35 HRs. 120 RBIS, 35 SBS 45 2Bs, 102 BBs

NL East Third Baseman (ranked in order)
1. David Wright - God's image of a third baseman.
2. Chipper Jones - A slight edge over Zimmerman. Larry his 29 jacks last year, as his career is fading. Good riddance. Chipper, I hate you . I cant wait never to chant Larry ever again.
3. Ryan Zimmerman - A poor man's David Wright, is a up an coming star on a team that desperately could use some. Too bad for R Zim, that his team doesnt have much else. If he wants to move to second, the Mets have a spot for him?
4. Pedro Feliz - One of the Philths big offseason acquisition, had a poor year last season. Good Move Philith, get an aging third baseman whos decent at best.
5. Jose Castillo - This juiced Third baseman cant even hit homeruns. Pittsburgh, Florida, Who cares?

Bleed Blue and Orange

Boy it feels great to be back. My football team was dreadful. Unfortunately, I root for the other New York Team. My basketball team is run by Issaih, enough said. My hockey isnt the Rangers and My Terps well they stumbled as well. So yea, Im so glad to back to my true love in this wild world of sports. To anyone who knows me, my passion for my Mets burns deep inside and out. My room is covered in Mets stuff, My car, my office, even's my girl's room is Mets, Mets, Mets. Why you ask? Becuase all the fans are true to the orange and blue. My blood bleeds blue and orange and baseball is by far the greatest sport and I cant wait for April to come.

Im going to start this season by breaking down each position of the 2008 Mets. I will not discuss last season except for two points. 1. Willie Randolph is on the hot seat. Last season collapse was unacceptable. The past is the past, and the Mets have moved forward, Thank you Johan. But in my opinion, Willie should have been fired last season. I sure hope he has a Coughlin up his sleeve, becuase otherwise he is gone faster then Reyes going from first to third. 2. With 14 days left last season, I broke my rules and purchased a nice bottle of champagne to toast another easy NL east, heck we had a 7 game lead and I was in a liquor store. Needless to say that bottle remains uppoped and sits on my shelf to remind me every day not to take this sport for granted. Sure we have the best team in the National League on paper. But there are games to be played, 162 to be exact, and I expect these Mets to win at minimum 95 of them. That bottle will taste so sweet when we win the National League East this season. Enough of this little diatribe of mine. Last season is ages ago, The time to win is upon us. All the fans are true to the orange and blue so hurry up and come on down becuase we got ourselves a ball club the Mets of New York town.