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Saturday, June 19, 2010

Post Game Wrap Up: Mets win 4-0!!

Why stop now? The Mets contiued their torrid play of late, defeating the Yankees last night 4-0. The Mets got a great pitching performance from Hisanori Takahashi, as he went 6 innings, allowing just 4 hits, and no runs. Javier Vasquez was almost as good, allowing just 1 run over 7 innings.

Slick Hits
- The Mets again took an early lead, as David Wright doubled with 2 outs in the first, only to be driven in by Ike Davis's RBI single.
- The Mets bullpen went 3 innings, allowing no run, 4 hits, and struck out 3.
- Angel Pagan was 1 for 3, but had 2 big RBIs
- The Mets have now won 18 of their last 23 games, 8 straight, and all 7 games of this current road trip. The team is still 0.5 game back of Atlanta, but is now leads the Wild Card Race by 1.0 game.
- Jose Reyes (2 for 5) continued his string of coming up with a big hit. He drove in Jeff Francoeur in the 9th to add another insurance run.

Today at 1pm at Yankee Stadium, the Mets look to win their 9th game in a row and improve to 12 games over .500. Today's starters will be Mike Pelfrey RHP (9-1, 2.39 era) for the Mets taking on Phil Hughes RHP (9-1, 3.11 era) for the Yankees. Please follow @citislickblog on twitter for game updates and the lineup, as soon as it is released. For a pre-game preview, be sure to check out Anthony's blog here .

LETS GO METS!!!

Friday, June 18, 2010

A Picture is worth...........

Some images that express my feelings on the weekend series ahead:

Pre Game: Mets @ Yankees 7:05pm 6/18/10

The streaking Mets are back in New York tonight to take on the crosstown Yankees. The Mets have won 7 in a row, including 2 straight road sweeps of AL 'lesser' teams. The Yankees, meanwhile, are coming of a series loss (1-2) to the Phillies. The pitching matchup tonight has Hisanori Takahashi LHP (5-2, 3.48 era) taking on Javier Vasquez RHP (6-5, 5.43 era).

Look for a return to LF tonight of Jason Bay, who sat out yesterdays game with a charley horse in his quad. I also expect Chris Carter to DH again, as there will be a righty on the mound.

For tonight's lineup, as soon as it is released, check here .

Post Game Wrap Up: Mets win 6-4!!

The red hot New York Mets swept their second consecutive road series, defeating the Indians 6-4 last night. The Mets have now won 17 of their last 22 and 7 in a row. R.A. Dickey continued his great start to the season, going 6 innings, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits. The Mets offense was powered by Jose Reyes, who looks like he has returned to form.

Slick Hits
- Reyes was 3 for 5 with a double and a triple, 2 runs scored and an RBI
- Ike Davis continued his recent streak, going 2 for 5, driving in 2
- Dickey is now 5-0, with an era of 2.82.
- K Rod came on for the 9th and made it interesting. He did, however, strike out the side after allowing the tying run to come to the plate.
- The Mets tallied 14 hits and knocked around Jake Westbrook for 5 runs. Westbrook is a pitcher that the Mets are rumored to be looking at as the trade line nears. .....Maybe not

It's great to see this team sustain momentum on the road. The schedule gets a bit tougher over the next 9 games, which will be a true test. The Mets open up the 2nd Subway Series of the year tonight at Yankee Stadium. They then head back to Citi for 3 with the Tigers and 3 with the Twins.

LETS GO METS!!!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Pre Game: Mets @ Indians 7:05pm 6/17/10

Tonight the Mets look to win their 6th straight on the road and 7th overall as they take on the Cleveland Indians in the finale of their 3 game set. The Mets will send their knuckleballer R.A. Dickey RHP (4-0, 2.78 era) to the mound to take on Jake Westbrook RHP (4-3, 4.62 era). Here's a look at the Mets lineup tonight, as they look to keep the momentum going:

Reyes SS
Pagan CF
Wright 3B
Davis 1B
Francoeur RF
Carter DH
Blanco C
Feliciano LF
Tejada 2B

Just like last night, a win by the Mets combined with a loss by the Braves vs. Tampa Bay and the New York Mets will be in 1st place!

LETS GO METS!!!

Interesting Read: A few months make a world of difference!

Reading through the MetsToday blog and found a very interesting article about the State of the Mets. The article shows the Front Office's change in thinking from the start of Spring Training, and even at the beginning of the season. It's actually quite comical and certainly worth checking out. To check out the article, click here .

I find it fascinating that the Mets:
1. Thought Ike wasn't ready to help
2. Thought Mejia was best served in the Majors
3. Thought Gary Matthew Jr. was worth having on the roster

Post Game Wrap Up: Mets Win 8-4!!

That's 6 in a row for the Amazins. Just another quality start by a pitcher (Jon Niese), combined with an offense that saw every starter collect a hit. The Mets defeated the Indians last night by a score of 8-4.

Slick Hits
- Jonathon Niese went 7 innings, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits, while striking out 3. Another effective start for Niese, who cruised to this 4th win of the year.
- David Wright, the NL leader in RBIs (52), went 1 for 5 with a double, and added 2 RBIs
- Angel Pagan improved his avg. to .288, going 3 for 5 with 3 RBIs
- The Mets hit 7, Yes Seven, doubles in last night's game. Ike Davis had 2 doubles in a 2 for 5 performance.
- With an 8-3 lead, Jenry Mejia was ineffective for 2 batters, which prompted Jerry Manuel out of the dugout to bring in Elmer Dessens. Dessens allowed one inherited runner to score, but limited the damage and got the final 6 outs of the ballgame.

The Mets look to complete the sweep of the Indians tonight at 7:05pm before heading back to NY to square off against the Yankees tomorrow night.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Pre Game: Mets @ Indians 7:05pm 6/15/10

Tonight at 7:05pm, the Mets continue their series with the Cleveland Indians and look to win their 6th straight game. Jonathon Niese LHP (3-2, 3.61 era) takes the ball for the Amazin's, with Mitch Talbot RHP (7-4, 3.59 era) throwing for the Indians. Here's a look at tonight's Mets lineup:

Reyes SS
Pagan CF
Wright 3B
Davis 1B
Bay LF
Carter DH
Barajas C
Francoeur RF
Tejada 2B

It's hard to believe the Mets were in last place, 7 games out way back on May 21st. With a win tonight and a Braves loss, the Mets would hold sole possession of first place.

LETS GO METS!!!

Cliche': "What a difference a year makes"

I'm not big on cliche's. However, it seems fitting right now. The fact that the Mets currently sit only 1/2 a game out of first place on June 16th is staggering considering how poorly they started the year and how poorly they have played on the road this year.

On June 16th
2010 - 36-28, 1/2 a game back of the Braves for 1st place
2009 - 33-29, 3 games behind the Phillies for 1st place

While the overall records are similar, they don't tell the whole story. The Mets started out hot last year and the wheels began to fall off in late May when the injuries started to really handicap the team. There was no depth, no help in the minor league system. At this point last year, the Mets run differential vs. opponents was +6. This year, they are +37. Stark contrast.

This year, after a slow start, the Mets have really turned it on, winning 16 of their last 21 games. While their hot play of late cannot continue, I think the Mets are built to stay in the racethe entire year. If they can pick up a big piece or 2 (trade for another starting pitcher and Beltran?), the Mets could become the favorites in the NL East. This is especially true if the Phillies continue to stumble.

Now that was the glass half full way of thinking. What if the Phillies remember that they are the Phillies and start scoring 8 runs a game again? What if R.A. Dickey and Hisanori Takahashi remember why they are journeymen pitchers? What if the Mets have an injury or 2 to their 'core'?

It's a long season, but the current track of the Mets is a good one, especially when compared to this point in the season last year.

LETS GO METS!!! YA GOTTA BELIEVE!!!

Post Game Wrap Up: Mets win 7-6!!

Tonight the Mets won their 5th straight game and 16 of their last 21. Yes, you read that right! The Mets started out slow, falling behind 4-1. Johan Santana was ineffective early, but seemed to find himself as the game progressed. It also helped that the Mets decided to give him some run support, putting him a 5 run 5th inning. With the win, the Mets moved to within 0.5 games of first place Atlanta.

Slick Hits
- David Wright continues to produce runs, going 3 for 5, scoring a run, and driving in 3.
- Jose Reyes is back. On David Wright's infield single in the 5th, Jose scored from second base. Again, yes, you read that right.
- Ike Davis was 2 for 5 with a 2-run HR to dead center
- Santana went 7 innings, allowing 4 runs on 7 hits and striking out only 1.
- K Rod came on for the 9th, up 3 runs....And he needed all 3 of those runs to earn his 14th save, as he allowed a 2 run HR to Shelley Duncan.

I'm pumped, the Mets are playing good defense, using their speed, and getting timely hits. They need to continue to beat the teams they need to beat becuase the schedule toughens up a bit after this series. The Mets will head to Yankees Stadium for 3 vs. the Yanks, then return to Citi to play the Tigers and Twins.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Pre Game: Mets @ Indians 7:05pm 6/15/10

Tonight in Cleveland, the Mets look to build on their road sweep this weekend in Baltimore. Johan Santana LHP (4-3, 2.96 era) takes on Justin Masterson RHP (2-5, 4.74 era) in the pitching match up. Johan is coming off a tough performance in his loss last week to the Padres. He allowed 4 runs in 2-1/3 innings.

After a slow start to the year, Masterson has come on strong of late. He is great against righties, but struggles against lefties. For a full scouting report on Masterson, check out Anthony's blog, Long Live Shea Stadium here .

Here's a look at tonight's lineup:

Reyes SS
Pagan CF
Wright 3B
Davis 1B
Bay LF
Carter DH
Barajas C
Francoeur RF
Cora 2B

I like the lineup for the most part. I'm sure Jerry wanted to get Feliciano in there for another lefty bat, but couldn't sit Frenchy again.

LET'S GO METS!!!

Top 6 List: Similarities with NY Mets and World Cup

For those soccer fans among us....or for those at least somewhat interested in the World Cup. Below are the 6 similarities I found between the World Cup and the New York Mets

#6 Low scoring games
#5 A lot of close games
#4 Tim Howard/Johan Santana - Play through injuries, tough to score on
#3 Obscene noises from the crowd - Angry Mets Fans/Vevuzuela Horns
#2 Coach asking himself if he should replace his starter after poor performances. England's coach for their goalkeeper, Jerry Manuel with Ollie/Maine
and #1 Robert Green (Goalkeeper) of England does a Bill Buckner impression like no other. Mets/US score on an 'error' by the opponent

Mets Off-Day: News & Notes

Carlos Beltran Keeps Playing
Yesterday, in essentially a pickup game, Carlos Beltran played 5 innings in CF and had 6 plate appearances.

Not sure what to make of this, but at least he isn't sitting at home on the couch. I'll be interested when he starts a minor league rehab stint.

Trade Talks
Apparently the Mets have been talking to the Mariners about Cliff Lee. The Mets are also believed to have enough ammunition to pull off the deal. However, one player that the Mariners want is Jon Niese, whom the Mets are unwilling to part with. It's a steep price to pay for a guy who will be a free agent and will go to the highest bidder in the offseason.

There were rumblings late yesterday that the Rangers and Astros were getting close to pulling off a deal that would send Roy Oswalt to the Texas Rangers. Stay Tuned...

John Maine Rehab
John Maine pitched his first rehab start for the B Mets in Trenton on Sunday. Maine went 4 innings allowing just 1 run, while striking out 5. Look for Maine to make 1-2 more rehab starts before rejoining the rotation.

Monday, June 14, 2010

NL East Weekly Preview : June 14 - June 20

Following weekend series of interleague play, that scheduling continues for the week ahead in the NL East. Here is a look at the current standings:

Team W - L - GB
Atlanta Braves - 37-27 - 0
New York Mets-35-28 - 1.5
Phil. Phillies -32-29 - 3.5
Florida Marlins -31-32 - 5.5
Wash. Nats -31-33 - 6.0

Atlanta Braves
The Braves are coming off an 11 game road trip where they went 6-5. Most recently, the beat the Twins, at Target field 2 out of 3. The Braves now head home to take on the 1st place Tampa Bay Rays (40-23) for 3 games and then take on the Royals (27-37) for 3 games.

New York Mets
The Mets are playing great baseball right now, and carried their good play at Citi Field on the road with them to Baltimore. They swept the O's this weekend and have won 4 in a row and 8 of their last 9. The Mets head to Cleveland next (25-37) for a 3 game set with the Indians. The Mets then head back to New York to play the Yankees (40-23) in the 2nd Subway Series of the year; This time for 3 games at Yankee Stadium.

Philadelphia Phillies
The Philles just don't seem right, right now. They have lost 4 of their last 6 and just lost 2 of 3 in a weekend series in Fenway vs. the Red Sox. The Phillies head to Yankees stadium tomorrow night to start a 3 game series with the Yankees. They'll then head home to start a 3 game set witht he Minnesota Twins (36-27).

Florida Marlins
The Marlins are still lurking in the NL East race (5.5 games out). They just took 2 of 3 in a weekend series in Tampa Bay against the Rays. They now head home for 3 vs. the Texas Rangers (35-28) and then welcome in the Rays for a 3 game weekend set.

Washington Nationals
The Nationals are on the road and just lost 2 of 3 to the Indians over the weekend. They next head to Motown for a 3 game set with the Detroit Tigers (33-29). Following their series in Detroit the Nats head home for a 3 game series with the Chicago White Sox (28-34).

Mets Outlook: The Mets look to stabalize their play on the road following their sweep of the Orioles. The mid-week series with the Indians should allow the Mets to gain more momentum before heading to Yankee Stadium this weekend. With the Braves and Phillies have tough series with the Rays and Yankees respectively, the Mets will have a chance to do some more damage in the standings (possibly even move into 1st?). But it all starts with their pitching: The Mets head into the series with the Indians sending Johan Santana, Jon Neise, and R.A. Dickey to the mound.

Hopefully next week's preview has the Mets at the top of the division....one can only hope! LETS GO METS!!!!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Post Game Wrap up: Mets win 11-4!

The Mets completed the sweep today of the Baltimore Orioles in their weekend series. The Mets one todays game 11-4, getting an offensive outburst and a quality start by Big Pelf.

Slick Hits:
- David Wright had 2, 2-run home runs in todays game, giving him 12 HRs on the year.
- Chris Carter added a 3 run homer in the top of the first, making the Mets early lead 5-0.
- Big Pelf did not has his best stuff, but battled through 6 innings, allowing 3 runs.
- Jason Bay hit his 4th HOUR of the year and went 4 for 4.
- Jesus Feliciano collected his first 2 major league hits today.

The Mets have off tomorrow, and start their 3 game series in Cleveland on Tuesday.

Pre Game: Mets @ Orioles 1:35pm 6-13-10

Today the Mets go for the series sweep in Baltimore. I'm sure by now, the O's are tired of seeing teams from NYC. Here's a look at today's lineup:

Reyes-SS
Pagan-CF
Wright-3B
Davis-1B
Bay-LF
Carter-DH
Feliciano-RF
Cora-2B
Blanco-C

Mike Pelfrey RHP (8-1) takes the mound for the Mets and will battle Kevin Millwood RHP (0-7). A more lefty hitting lineup and some regulars (Barajas and Frenchy) get the day off from the Mets.

LETS GO METS!!