Several Positives In Met Loss

The Mets forgot their brooms in the clubhouse today. They had won the previous two games of the series against Atlanta but a bad start from Trachsel and a lack of timely hits cost the Mets the sweep. The final score was 8-5. Trach went 3.2 innings allowing 8 hits and 6 runs while walking 5 and striking out 1. Darren Oliver came on after Trach and pitched 1.1 scoreless innings allowing just 1 hit and 1 walk. Jorge Julio came in and pitched 2 innings allowing 2 runs while striking out 5 and walking 1. Chad Bradford pitched 0.1 innings and allowed a hit and a walk; Pedro Feliciano pitched the rest of that inning flawlessly. The Met offense hit the ball well but did not get those timely hits. They recorded 8 hits but left 11 runners on base. Despite loosing this one several positives came out from this game... Jose Reyes walked 3 times and had a hit, run and RBI. Beltran hit his first home run since returning to everyday play. Floyd got 2 hits and is starting to break through. Ramon Castro served as a great replacement for LoDuca behind the plate and at the plate. He got two hits and also threw out a base runner. Oh and Endy Chavez hit his first HR as a Met, his first HR since 2004. Defensively and Pitching wise... Kaz Matsui played good defense, showing good range and executing a nice run down. David Wright, despite not hitting the ball well, still stuck it to the Braves by making a phenomenal diving stop. The Met bullpen got some work in. Despite giving up two runs Jorge Julio threw the ball well. He made one mistake and Jeff Francoeur (4 for 5 with 5 RBIs) made him pay for it with a two run shot. Other than this Julio allowed just 1 hit and he struck out 5. His slider had great bite and we all know he throws gasssss! Willie Randolph managed a good game but I have just one question for him...Why not play Diaz in right? I know Chavez hit a HR but Diaz can do that and he is on the bench doing nothing, he plays an okay right field and hits the ball hard most of the time. Besides if you are going to give Nady a day off why not play the guy that would be playing there if Nady were not around?

Trach and Mets Bring Brooms To Atlanta

The New York Mets have faced the Atlanta Braves in 2 games of a 3 game set. They have one both on the backs of Pedro and Tom Glavine. Now they put the ball in the hands of Steve Trachsel. Trachsel is 2 and 1 with a 3.13 ERA to start the season. In his last outing he would have blanked the Giants if not for a home run by Barry Bonds. His Turner Field record is not very pretty (3-7 in 13 starts) but he looks to turn that around today. The game starts at 1:05 PM EST. It will be broadcasted on the WB-11 and on WFAN. Tune in as the Mets look to sweep the Braves!!! Good luck Trach and LETS GO METS!!!

Glavine Shuts Out Braves

Yesterday the Mets sent the former Brave Tommy Glavine up against the dreaded Braves. Since joining the Mets Tommy has never had many great outings against the Braves. But last night Tom had the best outing I have ever seen. He pitched 7 innings allowing 4 hits 2 walks and no runs. He made several nice grabs off the mound and just dominated them. In the 8th The A-Train, Aaron Heilman, did equally as good against the Braves. He faced 3 and mauled them all down while striking out 2. In the end Billy Wagner came on and saved a one run ball game for Tommy and the Mets. The only run scored was a home run hit by Paul LoDuca in the 6th inning. Carlos Beltran mad his return last night. He played the entire game and got 1 hit and 1 walk. His hit was a double that I feel if he is healthy will be a triple. The 4-6 hitters, Delgado, Wright, and Floyd got shut down, as none of them were able to get on base, they went a combined 0 for 12. The Great Kazuo got a hit to keep his 8 game hitting streak alive. The only other Met hit came from Xavier Nady. WP: Tom Glavine (3-2) 2.29 ERA LP: John Thompson (0-1) 1.32 ERA SV: Billy Wagner (7) 0.69 ERA

Farm Report

Norfolk Tides Triple-A International League Norfolk’s struggles continued Friday as Joe Thurston homered and drove in two runs, leading Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to a 5-1 victory over the Tides. Jose Lima (2-3) started for Norfolk and allowed three runs and four hits in seven innings, striking out seven in a losing effort. The Tides plated their one run against Red Barons starter Seung Hak Lee, who walked five and scattered five hits yet only was touched by Cory Aldridge’s RBI double in the fifth. Notes: The Tides had more bad news before the game, when it was announced pitcher Yusaku Iriki tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance and was suspended for 50 games. … Chase Lambin (.198) and Juan Tejeda (.286) had two hits each for Norfolk. … The Tides are 1-4 on their nine-game homestand. Binghamton Mets Double-A Eastern League Evan MacLane threw seven strong innings and Bobby Malek and Juan Padilla each drove in runs as Binghamton won at Erie Friday, 4-1. MacLane (3-0) allowed one run on five hits, striking out three, and Henry Owens struck out the last four batters to record his fifth save. The B-Mets opened the game up in the fifth with three runs off Erie starter Nathan Bumstead. An error by first baseman Kelly Hunt allowed Corey Ragsdale to score the first run, and Hunt committed a throwing error later in the inning that plated Yunir Garcia. Padilla then drove in the third run with a single to left, scoring Wilson Batista. Notes: Carlos Gomez stole his 10th base and went 1-for-4. He is batting .190. … Batista had two hits for Binghamton. … Owens has struck out 31 batters in 13.1 innings pitched. … Mike Pelfrey makes his Double-A debut Saturday at Erie. Bryan Edwards was placed on the disabled list to accommodate Pelfrey on the roster. ... According to the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, first baseman Brett Harper was placed on the disabled list with an injured shoulder. Michel Abreu was called up from Class-A St. Lucie. St. Lucie Mets Single-A Florida State League Jupiter plated five runs in an ugly seventh inning Friday, leading the Hammerheads to a 9-4 victory over St. Lucie at Tradition Field. St. Lucie carried a 4-3 lead into the seventh, but Mets starter Jose Sanchez (2-1) allowed a one-out single to Jai Miller, tying the game. Robert Paulk relieved and got the next batter, but five more Hammerheads would come to the plate before the inning ended. Brian Cleveland laced a run-scoring single and Paulk threw a wild pitch to Grant Psomas, plating another run. Edgar Gonzalez worked a bases-loaded walk and, with Carlos Muniz on in relief, Shawn Bowman committed an error that allowed two runs to score. Notes: Sanchez allowed five runs and eight hits in 6-1/3 innings. He walked one and struck out two. … Mike Carp went 2-for-4 and drove in two runs, giving him 12 RBI. He is batting .214. … Ambiorix Concepcion (.330) and Josh Petersen (.333) each had two hits in four at-bats. Hagerstown Suns Single-A South Atlantic League Ryan Meyers and Grady Hinchman allowed four runs in the sixth inning as Lakewood came from behind to defeat Hagerstown Friday, 5-4. Clay Harris’ RBI double, a Hector Pellot error and a run-scoring balk committed by Meyers (0-3) highlighted the frame, which erased an early three-run lead for the Suns. Leivi Ventura stroked a two-run single in the fourth and an RBI single in the sixth for Hagerstown. Notes: Jacobo Neguilis started for the Suns and allowed a solo home run to Jeremy Slayden in the second inning. He struck out three in two innings. … Meyers worked 3-1/3 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) and five hits. … Jonathan Sanchez had two hits and two runs scored. He is batting .216. … Fernando Martinez was 2-for-5 with a run scored. He is batting .338.

Morning Papers

Iriki fails drug test, suspended April 29 Newsday: "Yusaku Iriki, who was a phone call away from the Mets, received unwelcome news Friday when the commissioner's office notified the Japanese pitcher he had been suspended 50 games for violating baseball's drug policy." Bannister on DL, Mets turn to Tides April 29 New York Daily News: "Pitcher Brian Bannister landed on the disabled list yesterday, despite a positive diagnosis about the right hamstring strain he suffered Wednesday in San Francisco."

David Wright Wins You Ball Games!

In an absolute pitchers duel Pedro Martinez wins his fifth in a row against John Smoltz. The final score was 5-2. The phenomenal David Wright hit 2 home runs with 3 RBIs and 1 walk. "The Great Kazuo", Kaz Matsui, continued to play excellent defense and also hit well. He went 2 for 4 with 1 run scored. He was robbed for his third hit when John Smoltz made the second best play of the year thus far. Jose Reyes hit the ball well and also worked a walk against Smoltz. Reyes scored 2 runs and also had an RBI triple. Pedro pitched 7 innings allowing 4 hits, 2 runs and 1 walk while striking out 5. The only blemish came off the bat of Larry Jones when he hit a 2 run shot in the 6th. Dauner Sanchez dominated his inning of work. And the Sandman, Billy Wagner allowed 2 hits and a HBP, while striking out the side for his 6th save of the season. Carlos Beltran was not in the line-up tonight. He decided after BP that he was not at 100% and did not want to take the risk. Chavez played in his spot again, and played the position very well. However the fact of the matter is that the Mets need Beltran in the line-up. Chavez is great in the field but he is in no way shape or form a great hitter. Having him play everyday with Beltran on the bench makes this line-up weaker. Either Beltran needs to go on the DL, or he needs to play...ENOUGH OF THIS BENCH STUFF!!!

Brian Down Diaz Up

As I am sure many of you know Brian Bannister his been placed on the 15 day disabled list. This makes me worry that Brian's injury may be more than a grade 1 strain. He will miss approximately 3 starts. As of right now Victor Diaz has been called up, but sooner or later the Mets will move one of Jose Lima, John Maine, or Jeremy Gonzalez to make Bannister's starts.

A Met On Steroids?

RHP Yusaku Iriki has been suspended for 50 games for failing a steroid exam. Iriki was picked up this off season from Japan. He was with the team in Spring Training but did not make the 40 man roster. He was put on wavers but was not picked up, but now he will not be playing at all. Oh well...

Farm Report

Norfolk Tides Triple-A International League The Tides couldn’t figure Phillies pitching prospect Cole Hamels, who dominated in his 2006 debut Thursday as Scranton/Wilkes-Barre shut out Norfolk, 5-0. Hamels struck out 14 in seven innings and allowed just three hits, with Juan Tejeda going down on strikes three times. Three other Tides fanned twice, and Chris Basak had two of Norfolk’s three hits. Notes: Yusaku Iriki (1-2) started for Norfolk and allowed four runs on 10 hits in five innings. Iriki struck out eight and allowed a two-run homer to Carlos Ruiz in the sixth. Binghamton Mets Double-A Eastern League The B-Mets had Thursday off. Binghamton opens a three-game series at Erie on Friday night. At 10-10, Binghamton is tied with Portland for second place in the Eastern League’s Northern Division, trailing Connecticut by two games. The B-Mets were swept in a three-game series this week by the Akron Aeros and have lost four straight. Notes: According to the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, manager Juan Samuel will not travel with the team on its seven-game road trip. Samuel was hit in the face by a foul ball Monday and suffered a broken nose and two facial fractures. St. Lucie Mets Single-A Florida State League Gaby Hernandez returned to Tradition Field in style, allowing three runs and striking out eight in six innings as the Jupiter Hammerheads defeated the Mets Thursday, 12-7. Hernandez, a right-hander dealt to Florida by New York last December in the Paul Lo Duca trade, walked one and scattered six hits. He allowed a two-run home run to former teammate Mike Carp in the first inning, accounting for most of Carp’s three-RBI day. Notes: Mike Devaney (0-2) wasn‘t quite as sharp for St. Lucie. Devaney allowed eight runs (six earned) and nine hits in four inningsm, surrendering two home runs. … Lefty Edgar Alfonzo, Jr. gave up four runs in two innings of relief. … Corey Coles, Carp and Alhaji Turay each had two hits for the Mets. Hagerstown Suns Single-A South Atlantic League Jonathon Niese (3-0) kept his perfect start in order, allowing one run on six hits over five innings as the Hagerstown Suns edged the Lakewood Blue Claws Thursday, 2-1. Niese struck out six and walked two in the effort, with only a fifth-inning double by Lakewood‘s John Hardy inflicting damage. The Suns scored both of their runs in the second inning, as Elvis Cruz stroked a two-run double that plated Nick Evans and Matt Anderson. Notes: Fernando Martinez had two hits in four trips and is batting .333. … Cruz also had two hits for the Suns and is batting .231. … Josh Appell held the Blue Claws scoreless on three hits over 3-1/3 innings in relief, striking out seven. … Kevin Tomasiewicz recorded the final two outs for his first save.

Pedro Going For 5 In Atlanta

The New York Mets have just finished a 7 game West Coast swing. Last night they made the trip to Atlanta to finish off what will be a 10 game road trip. The first game of the series will be tonight, but first lets discuss the West Coast trip. In the first 4 games the Mets split the series 2-2 with the Padres. In game 1 the offense was dead for most of the game but the Mets made a 8th inning comeback scoring 6 runs, to complete a 7-2 victory. In game 2 the Mets offense remained dead as they only scored 1 run in a 1-2 loss. The game lasted 14 innings. In game 3 the Mets offense seemed to be clicking. Pedro was on the mound and was dominating. The Mets won that game 8-1. Game 4 was a complete disaster. Zambrano was not good but what's new... The Mets lost this one 7-4. In my opinion the Mets should have won all four games in this series for the simple fact that the Padres do not have much offense. The pitching was great except for Zambrano. In the second series the Mets faced off against the Giants, a team that has absolutely dominated them in AT&T Park. They finished the series in a 2-1 victory. In game 1 they lost 2-6. Again the Met offense did not seem to click, and Moises Alou dominated them. In game 2 Steve Trachsel dominated the Giants in a 4-1 victory. He only pitched 72 pitches but the bullpen held down the lead for him. In game 3 the Mets visited extra innings for the second time this road trip. They won 9-7 in the 11th inning, but may have lost Brian Bannister for some time as he left the game in the 5th inning with a hamstring injury. Mets Manager Willie Randolph made some mistakes this series but in the end it worked out as the Mets finish the west cost swing on a positive note. Now its off to Atlanta. Pedro takes the mound for the Mets in game 1. Thus far he is 4-0 on the season with a 3.04 ERA. He is coming off his most dominating outing of the season. He looks to take 5 in a row for the first time since 2004 with the Boston Red Sox. His opponent will be the great John Smoltz who is not coming off his best outing. He is 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA. The game will be broadcasted on SNY and WFAN. The action starts at 7:05 PM EST. Good luck Pedro and LETS GO METS!!!

Morning Papers

Loria tries to snuff out Willis, Cabrera rumors April 28 Palm Beach Post: "Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria is a soft-spoken man, but when the topic turned to the future of his marquee players, Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera, his voice boomed through the tunnels beneath Wrigley Field... Nevertheless, a Mets official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Newsday story about Willis was accurate." Tucker may replace Valentín April 28 New York Times (scroll down) (registration required): "The Mets signed outfielder Michael Tucker to a minor league contract Wednesday. Tucker, who will report to extended spring training in Port St. Lucie, Fla., was released by the Nationals on March 30 and could be an eventual replacement for José Valentín, the Mets' primary left-handed hitting option off the bench." Mets can be table Turner April 28 New York Daily News: "The teams open another series tonight, this time in Atlanta, with the Mets ahead five games in the NL East standings, with Pedro Martinez on the mound against John Smoltz for the fifth time since last season began, and with the Braves reeling after getting swept in Milwaukee." Relief for Bannister April 28 New York Daily News: "An MRI of Brian Bannister's right hamstring revealed the lowest level of strain, not a significant tear, leading the rookie pitcher to hold out hope team brass might let him take his next scheduled start." Nady has become popular choice April 28 Newsday: "Everybody loves Xavier. That's hard to believe for someone who was traded for Mike Cameron, the most popular player in the Mets' clubhouse during his two-year stay."

Farm Report

Norfolk Tides Triple-A International League John Maine picked up his first victory as a member of the Mets organization, pitching seven strong innings Wednesday as the Tides snapped Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s 10-game winning streak with a 4-2 victory. Maine (1-3) struck out nine and held the Red Barons to a run on five hits, taking a shutout into the seventh before Brennan King slugged a solo home run. Juan Tejeda drove in two runs and Lastings Milledge scored twice for Norfolk, who plated three of their runs with sacrifice flies. Notes: Heath Bell worked a scoreless ninth inning for his fourth save. … Milledge extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a fifth-inning single. … Binghamton Mets Double-A Eastern League Hits were in short supply again for the B-Mets on Tuesday, as Binghamton managed just five hits in a 4-0 loss to visiting Akron. One day after being one-hit by the Aeros’ Nick Pesco and two relievers, the Mets went quietly against starter Rafael Perez and three relievers, with the exception of Andy Wilson, who doubled twice in four at-bats. Bryan Edwards (1-2) started for Binghamton and allowed three runs in five innings, including a pair of home runs to Akron cleanup hitter Ryan Mulhern. Notes: Edwards struck out seven and walked one in the effort. … Henry Owens struck out the side around a walk in the ninth inning. St. Lucie Mets Single-A Florida State League Ambiorix Concepcion‘s game-winning two-run homer capped a five-run ninth inning for the St. Lucie Mets, who rallied to defeat the Jupiter Hammerheads Wednesday, 5-3. Blanked through eight innings by Jupiter pitching, Gary Carter‘s club erupted against Hammerheads pitcher Harvey Garcia. Corey Coles stroked a bases-loaded single and Yasmil Bucce scored on a passed ball before Jonathan Malo grounded into a fielder‘s choice that included an error by former Mets farmhand Grant Psomas. Concepcion then followed with his first home run of the year, a two-run shot to right field that clinched the walk-off victory. Notes: Alay Soler started for St. Lucie and struck out eight in six innings. He allowed one run and three hits, walking one, and has an 0.86 ERA. … Rafael Cova (2-0) picked up the victory with a scoreless ninth inning of relief, striking out three around a hit. … Jupiter’s losing streak extended to eight games. Hagerstown Suns Single-A South Atlantic League The Suns engaged in a marathon performance Wednesday at Lakewood, playing to a 7-7 tie for six hours and three minutes before the game was suspended at 12:41 a.m. Thursday. Hagerstown had 12 hits but allowed 21 in the contest, which featured three errors by each team and will be resumed on May 6 as part of a doubleheader. Notes: Fernando Martinez had three hits, including two doubles, and a run scored in nine at-bats for Hagerstown. … Nick Evans and Hector Pellot also doubled. … Suns starter Eric Brown allowed six runs and 10 hits in 2-2/3 innings.

Morning Papers

Willis for Mets' Wright? Wrong! April 27 South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "A Newsday article this week claimed the Marlins called the Mets to offer them Dontrelle Willis for third baseman David Wright... Before Wednesday's game, Beinfest echoed owner Jeffrey Loria's denial that such a deal was proposed." Bonds Hits No. 711, but Mets Prevail in a Classic April 27 New York Times (registration required): "But ultimately, the Mets pulled out a 9-7 victory against the Giants in anticlimactic fashion." Willie's pitch: Try minors April 27 New York Daily News: "Brian Bannister (strained right hamstring) hopes he can pitch Tuesday, but the Mets will start taking a close look at Triple-A Norfolk's rotation to fill any potential void. " Rotation will be altered slightly April 27 Newsday: "The Mets already planned to alter their rotation before yesterday's 7-5 win over the Giants, but after seeing Brian Bannister limp home in the sixth inning while running the bases, some further adjustments may be necessary." Now Zambrano will be bumped April 27 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "After saying he wouldn't bump Victor Zambrano from the rotation for this weekend's series with the Atlanta Braves, Willie Randolph did it anyway." Yanks and Mets Seek Tax Relief April 27 New York Times (registration required): "The members of the Council's finance committee weren't fretting about their 1040's, but wondering what would happen if the I.R.S. frowned upon the Yankees' and the Mets' stadium financing plans."

A Disappointing Victory...

The New York Mets beat the San Francisco Giants 9-7 today, however the victory cost the Mets way too much... Bannister took the ball and pitched well even though he gave up 3 runs. Bannister also had 2 doubles, 2 RBIs, and 1 run. However in the 5th inning after hitting a double and driving in two runs, he injured himself rounding third on a Kaz Matsui double. He scored the run but injured his hamstring. The severity of his injury is unknown, but from what I can see it looks bad. Heilman took the ball and pitched 2 innings allowing 1 run. But the Mets quickly came back and regained the lead, scoring 3 runs on 3 singles by Endy Chavez, Jose Reyes, and Julio Franco, and a double by David Wright. Billy Wagner came in to close out the game for the Mets and gets 2 outs allowing just 1 hit. Just as it looks like the Mets are about to take the series, Moises Alou reaches on throwing error by David Wright. Omar Vizquel scores. Barry Bonds pinch hits and Mets Manager Willie Randolph make an unbelievably stupid decision to have Wagner pitch to Bonds with first base open and Bonds burns them with a HR to tie the game. The score remained tied until the 11th inning when Ray Castro singles, Endy Chavez bunts him over to second, Chris Woodward doubles Castro in, and Reyes doubles Woodward in to score 2 runs. Darren Oliver finished the game pitching 1.1 innings for the "W". Even though the Mets won, this game was very disappointing to watch. With the injury to Bannister, the bad call by Willie and the blown save for Wagner this game was just disappointing for me.

Mets Look To Take Series

The Mets are set to take on The San Francisco Giants for the third straight night. The series is tied at 1 and 1. In game one the Met offense failed them as they lost 2-6, Tom Glavine allowed all 6 runs. In game 2 Steve Trachsel dominated over 6 innings as the Mets won 4-1. Today Brian Bannister takes the mound at 3:30 PM EST. He will take on Matt Morris. Tune into SNY for all the action.

Farm Report

Norfolk Tides Triple-A International League Jason Scobie allowed three runs over seven innings for a quality start, but the Tides managed only one run Tuesday in a 4-1 loss to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The Tides plated the run in the third inning, when Lastings Milledge singled, moved to second on a hit, then scored on Chase Lambin’s single to center. Scobie (0-2) allowed six hits and struck out four over seven innings. He walked three. Notes: Milledge went 1-for-3 and is batting .403. … Steve Schmoll allowed an unearned run in the ninth inning after a throwing error by catcher Joe Hietpas. … The 5-15 Tides have the worst record in the International League. Binghamton Mets Double-A Eastern League The B-Mets went quietly Tuesday at NYSEG Stadium, managing just one hit against Akron starter Nick Pesco and two relievers in an 8-0 defeat. Binghamton’s lone hit came in the fifth inning, when Jorge Padilla doubled to right with one out. Otherwise, the B-Mets were silent, with Pesco striking out seven and Binghamton fanning four more times against relievers Jim Ed Warden and Tom Mastny. Notes: B-Mets starter Miguel Pinango (0-1) took his first loss of the year, allowing four runs and seven hits over six innings. He walked none and struck out three. Pelfrey promoted: Right-hander Mike Pelfrey, the Mets’ first-round selection in the June 2005 Free Agent Draft, will join the B-Mets this week, promoted from St. Lucie. Pelfrey is expected to make his Binghamton debut on Saturday at Erie. St. Lucie Mets Single-A Florida State League Alhaji Turay’s run-scoring single in the top of the 10th proved to be the game-winner Tuesday as St. Lucie edged Brevard County, 4-3. The Mets scored twice in the ninth on a fielder’s choice and an error by Manatees catcher Nestor Corredor, taking a 3-2 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth. But Carlos Muniz (2-0) couldn't finish off Brevard County, loading the bases with one out via a hit and two walks (one intentional). Pinch-hitter Carlos Corporan then brought the tying run home with a single to left before Muniz escaped the inning with two fly ball outs. Edgar Alfonzo retired the Manatees around a Brendan Katin double in the tenth to secure his third save. Notes: Blake Eager started for St. Lucie, allowing two runs and seven hits in 5-2/3 innings. He walked none and struck out two, allowing a solo homer to Ryan Braun in the first inning. … Shawn Bowman had three hits in five trips with a run scored for St. Lucie. … Josh Petersen had two hits for the Mets. Hagerstown Suns Single-A South Atlantic League Nick Evans hit a grand slam as the Suns rallied for five runs in the bottom of the ninth Tuesday, pulling out a 7-6 victory over Lake County. Hagerstown went into the inning trailing 6-2, with the Captains’ Chris De La Cruz tagging a solo homer in the top half of the ninth providing what appeared to be insurance. But Marc Jecmen walked the first two batters of the inning before recording a flyout, and reliever Matt Davis walked Jonathan Sanchez to load the bases. Evans followed with his fourth homer of the season, a grand slam to center, tying the game. Leivi Ventura singled and Hector Pellot walked, putting the tying run at second base. Davis then threw a wild pitch to Jonel Pacheco, scoring Ventura with the winning run when Captains catcher Omar Casillas committed a throwing error. Notes: Kevin Tomasiewicz (3-0) picked up the victory for Hagerstown with 2-2/3 innings of relief, allowing two runs and two hits. … Sal Aguilar started for the Suns and allowed four runs in 6-1/3 innings. … Fernando Martinez and Evans scored twice. Provided By: Mets Inside Picth Magazine

Morning Papers

Wright Waits April 26 New York Daily News (scroll down): "David Wright's camp is not expected to entertain discussing a long-term contract until March 2007 at the earliest, after another year of spring-training arbitration cases and the market for young stars is further defined." Beltran Is Itchy On Bench April 26 New York Post (registration required): "Carlos Beltran (inflamed right hamstring) said yesterday that not being able to play is 'frustrating.'" Mets Try to Diagnose Zambrano's Sickly Start April 26 New York Times (registration required): "On Monday, Randolph said he did not intend to use Thursday's off day as an opportunity to skip Zambrano's turn in the rotation. But the pitching coach, Rick Peterson, said before Tuesday's game that he did not want to disrupt Tom Glavine's pitching on four days' rest and that Glavine would start Saturday in Atlanta." Pelfrey's pitching impresses April 26 Newsday: "Mike Pelfrey took his next step in what is sure to be a quick tour of the minors when the Mets promoted him yesterday to Double-A Binghamton." Let Mets know this Kaz a keeper April 26 New York Daily News columnist Vic Ziegel: "Scott Kazmir, nine months from his 23rd birthday, about 15years too young for the Yankees, against 37-year-old Mike Mussina - The Kid vs. No Kid - made for an interesting matchup last night. " Mets blast back at Barry April 26 New York Daily News: "Barry Bonds took a step toward history. Steve Trachsel took command after that, as the Mets beat the Giants, 4-1, last night."

The X-man On The Right Trach

The New York Mets sent Steve Trachsel to the mound yesterday (10:00 PM EST) and after 2 hours and 40 minutes he has another win. He is now 2 and 1 on the season with a 3.31 ERA and 10 and 4 against the Giants lifetime. Steve pitched six solid innings allowing 3 hits, 2 walks and 1 run (Barry Bonds HR # 710). Trach also had 2 strikeouts. His counter-part Jamey Wright pitched very well. Wright allowed 4 runs on 10 hits over 8 innings. 1 run came from the speed of Reyes. The others off of a solo shot from the X-Man, Xavier Nady in the 7th inning. Then a 2 run bomb into McCovey Cove from Cliff Floyd in the 8th. Kazuo Matsui also had is second consecutive multi-hit game. Nady's bat was the difference maker in this game as was his arm. He made a tremendous throw to cut down Lance Niekro at second base. Dauner Sanchez pitched for the first time in 4 games and boy oh boy was he good. He pitched 2 innings allowing just 1 walk and 2 hits. Billy Wagner came on in the 9th to close it out and he did so, recording his 5th save of the year. The final score was Mets 4 - Giants 1 WP: Steve Trachsel (2-1) 3.31 ERA LP: Jamey Wright (2-1) 3.34 ERA SV: Billy Wagner (5) 0.90 ERA For the complete box score visit Mets.com or click here.

Coincidence?

The Mets have lost 5 of there last 7 games. In that time Reyes, LoDuca, Wright, and Floyd have all been slumping. Carlos Beltran is injured and so is Anderson Hernandez. In my opinion if Reyes can not get on base the Mets can not score runs (especially with Beltran out). So the question is "Why is Reyes slumping so badly?" I think I just may have an answer. For the first 12 games of the season Reyes was hitting very well. He went 15 for 54, which is good enough for a 2.77 average. His defense was awesome, and the double play tandem of Reyes and Hernandez was just spectacular. During that time Reyes and Hernandez have gotten very close. They even started to look a bit like each other. On April 17th Hernandez got injured. Since that time Reyes has been slumping. He has just 4 hits in 28 ABs, which is good enough for a .143 average. So this may all just be a coincidence but the numbers show that with Hernandez by his side Reyes is a better hitter.

Mets Look To Get On The Right Trach

In Just about 30 minutes Steve Trachsel will take the mound for the Mets. This will be the second game of a 3 game series. Thus far the Mets are 0-1 in the series. They look to ride Steve to a victory tonight. The last time Trach made a start against the Giants was in his 2005 debut. He pitched 8 innings allowing just 2 hits in what was probably the fastest game of his career. He has a 9-4 record and 2.57 ERA in 19 career starts against the Giants. Thus far this season Trach has 2 good starts and one bad start. His counter-part will be Jamey Wright. Wright holds a 1-2 record and 5.81 ERA in 8 starts against the Mets. However he is 2-0 this season and he is dominating opposing hitters. Opposing hitters are hitting a miniscule .192 against him. The first pitch will come from Wright at 10:15 PM EST. Tune into to SNY or WFAN for all the action. Good luck Trach and LETS GO METS!!!

Farm Report

Norfolk Tides Triple-A International League The Tides snapped their five-game losing streak Sunday in the first game of a doubleheader, as Jose Lima shut out the Richmond Braves for six innings and Lastings Milledge tripled in the game's only run in a 1-0, seven-inning victory. Heath Bell pitched a scoreless seventh for his fourth save. The save was the 100th career minor league save for Bell, and his 34th all-time with the Tides. In the nightcap, Richmond put up three runs in the second inning facing Mitch Wylie en route to a 4-1 Braves victory. Wylie took his second loss of the season, allowing three runs and five hits over two innings, while Juan Perez and Royce Ring finished without allowing an earned run. Notes: The doubleheader was necessitated by Saturday's rain-out. … Milledge has two triples this season. He was 2-for-3 in Game 1 and 1-for-4 in Game 2, putting his average at an even .400. … Norfolk's Juan Tejeda snapped a nine-game hitting streak in the first game. … Chase Lambin's third-inning RBI single accounted for Norfolk's only run in Game 2. Notable: As reported by the Virginian-Pilot, Tides manager Tony Tijerina ripped into his club during a closed-door meeting, attacking his players for complacency in the second game. Binghamton Mets Double-A Eastern League B-Mets pitching was tattered for 16 hits Sunday as Erie trounced Binghamton at NYSEG Stadium, 15-4. Miguel Perez started for Binghamton and was rapped for five runs and six hits in four innings, taking his first loss of the season. Eddie Camacho (three runs, one earned), Tim McNab (five earned runs) and Orlando Roman (two earned runs) followed in relief. Notes: Jay Caligiuri slugged his third home run in the seventh inning, a two-run shot off Erie starter Humberto Sanchez. ... Caligiuri had four RBI, giving him 13 for the season. That ranks him third in the Eastern League. St. Lucie Mets Single-A Florida State League Alhaji Turay homered and drove in two runs, and Ambiorix Concepcion had three doubles as St. Lucie won at Brevard County Sunday, 7-3. Turay connected for his second long ball of the year in the third inning, tagging a solo shot off of Manatees starter Mark Rogers. Jose Sanchez gave the Mets five good innings and improved to 2-0, allowing one earned run – a solo homer to Travis Ezi - and four hits over five innings. Notes: Matt Lindstrom and Robert Paulk finished up in relief, combining to hold Brevard County to an unearned run over four innings. … Concepcion has seven doubles this year. … Josh Petersen also had three hits for St. Lucie, while Shawn Bowman had two hits and drove in a pair. Hagerstown Suns Single-A South Atlantic League Ryan Meyers allowed four runs and six hits in four innings, and a late charge fell shy as the Suns fell to Lake County Sunday, 6-5. Meyers fell to 0-2 with the decision, walking three and striking out one. Leivi Ventura smacked a solo homer for Hagerstown in the second inning and the Suns put up three runs in the seventh against reliever Matthew Loberg, with Rafael Arroyo's two-run single highlighting the inning. Notes: Ventura and Arroyo paced Hagerstown's offense with a pair of hits each. … Suns reliever Brandon Nall allowed two runs in 2-2/3 innings pitched. … Kevin Tomasiewicz and German Marte combined to record seven outs in relief. -Porvided by: Mets Inside Pitch Magazine

Morning Papers

Hernandez Apologizes To Padres' Gal Trainer April 25 New York Post (registration required): "Embarrassed Mets broadcaster Keith Hernandez was reprimanded by SportsNet New York yesterday even after he apologized to the female Padres massage therapist who sparked his chauvinistic 'women . . . don't belong in the dugout' remark." Mets get hit for walks to Barry April 25 New York Daily News: "Moises Alou belted a three-run homer off Tom Glavine after a first-inning intentional walk to Bonds and had five RBI on the night as the Giants beat the Mets, 6-2, in the opener of a three-game series." Marlins owner shoots down Willis rumor April 25 Miami Herald (scroll down) (registration required): "For the second time in less than two weeks, Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria denied a report that the team had sought to trade Willis." Beltran nears trip to DL April 25 Newsday: "The Mets have targeted Friday as the deadline to place Carlos Beltran on the 15-day disabled list and manager Willie Randolph suggested for the first time yesterday that Lastings Milledge could be his replacement if that happens." Mets will stick with Zambrano April 25 New York Daily News: "Victor Zambrano will start Saturday in Atlanta on turn, even though a Thursday off-day gave the team the opportunity to skip him." Omar Deserves His Props April 25 New York Post columnist Joel Sherman (registration required): " Like just about everyone else, TMS thought Omar Minaya sold a starting center fielder (Mike Cameron) and a starting pitcher (Jae Seo) too low to land, respectively, a platoon corner outfielder (Xavier Nady) and a set-up man (Duaner Sanchez)." Lumber's Gone Into Slumber April 25 New York Post columnist Mike Vaccaro (registration required): "Barry Bonds is hurting, and he is aging, the best baseball body that science could build finally betraying him, making it seem less and less inevitable that Henry Aaron's forever number of 755 home runs will someday be his." Deal near for Mets' new digs April 25 New York Daily News: "Barring an unexpected balk, the Mets have nailed down their deal for a new stadium."

Tommy Looks For 20

The New York Mets are set to take on the San Francisco Giants in a 3 game series. The first game is tonight at 10:15 PM EST. The Mets have never had much success in the Giants home. In the last 6 years they are 4 and 16 at AT&T Park (formerly known as SBC Park). Tom Glavine will take the mound for the Mets against Matt Cain. Tommy has 19 career wins against the Giants. Tonight he looks to make it 20. He comes into this game with a 2-1 record and a 1.38 ERA. Cain is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA. This season left-handers have hammered Cain while right-handers are hitting just 2.12 with a 3.94 slugging percentage. Coverage will start at 9:30 on SNY. Tune in for all the action. This game will also be broadcasted on WFAN.

ZambraNO!!!

My Rant: The Last Straw With my friends and fellow Mets fans I am always the one known for being too supportive with struggling Mets, I think booing players in no shape or form will help players perform better, But I can’t wait to witness Victor Zambrano’s next start at home, I will get much satisfaction with the sweet serenade of gleeful booing which awaits him. What does booing really do? KazMat is a perfect example of how booing will serve no purpose. Omar, the man that resurrected our franchise, has been stuck with Kazmat and his ridiculous salary. It was reported all summer that the Mets were actively trying to deal Kazmat, even offering to pay the majority of his contract, but even the great Omar couldn’t pull it off. The only thing booing Kazmat does is tell management that the fans are not satisfied with his play on the field. But the situation with the amount of money he is getting paid gives the Mets brass no room to maneuver. It would be unheard-of for an organization to have a 10 million dollar man ride the pine. I think it is easy to say, that no matter how much money a ballplayer is making he all in all doesn’t want to “suck”, nobody wants to suck. I feel that we should boo when we see players not giving an all out effort. Throughout Kazmat’s time with the Mets, he has always has put forth effort, he gives it all that he’s got, the problem is he hasn’t got much. Point of notice: Switched from his natural fielding position (no complains) Worked extensively on improving defense (anyone seen his newly added backhand, keeping count, 2 so far) His willingness to sacrifice his body for the team(that nasty double-plays where he showed no regard for the charging baserunner) The most electrifying play of the year (I am not ashamed to admit it but I was jumping up and down like I was at the track when Kaz was rounding the bases for his record-setting inside-the-parker) We cannot forget the type of pressure it is for ballplayers to play in New York, the media and fan pressure has been known for folding up players like origami. I see booing hasn’t worked so far, how about we throw Kazmat a changeup and give him a standing “O” for his return home. O, sorry for all that Kazmat stuff, lets get down to the real nitty gritty. I don’t want to call it “magic” but has anyone noticed who that nasty flamethrower named Julio. It can’t be that guy we traded Benson for can it? I know Rick Peterson is a good pitching coach, but if he can put a guy like Julio together he will then raise to another level. I say we can use Julio and Kazmat as measuring sticks to see why Zambrano has to go. Julio’s limited time with Rick Petersons has made him seem like a new man, Zambrano now has almost 2 years with the magician and still can’t pull himself together. All last year I felt that if they took out Zambrano and Ishii earlier in the year and placed Seo and Heilman the Mets would have ended the Braves silly streak. Zambrano doesn’t seem poised on the mound, he exudes no form of emotion. His inability to focus causes him to walk batters and offer up “fatties” to profession hitters that deposit those mistakes in the seats. Zambrano is going to be 31 this year, his best season was when he went 11-7 with a 4.12 ERA, at best in his career he has been mediocre. He is an old dog, and everyone knows that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, especially if he was traded for Scott Kazmir. I think what it comes down to is pressure and Zambrano’s inability to adjust. Cliché: “baseball is a game of adjustments”, if Zambrano chooses not to change his approach he will surely continue on his gloomy path to failure. It is easy to say that Zambrano is not a New York kind of guy, he felt the pressure from the moment he arrived (Kazmir), but New York is New York, its either you make it or you don’t. I am not talking about baseball alone but life in the big apple all together. I personally see Zambrano as a guy who has not shown any effort to pull himself together. As I said before, nobody wants to “suck”, but Zambrano chooses not to change. Maybe it’s just me but he looks as if he doesn’t care, when he gave up that grandslam today he had no expression on his face. I know many ballplayers don’t ware their heart on their sleeve, but I can’t bare to look at his bland bewildered face anymore. All in all I wish Zambrano luck, but pretty soon he will start to hamper the team, the mindset of most of the players will be a feeling that they are going to lose whenever Zambrano pitches. Today after he gave up that grandslam I went and washed my car, I didn’t want to waste my time with watching the rest of the game. And lets give KAZMAT some home luvin.

Mets Bring Bats For Pedro

In his fourth start of the season Pedro Martinez pitched 7 innings allowing just 2 hits, 2 walks, and 1 run, while striking out 11 in a 8-1 victory. The only run allowed came from a monstrous shot by the one and only Mike Piazza. Pedro recorded his 100th career road win, his 201st career victory, and his 4th victory of the season. In the bottom of the second the X-Man, Xavier Nady hits a leadoff HR against his former team. Ramon Castro followed him up with a solo shot of his own. In the 7th inning Carlos Delgado goes deep for the third time in three games. David Wright walked twice and scored twice, he was also hit by a pitch. Cliff Floyd had a sac fly RBI. And Jose Valentin picked up his second hit of the season. After his 7 innings Martinez left the game, and Manager Willie Randolph went to Jorge Julio with a 6-1 lead. Julio was the only pitcher in the Mets bullpen that was not used yesterday. Julio looked good in the 8th. Had an AB and looked horrible. Then he came in for the 9th... He walked the first batter, and then got a double play ball but Wright made an error and both runners were safe. The next guy hit a single to load up the bases. Then Julio turned it on. He struck out the next batter and then got another double play ball to get him out of the inning. Julio has looked good in his last 3 outings (4 innings). He is beginning to look confident, and starting to locate his fastball well. If he can keep this up, we will have absolutely no holes in our bullpen. Pedro had his sharpest start of the season, and we can expect to see this more and more. The Met offense is starting to get back into shape. Reyes is still slumping, and Beltran is still out of the line-up. I believe he will sit out tomorrow’s game, and get restarted in San Francisco. In a side note: My wish was granted...Barry Bonds hit his first HR of the season...THANK GOD!!!

Pedro Looking For 4 In A Row

Pedro Martinez takes the mound for the Mets tonight. He has won his first 3 starts and looks to make tonight his 4th. Pedro will take on the San Diego Padres in the third game of a four game series. Against the Pads Pedro has a lifetime record of 8-3 with a 3.16 ERA and 1 save. His counter part for todays game will be Chris Young. Young has never faced the Mets. This season Chris has looked impessive. He is 2-0 with a 2.95 ERA. The former Met Mike Cameron will make his season debut tonight. Good Luck Pedro and Lets Go Mets!!!

A Lot Has Happened...

In the past 8 days, while MetsPlanet.com was out the New York Mets have played 8 games. In those 8 games they have gone 4 and 4. They beat the Brewers 2-1 in a 3 game series. They lost to the Braves 1-2 in a 3 game series. And they are in a 1-1 tie with the Padres. The Mets pitching has been phenomenal. In 6 of the 8 games the staff has allowed 3 runs or less. The bullpen has allowed just 1 run over 21.2 innings. However the reason this Mets team has lost 4 of 8 games is because of their lack of offensive production. The Met offense has scored just 29 runs in the last 8 games, and only 13 in 6 of those 8 games. In the first 8 games of the season the Mets scored a total of 53 runs. The only explanation for this is that so many of the Mets started off very hot. Wright, Reyes, Nady, LoDuca have all since cooled down, and are kind of slumping. Floyd is now breaking out of his slump. And Carlos Beltran is day to day with strained hamstring. Aside from wins and losses a lot has happened to this ball club. Carlos Beltran as I mentioned before is day to day with hamstring issues. Floyd was out for a few days due to a rib-cage strain. And Andy Hernandez has been placed on the DL with a bulging disc in his lower back. Hernandez's injury has prompted the return of the infamous Kazuo Matsui. Matsui continued his first AB HR streak and is now at 3. He has also made several sparkling plays on the field. He needs to use this road trip to get hot, and bring that back with him to Shea. I believe that if he can get the fans behind him, he will be more focused on the game and will play good or maybe great. Kazuo is not the only Met to make history in the past few days. Julio Franco, on Thursday, became the oldest player to hit a Home Run in the Major Leagues. Congratulations to him for that. Right now the Mets a facing a week team in terms of offensive power. They need to step up they’re hitting and win tonight and tomorrow against San Diego. Then they need to win the series in San Francisco, and head to Atlanta with a full head of steam. Oh by the way, and God forbid, I hope Bonds hits his first HR of the season tonight or tomorrow because if he does it against the Mets we will never hear the end of it...

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We Are Back!!!

MetsPlanet.com Would like to apologize to all Met fans. We have been down for the past 9 days because we were reconstructing the site. We changed the complete layout of the site. There are still several things we are working on but we will be posting everyday from this point on. We have done away with the stats page. It is just too much work to get it up to date everyday. We are working on adding a Standings page to the side bar, and that should be up within a few days. We will continue to work on improving the site but you have our word that we will never be out for this long ever again. Please do us a favor and click on the "comments" link below... Leave us a message about a new feature you would like to see added to MetsPlanet.com.

Zambrano Just Good Enough In Blowout

The New York Mets pulled out the brooms and put them to good use. They swept the Washington Nationals in a 13-4 blowout. Zambrano became the first Met starter to not go 6 innings. He went 5 and pitched great in his first 3 innings. In the fourth and fifth he had some controll issues and allowed 3 runs. Darren Oliver came on to pitch the 6th and 7th. He didnt allow a single runner over the 2 innings, he also struck out 4. The infamous Jorge Julio came on in relief and he allowed 1 run. Then Dauner Sanchez came in to close out the game. The Met offense was dominant. Reyes got on base, Woodward had 2 key hits, Beltran, Delgado, Wright and Floyd all hit homeruns, The X-Man, Xavier Nady got a single and Ramon Castro played well behind the plate and also got a hit.

Game 3: Zambrano vs Hernandez

Today at 1:00 PM EST the New York Mets will send Victor Zambrano to the mound for the first time this season. Zambrano started the season with a pull in his left hamstring. He missed his second start due to a rain out. Now 1 week and 2 days later Vic is ready to go. The Nationals right-hander Livan Hernandez will oppose him. Livan is the Ace of this team and he is a workhorse. In his last start against the Mets he gave up 3 runs over 6 innings in a 3-2 Met victory. Livan will take the mound at approximately 1:05 at RFK Stadium. The game will be broadcasted on SNY and WFAN. Good luck Zambrano and LETS GO METS!!!

Pedro vs Armas Jr. or Pedro vs Guillen

Pedro Martinez and the New York Mets are set to take on the Washington Nationals. The Nationals will send Tony Armas Jr. to the mound, but that is not the story in tonights game. The big story is Pedro. In his last outing Pedro hit 3 batters. Including Jose Guillen twice. However this is not the only time Pedro has hit Guillen. Pedro has plunked Guillen on 5 occations. In the last game Jose had enough and ran toward Pedro pointing his bat at him before getting restrained by the home plate umpire and Paul LoDuca. After the game Guillen said things will get ugly if Pedro hits him again. Pedro has told the media that he will not stop pitching inside, and if he hits anyone then so be it. He will try not to do it but by no means will he stop pitching inside. The umpires will issue a warning to both sides to start the game. The matchup begins at 7:10 PM and will be broadcasted on SNY. Tune in for all the action. Good luck Pedro and LETS GO METS!!!

Updates...

We have finally updated the depth chartg and both hitting and pitching stats. We are sorry for the delay. We will try to update every day from now on. Another note is that we will not be posting the morning news for the next few days.

Morning Papers

Harris Waits April 12 Miami Herald (scroll down) (registration required): "Lenny Harris remains unemployed but continues to hold out hope he'll land on his feet in the majors... He said he has had contact with the Angels, Mets and Phillies." No Walks, Little Talk, but Rookie May Have Right Stuff April 12 New York Times (registration required): "Still, how can they not be excited by what Bannister, a 25-year-old right-hander, may represent? Tuesday, he carried a shutout into the seventh inning as the Mets spoiled the Washington Nationals' home opener with a 7-1 victory." Mets get glimpse of the future April 12 Journal News: "The Mets' kids were more than all right in their 7-1 Opening Day-spoiling rout of the Washington Nationals, with all four making substantial contributions as their team, in winning five of its first six games and four straight, steamed to its best start since 1985." More fireworks with Pedro going? April 12 Newsday: "Fists could fly if one of his pitches hits anybody - and specifically any body part belonging to the combustible Jose Guillen, who challenged Martinez during a tirade last Friday from the safety of the visitors' clubhouse at Minute Maid Park in Houston." Wagner Survives Wild 9th April 12 New York Post (registration required): "Heading into the ninth inning yesterday, the Mets hadn't walked any Nationals batters all day. But in the ninth, Billy Wagner came in and walked three." Beltran's Swinging Hot Stick April 12 New York Post (registration required): "Carlos Beltran didn't have to worry about a curtain call after his homer yesterday since the Mets were on the road. He also doesn't need to worry about the way he's swinging the bat either." Delgado opts to stand far from Cheney April 12 New York Daily News: "Carlos Delgado's opposition to U.S. military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan are well documented. But the first baseman took a tactful approach when Dick Cheney visited the Mets' clubhouse yesterday, before the VP tossed out the ceremonial first pitch at the Nationals' homer opener." Drug Test KOs Mateo April 12 New York Post (registration required): "Waner Mateo, a right-hander on the Mets' A-ball Hagerstown team, has been suspended for 50 games for testing positive for a 'performance-enhancing substance.'"

Morning Papers

Duck! Cheney gets 1st pitch April 11 New York Daily News: "Vice President Dick Cheney will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before this afternoon's game against the Mets." Mets hope to avoid fight April 11 New York Daily News: "Major League Baseball backed Pedro Martinez and the Mets' contention they did nothing wrong in their bench-clearing incident against Washington last week, suspending and/or fining three members of only the Nationals yesterday on the eve of the potential grudge match series that will begin this afternoon in D.C." Robinson and Rodriguez Are Suspended April 11 New York Times (registration required): "Major League Baseball suspended the Washington Nationals' manager, Frank Robinson, for one game and reliever Felix Rodriguez for three games yesterday and fined them for their actions in last Thursday's game against the Mets." Randolph: Roadwork Is Crucial April 11 New York Post (registration required): "The toughest obstacle the Mets may face in Washington this week is not being in New York." Qns. pols balk at Mets' offer April 11 New York Daily News: "Seeking support for its stadium plan, the Mets have offered to spend $200,000 on sports programs for local kids - drawing howls of protest from some Queens lawmakers who demanded a $1 million payout."

Morning Papers

Wright-ing A New Attitude April 10 New York Post (registration required): "The Mets third baseman smashed a game-tying two-run triple to right in the seventh off Willis. He added the winning sacrifice fly there in the ninth, propelling his first-place club to a 3-2 victory over Florida." Glavine In Early Groove April 10 New York Post (registration required): " Even though he was long gone by the time David Wright's sac fly gave the Mets a 3-2 win over Florida yesterday, it was Glavine who kept them in the game against Dontrelle Willis." HBPs puzzle Floyd April 10 Newsday: "Cliff Floyd admits he doesn't get it. The Mets' leftfielder finds it puzzling that when there is an episode like the one Thursday involving Pedro Martinez and Jose Guillen, innocent bystanders are drawn into the conflict." Mets, Nationals told by MLB to keep cool April 10 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "Major League Baseball is sending a message to the Mets and Washington Nationals to avoid a beanball war during their three-game series that begins tomorrow." Sanchez, Wagner pen happy ending April 10 New York Daily News: "Duaner Sanchez doesn't care when the bullpen phone rings. Just as long as the voice on the other end of the line is calling for him."

Wright Propels Mets to Victory

Today the Mets and the Marlins sent great pitchers to the mound and as expected there was an absolute pitchers duel. Glavine pitched 6 innings allowing 5 hits, 2 walks, 2 runs, and 5 strikeouts. His 2 runs came in the 6th inning. Willis pitched 8 innings allowing 7 hits, 2 runs, and 4 strikeouts. His 2 runs came in the 7th off of a David Wright 2 run triple. Duaner Sanchez pitches 2 solid innings. And Wagner pitches a shaky 9th for the win. With the game tied Marlins manager Joe Girardi brings in a 20-year-old rookie to pitch the 9th inning. And he folded under pressure, allowing a leadoff walk to Carlos Beltran. A single to Delgado, Beltran moves to 3rd and for the second time in the game David Wright comes through with a sac fly to win the game. Winning Pitcher: Billy Wagner (1-0) 3.00 ERA Loosing Pitcher: Carlos Martinez (0-1) 3.86 ERA

The D-Train Makes a Stop At Shea

In just a few minutes Dontrelle Willis and the Marlins will take on Tom Glavine and the Mets. The pitching match-up was originally scheduled to be Brian Moehler for the Marlins and Victor Zambrano for the Mets, but due to yesterdays rain out Tom Glavine will have there match-up instead. Glavine has pitched in 1 game thus far. He allowed 1 run over six innings while striking out 6. Today he looks to grab his 277th career victory. He has a 1-6 record in 11 starts against the Marlins since he joined the Mets for the 2003 season, including a loss in his last six decisions against them. Dontrelle is also making his second start of the season. In his first he pitched 5 innings allowing just 1 hit, but was pulled due to a pitch count above 100. The D-Train has a lifetime 8-1 record against the Mets with a 1.85. Good luck Tommy and LETS GO METS!!!

Morning Papers

Beltran Finally Answers Fans' Call April 8 New York Post (registration required): "The iciness that developed between Carlos Beltran and Met fans this week showed signs of thawing last night." Guillen: Rematch Could Be 'Real Ugly' April 8 Washington Post (registration required): "A day after he was hit by two of Pedro Martinez's pitches -- and with suspensions impending for one of his teammates and his manager within the next week or so -- Washington Nationals right fielder Jose Guillen vowed that his feud with the New York Mets' right-hander was far from over." Met bats maul Marlins April 8 New York Daily News: "Steve Trachsel breezed through six strong innings, and holdovers David Wright and Jose Reyes led a revamped lineup with a homer and three RBI apiece in a 9-3 win over Joe Girardi and the Marlins." Gagne out 6-8 weeks April 8 Los Angeles Daily News: "Dodgers closer Eric Gagne will miss six to eight weeks after a quick surgical procedure on Friday in Los Angeles in which Dr. Ralph Gambardella removed a nerve that was causing discomfort whenever Gagne threw. " With or without deal, Lee ending talks today April 8 Chicago Sun-Times: "Cubs officials always have bristled in any contract negotiations at imposing deadlines, but Derrek Lee surprised them by setting one for himself and the organization after Friday's game without first telling them of his intentions." Shelton's fifth homer powers 4-0 Detroit April 8 Detroit Free Press: "Chris Shelton can't believe it, either. He hit his fifth home run of the season Friday night -- a two-run, fourth-inning drive that put Mike Maroth in firm control in his 5-2 victory over the Texas Rangers." Brewers improve to 4-0 April 8 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (registration required): "Bush, a 26-year-old right-hander acquired from Toronto in the Lyle Overbay trade last winter, limited Arizona to a run and two hits in seven innings as the Brewers won their fourth in a row, 3-1, Friday night at Miller Park."

Mets On The Wright Trach

Steve Trachsel took the mound for the Mets tonight. In his first appearance he pitched very well in a 10-3 victory. Trachsel went six innings allowing 3 hits, 1 run, 1 walk and 6 strikeouts. Chad Bradford came on in relief and pitched another solid inning. But then the Mets called Jorge Julio to pitch the 8th inning, and once again Julio lived up to his reputation. He allowed 2 runs in his inning of work, and got some help from a heads up play with Xavier Nady. Darren Oliver came in for the 9th inning to make his Mets debut and he had a successful 1-2-3 inning. David Wright and Jose Reyes both had great days at the plate. Wright hit a solo jack, and 3 RBIs. Jose had hits, including a 2 run shot, a single and a double, with 3 RBIs. Carlos Beltran hit the ball hard, got his second hit and stolen base of the season, and added a walk. Xavier Nady continued to hit the ball well as he went 2 for 4 with a run. And Rookie Anderson Hernandez delivered his first hit of the season. Oh yeah... And Steve Trachsel had a RBI double and a run. The Mets and Marlins play again tomorrow. The game starts at 1:00 PM EST and will be broadcasted on SNY and WFAN. Tommy Glavine will take on the Marlins ace, the D-Train, Dontrelle Willis. Good luck Tommy and LETS GO METS!!!

Morning Papers

Theme for Martínez Could Be From 'Rocky' April 7 New York Times (registration required): "On its own, the fastball that rammed into Jose Guillen's upper arm in the fifth inning last night was merely an errant pitch, one that got away from Pedro Martínez... He charged the mound, igniting a skirmish that cleared the dugouts and bullpens and marred the rest of the Mets' 10-5 victory against the Nationals." Mashin' Mets Fight Back April 7 New York Post (registration required): "Ultimately, although both benches cleared, there was no melee and there were no ejections at that point. And, ultimately, the Mets triumphed with a 10-5 win, thanks to key homers from Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran." Beltran bites back at boo birds April 7 New York Daily News: "Carlos Beltran insists the booing from the Shea Stadium faithful does not bother him, but his actions - or desired inaction - may speak louder than words." Beltran bites back at boo birds April 7 New York Daily News: "Carlos Beltran insists the booing from the Shea Stadium faithful does not bother him, but his actions - or desired inaction - may speak louder than words." WFAN scores with 'Sandman' April 7 Newsday columnist Neil Best: "This week's manufactured bizarro-controversy - soundtrack by Metallica - from the babble factory at WFAN is the handiwork of masters at work. And it is an example of why Mike Francesa and Chris Russo have lasted so long and make so darn much money." A familiar look April 7 Miami Herald (registration required): "Just 15 months after turning down a lucrative, multiyear deal with the New York Mets to sign one with the Marlins, Delgado finds himself starting for the Mets anyway, having been traded to New York last Thanksgiving, the opening day of Fire Sale II." New Amazin' ballpark to be blast from past & future marvel, too April 7 New York Daily News: "The Mets' new stadium will be 'the realization of a longtime dream' - a deeply personal dream - team owner Fred Wilpon declared yesterday as he unveiled plans for the back-to-the-future ballpark." Sportsnet N.Y. Inks Dish Deal April 7 New York Post (registration required): "SportsNet New York, the Mets' new cable network, late yesterday finalized deals that immediately cleared two cable systems and Dish Network, one of the nation's two major satellite providers." As Soriano Lingered, Robinson Fumed April 7 New York Times (registration required): "It took only two games for Alfonso Soriano's habit of sometimes not running out balls to infuriate Nationals Manager Frank Robinson."

Emotions Run High In Mets Victory

In a very long, emotional game Pedro Martinez and the Mets defeat the Nats 10-5. Pedro was everything but sharp in tonight's game. He allowed five runs, four earned, on four hits, five walks, one intentional, and, for the first time in his career, three hit batsmen. He also struck out six. One of those hits batsman caused the benches and bullpens to empty, as Martinez hit Jose Guillen for the second time. Guillen point his bat at Pedro and began to charge but Paul LoDuca and the home plate umpire intercedes. The old wise man Julio Franco quickly ran to Jose Guillen and cooled him down. But that was not the only time Franco showed his knowledge. He did it once again when Carlos Beltran got his first hit of the season (a 2 run home run). The fans called Beltran out for a curtain call and Beltran refused, but then Franco talked him into it. Now honestly I understand why Beltran didn't want to do it, hell I would not give the same fans that booed me the satisfaction of celebrating me. But Beltran got up and saved his relationship with the fans, all thanks to Julio Franco. Carlos Delgado also hit a HR. Reyes had 3 hits including a triple, and Wright, Nady and Floyd all had productive days. After an eventful game from Pedro and the Mets, the Mets look to take on the young Florida Marlins in a three game series, at Shea Stadium. Win: Pedro Martinez (1-0) 7.20 ERA Loss: Ramon Ortiz (0-1) 10.80 ERA

Miracle Man Takes The Mound

Mets Ace Pedro Martinez will take the mound tonight. This will be Pedro's first game of the season. He will take on the Nationals in the final game of a 3 game series. When asked how he feels about the start, Pedro sounds not too confident. He says he is not in shape but will make adjustments as he goes along, "I hope I make miracles happen out there"...well that's not too reassuring... Anyway join Pedro and the Mets as they try to take away their first series victory of the season tonight. Coverage starts at 6:30 PM EST on SNY and at 7:00 PM on ESPN. The first pitch is at 7:10 PM tune in to either channel to catch all the action live. The game will also be broadcasted on WFAN. Good Luck Pedro and LETS GO METS!!!

Morning Papers

The Bullpen Can't Save Bannister's Great Start April 6 New York Times (registration required): "But the bullpen erased his fine effort by allowing the game-tying run in the ninth and five more runs in the 10th as the Nationals defeated the Mets, 9-5, at Shea Stadium. " Wagner ends on sour note April 6 New York Daily News: "The Mets fell apart with a Paul Lo Duca passed ball and throwing error in a five-run inning as the Nationals beat the Mets, 9-5." Theme turns less comic April 6 Newark Star-Ledger columnist Dan Graziano (registration required): " Six hours later, with the Mets holding a 4-3 lead in the top of the ninth inning of their second game of the season, Wagner came into the game with Metallica blaring and the crowd loving it, and he gave up a solo home run to Washington's Ryan Zimmerman." Mets see Brian deliver like chip off the old Bannister April 6 New York Daily News columnist Bill Madden: "His daddy, who won 134 games in the big leagues from 1977-92, had told him to just take it one pitch at a time, relax and enjoy the moment - sound and simple advice that 25-year-old Brian Bannister seemed to follow in stages while making an impressive if somewhat imperfect major league debut under less than ideal conditions at frigid Shea last night." Grouchy Pedro Will Toe The Line April 6 New York Post (registration required): "In a candid conversation with reporters before last night's game with the Nationals, the Mets ace did his best to dampen expectations of tonight's season debut and cautioned that he still needs to get in shape." For Julio, nightmare of a debut April 6 New York Daily News: "Nobody seems to care what Jorge Julio's entrance music will be for the Mets this season. But he won't get out on the floor too often if opponents continue to slam-dance his pitches out of the park." Amazin' New Bats Boomin' April 6 New York Post (registration required): "The bullpen meltdown of Billy Wagner and Jorge Julio overshadowed their performances, but Carlos Delgado and Xavier Nady each notched their first Met home runs in the 9-5 Met loss to the Nationals."