Thanks to the New York Mets, the Washington Nationals are pulling away from the cellar-dwelling Florida Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies are now only 1.5 games away from tying the Mets for first place.
The Mets are in a free fall without a parachute.
Why have the once-mighty Mets fallen so fast?
It starts with the bullpen, a pen that's noticeably weaker than last season's.
It continues with the moves that Randolph's not making. Reyes is wearing down from playing so many games. Start Anderson Hernandez at shortstop for a game or two. Several days ago the Mets named Hernandez the Sterling Minor League Organizational Player-of-the-Year. Give him a chance to play.
The Mets slide's been hastened along by the starting pitching. John Maine hasn't been getting the job done; Oliver Perez's last start was deplorable; and Orlando Hernandez's injuries have minimized his availability. In his last start, his lingering foot injury diminished his effectiveness so much he was ineffective.
Yesterday, Maine didn't belong on the mound. In 4.1 innings he gave up 11 hits and eight runs. But Maine wasn't the one who kept himself on the mound that long. Willie Randolph did. I'm clueless as to why Randolph would allow Maine to give up so many runs and hits before pulling him from the game. For the first time, I think that Randolph is the wrong man to manage the Mets. He can't stop the bleeding. Will the front office wait until the Mets bleed to death before replacing him.
After Randolph pulled Maine, four Mets relievers, amazingly, pitched scoreless ball for 3.2 innings. So if Randolph had pulled Maine in the fifth before he'd given up five runs in that inning, the Mets would have won the game.
So it ends with the manager, Willie Randolph. Commenting on the Mets current losing streak, Randolph said: "This is not Armageddon to us." What is it then? A picnic?
Armageddon is a decisive conflict. In a pennant race in which the Mets are losing ground every day, if Randolph doesn't view it as a decisive conflict the Mets are really in trouble.
Randolph added that "We still feel good about where we are ... we, as a group, are going to keep things in perspective. For us, there is a calm and a feeling of wellness, even though we haven't looked that way." When I read that I couldn't believe he said that. There's still a "feeling of wellness"? This team is in the midst of a losing streak that's sickening most Mets fans, and Willie's talking about wellness.
The Mets are a team with intensity but not focus, an intensity that some players have trouble keeping under control. If there's any difference between the Phillies and the Mets other than the Phillies are a betting hitting team, it's that the Phillies, as a team, are focused on winning. The Mets, on the other hand, seem more focused on talking about why they're not winning.
Right now, the Mets are in a sorry state. Unfortunately, no one appears able to pull them out. Unless someone rises to the occasion, the Mets will continue to sink in the standings until they're out of the pennant race.
Showing posts with label Hernandez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hernandez. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Reyes doesn't score, Mets lose
Yesterday, for the second day in a row, the New York Mets wasted one of baseball's more valuable commodities, a quality start. The bullpen that Minaya built for this season is like the straw house that one of the three little pigs constructed. It's falling apart. But then, it wasn't built to last. Not when it contains ex-starter Aaron Sele (5.26), ex-starter Jorge Sosa (4.30), Steve Schoeneweis (5.02), and Guillermo "Buzzard Luck" Mota (5.71). (Their ERAs are in parentheses.)
The bullpen's latest victims were Pedro Feliciano and Jorge Sosa. In 1.2 innings they gave up three hits and four runs.
It wasn't just the Mets relievers who weren't getting the job done. The Mets batters managed just eight hits off six Phillies pitchers. But then, the Mets hitters aren't as good as the Phillies', so when the Phillies pitchers pitch a good game, the Mets are in trouble.
This season, Jimmy Rollins is better than Jose Reyes. Chase Utley is a better hitter, if not a better player than anyone on the Mets' roster. And the Mets don't have a power hitter that can compare to Ryan Howard.
Reyes, in particular, has not played well in the last two Phillies series.
In the first game on Friday, Reyes stepped to the plate six times, struck out twice, and reached base once; he also failed to it around the bases. In the second game, Reyes had five plate appearances. He reached base three times, twice on walks, once on a hit. Though he stole two bases, he couldn't cross the plate.
In August when the Phils swept the Mets, in game one Reyes went 0-4, neither walking nor scoring any runs; in game two, he went 0-5 with no walks nor runs; in game three, he went 1-3 with a walk but no runs; and in game four, a 11-10 loss, he couldn't get a hit but walked twice and scored once, going 0-3. So in the last six Phillies games, all loses, Reyes scored only once.
A pattern seems to be developing.
It's my guess that when Reyes fails to score any runs, the Mets have a losing record.
Unfortunately, yesterday there was no win by a Mets' minor league team that could cushion the big club's loss. The season's over for their minor league affiliates, and it could be nearing an end for the Men of Shea, who've been playing more like boys.
There was some good news. El Duque's admitted that his foot's still not healed enough for him to return to the mound. ESPN reported that "Hernandez said Saturday it's still bothering him during his delivery."
He never should have made his last start. It was obvious to everyone but Mets' management that El Duque wasn't ready to return. His sore foot obviously affected his ability to pitch: The Braves used him for batting practice, scoring eight earned runs in three plus innings.
Regarding El Duque's status, here's what the Mets' manager had to say about it: "I think we're going to err on the side of caution," Randolph said. "If there is any question or whatever then he won't pitch."
He should take that same caution the next time the thought enters his mind to throw Guillermo Mota into a close game.
The bullpen's latest victims were Pedro Feliciano and Jorge Sosa. In 1.2 innings they gave up three hits and four runs.
It wasn't just the Mets relievers who weren't getting the job done. The Mets batters managed just eight hits off six Phillies pitchers. But then, the Mets hitters aren't as good as the Phillies', so when the Phillies pitchers pitch a good game, the Mets are in trouble.
This season, Jimmy Rollins is better than Jose Reyes. Chase Utley is a better hitter, if not a better player than anyone on the Mets' roster. And the Mets don't have a power hitter that can compare to Ryan Howard.
Reyes, in particular, has not played well in the last two Phillies series.
In the first game on Friday, Reyes stepped to the plate six times, struck out twice, and reached base once; he also failed to it around the bases. In the second game, Reyes had five plate appearances. He reached base three times, twice on walks, once on a hit. Though he stole two bases, he couldn't cross the plate.
In August when the Phils swept the Mets, in game one Reyes went 0-4, neither walking nor scoring any runs; in game two, he went 0-5 with no walks nor runs; in game three, he went 1-3 with a walk but no runs; and in game four, a 11-10 loss, he couldn't get a hit but walked twice and scored once, going 0-3. So in the last six Phillies games, all loses, Reyes scored only once.
A pattern seems to be developing.
It's my guess that when Reyes fails to score any runs, the Mets have a losing record.
Unfortunately, yesterday there was no win by a Mets' minor league team that could cushion the big club's loss. The season's over for their minor league affiliates, and it could be nearing an end for the Men of Shea, who've been playing more like boys.
There was some good news. El Duque's admitted that his foot's still not healed enough for him to return to the mound. ESPN reported that "Hernandez said Saturday it's still bothering him during his delivery."
He never should have made his last start. It was obvious to everyone but Mets' management that El Duque wasn't ready to return. His sore foot obviously affected his ability to pitch: The Braves used him for batting practice, scoring eight earned runs in three plus innings.
Regarding El Duque's status, here's what the Mets' manager had to say about it: "I think we're going to err on the side of caution," Randolph said. "If there is any question or whatever then he won't pitch."
He should take that same caution the next time the thought enters his mind to throw Guillermo Mota into a close game.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Braves feast on El Duque's servings
In last night's New York Mets game, starter Orlando Hernandez's numbers were horrendous. In three plus innings, against 19 batters, he gave up eight runs on six hits and four walks. He averaged almost 25 pitches an inning.
El Duque attributed his poor performance to a lack of control rather than to the foot problem that sidelined him for 12 days. It appears that the Mets coaches prematurely returned him to the battle zone. Unfortunately, all the Mets' minor league teams' regular seasons have ended, so he couldn't get sent down for a rehab start. Instead, for his rehab start he faced the Braves. They did more than help him to return to pitching form; they sent notice that the Mets will pay when they put a not-ready-for-prime-time pitcher on the mound against them.
With both Pelfrey and Humber on the roster, there was no need for the Mets to rush El Duque back into service.
Humber did make it into the game, eight innings too late. In the ninth he faced Johnson, Escobar, and Prado. Ten pitches later he'd retired the side on two groundouts and a lineout.
In the Pacific Coast League playoffs, Adam Bostick pitched much better than did El Duque, but New Orleans also lost, 5-3, though Bostick wasn't the losing pitcher. In six innings, he gave up just two hits and two runs. He walked three while striking out nine.
Six innings seems to be his limit. Since June 12, in his last 10 starts he was able to reach the sixth inning only three times and complete it only twice. Only 20% of those starts were quality starts.
Unfortunately for the Zephyrs, with star reliever Willie Collazo promoted to the New York Mets, their available relievers couldn't prevent Sacramento from scoring. The last run was given up in the ninth by ex-Met Joe Smith. Unlike Humber, who pitched a scoreless ninth yesterday, Smith gave up two hits, a walk, and one run. Didn't matter though. The Zephyrs would have lost anyway.
El Duque attributed his poor performance to a lack of control rather than to the foot problem that sidelined him for 12 days. It appears that the Mets coaches prematurely returned him to the battle zone. Unfortunately, all the Mets' minor league teams' regular seasons have ended, so he couldn't get sent down for a rehab start. Instead, for his rehab start he faced the Braves. They did more than help him to return to pitching form; they sent notice that the Mets will pay when they put a not-ready-for-prime-time pitcher on the mound against them.
With both Pelfrey and Humber on the roster, there was no need for the Mets to rush El Duque back into service.
Humber did make it into the game, eight innings too late. In the ninth he faced Johnson, Escobar, and Prado. Ten pitches later he'd retired the side on two groundouts and a lineout.
In the Pacific Coast League playoffs, Adam Bostick pitched much better than did El Duque, but New Orleans also lost, 5-3, though Bostick wasn't the losing pitcher. In six innings, he gave up just two hits and two runs. He walked three while striking out nine.
Six innings seems to be his limit. Since June 12, in his last 10 starts he was able to reach the sixth inning only three times and complete it only twice. Only 20% of those starts were quality starts.
Unfortunately for the Zephyrs, with star reliever Willie Collazo promoted to the New York Mets, their available relievers couldn't prevent Sacramento from scoring. The last run was given up in the ninth by ex-Met Joe Smith. Unlike Humber, who pitched a scoreless ninth yesterday, Smith gave up two hits, a walk, and one run. Didn't matter though. The Zephyrs would have lost anyway.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Start the best
One of the visitors who leaves comments on this blog, Dave, gave a lot of thought to the one he left on September 9; however, his philosophy as how the New York Mets should fill vacancies in their 2008 starting rotation differs dramatically from mine.
I'd commented that I'd set aside spots for Tom Glavine and El Duque, if they both return, and put the other three up for grabs. That seemed to surprise Dave, who responded "Have they [Maine and Perez] not already proven themselves as legitimate starters this season?"
That's a valid question.
"Proven" themselves? To me, no.
In my book, a pitcher has proven himself when he can produce quality starts on a consistent basis. As of September 8th, Tom Glavine had 21 quality starts in 29 starts (72%), El Duque 17 in 23 (74%), John Maine 15 in 28 (54%), and Oliver Perez 14 in 25 (56%).
A pitcher who can produce a quality start in at least 70% of his starts has proven himself to me. A pitcher who can only produce a quality start about half the time he's on the mound hasn't. Glavine has proven himself, as has El Duque.
As a result, I'd make both John Maine and Oliver Perez compete for spots with Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber, Adam Bostick, Jason Vargas, and Kevin Mulvey. The Mets need to give their best pitching prospects a better chance to make it into their rotation than they have in the past. Otherwise,what message are they sending to them? Pitch well so you can pitch for someone else?
In pro football, many coaches in training camp encourage competition for all positions except possibly a few manned by stars. It adds a spark to the camp. If the Mets did that next string training with their starting rotation, I believe it would have the same effect. If either Maine or Perez complains, so be it. Let's see if they have the wherewithal to ward off the challengers. And if they don't, that should send a message loud-and-clear to the Mets front office.
It's all about winning, not maintaining the status quo just to keep players happy.
To make matters more interesting, the Mets should invite Dylan Owen to spring training. Last night in Brooklyn's first playoff game, Owen pitched five innings of four-hit, no walk, shutout ball in which he struck out seven. He's continuing to pitch in the playoffs as he did during the regular season when he led the New York-Penn League in both wins and ERA while compiling a strikeout to walk ratio of almost 6 to 1. If any Mets' pitching prospect deserves a chance to rub shoulders with its big leaguers, it's Owen. And though he's a long shot to win a spot in the rotation, he's a winner, so I wouldn't bet against him.
Finally — Dave, keep the comments coming. You've stirred up my thinking, and I really appreciate it.
I'd commented that I'd set aside spots for Tom Glavine and El Duque, if they both return, and put the other three up for grabs. That seemed to surprise Dave, who responded "Have they [Maine and Perez] not already proven themselves as legitimate starters this season?"
That's a valid question.
"Proven" themselves? To me, no.
In my book, a pitcher has proven himself when he can produce quality starts on a consistent basis. As of September 8th, Tom Glavine had 21 quality starts in 29 starts (72%), El Duque 17 in 23 (74%), John Maine 15 in 28 (54%), and Oliver Perez 14 in 25 (56%).
A pitcher who can produce a quality start in at least 70% of his starts has proven himself to me. A pitcher who can only produce a quality start about half the time he's on the mound hasn't. Glavine has proven himself, as has El Duque.
As a result, I'd make both John Maine and Oliver Perez compete for spots with Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber, Adam Bostick, Jason Vargas, and Kevin Mulvey. The Mets need to give their best pitching prospects a better chance to make it into their rotation than they have in the past. Otherwise,what message are they sending to them? Pitch well so you can pitch for someone else?
In pro football, many coaches in training camp encourage competition for all positions except possibly a few manned by stars. It adds a spark to the camp. If the Mets did that next string training with their starting rotation, I believe it would have the same effect. If either Maine or Perez complains, so be it. Let's see if they have the wherewithal to ward off the challengers. And if they don't, that should send a message loud-and-clear to the Mets front office.
It's all about winning, not maintaining the status quo just to keep players happy.
To make matters more interesting, the Mets should invite Dylan Owen to spring training. Last night in Brooklyn's first playoff game, Owen pitched five innings of four-hit, no walk, shutout ball in which he struck out seven. He's continuing to pitch in the playoffs as he did during the regular season when he led the New York-Penn League in both wins and ERA while compiling a strikeout to walk ratio of almost 6 to 1. If any Mets' pitching prospect deserves a chance to rub shoulders with its big leaguers, it's Owen. And though he's a long shot to win a spot in the rotation, he's a winner, so I wouldn't bet against him.
Finally — Dave, keep the comments coming. You've stirred up my thinking, and I really appreciate it.
Monday, August 20, 2007
A better starting rotation
Yesterday's amazing performance against the Nats by the 41-year-old Orlando Hernandez makes me wish the Mets had a four-man rotation, as teams in years past did with their starters. With that rotation, Hernandez and Tom Glavine could pitch more games while the other three starters, John Maine, Oliver Perez, and Brian Lawrence would get fewer starts.
Further, given the performance of the Mets starters beyond Glavine and Hernandez, for my third starter I'd prefer Brian Bannister. This past Friday Bannister pitched a complete game for Kansas City, picking up his ninth win. Only two Mets have pitched complete games this season. Glavine and Maine have each pitched one.
Who would I take as my fourth starter? John Maine. My fifth starter would be Perez.
A way to measure a pitcher's effectiveness is through the use of two statistics: VORP and WARP.
Here is the 2006 VORP and WARP for each member of my starting rotation.
VORP means Value Above Replacement Player. For a pitcher, a positive number represents the number of fewer runs that the pitcher prevented the other teams from scoring compared with what a replacement-level pitcher would have surrendered. A negative VORP means that he gave up more runs than a replacement-level pitcher would have. Looking at the VORPs in the above table, Glavine was the most valuable starter on the Mets.
For the Mets, Jason Vargas, Mike Pelfrey, and Dave Williams, all of whom have been Triple-A call-ups this season, represent replacement-level pitchers.
WARP means Wins Above Replacement Player. WARP refers to the number of additional games a pitcher won for his team beyond what a replacement-level pitcher would have won. For example, last season Glavine won 15 games. In his place, a replacement-level pitcher would have won about nine.
Why would I make Bannister my #3 starter ahead of Maine and Perez? Since the All-Star break he's gone 4-2 with a 2.64 ERA. In comparison, though Maine had a higher VORP last season than did Bannister, this season since the break Maine's been 3-3 with a 6.31 ERA and Perez has been 4-2 with a 4.39.
By the way, Ambiorix Burgos, the reliever whom the Mets traded Bannister for, is not even in the majors. He was pitching for the GCL Mets, a Rookie League team, and just joined the Zephyrs.
Further, given the performance of the Mets starters beyond Glavine and Hernandez, for my third starter I'd prefer Brian Bannister. This past Friday Bannister pitched a complete game for Kansas City, picking up his ninth win. Only two Mets have pitched complete games this season. Glavine and Maine have each pitched one.
Who would I take as my fourth starter? John Maine. My fifth starter would be Perez.
A way to measure a pitcher's effectiveness is through the use of two statistics: VORP and WARP.
Here is the 2006 VORP and WARP for each member of my starting rotation.
| Pitcher | VORP | WARP | Wins |
| Glavine | 37.1 | 5.5 | 15 |
| Hernandez | 19.4 | 3.5 | 9 |
| Bannister | 6.8 | 1.0 | 0 |
| Maine | 19.3 | 3.0 | 6 |
| Perez | -1.9 | 0.3 | 1 |
VORP means Value Above Replacement Player. For a pitcher, a positive number represents the number of fewer runs that the pitcher prevented the other teams from scoring compared with what a replacement-level pitcher would have surrendered. A negative VORP means that he gave up more runs than a replacement-level pitcher would have. Looking at the VORPs in the above table, Glavine was the most valuable starter on the Mets.
For the Mets, Jason Vargas, Mike Pelfrey, and Dave Williams, all of whom have been Triple-A call-ups this season, represent replacement-level pitchers.
WARP means Wins Above Replacement Player. WARP refers to the number of additional games a pitcher won for his team beyond what a replacement-level pitcher would have won. For example, last season Glavine won 15 games. In his place, a replacement-level pitcher would have won about nine.
Why would I make Bannister my #3 starter ahead of Maine and Perez? Since the All-Star break he's gone 4-2 with a 2.64 ERA. In comparison, though Maine had a higher VORP last season than did Bannister, this season since the break Maine's been 3-3 with a 6.31 ERA and Perez has been 4-2 with a 4.39.
By the way, Ambiorix Burgos, the reliever whom the Mets traded Bannister for, is not even in the majors. He was pitching for the GCL Mets, a Rookie League team, and just joined the Zephyrs.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Pitching fluctuates across Mets organization
Yesterday, the Mets organization benefited from two sterling pitching performances, endured an abysmal one, and observed a starter with an 0-7 record fail to win again.
Orlando Hernandez pitched the best game: seven innings, three hits, one run, one walk, eight strikeouts.
Mike Pelfrey again failed to win with the Big Club. In six innings he gave up eight hits and three runs, all the runs scoring in the third inning. At least this time he didn't lose and only walked one batter. However, his ERA still's high: 5.92.
Speaking of high ERA's, Guillermo Mota's is 5.40 and Joe Smith's was 3.03, yet Mota remains on the New York roster while Smith's down in Triple-A.
Jason Vargas reaffirmed my belief that he should be sent down to Double-A. In 3.1 innings he got hit hard, giving up 10 hits and four runs to up his ERA to 5.59. It amazes me that he has a winning record (7-6). On Tuesday, another Zephyr pitched well. Adam Bostick pitched five innings of one hit, no run, one walk ball. In his last 12.2 innings he's yielded just two runs.
Nicholas Waechter did what so few New York Mets pitchers have done this season: shown the consistent ability to pitch well. He pitched Brooklyn to a 2-1 victory. In six innings he limited Vermont to four hits and a run. Twenty one year old righty William Morgan pitched the final two innings, giving up no runs, no hits, and no walks, to lower his ERA to 0.90.
In Kingsport 2007 second round draft choice Brant Rustich continues to pitch well. In 8.1 innings he hasn't given up a run, earned or unearned, while striking out nine.
And the disaster of the day occurred in Binghamton. Ahead 7-1 entering the ninth, two Mets' relievers gave up 10 runs to prevent 23 year old Jose Sanchez from achieving his fourth win. Sanchez pitched well enough. In 6.2 innings he held Bowie to seven hits and a run. But then ex-big leaguer Lino Urdaneta entered the game. Against him, in just 1.1 innings Bowie amassed five runs on seven hits and a walk. So Carlos Muniz replaced him. Muniz has been pitching well this season for the B-Mets, but not yesterday.
He faced nine batters in the ninth: double, double, error, single, single, wild pitch, strikeout, error, double. In 0.1 innings he gave up five runs on five hits as his won-lost record dropped below .500. Despite the bombing, Muniz's ERA rose to only 2.50.
There was a positive in the B-Met disaster. Left fielder Jamar Hill went four for four, scoring twice, driving in two runs, and hitting a homer. At 24 Hill's a bit old to be playing in Double-A; however, his .340 average makes it easy to overlook his age.
Last year at St. Lucie Hill hit .258. The Mets selected Hill in the 48th round of the 2001 MLB Player Draft.
Trade of the Day
Two ex-Mets swapped teams. Saturday the Tampa Bay Devil Rays sent infielder Ty Wigginton to the Houston Astros for relief pitcher Dan Wheeler. Wigginton played three seasons for the Mets from 2002-2004, hitting .285; Wheeler played two from 2003-2004, leaving with a 4.29 ERA.
Orlando Hernandez pitched the best game: seven innings, three hits, one run, one walk, eight strikeouts.
Mike Pelfrey again failed to win with the Big Club. In six innings he gave up eight hits and three runs, all the runs scoring in the third inning. At least this time he didn't lose and only walked one batter. However, his ERA still's high: 5.92.
Speaking of high ERA's, Guillermo Mota's is 5.40 and Joe Smith's was 3.03, yet Mota remains on the New York roster while Smith's down in Triple-A.
Jason Vargas reaffirmed my belief that he should be sent down to Double-A. In 3.1 innings he got hit hard, giving up 10 hits and four runs to up his ERA to 5.59. It amazes me that he has a winning record (7-6). On Tuesday, another Zephyr pitched well. Adam Bostick pitched five innings of one hit, no run, one walk ball. In his last 12.2 innings he's yielded just two runs.
Nicholas Waechter did what so few New York Mets pitchers have done this season: shown the consistent ability to pitch well. He pitched Brooklyn to a 2-1 victory. In six innings he limited Vermont to four hits and a run. Twenty one year old righty William Morgan pitched the final two innings, giving up no runs, no hits, and no walks, to lower his ERA to 0.90.
In Kingsport 2007 second round draft choice Brant Rustich continues to pitch well. In 8.1 innings he hasn't given up a run, earned or unearned, while striking out nine.
And the disaster of the day occurred in Binghamton. Ahead 7-1 entering the ninth, two Mets' relievers gave up 10 runs to prevent 23 year old Jose Sanchez from achieving his fourth win. Sanchez pitched well enough. In 6.2 innings he held Bowie to seven hits and a run. But then ex-big leaguer Lino Urdaneta entered the game. Against him, in just 1.1 innings Bowie amassed five runs on seven hits and a walk. So Carlos Muniz replaced him. Muniz has been pitching well this season for the B-Mets, but not yesterday.
He faced nine batters in the ninth: double, double, error, single, single, wild pitch, strikeout, error, double. In 0.1 innings he gave up five runs on five hits as his won-lost record dropped below .500. Despite the bombing, Muniz's ERA rose to only 2.50.
There was a positive in the B-Met disaster. Left fielder Jamar Hill went four for four, scoring twice, driving in two runs, and hitting a homer. At 24 Hill's a bit old to be playing in Double-A; however, his .340 average makes it easy to overlook his age.
Last year at St. Lucie Hill hit .258. The Mets selected Hill in the 48th round of the 2001 MLB Player Draft.
Trade of the Day
Two ex-Mets swapped teams. Saturday the Tampa Bay Devil Rays sent infielder Ty Wigginton to the Houston Astros for relief pitcher Dan Wheeler. Wigginton played three seasons for the Mets from 2002-2004, hitting .285; Wheeler played two from 2003-2004, leaving with a 4.29 ERA.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Rockies pound Mets pitching
Losing four in a row isn't bad enough. Last night at Coors Field, the Mets pitchers gave up 17 runs. Starter Orlando Hernandez had no control. In just four innings of work he made 107 pitches; only 59 were strikes. His replacement Mota, did even worse, yielding six runs in just two thirds of an inning, raising his ERA to 7.71. He threw 43 pitches. Ship him to the minors on the next train out of Shea. The only Mets pitcher who pitched at least an inning without giving up a run was Aaron Heilman who pitched the ninth. Eight of his 10 pitches were strikes.
The Cyclones lost too. However, it's not often that someone gets four hits in a game. Last night against the Staten Island Yankees, first baseman Jason Jacobs did just that. Strangely, he neither had an RBI nor scored a run. Starter Joseph Leaper gave up two runs on four hits in six innings. Leaper was the 1144th pick in the 2006 MLB draft, picked in the 38th round.
Despite Jacobs' and Leaper's efforts, the Cyclones lost in the bottom of the 11th after scoring the go-ahead run in the top half.
Now, some good news. In Savannah, the Sand Gnats defeated the Columbus Catfish 8-2. Starter Nelson Portillo allowed two runs on five hits over six innings.
And more good news. The Zephyrs won 7-3. Though giving up 11 hits, former Major Leaguer Brian Lawrence limited the Iowa Cubs to three runs in his 6.2 innings. And ex-Met Jon Atkins didn't yield a hit during two innings of shutout relief.
For hot dog fans: In Coney Island, Joey Chestnut ate 66 hot dogs in 12 minutes, defeating Takeru Kobayashi, who'd won the six previous years and seemed invincible.
The Cyclones lost too. However, it's not often that someone gets four hits in a game. Last night against the Staten Island Yankees, first baseman Jason Jacobs did just that. Strangely, he neither had an RBI nor scored a run. Starter Joseph Leaper gave up two runs on four hits in six innings. Leaper was the 1144th pick in the 2006 MLB draft, picked in the 38th round.
Despite Jacobs' and Leaper's efforts, the Cyclones lost in the bottom of the 11th after scoring the go-ahead run in the top half.
Now, some good news. In Savannah, the Sand Gnats defeated the Columbus Catfish 8-2. Starter Nelson Portillo allowed two runs on five hits over six innings.
And more good news. The Zephyrs won 7-3. Though giving up 11 hits, former Major Leaguer Brian Lawrence limited the Iowa Cubs to three runs in his 6.2 innings. And ex-Met Jon Atkins didn't yield a hit during two innings of shutout relief.
For hot dog fans: In Coney Island, Joey Chestnut ate 66 hot dogs in 12 minutes, defeating Takeru Kobayashi, who'd won the six previous years and seemed invincible.
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