Month: May 2008

Rain Delay Mets-Braves Game Two

Update 8:41pm- The game is expected to start around 8:50 or 8:55pm.

Update 8:26pm- The tarp is coming off the field. It looks like they’re getting ready to start things up soon.

Update 7:45pm- The game is still delayed. They’re expecting to get the game started soon.

The tarp is on the field with a thunderstorm watch in Atlanta. If you don’t want to suffer through the horrible programming on SNY, check back here and I’ll update the site when the game starts. I can’t believe I’m watching this awful “Beer Money” show on SNY. This network really knows how to push the limits of being a Mets fan.

Mike Piazza Retires

Source: Flickr- Llima

The official announcement about Mike Piazza’s retirement hit the media today. He hasn’t played all season so it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.

Since leaving the Mets after the 2005 season he bounced around to the Padres and A’s. He didn’t sign with anyone this season. I’m not sure if that was his choice, but I doubt it. Otherwise, he would’ve announced his retirement after the end of last season.

Piazza is a first ballot Hall of Famer due to his monstrous offensive numbers for a catcher. He wasn’t much of a defensive catcher… he only threw out 23% of runners stealing on him. I was surprised that the SNY crew during the game today mentioned that he played well defensively. I seem to remember the Marlins (Juan Pierre and Luis Castillo) running at will against Piazza.

By the way, he’s not gay.

Glavine, Braves Top Mets 6-1

You won’t read this here very often: the Mets scored their only run of the game on a Luis Castillo home run. How about that?

The most disappointing thing about this game is how well Tom Glavine looked. John Maine couldn’t keep up with him. The Mets scored their only run in the first inning and left the bases loaded. They never mounted a threat after that.

Maine only made it through four innings giving up four runs on eight hits and three walks. Scott Schoenweis relieved him in the fifth and then Aaron Heilman let things get out of reach in the seventh inning. Brian McCann hit a two run homer off Heilman. He just can’t figure out how to get through a clean inning.

They’ll do it again tonight at 7:00pm with Claudio Vargas going against Jorge Campillo.

Box score

Video Highlights

Randolph In Damage Control Mode

Source: Flickr by alpineinc

New York Mets manager Willie Randolph spent the morning doing damage control. He back-tracked from his comments that his problems should be blamed on Mets television network Sports Net New York (SNY) and racism by Mets fans.

Randolph’s story changed completely this morning blaming an under performing Mets team for his problems. He says that it’s all about wins and loses not racism now. Oh, and he’s not blaming SNY anymore either.

Randolph says that his comments about racism were made in a “tongue in cheek” manner. He says that he was speaking in generalities that racism exists in this country.

My take on this is that Randolph is being dishonest and stupid. He wouldn’t have said the things that he did if he didn’t believe them. That’s dishonest. Suddenly he became media saavy today so he’s trying to save face. Continue reading “Randolph In Damage Control Mode”

Pedro Martinez Pondering Retirement

Multiple media sources today are reporting that Pedro Martinez is considering retirement. No, not because he’s spent so much time on the disabled list over the last three seasons. It’s because his 78 year old father is suffering from a form of brain cancer.

Pedro has played for 17 years in the big leagues and he’s made more than $134 million dollars through the 2007 season. He’s won three Cy Young Awards. What else is left for him to do?

He’ll be a free agent after this season and I’m hoping that the Mets don’t re-sign him. It was great when he got here in 2005 to add some life to a lifeless franchise. But he just hasn’t produced over the past three years. Did you know that his record is 12-9 since 2006?

If the Mets do re-sign him it should be for one year maximum. Of course, that would be bucking the Omar Minaya trend of signing aging players to long term contracts. I do realize that.

The Mets would be better off pursuing C.C. Sabbathia or one of the other free agents available after this season.

On Deck: Mets In Atlanta Play Two

New York Mets (22-19) at Atlanta Braves (22-21)   1:00pm and 7:00pm

First game: John Maine (5-2) vs. Tom Glavine (1-1)

Second game: Claudio Vargas (0-1) vs. Jorge Campillo (0-0)

TV: SNY    Radio: WFAN  (both games)

What to watch: The Mets play four games in Atlanta over three days before moving on to Colorado. The best part of the road trip will be getting a chance at revenge on Tom Glavine in the first game. John Maine hasn’t given up more than two earned runs in a game since his first start on April 5th. Claudio Vargas was terrific in his first start against Washington on May 14th. He didn’t deserve a loss. Now that Pedro is joining the team in Atlanta for a bullpen session, Vargas is just keeping Pedro’s seat warm until he gets back.

Pedro To Join Mets In Atlanta

Pedro Martinez threw 4.1 innings of a simulated game today in Florida. He threw 77 pitches and plans to have a bullpen session on Wednesday or Thursday in Atlanta.

Great news for the Mets. If he’s still got something left in the tank it’ll be a huge boost for the team. He’s got to be motivated to get some innings pitched this season considering it’s his walk year.