Month: May 2008

Going To Bat Against Breast Cancer

Major League Baseball and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization are joining forces again this season on Mother’s Day. We’ll be seeing pink bats, wrist bands, ribbons on the bases, etc.

Many of us know someone who’s been affected by breast cancer. If you haven’t already checked out the Komen.org website, today’s a good day to do so. Everyone should have charitable causes that are important to them. If you’re not already involved with a charity, get involved with the Komen organization.

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On Deck: Sunday May 11, 2008 Mets-Reds

Cincinnati Reds (15-22) at New York Mets (18-16) 1:10pm

Johnny Cueto (2-3) vs. Oliver Perez (2-3)

TV: CW11 Radio: WFAN

What to watch: The Mets HAVE to win this game to take the series from the Reds. Cincinnati’s a struggling team and the Mets can’t lose a home series to them in today’s rubber game. Johnny Cueto is a good, young pitcher. So Oliver Perez should have his hands full keeping up with Cueto.

Mets Drop Second Game To Reds 7-1

As usual, the double header was split between the Mets and Reds today. That’s exactly the reason that the Mets tried to get the game in despite the rain last night. Double headers are almost always split.

The good news in this game is that Mike Pelfrey pitched really well and kept the Mets in the game through six innings giving up only two runs. That’s something for Pelfrey to build upon.

The bad news was that the Mets only got four hits in the game. Bronson Arroyo was on tonight even though he’s had a terrible season. He’s had a few starts that were fair this season, but this was by far his best game yet. There’s not much that you can do when a pitcher is on like that.

Duaner Sanchez and Billy Wagner didn’t have it tonight. Wagner was hurt by some poor fielding though.

The Mets absolutely must win the rubber game tomorrow. They cannot lose a home series to the Reds. That would be a terrible sign if they did.

Box score

Santana Wins As Mets Crush Reds 12-6

It wasn’t Johan Santana’s best performance but it’s typical for him this season. He can get into trouble, giving up 10 hits and a walk today, but he can work his way out. Santana got his fourth win of the season against an outmanned Cincinnati team.

There was a lot of offense on display for the Mets in the first game of today’s double header. Particulary, Carlos Delgado had three hits including a home run. He batted seventh in the order for the first time since 1995. Mets fans have been calling for him to be dropped in the order for weeks and Willie Randolph finally came to same conclusion. It seems like Willie is always the last one to figure these things out.

Brian Schneider also homered today. Surprisingly it was his first extra base hit of the season. I would guess that we’ll see Ramon Castro catching for the first time this season in the second game today.

Box score

Video Highlights

Marlins, Hanley Ramirez Talking Extension

I took this photo on June 5, 2007 06:25, 8 June 2007 . . Chrisjnelson . . 178×311 (111,469 bytes)Image via Wikipedia

Although I usually stick to Mets news, this story will impact the National League East for many years. Fish Stripes is reporting that the Florida Marlins are close to a deal with Hanley Ramirez to extend his contract for an additional six years.

The deal would be the largest financial commitment in team history. That’s amazing considering the Marlins have won two World Series’ in the last eleven years.

The deal is reported to be for six years/$70 million and buys out Ramirez’ first three years of free agency. Hanley must really need the big money now because he’ll probably be making A-Rod type money at some point in his career. He’s definitely giving the Marlins a discount.

Matt Wise Back In New York

Relief pitcher Matt Wise is in New York and ready to be activated from the disabled list. Reports from MLB.com state that Joe Smith will be sent to New Orleans. Willie Randolph was non-committal about whether Smith or Jorge Sosa would go when Wise came back if you listened to his interview on WFAN yesterday.

I’d prefer to see the Mets DFA Jorge Sosa. His $2 million salary and poor performance would most likely preclude him from being claimed from waivers. If he decided to become a free agent it would be fine with me.

Joe Smith has done a nice job with the Mets and doesn’t deserve to be sent down to New Orleans.

Ramon Castro Activated

Mets catcher Ramón Castro during a Mets/Devil Rays spring training game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.Image via Wikipedia

Backup catcher Ramon Castro was activated from the disabled list yesterday and Raul Casanova was designated for assignment. Hopefully, Casanova will clear waivers so he can stay with the Mets in New Orleans. He did a fantastic job while he was here.

Unfortunately for Casanova, Ramon Castro is the best backup catcher in baseball. It’s great to have him back with the team.