Month: June 2009
Mets 6 – Yankees 2 June 13, 2009
I think the biggest surprise for everyone in this game is that Fernando Nieve was outstanding in his first start as a Met. He hasn’t started a game in the majors since 2006. He really shut down the Yankees with a good mid-90’s fastball and a solid slider. Nieve went 6.2 innings giving up 2 runs to a really good Yankees lineup. He’ll certainly rival Tim Redding for his spot in the rotation when John Maine comes back from the disabled list if he can keep this up.
The Mets pounded the Yankees pitchers for 17 hits, 12 off Andy Pettite who only went 5 innings. Omir Santos and Gary Sheffield hit homers and Fernando Martinez went 3 for 4. David Wright was also 2 for 5 raising his average to and eye-popping .365.
It was a nice game for the Mets but the biggest factor is that they didn’t show any hangover from last night’s brutal loss. I think part of their ability to recover is due to Jerry Manuel’s openness about these things. He doesn’t sugarcoat tough losses or shut down to the media like Willie Randolph did. I’m sure he’s the same way with the players too.
Video: Luis Castillo Dropped Pop-Up Mashup
Here are all of the local New York TV and radio calls from last night’s debacle in the Bronx. Watch the video because there’s nothing more that I can say. I’m still speechless a day later.
Video: Highlights Mets-Yankees June 12, 2009
Game Preview: Mets at Yankees [Game 60] June 13, 2009
New York Mets (31-28 Road: 13-17) at New York Yankees (35-26 Home: 19-11) 4:10 pm
Fernando Nieve (0-0 0.00) vs. Andy Pettite (6-2 4.22)
TV: FOX Radio: WFAN
What to watch: The Mets need to pick themselves up after their brutal loss yesterday. That’s probably easier said than done. Nieve is making his first start since he was with the Astros in 2006. Pettite’s been pitching okay this season. The Yankees have won 5 of the last 6 games that he’s started. The real story here will be to see if the Mets fold after yesterday’s loss.
Don’t forget to visit The Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans!
Yankees 9 – Mets 8 June 12, 2009
I’ve written before about some of the worst losses of the season. Forget that I ever wrote that. THIS game was the worst loss of the season. Basically, the Mets came back three times in the game to take the lead off Mariano Rivera in the eighth inning. K-Rod came on the get the save and gave up a hit to Derek Jeter and an intentional walk to Mark Teixeira. With two outs, A-Rod hit a pop up to second base and Luis Castillo dropped it. It was right in his glove and he dropped it. Both runners scored to win the game.
It was a stunning loss for the Mets. This makes me wonder if the Mets lead the league in brutal losses. That should be a new statistic.
Castillo is going to be right back in the dog house when he gets back to Citi Field. He’s generally played well this season after being boo’d off the field last season. But he’ll be right back in the dog house now.
Mets Nieve To Start; Switzer Called Up
- Image by Getty Images via Daylife
The Mets have decided to start Fernando Nieve in John Maine’s place against the Yankees tomorrow. He’s been with the Mets for about a week and he had been starting at Triple-A Buffalo. He started four games at Buffalo going 3-0 with a 3.70 ERA and .205 BAA.
Jon Switzer is getting the call up to replace Maine on the roster. He’s been doing well as a reliever at Buffalo. He’s pitched in 21 games out of the bullpen going 0-2 with a 2.13 ERA and .219 BAA. He’s a lefty that has a .186 BAA versus lefty hitters.
It’s more of a patchwork for the Mets roster and it’s really a dangerous situation when the starting pitchers are involved. At this point, the Mets really just need to hang on until some players come off the disabled list. If they can play .500 baseball until Jose Reyes and a few others come back there still should be plenty of time in the season to stay in playoff contention.
The Mets Report 