Image by Getty Images via @daylife
Thursday night Chris Rock was on The Late Show with David Letterman talking about the state of the Mets. I love Chris Rock and he’s a big Mets fan. You probably even saw his “Let’s Go Mets” video that they used to show on the board at Shea.
His appearance on Letterman was hilarious talking about the Mets’ finances and having to use a manhole cover for second base. Check out the video below. It’s great.
The Mets couldn’t do anything against Josh Johnson for most of the night. They got no-hit into the seventh inning when Willie Harris finally broke up the no-hitter with a double to left center field. The Mets had no offense, as was the case for much of last season. They only managed 4 hits and 2 runs, although Johnson is a big-time pitcher. Harris had 2 hits and was the only one that could do anything against Johnson.
Mike Pelfrey didn’t look good at all. He’s not going to have much success as a #1 starter if he keeps pitching like tonight’s game. He only lasted 4.1 IP giving up 5 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks. The big blow was a grand slam by John Buck in the fourth inning.
It’s a disappointing start to the season because the Mets never really seemed to be in the game. Getting no-hit through seven can do that to a team.
As the Mets and Marlins get ready to begin the 2011 season tonight, I can’t help but think that the Mets team is going to look very different when this season ends. The financially struggling Wilpons didn’t bring in Sandy Alderson, J.P. Ricciardi, and Paul DePodesta to stand pat like they did all winter. There are going to be moves this season and probably some big ones.
The Infield
Ike Davis looks like he’s on his way to becoming a solid, if not spectacular everyday player. David Wright is the face of the franchise and locked up in a contract until 2012 with an option for 2013. After that, things are much more in question. Is Josh Thole an everyday catcher? Will Jose Reyes sign an extension, get traded, or just play out his contract with the Mets? Are Brad Emaus or Daniel Murphy going to solidify second base?
The Outfield
Angel Pagan looks like a solid center fielder on the rise in his career. Scott Hairston and Willie Harris look like capable fourth and fifth outfielders. The other two-thirds of the outfield are question marks. Does Carlos Beltran have anything left that could justify all (or even a small portion) of his $18.5 million salary for this season? Will Beltran waive his no-trade clause at some point during the season? Will Jason Bay do anything productive for the Mets or is he another big free agent bust? Continue reading “Mets Start 2011 with More Questions than Answers”
This is a guest post by Jim Brakewood. Jim is a Mets fan and dedicated fantasy baseball aficionado. He told me about his predictions for the 2011 MLB season and I offered him an opportunity to post his thoughts for The Mets Report readers. Comment at the bottom of the page with your thoughts on Jim’s predictions.
American League National League
AL East: Red Sox NL East: Mets (pfft kidding, Braves)
AL Central: White Sox NL Central: Brewers
AL West: Rangers NL West: Rockies
AL Wild Card: Yankees NL Wild Card: Phillies
AL Champion: Yankees NL Champion: Braves
World Series: Yankees over Braves
Sorry Mets fans, I couldn’t help the Mets winning the East… joke. Red Sox from the beginning of the season to the end may very well have the best record in baseball. Top to bottom, with a few question marks in Dice-K, Lackey, and Beckett, has the best team. So why don’t I have them in the World Series? I really believe the New York Yankees are going to trade Jesus Montero and whomever else they need to in order to grab another stud pitcher, whether it’s Liriano from Minnesota (some rumors have King Felix being available) or Wandy Rodriguez from Houston. I’ve heard rave reviews about Burnett and Ivan Nova. A-Rod also claims to be in the best shape of his life and from what I’ve seen and heard…..I believe him. He is going to have a monster year.
I know the popular pick is Minnesota right now. I just don’t trust Mauer and Morneau to be healthy all season and I can’t say I am a fan of the pitching staff beyond Liriano and perhaps Pavano. The Tigers will be the biggest challengers to Chicago: between Verlander, Scherzer and Porcello and the bats of Migs, V-Mart, Guillen, Ordonez and Inge they should be able to capture the Central. Verlander has been amazing this spring and I don’t see any reason it will stop. I just love the White Sox this year; they have athleticism, power, great depth at starting pitching, and an upper tier closer. Beckham is poised to have a break out year, Ramirez and Pierre add to the speed and athleticism with Dunn, Quentin, Konerko always a threat to go yard. Continue reading “MLB 2011 Season Predictions”
The Mets Report 