Author: Dave Doyle

Frequently disappointed Mets fan

Overachiever Ryan Church Carrying Mets

I have to admit that when the New York Mets traded top prospect Lastings Milledge to the Washington Nationals for Ryan Church and Brian Schneider I was unhappy. I thought this was another one of Omar Minaya’s misguided trades like Heath Bell to the Padres for nothing, or Brian Bannister to the Royals for Ambiorix Burgos. Wow… Have I been wrong!

Ryan Church, and to a lesser degree Brian Schneider, has been much more than the nondescript outfielder that I was expecting. Schneider has been hitting pretty well but without any semblance of power, and he does seem to provide some sense of comfort to the pitching staff. However, the catcher’s influence on a pitching staff is vastly overrated in my opinion.

Church has been a revelation, both in the field and at the plate, for the Mets. He’s currently hitting 34 points above his highest season average in 2005. His OBP is 18 points higher than his career high in 2006. His OPS is 13 points higher than his career high in 2006 as well. Without a doubt, he’s been the most consistent offensive performer for the Mets this season. He’s hit well in every spot in the order that Willie Randolph has put him in. He’s seemingly unaffected by changes that Randolph makes to the lineup. Continue reading “Overachiever Ryan Church Carrying Mets”

On Deck: Monday May 12, 2008 Mets-Nats

Washington Nationals (15-23) at New York Mets (19-16) 7:10pm

Odalis Perez (0-3) vs. Nelson Figueroa (2-2)

TV: SNY Radio: WFAN

What to watch: The Mets start a four game home stand against the Nats before going to Yankee Stadium for a weekend series. This series is another chance for the Mets to beat up on the weak sisters of the National League. Winning at least three out of four games would be the idea here for the Mets. We’ll see if the weather holds up for tonight, the forecast is calling for rain today.

Beltran Powers Mets To 8-3 Win Over Reds

New York Mets center fielder Carlos Beltrán before a Mets/Devil Rays spring training game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.Image via Wikipedia

Carlos Beltran is back! He continued to hit the Reds hard again on Mother’s Day going 2 for 5 with 2 RBI’s and his third home run of the season. Beltran was ice cold going into Los Angeles this week and started to show signs of life. Against Cincinnati he showed that he’s right on the ball.

Oliver Perez was serviceable going six innings for the win. He looked great until the sixth inning when things started to fall apart and he gave up three runs. This was his best start since April 19th in Philly.

Ryan Church continued his dream season making a fantastic catch against the wall in right field, and hitting a homer which was back to back with Beltran.

Carlos Delgado looks pretty comfortable in the seventh spot in the order. I hope Willie keeps him there until he proves that he deserves to move up.

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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