Mets beat reporter Eddie Coleman with Mike and the Mad Dog from April 28, 2008
Author: Dave Doyle
Frequently disappointed Mets fan
National League Cy Young Award Contenders
Image by resedabear via Flickr
When Johan Santana was traded to the Mets this off-season I was thinking that he would win the Cy Young Award for the National League hands down. He still might do that but there are other pitchers having better April’s than Santana.
Brandon Webb (6-0) has been lights out this year and won the award two years ago. His 1.28 ERA and the Diamond Backs early season success has him as the early favorite.
Jake Peavey (2-1), last year’s winner, has a 2.09 ERA in San Diego. With little offensive support and the D-Backs looking like a runaway train in the West, he probably won’t win it again even with another big season.
Johan Santana (3-2) is still in the running. His 3.12 ERA is just fine but not elite material yet. He’s still got plenty of time to take his place among the league leaders so don’t get down on him (or boo him).
John Donovan at Sports Illustrated wrote a good analysis of the pitchers that have Cy Young Award aspirations this season, and the talent to get the award.
Check out the picture of Santana’s 2006 awards: Cy Young Award, MLBPA Players Choice Award, and Baseball America Player of the Year.
Mets- Pirates Rained Out April 28, 2008
The game has been rained out for tonight and will be played on August 11th at 1:10pm. Both Johan Santana and Ian Snell are expected to pitch on Tuesday.
On Deck: Monday April 28, 2008
Pittsburgh Pirates (10-15) at New York Mets (13-11) 7:10pm
Ian Snell (2-1) vs. Johan Santana (3-2)
What to watch: The Pirates are a dreadful team in last place in the worst division in baseball. They haven’t made the playoffs since Barry Bonds was there if you can remember back that far. The Mets absolutely have to win two of the three games in this series. Ian Snell’s not a bad pitcher although his last start against St. Louis was poor. The weather is supposed to be terrible with heavy rain predicted for tomorrow afternoon. It’ll be interesting to see what the Mets do with Santana tomorrow. They don’t want to “waste” one of his starts if the game is going to get rained out. The Mets could start a long reliever in case the game can’t be played in full.
Delgado Hits Two As Mets Beat Braves 6-3
John Smoltz didn’t have it right from the start today. It was good to see the Mets finally get to jump all over a pitcher. He gave up four runs over four innings to take the loss. The Mets win 2 out of 3 in the series which is critical. They have to win these home series within the division if they expect to be playing in October.
Nelson Figueroa was okay again today going 5.1 innings and giving up three runs to get the win. He hasn’t showed me that he’s markedly better than Mike Pelfrey if a decision comes down to which one stays in the rotation when Pedro Martinez gets back.
The Mets again used five pitchers in the win. It’s worrying me that we’re not getting more depth from the starters. The guys from the bullpen are in there every day. Although today wasn’t the day for it, Willie needs to start thinking about stretching out the starters to give the guys in the bullpen a break. Billy Wagner locked the game down again in the ninth. He actually gave up a hit for the first time this year. But he’s looked better this season than at any time since he’s been with the Mets. He looks like a man on a mission and I like to see that. I wish everyone on the team played with the same intensity that he does.
Raul Casanova was 3 for 4 with a home run. He’s done a terrific job backing up Brian Schneider, and playing frequently since Schneider has been hurt. Luis Castillo was 3 for 5 and is inching his average back up. He’s hitting .284 now and doesn’t look “lost” at the plate like he did last week.
The story of the day has to be Carlos Delgado. He was 2 for 2 with two home runs and three runs scored. The fans called on him for a curtain call but he sat down in the dugout spurning the crowd. I don’t blame him at all. I’d probably do the same thing. Rightfully, he’s been scorched in the press and booed at Shea. I’ve let him have it myself.
The question is still valid about who Delgado is at this point in his career. He can’t be in a slump because it’s lasted for more than a season. Can he be a one trick pony hitting occasional home runs in bunches with a .200 average? I don’t know what to make of him. I’m sure the Mets management doesn’t either.
More On Booing Home Players
Although the blogs have been on this topic for weeks, the mainstream media is still just getting to this story. We, as Mets fans, are frustrated and angry with this team. The last two seasons have left a lot of pent up emotion that can’t be relieved by a trip to a shrink. We need a trip to the playoffs. That’s the only cure for our angst.
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Mike Vaccaro wrote a column on the topic for Fox Sports today and summarizes the current victims of our impatience:
Right now, there are three permanent residents of the wrong side of the wall, which we’ll call the dark side of the swoon: Carlos Delgado is the captain and unchallenged leader, and the farther south of .200 his average dips the more likely he’ll be wearing a “C” on his uniform before long. Aaron Heilman is on that side, mostly because he can’t get out of his own way now. And Willie Randolph is there, too, for long and meritorious service.
Why should we be more tolerant? We’ve got a first class city, a first class payroll, and a first class stadium on the way. We want a franchise that plays like a first place team.
Alou May Have Fractured Ankle
Multiple media sources are reporting that Moises Alou will be back in New York tomorrow. An MRI in Florida revealed that he may have a small fracture in his ankle. Although Angel Pagan and Endy Chavez are playing well in left field, it would be great to have Alou’s power right-handed bat back in the lineup.
Brian Schneider is still hospitalized for an infection in his thumb. He’s expected to be back with the team Monday and may be ready to play on Tuesday or Wednesday.
The Mets Report 