Cubs Clobber Mets Niese In 9-5 Win

The Mets lost their third straight game after starter Jon Niese got rocked for six runs over three plus innings. The ultimate embarrassment was giving up a grand slam to the opposing pitcher Jason Marquis. It was the second opposing pitcher to hit a grand slam off the Mets this season.

The shaky bullpen went on to give up three more runs over the final six innings.

The Mets had 11 hits on the night but it was all for naught again as the Mets continue another late season slide.

Carlos Beltran was shaken up when he hit the wall hard making a catch. He did stay in the game despite the nay-sayers that have called him “soft” for the past four seasons.

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Mets Bullpen May Be Their Undoing

It’s become almost impossible for me to watch the Mets now. And this should be the most exciting time of the season. We’re right in the playoff hunt and there’s only one week left in the regular season. The Phillies and Brewers have had their own problems at various times this season. The Mets are better than both of them, or they should be.

At the All-Star break I would’ve told you that if the Mets don’t make the playoffs in 2008 it’s because Carlos Delgado can’t hit anymore or Moises Alou is injured again. But Delgado can, and has, hit and the left field combination of Daniel Murphy, Endy Chavez, Fernando Tatis, and Nick Evans has worked.

Now it’s readily apparent to every Mets fan that if the Mets don’t make the playoffs it’s the bullpen’s fault. Johan Santana should have 20+ wins right now. He’s been victimized more than anyone save the fans. And the bullpen may cost Jerry Manuel a well-deserved shot at managing this team for the next three or four years.

Take a look at the Mets statistics in releif appearances this season. But don’t look at it right after eating. You might lose your lunch. If you go to MLB.com, click Stats, then select the Mets, pitching stats, in relief appearances you’ll see all of the Mets relief appearance stats and it isn’t a pretty sight.

I won’t even single anyone in the bullpen out because they’ve all been so bad. It’s time to move Bobby Parnell to the top of the heap. Could he be worse than what we’ve already seen? I don’t think so.

On Deck- September 22- Cubs at Mets [Game 1]

Chicago Cubs (94-60 Road: 39-34) at New York Mets (86-69 Home: 45-29)

Jason Marquis (10-9 4.39) vs. Jon Niese (1-0 4.09) 

TV: SNY  Radio: WFAN

What to watch: The Mets are desperate for wins as they start a four game series at home with the Cubs. Niese is coming off eight shutout innings in his last start against Atlanta. Marquis has been up and down for the Cubs this season. The Cubs have already clinched the NL Central so they’ll be playing not to get anybody hurt before the playoffs.

Visit The Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans.

Mets Bullpen Falls Apart Again In 7-6 Loss To Braves

The Mets had a 4-3 lead going into the bottom of the eighth inning. Mike Pelfrey didn’t have one of his best games, but it was good enough. He went six innings giving up three runs, a quality start. Then came the infamous Mets bullpen. It’s incredible that nobody can be trusted in the bullpen. I can’t remember such poor performances as a group as the 2008 Mets bullpen.

Schoenweiss, Smith, Feliciano, and Heilman all contributed to today’s disaster in Atlanta. It’s the same old story.

Another great offensive game by Carlos Delgado was wasted. He went 4 for 5 with 2 runs, 3 RBI’s, and a dramatic home run in the ninth to get the Mets within one run of tying the game.

Unbelievable…

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On Deck- September 21- Mets at Braves [Game 3]

New York Mets (86-68 Road: 41-39) at Atlanta Braves (68-87 Home: 42-38) 1:35pm

Mike Pelfrey (13-10 3.67) vs. James Parr (1-0 2.20) 

TV: CW11  Radio: WFAN

What to watch: Pelfrey is coming off a tough-luck loss at Washington where he pitched seven innings and gave up one run. Parr has pitched extremely well in three starts for the Braves. They play the rubber game of the series before the Mets head home to take on the Cubs.

Visit The Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans.

Pedro, Mets Lose To Braves 4-2

Once again Pedro Martinez didn’t have it. He gave up four runs over six innings including three in the first inning. He’s consistently leaving the Mets in the hole after the first inning.

Pedro did have the only offensive spark of the game hitting a two run double in the fifth. And that was all the offense that the Mets could muster.

The Mets may drop out of first place with the Phillies currently leading the Marlins 3-2 in the eighth inning.

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