Francisco Rodriguez is scheduled to return from his two game suspension today for beating his girlfriend’s father at Citi Field. He’ll address the media today and, presumably, apologize for his actions.
Here’s video of Omar Minaya talking about the incident and Rodriguez’ return.
http://espn.go.com/videohub/player/embed.swf
http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.jsTonight’s game was a fantastic pitcher’s duel and R.A. Dickey came out on top with a 1-hitter. The only hit he gave up was a single to Cole Hamels of all people with one out in the sixth. Hamels also pitched a complete game 5-hitter. It was a real treat for fans of good pitching.
The Mets only run was scored in the sixth inning when David Wright doubled over the head of Shane Victorino. Carlos Beltran doubled off the wall in left to score the run.
That was a great way to start a tough series with the Phillies. Tomorrow’s pitcher will be Pat Misch making his first start of the year after having a very solid season at Triple-A Buffalo.
http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.jsWally Backman has become a hot name amongst the fans and the media. As the 2010 Mets ship continues to sink, fans are scrambling looking for something to hold on to. The life raft for some has become the former second baseman of the 1986 club. Wally Backman has been linked as a potential candidate for the 2011 Mets. He is currently at the helm of the Brooklyn Cyclones who are winning and playing exciting baseball.
Wally has not been a stranger to the press, but much about the man is told in anecdote. To get a closer look at Wally, I spoke with John Fitzgerald, the man behind the much talked about “Playing for Peanuts” series. Before he began his project on the South Georgia Peanuts, John was a production assistant for several motion pictures. He then took on a project in Ireland about the Irish National Baseball team. There he filmed and worked amongst players who were sacrificing for the love of the game. In continuing with this theme, John approached the South Coast Independent League about doing a potential project. They gave him a list of teams that he could potentially cover. Amongst them, John saw a familiar name listed as manager of the Peanuts.
John Fitzgerald grew up a Mets fan in the eighties. In 1983, at six years old, John can remember his father’s typical Met fan jargon “They lost to the Cubs again!”. Nevertheless, the Mets began an upward trend and John can remember people wanting to mimic the Mets’ aggressive brand of baseball. The name on the list of teams and managers was Wally Backman. John took the opportunity to connect these interests. I had the pleasure to talk to John about “Playing for Peanuts”, the Mets, and “Uncle Wally”. Continue reading “John Fitzgerald on “Playing For Peanuts”, Wally Backman, and the Mets”
Colorado Rockies (59-54) at New York Mets (56-57) 12:10 pm
Jason Hammel (8-6 4.38) vs Johan Santana (9-6 3.06)
TV: SNY Radio: WFAN
What to watch: The Mets and Rockies play the rubber game this afternoon. Hammel has been hit pretty hard recently giving up 11 runs in his last three starts. Santana recovered from a bad stretch in his last start against Philly throwing 7.1 shutout innings. Let’s hope he can keep it going.
Don’t forget to visit The Mets Report Facebook page during the game to chat with other Mets fans! Connect with The Mets Report on Twitter too.
Here’s some video from ESPN with some more details about K-Rod’s arrest last night for assaulting his father-in-law. Jeremy Schaap gives a few more details about this situation.
http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.jsFrancisco Rodriguez was arrested after last night’s loss to the Rockies at Citi Field. He was involved in a physical altercation with his father-in-law, who was injured. According to multiple media reports, K-Rod was arrested and being held at Citi Field.
This isn’t the first dust up for K-Rod since he joined the Mets last season. But it is the first time it’s gotten physical. In May, he and bullpen coach Randy Niemann had some sort of disagreement in the bullpen. My take on it was that K-Rod was complaining about having to warm and never enter games and Niemann told him to pipe down.
It’s just another situation making this disappointing season worse and worse. Johan Santana was accused by a woman in Florida of raping her. He wasn’t charged by the police but she’s suing him now in civil court.
The only thing I will say is that sometimes the best players have an edge to them that you don’t always like. The Mets of the ’80’s weren’t choir boys. We all know that. Not that K-Rod has been a great player, but sometimes you have to live with edgy behavior from players.
http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.jsThis game was a real killer. Jon Niese pitched another great game going 7 strong innings allowing only 1 run. He was cruising and didn’t give up a run until a sac fly in the seventh. Niese had 7 strikeouts and no walks. It was an excellent game.
The Mets had no offense again with 3 hits and 1 walk. The only runs were on an Angel Pagan home run in the first inning. They only had 2 baserunners in the last 8 innings of the game. David Wright was 0 for 4 with 4 strikeouts and mostly against Jeff Francis a lefty.
The game was completely blown up with 2 outs in the eighth inning. Hisanori Takahashi gave up a hit and a walk. Then Manny Acosta gave up 3 hits and 2 walks without getting an out including a grand slam to Melvin Mora. It was beyond ugly.
The Mets and Rockies will play the rubber game of the series early tomorrow at noon.
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