Mets-SNY Gary, Keith, and Ron Voted MLB 2nd Best

Flickr image courtesy of slgckgc

Gary Cohen along with ex-Mets Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling form one of the best broadcast teams in Major League Baseball. Their stellar commentary earned them the #2 spot on GQ’s list of the best and worst television broadcast teams in the MLB. The team was second to only Vin Scully, the ageless solo act for the Dodgers’ broadcast. You can see the rankings for yourself here.

I really feel that only true Met fans understand the worth of these guys in the booth. Gary’s outstanding play-by-play combined with Keith and Ronny’s in-depth knowledge of the game make for 9 innings of enthralling baseball discussion night in and night out.

In my mind, Gary, Keith, and Ron cannot be considered “homers,” although their connection with the team is evident through their commentary. I think it’s safe to say that the three are all Met fans at heart but they honor their profession by calling it like they see it, something that several broadcast teams (cough cough, YES Network, cough) fail to do. Although their discussions may stray from the focus of the game at times, they always keep it interesting. Whether it’s Keith explaining his criteria for a good steak, Ron delving into different world cultures, or Gary talking about how horrible a head first slide into first base is three innings after it happens, our guys captivate baseball minds that are tuning in. I’m almost hesitant to attend games because I won’t get to listen to them (that is a lie, Citi Field is like my church).

Keith and Ron are such valuable assets from a fan standpoint because their baseball knowledge is really through the roof. Obviously both were staples of the ’86 Mets, and were winning players throughout their careers. Keith revolutionized the position he played and was an MVP. Ron possesses intellect pertaining to the mound that matches his Ivy League diploma.

As a fan base we are privileged to have these guys in our ear during most Met broadcasts. I consider them a part of Mets baseball and hope they remain a team for years to come.

Video: Binghamton Mets 2010 All-Stars

Here’s a promotional video from the B-Mets for their three Eastern League All-Stars Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Mike Nickeas, and Josh Stinson. All three are having really good seasons, especially Nieuwenhuis. He may even see some time with the big club in September if he keeps it up. Check out their stats at the B-Mets site.

Mets’ Carlos Beltran Returns From DL

New York Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran (15) warms up prior to the game against the Washington Nationals on September 18, 2008 at Nationals Park in Washington. (UPI Photo/Mark Goldman) Photo via Newscom Photo via Newscom

http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.jsThe Mets made room on the roster for Carlos Beltran by optioning Jesus Feliciano to Triple-A Buffalo after yesterday’s game. Jerry Manuel has told reporters that Beltran will slot into the cleanup spot and start on Thursday in center field. It’s too bad for Feliciano. He hit .278 in 54 at-bats and did a nice job. He’s no All-Star but I like his game as a solid fielder and a consistent bat off the bench.

Manuel also told reporters that Angel Pagan will start in right field on Thursday in San Francisco. Jeff Francoeur will hit the bench. Clearly, that’s the right decision. There’s no way that Francoeur deserves to play over Pagan. Pagan’s game is so much more dynamic with his ability to hit consistently and the speed he has.

When asked by reporters if he thought he would be rusty at the plate:

“Who knows? I mean, the way I played in Port St. Lucie, I think I swung the bat well. But at the big league level it’s a different story,” Beltran said. “I do feel like I need to make adjustments. It will take me time. I don’t expect to come here and rake. I just expect to come here and like I say, do my part. Being able to contribute any way I can, and I believe in that.”

You can listen to Beltran’s interview from Citi Field yesterday with Wayne Hagin of WFAN.

Carlos Beltran audio

Mets 3 – Braves 0 July 11, 2010

New York Mets starting pitcher Johan Santana throws a pitch to the Atlanta Braves in the first inning of their MLB National League baseball game in New York, July 11, 2010. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.jsI’m sorry the recap is a little late today. I was at the game and traffic on the Whitestone was terrible on the way home. Construction!!! It was a great day to be at the game with David Daniels and Kerel Cooper.

Johan Santana was in complete shut down mode for the second straight start. He went 7 strong innings giving up 5 hits and 3 walks but no runs. Bobby Parnell and Francisco Rodriguez cleaned up the eighth and ninth without allowing a baserunner. The Mets pitching completely dominated the Braves today.

The Mets offense was working today too. They had 13 hits and 3 walks. As usual, Angel Pagan was doing the heavy lifting going 3 for 5 with 1 run. Ike Davis was 2 for 3 with a monster home run to center in the sixth off Derek Lowe. It was long and to the left of the apple and I heard on the radio it went 440 feet.

The Mets manage to avoid the sweep before the All-Star break.

Box score

Johan Santana post-game

Jerry Manuel post-game

Preview: Braves at Mets July 11, 2010

Atlanta Braves (52-35) at New York Mets (47-40) 1:10 pm

Derek Lowe (9-7 4.40) vs Johan Santana (6-5 3.15)

TV: WPIX   Radio: WFAN

What to watch: The Mets try to avoid the sweep this afternoon. The good news is that the Braves have lost the last three games that Lowe started. Although, he really didn’t pitch that poorly in those games. Lowe is 3-4 with a 7.01 ERA in his career against the Mets over 8 starts. More good news is that Santana threw one of his best games as a Met in his last start, a complete game shutout against the Reds.

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.

Jose Reyes Out of 2010 All-Star Game

New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes throws out New York Yankees batter Kevin Russo at first base to end the sixth inning of their MLB inter-league baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, June 19, 2010. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.jsThe Mets got some more bad news today. As if it wasn’t bad enough that Mike Pelfrey wasn’t able to find it again. Jose Reyes left the game in the top of the seventh after making a throw from short to first.

David Wright called the trainers out to Reyes’ dismay. He wanted to stay in the game. The oblique injury flared up on him again. It’s clear that he isn’t well enough to be playing. He’s hit right-handed against righties for the last two days.

Reyes told reporters after the game that he won’t be able to play in the All-Star game. Rafael Furcal of the Dodgers will replace him on the All-Star roster.

I’m not sure where the Mets would look if he needs to go back on the disabled list. Reese Havens is tearing it up at Binghamton but he’s on the 7-day DL there. He would have been the obvious choice to come up and play second base and leave Ruben Tejada at short. If he can’t play, I’m not sure who they’ll add to the roster.

Braves 4 – Mets 0 July 10, 2010

New York Mets starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey throws a pitch to the San Diego Padres in the second inning of their MLB National League baseball game in New York, June 8, 2010. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.jsThe bad news for the Mets is that Mike Pelfrey didn’t have it again this afternoon. He made it into the fifth inning, when the Braves scored all 4 runs, but he didn’t get an out in that inning. He had runners on frequently giving up 12 hits and 3 walks.

Hisanori Takahashi put in a nice effort in relief throwing 3 scoreless innings. I really think that long relief is going to be the highest and best use of his skills.

The Mets only put together 4 hits and 3 walks in the game. And Angel Pagan had 3 of those hits and 2 stolen bases. He just makes plays game after game. There’s no way they can sit him down when Carlos Beltran comes back.

The Mets lost the second straight home series today. They’ll try to avoid the sweep behind Johan Santana tomorrow afternoon.

Box score