Tag: Billy Wagner

Manuel’s New Strategy Pays Early Dividends For Mets

New York Mets shortstop José Reyes during a Mets/Devil Rays spring training game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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For three and a half years we’ve been watching Willie Randolph bring in his closer, Billy Wagner, to pitch the ninth inning of tied or close games.  Jerry Manuel’s second game as manager of the Mets showed us a much needed strategic shift.  Manuel’s intestinal fortitude was tested by his star shortstop in his first game as well, and he passed with flying colors.

Willie Randolph followed the modern “book” for closers as Mets manager. Billy Wagner nearly always pitched the ninth inning of games that the Mets led or were tied. I always disagreed with pitching Wagner in the ninth inning of a tied game. I wondered: Why not hold onto that weapon until you really need it? Apparently, Jerry Manuel agrees with me. Duaner Sanchez pitched the ninth inning, and when the Mets took the lead Billy Wagner shut the door in the tenth inning. That’s the way to play that situation! Wagner is the pitcher to close out a win, not hold over a tie.

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Beltran 2 HR Powers Mets 9-6 Over Angels

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Carlos Beltran hit two solo homers, one in the first and one in the third inning. Mike Pelfrey got his first win since April 15.

Pelfrey’s line was six innings pitched giving up eight hits and two walks. He had no strikeouts. He gave up six runs but he was shaky in the seventh and didn’t get any outs. Pedro Feliciano came in to relieve in the seventh and was terrible giving up two RBI hits. He only got one out in the seventh.

Aaron Heilman came into the game in the seventh after Feliciano was ineffective. I thought that the Angels would break it open at that point but Heilman locked down the inning with two strikeouts.

Billy Wagner was a little shaky in the ninth inning again. He gave up a hit and a walk but got out of the inning with a line drive to Jose Reyes for a double play at second base.

Reyes was 2 for 4 with 3 runs scored and a stolen base as well.

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Video: Billy Wagner Post Game June 12

You’ve probably seen this video by now. Billy Wagner is brutally honest about his brutal performance yesterday. I respect that he’s taking the heat for the team but I’d respect him more if he was saving games!

If you watched ESPN Baseball Tonight after the Mets game it was interesting that they bleeped the word "sucked" from Billy’s comments. Is that really a word that needs to be bleeped in current English vernacular?

See his post game reaction below.

Audio: Rosenthal And Pelfrey

NEW YORK - JULY 23: Lance Berkman #17 of the Houston Astros leads off first base in the 4th inning against Mike Pelfrey #34 of the New York Mets on July 23, 2006 at Shea Stadium in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Astors defeated the Mets 8-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lance Berkman;Mike Pelfrey

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Here’s some morning audio for you after a devastating loss in 10 innings and series loss to the D’Backs. The Mets have lost six of seven games and appear to a .500 team, at best.

Fox Sports senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal joins Steve Somers on WFAN.

Mike Pelfrey joins WFAN’s Joe & Evan to talk about his third straight good start for the Mets and Billy Wagner coming in to blow the lead.

Both audio clips are from June 12, 2008.

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Audio: June 12- Billy Wagner

NEW YORK - JUNE 12: Manager Willie Randolph of the New York Mets comes out to talk with Billy Wagner #13 after a bases loaded ninth inning jam against the Arizona Diamonbacks on June 12, 2008 at Shea Stadium in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

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Billy Wagner talks about his three consecutive blown saves to Michael Kay of ESPN Radio. The interview took place after today’s loss to the D’Backs and his third poor performance in a row. He really doesn’t seem to have any concrete answers as to why he’s struggling. Kay suggests that Wagner may be tipping his pitches.

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Wagner Blows Third Straight Save; Mets Lose To D-Backs 5-4 in 10 Innings

Another great game by Johan Santana was wasted today. He went seven shutout innings giving up three hits and three walks with ten strikeouts. Joe Smith was terrible in the eighth inning giving up two walks and two hits in .2 innings. Two runs scored on him.

Billy Wagner blew the save in the ninth inning allowing two runs to score on two hits and two walks. Then Aaron Heilman threw gas on the fire in the tenth inning. Justin Upton doubled off him, moved to third on a sacrifice, then scored on a sacrifice fly.

The Mets offense came on a solo homer by Ramon Castro in the second inning off Dan Haren. David Wright doubled in Endy Chavez in the third inning but was thrown out going for third base. Fernando Tatis hit a two run single in the seventh inning.

The Mets lose the home series to the struggling D-Backs and have the Texas Rangers coming to town for a weekend series.

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