Tag: Jon Niese

Mets 5 – Nationals 3 July 2, 2010

New York Mets starter Jonathon Niese pitches against the Washington Nationals in the first inning of their National League MLB baseball game in Washington, July 2, 2010. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.jsThe Mets got another outstanding start from Jon Niese going 7 IP and only giving up 1 run. He also had a career high 8 strikeouts and no walks. He’s really become such a consistent solid presence in the rotation. He also helped himself at the plate. He went 1 for 3 with an RBI double.

The Mets offense had 8 hits and 2 walks tonight. They were led by David Wright going 3 for 5 with a double and a run scored. Alex Cora had a bases loaded triple in the 4 run fourth inning that broke the game open.

The game got interesting in the bottom of the ninth when Elmer Dessens gave up a hit and a walk with two outs. K-Rod came in and gave up 2 hits allowing both inherited runners to score. Oddly, the game ended when he picked off Roger Bernadina at second base. It was one of the biggest bonehead plays I’ve seen in a while by Bernadina.

Box score

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Preview: Mets at Nationals July 2, 2010

New York Mets (44-35) at Washington Nationals (35-45) 7:05 pm

Jon Niese (5-2 3.84) vs Luis Atilano (6-4 4.33)

TV: SNY   Radio: WFAN

What to watch: The Mets try to tie up the series behind Niese who had an excellent start against the Twins in his last outing going 6 IP and giving up no runs on 4 hits. The Nats have lost 4 of the last 5 games that Atilano started. He’s been inconsistent lately. Tonight’s game is a good chance to get a win before they face Stasburg on Saturday.

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.

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Johan Santana and Developing Young Pitchers

New York Mets Johan Santana (R) watches as Cleveland Indians Travis Hafner hits a pitch for a solo home run during the second inning of the Mets MLB inter-league baseball game in Cleveland, Ohio June 15, 2010. REUTERS/Aaron Josefczyk (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.jsMets fans are quickly realizing that the 2010 version of Johan Santana is not the same pitcher that the team traded a proverbial “bucket of balls” for back in 2008. After Santana and the Mets agreed to a 6-year, $137.5 million extension following the trade that winter, the left-handed ace went 16-7 with an ERA of 2.53. Santana had a Cy Young caliber season that year, he could have easily had 4-5 more wins, if not for a horrendous bullpen that ultimately led to that team’s demise.

Fast-forward to the present, and it is plain to see that Santana is performing like anything but an ace. Coming off an injury shortened season in 2009, the wear and tear on Santana’s elbow is certainly showing, especially coming off surgery. The 31-year-old’s velocity is down considerably, which lessens the effect of his signature out pitch, his change-up. Combine the drop in velocity of his fastball with poor location of seemingly all of his pitches recently, and you have the make-up of a very hittable and predictable Major League pitcher.

With Santana’s 2010 campaign so far in mind, it reminds us of the importance of developing young pitchers within the organization (a big-market organization, at that), so the need for acquiring high end starting pitchers down the road isn’t as great. Continue reading “Johan Santana and Developing Young Pitchers”

Mets 6 – Twins 0 June 27, 2010

New York Mets Jeff Francoeur (R) celebrate with teammate Ike Davis (L) after scoring two run home runs against the Minnesota Twins during the fourth inning of inter-league MLB baseball action at Citi Field in New York June 27, 2010. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.jsJon Niese and three relievers combined on a 7-hit shutout of the Twins to win the series today. Niese returned to outstanding form today. He was in complete control through 6 IP allowing only 4 hits.

The Mets offense really pounded the Twins pitchers with 14 hits and 1 walk. They had 3-hit games from Jesus Feliciano, David Wright, and Jeff Francoeur. Most of their scoring was from three home runs by Wright, Francoeur, and Ike Davis. Francoeur was a triple away from the cycle today too.

The Mets take another series 2-1 and finish the home stand at 4-2.

Box score

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Preview: Twins at Mets June 27, 2010

Minnesota Twins (41-33) at New York Mets (42-32)  1:10 pm

Scott Baker (6-6 4.61) vs Jon Niese (4-2 4.417)

TV: SNY   Radio: WFAN

What to watch: The Mets and Twins play the rubber game of the series today. Baker’s season has been a roller coaster of up and down games. His last start was pretty bad at Milwaukee giving up 5 ER over6 IP. Niese’s last start was even worse in a no-decision against Detroit. He gave up 6 ER over 4.2 IP.

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.

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Preview: Tigers at Mets June 22, 2010

Detroit Tigers (38-30) at New York Mets (39-29)  7:10 pm

Justin Verlander (8-4 3.54) vs Jon Niese (4-2 3.64)

TV: SNY   Radio: WFAN

What to watch: The Tigers come to town 1.5 games behind the Twins in the AL Central. They’ve won 8 of their last 9 games. Verlander has some nasty stuff and hasn’t really pitched poorly since May 25. He’s won his last three starts. Niese has pitched just as well or better since coming off the DL on June 5. He’s made three starts in that time and allowed 4 runs and won all three games.

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.

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Mets 8 – Indians 4 June 16, 2010

June 16, 2010 - Cleveland, OHIO, UNITED STATES - epa02206016 Jon Niese of the New York Mets delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Indians in the first inning of their game at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, 16 June 2010.

http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.jsThe Mets won their sixth straight game… And they’re doing it on the road! Jonathon Niese got it done again for his third straight win. This didn’t compare to his last start which was a complete game 1-hitter. But it was a nice start going 7 innings and giving up 3 runs. That’s solid.

The Mets offense was clicking again with 14 hits but no walks. Angel Pagan had a big game going 3 for 5 with 1 run, 3 RBI’s, and 1 stolen base. The Mets put up 5 runs in the third inning and never looked back.

Jason Bay left the game with a quad contusion and is day to day. He ran into Andy Marte while legging out a chopper in the infield. It didn’t look too serious but Jesus Feliciano took over in left field.

The Mets go for the second straight series sweep tomorrow night.

Box score

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