Tag: Luis Castillo

Mets 7 – Nationals 4 May 27, 2009

The Mets complete the 3-game sweep of the Nationals tonight that was an interesting game in several aspects. First, Johan Santana was struggling through 6 innings giving up 3 runs. Although he was struggling, he did have 11 strikeouts. But he also had 6 walks and gave up 3 hits. It wasn’t vintage Santana but it was enough to get the win and raise his record to 7-2.

Another interesting aspect of the game was Daniel Murphy at the plate. He was 3-for-4 with a homer a double and 5 RBI’s. The home run in the sixth inning appeared to go off the Subway sign that overhangs right field. Initially, the umpires called the ball in play and Gary Sheffield was thrown out at the plate. But the play was reviewed and the umpires called it a home run off the Subway sign. It was really hard to tell from the replays. I’d be curious to know what they saw in their replays.

Sheffield was 1-for-2 with 2 walks and a key 2-run double in the first inning. Luis Castillo was 2-for-2 with 3 walks as well. It was a good offensive night except for David Wright going 1-for-5 with 4 strikeouts.

The Mets move back into first place with a Phillies loss tonight after completing the sweep of the sad Nationals team.

52709

Enhanced by Zemantahttp://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js

Mets 9 – Giants 6 May 16, 2009

It wasn’t a classic game for Johan Santana, but he got enough run support to get the win. He went 7 innings giving up 6 runs (4 earned) and had 7 strikeouts and no walks. He overcame two errors by Luis Castillo and David Wright to get through 7 innings, which was critical with Francisco Rodriguez having pitched four days in a row.

The middle of the Mets lineup was devastating to the Giants today. Carlos Beltran, Gary Sheffield, and Wright had three hits apiece of the Mets 16 hits on the day. Randy Johnson was no match for the Mets offense giving up 7 runs in 4 innings of work. It’s painful to watch him throwing 89 mph fast balls now after seeing his glory years in Seattle and Arizona.

The Mets were running on the Giants again today as well with two more stolen bases. They’re seemingly running at will against their pitchers and Bengie Molina. It’s got to be embarrassing at this point for the Giants.

The Mets are putting an old fashioned beat down on the Giants this weekend at their home park. The team is really playing like a well oiled machine this month at 12-3 so far.

51609

Enhanced by Zemantahttp://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js

Marlins 7- Mets 4 April 28, 2009

42809Sorry for the late post on this one. Livan Hernandez put up a respectable start last night. It’s pretty much what you would expect from a fifth starter. He got into the sixth inning and gave up 3 runs, 2 of then earned. If he could do that consistently, the Mets would be in good shape this season.

On offense, Alex Cora had 2 hits, 2 runs, and 1 RBI subbing in for Luis Castillo. I thought it was interesting that Jerry Manuel put Cora at the top of the lineup when he always keeps Castillo at the bottom of the lineup. Manuel really has no faith in Castillo. David Wright has a nice 2 out RBI in the fifth inning. Hopefully, that will lead to good things for him.

Sean Green lost the game for the Mets in the seventh when he gave up 2 hits and 2 walks, which turned into 4 runs. Green has been pretty good generally this season but this was his second bad game raising his ERA to 8.49. We’ll have to keep an eye on that.

Box score

Enhanced by Zemantahttp://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js

Game Preview: Marlins at Mets [Game 20] April 28, 2009

Florida Marlins logoFlorida Marlins (11-8 Road: 6-4) at New York Mets (9-10 Home: 6-4)  7:10 pm

Ricky Nolasco (1-2 6.86) vs. Livan Hernandez (1-1 7.31)

TV: SNY  Radio:  WFAN

What to watch: Both starting pitchers are having ugly seasons so far. We haven’t received word yet if Carlos Delgado will be able to play tonight. He saw a doctor today after experiencing pain in his hip. Also, Luis Castillo probably won’t play after having back spasms yesterday.

Don’t forget to visit The Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans!

Enhanced by Zemantahttp://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js

Mets Edge Brewers 5-4 April 17, 2009

Score April 17, 2009Livan Hernandez did his job as the fifth starter, he kept them in the game. His line doesn’t look great at 5 IP and 4 ER though. But he was doing pretty well until the sixth inning when Ryan Braun hit a three run bomb to left field. He had a little trouble in the fifth inning, but the shot by Braun put the Brewers ahead 4-3.

The bullpen continued their excellent work by throwing four shutout innings. What a change from last season!

The Mets were able to work themselves back into the game in the seventh when Gary Sheffield hit a solo homer, the 500th of his career. He got a nice standing ovation from the crowd as well. The team appears to have embraced Sheffield, they were all out on the field to greet him as he crossed home plate. The homer tied the game at 4-4.

In the bottom of the ninth, Carlos Delgado hit a double to left field. In another nice change from last season, Luis Castillo was able to bring him home with a single to score the winning run.

The Mets are now 6-5 on the season.

Box score

Enhanced by Zemantahttp://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js

Mets Over Marlins 8-4 April 11, 2009

http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Javascripts/PisV3.jshttp://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/javascripts/DataV3.ashx?ImageId=838127&PublisherId=1326MLB: FEB 26 Spring Training - Marlins at Mets

There are really two stories in this game: Livan Hernandez pitched really well, and Luis Castillo had a great game. Hernandez went 6.2 innings giving up 2 runs. What a performance from the fifth starter! This spot in the rotation was supposed to be a contest but Hernandez locked it up pretty early this spring. He continued to show that he’s still got something left in the tank.

Luis Castillo went 4 for 4 with 3 runs and 1 RBI. He took early batting practice with Jerry Manuel before the game and it really paid off. He should’ve been 5 for 5 but had a bunt hit taken away by the scorer who ruled it a sacrifice.

The Mets still left 15 runners on base but the offense looked much better than it has the last few days. Carlos Beltran had 4 LOB himself.

The Mets go to 3-2 on the season and go again with the Marlins tomorrow at 1:10 pm.

Box score

Enhanced by Zemantahttp://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js

Verducci: 2009 Mets Have Several Key Questions

http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Javascripts/PisV3.jshttp://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/javascripts/DataV3.ashx?ImageId=687643&PublisherId=1326MLB: FEB 26 Spring Training - Marlins at Mets

SI’s Tom Verducci addressed the Mets in his “Spring Training Post Cards” series today. I really like Verducci and he nailed the Mets first couple of weeks of spring training perfectly. Here’s a quick summary of the issues he addressed:

  1. Jerry Manuel has brought a looser feel to the team this season than Willie Randolph had in the past.
  2. Jose Reyes batting third is an interesting experiment and meant to push Luis Castillo, not Reyes. He suggests that Castillo may be best served batting ninth in the order.
  3. The Mets outfielders don’t have a lot of high-ceiling guys. And they don’t know what to expect out of Ryan Church after he couldn’t get it together after his second concussion.
  4. Livan Hernandez could really help the Mets if he can get about 15 starts in this season.
  5. The daily roller coaster of Johan Santana’s health is hanging over the team like a cloud right now.

I’m surprised that he didn’t mention Carlos Beltran in his discussion of the Mets outfielders. Beltran gives the Mets a lot of flexibility to play guys that don’t have outfield experience. He covers a ton of ground in the outfield and leads the other players positioning.

I’m also surprised that he didn’t mention what a bust that Freddy Garcia is turning out to be. Livan Hernandez is fine, but the Mets need to find someone that solidify the number five spot in the rotation.

Enhanced by Zemantahttp://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js