Tag: Willie Randolph

Padres Complete Sweep of Mets With 8-6 Win

Tony Clark’s pinch hit, three run homer off Billy Wagner in the bottom of the eighth inning capped a sweep for the Padres. With two men on, Willie Randolph brought in closer Wagner for a four out save. That also turned switch hitter Tony Clark to his right side, much weaker hitting than his left. But Tony Clark came through with a bomb to center field that won the game.

Pedro Martinez had a bad start today going five innings and allowing four runs. He gave up ten hits during the start and looks like an old pitcher whose career is running on fumes.

Surprisingly, Carlos Delgado had his second straight three hit game including a triple. He hadn’t hit a triple since 2006. But his effort was wasted again as the Mets continue to find new ways to lose.

Ramon Castro was scheduled to start at catcher but overslept and showed up an hour before the game at the stadium. Randolph benched and fined him. Raul Casanova started in his place.

Box score

Video Highlights

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Mets Losing Sight Of Phillies

PHILADELPHIA - MARCH 31: Chase Utley #26 of the Philadelphia Phillies gets congratulated by teammate Ryan Howard #6 after Utley hit a walk off home-run in the bottom of the sixth inning during the game against the Washington Nationals on Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park March 31, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Nationals won 11-6.

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The Philadelphia Phillies are starting to pull away from the pack in the National League East. They’re now 6.5 games ahead of the fourth place Mets. Actually, the Mets record is closer to the last place Washington Nationals than it is the first place Phillies.

Despite the Mets early season problems, I’ve been telling myself “It’s still early in the season” and “We’re still within striking distance of first place”. But neither of those statements is true anymore. It’s not early in the season anymore, and we’re not within striking distance of first place.

The Phillies are 8-2 in their last ten games and the Mets are 5-5, a microcosm of their season. Just wading along waiting for some player to catch fire but it doesn’t happen. The Mets have scored 54 fewer runs than the Phillies this season, and the Mets dismal 13-20 road record is the mark of a team going nowhere.

Two weeks ago the Wilpons met with Willie Randolph and Omar Minaya to discuss the state of the team. There was a brief surge and blast of energy by the team, mostly by bench players including Fernando Tatis and Endy Chavez.

But the bench players have been exposed as who they are. Good bench players that are better off seen in small doses. The Mets regulars just can’t get anything going on a consistent basis offensively.

Without changes made, this team will continue to scuffle along at or near .500. It’s time for Minaya to make a move, whether it be letting hitting coach Howard Johnson go or bring in an offensive player like a Kevin Millar. Or maybe it’s time to get more drastic and let Randolph go… Before the season is completely lost.

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Jose Reyes Fielding Problems- Randolph Offers Help

NEW YORK - MAY 14: Manager Willie Randolph of the New York Mets removes Claudio Vargas #39 from the game in the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals as his teammates David Wright #5, Carlos Delgado #21, and Jose Reyes #7 look on on May 14, 2008 at Shea Stadium in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

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Jose Reyes season has been one of offensive success in recent weeks and defensive mystery. His fielding percentage (.961) is the lowest of his career since 2004 (.957 at SS). That’s when he was in the middle of the horrible transition to second base to make room for Japanese superstar Kaz Matsui.

We now know that Matsui wasn’t a superstar for the New York Mets and Reyes wasn’t a second baseman. But Reyes has been struggling defensively this season often on plays that appear to be routine. There’s been speculation that Reyes is dissatisfied with his four year/$23.25 million contract. That may be a logical assertion. Fellow infielder David Wright has a six year/$55 million contract. In my opinion, Reyes is a far more dynamic player at a position that requires more defensive skill. I’d be unhappy about the contract as well. Continue reading “Jose Reyes Fielding Problems- Randolph Offers Help”

June 6- Mets News- Wright, Church, Castillo, And Wagner

FLUSHING, NY - AUGUST 08: Mike Piazza of the San Diego Padres shakes hands with David Wright of the New York Mets on August 8, 2006 at Shea Stadium in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mike Piazza;David Wright

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The Mets go up against the San Diego Padres for the second of a four game series tonight. It’s another late night game that’s tough to stay awake for. I’m still dejected from the way last night’s game ended… a hit batter to bring the winning run home in the bottom of the ninth. Unbelievable!

  • Willie Randolph is thinking about giving David Wright a day off. He’s played every inning of every game so far. I’m not so concerned about that. He’s a young guy and shouldn’t have a problem playing nearly every game. Wright played in 160 games last season. Read Bart Hubbach’s column at the NY Post.
  • Ryan Church played in last night’s game after asking for a day off in San Francisco on Wednesday. He said that he felt winded after light pinch hitting duty for a week and a half after his concussion in Atlanta.
  • Mets second baseman Luis Castillo is happy to be going up against Padres starter Randy Wolf tonight. He has a history of hitting him hard to the tune of .425/ .465/ .650. Read Marty Noble’s column at MLB.com.
  • Closer Billy Wagner looks up to Trevor Hoffman. Marty Noble wrote a good piece for MLB.com on this story.
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Audio: June 5- Billy Wagner On ESPN Radio

CHICAGO - AUGUST 3: Closing pitcher Billy Wagner #13 of the New York Mets is congratulated by manager Willie Randolph #12 after a win against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field August 3, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois. The Mets defeated the Cubs 6-2.

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Mets closer Billy Wagner joins Don LeGreca on ESPN Radio for his weekly spot. He talks about the Mets success over the last week, the come from behind wins, the players lack of support for Willie Randolph, and Aaron Heilman’s struggles.

ESPN Audio

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Audio: June 5- Randolph And Heyman

Audio links from WFAN’s Mike and The Mad Dog show. New York Mets manager Willie Randolph and Sports Illustrated baseball writer Jon Heyman join the show.

What jumps out at me is that Randolph seems to be much more open to pointing out when players are going badly than he was before the meeting with the Wilpons. I like that he isn’t being an apologist for every player that’s going badly.

WFAN- Willie Randolph

WFAN- Jon Heyman

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