Tagged: franciscorodriguez

Frankie joins the ‘Brew Crew’

Immediately after the National League won their second straight All-Star Game, the Mets announced that closer Francisco Rodriguez was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for two players to be named later. Also, the Mets will give the Brewers cash considerations, which essentially means they will take care of some salary.

This is a big move for both the Mets and the Brewers for a number of reasons. In regards to the Brewers, they will be getting a top of the line closer to help set up John Axford. Sure, K-Rod may not be what he used to be, but he is a very good arm. Frankie could be a big help to the Brewers and their pursuit of a playoff berth. But, while that is a big plus for Milwaukee, they also have to be cognizant of his $17.5 million dollar option that could vest if he finishes 55 games this season. That probably won’t be a problem unless Axford goes down. Still, it is an enormous risk for a smaller market team that cannot afford an option of that magnitude.

As for the Mets, it’s a huge weight off of the Sandy Alderson and the Mets’ shoulders. Although Frankie was pitching well this year, whenever he entered a game the topic of discussion not just on the television and radio broadcasts but in the stands was that he was getting closer and closer to that inevitable option. I don’t think that it was an option to keep Francisco. That option was too much of a risk to the team. If that were to vest, the Mets would be financially tied up for 2012, delaying the Mets’ rebuilding process.

Also, with the trade there is much speculation that the Mets will begin a fire-sale and trade all valuable pieces of the team in hopes of beginning their rebuilding process.

Honestly, I don’t see that happening at all as of yet. I really don’t even see this trade as an indication that Sandy will deal Carlos Beltran. I see this trade as a necessary trade to help keep the checkbook open for 2012. The Mets traded K-Rod not because he was performing below par or because they were out of contention, but because of that huge option that could vest and force the Mets to suffer another lousy and be strapped for cash.

First win and today’s game

Yesterday

The Mets won their first game last night of the 2011 season at the Marlins’ Sun Life Stadium.  The final score was 6-4 and the game lasted into the tenth inning.

Jon Niese was stellar yesterday, throwing 87 pitches over seven innings, and only allowing one hit after the 2nd inning.  Jon had a blip on the radar in the first, but settled down nicely after.  The Mets needed this from Niese, considering Pelf’s poor start Friday. 

David Wright had three hits last night, including the go ahead RBI single in the tenth inning after the Marlin’s outfielder Cousins let a fly ball in foul territory drop.  David also hit his first homer of the 2011 season, and the first for the Mets.  He hit the Mets’ first homer last season as well.

Josh Thole had an RBI single to put the Mets ahead in the 9th last night, only to have Francisco Rodriguez give up a single to former Phillie Greg Dobbs to tie the game.  The positive I can take from this is that Frankie’s appearence didn’t count as a game finished, which helps the Mets’ cause for preventing his 17.5 million dollar option to vest.  Blaine Boyer ended the game, although giving up one run.

Beltran played all ten innings last night, and looked great in the field and hit well, too.  It’s good to see him healthy. 

Today

The Mets are going to take on the Marlins again, with R.A. Dickey on the mound.  Pitching in the rubber game for Florida will be Javier Vazquez.  The lineup will be…Reyes, Harris, Wright, Ike, Angel, Lucas Duda, Daniel Murphy, and Thole with R.A. batting ninth. 

Following today’s game the Mets will travel to Philly. 

Standings

Here are the early N.L. East standings. 

Phillies 2-0 — GB

Mets 1-1 1.0 GB

Braves 1-1 1.0 GB

Marlins 1-1 1.0 GB

Nationals 1-1 1.0 GB

Ed Coleman on WFAN

Ed Coleman was on WFAN and the YES Network today with Mike Francesa talking about the Mets from Port St. Lucie.

Coleman expects Terry Collins to decide within the next two weeks who will be starting in center field for the Mets, whether it is Beltran or Pagan.

According to Coleman, Collins will give Daniel Murphy ‘every opportunity’ to win the second base job, although his fielding ability is in question.

Francisco Rodriguez needs to finish, not close, 55 games by the end of the season for his 17 million dollar vesting option to take effect, which Mike Francesa says will definitely not happen.

He expects Johan Santana to be out until at least July.  But he will likely throw in front of the media and will workout with the team.  The Mets are ‘not going to hide him.’

I agree that there is no way that the Mets will let K-Rod’s option vest.  They cannot afford to let that happen and could look to trade him this upcoming season.   Francesa seems to think the Mets should showcase Castillo, to try to get trade offers for him.  That wont happen, I mean, he is washed up and cant play like he used to. 

Also, according to Ed Coleman, Terry Collins would likely rather have Pagan in Center if Beltran will need frequent days off, as he would rather have a replacement in the corners. 

— Put it in the Books!

Mets in Houston

The Mets won their first game in Houston versus the Astros Monday night, by a score 3-1.  Jon Niese to-ed the hill for the Mets and was good yet again, allowing one run in seven innings and keeping the Astros at bay while runners were in scoring position. 

The Mets’ offense looked a little better tonight.  Beltran hit his second homer of the season, while also collecting another hit and making playing good defense in the outfield.  I was at the game, and I really loved that he went deep, considering how badly he gets booed in Minute Maid.  I still dont know why he keeps getting booed.  I mean, didnt Astros fans realize thatt he was probably a rental player and that he hasnt been great in New York?  They, for $19 million, should be happy they didnt sign him. 

David Wright collected three singles, and made some great defensive plays, including a diving catch on the line to save an extra base hit. 

Pedro Feliciano got the win tonight as he came in and got out of a bases loaded, two out jam.  Although he allowed the runner on first to reach on a terrible error.  Hisanori Takahashi came in and collected his first save, a 1-2-3 inning. 

Just to mention, Jeff Francoeur had an RBI triple and was thrown out at home on a ball to first, buut he was clearly save at the plate.  It was surprising thatt the home plate umpire made the error and not  the second or third base umpires.  Those two were Angel Hernandez and Joe West.  Francoeur also just missed a three-run homer. 

I had a great time at the game, and I advise anyone who is in the Houston area to go see a game.  I was happy to get an autograph from the ‘animal’ Chris Carter and one from David Wright.  Frenchy was also nice enough to throw me a baseball.

*************************************************************************************************************

In the paragraphs above, I mentioned that Hisanori Takahashi collected the save for the Mets.  That was because the Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez will likely miss the rest of the season with a tron ligament in his finger. 

He reportedly injured it when he punched his father-in-law at Citi Field.  He was arrested and charged with third-degree assult. 

The Mets are reportedly attempting to void K-Rod’s contract, I hope it happens.

Kudos to David Wright and Carlos Beltran tonight, great game guys.

Baseballs.jpg

 

Mets Hold On

The Mets beat the Florida Marlins at Citi Field this evening, 4-3. 

R.A. Dickey pitched well, yet again tonight.  He let up three runs in 6+ innings.  And, to make his third win (he’s now 3-0), he collected two big hits tonight.  Boy, from what Ive seen, he can do it all.  The Knuckler was working for Dickey, fooling a lot of the Marlin hitters.

Elmer Dessens has become an important part of the Mets’ bullpen, and tonight he was great again, throwing over an inning of scoreless baseball.

Frankie Rodriguez continues to play with fire, up by one run, and tonight he allowed two guys to get on before Hanley Ramirez jogged out a grounder to end the game.  I cant understand it.  Why, on earth, would he throw Gabby Sanchez a 3-2 curve when Hanley is on deck?  Absolutely unacceptable.

Ruben Tejada collected a big double tonight, his 2nd major league hit and first extra base hit.

Jon Niese returns tomarrow versus Nate Robertson on FOX

Santana, Mets Struggle

The Mets lost their second straight series to open the season today.  The Mets were on the losing end of a 5-2 game. 

Johan Santana started off in the worst way, giving up a triple to Nyjer Morgan.  Johan then walked the 2 other batters.  With one out, Willingham drove a ball into center field, hitting the wall.  Three runners scored and Josh was thrown out at home.  The hit was reviewed and ruled a grand slam. 

The Mets could not get anything going against Hernandez.  He gave up 5 sparatic hits and three walks. 

Later in the game, Mike Jacobs finally hit a 2-run homer, breaking out of his 1-14 slump. 

Francisco Rodriguez pitched a scoreless 9th inning, but not without some excitement.  Franky hit Willie Harris on the elbow and Willie while walking down to 1st, he stared at K-Rod and had some choice words for him.  Franky was agitated, and walked toward Willie, yelling and going after him.  The benches cleared yet no puches were thrown.

Jeff Francoeur is on fire, getting 2 more hits today.

*************************************************************************************************************

I was very disappointed about Johan.  We really needed to win this series and head to Colorado on a good foot.  He settled down after the 1st, but the Mets couldnt come back.  The Mets’ offense has been stagnant.  I was very happy that K-Rod stood up for himself.

After the game, Willie Harris said Francisco started the argument.  Yet, when you look at the tape, he clearly started the confrontation.

Reyes, K-Rod, and the Phillies

Jose Reyes will start the 2010 MLB season on the Disabled List.  I’m glad that the Mets are not rushing him back, but I hope the Mets dont get off to a bad start. 

Francisco Rodriguez has left the team to got to Venezuela.  He is going home because of a personal matter and should be back for Opening Day.

It looks like the Phillies are getting a taste of the Mets’ luck. JC Romero, Joe Blanton, and Brad Lidge are all on the DL.  Boy, as a Mets fan, Im glad they are facing what we have.

Mwahahaha!

Good Luck Mets…Opening Day is Monday