Tagged: jason isringhausen

Boys, that’s how it’s done

I took a huge sigh of relief just minutes ago when the Mets and Francisco Rodriguez closed out the game in the Bronx, a 2 – 1 win, and that win puts the Mets at the .500 mark and keeps them at only five games back of the Philadelphia Phillies. After their 5 – 13 start, who would have thought the Mets would be here?

The Mets played a great game tonight, as did the Yankees (and yes, it isn’t easy for me to admit it). R.A. Dickey started tonight for the Mets, allowing only one run in six innings pitched tonight. The only run that R.A. allowed was a cheap home run that Texieira hit into not even the first row of the right field stands. To be honest, a high school kid could have hit one out there, as I’ve seen it done myself. That wall is ridiculously short. When first hit, I thought for sure that it was an out, and when I saw Carlos retreat, I thought he was gonna reel that one back in. Although he couldn’t, it’s nice to see that Beltran has the ability to attempt that catch.

Dickey did encounter baserunners quite frequently tonight, but was able to make the pitches necessary to work his way out of the jams. This is a good sign for Dickey, because he didn’t appear to have great stuff, but he was able to get it done.

Also, Jose Reyes played great once again. His diving stop on a ball hit by A-Rod likely saved the game. With two out, Jose sparked the club and got R.A. out of the inning. When Murphy came off the bag, and the error was charged to Jose, that was a terrible scoring call. Not Jose’s fault at all. Great game played by Jose.

What more can Justin Turner do? Since he arrived here from Buffalo all he has done is hit. Since arriving, he has had 14 RBI in about 55 at-bats. That’s not too shabby. He has been such a spark, and a team player. He does what needs to be done, and isn’t worried about anything but winning. That’s the kind of guy you want, and need to have to be a player who can sustain a career in the Major Leagues. Three hits tonight, and the game tying RBI. This shows that the Mets have a different mindset because of Terry Collins. He pushes and instills confidence in his players, and with that gets 110% out of them.

Thanks to Daniel Murphy’s solo shot down the right field line, the Mets went ahead for good. While that was great, I was psyched about how well Jason Isringhausen pitched. He was straight out dominant tonight. Izzy has really stabilized the bullpen and helped out the younger guys, and that has clearly shown. Good job by K-Rod also. He pitched a great inning and closed the door. Franky has been a great comeback this season.

Just as a quick side note, I love the comment that Pedro Beato has regarding the Yankees. He said, “I hate the Yankees.” Pedro did grow up a Mets fan here and I love his honesty, and his opinion.

Problems with the pitching

The Mets were rained out today in Atlanta, and this will result in them playing a double header tomorrow, starting at 4:10pm.  D.J. Carrasco is set to pitch against Derek Lowe in the first game, while Big Pelf is gonna pitch against Jair Jurrjens in the second of the two. 

This has disaster written all over it.  Why?  Because the Mets are going to play their second double header in three days.  The bullpen is spent as it is, and with two games tomorrow, they’re destined to have more trouble.  The Mets’ bullpen has been the worst in baseball so far, and their starters haven’t been much better.

It seems as though every time the Mets’ offense get the pitchers a lead, they give it right back in the following half inning, or later on.  The Mets average five runs a game, which has to be good enough to win games.  Frankly, I’m surprised the ‘pen and starters have been so bad.  During the spring, they looked really promising.  I guess they spent all of their out then.  The only positives have been Pedro Beato and Jason Isringhausen.

Isringhausen was called up to the majors a few days ago, making his first Mets appearance since 1999.  And, he has pitched well, though his time here has been brief to say the least.  He has closed close to 300 games, so it appears as though he will be able to withstand pressure packed situations.  The real question is, can he stay healthy?

Pedro Beato has been lights out every time he has come in, and I think, though it may be premature, Terry needs to take advantage of his talent and effectiveness lately. 

I think it’s likely the Mets will call up Dillon Gee to pitch, which I’m happy about, considering Chris Young’s rib cage.  They need to call up Pat Misch, to provide bullpen help and to get some outs, something the Mets’ bullpen can’t do as of now.   

Mets release Oliver Perez

The Mets released Oliver Perez today, eating the remaining $12 million dollars that he was owed this year, his last year of the contract he signed in 2009.  This release comes just days after the Mets decided to release Luis Castillo and his $6 million dollars he was owed for the remainder of the year.

Thank God.  I haven’t been this happy with the Mets in a while now.  There was no doubt he had to go.  He wasn’t producing and he would have taken away a roster spot from a deserving candidate who actually can pitch.  Perez signed a $36 million dollar deal before the 2009 season.  It appeared as though Omar Minaya panicked when he gave Ollie the money.  The Mets failed to land Derek Lowe and he worried there would be no pitchers left.  Why? Why didn’t we let him go to the Yankees? 

It’s over now, and the Mets have to move on.  This is what the Mets fans wanted and expected from Sandy Alderson and Terry Collins.  To make important decisions for their baseball team on the field, not the money in the bank.  Who knows, maybe the Mets will draw more people at Citi Field now that they have made the changes.

Also, the Phillies signed Luis Castillo today to a minor league deal and he is expected to fill in for Chase Utley while he is injured. 

Jason Isringhausen is having his elbow examined as he has some discomfort.  He says he does not believe it is a serious matter.  Also, check out on ESPN New York to read a story about how drug testing ended up saving a Mets minor league players life. 

Opening Day roster

With the season only two weeks away, I began to think about who the Mets will cut and keep.  First, lets start with Oliver Perez.  No.  He shouldn’t be on the team.  Granted, he recently got ONE left handed batter out by making him pop up on the infield, but I don’t have confidence in him and neither should the coaches, front office, or the players.  What has he done to be given a roster spot?

Secondly, Scott Hairston needs to be on this team and will.  Though it is spring training, he has killed the ball.  He’s hit I think five home runs now and has had two seperate games with two.  He can help lead this team and provide consistency from the bench or in the lineup.  It’s good to have such a versitile player on your team.  The Mets have been lacking that for a few years, because he can play infield, outfield, and maybe pitch?

The large question that the Mets have to answer is who will be man-ing second base in Florida on April 1st.  Daniel Murphy, I wouldn’t go with him for the fact that his bat this spring has been below what I expected and his glove, well we know about that already. I think he should be on the team as a bench player because he does have the ability to play third, second, first, and dare I say it left field.  The only problem is that the team has a large number of players that could be on the team off the bench, so that someone who I think should make it will be cut.  Luis Castillo, well I have more simpathy for him now that he is playing better and he hasn’t been any worse than the others trying out.  He is the best defense the Mrets have avalible besides Hu, but his bat limits him in my eyes from ever being a long term starter.  And Castillo’s expirence helps his cause.  Justin Turner, I dont think he’s better than Murphy, Eamus, or Castillo so he is out by default.  I never really thought that he would be given a real chance.  I dont know a lot about Brad Eamus, but the problem with him not getting the job is he is a rule 5 player, so the team will have to offer him back to his previous team befor ethey can send him to the minors.  He hasn’t hit particularly well, either.  I like Luis Hernandez.  He has hit well during spring and his glove is good.  He is my personal favorite and I think he should get a chance, a real chance. 

As for pitchers, Jason Isringhausen should make it, providing expirence in the closers role and Pedro Beato should also be there.  I am also rooting for Pat Misch to make the club.    

Starting Pitchers

Going into Spring Training it appeared as though the Mets’ main question was how the starters were going to perform and whether they were going to be effective.  Well, so far I’m very impressed.  All of the main starters so far are pitching great and look as though they are ready for the season.

Chris Young has really impressed so far as has R.A. Dickey.  I’m still concerned about how the bullpen is going to perfom.  I do hope that Jason Isringhausen will make the team and be a good arm for the Mets this year.