Tagged: terry collins

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.

Take a chill pill

I have been reading other blogs about the Mets and articles about the Mets and yesterday’s game versus the Nationals in the Mets’ first home game of the 2011 season.  A lot of people are worrying about the Mets’ ability to get runners over, strike outs in huge spots, and walks.  They have been saying things along the lines of, “the Jerry Manuel era is back.” 

These people need to take a chill pill.  For God sake, it was only the seventh game of the year.  And, you have got to realize there will be times where you can’t get the runs in.  This is Terry Collins’ team.  He has control and the faith of the team.  I have have faith in that.  With over ten new players, most of the team didn’t interact with Jerry while he was here.  Besides, I don’t think it was all Jerry’s fault. 

As for the walks, a knuckle baller was pitching last night, in fifty degree weather will moisture in the air.  Of course R.A. Dickey was going to walk guys.  What did you expect?  It’s obvious that a knuckle baller is going to walk people.  Not to mention, he ripped his right index finger’s nail practically in half.  R.A. uses his fingernail to throw the knuckler. 

People need to give this team a chance.  They’re only two games back and are going to play in their eighth game today.  In about a month, we’ll see where the team is and how the pitchers are.  Maybe the need to get someone, I wouldn’t deny that.  But, it takes time to feel a team out and to get a read on how Terry handles situations.  

Mets lose opener

The Mets lost their first game of 2011 last night at Sun Life Stadium in Florida against the Marlins.  The final score ended up being 6-2 with the Mets only collecting 4 hits. 

To be honest, I was pissed last night at the team.  They could only must four hits in the entire game and two runs.  But, now that I slept on it, Josh Johnson was dominant last night, and that was expected by many.  I was just disappointed that we looked so flat.

Pelfrey’s performence was the most gut-wrenching thing for me last night.  He allowed 5 runs and four walks last night, and had little to no command of his fastball.  Mike left his ball up on a few pitches but he was constantly down.  Too down.  He would either miss in the dirt or he would never changed the hitters eye level.  I was really expecting Pelf to go out their and pitch well, his being so excited for this game.  It was deflating for Mets fans.

Beltran played well, and ran well, which was great.  I was really happy to see that.  Willie Harris played well, and I’m impressed with him. 

Terry Collins remained very positive last night, which makes the loss a little less hurtful.  But, David Wright’s at bats last night really made me ********** and feel like we were still in 2010.  He can’t catch up to the ball.  He needs to drop all of the b.s. and get rid of the leg kick, as he did in 2006, 07, and 08. 

The Mets and Jon Niese are going to be taking on the Marlins tonight at 7:10pm.

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. 

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!

Perez to get chance to start

According to Terry Collins, Oliver Perez will get an opportunity this spring training to become a starting pitcher for the 2011 season.  Collins believes that everyone can change and he wants to see Perez pitch for himself.  But, if it doesn’t work, he will make changes.

I agree that people can change, but I know for a fact he won’t change.  San Diego couldn’t fix him and neither could the Pittsburgh Pirates.  And, the Mets haven’t been able to.  

I don’t think that he should get a chance.  I mean, what has he done to get a chance besides being owed an enourmous amount of money.  He refused to go to the minors last year.  What kind of a team player is that?  He didn’t pitch well this winter, either.

So, what happens if he breaks spring with the big club and then wont go down?  He needs to be released outright to show the fanbase the Mets want to win.  Perez should not get any respect and wont from Mets fans. 

Mets Hire Collins

The Mets have hired former Houston Astros and Anaheim Angels manager Terry Collins to a two-year deal to manage the club.

I dont really know much about him.  From what I understand, many of the players like him and he isnt a rah, rah type of guy.  I personally wanted a hot head for the team, but Collins may work out fine. 

Reportedly, Collins is interested in hiring Larry Bowa to be the teams bench coach.  That makes me excited because Bowa is a hot head and he may go well with Collins.

Two things that I’m worried about.  One, Terry Collins is reportedly like Willie Randolph in that he handles the media in the same way.  Two, he didnt have much success anywhere else.

The Mets will be having a press conference Tuesday at 11 am to introduce Terry Collins, which can be seen on SNY.