Pitching is in spotlight in game vs. St. Louis

NY Mets pitchers Oliver Perez and Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez had everyone's attention during the Mets 3-0 victory over the St. Loius Cardinals. Their combined three scoreless innings helped New York to grab the win.

Perez came into the game with a disappointing performance that allowed 4 runs hanging over his head. Taking a step in the right direction, Perez only allowed two hits and had no walks. His fastballs were in the 80's range, which isn't quite enough to hold down opponents. Perez mostly faced St. Louis' minor leaguers. He is going to have to improve a bunch more before the season. Even then, Collins will probably keep him on the bullpen bench, and not in regular rotation competition.

Francisco Rodriguez's journey is a little different. He is battling to deal with his inner demons and earn his teammates and fans respect. Right now he is going to anger management classes three times a week. K-Rod says it is helping give him a new outlook on life. From an outsider's point of view, that is hard to see. As fans we are going to judge him on his pitching. Rodriguez had a good scoreless inning against the Cardinals. Now he just needs to consistently keep having good performances on the mound. And stay out of the news.

Road Kill

The Mets take their winning combination of timely hitting and great pitching to the road. R.A. Dickey has proven that he can pitch with the pelfreys, and the Nieses. His knuckler dips, spins, and confuses both batter and catcher. But however he does it; he knows how to pitch; and he knows how to win.

This is a highly impressive win. As I have advanced in a previous column; it will be the road that determines if this team is for real. And it is particularly encouraging that it comes against a mediocre team. As we well know; The Mets famously lose to all the weak and anemic teams. And in fact they do it by beating themselves.

But again, this team is starting to put all the pieces together. If they can continue their winning ways on this road trip, we might just have an interesting year. This might be the start of a thrilling....

METventure!!!

METventure

The METventure chat room is now up and running. Go check it out on the left under "PAGES" or click the following link:


METventure chat room

What Was He Thinking?

I post this as the Padres tie the score in the 9 th inning. Regardless of the final outcome; why can't Jerry let Santana win or lose his own game? I dont get it. And it just confirms my conviction that Manuel over manages, and allows his ego to get in the way of what is farely basic and effective baseball decision making. This is not Quantum Physics or a philosophical discourse. And Jerry's no Socrates or Albert Einstein although he may think he is.

I would say this to Jerry: demonstrate that you have a feel for the game as a game. Don't overthink it. it's not about you! And sad to say Jerry; but as much as we love it; baseball is not going to save the world. The only thing green about  the game is the grass. That's why I contribute money to worthy causes like the Sierra Club, and my two cents to forums like this.

What's your two cents worth Jerry?


Camille Uliano