Mid Term Report

Most reporters are giving out mid season grades. I have decided to give out awards instead.

Comeback Player(s) of the Year: David Wright & Jose Reyes:. Reyes back from an injury plagued year and David back from only he knows where.

Most Improved: Mike Pelfrey: Forget his last start; :Pelfrey knows how to pitch and will have 18-20 wins.

Most Surprising: R.A. Dickey: Who would have thought? Who even knew who he was/

Rookie of the Year: Jon Niese and Ike davis: No way to pick one over the other. Both are talented and have poise beyond their years.

Needs Improvement: Jason Bay: He's streaky but his fielding is better than expected. i think he will be fine at the plate. The power numbers are not there; but you can't say he doesn't hustle.

Most disappointing: K-Rod: Has to be more consistent. 9th inning is getting pretty scary.

MVP: Angel Pagan: Does it all. Is going to be quite a dilemma when Beltran returns. How do you sit the MVP?

SANTANA!

It was all Santana tonight. Let me tell you; we have had some horrible ninth innings lately. This one was sublime! Hit, error, Jerry to the mound, Jerry back to the dugout. Great play by Ike, ground out. GAME OVER!

Home run. three hit shutout.

Santana reminded us all why he's the ace. Not only did he pitch great (and hit a home run); but he showed some real competitiveness and grit. There was no way Jerry was taking him out. This was such an encouraging game. a great game. Reyes is back, santana is back and all is well in Metsville.

Is it Just Me?

The Mets road uniforms are depressing. Drab gray...it would put me to 
sleep. Maybe that's why they have trouble winning on the road...maybe 
some pinstripes...how about Mets on the front instead of New York?

Why did they redesign the home pinstripes if they never wear them?

When David Wright and Jose Reyes wear the high socks they look like 
minor leaguers.

Gary, Keith, and Ron are having more fun than usual this year.

I don't think The Mets are going to fold this year.

The Toshiba commercial with the monkey and the dog is the sweetist 
thing on tv

The Toshiba commercial with the monkey and the dog is pure schmaltz 
but I love it anyway.

It will be embarrasing if the National League loses the All-Star Game 
again.

K-Not

Horrible loss. Maybe we need to rethink what The Mets really need for the second half. K-Rod is just not getting it done. There are way too many late inning losses. This should have been a feel good win. R.A. Dickey out pitched Stephen Strasburg and deserved to win. The Mets deserved this win. This was national television and lets face it most people were tuned into see Strasburg. But for 8 innings it was really all Mets...all Dickey.

The Mets have to figure out what to do with the ninth inning. They have alot of money commited to K-Rod and he's simply not earning it.

This is one of the results of Big Money baseball. We see it with The Nationals and their use of Strasburg. There is no way he wanted to come out of the game. But he is an investment for this team; and you protect your investment. Likewise The Mets have alot of money invested in K-Rod. You have to bring him in in save situations. I would love to see Bobby Parnell get a chance in a save situation; but thats not going to happen unless Rodriguez is hurt or has pitched too many innings.

Frustrating Loss.....Let's get them tomorrow

Niese And Easy

This is more like it, even with bizarre 9th inning. A crisp well played game with Niese pitching more like a crafty veteran than rookie stud. This is a good time to consider Niese. We have all heard about the guy pitching for The Nationals tomorrow. He throws bullets and can top 100 on the gun. Now he might be the real deal. Mets fans remember Dwight Gooden's debut. I can remember the best years of Seaver, Gibson, and Koufax. These were flame-throwers who were also great pitchers. Seaver, Gibson, and Koufax were the best pitchers I ever saw period.

Stephen Strasburg is an unknown entity, and I look forward to watching him pitch. But overlooked this year is the pitching of Jon Niese. Niese is one of the smartest young pitchers I have seen. What I mean by that is that he always seems unfazed by the New York scene and is unflappable on the mound. He knows his limitations and doesn't try to do too much. He pitches within himself and never embarrasses himself or his team.

I just thought with all of the hype and media circus surrounding Strasburg, and national tv tomorrow as well, consider our rookie pitcher and the quietly spectacular statement he is making.

National Disgrace

Disapointing....Another walk off loss...Feliciano loses again....

This is not a good road trip. No excuses anymore about artificial turf and carnival atmosphere. The Mets are playing The Nationals. Come on! With Reyes out of the lineup it was imperative that Jason Bay be on the field. Bad decision on Jerry Manuel's part.

Silver lining? Santana was Santana which could bode very well for The Mets second half. His control was there and he just seemed comfortable on the mound. The Mets have to get it together because they still have three games left on this road trip. They must take the rest of the games here. Vacation is over.....4th of July weekend....Make some noise!

Can We Go Home Now?

No matter what the outcome of tonight's game; this has not been a good trip for The Mets. Two lost games, and now an artificial turf related injury to Jose Reyes. These games from the start had the feel of exhibition games with the loss of intensity and purpose. Once you let your guard down you open yourself up for mishaps and injury.

Now this is not meant to be a tirade against expanding the borders of major league baseball, or am I taking a disparaging view of this series. i just think that artificial turf is detrimental to the game and when it was in fashion in the 70s and 80s it was the cause of numerous and debilitating injuries. So in that regard, this stadium looks and feels like an anachronism and reminder of the bad old days of gaudy uniforms and goofy mascots(no offense to Mr. Met).

So lets hope for a win. But more importantly, lets hope that reyes' injury is not serious and that the rest of the team can leave healthy and unscathed.

addendum/ Ugly Loss

I published article as is. I started it with the thought that The Mets lost the game. I didn't change anything except the title and the ending. I thought it would be interesting for you the reader to view my thought processes. I am holding here as the Marlins bat in the bottom of the 9th tied at 6-6. Feliciano is throwing heat.

Cantu...double (groan).

UGGLA! NO

Yes We Can

Two straight losses. A little closer than last nights game, but a loss is a loss. Once again the starter didn't have it. Tashiaki pitched poorly although all of the damage came in the third inning.

I do not want to be a voice of panic; but maybe they do need that frontline starter. But what do they give up? Remember, someone like Lee will be nothing more than a hired gun. Not only is it a question of giving up the future for a loaner, but it also begs the the what if scenario: what if the young players can deliver this year? Maybe Pagan, Davis, and Dickie can; along with Wright, Reyes, and Pelfrey carry the team to the post season.

* Wrote this article at the top of the 9th inning. Had the game written off. Ye of little faith!!!!

Answer to my own question: Yes We Can. Yes We Can !!!

Stay tuned

A METventure To Forget

The Mets should have played beach volleyball, at least they would have been on natural surface and not that oversized pool table. Jose Reyes was clearly effected by the fake turf and did not have a very good game in the field.

But thats just the beginning. Dickey had trouble getting his knuckle ball over the plate and he just wasn't fooling anyone. In addition,both the hitting and the spark seemed to be missing.

It happens....

Final Score: Marlins 10 Bay 3

Kiner's Korner

"Home run hitters drive Cadillacs"

Ralph Kiner famously made this remark during his playing days in the 1940's.And while, i am not sure we would still use the Cadillac as the symbol of affluence and superstardom it is more than fitting that on the day Ralph Kiner is in the broadcast booth that The Mets hit three home runs.

Jeff Francoeur, David Wright, and Ike Davis combined for the home runs to help give The Mets a 6-0 victory over The Twins. Jon Niese pitched another gem giving The Mets the rubber game and another successful homestand.

Meanwhile back in the booth; the banter between Kiner and Gary and Keith is as entertaining as anything Seinfeld had to offer. Ralph's deadpan delivery and anecdotes are always enjoyable. When Keith harped about the hardships of west-coast travel, Ralph was quick to counter with train travel with no air conditioning. Kevin Burkhardt's "heavy" 34 oz. bat was rejoindered by Ralph's 42 oz. bat and Babe Ruth's 52 oz. bat!

Ralph Kiner is always a perfect foil to Gary, Keith, Ron, and Kevin and always a pleasure to hear.

Say it Aint So Jo

Santana's pitching performances of late are troubling. He hasn't 
pitched well. Santana's location is off and his velocity is down. This 
could spell trouble for The Mets.
For one thing, I'd his inconsistency a result of his off season 
surgery? Is it the wear and tear of his many innings?Can it be a 
result of his well documented off the field distractions?
We don't know, and I am sure Santana doesn't know either.
The point is; The Mets are looking to make a deal for a starting 
pitcher. Now, Santana is not going anywhere. We have our number one 
starter struggling, so if we make a trade what pitcher is out of the 
rotation? Almost any of them is performing more effectively than 
Santana.
My question is this: what are we really gaining by dealing for a 
starting pitcher? Who are we sending ?( it better not be Pagan). There 
just seems to be too many questionable variables to consider.
My take? I say The Mets would be wiser to look for relief help. Right 
now Santana is the weak link in the rotation, so trading for a pitcher 
is a wash. They would be replacing a good pitcher with another good 
pitcher. Relief help is less expensive and a more productive move in 
the long run.

Camille Uliano

METventure@gmail.com

Wright On !

David Wright enjoyed a great game at the plate tonight homering and 
hitting a double in a 5-2 victory over The Twins.
Once again however; the bigger story is how this team comes together 
to play just good enough to win. Pelfrey overcame early inning 
problems to fetch his tenth win with only two losses. Ike Davis 
contributed again at the plate and kept a steady glove at first. Jason 
Bay is starting to get into a batting groove, and the fact that he is 
such a notorious streaky hitter bodes well for The Mets as they wait 
on Angel Pagan's return to the lineup on Sunday.
But it is especially gratifying to watch David Wright at the plate and 
in the field. Wright hasn't been this good since 2006. Not only is he 
hitting on all cylinders, but he's finally fielding like a Gold 
Glover. There is no doubt in my mind that David finally feels relaxed 
and is staying within himself. He no longer feels he has to carry the 
team.i think this Mets team has learned that when you play as a team 
you will strive individually.

Camille Uliano

METventure@gmail.com

Maybe The Dingo Stole Their Bats

This was team effort at it's best. Situational hitting, great defense, 
and outstanding pitching was on display tonight.
That being said; R.A. Dickey was dominating. Think about it, a 
knuckleballer dominating the hitters!"he shut Detroit's batters down with no runs in 8 stellar innings" We expect Santana and even 
Pelfrey to overpower the batters, but not Dickey. This is exciting 
baseball because we never know who is going to stand out for The Mets 
next.
Let me say this; this team is fun. And if you can't enjoy watching The 
Mets this year maybe you're following the wrong team.
Enjoy the Spirit of METventure!

NL EAST STANDINGS

NL East	W	L	GB
Braves	42	29	—
Mets	40	30	1.5
Phillies	36	32	4.5
Marlins	34	36	7.5
Nationals	33	39	9.5

Angel in the Outfield

The good news is that Carlos Beltran is close to being ready to play 
again. The bad news is that it's going to cut into the playing time of 
The Mets most valuable player thus far this season.
Angel Pagan has played some inspired baseball this season. His hitting 
has been timely and effective, and his defense and running has been as 
exciting as anyone this side of Jose Reyes.
Mets management has difficult decisions to make here. How do you get 
maximum production from the centerfield position without stepping on 
anyone's toes? How do you placate both a former and potential all-star?
The real question is of course; what is best for the team?
I have been critical of Jerry Manuel in the past; but I must say this 
is not going to be an easy task. I hope that whatever transpires in 
the coming weeks prove to strengthen The Mets. If Manuel is successful 
in juggling his outfielders to their maximum effectiveness I will be 
duly impressed. But in any case I believe that in orderfor Pagan to 
maintain his sharpness he needs to play regularly.

By the way, another option would be to use Pagan as trade bait to get 
a frontline pitcher. There I said it; but let me close the article 
with this caveat: we don't know what Beltran is capable of doing yet. 
The Mets are playing some great baseball without a major trade. I just 
don't think trading someone like Pagan is a wise decision to make at 
this point. Not when there are so many unknown variables with Beltran 
and his injuries. Time will tell.

Heating up!

Summer has officially arrived. The air is heavy; the heat is 
sweltering and The Mets are simmering.
Yes The Mets took two tough losses against The Yankees, but that 
doesn't necessarily mean they have cooled off. The Tigers are in town 
and while they
can be tough; The Mets are more than up to the task. They have Niese 
on the mound who can be a stopper.
Once again, the fans need to get out there in full force. Show your 
support. Demonstrate that you appreciate the intensity and level of 
play that the team has shown thus far.
The pressure intensifies as the heat starts to stifle and rise. It's 
time for The Mets to turn up the heat against the competition , and 
for Mets fans to turn on the spark and electrify the stadium starting 
tomorrow night.

Camille Uliano

METventure@gmail.com

Can they at least put on The Odd Couple?

This is not a pretty game. Writing this during rain 
delay. I'm assuming the results will hold up. The Mets were never in 
this one. Sabathia was better than Santana today. No Met really 
distinguished themself. Not Reyes..not Wright...not Pagan. It happens 
that way sometimes.
Did The Mets accomplish what they wanted and needed to do? No; but 
it's a long season. There are many more games with Philidelphia and 
Atlanta. Games with greater importance. Defeating The Yankees had 
symbolic meaning; the significance of which I had expounded upon in a 
previous article. But in terms of the standings, these were just 
games. And The Mets need to think of it in those terms. No panicking 
or self loathing necessary.
Time to refocus...regroup...and rejuvinate.

Eight was Enough

The Mets win streak ended abruptly at eight. They came up short 
against The Yankees 5-3. Except for Reyes, The Mets played flat and 
uninspired baseball. With Jeter out of the lineup The Mets had an 
opportunity to take control of the series.The only production came 
from the bat of Jose Reyes who homered twice against Phil Hughes.
Mike Pelfrey clearly did not have it. His fastball lacked movement and 
he had trouble with his sinker. A disapointing loss, but they can 
rebound tomorrow.

Santana goes against Sabatha. If The Mets take it, they will have 
taken 4 out of 6 in the subway series and will have completed a 
tremendous road trip.

Open Letter To Jerry

Please do not mess with success. This was a great game against The 
Yankees. I am sure there will be numerous articles about it. But what 
stands out is the supurb pitching by Takahashi.
Meanwhile in Buffalo, John Maine completed a rehab assignment where he 
threw in the mid 80's and expressed frustration at the umpire and 
himself. This is a familiar scene. A familiar scene from the bad old 
days of sloppy play and a team most adept at self destruction.
This not meant as a knock on Maine. But he is a competitor who beats 
himself more than the other team.
Takahashi must remain in the starting rotation. He is a gamer who seems 
to embody the spirit of this Mets team: a never say die attitude, an 
unlikely hero, with a self confidence that borders on cocky and 
performance to match.
Maine has expressed a willingness to go into the bullpen; an unselfish 
offer that You must take him up on.
Takahashi was simply brilliant tonight and deserves a permanent spot in 
the rotation. This team has the potential for greatness and Takiashi 
is a vital contributor.
Jerry, it's your call. Make the move that shows you believe in this 
team.This is not the time to worry about bruised egos and past 
reputations. This is the time rather, to embrace the present and 
anticipate a summer of competitive and exciting play.
Camille Uliano
METventure@gmail.com