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What a difference a few days can make. Oliver Perez brought the A-Game the Mets needed today in a sparkling 1 Run performance. Even more than his strong pitching performance, were the invigorating at bats he had tonight. How entertaining was that?! This guy was really working the count and taking some monster hacks up there. OK, so he missed…but still awesome enthusiasm, and you just have to love the bat smashing after the strikeouts haha. 

Besides that, we saw some good signs in other aspects of the team as well. Parnell looked good, Putz was strong…and Delgado is just getting started. Delgado will be getting very familiar with the Pepsi porch in right field this season. 

I also had the displeasure of watching the sloppiest overall inning of baseball I have seen this season so far. The Padres absolutely amazed me in that 8th inning, more mental errors were made than Mets runs scored in the inning. Totally, incredibly sloppy…but hey I wont complain It worked out for the Mets for sure. 

Oh, Ryan Church struck out for the first time this season tonight…It boggles my mind that he sat tonight…incredibly, insanely ridiculous. Ugh….

Let’s hope we see this Olly more often. If we do…that 30 Million + investment won’t look so silly. Let’s Go Mets!

You could say I’m starting to become a little worried, even though Arizona has only played 6 games this season. Thus far, they’ve managed to play a GREAT first game of a series and continue to lose the next two games. If my math is right, they’re on pace to win roughly 53 games this year. Perhaps there are not enough games played yet, but there is still enough that I’ve seen to make me worried.

It's time for you, Mr. Reynolds, to bring your A-Game.

On another note, Mark Reynolds is not a good third basemen. When Arizona was blown-out by the Dodgers on Saturday, at least 3 of those runs (this is including the momentum that came along with it) would not have happened if Reynolds didn’t let the ball go through is legs. I can understand screwing up a few times in a year, but seriously: are you going for the most errors in a year record as well, Mark? You got the strike-out record last year, so why not?

If you hadn’t already noticed, Justin Upton looks pitiful. He’s got so much potential and I’m lead to believe that he was rushed through the minors. Perhaps Arizona needs to send him down for a few weeks and work on his mechanics, otherwise look at Upton becoming a bust in the future. I don’t want that to happen.
Brandon Webb is on the 15 Day DL as of today. Awesome. They’re doing it as a precaution to give his arm more rest, and hopefully it is NOTHING more than that. Max Scherzer: I can’t wait for you to be off the DL ASAP!

Finally, if Arizona keeps on this downhill swing, look to them to make some trades to try and turn it around. Hopefully they can get someone that’s consistant or maybe even some prospects (we’re in dire need of those). We can clean out our full bench of outfielders to build for the future.

 Johan Santana have not done much wrong in his first two starts for the Mets. In 12 2/3 innings pitched, he’s struck out 20 and only given up one earned run. One expects to have a perfect record when pitching like that.

 Still, he stands at 1-1 in the wins and losses columns. Much of the reason for that came from the hands of Josh Johnson today. The Marlin hurler dazzled the Mets hitters in the complete game 2-1 win. He didn’t give up a hit until the sixth and the lone run came in the final inning. He now stands at 2-0 with a 0.57 ERA for the season.

 Florida will now get a really tough challenge on their hands. They travel to Atlanta in a clash between the two hottest teams of the majors so far in the young season. That should make for some exciting baseball!!

MLB.com is reporting that (unofficially) the Diamondbacks are to be the 2011 host of the All-Star game. A press conference is set at 2:30 CST for the DBacks (and will be broadcast live on MLB.com), though they haven’t necessarily stated what exactly the conference is for. Oh, please: We already know. It would be crazier if we were blind-sided by an announcement of making a trade for Justin Morneau of the Twins!

The only other thing I want to know is when I can buy my 2011 All-Star game tickets

More on this topic to come after press conference.

Update: It’s Official. 2011 All-Star Game HOSTS!!

It’s true: I don’t like the Dodgers. Neither do the DBack Announcers. Matt Williams popped off a “Those Dodgers: Always running away from the baseball” comment when a ball was hit toward the Dodger dugout. That’s mild, to say the least.

Anyway, I’m happy to be writing “Arizona Beats the Dodgers”. Nothing brings more inner peace(in baseball, anyway) than to see the Dodgers go down to the Dbacks, as well as hear numerous “Beat LA” chants going on at the game. Ahhhh, rivalries.

Chris Young had a pretty good day: No Strikeouts. Oh, yeah he also had 3 hits, 3 runs and 3 rbi’s.

Mr. Stellar - No Strikeouts. Hopefully he keeps that total low this year.

In his debut for the Dbacks, John Garland threw 6 innings of quality ball, only giving up a run. Originally, I was a little worried because he normally has a mildly high ERA in his career, but his pitching performance yesterday gave me a glimmer of hope. He COULD be a stud this year. Watch out!

Oh, and those of you wanting to see Max Scherzer pitch, you’re going to have to wait. He’s currently on the 15 day DL (see article) and Yusmiero Petit will be taking his place on the hill.

Oliver Perez…Predicatable? No. Consistent? Nope. Will Give You An Ulcar By September? Yes.

Ok, so like most Mets fans, I sat there watching innings one and two and said to myself…”Oh Yeah…So Glad We Picked This Dude Back Up!” Then comes inning three…my original optimism was squelched…but there was still hope! He would bounce back right? Nope. HAHA…He bounced back alright, bounced himself into the dugout..Did He skip over the foul line or no? I missed that part as I was cursing at the TV

Walks will kill you….time and time again we see this, and its been true forever. Olly has to find himself..find himself and keep that 1’st and 2′nd inning form going for 6 innings or more consistently! I know its his first start, but I am just talking based on the past few seasons.

Ok some bright spots…Stokes, Parnell…looking pretty good. Held those Reds off the board with Feliciano in the mix as well. Good stuff there. The offense..pretty solid I must say. Can’t blame them. Lights out Rhodes made sure there was to be no comeback…and the closer felt the same way!

Sheffield looked a little foolish up there, but hey 1’st AB…I have a great feeling Mr. Delgado will have an incredible season, and Beltran as well. While I am at it…Church and Murhpy too…. Can’t wait to see how this pans out..  Mets Vs. Marlins tomorrow…Lets GO Maine and Mets!

Til Tomorrow!

Long time Cubs radio announcer Patrick Hughes once called the bases clearing double (or triple) the most exciting play in baseball. Anyone who’s ever seen one of them live would be inclined to agree with him. It’s like the whole diamond is in motion.

The bases clearing double was the difference between the Marlins and the Nationals in the third game of the season. Dan Uggla connected off Washington starter Daniel Cabrera to key a four run fifth frame. The final score was 6-4.

The Fish are now 3-0 for only the third time in franchise history. Oddly enough, the only two teams with three wins to start off the 2008 season were the Nationals and the Royals, who both went to have miserable seasons. Let’s hope that it is not a bad omen for Florida.

NL East Preview/Projection

*The NL East is the only division that can attempt to match the AL East with a lineup of…

Jose Reyes (ss-NYM)-With the epitome of range at SS and speed & OBP now at the top of the lineup

(120-17-68-60-295)

Chase Utley (2b-PHL)-The patience to be the perfect #2 hitter but the greatness to bat anywhere

(115-30-110-13-296)

Hanley Ramirez (lf-FLA)-Talent to bat leadoff or third & now he has Bonaficio and Maybin to drive in

(116-33-106-29-303)

Ryan Howard (1b-PHL)-HR & RBI leader of the MLB last year and again this year with a better AVG

(96-45-135-1-275)

David Wright (3b-NYM)-Has Reyes & Murphy in front and Beltran & Delgado behind; Got to love his line

(112-31-122-20-305)

Carlos Beltran (cf-NYM)-Batting 5^th will hurt his runs but gold glove CF with power & speed combo

(92-26-115-22-279)

Brian McCann (c-ATL)-Great line at Catcher; Another year under his belt and less weight above his belt

(68-24-94-3-298)

Jimmy Rollins (dh-PHL)-Rather Reyes at SS & Hanley in LF, but I’ll take Rollins at DH against the AL East

(119-19-75-39-278)

Jeff Francoeur (rf-ATL)-Gun for an arm and a rebound year for our last OF spot

(77-22-90-3-269)

….and a rotation of:

Johan Santana (NYM)-18 straight starts without a loss and A NEW BULLPEN – 20+ wins?

(20-2.85-1.15-209)

Cole Hamels (PHL)-Same fastball/changeup repertoire that BAFFLES hitters; Health issues?

(16-3.19-1.09-194)

Derek Lowe (ATL)-Durable. That’s all I have to say, but with all his groundouts, he would probably be effective even with Colorado, or Texas.

(14-3.75-1.25-140)

Ricky Nolasco (FLA)-Still underrated? Doubt it, but he’ll be almost as good this year.

(14-3.84-1.21-171)

Josh Johnson (FLA)-Better k-rate than Nolasco with Worse WHIP, but stud if healthy.

(14-3.65-1.33-175)

…and a solid bullpen of Brad Lidge(38sv), Francisco Rodriguez(42sv), JJ Putz(6sv), Mike Gonzalez(30sv), Matt Lindstrom(23sv), Joel Hanrahan(25sv) and let us not forget about ambidextrous Billy Wagner pitching with determination and for another contract later in the year.

*Breaking down the NL East by position and using a sample rank system, I came up with the following (as objectively as possible):

c: McCann(atl-5) – Really no other C in the NL East can compare

1b: Ryan Howard(phl-5pts); Carlos Delgado(nym-4pts); Jorge Cantu(fla-3pts); Adam Dunn(was-3pts); Casey Kotchman(atl-2pts) - Howard is the clear favorite; A somewhat offensive bounce-back from Kotchman is in place; Delgado, Cantu, and Dunn should all be solid again; Cantu is definitely still underrated with Bonifacio, Maybin sometimes, and Hanley Ramirez in front of him.

2b: Chase Utley(phl-5pts);Dan Uggla(fla-3pts);Kelly Johnson(atl-2pts); Luis Castillo(nym-1pt) – Castillo can be an effective 2b still at the 8-spot in the Mets lineup; Kelly Johnson can go 85-17-75-9-287 with maturity and confidence. Obviously, the Nationals have a 2^nd baseman in Anderson Hernandez/Ronnie Belliard – I just don’t think they’re worth writing about.

3b: David Wright(nym-5pts); Chipper Jones(atl-4pts); Ryan Zimmerman(was-3pts) Emilio Bonifacio (fla-3pts) – Chipper does deserve 5 points along with Wright if he could just stay healthy enough; If Bonifacio sticks to leadoff he can be a runs and sb stud; and Zimmerman should have a 85-20-85-5-285 line. His defense is fantastic and he has potential for 85-25-95-5-290. Pedro Feliz isn’t worth ranking albeit solid defense.

ss: Hanley Ramirez(fla-5pts); Jose Reyes(nym-4pts); Jimmy Rollins (phl-4pts); Yunel Escobar(atl-2pts) – I wanted to give 5 points to both Rollins and Reyes as well, but It’s true that Hanley is in an offensive class all by himself since he’ll have lots of rbi opportunities this year; I personally think Reyes can belt 19 home runs this year, but 16hr + 60sb is beautiful with a stellar .293-.297 avg.

lf: Raul Ibanez(tilde over the n)(phl-5pts); Daniel Murphy(nym-4pts); Matt Diaz(atl-3pts); Josh Willingham (was-2pts) – I love Daniel Murphy batting 2^nd in the Mets lineup. I think a very healthy 90-17-75-7-286 is very possible; Ibanez will be stellar there in the Phillies Lineup; Matt Diaz with playing time can be very good. Along with Brian McCann, he slimmed down a bit.

cf: Carlos Beltran(nym-5pts); Shane Victorino(phl-4pts); Cameron Maybin(fla-3pts); Lastings Milledge(was-2 pts); Jordan Schaeffer (atl-2pts) – Jordan Schaeffer is young and good. He’s already got 2 hr this year. He could switch with Kelly Johnson/Yunel Escobar for the top of the lineup if slow starts occur for either of the 2 or when Chipper sits (which will be enough) and Omar Infante is in the lineup. I think he can be good for 17hr-15sb. Maybin should bat 2^nd but may find himself at the bottom of the lineup enough to hurt. His lineup spot should have the following breakdown: 50% batting 8^th, 35% batting 2^nd; and 15% batting lead-off. A line of 85-15-65-25-269 seems great for where he went in drafts; Like I said prior, Beltran will lose out on runs and protection batting 5^th, but he should bat 4^th enough against lefties when Delgado bats 5^th.

rf: Jeff Francoeur(atl-5pts); Jayson Werth(phl-4pts); Jeremy Hermida(fla-2pts); Elijah Dukes-Austin Kearns(was-2pts); Church-Sheffield(nym-2pts) – Hermida was regarded very highly just a few years ago, and the rbi opportunities are there. He could get time batting 2^nd as well. I actually like him for a line of 75-18-75-6-260; Werth should be very good when healthy since right field is his. I see 24hr-15sb due to injury concern; Platoons and split-time between the Mets and Nationals right field situations should yield above average numbers. The difference between them and Francoeur however is obviously not nearly as great between say Chase Utley at 2b and Ronnie Belliard at 2b so I think they deserve 2 pts to Francoeur’s 5 pts.

sp1: Johan Santana(nym-5pts); Cole Hamels(phl-5pts); Derek Lowe(atl-4pts); Ricky Nolasco(fla-4pts)

sp2: Josh Johnson(fla-5pts); Javier Vazquez(atl-3pts); Brett Myers(phl-3pts); Maine/Pelfrey/Perez (nym-3pts) – To me, Josh Johnson is clearly the best #2 starter here with the other 3 teams having fairly similar numbers at the #2 rotation spot. The thing with the Mets is I’m not sure who the #2 will be by year’s end – same for their number 3 and 4 starters, and I’m a Mets Fan; Brett Myers Could be good at times and a mess at others. I think he’s better than Moyer this year (even though Moyer may be ageless the way he pitches) so I’ll put him here and Moyer in the 3-whole.

sp3: Jair Jurjjens(atl-4pts); Jamie Moyer(phl-3pts); Maine/Pelfrey/Perez(nym-3pts); Volstad(fla-3pts)

sp4: Joe Blanton(phl-4pts); Kenshin Kawakami(atl-3pts); Maine/Pelfrey/Perez(nym-3pts) – I think Kawakami can be as effective as the teams’ other #4’s since no one has seen him.

sp5/Minor League P call-ups: Tommy Hanson(atl-4pts); Jordan Zimmerman(was-3pts); Carlos Carrasco(phl-3pts); Jon Niese(nym-1pts) – the Phillies, Nat’s, and especially the Braves have a future Ace or #2 in the whole, while the Mets, to me have a future #4. I think the Phillies will need Carrasco quicker than the Mets need Niese or Braves need Hanson, but Hanson is the best among the new wave of NL East Starters. Jordan Zimmerman could and should put up better than league average numbers in his first season.

P.S. Livan Hernandez will be horrendous for the Mets. Hopefully they sign Pedro Martinez or Jon Niese and Tim Redding can be effective enough. However, I do see a deadline SP deal for the Mets, which comes later in the post.

closer: Brad Lidge(phl-5pts); Krod(nym-5pts); Mike Gonzalez(atl-3pts); Matt Lindstrom(fla-2pts); Joel Hanrahan(was-2pts)-Krod and Lidge will be great again. Gonzalez is underrated and can save 35 games without Rafael Soriano getting a chance. Tommy Hanson could get some opportunities if both Gonzalez and Soriano are unhealthy, but I think they’ll keep him as a SP as he sores to the Majors. Lindstrom can be very good with his 100mph fast ball and slider so long as he stays healthy. Per pitch, he was the hardest thrower in the majors last year, and let’s not forget about Jon Broxton/LAD or Joel Zumaya/DET.

setup: JJ Putz(nym-5pts); Rafael Soriano(atl-2pts) – If Krod goes down, the Mets should still be OK because of JJ Putz - just OK. JC Romero of PHL could have been here if he didn’t get suspended for substance abuse, but hey thanks for helping the Phillies win the World Series and thanks for playing in the World Baseball Classic. Horrendousness.

Figure 1.0: Results

Point-Breakdown:

*Obviously, this is a very basic statistical way (almost a weight system) of ranking the NL East, but still feasible. Those not ranked, still received 1 pt for the contingent positions. The above system ranks each team as follows: Phillies (53pts) Mets (51pts) Braves (48pts) Marlins (38pts) and of course lastly, the Nationals (25pts). So here, the Phillies rank 1^st. However, there are definitely contingencies this year, such as how the Braves play against the Phillies. They were 4-14 against the Phillies last year. The Braves rotation with Lowe, Vazquez, Kawakami, and Hanson later on in the season, will be much much better, and their offense should pick up quite a bit as well. Most Importantly – The Mets. They had the 3^rd most blown saves last season with 29 (Both the Cardinals and Mariners had 31). The additions by subtractions and additions by great additions/call-ups (Krod, Putz, Sean Green, Brian Stokes, Bobby Parnell) should subtract at least 15 of those 29 blown saves – and probably many more!!! All three referenced NL East teams need to watch out for the Marlins, but I don’t think they have the bullpen and rotation depth to compete for 162 games in the 2^nd best division in the Major Leagues for 2009.

Mets Trade Rumors:

*Lastly, there will always be trade rumors throughout the season, and at the deadline. It may be more intense this year than last due to the economy, and some non-competing teams may be very willing to rid of their expensive talent. I think the Mets will be big players in a sundry of discussions – mainly with the Blue Jays, Mariners, and potentially the Padres. I think Erik Bedard (sp) along with Jose Lopez (2b), Roy Halladay (sp), as well as Jake Peavy(sp) would be fantastic additions after Johan Santana in the Mets Rotation. Another interesting difference this year, can be the Mets POTENTIAL willingness to trade Fernando Martinez, the Mets top OF prospect since they found a stud in Daniel Murphy. I think an offer like Fernando Martinez(of), Jon Niese(sp), and either a Reese Haven(ss) or Brad Holt(p) + Nick Evans (of) could potentially help us land a Roy Halladay or Erik Bedard. If we can land Jose Lopez for 2b along with Erik Bedard, I don’t see how the Mets wouldn’t easily win the NL East.

Mets Roster Additions:

*I think Sheffield was actually a good right-handed bat of the bench for the New York Mets, and

can be a great platoon with Ryan Church (left-handed). Livan Hernandez/sp just won’t be effective anymore, and the Mets should attempt to woo Pedro Martinez for 1 year at 2.5 million.

*2009 NL East Projections: (Honestly I think the Phillies and Braves are Interchangeable)

1- New York Mets (91-71)

2- Philadelphia Phillies (88-74) – WC

3- Atlanta Braves (87-75)

4- Florida Marlins (85-77)

5- Washington Nationals (63-99)

*Very Early 2009 MLB Playoffs Projections:

Mets vs. Dodgers

Phillies vs. Cubs

NL Championship: Mets vs. Cubs

WS Championship: Mets vs. Red Sox

WS Champions: Red Sox

AL Championship: Boston vs. Yankees

Red Sox vs. Angels

Yankees (WC) vs. Twins

Did You Know:

Did you know in college, Mike Lieberthal had a Homerun Cycle – He hit a grand slam, a 3-run homerun, a 2-run homerun, and a solo shot.  I read this on the back on his 1991 Topps Rookie Card! Amazing!!!

Did you know – The founder of this Site, Jeff Gross’, Favorite player was [LAD/TEX/ANA/TOT/CHC/SEA/SAN/FLA Pitcher] Ismael Valdez. Fantastic.

Also Fantasy-eers – Don’t forget Brandon Inge/c-3b on the Tigers is eligible at CATCHER! But make sure you have Pujol’s avg on the team, b/c Inge will hurt that badly!

RIP Nick Adenhart. Best wishes to the Angels (no corny joke), his friends, and most importantly, his family.

Outfielders celebrate series win. Soriano (left) Gathwright (center) Bradley (Right)

One Day after Ryan Dempster did enough to win his game, Ted Lilly did enough to lose it. However Dempster walked away with a no decision and Lilly walked away with the win. It’s funny how things work out in baseball, it will work itself out over the course of the season i am sure.

Koyie Hill was catching Lilly who served up 4 home runs and 5 runs total. Soto left game 2 with shoulder soreness in the 6th inning, and although it is not expected to be too serious, he may have to miss the first game of the weekend. Aaron Miles would be the back-up catcher for the game if anything was to happen to Koyie Hill, Theriot would also be a candidate in extreme circumstances.

Mike Fontenot hit a 3 run homer and added another RBI on Wednesday to propel the Cubs to a 2-1 series victory. A-Ram continued his strong start to the season with 4 RBI’s on the night, and Fukudome was back in the lineup and answered with a 4 hit night. D-Lee and Theriot both got on the RBI list as well. Soriano hit his 2nd home run on Tuesday with a shot that landed on top of the left field train track.

David Patton pitched 2 innings in his MLB debut Thursday, and after a shaky start he calmed down to retire the next 6 hitters after the lead-off HR. After Patton surrendered the home run, Lee came to the mound to tell him to calm down and show the Astros his stuff, wise words from a veteran head. Guzman and Marmol have each started the season well.

This is hopefully the start of many series wins this season.

Carlos Zambrano pitched 6 innings on Monday to get the Chicago Cubs quest for a third straight division title rolling. Zambrano left the game in the 6th with two men on, Heilman was able to get a DP but not prevent the run scoring, he could do nothing about that. Cotts got the man to end the the 7th, Marmol pitched a good 8th, and Gregg got the save in the 9th, allowing one run on a sac fly.

Alfonso Soriano got the ball rolling with a lead-off home run in the first inning and the Cubs never looked back, Ramirez added a solo shot of his own and Theriot and Hoffpauier each added a RBI. Fontenot was the star man on the day going 3/4 with 2 runs scored, as he looks to show Lou Piniella that he made the right decision naming Fontenot as the second base starter.

The Cubs will be back in action Tuesday as Ryan Dempster takes the mound.