Quote of the Day
“I can’t say enough about my bench. They’ve been doing a good job all year. That’s why I like to get them in the game. I’m always surprised every time I make a change, everyone wants to know, ‘Why?’ They’re a part of my team. These guys are ready to contribute, ready to play.”
– Willie Randolph on his lineup changes for last night’s game against the Washington Nationals
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Looper: Good Enough?
Click here for a recap of last night’s game.
I managed to catch the end of last night’s game and was happy to see some clutch hitting late in the game. It was very nice to see Jose Reyes bunt and end up with a single. He was so quick going to first that even the most clean fielding play would not have been good enough to get him out.
What troubles me is Braden Looper. I don’t like him. He’s a serviceable closer but if this team is going to go to the next level they’re going to need someone stronger. Someone who can go in there and just get guys out. Like (wince) Armando BenÃtez did when he stole the job from John Franco. This thought struck me when Looper gave up a triple in the ninth and backed himself into a situation where he had to face the potential tying run. The ninth inning should be a no brainer when you bring in your closer. Not a nail biter. Franco woud still be in a Mets uniform if this kind of thing were still acceptable.
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Goodbye, Doug Brien
I just read that the Jets have officially released kicker Doug Brien. This move was inevitable after they drafted kicker Mike Nugent out of Ohio State in the second round in last weekends NFL draft.
When Brien missed two key playoff kicks against the Steelers everybody was up in arms and called for is head. The truth is that Brien was not spectacular in his two years with the Jets. In looking at his record this week it looks better than what I remember it being. But when you follow a guy like John Hall you need to hit the long one. Brien didn’t.
Also, as a long time Jets fan I still have the memory of Pat Leahy in my head. Leahy kicked through most of my childhood/teen years and I have this memory of him hitting just about everything he was asked to. In my mind Brien can’t live up to that ideal. He’s a good, serviceable kicker who will find an NFL job for the coming season.
Good luck, Doug Brien.
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Robinson Got It Wrong Again
“A Cockeyed Optimist” has a post criticizing Mets announcer Ted Robinson for his anti-Matsui sentiment. I’m not a big fan of any of the Mets broadcast ‘talent’ nor am I a great Kazuo Matsui supporter. But this is a fair critique of Robinson.
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The Braves Are Glavine’s Daddy
Click here for a recap of yesterday’s game.
The Braves beat up on Tom Glavine yesterday. ‘Nuff said. Let’s move on.
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Posting Lull
I haven’t blogged in the last few days due to the birth of my new baby boy who was born this past Friday. My blogging activities will be sporadic in the next couple of weeks while the new guy settles into the batters box but then I’ll be back swinging for the fences again.
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Floyd Still Made of Glass?
Click here for a recap of last night’s game.
Another character builder last night. Kazuhisa Ishii matched Roger Clemens as both pitched 7 innings allowing only 2 hits each. Jose Reyes eventually knocked in the game winning run in the 11th inning for a 1-0 victory.
Cliff Floyd sat out the game with a strained rib cage. The left fielder, who many fans have taken to calling “Glass” due to his injury proneness, pulled something during batting practice and was advised by team doctors to sit out the game being played in the cold at Shea. Let’s hope this isn’t a sign of things to come for Floyd this season. Floyd’s absence had the team down by one outfielder and affected some decision making that resulted in David Wright being pulled out in a double switch late in the game. I was originally critical of pulling Wright but when I thought about it I agreed that Willie Randolph had no other choice due to the shortage of outfielders.
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The List
The guys at Mets Geek have put together The List, a Mets organizational player chart. Every player on every team in the organization is listed at their position. The List even includes coaches. It’s based on The Big Board over at U.S.S. Mariner, a blog about the Seattle Mariners. Good work, guys.
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Willie-Ball
Click here for a recap of yesterday’s game.
The Mets captured their second win of the season and first at Shea on the day of their home opener. They did so with some scrappy play and a show of character. Stolen bases, bunts and timely hits were featured in this victory. Eleven of the 13 hits were singles and there were no home runs. Though this lineup is definitely capable of hitting the long ball we now know that they can also score without it. This victory was well earned.
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Pedro Delay
Today’s game was delayed in the 6th inning while a revolving billboard in center field showing an ad that included a picture of Pedro Martinez got stuck and wouldn’t go back to black. Looks like Pedro was really hungry to make an appearance at the home opener.
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