Chopped down at Shea

When I talked about the Rangers' inability to hold a lead, I was talking about hockey only. The Mets are more than their equal.

Howie sounded lifeless, listless in the 8th and 9th last night. I don't know if that's how the team looked, but if I were go to by how Howie sounded, I'd say they looked pretty dead.

Again, the moment for a serious change is here.

Fallen Angel? How his star has waned. "That ball is probably caught on most occasions" according to Wayne on the double by Francouer in the 5th. It is kind of surprisng how much playing time Pagan's still getting considering his cooled bat and his weak defense. All the while Endy is getting rusty.

Howie: "Pelfrey seems to pitch best when he has a lot of rest - not good on the fifth day". I thought that was an interesting - and pretty damning - observation from Howie. If Pelfrey can't pitch every 5th day, he's of no use as a starter.

Wayne was happy to be back in Shea's broadcast booth after being so high in Nationals' booth. Howie was a little circumspect, probably because his youth was spent in the upper deck at Shea.

Penguins 5 - Rangers 4

The fact that the Rangers lost is not a big issue, but the manner of their defeat is what grates. I don't think I've ever seen a team that's worse at holding a lead. Last night the Rangers had a 3-0 lead and next thing you know it's 4-3 Pittsburgh.

Sure it's annoying that Crosby went down like he'd been shot when a light breeze caught his jersey, but that's not the reason the Rangers lost. Twice they allowed Pittsburgh to score a goal only seconds after they had already just scored.

Hockey Night in Canada is a great broadcast still.

What was up with the ice in Pittsburgh. I don't know which team benefited more, but the puck was bouncing rolling so much and there were a lot of mysterious trips and falls.

It's not all gloom

Anything positive to say after that debacle? Well, there's Ryan Church.

I wasn't too pleased about the Milledge for Church & Schneider trade, but listening to last night's game convinced me - for the moment at least - that the Mets were right about Milledge. Howie said it wasn't the first time this season that Milledge was late for a ball game, but the first time he was benched for it.

Meanwhile, Santana is giving credit to Schneider for the game he calls and Church has done absolutely everything the Mets could have hoped for. Last night Church made what Wayne called "such a smart play" on his steal of second in the 4th. He's hit well, he's played solid defense (despite last night's bobble in the 7th), he can run, he plays smart and, most importantly, he plays hard and he plays to win. The Mets need someone like that.

First base

The Mets have the worst first baseman in the National League. Delgado's not hitting and he's a total liability in the field. I've seen some people referring to Delgado being in a slump, but I think his problems are more severe than that. I think he has irreversibly and rapidly declined. The Mets would probably be better cutting him loose right now.

Changes needed

Even good teams go through rough streaks such as the Mets are going through now. And, it's not that long a rough streak. This is a minor blip. If the Mets are a good team.

That's really the question. Are the Mets a good team? I'm not so sure. I don't think they're as good as Arizona. I don't think they're as good as Atlanta either. I don't think they're as good as Chicago or Philadelphia (with Rollins). Now I don't think they're too far off those teams, but I do think they're below them.

How does a guy like Casanova not run hard after hitting the ball? Who is he that he's admiring his drive rather than running? I can accept that Schneider and Castro are hurt, but can't the Mets get a guy who'll at least be a smart, hustling ball player to fill in for them? This is a character issue and I don't think Omar understands what good character means, how important it is. The Mets have many players who seem to think the world owes them something, even guys like Casanova who are nobodies in the baseball world.

And Oliver Perez? He can be electric when he's right, but he's not so young that we can expect he'll suddenly become mentally stronger. He seems to implode so regularly. Is this Rick Peterson's fault or is it Omar's because he just cannot evaluate players' mental make-up.

The Mets need changes and need them now. A new manager? A trade? I'm not sure and I don't actually have sufficient trust that Omar will make the right move anyway. I think this team has too many re-treads, too many has-beens and too little spark. Omar is in love with the reclamation project, but I don't think it's helping the Mets at all.

Changes are needed. I just don't think they're going to happen.

Colorado 4 - Chicago 2

Tuned in for this game this afternoon. Good game. Great job by Cook and Fuentes, the new closer. Yup. Funny how some managers make quick moves when a key guy's not delivering. Corpas wasn't getting the job done - four blown saves already - so Clint Hurdle swapped him for set up man Brian Fuentes.

One other thing that's been getting on my nerves is that last year we heard a lot about how great the Rockie's team defense was. Well, I've listened to two games from Colorado already this year and I get the feeling that their official scorer is pretty reluctant to call misplays 'errors'. Today Aaron Cook conceded an earned run after a ball was 'waved at' by Clint Barmes at second.

The Mets needed their ace

This is why the Mets got Santana. They needed a win and they needed someone to get them a win despite the offense (the 7 runs are deceiving). He pitched a strong game and he had two doubles and a walk (not that the Mets got him for his offense). The Mets won thanks to Santana and Washington's defense.

Wayne called it right, however. It was also the Mets' speed that won the game. Reyes's hustling in the 5th to beat the throw on a double play ball was big. Tied the game. The little squibs in the 6th that caused King to rush his throws led to runs. And, Willie managed aggressively - Pagan's two steals in the 6th - trying to make things happen. It was the right thing to do with the team not hitting.

I wasn't thrilled when I heard that Willie was pinch hitting for Santana in the 8th. I thought it was a good opportunity for the bullpen to get a night 'off' (only Wagner in the 9th). Yet, it's hard to argue with the move with the impressive inning that Sanchez had. Everyday he's encouraging me more and more to believe he can get back to what he was in 2006.

"We played in the afternoon yesterday; they played last night" from Wayne. I hope it was just a slip. I don't like "we" from the announcers.

Howie is really getting too frustrated with Castillo's approach. His "Fastball down the middle for a called strike" in the 5th sounded exasperated. Wayne disagreed, gently, by pointing out that he thought the previous batter, Reyes, was too anxious jumping at the first pitch after two consecutive walks by Redding. When Castillo went after the first pitch in the 7th Howie found it "surprising". Wayne admitted he is an "enigma".

Howie had me laughing with his numerous references to the insects (mosquitos/gnats). He even tied it in with reference to The Honeymooners and then tied that to Tim Redding (his great Aunt is Joyce Randolph).

Cincinnati 8 - Los Angeles 1

The Mets' day game meant my morning was free for another game and I opted for KABC's broadcast of the Reds & Dodgers. Started off promising enough, but Hong-Chih Kuo fell apart in the 4th and the Reds got an easy win. Edinson Volquez (my fantasy team as is Ted Lilly) was impressive again yesterday. Three strong starts to begin the year. He's out-pitching everyone's fantasy darling Johnny Cueto so far.

By the way, Jeff Keppinger's hitting .329, in case you're curious.

Also, in case you're curious, Joe Torre is still over-using Scott Proctor, who still isn't getting the job done.

Rick Monday is the play-by-play man for KABC whenever Vin Scully's not there. He isn't too bad. He's not the most electrifying (then again the game wasn't either), but he's got a pretty much gimmick-free approach and an easy voice to listen to. He was teamed up with Jerry Reuss and the two worked well with Monday deferring to Reuss on pitching aspects of the game, but offering his own insights to hitting.

At one point Monday brought up the topic of superstitions (it was that sort of a game). Reuss sad he had none, but did have a routine. Monday then talked about the superstitions of Baltimore pitcher Mike Cuellar, who won the 1969 Cy Young for the Orioles. (He also pitched two strong games against the Mets in the World Series). Cuellar didn't like to have anyone hand or toss him the baseball. Other teams would toss him the ball intentionally as he was coming onto the field and Cuellar would run from it "as if was being chased by a wild alligator". I love that kind of stuff.

I also learned that the Dodgers and Reds have played over 2100 games. Dodgers have won 1084 to 1073 for the Reds.

Also, Edinson Volquez was signed originally as Julio Reyes. They never explained why he changed his name. Maybe Howie & Wayne will oblige when the Mets play the Reds.

I need an off day

I turned off the game yesterday. I almost never do that, but I was so frustrated that I just turned it off. It was 4-1 at the time and I knew nothing good could come of my continuing to listen.

{It wasn't only the Mets that had me frustrated. I was trying to fix/revive my daughter's new MP3 player at the same time and that was really annoying me. I just had to get away from the computer.}

Howie is a fan as well as an excellent announcer and that's why we (all Met fans, I presume) like him. You can feel his frustration with Delgado. "0 & 2 again. Seems like every at bat Delgado is behind 0 & 2". "Most firstbasemen get to that ball".

Wayne's not as comfortable with such honesty as he seems to believe that the Delgado of 2005 is going to reappear. Howie, like all us more pessimistic fans, has no such hope. We 'know' Delgado is toast. Yet, even Wayne admitted that "Delgado's gotta cover first on that play" on that play where he seemed to just freeze (never got a clear picture of what exactly happened there).

If not for the bad defense (Pagan as well as Delgado) Figeuroa might well have had win, although where I think the runs would have come from is anyone's guess. Regardless, Fegueroa pitched well. He gave up a few runs, but I'm getting more comfortable with him on the mound. I wonder if he'll stick around in the bullpen when one of the missing starters returns (probably only for a short while).

2-1, 7-1 – the 8th probably didn't matter

Uh. A forgettable game against the Cubs. Highlights? Endy's double? I suppose Maine wasn't bad, but I don't get all excited about 2 runs in 6 innings, although against Chicago that's a decent performance.

Quick turn around with a day game today. The Mets are facing another lefty – one who is struggling – which should appeal seeing as they've been hitting lefties well this year.

Listening to Howie you get the idea that he's starting to figure that Delgada is just about done.

Good, but not great weekend in Philadelphia

Okay, a loss is always disappointing. I know some will be happy with the 2 out of 3 in Philadelphia, but this was a Phillies team that is really short of weapons - offensive and defensive - with neither Rollins nor Victorino. And, the next two in Chicago don't offer any sort of a rest.

On the other hand the Mets didn't just roll over when they got down 4-0. Pelfrey didn't have his best stuff which can happen, but he has to rebound from this tough start. They put themselves in a position to win the game with their 6th inning rally and then against Lidge in the 9th.

Hard to be mad at Wright after the weekend he had, but I really wanted that hit in the 9th. And then to have Beltran 'robbed' by Bruntlett, who I guess redeemed himself somewhat after all the errors he made at Shea. I was just really keen that the Mets do something against Lidge because I think he's fragile and the Mets could get in his head with a few runs against him.

I don't know how other people feel about these things, but the fact that Utley's on my fantasy baseball team does not mean I root for him to do well against the Mets (or any team, really).

I've mentioned before that Wayne Hagin still talks about the Mets as if they're the 'visiting team' (not the team he normally broadcasts for). This can cause a few shrugs, like when Wayne talks about some aspect of the Mets' game that every fan knows well ("Beltran is a very dangerous hitter".).

However, in the 6th inning it was interesting listening to him talk about the speed of the Mets. You just knew that what he was saying is how he (& others) describe the Mets to their listeners in other cities.

Counting our blessings

I'm not sure how to type a shudder, but that's what I need to express what it's like listening to the Padres' announcer Ted Leitner call a game. I'm sure this has his fans in Padre-land, but he's driving me nuts. Jerry Coleman is welcome relief when he takes over and he's kind of Rizutto-like, in an old behind-the-play sort of way.

Aaron is the Man

Who was saying that he had no confidence in Heilman? I have no idea what you're talking about. Those were two huge K's he got after he should have had an out on a soft fly to left that Pagan misplayed into a single (and almost something far worse).

That was decent job by Perez, but he really needs to go more than 5 2/3 innings there. Willie ended up using a lot of pitchers, but I don't have any complaint with any of the moves he made. I was afraid he might overuse Sanchez too quickly, but he Sanchez only went 1/3 of an inning after getting a big out to bail out Perez.

Why can't the Mets hit Jamie Moyer? If nobody was getting to him that would be one thing, but I've seen him on occasions look like batting practice, but the Mets never get to him. I was sure the Mets were going to put up a big number in the 1st inning, but the offense just petered out.

How does Fox not yet realize that Tim McCarver is about 15 years past his sell-by date?

And, thanks to a bizarre decision by NASN (our American sports channel in Europe) I didn't get to see the 9th inning. Had to get the PC going fast to listen to Howie & Wayne for the end of the game. NASN decided to switch to the Montreal vs Boston playoff game rather than wait for the end of the Mets game.

Beating Hamels

Is there anyone more likely to cause a stomach ache than Aaron Heilman? Maybe it's the role he has, but I never feel comfortable when he's coming into the game. Like a lot of Met fans I'm really hoping more than expecting that Sanchez will be good enough to reclaim his 8th inning slot.

On the other hand, Wagner very solid so far this season.

Great start by Santana. I'm surprised Willie went so long with him in the 8th, but I think it's the right move to give your ace that little bit of leeway late in a game.

Solid game by the Mets beating Hamels.

I was late listening to this one thanks to so many things happening today. Hoping I might get to see today's game. Hope.

Zzzzz - oh, is it over?

Not the ideal way to finish a three game series before the bus ride to Philadelphia for the series there this weekend. Still, much better to head south with a win than with a loss.

The Mets got a big 2 out hit from Delgado in the 8th to tie the game, but otherwise it was a pretty dismal clutch performance considering all the chances that went a begging.

Wayne Hagin called it - he anticipated the game ending on a Hanrahan wild pitch and (before it happened) said it would be "poetic justice" in this game.

Boy does the line-up look weak without Beltran in there. I don't think anyone would be worried facing Pagan, Clark, Cassanova and Castillo.

Great fight-back by Figeuroa after giving up the 2-run bomb and then the single to Milledge. It's great to see him reassert his control over the other team's line-up. One mistake cost him. 7 strong innings. Two straight 'quality starts', couldn't ask for anything more.

Another key out from Joe Smith in the 11th and then a scoreless 12th. I'm getting increasingly confident when I hear Smith is coming into the game. I can't say the same about Sosa, who's danger even against a weak hitting team like Washington. With Sanchez's return, I'm hoping that we won't see much of Sosa other than in long extra inning games and when the Mets need early, long relief. Still, he did his job last night and gave the Mets a chance to win.

I was surprised Willie didn't hit for Figeuroa in the 6th, but I'm glad he didn't.

Pagan got off to a strong start so I understand why Willie's playing him so often. However, I'd like to see Endy get a game. I know Lannan is a left-hander, but I still would have preferred Endy to Brady Clark.

Howie seems to be getting increasingly frustrated with Castillo. "Castillo is a very passive hitter for a guy who can handle the bat well". In the 9th Howie described him as "passive and patient, almost to a fault."

Finally some long balls

Sure it was Matt Chico and the Nationals, but still it was great to get that offensive explosion. Have we seen (okay, heard) that yet this year? Maybe that big win over Florida in the first week, but I can't remember the feeling of turning around a game like we got last night.

It's also nice that some balls off the Mets' bats left the park. Being tied with San Diego for last in homers was not what I had in mind for this year's Mets.

Maine was struggling with command tonight, but he managed to get through 6 2/3 with only 2ER against (thanks to Joe Smith too). I doubt he'd have survived against a better hitting team, but you take your good fortune and work on being better next time.

And, since I mentioned Smith, what a great job. I didn't see it, but at the time I was wondering if there was any intent in that pitch that caught Milledge. Then he comes back to get the DP.

At one point Howie said, "Everybody who's broadcast baseball has been influenced by the 'great Vin Scully'". I know, I know. I'm the only one. This was in reference to the fact that Wayne sometimes refers to "sacrifice flies" as "scoring fly-balls" as Scully does.

I listened to the New Jersey vs New York playoff game first. Exciting game, great Ranger win. And, I've never seen a guy score a goal in his own net off a face-off as Madden did late in the game with Brodeur pulled for the extra skater.

42 – Magnificent night

The Nationals are struggling lately, but who cares? The Mets won on a "magnificent all-around night", as Howie put it. Pelfrey was fantastic; Reyes seemed like those couple of days off were just what the doctor ordered; David Wright was spraying hits around and plating runners as he does every night as Met fans dream of October glory; and Duaner Sanchez had a strong 9th inning in his return after nearly 2 years out injured. All of this on Jackie Robinson night. "Magnificent" is the right word.

During the 9th Howie recounted the events of July 31, 2006. Howie described how odd the day was as they learned about the trade that sent Xavier Nady to Pittsburgh for Roberto Hernandez & Oliver Perez and shortly thereafter the injury to Sanchez. Howie said that the Mets "have not been quite the same since. Nady was a very popular player here".

I have to say that I agree that the Mets have not been the same since, but I wasn't sure if it was the loss of Nady or Sanchez or just Omar's panic reaction that have done the most damage. (Yes, I know the trade doesn't seem so bad considering how Perez has pitched, but come on the Mets could have had him for a lot less than Nady.)

Governor Paterson was in the booth during the top of the 2nd. He's a "devoted WFAN listener". He mentioned that in 1987 he had won a gift on a Mets Extra call-in contest on a question about Randy Jones. (Howie was keen to know if he ever received his prize. He had.)

The Governor was on hand for the Jackie Robinson ceremonies. The way he talked to Howie it was clear that he knows Howie. But, of course the fact that Governor is blind means that if he wants to follow a Met game he'd listen to it on the radio.

Rachel Robinson (Mrs. Jackie) was Howie's guest in the bottom of the 2nd. She's always interesting, but because the Mets went meekly in the second her visit was short and she didn't have any reason to blurt out any excited cheers for the Mets as I've heard her do in the past.

All the players were wearing Jackie Robinson's 42, which led to some flashbacks for Howie. Looking at Brian Schneider he was reminded of Ron Hodges. Mike Pelfrey reminded him of Ron Taylor ("Dr. Ron Taylor now".). However, Carlos Delgado does not come close to filling out the uniform "Mo Vaughan style".

Pittsburgh 6 - Los Angeles 4

No, Met game so I opted for Pittsburgh's broadcast of the game between Pittsburgh & Los Angeles. Why? Well, this might be sacrilegious, but I absolutely cannot stand Vin Scully. I don't know if I'm the only baseball fan alive who feels this way, but his whimsical style just drives me nuts. I first started disliking Scully back in the 70s when he did the Game of the Week on NBC with Joe Garagiola.

Anyway, I thought it was over for Pittsburgh with Saito in the game and the Pirates down 4-3. Nate McLouth - off to a great start - hit a 3-run-homer to win it for the Pirates in Los Angeles. Too bad Zach Duke (yes, my fantasy team) didn't get the win. Not a bad game to listen to, although I hardly paid much attention because I was in the middle of a serious meltdown on the work front.

On the first Wednesday of every month Pirate fans can chat online with the Pirates' President. I can just imagine the Wilpons trying that.

Pirates' radio team is a pair of "we've gotta / we're going to" types. I don't care for that in my radio broadcast.

Uggh

What an ugly game. During the top of the 9th Howie noted that any Met fan who started the day with a full head of hair would probably be reaching for the Rogaine by the end of today. I was thinking of reaching for the Rolaids, but both would probably be in order.

I know the Mets didn't set a record for hitting into double-plays, but they did find different ways to accomplish that trick. The one in the 8th was a killer, but even with all the DP's, this one's on Oliver Perez. Any time you get a 6-2 lead you gotta make it stand up.

Ya gotta love how the Mets helped turn around Eric Gagne's season, right? Again, uggh.

Howie said they lost in "excruciating fashion". You're not kidding.

I'm trying to convince myself that the Mets are getting their tailspin out of the way early this year to save Mets' fans hearts come September.

Philadelphia 7 - Chicago 1

So, I'm listening to Chicago vs Philadelphia and in the 2nd inning I hear Chris Wheeler, "What a spectacular catch by Shane Victorino". Uggh. This guy is breaking my heart. This was doubly so because Victorino had robbed Mark DeRosa (my fantasy team) with a leaping grab at the wall.

Cubs have not won a series in Philadelphia since April 2001.

Third straight bad start by Lilly (my fantasy team) for the Cubs. Lou better have a word.