Mets Sign John Mayberry Jr.

The Mets announced today that they signed outfielder John Mayberry Jr. to a one-year deal worth 1.45 million dollars. Last year in a combined season with the Phillies and Blue Jays, Mayberry hit .212 with 7 homers and 23 RBI's. He had an on-base percentage of .310 and a slugging percentage of .425. Against left-handed pitching, Mayberry posted a .913 on-base plus slugging last year and has a lifetime .857 OPS against lefties. I think Mayberry Jr was a good signing for the Mets since they needed to add a right-handed bat off of the bench. He adds some power and is a solid defensive player. He can start against left-handed pitching, which would allow Michael Cuddyer to play 1b. Mayberry Jr is an upgrade over Eric Campbell, who was going to the main right-handed bat off the bench. This was a good pickup by Sandy Alderson and hopefully there will be moves to come.

Morning News: Eric Young Jr, right handed bat, Gooden's comments.

Eric Young Jr. has been non-tendered by the Mets and is now a free agent. The Mets brass agreed to let Eric Young go a few hours before the December 2nd deadline. Eric Young is the only one of the seven arbitration eligible players to be let go, as it is believed Daniel Murphy, Ruben Tejada, Jenrry Mejia, Lucas Duda, Bobby Parnell, and Dillon Gee will all get contracts for the 2015 season.

Eric Young finished the 2014 campaign with a .299 average and was projected to earn $2.3 million in arbitration for the upcoming season.

The Mets are actively looking for a right handed bat to come off the bench, according to multiple reports. Names such as Justin Turner and Johnny Gomes have surfaced recently as possible candidates. The Mets would like to add a right handed hitting outfielder specifically for when Michael Cuddyer plays first base against lefties. The Mets bench currently constitutes as follows: Ruben Tejada, Matt Den Decker, Anthony Recker, and Eric Campbell. 

Former Mets rookie of the year and 1986 world series champion Dwight Goode, recently told Yahoo Sports, Dec 2 that he believes the Mets will contend for a world championship in 2016. Gooden also noted he believes the Mets will make great strides in 2015 and "should" be in a playoff position. But, on the 30th anniversary of the 1986 team, Doc believes the Mets will win it all.

For fun: How the Mets off season of 2005 compares to the off season of 2014

I know, there it is, the dreaded face of Omar Minaya, probably answering a question or two on how he could have built a team to collapse on consecutive years with an over $150 million dollar payroll. That's an argument for another day.

This past weekend I decided to go back into the archives, whether it be newspapers, blogs, or baseball magazines, and try to understand the "buzz" surrounding the New York Mets 2005 off season and the there-after optimism entering 2006. I was too young to fully comprehend the baseball world at this time, thinking every Mets season would result in a brand new slate with the same chances of making the playoffs as everyone else. While this is mathematically true, we know that from year-to-year some teams have a better chance than others based on no more than their roster.

The offseason of 2005 was the Mets "go-for-it" year, much like many are proclaiming the offseason of 2014 to be. If you remember, the Mets had just come off a season where they missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, three of which were under.500 campaigns. Today that seems like nothing compared to eight straight years of missing the playoffs, seven of which have resulted in under .500 campaigns, but nevertheless the Mets were, and currently are, in win now mode.

Omar Manaya's philosophy to building up his major league team differs from Sandy Alderson's. Omar's budget flexibility allowed him to secure the best of the best out on the free agent market, such as Pedro Martinez, Carlos Beltran, Billy Wagner, and others. Sandy Alderson, while recently signing some key free agents, has taken a "build through the farm system approach," while operating on a more limited budget. No doubt Omar's philosophy will get you to the top quicker, Sandy's is more sustainable.

Heading into spring training in 2006, Mets fans were just hoping for the team to be competitive, watchable, and mired in a late season wild-card race. With the Braves having won fifteen consecutive divison titles, the division was a pipe dream. As it turns out, the Mets not only remained competitive that year, they dominated, wining the Eastern division title by more than 10 games.

This offseason, Mets fans, thanks to the addition of OF Michael Cuddyer and the return of ace Matt Harvey, just want to see the Mets competitive, watchable, and mired in a late season race. Sound fimiliar? This type of of fseason hasn't occurred since 2005/2006...and the Mets dominated that year.

Hot Stove: Nelson Cruz and David Robertson.

It was said recently that Sandy Alderson may be willing to part with his second round draft pick to sign another free agent later this offseason, much like the Orioles and Red Sox did with Stephen Drew and Nelson Cruz last offseason. Of the available free agents in the Mets price range, two are on the verge of signing. In fact, Nelson Cruz has signed a 4 year/$67 million dollar deal with the Orioles,  courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors, and David Robertson is said to be mulling multiple contract offers that would secure him for multiple years, courtesy of John Heyman. The only other available free agent that could fit the Mets budget would be OF Melky Cabrera.

Offseason 2014: Chances these players get dealt

In 42 minutes the clock with strike 12:00 AM, signaling the countdown to not only Christmas 2014, but to the baseball winter meetings. A fast paced offseason has already seen major talent acquired and dealt away as clubs retool for the upcoming marathon that will be the 2015 baseball season. Our beloved New York Mets headed into the offseason with three major needs: left fielder, short stop, lefty reliever. The Mets sprung out of the gate and acquired OF Michael Cuddyer on a 2-year deal on November 8th. With a rich pile of pitching depth to trade, the Mets will enter the second month of the offseason ready to pull the trigger to upgrade other areas of the team. Below are who the Mets are most likely to trade if such a situation arises at the Winter Meetings next weekend:

1. Bartolo Colon-60% chance the Mets find a suitor for the soon-to-be 42 year old starting pitcher. Colon's 1 year/11 million dollar contract is friendly enough to a team a pitcher or two away from serious contention. Colon was signed last offseason as the bridge to Matt Harvey's return in 2015. With Harvey's return imminent, the Mets will look to deal Colon, free up the 11 million, and slide a younger, long term option in the number 4 or 5 starter's spot in the rotation.

2. Dillon Gee- 45% Unlike Bartolo Colon in many ways, including age, contract, and recent history of durability, Dillon Gee seems to be losing favor within the Mets organization. Last season's opening day starter, Gee has not found the consistent health or performance the Mets would have liked to see, thus the idea of trading him in return for a lefty reliever, or in a package for a short stop, has been rather attracting to Sandy Alderson. Problem is, teams aren't necessarily jumping to acquire Gee, who's own inconsistency and health issues has scared off many teams in hope of contention.

3. Jon Niese-30% Niese's talent is there, and so are his injuries. Much like Dillon Gee, Jon Niese has struggled to stay on the field at times during the last few seasons. Niece's injuries deal with his left shoulder, an injury that many teams feel will require major surgery in a few year's time. Niese's team friendly contract and the fact that he's the only left starter on the team, are all reasons to believe Sandy will just decide to keep Niese, who should slide into the number 3 or 4 spot in the rotation should he remain healthy.

Mets News: Fores, Hall of Fame Ballot, Spring Training.

Wilmer Flores: The ever popular, and reliable, FansGraphs.com constructed a table recently of all short stops in major league baseball. The table predicted their stats, over the course of a full season, should they all remain healthy in 2015. Mets SS Wilmer Flores came in the middle of the pact, in front of Xander Bogarts, Jed Lowrie, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Stephen Drew. Flores's projected stats are as followed: .255 AVG; 14 HR; 56 RBI

Hall of Fame Ballot: It has been recently announced that Pedro Martinez, Mike Piazza, Carlos Delgado and Cliff Floyd, all former Mets, will be placed on January's hall of fame ballot for 2015. This will be Mike Piazza's third straight year on the ballot.

Spring Training: The Mets announced pitchers and catchers will report to spring training on February 19th. Positions players will report 2/24 and full practices will take place 2/26.

Non Mets related: The Red Sox are a powerhouse, again.

The die hard Mets fan in me has always had a very very small attraction for the Red Sox. The Knicks fan in me has a deep hatred for the Celtics, but that's a story for another day.

In 2012, the Red Sox were a disaster. Bobby Valentine was fired after one year and the Red Sox had seen their first losing season since the Revolutionary War (it felt like). Since then, Boston has picked up their third world series ring in the new millennium, and subsequently finished in last place in 2014. So, what does this mean for 2015? After today's it means the one thing we care about: The Yankees are screwed!

According to multiple reports such as ESPN and Yahoo! The Red Sox have agreed to terms with SS/3B Hanley Ramirez. With Bogarts settled at short, many would think the Red Sox would simply put Hanley at third base, where he played in 2012 for the Miami Marlins. Not so fast. Boston has also agreed to terms with 3B Pablo Sandoval on a similar 5 year/$100 million dollar contract. Ramirez is expected to play left field if both signings become a official.

Once again, the Red Sox have positioned themselves nicely after a down year. The last time it meant a world title. This time? We'll wait and see.

It's coming again Mets fans, it's coming.

2006 was seven years ago. About to be eight. Eight! and ever since the Mets collapsed in 2008, it has never been close to the same. Just think about it. In September 2008, as a kid, I nearly cried when the Mets were eliminated on the last day of contention. Fast forward six years later, and I'd cry if the Mets were still playing meaningful baseball on the last day of September.

Heading into each season after 2009, which roughly began the Mets season after season 70-win slump, Mets seasons have begun with pessimism instead of optimism. Whether it be an injury to Carlso Beltran, Johan Santana, or more recently, Matt Harvey, Mets fans have gone into the season with the "same old Mets" adage. 

Something feels different with this team. We've been hearing all along from team officials and media that 2015 was going to be the year. Sure, back in 2011 we didn't expect more than half of the team to be home grown players. In New York City, we want star free agents after all. Sandy Alderson stuck to his vision, and had Matt Harvey not been injured, it could've possibly come a season early (2014). 

Looking at the National League as a whole, 85-88 wins gets you into the playoffs as the second wild card, or damn close to it. That's all Mets fans are asking right now. Get us damn close to it. A 79-win team can easily win six more games given the addition of Michael Cuddyer, Matt Harvey, plus full seasons from Jacob deGrom and Travis d'Arnaud (who missed time in Triple-A). 

Of course, things can go wrong. Granderson and Wright can continue back tracking. Harvey may not be 100%, and the bullpen may dissapoint. But, something tells me it won't. This Mets team, while constructed entirely different than 2006-2008, this team can win now and in the future. That team couldn't. It's time Mets fans...it's time. 

2014-2015 Offseason Plan: What's Next? Who's Next?

The Mets jumped out of the gates hot, securing free agent Michael Cuddyer to a 2 year/21 million dollar contract on November 10th, a few days after free agency began. The Colorado Rockies offered Cuddyer a qualifying offer of 1 year/ 15 million to return. To the surprise of fans and media alike, Sandy Alderson filled his need in left field by prying Cuddyer away from his qualifying offer, with he held of David Wright. Cuddyer, plus the return of Matt Harvey have Mets fans as optimistic as ever, but the questions still bears asking: What's next?

It feels like the entire offseason is still a head of us. The winter meetings haven't even begun yet, and the Mets seem quiet after a hot start. Looking over the team, there's still a need two areas: shortstop, and a left handed reliever. Sandy Alderson's recent comments coupled with the thin free agent and trade market has many fans speculating the team will either go into spring training with 23-year old Wimer Flores manning short stop, or wait until at least January or February to reassess the trade/free agent market. But, where does this leave the Mets in terms of a left handed reliever?

Multiple resports surfaced late this week that the Mets will acquire a left handed reliever by the end of the winter meetings in early December. The speculated list of lefties included Phil Coke, Joe Beimel and Craig Breslow. It has been thought all along the Mets were shopping pitchers Colon, Neise, and Gee for either an outfield bat or shortstop. Turns out, the Mets may trade one for a left handed reliever to go along with Jhenry Mejia, Bobby Parnell, Josh Edgin, the long lefty, Jeurys Familia, and Vic Black.

Should The Mets Go With Wilmer Flores As Starting SS?

Now that the Mets have signed Michael Cuddyer, their next major focus is to find a starting SS next year. There have been rumors they are considering trading for Starlin Castro, Alexi Ramarez, or Elvis Andruws, but no moves have been made so far. There has been a lot of debate about whether they should keep the SS position and make Wilmer Flores the starting SS. Last season, Flores got splaying time at SS and made a lot of progress as the season progressed. He hit .251 with 6 homers and 29 RBI's. He added 13 doubles and 28 runs. In September he hit .278 with 4 homers and 13 RBI's. As he become more comfortable at the plate, his defense improved and he cut down on his errors. I think the Mets should go with Flores as the starting SS. I don't want them to trade any of their young pitchers such as Rafael Montero or Noah Syndergarrd for players such as Castro or Andruws. I also feel that there aren't any free agent shortstops worth signing. Jed Lowrie is considered to be the top free agent shortshop, and is not the kind of offensive player the Mets are looking for. I think that Wilmer Flores will only continue to get better offensively and defensively if the Mets make him the starting shortstop in 2015.

Mets News; Fences, payroll, optimism.

Fences: For the second time in Citi Field's first six seasons, the Mets are moving in the walls. This time, the right-center field fence is being moved in as much as 10-feet. According to general manager Sandy Alderson, had the Mets played under these conditions at home last season, they would have hit an additional 17 home runs while the opposition would have hit an addiction 10. Some of the opposition coming from fans and media pertains to this putting a strain on the Mets' pitching rotation. On the other hand, offensive players Wright, Granderson, and Duda will especially benefit from a dramatic change of the outfield wall.

Payroll: One calendar year ago, the Mets were anxious to snatch outfielder Chris Young off the free agent market before anyone else even had a chance to look, and pass, on him. The Mets dished out $7 million to pry the declining Chris Young from free agency and join the Mets' lineup. When all was said and done in the winter of '13/14', the Mets payroll stood at roughly $85 million. All season long fans and media debated on why the Mets payroll, while playing in New York City, is this low. After backlash all season long, Sandy Alderson signed his third impact free agent in his tenure with the Mets this offseason. Michael Cuddyer's 2 year-$21 million dollar contract alone ads $7-10 million on next year's payroll, pushing the Mets more towards the middle of the pact. Arbitration eligible salary bumps to Duda and Murphy, plus another potential free agent signing along the way, will push the Met payroll closer to $100 million, where Adam Ruben predicted it would be at the start of this year's Spring Training.

Optimism: Whether it be from the mouth of Michael Cuddyer, Jacob deGrom, Terry Collins, or Sandy Alderson, there is a renewed buzz surrounding the New York Mets. Seemingly days apart, the Mets were awarded a gold glove outfielder, rookie of the year, and a top free agent signing. Rumors have been swirling about how the Mets will handle the comeback of ace pitcher Matt Harvey in 2015.  No longer is the conversation about shutting him down in September when the Mets are most likely out of it. The debate now is how to keep him fresh for September when the Mets are in a pennant race.

Sandy Alderson: "We're as well positioned in the next two-three years as anyone in the division"

For the first time in what seems like five years, the Mets, and most notably Sandy Alderson, are confident again. No longer are we discussing two the three years away of being in contention. Instead, we are currently talking about being in contention for at least the next to the three years.

Sandy Alderson recently spoke with WOR 710 AM saying "We think we're on the way up. We're as well positioned in the next two-three years as anyone in the division." Certaintly Sandy is point to his win now free agent signings of Curtis Granderson and Michael Cuddyer and the length of their contracts, two-three years, as a measuring stick for success. That, plus Wright's still relatively young age, and the contract statuses of ace's Harvey, Wheeler, and deGrom all point to the next two-three years of being something special in Flushing.

Three realistic targets that would make the Mets better right now.

Sandy Alderson has convinced fans to be patient, calm, and collected as the he took two extra years to transition Omar Manaya's mess into a stripped-down, prospect rich version. Now, with the payroll hovering around $85 million, Alderson is expected to use the 2015 offseason to propel a near 80 win team into serious wild card contention

Criticism over if Sandy Alderson can be trusted on to assess a free agent market and trade market that make the current major league product a successful one are still to be determined. Alderson's moves one off-season ago were an iffy attempt, as he brought cut his first signing only a few months into he season, Chris Young. Curtis Granderson's subpar, but not terrible, season has been quietly less scrutinized than many thought it would be, and Bartolo Colon's 15 win season can be considered a success. Other than that, house-hold options like Duda, and Juan Laggers are what helped the Mets achieve 79 wins for the first time in three years. This offseason, Alderson must look at these three players who can take the Mets to the next level:

Alexi Ramirez-Recent reports surfaced today linking the Mets up to Alexi Ramirez. The White Sox 33 year old short-stop is entering the final year of his contract, and is expected to earn $10 million. The Mets have contacted the White Sox about a potential trade, as have the Yankees. "The Mets have exactly what the White Sox are looking for," says Levine, who first broke the news. Levine is referring to starting pitching when assessing what the White Sox want in return. If the Mets are going to upgrade at short-stop, which has needed an upgrade from Ruben Tejada for two seasons and counting, Ramirez is the perfect choice. Should Sandy decide to stray away from the inconsistent Wimer Flores, Ramirez, a 15 HR and 70+ RBI hitter, who plays exception defense, is exactly what the doctor ordered for the price of a starting pitcher: Gee, Neise, or Montero. 

Alex Gordon-The defending American League champion Kansas City Royals are expected to listen to offers for outfielder Alex Gordon, who, like Ramirez, is entering the final year of his contract. Gordon is considered by many as the best hitter the Royals have, but they know like we do, they can't afford to retain him. The Mets have the prospects and starting pitching to land Gordon, a 15 HR+ 80+ RBI hitter, who can play left field. What exactly are the Royals looking for? Reports have surfaced a team must be willing to part with starting pitching, and a possible hitting prospect at a high minor league level. To me, when you have the chance to acquire a hitter with as much talent, intensity, and heart as Gordon, you do it. The Mets need one more outfielder who can hit double digit home runs, and 75+ RBIs. Look no further than Alex Gordon. Should the Royals want Murphy, Gee, and a hitting prospect, they should take it. Time for Alderson to make this team better...Now

Michael Morse- Coming off the heels of the Mets new found disinterest in outfielder Michael Cuddyer, largely due to the fact that signing him will cost a first-round draft pick, reports surfaced claiming the Mets had interest in Michael Morse. Morse, currently a nemesis with he Nationals, won a championship not even three weeks ago, as a member of the San Fransico Giants. At 32 years old, the outfielder can still go get it, and play first base as well. MLBTR suggested Morse will ask for a three year deal, but will ultimately get 2 years/$24 million. Should Alderson not fill his outfield needs in trades, he can look no further than Michael Morse to fill the void. A clutch 15+ home run hitter who has the raw power to hit it out of any stadium is just what the doctors ordered. Sure, does he have a history of injuries, yes, but so did Bartolo Colon, and that worked out. The Mets need to begin taking risks in order to succeed. Morse will compliment both Duda and Granderson beautiful in a mostly lefty-dominated lineup. 

Will bringing in the fences help, or hurt?

As many of you know, construction has already gone underway at Citi Field and the fences are going to be moved in again. The fans' rumblings all season long about the ballpark being "too big" for star players David Wright and Curtis Granderson have prompted Sandy Alderson and co. to once again lessen Citi Field's dimensions.

Backlash from this move haven't come necessarily from fans, who tend to joke that the team needs better hitters if they want to hit even more home runs, but from the media. Many media members are concerned that lessening Citi Field's dimensions will hurt their young pitchers. A recent report came out that said if the Mets had the new dimensions last year, they would have hit seven more home runs, while the opposition would have hit four.

Do I think this will hurt the young pitching? No. The Mets have a rotation and back end of the bullpen that strike hitters out, not induce fly balls. Citi Field isn't becoming Yankee Stadium, it's just giving left handed hitter Duda and Granderson the space they need to knock a few more out of the ballpark. All in all, the fences are apparently not pulled in to accommodate any one player, though I just mentioned two players that it will help regardless, but the fences have been moved in to make Citi Field more "symmetrical and less Gimmicky" as one team official put it.

Game 162: Mets vs. Astros Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Matt den Dekker-LF
2. Bobby Abreu-RF
3. Daniel Murphy-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Curtis Granderson-CF
6. Wilmer Flores-2B
7. Ruben Tejada-SS
8. Juan Centeno-C
9. Bartolo Colon-RHP

The pitching matchup is Bartolo Coon ( 14-13, 4.07 ERA) vs. RHP Nick Tropeano ( 1-2, 3.75 ERA)

Game 161: Mets vs. Astros Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Matt den Dekker-CF
2. Eric Young Jr-LF
3. Daniel Murphy-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Curtis Granderson-RF
6. Wilmer Flores-2B
7. Anthony Recker-C
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Rafael Montero-RHP

The pitching matchup is Rafael Montero ( 1-3, 4.38 ERA) vs. RHP Samuel Deluno ( 7-9, 4.66 ERA)

Game 160: Mets vs. Astros Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Eric Young Jr-LF
2. Wilmer Flores-2B
3. Daniel Murphy-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Curtis Granderson-RF
6. Matt den Dekker-CF
7. Anthony Recker-C
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Jon Niese-LHP

The pitching matchup is Jon Niese ( 9-11, 3.50 ERA) vs. RHP Brad Peacock ( 4-9, 4.82 ERA)

Game 159: Mets vs. Nationals Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup

1. Eric Young Jr-LF

2. Daniel Murphy-3B

3. Eric Campbell-RF

4. Lucas Duda-1B

5. Wilmer Flores-2B

6. Curtis Granderson-RF

7. Anthony Recker-C

8. Ruben Tejada-SS

9. Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching matchup is Zack Wheeler ( 11-10, 3.47 ERA) vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez ( 9-10, 3.74 ERA)

Game 158: Mets vs. Nationals Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Eric Young Jr-LF
2. Daniel Murphy-3B
3. Eric Campbell-RF
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Wilmer Flores-2B
6. Curtis Granderson-CF
7. Anthony Recker-C
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Dillon Gee-RHP

The pitching matchup is Dillon Gee ( 7-8, 3.88 ERA) vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez ( 9-10, 3.74 ERA)

Game 157: Mets vs. Nationals Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Matt den Dekker-LF
2. Daniel Murphy-3B
3. Travis d'Arnaud-C
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Wilmer Flores-2B
6. Curtis Granderson-RF
7. Kirk Nieuwenhuis-CF
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Bartolo Colon-RHP

The pitching matchup is Bartolo Colon ( 14-12, 4.02 ERA) vs. RHP Tanner Roark ( 14-10, 2.85 ERA)

Game 156: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Matt den Dekker-LF
2. Wilmer Flores-2B
3. Daniel Murphy-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Curtis Granderson-RF
6. Kirk Nieuwenhuis-CF
7. Anthony Recker-C
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Jacob deGrom-RHP

The pitching matchup is Jacob deGrom ( 8-6, 2.68 ERA) vs. RHP Ervin Santana ( 14-9, 3.74 ERA)

Game 155: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Eric Young-LF
2. Daniel Murphy-3B
3. Travis d'Arnaud-C
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Wilmer Flores-SS
6. Curtis Granderson-CF
7. Eric Campbell-RF
8. Dilson Herrera-2B
9. Jon Niese-LHP

The pitching matchup is Jon Niese ( 8-11, 3.55 ERA) vs. LHP Mike Minor ( 6-11, 4,74 ERA)

Game 154: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Eric Young Jr-LF
2. Daniel Murphy-3B
3. Travis d'Arnaud-C
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Wilmer Flores-SS
6. Curtis Granderson-RF
7. Matt den Dekker-CF
8. Dilson Herrera-2B
9. Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching matchup is Zack Wheeler ( 10-10, 3,61 ERA) vs. RHP Julio Teheron ( 13-12, 2.89 ERA)

Game 153: Mets vs. Marlins Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Matt den Dekker-LF
2. Daniel Murphy-3B
3. Travis d'Arnaud-C
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Wilmer Flores-2B
6. Curtis Granderson-RF
7. Kirk Nieuwenhuis-CF
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Dillon Gee-RHP

The pitching matchup is Dillon Gee ( 7-7, 3.80 ERA) vs. RHP Henderson Alvarez ( 10-6, 2.81 ERA)

Game 151: Mets vs. Marlins Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Juan Lagares-CF
2. Daniel Murphy-3B
3. Travis d'Arnaud-C
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Wilmer Flores-SS
6. Curtis Granderson-RF
7. Dilson Herrera-2B
8. Matt den Dekker-LF
9. Jacob deGrom-RHP

The pitching matchup is Jacob deGrom ( 8-6, 2.62 ERA) vs. RHP Jarred Cosart ( 4-2, 1.93 ERA)

Game 150: Mets vs. Nationals Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Eric Young Jr-LF
2. Juan Lagares-CF
3. Daniel Murphy-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Wilmer Flores-3B
6. Curtis Granderson-RF
7. Anthony Recker-C
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Jonathan Niese-LHP

The pitching matchup is Jonathan Niese ( 8-10, 3.59 ERA) vs. RHP Jordan Zimmermann ( 11-5, 2.93 ERA)

Game 149: Mets vs. Nationals Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Eric Young Jr-LF
2. Juan Lagares-CF
3. Daniel Murphy-2B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Curtis Granderson-RF
7. Wilmer Flores-SS
8. Dilson Herrera-2B
9.  Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching matchup is Zack Wheeler ( 10-9, 3.38 ERA) vs. RHP Doug Fister ( 13-6, 2.53 ERA)

Game 148: Mets vs. Nationals Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Eric Young Jr-LF
2. Juan Lagares-CF
3. Eric Campbell-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Curtis Granderson-RF
7. Dilson Herrera-2B
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Dillon Gee-RHP

The pitching matchup is Dillon Gee ( 6-7, 3.74 ERA) vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez ( 8-9, 3.78 ERA)

Game 147: Mets vs. Nationals Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Eric Young Jr-LF
2. Juan Lagares-Cf
3. Daniel Murphy-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Curtis Granderson-RF
7. Dilson Herrera-2B
8. Wilmer Flores-SS
9. Bartolo Colon-RHP

The pitching matchup is Bartolo Colon ( 13-11, 3.96 ERA) vs. RHP Tanner Roarck ( 12-10, 2.97 ERA)

Game 146: Mets vs. Rockies Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Juan Lagares-CF
2. Wilmer Flores-SS
3. Daniel Murphy 3B
4. Travis d'Arnaud-C
5. Eric Campbell-1B
6. Curtis Granderson-RF
7. Dilson Herrera-2B
8. Eric Young Jr-LF
9. Rafael Montero-RHP

The pitching matchup is Rafael Montero ( 0-3, 5.23 ERA) vs. RHP Tyler Matex ( 5-9, 4,32 ERA)

Game 145: Mets vs. Rockies Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Juan Lagares-CF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. Eric Campbell-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Curtis Granderson-RF
7. Wilmer Flores-SS
8. Matt den Dekker-LF
9. Jacob deGrom-RHP

The pitching matchup is Jacob deGrom (7-6, 2.79 ERA) vs. RHP Christian Bergeron ( 2-2, 5.23 ERA)

New content style going forward.

Readers of this blog since last February know that I, as well as my assistant Andrew Herbst, have taken a much more broad reaction to the Mets. We like to post news, scores, lineups, rumors, and so forth. From time to time we put our opinion into specific topics, or reaction if you will.

From now on, I want to inform our readers that we are going to be taking a different approach to following New York Mets baseball, as well as keeping in touch with the entire baseball world. Instead of following a style similar to our top competitor, MetsBlog, the official blog of the Mets, we will take a "fan's perspective." News will be provided to you just as often as it has been in the past, except it'll be out REACTION to the news. Andrew and myself are life long Mets fans, and we want this site to be a site for the fans written by the fans with reaction from....the fans!

If you are not sure yet on how this new style will come together, be sure to check early and often, beginning tomorrow, to QueensFaithful and see what I'm talking about. We hope you will enjoy!

Game 144: Mets vs. Rockies Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Juan Lagares-CF
2. Kirk Nieuwenhuis-LF
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Curtis Granderson-RF
7. Wilmer Flores-SS
8. Dilson Herrera-2B
9. Jon Niese-LHP

The pitching matchup is Jon Niese ( 8-10, 3.65 ERA) vs. RHP Jordan Lyles ( 6-2, 4,35 ERA)

Game 141: Mets vs. Reds Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Juan Lagares-CF
2. Matt den Dekker-LF
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Curtis Granderson-RF
7. Dilson Herrera-2B
8. Wilmer Flores-SS
9. Bartolo Colon-RHP

The pitching matchup is Bartolo Colon ( 12-11, 4.01 ERA) vs. RHP Alfredo Simon ( 13-9, 3.28 ERA)

I'm back, but are the Mets?

Hello again everyone. After working a part-time job and part-time internship over the summer of 2014, I have not had the opportunity to write much for this blog. Fortunately, my partner Andrew Herbst has been able to keep you up to date with the pre game lineups in my absence. I apologize for such a long delay, but I am back and here to stay as the site's lead writer and moderator.  Having said all of that, let's talk some Mets baseball. This is Mets blog first and foremost, right?

When I left you, sometime in mid June, the Mets were riding a mini hot streak behind the young arms of Jacob deGrom and Zack Wheeler, who have both exceeded expectations for this season. Jon Neise, Dillon Gee, and Bartolo Colon were solid as usual. The Mets, projected by many to finish in the 73-78 win range, were "fooling their fans" into contention. Granderson, Murphy, and Wright were hot heading into the all-star break. Heck, even an ESPN analyst projected the Mets as his "team to watch" in the second half.

Fast forward to September 4, 2014. All Mets have to salvage this season is a potential rookie of the year in Jacob deGrom. Jacob has been outstanding all season, compiling a 2.8 ERA to date. Though picking it up lately, David Wright has been ice cold. Daniel Murphy is on the DL, and Curtis Granderson has pulled a disappearing act in the second half. Despite individual success from Travis d'Arnaud, Lucas Duda, Jenry Mejia, and deGrom, the Mets find themselves with a dismal amount of wins (66) heading into September. It's safe to say the 2014 Mets will end right where the last few seasons have, somewhere around the 75-79 win mark. All I have to say is this.... When does Matt Harvey return? Probably when the winning returns, 2015...hopefully.

Game 140: Mets vs. Marlins Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Juan Lagares-CF
2. Matt den Dekker-LF
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Kirk Nieuwenhuis-RF
7. Dilson Herrera-2B
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Jacob deGrom-RHP

The pitching matchup is Jacob deGrom ( 7-6, 2.94 ERA) vs. RHP Tom Koehler ( 9-9, 3.79 ERA)

Game 138: Mets vs. Marlins Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup

1. Juan Lagares-CF
2. Curtis Granderson-RF
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Matt den Dekker-LF
7. Dilson Herrera-2B
8. Wilmer Flores-SS
9. Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching matchup is Zack Wheeler ( 9-9, 3.44 ERA) vs. RHP Henderson Alvarez ( 10-6, 2,75 ERA)

Game 136: Mets vs. Phillies Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Juan Lagares-CF
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Matt den Dekker-LF
7. Dilson Herrera-2B
8. Wilmer Flores-SS
9. Bartolo Colon-RHP

The pitching matchup is Bartolo Colon ( 12-10, 3.52 ERA) vs. RHP Jerome Williams ( 2-5, 6.71 ERA)

Game 135: Mets vs. Phillies Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Juan Lagares-CF
2. Curtis Granderson-RF
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Matt den Dekker-LF
7. Dilson Herrera-2B
8. Wilmer Flores-SS
9. Jacob deGrom-RHP

This is Dilson Herrera's Mets debut.

The pitching matchup is Jacob deGrom ( 6-6, 3,13 ERA) vs. RHP David Buchanan ( 6-7, 4.21 ERA)

Game 134: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Juan Lagares-CF
2. Curtis Granderson-RF
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Eric Campbell-LF
7. Wilmer Flores-2B
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Jon Niese-LHP

The pitching matchup is Jon Niese ( 7-9, 3.47 ERA) vs. LHP Mike Minor ( 5-8, 3.90 ERA)

Game 133: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Juan Lagares-CF
3. Lucas Duda-1B
4. Travis d'Arnaud-C
5. Eric Campbell-3B
6. Matt den Dekker-LF
7. Wilmer Flores-2B
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching matchup is Zack Wheeler ( 9-8, 3.48 ERA) vs. Julio Teheran ( 12-9, 2.96 ERA)

Game 132: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Eric Young Jr-LF
2. Curtis Granderson-RF
3. Eric Campbell-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Juan Lagares-CF
7. Wilmer Flores-2B
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Dillon Gee-RHP

The pitching matchup is Dillon Gee ( 4-6, 3.84 ERA) vs. LHP Alex Wood ( 9-9, 3.08 ERA)

Game 131: Mets vs. Dodgers Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Juan Lagares-CF
7. Ruben Tejada-SS
8. Eric Young Jr-LF
9. Bartolo Colon-RHP

The pitching matchup is Bartolo Colon ( 11-10, 3.85 ERA) vs. RHP Kevin Correia ( 7-13, 4.87 ERA)

Game 130: Mets vs. Dodgers Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Matt den Dekker-LF
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Wilmer Flores-SS
9. Jacob deGrom-RHP

The pitching matchup is Jacob deGrom ( 6-5, 2.87 ERA) vs. RHP Zack Grienke ( 12-8, 2.75 ERA)

Game 129: Mets vs. Dodgers Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Matt den Dekker-LF
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Wilmer Flores-SS
9. Jon Niese-LHP

The pitching matchup is Jon Niese ( 7-8, 3.50 ERA) vs. RHP Dan Haren ( 10-10, 4.59 ERA)

Game 126: Mets vs. Cubs Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Matt den Dekker-LF
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Wilmer Flores-SS
9. Carlos Torres-RHP

The pitching matchup is Carlos Torres ( 5-5, 3.68 ERA) vs. Kyle Hendricks ( 4-1, 1.73 ERA)

Game 125: Mets vs. Cubs Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Juan Lagares-CF
3. Daniel Murphy-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Eric Campbell-3B
6. Matt den Dekker-LF
7. Anthony Recker-C
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Rafael Montero-RHP

The pitching matchup is Rafael Montero ( 0-3, 6.19 ERA) vs. RHP Jake Arieta ( 6-4, 2.77 ERA)

Game 124: Mets vs. Cubs Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Matt den Dekker-LF
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Wilmer Flores-SS
9. Jon Niese-LHP

The pitching matchup is Jon Niese ( 6-8, 3.46 ERA) vs. RHP Dan Stroli ( 1-2, 4.93 ERA)

Game 122: Mets vs. Nationals Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Matt den Dekker-LF
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Wilmer Flores-SS
9. Dillon Gee-RHP

The pitching matchup is Dillon Gee ( 4-4, 3.54 ERA) vs. RHP Stephen Strasburg ( 8-10, 3.68 ERA)

Game 121: Mets vs. Nationals Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Matt den Dekker-LF
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Wilmer Flores-SS
9. Bartolo Colon-RHP

The pitching matchup is Bartolo Colon ( 11-9, 3.97 ERA) vs. RHP Jordan Zimmermann ( 7-5, 3.06 ERA)

Game 120: Mets vs. Nationals Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Matt den Dekker-LF
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Wilmer Flores-SS
9. Rafael Montero-RHP

The pitching matchup is Rafael Montero ( 0-2, 5.40 ERA) vs. RHP Doug Fister ( 11-3, 2.47 ERA)

Game 119: Mets vs. Phillies Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Juan Lagares-CF
6. Matt den Dekker-LF
7. Wilmer Flores-SS
8. Anthony Recker-C
9. Jon Niese-LHP

The pitching matchup is Jon Niese ( 5-8, 3.51 ERA) vs. RHP David Buchanan ( 6-5, 4.39 ERA)

Game 118: Mets vs. Phillies Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Matt den Dekker-LF
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Wilmer Flores-SS
9. Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching matchup is Zack Wheeler ( 7-8, 3.48 ERA) vs. RHP Kyle Kendrick ( 5-11, 4.74 ERA)

Game 117: Mets vs. Phillies Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Eric Campbell-LF
5. Lucas Duda-1B
6. Travis d'Arnaud-C
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Wilmer Flores-SS
9. Dillon Gee-RHP

The pitching matchup is Dillon Gee ( 4-4, 3.73 ERA) vs. LHP Cole Hamels ( 6-6, 3.42 ERA)

Game 116: Mets vs. Phillies Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Kirk Nieuwenhuis-LF
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Wilmer Flores-SS
9. Bartolo Colon-RHP

The pitching matchup is Bartolo Colon ( 10-9, 4.12 ERA) vs. RHP AJ Burnett ( 6-11, 4.16 ERA)

Game 115: Mets vs. Nationals Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Juan Lagares-CF
6. Wilmer Flores-SS
7.  Anthony Recker-C
8. Jacob deGrom-RHP
9. Eric Young Jr-LF

The pitching matchup is Jacob deGrom ( 6-5, 2.77 ERA) vs. RHP Jordan Zimmermann ( 7-5, 3.00 ERA)

Game 114: Mets vs. Nationals Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Kirk Nieuwenhuis-LF
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Jon Niese-LHP

The pitching matchup is Jon Niese ( 5-7, 3.24 ERA) vs. RHP Doug Fister ( 10-3, 2.68 ERA)

Game 113: Mets vs. Nationals Starting Lineup And Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup1. Juan Lagares-CF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Eric Campbell-LF
6. Travis d'Arnaud-C
7. Chris Young-RF
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching matchup is Zack Wheeler ( 6-8, 3.60 ERA) vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez ( 6-7, 3.8 ERA)

Game 112: Mets vs. Giants Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Chris Young-LF
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Dillon Gee-RHP

The pitching matchup is Dillon Gee ( 4-4, 3.77 ERA) vs. RHP Tim Hudson ( 8-8, 2.71 ERA)

Game 111: Mets vs. Giants Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Ruben Tejada-SS
3. David Wright-3B
4. Eric Campbell-1B
5. Chris Young-LF
6. Juan Lagares-CF
7. Wilmer Flores-2B
8. Anthony Recker-C
9. Bartolo Colon

The pitching matchup is Bartolo Colon ( 10-8, 3.88 ERA) vs. LHP Madison Bumgarter ( 12-8, 3.41 ERA)

Game 110: Mets vs. Giants Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Juan Lagares-CF
7. Wilmer Flores-SS
8. Jacob deGrom-RHP
9. Eric Young Jr-LF

The pitching matchup is Jacob deGrom ( 5-5, 2.79 ERA) vs. RHP Jake Peavy ( 0-1, 4.50 ERA with Giants)

Game 109: Mets vs. Giants Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Chris Young-LF
6. Travis d'Arnaud-C
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Jon Niese-LHP

The pitching matchup is Jon Niese ( 5-6, 3.23 ERA) vs. RHP Ryan Vogelsong ( 5-8, 3.94 ERA)

Game 107: Mets vs. Phillies Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Eric Campbell-1B
5. Chris Young-LF
6. Travis d'Arnaud-C
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Wilmer Flores-SS
9. Dillon Gee-RHP

The pitching matchup is Dillon Gee ( 4-3, 3.49 ERA) vs. LHP Cole Hamels ( 5-5, 2.72 ERA)

Game 106: Mets vs. Phillies Starting Lineup And Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Chris Young-LF
6. Travis d'Arnaud-C
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Bartolo Colon-RHP

The pitching matchup is Bartolo Colon ( 9-8, 4.03 ERA) vs. RHP AJ Burnett ( 6-9, 3.86 ERA)

Game 105: Mets vs. Brewers Starting Lineup And Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Chris Young-LF
6. Juan Lagares-CF
7. Anthony Recker-C
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Jacob deGrom-RHP

The pitching matchup is Jacob deGrom ( 4-5, 3.01 ERA) vs. RHP Jimmy Nelson ( 1-1, 5.05 ERA)

Game 104: Mets vs. Brewers Starting Lineup And Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Chris Young-CF
7. Wilmer Flores-SS
8. Jon Niese-LHP
9. Eric Young Jr-LF

The pitching matchup is Jon Niese ( 5-5, 3.13 ERA) vs. RHP Wily Peralta ( 11-6, 3.58 ERA)

Game 102: Mets vs. Brewers Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Chris Young-LF
7. Wilmer Flores-SS
8. Juan Lagares-CF
9. Dillon Gee-RHP
The pitching matchup is Dillon Gee ( 4-2, 2.92 ERA) vs. RHP Matt Garza ( 6-7, 4.04 ERA)

Game 101: Mets vs. Mariners Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Eric Young Jr-LF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Bobby Abreu-DH
6. Chris Young-RF
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Anthony Recker-C
9. Ruben Tejada-SS

The pitching matchup is RHP Bartolo Colon ( 8-8, 4.12 ERA) vs. RHP Taijuan Walker ( 1-1, 3.60 ERA)

Game 100: Mets vs. Mariners Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Eric Young Jr-LF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Bobby Abreu-DH
6. Travis d'Arnaud-C
7. Kirk Nieuwenhuis-RF
8. Juan Lagares-CF
9. Ruben Tejada-SS

The pitching matchup is RHP Jacob deGrom ( 3-5, 3.18 ERA) vs. RHP Erasmo Ramirez ( 1-4, 4.58 ERA)

Game 99: Mets vs. Mariners Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Eric Campbell-1B
5. Lucas Duda-DH
6. Travis d'Arnaud-C
7. Chris Young-LF
8. Juan Lagares-CF
9. Ruben Tejada-SS

The pitching matchup is LHP Jon Niese ( 5-4, 2.96 ERA) vs. LHP Roenis Elias ( 7-8, 4.54 ERA)

Game 97: Mets vs. Padres Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Kirk Nieuwenhuis-LF
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Dillon Gee-RHP

The pitching matchup is Dillon Gee ( 4-1, 2.56 ERA) vs. RHP Tyson Ross ( 7-10, 2.85 ERA)

Game 96: Mets vs. Padres Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Kirk Niewenhuis-LF
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Bartolo Colon-RHP

The pitching match up is Bartolo Colon ( 8-8, 3.99 ERA) vs. RHP Ian Kennedy ( 7-9, 3.47 ERA)

Game 94: Mets vs. Marlins Starting Lineup And Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Kirk Nieuwenheuis-LF
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Daisuke Matsuzaka-RHP

The pitching matchup is Daisuke Matsuzaka ( 3-3, 3.32 ERA) vs. RHP Tom Koehler ( 6-7, 3.98 ERA)

Game 93: Mets vs. Marlins Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Kirk Nieuwenhuis-LF
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching matchup is Zack Wheeler ( 4-8, 4.07 ERA) vs. RHP Henderson Alvarez ( 6-3, 2.27 ERA)

Game 92: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup And Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud-C
6. Juan Lagares-CF
7. Ruben Tejada-SS
8. Bartolo Colon-RHP
9. Eric Young Jr-LF

The pitching matchup is Bartolo Colon ( 8-7, 4.04 ERA) vs. RHP Aaron Harang ( 8-6, 3.67 ERA)

How Has Travis d'Arnaud Improved Offensively?

When the Mets acquired Travis d'Aranud from the Blue Jays, it was expected that he was going to become an offensive force and play a huge role in the Mets lineup. However when he was called up last year, he struggled and his struggled carried over into this season. Met fans were starting to wonder whether d'Arnaud would ever develop into the kind of hitter we would hoping he would become. He was sent down to Triple A in hopes of becoming an improved hitter. Since being recalled on June 23th, d'Arnaud has hit .300 with 3 home runs and 10 RBI's. Prior to his demotion, he only.180. I think there have been 2 major reasons for d'Arnaud's improvement since coming back to the big leagues. One reason I feel is that he has become a more aggressive hitter and swings earlier in the count. Since Lamar Johnson took over as hitting coach, he has stressed the importance of looking for good pitches to hit and not trying to draw walks. d'Arnaud is now hitting fastballs for extra base hits on the first pitch of an at-bat. This is a far contrast to when Dave Hudgens was hitting coach when the philosophy was to work the count and try to draw walks and get on base. Another reason is that d'Arnaud has improved his stance and is now standing closer to the plate. Prior to getting sent down, d'Arnaud stood way too far off the plate and had trouble covering the outside pitch. His improved stance has helped him hit the ball to the opposite field and get extra base hits. I think that the Mets Triple A Manager Wally Backman and hitting coach George Greer deserve a lot of credit for figuring how the problems with d'Arnaud. I think that these changes that they helped d'Aranud make have helped him a much more confident and relaxed hitter. I know that all Mets fans, myself included are excited to see what the future holds for d'Arnaud now that he starting to hit with power on a consistent basis.

Here we are again: Can Mets make a run?

In what seems like an every-other-week story, the Mets are hot again. After last night's 4-1 victory, the Amazin's have "amazingly" taken five of their last six games and have erased three games off the defect as they chase the Atlanta Braves.

Two short weeks ago from today, and two short weeks ago from then, the Mets were hot. The bats had woken up, Chris Young specifically if you remember, and the Mets were primed for a hot streak. On many separate occasions this season the Mets have riddled off four of five games, five or six games, and once six of seven games, all for naught. What makes the Mets most recent hot stark any different? Is it the pitching? Hitting? Combination?

Many fans, such as myself,  were one click away from turning the Mets, and SNY off all together after the team slumped to a season-low eleven games under .500. It seemed as if trading All-Star Daniel Murphy was inevitable, as well as Bartolo Colon and one of Dillon Gee or Jon Neise.

Ever since the equally slumping Texas Rangers came to Citi Field, the Mets have shown a pulse. A pulse that has quickly died on many separate occasions in 2014 already---and we are in early July---halfway through.

I'm not so sure if the Atlanta Braves should be ashamed that a team ten games under .500 on Monday night blew the doors off of them in three straight games. Or, should I believe that a team like the Mets can hang with the Atlanta Braves of the world? Travis d'Arnaud, Curtis Granderson, Jacob deGrom, and Dillon Gee have all proved they can---for now.

Game 91: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Bobby Abreu-LF
6. Kirk Nieuwenhuis-CF
7. Travis d'Arnaud-C
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Dillon Gee-RHP

The pitching matchup is Dillon Gee ( 3-1, 2.73 ERA) vs. RHP Ervin Santana ( 7-5, 3.93 ERA)

Game 89: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Eric Campbell-1B
5. Juan Lagares-CF
6. Chris Young-LF
7. Travis d'Arnaud-C
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Daisuke Matsuzaka-RHP

The pitching matchup is Daisuke Matsuzaka ( 3-3, 3.72 ERA) vs. LHP Mike Minor ( 2-5, 4.73 ERA)

Terry Collins: "This is an important series for us."

Sandy Alderson was asked whether the Mets would be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. His response was that the team's current 10-game home stand will determine the fate of the 2014 New York Mets.

Tonight, the Mets begin a four game series against the division leading Atlanta Braves. "It's huge for us," said Terry Collins, "it's an important series for us.

Currently the Mets sit 10 games behind the division leading Braves, with a 39-49 record.

Monday News: Castro Rumors, top 50 Prospects, Daniel Murphy, and More.

The Mets (39-49) open up a four game series with the division leading Atlanta Braves (49-39) at Citi Field, starting tonight at 7:10 PM. As we enter the final week before the all-star break, here's a look at the latest from the Mets:

Congratulations to Daniel Murphy for making the 2014 All-Star game. Daniel has been selected to be a reserve in the game, and will be the only Mets representative. Overall, Murphy fell in fourth place in the second base voting, with familiar foe Chase Utley leading the way.

A source close to the Mets said Starlin Castro would be a "perfect fit" on this team. The two teams, however, are more likely to investigate a deal in the winter, a source said. Unfortunately, such a deal may require the Mets surrendering Zack Wheeler. 

Mets prospects, Syndergaard, Nimmo, and Plawecki now rank on Baseball America's updated top 50 list. Syndergaard is ranked 19th, Plawecki 40, and Nimmo 48, respectively.

Should The Mets Try To Make a Trade For Starlin Castro?

Since Ruben Tejada has continued to struggle this season, the Mets are still trying to figure out how they can upgrade the shortstop position. One possibility is that they make a trade with the Cubs for Starlin Castro.

 Castro, 24 is hitting .287 this year with 11 home runs and 51 RBI's. He also has 26 doubles, which leads all shortstops. I think that the Mets could trade Kevin Plawecki for Castro since Travis d'Arnaud has started to hit. They could also trade one of their young pitchers such as Zack Wheeler or Noah Syndergarrd for him. I feel that it is worth it for the Mets to trade one of their young arms for Castro.

The Mets need a solid bat at SS who can hit in the middle of the order. I would like to see Sandy Alderson make this trade and add another bat with David Wright and Curtis Granderson.

Game 85: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Eric Young Jr-LF
2. Juan Lagares-CF
3. Daniel Murphy-2B
4. Curtis Granderson-RF
5. Eric Campbell-3B
6. Lucas Duda-1B
7. Travis d'Arnaud-C
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Jacob deGrom-RHP

The pitching matchup is Jacob deGrom ( 1-4, 3.62 ERA) vs. RHP Julio Teheran ( 7-5, 2.34 ERA)

Game 84: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Ruben Tejada-SS
3. Daniel Murphy-2B
4. Eric Campbell-3B
5. Lucas Duda-1B
6. Chris Young-LF
7. Travis d'Arnaud-C
8. Juan Lagares-CF
9. Daisuke Matsuzaka-RHP

The pitching matchup is Daisuke Matsuzaka ( 3-2, 3.23 ERA) vs. LHP Mike Minor ( 2-5, 4.52 ERA)

Game 83: Mets vs. Braves Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Ruben Tejada-SS
3. Daniel Murphy-2B
4. Eric Campbell-3B
5. Lucas Duda-1B
6. Chris Young-LF
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Travis d'Arnaud-C
9. Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching matchup is Zack Wheeler ( 3-8, 4.45 ERA) vs. LHP Alex Wood ( 6-6, 3.07 ERA)

Game 82: Mets vs. Pirates Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Eric Young Jr-LF
2. Ruben Tejada-2B
3. Daniel Murphy-2B
4. Curtis Granderson-RF
5. Lucas Duda-1B
6. Eric Campbell-3B
7. Juan Lagares-CF
8. Travis d'Arnaud-C
9. Bartolo Colon-RHP

The pitching matchup is Bartolo Colon ( 8-5, 3.67 ERA) vs. RHP Edidison Volquez ( 5-6, 4.35 ERA)

Game 81: Mets vs. Pirates Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Ruben Tejada-SS
3. Daniel Murphy-2B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Eric Campbell-3B
6. Kirk Nieuwenhuis-CF
7. Anthony Recker-C
8. Jon Niese-LHP
9. Eric Young Jr-LF

The pitching matchup is Jon Niese ( 4-4, 2.78 ERA) vs. RHP Gerrit Cole ( 6-3, 3.64 ERA)

Game 80: Mets vs. Pirates Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Chris Young-LF
6. Juan Lagares-CF
7. Ruben Tejada-SS
8. Travis d'Arnaud-C
9. Jacob deGrom-RHP

The pitching matchup is Jacob deGrom ( 1-4, 3.75 ERA) vs. RHP Brandon Cumpton ( 3-7, 4.93 ERA)

Game 79: Mets vs. Pirates Starting Lineup and Piching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Bobby Abreu-LF
6. Juan Lagares-CF
7. Travis d'Arnaud-C
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Daisuke Matsuzaka-RHP

The pitching matchup is Daisuke Matsuzaka ( 3-1, 2.68 ERA) vs. RHP Vance Worley ( 1-0, 1.98 ERA)

Game 77: Mets vs. A's Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Eric Young Jr-LF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Eric Campbell-1B
5. Curtis Granderson-RF
6. Chris Young-CF
7. Travis d'Arnaud-C
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Bartolo Colon-RHP

The pitching matchup is Bartolo Colon ( 7-5, 3.88 ERA) vs. LHP Scott Kazmir ( 9-2, 2.08 ERA)

Game 76: Mets vs. Marlins Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Kirk Nieuwenheuis-CF
6. Ruben Tejada-SS
7. Anthony Recker-C
8. Jon Niese-LHP
9. Eric Young Jr-LF

The pitching matchup is Jon Niese ( 3-4, 2.67 ERA) vs. RHP Anthony DeScalferri ( 1-1, 5.60 ERA)

Game 75: Mets vs. Marlins Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-RF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Lucas Duda-1B
5. Chris Young-CF
6. Wilmer Flores-SS
7. Taylor Teagarden-C
8. Jacob deGrom-RHP
9. Eric Young Jr-LF

The pitching matchup is Jacob deGrom ( 0-4, 4.39 ERA) vs. RHP Tom Koehler ( 5-5, 3.84 ERA)

Game 73: Mets vs. Marlins Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Eric Young Jr-LF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Eric Campbell-1B
5. Curtis Granderson-RF
6. Chris Young-LF
7. Taylor Teagarden-C
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching matchup is Zack Wheeler ( 2-7, 4.38 ERA) vs. LHP Andrew Heaney who is making his MLB debut.

Thursday's Headlines: d'Arnaud, Wright, first-round pick, and more.

This past week, the Mets (32-40) dropped two out of three to the Cardinals (39-33) Bartolo Colon and the Mets salvaged the final game of the series on Wednesday afternoon. Colon not only pitched a gem, but contributed with his first career extra base hit in the sixth inning. Here are the headlines heading into Thursday's game day:

• An organizational source told ESPN that Catcher Travis d'Arnaud may be back with the Mets next week when the Mets play the A's at Citi Field. Travis is tearing the cover off the ball at Triple-A Las Vegas hitting .395 with 5 HR and 10 RBI. Manager Terry Collins recently spoke to reports, essentially saying not to buy into the numbers at the Triple-A level. The Mets hope a few weeks away from the big league team did enough to clear his head and get him back on track. 
• David Wright hit his first road home run, only his 5th of the season, on Tuesday night in a loss to the Cardinals. David also contributed a double in that game, and a bloop RBI single in yesterday's win. David's struggles have been well documented this season. Through 32 at-bats, this stands to be Wright's worst season of his career by a wide margin. “If I start worrying about who is hitting behind me then I overthink my at bat,” Wright told MetsBlog. “If I think a pitcher is going to ‘pitch around me,’ then I won’t be ready for a mistake that the pitcher makes.”
• The Mets have agreed to terms with their first round draft pick, outfielder Michael Conforto. At just 21 years old, Conforto was viewed as one of the best hitters int he draft. Conforto is expected to begin his Mets career in Short-Season A-ball with the Brooklyn Cyclones. 

Next up, the Mets begin a four game set with the Miami Marlins, beginning Thursday night at 7:10 PM. The game can be heard on 710 WOR and seen on SNY. Giancarlo Stanton will not be available for the Marlins tonight. Zack Wheeler gets the nod for the Mets. 

Joel Sherman: Who is tradeable? Who is not?

In a column for today's paper, Joel Sherman of the NY post said it's time the Mets give up on veteran starters Bartolo Colon, Jon Neise, and Dillon Gee. To add, Sherman suggests the Mets trade second baseman Daniel Murphy, as well.

Joel Sherman essentially suggests that in order for the Mets escape a Groundhog's Day or repeated failure, they have to trade pitching to get an influx of impact hitters. To quote, Sherman says the Mets need players "who will help no later than next year."

Game 71: Mets vs. Cardinals Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-CF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Bobby Abreu-RF
5. Lucas Duda-1B
6. Anthony Recker-C
7. Ruben Tejada-SS
8. Jon Niese-LHP
9. Eric Young Jr-LF

The pitching matchup is Jon Niese ( 3-3, 2.54 ERA) vs. RHP Michael Wacha (4-5, 2.85 ERA)

Game 70: Mets vs. Cardinals Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup1. Curtis Granderson-CF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Bobby Abreu-RF
5. Lucas Duda-1B
6. Taylor Teagarden-C
7. Ruben Tejada-SS
8. Jacob deGrom-RHP
9. Eric Young Jr-LF

The pitching matchup is Jacob deGrom ( 0-3, 3.44 ERA) vs. RHP Carlos Martinez ( 0-3, 4.07 ERA)

Game 69: Mets vs. Padres Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Curtis Granderson-CF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Bobby Abreu-RF
5. Andrew Brown-LF
6. Lucas Duda-1B
7. Wilmer Flores-SS
8. Anthony Recker-C
9. Daisuke Matsuzaka-RHP

The pitching matchup is Daisuke Matsuzaka ( 3-0, 2.95 ERA) vs. RHP Ian Kennedy ( 5-7, 3.63 ERA)

Game 68: Mets vs. Padres Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Ruben Tejada-SS
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Bobby Abreu-RF
5. Lucas Duda-1B
6. Chris Young-LF
7. Taylor Teagarden-C
8. Matt den Dekker-CF
9. Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching matchup is Zack Wheeler ( 2-6, 4.19 ERA) vs. RHP Jesse Hahn (0-1, 9.82 ERA)

Game 65: Mets vs. Brewers Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Ruben Tejada-SS
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Curtis Granderson-LF
5. Bobby Abreu-RF
6. Lucas Duda-1B
7. Taylor Teagarden-C
8. Matt den Dekker-CF
9. Jacob deGrom-RHP

The pitching matchup is Jacob deGrom (0-2, 3.19 ERA) vs. RHP Willy Peralta ( 5-5, 3.03 ERA)

Mets need the big bats to come alive, and the mental mistakes to stop.

The Mets have four solid major league hitters in their every day lineup----Daniel Murphy, David Wright, Curtis Granderson, and Lucas Duda. David Wright is a perennial all-star every single season. Curtis Granderson is a former all-star who has hit 40 home runs in back to back seasons. Daniel Murphy leads the National League in hits. Lucas Duda has serious power and is improving offensively in 2014.

Stunningly, the Mets have scored the sixth most runs in the National League with runners in scoring position---a number not many are sure how they have. If you look through the individual numbers, Wright, Duda, and Granderson all have 30 or more RBIs, and Daniel Murphy continuously bats over .300.

Travis d'Arnaud was supposed to be the fifth bat in this Met lineup, expected to lengthen the middle of the order behind Duda. d'Arnaud's struggles--dating back to the second half of last season--continued in 2014, and he now finds himself in Triple-A Las Vegas. Chris Young was signed for $7 million to hit 15 home runs, according to GM Sandy Alderson. Nontheless, the Mets have four capable bats in the middle of their lineup. They need ramp it up even more if the Mets don't want the ship to completely sink under water.

The Mets are coming off an embarrassing end to their road trip which start off magnificently. After winning 6 of 7, the Mets were swept by the game's worst, and best, baseball teams---Cubs and Giants. Thanks to the mediocrity of their division, they only sit 5.5 games out. This team is not by any means a playoff team. Can they be a competitive one? Yes. They've shown flashes of it this season.

The mental mistakes, such as the base running blunder made in game two against San Fransisco this past weekend, need to stop. These are major league baseball players and this is the game they've been playing all their life. Blame it on the coaches, manager, schedule, or whatever you'd like--there's no excuse.

The 2014 Mets are not out of any race at the moment. If the mistakes and untimely hitting continue, they will be. The pitching is fine, and can only get better. The bullpen will round into form. The lineup has legitimate hitters in the middle. Now go out there and HIT, FIELD, and be SMART.

Game 64: Mets vs. Brewers Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Ruben Tejada-SS
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Curtis Granderson-RF
5. Chris Young-LF
6. Lucas Duda-1B
7. Taylor Teagarden-C
8. Matt den Dekker-CF
9. Daisuke Matsuzaka-RHP

The pitching matchup is Daisuke Matsuzaka ( 2-0, 3.21 ERA) vs. RHP Marco Estardra ( 5-2, 4.19 ERA)

Is Neil Kozikowski The Player To Be Named Later for Ike Davis?

There has been a lot of speculation who the player will be named later will be that the Mets received when they traded Ike Davis to the Pirates on April 18th.

Several beat writers have speculated that the PTBL is Neil Kozikowski, an 18 year old RHP from Connecticut. The Mets have to wait until June 21th to sign him since that will be the one year anniversary with the Pirates last season. He possesses a fastball in the mid 80's.

He also mixes in a slider, changeup, and cutter. Last year in his first year of pro ball, he had a 2.63 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP in 24 innings.

If it turns out Kozikowski is the PTBL for Ike, I think that he is worth taking a look at. There's always a need for young pitching. He might prove to be an important member of the Mets starting rotation or bullpen in the next few years.

Opinion: It's Sandy, not Terry.

Maybe we are delusional, maybe we are not, but when Sandy Alderson spoke at his press conference in early October 2010, he assured the franchise would be headed in the right direction shortly. Knowing he first had salary to dump---Beltran, K-Rod, Bay----Sandy could in turn acquire legitimate prospects, and free up money for major splashes. All the Mets stars from 2006, but one, are gone. Like it or not, the middle of the Met lineup has been traded, ignored, and battered. 

 Matt Harvey, the lone bright spot in Sandy Alderson's tumultuous tenure as GM, went down with Tommy John Surgery right as the Mets wrapped up another abysmal under .500 campaign under Sandy Alderson's regime. The Met lineup he acquired, while expensive but offensively sound, was a shell of its former self as the 2013 campaign winded down. 2014 was promised to be the year of change. 2013 should of been, but many of the Met prospects were ironing out their trade in Triple A---Wheeler, d'Arnaud, Mejia. Terry Collins has pushed every button possible in the now three and 1/3 years on board as skipper. The fact is, the roster has become so depleted since Sandy took over four long years ago, that Collins can only watch, beg, and plead his boss to acquire major league talent.

Curtis Granderson was a sign. Chris Young was a mistake. Bartolo Colon was unnecessary. Free agents from all over baseball signed elsewhere, and the Mets stood pat. The media had the answers though---it's money related. Sandy's hands are tied by the Wilpons. Reverting back to that 2010 press conference, Sandy assured us money would not be an issue. Four years later, he continues the same drawn out speech.

So many questions are being left unanswered as to why a New York franchise was stripped down to skin and bones, and not build back up. Sure, Travis d'Arnuad wasn't projected to hit .150. Chris Young, however, was projected to hit .200. It's mediocrity that is stained in Sandy Alderson's tenure and Mets GM. And the term mediocrity it putting it lightly. The 2014 Mets, barely built up from the tear down that occurred in 2011-2012, are on their way to another 70 win, 90 loss season.

Terry Collins may go, or Terry may stay. Collins has had his good--and bad--moments as Mets manager. Coaching a New York team with as many stars as the Mariners is a problem---Sandy Alderson's problem, not Terry's.

Monday News: Wheeler, Puello, Wright, and more

This past weekend, the Mets (28-35) got swept by the Giants (42-21) stretching their season long losing streak to six games. Here are the headlines as we head into Monday's off day:

Zack Wheeler had possible his worst start of his major league career yesterday as he gave up four runs in only 3 2/3 innings against the Giants. Wheeler is in line to finish he year with a 4.00 ERA and 200 strike outs in 180 innings, which is not too bad. After a couple of good starts, Wheeler digressed on Sunday, once again struggling with command. One scout recently said that with a young pitcher like Zack, a team must expect two good starts for every bad start.

Mets Triple-A OF prospect Cesar Puello won the Eastern League Batting title last season in his breakout season in Double-A. After a 50 game suspension cut his 2013 season short, Puello was promoted to Triple-A only to see a slow start diminish his playing time in the first few months. Puello is currently back in the lineup for Bachman's squad. "I think this is the moment to move onto the next step to prove I can be an everyday player," Puello said.

Mets Captain David Wright had a road trip to forget, capped off by a pinch hitting strikeout in the seventh inning on Sunday with the tying run on base. Collins chose Sunday, which is followed by Monday's off day, to get Wright some addition rest. David's batting average has dropped below .280 for the season, while still being near the top in the NL in hits. A throwing error by Wright in Saturday's contest opened the flood gates for Bartolo Colon and the Mets, aiding the Giants in the sweep. Wright has yet to hit a home run on the road, and his sluggish play is not helping a season hanging on the brink.

Next up, the Mets welcome the Milwaukee Brewers to town for three at Citi Field starting Tuesday night at 7:10 PM. The game can be seen on SNY and heard on WOR 710 AM.

New Hitting Coach, Same Old Mets

     For a Mets Fan it feels like its been the same old problem since 1962, not hitting with runners in scoring position. The Mets have been absolutely terrible at driving in runners for the past few years and are doing nothing to discontinue the trend. The team recently fired Dave Hudgens and brought in Lamar Johnson hoping a change in philosophy and a fresh voice may help calm the struggles. Sadly it has not.

The first problem is that the hitters in this lineup are not Major League quality, as half of the starting lineup would not crack the starting lineup with most of the league. Ruben Tejada, Chris Young, Lucas Duda, Curtis Granderson, and d'Arnaud are not cutting it. Travis has been sent down and Recker will test his hand at regular playing time. Asking these guys to hit in clutch situations and drive in big runs may be asking too much of them as they be more suited for AAA.

The second problem is there is no one to hit behind David Wright so teams do not pitch to him and lately he is becoming very impatient and swinging at terrible pitches. Hopefully with a day off in today's game Wright can begin to rebound.

Third problem, the Mets have long been a team to take way too many pitches. When they swing at the first pitch, obviously when a pitcher is throwing strikes, the Mets hit over .300. The major league average is under .100 when in a two strike count. It is great to be patient when looking for your pitch but you can't be too picky as a hitter. A classic baseball saying is "you only get one pitch, and don't miss it".

All of this being said, some blame has to be put on the bullpen for blowing leads in 4 of the last 6 games, and take into account that they played the MLB best Giants. This pitching staff is working hard to throw quality start after quality start and they are not reaping the benefits they deserve.

Going forward the Mets need to seriously look at their offensive approach and really groom hitters throughout the minors to become great all around hitters and they need to start through the draft.

    

Game 63: Mets vs. Giants Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Matt den Dekker-C
2. Ruben Tejada-SS
3. Daniel Murphy-2B
4. Curtis Granderson-RF
5. Chris Young-LF
6. Lucas Duda-1B
7. Eric Campbell-3B
8. Anthony Recker-C
9. Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching matchup is Zack Wheeler ( 2-5, 3.89 ERA) vs. RHP Tim Lincecum  ( 4-4, 5.01 ERA)

Game 62: Mets vs. Giants Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Matt den Dekker-CF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Curtis Granderson-RF
5. Chris Young-LF
6. Lucas Duda-1B
7. Ruben Tejada-SS
8. Anthony Recker-C
9. Bartolo Colon-RHP

The pitching matchup is Bartolo Colon ( 5-5, 4.52 ERA) vs. RHP Tim Hudson ( 6-2, 1.75 ERA)

Game 61: Mets vs. Giants Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Matt den Decker-CF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Curtis Granderson-RF
5. Andrew Brown-LF
6. Lucas Duda-1B
7. Ruben Tejada-SS
8. Travis d'Arnaud-C
9. Jon Niese-LHP

The pitching matchup is Jon Niese ( 3-3, 2.69 ERA) vs. RHP Matt Cain ( 1-3, 3.66 ERA)

Opinion: Chris Young, your time is up

The Mets had to come out of the gate this past offseason and make a splash. Within the first few weeks, Sandy Alderson needed to show the fan base he was trying. The primary target would be outfielders, and the list included players like Jacoby Ellsbury, Nelson Cruz, Sin Soo Choo, and Curtis Granderson.

I remember waking up one morning to a text from the ESPN reading "the Mets sign OF Chris Young to a 1 year $7 million dollar contract. I asked myself if this was the same Chris Young who had fallen off the face of the earth when he departed Arizona for Oakland in 2013. Unfortunately, it was.

The Mets couldn't wait to land themselves an outfielder who had been in decline four straight years, and posted a .200 batting average with the Oakland A's the previous season. Knowing the Mets would make an even bigger splash, in the form of Curtis Granderson, I shrugged this signing off and prayed Chris could regain his 30 home run power he displayed with Arizona.

After a strong spring training, Young injured his oblique and missed the first few weeks of the season. Since his return to the lineup, he has proved that he has indeed been a $7 million mistake.

Sandy Alderson recently spoke on the radio, saying he was hoping to get 15 home runs from Young, while serving as an insurance to Juan Lagares in center field. Currently, Young is hitting .197 with four home runs and 15 RBIs. To boot, Young has not played the defense we know he is capable of in center field.

Point being, the time is up on Chris Young in my opinion. Play den Decker, Brown, and/or Bobby Abreu until Lagares's return. As far as Young goes, he has been a mistake.

Did the Mets pick the best hitter in the draft?

In last night's MLB draft, the Mets picked 21 outfielder Michael Conforto with the number 10 pick.

The Mets decided to draft for offense once again, considering how pitching rich their farm system seems to be. "He's got some credibility," said one American League scout. The scout went on saying essentially he can see Conforto as a middle-of-the-order type power bat.

ESPN's Chris Crawford agreed with the American League scout, saying "Conforto may be the best pure hitter in the class; a left handed hitting outfielder with plus power and an outstanding approach at the plate.

MLB also ranked Conforto as the best hitter in this year's draft.

Opinion: Mets have waisted a golden opportunity in Chicago.

The Mets left Philadelphia feeling good about themselves. After taking four of five from the Phillies, and six of seven overall, the Mets were faced with the golden opportunity to face the worst team not only in the National League, but in all of baseball.

The bats were live in Philadelphia, in what seems like the first time in months. There was a post on this blog earlier titled The Mets dominated the Phillies, onto Chicago. Now, that seems like a decade ago.

On Tuesday night, the Met offense looked like they needed their batteries recharged from the previous series, when they squandered bases loaded situations in multiple innings against the Cubs. A one run lead didn't feel secure all night, and Josh Edgin mades that become a reality when he served a home run to Chris Coghlan of all people in the 8th inning. The Cubs would eventually win the game in a walk off in the 9th.

Wednesday night, Dice-K Matsuzaka took the hill for the Mets and did not respond well. Dice-K was out after the fifth inning, surrendering 4 earned runs on five walks and four hits after the Mets gave him a 3-0 first inning lead. The Cubs bullpen, their lone strength, stifled the Met offense for the rest of the game, and the Cubs walked away with their second one run victory over the Mets.

Thursday night was the cherry on top. A Cubs team that has not won a series all year swept the Mets following a 7-4 win, in which the Met bullpen blew up again. Jacob deGrom's line wasn't as bad as it appeared to be. The Cubs had a call overturned in their favor when Andrew Brown appeared to have thrown a Cubs base runner out at home. Brown eventually tied the game at 4-4 before Vic Black surrendered a long home run to Anthony Rizzo, giving the Cubs a lead they would not relinquish.

With a real chance to get to .500 after beating up the Phillies, the Mets once again disappointed when the lonely Cubs swept them, sending the Mets 4 games under .500.

Game 60: Mets vs. Cubs Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Chris Young-CF
2. Curtis Granderson-RF
3. David Wright-3B
4. Eric Campbell-1B
5. Andrew Brown-LF
6. Wilmer Flores-2B
7. Ruben Tejada-SS
8. Travis d'Arnaud-C
9. Jacob deGrom-RHP

The pitching matchup is Jacob deGrom (0-2, 2.42 ERA) vs. LHP Travis Wood ( 5-5, 5.15 ERA)

Game 59: Mets vs. Cubs Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Matt den Dekker-CF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Curtis Granderson-LF
5. Bobby Abreu-RF
6. Lucas Duda-1B
7. Anthony Recker-C
8. Ruben Tejada-SS
9. Daisuke Matsuzaka-RHP

The pitching matchup is Daisuke Matsuzaka ( 2-0, 2.45 ERA) vs. RHP Edwin Jackson ( 3-5, 4.81 ERA)

Game 58: Mets vs. Cubs Starting Lineup and Pitching Matchup

Mets Starting Lineup
1. Matt den Decker-CF
2. Daniel Murphy-2B
3. David Wright-3B
4. Curtis Granderson-RF
5. Chris Young-LF
6. Lucas Duda-1B
7. Wilmer Flores-SS
8. Travis d'Arnaud-C
9. Zack Wheeler-RHP

The pitching matchup is Zack Wheeler ( 2-5, 4.31 ERA) vs. RHP Jake Arrieta ( 1-1, 3.20 ERA)

The Mets dominated the Phillies, onto Chicago tonight.

Five games in five nights? That's just what the doctor ordered for the New York Mets, who miraculously have brought their season to respectability, only one game under .500. The Mets did a little of everything in this series, highlighted by even a grand slam from the Mets, something you only see once a decade (it feels like.)

The Mets success in Philadelphia is well documented, after winning their final six in Philly to end the 2013 campaign. A rain-out earlier in the season was added on to an already four game series featuring the Mets and Phillies. As the series began, the Mets were surrounded by a cloud of controversy after firing hitting coach Dave Hudgens due to a severe lack of offense. I said it before the series began and I can now say it with pride: A trip to Philly couldn't have come at a better time.

Zack Wheeler set the pace in game one on Thursday night, providing a strong outing and earning his second victory of the season. In games 2 and 3, the Mets and Phillies battled into the 14th inning, with each ball club splitting the extra innings affairs. In a ballpark where the Mets, and just about every other team, have success driving the ball, Met fans found their team in yet another offensive rut, and another extra inning game. Sunday's game saw the Mets and Phillies play only 11 innings this time. One swing from Lucas Duda in the 11th broke a 2-2 tie, while closer Jenrry Mejia locked down the Phillies in the bottom half of the eleventh and set the Mets on their way to a 27-29 record. Remember, this ball club was 22-28 one week prior.

Bartolo Colon finished the series off strong for the Mets, just as Zack Wheeler and Jon Neise did before him. When the Mets needed to give their bullpen some rest, remember this is an eleven game road trip with NO off day, Colon provided seven solid innings. The Mets offense woke up in a BIG way Monday night, capped off by a grand slam, and six RBI's from Wilmer Flores. Even the slumping Granderson hit one passed a drawn-in-infield to collect two RBI's and extend the Mets lead.

The Mets leave Philadelphia reluctantly, I would guess, after winning four of five and climbing right back to just under .500. Of course, we had to expect this from a Met team that just plays superior baseball on the road. Six more games remain on this trip, three against the abysmal Cubs, where the Mets can re establish themselves as an over .500 baseball team, before flying to San Fransisco and facing the Giants, who own the National League's best record. Maybe this Philly trip was just a mini hot streak, or maybe it's part of something bigger, but Mets fans finally watched all aspects of their team shine---pitching, offense, and defense.