Mike's Mets: April 2009 Archives

Like it or Not, These are the Mets

Two weeks after sounding an early alarm on the 2009 Mets season, I am still waiting and hoping to be proved wrong. The lineup still NEVER gets a big hit, and when Santana isn't pitching the rotation is below average. Yes, I realize that the season is young and records...

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By Michael Simon, posted at 2:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Marlins Series Game 3

Game 21: Marlins 4 - Mets 3 The Marlins score 2 off Santana to open the game, but he shuts them down through seven and gives the Mets a chance to win. Unfortunately, J.J. Putz is awful in the eighth and the Mets 1-11 with RISP comes back to haunt...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Insanity

I have heard it said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome. If this is the case, I am clearly insane. I watch each and every Mets game expecting that this will be the game that they put...

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By Joyce Mandelkern, posted at 7:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Marlins Series Game 2

Game 20: Marlins 7 - Mets 4 The Mets jump out to a 3-0 lead after two, but only score once more the rest of the way. Sean Green, rapidly establishing himself as the weakest link in the bullpen, allowed the game to get away in the seventh as the...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Marlins Series Game 1

Game 19: Mets 7 - Marlins 1 By far John Maine's best start of the season. He allows the Marlins an unearned run in the first, but the Mets score 6 in the bottom of the frame when Omir Santos hits a grand slam for his first major league homer....

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Nationals Series Game 3

Game 18: Nationals 8 - Mets 1 The Mets score in the first and do absolutely nothing else offensively on the day. Oliver Perez is terrible again, allowing 9 hits (including 2 home runs) and 7 earned runs in 4-1/3 innings. The Mets miss a chance to notch their first...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Nationals Series Game 2

Game 17: Mets 8 - Nationals 2 Mike Pelfrey returns after skipping a start due to forearm tendinitis and pitches effectively into the sixth. Although the Mets score 8, they still manage to strand 15 runners on base. For only the second time in 17 games the Mets string two...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm Back

I'm not feeling 100% yet, but I feel okay enough to catch up on the games that happened since I got really sick. My plan is to update those and the starting pitchers stats, and then some point tomorrow I'll do a regular post. Thanks to all of you who...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 6:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Nationals Series Game 1

Game 16: Mets 4 - Nationals 3 Johan Santana pitches six strong innings. Coming into the game with a 4-1 lead, Frankie Rodriguez gives up a couple of runs to provide some late inning drama, but then nails down his fourth save. The four game losing streak is history as...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cardinals Series Game 3

Game 15: Cardinals 12 - Mets 8 Livan Hernandez gets shelled. The Mets were down 12-3 after 6, then scored 2 in the seventh and 3 in the eighth to make it somewhat less pathetic. Sean Green allows 5 runs in 2 innings of relief. The Mets fourth loss in...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It Ain't Easy Being Us

I received a text from one of my sons in the 7th inning of Thursday night's game that said, "I wish I wasn't a Mets fan". I answered the only way I possibly could. I simply typed the words "I'm sorry" and hit send. And then it occurred to me,...

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By Joyce Mandelkern, posted at 11:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Cardinals Series Game 2

Game 14: Cardinals 5 - Mets 2 John Maine struggles with his control and the offense sleepwalks for 8 innings against Joel Pineiro. The Mets third loss in a row drops them 2 games under .500. [Note: This was posted May 3, 2009] View John Maine's Full Season Stats Box...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Uninspiring Mets Drop Back Under .500

Game 13: Cardinals 6 - Mets 4 Several things have contributed to the light posting by me the last couple of weeks. One is ongoing personal health issues, another is related to my Mom's health problems, and I've also been extremely busy at work. The work backlog is slowly clearing...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 11:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Deep Cleansing Breaths

I can't believe I am actually going to type this, but...nobody panic. I realize it is difficult to control the impulse to do just that, given the army of men the Mets have left on base, our recent history, and the media frenzy surrounding our lack of "clutchness", but I...

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By Joyce Mandelkern, posted at 7:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Mets Drop Final in Brewers Series

Game 12: Brewers 4 - Mets 2 I know I'm late with this, but I'm posting it with a link to the box score for archive purposes. Regular posting will resume Wednesday. I will not do a stats page for Nelson Figueroa at this time. Not only are we not...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 11:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Another Near-Perfect Performance from Johan

Game 11: Mets 1 - Brewers 0 I don't know what's more amazing -- the fact that Johan Santana has only given up 2 earned runs in three starts or that if he allowed another 4 runs in those three games he could be 0-3 and his ERA would still...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 12:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

A Good Win

Game 10: Mets 5 - Brewers 4 This game featured important roles for three players for whom I have some concern. Livan Hernandez had a good first outing against the Marlins, and looked good for about 4 innings last night. Then he just seemed to lose his control and started...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 1:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Close Games an Early Concern

Game 9: Padres 6 - Mets 5 Sorry to be so late with this. I've been pushing myself way too hard lately, and wound up passing out on the couch last night. I'm tempted to make something out of the Mets poor start this season, but then I read all...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Down on the Farm

Not much time for a big post today, so here's a quick look at how some of the Mets minor league prospects closest to the majors have been faring in the early going. Buffalo (AAA) OF Fernando Martinez: .267/.353/.567, 1 HR, 3 RBI In only 30 AB this season, Martinez...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 5:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Perez Bounces Back

Game 8: Mets 7 - Padres 2 It wasn't the most electric stuff I've ever seen from Oliver Perez, but he pitched intelligently and under control. During the game both Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez were very complimentary of the split finger pitch that Perez was using as a changeup...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 2:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

What Makes a House a Home

It is no secret that I don't do well with change. I also was not one of the legions of people screaming for a new stadium. Shea was my home. I grew up there. Pete grew up there. Our marriage grew up there and we brought our boys up there....

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By Joyce Mandelkern, posted at 4:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Overcoming the Home Field Disadvantage

In 2006 the Mets won 50 games at Shea Stadium and 47 on the road en route to a 97 win season. The following year, the Mets road record was 47-34 -- identical to the previous season. The difference between going to the playoffs and watching them at home was...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 11:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Opening Sputter

Game 7: Padres 6 - Mets 5 I was driving around listening to this game on the radio while running some errands last night. When I got home I sat down and tried to write this piece and just didn't have the heart to do it. You can dissect this...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 3:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

New Season, Old Problems

Editor's Note: This is Michael Simon's first contribution to this site. - M.S. The season is less than a week old, but I can't help thinking that these are the same Mets we will be watching for the next 6 months: a starting pitching staff that is fantastic every fifth...

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By Michael Simon, posted at 12:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

No Support for Johan

Game 6: Marlins 2 - Mets 1 Not really much to say about this one. I had a bunch of people over for Easter and could only sneak away every so often to peek in on this game. I didn't see Murphy's error live, or much offense at all for...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 11:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Livan Gives Them What They Needed

Game 5: Mets 8 - Marlins 4 Sorry I didn't get something up on this last night. Unlike last year, I've been trying to get these short game pieces up fairly quickly so that people can gloat, vent or otherwise comment on the games. I didn't get a chance to...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 12:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Livan Hernandez 2009 Season Pitching Stats

Updated Monday, May 11, 2009 Livan Hernandez (3-1) DateOpp.IPRERHKBBHRERAWHIPTeamResultPitcher Result 4/11@FLA6.22264302.701.35WW 4/17MIL54473017.201.40WND 4/23@STL4.177901314.542.31LL 4/28FLA5.13335215.060.94LND April (4 Games)21.116162512656.751.452-21-1 DateOpp.IPRERHKBBHRERAWHIPTeamResultPitcher Result 5/5@ATL6.11172201.421.42WW 5/10PIT62275403.001.83WW May (2 Games)12.133147602.191.622-02-0 Season (6 Games)33.2191939191255.081.514-23-1 Month By Month MonthStartsIP/StartH/9K/9BB/9HR/9ERAAVGOBPSLG April45.310.55.12.52.16.75.298.341.500 May26.210.25.14.40.02.19.318.392.409 Season65.610.45.13.21.35.08.305.359.469 About Mike: I was the original writer on this web site, actually its...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 1:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Big Hits Prove Elusive

Game 4: Marlins 5 - Mets 4 Tough one tonight. I guess some will harp on the fact that Maine allowed those two solo home runs, but I came away from his 5-inning stint fairly satisfied. Hopefully it's something he could build on. If Maine returns to his form from...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 12:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

John Maine 2009 Season Pitching Stats

Updated Monday, May 11, 2009 John Maine (3-2) DateOpp.IPRERHKBBHRERAWHIPTeamResultPitcher Result 4/10@FLA52225123.600.60LND 4/16SDP566743010.802.00LL 4/22@STL5.25572507.942.12LL 4/27FLA61014300.000.67WW April (4 Games)21.2141317151225.401.341-31-2 DateOpp.IPRERHKBBHRERAWHIPTeamResultPitcher Result 5/4@ATL63337604.501.50WW 5/9PIT61133211.500.83WW May (2 Games)1244610813.001.172-02-0 Season (6 Games)33.2181723252034.541.283-33-2 Month By Month MonthStartsIP/StartH/9K/9BB/9HR/9ERAAVGOBPSLG April45.47.16.25.00.85.40.218.326.346 May26.04.57.56.00.83.00.150.306.250 Season65.66.16.75.30.84.54.195.319.314 About Mike: I was the original writer on this web site, actually its...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 11:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Mets Media Coverage Has Become Monotonously Predictable

Before I get into today's rant, I'd like to take a moment to pass along news from Lynn Cohen that GaryKeithandRon.com has just come out with a cool new Ralph Kiner t-shirt. According to Lynn: Just in at GaryKeithandRon.com comes their first t-shirt honoring baseball legend--and Mets broadcasting hero--Ralph Kiner....

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Dreams of an Undefeated Season Fade Away

Game 3: Reds 8 - Mets 6 I didn't catch this afternoon's game. So how did Ollie do? Just kidding. As I'm sure you know by now, after a couple of promising innings, Oliver Perez reverted back to the struggling pitcher we've seen all spring. The moaning and handwringing has...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 2:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Oliver Perez 2009 Season Pitching Stats

Updated Sunday, May 03, 2009 Oliver Perez (1-2) DateOpp.IPRERHKBBHRERAWHIPTeamResultPitcher Result 4/9@CIN4.188575116.622.31LL 4/15SDP61134201.500.83WW 4/21@STL4.24464507.711.93LND 4/26WAS4.177933214.542.77LL April (4 Games)19.1202023181539.311.971-31-2 DateOpp.IPRERHKBBHRERAWHIPTeamResultPitcher Result 5/2@PHI2.144526015.434.71LND May (1 Game)2.144282021315.434.710-10-0 Season (4 Games)21.2242428202139.972.261-41-2 Month By Month MonthStartsIP/StartH/9K/9BB/9HR/9ERAAVGOBPSLG April44.810.78.47.01.49.31.295.411.462 May12.319.37.723.10.015.43.455.611.818 Season54.311.68.38.71.29.97.315.442.506 About Mike: I was the original writer on this web site, actually its only...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 6:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

No Style Points Tonight

Game 2: Mets 9 - Reds 7 I had an ugly feeling of déjà vu watching the last few innings of this one. I can't say all that surprised, though, particularly by Frankie Rodriguez in the ninth. I've seen him pitch quite a few times, and he's always been the...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 12:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Mike Pelfrey 2009 Season Pitching Stats

Updated Friday, May 08, 2009 Mike Pelfrey (4-0) DateOpp.IPRERHKBBHRERAWHIPTeamResultPitcher Result 4/8@CIN54452417.201.80WW 4/13SDP55583229.002.00LND 4/25WAS5.22261303.181.59WW April (3 Games)15.21111196936.321.792-12-0 DateOpp.IPRERHKBBHRERAWHIPTeamResultPitcher Result 5/1@PHI5.13370405.061.59WW 5/7PHI73380113.861.29WW May (2 Games)12.166150514.381.622-02-0 Season (5 Games)2817173461445.461.714-14-0 Month By Month MonthStartsIP/StartH/9K/9BB/9HR/9ERAAVGOBPSLG April35.210.93.45.21.76.32.306.394.532 May26.210.90.03.60.74.38.306.382.408 Season55.610.91.94.51.35.46.306.389.477 About Mike: I was the original writer on this web site, actually its only...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 11:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thoughts on Opening Day

Sorry I'm later than promised with more in-depth thoughts from yesterday's game. I find that I'm writing more often and with better quality this year when I try to do a little more than I think I can do. Sometimes I drop the ball, or in last night's case passed...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 5:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Just As Designed

Game 1: Mets 2 - Reds 1 The Mets used a decent start from Johan Santana, three relievers -- none of whom were here last season -- and a couple of terrific at bats from Daniel Murphy to win their opener in Cincinnati. I'll be back later with some thoughts,...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 6:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

Johan Santana 2009 Season Pitching Stats

Updated Tuesday, February 16, 2010 Johan Santana (13-9) DateOpp.IPRERHKBBHRERAWHIPTeamResultPitcher Result 4/6@CIN5.21137401.591.24WW 4/12@FLA720313100.000.57LL 4/18MIL70057000.000.71WW 4/24WAS611610111.501.17WW 4/29FLA72257312.571.14LND April (5 Games)32.2642244921.100.953-23-1 DateOpp.IPRERHKBBHRERAWHIPTeamResultPitcher Result 5/6PHI700610110.000.71WW 5/11ATL6.12076100.001.26LL 5/16@SFG764117015.141.57WW 5/22@BOS73278112.571.14WW 5/27WAS633311614.501.50WW May (5 Games)33.114930421132.431.234-14-1 DateOpp.IPRERHKBBHRERAWHIPTeamResultPitcher Result 6/2@PIT63373114.501.33LL 6/9PHI75582146.431.29WW 6/14@NYY399932127.003.67LL 6/20TBR7.12233312.450.82LL 6/25STL72173301.291.43WW 6/30@MIL66594417.502.17LL June (6 Games)36.1272543181486.191.572-42-4 DateOpp.IPRERHKBBHRERAWHIPTeamResultPitcher Result 7/5@PHI72233222.570.71LL 7/11CIN70055100.000.86WW 7/18@ATL70055200.001.00WW 7/24@HOU6.255123316.752.25LL 7/30COL70048100.000.71WW July...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 6:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Your Official 2009 Keys to the Mets, Part 1

As I mentioned Thursday, I think there are too many variables in place to make any effort to predict what might happen this season a crapshoot. I can see this team anywhere from around .500 to well into the 90s in wins. I don't have a really solid read on...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 6:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Sheffield

I was going to try to give my mangled right hand one more day off, but the Mets signing of Gary Sheffield is something to which I just had to contribute my two cents. I have my concerns about this signing, but not for the reason that many media types...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 6:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

It Only Hurts When I...

Here's something to keep in mind that I wish someone had said to me last night before I washed the dishes: If you drop a wine glass, let it go. Don't try to catch it while it's shattering into a thousand tiny daggers against the counter. Sadly, no one was...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 6:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Your Opening Day Roster

Although it was somewhat of a surprise that the Mets made their final roster calls today, the players going north hold no surprises. ROTATION: Johan Santana Mike Pelfrey Oliver Perez John Maine Livan Hernandez (will be added to roster for April 11 start) Quick Thoughts: Santana has looked great his...

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By Mike Steffanos, posted at 1:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Mike's Mets

New York Mets discussion, news and historical perspective -- now getting by with a little help from my friends.

April 30, 2009

Like it or Not, These are the Mets

April 29, 2009

Marlins Series Game 3

Insanity

April 28, 2009

Marlins Series Game 2

April 27, 2009

Marlins Series Game 1

April 26, 2009

Nationals Series Game 3

April 25, 2009

Nationals Series Game 2

I'm Back

April 24, 2009

Nationals Series Game 1

April 23, 2009

Cardinals Series Game 3

It Ain't Easy Being Us

April 22, 2009

Cardinals Series Game 2

April 21, 2009

The Uninspiring Mets Drop Back Under .500

April 20, 2009

Deep Cleansing Breaths

April 19, 2009

Mets Drop Final in Brewers Series

Another Near-Perfect Performance from Johan

April 18, 2009

A Good Win

April 17, 2009

Close Games an Early Concern

April 16, 2009

Down on the Farm

Perez Bounces Back

April 15, 2009

What Makes a House a Home

April 14, 2009

Overcoming the Home Field Disadvantage

Opening Sputter

April 13, 2009

New Season, Old Problems

April 12, 2009

No Support for Johan

Livan Gives Them What They Needed

Livan Hernandez 2009 Season Pitching Stats

April 11, 2009

The Big Hits Prove Elusive

April 10, 2009

John Maine 2009 Season Pitching Stats

Mets Media Coverage Has Become Monotonously Predictable

Dreams of an Undefeated Season Fade Away

April 9, 2009

Oliver Perez 2009 Season Pitching Stats

No Style Points Tonight

April 8, 2009

Mike Pelfrey 2009 Season Pitching Stats

April 7, 2009

Thoughts on Opening Day

April 6, 2009

Just As Designed

Johan Santana 2009 Season Pitching Stats

April 5, 2009

Your Official 2009 Keys to the Mets, Part 1

April 4, 2009

Sheffield

April 2, 2009

It Only Hurts When I...

April 1, 2009

Your Opening Day Roster

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