Team Inconsistency
May 18th 2009 23:54
We are just about two months into the 2009 season and the Mets have proven so far to be just as maddingly inconsistent as they've been since Carlos Beltran left the bat on his shoulder in '06. I must say I was proud of the team (and understandbly shocked) by the moxie they showed in winning the first three games of their series against the Giants, including some late night heroics against that guy from the Beach Boys. Of course I remain convinced that they won because I only watched about 15 minutes of the games all weekend. But Sunday's game just goes to show why the Mets make me insane. To look at Mike Pelfrey's stat line one would think he had an impressive outing. And in many ways he did but ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!? Only the Mets have a guy get such a bad case of the "yips" that he commits THREE balks in one game and gets taken out after only 79 pitches. Oh yeah and then there was the offense. What does this team have against hitting with the bases loaded? I want to know what the record is for double plays grounded into with the sacks juiced. I swear other than the grand-slams from Omir Santos and Fernando Tatis it seems like the Mets never get more than a run from these situations. Can I see a bases clearing double please? I miss the days of Robin Ventura hitting a grand salami in each game of a double header.
At any rate there have certainly been positives so far this season. Three of which immediately jump to mind:
1. Carlos Beltran - the dude is seriously locked in and when he is it just reminds you how beautiful and graceful his game can be. But then again he sometimes forgets to slide...
2. Francisco Rodriguez - My father said to me the other day, "Why didn't you tell me he was John Franco?!?" Yes, it's true he never makes it easy. But damn I like his attitude. The dude's got swagger and he actually wants the ball. I don't care that he has to have at least 2 baserunners before he shuts the door, the man gets it done.
3. Johan Santana - The greatest Mets pitcher I have seen in my lifetime. Period. I don't remember Doc and I'm too young for Seaver so he is the definitive ace in my book. Just watch him pitch when he gets into trouble. He knows somehow he will figure a way out. He always seems to struggle but all of a sudden he's pitched seven scoreless and you realize he's a master. Now if the Mets could only score some runs for him. When does he start taking swings at people?
Now for the things that are upping my blood pressure:
1. Oliver Perez - Come on, who's surprised? Really?
2. Injuries - Well here we go again. This is the problem with a veteran ballclub. But why does it seem like the Mets just don't have enough Major League players for each position? I am very curious to see what Omar does to fill the vacancy left by Carlos Delgado's surgery. I say go for it and make a bold move. Why not, right?
3. David Wright - Why is he striking out at such a prodigious rate? And why do I suddenly have no faith in him to come through in a big spot? At least he seems to be heating up finally and at least he seems to be just as angry and frustrated as I am. Someone please page Cliff Floyd...
4. The bullpen - Ok so it's lightyears better than last year. But what's the deal with JJ Putz? I thought he was supposed to be nasty? And WHY does Jerry keep throwing Pedro Feliciano out there to give up crushing hits in the late innings?
Which brings me to number 5, Mr. Jerry Manuel - Why does everyone find Jerry so charming? Sure he seems intelligent and eloquent but it takes him 10 years to answer a question and he always dodges it anyway. And why is it that he spent all of spring training preaching aggressiveness, clutch hitting and crisp, fundamental defense and baserunning and yet so far this team plays timid, dumb and sloppy? What was the point?? Come on Jerry, get Gangsta again and let's get to work...
At any rate there have certainly been positives so far this season. Three of which immediately jump to mind:
1. Carlos Beltran - the dude is seriously locked in and when he is it just reminds you how beautiful and graceful his game can be. But then again he sometimes forgets to slide...
2. Francisco Rodriguez - My father said to me the other day, "Why didn't you tell me he was John Franco?!?" Yes, it's true he never makes it easy. But damn I like his attitude. The dude's got swagger and he actually wants the ball. I don't care that he has to have at least 2 baserunners before he shuts the door, the man gets it done.
3. Johan Santana - The greatest Mets pitcher I have seen in my lifetime. Period. I don't remember Doc and I'm too young for Seaver so he is the definitive ace in my book. Just watch him pitch when he gets into trouble. He knows somehow he will figure a way out. He always seems to struggle but all of a sudden he's pitched seven scoreless and you realize he's a master. Now if the Mets could only score some runs for him. When does he start taking swings at people?
Now for the things that are upping my blood pressure:
1. Oliver Perez - Come on, who's surprised? Really?
2. Injuries - Well here we go again. This is the problem with a veteran ballclub. But why does it seem like the Mets just don't have enough Major League players for each position? I am very curious to see what Omar does to fill the vacancy left by Carlos Delgado's surgery. I say go for it and make a bold move. Why not, right?
3. David Wright - Why is he striking out at such a prodigious rate? And why do I suddenly have no faith in him to come through in a big spot? At least he seems to be heating up finally and at least he seems to be just as angry and frustrated as I am. Someone please page Cliff Floyd...
4. The bullpen - Ok so it's lightyears better than last year. But what's the deal with JJ Putz? I thought he was supposed to be nasty? And WHY does Jerry keep throwing Pedro Feliciano out there to give up crushing hits in the late innings?
Which brings me to number 5, Mr. Jerry Manuel - Why does everyone find Jerry so charming? Sure he seems intelligent and eloquent but it takes him 10 years to answer a question and he always dodges it anyway. And why is it that he spent all of spring training preaching aggressiveness, clutch hitting and crisp, fundamental defense and baserunning and yet so far this team plays timid, dumb and sloppy? What was the point?? Come on Jerry, get Gangsta again and let's get to work...
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