(That's Cliff Lee on the mound and he was terrible that day)
J Reyes SS
A Pagan CF
D Wright 3B
I Davis 1B
J Bay LF
C Carter DH
R Barajas C
J Francoeur RF
J Niese P
My Prediction: Niese isn't as good as his last start (high standards)!, but he doesn't need to be, as the Mets score 4+ runs and win easily. I say 5-2, and the good times continue. Don't look now, but IF the Braves (Tommy Hanson facing W Davis of the Rays) lose tonight, in the paper tomorrow you will see THE FIRST PLACE METS.
As always, LET'S GO METS!
Yes the lack of Santana strikeouts is an issue, but let's not get carried away. Santana was shaky early and gave up 4 runs. But once the Mets FINALLY scored for him, what did he give up? I saw one double to Donald and that was it. He had them on lockdown in the 5th, 6th, and 7th. That is why he is a great pitcher. He didn't have his best stuff but closed the door like all the great ones do. His velocity was in the low 90's so the high 80's last start appears to be of no concern.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Santana is a notorious 2nd half pitcher--always has been. I still want him with the ball with the money on the line. Pelfrey is having a great year, but Santana is Santana and is still the man.
Besides all that, if he is going to give up 4 runs and win, I will gladly take that. Every other time he gives up a run or two and loses. And I saw the numbers (great job by the way chicken with the past few years of stats) but what isn't shown in the number is being a bulldog and a stubborn SOB who gives in to nothing--and Santana has that. That wins games when the pressure is on.
On to the Mets in general--they need to bang around a sub-par Cleveland team tonignt and maybe even sweep going into the Yankee series.
I think I will go flip the game on and see how it goes...
and RA Dickey did a great interview on the FAN today...very insightful stuff into the knuckleball, etc.