I was close on the no-hitter, but I'm glad the Mets get the W, 1-0, courtesy of Shane V. misplaying a D Wright double, and Beltran following it with a 2 out double.
Need to build on it and win tomorrow night vs Doc Halladay.
Friday, August 13, 2010
RA DICKEY IS THE MAN
throws a 1 HITTER (only hit by Cole Hamels).
I was close on the no-hitter, but I'm glad the Mets get the W, 1-0, courtesy of Shane V. misplaying a D Wright double, and Beltran following it with a 2 out double.
Need to build on it and win tomorrow night vs Doc Halladay.
I was close on the no-hitter, but I'm glad the Mets get the W, 1-0, courtesy of Shane V. misplaying a D Wright double, and Beltran following it with a 2 out double.
Need to build on it and win tomorrow night vs Doc Halladay.
Game 115: Mets (57-57) vs Phillies (64-50)
The Mets are trying to sweep the Phillies to keep their slim playoff chances alive, and they face lefty Cole Hamels. Here is the line-up:
J Reyes SS
A Pagan LF
D Wright 3B
C Beltran CF
M Hessman 1B
J Francoeur RF
H Blanco C
R Tejada 2B
RA Dickey P
My Prediction: The Mets get no hit tonight, as that may be the worst line-up we've put out there all year. Outside of Reyes and Pagan, I don't see anyone with a chance to get a multi-hit game.
Hope I'm wrong, Let's Go Mets
J Reyes SS
A Pagan LF
D Wright 3B
C Beltran CF
M Hessman 1B
J Francoeur RF
H Blanco C
R Tejada 2B
RA Dickey P
My Prediction: The Mets get no hit tonight, as that may be the worst line-up we've put out there all year. Outside of Reyes and Pagan, I don't see anyone with a chance to get a multi-hit game.
Hope I'm wrong, Let's Go Mets
Scouting Report, Lefty Cole Hamels
The Mets faced Cole last week and it was a classic pitcher's duel, but he came out on the losing end. He threw 7 innings, allowed only 1 run on 6 hits, while striking out 11 and walking none. The sole run came on a home run by the beloved Jeff Francoeur (on a pitcher's pitch).
Here is the scouting report from May 27th/August 7th, and his updated stats/trends at the end.
The 26-year old Hamels went from a future ace after his stellar post-season in 2008 to a failure in the eyes of Phillies fans after 2009. So which pitcher is Cole? Most likely some where in between, but closer to the future ace. He was drafted in the 1st round of the 2002 draft and made his major league debut in 2006. He had some durability/character issues in the minors (elbow pain, back discomfort, broken arm in a possible fight in high school, and broke a bone in his hand in a bar room fight), but he has a career 53-36 record in the big leagues, with a 3.68 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. Last year he was highly unlucky (.325 BAPIP), while his strikeout and walk rates remained the same from 2008. In his nine career starts versus the Mets, he's struggled. He's 2-4 with a 4.12 and a 1.573 WHIP. Last year the Mets hit him hard in his first two starts at Citi Field (10 innings, 21 hits, 8 runs), but shut down the Mets in September at CBP (6 2/3 innings, 1 ER, 6 Ks).
Hamels has a smooth high 3/4s arm action and is a fly-ball pitcher. He throws his fastball 88-92 mph, and possesses one of the best change-ups in the game (81 mph). He occasionally throws a show me curve-ball, and has added a cutter this off-season, but it hasn't been effective yet this year, especially versus right handers, who are hammering it to a tone of .412/.429/.882. His strike out pitch is his change-up, but also has been getting strikeouts/swings and misses on fastballs out of the zone. He's averaging 9 K/9 this year (one of the best SP in baseball), but he's also seen his W/9 rise to 2.98 (highest in four years).
UPDATE August 13th: So far this year Hamels is 7-8 with a 3.45 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 23 starts (146 innings). In his last 6 starts (since July 11th), he has a 1.94 ERA. He's minimized the long ball since July, allowing only 4 in 55 2/3 (18 in previous 90 1/3). He has yet to allow a hit on his cutter to lefties, but he barely throws it. As noted above, his cutter gets pounded by righties.
Here is the scouting report from May 27th/August 7th, and his updated stats/trends at the end.
The 26-year old Hamels went from a future ace after his stellar post-season in 2008 to a failure in the eyes of Phillies fans after 2009. So which pitcher is Cole? Most likely some where in between, but closer to the future ace. He was drafted in the 1st round of the 2002 draft and made his major league debut in 2006. He had some durability/character issues in the minors (elbow pain, back discomfort, broken arm in a possible fight in high school, and broke a bone in his hand in a bar room fight), but he has a career 53-36 record in the big leagues, with a 3.68 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. Last year he was highly unlucky (.325 BAPIP), while his strikeout and walk rates remained the same from 2008. In his nine career starts versus the Mets, he's struggled. He's 2-4 with a 4.12 and a 1.573 WHIP. Last year the Mets hit him hard in his first two starts at Citi Field (10 innings, 21 hits, 8 runs), but shut down the Mets in September at CBP (6 2/3 innings, 1 ER, 6 Ks).
Hamels has a smooth high 3/4s arm action and is a fly-ball pitcher. He throws his fastball 88-92 mph, and possesses one of the best change-ups in the game (81 mph). He occasionally throws a show me curve-ball, and has added a cutter this off-season, but it hasn't been effective yet this year, especially versus right handers, who are hammering it to a tone of .412/.429/.882. His strike out pitch is his change-up, but also has been getting strikeouts/swings and misses on fastballs out of the zone. He's averaging 9 K/9 this year (one of the best SP in baseball), but he's also seen his W/9 rise to 2.98 (highest in four years).
UPDATE August 13th: So far this year Hamels is 7-8 with a 3.45 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 23 starts (146 innings). In his last 6 starts (since July 11th), he has a 1.94 ERA. He's minimized the long ball since July, allowing only 4 in 55 2/3 (18 in previous 90 1/3). He has yet to allow a hit on his cutter to lefties, but he barely throws it. As noted above, his cutter gets pounded by righties.
Santana Dominates While Everyone is at Work
I didn't do a recap for the game yesterday because a 12:10 start means I'm working like everyone else, and couldn't "play hooky and go to Citi Field" like the Mets emails said. Mets won 4-0 in case you haven't heard by now (15 hours later).
The box score looks like Vintage Santana, complete game shut-out with 10 k's, including striking out the side in the 1st on 15 pitches.
And Beltran had a break-out game at the plate, going 3-3 with a double and a run batted in.
Mike Hessman took another 0-4 with 2 k's and his slash stats are: .136/.269/.318. I know it's a small sample size (22 at bats).
If the bullpen didn't implode and explode on Wednesday night, we could've swept the Rockies and this Phillies series could be a show-me series. Instead this turns into a must sweep series IF the season is to be saved. Pitching match-ups: Dickey vs Hamels Friday 7:10. TBA (Misch?) vs Halladay Saturday night 7:10, Pelfrey vs Kendrick Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN (8:10)
The box score looks like Vintage Santana, complete game shut-out with 10 k's, including striking out the side in the 1st on 15 pitches.
And Beltran had a break-out game at the plate, going 3-3 with a double and a run batted in.
Mike Hessman took another 0-4 with 2 k's and his slash stats are: .136/.269/.318. I know it's a small sample size (22 at bats).
If the bullpen didn't implode and explode on Wednesday night, we could've swept the Rockies and this Phillies series could be a show-me series. Instead this turns into a must sweep series IF the season is to be saved. Pitching match-ups: Dickey vs Hamels Friday 7:10. TBA (Misch?) vs Halladay Saturday night 7:10, Pelfrey vs Kendrick Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN (8:10)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Game 114: Mets vs Rockies
12:10 start = I will not have the line-ups posted. Check out Citislickers.com for the line-up.
My Prediction: Johan throws well and the Mets win, but does it really matter anymore?
A Half-hearted Lets Go Mets
My Prediction: Johan throws well and the Mets win, but does it really matter anymore?
A Half-hearted Lets Go Mets
Scouting Report, RHP Jason Hammel
The 6'6" 27-year old Hammel was drafted by the Rays in 2002, and made his debut in 2006. He was considered a super-two and lost out on the 5th starter job last spring training (and was out of options), hence the reason he was traded to the Rockies. He's 25-29 in his career, with a 4.98 ERA and 1.47 WHIP, but for the Rockies he's 18-14, with a 4.35 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. He has not faced the Mets in his career.
Hammel is a four-pitch pitcher, and he throws from a 3/4 arm slot. His location of his fastball has greatly improved, and he throws it between 90-94 (average 93). It does not have a lot of movement. His curveball is a plus pitch (77 mph) and he also throws a sweeping slider (84 mph). He sparingly uses his change-up (85 mph, 6% of his pitches). His two best pitches this year are his slider and curve. His curveball use increases with 2 strikes, but he's not afraid to throw his slider either in that situation.
This year Hammel has made strides to become more than a league average pitcher, as he's 8-6 with a 4.38 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. He missed some time earlier in the year with a groin injury. In May and early June he had a 6 start stretch that his stats were: 2.41 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 7.7 K/9. He's striking out a career high 7.4 K/9, and walking a manageable 2.4 W/9. He could be better than his ERA indicates, as his FIP is 3.54. He's let up 3+ runs in his last five starts, but won his last game vs the Pirates (6 innings, 3 runs, only 5 base runners).
He's a solid #4/5 starter that is still learning how to pitch and gain confidence.
Hammel is a four-pitch pitcher, and he throws from a 3/4 arm slot. His location of his fastball has greatly improved, and he throws it between 90-94 (average 93). It does not have a lot of movement. His curveball is a plus pitch (77 mph) and he also throws a sweeping slider (84 mph). He sparingly uses his change-up (85 mph, 6% of his pitches). His two best pitches this year are his slider and curve. His curveball use increases with 2 strikes, but he's not afraid to throw his slider either in that situation.
This year Hammel has made strides to become more than a league average pitcher, as he's 8-6 with a 4.38 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. He missed some time earlier in the year with a groin injury. In May and early June he had a 6 start stretch that his stats were: 2.41 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 7.7 K/9. He's striking out a career high 7.4 K/9, and walking a manageable 2.4 W/9. He could be better than his ERA indicates, as his FIP is 3.54. He's let up 3+ runs in his last five starts, but won his last game vs the Pirates (6 innings, 3 runs, only 5 base runners).
He's a solid #4/5 starter that is still learning how to pitch and gain confidence.
And This Is Just Unfathomable
K-Rod arrested and charged with domestic violence after he allegedly punched his father-in-law outside of the clubhouse after the game last night, which resulted in his father-in-law being taken to the hospital.
ESPN New York has the whole story here.
My Take: This is completely and utterly unacceptable; yes I'm stating the obvious, but there is nothing else to say. This is an embarrassment to the Mets organization, and just another low point in this now lost season.
ESPN New York has the whole story here.
My Take: This is completely and utterly unacceptable; yes I'm stating the obvious, but there is nothing else to say. This is an embarrassment to the Mets organization, and just another low point in this now lost season.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Disgusting Loss
Mets blow a chance to win the first two games of the series, as Jerry refuses to put K-rod in for 4 outs. Instead Acosta let's 5 straights hitters to reach, and MELVIN MORA HITS A GRAND SLAM. Mets lose 6-2.
Game 113: Mets vs Rockies
Here is the line-up that will try to get the Mets over .500 and in a position to sweep tomorrow afternoon. For the scouting report on Jeff Francis, click here
J Reyes SS
A Pagan LF
D Wright 3B
C Beltran CF
M Hessman 1B
J Francoeur RF (maybe he'll hit his 100th HR and throw a celebration party)
H Blanco C
L Castillo 2B
J Niese P
My Prediction: Mets do win again, behind another strong effort from Niese; Mets win 5-2.
Let's Go Mets
J Reyes SS
A Pagan LF
D Wright 3B
C Beltran CF
M Hessman 1B
J Francoeur RF (maybe he'll hit his 100th HR and throw a celebration party)
H Blanco C
L Castillo 2B
J Niese P
My Prediction: Mets do win again, behind another strong effort from Niese; Mets win 5-2.
Let's Go Mets
Scouting Report, LHP Jeff Francis
The 29-year old lefty out of Canada was a 1st round pick of the Rockies in 2002, and made his debut in 2004. In 2005-2007, he made 30+ starts, including 17-9 in 2007, which got him a 9th place finish in the Cy Young voting. But the injury bug started to catch up with him in 2008, limiting him to 143 innings, and he missed all of 2009. Against the Mets, he's 2-2 with a 5+ ERA, but 3 of the 4 starts were in 2005 and 2006.
Francis is a 3-pitch pitcher, using an 86-88 mph fastball, an above average change-up (78 mph), and a curveball (72 mph). His change up is his best pitch both this year and for his career. He rarely throws his curveball when behind in the count, but will throw it when he's 0-2 or 1-2 on a hitter. He is below league average for swing and miss %, and strikes out only 5.6 per 9, but minimizes walks (< 2 W/9). He's limited home runs this year (6 in 86 innings). He's a ground-ball pitcher.
This year Francis has made 15 starts (86 2/3 innings), and is 4-4 with a 4.67 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. He's gone 6+ innings in only 8 of his 15 starts, and has allowed 5+ runs in 5 games. His last start vs the Pirates he lasted only 5 2/3 innings, let up 9 hits (2 HRs), and 5 earned runs.
The Mets should be able to score some runs off of Francis in my humble opinion.
Francis is a 3-pitch pitcher, using an 86-88 mph fastball, an above average change-up (78 mph), and a curveball (72 mph). His change up is his best pitch both this year and for his career. He rarely throws his curveball when behind in the count, but will throw it when he's 0-2 or 1-2 on a hitter. He is below league average for swing and miss %, and strikes out only 5.6 per 9, but minimizes walks (< 2 W/9). He's limited home runs this year (6 in 86 innings). He's a ground-ball pitcher.
This year Francis has made 15 starts (86 2/3 innings), and is 4-4 with a 4.67 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. He's gone 6+ innings in only 8 of his 15 starts, and has allowed 5+ runs in 5 games. His last start vs the Pirates he lasted only 5 2/3 innings, let up 9 hits (2 HRs), and 5 earned runs.
The Mets should be able to score some runs off of Francis in my humble opinion.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Put It In The Books/And the Ball Game Is Over!
I said in the preview Pelfrey needed to be perfect in order for the Mets to win, and he was, going 7 shutout innings. The Mets then got 2 scoreless innings from Takahashi and K-Rod.
Mets get their 2nd 1-0 win in 3 games.
Niese vs Francis tomorrow; suddenly the Mets have a chance to sweep the series in my opinion and get everyone excited again...
Mets get their 2nd 1-0 win in 3 games.
Niese vs Francis tomorrow; suddenly the Mets have a chance to sweep the series in my opinion and get everyone excited again...
Game 112: Mets (55-56) vs Rockies (58-53)
The Mets have to face tough RHP U Jimenez tonight.
For the line-up, check out Citislickers.com
My Prediction: The Mets are tinkering with Pelfrey's mechanics, but he needs to be perfect to win tonight. I don't see it happening, and the Mets lose the opener of the 6-game homestand (although I do think they will win the next two games and win the series).
Let's Go Mets!
For the line-up, check out Citislickers.com
(I don't think the fans will see the Apple go up besides the 7th inning stretch tonight)
My Prediction: The Mets are tinkering with Pelfrey's mechanics, but he needs to be perfect to win tonight. I don't see it happening, and the Mets lose the opener of the 6-game homestand (although I do think they will win the next two games and win the series).
Let's Go Mets!
2011 Contracts and Guaranteed Money
Here is a great article over at Amazin Avenue and basis for discussion over here.
Who would you trade if you could get rid of one contract over the next few years.
If you could dump one Mets contract which would it be?
Johan Santana: 3 years, $77.5 million guaranteed.
Jason Bay: 3 years, $51 million guaranteed (plus vesting option).
Oliver Perez: 1 year, $12 million guaranteed.
Francisco Rodriguez: 1 year, $15 million guaranteed (plus ridiculous vesting option).
Carlos Beltran: 1 year, $18.5 million
Place your vote on the side bar and your rationale in the comments section. I will post my opinion tonight/tomorrow.
Who would you trade if you could get rid of one contract over the next few years.
If you could dump one Mets contract which would it be?
Johan Santana: 3 years, $77.5 million guaranteed.
Jason Bay: 3 years, $51 million guaranteed (plus vesting option).
Oliver Perez: 1 year, $12 million guaranteed.
Francisco Rodriguez: 1 year, $15 million guaranteed (plus ridiculous vesting option).
Carlos Beltran: 1 year, $18.5 million
Place your vote on the side bar and your rationale in the comments section. I will post my opinion tonight/tomorrow.
Scouting Report, RHP Ubaldo Jimenez
Ubaldo Jimenez, 26 years old, was signed as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2001, and has always possessed a rocket arm and filthy stuff, he just needed to harness it. Well for those who remember his stats through May 26th (0.88 ERA and 0.95 WHIP), he may have finally harnessed it. He is signed through 2012 (4 yr/10 million) and has 2 options for 2013 and 2014. He is making less than Alex Cora this year (1.25 million). He's in his 5th major league season and is 48-30, with a 3.53 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. He's made 4 career starts (29 innings) versus the Mets, and is 2-1 with a 2.79 ERA and 1.06 WHIP.
Jimenez has a big, powerful arm and a pitcher's body (6'4" 210). He challenges hitters with a fastball that flirts with 100 mph (averages 96) and a powerful sinker. He also features a late-breaking slider (14% of the time, 86 mph) and a 12-6 curve-ball (79 mph), along with a solid change-up (88 mph). He may throw one or two splitters a game. His fastball has been one of the best pitches in baseball this year, and his change has been outstanding as well. His slider had been a top pitch last year, but he's throwing his change-up more this year and you can't argue with the results. He throws 1st pitch fastball 72% of the time, and has shown he can throw any of his four pitches with two strikes, so good luck if you get behind in the count.
This year he's a Cy Young candidate, with a 17-2 record (22 starts, 148 innings), a 2.61 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. He strikes out > 8/9, and is a ground ball pitcher (> 50%). He has cut down his walks to 3.6 W/9 (4.6 in 2008). He limits HRs (7 HR in 148 innings), and has thrown 3 complete games and 2 shutouts this year. His last two starts versus the Pirates and the Giants, he's gone 7 innings and allowed only 1 run each game.
He's a front of the rotation starter who is continuing to improve.
Jimenez has a big, powerful arm and a pitcher's body (6'4" 210). He challenges hitters with a fastball that flirts with 100 mph (averages 96) and a powerful sinker. He also features a late-breaking slider (14% of the time, 86 mph) and a 12-6 curve-ball (79 mph), along with a solid change-up (88 mph). He may throw one or two splitters a game. His fastball has been one of the best pitches in baseball this year, and his change has been outstanding as well. His slider had been a top pitch last year, but he's throwing his change-up more this year and you can't argue with the results. He throws 1st pitch fastball 72% of the time, and has shown he can throw any of his four pitches with two strikes, so good luck if you get behind in the count.
This year he's a Cy Young candidate, with a 17-2 record (22 starts, 148 innings), a 2.61 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. He strikes out > 8/9, and is a ground ball pitcher (> 50%). He has cut down his walks to 3.6 W/9 (4.6 in 2008). He limits HRs (7 HR in 148 innings), and has thrown 3 complete games and 2 shutouts this year. His last two starts versus the Pirates and the Giants, he's gone 7 innings and allowed only 1 run each game.
He's a front of the rotation starter who is continuing to improve.
Monday, August 9, 2010
State of the Mets Monday Morning/Looking at 2011
So the Mets just finished up a crucial 6-game road trip against the two teams in front of them, and it ended how many people expected: with a 2-4 record. Yes they battled back and didn't roll over and play dead, but still the end result is another 2-4 road trip, and their record currently sits at 55-56, 9 games out of 1st place and 7 1/2 games out of the wild card (with 4 teams in between them in the Giants). The Mets have 51 games remaining, and need to go 35-16 to get to 90 wins, or a .686 winning %. And 90 wins doesn't guarantee a playoff spot. So let's look forward to 2011.
C J Thole (league average)
1B I Davis (league average)
2B R Tejada/L Castillo (league average/below)
3B D Wright (above average)
SS J Reyes (above average)
LF J Bay (above average)
CF A Pagan (above average)
RF C Beltran/F Martinez (league average)
SP: J Santana (above average)
SP: J Niese (slightly above average)
SP: M Pelfrey (league average)
SP: _______
SP: _______ (RA Dickey?)
When I look at that team, I don't see a team that is better than 83-84 win team. The Mets sign Cliff Lee and that can be pushed up to 86-88. Or if they realize that Ike Davis is just a league average 1st baseman, and trade him in a package for Prince Fielder, that's another way to transform the team to a contender.
And this is another issue that needs to be resolved by next season.
C J Thole (league average)
1B I Davis (league average)
2B R Tejada/L Castillo (league average/below)
3B D Wright (above average)
SS J Reyes (above average)
LF J Bay (above average)
CF A Pagan (above average)
RF C Beltran/F Martinez (league average)
SP: J Santana (above average)
SP: J Niese (slightly above average)
SP: M Pelfrey (league average)
SP: _______
SP: _______ (RA Dickey?)
When I look at that team, I don't see a team that is better than 83-84 win team. The Mets sign Cliff Lee and that can be pushed up to 86-88. Or if they realize that Ike Davis is just a league average 1st baseman, and trade him in a package for Prince Fielder, that's another way to transform the team to a contender.
And this is another issue that needs to be resolved by next season.
- In light of the roster moves this weekend, here is a recent scout's report on someone else who needs to go away. Mets left-hander Oliver Perez: "The Mets really need to cut their losses and release him. He used to be a guy with good stuff who didn't know how to pitch, but now he's totally useless and taking up a roster spot."
- My Take: It just confirms what every Met fan has seen/said this whole year. With that being said, now that 2010 season is over, I would pitch Oliver Perez every 5th day and see what he does. There is nothing to lose (because there is no difference between 78 and 84 wins), and maybe another team will see something in the last 8-10 starts. I'd rather see him than Takahashi start.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Another Tough Loss; 2-4 road trip. Yikes
when you score 5 runs versus Doc Halladay, you expect to win the game. Not ttoday, and Mets lose 6-5, and lose 4 of 6 on road trip. Not good. Day off tomorrow.
Game 111: Mets @ Phillies
Mets face Dr. Roy this afternoon, let's hope they put up a couple runs.
Here is the line-up:
J Reyes SS
A Pagan RF
C Beltran CF
D Wright 3B
I Davis 1B
F Martinez LF
J Thole C
R Tejada 2B
RA Dickey P
My Prediction: I'm drinking the Mets Kool-aid, and predicting another Mets W, this time 3-1.
I'm out of my mind I know, but sometimes even a blind squirrel gets a nut.
LET'S GO METS!
Here is the line-up:
J Reyes SS
A Pagan RF
C Beltran CF
D Wright 3B
I Davis 1B
F Martinez LF
J Thole C
R Tejada 2B
RA Dickey P
My Prediction: I'm drinking the Mets Kool-aid, and predicting another Mets W, this time 3-1.
I'm out of my mind I know, but sometimes even a blind squirrel gets a nut.
LET'S GO METS!
In response to Yesterday's Trade Rumors
Here were the corresponding moves yesterday and both R Tejada and F Martinez were promoted to the Mets. J Feliciano was demoted and A Cora was released.
R Tejada will be used as the every day 2nd baseman, and F Martinez will be in a platoon with J Francoeur.
My Take: Love giving Tejada the chance to play every day because he's young and he needs to continue to develop. BUT, F Martinez is a year older than Tejada, shouldn't he be playing every day also?!? We know what/who J Francoeur is, we don't need to learn what he can do. F Martinez is not going to get better versus lefties if he doesn't see them for the next 2 months. In regards to Alex Cora, I'm happy they finally stepped up and realized he wasn't making the Mets on the field any better and was a wasted roster spot.
R Tejada will be used as the every day 2nd baseman, and F Martinez will be in a platoon with J Francoeur.
My Take: Love giving Tejada the chance to play every day because he's young and he needs to continue to develop. BUT, F Martinez is a year older than Tejada, shouldn't he be playing every day also?!? We know what/who J Francoeur is, we don't need to learn what he can do. F Martinez is not going to get better versus lefties if he doesn't see them for the next 2 months. In regards to Alex Cora, I'm happy they finally stepped up and realized he wasn't making the Mets on the field any better and was a wasted roster spot.
Scouting Report Roy Halladay
The Mets faced Harry Leroy on May 1st and got shut out, with only 4 base-runners reaching.
Below is the scouting report from May 1st updated at the end.
Roy Halladay = Very, very good.
The End.
You want more of a scouting report than that? Ok, ok. I'll let you know why he will be earning 20 million dollars a year for the next three years.
He is a workhorse, pitching over 220 innings each of the last four years. He strikes out > 7.5 K/9, and walks < 1.5 W/9, for a K/W ratio over 5 the past two years, one of the best in the major leagues He doesn't allow home runs (< 1 HR/9), and his highest WHIP since 2005 was 1.24. He is a ground-ball pitcher and attacks the hitters with strikes, making it difficult to run up his pitch count. Easily leads baseball in complete games over the past 5 years.
His stuff: nasty. Throws 92-94 mph fastball, a filthy 91-92 mph cutter, a plus curve-ball that he throws around 78 mph, and mixes in an 83-84 mph change-up. He uses his fastball or cutter 70% of the time, and the curve or change the remaining 30%. He's increased the use of his change this year from 4 to 12%. All four of his pitches are plus this year. He uses his cutter the most with 2 strikes, but will throw any of his four pitches.
This year he had rolled off four outstanding starts in a row, and people were wondering if he could win 30 games. Well, he showed his was human last start versus the Giants, allowing 5 runs and 10 hits in 7 innings. But even after that subpar outing, his ERA stands at a stout 1.80, and his WHIP is .98.
UPDATE August 8th: Doc is 13-8 with a 2.17 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 23 starts (178 innings). He's striking out 8 per 9 innings, and walking 1 per 9 innings. He's allowed 1 run or less in 5 of his last 6 starts. He's thrown less than 7 innings only twice in the past 2 months (12 starts).
Below is the scouting report from May 1st updated at the end.
Roy Halladay = Very, very good.
The End.
You want more of a scouting report than that? Ok, ok. I'll let you know why he will be earning 20 million dollars a year for the next three years.
He is a workhorse, pitching over 220 innings each of the last four years. He strikes out > 7.5 K/9, and walks < 1.5 W/9, for a K/W ratio over 5 the past two years, one of the best in the major leagues He doesn't allow home runs (< 1 HR/9), and his highest WHIP since 2005 was 1.24. He is a ground-ball pitcher and attacks the hitters with strikes, making it difficult to run up his pitch count. Easily leads baseball in complete games over the past 5 years.
His stuff: nasty. Throws 92-94 mph fastball, a filthy 91-92 mph cutter, a plus curve-ball that he throws around 78 mph, and mixes in an 83-84 mph change-up. He uses his fastball or cutter 70% of the time, and the curve or change the remaining 30%. He's increased the use of his change this year from 4 to 12%. All four of his pitches are plus this year. He uses his cutter the most with 2 strikes, but will throw any of his four pitches.
This year he had rolled off four outstanding starts in a row, and people were wondering if he could win 30 games. Well, he showed his was human last start versus the Giants, allowing 5 runs and 10 hits in 7 innings. But even after that subpar outing, his ERA stands at a stout 1.80, and his WHIP is .98.
UPDATE August 8th: Doc is 13-8 with a 2.17 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 23 starts (178 innings). He's striking out 8 per 9 innings, and walking 1 per 9 innings. He's allowed 1 run or less in 5 of his last 6 starts. He's thrown less than 7 innings only twice in the past 2 months (12 starts).
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Stayin Alive
Johan Santana was outstanding, throwing 5 2/3 innings of no-hit baseball, and pitched into the 8th inning, allowing no runs. K-Rod got the 5-out save to complete the shutout.
The only offense was provided by Mr. Jeff Francoeur, who learned earlier today he will be platooning with Fernando Martinez.
It was a lot of fun to watch this game today (which has been a rarity lately). Try to find a way to win the series tomorrow vs Doc Halladay.
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