Roy Halladay
33 years old (34 in May)
14th major league season
Bats R/Throws R
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 two years. He's a 7 time all-star, including 5 of the last 6 years, and won the Cy Young award last year, his second of his career.
He is a workhorse, pitching over 220 innings each of the last five years, including 250 innings last year. He strikes out > 7.5 K/9, and walks < 1.5 W/9, for a K/W ratio over 5 the past three 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 (1.04 in 2010). 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 6 years, having 9 complete games each of the past 3 years.
His stuff: nasty. Throws 90-92 mph fastball, a filthy 90 mph cutter, a plus curve-ball that he throws around 78 mph, and added a plus split-finger/change-up last year which he threw 11.5% (84 mph). 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 split/change last year from 4 to 12%. All four of his pitches were plus last year. He will throw any pitch with two strikes. Yes, he's that good.
For his career, he's 6-2 against the Mets in 8 starts, but he was 4-0 in his 4 starts in 2010 (2.56 ERA, 0.821 WHIP, including only 2 walks, and 28 Ks. WOW).
On opening day, he threw 6 innings, let up 1 run on 5 hits, struck out 6 and didn't walk a hitter.
Sit back and watch gentlemen, because we are watching a Hall Of Famer, who has been at his peak the past few years and is a treat to watch.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Mets Lose, Tough Loss to Swallow
Valiant comeback and effort by the Mets, except for one Mike Pelfrey, as the Mets stormed back from a 7-0 deficit to tie it at 7, but ultimately lost 10-7.
Pelfrey threw another stinker, and is leaving a lot of Mets fans frustrated, and rightfully so. But let's not go crazy, this is still a small sample size.
Mets try to win the series tomorrow, but it will be tough, as Niese faces Doc Halladay.
Let's Go Mets
Pelfrey threw another stinker, and is leaving a lot of Mets fans frustrated, and rightfully so. But let's not go crazy, this is still a small sample size.
Mets try to win the series tomorrow, but it will be tough, as Niese faces Doc Halladay.
Let's Go Mets
Game 5: Mets @ Phillies
The Mets face RHP Joe Blanton tonight (scouting report here). Blanton's last two starts versus the Mets last year were outstanding, 7 innings, 1 earned run in each of his starts in August and September.
J Reyes SS
W Harris LF
D Wright 3B
C Beltran RF
A Pagan CF
I Davis 1B
B Emaus 2B
J Thole C
M Pelfrey P
Pelfrey struggled in his opening day start versus the Marlins, 4 1/3 innings, 4 hits, 4 walks, and only 2 k's. He needs to be able to put hitters away when he gets to two strikes.
My prediction: This is a game Mets fans are expecting to win, but I think they come on short, losing 5-3. Hope I'm wrong.
LET'S GO METS!
J Reyes SS
W Harris LF
D Wright 3B
C Beltran RF
A Pagan CF
I Davis 1B
B Emaus 2B
J Thole C
M Pelfrey P
Pelfrey struggled in his opening day start versus the Marlins, 4 1/3 innings, 4 hits, 4 walks, and only 2 k's. He needs to be able to put hitters away when he gets to two strikes.
My prediction: This is a game Mets fans are expecting to win, but I think they come on short, losing 5-3. Hope I'm wrong.
LET'S GO METS!
Scouting Report Joe Blanton
Joe Blanton
30 years old
9th Major League Season
Bats R/Throws R
The 30-year old right-hander was a 1st round pick in 2002 out of University of Kentucky, and is in his 9th major league season; he spent five seasons with Oakland and is in his 4th season with the Phillies. He's 72-60 for his career with a 4.30 ERA and 1.34 WHIP. He has been referred to as a "league-average/innings eater" in the past, but was rewarded and will make 21 million dollars over the next two years.
Blanton throws strikes and has a very compact delivery, releasing from a high 3/4s arm slot. He features a 88-91 mph fastball that he will throw to both sides of the plate, a slider (83 mph), as well as an occasional curve (76 mph) and change-up (81 mph). He also has started to throw a few cutters per game (88 mph). His two best pitches are his slider and change-up. He's a fly-ball pitcher who has been prone to the long-ball the last two years. Last year his fastball was his favorite pitch with 2 strikes, with poor results (6.8 K/9, below league average).
He has made seven starts in his career versus the Mets and is 3-1, with a 2.64 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. Last year he was 1-1 in three starts, with 2 quality starts, (7 innings, 2 earned runs in August and September).
He is still a league average starter, but is the 5th starter for the Phillies.
He is a league average-innings eater after all.
30 years old
9th Major League Season
Bats R/Throws R
The 30-year old right-hander was a 1st round pick in 2002 out of University of Kentucky, and is in his 9th major league season; he spent five seasons with Oakland and is in his 4th season with the Phillies. He's 72-60 for his career with a 4.30 ERA and 1.34 WHIP. He has been referred to as a "league-average/innings eater" in the past, but was rewarded and will make 21 million dollars over the next two years.
Blanton throws strikes and has a very compact delivery, releasing from a high 3/4s arm slot. He features a 88-91 mph fastball that he will throw to both sides of the plate, a slider (83 mph), as well as an occasional curve (76 mph) and change-up (81 mph). He also has started to throw a few cutters per game (88 mph). His two best pitches are his slider and change-up. He's a fly-ball pitcher who has been prone to the long-ball the last two years. Last year his fastball was his favorite pitch with 2 strikes, with poor results (6.8 K/9, below league average).
He has made seven starts in his career versus the Mets and is 3-1, with a 2.64 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. Last year he was 1-1 in three starts, with 2 quality starts, (7 innings, 2 earned runs in August and September).
He is still a league average starter, but is the 5th starter for the Phillies.
He is a league average-innings eater after all.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Another Happy Recap!
I predicted a blow out game today, although I got the teams wrong, as the Mets dominated the Phillies beating them 7-1 in the 1st game of the series.
Cole Hamels got 8 outs, and let up 7 hits (2 to Chris Young in the 3rd inning alone), 2 walks, and 6 runs, and was booed heavily by unhappy Phillie fans. I had that line in mind for one of the pitchers in tonight's game, but I'm glad I was wrong.
Game MVP:
Chris Young had 3 hits offensively, and threw 5 solid innings, including 7 strikeouts, for a final line of 5 1/3 innings, 1 earned run, 5 hits and 4 walks. He finished throwing 103 pitches, and a lot of people didn't understand why he went out for the 6th inning, myself included. But D.J. Carrasco threw 1 2/3 innings of shutout baseball, followed by Byrdak and Parnell.
Chris Young got Ryan Howard out 3 times, two on strike outs, and then a huge ground out to end the 5th inning with the bases loaded, which may have taken all the air and energy out of Citizens Bank Park.
The offensive star, besides CY, was D Wright, who had 4 hits, 2 RBIs, and a stolen base.
Tomorrow night is a 7:05 start, with Mike Pelfrey taking the ball opposing Joe Blanton.
Cole Hamels got 8 outs, and let up 7 hits (2 to Chris Young in the 3rd inning alone), 2 walks, and 6 runs, and was booed heavily by unhappy Phillie fans. I had that line in mind for one of the pitchers in tonight's game, but I'm glad I was wrong.
Game MVP:
Chris Young got Ryan Howard out 3 times, two on strike outs, and then a huge ground out to end the 5th inning with the bases loaded, which may have taken all the air and energy out of Citizens Bank Park.
The offensive star, besides CY, was D Wright, who had 4 hits, 2 RBIs, and a stolen base.
Tomorrow night is a 7:05 start, with Mike Pelfrey taking the ball opposing Joe Blanton.
Game 4: Mets @ Phillies
Here is the line-up that will face LHP Cole Hamels, who's scouting report is here:
J Reyes SS
A Pagan CF
D Wright 3B
C Beltran RF
S Hairston LF
I Davis 1B
B Emaus 2B
M Nickeas C
C Young P
Chris Young (click for scouting report) will face the Phillies for the first time since 2009, when he had 2 starts, and his ERA was 9+ and his WHIP 1.96. His one start at CBP he lasted 3 2/3, allowed 9 hits, 7 earned runs, 2 walks, and 2 k's. Don't read too much into that since the Phillies offense has significantly changed since then.
My prediction: Chris Young won't make it through the 5th inning, and the Phillies add on a couple insurance runs on the Mets bullpen, and the Phillies roll to a 6-2 win.
J Reyes SS
A Pagan CF
D Wright 3B
C Beltran RF
S Hairston LF
I Davis 1B
B Emaus 2B
M Nickeas C
C Young P
Chris Young (click for scouting report) will face the Phillies for the first time since 2009, when he had 2 starts, and his ERA was 9+ and his WHIP 1.96. His one start at CBP he lasted 3 2/3, allowed 9 hits, 7 earned runs, 2 walks, and 2 k's. Don't read too much into that since the Phillies offense has significantly changed since then.
My prediction: Chris Young won't make it through the 5th inning, and the Phillies add on a couple insurance runs on the Mets bullpen, and the Phillies roll to a 6-2 win.
Scouting Report Cole Hamels
Cole Hamels
27 Years Old
6th major league season
Bats L/Throws L
The 27-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, and back to an ace during 2010. So which pitcher is Cole? Some where in between, but closer to the 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 60-45 record in the big leagues, with a 3.53 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. In 2009, he was highly unlucky (.325 BAPIP), while his strikeout and walk rates remained the same from 2008. He added a cutter last year, but more importantly his BAPIP regressed to .289, and he saw his ERA drop from 4.32 in 2009 to 3.06 in 2010, and his WHIP go from 1.29 to 1.18.
Hamels has a smooth high 3/4s arm action and is a fly-ball pitcher. He throws his fastball 89-93 mph (92 mph average was the highest of his major league career, up 2 mph from 2009), and possesses one of the best change-ups in the game (82 mph). He occasionally throws a show me curve-ball (76 mph), and has added a cutter last year (89 mph), but it wasn't effective last year versus right handers. His strike out pitch is his change-up, but also has been getting strikeouts/swings and misses on fastballs out of the zone. He averaged 9.2 K/9 last year and his swing and miss % was 11.9%.
In his 13 career starts versus the Mets, he's struggled. He's 2-8 with a 3.83 and a 1.51 WHIP. Last year the Mets beat him in all 4 starts, although he had a 3.20 ERA in those 25 innings, including two back to back starts in August that he lost 1-0.
He is an ace on many National League teams, but on the Phillies he starts game #4.
27 Years Old
6th major league season
Bats L/Throws L
The 27-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, and back to an ace during 2010. So which pitcher is Cole? Some where in between, but closer to the 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 60-45 record in the big leagues, with a 3.53 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. In 2009, he was highly unlucky (.325 BAPIP), while his strikeout and walk rates remained the same from 2008. He added a cutter last year, but more importantly his BAPIP regressed to .289, and he saw his ERA drop from 4.32 in 2009 to 3.06 in 2010, and his WHIP go from 1.29 to 1.18.
Hamels has a smooth high 3/4s arm action and is a fly-ball pitcher. He throws his fastball 89-93 mph (92 mph average was the highest of his major league career, up 2 mph from 2009), and possesses one of the best change-ups in the game (82 mph). He occasionally throws a show me curve-ball (76 mph), and has added a cutter last year (89 mph), but it wasn't effective last year versus right handers. His strike out pitch is his change-up, but also has been getting strikeouts/swings and misses on fastballs out of the zone. He averaged 9.2 K/9 last year and his swing and miss % was 11.9%.
In his 13 career starts versus the Mets, he's struggled. He's 2-8 with a 3.83 and a 1.51 WHIP. Last year the Mets beat him in all 4 starts, although he had a 3.20 ERA in those 25 innings, including two back to back starts in August that he lost 1-0.
He is an ace on many National League teams, but on the Phillies he starts game #4.
Series Preview: Mets @ Phillies
New York Mets (2-1) @ Philadelphia Phillies (3-0)
The Mets won a road series versus the Marlins, while the Phillies were in the comforts of Citizens Bank Park, and looked like the Phillies of old on opening day when they got 6 straight base hits to come from behind and win it in the 9th inning versus B Lyon and the Astros. The next two days went as expected, as the Phillies beat up on a bad Astros team, winning 9-4, and 7-3.
The pitching match-ups for this series
Chris Young RHP vs Cole Hamels LHP 7:05
Mike Pelfrey RHP vs Joe Blanton RHP 7:05
Jon Niese vs Roy Halladay (0-0, 1.50 ERA, 0.84 WHIP) RHP 3:05
The Mets need to avoid getting swept, and more realistically win 1 of the 3 games; the Mets would drop to .500, and the Phillies would improve to 5-1. I think most fans would take a .500 start to the season after 6 games based on last year's road woes.
The pitching match-ups for this series
Chris Young RHP vs Cole Hamels LHP 7:05
Mike Pelfrey RHP vs Joe Blanton RHP 7:05
Jon Niese vs Roy Halladay (0-0, 1.50 ERA, 0.84 WHIP) RHP 3:05
The Mets need to avoid getting swept, and more realistically win 1 of the 3 games; the Mets would drop to .500, and the Phillies would improve to 5-1. I think most fans would take a .500 start to the season after 6 games based on last year's road woes.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Series 1 Recap: Mets Win a Road Series
Mets win their first road series, taking 2 of 3 from the Marlins, after getting dominated by Josh Johnson on opening day. Does this short three game series change anything in my opinion on the rest of the Mets season? NO.
The Marlins are not a playoff team, and will be fighting with the Mets for 3rd/4th place in the NL East. The Mets have to go into Philadelphia, and face two of the Phillies aces (Hamels and Halladay), with Blanton in the middle. The Mets need to win the game versus Blanton, as they will be big underdogs in the pitching match-up in the other two. That will be a recurring theme this year.
To recap: Enjoy winning a series on the road (since it didn't happen until August last year), but don't expect the Mets to win 108 games!
There will likely be a meet up on Friday at the home opener; e-mail me if you are going and I will let you know what my plan is.
The Marlins are not a playoff team, and will be fighting with the Mets for 3rd/4th place in the NL East. The Mets have to go into Philadelphia, and face two of the Phillies aces (Hamels and Halladay), with Blanton in the middle. The Mets need to win the game versus Blanton, as they will be big underdogs in the pitching match-up in the other two. That will be a recurring theme this year.
To recap: Enjoy winning a series on the road (since it didn't happen until August last year), but don't expect the Mets to win 108 games!
There will likely be a meet up on Friday at the home opener; e-mail me if you are going and I will let you know what my plan is.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Game 3: Mets @ Marlins
'Dickey in the rubber match today.' For R.A. Dickey's scouting report, click here.
Here is the line-up that will face veteran RHP Javier Vazquez, who will start against the Mets for the 26th time in his career. His scouting report can be found here.
Jose Reyes SS
Willie Harris LF
David Wright 3B
Ike Davis 1B
Angel Pagan CF
Lucas Duda RF
Daniel Murphy 2B (1st start at 2B in his MLB career)
Josh Thole C
R.A. Dickey P
The Marlins once again trot out 7 of the same position players, with Bonafacio switching to 3rd base to replace D Murphy, and S Cousins will start in RF (M Stanton still out with the hamstring strain).
My Prediction: Mets score early and often, and Dickey's knuckle ball is tumbling well, allowing the Mets to win the first series of the year, by the score of 6-2.
The Mets have an off-day tomorrow, before traveling to face the Phillies, who are scheduled to throw Hamels, Blanton and Halladay. But we don't need to worry about that just yet...
LET'S GO METS!
Jose Reyes SS
Willie Harris LF
David Wright 3B
Ike Davis 1B
Angel Pagan CF
Lucas Duda RF
Daniel Murphy 2B (1st start at 2B in his MLB career)
Josh Thole C
R.A. Dickey P
The Marlins once again trot out 7 of the same position players, with Bonafacio switching to 3rd base to replace D Murphy, and S Cousins will start in RF (M Stanton still out with the hamstring strain).
My Prediction: Mets score early and often, and Dickey's knuckle ball is tumbling well, allowing the Mets to win the first series of the year, by the score of 6-2.
The Mets have an off-day tomorrow, before traveling to face the Phillies, who are scheduled to throw Hamels, Blanton and Halladay. But we don't need to worry about that just yet...
LET'S GO METS!
Scouting Report Javier Vazquez
Javier Vazquez
34 years old
14th major league season
Bats R/Throws R
The 34-year old Javier Vazquez was drafted in the 5th round in the 1994 draft by the Expos, and is in his 14th major league season. He was a given to start 30+ games every year and throw 200+ innings before the Yankees traded for him before last season. Well, things didn't fare too well, as Vazquez lost his fastball (91-92 mph 2007-2009), and it dropped to 88 mph last year. Whether it was an injury, poor mechanics, or simply the result of throwing 2600+ innings in his major league career is unknown. But what was established was that a fly ball pitcher can not survive in the New Yankee Stadium throwing 88 mph. He finished 10-10 in 26 starts (5 relief appearance, for 157 innings), 5.32 ERA, 1.40 WHIP. His career best K/9 rate in 2009 with the Braves dropped to 6.92 in 2010, and his BB/9 rate doubled to a career worst (1.81 to 3.72). His HR/9 rate also doubled from 09 to 10 (0.82 to 1.83), which was a career worst.
So the biggest question this year is if Vazquez can re-discover his fastball velocity, and the Marlins are betting 7 million dollars that he does this season (as a side note, he has made 97 million dollars playing baseball over his career). The reports from the spring had Vazquez sitting between 90-92 mph, which is a level he could be successful (as well as benefitting from the weaker hitters in the NL vs the AL).
Vazquez throws from a 3/4 arm slot and has good command of a running/sinking fastball that he throws between 86-92 mph; he likes to throw it up in the zone with two strikes. He also throws a tight slider(82 mph), a big breaking curve-ball (73 mph) and a plus change-up (79 mph). Vazquez is an outstanding fielding pitcher. Last year he didn't have a single above average pitch, but over his previous few years, his most effective pitches were his curve and change.
Vazquez is 10-9 with a 3.16 ERA in 25 starts against the Mets lifetime, and was 1-1 with a 0.69 ERA and 0.69 WHIP in two starts against them last season (6 shutout innings in May, and 7 innings, 1 earned run in June). In 2009 with the Braves, he was also 1-1, but with a 4.61 ERA and 1.24 WHIP.
So watch for his velocity and if he is able to sustain it throughout the game/season and you should have a good read on if he will be successful this year.
34 years old
14th major league season
Bats R/Throws R
The 34-year old Javier Vazquez was drafted in the 5th round in the 1994 draft by the Expos, and is in his 14th major league season. He was a given to start 30+ games every year and throw 200+ innings before the Yankees traded for him before last season. Well, things didn't fare too well, as Vazquez lost his fastball (91-92 mph 2007-2009), and it dropped to 88 mph last year. Whether it was an injury, poor mechanics, or simply the result of throwing 2600+ innings in his major league career is unknown. But what was established was that a fly ball pitcher can not survive in the New Yankee Stadium throwing 88 mph. He finished 10-10 in 26 starts (5 relief appearance, for 157 innings), 5.32 ERA, 1.40 WHIP. His career best K/9 rate in 2009 with the Braves dropped to 6.92 in 2010, and his BB/9 rate doubled to a career worst (1.81 to 3.72). His HR/9 rate also doubled from 09 to 10 (0.82 to 1.83), which was a career worst.
So the biggest question this year is if Vazquez can re-discover his fastball velocity, and the Marlins are betting 7 million dollars that he does this season (as a side note, he has made 97 million dollars playing baseball over his career). The reports from the spring had Vazquez sitting between 90-92 mph, which is a level he could be successful (as well as benefitting from the weaker hitters in the NL vs the AL).
Vazquez throws from a 3/4 arm slot and has good command of a running/sinking fastball that he throws between 86-92 mph; he likes to throw it up in the zone with two strikes. He also throws a tight slider(82 mph), a big breaking curve-ball (73 mph) and a plus change-up (79 mph). Vazquez is an outstanding fielding pitcher. Last year he didn't have a single above average pitch, but over his previous few years, his most effective pitches were his curve and change.
Vazquez is 10-9 with a 3.16 ERA in 25 starts against the Mets lifetime, and was 1-1 with a 0.69 ERA and 0.69 WHIP in two starts against them last season (6 shutout innings in May, and 7 innings, 1 earned run in June). In 2009 with the Braves, he was also 1-1, but with a 4.61 ERA and 1.24 WHIP.
So watch for his velocity and if he is able to sustain it throughout the game/season and you should have a good read on if he will be successful this year.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Mets Win Game 2!
We waited over 6 months for this, but the Mets get the win, 6-4! I had this title and started it with K-Rod on the mound in the 9th, and had to put the story on hold.
Niese was very shaky in the 1st inning, allowing 2 runs, but then cruised through the next 6 innings, and Terry Collins was heavily criticized for taking him out after 7 innings and only 86 pitches. Parnell worked a scoreless 8th, and the Mets took the lead in the 9th inning behind a big hit by Thole, who had a poor day up until that point.
K-Rod looked good in the 9th inning, but made it interesting as always and blew the save, allowing the tying run to score. He threw 27 pitches, so will he be available tomorrow? I say yes, because of the off day on Monday as they travel to Philadelphia.
Reyes lead off with a single, and I hated having Pagan bunt, but he succeeded and got on base (due to poor Marlins defense), allowing D Wright to rope a single up the middle plating Reyes for the go-ahead run. Willie Harris then came through with a huge 2-out 2 RBI, and T Collins pinch hits for K-Rod so he doesn't get credit for a "game-finished." B Boyer gets his 2nd major league save. All around, a perfect scenario, both short and long-term for the Mets.
Game MVP split 3-ways between D Wright, J Niese, and W Harris
Mets try to win the series tomorrow afternoon, R.A. Dickey vs Javier Vasquez, 1:10.
Niese was very shaky in the 1st inning, allowing 2 runs, but then cruised through the next 6 innings, and Terry Collins was heavily criticized for taking him out after 7 innings and only 86 pitches. Parnell worked a scoreless 8th, and the Mets took the lead in the 9th inning behind a big hit by Thole, who had a poor day up until that point.
K-Rod looked good in the 9th inning, but made it interesting as always and blew the save, allowing the tying run to score. He threw 27 pitches, so will he be available tomorrow? I say yes, because of the off day on Monday as they travel to Philadelphia.
Reyes lead off with a single, and I hated having Pagan bunt, but he succeeded and got on base (due to poor Marlins defense), allowing D Wright to rope a single up the middle plating Reyes for the go-ahead run. Willie Harris then came through with a huge 2-out 2 RBI, and T Collins pinch hits for K-Rod so he doesn't get credit for a "game-finished." B Boyer gets his 2nd major league save. All around, a perfect scenario, both short and long-term for the Mets.
Game MVP split 3-ways between D Wright, J Niese, and W Harris
 |
| 3 hits including a HR and 2 RBI |
 |
| 7 innings, 2 earned runs, 4 hits, 1 walk |
 |
| Big 2-RBI hit in the top of the 10th. |
Mets try to win the series tomorrow afternoon, R.A. Dickey vs Javier Vasquez, 1:10.
Game 2: Mets vs Marlins
Here is the line-up that will take on RHP Ricky Nolasco, who's scouting report can be found here.
Jose Reyes SS
Angel Pagan CF
David Wright 3B
Carlos Beltran RF
Ike Davis 1B
Lucas Duda LF
Brad Emaus 2B
Josh Thole C
Jon Niese P
For Jon Niese scouting report, click here.
The Marlins trot out 7 of the same position players, with Stanton being replaced by E Bonifacio in RF, and he's batting 8th.
My prediction: Niese throws 6 solid innings and allows 2 runs, which is enough for the Mets to get their first win of the season. Mets win 4-3.
LET'S GO METS!
Jose Reyes SS
Angel Pagan CF
David Wright 3B
Carlos Beltran RF
Ike Davis 1B
Lucas Duda LF
Brad Emaus 2B
Josh Thole C
Jon Niese P
The Marlins trot out 7 of the same position players, with Stanton being replaced by E Bonifacio in RF, and he's batting 8th.
My prediction: Niese throws 6 solid innings and allows 2 runs, which is enough for the Mets to get their first win of the season. Mets win 4-3.
LET'S GO METS!
Scouting Report Ricky Nolasco
Ricky Nolasco
28 years old
6th major league season
Bats R/Throws R
The 28 year-old RHP Ricky Nolasco was drafted in the fourth round by the Cubs in 2001, and was traded by the Cubs in 2005 along with Sergio Mitre and Renyel Pinto for Juan Pierre. Wow. Not a bad deal for the Marlins.
He's in his sixth major league season with the Marlins, and has started 25+ games the past three years. For those who have followed the career of Nolasco, he can be maddeningly inconsistent. He would show signs of dominance, but then he would let up home run after home run. He lead the Marlins in wins last year with a 14-9 record, but finished with a mediocre 4.51 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. He has great K/9 (8.4), BB/9 rates (1.88), and had a swing and a miss rate of 10.5% last year. He also throws a lot of 1st pitch strikes (65% of the time). So why was his ERA just league average? As noted earlier he was victimized by the long ball, allowing 24 Home Runs (1.37 HR/9, when league average is 0.96). So the big question will be is that just randomness, or a product of poor skill and that it will continue to plague Nolasco?
Nolasco throws from a 3/4 arm slot and is a four-pitch pitcher, with a low 90s fastball (88-93 both a two and four seam) and a plus 85-mph slider with sharp and late break, as well as a 75-mph curveball and 85-mph split-finger fastball that he throws from the same release point as his fastball. His slider is one of the best in the majors, and he throws it 25% of the time. His curve-ball is also a plus pitch, but his fastball has gotten him in trouble the past two years.
He's started 17 games against the Mets, and is 5-6 with a 5.46 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. Four of those starts came in 2010, and he was 2-0, with a 3.96 ERA and 1.16
28 years old
6th major league season
Bats R/Throws R
The 28 year-old RHP Ricky Nolasco was drafted in the fourth round by the Cubs in 2001, and was traded by the Cubs in 2005 along with Sergio Mitre and Renyel Pinto for Juan Pierre. Wow. Not a bad deal for the Marlins.
He's in his sixth major league season with the Marlins, and has started 25+ games the past three years. For those who have followed the career of Nolasco, he can be maddeningly inconsistent. He would show signs of dominance, but then he would let up home run after home run. He lead the Marlins in wins last year with a 14-9 record, but finished with a mediocre 4.51 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. He has great K/9 (8.4), BB/9 rates (1.88), and had a swing and a miss rate of 10.5% last year. He also throws a lot of 1st pitch strikes (65% of the time). So why was his ERA just league average? As noted earlier he was victimized by the long ball, allowing 24 Home Runs (1.37 HR/9, when league average is 0.96). So the big question will be is that just randomness, or a product of poor skill and that it will continue to plague Nolasco?
Nolasco throws from a 3/4 arm slot and is a four-pitch pitcher, with a low 90s fastball (88-93 both a two and four seam) and a plus 85-mph slider with sharp and late break, as well as a 75-mph curveball and 85-mph split-finger fastball that he throws from the same release point as his fastball. His slider is one of the best in the majors, and he throws it 25% of the time. His curve-ball is also a plus pitch, but his fastball has gotten him in trouble the past two years.
He's started 17 games against the Mets, and is 5-6 with a 5.46 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. Four of those starts came in 2010, and he was 2-0, with a 3.96 ERA and 1.16
Friday, April 1, 2011
Game 1 Unhappy Recap
Josh Johnson was dominating (no-hitter) for 6 innings, and Pelfrey couldn't get a strike out versus a position player = a long night, but not that it was unexpected. Mets showed some signs of life in the 7th inning, but they couldn't muster more than 2 runs. The Marlins hit a grand slam and a solo home run, which was more than enough as they won 6-2.
Jon Niese vs Ricky Nolasco tomorrow night, 7:10 PM. Mets will be looking for their first win and hopefully we don't lose the first series of the season already.
LET'S GO METS.
Jon Niese vs Ricky Nolasco tomorrow night, 7:10 PM. Mets will be looking for their first win and hopefully we don't lose the first series of the season already.
LET'S GO METS.
GAME 1: METS @ MARLINS
Here is your 2011 opening day line-up! Anyone who had Willie Harris as the #2 hitter back in December wins the lottery. They will have to face 2-time All-Star Josh Johnson, who's scouting report is here.
Jose Reyes SS
Willie Harris LF
David Wright 3B
Carlos Beltran RF
Angel Pagan CF
Ike Davis 1B
Brad Emaus 2B
JOSH Thole C (emphasis for you Mr. Terry Collins)
Mike Pelfrey P
For Pelfrey's scouting report, click here.
My prediction: As excited I am for this game tonight, I feel Josh Johnson will shut them out over 6 innings, so can the Mets score enough against the Fish 'pen? I say YES for a dramatic come-from-behind win, 5-4.
LET'S GO METS!!
Jose Reyes SS
Willie Harris LF
David Wright 3B
Carlos Beltran RF
Angel Pagan CF
Ike Davis 1B
Brad Emaus 2B
JOSH Thole C (emphasis for you Mr. Terry Collins)
Mike Pelfrey P
For Pelfrey's scouting report, click here.
My prediction: As excited I am for this game tonight, I feel Josh Johnson will shut them out over 6 innings, so can the Mets score enough against the Fish 'pen? I say YES for a dramatic come-from-behind win, 5-4.
LET'S GO METS!!
Scouting Report RHP Josh Johnson
Josh Johnson = Very Good.
For those of you who have been around this blog for a while, I reserved that last year for Roy Halladay and Tim Lincecum. Well, Josh Johnson deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as those guys. He's only 27 years old, and is in the 2nd year of his 4 year/39 million dollar contract he signed last year. The one caution about him is he was shut down in August with back and shoulder pain.
Josh Johnson is in his 7th major league season, and has been one of the best pitchers in baseball the last two years.. He was a 4th round pick out of high school in 2002. He had Tommy John Surgery in August of 2007, which limited his innings in both 2007 and 2008, and he has thrown 200 innings only once (2009).In 2009, he was 15-5, with a 3.23 ERA and 1.16 WHIP, and he followed it up with an even more impressive 2010 campaign: 11-6 (28 starts, 183 innings), 2.30 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 9.1 K/9 and 2.35 BB/9. Re-read those numbers again. (28 starts, 183 innings), 2.30 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 9.1 K/9 and 2.35 BB/9. Also remember before the All-Star break his ERA was a shiny 1.70 (3.50 after). He is 33-12 since returning from Tommy John Surgery. He is a ground-ball pitcher who limits home runs. For his career versus the Mets, he is 7-1 in 12 starts, with a 2.74 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. Last year he faced the Mets three times, including last opening day (he struggled throwing 5 innings, 4 runs while battling the flu and took the loss).
Josh Johnson is 6'7" and throws straight over the top, almost throwing straight down to the hitter. He is a three pitch pitcher, throwing a 93-97 mph fastball (95 mph average), a plus 88 mph slider with sharp and late bite (28% of pitches), and an occassional 87 mph change-up that sinks away from left-handers. He has increased his use of the slider over the past few years, and his velocity increased after coming back from Tommy John Surgery (pre-surgery he was throwing 92 mph). His fastball/slider combination is one of the best in the game, and he generates a ton of swings and misses, 11.8% last year, a career high (league average is 8.5%). He also a first pitch strike 65% of the time (league average 59%).
Josh Johnson is one of the top pitchers in the National League, and he will be tough to beat if he's on top of his game (if he can stay healthy).
As a reminder, Long Live Shea Stadium will provide the opposing pitcher's scouting report each day before the game. Be sure to check back for the rest of the weekend starters (Nolasco and J Vasquez)
Josh Johnson is in his 7th major league season, and has been one of the best pitchers in baseball the last two years.. He was a 4th round pick out of high school in 2002. He had Tommy John Surgery in August of 2007, which limited his innings in both 2007 and 2008, and he has thrown 200 innings only once (2009).In 2009, he was 15-5, with a 3.23 ERA and 1.16 WHIP, and he followed it up with an even more impressive 2010 campaign: 11-6 (28 starts, 183 innings), 2.30 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 9.1 K/9 and 2.35 BB/9. Re-read those numbers again. (28 starts, 183 innings), 2.30 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 9.1 K/9 and 2.35 BB/9. Also remember before the All-Star break his ERA was a shiny 1.70 (3.50 after). He is 33-12 since returning from Tommy John Surgery. He is a ground-ball pitcher who limits home runs. For his career versus the Mets, he is 7-1 in 12 starts, with a 2.74 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. Last year he faced the Mets three times, including last opening day (he struggled throwing 5 innings, 4 runs while battling the flu and took the loss).
Josh Johnson is one of the top pitchers in the National League, and he will be tough to beat if he's on top of his game (if he can stay healthy).
 |
| That's not pretty and what is referred to as the "inverted W" |
As a reminder, Long Live Shea Stadium will provide the opposing pitcher's scouting report each day before the game. Be sure to check back for the rest of the weekend starters (Nolasco and J Vasquez)
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Opening Day Is Here!
Although the weather stinks here in NJ, and the Mets aren't playing today, so my normal excitement is some what muted.
But nonetheless today is probably the last day this season that I will wake up and the Mets are in 1st place.
LETS GO METS!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Pre-season MLB Standings Predictions
With opening day upon us tomorrow, it's time for my annual prediction of all 30 teams records.
Feel free to post your thoughts/agree or disagree with my picks.
AL EAST:
Boston 96-66
New York Y 93-69
Tampa Bay 89-73
Toronto 80-82
Baltimore 73-89
AL CENTRAL:
Chicago 86-76
Detroit 84-78
Minnesota 83-79
Cleveland 71-91
Kansas City 65-97
AL WEST:
Oakland 86-76
Texas 86-76
LA of Anaheim 79-83
Seattle 64-98
NL EAST:
Philadelphia 92-70
Atlanta 92-70
Florida 83-79
New York Mets 80-82
Washington 69-93
NL CENTRAL:
Cincinnati 87-75
Milwaukee 84-78
St. Louis 84-78
Chicago 78-84
Houston 73-89
Pittsburgh 64-98
NL WEST:
San Francisco 90-72
Los Angeles 85-77
Colorado 85-77
San Diego 77-85
World Series that all of New York will hate:
Boston over Philadelphia.
LET'S GO METS! Prove me wrong!
Feel free to post your thoughts/agree or disagree with my picks.
AL EAST:
Boston 96-66
New York Y 93-69
Tampa Bay 89-73
Toronto 80-82
Baltimore 73-89
AL CENTRAL:
Chicago 86-76
Detroit 84-78
Minnesota 83-79
Cleveland 71-91
Kansas City 65-97
AL WEST:
Oakland 86-76
Texas 86-76
LA of Anaheim 79-83
Seattle 64-98
NL EAST:
Philadelphia 92-70
Atlanta 92-70
Florida 83-79
New York Mets 80-82
Washington 69-93
NL CENTRAL:
Cincinnati 87-75
Milwaukee 84-78
St. Louis 84-78
Chicago 78-84
Houston 73-89
Pittsburgh 64-98
NL WEST:
San Francisco 90-72
Los Angeles 85-77
Colorado 85-77
San Diego 77-85
World Series that all of New York will hate:
Boston over Philadelphia.
LET'S GO METS! Prove me wrong!
Win Home Opener Tickets. There is Still Time Left to Enter!
Just a reminder, Jersey Shore Bracelet is giving away two tickets to the Mets home opener, and the contest ends April 1st, with the drawing on April 2nd. Are you waiting for Terry Collins to personally ask you to go to opening day? Then here it is...
So Terry wants you there, what is stopping you? Here are the contest rules for those who haven't entered yet. And as a reminder, you can get an additional entry into the contest if you buy a Jersey Shore Bracelet. Hurry, the contest ends on April 1st!
Here is what you need to do:
So Terry wants you there, what is stopping you? Here are the contest rules for those who haven't entered yet. And as a reminder, you can get an additional entry into the contest if you buy a Jersey Shore Bracelet. Hurry, the contest ends on April 1st!
Here is what you need to do:
1) “Like” the Jersey Shore Bracelet Facebook page: Facebook
2) Repost the contest information/fan page as your Facebook status
3) Fill out the form on the Jersey Shore Bracelet web site specified on the Facebook page
Another option is for those of you who are on twitter:
1) Follow LongLiveSheaS and JSBracelet.
2) Re-tweet the contest information
3) Fill out the form on the Jersey Shore Bracelet web site.
Everyone who enters will receive a limited time offer: $25 off coupon for the purchase of any Jersey Shore Bracelet.
The winner will be announced on April 2nd.
Good luck, and LET'S GO METS!
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