What’s In A Closer?

Permit me to ponder the closer situation for 2012.

Let’s start with the fact that I feel the closer role is one of the most over rated roles in Major League Baseball.  There are only a handful of guys that legitimately have that “Oh great, no way we’re going to score on this guy.” reputation.  The rest of the closers out there are basically the most talented reliever their respective team has in the bullpen.

When you stop and think about it, shouldn’t you expect that most major league pitchers possess the ability to stop their opponents from scoring on them in the only inning they take the hill?  They get a bit of a head start really.  The closer has the benefit of being able to watch what has been working on each hitter throughout the entire game.

That being said, I understand today’s player prefers a set role on the team and someone has to take on the responsibility of ending the game.  Clearly, the Mets are still trying to figure out who this will be in 2012.

The most important skill this person needs to have has nothing to do with 100 mph fastballs or devastating sliders.  It has everything to do with being able to have a short memory, or as Terry Collins puts it, being fearless.

Do Bobby Parnell or Pedro Beato have this trait?

If I had to answer today, I would say no.  But they haven’t exactly had an opportunity to develop it either.  Maybe one of them will surprise us. In the event they do not, I don’t see Mr. Alderson investing a lot of money in a new option. I don’t have a huge problem with it either.  That money should be spent elsewhere.

If they do bring someone new into that roll, I hope they are looking for someone who has…..marbles.

Let it be known that Tom should receive credit for the marbles reference.

Annual Trip Recap

The annual trek to Cincinnati was a success.  A Mets win makes all of the travel time worth it.  For posterity’s sake, I wanted to summarize this year’s game experience.

Every year the interactions with Reds’ fans is typically fun.  This year wasn’t any different as it started when we stopped outside of Cincinnati to fill up our tanks:

One of our regular readers (@kelstarcher) wondered if I threw him an air claw.

We got caught in some traffic and missed batting practice.  Slight bummer, but were able to make it to our seats right after the national anthem.

Once we got settled in, I started tweeting the experience.  Of course, my first tweet failed because I attached a picture and I imagine it was too large of a file or something lame like that.  Maybe next year I take a member of our technical staff with us.

Anyway, here goes the game time tweets.

My reaction to J Bay ending the first inning run scoring extravaganza with another strikeout:

My reply to @MetsFanInPhilly after asking me if I was at the game:

During past ventures to the Great American Ballpark, I have been impressed with the overall baseball intelligence of Cincy fans.  Last night was a break from the norm.  It was about this time (Brandon Phillips first at bat) that I first witnessed what would be a recurring theme behind me:

I tried to spend some time observing things you normally don’t get to see when watching the game on TV:

The hash tag at the end was actually:

#nottheguyisouldstandnxttoconsideringinjuryhistoryofthemets.  Damn technical staff, where are you guys?

Back to the in game tweets. 

An absolute must:

Carlos Beltran had just scored on a sacrifice fly by J Bay:

The huge video screen in left field runs a promotion with Bronson Arroyo narrating.  Something about healthy kids making healthy choices.  I don’t recall because I was distracted by the following thought:

More from the super fans after Jose pops up in the seventh inning ending his night at the plate with an 0 for 5 performance:

At this point in the night, having the technical staff with me again would have been helpful.  I sent another failed tweet giving an air claw to Shannon, the nicest concession stand worker ever.  No joke.  She somehow made a trip in which I dropped ten bucks on popcorn and a lemon icey a pleasant experience.  Well done Shannon.

Several minutes later I became frustrated that I couldn’t find the Atlanta/Pittsburgh score on the out of town scoreboard:

After Pedro Beato got Drew Stubbs to fly out to end the eighth I tweeted the following (I wonder how many started to re-consider as the Reds made it interesting in the ninth?).

Another year, another trip.  I’m already looking forward to next season’s excursion.  I want to take a second to thank Sandy Alderson for listening to me.  Thanks Mr. Alderson!

See you next year Cincinnati.

Setting The Table For A Steal?

Raise your hand if you thought the Mets were going to bungle tonight’s game when Niese left.  For those of you that didn’t raise your hands, you should be ashamed of yourselves for being such blatant fibbers.

I applauded Terry Collins for yanking Pedro Beato once Brian McCann was called on to pinch hit.  There was no better time to use his lefty then right there in the seventh inning.  Midwestropolitan, Tim Byrdak, did not disappoint fanning McPain In Our Ass as well as Diory Hernandez.

Timmy would get my game ball if this were little league and I was his coach.  He’ll probably settle for a beer from Jon Niese for helping him save his sixth win and his fourth consecutive quality start.  I would think Pedro Beato owes Byrdak a beer as well for bailing his ass out of trouble.

Jason Isringhausen is not looking so good.  He gutted his way through the eighth but almost wound up giving up back to back jacks to tie the game.  He has been and is someone we should keep an eye on.

What more can we say about Jose Reyes?

The Amazin’s put themselves in quite a lovely position to steal another series from the Braves.  With Gee and Dickey taking the hill the next two days I certainly feel good about the possibilities.

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You’ll Get Em Next Time?

Prior to tonight’s game, if I would have told you that Mike Pelfrey would only give up two runs and Ronnie Paulino would hit a three run bomb that almost hit Bernie The Brewer’s slide you would think Mets W right?

Not the case.

Pedro Beato and Jason Isringhausen decided they don’t like four run leads and gave it right back.

I’m not sure what to think about this loss truthfully.  On one hand, the bullpen blew another game in a deflating fashion.  On the other hand, the Mets have had this supposedly superior team on the ropes the entire series.

Maybe tomorrow’s game will help me figure things out.

P.S.  I still can’t figure out why Randy Wolf owns the Mets and has for his entire career. 

P.P.S.  Jose Reyes is still the shit.

P.P.P.S.  Jason Bay is not.  His .207 average and complete lack of a clue at the plate combined with the absolute look of defeat he carries on his face right now makes me sad.  I’ve never seen anything like this before.

Some Sage Advice

Let’s try being a little more careful when facing Prince Fielder tomorrow night.  Three monster jacks in two games makes me think the Mets should try letting someone else attempt to beat them.

See you tomorrow fellow Midwestropolitans.

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Shifting Focus

If you would have told me a week ago that the Mets would be two games under .500 and only 4.5 games behind in the Wild Card hunt after today’s game, I would have said, “Sweet“.

The only problem is I can’t quite shake  the disappointment I have knowing the Mets let a series win get away from them.  More importantly, a series win against the Yankees.  I guess its one of those times you have to force yourself to look at the big picture.

So that’s what I’m going to do.  I’m not going to focus on how my fellow Midwestropolitan, Mike Pelfrey, was cruising through six and then all of a sudden de-railed like Chris Farley’s character in Tommy Boy attempting to sell brake pads.

Here are a few other things I won’t focus on:

• The disastrous snowman given up to the Yankees in the seventh inning.
• Pedro Beato giving up his first two earned runs as a Met.
• Not having Ike, David Wright, Johan Santana, or Angel Pagan healthy.
• Knowing Willie Harris probably prolonged his stay with the Mets with his 3 for 4 showing today.
• Not being able to buy Cheez Whiz anymore.

Nope.  Not going to focus on the negatives.

I’ve already put the series loss to the hated Yankees past me and I’m starting to look forward to the potential for some wins against the Cubs starting Tuesday.

Another “Mini-Series”

I am not a fan of the two game series, or the “one night stand” of the baseball schedule if you will.   The sole reason is it screws up how I follow the Mets.

Two games isn’t enough to allow me to truly gauge how the Mets match up against a team at a particular time.  If you win both, you feel dirty saying you swept your opponent because it is only two games.  That leaves you with splitting or getting swept which still sounds awful even if it is only two games.

Regardless, the Midwestropolitan research staff scoured the Bitchin’ Internet for some thoughts about what to expect the next two days.

Nats Still Offensively Challenged

Even with a healthy lineup, the Nats didn’t exactly showcase a murderer’s row.  Along with Ryan Zimmerman, Rick Ankiel is injured (right wrist), so their lineup is even less scary.

Nat fans seem to doubt that Adam LaRoche will heat up.  He is currently hitting below the Mendoza Line at a .196 clip.

Crafty Pitching Ahead

Livan Hernandez and Tom Gorzelanny will provide the pitching, which means we are in for two games of pulling our hair out trying to figure out why the Mets aren’t rocking the hell out of them.

These guys, particularly Hernandez, thrive on mixing up their pitches so hitters don’t know whats coming.  They certainly aren’t going to blow anyone away.

What To Expect

Prior to Wright landing on the DL, I felt the Mets should take both of these games at home.  Now the lineup seems a tad bit different so I have changed my mind.  I see a split occurring as either Livan or Gorzelanny will wind up frustrating all of us to no end as they provide a one run win for the Nats.

On a positive note, I am looking forward to seeing how Ruben Tejada performs in his return.  I am also hoping Pedro Beato continues his fine pitching that he displayed prior to his injury.

The Mets Don’t Suck. The Astros Do.

After watching this series I think it is fair to say we have learned one simple, irrefutable fact.  The Mets don’t suck.

I’m sure that many are clambering to disagree right now.  Before you send me e-mails filled with personal insults and threats of physical violence, let me make a  few points that are chock full of logic.

The Mets are two games below .500 which means they are two games below being an average team.  Two games below average does not equal sucking.

A team that sucks does not win three straight series (two of which on the road).  Nor does it go 7-3 in its last ten games finding itself 4.5 games back in the Wild Card standings.

The Astros, on the other hand, suck.  At least they did in this series.  They played absolutely horrible defense and at times seemed like they had much better things to do (see the Mets theft of home Little League style in the fifth inning today).

I know average isn’t exactly something to write home about, and I’m not saying I find it to be an acceptable stopping point.  It is however, not a horrible  spot to be in considering the financial and roster challenges the Mets organization currently faces.

When you stop and think about it, 19-21 is actually amazing in a way.  After all,

• Johan Santana has not pitched a single inning this season.
• David Wright and Jason Bay are hitting .226 and .216 respectively.
• Angel Pagan has been non-existent (literally).
• R.A. Dickey still has yet to find his knuckle ball.
• Willie Harris and Scott Hairston, two players that were signed to create a solid bench,  have been absolutely dreadful
• Chris Young is out for the season after only pitching 24 innings.
• Along with Pagan, Pedro Beato, Ike Davis, and Bobby Parnell are all currently on the DL.

Frankly, I  believe we should be happy with where the Mets stand with regard to their record.  It says something about the moxie of this team to be able to win of late.

Don’t mistake this as settling.  As long as I feel the Mets are working towards becoming a franchise that will be perennial contenders, I am going to be content.  Eventually, continued improvement will result in the Mets obtaining that goal.

So for those fans that fill up comment sections about how bad the Mets suck every time they lose, grow up.  Realize that in the real world, building a succesful organization from top to bottom takes more than two weeks.

In the meantime, try to enjoy the 2011 Mets as much as possible.  They could have mailed it in a long time ago.  Hell, imagine what could happen if the Mets hang around and they get some guys back, or Wright and Bay start hitting.

APB For Tom

Midwestropolitan has issued an All Points Bulletin for Tom. He was last seen wandering the streets of Tucson aimlessly with a glassy eyed stare.

Eyewitnesses inform us that everything seemed normal earlier today.  He was on his lap top chatting with friends while trying to research different mascot routines, when all of a sudden he got up and left without saying a word.

About five minutes after leaving his friends, 44 year old Jethro Gonzalez saw him shouting at the sky “DAMN YOU BICEPS TENDINTIS!  DAMN YOU!”  He then ran muttering under his breath, “Everything is going to be okay, everything is going to be okay.”

The last thing Tom was reading was this article from NBC about Chris Young being placed on the 15 day disabled list.

If you see Tom, contact authorities immediately.  Whatever you do, do not mention Chris Young, game recaps,  or the New York Mets.  It is best that you let trained professionals care for him.

Hang in there Tom.  We are all pulling for you.

Well That Sucked

Don’t mistake this for a game recap post.  I have come to a realization during my time as a Mets Blogger.  Wanna hear it?  No? Well you are going to hear it anyway.  After all, it is my blog.

Filling up the screen with statistics and regurgitating play-by-play details is unoriginal and pointless.  I know you all either watched the game or went to ESPN or another professional source that gets paid to write said material, so I am no longer going to waste my time.

I will let you know what I thought.  Don’t be a smartass and comment that these are the same things.  They most certainly are not.

The Mets overall appeared to play tight tonight.  Maybe it was opening day jitters.  Maybe it was  the fact they wanted to show everyone right away how they were going to “surprise” everyone this season.  Both David Wright and Jose Reyes exemplified the tightness.  O for 8?  Ouch.

You know what?  David and Jose are going to be ok.  I’m sure some jackass reporter in New York is going to claim this is a sign of things to come.  That’s what they get paid to do.  It is what sells newspapers and advertising on websites.

There is no doubt in my mind that Wright and Reyes will hit their strides.  The positive thing is, if they do so together, opposing pitchers will wet their pants upon facing the top of the lineup.

Me?  I just think the Amazin’s ran into a top of the line starter in Josh Johnson that had good stuff early on.  You have to play an extremely solid game when facing a pitcher like him that is hitting his spots.

Mike Pelfrey was very Pelfreyesque.  He struggled, fought through an early jam, dominated for a stretch, and then gave up a big inning.  I really hope that he does not go in the tank mentally as the Mets Interim Ace.  He is a solid pitcher, but facing guys like Johnson and Halladay every night produces the potential to be very demoralizing for him.

I described the Mets pitching staff to a Reds fan today as a group of  number three starters.  They do not posses an ace or even a legit number two starter.  But they don’t have  a pitcher that will scare the shit out of you every time he takes the hill like Ollie used to.   In my book, the only member of the rotation that has the potential to be a two is R.A. Dickey.

The problem with a bunch of number threes is it is going to be very difficult when facing a legit top of the rotation starter.  The benefit is the Mets should be able to make some hay as they face other team’s fourth and fifth starters.

You have to like the fact that Pedro Beato was able to put together two scoreless innings.  The first one wasn’t exactly pretty, but I have a hunch he will be a pleasant surprise this year.

If I had to give a game ball out, I would have to give it to Carlos Beltran.  Why?  Because I think he deserves our respect and his RBI double was the only thing I legitimately cheered about tonight.

Time to wrap it up.  I am not overly worried after tonight’s game.  The Amazin’s showed a little fight after falling behind by five runs which is a good sign.  It is game 1 out of 162.  Don’t read too much into it.  There isn’t exactly a ton of evidence to exemplify a trend of any sort.