Die Hard Mets Fan

It is June 1, so the Metropolitans are in a new calendar month.  The Mets are 27-27 right now, so the Mets would be 81-81 if you prorate it over the course of the season.  This is worse than at the end of April when they were on pace to get 87 wins.  They haven’t hit their stride yet, as Willie would say.  The good news is that they are coming off of a productive week where they won 4 out of 5 games.  Will this hot streak carry over to June?  And for how long?

 Church set to resume productive role - Anthony DiComo reported that Ryan Church returns after suffering his second concussion in three months.

Tatis, Mets turn fortune around - Anthony DiComo summarized yesterday’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Reyes rebounds from early slump - Samantha Newman put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Pelfrey shakes off pressure at Shea

Castillo rests injured left leg - Anthony DiComo reported that the Doctors called Luis Castillo’s ’sore knee’ a strained hip flexor.

Injured Wise to seek second opinion - Jon Blau stated that Matt Wise wants to confirm the rotator cuff tendinitis diagnosis.

Newsday:

Mets rally in 8th, beat Dodgers on Tatis’ hit

Pelfrey sharp, but is it enough to stay a Met?

Peering over the .500 hump

Beltran’s big blast wakes up Mets

Beltran, Tatis rally Mets to 3-2 win over Dodgers - Mark Herrmann also summarized yesterday’s Dodgers-Mets game.

New York Daily News:

Carlos Beltran, Fernando Tatis spark comeback as Mets beat Dodgers - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary for yesterday’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Avoiding case of the Willies

Fernando Tatis is marvelous once again

Unlike old days, MLB teams hold fire on managers like Willie Randolph

Every time Gary Carter opens his mouth, he hurts his own cause

Mike Pelfrey throws curve into Met plans with Saturday’s performance

Ryan Church, Luis Castillo set for returns Sunday night

New York Post:

ANOTHER AMAZIN’ RALLY AT SHEA - Mike Puma summarized yesterday’s Dodgers-Mets game.

CASTILLO PINING TO PLAY

THE WAY TO ‘BELT’ BROXTON

25 BEST MOMENTS AT SHEA: NO. 17

PEDRO MUST DELIVER MORE THAN LAUGHS

MAJOR OBSTACLE - Kevin Kernan explains why it is hard for Wally Backman to find a job in the Majors.

New York Times:

Tatis Plays the Star in Another Comeback - Ben Shpigel summarized yesterday’s Dodgers-Mets game.

For Mets, Tatis’s Timing Is Perfect

The Star-Ledger:

Mets may be turning a corner

Church on Sunday - Colin Stephenson provided the lineup for tonight’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Some extra postgame quotes from the Mets’ clubhouse

Another Amazin comeback

Pelfrey makes his case to stay in rotation

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Die Hard Mets Fan would like to wish all of you a Happy Memorial Day.  Well, the good news is that Willie is sticking around…unless you wanted him out.  It could be a whole lot worse.  Most people have assumed that if you bring in a fiery manager then the Mets will win a championship.  But, what if it backfired?

Here’s the probable pitching matchps for the Marlins-Mets series:

• 05/26/2008 - Ricky Nolasco (3-3) - Mike Pelfrey (2-5)
• 05/27/2008 - Andrew Miller (4-3) - Johan Santana (5-3)
• 05/28/2008 - Scott Olsen (4-2) - Oliver Perez (4-3)

 Mailbag: What’s motivating the Mets? - Marty Noble fielded questions posed by Mets fans.

After Santana, Mets drafting to restock - Anthony DiComo discusses the MLB Draft.  “This June’s First-Year Player Draft will give the Mets new opportunities to fill in the blanks throughout their farm system, and new chances to replenish the talent that they lost in January’s trade for Santana.”

Mets hoping home cooking helps - Owen Perkins put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Newsday:

Rockies beat Mets, Willie to meet Wilpons Monday - David Lennon summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Latest gaffes by Mets too much to overcome

Keith Hernandez rips ex-mate Gary Carter on air - After how Gary Carter publicly stated that he was available to coach the Mets, Keith Hernandez had this to say about Carter during the game,

I have great respect for Gary as a player. He’s a Hall of Famer. When Johnny Bench left the game, he was the premier catcher in the National League. But that being said, and I’ve kept quiet for such a long time, but for the people out there listening, just go in the dictionary and look up ‘unconscious’ and you’ll find a picture of Gary Carter. I know that’s strong, but it just happens too many times and it’s just, you’re walking around unconscious.

New York Daily News:

Willie Randolph survives to manage the Mets another day

For Jose Reyes as for Willie Randolph, can it possibly get any worse?

Latest flop by slumping Mets may be Willie Randolph’s last - Adam Rubin also summarized yesterday’s Mets-Rockies game.

Mets mull minors stint for struggling Aaron Heilman - “Aaron Heilman’s struggles may land him in the minors. Mets officials have discussed demoting Heilman and replacing him with Triple-A closer Carlos Muniz, who had three scoreless appearances with the Mets in April, the Daily News has learned.”

Mets minor league report

New York Post:

WILLIE’S FATE IN WILPONS’ HANDS

WRIGHT TAKES 5TH ON WILLIE SUPPORT

HARD TO ARGUE IF MANAGER GETS CANNED

The Star-Ledger:

Willie remains Mets manager

D-Day for Willie?

Marlins smell a bit fishy

Willie waits for the word

Maine hands over ball, but Randolph gives it back

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I really believed that the Amazin’s were going to win 5 straight to offset the 5 game losing streak.  That is the first time this month that the Mets didn’t follow that trend, and it’s pretty late in the month.  So the Mets lost again, and Willie’s big meeting with the Wilpon’s is tomorrow.  During the past ten days, the local press and sports radio stations like The Fan have made this a gigantic story.  I was bored of it last weekend, and it’s not over yet.  Let’s see what happens to Willie tomorrow and in the upcoming weeks.

 Long ball tops Maine, Mets in Denver - Owen Perkins summarized today’s Mets-Rockies game.

Church improving but still woozy

Pedro champing at the bit to return - Owen Perkins lets us know the latest on Pedro Martinez, “Pedro Martinez was scheduled to throw a bullpen session in the Dominican Republic on Sunday and is expected to return to Florida on Monday.”

Minaya sees calmer waters for Mets - Omar Minaya was quoted as saying, “We understand there’s other drama around the team, but we’ve got to win games. I think [the drama] is over. Once Willie apologized, that’s it, move forward.”

Evans, Vargas give Mets a boost in win - Owen Perkins summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Tatis’ hard work paying off with Mets - Owen Perkins wrote up a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Delgado homers past Dawson - Carlos Delgado passed Andre Dawson for sole possession of 35th on the all-time list with 439 home runs.

Anderson latest Mets outfielder to sit - Owen Perkins reported that Marlon Anderson is listed as day-to-day.

Newsday:

On hot seat, Mets’ Willie becomes Good Humor man - David Lennon wrote up a game summary for yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Evans’ three-double debut leads Mets

LETS RANT

One watcher’s ride on Mets history by the numbers

Surprise starts: Which teams will stay hot, cold

New York Daily News:

Slumping Mets can’t solve Rockies’ patchwork lineup - The AP summarized today’s Mets-Rockies game.

Willie Randolph gets stay of execution as Mets rock Colorado - Adam Rubin summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Ax Willie Randolph? Omar Minaya deserves share of blame

Win some games, Willie Randolph

The Willie Randolph I know well

Willie Randolph tries to stay upbeat as meeting looms

Pedro Martinez is ready, Mets aren’t

Called-up Nick Evans makes mark on the double

Gary Carter just Kidding, now backs Willie Randolph - What’s wrong with The Kid?

New York Post:

BACK TO SLEEP - Bart Hubbuch wrote up a game summary for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

‘KISS OF DEATH’

RANDOLPH WINS A REPRIEVE - FOR NOW

25 BEST MOMENTS AT SHEA: NO. 18

METS’ YOUNGSTER IS ‘DOUBLE’ THE TROUBLE IN MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT

VARGAS MAKES PITCH TO STAY

WILLIE RESIGNED TO FINAL CUT

New York Times:

Mets Loss to Rockies Adds Pressure on Randolph - Ben Shpigel summarized today’s Mets-Rockies game.

The Star-Ledger:

Final: Rockies 4, Mets 1 - Jeremy Cothran put together a game summary for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Maine no-hitter finished

Game 48: Mets at Rockies - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s Mets-Rockies game.

Finally, all goes right for Mets

Rookie arrives double time

Willie prepared for talk

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For one day, the Mets were clicking on all cylindars.  It must be that Rocky Mountain air.  They scored 5 runs in the first inning and kept tacking on insurance runs.  Vargas was pretty solid today.  He only allowed 2 runs in 6 innings.  And what a great Evans had in his Mets debut.  Perhaps the Mets will be able to win this series before coming home.  I would love to see that.

 Evans makes his mark right away - Nick Evans made a name for himself in his MLB debut today so Owen Perkins lets us know all about that.

Randolph keeping eye on the ball

Mets’ skid stretched to five at Coors - Owen Perkins summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Mets turn to Vargas on short rest - Owen Perkins put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Minaya reiterates support for Randolph - Here’s part of what Omar Minaya stated about Willie Randolph.  Check out the article to find out more.

Willie Randolph is our manager. He has my support. He has our ownership’s support. I am here to support Willie. I’m here to let him know my support, to encourage him and to let him know we believe he can get this team on track. Willie’s totally dedicated to doing that, and I believe he can do that.

The team’s not playing well, and sometimes as the general manager, you have to see how the team is playing. This is one of those situations that you always leave open the ability to visit the team and see the team. We had a good [series] last weekend with the Yankees, but the fact that we didn’t play well — we played some good games, but the bottom line is we lost in Atlanta — and I felt it was important for me as the general manager to be with the team now, especially finishing off the road trip.

When we get back to New York, we’ll sit down and talk and look each other in the eye. Sit down in a room and have Willie have a little bit of a conversation with the ownership and myself and tell us why he felt those things were said.

Mets, Randolph focused on playing ball

Anderson exits with pulled hammy - Owen Perkins lets us know that Marlon Anderson left last night’s game because he suffered a strained left hamstring.

Woozy Church out of starting lineup - Owen Perkins pointed out that Ryan Church sat out for the third straight game after suffering from a mild concussion.

Newsday:

Minaya gives Randolph vote of confidence

Church still dizzy from apparent concussion

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what happened at Shea Stadium and at Yankee Stadium on May 23 of a year in the past.

New York Daily News:

Willie Randolph gets stay of execution as Mets rock Colorado - The AP wrote up a game summary for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Gary Carter would love to take Shea reins as Mets manager - Adam Rubin found out what Gary Carter said about managing the Mets when asked by “The Mike and Murray Show” on Sirius Satellite Radio.

Mets lose in 13 innings to Rockies, drop fifth straight - Adam Rubin also summarized last night’s Mets-Rockies game.

Pedro Martinez wants to pitch - Pedro Martinez said, “My dad told me he wants to see me pitch again”

Ryan Church Bering head woes

New York Post:

RANDOLPH’S ON A ROCKY ROAD

PATH TO REDEMPTION STILL OPEN TO WILLIE

NO HOLLIDAY FOR AMAZIN’S IN COLORADO

MARTINEZ’S DL RETURN DELAYED BY TRIP TO D.R.

New York Times:

Mets Win and Change the Subject for a Day - Ben Shpigel summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

After Minaya Supports Randolph, Mets Lose in 13 - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s Mets-Rockies game.

Wright Wants Mets to Take Losses Personally

The Star-Ledger:

Final: Mets 9, Rockies 2 - Jeremy Cothran wrote up a game summary about today’s Mets-Rockies game.

Game 47: Mets at Rockies - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Closing up shop (finally) in Denver

Church a scratch, dizzy after flight

Who’s in line for Willie’s job?

Omar offers Randolph a vote of confidence

Mets reportedly call up Nick Evans

Omar: We’re going to support Willie

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The Mets currently have a 2-1 lead over the D-Backs.  Santana is doing what he does right now, and he just worked himself out of a bases loaded jam as well.  He’s finished after 6 Innings so we’ll see how this plays out.  I definitely want the Metropolitans to win the series before leaving the Valley of the Sun.  The Mets will head out to the City of Angels after the game.

 Schneider to play through the pain - Anthony DiComo noted that Brian Schneider was going to start today, and he has to play through the pain of his injury.

One step forward, two steps back - Anthony DiComo summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Diamondbacks.

Mets display their offseason prize - Anthony DiComo put together a  pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Diamondbacks.

Franco officially ends 23-year career - The AP reported that former Met, Julio Franco, officially retired on Wednesday at the age of 49.

Reyes was caught in the moment - Anthony DiComo says Jose Reyes played it smart when he attempted the cycle on Friday.

Church’s lineup spot benefits everyone - Anthony DiComo stated that the Mets are wig when Reyes is succeeding and Ryan Church is batting second in the lineup.

Newsday:

Mets catcher Schneider ready for duty

Pitching meltdown sinks Mets in Phoenix - David Lennon summarized yesterday’s Mets-Diamondbacks game.

Ex-Met Gary Carter never shy about curtain calls

New York Daily News:

Mets finally fall to D-backs in Arizona

Brian Schneider to return in L.A.

Boo-birds in full flock this spring - Jesse Spector explains why the Mets are getting booed so much in ‘08.

New York Post:

DUD IN DESERT

SERBY’S SUNDAY Q&A WITH… - Billy Wagner.

DELGADO FINDING GROOVE

25 BEST SHEA STADIUM MOMENTS: NO. 21

VERSATILE MURPHY TURNING HEADS - Tim Bontempts tells us how a prospect named Dan Murphy, third baseman of Double-A Binghamton, had a great April, hitting .363 with one home run and 18 RBI in 26 games.

New York Times:

Webb Is the Model, and Pelfrey Learns a Lesson About His Craft

The Star-Ledger:

Game 29: Mets at Diamondbacks - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game.

A tough day for Pelfrey as D’Backs roll

Delgado shows signs he’s still got it

Final: Diamondbacks 10, Mets 4

Mets lose to Diamondbacks, 10-4 - Jeremy Cothran summarized yesterday’s game.

Game 28: Mets at Diamondbacks - Jeremy Cothran provded the lineup for yesterday’s game.

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I may have made you more pessimistic yesterday so I’m going to go through the things that I’m looking forward to this season.

• Johan Santana winning 20+ games and helping the Mets win a World Series.
• With another year of experience under their belts, I would like to see Maine and Oli each win 18 games.
• Duaner Sanchez returning to 2006 status.
• Billy Wagner returning to early 2007 status.
• Jose Reyes finishing the season/postseason as great as he starts it.
• David Wright having a MVP season in ‘07.

Those are the things that I would like to see.  There are many other things that I hope will happen barring injury such as Beltran having an MVP season and Pedro pitching like he did on the Red Sox.  I feel less confident about things like that, but they can prove me wrong.

 No questioning Schneider’s main role - Marty Noble noted that the Metropolitans expect Schneider to make the pitching staff better.

Notes: Alou feeling rejuvenated

Nowhere to go but up - Marty Noble explains how Fred Wilpon’s got the Mets a little giddy.

Newsday:

Phillies’ Rollins amused by Beltran’s boast - Eventually, you knew Rollins would have something to say.

Mets meet with free agent pitcher Garcia - That would be Freddie Garcia according to David Lennon.  Lennon wrote this:

A team official confirmed that the Mets did meet Wednesday morning with free-agent pitcher Freddy Garcia, as first reported Wednesday by SI.com. Garcia, who is still rehabbing from shoulder surgery, is not expected to return until late June or early July. He shares the same agents as Johan Santana - Peter and Ed Greenberg - and it was unclear how close Garcia is to signing with a team.

Marlins-Mets series in Puerto Rico unlikely

Reyes vows to tone down act this season - Jose Reyes told Newsday that he will focus more on baseball and less on celebrations in 2008.

New York Daily News:

Owner Fred Wilpon says ‘it’s a championship season’ for Mets

On the surface, Fred Wilpon shows deep thoughts about Mets

Gary Carter thinks he was missing piece for Mets in 2007 collapse - Not as a player, as part of the coaching staff.

Top prospect Fernando Martinez plans to be marvelous for Mets

New York Post:

SHEA FOR SURE - Bart Hubbuch is referring to the guarantee made by Fernando Martinez yesterday.

WIL TO WIN - Mike Vaccaro is referring to Fred Wilpon’s proclamation yesterday.

PEDRO THROWS OFF MOUND, SHOWS BLING FAITH IN PETERSON - Bart Hubbuch is referring to Pedro pitching with his eyes closed yesterday.

The Star-Ledger:

Moises Alou and the fountain of youth - Alou believes that New York is the fountain of youth.

Maine gives Mets’ rotation star quality - Lisa Kennelly pointed out how John Maine became a star in the offseason.  This article is very funny.

Wilpon expects the best - Jeremy Cothran discusses Fred Wilpon’s optimism for ‘08.

Prospect likes his chances this year - Jeremy Cothran and Lisa Kennelly are also referring to Fernando’s guarantee to play this season.

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