NL East Rundown
August 13, 2008
BY MICHAEL GANCI
UPDATE! Writer
As of 8 a.m. on August 9, 2008, the Mets are currently sitting in second place in the NL East with a 61-54 record. The Marlins are breathing right down the Mets’ necks with a 61-55 record, which places them only a half of game back of the Mets for second. The Phillies, on the other hand, are trying to stay atop the division, but they only lead the Mets by one game, with a record of 62-53. In this post, I will show a breakdown of the remaining schedules for each of those teams, and I will explain how it all rests in the Mets’ favor.
Teams the Mets Face
1. Marlins (2) 61-55
2. Pirates (1) 53-62
3. Nationals (3) 44-72
4. Pirates (4) 53-62
5. Braves (3) 54-62
6. Astros (4) 56-59
7. Phillies (2) 62-53
8. Marlins (3) 61-55
9. Brewers (3)65-51
10. Phillies (3) 62-53
11. Nationals (2) 44-72
12. Braves (3) 54-62
13. Nationals (4) 44-72
14. Braves (3) 54-62
15. Cubs (4) 70-46
16. Florida (3) 61-55
47 Games Left
27 Games Against Teams Under .500
13 Games Against Teams Less than 10 Games over .500
7 Games Against Teams More than 10 games over .500
Teams the Phillies Face
1. Pirates (2) 53-62
2. Dodgers (4) 58-57
3. Padres (3) 44-72
4. Nationals (3) 44-72
5. Dodgers (4) 58-57
6. Mets (2) 61-54
7. Cubs (4) 70-46
8. Nationals (3) 44-72
9. Mets (3) 61-54
10. Marlins (3) 61-55
11. Brewers (4) 65-51
12. Braves (3)54-62
13. Marlins (3)61-55
14. Braves (3) 54-62
15. Nationals (3) 44-72
47 Games Left
20 Games Against Teams under .500
19 Games Against Teams Less Than 10 Games Over .500
8 Games Against Teams More than 10 Games Over .500
Teams the Marlins Face
1. Mets (2) 61-54
2. Cardinals (4) 64-54
3. Cubs (3) 70-46
4. Giants (3) 48-66
5. Diamondbacks (3) 59-57
6. Braves (3) 54-62
7. Mets (3) 61-54
8. Braves (3) 54-62
9. Cardinals (3) 64-54
10. Phillies (3) 62-53
11. Nationals (3) 44-72
12. Astros (3) 56-59
13. Phillies (3) 62-53
14. Reds (1) 52-65
15. Nationals (3) 44-72
16. Mets (3) 61-54
46 Games Remaining
19 Games Against Teams Under .500
17 Games Against Teams Less than 10 Games over .500
10 Games Against Teams More than 10 Games over .500
ADVANTAGE: METS
As you can see, the Mets have the easiest remaining schedule of all three teams. They get to face off with teams that have less than a .500 record 27 times in their last 47 games, and those are the kind of games that need to be won if they want to win the division. The Marlins play 10 games against teams that are ten games or more over .500, and the Mets only play seven. Those three games can really make a major difference. The bottom line is this. There is no need to worry. Billy Wagner will be back soon . Ryan Church may be back sooner than we think. John Maine should be back next week, and Daniel Murphy is a beast. The Daily Stache says that the Mets are still the favorites in the NL East. This is the Daily Stache, reminding you that until next time, let the truth be told!
For more of Michael’s posts, check out www.dailystache.com.
METS: Wagner Expected Back Next Monday
August 11, 2008
New York Mets closer Billy Wagner, who played catch on the field Saturday and Sunday, is on target to return a week from Monday barring any setbacks, according to the New York Daily News.
BOTTOM LINE: This is good news, considering that initial estimates had Wagner out until the end of the month. Keep him on the bench this week, and maybe you will get him back for next week.
METS: Tatis on Fire
August 6, 2008
New York Mets outfielder Fernando Tatis is on a 12-game hitting streak, which included a two home run game on Tuesday night.
BOTTOM LINE: Tatis has been unbelievable of late, and is one of the better stories in baseball this season. If he keeps up this torrid pace, he will be a good option in all formats. Keep an eye on him for now.
Athletes and Their Celebrations
July 25, 2008
Recently in New York, there has been a lot of talk about Jose Reyes and his hand gesture when he hit a three-run home run on Wednesday night against the Phillies. Feelings are mixed around New York. Why is Reyes under the microscope? What about Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera’s celebrations? I think they are all fine, and people overreact.
The key to playing any sport is playing with emotion. Jose Reyes pours his heart and soul on the field, and many people don’t like the fire he plays with. A perfect example of someone who people accept is Troy Percival of the Tampa Bay Rays. He acts like a nut on the mount sometimes, but yet, people are always saying that he plays with fire and passion. In my mind, there is no difference between that and what Reyes does. Both are ok.
Another thing people have to take into consideration is the intensity of the rivalry. The Phillies came back and gave the Mets a huge punch in the stomach with their come from behind victory on Tuesday, and Shane Victorino showboated even worse than Reyes did. There was a play in which he scored, and he stood on the plate, pounded his chest and pointed towards the Mets’ dugout. Why didn’t anyone make a big deal about that?
The bottom line is that people need to look at all of these players on an even field. Just because Jose Reyes is the most talented, that doesn’t make it justified to hold him to different standards than the rest of the league. He can sing, dance and jump if he wants to, because he is the engine that keeps the Mets running.
–MICHAEL GANCI
Trade Deadline Looming
July 23, 2008
The MLB trade deadline is only eight days away, and there are several guys who may be wearing new uniforms once that time comes. In this blog, I will pick the five most likely guys to get traded, and where I think they will end up.
1. Xavier Nady, Pirates
Destination: Rays
The Rays are in need of a good hitting right-handed hitter, and Nady would seem to be the guy who would fit the bill best. The Rays have a plethora of young pitching in which they could trade, so it seems like these two teams could be a match. Nady has said that he wants to stay in Pittsburgh, but the decision is out of his hands.
2. Brian Fuentes, Rockies
Destination: Marlins
Florida management is known to be fans of Fuentes, and he would come in and threaten Kevin Gregg to take over as closer. They have been pursuing him very aggressively. The Marlins have plenty of young talent to get the deal done. It’s just a matter of whether or not they want to go for it this year. This seems like a match for all parties involved.
3. Casey Blake, Indians
Destination: Mets
This trade makes too much sense for it not to happen. Omar Minaya is known to be a huge fan of Blake, and Blake fits the big hole that the Mets have. They need a right handed hitting outfielder who can also occasionally spell Delgado against a lefty at first base. Blake fits the bill. I think it would only cost the Mets a mid-level prospect if they are willing to eat Blake’s contract.
4. Jarrod Washburn, Mariners
Destination: Yankees
The Yankees are in need of a starting pitcher. Mussina and Pettite are the only two guys that they can consistently count on right now, although Wang should be entering the picture pretty soon. Washburn, although caught up in the horror of Seattle, is still a quality pitcher. The Yankees and Mariners are known to be in discussions, and the Yankees want Seattle to take Kei Igawa, but the best course of action would be for the Yankees to trade a mid-level minor leaguer and eat Washburn’s contract.
5. Huston Street, Athletics
Destination: Brewers
The Brewers have proven to everyone that they are ready to go for it now. The acquisition of CC Sabathia was a huge splash for them and they don’t seem to be done. Eric Gagne could be a headache, so the Brewers entered the market for a late inning reliever, and Street would feet the bill. The Athletics are looking to reload their minor league system, and the Brewers have a nice group of prospects. This one is an easy match.
–MICHAEL GANCI
METS: Delgado On Fire
July 21, 2008
New York Mets first basemen Carlos Delgado drove in two runs and had three hits Sunday in the Mets’ 7-5 win over the Reds and is now batting .419 in July.
BOTTOM LINE: Delgado has been awesome recently, and that has been a huge difference. The Mets need his production if they wabt to be successful coming down the stretch.
METS: Alou Has Torn Hamstring
July 11, 2008
New York Mets outfielder Moises Alou has a torn right hamstring, and may be out for the rest of the season, according to the New York Daily News.
BOTTOM LINE: General Manager Omar Minaya made the announcement following Thursday’s win against the Giants. No Met fan is shocked right now. It is amazing how brittle he is.
METS: Delgado on Fire
July 10, 2008
New York Mets first basemen Carlos Delgado is 15-for-35 (.429) with seven extra-base hits in nine July games, and has raised his season average to .249, the highest it’s been since April 15.
BOTTOM LINE: This guy is very important to the Mets success, and if he is successful, this lineup will be downright scary. You can play him.
METS: Pelfrey Wins 5th Straight
July 9, 2008
New York Mets starter Mike Pelfrey tossed seven shutout innings and got the win to move to 7-6 on the season. He allowed just three hits, walked none and struck out five. The win was his fifth straight.
BOTTOM LINE: Pelfrey’s ERA is now under 4.0-, and he should be considered for pickup in mixed leagues.
METS: Alou Still Not Ready
June 30, 2008
New York Mets outfielder Moises Alou isn’t ready yet to start a minor league rehab assignment after straining his left calf a few weeks ago. This was reported by the New York Daily News.
BOTTOM LINE: Jerry Manuel recently said that he might have Mosies Alou back by the weekend, but that seems like wishful thinking now. The Mets need to proceed without Alou, and if he is ever ready, that will just be an added bonus.
Major Changes Looming
June 26, 2008
Jerry Manuel said that there are going to be major changes looming with the New York Mets. His roles in the bullpen have been defined. Duaner Sanchez is the setup man. Joe Smith and Pedro Feliciano are the situational relievers, and of course, Billy Wagner is his closer. I don’t think that’s what Jerry meant by major changes. He decided to sit David Wright in the second game of the series versus the Mariners, in which the Mets lost 11-0. Wright wasn’t happy with the move, but rather than whine and complain, Wright answered the way all hitters should strive to–with his bat. He cranked two homers in two innings to help lift the Mets to an easy 8-2 win.
The Mets need to acquire a jack of all trades, and the first guy who pops up in my head is Ryan Freel. Cincinatti is known to be willing to trade him, so why not? The Mets could probably get him for a couple of lower level minor leaguers. He is 30 years old and is hitting .298. The Mets could use his versitility to spell guys like Castillo, Wright and the outfielders.
ANGELS: K-ROD is Human
June 19, 2008
Anaheim Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez blew only his second save of the season in Wednesday’s loss to the Mets. Prior to this, K-ROD had converted 25 straight save chances successfully.
BOTTOM LINE: Jose Reyes started the rally with a single, and he advanced to second on a wild pitch. With two outs, David Wright flared one into left to tie the game. Rodriguez was very upset with himself. But, he should remember that he leads the majors with 28 saves in an awesome campaign thus far.
METS: Reyes Tweaks Hamstring
June 18, 2008
New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes was diagnosed with a stiff left hamstring after leaving Tuesday night’s game against the Angels, but is expected to play on Wednesday, the Associated Press reports.
BOTTOM LINE: Reyes threw a bit of a tantrum, because he thought he could stay in the game, but new manager Jerry Manuel was just being cautious. Reyes will be back in the lineup on Wednesday.
‘Willie Watch’ Concludes
June 18, 2008
Willie Randolph’s job security has been an issue ever since the collapse that ended last season. With a payroll over $130 million, the Mets were once again expected to be the team to beat in the National League. They added a bonifide ace in Johan Santana and had a healthy Pedro Martinez coming back. But, things are not always as clear as they seem.
Martinez got hurt in his first start and was sidelined for months. Santana has been pitching well, but lacks significant run support. Oliver Perez and Mike Pelfrey have been inconsistent, and the bullpen has been awful. The hitters and the team for that matter have been more up and down than ever, and the team needed a scapegoat, but they could’ve gone about it in a better fashion.
Two days ago, when asked about Willie Randolph’s job, Omar Minaya refused to confirm that Randolph would be the team’s manager on Monday, and the Willie Watch was on. Then, the Mets go on and score runs, get better pitching than the scorecard indicates from Pelfrey, (2 inherited runners were allowed to score by Feliciano) and they even scored nine runs. But, that was not enough to save their manager and pitching coach’s jobs.
Willie was informed in his hotel room late after the game that he was relieved of duty. But, the timing seems to make no sense at all. The Mets have won four of their last six, but it is not like they will be working for a completely new boss. Jerry Manuel takes over the helm. Ken Oberkfell will be hired as the team’s new first base coach, Dan Warthen will be the new pitching coach, and Luis Aguayo will be Manuel’s bench coach. The Mets need to evaluate how they make decisions, because with this one, they made themselves look foolish.
–MICHAEL GANCI
Mets: Heilman Clutch
June 17, 2008
BOTTOM LINE: This was a big performance for a guy who had been letting inherited runners score at will thus far this season (50 percent). If your league counts holds and Heilman gets hot, he may be someone worth picking up.
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