Matt Wieters Applesauce: First Major League homer against the Mets, Carp is in the bigs, Wagner back in a month

by Joe Budd on Jun 18, 2009 10:08 AM EDT in Applesauce

On the event of Matt Wieters' first major league home run, here is a little known fact about Wieters: his eyesight is so good that he CAN see Russia from his house.

Meet the Mets

Johan Santana had a good bullpen session yesterday and is all set to make his next scheduled start.

Ramon Castro trade bait Lance Broadway had his first good outing in the Met farm system, allowing only 3 hits over 6+ innings.

Wilmer Flores also hit his second home run of the season.

Marlon Anderson has found a home with the Newark Bears. That's quite a stable of former Mets they've got there: Alberto Castillo, Carl Everett, Tike Redman, and Armando Benitez (by my count).

Billy Wagner says that he will be able to return to the Mets in 30 days. Wagner would be a welcome help to Pedro Feliciano.

Around the NL East

Shockingly, Charlie Manuel did not select Jerry Manuel as a coach to join him at the All-Star Game.

The Red Sox smacked the Marlins, 6-1, to help Brad Penny to his 100th win. Dustin Pedroia had 3 RBI.

Marlin infielder Wes Helms goes on the record as saying that the Hall of Fame should ban steroid users.

The Blue Jays help the Mets again, thumping the Phillies 7-1. Jamie Moyer was not good again, allowing 6 runs on 10 hits in 6 innings. Despite the Met loss, they remain 3 games behind Philadelphia.

The Nationals, behind New York native John Lannan, beat the Yankees 3-2.

Javier Vazquez went the distance for the Braves, but still lost to the Reds 4-3 in Cincinnati. Jay Bruce hit his 16th and pitcher Micah Owings his 2nd for the Reds.

Around MLB

Congratulations Mike Carp. With the injury to Erik Bedard, the Mariners have called up Carp from triple-A where he was hitting .299. He will get the start today at first base.

Also, congratulations to Ivan Rodriguez, who has now caught more games than anyone in baseball history.

The Blue Jays have put Roy Halladay and closer Scott Downs on the DL. Ouch.

Speaking of DL, Mike Hampton is hurt again.

The US House of Representatives will investigate whether Sammy Sosa lied under oath at infamous steroid hearing.

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Comments

Javier Vazquez

It’s been written elsewhere a million times, but he really is a fascinating study. Outstanding DIPS (2nd in the NL in tRA+ for pitchers with 200 xOUTS, 2nd in FIP) yet his ERA doesn’t reflect it, as usual. I’d still love him on the Mets. He’ll almost certainly be one of the top 5 pitchers in the league by the All Star Break, but I bet he won’t make the All Star team because of his 4-6 W-L record.

by James Kannengieser on Jun 18, 2009 10:23 AM EDT reply actions

I saw something

forget where, but they concluded (with numbers and analysis) that Javy’s insanely tough from the windup, and sort of terrible from the stretch. Which would explain the big innings he’s prone to give up, and his dominance the rest of the time.

by jasondg on Jun 18, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions

yeah I remember seeing that too

Once he gives up a weak hit or two everything unravels fast because of having to pitch from the stretch.

by Gina on Jun 18, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

If that's true

Simple fix: pitch from the windup, always. It’s not like they’re gonna steal home against him. Man, someone should hire me.

by yellomellojello on Jun 18, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Maybe with the bases loaded or a runner on third

but like, with a runner on first? You can’t just disregard the runner.

Trying to believe is my full-time occupation.

by Preach19 on Jun 18, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions

You absolutely can

What’s worse: stolen base, or base hit?

by yellomellojello on Jun 18, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions

if every single baserunner

turns into a triple within 2 pitches, I think that becomes a problem. Although it would give Jose his best chance of stealing home

by cjmulrain on Jun 19, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Here's a question:

Has anyone seen a steal of home live, either at the park or on TV? I’ve only seen them on Sportscenter or other replays and I don’t think I have seen one live before.

by meigs1414 on Jun 19, 2009 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Missed Wieters's homer

Thank you DC to Baltimore traffic. It’s all for better, because I can tell my daughter one day that the first homer she ever saw in person was hit by Gary Sheffield.

by dcmetsfan on Jun 18, 2009 10:25 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

+1

re: daughter, not traffic

Jerry Manuel...stop being....stupid...

by MetsGeek on Jun 18, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions

I saw all the dang homers.

Im upset that I also saw all the first-pitch-swing pop-ups. Boo!

Also, Im upset with Karma for being a jerk. My wife and I both got us one of them fancy Adam Jones bobble-head dolls. No one under 15 was allowed to have one. A family behind me (O’s fans) with a bunch of kids was a bit despondent about the whole thing, so I gave my bobble-head to the mom. The Mets lost anyway. I need to find someone else to worship.

Grission and Husart - that is either the non-union Mexican equivelant of "Starsky and Hutch" or the key to winning the World Series.

by IanB in MD on Jun 18, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions

Wes Helms

so I take it Wes Helms is gearing up for a career as a teevee blowhard? Does he do much else besides offer his opinion on things?

"He's definitely mixing it into his repertoire. That's French for 'repertoire' " - Keith Hernandez

by Catsmeat Potter-Pirbright on Jun 18, 2009 10:38 AM EDT reply actions

My favorite thing

is how his “Marlins are the team to beat” statement preceeded something like a 10 game losing streak. That was great.

"I dunno. I never smoked any Astroturf"
-Tug McGraw

by squid92 on Jun 18, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions

to be fair

so did Jimmy Rollins’ – thought I somehow doubt the Marlins are gonna rebound the way the Phillies did. I also doubt the Phillies are gonna allow them to rebound the way the Mets did.

by cjmulrain on Jun 18, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions

It's a sad indictment of the Mets

that his idiotic statement remains my favourite moment of the season so far…

by deadspy3 on Jun 18, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions

presumably

He was asked his take on it. I don’t think that’s an outrageous opinion for him to have. Hell, he may have juiced himself and sucked anyway. I think he had one good half season. Maybe he didn’t juice, and watched guys all around him do it. We don’t know, but a reporter asked, he answered, probably volunteered a little more.

At least he didn’t answer, when asked if he had any time: “not for you.”

by wobatus on Jun 18, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Did anyone see who is on the DL for the Newark Bears?

http://newarkbears.com/thebears/currentroster/index.html?player_id=106

It’s Jerry’s frickin’ son!

Jerry Manuel...stop being....stupid...

by MetsGeek on Jun 18, 2009 10:39 AM EDT reply actions

That team is so gangsta

Carl Everett and Marlon Anderson! I think we know who Anthony’s agent is.

Trying to believe is my full-time occupation.

by Preach19 on Jun 18, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Former Mets

Abraham Nunez, apparently. He must have been in the minors, as I don’t remember on the big league team last year.
Michael Tucker is on this team. He was on the 2006 team. Him I remember being on the 06 team at different points, must have been shuttled back and forth.
And even though he’s not a former met, Jay Gibbons is on this team as well. Not what I was expecting.

by meigs1414 on Jun 18, 2009 10:44 AM EDT reply actions

Keith Foulke

Also on the team. That’s a mighty step down from closing out the Red Sox first WS since 1918. Did he get hurt?

by Reg Dunlop on Jun 18, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions

As fun as watching a one up one down ball club is

I think you’d have to sign up for 9-9 in the next 18 until they get to the Cinci series right before the ASB. This includes 1 in Bal, 3 v Tampa, 4 v. St. Louis, 3 v. Yanks, 4 in Philly and 3 against LA. Not an easy game to be had.

I know no one wants to route for a .500 ball club, but if they can come out of that even and win two of 3 at home against Cinci, they’d be 4 over going into the ASB.

At which point the schedule eases up for the next month+ and they should have some combination of Reyes, Maine, Wagner, Perez back with Delgado and Putz maybe to follow. At this point I don’t believe they;ll get much out of anyone other than Reyes, but if they can go on a nice 20-10 run, they’ll be back in business.

I wouldn’t go trading any young prospects or pieces for a rent a player, especially not Parnell for Nick Johnson. This short sightedness has handcuffed the team for years and years and do you really think Johnson is the answer? He offers minimal power numbers and is always hurt. In theory Dan Murphy should be turning into Nick Johnson.

Frustrating, but I wouldn’t go making moves right now.

by Rigsay on Jun 18, 2009 10:53 AM EDT reply actions

Ibanez going to the DL certainly won't hurt the Mets chances to stay in the hunt...

"If I ever decide to do a book, I've already got the title...The bases were loaded and so was I."

-Jim Fregosi

by Stephen Schmidt on Jun 18, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions

Never like to see someone go on the DL..

But this is like the first semi ‘good’ thing to happen to the Mets in a while

by metsman07 on Jun 18, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

I don't feel too bad for being happy about it.

He didn’t die, and it’s not likely to be serious. I don’t mind seeing him sit for a few weeks, and hopefully come back a little out of cink.

"If I ever decide to do a book, I've already got the title...The bases were loaded and so was I."

-Jim Fregosi

by Stephen Schmidt on Jun 18, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions

I got ya...

Now if he couldn’t play the next time the Mets play the Phils…that would be good

by metsman07 on Jun 18, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions

He's going to miss at least one start...

"If I ever decide to do a book, I've already got the title...The bases were loaded and so was I."

-Jim Fregosi

by Stephen Schmidt on Jun 18, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

synch?

Nothing can get by him; especially in a small room: Mike Francessa

by GenJackRipper on Jun 18, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Body of a 25 year old

Yeah. Me when I was 25 maybe.

by deadspy3 on Jun 18, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Johnson

is great comparison to Murphy. The Hammer’s game is very similar.

Trying to believe is my full-time occupation.

by Preach19 on Jun 18, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Johnson v. Murphy

When Murphy was 20, he OPS’ed .810 in the Atlantic Sun Conference. When Johnson was 20, he OPS’ed 1.073 in Double-A. Murphy, despite being older at every single level than Johnson, has a career .796 Minor League OPS. Johnson has a .929. People forget that Johnson was on pace to be a legitimate superstar before all the injuries. Sure, he and Murphy have a similar game, in the same way that Ken Griffey Jr. and Corey Patterson have a similar game.

by cjmulrain on Jun 19, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Thank you for your opinion, Wes Helms.

Jeez, man, you just don’t stop, do you?

"I dunno. I never smoked any Astroturf"
-Tug McGraw

by squid92 on Jun 18, 2009 10:57 AM EDT reply actions

Wes Helms is a loser

Whether you like it or not, Steroids saved baseball. After the stride Big Mac and Sammy brought people back.

Lopez wants it away, and it's hit deep to left center, Andruw Jones on the run, this one has a chance... home run!!, Mike Piazza!, and the Mets lead 3 to 2!!
-Howie Rose
Gary Thorne=Simply the Best!

by The American Mr.Hockey on Jun 18, 2009 12:51 PM EDT reply actions

*Strike

typo error.

Lopez wants it away, and it's hit deep to left center, Andruw Jones on the run, this one has a chance... home run!!, Mike Piazza!, and the Mets lead 3 to 2!!
-Howie Rose
Gary Thorne=Simply the Best!

by The American Mr.Hockey on Jun 18, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Tough loss for the Yankees last night, huh?

Really, Jerry?

by Prince on Jun 18, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

well played

"If I ever decide to do a book, I've already got the title...The bases were loaded and so was I."

-Jim Fregosi

by Stephen Schmidt on Jun 18, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Somehow I think baseball would have survived without steroids.

The home run chase just made attendance figures rise faster.

"If I ever decide to do a book, I've already got the title...The bases were loaded and so was I."

-Jim Fregosi

by Stephen Schmidt on Jun 18, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

THATS the point

the rise in attendance and viewership creates everything else. More merchandise sales, etc.

Lopez wants it away, and it's hit deep to left center, Andruw Jones on the run, this one has a chance... home run!!, Mike Piazza!, and the Mets lead 3 to 2!!
-Howie Rose
Gary Thorne=Simply the Best!

by The American Mr.Hockey on Jun 18, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions

That doesn't mean it saved baseball

There was more money to divvy up, and more casual fans. Something tells me the Busch family wasn’t going bankrupt pre-Mgwire.

As an aside, a friend of mine won some trip to sping training years ago, asked Bobby V why baerga started sucking so bad so suddenly, and Valentine said he went off the juice. Hearsay, but i have no reason to think my friend or Bobby were lying.

What Alomar’s excuse is I don’t know. The Indians must inject these guys with suckiness on their way to the Mets.

by wobatus on Jun 18, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Plus, how sustainable is that?

Yes, strike killed attendance for a few years. But ’93 attendance was 70,257,000, ’94 strike 50 million, still only 50 million in ’95, 60 in ’96, 62 million in ’97, ’98 yes,s pike, 70,601,000, ’99 70,103,000, by ’02 and ’03 back down to 68 and 67 million.

In ’04 petco and citizens bank opened, up to 73 million, Expos moved to DC in ’05, up to 74 million, ’07 up to 79 million, last year 78.5 million.

The strike did kill attendance. It was coming back pre-’98, and it died thereafter a little, and has now well-surpassed the ’98 level.

I think it was coming back anyway. The theme parks picked up casual fans too. And you can’t have guys setting home run records every year. I don’t think steroids saved baseball. It put some extra coin in the Busch family pockets, for sure.

by wobatus on Jun 18, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Im talking about baseball as a whole

St.Louis has devouted fans. The homerun race stimulated intrest in the sport again.

Lopez wants it away, and it's hit deep to left center, Andruw Jones on the run, this one has a chance... home run!!, Mike Piazza!, and the Mets lead 3 to 2!!
-Howie Rose
Gary Thorne=Simply the Best!

by The American Mr.Hockey on Jun 18, 2009 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions

yes

but my point was the trajectory of getting fans back was established before that, it didn’t go above where it was before the strike really at that time, fell back after that, and is now well past that, with new stadiums and clamping down on the ’roiding somewhat. It gave a temporary booster shot is all.

by wobatus on Jun 19, 2009 8:15 AM EDT up reply actions

ah

a loser, the ultimate indictment. Bad players suck. Renders his opinion invalid.

He had a nice platoon season with the Marlins. I forget, AMH, I know you were a Mets fan, but do you like the Phils too? he REALLY sucked after the Phils signed him after the decent half season with the Marlins.

by wobatus on Jun 18, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Is it a save when you set up a loss?

Nuts to that “Steroids saved baseball” stuff. It was cool to watch dudes hit homers and blah blah blah. But the same people who fell in love with the long ball (not just the chicks) turned on baseball as soon as ‘roids became public. It hurts the damn game. The NFL is loaded with steroid and HGH users, but since they never claimed to be pure Americanism, it does not matter. It’s a pain to defend baseball to NFL lovers because they don’t hafta care about drug abuse, but somehow baseball fans do.

Grission and Husart - that is either the non-union Mexican equivelant of "Starsky and Hutch" or the key to winning the World Series.

by IanB in MD on Jun 18, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Steroids are simply a "fad" of our time

Babe Ruth, Aaron, etc. would all probably be inclined to try performance enhancers.
When player A takes them play B considers, merely to maintain his job.
Its an inconveniant truth.

Lopez wants it away, and it's hit deep to left center, Andruw Jones on the run, this one has a chance... home run!!, Mike Piazza!, and the Mets lead 3 to 2!!
-Howie Rose
Gary Thorne=Simply the Best!

by The American Mr.Hockey on Jun 18, 2009 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah

and that may be why Helms dislikes it, the need for player B to do something possibly harmful or illegal or against the rules to compete for a job. Not that it was always against the rules. Gray areas.

by wobatus on Jun 19, 2009 8:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Wilmer looks like he might be catching a groove

And I buy into this one a bit more than Marte. Since June 10 Wilmer is 10 for 28 with a double, triple, and homer. He needs to learn to walk, but he hasn’t had nearly the difficulty making contact that Marte has had.

"All energy flows according to the whims of the great magnet

What a fool I was to defy him"

-HST

by Mark Himmelstein on Jun 18, 2009 3:03 PM EDT reply actions