Jayson Werth launched a three run home run off of R.A. Dickey in the first inning and that bomb stood the rest of the way as Yunesky Maya and the Nats bullpen stymied the Mets offense, resulting in a 3-0 loss in Washington on Saturday. The Mets managed just 8 hits and even loaded the bases in the 9th with two outs before PH/Met Killer Willie Harris struck out to end the threat and the game.
Dickey went six decent innings in this one and even added a hit of his own, but it was one first inning pitch that Werth deposited into center field that cost him the game. Even if Dickey lost the game, we still know how awesome he is and this article right here gives us yet another reason to love R.A. I mean, how many deities ride the train to work with the fans?
The Mets look to take the rubber game of their series with the Nats on Sunday afternoon. Jonathan Niese toes the rubber for the Mets, while impressive youngster Jordan Zimmerman pitches for the Nats. Game time is at 1:35 PM and can be seen on WPIX 11.
David Wright is raking, plain and simple. But is he a superstar? This observer says absolutely (and no, I'm not one of David's parents or even remotely related to him).
Johan Santana could make his second rehab start on Wednesday with St. Lucie, according to Terry Collins. Once he returns, the Mets are considering going with a six-man rotation, since nobody's pitched themselves out of a job.
Sandy Alderson hinted that money saved in the Carlos Beltran and Frankie Rodriguez trades will go towards re-signing Jose Reyes this offseason. Sounds good to me! Alderson was supposed to travel to D.C. to join the team for their series with the Nats but at the last minute, decided to stay in New York. Could this mean more trades are coming tomorrow?
Another day, another Carlos Beltran tribute. Meanwhile, Fangraphs examines Brian Sabean's game of Russian Roulette with Zack Wheeler.
Howard Megdal goes over what he calls the "Feliciano-Fulmer Affair". Good stuff here. I lobby the Mets do this more often.
Around the NL East
Ryan Howard hit a home run, as the Phillies ushered in the Hunter Pence era with a 7-4 victory over the Pirates. Over at his blog, Patrick Flood argues that the window is starting to close on the Phillies (and subsequently open for the other four teams in the division).
The Mets continue to receive no help whatsoever from the Marlins, as they fell to the Braves by a score of 5-1. The Braves are still looking to add an outfielder before the trade deadline but they may decide to stand pat. Hey Frank Wren...we've got this Bay guy over here and we're willing to give him to you for pennies, if you'd like! (Of course, we'd gladly accept a pitching prospect in return if you're feeling generous).
Around the Majors
Lots of trades and rumors to report here. The big deal of the day was the Indians acquisition of Ubaldo Jimenez from the Rockies for a big package of 4 prospects. Among other trades, Doug Fister was dealt to the Tigers, the Red Sox acquired Mike Aviles and nearly acquired Rich Harden before the deal fell apart, Jason Marquis goes to the D-Backs, the Brewers acquired Jerry Hairston Jr from the Nats, the Rangers added Koji Uehara to their bullpen, the Pirates grabbed Derek Lee and the Giants added gritty winner Orlando Cabrera.
In rumorland, it looks as if the Cardinals are close to acquiring Rafael Furcal from the Dodgers, while Dodgers righty Hiroki Kuroda won't waive his no-trade clause and the Reds don't seem to be a fit for Michael Bourn. In case you forgot, the trade deadline is today at 4 PM EST.
Hard throwing Rangers lefty Derek Holland has tossed three shutouts in his last five starts. Pretty impressive run for a pitcher with great stuff. Perhaps he's starting to put it together.
Finally, the Yankees set some records in a doubleheader sweep of the Orioles.