Open Thread - Game 149: Mets vs. Nationals (09/17/2007) on SNY

by Eric Simon on Sep 17, 2007 6:06 PM EDT

Tale of the tape:

	Lawrence	Redding
ERA	6.31	3.42
FIP	5.58	5.18
K/9	5.26	4.61
BB/9	4.21	4.61
K/BB	1.25	1.00
HR/9	1.40	0.92
WHIP	1.91	1.45
GB/FB	0.95	1.04
BABIP	.365	.265
eBABIP	.303	.330

Que se dillio:

Nothing but Nats and Marlins (plus a Cardinal) from here on out. If the Mets can't beat up on the bottom dwellers then they don't deserve to be in the postseason anyway.

Check out the preview of today's game at Baseball-Reference.com.

The other side of the tracks:

Check out Federal Baseball for discussion of this game from the point-of-view of the opponent.

Follow the game online:

- FanGraphs.com
- ESPN.com
- Yahoo!
- CBS SportsLine
- MLB.com

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Comments

¡milagro!

When was the last time Reyes even took five pitches in a row, much less walked?

by anonymous on Sep 17, 2007 7:08 PM EDT reply actions

Should we not be starting Pelfrey or Humber?

I'm not angry at this, but if you aren't going to give them a chance to pitch from the pen in games that are relatively close, then let them start...

Talkin' Sports

by BlackOps on Sep 17, 2007 7:15 PM EDT reply actions

Humber

Judging by Willie's managing, Philip Humber is apparently on house arrest and is to be prevented from pitching under any circumstances, including forfeiting the game.

by anonymous on Sep 17, 2007 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions

From Delcos

We just finished with Willie Randolph and he said neither Mike Pelfrey nor Phil Humber are being considered to work out of the pen in the playoffs.
There's not enough time left to experiment with Pelfrey and Humber has never done it.

Keep Lastings Milledge Free

by DoctorK16 on Sep 17, 2007 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm sorry, but

this is fucking bullshit.

All of a sudden I'm not liking the Mets' chances in the postseason, unless all of their starters are going to go seven or eight innings in every single game.

Mota and Sele are garbage, and Sosa and the Show are not much better. This going-to-the-playoffs-with-the-bullpen-you-have stuff is BS. Willie should have been using these guys young out of the 'pen all month, and now it's "too late."

Also, I heard that Joe Smith is not eligible for the postseason roster. Someone prove me wrong, please. Why the fuck are these guys on the team right now if they are never going to pitch?

Fuck Willie. I've officially had it. </rant>

We've got ourselves a ball club, the Mets of New York town!

by kingcritical on Sep 17, 2007 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions

you're right

I have to agree, I don't like the Mets' chances in the postseason if this bass-ackwards nonsense is really the approach they're going to take when they set the roster and decide who gets used out of the bullpen. Willie's veteran obsession has reached the point where it cripples his ability to think logically. September should have been the time to evaluate the young guys and see whether they suck less than the roster-filler that Willie insists on using again and again. And god forbid we should take a talented but unproven young player into the playoffs: Francisco Rodriguez and Timo Perez say hi.

by anonymous on Sep 17, 2007 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

As per Joe Smith the Mets could add him in Juan Padilla or Dirty 60 man spot using the K-Rod loophole.

Keep Lastings Milledge Free

by DoctorK16 on Sep 17, 2007 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions

also

As far as choosing Lawrence over Humber for tonight, Randolph said it is because the former is more on his rotation.

Keep Lastings Milledge Free

by DoctorK16 on Sep 17, 2007 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions

slump: busted.

Nothing like Nationals pitching to get a team healthy. (Of course, we're starting some Nationals pitching for our side tonight, too.)

by anonymous on Sep 17, 2007 7:16 PM EDT reply actions

their bullpen is pretty good

and Windmill has them playing hard. These are no gimmes.

Keep Lastings Milledge Free

by DoctorK16 on Sep 17, 2007 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Windmill

Man, what I wouldn't give to have him managing the Mets right now. He seems like a smart guy, and the Nats have a shot at losing fewer than 90 games when everyone expected them to lose like 110 back in March.

Every time Mota pitches, a kitten dies. Please think of the kittens!

by Greenpoint Ian on Sep 17, 2007 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah Windmill

is a smart guy. Willing to listen and try different things. That is Willie flaw IMO.

Keep Lastings Milledge Free

by DoctorK16 on Sep 17, 2007 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Green feeling spry

Keep Lastings Milledge Free

by DoctorK16 on Sep 17, 2007 7:57 PM EDT reply actions

DFA'd this fucking waste pitcher

Keep Lastings Milledge Free

by DoctorK16 on Sep 17, 2007 8:41 PM EDT reply actions

I've had it

If the fact that Mota was used in a critical situation in perhaps the biggest game of the season yesterday wasn't enough, worthless Brian Lawrence is followed by even more worthless Aaron Sele (never mind Mota, why was this guy on the roster all year?) in a tie game, and of course, the Nats jump on top.

If the Mets miss the playoffs, I hope Minaya has the balls to can Randolph. I'd fire him tonight if I were in charge.

Every time Mota pitches, a kitten dies. Please think of the kittens!

by Greenpoint Ian on Sep 17, 2007 8:42 PM EDT reply actions

so:

We're going to waste another game trying out every single waste of a major-league roster spot in the bullpen? WTF? Could we not just call up the entire New Orleans pitching staff and try them instead? I'm sick of Sele and Schoeneweis's faces, and they can't really be much better than any random AAA pitcher.

by anonymous on Sep 17, 2007 8:45 PM EDT reply actions

they are the definition of Replacement level

players. My head hurts.

Keep Lastings Milledge Free

by DoctorK16 on Sep 17, 2007 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions

you're right

Humber and Pelfry are not going to the playoffs.

So, Humber and Pelfry are not going to start down the stretch.

And Humber and Pelfry are not even going to get work out of the bullpen as long men.

Ah, you guys know how I feel about this. I can't wait to see Sele on the hill during Serious October Baseball.

We've got ourselves a ball club, the Mets of New York town!

by kingcritical on Sep 17, 2007 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Serious October Baseball

I think that also calls for Gritty Veterans with Championship Intangibles. Get ready to see a lot more of Jeff Conine and his like .240 OPS, and a lot less of Inexperienced, Unproven Lastings Milledge.

Every time Mota pitches, a kitten dies. Please think of the kittens!

by Greenpoint Ian on Sep 17, 2007 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions

oh god

This is causing me to wince in pain even in anticipation. But I guess we have to expect this kind of thing, considering that our team is managed by a Gritty, Hustle-y True Yankee.

by anonymous on Sep 17, 2007 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm not kidding: my stomach is churning

after reading Doc's news from John Delcos above.

That item appears here, by the way.

We've got ourselves a ball club, the Mets of New York town!

by kingcritical on Sep 17, 2007 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions

stat of the day

Scott Schoeneweis has now appeared in 63 games this season for the New York Mets. Mota, surprisingly, has been in "only" 46.

Is it any wonder we're struggling to hold on to the division lead?

by anonymous on Sep 17, 2007 8:48 PM EDT reply actions

don't forget

Mota didn't pitch for 8 weeks because he pissed dirty. So that 46 is pretty impressive.

Keep Lastings Milledge Free

by DoctorK16 on Sep 17, 2007 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions

3-0 Phillies

Aaron Rowand just hit a 2-run bomb. He's on my short list of players I wish would be traded to Seattle or something so I never have to see him again.

Every time Mota pitches, a kitten dies. Please think of the kittens!

by Greenpoint Ian on Sep 17, 2007 9:00 PM EDT reply actions

total career year

Rowand is having an unbelievable season, no doubt. But I think he's a great bet never to repeat it.

by anonymous on Sep 17, 2007 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions

choke, choke choke

I'm beginning to think Willie's decisions could lead to disaster. No reason to ever start Lawrence. Waiting for Mota to come in.

Save America. Impeach Bush

by elifriedman on Sep 17, 2007 9:01 PM EDT reply actions

Mets seem destined to let Phils

get very close and Schoenweiss leads the leadoff lefthanded hitter.

Save America. Impeach Bush

by elifriedman on Sep 17, 2007 9:02 PM EDT reply actions

This is just fucking great

Keep Lastings Milledge Free

by DoctorK16 on Sep 17, 2007 9:06 PM EDT reply actions

now what does Willie need

to not pitch these bums.

Save America. Impeach Bush

by elifriedman on Sep 17, 2007 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions

did like Willie over past two years

but am having doubts given his ultra conservative, sedate ways. Now DW what the fuck is wrong with this team. Don't expect Willie to scream at anybody

Save America. Impeach Bush

by elifriedman on Sep 17, 2007 9:06 PM EDT reply actions

Tanking

Oh My God. Can we get the 64 Phillies on speed dial.

Keep Lastings Milledge Free

by DoctorK16 on Sep 17, 2007 9:08 PM EDT reply actions

don't forget the 1999 Mets

who came very close to blowing a big wild-card lead which followed the 1998 Mets who only needed one win in last 5 games to guarantee a tie for wild-card. It's a habit with this organization. It really, really hurts being a Met fan.

Save America. Impeach Bush

by elifriedman on Sep 17, 2007 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions

a week ago I didn't think it possible

but the Phillies look like they want it more than we do. I'm sure glad there isn't a month to play or we would probably be dead.

Save America. Impeach Bush

by elifriedman on Sep 17, 2007 9:09 PM EDT reply actions

it's like everyone is baffled with Willie

Lo Duca had no idea he was being double-switched out there (and why would he?).

by anonymous on Sep 17, 2007 9:09 PM EDT reply actions

a totally moronic move

they are down three maybe more runs and they need offense. why not use Smith or Humber. he's going to kill his bullpen. He's a total asshole. If I didn't know better I would think he's betting against his team or he's just plain stupid

Save America. Impeach Bush

by elifriedman on Sep 17, 2007 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions

3-run bomb by Rollins

Whatever you think of the guy, man oh man, did he back up his talk this season.

Every time Mota pitches, a kitten dies. Please think of the kittens!

by Greenpoint Ian on Sep 17, 2007 9:10 PM EDT reply actions

wtf?

this is a f'n travesty.

They got to get a hypnotist or some shit in the clubhouse, stat.

After he unhexes the team, he can break Mota's thumbs for good measure, then key Willie's Bentley.

by citimetro on Sep 17, 2007 9:10 PM EDT reply actions

Sosa looks a bit

burned out. He started off as a starter and isn't use to this work. Doc you were right, Willie is doing to the bullpen what Mauch did to his starters in 1964. Gotta give credit to Gary Cohen he's rightfully all over the Mets and Willie

Save America. Impeach Bush

by elifriedman on Sep 17, 2007 9:15 PM EDT reply actions

I'll say it again

If the Mets fuck this season up, Randolph needs to be fired. Absolutely no question about it.

I know it will take cojones the size of Jupiter to do it, with Willie being a New York Kind of Guy who Played the Right Way and was a True Yankee, but I don't see any other option.

Omar, the idiots in the press ripped you for trading Benson. They'll rip you for this, but you'll be vindicated again in the end.

Every time Mota pitches, a kitten dies. Please think of the kittens!

by Greenpoint Ian on Sep 17, 2007 9:16 PM EDT reply actions

Wilpon

is not ripping up a 3 year deal. It won't happen.

Keep Lastings Milledge Free

by DoctorK16 on Sep 17, 2007 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions

screw Wilpon

he can sell a building and make up the difference

Save America. Impeach Bush

by elifriedman on Sep 17, 2007 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I dunno

He does makes a lot of baffling decisions, but if you give a guy dog poop, he's not going to bring you tiramisu. Mota, No-Show, Sele. Those are on Omar...

by citimetro on Sep 17, 2007 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions

what about his "leadership"?

The team is playing like a deer in the headlights right now. A bunch of these guys like Reyes check their closet for Jimmy Rollins, Pat Burrell, and Aaron Rowand before going to bed at night.

Yes, Minaya's bullpen blew up in his face this season, but there's absolutely no excuse for the little-league play right now.

Every time Mota pitches, a kitten dies. Please think of the kittens!

by Greenpoint Ian on Sep 17, 2007 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions

don't get me wrong

he's doing a horrible job. If he's not going to inspire the team, he at least has to hand the job off to a general type to lead. Someone like Pedro, or Wright or Moises or Beltran or Lo Duca, or even Wags. It doesn't looklike that's happening.

But using up your 3rd catcher on a pointless doubleswitch WHEN YOU'RE GOING TO PINCH-HIT FOR THE CATCHER ANYWAY and hoping your last catcher WHO'S COMING OFF A BACK INJURY can go two innings or you'll end up with Glavine catching. That doesn't make any sense at all. It's like Mr. Mtzypik-whatever type insanity.

by citimetro on Sep 17, 2007 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions

whoops

forgot about Alomar...

by citimetro on Sep 17, 2007 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions

very true

Keep Lastings Milledge Free

by DoctorK16 on Sep 17, 2007 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions

oh good lord

Get an out, Sosa! What's with the Mets fielding their positions these days? Yeesh.

We've got ourselves a ball club, the Mets of New York town!

by kingcritical on Sep 17, 2007 9:17 PM EDT reply actions

been watching baseball

for 45 years and I have never seen anything close to this ever. You work a full day and want to come home and watch some baseball. After watching an hour of this I would rather be back at work and I'm in the middle of a horrible murder trial

Save America. Impeach Bush

by elifriedman on Sep 17, 2007 9:18 PM EDT reply actions

hmmm

pretty glad i didnt end up going to RFK for tonights game.

by kendynamo on Sep 17, 2007 9:22 PM EDT reply actions

Mets bullpen

Tom McCarthy, incredulous: "The Nationals have scored three runs, and they don't have a base hit in this inning."

OK, sounds like they credited Logan with a hit. But Tom McCarthy and Howie Rose think that's kinda nonsense.

We've got ourselves a ball club, the Mets of New York town!

by kingcritical on Sep 17, 2007 9:23 PM EDT reply actions

that wasn't hit

Sosa fucked it up royally.

Keep Lastings Milledge Free

by DoctorK16 on Sep 17, 2007 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions

well, this one's over

Time to bring in the mop-up crew. Willie, get Schoeneweis and Sele up. Wait, you already pitched them both when the game was still close?

At least there's still Mota, unless you're saving him for tomorrow....

Every time Mota pitches, a kitten dies. Please think of the kittens!

by Greenpoint Ian on Sep 17, 2007 9:23 PM EDT reply actions

Willi

should make Juicer pitch every inning until his arm explodes. 30, 40, 50 innings; whatever it takes. The Mets might miss the playoffs, but they ain't doing jack this year anyway.

by citimetro on Sep 17, 2007 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions

rally caps

we can score 5 in 3 against the nads' pen.

by kendynamo on Sep 17, 2007 9:32 PM EDT reply actions

What is up with pinch hitting for DeFelice?

Willie has Tom and Howie (and your humble blog commenter here) scratching their heads.

Of course I'd rather see Gotay at the plate than DeFelice... But why burn LoDuca and DeFelice both? What is Willie smoking down there?

We've got ourselves a ball club, the Mets of New York town!

by kingcritical on Sep 17, 2007 9:34 PM EDT reply actions

what the crap?

So DiFelice was double-switched in for Lo Duca, but didn't even bat? Why do you use the double switch if you're going to pinch-hit for the position player before he gets a chance to bat? Is he drunk?

by anonymous on Sep 17, 2007 9:34 PM EDT reply actions

he four catchers

so it hardly matters, but it is very odd.

Keep Lastings Milledge Free

by DoctorK16 on Sep 17, 2007 9:36 PM EDT reply actions

this is very strange.

Why not just switch Castro in.

Keep Lastings Milledge Free

by DoctorK16 on Sep 17, 2007 9:41 PM EDT reply actions

by elifriedman on Sep 17, 2007 9:51 PM EDT reply actions

this game is officially absurd

The Mets kinda needed to win this game.
The Mets started the wrong guy today.
There is no one in the Mets bullpen who can pitch anymore, save for maybe Pedro 2, Heilman, and Wagner, and even those guys have not been great lately.
We've seen everyone else out of the bullpen besides the few guys who can pitch and the few guys who could have started this game instead of Brian Lawrence.
I'm thoroughly disgusted with the way this team is playing and the way its manager is "managing" at the moment.
I just hope watching this train wreck does not mean I'm watching one of the great collapses of all time.

We've got ourselves a ball club, the Mets of New York town!

by kingcritical on Sep 17, 2007 9:53 PM EDT reply actions

I'm done

This train wreck has me unable to look away, but I've got work to do. Hopefully the aspirin I just took (no joke) and the accounting reading I have to do will get my mind off this team.

Every time Mota pitches, a kitten dies. Please think of the kittens!

by Greenpoint Ian on Sep 17, 2007 9:56 PM EDT reply actions