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Meet the Mets
The Mets completed a three-game sweep of the Mimai Marlins yesterday afternoon, capturing the series finale in dramatic, walk-off fashion thanks to some timely hitting from Ruben Tejada and some "interesting" tactics from Ozzie Guillen. The Mets wrap up their home schedule this week as the plummeting Pirates come to town. Jenrry Mejia starts the series opener tonight. I had this series circled on my calendar at the end of June, but apparently it's a long season.
David Wright went 1-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's win, getting him within four hits of Ed Kranepool's Mets team record. Wright would probably already have the team record if not for his struggles in the second half, which you might have noticed.
Kelly Shoppach is making his case for a 2013 contract both in the clubhouse and on the field. I have no problem bringing Shoppach back, but he is still going to need a left-handed platoon partner, whether it's Josh Thole or someone else.
Team Israel, featuring Josh Satin and reliever Jeff Kaplan, fell in extra innings to Spain in their pool final. Satin went 1-6 in the game and was 3-11 with four walks in the WBC. Kaplan gave up a run in 1 1/3 innings of work yesterday. Well, at least Satin heads to Las Vegas next year where there will likely be plenty of opportunities for hailing.
Frank Frank has not officially been shut down for the rest of the season, but has probably been shut down for the rest of the season.
Around the NL East
The Braves won the rubber game of their final 2012 series with the Phillies behind a gem from starter Tim Hudson. The Braves are now just four and a half games back of the Nationals who lost to Milwaukee. Should of kept Strasburg.
Yesterday at AA
Revel in the Mets win over the Marlins one more time. Or catch up on the last seven days in AA.
Around MLB
The A's salvaged the last game of their wild series in Yankee stadium, squeaking out a 5-4 win over the Bombers. Big win for Oakland who has seen their wild card lead whittled away to 2 1/2 games over the Angels and 3 1/2 games over the Rays.
The Orioles failed to make up any ground in the AL East, as they also lost a close game to the Red Sox, but the contest did feature the professional debut of Dylan Bundy who pitched 2/3 scoreless for Baltimore.
The AL Central continues to be an utter mess as the Tigers were swept in a doubleheader by the Twins. Yes, the Minnesota Twins. The White Sox couldn't take advantage though, as they lost their third straight to the streaking Angels. Chicago remains one up on Detroit in the Central.
Moving to the National League, Milwaukee's win kept them 2 1/2 back of the Cardinals for the second wild card as St. Louis took care of business against the Cubs. The Dodgers also kept pace with a win over the Reds on Sunday Night baseball, despite a shaky outing from Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw walked five in five innings, but picked up the win and regained the NL strikeout lead with 211 Ks. Boo Kershaw! Yay Dickey!
And finally, you can argue about this amongst yourselves. I have no more energy to give on it.