Series Recap: Mets Lose 2 of 3 To Phillies, Drop 3rd Straight Series

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets

Series Recap, May 9^th – May 11^th

May 9th	Phillies 3	Mets 2
May 10th	Phillies 5	Mets 4
May 11th	Phillies 4	Mets 5

It was another rough series for the Mets, as the Phillies were able to come into Citi Field and take two of three in the series. Both teams were coming into the series after getting swept in their previous series played. It would have been a second consecutive series on the wrong side of a sweep for the Mets had their offense not bailed them out in the ninth inning on Mother’s Day. A rough May continued for the Mets, as they have lost all three series played, losing eight of 10 games played. Their record now sits at 17-19 on the season, with an uninspiring 9-10 record at home. The Phillies also have a 17-19 record, and are 11-10 on the road. Next up for the Mets is the Subway Series, four games against the New York Yankees

-Positives

Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images

Series Recap: Mets Swept by Marlins

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

New York Mets vs. Miami Marlins

Series Recap, May 5^th-May 7^th

May 5th	Mets 3	Marlins 4
May 6th	Mets 0	Marlins 3
May 7th	Mets 0	Marlins 1

Click here for Game 2 Recap

The New York Mets road trip came to a disastrous end, as they Miami Marlins swept them in the three-game series. The Mets fell under .500 for the first time since April 19^th, losing six of their last seven games as the Marlins pitching staff mowed down the Mets lineup every night. The Mets were unable to get anything going against a Marlins team that has been dominant at home with a 17-5 record. Here are some things to take away from the series.

-Positives

The Mets starting pitchers were able to bounce back after ugly performances against the Colorado Rockies in Denver. All three starters, Jon Niese, Bartolo Colon and Zack Wheeler, threw quality starts and lasted at least six innings. Niese continues to toss gem after gem for the Mets. Through six starts on the season, Niese owns a 1.82 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 39.2 innings. He has given up one or less earned runs in four start starts, yet disappointingly, he only has a 2-2 record to show for his efforts.

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Mets Blanked By Marlins as Road Trip Struggles Continue

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Tuesday, May 6^th, 2014

New York Mets vs. Miami Marlins

Post Game Recap

The New York Mets road trip struggles continued again Tuesday night against the Miami Marlins, as they were shut out 3-0. It is the second consecutive loss for the Mets in Miami, who have lost five of their last six games since opening the road trip with a victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. This was only the fifth time all season that the Mets did not hold a lead at some point in the game. With the loss the Mets fall back to .500 with a record of 16-16. The Marlins run their record to 18-15, with a dominating home record of 16-5.

Tonight the Mets were shutdown by Henderson Alvarez. Alvarez went the distance, tossing a complete game shutout. The Mets did not mount much of a threat offensively all evening, managing only six hits. Alvarez struck out seven over his nine innings as well. Alvarez is the first Marlin since Dontrelle Willis on July 3^rd, 2005 to shut out the Mets.

Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Series Recap: Mets Get Roughed Up By Rockies, Drop 3 of 4

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

New York Mets vs. Colorado Rockies

Series Recap, May 1^st – May 4^th

May 1st	Mets 4	Rockies 7
May 2nd	Mets 2	Rockies 10
May 3rd	Mets 10	Rockies 11
May 4th	Mets 5	Rockies 1

Click here for Game 3 Recap

The New York Mets ran into a buzz saw once again in Colorado, as the Colorado Rockies were able to take three of the four in the series this weekend. It was a rough weekend for the pitching staff as a whole, as the hitter’s haven of Coors Field did not disappoint. The Rockies have one of the best offenses in the MLB and they showed the Mets exactly why. The Mets record now sits at 16-14 with a road record of 8-6. The Rockies ran their record to 19-14, with a record of 11-5 at home.

-Positives

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Mets Losing Streak Hits 3 as Pitching Staff is Roughed Up

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Saturday, May 3^rd, 2014

New York Mets vs. Colorado Rockies

Post Game Recap

The New York Mets struggles in Colorado continued Saturday night, as they fell to the Colorado Rockies 11-10. It was a struggle for the Mets pitching staff tonight, as they blew two separate leads in the game. The loss gives the Mets three straight, as they have struggled mightily to keep up with the Rockies in the thin air of Denver. The Mets have struggled in Denver in recent memory, losing 21 of 29 games there since 2007. Tonight was the second straight season they blew a six-run lead to the Rockies there.

 

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Tonight the culprit was Jenrry Mejia. For the second consecutive start, Mejia struggled mightily. After cruising through the first four innings without many problems, Mejia ran into a road block in the fifth inning.

Mets Defeat Phillies Behind Jon Niese

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Tuesday, April 29^th, 2014

New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Post Game Recap

After a one hour, 28 minutes rain delay, the New York Mets were able to continue their strong play, once again on the back of a dominant starting pitching performance. Tonight it was Jon Niese who led the charge, as the Mets defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 6-1 to take Game 1 of the quick two game series. The victory moves the Mets record to 15-11, the highest above .500 on the season, and an impressive 7-3 away from Citi Field. The 15 wins are the most for the Amazins’ in the month of April since 2007. The Phillies drop to 13-13 with the loss.

Calista Condo/South Jersey Times

Dillon Gee Pitches Mets Past Marlins

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Sunday, April 27^th, 2014

Miami Marlins vs. New York Mets

Post Game Recap

The New York Mets were able to defeat the Miami Marlins Sunday afternoon by a score of 4-0 to win their second consecutive series. Just like what the story has been throughout the early season, it was once again the starting pitching that carried the Mets in the game. The victory also puts them at a season-high tying three games over .500, with a record of 14-11.

The Mets also kept their perfect record in games Anthony Recker catches, running that record to a perfect 6-0. The pitching staff’s dominance with him calling the game continued as well.

Today it was their nominal ace Dillon Gee who put on a show. Gee tossed a gem, going eight scoreless with six strikeouts, only allowing seven base runners; three by hit and four by walks. It was the deepest Gee has went into a game thus far this season, and the second time in his last three starts he did not allow a run. Coincidentally, both of those starts are his only wins of the season.

William Perlman/The Star-Ledger

Series Recap: Mets Take 3 of 4 From Reigning NL Champion Cardinals

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

St. Louis Cardinals vs. New York Mets

Series Recap, April 21^st-April 24^th

April 21st	Cardinals: 0	Mets: 2
April 22nd	Cardinals: 3	Mets: 0
April 23rd	Cardinals: 2	Mets: 3
April 24th	Cardinals: 1	Mets: 4

Click here for Game 2 Recap

After a rough series against division rival Atlanta Braves, the New York Mets were able to bounce back nicely against reigning NL Pennant winning St. Louis Cardinals. For fans of offense, this one was a tough one to watch, but there was outstanding pitching throughout from both sides. Being able to take three out of four from the Cardinals is an impressive feat for the Mets, and should give them plenty of confidence heading into their weekend series with the Miami Marlins. The Mets record now sits at 12-10, with a 6-7 record at Citi Field.

-Positives

The pitching staffs, namely the starting pitchers, have continued to be dominant for the Mets. They are in the midst of an outstanding run in which they have allowed three or less earned runs, a streak that now sits at 10 games. During that 10-game span, the Mets starting pitchers have allowed only 13 earned runs in 63.2 innings, which equates to an ERA of 1.84. Only one pitcher over that span has failed to last at least six innings.

 

Mike Stobe/Getty Images

That one pitcher who was unable to go six innings was Jenrry Mejia, who was forced from his start against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a nasty blister. Mejia was not forced to miss any starts, which is a good thing for the Mets as he is dealing right now. Mejia pitched the series opener, and dominated the Cardinals over 6.2 innings. Mejia ran his season record to a perfect 3-0 with a sparkling ERA of 1.99.

Travis d’Arnaud is clearly the starting catcher for the Mets, but Anthony Recker is making a case to get some more playing time. d’Arnaud performed better at the plate against the Cardinals, but not to the level where it should keep Recker on the bench. Recker is not only hitting more than d’Arnaud, but he is also calling outstanding games behind the plate. In games Recker catches, the Mets pitching staff sports a 2.78 ERA and .204 batting average against.

It isnt much, but Curtis Granderson actually ended the series getting hits in the final two games. With how much he has struggled this season, anything positive like that needs to be pointed out. He reached base the final three games of the series, walking in the second game once. The Mets offense has been anemic all season, and a big reason for that is the lack of production from Granderson. The Mets need him to start producing consistently and help get the offense on track.

-Negative

 

Al Bello/Getty Images

After having his 12-game hitting streak snapped in the shutout loss Tuesday, Wright now is on a three-game hitless streak. After going 1-4 in Game 1, Wright was unable to give any production for the Mets the final three games. The Wright finished the series with an ugly 0-11 performance, with five strikeouts. The Mets just have not been able to get everyone on the same page offensively this season, further emphasizing just how impressive their pitching staff has been.

Mets Blanked By Cardinals Behind Adam Wainwright

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Tuesday, April 22^nd, 2014

St. Louis Cardinals vs. New York Mets

Post Game Recap

William Perlman-The Star-Ledger

The New York Mets had the script flipped on them from Monday night’s game, when they shut the St. Louis Cardinals out 2-0 behind a strong performance from Jenrry Mejia. Tonight, the shut out was in the Cardinals favor, as they shut the Mets offense down behind a dominant performance from their ace Adam Wainwright.

Wainwright was dominant against the Mets, tossing seven shutout innings on only 79 pitches. He was forced from the game after he finished the seventh inning because of a hyper-extended right knee, but he had done more than enough to get his team the victory. Only four Mets reached base against Wainwright, and only one player even reached second base. The Mets had only two players get to second base all night.

This was the second straight lights-out performance for Wainwright, as he tossed a two-hit shutout against the Mets division rival Washington Nationals his last time out.

Time For Lucas Duda to Step Up and Produce

Written by Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

On Friday afternoon, the New York Mets made a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, shipping first baseman Ike Davis out of town in exchange for relief pitcher Zack Thornton and a player to be named later. Davis will have an opportunity to get his career back on track, as he has not been the same player since suffering an injury in 2011. For the Mets, he is no longer their problem, in turn placing a ton of trust in Lucas Duda.

Where the Mets will miss Davis the most is in the field with his glove. Davis is one of the better defensive first baseman in the MLB; Duda on the other hand leaves much to be desired. The decrease in defense at first base will be made up with an outstanding defensive outfield, as the albatross that is Duda's defense is more easily hidden at first base. But Duda will be able to make people forget about his lackluster fielding if he can hit like he is capable of doing.

Elsa/Getty Images

Duda will now be given every opportunity to succeed for the Mets, as he is the clear-cut starter at first base for the Amazin’s. They chose him over Davis with the expectations that he will give them more production with consistent playing time.

Series Recap: Mets Sweep Diamondbacks In The Desert

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

New York Mets vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

Series Recap, April 14^th-April 16^th

April 14th	Mets: 7	Diamondbacks: 3
April 15th	Mets: 9	Diamondbacks: 0
April 16th	Mets: 5	Diamondbacks: 2

Check out the post game recap for the Game April 15th HERE.

Christian Peterson-Getty Images

The New York Mets were able to sweep the series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, giving them a successful ending to a productive road trip. The three victories against the Diamondbacks gave the Mets a 6-3 road trip, moving them above .500 for the first time this season at 8-7. On the contrary, the Diamondbacks now hold the worst record in MLB, at 4-12. The Amazin’s dominated the series against the D-Backs, as they got outstanding performances from multiple players throughout the series.

-Positives

Mets Blank Diamondbacks For Second Consecutive Victory

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Tuesday, April 15^th, 2014

New York Mets vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

Post Game Recap

The New York Mets were able to continue their strong play out west, blanking the Arizona Diamondbacks Tuesday night 9-0. That makes it two in a row in the desert for the Mets, as the victory also puts the Mets record at .500; they failed to do so the first five times they had a chance to pull even in the win-loss column.

Christian Peterson-Getty Images

Tonight the Mets wasted no time, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. The Mets were able to get productive outs, as the first two runs of the inning came on a fielder’s choice and sac fly. The only run to come off a hit in the inning was a single from Kirk Nieuwenhuis that scored Lucas Duda.

The Mets then scored another six runs in the fourth inning, knocking Diamondbacks’ starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo out of the game at that point. Arroyo was roughed up, surrendering nine earned runs in 3.1 innings on 10 hits and one walk, only striking out one. The Mets were shut down otherwise, managing only two base runners outside of the first and fourth innings.

The biggest blow tonight came off the bat of Nieuwenhuis, who knocked a two-run homer in the fourth inning to give him a three-RBI game. This was Nieuwenhuis’s debut of the season, and he made a good case to not get sent back down to the minors.

He was not alone though, as Eric Young Jr. continued to give the Mets solid contributions at the top of their order. Tonight, Young got on base three times with three hits in his five plate appearances and also made the most of his run producing opportunities. He knocked in Travis d’Arnaud and Omar Quintanilla with a single in the fourth inning.

Daniel Murphy and David Wright each delivered two hits of their own, each in five at-bats. Murphy was knocked in twice. Andrew Brown only went 1-4 from the plate, but made the most of his at-bats as he knocked in an RBI in two of his three outs.

Christian Peterson-Getty Images

On the mound tonight was Jenrry Mejia, and he mowed through the Diamondback lineup. In five innings of work, Mejia gave up only two hits, while walking two, and striking out three. He was forced from the game after the fifth inning with a blister on his middle finger.

The Mets bullpen made sure to hold down the victory for Mejia, and the shutout, as Gonzalez Germen and Kyle Farnsworth continued to shutdown the Diamondbacks, combining for four shutout innings. The tandem allowed only one hit while striking out three.

The only players to break through for the D-Backs tonight were Paul Goldschmidt, Chris Owings and A.J. Pollock. Owings was also issued one of the two walks, as Gerardo Parra received the other. On the evening, the Diamondbacks had only three players get into scoring position.

Tomorrow the Mets will look for the sweep in Arizona, as Dillon Gee will take the mound looking for his first win of the season. He will be opposed by Brandon McCarthy, who will also be looking for his first win this season.

Mets Start Road Trip Strong, Blank Braves

Written by Kenneth Teape (@tapester725)

Tuesday, April 8^th, 2014

New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves

Post Game Recap

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The New York Mets were able to get their nine-game road trip off on a positive note Tuesday night, blanking their division rival Atlanta Braves 4-0. It was a quite game offensively, as both starting pitchers were dealing throughout the night.

Bartolo Colon dominated the Braves through his seven innings of work. He allowed only six hits, striking out five and walking none. Only two Braves even got past first base, as Freddie Freeman doubled in the first inning and Andrelton Simmons reached second because of a Ruben Tejada error in the seventh inning. It was an impressive outing for Colon, who worked with little help from the Mets offense tonight, but did not waver.

Mets Take Series Against Reds

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Cincinnati Reds vs. New York Mets

Series Recap, April 4^th-6^th

Results:

April 4th	Reds: 3	Mets: 4
April 5th	Reds: 3	Mets: 6
April 6th	Reds: 2	Mets: 1

The New York Mets were able to bounce back from a poor season opening series, taking two of three from the Cincinnati Reds over the weekend at Citi Field. It was a nice response for the Mets, as the opening series created more questions than answers for manager Terry Collins. It also gives them a little positive momentum as the Mets will embark on a nine-game road trip starting against the division rival Atlanta Braves.

-Positives

Elsa/Getty Images

After struggles in the first series, the Mets first basemen blasted the ball against the Reds. Receiving the start in the first game, Lucas Duda launched two homers, knocking in all four runs in a Mets 4-3. Ike Davis then hit a pinch-hit, walk-off grand slam in game two to give the Mets a 6-3 victory. Davis continued to hit well, going 2-4 in the series finale.

The bullpen was atrocious to start the season, but they had a solid series against a dangerous Reds offense. The Mets bullpen gave up only two runs in eight innings, both surrendered by John Lannan in 2/3 inning of work in the series opening game. Jose Valverde was able to lock down his first save of the season in the first game, also pitching a clean inning in the finale to keep his ERA at 0.00 to start the season. Kyle Farnsworth pitched 2.1 innings in the series, looking more comfortable after a rocky first appearance.

Mets Are Swept By Nationals In Opening Series of Season

Written by Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets

Series Recap, March 31^st-April 3rd

It was a rough opening series for the New York Mets, as they were handled rather easily by the Washington Nationals. It was the first time that the Mets were swept in their opening series in nine years, and it was tough to watch at times. Here are some takeaways from the three-game opening series from Citi Field.

-Positives

The Mets starting rotation, at least through one series, has been a bright spot. All three starters, Dillon Gee, Bartolo Colon and Zack Wheeler, had quality starts to begin the season. Gee was especially strong, probably the most deserving of a victory of the starters, as he retired 15 straight batters after allowing a two-run home run to Adam LaRoche. Colon and Wheeler both surrendered three runs in six innings, finishing with identical 1.50 WHIP as well. The big blemish for Colon was surrendering a homerun to the opposing starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez.

Juan Lagares was arguably the best position player the Mets had against the Nationals. No matter where manager Terry Collins put him in the lineup, Lagares produced. He hit leadoff, second and sixth, and not only did he register a hit in each game, he had at least one extra base hit in each game as well. Lagares finished the series 5-11, with two doubles, a triple and home run, and drew one walk. He scored four runs, and had two RBI as well. Lagares is in the lineup most nights because of the defense that he provides, so any addition production he gives at the plate should be viewed as an added bonus.

Andrew Theodorakis/New York Daily News

Mets' Opening Day Ruined By Bullpen in Loss To Nationals

Written By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

The New York Mets started the 2014 season with the same problem they ended 2013 with; a leaky bullpen.

The Mets bullpen blew the lead they had built behind starting pitcher Dillon Gee, and then imploded again in the 10^th inning. Gee deserved a better outcome than he received on opening day, as he retired 15 straight Washington Nationals after allowing a two-run homer to Adam LaRoche.

The first pitcher to really struggle was Bobby Parnell. Parnell blew the save in the ninth inning, as Denard Span roped a double and knocked in Ian Desmond. Parnell would surrender two hits, one walk in his inning of work.

William Perlman/The Star-Ledger

The worst news for Parnell and the Mets came after the game, when it was announced that Parnell has a partially torn ligament in his elbow. Parnell complained of forearm tightness after the game, and tests revealed the tear. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his elbow and will be sidelined for about two-weeks before getting re-evaluated. The re-evaluation is where it will be determined if Parnell needs to undergo surgery or not.

Mets Sign Granderson, Opens Up Possibilities

ESPN Inc.

Written by Joseph Thompson (@JThomp9)

Earlier today the New York Mets and Curtis Granderson agreed to a four-year $60 million contract. This is huge for the Mets, as it is their first big free agent since the Jason Bay massacre. With Chris Young signed just a few weeks ago, a logjam is beginning to form in the outfield. With Eric Young and Juan Lagares, two players who played almost everyday last season still on the roster, that leaves one spot for two players. The Mets figure Eric Young will also get some time at second base this season as they try to mold him into the super-sub player. Most importantly, this signing gives the Mets some options and more assets in moving forward in trying to field a better team. So what can the Mets do moving forward?

Lets Play GM: New York Mets

Photo Source Unknown

This off-season for the Mets might be the most important one they have had in years. With a young roster that looks to be on the verge of breaking out and becoming a power house for years to come, the Mets still need some pieces to complete the puzzle and once again become relevant. Obviously everyone has their opinions on what should be done. In a world where the Mets fire GM Sandy Alderson and hire a blogger from New York, this what I would do. Breaking it down position by position and concluding to a full line-up and pitching staff.

AL Tops NL In All-Star Game Pitcher's Duel

USATSI

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

On Tuesday night, Citi Field held its largest crowd ever for the 84th MLB All-Star Game where the American League won a pitcher’s duel 3-0. It was nothing like All-Star Games of recent memory as the pitchers dominated the game throughout; the two star-studded lineups managed to combine for only 12 hits in the game. No player had multiple hits and only two walks were issued.

Matt Harvey and the All Star Game dilemma

By Kenny Bowe (@kbowe114)

In the time since Matt Harvey's last start, in which the Mets eventually won a 16 inning marathon on Monday night in San Francisco, the debate around New York is over whether or not Mets manager Terry Collins made the correct move in skipping Harvey's final scheduled start of the first half, and whether or not Harvey should pitch in the All Star Game at his home ballpark this upcoming Tuesday night.

espn.com

Of course, there are a number of factors in play here over the debate. Harvey's next scheduled start would have been on Saturday in Pittsburgh against the upstart Pirates, but it was discovered that Harvey has a blister on his right index finger, which is one of the reasons for Collins deciding to sit Harvey, as the rest would allow him to recover. 

Another consideration taken into account for Collins and the Mets is that although there has not been a definitive limit announced to the public at least, the Mets have Harvey under an innings limit for his first full season in the Major Leagues, and skipping this start would help to keep his innings down and prevent the team from shutting Harvey down in September as was the case last season.

However, the debate has now emerged over whether or not Harvey should pitch in the All Star Game at Citi Field on Tuesday night. On one hand, if his start is getting skipped in order to allow him to recover from the blister and to keep his innings down, why should he be pitching in an exhibition game? Why should Harvey be kept out of a regular season game that gives the Mets a better chance to win yet pitch in an exhibition game? If Harvey's blisters are not completely healed by the time the All Star Game rolls around, an appearance by him in the game could prevent the blisters from healing and potentially risk him losing another start after the break. 

On the other hand though, what better way would there be for Harvey to cap off his incredible first half of the season by pitching in and potentially starting Tuesday's All Star Game in front of a nationwide television audience at his home ballpark? Chances are that this will be the only All Star Game that the Mets will host while Harvey is on the team, and for Mets fans to see their young phenom possibly start the All Star Game in front of his hometown fans would be a very special moment not only for the franchise and the fan base, but for Harvey himself. Finally, although Harvey starting obviously gives the ball club a greater chance to win games, but not many people predict the Mets to make a serious run at the playoffs, so in the eyes of many fans, Harvey appearing in the All Star Game and missing his next start should not make a serious impact on the final outcome of the Mets' season.