Quicken Loans Bicken Bones

Quicken Loans Bicken Bones Mascot
Detroiters

The Icing on the Firing Jerry Cake.

If you didn't think Jerry should be fired, for his illogical lineups, and awful overall managing of a baseball game, then here's all you need to prove that he is aware of logic and stats, but prefers to be an idiot. In regards to using statistics and logic, Jerry had this to say......

“A lot of it is based on an ability to read individuals… To try to put them in situations that are best for them and then how does that fit in the context of winning… That’s why I like early hitting. I watch that very carefully because I think that can be critical in making the right decision on what you think is best. Not just study a number and say, ‘OK, he’s nine out of 10 against this guy.’ Am I going to get that one out of 10 or that nine out of 10? I don’t like to rely on stats.”

Wow.

I don't think I need to say anything else.

Say No to Fmart!

Okay so the Mets are really not in the best shape. Heading into a tough three game series at Boston, which I, luckily will be attending, they are hurting badly. It seems that almost every player except for Johan, Wright and Beltran have some sort of injury or they just suck, with some I just can't tell. It seems that the Mets are likely to make a trade for a utility man, 1b or back up middle infielder. That being said, there are not many options in our farm system due to the crappiness of it. However I have heard much talk of how the Mets should bring up the young and promising Fernando Martinez.

DO NOT DO THAT.

THAT IS VERY VERY FUCKING STUPID.

Well, now that the cat is out of the bag about my feelings toward this move, I will explain why. Fmart as the kids call him is only 20 years old and shows a lot of promise and potential. First of all he isn't playing soooo amazing that it would be a waste for the Mets not to call him up. Actually he is only hitting .293 in 38 games for Triple-A Buffalo, with 23 extra base hits, a .344 OBP. First of all, he needs to be playing everyday, something that the Mets major league team will not give Fmart. First of all, he will not help our team right now. If you cant play him everyday, and you know that his offense is not going to be an asset, NOW, hopefully not in 2-3 years, then there is no point in bringing him up, and you might actually hurt not only the current Mets baseball team, but the future of the franchise.

Anyway, hopefully the Mets pull it together somewhat for this series, because I am paying top dollar to see them play. As far as I am concerned if the Mets lose any games this weekend plllleeeeassse dont let it be Saturday, that would just be 0 fun.

3 outta 4 aint too bad, yo

Pardon my grammar, but in all reality winning three games out of 4 is pretty good. But lets go way back, to yesterday and review a game that the Mets still should have probably won.

- Once again Jerry M. fails to make a decent lineup. Cora first? Gary S. fourth? Santos catching? Can someone please tell Jerry that Santos is not a major leaguer, or that Castro is still a better option at catcher than Santos.

- Even though Jeremy Reed looked like an idiot when he was thrown a warm up ball from the dugout, after coming off the infield, he actually did not look that bad at first base. EVEN SO, he is a solid defensive outfielder. So lets review, you have Sheffield who is old in one corner, Murphy who is an awful left fielder and is an infielder by trade playing the corners, and Reed who before this series has played exactly 3 outs at first base in his entire career. Why isn't Murphy, Tatis, or Church playing first base instead of a solid outfielder in one of the least important defensive positions?

-Angel Pagan hitting for Murphy is questionable, but not terrible.

- Can someone pleeeeeeeeeeeease get a hit when the pitcher walks the bases loaded???

- Needless to say, Balks could be the most subjective call in all of baseball. Bullshit, I will leave it at that.

So on to La La Land, lets keep it up Mets, you cant win them all, but I always hope you will.

Lineups?

Has anyone else noticed that for some reason, Jerry Manuel hates to put out a decent lineup?  I understand Reyes is out tonight, but Cora hitting 2nd?  Gary S. hitting fourth?  Ryan church 8th? I do not understand the point of this.  Sure Gary S. hit a HR yesterday, and I am happy for that reason, but he is still hitting only .196/.349/.392, where as Wright, batting in the fifth position is hitting .315/.397/.496.  

Ugh, I just want to see a lineup with the hitters with the best numbers first, rather than who Jerry feels is better.

And we're back!

Sorry for the delay, ya'll, but between starting my new internship, turning 21 and finishing my finals it has been a crazy couple of weeks.

Speaking of this internship it looks like I'll have some down time to update and post on the site more often.

I'd like to comment on the past couple of games.

Monday - Bad loss, Santana deserves better from the Mets. I honestly think they do not like him. Otherwise why would they score runs for every other pitcher but him?

Tuesday- Great win. This showed the Mets could come from behind, and keep it. Notice how they like to help out Pelfry. It's cause he's white.

Wednesday - Tough Loss, good ball played all around. Sucks the Mets lost this way, but hey. Only bad thing to say about this game was 1.) Why is Gary S. batting fourth? and 2.) Why didn't Reyes run hard the entire way? Still good game.

Moving on, is Delgado going to the DL? Is he not? Because if he is, he probably shouldn't be flying out to Frisco.

Should be a good series......

Do I need to say anything....

I think I am going to start a website, "FireJerry.com"

On serious note, Fire Jerry?

Okay, so my last post might have been a bit over the top, but I still stand by it 103%  Though as I read various blogs and articles today it seems as though I am not the only one questioning our unproven leaders abilities.  I am going to go out on a leg here and say that there is very good chance the Manuel will not make it through the year.  I have absolutely no idea who you would replace him with, but I do think come September if things don't considerably pick up, Omar is going to pull the rip cord.  

If he does, maybe this time we can pick a manager that likes to use these things called "statistics" and "logic."

Who am I kidding.

OMG OMG FIRE MANUEL NOW!

Now, I'll say that I never had anything against Jerry Manuel, until he took over as Manager of the Mets.  To me he is pretty much just Willie Randolph except he likes to talk funny.  He still can’t manage a bullpen, a lineup, and goes with his "gut," instead of using facts.  I think you all know why he needs to go when you look at a game like this. What is going through his mind?

 

Bottom 9

Bases loaded

2 outs......

Any Reasonable person ever to watch a game of baseball - "I am going to stick with Castro,  He’s got some pop, he has two hits and RBI today and he is clearly our best available player on the bench.  Oh, and he has a Major League contract."

 

JM - "I think Castro might have too much power, too long of a swing.  I think the only reasonable decision to make here is pull my 8 hitter and show the strength of the Mets minor league system. "

 

We all know the results.  

 

Seriously, after the game, Manuel says and I quote.... "Santos has a ‘shorter swing,’” and JM believed that Santos would be a better match up against Lindstrom’s 98–mph fastball.

 

Fire him for that statement.  Fire him now.  It would have been way better for Manuel just to say, it’s Omir's 28th birthday, which it is, so I wanted to give him an at bat.  Still not good by any means but much better logic then saying Omir Santos, who has played 19 games in the major leagues at the age of 28, is a better match up for Lindstrom. 

 

This also makes me wonder, who in God’s name would have pinch hit for the pitcher? 

 

Give me a fucking break.

Panic, no dont panic, okay maybe panic a little?

So the Mets are 9-11, they’re not in a terrible place but they are certainly not where they thought they would be.  It’s frustrating to watch, but at the same time I have to remind myself, it’s not even May yet.

 

But certainly there is reason for frustration.  For example let’s look at our starting pitching.  When Johan Santana pitches, you have to assume that you are going to win that game.  He is your ace, the best pitcher on your team, hell maybe even on this side of the Rockies (gotta give it up to my boy Tim L.  from SF)  So just for the hell of it, let’s assume that every time  Johan takes the mound, he will win 95% of the time.  For the record, I completely made that percentage up, and no way is it meaningful. 

 

Let’s look at our 2, 3, and 4 pitchers and give them percentages on how often the Mets will win when they take the hill.  Based upon last year stats for Mike Pelfry, and Maines, and Perez’s entire time of the club, the Mets should win about:

 

Mike Pelfrey -52%

John Maine – 59%

Oliver Perez – 57%

 

This has nothing to with the pitchers winning percentages, but the winning percentage of the Mets when each pitcher takes the hill. 

 

But now you have the lonely 5 starter, Livan.  He’s basically here because we are too cheap to pay Pedro.  But, let’s like Johan, make up the Mets winning percentage when Livan takes the mound, I’ll take a stab at 35%.  That’s pretty bad, but as long as he keeps you in the game, a high powered offense such as the Mets should be able to at least steal a couple of games for him.

 

So when you look at a game such as tonight, when Livan gives you 5.1 innings, left with the lead, and kept you in the game, the Mets still lose.  That’s a bad loss in my opinion.

I know you can’t win them all, but all you can ask is for Livan to keep you in the game, like he did tonight, and let your offense go to work.  Nolasco has been shaky so far this season, and I’ll still take the Mets offense to nearly any bullpen

 

The Mets need to put it together, because if this trend continues of mediocre pitching, and leaving waaaaaaaaaaaay to many men on base, it’s going to be an extremely long season, at least for this fan.

 

Oh I hate sports.....wait thats a lie, I hate people

Hello once again, as I try revive this blog, for I did pay way too much for the URL. So here we are, its almost 10, and the Phillies are on the verge of winning the World Series, while me, the lone and die hard Mets fan is stuck, literally in the middle of Pennsylvania. Fuck. This sucks. I really don't like Philadelphia teams, and it's a damn shame cause I like the city. But, maybe its the people, maybe that you have players like Shane, I have a little leaguers helmet, Victerino on your team, but its just something that really annoys me. It's probably because the Mets suck so much.

The fact of the matter is that tomorrow mourning I am going to have to go to class, and see some snobby girl, with her ugg boots and a Pat Burrell T-shirt on. Ugh, this is going to suck. For god sakes two years ago Burrell was one of the most hated men in Philly. I bet you if I walked up to her, she wouldn't know what position he played, his batting average, for god sakes which arm he throws with! Even worse, if I asked her to name three other Phillie's, she would quiver and fail......but the truth is:

1.) I don't have the balls to talk to really hot girls....

2.) I really don't have any right. The Mets shit the fan once more, and forced us fans, back under the covers, embarrassed.

So, I guess there is always next year, but thankfully I have the Giants and the Rangers, and other teams that have won since 1983. The only good thing is, that next year, when the Philliy's phalter, its going to be great to see all these new Philliy phans yell at there team for under performing, and go back to their evil ways.

For me, I'm going back under the covers, cause I don't think I'm going to make it outside tomorrow, maybe I can sleep through it.

sir dusty

check out http://flashingtheleather.blogspot.com/ for some in-depth analysis on baseball's worst manager!

-wal

Scher Thing?

Last night, I tuned into the Phillies - Diamondbacks game in order to watch Max Scherzer's starting pitching debut. Did anyone else watch it as well?

If you didn't, Scherzer's line is relatively unimpressive -- he threw 92 pitches. Here is his line:

4.0 IP, 7 H 5 R 2 ER 2 BB 5 K

Over the course of a season, it is probably better to evaluate a starter by total runs, but in the case of starts themselves, it is often important to actually watch the game to see what the true story was.

In this case, Stephen Drew made an error on a ground ball hit hard, but right at him. It was an error, because it was right at him, but it was a well-hit ball. The hits kept on coming, however, as someone (I don't remember who) followed with a slow grounder up the middle, a ball I would normally expect Orlando Hudson to get. He was nowhere near it (possibly a holdover from his injury against the Mets?), so I guess he was shading the hitter towards first base. Finally, Jamie Moyer drove in a couple with a line drive that just stayed fair inside the leftfield line. Scherzer actually pitched quite well with men on base (though he did not get the best of luck on some softly hit balls) and struck out Pat Burrell twice, blowing him away with a fastball earlier in the game and then getting him swinging on a straight change.

To sum it all up, I think Scherzer looked very good in this start. I had heard that he mainly sticks to his fastball, and it was excellent, but he also changed speeds once in a while for strikes. Please note that there is a very big difference between changing speeds on show-me pitches that are essentially unhittable, and changing speeds for actual strikes.

He was victimized by some bad defense and poor luck on batted balls, but at 23, this kid looks like the real deal. Anyone that young who is throwing breaking pitches for strikes and dials his fastball up to 95 regularly is going to have some success as long as he can stay healthy.

Best of luck, Max (except when you pitch against the Mets!) and I'll be sure to catch your next start as well! Anyone who can blow away Pat Burrell with a fastball is okay by me!

Heil the Setup man.

Although I was not able to see the entire game tonight, this loss in my opinion, is a bad one. John Maine pitched well tonight 6 innings, 2 runs, 1HR, 6 SO, and 2 BB, not bad at all. Unfortuntly the Mets offense did not help very much, and to their credit, Carlos Zambrano was on the mound and also pitched very well. But the fact of the matter is, John Maine should not get an L, rather Heilman. He has not pitched well at all this season, and his outing tonight was terrible. Although he only gave up 2 runs, he virtually took the mets out of the game. Jose Reyes made a terrible error on a routine grounder, then Heilman "pronks" Aramis Ramirez, followed by an EPIC at bat, where FUCKyoudome, gets a hit, loading the bases. Miraculously, Heilman was able to get a SO, then a pop up, but then gave up a 2 run double, virtually taking the mets out of the game. Sosa who allowed a 3 run bomb, did not help either.

The setup man is so stupid. In ten years are we gonna have names for the 5 and 1/3 pitcher who comes in? Or the 7th inning guy too? Why does Heilman deserve to be the setup man? Is it necessary for him to pitch every 8th inning? I just think that we should rotate, or at least not have a set, setup man. Its fine if Heilman gets it more than other pitchers, but I kinda think its a little bit ridiculous that there is a set 8th man pitcher. Heilman is also getting killed by lefty's this year, and as always is giving up the long ball, 3 this year.

Tonight the Mets certainly had a chance, but not after the 8th inning.

Pronk

Mark Shapiro has no interest in trading him. None.

So here are my predicted records for the year...perhaps I'll think of some explanations for them later in the week, when somehow, some of them already become mathematically impossible.

Edit: So, I had some adding problems. Fixing it up. And yes, Russ, I was predicting a tornado come into Atlanta wiping out a four game Mets-Braves series, especially after what happened there during the SEC tourney.

AL East:

Boston Red Sox : 2007 :96-66 2008: 97-65
New York Yankees: 2007: 94-68 2008: 94-68
Toronto Blue Jays: 2007: 83-79 2008: 82-80
Tampa Bay Rays: 2007: 66-96 2008: 79-83
Baltimore Orioles: 2007: 69-93 2008: 63-99

AL Central:

Detroit Tigers: 2007: 88-74 2008: 94-68
Cleveland Indians: 2007: 96-66 2008: 93-69
Minnesota Twins: 2007: 79-83 2008: 75-87
Kansas City Royals 2007: 69-93 2008: 74-88
Chicago White Sox 2007: 72-90 2008: 72-90

AL West:

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: 2007: 94-68 2008: 94-68
Seattle Mariners: 2007: 88-74 2008: 84-78
Texas Rangers 2007: 75-87 2008: 75-87
Oakland Athletics: 2007: 76-86 2008: 69-93

NL East:

New York Mets: 2007: 88-74 2008: 92-70
Atlanta Braves 2007: 84-78 2008: 89-73
Philadelphia Phillies: 2007: 89-73 2008: 87-75
Washington Nationals: 2007: 73-89 2008: 73-89
Florida Marlins 2007: 71-91 2008: 67-95

NL Central:

Chicago Cubs: 2007: 85-77 2008: 87-75
Milwaukee Brewers: 2007: 83-79 2008: 84-78
Cincinnati Reds: 2007: 72-90 2008: 77-85
St. Louis Cardinals: 2007: 78-84 2008: 71-91
Houston Astros: 2007: 73-89 2008: 71-91
Pittsburgh Pirates: 2007: 68-94 2008: 65-97

NL West:

Arizona Diamondbacks: 2007: 90-72 2008: 91-71
Colorado Rockies: 2007: 90-73 2008: 89-73
Los Angeles Dodgers: 2007: 82-80 2008: 87-75
San Diego Padres 2007: 89-74 2008: 87-75
San Francisco Giants: 2007: 71-91 2008: 69 -93

The 25 Man Roster

We are less than two weeks away from Opening Day and the Mets are starting to figure out who they want on their roster come March 31st. I have predicted a 24 man team, with a 25th spot still up for grabs. Here it is:

C (2)
Ramon Castro
Brian Schneider

Neither catcher has played too much during the spring due to injury, but I think both will be healthy enough come March 31st. I think this is a position where we really can't expect to get too much offense, but it should be a solid number 7 or 8 position in the lineup when compared to other contenders. Look for spring surprise Robinson Cancel to make the roster if one of the two can't go.

IF (6)

Jose B. Reyes
David Wright
Carlos Delgado
Damion Easley
Marlon Anderson
Luis Castillo

The infield is the strongest part of this team. Reyes and Wright have been hitting this spring (each hitting over .300). Luis Castillo has had only 14 at bats so far, with hits in 4 of those at bats. He's slowly coming along and will look to post similar numbers to what he did last season. Carlos Delgado is another story, as he looks to put away last season's miserable season. After multiple injuries this spring, Delgado finally looks to be healthy enough, however he is batting under .200 and has already shown frustration by throwing a bat after one of his plate appearances. Something like that during the spring is a cause for concern from my view. If Easley and Anderson are healthy, they can be a huge asset off the bench, and can really play anywhere, including the outfield.

OF (4)
Angel Pagan
Ryan Church
Carlos Beltran
Endy Chavez

As it is looking now, the Mets starting outfield will be Pagan, Beltran and Church, from left to right. Pagan's huge spring makes the Moises Alou injury look at least a little less substantial (we all expected an injury anyway), and keeps Endy on the bench, where he can do his best work. Marlon Anderson and Damion Easley are expected to get looks in the outfield, and as veterans I expect them to play adequate enough defense, nothing flashy, just getting the job done.

SP (5)
Johan Santana
John Maine
Oliver Perez
Pedro Martinez
Mike Pelfrey

I put Pelfrey here in the rotation, even though there's a chance the Mets won't use a 5th starter to begin the season. I don't think El Duque will be ready to start the season, perhaps an extended spring training would be best for him. Johan and Maine have been incredible this spring, each recording at least 20 grapefruit sized K's. Perez has been alright, only walking three so far, which is a good sign. Pedro has been great as well, but time will tell if he can keep up the pace.

RP (7)
Jorge Sosa (0.00)
Matt Wise (0.96)
Pedro Feliciano (0.00)
Aaron Heilman(0.00)
Billy Wagner(1.29)
Duaner Sanchez (5.40)
Scott Schoeneweis (1.00)
Look for the Mets to add an 8th arm to the pen if they want to skip the 5th spot in the rotation for the start of the season. Some possible contenders for that spot would be Steven Register (see below), Joe Smith, or possibly shifting Orlando Hernandez to the pen to start the year (or maybe for good). The pen has been very good this spring, and I posted each player's ERA through yesterday. Duaner's era is up to 5.40 and only 5IP, but I think they'll carry him to start the year, and take it slow with him. For all of you Schoenweis haters, I really do expect him to be a major contributor to the pen this year. The Mets should keep at least 7 men in the pen all year, as last year's collapse was due in part to fatigue in the pen at the end.

25th man Race
Ruben Gotay
Brady Clark
Steven Register

The last spot I feel is still up for grabs, and each of the three have their own situation for the future. Ruben Gotay has options remaining and can be sent to the minors. He has been hurt this spring, so it looks as though he will start the year in New Orleans. Steven Register, a Mets Rule V pick, must make the Mets major league squad, or be offered back to the Rockies. I don't think the Mets can keep him in the majors all year (but perhaps they will keep him to start and let Duaner rehab more) as I see 7 pitchers in the pen already. This leaves Brady Clark, who I think will win the 25th spot. Having Clark for late inning pinch hitting will open the door for Endy to come in for defense if say Damion Easley if he is in LF. This team is still lacking that power bat off the bench, but for now, I believe this is the team that will shipped off to Florida once camp breaks.

AT&T Park Visit...

Recently Andrew and myself traveled out yonder to the west coast to visit brother Ben. During the travels we decided to make a pit stop in one of the premier ball parks of the National League, AT&T Park. This beautiful park constructed recently is home to the San Fransisco Giants. It's awesome. Great views, great seats, terrible team. Anyway, I figure I share some of the better pictures with you, hope you enjoy



For more photos, check out my facebook, or just give a holler....keep trucking


P.S. - Sorry Kaz about the Butt problems....