The John Delcos New York Mets Report Featuring Mets' commentary, analysis and news.

Game #160 vs. Nationals

I hoped the Mets would close out this disappointing season strong, if for no other reason than to leave a fresh taste in their mouths.

It won’t happen.

For the 25^th time in their 49-year existence, the Mets will finish with a losing record. They enter the final weekend of the season against the Washington Nationals having lost nine of their last 12 games, including three straight to Milwaukee.

Nothing could have saved Jerry Manuel, and this finish only underscores change is needed.

There are a lot of glaring records that explain the Mets’ demise this season, including a 7-8 record against Washington, of which they are 2-4 at home.

How can a team call itself a contender when it routinely loses to the worst team in the division?

To access the chat room, click onto the icon to your left.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Tonight I’d like to introduce to you an expanded Mets Chat Room. I’ve linked up with Metsmerizedonline.com to bring you to the ground floor regarding chat rooms.

In addition to being hooked up to another successful Mets blog, we will be linked to other blogs from around baseball. There will be a Braves blog linked for tonight.

To access, please click onto the Mets Chat Room icon to the left of this post. It will bring you to another page. At the bottom on the right is where you can click on to register. Please use your same screen names that you normally would.

This is an experiment. It is a work in progress. I am greatly optimistic about the future of this type of chat room.

Thanks for your participation.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

To the friends of this blog your continued support is greatly appreciated. Tonight I will introduce to you the expanded Chat Room. I’ve linked up Metsmerizedonline to form a bigger chat room that is also linked up to blogs from other teams.

I’ll have the normal chat room post, but with instructions on how to access the new room. I’m still be there to comment along with you. I hope this is the beginning of bigger and better things for the blog, which I’m sure there will be with your support.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Game #130 vs. Astros

I try to look for positives because being negative all the time can be draining. But, right now the positives, at least offensively, are scarce.

This team just doesn’t score any runs, and the odd thing is people are talking about blowing up this group and trading David Wright and Jose Reyes, the Mets’ two best, although inconsistent, offensive players. Doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense.

One of the season’s bright spots, R.A. Dickey, goes today against Houston. Dickey has been splendid all season and has pitched better than his 8-5 record indicates. He’s pitched deep into games, but has given up two late-inning homers in his last two starts to deprive him of victories. Otherwise, he’d have ten wins. He’d have even more than that with a little run supprt.

We’ve known for awhile now that the playoffs weren’t going to happen, but you’d like to see some form of growth, something to build on. But, right now there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of it.

After today, there are 32 games left. Ouch, where did the season go?

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Games #128-129

At one time this season Mike Pelfrey was 9-1 and headed for the All-Star Game in a breakthrough season.

Then July came to derail his year and leave us wondering whether the first half was a fluke, a mirage and whether the good times were over and he had regressed as he went 3-6.

True growth comes from adversity and it looks as if July might become a watershed moment for him as he fought his way out of a tailspin to pitch great ball with a 1.64 ERA over his last three starts.

He’ll continue the rebound tonight against the Houston Astros at Citi Field.

I thought Pelfrey had pitched too good for too long in the first half to lose it completely, but I was concerned. Was it an injury? A loss in mechanics and subsequent loss in confidence?

Whatever it was, Pelfrey is once again pitching aggressively and quickly. That aura about him has returned.

If it comes back to say, it will be one of the highlights of this season.

NOTE: I have programmed the chat room to open around game time. I am currently getting ready to go to New Jersey for a wedding. No, not mine. I won’t be able to monitor t0night or tomorrow, but should be back in time for Sunday’s game.

My best to you, JD

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

If the Mets are to go on this miracle run, they’ll need to get Jose Reyes again, beginning tonight with Florida. The Mets are at their best when he gets on and makes things happen.

Game #127 vs. Marlins

He’s cooled off since his 15-for-31 road trip Houston and Pittsburgh, going 0-for-10 in the first two games of the Marlins’ series.

He was 0-for-5 last night and grounded out with the bases loaded to end the game.

“I tried to get a base hit or walk, something to tie the game or win the game,’’ Reyes said. “He made a quality pitch on me and got me out. I saw it good, but I wasn’t able to put my best swing on that ball.’’

There’s been discussions about picking up Reyes’ option and negotiate an extension. There’s also been talks in the media if the best thing to do would be to trade him for a package of prospects.

Personally, I’d keep Reyes. You’re not going to find anybody that will produce like him.

NOTE: Folks I have to work tonight and won’t be able to monitor the board. I hope you’ll pop in with your comments.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Game #126 vs. Marlins

Jerry Manuel still thinks this team can put a run together, and for the most will manage that way for the rest of the season. It is why Hisanori Takahashi is being looked at as a closer before Bobby Parnell. It is we’re not seeing Nick Evans or Chris Carter, but more of Jeff Francoeur.

At 63-62, the Mets are sure to eclipse last season’s 70-92, but the real goal is .500 or better. You see, Manuel has pride and it’s important to him to go out this year with a winning record. Not for the next job interview, because he’s already had two shots.

When a season is reduced to statistical goals, such as 30 homers for David Wright, 20 for Ike Davis and 15 wins for Mike Pelfrey it is about salvaging lost dreams and hopes.

And, that hot streak that has never come? If it does, maybe it will be a reminder of when the dreams were fresh.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

One of the few bright spots to another disappointing season goes tonight at Citi Field, where the crowd expects to be slim.

Game #125 vs. Marlins

R.A. Dickey (8-5, 2.41) will be starting for the Mets, but he’ll go against Cy Young candidate Josh Johnson, who is 7-1 lifetime against the Mets.

Also making it tough for Dickey is the Mets’ lackluster offense, which has scored three of fewer runs in 10 of its last 13 games. Once dominant at Citi Field, the Mets have 10 runs to show for in their last seven games here.

With a little support, Dickey could easily have at least 12 wins, which would tie him with Mike Pelfrey for the club lead. Since joining the Mets’ rotation, Dickey has made a quality start in 14 of 18 games. In his last eight starts since the All-Star break he’s pitched to a 1.99 ERA, but the offense is giving him 1.99 runs a game in that span to leave him with a 2-3 record.

In his last start, Dickey gave up a game-tying homer with one out in the ninth inning at Houston in a game the Mets eventually won in 14 innings.

Since Johnson presents a formidable foe, Dickey must be at his best tonight. He is 5-1 with a 1.22 ERA at Citi Field.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09