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

Game #161 vs. Nationals

Do you remember 2007 and 2008 when the season came down to the final weekend and we got wonderful pitching performances from John Maine and Johan Santana? Gems that kept alive the season in those summers of memorable collapses?

Those were the days.

Even if it meant the disappointment of losing the final game, I’d take that kind of finish over the one this year. Citi Field won’t be packed this sunny afternoon. There will be a bite of chill in the air, just like there should be for October baseball, but it won’t mean anything other than Game #161.

Last night was a thriller, with Josh Thole and Ike Davis reminding us there could be an exciting future with the Mets.

But, it will have to wait.

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Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Game #159 vs. Brewers

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Nobody knows how the Mets’ rotation will shape up in 2011, but after his strong showings so far, Dillon Gee will get an opportunity in spring training to crack the rotation. He’s given the Mets a chance to win when he starts and with the expectations of the Mets as low as they are, that’s all you can ask for.

As of now, I see Mike Pelfrey, RA Dickey and Jon Niese in the rotation, with my head shaking with wonder about the latter. He’s hit a wall in his development and has a long way to go.

The Mets will be without Carlos Beltran for tonight and the rest of the season, shut down with pain in his right knee. The Mets say there is no more structural damage, but he will be re-examined by the Colorado doctors who operated on him this spring.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Game #157 and 160 vs. Brewers

To access the New Chat Room, click onto the Mets Chat. I’ll been in an out during the doubleheader. Hoping we can chat some tonight.

Jon Niese and RA Dickey go tonight, arguably the No. 2 and No. 3 starters next spring with Santana out. Both have overachieved a bit and have come back to Earth. Dickey, simply, might be the Mets’ most valuable pitcher. Who knows where they might have landed without him.

Pleased to hear, Jerry Manuel’s admission of mistakes the other day. He threw himself under the bus first and pointed a minimum of fingers. I can’t say it would be enough to save him, ever if the Mets run the table and finish over .500.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

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Game #156 vs. Brewers

Tonight is the first game of the Mets’ final homestand of the year, with Mike Pelfrey starting. It has been a tale of two seasons for Pelfrey, who got off to a 9-1 start, but faltered for July when the Mets began their swoon. Pelfrey has seemingly regained his early-season form, which is a positive sign looking forward in that he was able to correct his mistakes and make adjustments.

Pelfrey, under Mets control until 2014, is arbitration eligible in the offseason and can expect a big raise. Pelfrey said he’d like to avoid the process by signing a long-term extension.

“I would be interested,” Pelfrey said. “They’d have to bring it up, but I’m sure we’ll explore it. I’m definitely open to it.”

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Game #155 at Phillies

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I know most Mets fans hate the Phillies, but I was wondering whether that hate was really directed at Philadelphia’s obnoxious fans? I would guess that it was.

About Chase Utley’s slide. Hmm. Wouldn’t you like to see the Mets play with such a chip? Here are the Phillies, they are about to win the NL East for the fourth year in a row – something the Mets have never done – and one of their key players goes all out.

Dirty? I don’t know. But, I sure wish the Mets would play with such aggressiveness all the time. I wish they went all out 100 percent of the time. If they did, they wouldn’t be close to 20 games out. The Phillies have their flaws; all teams do. But, playing with a lack of hustle isn’t one of them.

Will watching the Phillies clinch in front of their eyes give the Mets motivation? Does it really matter. If the Mets aren’t disgusted by now, then will they ever be? Motivation must come from within. If the Mets need the external stimulus of watching the Phillies to motivate them, then they are in more trouble than I could imagine.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Game #154 at Phillies

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Early Saturday evening, first pitch is about a half-hour away. As I switch back-and-forth between a pair of blowouts – Ohio State and Eastern Michigan and Red Sox-Yankees – it dawns on me how the priorities for the Mets have changed.

When they got off to a 4-8 start, it was to not become irrelevant before May. Then when they righted themselves in June, it was to win the division. When they imploded after the All-Star break it was to remain competitive. Then play .500.

Now, with a week to go and five games under that won’t happen. Now, it is not fall 20 games behind the Phillies. Wow! Twenty games behind. It is possible. What a downer that is.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Game #153 at Phillies

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RA Dickey tonight as the Mets try to avoid the humiliation of watching the Phillies clinch in front of them. They might as well watch, give them something to stew about over the winter. That is, if they can muster that much anger. Four games under .500 and that goal of mediocrity is slipping away.

Even when the nuggets are small, the Mets kick them away.

Pretty soon the Hot Stove league will start, with the Mets shivering in the corner.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Game #152 at Marlins

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At one time we were considering Jon Niese one of the bright spots to this season. That’s when  he was 6-2. He’s now 9-9 after losing four of this last five decisions.

Lack of run support has only been a part of it. Niese has shown a propensity lately to give up the big hit to let an inning get away from him. He’s still young and learning, but minimizing the damage is something he must improve on.

As of now, Niese will enter spring training with Mike Pelfrey and RA Dickey in the rotation, with the other two spots to be filled.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09