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

Cole Hamels will be out of the game, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the Rays have the advantage for the end of Game 5 tonight. They might have gained a sense of momentum after tying the game, but let’s not forget the Phillies have a rested bullpen.

As the weather becomes a storyline in this World Series, unfortunately we could be hearing a lot tonight and in the near future about the showcase event being played at a neutral site. Yeah, that was me you heard screaming.

There are some things that shouldn’t be considered, and that’s one of them.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Good evening folks. What I’m hoping for tonight is for the Rays to prolong the Series and drag it out to seven. Just like the Red Sox did. Remember the beer commercial that had “man laws.”

I’m thinking there should be some baseball laws, too. The home team should win on Opening Day and the World Series should go seven. And, it would be nice if the National League won an occasional All-Star Game or two.

Anyway, I can tell by the nature of a lot posts that you guys are itching for the Hot Stove Season. It will be here enough. But, we’ve got a World Series to finish.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Is it possible for tonight to eclipse last night in terms of drama? Would be a classic if it does.

It’s “must win” for the Rays tonight because Cole Hamels starts tomorrow for the Phillies. Hamels is the best starter in the Series and you fully expect him if not to win, surely pitch well.

I said last night I believed the Game 3 winner would take the Series and see no reason be back off that tonight.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Good evening. A lot going on today kept me away from the blog. We have a few items to touch on before we get to Garza vs. Moyer.

-Willie Randolph turned down the Washington Nationals to be a coach. He must have a good feeling about either the Milwaukee or Seattle jobs. He’ll land somewhere.

-The Phillies are feeling a bit miffed because their complete rosters weren’t introduced. They weren’t because MLB and the network, that would be FOX, couldn’t have the time to squeeze that in. Actually, that’s part of the World Series TV experience I enjoy.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

The Rays were here before, against Boston they were down one, but came back. I think they’ll do it again. They are good enough.

Had some tech issues this afternoon, but everything looks OK now. Before I forget, the Mets came down with their coaches today. Howard Johnson stays; Guy Conti will be re-assigned.

I’ll be here all night. If James Shields hangs around, we could be set for a good Series.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Game 7. The ultimate in sports.

The Rays let the Red Sox back into the ALCS, and now Boston is on the verge of coming back for a third time since 2004 from a 3-to-1 deficit to advance to the World Series.

Whatever happens tonight, history will get made. Hope you join us tonight.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

For all the talk of the thrill of Game 7, let us not forget, the appetizer is Game 6, and history has graced us with a lot of great memories of that game. The Buckner Game and the Marathon in the Dome are two you must surely remember.

Perhaps well have another tonight. How healthy is Beckett? That’s a major storyline for tonight. The reports are he’s lost up to four mph. off his fastball. The Rays handled him earlier in the ALCS.

However, the key to me is scoring early for the Rays. If they let the Red Sox get out to a big lead it will only fuel the momentum they created by stealing Game 5. The Red Sox believe they can come back as they did against the Yankees (2004) and Indians (2007), and the Rays have to quash that belief.

The Rays know they let Game 5 get away. They know this series should be over. But, it isn’t. They lost and must not lament. If they do, they’ll play again tomorrow, and that’s not to their advantage.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Good evening.

Well, do you think the Rays will close it out tonight? A lot of people are saying if the Red Sox stay alive, that with Beckett and Lester, they might have an advantage in Games 6 and 7. It’s not that unreasonable an assumption.

But, in a surprise move, tonight the Rays are starting Scott Kazmir, whom the Sox rocked in Game 2. Good or bad move?

We could have an interesting night.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09