» Dominic Pinto

CitiField Switch

Dominic Pinto — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:01:11 +0000

Baseball is a funny game, I was thinking tonight was almost an automatic loss. Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright on the mound with a 25 inning scoreless streak going againt the Mets team scoreless streak, it was a recipe for disaster.

But that’s why they play the games. The Mets once again have turned the switch on at home. After one of the worst road trips in recent memory the Mets bounced back and beat the Cards 8-2 tonight.

Jon Niese was great lowering his ERA to 3.43 and earning his 7th win of th year. Power was supplied early by Jeff Francoeur and then Jose Reyes.

It was remarkable, I kept saying to myself who is this team? The Braves lost tonight so the Mets gain a game. Now I know some of you out there are going to say Jerry was suspended and that’s why they won, without him at the helm. I’m pretty sure Jerry was still pretty much running the team the entire game though. I don’t think Jerry is the problem though.

Here’s what’s going to happen, the Mets will go on another nice winning streak, sucker us all in again and BAM let us down again down the stretch. Of course, I hope this isn’t the case but I have to constantly prepare myself for the worst, I’m a Pessimet naturally.

A New Old Lineup Tonight

Dominic Pinto — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:40:52 +0000

For the first time since May 20th 2009 Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes and Luis Castillo will all be in the lineup at the same time. With Pagan batting second, the Mets lineup, when it really gets going, will be something to be reckoned with. Let’s hope the fireworks start tonight in Arizona.

I’m looking for a big performance from Big Pelf tonight to get back on track.
Jose Reyes, SS
Angel Pagan, RF
David Wright, 3B
Carlos Beltran, CF
Ike Davis, 1B
Jason Bay, LF
Rod Barajas, C
Luis Castillo, 2B
Mike Pelfrey, RHP

10 Second Half Met Questions

Dominic Pinto — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:55:16 +0000

As the Mets begin the second half schedule tonight in San Francisco there are many questions that remain to be answered.

Here are a few key questions that will shape the second half of the season and determine whether the Mets make the post season for the first time since 2006.

1. Will Carlos Beltran return to All-Star form following knee surgery?

2. Who will be the odd man out in the four man platoon outfield? And can this platoon succeed?

3. Will Omar Minaya actually make a significant move in season to obtain a desperately needed pitcher?

4. Will the strong pitching of RA Dickey and Hisanori Takahashi continue?

5. What will become of Oliver Perez and John Maine?

6. Can Jose Reyes remain healthy?

7. Can Mike Pelfrey regain his early Cy Young form?

8. Will the Mets road woes continue in the second half and can they remain as dominant at home?

9. Can the bullpen hold up after being overworked early on? Which players will take on defined roles as setup man and 7th inning pitcher?

10. Lastly, if the Mets are in it down the stretch will they be mentally tough enough to overcome the ghosts of September past and not collapse?????

These are some important questions, I’m really hoping Omar gets another starting pitcher. I still think if we can get Oswalt by paying for more of his salary then the Mets become real contenders if we don’t get a starter I think it will be difficult to make the playoffs unless a lot of things break right. It’s going to be a great second half either way, Let’s Go Mets!!

Mets try to Avoid Sweep

Dominic Pinto — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 13:49:43 +0000

I’ll be at the game today up in promenade reserved, rocking my Spain jersey and Mets hat. Santana will go against Derek Lowe. Lowe or Ollie P? Remember that debate, anyway I think today is a big game for the Mets, you really don’t want to go into the break on a 4 game losing streak getting swept by the team you were trailing for the division lead.

A win today would pull the Mets to within 4 of the division and allows the team to fully regroup over the break on a positive note. Reyes will officially sit out of the all star game, thankfully.

We Need Roy, Let’s take a Chance

Dominic Pinto — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 13:44:16 +0000

Are the Braves this good? Or are the Mets really struggling right now? I believe it’s the latter. While much credit should go to the Braves for building their 5 game lead on the rest of the NL East, I have to think the Mets were right there before this recent swoon and the Mets really should be there down the stretch.

Right now, Reyes, Davis, Bay and Frenchy are basically automatic outs it seems. The only two hitting are Pagan and D. Wright.

I’m not too concernced about the offense, that should come around especially with the return of Beltran.

The pitching down the stretch will be the question. It of course starts with the starting pitching. With Pelfrey struggling through a dead arm I firmly believe we need Roy Oswalt to become serious contenders.

The Wilpons need to open up the payroll because you won’t have to give up as many prospects if you pay for more of Oswalt’s salary. A rotation of Johan, Oswalt, Pelfrey Niese and Dickey would be very difficult for opposing teams to deal with.

Not only will this improve the rotation but this bolster the bullpen with Takahashi going back there. Also Oswalt will give you innings, saving the bullpen on the days he pitches.

Now as usual I don’t expect the Mets to make a big move in season. Look at Omar’s track record in season, he rarely ever makes a big splash. It’s quite frustrating because you know that’s what’s lacking, of course this off season they’ll sign a pitcher but they rarely do it in season.

My gut tells me they’ll trade for Ted Lily or another pitcher of that ilk. At some point Omar needs to step up and take a chance, I believe us fans will respect him and this organization for taking the risk on an Oswalt and going for the win rather than sitting back and hoping for the best.

Dead Arm Pelf to the Mound

Dominic Pinto — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 20:06:31 +0000

Mike Pelfrey has been dealing with a “dead arm.”
Pelfrey has no pain in the arm, saying that it just feels “a little tired.” His fastball has lost some zip and his curveball has lost some bite in recent starts, leading to some struggles. “Every year, you just go through a little period where you don’t feel like the ball is coming out of your hand like it has that extra life on it,” Pelfrey said. “That it jumps out of your hand. I feel like I’ve been going through that.”

The Mets will need his arm to be alive today as they face All-Star Tim Hudson and the Braves. Hudson has been nothing short of brilliant this season sporting a 2.44 ERA with an 8-4 record.

The Mets would love to win these last 2 games to head into the break only 2 games behind. Losing two would mean a a very deflating 6 games out.

Today’s Lineup at 4:10p:

Angel Pagan, CF
Jose Reyes, SS
David Wright, 3B
Ike Davis, 1B
Jason Bay, LF
Jeff Francoeur, RF
Rod Barajas, C
Alex Cora, 2B
Mike Pelfrey, RHP

Santana Finishes It

Dominic Pinto — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 01:56:30 +0000

1st and 2nd one out in the 9th, Mets 3-0 Mets. Jerry Manuel walked out to the mound to possibly remove Johan Santana frome the game. Johan with a scowl, seemed to mouth to Jerry “I’m finishing it” and with that Jerry just as quickly retreated back to the dugout.

What a gem from Johan, 3 hit complete game shutout. Love how he manned up in the 9th and sent Jerry back. A 3 hit complete game shutout is one thing, but he also hit his first career homer in a 12 pitch at bat in the third inning.

A very nice win tonight, Johan did it all tonight. You seriously can not complain about Johan Santana, to me he has been worth every dollar we have paid him. He is still with out a doubt the ace of staff as of now.

The Mets will look to win the series tomorrow with Jon Niese matching up against Bronson Arroyo.

Mets Reds Tonight

Dominic Pinto — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:08:09 +0000

The Mets open up another homestand at CitiField tonight as they welcome in the NL Central division leading Reds. The Reds have surprised people this year, as their young pitching staff has done well. Their offense is very strong led by Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips and Scott Rolen.

All-Star Snub Mike Pelfrey will take to the mound tonight, he has not lost at home this year. Should be a fun couple of series’ here before the all-star break, with the Reds and then the Braves who the Mets are looking up at in the standings.

The Mets have placed Fernando Tatis on the 15-day disabled list with a right shoulder AC joint sprain. Left-handed pitcher Raul Valdes has been recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to replace Tatis on the major-league roster.

Look I like Tatis as a person and what he’s done for the organization for the past couple years, and he’s probably good in the clubhouse but he honestly doesn’t deserve to be on the roster at this point. He’s a double play machine, although he’s had some decent pinch hits, with Beltran coming back and our bullpen needing help, Tatis may be out of luck.

Here’s Tonight’s Lineup with Reyes probably returning tomorrow:

Pagan, CF
Cora, 2B
Wright, 3B
Davis, 1B
Bay, LF
Thole, C
Francoeur, RF
Tejada, SS
Pelfrey, RHP

Gallardo Out, Big Pelf in?

Dominic Pinto — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:57:47 +0000

Yovani Gallardo suffered a strained oblique yesterday, most likely keeping him out of next weeks All-Star game. If Mike Pelfrey is dominant tonight I think he should get the nod.

A strong case can be made for Matt Latos of the Padres as well but Big Pelf has been the ace of staff and if he wins tonight will have 11 wins at the break, third most in the majors to go along with an ERA below three.Let’s not forget the one save he has on the year as well.

Most likely I think Pelfrey will be snubbed, in the end, that’s probably fine as he could probably use the rest anyway down the stretch but it’s always fun to have our guys represented.

I’m Back

Dominic Pinto — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:47:21 +0000

So if you guys have been following this blog, you’ll have notice that there haven’t been any updates in a while. I was on vacation in Spain and am ready to start blogging again.

The Mets are right in the thick of things and with the trading deadline fast approaching this looks to be a very exciting July not to mention the rest of the season. Let’s just hope they don’t dissapoint us in September again, yeah that’s the Pessimet in me, sorry.