Built from Within: A New York Mets dynasty

[tejdog1]

The Mets closed out the first half with a record of 61-20, good for first in the NL East, and for the second straight year, they are running away with the division. Several key pieces of future Met teams have come to the forefront of this edition, none having a bigger impact then rookie outfielder Lastings Milledge (.307/.395/.459)

"Lastings has been everything we thought he would be, and more. He's played a gold glove caliber right field for us, and has made a seamless transition from center. To have 49 RBI at the halfway point hitting primarily out of the 7 hole...that's pretty amazing." Tejesh said.

Jeff Keppinger, in his first full season of his career, is putting up ungodly offensive numbers (.388/.477/.513)

"We all knew he is a contact hitter, but he's driving the ball much better then anyone could have predicted (19 2b, 6 hr). He's got 68 RBI hitting out of the 2 spot, and has also been a perfect compliment to Reyes. One is full of energy and the other is a calm, collected ballplayer. That is a dynamic duo to have at the top, for sure."

The middle of the order has proven to be very dangerous for the opposition, with Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado and David Wright combining for 56 hr and 221 rbi. With Keppinger's emergence, the Mets boast one of the deepest lineups in baseball, with all 8 regulars hitting over .300, and 6 over .320.

On the pitching side of the ball, the Mets have been using a 6 man rotation, giving a pair of rookies more time to mature while having a pair of veterans at the top.

"Pedro and Tom have been superb for us. They've really allowed us to break in Brian [bannister] and Mike [Pelfrey], with no worries."

Martinez and Glavine have combined to go 17-3 with a 3.20 era, in 157.1 innings.

The bullpen has done a super job for the Mets, as well, sporting a 2.69 era in 201 innings.

"We've gotten terrific long relief outings from Liddy, Tanyon and Brox at times, and they've really picked up our starters when they've faultered."

All in all, the Mets have enjoyed one of their most dominant halfs in history, with all facets of the team firing on virtually all cyclinders. As with the previous season, the Mets hope to get a look at some of their minor league talent, once the division is wrapped up.

"Obviously you can't look too far ahead, but you would like to see more of Humber, and get a look at [Carlos] Gomez. Among other talents, of course." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Game 82: Mets @ Marlins

The Mets open the second half of the season in South Florida, playing the surprisingly good, young, Florida Marlins team. Righty Brian Bannister (7-5, 3.76) gets the nod for the Mets, while lefty fireballer Scott Olsen (4-6, 4.17)goes for the Fish.

Hanley Ramirez walked to lead off the ballgame, advanced to second when Jeremy Hermida was hit by a pitch, stole third, and scored on Miguel Cabrera's groundout, giving Florida an early 1-0 lead.

Bannister committed the one cardinal sin that drives managers insane, he walked the opposing pitcher to lead off an inning (the third). Naturally, Ramirez followed with a 2 run homer, extending the Marlins lead to 3.

Carlos Beltran homered to lead off the 6th, bringing the Mets to within 2, and Banny pitched his way out of 2nd and 3rd no out trouble in the bottom of the inning, keeping the score 3-1.

Ty Wiggington pinch hit for Bannister to lead off the 7th. He struck out, and Jose Reyes popped out. With two down, Jeff Keppinger, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado singled, to drive in a run and bring the Mets to within 1, at 3-2. Matt Lindstrom came in to pitch the bottom of the 7th for NY.

Lindstrom pitched a scoreless 7th, and Henry Owens came in for the 8th. Owens allowed a run, but it didnt matter, as the Mets fell, 4-2.

[tejdog1]

Game 83: Mets @ Marlins

Mike Pelfrey (6-3, 5.40) vs Josh Johnson (2-4, 3.81)

The Mets send rookie righty Mike Pelfrey to the mound in Florida. Pelfrey, who got off to a disasterous start in 2006, has been showing signs of brillance in his last 5 starts, going 1-1 with a 4.22 era over 32 innings.

The Mets tattooed Johnson for 8 runs on 6 hits in the opening inning. Jose Reyes walked to lead off, and stole second, scoring on Carlos Beltran's one out homer. Carlos Delgado walked, David Wright singled, and Victor Diaz walked to load the bases. Lastings Milledge stroked a 2 run single, and Paul Lo Duca singled another home. With two down, Reyes slammed a 3 run homer to center, capping the offensively onslaught.

Pelfrey put those runs in his hip pocket, and spun a complete game 3 hit shutout, striking out 11.

"Absoultely beautiful. When he's right, when he's on, he has ace stuff. And right now, you can see him maturing into a stud, right in front of your eyes. It's something to see." Tejesh marvelled afterwards.

[tejdog1]

Game 84: Mets @ Marlins

Tom Glavine (10-1, 3.70) vs Ricky Nolasco (6-5, 4.18)

Veteran lefty Tom Glavine gets his second crack at career win #300, as Pedro Martinez is given an extra day, on top of the extra one he gets with the 6 man rotation.

"He complained of some shoulder soreness, so we pushed him back a day. If he can't go tomorrow, we'll probably give it to Jonathan Broxton, or Matthew Lindstrom." Tejesh said.

The Mets rested Carlos Delgado, Victor Diaz, and Paul Lo Duca, going with the following lineup: Jose Reyes (ss), Endy Chavez (lf), Lastings Milledge (rf), David Wright (3b), Carlos Beltran (cf), Jeff Keppinger (2b), Ty Wiggington (1b), Joe Hieptas ©.

The bottom of the order delievered in the 3rd, cashing in a run. Wiggy walked to lead off, and Hieptas was hit by a pitch. After Glavine bunted them over, Reyes grounded to third, scoring Wiggy and providing the Mets a 1-0 lead.

Wiggy singled to lead off the 5th, and Hieptas followed with his first major league homer, extending the lead to 3-0.

Jeremy Hermida doubled with one down in the bottom of the 5th, and scored on Jason Stokes single, cutting the Mets lead to 2.

The Marlins tied it an inning later. Einar Diaz singled to lead off, and with one down, Erick Aybar singled to put two on. Nolasco flew out to move the pair into scoring position, and Hanley Ramirez singled them in, knotting the game up at 3.

Hieptas doubled to lead off the 7th, and the Mets sent Carlos Delgado up to pinch hit for Glavine. Delgado grounded out, moving Hieptas to 3rd, and Reyes grounded out, driving him in, putting the Mets back on top, 4-3, and putting Glavine in line for career win 300.

Octavio Dotel came in for the 7th, and pitched 2 scoreless innings, setting it up for Billy Wagner. Wagner came in and struck out 2 in the 9th, nailing down #300 for Glavine.

"Obviously, this is a big accomplishment for me, personally, but we're in the middle of a pretty big season for the team. I'm happy with getting to 300 wins. I'd be even happier getting this team another World Series title." Glavine said.

"He's all class, an all around pro." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Game 85: Yankees @ Mets

Jaret Wright (6-5, 4.60) vs Jonathan Broxton (4-1, 4.22)

"We just decided to skip Pedro's turn all together, give him some extra time. We'll most likely do the same for Tommy his next turn. Depending on how Brox pitches today, he might get Tommy's next start." Tejesh said before the game.

Jose Reyes singled to lead off the bottom of the first, stole 2 bases, and scored on Carlos Beltran's sac fly, giving the Mets an early 1-0 lead.

Johnny Damon singled with one down in the 3rd, stole second, and scored on Alex Rodriguez' 2 out double, tying the game at 1.

Derek Jeter singled with one down in the 4th, and scored on Hideki Matsui's 2 out homer, putting the Yankees ahead, 3-1.

The Yankees broke it open with a 5 run 5th off Broxton. Robinson Cano singled with one down, Rodriguez singled, and Gary Sheffield was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. Former Met Xavier Nady walked to force in a run, and Jeter's grand slam cleared the bases, putting the Yanks on top, 8 to 1.

The Mets did try and rally, but it fell short, and they lost, 9 to 6.

[tejdog1]

Game 86: Yankees @ Mets

Chin Ming Wang (2-4, 4.75) vs Scott Kazmir (7-3, 3.99)

The Mets loaded the bases in the 3rd inning with one down, but were only able to push one run across. Paul Lo Duca singled to lead off, Kazmir bunted him to second, Jose Reyes singled him to third, and consecutive walks to Jeff Keppinger and Carlos Beltran drove a run in, giving the Mets a 1-0 lead.

The Yankees tied the game in the 5th. Xavier Nady walked to lead off, and Derek Jeter doubled him to third. With two down, Wang was hit by a pitch, and Kazmir was ejected.

"That is complete and utter BS. This umpiring crew had no right to toss Kazmir. What a bunch of mind numbing garbage." Tejesh said. Tanyon Sturtze came in and allowed a single to Johnny Damon, tying the game at 1.

Endy Chavez pinch hit for Sturtze to lead off the 5th, and Matthew Lindstrom came in to pitch the 6th for the Mets. Lindstrom pitched 3 terrific innings for the Mets, and they broke through in the 8th for a pair. Jose Reyes led off with a homer, and with one down, Carlos Beltran also went yard off Tyler Clippard, putting the Mets ahead 3-1. Billy Wagner came in to nail it down for Lindstrom, and the Mets won it, 3 to 1.

[tejdog1]

Game 87: Yankees @ Mets

Carl Pavano (7-7, 3.92) vs Aaron Heilman (8-0, 3.58)

The Mets gave a much needed and rare day off to the left side of their infield, inserting Chris Woodward (ss) and Ty Wiggington (3b) into the lineup. Lastings Milledge moved up to the leadoff spot, Paul Lo Duca moved to the 2 hole, Victor Diaz batted 5th, and Jeff Keppinger dropped down to the 6 hole.

Johnny Damon singled to lead off the game, and scored on Robinson Cano's double, giving the Yankees an early 1-0 lead.

The Mets answered with a 3 run 2nd. Carlos Delgado led off the with a double, Diaz walked, and Kepp launched a 3 run homer, for a 3-1 Met lead.

Heilman, though, gave it all back in the 3rd. Pavano singled to open the inning, Damon walked, and Cano singled to load the bases. Heilman got 2/3 of the way out of the mess, but couldn't navigate the final out. Xavier Nady singled in a run, and Derek Jeter doubled home a pair, putting the Yankees back out in front, 4 to 3.

The Mets came right back with a 2 run bottom of the 3rd, reclaiming the lead. Paul Lo Duca doubled to lead off, and scored on Carlos Beltran's single. Beltran then stole 2 bases and scored on Carlos Delgado's sac fly, giving Heilman a 5-4 lead.

However, Heilman gave that right back, as well. Hideki Matsui led off with a homer to tie the game at 5, and Damon hit a one out homer to put the Yankees back in front, 6 to 5. Heilman got through 4, and was lifted for a pinch hitter, but not before Wiggy homered to tie the game at 6. Woody followed with a single, and Endy Chavez was sent up to pinch hit for Heilman. Chavez grounded out, but Milledge doubled Woddy in, putting the Mets back out on top, 7 to 6. Carlos Beltran singled Milledge in with two down, Delgado walked, and Diaz blasted a 3 run shot to put the Mets ahead 11 to 6. Tanyon Sturtze came in to pitch the 5th for the Mets.

Sturtze pitched 3 innings, allowing one run, and Henry Owens came in to pitch the 8th, with the Mets leading 11-7. Owens went 2 scoreless innings, the Mets won, and Heilman again dodged his first loss.

"He could go out there, give up 13 runs in a third of an inning, and he wouldn't lose. Some guys have all the luck in a season. They get runs. And he's that guy for us. Along with Mikey [Pelfrey]." Tejesh smiled.

[tejdog1]

Game 88: Mets @ Red Sox

Brian Bannister (7-6, 3.81) vs Alay Soler (8-3, 4.56)

The Red Sox broke up the pitchers duel with a run in the bottom of the 7th. David Ortiz and Cliff Floyd hit back to back doubles with 1 down, putting Boston ahead 1-0.

In an absoultely throwback game, both pitchers went the distance, Banny 8 innings, 1 run, facing 3 over the minimum for the loss, and Soler 9 innings, 0 runs, facing 5 over the minimum for the win.

[tejdog1]

Game 89: Mets @ Red Sox

Mike Pelfrey (7-3, 4.84) vs Matt Clement (8-5, 3.62)

Mike Pelfrey, coming off incredible back to back outings, faces arguably his toughest test of his career, facing the Red Sox at Fenway.

Endy Chavez, DHing today, homered with one down in the first, providing an instant 1-0 lead. Pelfrey pitched a scoreless bottom of the first, and the Mets chased Clement in the 2nd with a 6 spot.

Jeff Keppinger, dropped down to 7th with the DH rule in effect, doubled with 2 down. Paul Lo Duca singled him home, and Lastings Milledge, hitting 9th, singled. Jose Reyes walked to load the bases. Chavez singled home a pair, and the back breaker came from Carlos Beltran, a 3 run homer to put NY on top, 7-0.

Pelfrey pitched 4 terrific innings, but then allowed 4 in the 5th, allowing Boston to get within 3, at 8-5. Jonathan Broxton replaced Pelfrey for the 6th.

"I'd characterize this as another step forward for Mike. Yes, the final line doesn't look good, but he pitched very effectively when he needed to." Tejesh said.

The Mets got 3 in the 7th, on back to back to back homers by Chavez, Beltran and Carlos Delgado, extending to an 11-5 lead. Broxton went 2, and then Matt Lindstrom came in and finished out the game, putting the finishing touches on a 12-7 victory.

Endy Chavez and Carlos Beltran, the 2-3 hitters, combined to go 7 for 10 with a double, 4 homers and 10 RBI.

[tejdog1]

Game 90: Mets @ Red Sox

Pedro Martinez (7-2, 2.58) vs Curt Schilling (5-7, 4.14)

The Mets went with the same lineup that scored 12 runs yesterday, in the finale of the 3 game set in Boston.

The lineup proved effective again, chasing Schilling in the 2nd with a 5 spot. Carlos Delgado homered to lead it off. With two down, Jeff Keppinger singled and stole second. Paul Lo Duca and Lastings Milledge walked, and Jose Reyes blasted a grand slam to center, opening up a 5-0 Met lead.

The Mets scored a dozen for the 2nd game in a row, this time winning it 12-2.

[tejdog1]

Game 91: Mets @ Blue Jays

Matthew Lindstrom (3-1, 2.44) vs Guastavo Chacin (7-6, 5.16)

The Mets, as expected, skipped Tom Glavine's turn in the rotation, turning to Matt Lindstrom.

Lindstrom carried a perfect game into the 5th, before faultering. Troy Glaus doubled to break it up, former Met icon Mike Piazza walked, and Russ Adams delievered a 1 out double to drive in a run. J. Metropoulos singled home a pair, opening up a 3-0 lead.

The Mets got one back in the top of the 6th. Carlos Beltran singled with one down, stole second, and scored on Carlos Delgado's double, cutting the lead to 2.

Lindstrom went 5.1 innings, and was replaced by Jonathan Broxton, who escaped 6th inning trouble.

The Mets tattooed the Blue Jay staff in the 7th, torching 3 pitchers for 9 runs on 8 hits. Lastings Milledge got the onslaught underway with a single, Paul Lo Duca walked to put the first two on. Jose Reyes singled home Milledge with one down. Beltran doubled home a pair with two down. Delgado singled Beltran in, and consecutive singles by David Wright and Victor Diaz loaded the bases. Milledge and Lo Duca both walked to force in runs, Joe Hieptas doubled in a pair, and Reyes capped the scoring by singling home one. Jeff Keppinger and his team leading .364 average made 2 of the 3 outs in the inning. The Mets led it 10-3.

[tejdog1]

Game 92: Mets @ Blue Jays

Scott Kazmir (7-3, 3.89) vs Josh Banks (1-1, 10.03)

Jeff Keppinger walked with one down in the 1st, stole second and scored on Carlos Delgado's 2 out double, putting NY on top 1-0.

The Mets tagged Banks for a 5 spot in the 4th inning, chasing him. Victor Diaz doubled to lead off, and Endy Chavez, DHing and hitting 8th, doubled him home. Eli Marrero, catching, was hit by a pitch. Jose Reyes walked to fill the bases, and Kepp unfilled them with a double. Delgado doubled with two down, driving Kepp in and putting the Mets ahead 6-0.

The Jays stormed back with a 4 run 5th, drawing to within 2. Russ Adams was hit by a pitch with one down, Joey Metropoulous singled him to third, and John McDonald singled Adams in. Alexis Rios followed with a 2 run double. Frank Catalanotto singled and stole second, putting 2 in scoring position. Vernon Wells flew to center, scoring Rios and making it a 6-4 game.

Jose Reyes singled to lead off the 6th and stole 2 bases. Carlos Beltran walked with one down and stole second. Both scored on David Wright's 2 out double, extending back to a 4 run lead. Octavio Dotel came in to pitch the 6th for the Mets.

Dotel pitched a scoreless 6th, and was removed in the 7th after allowing a 1 out single to Frank Catalanotto and a 2 out walk to Troy Glaus. Henry Owens came in and promptly surrendered a 3 run homer to Piazza. Lyle Overbay singled, and Adams followed with a 2 run homer, stunning the Mets and putting Toronto ahead, 9 to 8. Tanyon Sturtze came in and put an end to the bleeding, but the damage had been done.

The Mets struck right back for a 3 run 8th, jumping back ahead 11 to 9. Jeff Keppinger homered with one down to knot the game at 9. Delgado's 2 out double kept the inning alive, and then the Toronto pen held a walkathon. Wright, Diaz, Milledge and Chavez all drew consecutive walks, with the latter two forcing in runs.

Naturally, the Jays struck for a run in the bottom of the 8th off Strutze, pulling back to within 1. Alexis Rios singled to lead off, and scored on Glaus' 2 out single, making it an 11-10 game.

"This is AL baseball." Tejesh said.

Billy Wagner survived a leadoff double to get the save in the 9th, and the Mets exhaled, winning a wild 11-10 game.

[D-Unit]

Good dynasty.

Don't you get bored of constantly winning?

[tejdog1]

Yes, yes I do. But what am I supposed to do? Lose on purpose?

You're a Yankee fan, do you get bored of the playoffs?

Game 93: Mets @ Blue Jays

Aaron Heilman (8-0, 3.97) vs Kyle Lohse (5-6, 5.57)

Heilman got lit up for 3 runs in the opening inning, on 4 hits. Alexis Rios walked to lead off the game, and back to back singles by Frank Catalanotto and Vernon Wells drove him in. Troy Glaus flew to center, driving Frank Catalanotto in. Mike Piazza followed with a single, and Lyle Overbay doubled Wells in, putting the Jays ahead 3-0.

The Mets stormed right back with a 4 run 2nd, chasing Lohse. Carlos Delgado singled to lead it off, David Wright doubled, and Victor Diaz doubled the pair in. With one down, Paul Lo Duca walked, and with two down, Jose Reyes walked to load the bases. Jeff Keppinger walked to force in a run, and Carlos Beltran was hit by a pitch to force in another run, chasing Lohse, and putting the Mets on top, 4 to 3.

The Jays struck back with a 2 run bottom of the inning, retaking the lead, 5 to 4. John MacDonald singled to lead off, stole second, and scored on Frank Catalanotto's double, tying the game at 4. Vernon Wells followed with a single to score Cat, putting Toronto back on top.

"This is utter nonsense. I mean, it was better in Colorado!" Tejesh exclaimed.

No big shocker, the Mets tied it in the 3rd. Wright singled to lead off, Lastings Milledge one out double put 2 in scoring position, and Lo Duca's grounder plated Wright, tying the score at 5.

The Jays jumped back in front with a 2 run 4th. Frank Catalanotto singled, and Glaus followed with a 1 out homer, putting Toronto back ahead, 7 to 5.

Heilman chewed up 4 innings, and Tanyon Sturtze came in for the 5th.

"Good job by Aaron today, with a depleted pen, he did what he needed to, kept the game within reach." Tejesh nodded.

The Jays, however, blew the game open with a 4 run 5th off Sturtze. McDonald doubled to lead off and scored on Rios' single. Catalanotto followed with a single, and with one down, Glaus singled Rios home. Piazza doubled in Cat, and Overbay singled home Glaus, making it 11-5.

Sturtze took one for the team, going 4 innings while allowing 6 runs, and the Mets lost, 13-5, Heilman's first loss of the season.

The final Mets pitching line read like a house of horrors. 8 IP, 26 hits, 13 ER.

"Yeah, that's not good, not good at all." Tejesh smirked.

[tejdog1]

Game 94: Mets @ Nationals

Brian Bannister vs Ramon Ortiz

The board is acting up tonight...lost my recap

------------------------

Game 95: Mets @ Nationals

Mike Pelfrey (8-3, 5.07) vs Brian Lawrence (9-3, 3.82)

Carlos Beltran's 2 out solo shot in the first put NY on top, 1-0. Mike Pelfrey went to work in the bottom of the inning, having put together a recent string of very good starts.

However, he gave up 3 runs in the opening inning. Jose Vidro doubled with one down, and scored on Alfonso Soriano's single. Soriano was caught stealing, preventing an even bigger inning. Ryan Zimmerman followed with a single, and scored on Jose Guillen's homer, putting the Nats on top, 3-1.

Pelfrey allowed 2 more in the 2nd. Brian Schneider homered with one down, and with 2 down, Christian Guzman and Jose Video walked. Soriano followed with a run scoring double, extending to a 5-1 lead for Washington.

Another pair of runs in the 4th ended Pelfrey's night. Schneider singled to lead off the inning, with one down, Guzman and Vidro singled to load the bases, and after striking out Soriano, Pelfrey allowed a 2 run single to Zimmerman, putting the Nats up by 6. Jonathan Broxton came in and got Guillen, keeping it a 6 run game.

Brox went 1/3 of an inning, and was replaced by Matt Lindstrom.

Lindstrom pitched a scoreless 5th, and the Mets put up a 3 spot in the top of the 6th, clawing back within 3. Jose Reyes homered to lead it off. Carlos Beltran walked with one down, Carlos Delgado singled him to third, and David Wright grounded into a 4-6 fielder's choice, scoring Beltran and erasing Delgado. Victor Diaz singled to keep the inning alive, and Lastings Milledge singled Wright in, making it a 7-4 game.

Lindstrom pitched a perfect 6th, and was pinch hit for by Ty Wiggington, who singled. Reyes followed with a double, and Jeff Keppinger singled the pair in, pulling NY to within 1. Carlos Beltran followed with a 2 run homer, putting NY on top, 8 to 7. With two down, Diaz, Milledge and Paul Lo Duca put together 3 straight singles, scratching another run across and putting the Mets on top by 2.

Octavio Dotel came in to pitch the bottom of the 7th for NY. Dotel put up a zero, and the Mets pushed across 2 more in the 8th, taking an 11-7 lead. Keppinger singled and stole second with one down. Beltran was intentionally walked, and with two down, Wright walked to load the bases. Diaz and Milledge followed with run producing walks, extending the lead to 4.

With a 4 run lead, Henry Owens came in and shut the door, pitching a scoreless inning.

"The bullpen has simply been phenominal for us. At times, they've taken games over and just shut the door, allowing us to come back from 4,5,6 and even 7 runs. You don't like relying on that sort of stuff to happen, of course, but it is very comforting to know that on any given day, we can go to a pitcher out of that pen and they'll pitch effectively." Tejesh said.

The bullpen went 5.1 innings, scattering 3 hits, walking 1 and striking out 3.

[tejdog1]

Game 96: Mets @ Braves

Pedro Martinez (8-2, 2.62) vs John Smoltz (7-8, 4.47)

Pedro got tagged for 4 runs in the 2nd inning, with 2 homers thrown in. Jeff Francoeur was hit by a pitch, and Chipper Jones homered. Chad Tracy followed with a solo shot. Kelly Johnson then singled and scored on John Smoltz' grounder, putting Atlanta ahead, 4 to 0.

Pedro was pinch hit for in the top of the 5th, and Tanyon Sturtze came in to pitch the middle innings for NY.

The Mets broke through for a pair in the 6th, but should've had much more. Jose Reyes led the inning off with a homer, and Endy Chavez (giving Victor Diaz a day off) followed with a single and stolen base. Carlos Beltran walked, and Carlos Delgado singled to load the bases. A walk to David Wright plated the second run, but that was all the Mets got. Jeff Keppinger, batting 6th, struck out, and Lastings Milledge grounded into a double play, ending the threat.

Edgar Renteria singled and scored on Tracy's 2 out single in the bottom of the 6th, extending back to a 3 run lead, at 5-2.

The Mets put together a 5 run 7th to take the lead. Paul Lo Duca walked to lead it off, and with one down, Reyes walked. With two down, BEltran doubled home the pair, Delgado walked, and Wright blasted a 3 run homer, putting NY on top, 7 to 5.

Octavio Dotel came in for the 7th, and threw up a couple of 0s, setting it up for Billy Wagner. Wagner issued a leadoff walk, but nothing more, earning his 22nd save.

Once again, the bullpen was the star of the show, going 5 innings, allowing 0 runs on 2 hits, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts.

"Look, eventually, this type of baseball will catch up to you, no matter who you are or how many stars you have on your team. The bullpen cannot keep going 4+ innings every game. Our starters have to do a better job of controlling the game. We put this 6 man rotation together to take a load off the pen, but they're pitching more then they did last year." Tejesh said after the game.

[tejdog1]

Game 97: Mets @ Braves

Tom Glavine (11-1, 3.75) vs Victor Zambrano (7-9, 4.05)

The Mets rested a number of their regulars today, going with an unusual lineup: Jose Reyes, Endy Chavez (rf), Jeff Keppinger, David Wright, Carlos Beltran, Victor Diaz, Ty Wiggington (1b), Joe Hieptas ©.

Carlos Beltran walked to lead off the 2nd, stole 2nd, and scored on Hieptas' 2 out single, putting NY on top, 1-0.

Glavine, continuing the recent trend of alarming starting pitching, allowed a 5 spot in the 2nd, all of it after 2 down no one on. Johnny Estrada walked, Zambrano singled, and Marcus Giles was HBP to load the bases. Edgar Renteria walked, and Andruw Jones launched a grand slam, putting Atlanta on top, 5 to 1.

The Mets began the comeback in the 4th, scratching a run out. Diaz and Wiggy hit 1 out singles, and Hieptas flew out to drive Diaz in, cutting it to a 5-2 game.

They got another run in the 5th, pulling to within 2. Kepp singled, Wright walked, and Beltran singled Kepp in, to make it 5-3. Glavine bulldogged his way through 5 very shaky innings, and the Mets put up a 3 spot in the 6th, taking the lead.

Wiggy led off with a homer, ending Zambrano's night. With one down, pinch hitter Carlos Delgado walked. With two down, Endy Chavez singled, Jeff Keppinger walked to load the bases. Wright and Beltran drew walks to force in a pair, giving NY a 6-5 lead. Henry Owens came in to pitch the 6th for NY.

Having virtually no other choice, Henry Owens was pushed to the limit, working 3 scoreless innings in relief, setting it up for Billy Wagner.

"What else could I do? Octavio worked 2 yesterday, he wasn't available. I'm loathe to using Billy for 2, Tanyon also worked 2 yesterday. Pelfrey's a starter. Brox or Liddy could've given me an inning, but they're not used to working setup. I had very little manuevering room here." Tejesh said.

Wagner worked a scoreless 9th, picking up his 23rd save.

"At this point, I'm going to have to let one of my starters take one for the pen here. Maybe not tomorrow, but pretty soon, it's going to come down to pushing someone deep." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Game 98: Mets @ Braves

Scott Kazmir (7-3, 4.06) vs Horacio Ramirez (6-7, 5.73)

The Mets, looking for any start of even decent length, send 2005's team leader in complete games to the mound, hoping and praying for at least 7 innings.

However, Kazmir allowed 4 runs in the opening inning, miserably extending the streak of horrific starting pitching. Marcus Giles walked, Edgar Renteria singled, Jeff Francoeur walked, and Chipper Jones launched a grand slam to put Atlanta ahead, 4 to 0.

The Mets clawed back with a pair in the 5th. Victor Diaz walked, and Ty Wiggington (playing 2nd and batting 8th) homered, halving the Atlanta lead to 2.

Kazmir went the distance, 8 innings, allowing little else besides the 4 run first, but the Mets lost, 4 to 2.

"That was an excellent job by Scotty, he really settled down nicely after that miserable 1st. He did a very admirable job for us." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Game 99: Nationals @ Mets

Ramon Ortiz (9-10, 5.73) vs Aaron Heilman (8-1, 4.42)

After Kazmir's complete game, and an off day yesterday, Aaron Heilman takes to the mound, hoping to give the bullpen another day of recovery.

Jose Reyes singled to lead off the 1st, stole second, and scored on Carlos Beltran's single, giving NY an early 1-0 lead.

The Mets extended to a 2-0 lead in the 2nd. Lastings Milledge doubled, Paul Lo Duca walked, and after a Heilman bunt, Reyes grounded out, scoring Milledge.

Ryan Church doubled with 2 down in the 4th, and scored on Brian Schneider's single, cutting the Met lead in half, 2-1.

The Mets answered with a 3 run 5th, building a 4 run cushion. Victor Diaz walked to lead off, and with two down, Heilman singled, Reyes doubled, and Jeff Keppinger singled, putting NY on top, 5 to 1.

The Mets scored 2 more in the 6th, doing just what the doctor ordered, building a big enough lead for Heilman to just relax and pitch. Beltran singled, stole second, and scored on David Wright's homer, making it 7-1.

Heilman emptied the tank, going the distance, and the Mets won it, 9-4.

[tejdog1]

Game 100: Nats @ Mets

Brian Lawrence (9-3, 3.96) vs Brian Bannister (8-7, 3.46)

Jose Vidro walked with one down in the first, Ryan Zimmerman singled him to third, and Jose Guillen singled him home, giving Washington an early 1-0 lead.

The Mets chased Lawrence in the 2nd with a 5 spot. David Wright walked with one down, Victor Diaz doubled to put 2 in scoring position, and Lastings Milledge flew to right, scoring Wright. Paul Lo Duca followed with a single to score Diaz, giving NY the lead. Banny helped himself with a single, and Jose Reyes followed with a 3 run homer, making it 5-1.

The last thing in the world Bannister wanted to do happened in the 3rd, he gave 3 of those 5 runs right back. Vidro singled with one down, and Zimmerman doubled him to third with two down. Guillen singled the pair in, making it a 5-3 game. Nick Johnson followed with a walk, and Ryan Church singled Guillen in, cutting the Met lead to 1.

Carlos Beltran was hit by a pitch to lead off the bottom of the 3rd, stole second, and scored on Wright's single, extending back to a 2 run lead, 6-4.

The Mets put up a 3 spot in the 4th. Banny singled with one down to start the rally. With two down, Jeff Keppinger singled, Carlos Beltran double Banny in, and Carlos Delgado singled Kepp and Beltran in, making it 9-4.

Milledge homered in the 5th to pad the lead, and Bannister worked 6 innings, handing it off to Jonathan Broxton. Broxton allowed 3 runs in his 3 innings, but the Mets hammered Washington, 15-7.

[tejdog1]

Game 101: Nats @ Mets

Zach Day (4-8, 6.37) vs Mike Pelfrey (8-3, 5.53)

Pelfrey's up and down rookie season continues as he faces Washington.

"He's got the tools, he just needs to find himself, pitching wise. And he will, there's no doubt of that. We just need to give him time." Tejesh said.

The Nats got on the board first with a run in the opening inning. With two down, Alfonso Soriano and Ryan Zimmerman singled, and Jose Guillen doubled Soriano in. Brian Schneider singled with one down in the 2nd, was advanced to third on an error by Carlos Delgado, and scored on Jose Vidro's single, extending Washington's lead to 2-0.

The Mets tied it with a pair in the 2nd. David Wright singled with one down, advanced to 2nd on Victor Diaz's grounder, and scored on Lastings Milledge's 2 out single. Milledge then stole second, and scored on Paul Lo Duca's single, tying the game at 2.

Jose Reyes led off the 3rd with a homer, putting NY on top, 3-2.

Lo Duca singled with 2 down in the 4th, and Pelfrey helped himself with a double, putting two in scoring position. Reyes followed with a single, driving Lo Duca in, giving NY a 2 run lead.

Pelfrey allowed a run in the 7th, and was charged for more after Henry Owens couldn't bail him out. Christian Guzman and Jose Vidro drew back to back walks, and Soriano singled one in, ending Pelfrey's night. Owens came in, and with one down, gave up a game tying single to Jose Guillen. With two down, Ryan Church singled to untie the game, putting Washington back ahead, 5-4.

The Mets tied it in the bottom of the 9th. Endy Chavez, pinch hitting for Owens, tripled with one down, and Reyes squeezed him home, tying the game at 5. Matthew Lindstrom came in to pitch for NY.

Lindstrom pitched a perfect top of the 10th, and Carlos Beltran won it for NY with a leadoff homer in the bottom half.

[tejdog1]

Game 102: Cardinals @ Mets

Jason Marquis (8-5, 3.14) vs Pedro Martinez (8-2, 2.94)

Marquis, a very good hitting pitcher, doubled with one down in the 5th, and scored on David Eckstein's single, giving St. Louis a 1-0 lead. David Wright led off the bottom of the inning with a homer, instantly tying the game at 1. Victor Diaz followed with a double, and scored on Lastings Milledge's single, putting NY on top, 2-1.

Carlos Beltran walked with two down in the 6th, and consecutive singles by Carlos Delgado and David Wright drove him around and in, extending the Met lead to 3-1.

The Cards struck for 3 in the 7th, retaking the lead. Yadier Molina singled to lead off the inning, and with one down, Aaron Miles singled and David Eckstein doubled, making it a 3-2 game. After intentionally walking Albert Pujols to load the bases, Pedro's night was done, and Octavio Dotel came in and promptly surrendered a 2 run single to Jim Edmonds, putting St. Louis on top, 4 to 3.

Jonathan Broxton allowed a pair in the top of the 9th, but it didn't matter, as the Mets went down 123 in the bottom of the inning, losing 6 to 3.

[tejdog1]

Game 103: Cardinals @ Mets

Mark Mulder (4-9, 3.69) vs Tom Glavine (12-1, 4.01)

David Eckstein singled with one down in the opening inning, and scored on Albert Pujols' homer, putting the Cards up, 2-0. With two down, Scott Rolen walked and scored on John Rodriguez' single, extending to a 3 run lead.

Carlos Beltran's 2 out solo shot in the bottom of the inning got the Mets on the board, pulling them within 2. Glavine settled down after the rough opening inning, and pitched 5 scoreless innings afterwards. The Mets rallied for a 4 spot in the 6th, taking the lead.

Jeff Keppinger and Carlos Beltran walked to lead it off, and with one down, David Wright singled in one. Lastings Milledge, hitting 6th with Victor Diaz getting the day off, walked to load the bases, and Paul Lo Duca unloaded them with a double, capping the scoring and giving NY a 5-3 lead. Henry Owens came in for the 7th.

Owens pitched a scoreless 7th, but faltered in the 8th, allowing a run. Juan Encarnacion, John Rodriguez and Yadier Molina strung 3 singles together with one down, pulling the Cardinals to within 1, at 5-4. Billy Wagner was then brought in for a 5 out save, and escaped the 8th with the 1 run lead intact.

Wagner pitched a 1-2-3 9th, earning his 24th save, and the Mets won it 5-4.

[tejdog1]

Game 104: Cards @ Mets

Jeff Suppan (11-5, 3.55) vs Scott Kazmir (7-4, 4.09)

Suppan singled to lead off the 3rd, David Eckstein drew a one out walk, and Albert Pujols launched a 3 run homer, giving St. Louis a 3-0 lead.

Kazmir worked 7 innings, allowing just those 3 runs, and Matt Lindstrom came in for the 8th. Lindstrom pitched a scoreless 8th, and the Mets got one in the bottom of the 8th. Endy Chavez, pinch hitting for Liddy, walked with one down, and scored on Lastings Milledge's 2 out double, pulling NY within 2.

Jonathan Broxton came in for the 9th, and got into and out of trouble, but the Mets mustered nothing off Suppan, losing 3-1.

[tejdog1]

Before Game 105, the Mets promoted their top 2 catching prospects a level, moving #1 catching prospect Jesus Flores from AA Binghamton to AAA Norfolk. Flores, 21, was hitting .301 with 6 HR and 34 RBI, in 370 ABs. Jason Groom was called up to Binghamton, taking Flores' spot there. Groom, 19, was hitting .305 with 10 HR and 40 RBI, in 365 ABs. The Mets resisted the urge to call uber prospect Fernando Martinez up to Norfolk, opting for a conservative approach with the other-worldly 17 year old.

Game 105: Reds @ Mets

Bronson Arroyo (10-3, 2.86) vs Aaron Heilman (9-1, 4.38)

The Mets put up a 3 run 4th inning, opening the scoring. Carlos Beltran homered to lead off, and with one down, David Wright walked and Victor Diaz homered, putting NY on top, 3-0.

The Mets added a run in the 6th. Jeff Keppinger, dropped down to the 7 hole, singled and stole second, scoring on Paul Lo Duca's double, extending to a 4 run lead.

Heilman escaped 7th inning trouble, and the Mets tacked on a pair in the bottom of the 7th, to provide some cushion. Octavio Dotel came in for the 8th. Dotel pitched a scoreless 8th, and Jonathan Broxton came in for the 9th. Brox allowed a pair, but the Mets won it, 6-2.