Built from Within: A New York Mets dynasty

[aaronuconn]

So are you just managing every game?

[tejdog1]

Games 28 & 29: Phillies @ Mets

The Phils and Mets hook up for two after a rainout, with Scott Kazmir (2-0, 2.67) and Orlando Hernandez (2-1, 3.71) going for the Mets, and Gavin Floyd (0-1, 6.32) and Brett Myers (2-2, 3.52)

**Game 28**

The Phillies got on the board first in the first game. Bobby Abreu drew a walk, and with two out, Chase Utley drove him home with a double. In the bottom of the inning, Jose Reyes was hit by a pitch leading off, and promptly did his customary stealing of 2nd and 3rd, scoring on a one out grounder by Carlos Beltran, tying the game.

A leadoff double by David Wright started the home half of the 2nd, and Cliff Floyd followed with an RBI single, putting the Mets ahead 2-1. Philly answered with 2 in the 4th. Pat Burrell singled to start it, and Aaron Rowand's double put two in scoring position with no out. Mike Lieberthal grounded out, plating a run, and Abraham Nunez reached safely when Carlos Beltran dropped his fly ball, allowing the go ahead run to score.

In the bottom of the inning, Kazmir helped his own cause. Xavier Nady led off with a single and moved to second on Valentin's grounder. Kazmir followed with a single, and Reyes walked to load the bases with one out. Lo Duca grounded out to force home the tying run, but Beltran grounded out to end the inning.

The Mets put up 3 runs in the bottom of the 5th. The rally was started by Delago, who singled. Wright followed with a single, and Floyd's grounder advanced them to 2nd and 3rd with one out. Xavier Nady and Jose Valentin followed with run scoring singles, and Scott Kazmir's squeeze plated the 3rd run of the inning, giving the Mets a 6-3 lead.

Kazmir started the next inning, but was ejected for hitting pinch hitter Peter Bergeron. Chad Bradford came in to pitch, and surrendered two runs. Bobby Abreu singled, and Jimmy Rollins grounded out, producing one run and moving Abreu to second. Ryan Howard's double drove in the second run, before Bradford righted himself and got out of the inning. Billy Wagner came on for a 2 inning save, preserving the Mets 6-5 victory.

**Game 29**

The Mets got off to a fast start in Game 2, scoring 3 in the bottom of the first. Jose Reyes walked, stole 2nd and 3rd, and scored of Lo Duca's single. Delgado hit a one out 2 run homer to give the mets a crooked number. The Phils got one right back, when Utley led off the top of the 2nd with a homer. El Duque worked out of a 1st and 2nd one out jam after the homer, to escape with the lead.

The Mets and Phils traded runs in the bottom of the 2nd and top of the 3rd. Jose Valentin hit a one out single, and after being sacrificed to second, scored on Reyes' single. Reyes was thrown out trying to steal, to end the inning. The Phils run came on an Abreu single and Utley double. El Duque again worked out of trouble after the run scored, preserving the Mets 4-2 lead.

The Mets broke through in the 4th, scoring 3 runs. An error by Aaron Rowand in center allowed Floyd to reach first safely, and Nady followed with an RBI triple. Jose Valentin doubled Nady in, and after an El Duque sac bunt, Lo Duca hit a run scoring single, plating the third run of the inning, and giving the Mets a 7-2 lead, and chased Brett Myers. Ryan Franklin came on to get Beltran, but the damage had been done.

Cliff Floyd's 2 out homer in the 5th provided more cushion for El Duque. Hernandez went 7 innings, allowing 3 runs, before being lifted for Duaner Sanchez. Sanchez worked a scoreless 8th, but allowed 3 runs in the 9th, but got out of it.

"Right now, Sanchez just cannot be relied upon, and with that being the situation, we can't move Heilman into the rotation, nor would we, with all 5 starters doing a good job for us." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

So are you just managing every game?

Yeppers. I am.

[tejdog1]

Before Game 30, the Mets made a trade, sending struggling relievers Chad Bradford and Duaner Sanchez to the Dodgers for Yhency Brazoban and Jonathan Broxton.

"Brazoban slides very nicely into the second setup spot, freeing up Heilman to start, were any of our starters to falter. We also have the patience to work with Broxton, and get him to pitch to his capability." Tejesh commented.

Game 30: Mets @ Brewers

Pedro Martinez (4-1, 2.18) vs Chris Capuano (1-3, 3.70)

A one out homer in the 4th by Corey Koskie put the Brew Crew ahead 1-0 against ace Pedro Martinez. The Mets got those runs right back in the top of the 5th. Pedro singled, and Jose Reyes hit a 2 run homer, giving the Mets a 2-1 lead.

The two teams traded runs in the bottom of the 5th and top of the 6th. The Brewers got their run on a Brady Clark double and two grounders by Prince Fielder and Carlos Lee. The Mets got their run on 2 singles by Beltran and Delgado, and a groundout by Wright.

A leadoff walk to Jose Valentin in the top of the 7th meant that Pedro's night would come to an end. Eli Marrero pinch hit for him, and also drew a walk. Reyes, bunting for a hit, ended up sacrificing the runners to second and third with one out, for Paul Lo Duca, who grounded out to push across the 4th run of the game for the Mets. Henry Owens and Yhency Brazoban pitched scoreless 7th and 8th innings, setting it up for Billy Wagner in the 9th. Wagner pitched a 1-2-3 9th, earning his 6th save, and giving Pedro his 5th win.

[tejdog1]

Game 31: Mets @ Brewers

Tom Glavine (2-0, 2.85) vs Dave Bush (1-2, 4.23)

The Brewers broke through first, in the bottom of the 3rd. JJ Hardy walked, and Chad Moeller singled, putting runners on first and second. Consecutive grounders by Dave Bush and Bill Hall plated one run, and a Brady Clark double scored Moeller, putting the Brewers ahead 2-0. The Mets got a run right back in the 4th. Carlos Delgado walked, and after David Wright moved him to second with a grounder, Cliff Floyd singled him to 3rd, and Xavier Nady drove him in with a grounder of his own.

Tom Glavine helped his own cause in the 5th, doubling to lead off. Jose Reyes walked, and Lo Duca moved them to scoring position with a grounder. Beltran walked to load the bases, and Delgado drove home the tying run with a grounder back to the pitcher. David Wright walked to reload the bases, but Cliff Floyd grounded to short to end the threat.

Jose Valentin hit a 1 out solo shot in the top of the 6th, chasing Bush and giving the Mets a 3-2 lead. Jose Capellan came on to replace Bush. In the 7th, Carlos Beltran led off with a walk and stole 2nd. Carlos Delgado failed to advance Beltran, so he stole 3rd and scored on Wright's groundout, giving the Mets a 4-2 lead. Corey Koskie homered off Glavine to get that run back, bringing Milwaukee within 1 at 4-3.

Xavier Nady doubled to lead off the 8th, and Jose Valentin walked, and that signalled the end for Glavine. Endy Chavez came up to bat for him, and popped out. Jose Reyes singled home a run, and then stole second. Lo Duca struck out, and Beltran walked, but Delgado couldn't add to the lead, and it remained 5-3, going to the bottom of the 8th. Henry Owens came on to pitch. Owens pitched a scoreless 8th, but in the 9th, Billy Wagner blew the save, allowing a pair of runs.

With one out, Carlos Lee walked and Corey Koskie hit a 2 out double, scoring Lee. JJ Hardy singled Koskie in. Wagner struck out Moeller to end the inning, but the damage was in.

In the top of the 10th, Eli Marrero pinch hit for Wagner and singled against Dana Eveland, and Jose Reyes hit a two run homer, giving the Mets a 7-5 lead. Lo Duca, Beltran and Delgado all singled in a row, producing a run, extending the lead. Jose De La Rosa came in to replace Eveland, and walked David Wright to load the bases for Cliff Floyd. Floyd hit into a double play, and the Mets turned to Yhency Brazoban to save it. Brazoban got the first two outs of the inning, but then was injured as Brady Clark tripled to center field. Aaron Heilman came on to try and record the final out. Heilman walked Prince Fielder, but struck out Carlos Lee to end the game.

"Right now, it doesn't look good on Brazoban. We're going to wait and see tomorrow, but right now, it looks bad." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Before Game 32, the Mets announced relief pitcher Yhency Brazoban will miss the next 10 weeks with a torn MCL.

"That's rough. We just got him, we finally had the flexibility to move Heilman into the rotation, and this happens. I spoke to Aaron today, and he understands that he is stuck in the pen for the foreseeable future. He's disappointed, but he knows the score." Tejesh said before gametime. The Mets placed Brazoban on the 60 day DL and called up Anderson Garcia from Norfolk. To fill Garcia's spot in Norfolk, Jose Parra was recalled from Binghamton. Garcia was 1-0 with 4 saves in 13 innings. He had 12 Ks, and 2 walks.

Game 32: Mets @ Brewers

Steve Trachsel (4-1, 1.43) vs Tomo Okha (1-3, 6.45)

Geoff Jenkins 1 out solo homer in the bottom of the second put the Brewers ahead 1-0. In the top of the 3rd, Steve Trachsel reached on Prince Fielder's error, Jose Reyes walked, David Wright, hitting 2nd because Paul Lo Duca was getting the day off, singled, and Beltran hit a grand slam, giving the Mets a 4-1 lead. The Mets weren't done there, however. Carlos Delgado walked, and after Jose Valentin popped out, Cliff Floyd walked. Xavier Nady fouled out, but Ramon Castro doubled, plating Delgado. Steve Trachsel, getting his second at bat of the inning, struck out. The Mets sent 10 men to the plate, and half of them scored, putting the Mets ahead 5-1.

The Mets pushed across 2 more runs in the 5th. Delgado led off with a homer, and Valentin followed with a double. A flyout by Floyd and a groundout by Nady produced the second run of the inning. A Geoff Jenkins 2 run homer in the bottom of the 6th pulled the Brewers to within 4, at 7-3.

The Mets loaded the bases with two out in the top of the 7th, and Endy Chavez struck out, pinch hitting for Steve Trachsel. Henry Owens came on in the bottom of the inning. Owens pitched 2 scoreless innings, and Anderson Garcia relieved him in the 9th.

"Same deal as with Owens earlier in the season. Gotta see what we have here." Tejesh said. Garcia allowed 3 hits and a run, but got out of the inning, preserving the 7-4 win.

[tejdog1]

Game 33: Mets @ Cubs

Scott Kazmir (3-0, 3.18) vs Mark Prior (2-3, 5.14)

An error in the 3rd led to an unearned run for the Cubs. David Wright booted a grounder by Jacque Jones, and Jones stole second, advanced to third on Mark Prior's grounder, and scored on Juan Pierre's single, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead. Back to back walks in the 5th helped push across the second run for the Cubs. Michael Barrett and Jones drew walks, and were advances to second and third on Prior's grounder. Juan Pierre grounded back to Kazmir, scoring Barrett. Kazmir escaped further trouble, but the Cubs stretched their lead to 2-0. Kazmir was pulled after 7 innings, and replaced by Aaron Heilman. The Mets went down meekly in the top of the 9th, and lost, 2-0.

[tejdog1]

I'm thinking of making this trade, what does everyone think?

Orlando Hernandez (3-1, 3.73 era in 41 IP)

Xavier Nady (.269/2/16 with 29 hits in 108 ABs)

Brian Bannister (4-3, 4.10 era in 41.2 IP in Norfolk)

to Toronto for

BJ Ryan

I'd move Heilman to the rotation, call up Victor Diaz for RF (he's hitting .350ish in Norfolk) and call up Juan Padilla for the other roster spot. Yes or no?

[sfgiantsflgators]

i'd say no - that's too much for a closer. especially since you have brazoban who will be a solid setup man and could probably close if wagner gets a wild hair up his nose.

[TheProdigy]

I'm thinking of making this trade, what does everyone think?

Orlando Hernandez (3-1, 3.73 era in 41 IP)

Xavier Nady (.269/2/16 with 29 hits in 108 ABs)

Brian Bannister (4-3, 4.10 era in 41.2 IP in Norfolk)

to Toronto for

BJ Ryan

I'd move Heilman to the rotation, call up Victor Diaz for RF (he's hitting .350ish in Norfolk) and call up Juan Padilla for the other roster spot. Yes or no?

no

[tejdog1]

It's more of a trade to get Heilman into the rotation and get Diaz into the MLB lineup. Plus, when Brazoban comes back, I should be able to move him. The only downside to this is, I would be taking on about $4 mil in salary.

[sfgiantsflgators]

but if you absolutely have to move someone (i would keep brazoban), get more than one person - especially if it's just a reliever that you don't need. just a fan's perspective though - you're the GM. :D

[tejdog1]

Oh yeah, I'm going to try to get a position prospect, but I don't know the Jays system that well, lol.

[tejdog1]

Game 34: Mets @ Cubs

Orlando Hernandez (3-1, 3.73) vs Greg Maddux (2-2, 2.72)

Jose Reyes walked, stole two bases, and scored on Carlos Delgado's 1 out single, putting the Mets ahead instantly, 1-0. The Mets had 2nd and 3rd and 2 out, but Cliff Floyd grounded out, ending hopes for a further rally. The Mets put up 3 runs in the top of the 4th inning, widening their lead. Delgado singled, and Wright walked to start the inning. Floyd flew out to center, advancing Delgado to 3rd, and Endy Chavez, giving Xavier Nady a day off, singled to drive Delgado in and move Wright to 3rd. Chavez then stole 2nd and scored on Jose Valentin's double, giving the Mets a 4-0 lead.

An error by Delgado, a walk to Derrick Lee and a 3 run homer by Aramis Ramirez pulled the Cubs back within 1, at 4-3, in the bottom of the 4th. Phil Nevin followed with a single, and Matt Murton was hit by a pitch, putting 2 men on. An error by Reyes, the second of the inning by the Mets, allowed Henry Blanco to reach and loaded the bases. An unusual 1-2-4 double play left runners on the corners and two out, but Greg Maddux singled, tying the game at 4.

The Mets pinch hit for Hernandez leading off the 7th inning, with Julio Franco. Aaron Heilman came in to pitch a scoreless bottom of the 7th. Walks did the Cubs in in the top of the 8th. Carlos Beltran led off with a single and stole second, and then walks to Delgado and Wright loaded the bases. One run came in when Floyd was hit by a pitch, and another walk, to Endy Chavez, forced home a second run. Jose Valentin grounded out, forcing in the third run of the inning, and giving the Mets a 7-4 lead.

Henry Owens came on and pitched a perfect 8th. The Mets added a run in the 9th, on a Reyes singled, two steals, and a Lo Duca double, making it a non-save situation. Henry Owens was allowed to continue at that point, and pitched a scoreless 9th, earning his 4th save of the season.

[tejdog1]

Game 35: Mets @ Cubs

Pedro Martinez (5-1, 2.31) vs Kerry Wood (3-0, 1.67)

The Mets rested Jose Reyes and Cliff Floyd today, going with Endy Chavez and Chris Woodward.

Pedro Martinez was roughed up for 4 runs and 6 hits in the first inning. Juan Pierre led off with a single, stole second, and after Ronny Cedeno grounded out, Derrick Lee doubled and Aramis Ramirez singled, scoring two runs. Neifi Perez hit into a fielders choice, erasing Ramirez. Matt Murton, Michael Barrett, and Jacque Jones all followed with singles, plating two more runs, and putting Chicago ahead 4-0.

The Mets got 2 of those runs back in the 4th. With one out, Carlos Delgado walked, and David Wright doubled, putting runners on second and third. Chris Woodward and Xavier Nady followed with run scoring singles, halving the Cubs lead. With one out and runners on 1st and 2nd, Jose Valentin had a chance to do some serious damage, but hit into a double play, ending the inning.

In a bold move, the Mets pinch hit for Pedro Martinez in the top of the fifth. Jose Reyes singled,and stole second. Endy Chavez walked, and with one out, Carlos Beltran doubled two in, tying the game at 4 and 4. Carlos Delgado followed with a double of his own, driving Beltran in and giving the Mets a 5-4 lead. Wright walked, but Woodward and Nady couldnt bring Delgado home, and the Mets settled for a 3 spot, and a 5-4 lead. Darren Oliver came in to pitch the bottom of the 5th.

Oliver pitched a perfect 5th, and Cliff Floyd pinch hit for him in the top of the 6th. The trial by fire began in the bottom of the 6th, as Anderson Garcia was brought in to protect a 1 run lead. Garcia pitched a scoreless 6th, and the Mets gave him 2 more runs to work with in the 7th. Carlos Delgado singled and David Wright drove a 2 run homer to right, giving the Mets a 7-4 lead. Garcia pitched a scoreless 7th, giving the Mets exactly what they needed.

"What can you say about the job Garcia did today? Man, this was real feet to the fire type stuff, and he delievered. What a gutsy job by Anderson." Tejesh said after the game.

Jose Valentin led off the top of the 8th with a solo homer, giving the Mets an 8-4 lead. Julio Franco pinch hit for Anderson Garcia, and grounded out. Jonathan Broxton came on to pitch the final two innings, and threw up two 0s of his own.

"With Owens and Heilman unavailable, Garcia and Broxton just did an outstanding job building the bridge today. And don't forget about the job Darren Oliver did. Our bullpen is starting to come together nicely." Tejesh said. The Mets won 8-4.

[tejdog1]

Game 36: Cardinals @ Mets

Anthony Reyes (1-2, 6.52) vs Tom Glavine (2-0, 3.00)

The Mets jumped out to a 3rd inning 2-0 lead. Tom Glavine singled to lead off the inning, and Reyes walked. Carlos Beltran followed with a 1 out single to load the bases, and Carlos Delgado singled scoring 2. David Wright and Cliff Floyd struck out to end the inning, but the Mets had a 2-0 lead.

Sao Taguchi doubled to lead off the top of the 4th, and groundouts by Albert Pujols and Jim Edmonds produced the Cards first run. The Mets put up another 2 run inning in the bottom of the 4th. Tom Glavine doubled with one out, and Jose Reyes singled and stole second. Paul Lo Duca singled in both runners, giving the Mets a 4-1 lead.

The Cardinals got a run closer in the top of the 8th inning on a leadoff homer by Scott Rolen. In the top of the 9th, with Glavine allowed to try for a complete game, the Cards tied it. Larry Bigbie walked and Junior Spivy hit a 2 run homer. Tom Glavine got out of the inning, and was actually allowed to start the top of the 10th.

]

"It was a gutsy chance, I'll admit that. But with the bullpen in dire need of a day off, we just had to ride Tom as long as we could." Glavine walked Scott Rolen to lead off the inning, but then got Sao Taguchi to fly out. Albert Pujols singled, and that was the end for Glavine.

"One batter too long." Tejesh bemoaned after the game. Henry Owens came on and struck out Jim Edmonds, but Larry Bigbie, singled in the go ahead run, and Junior Spivy hit his second homer of the game, a 3 run shot, to ice the game, giving the Cardinals an 8-4 win.

"This one is squarely on me. No one else." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Game 37: Cards @ Mets

Chris Carpenter vs Steve Trachsel (5-1, 1.80)

The Cardinals jumped on Trachsel for 2 first inning runs. With one out, Sao Taguchi walked, and after Albert Pujols fouled out, Jim Edmonds doubled Taguchi to third, and Juan Encarnacion singled both runners in. Junior Spivy, proving to be a monumental thorn the Mets side, doubled, but Kip Pellow struck out to end the inning.

The Mets tied it in the 2nd. David Wright walked, Cliff Floyd and Xavier Nady followed with singles, driving Wright in. Jose Valentin walked to load the bases, and a Trachsel squeeze brought home the tying and moved two more into scoring position for Jose Reyes. However, Reyes hit into a double play, ending the inning.

In the top of the 3rd, Jim Edmonds doubled, and Juan Encarnacion singled, bringing him around and giving the lead back to the Cards, at 3-2.

The Mets exploded for 4 runs in the 5th inning. Jose Reyes drew a 1 out walk, and promptly stole second and third, and scored on catcher Paul Lo Duca's triple.

"I think a couple people fell down somewhere." Tejesh smiled.

"I'm fast. This proves it." Lo Duca countered. Beltran drew a walk and stole the Mets third base of the inning. Delgado popped out, and Wright drew the third walk of the inning, in front of Floyd's two run single. Xavier Nady singled Wright home, giving the Mets a 6-3 lead.

Steve Trachsel pitched a 1-2-3 sixth, his best inning of the day, and was lifted for pinch hitter Endy Chavez.

"We've got a rested pen, Trachsel had a very shaky outing, that adds up to our decision." Tejesh said.

Chavez flew out, but Reyes singled, stole two bases, and scored on Beltran's single. Delgado struck out to end the inning, but the Mets added an insurance run, making it 7-3. Aaron Heilman came in to pitch. Heilman pitched two scoreless innings, and Pedro Feliciano came on to pitch a scoreless 9th, giving the Mets a 7-3 win and a split in the first two games.

"Trachsel's pitched tremendously for us, and today, the offense picked him up when he didn't have his best stuff. That's the mark of a good team." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

The Mets made several moves prior to Game 38 with the Cardinals.

A SPs Jacob Ruckle, Jonathan Niese, Michael Devaney, A OF Joe Holden, A 1B Mike Carp were promoted to AA Binghamton

AA RP Jorge Reyes was demoted to A St. Lucie

Orlando Hernandez and Xavier Nady were traded to the New York Yankees for RP Octavio Dotel, A C Jesus Montero and AAA OF Jose Tabata

"The fact Tabata is 16 and tearing up AAA is unbelieveable. We are very excited to have him join this organization. This also allows us to move Aaron Heilman into the rotation, while maintaining our excellent bullpen." Tejesh said.

AA OF Bobby Malek, AA 1B Michael Abreu, AA SPs Evan Maclane, Phillip Humber were promoted to AAA Norfolk, AAA OF Jacob Cruz was cut, AAA SP Jeriome Robertson, AAA RP Willie Collazo were sent to AA Binghamton to make room for Malek, Maclane and Humber

AAA OF Victor Diaz was promoted to the MLB team, taking over for Xavier Nady. Diaz was hitting .323 with 5 HR and 20 RBI in Norfolk in 127 ABs

Game 38: Cards @ Mets

Mark Mulder (3-3, 2.85) vs Scott Kazmir (3-1, 2.89)

The Mets opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Chris Woodward led off with a walk, and Scott Kazmir bunted him to second. Jose Reyes drove him in with a double, and then stole 3rd, scoring on Carlos Beltran's grounder, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead. A two out double by Hector Luna, followed by a single by Mark Mulder trimmed the Met lead to 2-1, in the top of the 4th inning. In the top of the 5th, a two out Jim Edmonds homer tied the game at 2-2.

The Mets got the lead right back in the bottom of the 5th. Kazmir and Reyes hit back to back singles to open the inning, and Lo Duca and Beltran followed with grounders, moving Kazmir around from 2nd, giving the Mets a 3-2 lead. Kazmir pitched 7 terrific innings, before departing for pinch hitter Eli Marrero. Marrero flew out to left, and that was all for Mulder. Former Met Braden Looper came on and got Reyes swinging, for the second out. Lo Duca and Beltran followed with singles, to drive in Chris Woodward, who had started the inning off reaching on an error by second baseman Junior Spivy. Billy Wagner came on for a 2 inning save chance. Wagner pitched a perfect 8th, striking out 2, and the Mets blew the game open in the bottom of the 8th.

David Wright and Cliff Floyd hit back to back doubles, and Victor Diaz, just recalled from AAA Norfolk, hit a 2 run homer, to put the Mets ahead 7-2. Chris Woodward flew out, and Endy Chavez pinch hit for Wagner, and drew a walk. Reyes also walked, but nothing came of the threat, and Jonathan Broxton came on to pitch the 9th, and he struck out two, going through the inning in 1-2-3 fashion.

[tejdog1]

Game 39: Reds @ Mets

Eric Milton (1-4, 4.97) vs Aaron Heilman (3-1, 5.00)

Aaron Heilman's first start of the season didn't get off to a promising start, as he allowed a leadoff double by Felipe Lopez, who then stole 3rd and scored on Brandon Phillips single. Heilman settled down and retired the next three batters.

The Mets tied it in the bottom of the 4th. With one out, David Wright walked, and after Cliff Floyd struck out, Victor Diaz doubled and Jose Valentin walked, loading the bases. Heilman helped himself out, singling to tie the game at 1-1.

However, Heilman allowed 3 runs in the top of the 5th. With 1 out, Jason LaRue and Rich Aureilla singled, and after Eric Milton fouled out, Felipe Lopez hit a 3 run homer, putting the Reds ahead 4-1.

The Mets got 2 runs back in their half of the 5th. Lo Duca walked and Beltran singled. Delgado grounded out to move the runners up, and Wright singled driving in Lo Duca. Floyd grounded out to plate Beltran, and draw the Mets within 1 at 4-3. Heilman, however, allowed a run in the 6th inning. Ken Griffey Jr. doubled, and back to back ground outs pushed him across, giving Cincy a 5-3 lead. Heilman was pinch hit for leading off the 6th inning.

"That was a shaky start, that's for sure. He only gave up 1 run through 4 innings. In hindsight, I should've pulled him, since he hasn't thrown that number of pitches at any point this season, save once very early. We'll see how he does in the coming weeks. We have optons." Tejesh said. Darren Oliver came on to pitch the 7th. Oliver didn't distinguish himself, allowing 3 runs in 2 innings, and putting the game out of reach. Jonathan Broxton came on to pitch a scoreless 9th.

[tejdog1]

Game 40: Reds @ Mets

Paul Wilson (5-1, 3.13) vs Pedro Martinez (5-1, 2.93)

The Reds scored first, in the top of the 4th inning, on back to back singles by Edwin Encarnacion and Austin Kearns to start the inning. Scott Hatteburg doubled one run in, and Ryan Freel's grounder produced the second run of the inning.

The Mets tied the game in the bottom of the inning. With one out, David Wright singled and Carlos Beltran doubled. Carlos Delgado singled them in, tying the game at 2. The Reds went back out in front in the 5th inning. Brandon Phillips singled, stole second, and scored on Ken Griffey Jr's single.

The Mets tied it in the 7th. With one out, Jose Valentin walked, Victor Diaz was hit by a pitch, and Ramon Castro flew out to center, advancing Valentin to 3rd. Endy Chavez pinch hit for Pedro and singled, tying the game at 3-3. Henry Owens came on to pitch in relief of Pedro. Owens pitched a scoreless 8th, and the Mets put together a rally for 3 runs in the bottom of the inning. David Wright led off with a double, and Beltran singled and stole second, before both scored on Delgado's double. Floyd singled, and Valentin grounded into a double play. Victor Diaz reached safely on Ryan Freel's error, allowing Delgado to score, giving the Mets the winning margin of 3, 6-3. Wagner pitched around 2nd and 3rd one out trouble to earn his 7th save.

[tejdog1]

Game 41: Reds @ Mets

Mike Gosling (0-0, 0.00) vs Tom Glavine (2-1, 3.45)

Tom Glavine couldnt get out of the first inning, surrendering 7 runs and 6 hits in 2/3 of an inning. Darren Oliver came on to replace him. The Mets got 1 back in the bottom of the first, but Oliver allowed a solo homer to Ken Griffey in the 3rd, giving the Reds a 8-1 lead. The Mets got 2 back in the bottom of the 3rd, but should've had more. They loaded the bases with no out and 1 run already in, but Lo Duca hit into a double play, effectively ending the threat. Darren Oliver pitched 5 1/3 innings in relief, giving up 4 runs. The Mets scored 4 runs in the bottom of the 7th, cutting the Reds lead to 11-7. Pedro Feliciano came in to replace Oliver. Feliciano allowed a run in the top of the 8th, and the Mets came back with 2 in the bottom of the inning, making it a 12-9 game. With the game in reach, Henry Owens came on to pitch the top of the 9th. The Mets got a run in and got the tying runs on base, but could not get the hit to put them over the top, losing 12-10.

"Steps will be taken to sure up the middle relief, you can bet the farm on that." Tejesh said after the game.

[tejdog1]

Before Game 42, the Mets made a move to shore up the middle relief, trading Darren Oliver to the Yankees for Tanyon Sturtze.

Game 42: Yankees @ Mets

Mike Mussina (2-5, 4.63) vs Steve Trachsel (6-1, 2.09)

The Yankees got on the board first, in the 4th inning. Gary Sheffield singled, and Alex Rodriguez walked. Jorge Posada singled Sheffield in, giving the Yankees a 1-0 lead. The Yanks added to their lead in the 6th inning. Johnny Damon drew a leadoff walk, and Sheffield doubled him in. With two out, Carlos Pena singled, driving Sheffield in, giving the Yanks a 3-0 lead.

However, the Mets tied the Evil Empire in the bottom of the 6th. Carlos Beltran doubled, and Carlos Delgado was intentially walked. David Wright, one of the most clutch hitters in New York, didn't fail to live up to his reputation, he launched a game tying 3 run homer into left field, knotting the score at 3-3. Trachsel pitched a 1-2-3 7th, before being lifted for a pinch hitter. Henry Owens came on to pitch the 8th. Owens pitched 2 scoreless innings, and Octavio Dotel came on to face his former club in extra innings. Dotel pitched 2 scoreless innings, and got the win for himself. Literally. In the 11th inning, Victor Diaz doubled with one out, and was moved to 3rd by Jose Valentin's groundout. Octavio Dotel, allowed to bat for himself, singled to win it.

"I wasn't about to pull Dotel there, not with Phillip Hughes on the mound. I was setting it up to go a long way. Luckily, Dotel delievered, and we didnt have to go something crazy like 25 innings." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Game 43: Yankees @ Mets

Jaret Wright (2-1, 2.72) vs Scott Kazmir (4-1, 2.85)

The Yankees scored first again in Game 2 of the series. Derek Jeter reached on an error by Kazmir, and with one out, Gary Sheffield and Alex Rodriguez walked to load the bases. Jorge Posada singled, driving two home, but Kazmir bore down and struck out the next two, retiring the side.

In the bottom of the inning, the Mets got one right back. Jose Reyes led off with a double, went to 3rd on Paul Lo Duca's grounder, and scored on Carlos Beltran's single. The Mets took a 4-2 lead in the 2nd inning. Cliff Floyd led off with a double, and moved to third on Victor Diaz' flyout. Jose Valentin singled Floyd in, tying the game at 2. With two out, Jose Reyes singled and stole second, and Lo Duca drove both Valentin and Reyes in with a single, giving the Mets a 4-2 lead.

Back 2 Back home runs by Hideki Matsui and Robinson Cano tied the game at 4 in the 4th for the Yankees. With one out in the 6th, the Mets regained their 2 run lead. Victor Diaz was hit by a pitch, and Jose Valentin hit a 2 run homer, putting the Mets ahead 6-4. Endy Chavez then pinch hit for Scott Kazmir.

"With Glavine having been bombed his last outing, he was available to us, despite our two regular setup men not being available, so we had the flexibility to make that move." Tejesh explained. In the 7th inning, Carlos Beltran doubled, and Delgado walked, bringing up Wright, who blasted a 3 run homer to left, giving the Mets a 9-4 cushion. Cliff Floyd followed with a solo homer, and Diaz and Valentin singled, extending the inning. Eli Marrero pinch hit for Glavine and doubled, driving in another run and putting 2 in scoring position. Jose Reyes doubled home two more runs, making it 13-4 Mets. Shawn Chacon came on for Darren Oliver at that point. Chacon retired Lo Duca and Beltran, but the damage was done, as the Mets sent 10 men to the plate and scored 7 runs. Jonathan Broxton came in to pitch the final 2 innings. Broxton allowed a run, but nothing more, and the Mets had a comfortable 13-5 victory in Game 2.

[tejdog1]

Game 44: Yanks @ Mets

Orlando Hernandez (3-1, 3.62) vs Aaron Heilman (3-2, 5.63)

In the ultimate test of whether the deal for Dotel was truly as good as it sounded, the former Met starter faced off versus the man who replaced him in the rotation. The Yankees jumped out to a 1-0 lead, on a leadoff single by Derek Jeter, and a one out single by Gary Sheffield, and a RBI grounder by Alex Rodriguez.

The Mets responded with a 4 spot in their half of the first. Jose Reyes and Paul Lo Duca hit back to back doubles to start the game off right. Carlos Delgado singled Lo Duca in. With two outs, Cliff Floyd hit a 2 run homer, giving the Mets a 4-1 lead.

The Mets exploded for a 7 run 5th inning, putting the game out of reach. Beltran led off with a homer. Delgado singled, Wright walked, and Floyd singled, loading the bases with no out. Diaz singled, plating two runs and putting runners on the corners. Chin-Ming Wang came on to relieve El Duque at that point. Valentin followed with a single, scoring Floyd and putting runners on the corners. Heilman squeezed home another run, and Reyes singled and stole 2nd, scoring Valentin. Lo Duca singled Reyes home, and Beltran hit into a double play, to end the inning. 10 men came to bat and 7 scored, putting the Mets ahead 11-1.

With the big lead, the Mets were able to stretch out Aaron Heilman, and he went 8 innings, giving up 2 runs. Billy Wagner, who hadn't pitched for a while, came on to pitch the 9th, with the Mets ahead 13-2. Wagner, showing some rust, allowed 2 runs before recording the final out.

[tejdog1]

Game 45: Mets @ Braves

Pedro Martinez (5-1, 3.06) vs Horacio Ramirez (5-3, 4.70)

The Braves got on the board first, in the bottom of the 3rd inning, with a 4 spot. Horacio Ramirez walked to start the rally, Marcus Giles singled, and Edgar Renteria tripled, scoring two. Andruw Jones doubled, Chipper Jones singled, and Jeff Francouer grounded out, producing the 4th run of the inning. The Braves added a run in the 4th inning, and Pedro Martinez was pinch hit for in the top of the 5th.

"Back to back bad starts out of Pedro have me a little concerned. We may skip his next start to let him rest up." Tejesh said.

Jonathan Broxton came on to pitch 2 scoreless innings, before being relieved by Tanyon Sturtze.

The Mets inched closer with a run in the 6th and 2 in the 8th, making it a 5-3 game. Jorge Sosa worked out of trouble in the 9th, preserving the Braves 5-3 win.