Turnpike Series

Phillies vs. Mets 6/11/2009: Lineups and Game Chat

When the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets play you can expect a great game. This series has been no exception as both games have been decided by one run including last night's extra inning affair. The rubber game is tonight and Jamie Moyer will toe the rubber for the Phillies while the Mets counter with Tim Redding. Look for another tight game!

Lineups are below. Game chat is in the comments section! For full coverage of the series check out Phightin' Phils Phorum and Mr Mets Daily.

Lineups 6/11/09:

Phillies:

1. Rollins SS
2. Victorino CF
3. Utley 2B
4. Howard 1B
5. Ibanez LF
6. Werth RF
7. Feliz 3B
8. Coste C
9. Moyer P

Mets:

1. Castillo 2B
2. Cora SS
3. Beltran CF
4. Sheffield LF
5. Wright 3B
6. Tatis 1B
7. Martinez RF
8. Santos C
9. Redding P

Phillies vs. Mets 6/9/2009: Lineups and Game Chat

The Turnpike Series is on and MyTeamRivals.com has full coverage! Johan Santana takes the hill for the Mets tonight while the Philadelphia Phillies counter with rookie J.A. Happ. Lineups are below. Game chat is in the comments section. For full coverage of the series check out Phightin' Phils Phorum and Mr Mets Daily.

Lineups 6/9/09:

Phillies:

1. Victorino CF
2. Utley 2B
3. Werth RF
4. Howard 1B
5. Ibanez LF
6. Rollins SS
7. Feliz 3B
8. Ruiz C
9. Happ P

Mets:

1. Castillo 2B
2. Cora SS
3. Beltran CF
4. Sheffield LF
5. Wright 3B
6. Tatis 1B
7. Church RF
8. Santos C
9. Santana P

Show Down In Flushing, Phillies vs. Mets For Three

The Turnpike Series resumes tonight as the Philadelphia Phillies face off with the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Phillies come into the series with a three game lead in the division so they only need one win remain two games ahead in the standings. The Mets come in with an injury plagued roster but they have managed to hold their own in the division race.

Both team's will have their aces on the mound as Johan Santana is slated to pitch the opener for New York and Cole Hamels is penciled in a the game two starter. Look for a heated series again where the lead will change and the momentum will shift throughout the series.

The key to this series will be pitching. While Santana and Hamels will be expected to be solid, the performances of J.A. Happ, Jamie Moyer, Mike Pelfrey, and Tim Redding will be critical for their team's success. A big key for Philadelphia will be the bat of Jimmy Rollins. J-Roll has had a tough time of it so far in 2009 and needs a big series like this to launch his season. Will this be the catalyst for Rollins? On the Mets side, their key will be the set up role. With J.J. Putz on the disabled list, they hope that their supporting cast of Bobby Parnell and Pedro Feliciano can safely protect a lead and get the ball to K-Rod in the ninth.

Expect a fun action packed series and be sure to check out MyTeamRivals.com's sites covering the series including Phightin' Phils Phorum,  Mr Mets Daily, and The Curse of Billy Penn.

The Anatomy of a Loser: The New York Mets

Good teams have good leadership. In baseball more than most sports, good leadership is essential to winning championships. 162 games is a long grind and team chemistry and an unwavering belief in yourself and your teammates is needed to win a division championship. Much of this leadership needs to be fostered by the manager.

The New York Mets just do not have that type of leadership and have once again watched the Philadelphia Phillies pass them by in the standings. True it is early in the season and I am sure we will see the standings in the National League East change hands at least a few more times, but what happened in last nights game shows what ails the Mets worse then their lack of bench, true corner outfielders, depth in pitching, or in their minor league system. They have a lack of leadership.

Ryan Church made a giant base running gaffe. It was ugly, but hey it happens. It is what happened after that shows why the Mets are in trouble. Jerry Manuel turned his back on Church giving him the cold shoulder. He then said, “A guy missed third base. That’s unbelievable! I can’t explain why, how or anything. But he actually missed the base. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone miss third base like that.” What kind of leadership is that? What happened to dealing with a situation head on then moving on? What happened to keeping it behind closed doors and dealing with it as a team? When a manager ignores a player for poor play, it condones holding a grudge, a lack of trust, and a situation that can fester.

Players will also follow the lead of their manager. This was evident in Carlos Beltran's quote after the game. “I never seen anything like that. I don’t know what happened. I didn’t ask Church what happened. It’s bad.” I didn't ask Church what happened? Beltran is supposed to be a leader on this team! Leaders hold teammates accountable. They don't ignore them or give them the cold shoulder. They question and make it known that on their team this type of play is unacceptable.

What does this type of leadership (or lack there of) foster? Tight play with contention in the clubhouse. Is there a question of why the Mets makes so many boneheaded mistakes? No. They are afraid to make an error lest their manager get angry with them and they get shunned in the clubhouse.

The New York Mets have a lot of talent, but with leadership like this, they are destined to come up short in the big game. Need another example, just look at 2007 and 2008!

Mets chase "Father Time" in third!!!

Phillies starter Jamie Moyer----originally recruited sometime in the late 1800's, was slapped around rudely by the Mets tonight at Citi Field. 

The ancient one gave up homeruns to Carlos Beltran, David Wright and Jose Reyes. The Mets tagged the senior citizen for seven runs in three innings.

Jamie has had a great career but perhaps it is time to consider shuffle board.... 

Ryan Madson Keeps Turnpike Series Going

Ryan Madson usually is a pretty quiet guy. He spoke out however about the New York Mets saying, "Some of the guys on their team just wouldn’t fit in our clubhouse, and some of the guys here just wouldn’t fit with their guys. It’s one of those things where it’s two different mentalities, two different attitudes, everything. It’s like oil and water. We just don’t believe in the same things."

Well doesn't that just say it all. There was an article recently on Philly.com saying the rivalry was more about the fans then then players but I do not believe that is true. These teams are different. The players are different. The Attitudes are different.

The Phillies have a team that was put together by homegrown players and that focused on players that have character on and off the field. The Mets were also put together with a smaller base of homegrown players but they have added some players with questionable personalities to the mix. Pedro Martinez and Gary Sheffield immediately come to mind.

There is no saying that one way is better then the other except to say the Phillies have two division titles and a World Series while the Mets have won 1 division title. That of course could all even up if the Mets put it together in 2009.

As a fan watching what seems to be the case is that while the Phillies try to find ways to win, the Mets try to find new ways to celebrate homeruns and slap hands. 2009 will be another fun year to watch this rivalry grow! As the players go, the more these teams compete and the closer the pennant races are, the less they will like each other.

Let the invasion begin

So its that time of the season when the Phillies' fans have to put up with an influx of loud, boorish Mets' fan for a weekend series of baseball at Citizens Bank Park.  Although I have to admit I am looking forward to the Phillies-Mets series this weekend.  I can only hope that I get to see one of the meltdowns the Mets' bullpen has become so famous for.  Or maybe I will get to see some Mets fans boo David Wright when he strikes out looking yet again.  Which brings up an interesting question, why is ok to boo your own team in NY, but not in Philly?  When Phillies' fans boo their players everyone makes a national issue of it claiming how horrible it is to play in Philly because of the fans.  Maybe now the Mets fans are starting to understand what it is like to pay a boatload of money to a bunch of guys that are underachieving.  As fans there is not much to do except boo, unless you completely turn your back on the team and stop watching.  Which any real fan (of any team) knows is NOT an option!  However, this weekend, I won't have anything to boo the Phillies for.  Ok, I am a realist and their pitching hasn't been great, but in true team fashion, their bats have heated up to help carry the pitchers during their rough patch.  The Phillies end April today 3 games over .500 and with each game the team looks better and better.  Bring on the Mets....and unfortunately their fans.  

Some teams win in April, some teams win in September

There has been alot of talk by Mets fans about the fact that the Phillies are now 0-2.  And there was extensive celebrating on Monday when the Mets won their first game of the season.  So much so, as Bill pointed out that you would have thought the Mets were playing in the end of October and just clinched a World Series win.  To all the Mets fans out there (and any skeptical Phillies fans) I have this to say...first, the Phillies went 0-2 to start the season last year, and we all know how that ended.  Baseball is a marathon not a sprint.  And as my friend Jason summed up so perfectly last night "Some teams win in April, some teams win in September" (and then in October--and this year November).  I know which team I want my Phillies to be and we all know what team the Mets are.  Enjoy your April wins Mets fans.  They won't do you much good when your choking in September!

Did the Mets Win the World Series?

Did the New York Mets win the World Series? Listening to the team and the fans after their opening day win you would have thought they won the pennant. Wow, they won opening day. Wow, their bullpen held a lead. How exciting! Give me a break. Santana only pitched 5 2/3 innings. Putz looked frazzled and K-Rod's fastball looked like a change up.

Sure it is great to win opening day. But come on now, it isn't that big of a deal. In fact, half of the teams in Major League Baseball win opening day. The real question is, can they win a game in September when it really counts?

Mets Fans Its Opening Day, Remember, Ya Gotta Bereave!

Here is to another season of New York Mets Mediocrity!

Is Brett Myers pitching batting practice???

Sure looks like it to me....

The Atlanta Braves are just teeing off on him! It is already 4-0 Braves in the third----and counting!

Mets Add More Cancer to Their Clubhouse

It appears as though New York Mets general manager Omar Minaya has no concern for team chemistry or for signing players with character as he added Gary Sheffield to the Mets roster today. Sheffield, who has made disparaging racial remarks in the past including calling Derek Jeter only partially African American (I toned down what he really said), will fit in well in New York's already turbulent clubhouse.

In addition to reports that David Wright and Jose Reyes can't stand each other, Billy Wagner's mouth, and other undercurrent, now Sheffield is added to the mix. Hasn't Minaya learned what chemistry does for a team?

Add another wheelchair and loud mouth to Citi Field. This signing was another bad move for Omar Minaya! William M Zeltman III MBA CEO MyTeamRivals.com http://www.myteamrivals.com 609-412-7235 Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Police Unity Tour Night at the Phillies

Turnpike Series is proud to support Police Unity Tour Night at Citizens Bank Park on April 22, 2009. Please purchase tickets and attend this event to support the families of our fallen heros in Philadelphia.

Phillies vs. Brewers

The Phillies have blocked off 500 seats for the Police Unity Tour. If we are able to sell these 500 tickets, the Phillies will allow the Police Unity Tour to have an on field presentation to the families of the fallen Philadelphia Officers from 2008, as well as some other group benefits.

The Phillies have made a web site just for our group to purchase tickets.  
Fee $12.00

7:05 PM
Visit: www.phillies.com/policeunitytour
Contact: Gary Brenner 609 652-3705 ext 068

Turnpike Series is proud to support Police Unity Tour Night at Citizens Bank Park on April 22, 2009. Please purchase tickets and attend this event to support the families of our fallen heros in Philadelphia.

Phillies vs. Brewers

The Phillies have blocked off 500 seats for the Police Unity Tour. If we are able to sell these 500 tickets, the Phillies will allow the Police Unity Tour to have an on field presentation to the families of the fallen Philadelphia Officers from 2008, as well as some other group benefits.

The Phillies have made a web site just for our group to purchase tickets.  
Fee $12.00

7:05 PM
Visit: www.phillies.com/policeunitytour
Contact: Gary Brenner 609 652-3705 ext 068

Desperation in Mets Camp

While the Philadelphia Phillies have a healthy competition going on for their number 5 spot in their rotation, the New York Mets are having a hard time finding a suitable candidate or keeping their other starters healthy. According to the New York Times, the Mets are frustrated by their candidates Tim Redding, Livan Hernandez, and Freddie "dead arm" Garcia.

Redding took a beating from the University of Michigan giving up five hits and five runs, including back-to-back homers, before being pulled with one out in the third inning. My favorite though was his excuse for the poor performance. He said, "Michigan is accustomed to facing pitchers like me, someone who throws the standard four pitches and whose fastball grazes the low 90s." So are we to believe he is no better than a college pitcher?

Freddie Garcia continues to not be able to find his fastball. His pitches topped out at 86 mph and he needs it in the low 90's to be effective with his other pitches. Garcia's response was, “We’ve got a lot of time. One month left is plenty of time.” Wait a minute. He couldn't throw any faster last season with Detroit or two years ago with the Phillies. Are we to believe in one month his velocity will magically return? The arm is dead Freddie!

In addition to the problems with the number 5 candidates, Johan Santana will still have to be closely watched as his elbow was causing him pain. I speculate that he will miss some time with it this season. To add to the list, Mike Pelfrey will miss his next start with a muscle strain in his lower left leg. Talk about a team full of glass jaws!

Could the Mets be desperate enough to go resign Pedro Martinez who looked impressive in the World Baseball Classic? Perhaps not, but if they do not think of something, September may come early for baseball's biggest choke artists in 2009.

Johan Santana To Miss Opening Day?

As was reported earier, Johan Santana is having stiffness in his pitching elbow. Now, Santana is in jeopardy of missing opening day and listening to the symptoms, it may be worse. Santana met with general manager Omar Minaya and manager Jerry Manuel  to discuss their plan of action for his elbow. A physician diagnosed him with an "irritated triceps tendon" and he still had stiffness this morning. Santana will attempt to throw a light bullpen session tomorrow.

If there is still discomfort during the session tomorrow, the Mets will send him for further tests. Santana thinks the discomfort may come from his unusual schedule this spring due to offseason knee surgery saying, "I've been throwing bullpens here every other day, and I don't think I've ever done that in the past. The reason why is because we wanted to test my knee and make sure everything is fine, throwing every other day off the mound."

Could this be more? Many pitchers with these symptoms end up needing Tommy John surgery. If this is the case, Santana would miss all of 2009 and much of 2010. This would put a serious question mark on the Mets chances of winning a pennant this season.

Some good news for the Mets, Tim Redding threw a pain free bullpen session. The leading candidate for the number 5 spot in their rotation had had shoulder discomfort this Spring.

For full coverage of the rivalry between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, be sure to check out Phightin' Phils Phorum and Mr Mets Daily.

Pure Enjoyment: Dead Arm Mets

Working from home today I had the pleasure of having the Mets Cardinals game on in the background. Usually watching the Mets is not a pleasure but what a great third inning it was as dead arm Freddy Garcia came on to pitch for the Mets. The Cardinals batters tee'd off on him like he was a high school pitcher.

Great to see the Mets taking more of our trash and trying to recycle it. Freddy didn't even make it through the inning.

In other news the Mets may be dealing with another dead arm as staff ace Johan Santana is having discomfort in his elbow. Could he be the next pitcher in line for Tommy John surgery? We will see. That would certainly end the Mets year early. Hey I wouldn't cheer for that but if it happened I wouldn't cry either!

Predicting The 2009 New York Mets

In 2009, the Mets need to find at least 4 more wins if they hope to dethrone the 2 time National League East Champion Phillies. They sured up the back end of their bullpen by adding Fransisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz but did they do enough?

Starting with the bullpen, the eighth and ninth innings certainly look more secure with Putz and K-Rod but what else do they have in the pen? They traded Aaron Heilman and Scott Schoenweis away and have no other depth. Pedro Feliciano and Duaner Sanchez, who both had ERA's over 4, are the only solid candidates to fill out the pen. Sure Billy Wagner says he is coming back but can you really bank on that? The Mets will overuse Putz and K-Rod and still not have the bullpen they need to win.

The Mets starting rotation is adequate but also third best in the division behind the Phillies and Braves. Johan Santana is one of the top starters in the game and the 30 year old will be the stopper at the top of the rotation. John Maine and Mike Pelfrey are both number 3 or 4 pitchers leaving the Mets without a true number 2 in their rotation. Oliver Perez is a number 4 or 5 while Tim Redding is a number 5 pitcher. The Mets have some depth this year with rookie Jonathan Niese and the low risk high reward signings of pitchers like Freddie Garcia and Livan Hernandez. Bottom line is the rotation should be good but below the rotations of the Phillies and Braves.

The story in New York right now is that Jerry Manuel is contemplating using Jose Reyes as the team's number 3 hitter. This would move Luis Castillo to the leadoff spot and cause the middle of the lineup to look like this:

3. Reyes
4. Wright
5. Beltran
6. Delgado

This is a nice middle of the line up and should produce some runs. Reyes is not a typical leadoff hitter and would probably better serve the team in the 3 spot. The issue is can Luis Castillo really still be a quality leadoff hitter? His legs only allowed him to play in 87 games in 2008 where the 33 year old only hit .245. Then, who hits number 2? The unproven Daniel Murphy?

When you look deeper at the Mets your realize this is a team with some really nice players but they lack depth. Both corners of the outfield and catcher are question marks at best. There is no bench to speak of. If a starting player gets hurt, there is no back up plan. Even the middle of the lineup is questionable as Carlos Delgado will be 37 and Carlos Beltran has had knee problems.

The Mets lack the depth to play a full 162 game schedule. They will be competitive and if everything goes perfectly for them they could win the division, but how often does that happen over a long season? My prediction for the Mets is that they will again be in the 85 to 89 win range and either barely win the wild card or just miss the playoffs.

For full coverage of the Turnpike Series, check out Phightin' Phils Phorum and Mr. Mets Daily.

Philadelphia knows a thing or two about losing....

I had to respond to my friend Nicolette; Mets fans are not sore losers as you claim. Every time your team doesn't win it all, as a fan, you are not happy. I know Philadelphia has a proud tradition of winning Championships (oh wait, that is New York), after all, one title every 25 years is really quite an accomplishment.

I have been gracious in congratulating the Phillies (even though the Country didn't seem to care enough to watch the Series). But Jimmy Rollins is a loud mouth---- an excellent player----but still a loudmouth.

After my Giants won the Super Bowl in 2007 (something the Eagles are still in search of), I didn't hear Eli Manning out yapping about how great they were. Instead, the entire team did what Championship teams should do, they talked about getting better.

The arrogance displayed by Rollins makes me wonder whether the Phillies are going to be better this year. It is EXTREMELY difficult to repeat in any sport. The Phillies will need to be better this year if they want another ring as every team will be gunning for them---it is tough to do.

That said, I feel the Mets have improved----I will admit that bullpen could not have been worse then it was, but it is hands down better now. They still have question marks but I am excited for the season and I expect another battle between the two teams---as well as between myself and Nicolette.

She may be a Phillies fan but she is cute (the Philly fan part we can work on).

Mets fans still sore losers!

Hey everyone.  This is my first official blog here on the Turnpike Series and Mike couldn't have set up a better topic for me.  Mets fans are jealous because they don't have a "Jimmy Rollins" on their team.  That guy who goes out and gets his team pumped and ready to win.  The guy who can probably single handedly back up what ever claims he makes and if for some reason he can't, has a team that wants to rally around him and makes sure it comes true. 
I am not a delusional Phillies fan.  I don't think that they are a perfect team now or ever were.  They were far from perfect last season, but they were the best and the best became the champions.  I believe that beyond all the outstanding players on the team, a huge part of their success was the dynamic of the team.  You could see this was a group of guys who not only played well together on the field, but truely enjoyed each other and wanted to win more for the other guys on the team than themselves.  If the Mets didn't spend most of last season imploding from the inside, maybe they would have succeeded a little more. 
Instead of bashing Jimmy Rollins, the Phillies and the fans, the Mets fans need to look at their own team.  They need a JImmy Rollins, or as Mike pointed out before, Lenny Dykstra!    

Rollins runs his mouth;what else is new????

Let me start by saying once again, congratulations to Jimmy Rollins and the Phillies on last season's (stress the words---"last season's" victory). They earned it and deserve all the accolades---(even if only 12 people watched the World Series). Seriously though, they got it done.

However, if you listen to Jimmy Rollins and many (not all) of the knuckleheads down in Philly you could swear this was the first title ever won in any major professional sport in any city. Correct me if I am wrong but hadn't it been 25 long years since the city of Philadelphia and hence, the Phillies had won a title?

I would hate to count all the ticker tape parades New York Sports teams have enjoyed during that period---a lot! But, alas, the Phillies are the reigning Champs right now. Again, I say congrats to the Phils!

But----there is something to the idea of acting with some class and some sense of "we have already been there". Real Championship teams tend to act with a bit of humility, Rollins acts with arrogance. He is predicting that the Phils will win 112 games this season. Really? Why not just go for the whole ball of wax, Jimmy? I see no reason to believe the Phillies will lose a single game this season----perhaps, not ever. They are just that damn good, just ask Jimmy. 

Look, the Phils are obviously a very talented team. I am just starting to get the feeling that they are showing the classic signs of a team who has forgotten what made them Champs in the first place. 

Keep talking Jimmy---that kind of arrogance shows exactly the attitude that will probably make you miss the playoffs all-together.

I have seen so called dynasties---which little Jimmy clearly thinks the Phillies are, fade away due to exactly this type of arrogance.   

Remember to check out our Mets coverage!   

Hey Mets Fans, J-Roll Speaks Again!

Attention New York Mets fans: Jimmy Rollins has made yet another off season prediction. Of course you remember the team to beat prediction before 2007. Then the 100 wins prediction before 2008. This time on Daily News Live Rollins predicted the Phillies to win 112 games in 2009. Rollins believes the Phillies can win 9 more games then they did last season (playoffs included) and why not?

The Phillies are still a young team but a year more experienced and confident coming off their World Championship year. They have an improved lineup and should have a healthy Chase Utley all season. The sky is the limit and this could be the first time a National League team repeats since the Big Red Machine in the mid 70's.

Jimmy has been right two years in a row, can he make it three?

Welcome Our New Writer

The Turnpike Series is pleased to announce a new contributing writer for the site. Nicolette brings her keen insight of the Phillies to our site and an added disdain of the New York Mets that we all (well at least the Phillies fans) will appreciate. Sorry Mike.

Nicolette is a season ticket holder and went to more games then not including the NLCS in Los Angeles. She is one of a handful of friends that knows the Phillies very well so she will keep you well informed. Please help me in welcoming Nicolette to The Turnpike Series!

For full coverage of the rivalry between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, be sure to check out Phightin' Phils Phorum and Mr Mets Daily.

Phillies Starting Pitching Poll

Online Surveys & Market Research

Mets Sign Garcia

The New York Mets went for some more of the Phillies trash as they signed dead arm starter Freddie Garcia to a minor league contract. Garcia is recovering from a shoulder injury that cost the Phillies 5 losses and $10 million.

Kidding aside this is a good signing for the Mets as Freddie is a low cost, high reward player. He may or may not return to the form he had from 1999 to 2006 when he was first in the American League in innings pitched and second in wins but he brings an experienced arm to Spring Training for the Mets to look at.

Meanwhile, the Phillies are looking at some of the Mets trash as they are heavily pursuing Moises Alou. I don't like the Alou option at all and think the Phillies should look elsewhere.

For full coverage of the rivalry between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, be sure to check out Phightin' Phils Phorum and Mr Mets Daily.

Where is Lenny Dykstra???

This afternoon, I was having a conversation with a buddy of mine regarding our beloved Ny Mets. Among other topics not pertaining to Barrack Obama, we talked about what the Mets really need to get back on top i the NL East. After much debate; bullpen, starting pitching, clutch hitting, etc.... we concluded the following; we need another player like Lenny Dykstra.

Seriously, the 1986 New York Mets, one of the greatest teams of the modern era, had loads of great players; Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, Dwight Gooden,Darryl Strawberry, Ron Darling, I could go on and on----you get the point.

In my humble opinion, Lenny Dykstra was the heart and soul of that team. He, along with guys like Ray Knight and Wally Backman, were the "starters" of the 86 Mets. When the team needed a spark, these guys, especially Lenny, seemed to be the ones to come through.

I know Philadelphia Phillies fans like to think of Lenny Dykstra as one of their own, and he did play a key, steriod induced role with them, but he actually finished the job for the Mets and played a key role in the 1986 World Championship.  

The current New York Mets need a guy with the fire, grit and passion of Lenny Dykstra----just my thoughts. 

This afternoon, I was having a conversation with a buddy of mine regarding our beloved Ny Mets. Among other topics not pertaining to Barrack Obama, we talked about what the Mets really need to get back on top i the NL East. After much debate; bullpen, starting pitching, clutch hitting, etc.... we concluded the following; we need another player like Lenny Dykstra.

Seriously, the 1986 New York Mets, one of the greatest teams of the modern era, had loads of great players; Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, Dwight Gooden,Darryl Strawberry, Ron Darling, I could go on and on----you get the point.

In my humble opinion, Lenny Dykstra was the heart and soul of that team. He, along with guys like Ray Knight and Wally Backman, were the "starters" of the 86 Mets. When the team needed a spark, these guys, especially Lenny, seemed to be the ones to come through.

I know Philadelphia Phillies fans like to think of Lenny Dykstra as one of their own, and he did play a key, steriod induced role with them, but he actually finished the job for the Mets and played a key role in the 1986 World Championship.  

The current New York Mets need a guy with the fire, grit and passion of Lenny Dykstra----just my thoughts. 

Mets pay Sanchez, avoid arbitration....

The NY Mets announced a new deal for veteran reliever Duaner Sanchez worth $1.7M for one year. It is an increase over the $900,000 the Mets paid him last season.

Sanchez went 5-1 last season but faded somewhat down the stretch----sadly, he had lots of company in that regard in the Mets bullpen.

When healthy, he is a fairly solid pitcher who has shown flashes of dominance, but has lacked consistency.

The Mets still have five other players, including John Maine, who have filed for arbitration---expect them to get deals soon as well.

The NY Mets announced a new deal for veteran reliever Duaner Sanchez worth $1.7M for one year. It is an increase over the $900,000 the Mets paid him last season.

Sanchez went 5-1 last season but faded somewhat down the stretch----sadly, he had lots of company in that regard in the Mets bullpen.

When healthy, he is a fairly solid pitcher who has shown flashes of dominance, but has lacked consistency.

The Mets still have five other players, including John Maine, who have filed for arbitration---expect them to get deals soon as well.

Mets interested in Sheets???

There are rumors surfacing now that the New York Mets may have a renewed interest in signing 31 year old right hander Ben Sheets now that Derek Lowe is an Atlanta Brave. Sheets, who has been injury prone, is still a very talented pitcher who, when healthy, is one of the upper tier pitchers in MLB. He has an outstanding fastball along with one of the better curves in baseball.

Sheets was 13-8 with a 3.08 ERA last season and he threw 198 innings. Oliver Perez is the Mets primary choice, but with Scott Baras as his agent he will undoubtedly be looking for a deal in excess of the four year, $60M given to Derek Lowe. Given the erratic nature of Oliver Perez, that is way too risky.

Sign Ben Sheets, forget Ollie and move on!

There are rumors surfacing now that the New York Mets may have a renewed interest in signing 31 year old right hander Ben Sheets now that Derek Lowe is an Atlanta Brave. Sheets, who has been injury prone, is still a very talented pitcher who, when healthy, is one of the upper tier pitchers in MLB. He has an outstanding fastball along with one of the better curves in baseball.

Sheets was 13-8 with a 3.08 ERA last season and he threw 198 innings. Oliver Perez is the Mets primary choice, but with Scott Baras as his agent he will undoubtedly be looking for a deal in excess of the four year, $60M given to Derek Lowe. Given the erratic nature of Oliver Perez, that is way too risky.

Sign Ben Sheets, forget Ollie and move on!

Cole Hamels Gets 3 Year Contract!

The Philadelphia Phillies and Cole Hamels agreed today to a three year contract worth $20.5 million. Hamels will earn $4.35 million in 2009, $6.65 million in 2010 and $9.5 million in 2011. This will be a big pay raise from the $500,000 he earned in 2008 when he led the team through October winning both the NLCS and World Series MVP honors.

Hamels will earn an additional $500,000 in the following year if he wins the Cy Young Award or an additional $250,000 if he comes in second or third in the balloting for the award.

I would have liked to see the Phillies sign him for a longer deal but Pat Gillick's philosophy of not committing to more than 3 years to a pitcher must still be in place. This will at least mend the relationship the team had with Cole after last season's renewal where he walked away saying he was offended.The team has control of Hamels through 2012 setting them up for another contract extension.

Hopefully this is one of many contracts Hollywood Hamels signs with the Phillies.

For full coverage of the rivalry between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, be sure to check out Phightin' Phils Phorum and Mr Mets Daily.

New York Mets news....

A few bits of information on the NY Mets;

• the Mets appear to have lost interest in former Braves star Andruw Jones. However, an unidentified club official hinted that if Jones is still around during Spring Training, they may reconsider
• still no news on the Mets quest for a bona fide 4th starter. The candidates remain Oliver Perez, Randy Wolf and Jon Garland 
• the Mets have announced thier 2009 Citifield ticket packages which can be found on mets.com
• Mets minor league pitcher Junior Guerra was given a 50 game suspension for failing a drug test---way to go, Junior!

Check back later for updated New York Mets news. Also remember to check out our Giants, and Rangers coverage!

A few bits of information on the NY Mets;

• the Mets appear to have lost interest in former Braves star Andruw Jones. However, an unidentified club official hinted that if Jones is still around during Spring Training, they may reconsider
• still no news on the Mets quest for a bona fide 4th starter. The candidates remain Oliver Perez, Randy Wolf and Jon Garland 
• the Mets have announced thier 2009 Citifield ticket packages which can be found on mets.com
• Mets minor league pitcher Junior Guerra was given a 50 game suspension for failing a drug test---way to go, Junior!

Check back later for updated New York Mets news. Also remember to check out our Giants, and Rangers coverage!

Cole Hamels Gets 3 Year Contract!

The Philadelphia Phillies and Cole Hamels agreed today to a three year contract worth $20.5 million. Hamels will earn $4.35 million in 2009, $6.65 million in 2010 and $9.5 million in 2011. This will be a big pay raise from the $500,000 he earned in 2008 when he led the team through October winning both the NLCS and World Series MVP honors.

Hamels will earn an additional $500,000 in the following year if he wins the Cy Young Award or an additional $250,000 if he comes in second or third in the balloting for the award.

I would have liked to see the Phillies sign him for a longer deal but Pat Gillick's philosophy of not committing to more than 3 years to a pitcher must still be in place. This will at least mend the relationship the team had with Cole after last season's renewal where he walked away saying he was offended.The team has control of Hamels through 2012 setting them up for another contract extension.

Hopefully this is one of many contracts Hollywood Hamels signs with the Phillies.

For full coverage of the rivalry between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, be sure to check out Phightin' Phils Phorum and Mr Mets Daily.