Category: Sports News
Mets Tidbits:
- Kelly Johnson has been activated today and is in the Mets starting lineup batting seventh, and also playing second base. Johnson was acquired along with cash considerations from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for RHP Akeel Morris on Wednesday. Infielder Ty Kelly has been optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move. Johnson was hitting .215 with one homer and 10 RBI in 49 games this year for Atlanta.
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Major League Baseball announced a scoring change from the game on May 31 against the Chicago White Sox. In the top of the sixth inning, Jose Abreu was credited with a single but that has now been changed to an error on first baseman James Loney. Steven Matz, who was on the mound, is now credited with two unearned runs in that inning. Matz’s ERA now drops from 2.69 to 2.39.
Mets select 1B Peter Alonso at #64.
The New York Mets selected University of Florida first baseman Peter Alonso with the 64th overall pick in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Alonso who is considered Florida’s best hitter, has hit .364 with 12 home runs and 55 RBI’s despite missing ten games this season with a broken hand. Last weekend in the Gainesville Regional of the NCAA Baseball Tournament the 21-year old earned Most Outstanding Player honors, as he went 8 for 14 in three games with three home runs and eight RBIs. Alonso’s power potential and hitting prowess is something that has had scouts buzzing all season long, and is why he was selected so highly. MLB.com had Alonso ranked as the 65th draft-eligible prospect and he fell right where many mock drafts had him going. I provided a scouting report below from MLB.com:
“Alonso was making consistent, hard contact for the Gators as his junior season progressed. He’s always had raw power, but didn’t always look like he could tap into it consistently. Lately, however, he’s shortened his swing and begun to use the whole field more effectively, showing extra-base pop to the opposite field. Much of his success stems from a more open stance which has helped him get his hips through more consistently. He’s a first baseman only with well below-average speed, though his hands and footwork at the corner infield position should be adequate.”
The Mets did a great job on the first night of the draft taking two projectable arms and a slugging first baseman oozing with power potential. The Mets still have plenty of picks over the next couple of days, but it is hard not to argue that the Mets had one of the best haul’s on the first night of the draft. It was surprising that the Mets didn’t take a high-school player on the first night as they have been accustomed to doing, but it looks like they are looking for players who are going to move quickly through the system. I give the front office an A+ for the picks they made tonight, based on the potential each of these players carry.
Final Recap: Mets 5 – Brewers 2
The New York Mets (33-26) defeated the Milwaukee Brewers (28-32) tonight by the final score of 5-2 at Miller Park. For a full postgame recap follow the link below…
Game Notes:
- Curtis Granderson was 2-4 with a leadoff HR in the top of the 1st inning. He is now tied with Jose Reyes for most all-time in Mets history with 16.
- Wilmer Flores was 3-4 with a double.
- Kevin Plawecki was 1-3 with a 2-run RBI single.
- Yoenis Cespedes was 2-5 with an RBI single.
- Matt Reynolds was 1-1 with a pinch-hit RBI single.
- Bartolo Colon was fantastic tonight going 7 innings while only allowing 1 run on 8 hits, with 2 strikeouts, and no walks.
- Jeurys Familia converted his 20th save of the season with a perfect inning.
- Addison Reed’s scoreless streak of 15.1 innings was snapped in the bottom of the 8th.
The Mets started the game off with a bang with Curtis Granderson going deep on the fourth pitch of the game to give the Mets an early 1-0 lead. While the Mets lead was never in true danger, they had only produced two runs through the first seven innings, before tacking on two more runs in the eighth, and one in the ninth. The offense responded when it needed to late in the game to give the Mets some insurance runs, to put the game out of reach for the Brewers. The offense seems to be showing signs of coming back to life over the last two games, and they will look to continue to build on those positive results through the weekend. It was also a nice to see Juan Lagares make an appearance tonight as a pinch-hitter and defensive replacement late in the game. Lagares had led off the ninth inning with a double that he was able to attain by hustling out of the box, and diving head first into second base. Lagares certainly put any worries to rest tonight about his availability going forward.
Bartolo Colon was vintage big sexy tonight as he kept the Brewers off the board for much of the game tonight. Colon was actually working on a shutout through the seventh inning until a ball hit off the bat of Brewers third baseman Hernan Perez ended up taking a bounce, and hitting Neil Walker in the chest. The ball off Walker’s chest allowed Kirk Nieuwenhuis, who previously doubled, to score all the way from second base. Walker looked to be in some pain as trainer Ray Ramirez and manager Terry Collins came onto the field to check on him, but he ultimately stayed in the game before leaving in the ninth inning for a pinch-hitter. According to Collins after the game, he stated Walker had gotten dizzy and was not able to catch his breath after taking the ground ball to his chest, which resulted in his early departure. Hopefully Walker’s early departure and status going forward isn’t considered serious as the Mets can’t afford to lose another starting position player to injury.
- The Mets will play the second game of their four game series against the Brewers tomorrow night with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 pm et. Tomorrow’s game can be seen on SNY.
- Matt Harvey (4-8, 4.95 ERA) will look to continue to build off his previous two spectacular starts as he opposes Brewers right-hander Junior Guerra (3-1, 3.61 ERA)
Mets select RHP Justin Dunn at #19
With the 19th pick in the first round of the 2016 MLB Draft the New York Mets selected Boston College right-handed pitcher Justin Dunn. Dunn has reportedly been one of the fastest risers over the past couple of months after being inserted into Boston College’s starting rotation in April. The Freeport, New York native, has a 1.49 ERA in 60.1 innings this season for the Eagles. MLB.com has Dunn ranked as their 29th ranked draft-eligible prospect for this year’s draft. A scouting report from MLB.com regarding the 20-year old Dunn is provided below:
“Dunn has always had a plus fastball and he maintained it in his early starts, lighting radar guns up to 98-99 mph and sitting in the 92-95 mph range. He utilizes two breaking balls, both of which are Major League average: a three-quarters curve and a solid hard slider. His changeup will also flash average, though he didn’t need it much as a reliever. His command is fringy at present, but his outstanding stuff helps make up for it.”
It is a solid pick for the New York Mets as Dunn has electric stuff on the mound and he would fit well with their current rotation of electric arms. There is huge potential surrounding Dunn with the type of stuff he possesses, and you can bet pitching coach Dan Warthen will have a hand in helping his slider develop, as he has with many of our current pitchers. The only downside concerning Dunn is he hasn’t been a regular fixture in the Boston College rotation and could use some time to develop into a full fledged starting pitcher. Dunn also stands at 6’2 and 170 lbs, and many worry how his frame will hold up in the majors. I believe if he puts on some extra muscle he will be fine and even if he doesn’t, many scouts project his frame to current Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura. It was a great pick by the Mets who need to begin to replenish their farm with power arms, and this pick was a step in the right direction.
Lineups: Mets vs. Brewers 8:10 pm et.
New York Mets (32-26):
1. Curtis Granderson (L) RF
2. Michael Conforto (L) LF
3. Yoenis Cespedes (R) CF
4. Neil Walker (S) 2B
5. James Loney (L) 1B
6. Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS
7. Wilmer Flores (R) 3B
8. Kevin Plawecki (R) C
9. Bartolo Colon (R) P
SP: Bartolo Colon RHP (4-3, 3.27 ERA)
Milwaukee Brewers (28-31):
1. Jonathan Villar (S) SS
2. Scooter Gennett (L) 2B
3. Ryan Braun (R) LF
4. Jonathan Lucroy (R) C
5. Chris Carter (R) 1B
6. Kirk Nieuwenhuis (L) CF
7. Hernan Perez (R) 3B
8. Ramon Flores (L) RF
9. Jimmy Nelson (R) P
SP: Jimmy Nelson RHP (5-4, 3.43 ERA)
Tonight’s game can be seen on SNY.
Mets fight back and now on to Milwaukee
The New York Mets (32-26) showed continuous fight last night offensively, as they rallied to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates (32-27) by the score of 6-5 in ten innings. Wilmer Flores played hero for the Mets with an RBI base hit in the top of the tenth inning. The offense fighting back last night is something we haven’t seen since their last victory on Saturday against the Marlins. Continue reading
Lineups & Game Notes: Mets vs. Pirates 7:05 pm et.
New York Mets (31-26):
1. Alejandro De Aza (L) RF
2. Michael Conforto (L) LF
3. Yoenis Cespedes (R) CF
4. Neil Walker (S) 2B
5. James Loney (L) 1B
6. Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS
7. Ty Kelly (S) 3B
8. Rene Rivera (R) C
9. Noah Syndergaard (L) P
SP: Noah Syndergaard RHP (6-2, 1.91 ERA)
Pittsburgh Pirates (32-26):
1. John Jaso (L) 1B
2. Andrew McCutchen (R) CF
3. Gregory Polanco (L) LF
4. Jung Ho Kang (R) 3B
5. Josh Harrison (R) 2B
6. Francisco Cervelli (R) C
7. Matt Joyce (L) RF
8. Sean Rodriguez (R) SS
9. Jameson Taillon (R) P
SP: Jameson Taillon RHP (ML debut)
Tonight’s game can be seen on SNY.
Game Notes:
METS-PIRATES NOTES: The Mets are 2-10 in their last 12 games at PNC Park…New York is 21-29 all-time at PNC, which opened in 2001…The Mets have lost nine straight games to the Pirates dating back to June 29, 2014, the nine consecutive losses is the most in team history to Pittsburgh…The Mets were swept twice by the Pirates last year, May 22-25, at PNC Park and August 14-16 at Citi Field.
OFFENSIVE OFFENSE: New York has scored two or fewer runs in seven of its last 10 games…The Mets have scored two runs in their last 27 innings.
FOUR IS THE KEY: The Mets are 23-5 when they score four or more runs and 8-21 when they score three or fewer.
STRONG PITCHING: The Mets rank second in the majors with a 3.15 team ERA…The staff has allowed the fewest homers (43) and has issued 137 walks, tied for the fewest in the majors…New York has 497 strikeouts, ranking eighth in the majors.
MIGHTY THOR: Syndergaard is third in the majors with a 1.91 ERA, behind Clayton Kershaw (1.46) and Jake Arrieta (1.80)… He is second in the majors with 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings behind Jose Fernandez (13.3) and third in the majors with 1.3 walks per nine innings…Syndergaard is sixth in the majors with 90 strikeouts and seventh in the majors with a 1.90 ERA at night.
ROAD WARRIOR: Syndergaard is 4-1 with a 1.85 ERA in five road starts this year…His 1.85 road ERA ranks seventh in the National League…He has allowed two or fewer runs in each of the five starts.
FLAMETHROWER: According to FanGraphs, Syndergaard averages the fastest fastball (98.1), slider (91.5) and change-up (89.9) this year.
THOR VS. PIRATES: Has faced Pittsburgh once in his career, his third career start on May 22, 2015…Went 6 innings giving up four runs, one earned, on six hits…Struck out five and walked none…Was his second career loss…Had his first career hit off of Gerrit Cole (singled to right field in the sixth inning).
Mets acquire Kelly Johnson
The New York Mets acquired utility player Kelly Johnson from the Atlanta Braves and cash considerations in exchange for right-handed pitcher Akeel Morris.
With the Mets offense struggling and numerous injuries depleting the lineup, GM Sandy Alderson felt the need to make a move to strengthen the 25-man roster. Johnson had been previously acquired last July along with Juan Uribe from the Atlanta Braves, and both players played a role in helping the Mets reach last year’s World Series.
Johnson isn’t having his best statistical season however, as he is only hitting .215 with one home run and ten RBI’s in 49 games. You can only hope that a change of scenery will help the 34-year old Johnson get back on track. Johnson can play a number of different positions for the Mets and his versatility will be welcomed all over the diamond. Johnson is currently playing on a one-year $2 million deal he signed with the Braves in the offseason.
The 23-year old right-handed pitcher Akeel Morris, was recently ranked as the 16th best prospect in the Mets system by MLB.com. While Morris has had solid numbers over his six previous minor league seasons, he has struggled this season at Double-A posting a 4.62 ERA in 22 appearances. Morris has predominately been a reliever in the Mets system and one would think he would continue that trek in the Braves system.
Mets drop two in a row, swept by Pirates.
The New York Mets (31-26) were swept in a doubleheader today by the Pittsburgh Pirates (32-26) with both games ending in the result of 3-1. The Mets have now dropped nine straight games to the Pirates and will look to avoid being swept by the Pirates tomorrow evening for the third series in a row. Continue reading
Lineups & Game Notes: Mets vs. Pirates (Game 1) 4:05 pm et.
New York Mets (31-24):
1. Curtis Granderson (L) RF
2. Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS
3. Yoenis Cespedes (R) CF
4. Neil Walker (S) 2B
5. Wilmer Flores (R) 3B
6. James Loney (L) 1B
7. Michael Conforto (L) LF
8. Rene Rivera (R) C
9. Steven Matz (R) P
SP: Steven Matz LHP (7-1, 2.60 ERA)
Pittsburgh Pirates (30-26):
1. Josh Harrison (R) 2B
2. Andrew McCutchen (R) CF
3. David Freese (R) 1B
4. Jung Ho Kang (R) 3B
5. Starling Marte (R) LF
6. Francisco Cervelli (R) C
7. Gregory Polanco (L) RF
8. Jordy Mercer (R) SS
9. Jonathon Niese (L) P
SP: Jon Niese LHP (5-2, 4.36 ERA)
Today’s game can be seen on SNY.
Game Notes:
METS-PIRATES NOTES: The Mets are 2-8 in their last 10 games at PNC Park…New York is 21-27 all-time at PNC, which opened in 2001…The Mets went 0-6 vs. the Pirates last year… It was the first time in team history they were swept in a season series by Pittsburgh…New York has lost seven straight to the Pirates dating back to June 29, 2014.
DOUBLEHEADER NOTES: The last time the Mets played the Pirates in a doubleheader was September 19, 2004 in Pittsburgh… The Mets lost both games, losing Game 1, 1-0 and falling in Game 2, 6-1…The last time the Mets swept a doubleheader from the Pirates was July 30, 1996, winning 5-4 in Game 1 and 4-3 in Game 2…The Mets played one doubleheader last year, losing both games (3-1 & 2-0) to Washington on October 3 at Citi Field.
FOUR OR MORE: The Mets are 23-5 when they score four or more runs and 8-19 when they score three or fewer.
HOMECOMING: Pittsburgh native and member of the Pirates from 2009-2015, Neil Walker returns to PNC Park tonight… Walker hit .279 with 83 doubles, 42 homers and 199 RBI in 421 career games at PNC Park.
FAMILIAR ENEMY: LHP Jonathon Niese will start tonight for Pittsburgh…Niese was drafted by the Mets in the seventh round of the 2005 draft and he went 61-61 with a 3.91 ERA from 2008- 2015 with the Mets.
OTHER METS-PIRATES TIES: Mets Manager Terry Collins was a coach on Pittsburgh’s staff from 1992-1993…Antonio Bastardo pitched for the Pirates last year, going 4-1 with 2.98 ERA in 66 games…Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle played with the Mets in 1983, 1985 and 1987.
MAGNIFICENT MATZ: Steven Matz is 11-1 in 15 regular season games in the majors…he has never faced the Pirates in his career…Matz has won seven straight decisions, as he is 7-0 with a 1.51 ERA over eight starts during that stretch…Matz has issued nine walks and struck out 52…The last Met to win seven or more consecutive decisions was R.A. Dickey (April 25-July 19, 2012), who won 11 straight.
STRONG PITCHING: The Mets rank second in the majors with a 3.14 team ERA…The staff has allowed 42 homers, tied for the second- fewest in the majors…They have issued 132 walks, the fewest in the majors and have 476 strikeouts, ranking 10th in the majors.
WATCH OUT PIRATES: Asdrubal Cabrera will be playing his first games at PNC Park in his career and is 10-31 (.323) vs. Pittsburgh in eight career games but all of those games came at home as a member with Washington and Cleveland…James Loney is batting .322 (48-149) vs. the Pirates in his career and he has hit in six straight games vs. Pittsburgh dating to August 14, 2012 (.478, 11-23) with one homer and five RBI’s.
METS VS. NIESE: This is the first time Jon Niese will be facing his former team, but notable current Mets numbers against the 29-year old lefty are provided below…
Curtis Granderson: .333 (3-9), 3 K
Neil Walker: .154 (2-13), 2 RBI, 4 K
James Loney: .143 (1-7), 1 K
Asdrubal Cabrera: .000 (0-3)
Rene Rivera: .000 (0-3), 2 K
Above The Mendoza 