Tagged: Spring Training
Lineups & Game Notes: Mets vs. Braves 1:35 pm et.
New York Mets (9-7):
1. Curtis Granderson (L) RF
2. Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS
3. Michael Conforto (L) LF
4. Lucas Duda (L) 1B
5. Neil Walker (S) 2B
6. Wilmer Flores (R) 3B
7. Kevin Plawecki (R) C
8. Juan Lagares (R) CF
9. Jacob deGrom (L) P
SP: Jacob deGrom RHP (1-0, 1.50 ERA)
Atlanta Braves (4-13):
1. Nick Markakis (L) RF
2. Daniel Castro (R) SS
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. Adonis Garcia (R) 3B
5. A.J. Pierzynski (L) C
6. Kelly Johnson (L) 2B
7. Jace Peterson (L) LF
8. Mallex Smith (L) CF
9. Aaron Blair (R) P
SP: Aaron Blair RHP (Major League Debut)
Today’s game can be seen on WPIX.
Game Notes:
METS-BRAVES NOTES: The Mets have posted back-to-back double-digit win seasons (2014-2015) vs. Atlanta/Milwaukee for the first time in their team history… The Mets went 11-6 in 2015 and 10-9 in 2014 against the Braves…After winning the first two games of the series, the Mets will look to complete the sweep today…New York swept a four-game series from the Braves in Atlanta from September 10-13, 2015…The Mets have not swept a series this season… The Mets had 16 series sweeps of two or more games in 2015, including six on the road.
TURNER FIELD: The Mets have won a franchise-record six straight games at Turner Field dating to September 10, 2015… The last time the Mets won six straight in Atlanta was July 20, 1983-July 14, 1984 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium…The franchise record is seven straight wins in Atlanta from May 14, 1985-April 30, 1986…The Braves are moving into a new ballpark in 2017…New York is 62-103 (.376) all-time at Turner Field.
FIRST INNING FUN: The Mets have scored in the first inning in six of their eight games on this road trip (10 runs total) …New York is 9-3 when they score first this year, including 7-2 on the road.
deGROM in deDAY: Jacob deGrom is 11-2 with a 1.30 ERA (18 earned runs/124.2 innings) in 19 career daytime starts…That is the best daytime ERA among qualified major league pitchers over the last three years…It is also the best daytime ERA for any pitcher in his first three seasons in the last 100 years (min. 100 daytime IP)…Last season, deGrom went 6-2 with a 1.10 ERA (nine earned runs/73.1 innings) during the day.
DEGROM VS. BRAVES: DeGrom has made five starts against the Braves…He is 2-2 with a 1.95 ERA (seven earned runs/ 32.1 innings pitched)…His 1.95 ERA is his lowest against any NL East opponent.
ASDRUBAL FUEGO CABRERA: Slugged his first home run as a member of the Mets last night…Cabrera is hitting .382 (13-34) with five runs scored, three doubles, four RBI and a .462 on-base percentage over his last nine games.
PITCH HAND IS STRONG: The Mets have allowed two or fewer runs in nine of their last 15 games…New York ranks fourth in the majors with a 3.01 ERA…The staff has racked up 157 strikeouts, fourth in the majors.
WALKER AROUND THE BASES: Neil Walker has six home runs over his last eight games…Walker’s seven home runs are tied for the most he’s ever hit in any calendar month…He had seven home runs in September, 2013 and seven in July, 2012…Walker is tied for third in the majors with his seven long balls…The only other Mets second baseman with seven or more home runs in April was Jeff Kent, who hit eight home runs in 1994…Dave Kingman (1976), Carlos Delgado (2006) and John Buck (2013) hold the club record with nine April home runs…Walker hit his 100th career home run in the ninth inning last night.
BACK-TO-BACK: Neil Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera hit back-to- back home runs last night in ninth inning…It marked the fourth time in the last five games the Mets hit back-to-back home runs… The last team to hit back-to-back at least four times in a five- game was the Cubs in April, 2004.
SLUGGING THE WRIGHT WAY: Has 35 career home runs vs. Atlanta, second-most vs.any opponent in his career (Has 36 vs. Philadelphia)…19 of his 35 career homers vs. the Braves have come at Turner Field.
FULL CIRCLE: The Mets will face a familiar face from their 2015 postseason team in utility player Kelly Johnson who signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves on January 21 2016, and made the team out of Spring Training…Johnson was acquired by the Mets on July 24, 2015 from the Braves along with Juan Uribe for pitchers John Gant and Rob Whalen…Johnson produced a.250/.304/.414 line in 49 games for the Mets with 5 home runs and 13 RBI…John Gant originally made the Braves roster out spring training but was demoted to AAA Gwinnett on April 10th after allowing 6 hits and 4 earned runs in 3 innings pitched.
Mets receive National League Championship Rings today.
The rings are crafted in 10-karat white gold, and the ring features 110 round diamonds, as well as 42 round sapphires, with a total weight of 2.75 carats. The inside of the ring features the National League Championship trophy and the years that the Mets have won the pennant.
Retired outfielder Michael Cuddyer joined the Mets today for the ceremony. The Mets also flew in pitchers Zack Wheeler and Josh Edgin from Port St. Lucie to participate in the ceremony.
Final Recap: Royals 4 – Mets 3
The New York Mets (0-1) fell short tonight against the Kansas City Royals (1-0) at Kauffman Stadium by the final score of 4-3. For a full boxscore recap follow the link below…
Game Notes:
- Matt Harvey was charged with the loss. He pitched 5.2 innings, allowing 4 runs (3 earned), with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts.
- Bartolo Colon made a relief appearance and pitched 1.1 scoreless innings, while only allowing a hit.
- Lucas Duda was 1-4 with a 2-run single.
- Michael Conforto was 2-2 with a double, and a pair of walks.
- Neil Walker was 0-4 with an RBI on a fielder’s choice.
- Yoenis Cespedes was 1-4 with a run scored, but committed a costly error in the first inning that ultimately led to a Royals run.
This game reminded me of all of the other games the Mets had played against the Royals during last season’s World Series. The Royals did not do anything spectacular to beat the Mets, but they jumped on opportunities, including Cespedes costly dropped fly ball, ran the bases aggressively, slapped the ball where the Mets weren’t positioned, and played great defense. Royals starter Edinson Volquez had stymied the Mets offense tonight as they could not get anything going against him during his six innings pitched. There were times he would get wild and it seemed like his mechanics would get out of whack, but when he was throwing the ball over the plate, the Mets had no answer. The Mets ultimately had a 3-run rally in the top of the 8th off reliever Joakim Soria, but had fallen short with runners on first and second, when the Royals brought in reliever Luke Hochevar to put out the fire, and he struck Asdrubal Cabrera out swinging. In the top of 9th the Mets produced runners on first and third base with one out against closer Wade Davis, only to have David Wright and Yoenis Cespedes both strike out to end the game. Cespedes arguably had the roughest night of all Mets as his lackadaisical attempt on a dropped fly ball that led to a run, and his inability to come through in the 9th will be talked about by the media until Tuesday. The good news is this is only the first game of the season, and I enjoyed watching the Mets offense come to life later in the game. The Mets will play an exciting brand of baseball I believe this season, and it was a tough hand they were dealt tonight, especially playing in a emotionally charged atmosphere. I will not jump to any negative conclusions after one single game, but it does go to show the Mets if they want to win it all, every play and every little detail matters. As for the Royals, they seem to have not missed a beat with their style of play and Tuesday will provide another difficult matchup for the Mets, especially with a high emotion ring ceremony planned before first pitch.
- The Mets are off tomorrow and will conclude their 2-game series against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday afternoon at 4:15 pm et. The game can be seen on SNY or MLB Network.
- Noah Syndergaard will make his first start of the season for the Mets against the soft-tossing, and former right-handed pitcher for the Mets, Chris Young. Ian Kennedy who was originally scheduled to start tomorrow for the Royals, has been pushed back as he is dealing with a hamstring issue.
Former Met John Gant makes Braves roster.
Former New York Mets prospect John Gant has been informed he has made the Atlanta Braves Opening Day roster. The 23-year old right hander is expected to carve out a role in the Braves bullpen after having an eye-opening spring. Gant was acquired from the Mets along with right-handed pitcher Rob Whalen, last July for infielder’s Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson.
Gant is currently ranked as the Braves 22nd best prospect according to MLB.com and held a 3.18 ERA in 11.1 innings pitched this spring. The righty only walked two while striking out ten, and held opponents to a .233 average.
Mets vs. Royals Lineups 8:37 pm et
Mets (0-0):
- Curtis Granderson (L) RF
- David Wright (R) 3B
- Yoenis Cespedes (R) LF
- Lucas Duda (L) 1B
- Neil Walker (S) 2B
- Michael Conforto (L) DH
- Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS
- Travis d’Arnaud (R) C
- Juan Lagares (R) CF
- SP: Matt Harvey RHP (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Royals (0-0):
- Alcides Escobar (R) SS
- Mike Moustakas (L) 3B
- Lorenzo Cain (R) CF
- Eric Hosmer (L) 1B
- Kendrys Morales (S) DH
- Alex Gordon (L) LF
- Salvador Perez (R) C
- Omar Infante (R) 2B
- Reymond Fuentes (L) RF
- SP: Edinson Volquez RHP (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Tonight’s game can be seen on ESPN.
Game Notes:
METS-ROYALS NOTES: The Mets are 4-5 vs. the Royals during the regular season, including 1-2 at Kaufman Stadium.
OPENING DAY: The Mets are set to open their 55th season tonight…In the history of Major League Baseball, the Mets (35-19, .648) have the best winning percentage on Opening Day.
WORLD SERIES RE-MATCH: This is the first time in major league history that the two teams that met in the previous World Series, opened the following season against each other. Also, this is the first time in MLB history that the two starting pitchers of the final game of the World Series also face each other the following Opening Day.
VS. AL: This is also the first time in club history that the Mets begin the year vs. an American League club…New York went 9-11 in Interleague action last season…Since 1997, when Interleague play began, the Mets are 166-156 (.516)…The .516 winning percentage in Interleague play is the second-best all-time among NL clubs behind St. Louis (154-141, .522).
FOR THE FIRST TIME: Six Mets are taking part in their first career Opening Day…The list includes: Eric Campbell, Michael Conforto, Steven Matz, Kevin Plawecki, Hansel Robles and Noah Syndergaard.
MATT HARVEY: Will make his first career Opening Day start tonight…Harvey will be the Mets’ sixth different starting pitcher in the last six years, joining Bartolo Colon, Dillon Gee, Jonathon Niese, Johan Santana and Mike Pelfrey…He will be the 24th different pitcher to start on Opening Day for the Mets…Tom Seaver holds the record with 12 Opening Day nods.
NOTABLE METS HITTERS VS. VOLQUEZ:
- Lucas Duda: .364 (4-11, 1 2B, 3 BB).
- Juan Lagares: .375 (3-8, 1 2B, 1 RBI).
- Asdrubal Cabrera: .308 (4-13, 1 HR, 3 RBI).
COULD IT BE FATE: The last time the Kansas City Royals came into the season as reigning World Series Champions (1985 champions), the New York Mets won the World Series (1986). It is also the 30 year anniversary of the New York Mets last World Series Championship.
Opening Day is Here!!
I have had this date circled on my calendar since November 2nd, when the Mets season ended at the hands of the Kansas City Royals in last year’s World Series. There is not a more fitting opponent for the Mets to face to open the season, than the Royals after how last season ended. Continue reading
Final: Mets 8 – Cubs 1
The New York Mets defeated the Chicago Cubs this afternoon by the score of 8-1, in their final game of the spring. For a full boxscore recap follow the link below…
Game Notes:
- Steven Matz pitched 5 innings of no hit ball, walking 2 and striking out 6. He also went 1-1 at the plate this afternoon.
- Jeurys Familia pitched a clean 9th inning, striking out the side in order.
- Antonio Bastardo had his best inning of the spring, only allowing 1 hit, no runs, and a strikeout.
- Yoenis Cespedes went 1-1 with a solo HR and a walk.
- Michael Conforto was 1-2 with a run scored.
- Travis d’Arnaud was 1-3 with a run scored.
- Ty Kelly was 1-1 with a 3-run home run.
- T.J. Rivera was 2-3 with a solo HR and a double.
- The Mets finish the spring with an 8-17-5 record.
The Mets played a great game this afternoon against the Cubs to conclude their 2016 Spring Training Campaign. I’m excited for Sunday Night, as many Mets fans are, and I can’t wait to see what this season holds for the Mets. I can’t remember the team having these high of expectations, since 2007. The roster heading into the season is very versatile and it’s tough to point to a glaring weakness on this year’s team, although the jury is still out on the bullpen, besides Familia. Terry Collins stated he could care less about Spring Training record’s as they could go either 1-21 or 21-1 and it wouldn’t mean anything, which is indeed true. I’ve tried not to get too high or too low on any particular performance this spring as the results mean nothing. The Mets head into this season healthy and confident they can win it all, and I share those same feelings of confidence. Let’s play ball y’all!
- The Mets open the 2016 season Sunday night in Kansas City against the defending champion Kansas City Royals. First pitch is scheduled for 8:37 pm et and can be seen on ESPN.
- Matt Harvey will get the ball for the Mets on Opening Night, and tote the rubber against Royals right-hander Edinson Volquez.
Mets Opening Night Roster Revealed…
The New York Mets have revealed the Opening Night roster they will be taking with them to Kansas City, after this afternoon’s game against the Chicago Cubs. Continue reading
Mets vs. Cubs Lineups 4:05 pm et
Cashman field is pictured during a spring exhibition baseball game between the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs Sunday, March 16, 2014, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Mets:
1. Curtis Granderson (L) RF
2. David Wright (R) 3B
3. Yoenis Cespedes (R) CF
4. Lucas Duda (L) 1B
5. Neil Walker (S) 2B
6. Michael Conforto (L) LF
7. Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS
8. Travis d’Arnaud (R) C
9. Steven Matz (R) P
SP: Steven Matz LHP
Cubs:
1. Kris Bryant (R) 3B
2. Jason Heyward (L) RF
3. Ben Zobrist (S) 2B
4. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
5. Jorge Soler (R) LF
6. Kyle Schwarber (L) C
7. Addison Russell (R) SS
8. Matt Szczur (R) CF
9. Jason Hammel (R) P
SP: Jason Hammel RHP
- Today’s game can be seen on WGN or MLB.tv if you have a subscription.
Game Notes:
LHP STEVEN MATZ: Will make his sixth appearance and fifth start this spring today…In his last start he allowed one hit and one run over 5.2 innings vs. Washington on March 27…
VIVA LAS VEGAS: This season will mark the fourth year that the Las Vegas 51s serve as the Mets Triple-A affiliate…Notable 51s alumni include Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Travis d’Arnaud, Steven Matz and Wilmer Flores…Wally Backman will manage the 51s again this season… Former Cy Young Award winner Frank Viola will be the pitching coach and Jack Voigt will be the hitting coach… The Mets are making their third appearance at Cashman Field…New York’s last played in Las Vegas in 2014 when they also took on the Cubs.
MEET ME IN KANSAS CITY: The Mets will open the 2016 season on national television on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball on April 3 at 8:37 p.m. (ET)… RHP Matt Harvey has been named the team’s Opening Day starter…RHP Edinson Volquez will start the Opener for the Royals…RHP Noah Syndergaard will start the second game of the year on Tuesday, April 5…He will be opposed by RHP Ian Kennedy.
ATTENDANCE: The Mets averaged 6,897 fans over 14 dates in Port St. Lucie…It was the second largest average attendance in Port St. Lucie history over its 29-year history…Only 1988, the first year in PSL, averaged more (7,187 over 13 dates).
Final: Cubs 5 – Mets 1
New York Mets Paul Sewald throws a bullpen during spring training at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie, Tuesday, March 1, 2016. (Gordon Donovan)
The Chicago Cubs defeated the New York Mets this evening in Las Vegas by the final score of 5-1. For a full boxscore recap follow the link below…
Game Notes:
- Lucas Duda was 3-4 with a double, and an RBI single.
- David Wright was 1-4 with a run scored.
- Kevin Plawecki was 2-3, with 2 base hits.
- Las Vegas native Paul Sewald received the start and pitched solid 3 innings, allowing no runs, on 1 hit, with 1 walk, and 3 strikeouts.
- Chase Bradford was charged with the loss, allowing 3 runs (1 earned) over 3 hits in 1.1 innings pitched.
- Erik Goeddel allowed a run on 2 hits, with a walk and a strikeout in an inning of work.
- Jim Henderson pitched a scoreless inning only allowing a hit, with one strikeout.
- The Mets winless streak has increased to 14 games.
- The Mets have scored only 2 runs in their last 33 innings.
- The Mets conclude their spring schedule with one more game against the Chicago Cubs in Las Vegas tomorrow afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 pm et and can be seen on WGN or MLB.tv if you have a subscription.
- Steven Matz will start the final game of the spring for the Mets, against Cubs right-hander Jason Hammel.
Above The Mendoza 