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KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

bmfc1 Jul 01 2010 05:25 AM Edited 3 time(s), most recently on Jul 01 2010 12:53 PM

No Jenn, no dcbatgirl, no Q &A. The Mets are focused and showing good “fundies” so I will try to do the same in this KTE. The Mets play the Nationals this weekend for four games (July 1-4). This will be the Mets first games against NL opponents within the continental United States since June 2nd (@ SD). The Mets are 44-35, 16-22 on the road while the Nationals are 34-45 but 20-16 at home. The Mets trail in the season series, 3 games to 5. FYI: I will be at the first three games of the series: Thursday and Friday, 112-row H-seat 1; Saturday—112-row J-seat 1. Please stop by to kibbitz. That means you! If you’re going to Nationals Park, the best place for food is Ben’s Chili Bowl. http://www.benschilibowl.com. The President has eaten there, Adam Richman of Man vs. Food has eaten there, Bill Cosby has eaten there. My two sons, one is a carnivore and the other a vegetarian, each love it, too. Expectations were raised for the Nationals when they were 20-15 through May 13. Since then, they are 14-30 and have lost 6 of 7, including an embarrassing three game sweep against the lowly Orioles last weekend. Jim Riggelman is being criticized for micro-managing and might be on “thin ice” before too long. Tom Boswell said this in The Washington Post, on June 28, 2010: The level of Nats blundering in the last 30 days is almost incomprehensible. Four infielders -- Desmond (eight errors), Guzmán (seven), Kennedy (six) and Zimmerman (four) -- have made 25 errors in 28 games. The rest of the Nats have contributed five more errors. How bad is that? In the last 30 days, the Reds' entire team has made only seven errors. And the Yankees only have made 24 errors all season. In those 28 games, Nats errors have led to 29 unearned runs -- 20 more than the average team in that time. Those extra gift runs are the reason the Nats are now all but an afterthought in the National League East or wild-card race for this season, rather than being at .500. Here are the pitching match-ups for the series: July 1: Johan Santana (5-5, 3.55, 1.25 WHIP) against Livan Hernandez (RHP, 6-4, 3.10, 1.28). Look at that again: Livan Hernandez has better numbers than Johan Santana. Johan lost to Washington on April 11, 5-2, going 5 innings, 5 ER. Against Johan, Ivan Rodriguez is 9-40, 1 HR, 5 RBI and 10 Ks. Josh Willingham is 5-13, 2 HR, 7 RBI (including a Grand Slam on April 11). Adam Dunn is 4-8, 2 HR. With Pelfrey struggling and the 5th spot in flux, it would be nice to see Johan step-up and pitch like the ace he is supposed to be. Hernandez is 2-0 against the Mets this year, winning on April 11 (7 IP, 0 ER, 5 H) and May 19 (6.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 H). Against Hernandez, David Wright is 12-36 with 4 HR and 10 RBI but we have to see if Jerry puts him in the lineup as Wright sat on May 19 following a bad game. Jose Reyes is 13-50 with 2 HR. Jeff Francoeur is 7-16 with a home run. At Nationals Park, Hernandez is 4-1 with a 1.81 ERA. However, he was ineffective in his last start, giving up 5 runs and 11 hits in 6 IP (@ Baltimore). July 2 (Black Heritage Day): Jonathon Niese (5-2, 3.84, 1.45), Luis Atilano (RHP, 6-4. 4.33, 1.43). Niese pitched poorly against the Nationals on May 11 (4.1 IP, 6 ER) but the Mets scored 6 in the 8th to win 8-6. Against Niese, Adam Dunn has a HR. I. Rodriguez is 2-6 with 3 RBI. Atilano is 1-1 against the Mets in ’10, winning 3-2 on May 10 (5.1 IP, 0 ER, 5 H) and losing 10-7 on May 20 (4.1 IP, 6 ER, 9 H). Against Atilano, David Wright has 4 RBI. July 3 (“Replica Patriotic Cap Day”) (I don’t understand what this means as it’s a real cap, just a cheap version of a more expensive cap. What does a replica of a hat look like?): R.A. Dickey (6-1, 2.98, 1.29) against Stephen Strasburg (2-2, 2.27, 1.01, 48 K, 7 BB in 31.1 IP, RHP). Robert Allen Dickey’s first start as a Met was against the Nationals on May 19 (the triple play game, the Pagan inside the home run game). Dickey went 6 innings, giving up 2 ER and 5 hits. He’s also coming off his worst performance of the season so it will be interesting to see if he can “bounce back.” Against Dickey, Adam Kennedy is 4-15 with a home run. It’s a shame that Strasburg is not getting more publicity because he’s good. When he pitches, the Nationals fans call it “Strasmus.” I can’t tell you anything that you don’t already know about him, other than he’s the reason that this game is starting at 4:10, that you’ll have to listen to Joe Buck on FOX instead of Gary Cohen on SNY, and why I have to leave at least a half-hour earlier for the game. He throws a lot of strikes but some say too many strikes: after his start on June 23, MASN color commentator Moron Rob Dibble argued with Mets World Series Hero (who works on the MASN pre- and post-game shows). Knight said that Strasburg needs to nibble more when ahead in the count. This was too complicated for Moron Rob Dibble who disagreed: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcspor ... stras.html July 4: Hisanori Takahashi (6-3, 4.24, 1.44) v Craig Stammen (2-2, 5.13, 1.40 RHP). This may be Takahashi’s last chance to stay in the rotation following two bad outings. Before that, he had two great outings. Before that, two more bad outings. And before that, two good outings. Based upon this pattern, he’ll pitch well this time. None of his starts have been against Washington. He’s pitched 4.1 against them in relief without giving up a run. Stammen was sent to the minors when Strasburg was called up but he returned on Tuesday and pitched well, going 7.1 inning, 2 ER and 5 hits while getting the win against ATL. He pitched 5 innings against the Mets on May 12, giving up 4 ER and 6 H. Angel Pagan is 5 for 8 against Stammen. The Nationals are in the bottom half of MLB in offense (21st in BA, 17th in HR, 22th in RBI, 21st in hits), still searching for a RF and may be trying to unload Adam Dunn very soon. Speaking of Adam Dunn. I admit it, I like him. Not like him, like him, but like him enough that I wanted him to become a Met when he was a FA two years ago. He’s playing out of position (his best position is DH even though he has said that, if traded—rumors are that the White Sox are interested--he doesn’t want to become a DH) but he only has four errors (still, you can’t get an error on a ball you can’t touch). He leads the Nationals with 17 homers and 47 RBI. Our nemesis Willie Harris is still there but he doesn’t play too much. He’s also only hitting .155, 4 HR and 18 RBI. Perhaps he’s saving his energy to torment us once again. More on the series from Adam Rubin: http://espn.go.com/mlb/preview?gameId=300701120 Don’t forget to visit my friend Jenn’s new blog, Nationals Fangirls: http://natsfangirls.com/ I can’t see it at work because the filter thinks it’s porn.

metsguyinmichigan Jul 01 2010 05:55 AM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

Outstanding KTE!!! Enjoy those games, and let Teddy win!!!!

Fman99 Jul 01 2010 05:56 AM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

Nice KTE bmfc. Sorry I will miss you this time around as I will be at Sunday's 1:35 tilt with Fwife, and my cousin and her husband (Fboy and Fgirl will be home with my aunt and uncle). To those other CPF'ers in the area, please send me a PM if you're going to Sunday's game and we'll meet up and I'll buy you some fermented hopps. Also, worth mentioning that I am buddies with one of the guys who runs in the President's race on certain home games (he usually is playing the role of Jefferson).

bmfc1 Jul 01 2010 06:00 AM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

Thanks MGIM and Fman. You mean that isn't the real Thomas Jefferson? I once tried to high-five Abe Lincoln (who hasn't?) but he was a she and she wouldn't high five. The Teddy thing is boring--if he was going to win, it should have been long ago. Still, the locals are amused by it. The PA announcer always calls it "The Main Event" which makes me wonder what the game is.

themetfairy Jul 01 2010 06:31 AM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

Nice knowledge bmfc1!

The Second Spitter Jul 01 2010 06:44 AM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 01 2010 06:49 AM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

[quote="bmfc1":2q7t6e8p]Thanks MGIM and Fman. You mean that isn't the real Thomas Jefferson? I once tried to high-five Abe Lincoln (who hasn't?) but he was a she and she wouldn't high five. The Teddy thing is boring--if he was going to win, it should have been long ago. Still, the locals are amused by it. The PA announcer always calls it "The Main Event" which makes me wonder what the game is.[/quote:2q7t6e8p] Apparently, of late, it's been quite the juggling shitshow. Nice work, sir.

Edgy DC Jul 01 2010 06:56 AM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

We'll be lifting every voice and singing at Black Heritage Night. Ms. Edge and I are still negotiating Sunday.

Willets Point Jul 01 2010 07:34 AM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

[quote="Edgy DC":2mxlgofu]We'll be lifting every voice and singing at Black Heritage Night. Ms. Edge and I are still negotiating Sunday.[/quote:2mxlgofu] I can imagine the shouting fests we'll see on ESPN and the right-wing media if they really sing the "Black National Anthem" before the game.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 01 2010 07:38 AM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

Way to show us your fundies.

Edgy DC Jul 01 2010 07:42 AM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

I thought there had been plenty of precedent. I think most would think everything's jake as long as the national National Anthem should follow. Sort of like "O, Canada" sung first and the "The Star Spangled Banner" last at Expos games in the US. You really think ESPN would be disprespectful toward that? The main problem I would see is that "Lift Every Voice..." is so emotionall wrenching that it's a hard act to follow.

seawolf17 Jul 01 2010 07:48 AM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

Dickey vs Strasburg? Cool.

metsguyinmichigan Jul 01 2010 08:19 AM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

[quote="Edgy DC"]I thought there had been plenty of precedent. I think most would think everything's jake as long as the national National Anthem should follow. Sort of like "O, Canada" sung first and the "The Star Spangled Banner" last at Expos games in the US. You really think ESPN would be disprespectful toward that? The main problem I would see is that "Lift Every Voice..." is so emotionall wrenching that it's a hard act to follow.

Personally, I like "America the Beautiful" much better. "Banner" leaves me kind of cold, but but I get a little weepy singing "Beautiful."

To spend July 4 weekend in Washington must be very special. Enjoy it!

themetfairy Jul 01 2010 08:45 AM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

[quote="metsguyinmichigan"] To spend July 4 weekend in Washington must be very special. Enjoy it!

A bunch of Crane Poolers did that back in 2003, which was a lot of fun :)

Edgy DC Jul 01 2010 08:58 AM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

And I thought my fat was just a recent thing.

MFS62 Jul 01 2010 09:16 AM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

[quote="themetfairy"][quote="metsguyinmichigan"] To spend July 4 weekend in Washington must be very special. Enjoy it!

A bunch of Crane Poolers did that back in 2003, which was a lot of fun :)


When I compare that pic to the one taken in NY earlier this year, either Kase has grown or some of you have shrunk. He looked much taller than everyone else in that new pic. (IIRC, somebody even commented on it) Or was it the camera angle in the DC pic?

Later

metsguyinmichigan Jul 01 2010 09:29 AM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

[quote="MFS62"][quote="themetfairy"][quote="metsguyinmichigan"] To spend July 4 weekend in Washington must be very special. Enjoy it!

A bunch of Crane Poolers did that back in 2003, which was a lot of fun :)


When I compare that pic to the one taken in NY earlier this year, either Kase has grown or some of you have shrunk. He looked much taller than everyone else in that new pic. (IIRC, somebody even commented on it) Or was it the camera angle in the DC pic?

Later

THAT'S AWESOME !!!!!!!!! ID those folks for the rest of us!

G-Fafif Jul 01 2010 11:56 AM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

It’s a shame that Strasburg is not getting more publicity because he’s good. May the weather be as dry as this nugget.

Chad Ochoseis Jul 01 2010 12:10 PM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

Thanks for the knowledge...I was wondering why the Nats had started sucking again. [quote="bmfc1":3mh08jxc]FYI: I will be at the first three games of the series: Thursday and Friday, 112-row H-seat 1; Saturday—12-row J-seat 1.[/quote:3mh08jxc] I get the impression quite a few people are making the trip to CitiSouth this weekend. I'll be there to see Strasburg and Dickey on Replica Patriotic Cap Day. Section 406, row C, seat 20.

Farmer Ted Jul 01 2010 12:16 PM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

Did the orange pants turn into orange shorts?

themetfairy Jul 01 2010 12:20 PM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

[quote="metsguyinmichigan"][quote="MFS62"][quote="themetfairy"][quote="metsguyinmichigan"] To spend July 4 weekend in Washington must be very special. Enjoy it!

A bunch of Crane Poolers did that back in 2003, which was a lot of fun :)


When I compare that pic to the one taken in NY earlier this year, either Kase has grown or some of you have shrunk. He looked much taller than everyone else in that new pic. (IIRC, somebody even commented on it) Or was it the camera angle in the DC pic?

Later

THAT'S AWESOME !!!!!!!!! ID those folks for the rest of us!

I'm not sure I should ID people other than my own family members. D-Dad is on the left, holding the banner. My older son is in the green hat. I'm next to him, with my hands on MK's young shoulders (note the kcmets.com cap that MK is sporting).

G-Fafif Jul 01 2010 12:43 PM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

Our nemesis Willie Harris is still there but he doesn’t play too much. Please make this a promise.

themetfairy Jul 01 2010 12:48 PM Re: KTE, Mets @ Nats, July 1-4, 2010

[quote="G-Fafif"] Our nemesis Willie Harris is still there but he doesn’t play too much. Please make this a promise.

I'm sure we're the antidote to what ails him....