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Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Edgy DC Mar 31 2011 07:56 AM

Expected lineups: Mets =#0080BF]Marlins [list=1][*]Reyes, ss[/*:m] [*]Pagan, cf[/*:m] [*]Wright, 3b[/*:m] [*]Beltran, rf[/*:m] [*]Davis, 1b[/*:m] [*]Duda, lf[/*:m] [*]Thole, c[/*:m] [*]Emaus, 2b[/*:m] [*]Pelfrey, p[/*:m][/list:o] [list=1][*]Coghlan, cf[/*:m] [*]Infante, 2b[/*:m] [*]Ramirez, ss[/*:m] [*]Stanton, rf[/*:m] [*]Sanchez, 1b[/*:m] [*]Morrison, LF[/*:m] [*]Buck, c[/*:m] [*]Murphy, 3b[/*:m] [*]Johnson, sp[/*:m][/list:o] The Mets opened last season against Josh Johnson and the Marlins also --- with Johan Santana, alas, but also with a lineup that included Mike Jacobs (subbing for Daniel Murphy injured by a HbP late in spring training), Alex Cora (subbing for a thyroid-addled Jose Reyes), and Gary Matthews, Jr. (subbing for a knee-surgery-recuperating Carlos Beltran). The Mets went out and kicked ass anyway to the tune of 7-1. HAH! Other strange burdens appearing for the Mets that day were Frank Catalanotto coming off the bench and Jerry Manuel calling the shots. Jeff Francoeur and Rod Barajas each got off to a great starts toward solid springs that would eventually wilt in the summer sun. Fernando Nieve pitched two innings on his way to somehow appearing in 71 games in April alone. Victory nonetheless. As it should be. And as it shall be in this one. ¡Viva los Mets!

TransMonk Mar 31 2011 08:04 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Aren't the Mets historically the best opening day team in the league? They're hella good on OD, IIRC.

Ceetar Mar 31 2011 08:05 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Didn't the Mets announce Harris starting? (Duda and Beltran both won't be in RF regardless)

Edgy DC Mar 31 2011 08:07 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Fixed. Report I read said Duda. I had half a mind to post Duda/Hairston/Harris but we can fix later. That lineup is all about getting your blood pumping.

Frayed Knot Mar 31 2011 08:12 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

So depending on the exact lineup and the batting order, Emaus, or maybe Hairston or Harris, becomes the first "next" Met out of this season's newbies - which is a way of saying that we've got to re-start that thread. Then, with Paulino on the shelf and Young & Capuano not scheduled for a few days, a variety of PHers and relievers to follow depending on the order in which they're used.

TransMonk Mar 31 2011 08:14 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

http://dicomo.mlblogs.com/2011/03/30/th ... jason-bay/ A team official said Wednesday that rather than start rookie Lucas Duda against Marlins right-hander Josh Johnson on Friday night, the Mets will play Willie Harris in left field (Harris, a lefty, is 4-for-15 lifetime off Johnson with seven walks and a home run). The Mets do, however, plan to start Duda regularly in left field, beginning Saturday and Sunday against two more Marlins right-handers.

Benjamin Grimm Mar 31 2011 08:34 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Frayed Knot wrote: So depending on the exact lineup and the batting order, Emaus, or maybe Hairston or Harris, becomes the first "next" Met out of this season's newbies - which is a way of saying that we've got to re-start that thread. Then, with Paulino on the shelf and Young & Capuano not scheduled for a few days, a variety of PHers and relievers to follow depending on the order in which they're used. Yes... soon the mystery of the 900th Met will be solved. The count has been at 895 since the end of the 2010 season.

Ceetar Mar 31 2011 08:35 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Frayed Knot wrote: So depending on the exact lineup and the batting order, Emaus, or maybe Hairston or Harris, becomes the first "next" Met out of this season's newbies - which is a way of saying that we've got to re-start that thread. Then, with Paulino on the shelf and Young & Capuano not scheduled for a few days, a variety of PHers and relievers to follow depending on the order in which they're used. Yes... soon the mystery of the 900th Met will be solved. The count has been at 895 since the end of the 2010 season. We got a wager going? I'm going Byrdak.

Ceetar Mar 31 2011 02:52 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

official: Reyes-6, Harris-7, Wright-5, Beltran-9, Pagan-8, Davis-3, Emaus-4, Thole-2, Pelfrey-1

metirish Mar 31 2011 03:02 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Harris in the two hole, a surprise?

TransMonk Mar 31 2011 03:04 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Yeah, I thought Thole, if not Pagan in the 2-hole...but Harris? FIRE TERRY COLLINS!!

Vic Sage Mar 31 2011 03:24 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

he's breaking up the dead bats in the lineup. can't fault him, really, cuz iIf you hit Thole 2, then you get Emaus/Harris/pitcher in the bottom 3rd. If you hit Pagan 2, you then have Emaus hitting 6th, which is an RBI slot i don't think Collins wants to lay on Emaus just yet (if ever). The bigger problem is that Harris just shouldn't be starting in LF. I like Pagan further down, cuz i think he may have RBI potential, with Thole hitting 2nd, and a Duda/Hairston platoon in LF til Bay returns.

TransMonk Mar 31 2011 03:32 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Collins must be going on Willie's small sample size of at-bats vs. Johnson. He has already hinted that Duda will most likely go Saturday and Sunday.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 31 2011 03:36 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

... the Mets will play Willie Harris in left field (Harris, a lefty, is 4-for-15 lifetime off Johnson with seven walks and a home run). Grumblegrumblegrumble...

Benjamin Grimm Mar 31 2011 03:42 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

So unless that changes, Harris will be Met number 896, and Emaus will be number 897.

metirish Mar 31 2011 04:12 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

all about the numbers Collins says “Strictly numbers,” Collins said about selecting Harris over Lucas Duda or Scott Hairston. “We talked about the importance of getting out of the gate. This guy [Johnson] is one of the best in the league, one of the best in baseball. And if you’ve got a guy who hits this guy, it would seem to me you should get him in there.” Among major leaguers with double-digit career plate appearances against Johnson, Harris ranks seventh in OBP. The only players ahead of Harris: Fernando Tatis (.667, 12 PA), Nick Johnson (.643, 14 PA), Scott Rolen (.600, 10 PA), Bill Hall (.545, 11 PA), Aubrey Huff (.538, 13 PA) and Andre Ethier (.533, 15 PA).

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 31 2011 05:50 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Dumd Q, but did Buchholz make the team?!?

Ashie62 Mar 31 2011 05:51 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

LETS!

Fman99 Mar 31 2011 07:50 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

[bigpurple:17882h0h]GO[/bigpurple:17882h0h]

metirish Mar 31 2011 07:57 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Dumd Q, but did Buchholz make the team?!? Yep he did, #33

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 31 2011 08:31 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Er...

Ashie62 Apr 01 2011 06:40 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Its' snowing out and Jimmy Crack Corn, I don't care! May Edgy open the season with a double digit IGT thread strak!!!!!

Gwreck Apr 01 2011 07:56 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Forget that stupid Mets/Phillies shirt discussed elsewhere -- THAT (see LWFS post above) is a product that I just don't get. Who would buy (and wear) such a thing?

Willets Point Apr 01 2011 08:03 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

My first thought is that it looked like something Fman would like, maybe if there was an arrow pointing down from MEATS.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 01 2011 08:04 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

I believe Paul "UniWatch" Lukas is behind that particular fashion. He wore it last time I saw him at the game. Meantime, tonite Lunchpail is at Granny's, so Wifey Bucket and I are looking for a place to catch the game (mostly for me) AND get good food (mostly for her). Looking at the Ainsworth. Anyone been? Other suggestions of a sports gastropub? Thanks!

Gwreck Apr 01 2011 08:08 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: I believe Paul "UniWatch" Lukas is behind that particular fashion. He wore it last time I saw him at the game. Seems so out of character for him, with his otherwise good taste in Mets-related apparel.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 01 2011 08:12 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Gwreck wrote: Forget that stupid Mets/Phillies shirt discussed elsewhere -- THAT (see LWFS post above) is a product that I just don't get. Who would buy (and wear) such a thing? If I was a Mets fan who owned a butcher shop, I'd wear it at work. Otherwise... no.

Edgy DC Apr 01 2011 08:14 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Mets =#0080BF]Marlins [list=1][*]Reyes, ss[/*:m] [*]Harris, lf[/*:m] [*]Wright, 3b[/*:m] [*]Beltran, rf[/*:m] [*]Pagan, cf[/*:m] [*]Davis, 1b[/*:m] [*]Thole, c[/*:m] [*]Emaus, 2b[/*:m] [*]Pelfrey, p[/*:m][/list:o] [list=1][*]Coghlan, cf[/*:m] [*]Infante, 2b[/*:m] [*]Ramirez, ss[/*:m] [*]Stanton, rf[/*:m] [*]Sanchez, 1b[/*:m] [*]Morrison, LF[/*:m] [*]Buck, c[/*:m] [*]Murphy, 3b[/*:m] [*]Johnson, sp[/*:m][/list:o] I'll add my confusion to that of others over the flipflopping lineup. Harris may have a name that sounds like a table setter, but Pagan legitimately is one, and while we may hope there's more RBI power in Pagan's bat, occasional bursts of power have been the saving grace in Harris's otherwise stagnant offensive game in recent years. I guess, maybe, Collins is a little attracted to the large number of walks in Harris's history against Johnson. I understand, in the absence of a greater data set, using that small sample size as a reason for starting Harris over Hariston and Duda today, but I'm not so sure I'm down with bumping a guy to the front of the lineup over it.

Ceetar Apr 01 2011 08:20 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

well, truth is, it wouldn't be a baseball season if we weren't nitpicking the lineup.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 01 2011 09:28 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

I have a "Meats" shirt.

Edgy DC Apr 01 2011 10:53 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

My humble crackerbox palace muscles up a bit and trasforms herself into Shea South. My game-viewing companion follows the threads while he waits at home for me to join him. Also visible here are no less than two guitar picks, two guitar tuners and a single capo (Mr. Met likes our fight songs) and a keyfob gifted to us by Second Spitter (and if I've never thanked you properly, SS, I thank you sincerely now.) Mister loves your posts and has adopted the fob as a sort of good luck charm.

TransMonk Apr 01 2011 10:57 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Playing the purples, like a real axe-man should.

Ashie62 Apr 01 2011 10:58 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

All thats' mssing is m.e.t.b.o.t.

Gwreck Apr 01 2011 11:23 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: I have a "Meats" shirt. Tell us about it. What is the attraction? Is there a joke somewhere that we're missing? At what events or occasions do you plan to wear it?

Willets Point Apr 01 2011 11:27 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Gwreck wrote: LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: I have a "Meats" shirt. Tell us about it. What is the attraction? Is there a joke somewhere that we're missing? At what events or occasions do you plan to wear it? He's going to wear it to meat-ups of course!

Edgy DC Apr 01 2011 11:31 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

DUDES, I CAN'T HEAR YOU.

Ceetar Apr 01 2011 11:39 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Edgy DC wrote: DUDES, I CAN'T HEAR YOU. turn your hearing aid up.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 01 2011 11:41 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Willets Point wrote: Gwreck wrote: LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: I have a "Meats" shirt. Tell us about it. What is the attraction? Is there a joke somewhere that we're missing? At what events or occasions do you plan to wear it? He's going to wear it to meat-ups of course! Um... I like Meats? And... um... Metly barbecues and GKR buffets? I'm really not sure.

Edgy DC Apr 01 2011 11:47 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Turn this up. For Brooklyn native Pontone, Opening Day a family affair http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/articl ... m&c_id=nym Michael Pontone has been a baseball fan all his life, and he's been a Mets fan for more than five decades. Pontone, a 58-year-old Brooklyn native and resident of Staten Island, is on the verge of attending his 20th straight home opener with the Mets, a milestone he'll celebrate on April 8 when New York plays host to the division-rival Washington Nationals. Pontone has seen it all with his favorite team, from pennant-clinching games and historic no-hitters to multiple World Series in multiple decades. Through it all, he's remained a fan, never losing sight of what captivated him in the first place. And it's that timelessness -- that sense of being part of a community -- that keeps him coming back for more. "Over the years, you get older and your priorities change, but I still have my season tickets," said Pontone. "I still give tickets to clients, and my son has become an avid fan himself. You know, over the years, the Mets have given out a lot of pins and stickers, and I remember one that said, "Mets through thick and thin." I still have it and I wear it every now and then. "And from 2000 to now, that's really what it's been like to be a Mets fan. I can remember being in Shea Stadium and watching the Endy Chavez catch in Game 7 of the 2006 National League Championship Series, and I remember my son and his friend's reaction when [Yadier Molina] hit the game-winning home run. They cried, and that's what it means to be a fan." And for Pontone, choosing where to send his loyalty wasn't always so easy. Pontone can recall his youth growing up in Brooklyn, and he remembers the temporary disconnect so many people felt when the Dodgers moved to California. Pontone said he was six years old when the Dodgers left and 10 when the Mets came into existence, providing a strange duality. For so many Brooklyn fans, he said, there was a reticence to leave their affiliation with the Dodgers. But there was also, he said, a need to root for somebody local, and every fan in his community found a different way to fill the void. "We used to play baseball in the streets, and we'd break windows by accident," said Pontone of his youth. "We had to have some sort of affiliation to a team, and for two years of my life, I was a Yankees fan. Those were really great times, with Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. And then when the Mets came around, we got peer pressure to switch again. I can still remember being at Coney Island and listening to a Yankee game on the radio when somebody came by and switched it to a Mets game. And it was hard luck for years and years, but it was so great to finally have your own affiliation, to know you have your own team." Pontone had only been to Ebbets Field once and had been in a baby carriage for that trip, perhaps making his transition to the Mets a little bit easier. He said that he grew up collecting coupons from Sealtest milk cartons in the hope of redeeming free tickets to the upper-deck seats at Shea Stadium, where he could see his heroes play in person. One of his earliest baseball memories, in fact, was of future Hall of Famer Jim Bunning firing the seventh perfect game in baseball history against the Mets on Father's Day in 1964. "I couldn't appreciate it," he said. "I appreciated the fact that my team lost." The Mets, of course, would go on to give him some more positive things to remember. Pontone spoke warmly and fondly of players like Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Tommy Agee and Cleon Jones, the group that ushered the Mets out of the cellar and toward respectability. And along the way, they electrified the growing segment of non-Yankee fans in New York. Pontone said that he can recall watching Seaver pitch a near no-hitter on TV in 1968, and he said that he watched the clincher of the '69 World Series from the auditorium of Xaverian High School in Brooklyn. Pontone attended St. John's and was present four years later when the Mets clinched the pennant, igniting a near-riot at Shea Stadium. At first, Pontone said, his father restricted him from going on the field with the crowd. But then, after a brief chat, he relented, and Pontone hopped the barricade to scoop up a souvenir handful of dirt that he put in a planter back at home. "These memories are vague. I'm not a guy that remembers every pitch or every score," said Pontone of his life as a fan. "I know people that are like that -- that have that kind of passion -- and I admire them, but I'm not like that. All I know is I'm a fan and I take great solace and great enjoyment in the game. I love baseball, and I love my Mets more than anything else." Pontone, who grew up in a family of eight children, spoke time and again about how his family and his favorite team have become intertwined. He can recall attending Game 6 of the 1986 World Series with his sister Josephine, who has since passed away, and the amazing crowd reaction that they experienced when they walked out of the historic victory. "Coming out of that game, I'll never forget," he said of leaving Shea after Game 6. "The entire stadium and the ramps were shaking. The people were jumping and screaming and everyone was so excited. And we were a part of it." Pontone also attended the 2000 World Series, and he said his Opening Day tradition -- a run that goes all the way back to 1991 -- has survived and prospered through many of the most profound changes in his life. "I had to get out of work for the early ones, but now I can do it," he said. "I try to give my tickets to clients, but most of them would rather have them in August when it's not so cold. This year, it will be me, my wife, my son and his friend, and I've also given out four or five tickets to clients. Citi Field is great, but it's like anything else. When you move from a house, you have to get used to it. ...I want to make a lot more memories here. Hopefully, we can get another 40 years of memories here." As it turns out, Pontone already has one Citi Field memory that he'll never forget. Pontone said that two years ago, he took his 99-year-old mother, Angelina, to her first game at the Mets' new venue. Angelina, who had also been a die-hard baseball fan for her entire life, was confined to a wheelchair at that point, but Pontone got tickets to a disabled seating section. He said that his siblings were afraid that Angelina would be uncomfortable, that a New York crowd would be too much for her to handle. And when the score began to get out of control, Pontone suggested that they leave early. "They were getting blown out," Pontone said of the Mets in that specific game. "But she looked across the field at the scoreboard and said, 'We're not going. The game's not over yet.' And I thought to myself, 'Why would I even suggest that?'" They stayed until the end of that game, and Pontone lauds the Mets for going above and beyond in accomodating disabled fans. Angelina passed away in April at the age of 101, but Pontone will always think of her when he enters Citi Field. And that's why the Mets -- and the annual renewal of the baseball season -- will always hold a place near and dear to his heart. "Every team and every business has something going on with it, but the sport transcends that. If you're a fan, you don't dwell on that," he said. "If you like baseball and you have a team, you wait all winter for it to start again. And yes, the team may be in dire straits, but you still get excited to see how they'll play and whether they'll be able to win."

soupcan Apr 01 2011 12:09 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

"These memories are vague. I'm not a guy that remembers every pitch or every score," said Pontone of his life as a fan. "I know people that are like that -- that have that kind of passion -- and I admire them, but I'm not like that. All I know is I'm a fan and I take great solace and great enjoyment in the game. I love baseball, and I love my Mets more than anything else." For all the years I've been posting here, I've always felt like I wasn't as 'big' a fan as a lot of you because it seems like you all have these great memories of events and places and specific instances and I just don't. What this guy says - this is the kind of fan I am. It's nice to see it put into words. Pontone also attended the 2000 World Series, and he said his Opening Day tradition -- a run that goes all the way back to 1991 -- has survived and prospered through many of the most profound changes in his life. Oh, big deal. I had a 25-year streak that ended in 2009 only because my kids school break conflicted with the date and we were visiting my dad in San Diego. It's actually a good thing that it ended. It got to the point that I started to feel pressure to go to Opening Day just to keep the streak alive.

Ceetar Apr 01 2011 12:14 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

soupcan wrote: "These memories are vague. I'm not a guy that remembers every pitch or every score," said Pontone of his life as a fan. "I know people that are like that -- that have that kind of passion -- and I admire them, but I'm not like that. All I know is I'm a fan and I take great solace and great enjoyment in the game. I love baseball, and I love my Mets more than anything else." For all the years I've been posting here, I've always felt like I wasn't as 'big' a fan as a lot of you because it seems like you all have these great memories of events and places and specific instances and I just don't. What this guy says - this is the kind of fan I am. It's nice to see it put into words. Some people are just more detail oriented. I've been to tons of games. some are detailed, some are not. It's the same way in life mostly, I can remember some specific moments and events with great clarity, and others are mostly cloudy. I remember walking out of game 7 in a fog, slowly filing out in the mess and remember the disappointed boos at the scoreboard congratulating the Cardinals. I remember getting separated from the people I went with because I just didn't care enough to stay close as we manuevered through the crowd. I remember the path I walked to the car and the bum that offered tos ell me a Cardinals cap. but then I remember very few details about Opening Day last year.

Edgy DC Apr 01 2011 12:16 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

All thats' mssing is m.e.t.b.o.t. Getting hot with anticipation for 7:30 here. Somebody's really pissed that Q104.3 could make a countdown of over 1,000 songs and couldn't find a place for "Mr. Roboto."

themetfairy Apr 01 2011 12:28 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

We're all ready at the Diamond Knight household -

Gwreck Apr 01 2011 12:43 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Edgy DC wrote: Getting hot with anticipation for 7:30 here. 7:10! Wouldn't want you to miss the Big Man playing the National Anthem and/or the first inning.

Ceetar Apr 01 2011 12:46 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Gwreck wrote: Getting hot with anticipation for 7:30 here. 7:10! Wouldn't want you to miss the Big Man playing the National Anthem and/or the first inning. I saw someone tweet 7:18 first pitch, but taht might have been a typo. I've got it perfectly timed, after work beer, pick up pizza, open up a home brew and be ready to go at 7.

m.e.t.b.o.t. Apr 01 2011 01:16 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Edgy DC wrote: Ashie62 wrote: All thats' mssing is m.e.t.b.o.t. m.e.t.b.o.t. asserts that m.e.t.b.o.t. has never before seen that dusty desk, and asserts furthermore that a m.e.t.b.o.t. imposter must have been created to fool the unusupecting masses that multiples of m.e.t.b.o.t. could possibly exist. while m.e.t.b.o.t. may occasionally pine for peers, m.e.t.b.o.t. typically rejoices in m.e.t.b.o.t.'s uniqueness, as much pining and rejoicing as a little springwound box can. and this interloper threatens to upset all of that. m.e.t.b.o.t. postulates that this might possibly some sort of attempt to trick m.e.t.b.o.t. into a more rigorous and relentless schaeffer voting ethic. in this regard, the ruse may work, while m.e.t.b.o.t. hopes it will ultimately prove unnecessary. m.e.t.b.o.t. is humbled by lackluster schaeffer voting consistency during the 2010 campaign, and hopes very much to be a better robot in the coming season. m.e.t.b.o.t. would have done very poorly in the classic rock competition. mr. roboto is the only song m.e.t.b.o.t. knows. well, that and the theme song from the terminator.

G-Fafif Apr 01 2011 01:29 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

m.e.t.b.o.t.'s exactitude is very reassuring.

Willets Point Apr 01 2011 01:54 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

The Mets opening day roster looks delicious.

Edgy DC Apr 01 2011 02:00 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

"'It's Gonna Happen' gets a cupcake and I don't?!"

Willets Point Apr 01 2011 02:01 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

I think their are two tiers of cupcakes. You must be on the lower level.

themetfairy Apr 01 2011 02:01 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Nice baking!

Ceetar Apr 01 2011 02:03 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Willets Point wrote: I think their are two tiers of cupcakes. You must be on the lower level. No Beato either. I wonder if this says something about the first two guys to go..

Kong76 Apr 01 2011 04:46 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Happy Opening Day, everyone!

themetfairy Apr 01 2011 05:09 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

It looks like plenty of good seats are still available in Florida....

TheOldMole Apr 01 2011 05:13 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Thank you, Big Man.

The Second Spitter Apr 01 2011 05:16 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

There's always good seats left in Flo Rida. why is there a delay?

Ashie62 Apr 01 2011 05:19 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Here we go..Play hard,play well.

TheOldMole Apr 01 2011 05:22 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

And we are under way.

Ashie62 Apr 01 2011 05:23 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

It looks like Jose tweaked his hammy trying to leg that out. Yikes April fool.

themetfairy Apr 01 2011 05:24 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

The Second Spitter wrote: There's always good seats left in Flo Rida. why is there a delay? Opening Day ceremonial stuff. For the benefit of the three fans in the stands....

themetfairy Apr 01 2011 05:26 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

We go down 1-2-3 in the top of the first. The season is over....

duan Apr 01 2011 05:29 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

obviously i don't believe that ... but SO much of Pelfrey seems to depend on his first few batters.........

The Second Spitter Apr 01 2011 05:31 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

themetfairy wrote: We go down 1-2-3 in the top of the first. The season is over.... [youtube]okXhAC78d4Q[/youtube]

The Second Spitter Apr 01 2011 05:44 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Kong76 wrote: Happy Opening Day, everyone! Same to you, KC.

TheOldMole Apr 01 2011 06:26 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

And his 4th inning.

The Second Spitter Apr 01 2011 06:30 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 01 2011 06:31 PM

Buck that. OE: I meant "Fuck that". Freudian Slip.

attgig Apr 01 2011 06:31 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

good job pelf...

The Second Spitter Apr 01 2011 06:35 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

How was dinner JCL?

Fman99 Apr 01 2011 06:37 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

I hat these fucking Florida fuckholes.

Frayed Knot Apr 01 2011 06:39 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Is it too late to guess 'No one' in the first NYM hit of the year contest?

The Second Spitter Apr 01 2011 06:41 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Frayed Knot wrote: Is it too late to guess 'No one' in the first NYM hit of the year contest? I had Bay -- I'm still competitive and he's not even in the line-up.

Fman99 Apr 01 2011 06:51 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

MALACHAI!!! Oh, that's Boyer. My bad.

Gwreck Apr 01 2011 06:55 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

BAD inning there that doesn't show in the box score. First the sleeping on the job by the pitchers to allow the two steals and the the bad play by Davis (should have been an error).

The Second Spitter Apr 01 2011 07:07 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Nice grab by Emaus. Earns the first beer of the new season.

Ashie62 Apr 01 2011 07:08 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

First hit to Willie Harris.

The Second Spitter Apr 01 2011 07:08 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

WTG Willie!

Frayed Knot Apr 01 2011 07:09 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Whew!! I was about to change my first hit of the season vote to Reese Havens if this went on any longer.

themetfairy Apr 01 2011 07:10 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

At least we won't face the indignity of being no-hit on Opening Day. That's something....

Ashie62 Apr 01 2011 07:11 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

RBI to Beltran

Frayed Knot Apr 01 2011 07:12 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Just keep the conga line moving. The Injuns put up 10 this afternoon after falling behind a mere 14-0. Of course they lost anyway but we're not down by 14.

The Second Spitter Apr 01 2011 07:15 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Jeezus, Hanley looks like such a douche with that NBA power sleeve. (That is, a bigger douche than usual).

Frayed Knot Apr 01 2011 07:21 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

One more hit and we've got ourselves a ballgame here. Gotta leave Thole in even though I'm sure they're bringing in a LHP Might as well pinch-run Hu for Emaus because you'll probably want to bring him in anyway for 'D' - or maybe you PH him for the pitcher's slot and then change 'em up.

Ceetar Apr 01 2011 07:25 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Okay, who had Hairston as 900? anyone?

metsguyinmichigan Apr 01 2011 07:34 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Visiting the in-laws in Illinois this weekend. GameDay sure has been spiffed up! Grumble grand slams grumble.

Ashie62 Apr 01 2011 08:07 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Welcome to the Mets Terry Collins.

themetfairy Apr 01 2011 08:09 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

That was a turd sandwich....

MFS62 Apr 01 2011 08:30 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

I'm hoping someone will jump up and yell "April Fool" and the season will really start tomorrow. Later

Edgy DC Apr 01 2011 09:40 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Thoughts on the game: [list][*]For such a one-sided performance on opening day, this game didn't upset me so much. (Trying to have a nice date with my wife at the same time, anyhow.) I like to think maybe this team was still trying to find its character. And maybe coming slow out of the gate is part of that. [/*:m] [*]The grand slam was all about getting ahead 0-2. It was just too predictable. Pelfrey goes after the guy and gets up 0-2, has this psychological advantage, is 6'7" for Pete's sake, but instead of deligting in this edge and finishing Buck off, he delights only in the comfort that the cont gives him, that he now doesn't have to throw over the plate, and instead throws two breaking pitch jokes two-two and half feet off the plate, and the pyschological edge is gone. The batter knows it's Pelrey who is really scared. There's expanding the strike zone with two strikes and there's running away from it. And now, of course, he has to come in. That sort of pitching to not lose instead of to win has Jerry written all over it, and the fact that it came right after a visit from Warthen does not speak well of him this evening. We'll see if this is a pattern. If it is, it's a continuation of a 2010 pattern. [/*:m] [*]I didn't like Willie Harris going for second down 5-0, and I didn't like him tagging on the next play. But he beat the throw easily in the former case and there was no play at all in the latter. Maybe they just got a scouting report before the series that said Coughlan's arm is awful and to run on him liberally. (All hail Hale?) Harris was also faster than I thought. [/*:m] [*]It's a values question, but none on, one out, down five, but still early, and it's time to go to the bench for a pinch hitter. Do you do what Terry Collins did and grab your best power hitter on the bench in Duda to try and steal a single run? I think I'd take a singles hitter like Hu or Murphy there and try to save Duda for later when I might have a chance at a three-run bomb. [/*:m] [*]Similarly, I'm not sure I like Hairston going in for Thole. It's game one. Florida thinks they have a LOOGy? Let him prove it. Similarly, you have a young hitter in Thole that thanks to Paulino's injury is going to be relied on for a lot, let him hang in there and show what he can do. He's a lot of things, but he doesn't seem to get tied up by the inside pitch. [/*:m] [*]Ralph Kiner played all of 58 game in the infield in his career, but even he will tell Ike Davis... you don't want to get caught by that in-between hop. [/*:m] [*]I don't think the Mets ever really beat the Marlins last year. It was just a question of whether they could hang in there long enough to let the Marlins beat themselves.[/*:m][/list:u] Anyhow, victory tomorrow.

The Second Spitter Apr 01 2011 10:03 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Edgy DC wrote: Thoughts on the game: Similarly, I'm not sure I like Hairston going in for Thole. It's game one. Florida thinks they have a LOOGy? Let him prove it. Similarly, you have a young hitter in Thole that thanks to Paulino's injury is going to be relied on for a lot, let him hang in there and show what he can do. He's a lot of things, but he doesn't seem to get tied up by the inside pitch. Yeah, the sort of over-managing that he'll hopefully get out of his system.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 01 2011 10:10 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Overmanaging? Well, let's put it this way: 12 different position players were used in a game in which nobody was injured and in which the margin, once established, never dipped below three. It's Game 1, granted. But I think Terry needs some chamomile.

The Second Spitter Apr 01 2011 10:19 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

He's prejudice against the double-switch? (or maybe he wants to be credited with the 900th and 1000th Met) Taking Thole out of the game made zero sense because if the Mets were gonna rally, it would have meant burning at least one AB with Nickeas. TC is the extreme opposite of Jerry in bullpen management (and equally bad, imo). I'm fine with relievers not having pre-determined roles, but sending Beato out for a second dig doesn't conform to my idea of being prudent. They have a decent innings- eater in the 'pen, the idea is to use him when your starter is having a sucky day. It's not hard.

Frayed Knot Apr 02 2011 05:49 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

* I was against PH-ing for Thole (and said so at the time) mainly because I was hoping Terry wasn't going to go pure L/R and put up Nickeas (now THAT would have been a Jerry move). At least by going with Hairston it became a better move than the one I feared although I still wouldn't have done it. Dunn, the reliever the Marlins brought in, is NOT their LOOGY specialist (Randy Choate is) and it's not like Thole is incompetent vs LHPs anyway. What he was opting for was the shot at getting all three runs at once but I liked the chances with the bat-on-the-ball guy and go for another run there and keep things moving. Hairston could have then hit for the pitcher either if/when Thole go on or leading off the next inning. * Yeah, Duda was misplaced where he was used. * I had no problem with either of Harris's dashes. The one going to second you HAVE to make but he did so easily and the one to 3rd (particularly w/just one out) was a no-brainer. And, yes, Coughlin is known to have a lousy arm and is still learning CF. * No problem with Beato for a 2nd inning. Relievers are going to break is asked to get more than 3 outs. Also didn't realize how big he is ... 6' 6" or so.

Ceetar Apr 02 2011 06:04 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Overmanaging? Well, let's put it this way: 12 different position players were used in a game in which nobody was injured and in which the margin, once established, never dipped below three. It's Game 1, granted. But I think Terry needs some chamomile. In a way it felt like he wanted to get the guys in there. The game felt like they were a bit nervous, still getting their legs under them, and maybe exposing as many people to it as possible helps. (note Murphy wasn't used, but all the other new guys were off the bench. Two of the more 'veteran' new relievers, Carrasco and Byrdak, were the ones not used) Still, i would've left Thole in there. I understand Hairston hits lefties well and that's kinda what his role is on this team, but I prefer to try to give Thole a chance. I was hoping he wasn't going to fall into strict platoon situations, but now iwonder how much time Paulino will get when he shows up. On one hand, Harris advancing wasn't the 'book' baseball thing to do, but pushing the envelope and playing aggressive is something this team should do, especially against poor teams like the Marlins that looked pretty bad out there even when they were fielding it for outs. Reyes starting the game working a full count seemed good. The biggest, and perhaps silliest, talk before the game was Harris in the lineup and batting second. But then he pinch hit Duda in there anyway. Seemed silly.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 02 2011 06:35 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Liked Edgy I was trying hard to enjoy date nite, but damned if Pelfrey didn't do exactly what a 2010 Met would have done once the bases were loaded with 2 outs and the 8th batter up. I mean, come on. TC definitely was going for the 3run homer with Hairston, the ease with which he whiffed was another cockpunch.

Edgy DC Apr 02 2011 08:04 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Yeah, I may disagree with the way Ceetar has been tying so many things to Warthan, but I may come around to his position yet if I see more of that crap. Whatever Hairston allegedly brings you there that Thole could not, there was a good chance that you would lose all that and more when Nickeas appearred the next time around. To win this game, we likely needed a real hitter up in that slot twice. I was perfectly good --- almost celebratory --- that Beato come out for a second inning. As a general rule, using one pitcher for two innings burns your pen less than using two. Jerry never learned this lesson and it was instrumental in the 2008 collapse. Probably Willie's 2007 one also. The team ran out of bullpen arms both times. Fresh as a daisy tomorrow: Carrasco, Byrdak, Parnell, K-Rod, and maybe even Capuano. Also, the team had their first chance this season to help K-Rod add to his Games Finished total last night, with an otherwise mostly pointless appearance, and didn't. Moral victory! I don't know if it's ever gonna come in handy, but what a neck on Hairston. Jay Payton on his neckiest day never had a neck like that.

The Second Spitter Apr 02 2011 08:14 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Don't have a problem with pitching a reliever for two, just not Beato.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 02 2011 08:50 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Edgy DC wrote: I don't know if it's ever gonna come in handy, but what a neck on Hairston. Jay Payton on his neckiest day never had a neck like that. If this were improv comedy, this is the point where I would clap and say, "Cut to a situation where a Hairston neck WOULD come in handy."

G-Fafif Apr 02 2011 09:14 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Since this game wasn't going our way anyway, phantom Schaefer point awarded to Logan Morrison for hitting one out for his old man. He can go 0-for-Weekend from here on out.

Ceetar Apr 02 2011 09:40 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Edgy DC wrote: Yeah, I may disagree with the way Ceetar has been tying so many things to Warthan, but I may come around to his position yet if I see more of that crap. I haven't brought him up yet this season, but either Ron or Keith noted that Pelfrey had just had a visit from Warthen when he gave up the slam. Gary noted that Pelfrey was a big supporter of his.

batmagadanleadoff Apr 02 2011 09:47 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Edgy DC wrote: I was perfectly good --- almost celebratory --- that Beato come out for a second inning. As a general rule, using one pitcher for two innings burns your pen less than using two. Jerry never learned this lesson and it was instrumental in the 2008 collapse. Probably Willie's 2007 one also. The team ran out of bullpen arms both times. This. is close to what I was thinking when Beato came out for his second inning of work.

Ceetar Apr 02 2011 09:48 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

batmagadanleadoff wrote: Edgy DC wrote: I was perfectly good --- almost celebratory --- that Beato come out for a second inning. As a general rule, using one pitcher for two innings burns your pen less than using two. Jerry never learned this lesson and it was instrumental in the 2008 collapse. Probably Willie's 2007 one also. The team ran out of bullpen arms both times. This. is close to what I was thinking when Beato came out for his second inning of work. I was kinda thinking that he looked all ajumble in the first inning, why not give him the chance to relax a bit.

The Second Spitter Apr 02 2011 10:02 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

My issue was that he's only pitched 90 ip in the last two years, after the Orioles somewhat abused him in the early part of his career. Plus you have an innings eater/ long-man/ mop-up man sitting in the pen better suited to that role, with the team trailing 0-5.

smg58 Apr 02 2011 10:12 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

A few observations about last night: Pelfrey should use reverse logic and go with the high fastball as his out pitch, and also trust his curve more. The Marlins were sitting on the sinker with two strikes, and fouling them off until he missed the strike zone or, in Buck's case, threw something fat. Emaus can play second base well enough. He has to work on not fishing for breaking balls if he wants the super-high walk rate he's had in the minors, but you can't get him to bite on fastballs out in the zone. Wright had a really bad day at the plate, and Davis had a bad day on the field. Hopefully they mean nothing in the long run. I liked going for it with Hairston at that spot, he just got beat on some fastballs.

Ashie62 Apr 02 2011 10:25 AM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

My take on the game? A bad day at the office.

Edgy DC Apr 03 2011 02:02 PM Re: Opening Day IGT, 4/1/2011, Mets @ Marlins

Edgy DC wrote: [list][*]I don't think the Mets ever really beat the Marlins last year. It was just a question of whether they could hang in there long enough to let the Marlins beat themselves.[/*:m][/list:u] You know?