N.Y. Mets ~ Twice As Nice

From the desk of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS:  So Far, Bullpen Helping Amazins Avoid Last Season's 5-13 Start.

R.A. Dickey Finally Gets Run Support and Lights-Out Bullpen Work

How About That?

Former Brooklyn Cyclone Favorite Kirk Nieuwenhuis

Makes His Mets' and MLB Debut.

Timing is everything I guess.  Had I posted after Opening Day's victory, I would have most surely said Johan Santana's five inning start was the story of the game considering he was making his first  appearance since September 2010.  Then the bullpen's work would have been a close second.


Well, after two games in the books and a pair of victories under our belts, by far, the top story has to be the work of the bullpen.  After pitching seven of the first eighteen innings of the 2012 season, five relievers have combined to give up a mere four hits; issue one walk; allow no runs; and have struck-out seven batters.  Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco have pitched in both games.  Rauch earned a second Hold, and Francisco now has two Saves.


The work of Johan Santana should not go under-spoken however.  His was a very promising start to say the least.  Five innings is hardly the stuff Cy Young could relate to.  But in Mets Town right now, surrendering two hits; issuing two walks; while allowing no runs and striking out five was more than enough.  The hope now is he that he recovers well between starts and continues to build up his stamina without any setbacks.


Both Johan Santana and the rebuilt bullpen combined to shut out the Atlanta Braves 1-0 last Thursday  in front of the largest crowd to attend a game at Citi Field so far.  Dare I say, there's hope for Mr. Wilpon yet.  Did I squeeze that in there?  The game-winning RBI went to David Wright.  Both Josh Thole and Daniel Murphy had multiple hit games.


In Saturday's game, the Mets' offense looked like it wanted to reconcile with R.A. Dickey after hanging him out to dry on so many no-decisions last season.  In season Game Two, the Mets' Lumber Co. showed up early; midway through; and late in the game to provide enough offense for R.A. Dickey's first win of the season.  David Wright got things started early with a first inning home run.  Then Lucas Duda gave the Mets a 2-0 lead with a blast in the home fourth.  In the seventh, Lucas Duda provided an important insurance run by homering for a second time and gave the Mets a 4-2 lead.  As with Game One, the bullpen took care of the rest to secure a 4-2 final.




HELLO, KIRK NIEUWENHUIS:   ONE PLAYER'S INJURY IS ANOTHER PLAYER'S OPPORTUNITY.   Mets' Center Fielder Andres Torres Placed on DL.


During Game One, CF-Andres Torres pulled up lame while chasing down an Atlanta Braves triple.  He strained his calf once again.  Outfield farm hand, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, was called up from Buffalo to fill Torres' spot on the roster and promptly had two hits in four at-bats Saturday afternoon.  But before getting carried away, he was hit-less in two at-bats with runners in scoring position.


But as far as I'm concerned, his call-up is a pleasing development and a case of   -  Ask and Ye Shall Receive.  I do not wish injury on anyone.  But, quite frankly, I think Andres Torres is a waste of our time, and would much rather give the job to Nieuwenhuis outright.  It's just where I am with this team.  Guys like Torres only delay opportunities.  I call them human Pause Buttons.  And after all, we're supposed to be rebuilding right?  Not with Andres Torres we're not.


Hello Kirk Nieuwenhuis, and welcome to the team.  You have my patience and full support.  Go win the day.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON BASEBALL

GAME THREE of THREE

Mets lead series 2-0

Atlanta Braves

vs.

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher - Jonathan Niese

From,

CITI FIELD

Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing

Mike.BTB