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Where In The World Is The Washington Nationals' Elijah Dukes? [UPDATED: 6:28 pm EST 11/9]

Ed Chigliak — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:42:38 -0000

More photos » by Brian Blanco - AP

(ed. note - "Within 12 hours of posting this story, fans of Elijah Dukes, who were wondering when or even if he'd make his way down to the Dominican Winter League to play with the Tigres del Licey, got an answer. According to an article by Daniel Rufenacht at Licey.com (the team's official site) entitled, (or roughly translated as) "Major League Infield":

"In the Dominican league, until the middle of November, the teams play inexperienced players, veterans of smaller leagues and Mexico...

...In the next few days, Elijah Dukes, Jose Batista and Felix Pie will be integrated into the Tigres' roster."

When he arrives in the Dominican Republic, Dukes will join Nationals' infielder Ian Desmond and former Nationals Wily Mo Pena, Emiliano Bonifacio, Bernie Castro, Anderson Hernandez and Daniel Cabrera in the Licey lineup, as he attempts to work on hitting the breaking balls Dukes identified as his main weakness at the plate in several year-ending articles...Read the original story after the JUMP...")

(ed. note - "Thanks, and a head nod to FB.com regular CD3K for tracking down the article and providing the initial translations.")

In early September several sources reported that Washington Nationals' outfielder Elijah Dukes would be playing Winter Ball with the Tigres del Licey this offseason as he attempted to address what he saw as his main weakness at the plate, hitting the curve. Washington Post writer Chico Harlan spoke with Dukes about his plans in an article entitled, "At Pivotal Point in Career, Dukes Trying To Step It Up", in which Dukes explained that he didn't need to take the winter off:

"I don't really want no time off," Dukes said. "I just want to keep seeing it, keep seeing it, until spring training of next year. I just haven't figured it out yet. . . . The curveball is the last piece."

So where is Elijah Dukes? He hasn't played in the DWL yet?

MLB.com's Bill Ladson, who wrote about Dukes' winter plans in the DWL in a 9/5/09 blog post entitled, "Elijah Dukes to play winter ball", talked about the 25-year-old outfielder in the most recent edition of Mr. Ladson's "Inbox: What role will Morse play", where he responded to a question about pursuing free agent outfielder Jermaine Dye by stating that he sees Dukes as the Nationals' '09 right fielder:

"I don't see Dukes on the bench. As I say that, the 2010 season is the year Dukes must show that he can reach his full potential."

But there was no mention of what Dukes is doing right now to improve his chances of winning the job in right field or work on hitting curves...As of Sunday, Dukes' name was not on the Tigres' roster...Emiliano Bonifacio played right field for Licey last night...Anyone know when or if Dukes will be playing in the DWL?

Link: When Dukes played in the DWL in 2007, he had reported to the Tigres del Licey by the first week of October...

Justin Maxwell Hits A Walk-Off Grand Slam!!! Washington Nationals Win 7-4, Sweep New York Mets.

Ed Chigliak — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:15:20 -0000

More photos » by Manuel Balce Ceneta - AP

2 months ago: Washington Nationals' Justin Maxwell cleans the shaving creamfromn his face after hitting a grand slam in the ninth inning against the New York Mets in a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, in Washington. The Nationals won 7-4. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

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SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!

• Justin Maxwell works the count full with the bases loaded and two down in the ninth with NY ahead 4-3, and J-Max takes the Mets' high-priced closer Francisco Rodriguez deeeeeep to left and GONE for a walk-off Grand Slam in the last home game of the season in Nationals Park...DO YOU BELIEVE!!!!

Miss The Game? The DC Faithful Were Watching...

See How The Mets Fans Took It At: Amazin' Avenue.

Check Out the Post Game And The Full Game Report (You Know, For The Completists), AFTER THE JUMP!!!

• Shadows from the stadium lights and the upper deck of Nationals Park are stretched in a large swath across the field of play from the left field grass, over third, the mound and wrapping around first as DC lefty John Lannan starts the final home game of the season against the New York Mets with a scoreless frame that Mets’ starter Tim Redding matches.

• Jeff Francoeur thinks for a moment that he’s hit a two-run HR to left off John Lannan in the top of the second, but it’s ruled a double upon further review, though the two runners who would have scored if it had been called correctly as a HR cross anyway when Fernando Tatis follows with a sac fly to right and Omir Santos hits an RBI single. 2-0 NY after two.

• Mets’ right-hander Tim Redding retires the first ten batters he faces before Elijah Dukes singles up the middle with one down in the fourth. Redding strands Dukes, but the Nationals finally get on the board in the fifth. Josh Willingham hits a leadoff single to center, moves to second when Josh Bard walks, third when Ian Desmond grounds out, and the Hammer comes home on a sac fly by Alberto Gonzalez to make it 2-1 NY after five.

• E: 140, 141...Angel Pagan hits a weak grounder to short with one down in the sixth, and Ian Desmond misplays what should have been the second out. E: 140. One out later, David Wright rrrrips a grounder to third, and Ryan Zimmerman sidesteps it and tries to snatch it with his glove and misses, E: 141. OUTCOME: Two on, two out. Carlos Beltran singles to center to score Pagan, 3-1 Mets’ lead after five and a half.

• THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!! Ryan Zimmerman gives the DC Faithful reason to believe with a solo shot to center off Mets’ reliever Bobby Parnell in the eighth inning. Zimmerma---THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!! THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!!! hits his 33rd of ‘09 to make it 3-2 NY.

• E: 142. Ryan Zimmerman’s always had a habit of side-stepping hard hit grounders and trying to snap it up with his glove, but he’s missed two tonight and it might be time to start getting in front of them, cause his 17th error costs DC another run. OUTCOME: Jeff Francoeur reaches on the Zimmerman error and takes second. Fernando Tatis singles Frenchy over to third, and Omir Santos puts a perfect hit and run single behind the runner at second to score Francoeur for 4-2 NY lead...

• And Now The Epic Bottom Of The Ninth...

The New York Mets gave Francisco Rodriguez to a 3-year/$37 M dollar deal to close games for them, and the hard-throwing right-hander, who set the Major League record for saves last season, was called upon in the ninth tonight with the Mets desperate for a win against the pesky Washington Nationals who were threatening to sweep and seriously embarrass New York. Rodriguez, who'd converted 34 of 40 save opportunities this season, started Alberto Gonzalez with a 91 mph heater for a called strike and followed with a change that Gonzalez ripped to short and beat to first, sliding in headfirst ahead of Wilson Valdez's throw. Pinch hitter Mike Morse worked the count full in the next at bat and lined a K-Rod change back up the middle. Willie Harris fouled off one bunt attempt before getting a successful sac down to move Gonzalez and pinch runner Jorge Padilla into scoring position for Elijah Dukes, who worked the count full and took a gutsy ball four to load the bases for Ryan Zimmerman. Zim K'd swinging on the third pitch he saw, (curve for a called strike, fastball fouled off and an 0-2 change), to bring up Adam Dunn. The Big Walky battled K-Rod to a full count and took three straight out of the zone for a bases loaded walk and a one-run game which NY still led 4-3. Enter Justin Maxwell:

• Justin Maxwell...(1) Took a curve for ball one from Francisco Rodriguez then watched as a (2) second curve dropped in and the veteran hit the low outside corner with a (3) fastball for a called strike two. A four-seam fastball followed (4) that Maxwell took for ball two, 2-2, and then fouled off a fastball (5) and took a change outside (6) and looow to work the count full against K-Rod. 4-seam fastball up high (7), fouled off, four-seam fastball down low, (8) fouled off, and then a third straight fastball (9) that gets LAUNCHED TO LEFT AND GONE!!! GRAND SLAM!!! GRAND SLAM!!! Justin Maxwell wins it with a walk-off Grand SLAM!!! Nationals win, 7-4!!!

FULL GAME REPORT:

New York Mets At Washington Nationals. Game 158 Of 162.

Josh Willingham takes a knee to catch a low line drive from Angel Pagan. Anderson Hernandez makes Willingham spring to his left and leap up for a second hard-hit line out. David Wright flies to right and Elijah Dukes stares into the sun and makes the catch...Jeff Francoeur catches the first out for Tim Redding off Willie Harris’ bat. Elijah Dukes goes the other way with a high fly to right. Ryan Zimmerman swings through a high fastball to end the first inning.

Carlos Beltran walks to start the second and Jeff Francoeur lines one off the very top of the wall for what might be a HR? They’re taking a look. It’s ruled a double. Fernando Tatis flies out to right, Elijah Dukes tries for a throw home, but has no chance, 1-0 NY. Francoeur takes third on the bad throw. Omir Santos scores Francoeur with a single to center. 2-0 Mets. Lannan gets the DP grounder from Wilson Valdez, Alberto Gonzalez to Ian Desmond to Adam Dunn, double play...Adam Dunn flies out to left field for the first out of DC’s second. Josh Willingham grounds weakly to short. Josh Bard pushes Angel Pagan back to the track to end the bottom of the frame.

Tim Redding starts the third against Lannan with a ground ball to third for the first out. Angel Pagan lines out to Ian Desmond. Anderson Hernandez sends Elijah Dukes breaking back but he makes catch to end the Mets’ third...Ian Desmond’s grounder to short is cut off by David Wright, who fires to first. Alberto Gonzalez grounds out to short. John Lannan is the ninth-straight Nationals’ batter retired.

David Wright skies one to Dukes in right. Carlos Beltran’s way out in front of a two-strike change. Jeff Francoeur grounds to third, Zimmerman snaps it up and throws to first to end NY’s fourth...Willie Harris hits a high fly ball to center, Carlos Beltran makes the catch. Elijah Dukes singles up the middle to break up Redding’s streak of ten-straight set down. Jeff Francoeur avoids the stands that stick out into right and catches a foul ball from Zimmerman. Adam Dunn just pulls a long fly foul and ends up lining out to first to end the fourth.

John Lannan throws a high two-strike fastball by Fernando Tatis. Omir Santos grounds out Ian Desmond at short. WIlson Valdez rolls the first pitch out to third and Ryan Zimmerman’s throw ends the Mets’ fifth...Josh Willingham starts DC’s fifth with a sharp single to center. Josh Bard works a walk. Ian Desmond hits a swinging sac bunt toward first to advance both runners. Alberto Gonzalez flies out to center to score Willingham from third, 2-1 NY. John Lannan slaps a two-out single through short. Willie Harris K’s swinging through a fastball outside to end the fifth.

Tim Redding K’s in the first AB of the sixth. Angel Pagan grounds to short, and Ian Desmond gets a bad hop and misplays it. E: 140. Anderson Hernandez pops out to Dukes in right after a long AB. David Wright rips a grounder through Zimmerman at third. E:141. Carlos Beltran singles up the middle to score Pagan from second, 3-1 New York. Jeff Francoeur flies out to right...Elijah Dukes drops a surprise bunt down the third base line and David Wright can’t make a play. Ryan Zimmerman pops out unproductively. Adam Dunn's up when a wild pitch moves Dukes to second. Dunn flies out unproductively to center. Josh Willingham swings at the first pitch and grounds out to end the frame.

Fernando Tatis lines to left and beats the throw to second for a leadoff double. Omir Santos flies out to right field. WIlson Valdez takes a two-out walk and Gary Sheffield gets pinch hit intentionals to bring up Angel Pagan. Pagan grounds to Ian Desmond, who takes the force at second...Bobby Parnell vs Bard. Bard battles for 10 pitches and eventually walks. Ian Desmond grounds into a force at second in the next AB. Desmond avoids a ground ball from Alberto Gonzalez and Anderson Hernandez tries to get the force at second, but his toss is late. Two runners safe. Pinch hitter Cristian Guzman pops out unproductively to third. Willie Harris works the count full. Willie Harris grounds out to second to end the seventh.

Zach Segovia’s on to pitch the top of the eighth. Anderson Hernandez K’s swinging to start the inning. David Wright grounds out to third. Carlos Beltran pops out to the infield and Ian Desmond’s catch ends NY’s eighth...Elijah Dukes gets jammed and grounds out to the mound. Parnell vs Zimmerman. Ryan Zimmerma--THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!! THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!!! HR to straight center, 3-2 NY. Pedro Feliciano comes on to face Dunn. Adam Dunn pops out. Sean Green vs Willingham. Josh Willingham grounds to third, David Wright fields and throws...by first, Hammer is safe, and he takes second. Justin Maxwell runs for the Hammer. Josh Bard works another walk to put two on for Ian Desmond. Desmond grounds up the middle, Anderson Hernandez gets there and tosses to second for the inning-ending force.

Jeff Francoeur vs Segovia in the ninth. Francoeur grounds sharply to third that Zimmerman can’t come up with, Zimmerman drops it and throws way over first, E: 142. Frenchy takes second. Fernando Tatis lines a single over short. Omir Santos smacks a hit and run single through second to bring Francoeur home, 4-2 NY. Wilson Valdez grounds back to the mound. Segovia gets one out at first. Ron Villone replaces Segovia and gets a weak grounder toward first from pinch hitter Daniel Murphy grounds out to first. Ryan Zimmerman throws out Angel Pagan to end the Mets’ half of the ninth...Alberto Gonzalez singles to short, deep in the hole and Gonalez beats Wilson Valdez's throw to first. Mike Morse makes a pinch hit appearance, and he singles to center!!! Jorge Padilla comes on to run. Two on for Willie Harris. Harris gets a sac bunt down. Second and third for Dukes!! Dukes works the count full and walks. Ryan Zimmerman K’s swinging through an 0-2 slider. Adam Dunn works the count full, and walks in a run!! 4-3 ballgame. Justin Maxwell works the count full, fouls off two fastballs, and then OH LORD!! IT’S GONE!! J-MAX takes K-ROD Deeeeeeeeeeep to left and GONE!! GRAND SLAM!!! GRAND SLAM!! GRAND SLAM!!! THE NATIONALS WIN!! THE NATIONALS WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 7-4 final. Francisco Rodriguez is on to end it. Alberto Gonzalez reaches safely on a grounder deep in the hole at short.

Nationals now 55-103!!!

Elijah Dukes Will Run Through Walls. Washington Nationals 4, New York Mets 3.

Ed Chigliak — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:20:27 -0000

More photos » by Manuel Balce Ceneta - AP

2 months ago: Washington Nationals' starter J.D. Martin, pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

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We've learned two things about Elijah Dukes this year:

1) You don't run on Dukes.

2) Elijah Dukes will run through walls.

If David Wright didn't know that second one already he found out as he came around first and watched Elijah Dukes run full speed into the out-of-town scoreboard in right to rob Wright of a potentially game-tying extra base hit with two out in the top of the ninth tonight in DC's 4-3 win over New York. Dukes' catch gave Mike MacDougal his 18th save in 19 opportunities a half-inning after Washington took the lead with the help of two errors from NY's middle infielders. The Nationals take their second straight over the Mets and set themselves up for the sweep in the last home game of 2009 tomorrow afternoon. (ed. note - "And I'm telling you right now...Teddy Roosevelt will win tomorrow, buy your tickets so you can say you were there...") (ed. note - "The previous opinion is in no way based on facts, just gut feelings, like Riggleman!!")

BACKPAGE:

• Martin v Pelfrey.
• Elijah SSSSSUPER DUKESSSSS!!!! F.O.D.&D. Rejoice! Desmond Does It Too!!!
• Adam Dunn Gets The Beyond The Box Score Treatment.

• Miss The Game? The DC Faithful Were Watching...

• Check Out the SB Nation's NY Mets Blog: Amazin' Avenue OpenThread.

• LINK: Game 157: Enjoy 2B Next Year, Guz..." - Doghouse.

• For The Completists, Full Game Report After The JUMP...

Nationals now 54-103. (Countdown To 100 Losses, Over For Days Now).

BACKPAGE:

• Martin v Pelfrey. J.D. Martin gets himself in trouble early, giving up a leadoff double to Angel Pagan and letting Luis Castillo reach base on a sac bunt attempt. David Wright walks to loaded the bases and Carlos Beltran walks too to force in the first run. 1-0 NY. Martin gets a line drive to short, a fly ball to short center and an out at second to escape further damage, but he gets right back in trouble in the second. Wilson Valdez doubles to start the frame, moves to second on a sac bunt by the Mets' starter and scores on an Angel Pagan single for a 2-0 lead. David Wright doubles Pagan in, 3-0 Mets.

• Mike Pelfrey retires the first eight batters he faces before allowing a bloop single to the opposing pitcher in the bottom of the third. The Mets' right-hander throws four scoreless for NY, holding DC to just a walk and a single, but the fifth starts with "Pinch Hittin'" Pete Orr singling on an 0-2 fastball up and out over the plate. Ian Desmond's up next and the Nationals' rookie shortstop gets a 1-2 fastball from Pelfrey that doesn't quite make it inside, Desmond explodes on it, launches it to left and GONE!! Two-run HR, 3-2 NY. Two outs later, still in the fifth, Willie Harris and Elijah Dukes hit back-to-back singles and Mr. Gold Glove Himself, the one and only Ryan Zimmerman gets two straight and I mean "straight" fastballs inside, the second of which is lined to left for Zim's 103rd RBI and the 3-3 tie.

• J.D. Martin ends up throwing four scoreless after the rough start, and leaves after 6.0 IP, having given up 7 hits, 3 ER and 2 walks, but the win ends up going to DC reliever Tyler Clippard who throws 2.0 scoreless, the second of which I still can't believe he escaped. Clippard gave up back to back singles to Carlos Beltran and Daniel Murphy, then walked Jeff Francoeur to load the bases with no outs and the score tied at 3-3 tie in the eighth. Former Nationals' catcher Brian Schneider (Call us, Brian?) does Washington a solid by popping out unproductively and pinch hitter Jeremy Reed lines to second, Alberto Gonzalez catches it, throws to first, Francoeur's out, (where was he going?) DOUBLE PLAY!! Clippard's one lucky reliever...

• Mike "Danger" Morse walks with one down in the Nationals' eighth, Justin Maxwell takes over on the basepaths, and pinch hitter Cristian Guzman follows with what should be a double play, but Anderson Hernandez fields at short and tosses one low to Luis Castillo, and right by second, both runners safe. Ian Desmond follows with another DP grounder, Anderson Hernandez gets to it behind second, tosses to Castillo, Castillo fires wide of first and out of Daniel Murphy's reach, Desmond's safe. Maxwell scores from second, 4-3 DC!!

• Top Of Ninth...Mike MacDougal comes on to close it. Cory Sullivan K's swinging. Angel Pagan...singles, (3 for 5), but MacDougal paints the outside corner to get Luis Castillo looking with Pagan still at first. David Wright, works the count full and destroys a 96 mph MacDougal heater. Wright drives it to right, Elijah Dukes sprints toward the wall, and runs into the out-of-town scoreboard as he makes the grab, Dukes bounces of the wall, falls back and rolls to his feet, then jumps up pounding his chest!!! SSSSSUPER DUKESSSS Runs through walls! Nationals win, 4-3 final.

LINK:

• Adam Dunn Gets The Beyond The Box Score Treatment.

Walter Fulbright has an article up at Beyond The Boxscore, the SB Nation's "Saber-Slanted" blog, entitled, "The Two Sides Of Adam Dunn: Graph Of The Day", in which Mr. Fullbright determines that Adam Dunn is, "...still a superstar, just playing out of position because he no longer has one," and recommends that fans, "...start a letter writing campaign to see if we can find the Nationals an American League trading partner." Dunn ranks dead last on Mr. Fulbright's league-wide UZR chart and the BtB writer's description of the nation's capital's favorite first baseman is at odds with most of what I've heard from the DC Faithful:

"Adam Dunn can't hide his failings at the cold corner. Whatever advantage he has for reaching to balls above his head (a pretty low percentage play anyway) are absolutely obliterated by his inability to scoop balls in the dirt, either from throws or from ground balls. He's so completely top heavy that he has an inherent disadvantage to those born with the virtue of just being closer to the ground. This is a pretty definite trend, he has roughly the same power off the bat as when he was 23, only with 60-70 more pounds packed on, his defense has gone from pretty bad to awful to absolutely unacceptable."

Check out Mr. Fulbright's article HERE or in the title link above to see how he reached his conclusions. Let him know what you've seen from Dunn...

GAME REPORT:

New York Mets At Washington Nationals. Game 157 Of 162.

DC right-hander J.D. Martin takes a deep breath, stretching his jaw as he does, then he exhales and fires the first pitch home to Angel Pagan. Pagan ends up doubling to right off the out-of-town scoreboard to start the game with a runner on second. Luis Castillo bunts to third and J.D. Martin cuts Ryan Zimmerman off to field and not throw to first. First and third for David Wright. J.D. Martin walks the bases loaded and goes 3-0 to Carlos Beltran, hitting the outside corner for 3-1 and getting a foul for another full count. Then Martin walks Beltran and walks in a run, 1-0 New York. Daniel Murphy lines toward short, Ian Desmond catches and holds it. Jeff Francoeur flies out to short center, and Willie Harris catches it coming in to hold Castillo at third. Brian Schneider lines to Pete Orr to end the threat with just the walked in run scoring...Willie Harris pops out to left to start the bottom of the first. Mets’ righty Mike Pelfrey gets a weak grounder to third from Elijah Dukes. Ryan Zimmerman grounds out to short.

Wilson Valdez doubles over short to start the second. Mike Pelfrey bunts to Adam Dunn, who can only throw to first. Angel Pagan singles to score Valdez and it’s 2-0 New York with one out in the second. Luis Castillo pops out to left. David Wright doubles off the base of the wall in left, Pagan scores from first, 3-0 Mets. Carlos Beltran grounds out to first, Adam Dunn fields it and hustles to first...Dunn leads off DC’s second with a swinging K on a bender off the plate. Mike Morse grounds out to Wilson Valdez at short. Pete Orr grounds to Castillo at second and it’s 3-0 NY after three.

Willie Harris has to run way into left to catch a line drive off Daniel Murphy’s bat. Francoeur flies out to Elijah Dukes in right. Brian Schneider grounds out to first and Dunn tosses to Martin to end the Mets’ third...Ian Desmond flies out to right field. Mike Pelfrey gets off the mound quickly to field a dribbler toward third and throws a strike to Daniel Murphy at first to get WIl Nieves. J.D. Martin sends a bloop single to center for the Nationals’ first hit. Willie Harris walks. Elijah Dukes rolls the third out to short.

Wilson Valdez grounds out to Pete Orr. Mike Pelfrey’s groundout rolls over the first base bag to Dunn. Angel Pagan sends Mike Morse sprinting back to make an overhead catch for the final out of the Mets’ fourth...Ryan Zimmerman grounds to short, Wilson Valdez double-pumps and throws to first. Adam Dunn flies out to deep center. Mike Morse grounds out to short, Pelfrey’s got four scoreless.

Willie Harris takes two steps back and catches a line drive off Luis Castillo’s bat. David Wright pulls a bender over third and into left for a one-out double. Carlos Beltran grounds weakly to second. Daniel Murphy flies out to Mike Morse and it’s 3-0 NY after four and a half...Pete Orr smacks a single through short. Ian Desmond goes deeeep to left on a high inside fastball and it’s GONE!!! Two-run HR, 3-2 NY. Wil Nieves grounds out to WIlson Valdez at short. J.D. Martin K’s swinging over a two-strike sinker. Willie Harris sneaks a grounder under a diving Luis Castillo at second. Elijah Dukes singles to center, but Willie Harris holds up at second. Ryan Zimmerman gets a fastball before it gets inside and singles to center to score Harris. 3-3. Adam Dunn grounds out to first, tied after five.

Jeff Francoeur lines to left, Morse misjudges it but hustles back to make a leaping catch. Brian Schneider throws his bat at a fastball and singles to center. Wilson Valdez sends a fluttering line drive out to Willie Harris. MIke Pelfrey flies out to right...Mike Morse grounds out to third. Pete Orr grounds to Daniel Murphy at first. Ian Desmond slides in safe at second on a one-hopper to third that gets by David Wright and rolls out to left. Wil Nieves lines out to right.

Tyler Clippard starts Angel Pagan with three balls and then blows Pagan away. Ian Desmond throws out Luis Castillo. Clippard gets Wright on a called strike three, 3-3 in the seventh...Alberto Gonzalez grounds to Murphy at first. Willie Harris flies out to center. Elijah Dukes grounds one through Pelfrey’s legs for a two-out single. Ryan Zimmerman flies out to right, 3-3 after seven.

Carlos Beltran singles to center to start NY's eighth. Daniel Murphy rips a grounder by Dunn at first, Beltran takes third. Jeff Francouer walks to load the bases for Schneider. Brian Schneider pops out foul of third. Pinch hitter Jeremy Reed hits a broken bat liner to second, Frenchy gets doubled up!!...Adam Dunn K’s and Pedro Feliciano’s out after one batter. Mike Morse vs Sean Green. Morse walks, Justin Maxwell on to run. Cristian Guzman will hit. Guzman grounds to second, Anderson Hernandez tosses it but Castillo at second, both runners safe. Ian Desmond grounds to second, Anderson Hernandez knocks it down, tosses to second, Castillo....throws it wide of first, Maxell scores, Desmond's safe. 4-3 NY. Francisco Rodriguez comes on. Desmond takes third without a throw. Angel Pagan makes an underhand catch on a line out by Alberto Gonzalez.

Mike MacDougal vs Cory Sullivan. Angel Pagan lines off Zimmerman’s glove and into left. Luis Castillo takes a called strike three for out No. 2!!! David Wright flies to deeeep right, Elijah Dukes tracks it and catches it as he hits the wall at full speeeeed. SSSSSUPER DUKESSSSSS!!!!!!!! Sets up the sweeeep!!!!

Nationals now 53-104.

Should The Washington Nationals Try To Sign Aroldis Chapman?

Ed Chigliak — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:00:20 -0000

Will The Nationals Pursue The "Left-Handed Strasburg"?

Aroldis Chapman, the 21-year-old left-handed Cuban-born pitcher who defected from the Cuban national team last July, today petitioned Major League Baseball for free agent status after having established residency in the country of Andorra, which is described (in case you're not familiar) by ESPN.com's Jose Arangue Jr. in an article entitled, "Pitcher Chapman awaits MLB's ruling" as a, "...small country of about 84,000 that borders Spain and France." The key to Chapman's ability to move this process along was the fact that he was actually able to bring his passport along when he defected, which, when combined with the fact that Chapman claimed in the original article on his defection by ESPN.com's Jose Arangue Jr. entitled, "Top Cuban prospect defects", that he just, "...walked out easily. Right through the hotel door...it was easy," makes one wonder if Chapman wasn't "allowed" to leave the team, especially considering that Mr. Arangue originally wrote in that July article, that Chapman might, "...have some complications in establishing residency," outside of Cuba since he had probably, "...surrendered his passport to Cuban officials after arriving in Europe -- all Cuban players routinely do so, prior to any appearance outside of Cuba." Apparently it was either a tremendous oversight by the Cuban officials to let Chapman keep his own passport, or someone behind the scenes wanted to see Mr. Chapman pitching in MLB...?

(cont.)...

...Considering the way Chapman's been talked about for a few years now, the former is not likely. Mr. Arangue Jr. quoted an anonymous "international scouting director" in the July '09 article who said that, "...the magnitude of the defection" was "shocking", and Mr. Arangue's colleague at ESPN, Buster Olney was quoted in the article stating that "some evaluators" were already describing the wiry left-hander, whose fastball had been clocked at around 102mph, "as a left-handed Stephen Strasburg." In Monday's article, Mr. Arangue wrote that, "...the Yankees have already shown interest," and the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers, "...will at least show initial interest," in signing the pitcher...Why wouldn't the Nationals make a run at another potential top-end starter? Can the Nationals bid with the big clubs?

Further Reading:

• "Aroldis Chapman, Stephen Strasburg And The Trouble That Lies Ahead For The Washington Nationals..." - Federal Baseball - Ed Chigliak

"I was looking around for the latest information on Stephen Strasburg's negotiations with the Washington Nationals when I came across two very interesting articles, one by MLB Trade Rumors.com's Ben Nicholson-Smith entitled, 'Aroldis Chapman's Value', which deals, in part, with the effect the Cuban defectee's signing might have on Strasburg's contract with the Washington Nationals, and another by Washington Post writer Dave Sheinin entitled, 'Boras May Explore Japan for Strasburg', which details rumors of Mr. Boras' 'unique' approach to securing a deal for the former SDSU Aztec starter. "

• Dukes And Desmond in the DWL...

I followed the Dominican Winter League's Tigres Del Licey last winter mainly because I was interested in what Anderson Hernandez, who was then penciled in as the Nationals' second-baseman of the future, would do before he headed back to the Majors and Washington, D.C. to begin his first full season at second in the nation's capital. I'll be watching a lot closer this time around as it's now been announced that both Elijah Dukes and Ian Desmond will be on the Tigres' roster when play begins in the DWL. Dukes participation was first reported by MASNSports.com's Pete McElroy in a September 6, 2009 article entitled, "Dukes will play winter ball; Wilkie in AFL", and yesterday, MLB.com's Bill Ladson wrote in a blog post entitled, "Tidbits from Citi Field", that Ian Desmond, who's impressed everyone over the first few weeks of his big league career since his September call-up, will be a member of the Tigres as well. Add to that the fact that Ronnie Belliard has been a mainstay on the Licey roster for years, along with A-Hands, and it should make for some interesting viewing/following once the MLB season ends...

It's Up To You, New York, New York: Cubs vs. Mets Preview, Friday 9/4, 6:10 CT

Al — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:00:20 -0000

by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

Write your own caption.

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NEW YORK -- There wasn't any traffic coming into NYC -- everyone's leaving for the holiday weekend, and even Manhattan traffic wasn't bad. I'll report from Citi Field on tonight's game tomorrow morning, but let's hope the Cubs have as easy a time with the Mets as I did getting here this afternoon. They'll need to start a winning streak rightfreakingnow if they want to continue to have any shot at the NL Wild Card.

As first posted in drodd's FanShot, the Cubs have claimed pitcher Thomas Diamond on waivers from the Rangers. Diamond is a 2004 #1 draft coming off Tommy John surgery. At one time he and John Danks were considered the two top pitching prospects for the Rangers; you know what Danks has done, and the Cubs are trying to catch the proverbial lightning in a bottle with Diamond. He'll be added to the 40-man roster (which now stands at 39 players) and get a chance to compete for a spot in spring training next year.

Sad baseball news: also originally posted in a FanShot by N Oakley, legendary Detroit Tigers announcer Ernie Harwell, now 91 years old and retired, has inoperable cancer. I wish him well; if you never heard Ernie call a game, google around. There are recordings of him available and every baseball fan should hear Ernie call a game at least once.

And if you think Cubs games are slow, be glad you're not Jonathan Papelbon -- he's been fined for slowing down games. I thought every time I turned on a Red Sox game it seemed like it was taking forever.

Today's Starting Pitchers


Carlos Zambrano Cubs	vs.	Bobby Parnell Mets

7-6	W-L	3-7
3.91	ERA	5.80
108	SO	52
60	BB	32
9	HR	6
vs. NY	--	vs. Cubs

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Carlos Zambrano	7-6	29	22	0	0	0	0	131.1	128	64	57	9	60	108	3.91	1.43

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Bobby Parnell	3-7	59	5	0	0	1	4	66.2	80	45	43	6	32	52	5.80	1.68

The Cubs beat up on Bobby Parnell last Saturday at Wrigley Field. He gave up nine hits including a grand slam to Jake Fox. Let's hope for more of the same. Incidentally, Parnell is the grandson of Mel Parnell, who pitched for the Red Sox in the 1940's and 1950's and later became a baseball radio broadcaster.

The Mets beat up on Carlos Zambrano last Sunday at Wrigley Field. He gave up 11 hits in less than four innings, including a triple to Anderson Hernandez. I don't know anything about Z's grandfather, but I'm sure he is a very nice man.

Today's game is cable-only in New York (SNY) and Chicago (CSN). For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.

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Please visit our SB Nation Mets site Amazin' Avenue.

Overflow comment threads will post today at 7 pm, 8 pm and 8:45 pm CDT.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

Mets should provide stepping stone for bounceback

Poseidon's Fist — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:45:10 -0000

More photos » by Alan Diaz - AP

The Mets might actually be better off if all their players just fell asleep. At least then, no one would get hurt.

Browse more photos »

"Redemption can be found in hell itself if that's where you happen to be." --LIN JENSEN, Bad Dog!

Okay, so we're not exactly in hell, though some of us may have felt like it after losing five straight. Whatever low funk the Rockies are in though, it is time for redemption. The Rockies ought to be really mad. Last week was terrible and Colorado is primed to take out their frustrations on a lowly opponent. It doesn't help the Mets' sake that they embarrassed the Rockies in July. It's payback time, doubletime.

Since the Mets won that series six weeks ago, New York has come crashing to earth. That series against the Rockies marks the last time the Mets won three games in a row or even won a series. They have lost 9 of 11 and just finished a 10-19 August.

Their season has been nothing short of a tire fire. They ought to bench their first baseman, because his Law has completely governed their season. The rotation has entireely fallen apart - Nelson Figueroa and reliever Pedro Feliciano led the team with two August wins, and Jerry Manuel saw three left-handed starters (Niese, Perez and Santana, all of whom pitched against the Rockies last time) go down for the rest of the season with injuries. Overall, thirteen players are on the disabled list today, more than the Rockies have had all season.

Only four teams have more road losses than the "Amazin's," and since taking a series at Fenway in May, New York has lost 10 of 11 road series. Amazin Avenue had a well-recieved fanpost last Thursday begging Omar Minaya to replace the guy they were using as their cleanup hitter with Matt Murton. Man, this is brutal. I won't continue. It hurts.

Quite frankly, losing this series would be embarrassing. We need a sweep.

Check out Amazin Avenue if you want to see hurting Mets fans. I almost feel bad for them.

New York Mets (59-72, W2, 4th, 17.5 GB Div)

Tuesday-Thursday: 3-game series at Coors Field

The Bats: D

One might think that a lineup riddled with injuries and replacement players would experience great turnover. However, Jerry Manuel's lineup looks very much the same as it did when we last saw them - the only change is an underwhelming one in the 8-hole/shortstop. Francouer and Hernandez are both performing two levels higher with the Mets than their previous clubs, but it's not enough to make the lineup fierce. Wright should come off the DL in time for tonight's game - if not, Fernando Tatis will be starting at third.

The Mets' .321 team wOBA ranks 6th worst in the NL, not surprisingly placing them sixth from the bottom in runs scored. You won't see this team swinging for the fences - they rank dead last in HR in MLB with 76, a whole 18 less than the 29th ranked Giants. New York also has accumulated the lowest number of strikeouts in the league, helping them lead the NL in BB/K. They are largely a dink and dunk team. Basically, throw the ball over the plate - they can't hurt you too badly.

LINEUP	Avg	HR	RBI	OBP	SLG	wOBA
Angel Pagan - CF	.294	6	26	.340	.489	.352
Luis Castillo - 2B	.312	1	34	.402	.362	.348
David Wright - 3B	.324	8	55	.414	.467	.387
Daniel Murphy - 1B	.260	7	46	.315	.390	.307
Jeff Francoeur - RF	.271	11	64	.300	.406	.301
Cory Sullivan - LF	.258	0	9	.320	.360	.311
Brian Schneider - C	.189	3	24	.272	.318	.304
Anderson Hernandez - SS	.258	1	30	.319	.332	.288

By wOBA metrics, the lineup features one All-Star caliber player (Wright), two solidly above average hitters (Pagan and Castillo), four very below average hitters (Murphy, Francoeur, Sullivan and Schneider), and one flat terrible hitter (Hernandez). Just like last time, I can say the only legitimate threats are the top three in the lineup, but we know how much that can mean sometimes.

Jeremy Reed (.244, 0, 7), Nick Evans (.229, 1, 6) and Gary Sheffield (.279, 10, 43) are the backup outfielders while Fernando Tatis (.263, 7, 36) can play IF and OF. Wilson Valdez (.244, 0, 4) is on the bench as an IF, and Omir Santos (.267, 6, 37) is the platoon catcher. Rookie catcher Josh Thole got a callup today. Wright still needs to be activated from the DL if he is to play in tonight's game, though he will.

Hop after the jump for the scouting report on the arms, the D, the pitching matchups and the hot/cold players.

The Arms: D-

Rotation: This isn't how Omar Minaya pictured his rotation in September. There's no reason why a New York team should be playing a series with Mike Pelfrey (ERA+ of 88) as their best starter. Redding and Misch have been given up on as starters by poor teams and have been forced into the rotation based on injuries to Johan Santana and Oliver Perez. Basically, the 4th worst NL rotation by ERA got worse. Every member of the current rotation is below MLB average, and their season tRA is a troubling 5.14.

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Francisco Rodriguez	3-4	58	0	0	0	28	5	59.0	43	25	20	6	33	61	3.05	1.29

Bullpen: K-Rod is fine as the closer, but there's no real help otherwise. Manuel still has two lefties in the bullpen with Pedro Feliciano and Ken Takahashi. Joining closer Francisco Rodriguez are righties Sean Green, Elmer Dessens, Lance Broadway and Brian Stokes. Feliciano, Green and K-Rod are worth worrying about, but the others are not.

The D: D-

New York has made 80 errors, good for 10th-most in MLB. However, by UZR, they have the worst range in the majors, which fangraphs takes into account to claim the Mets are MLB's worst defense. There might be some UZR issues at Citi Field though, as Wright, Castillo and Sullivan are all listed as below average defenders. Pertinent for any Coors series, CF Angel Pagan is listed as the only positive fielder.

Probable Pitchers:

Tonight, 6:40 pm MDT

W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP

2009 - Mike Pelfrey 9-9 25 25 0 0 0 0 146.1 167 84 78 10 55 84 4.80 1.52

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Mike Pelfrey	9-9	25	25	0	0	0	0	146.1	167	84	78	10	55	84	4.80	1.52

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Jorge De La Rosa	12-9	26	25	0	0	0	0	148.2	148	82	78	19	62	152	4.72	1.41

W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP

2009 - Jorge De La Rosa 12-9 26 25 0 0 0 0 148.2 148 82 78 19 62 152 4.72 1.41

Pelfrey has only two starts in 25 this season where he was not scored upon, and one came against the Rockies in July. Since that game, he has gone 1-3 with a 5.10 ERA. He has a very poor 1.53 K/BB rate, which plays right into the Rockies' hands if they remain patient. The big difference from 2008 is Pelfrey's fastball, which has dropped from a stout 21.9 rating to -5.9 this year. Jorge de la Rosa has a dizzying streak of 18 straight starts that he's earned a decision in, having lost in his last start for just the second time in 12 outings. He has scuffled a bit lately but remains the better pitcher in the matchup hands down. Still, if the Mets hope to win a game in the series, this one is the most likely. Favors: ROCKIES moderately

Wednesday, September 2, 6:40 pm MDT

W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP

2009 - Tim Redding 2-4 24 11 0 0 0 0 83.1 93 58 55 14 36 54 5.94 1.55

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Tim Redding	2-4	24	11	0	0	0	0	83.1	93	58	55	14	36	54	5.94	1.55

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Ubaldo Jimenez	12-10	27	27	1	0	0	0	181.1	153	69	67	10	69	158	3.33	1.22

W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP

2009 - Ubaldo Jimenez 12-10 27 27 1 0 0 0 181.1 153 69 67 10 69 158 3.33 1.22

After losing his rotation slot in July after four bad starts, Redding is back thanks to injuries to his teammates. This will be his third start since returning, and he allowed just 3 runs on 6 hits in 11.1 IP in the first two starts. However, he gives up plenty of home runs, has a worse K/BB than Pelfrey, and has a season FIP and tRA in the 5's to support that ERA - he's having a bad year. Ubaldo Jimenez keeps building on the franchise record of 6+ IP starts. He threw 8.0 IP in four of his six starts, allowing no more than 2 ER in all six games. The Rockies' only loss in those starts was to Lincecum last Friday. As long as U-ball doesn't pull a Letdown After the Timmy Showdown, this is a no-brainer. Favors: ROCKIES extremely strongly

Thursday, September 3, 1:10 pm MDT

W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP

2009 - Pat Misch 0-1 20 1 0 0 0 1 29.0 30 11 11 1 15 15 3.41 1.55

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Pat Misch	0-1	20	1	0	0	0	1	29.0	30	11	11	1	15	15	3.41	1.55

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Jason Marquis	14-9	29	26	2	1	0	0	177.1	172	77	71	12	55	86	3.60	1.28

W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP

2009 - Jason Marquis 14-9 29 26 2 1 0 0 177.1 172 77 71 12 55 86 3.60 1.28

Misch, a former Giant, will be making his second start of the season. He did decently in the bullpen and allowed 1 ER in 7 innings at Wrigley Field in his first start, but I'd be remiss not to note he was facing the Cubs. He has very poor K and BB rates, albeit in a fairly small sample. The lefty's slider and fastball come in at about the same speed, but his stuff won't overpower you. Marquis is coming off his worst start since June at the Angels but allowed 2 ER over 17.0 IP in his last two starts at Coors Field. He has the chance to pull within one win of the NL lead in wins with Adam Wainright. Favors: ROCKIES strongly

My take

On paper, this series should be a sweep clincher on par with both Nationals series. Of course, actually pulling off a sweep is tricky business, and if good Pelfrey shows up tonight, we could have issues. Otherwise, this is a prime opportunity to take a stranglehold on the wild card again with the Giants in Philly. I would panic more from losing this series than having been swept by the Giants, and even winning just two games would leave a bit of an empty feeling. Go kill some Mets, please.

Luis Castillo, David Wright, Fernando Tatis, Angel Pagan, and Jeff Francoeur each hit over .300 with an .800+ OPS in August. Pagan hit all six of his home runs this season in the month, while Francoeur had 3 bombs and 10 doubles himself. K-Rod blew two straight saves in early August, permitting 7 ER in 1.0 IP over the two appearances, yet he has converted 4 straight opportunities and has 5 straight scoreless appearances.

Brian Schneider had only 4 singles, 3 doubles, one walk and 11 Ks in 48 August PAs. Gary Sheffield hasn't homered since June 28 and had a .670 OPS in August. Jeremy Reed has only 6 TB's in his last 28 ABs.

The Mets injury list is dizzying:

New York Mets Injuries

15-Day

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Carlos Delgado	hip	05/11/2009
Jose Reyes	hamstring	05/21/2009
John Maine	shoulder	06/07/2009
Carlos Beltran	knee	06/22/2009
Fernando Martinez	knee	07/04/2009
Fernando Nieve	thigh	07/20/2009
David Wright	concussion	08/16/2009
Johan Santana	elbow	08/21/2009
Oliver Perez	knee	08/24/2009
Alex Cora	thumb	08/13/2009

60 Day DL / Out for the season

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Ramon Martinez	fingers	06/03/2009
Jonathon Niese	hamstring	08/06/2009
J.J. Putz	elbow	06/05/2009

Poll

Just how bad ARE the Mets?

They are really terrible. They're worse than the Nationals. Easy sweep.

47 votes

They are really terrible, but they will manage to win one game in the series.

73 votes

They are really terrible, but the Rockies suck right now, and we'll lose this series.

22 votes

They are really terrible, but the Rockies iz doomd to b swept.

8 votes

150 votes | Poll has closed

Bobby Parnell Woeful: Cubs 11, Mets 4

Eric Simon — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:50:17 -0000

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

Bobby Parnell's smelly armpit is an apt metaphor for his pitching on Saturday. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Browse more photos »

The Good: Bobby Parnell had an 8-to-4 grounder-to-fly ratio and induced 10 swinging strikes on 109 pitches (9.2%). Jeff Francoeur, Fernando Tatis, Brian Schneider and Anderson Hernandez collected two hits apiece, with Frenchy and Schneid-dog knocking in a pair of runs each.

The Bad: Everything else, really. Despite generally keeping the ball on the ground and getting plenty of swings-and-misses, Parnell was basically awful, allowing eight runs on nine hits and two walks in 4.2 innings. That makes three straight terrible starts for Parnell over which he has coughed up 22 runs on 22 hits in 12.2 innings. It can't be doing much for his confidence to keep going out there to get shelled, but the Mets have a lot of games left in the season and few attractive options to start many of those games, so I suspect Parnell will keep heading out there every fifth game to see if he can't figure something out.

The rudiments of promise are there: I dig the groundballs, and I dig the swinging strikes. Those are building blocks that could eventually buttress a successful pitcher. Whether he'll get there or not is a different question, but I vote for keeping him in the rotation until or unless something better comes along. Parnell could still be a meaningful contributor to next year's team, though he has plenty to work on between now and then. Sticking with him as a starter wouldn't preclude a move back to the bullpen at some point, so let's see if anything sticks over the next month.

The A's and Padres both won so the Mets picked up a game on each. They're now in eighth place overall. They conclude their series with the Cubs on Sunday at 2:20pm as Nelson Figueroa takes on Carlos Zambrano.

Haiku by Howard Megdal

Parnell chased by slam
Francoeur proves only good Met
Is an injured Met

Swag Contest

Swag contest results can be found here and the next game's swag form already available. You can read more about the swag contest here.

SB Nation Coverage

* Traditional Recap
* Boxscore
* Amazin' Avenue Gamethread
* Bleed Cubbie Blue Gamethread

Win Probability Added

Big winners: Jeff Francoeur, +19.2% WPA, Fernando Tatis, +6.0% WPA
Big losers: Bobby Parnell, -60.6% WPA, Angel Pagan, -11.5% WPA
Teh aw3s0mest play: Schneider two-run double in fourth, +17.1% WPA
Teh sux0rest play: Fox grand slam in fifth, -32.5% WPA
Total pitcher WPA: -64.6% WPA
Total batter WPA: +14.6% WPA
GWRBI!: Jake Fox

Game Thread Roll Call

Nice job by KeithsMoustache; his effort in the game thread embiggens us all.

Num	Name	# of Posts
1	KeithsMoustache	54
2	blueandorange4life	54
3	lstorie1971	38
4	fxcarden	28
5	Kepler	23
6	metsguy234	21
7	firejerrynow	16
8	RangersandMets	12
9	dcrockett17	7
10	firejerrymanuel	6

Mike Smell-frey: Marlins 5, Mets 3

Eric Simon — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 04:13:16 -0000

Today wasn't Mike Pelfrey's day at all, as he struggled with his control through five-plus innings, allowing five runs on eleven hits and five walks while striking out just two (one of which was the opposing pitcher). He coaxed swinging strikes on just four of his 118 pitches (3.4%), which is as sure an indicator as any that he didn't have anything even resembling his dominant repertoire.

The Mets actually led 2-0 after RBI hits by Fernando Tatis and Anderson Hernandez in the second, but the Marlins knocked in two runs in the third on a Cody Ross triple and plated two more in the fifth on a Ronny Paulino homerun. That was all the Marlins would need, as John Johnson held the Mets mostly in check through six innings, allowing nine hits and no walks and worked in seven strikeouts for good measure. He got swinging strikes on ten of his 92 pitches (10.9%), far better than Pelfrey.

The losing streak is at five, and the Mets are in a good position to stretch that to six when Tim Redding faces off against Anibal Sanchez on Thursday at 1:10pm.

Haiku by Howard Megdal

As de facto ace
Pelfrey does little stopping
As Mets drop fifth straight

Swag Contest

Swag contest results can be found here and the next game's swag form already available. You can read more about the swag contest here.

SB Nation Coverage

* Traditional Recap
* Boxscore
* Amazin' Avenue Gamethread
* Fish Stripes Gamethread

Win Probability Added

Big winners: Fernando Tatis, +11.6% WPA, Daniel Murphy, +4.4% WPA
Big losers: Mike Pelfrey, -31.2% WPA, Jeff Francoeur, -10.6% WPA
Teh aw3s0mest play: Tatis RBI double in second, +12.0% WPA
Teh sux0rest play: Paulino two-run homerun in fifth, -25.2% WPA
Total pitcher WPA: -25.5% WPA
Total batter WPA: -24.5% WPA
GWRBI!: Ronny Paulino

Game Thread Roll Call

Nice job by lstorie1971; his effort in the game thread embiggens us all.

Num	Name	# of Posts
1	lstorie1971	52
2	LeiterMilnerFasterStronger	44
3	Kepler	39
4	Mex_17	39
5	metsguy234	37
6	fxcarden	37
7	Michkin	33
8	painiac	29
9	itsmetsforme	25
10	firejerrynow	12

Wincoeur: Mets 4, Phillies 2

Eric Simon — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 03:34:54 -0000

More photos » by Paul J. Bereswill - AP

Jeff Francoeur can't decide what he's more perplexed about: that the scoreboard *does* show on-base percentage or that his finally cracked .300. (AP Photo/Paul J. Bereswill)

Browse more photos »

Original post: I'll have a more complete recap later. For now, just enjoy this picture of Jeff Francoeur and the fact that his OBP hit .300 tonight. Congratulations to the entire Francoeur family and Delta Airlines. You earned this one, big guy.

Expanded recap: This game didn't exactly have the urgency of late-season games against the Phillies that the past two seasons have, as the Phillies have a sizeable lead in the NL East and the Mets can barely see third place from where they currently reside. Nevertheless, these games are always a little bit more exciting because beating the Phillies (and the Braves) still feels great even when the Mets have little else to play for most days.

Though is walk and strikeout rates have both been terrific, Cole Hamels is having a tough year overall, giving up a lot of hits, homeruns and runs, and dropped to 7-8 after last night's loss to the Mets. True to form, he struck out six and walked none in five innings, but allowed a homerun and ten hits that led to four earned runs.

On the Mets' side, Mike Pelfrey turned in a solid start, allowing just two runs over six innings while striking out five (Hamels twice) and walking two. His sinker wasn't particularly effective, as nine of his 14 in-play outs came on flyballs.

The hit-by-pitch played an important role in the game, leading two a run apiece for each team. In the bottom of the second, Hamels hit Pelfrey with a pitch that forced Omir Santos to second. With two outs, Angel Pagan's single to center drove in Pelfrey and gave the Mets a 2-1 lead. In the top of the sixth, Pelfrey hit Jayson Werth to push Ryan Howard to second, who scored two batters later on a Pedro Feliz single to center.

If you were wondering whether Gary Sheffield's recent run-in with the Mets' front office over a 2010 contract would lead to intransigence (or worse) on the field, look no further than his utter indifference to being ejected in the seventh inning. After an admittedly shoddy strike-three call by Rob Drake in the seventh inning, Sheffield threw his bat in disgust and was quickly tossed by Drake. Clearly miffed by the call, Sheffield appeared entirely unemotional at begin given rest of the night off.

After a couple of solid games to begin his re-stint with the Mets, Anderson Hernandez is hitting .100/.182/.100 in his last 33 plate appearances spanning nine games. Conversely, Jeff Francoeur is hitting .310/.340/.500 with the Mets, with six homeruns and three unintentional walks, a .344 wOBA (versus .277 with the Braves) and .3 WAR (versus -.5 with the Braves). Of course, his BABIP is almost fifty points higher with the Mets (.328 vs .281), so I'm still bearish on his long-term prospects.

Tim Redding opposes J.A. Happ tonight at 7:10pm.

Haiku by Howard Megdal

Hamels, against Mets
seems to buckle to pressure
How to describe it?

Swag Contest

Swag contest results can be found here and the next game's swag form already available. You can read more about the swag contest here.

SB Nation Coverage

* Traditional Recap
* Boxscore
* Amazin' Avenue Gamethread
* The Good Phight Gamethread

Win Probability Added

Big winners: Mike Pelfreu, +13.2% WPA, Angel Pagan, +11.7% WPA
Big losers: Gary Sheffield, -8.4% WPA, Anderson Hernandez, -8.1% WPA
Teh aw3s0mest play: Rollins flyout to end sixth, +10.7% WPA
Teh sux0rest play: Feliz RBI single in sixth, -12.6% WPA
Total pitcher WPA: +35.8% WPA
Total batter WPA: +14.2% WPA
GWRBI!: Jeff Francoeur

Game Thread Roll Call

Nice job by Jadden Hopkins; his effort in the game thread embiggens us all.

Num	Name	# of Posts
1	Jadden Hopkins	95
2	metsguy234	65
3	fxcarden	44
4	blueandorange4life	43
5	itsmetsforme	35
6	LeiterMilnerFasterStronger	29
7	Schmidtxc	20
8	Syler	19
9	Kevin H	14
10	Endys Game	14

Johan The Salvager: Mets 5, Padres 1

Eric Simon — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:45:14 -0000

The Mets won for just the second time in their last eight games as they salvaged the final game of their four-game series with the NL West basement-dwelling Padres. Santana went eight solid innings, allowing just a run on five hits while walking two and striking out four. He had a 9.2% swinging strike rate, a bit off his 11.2% season mark. He left a 5-1 lead in the lately-not-so-capable hands of Francisco Rodriguez, who allowed just one baserunner and managed to keep the Padres off the scoreboard entirely in his inning of work.

Santana was the story offensively, too, as he went 2-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored, and was the team leader in WPA as both a pitcher and batter, which has seldom happened since we started tracking these things. Given the everyday lineup the Mets trot out there it may take a pitcher to step up and do some hitting if the Mets are going to win much the rest of the way. Santana got some help from the rest of the offense today, as everyone, excepting David Wright and Cory Sullivan, reached base at least once. Anderson Hernandez, making his first start since rejoining the Mets, went 2-for-3 with a walk to follow up his pinch-walk from Saturday night. His .319 on-base percentage is better than that of Sullivan, Daniel Murphy, Jeff Francoeur, and Omir Santos. With the exception of Santos, all of those guys play offense-heavy positions. This is why the Mets are about as close to the #1 overall pick as they are to making the playoffs.

The Mets head to Phoenix as Mike Pelfrey takes on Doug Davis on Monday night, a 9:40pm start at Chase Field.

Swag Contest

Swag contest results can be found here and the next game's swag form already available. You can read more about the swag contest here.

SB Nation Coverage

* Traditional Recap
* Boxscore
* Amazin' Avenue Gamethread
* Gaslamp Ball Gamethread

Win Probability Added

Big winners: Johan Santana (pitcher), +41.3% WPA, Johan Santana (batter), +16.4% WPA
Big losers: Cory Sullivan, -10.3% WPA, David Wright, -8.7% WPA
Teh aw3s0mest play: Santana RBI single in sixth, +12.7% WPA
Teh sux0rest play: Headley RBI single in sixth, -5.2% WPA
Total pitcher WPA: +43.3% WPA
Total batter WPA: +6.7% WPA
GWRBI!: Johan Santana

Game Thread Roll Call

Nice job by KeithsMoustache; his effort in the game thread embiggens us all.

Num	Name	# of Posts
1	KeithsMoustache	78
2	firejerrynow	45
3	clip	33
4	Jadden Hopkins	31
5	fxcarden	27
6	TKFJ	23
7	hotspur	16
8	Kepler	13
9	erich10031	12
10	MetsFan4Decades	11