Thursday, July 09, 2009

Game 85 Thread: July 9 @ Mets, 4p

Randy Wolf (3-3, 3.49) vs. Livan Hernandez (5-4, 4.56).

COMMENTS: Okay, so maybe, like Rafael Furcal, Mr. Met swings both ways. The same could be said of the Mets themselves, disappearing Tuesday then reappearing yesterday to take Hiroki Kuroda behind the woodshed.

Which Mets team will show up today? Impossible to know, and further complicating matters is Wolf, a Mets killer who also attracts no-decisions like burrs to pets. The enigmatic Hernandez has lost his last three starts but pitched well against the Dodgers in May.

So I'm as unsure about today's game as I was sure the Dodgers would win yesterday, which means...huh? Where was I? Oh yeah, Mr. Met sure gets a lot of action. That dog.

photo 1 by dMdC Photography; photo 2 from Tangerine Music

252 comments:

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Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Voting is over. Now we wait.

Josh S. said...

Since he already changed his jersey number, Randy should just change his name to Ray Wolf. That way, he won't have an ND anymore.

Fred's Brim said...

The announcer at New Shea always references Mr Met as "The best mascot in sports," I am guessing because of this article

or maybe it's because of Mr Met's large gloves...

Fred's Brim said...

Hoooooooowwwwwwwoooooooooooo!

Fred's Brim said...

Did Pablo Sandwich win?

Roberto Baly said...

Kemp is not going to win. It's obvious by looking at the picture on MLB.com

MR.F said...

Mr. Met is a married man! And he cheats on Mrs. Met with a man AND a woman?!?!? What is he teaching young Mets fans?

JL said...

Furcal, SS
Ethier, RF
Manny, LF
Blake, 3B
Loney, 1B
Martin, C
Hudson, 2B
Kemp, CF
Wolf, P

finally ethier in front of manny! but kemp needs to move on up

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

O-Dog really dropped. I hope it doesn't hurt his confidence.

JL said...

he had to drop.
maybe he'll have less stress now?
hopefully he gets on while kemp is hot

Josh S. said...

Kemp should be higher, yes, but I like the idea of someone with speed batting before the pitcher, who can bunt him over.

Either that, or you have theoretical table-setters in Martin and Hudson in case Matt feels like hitting for power.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

As of now, if Kemp does not win the Final Vote, Victorino should be the winner, not "I'm in love with Kung Pao Chicken" Panda. That way, with Beltran out, they give the open slot to Kemp, whereas if Panda wins, Victorino gets the nod.

JL said...

if victorina wins, pablo will get in.
but i heard hanley may miss the ASG, so maybe kemp can get in

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Bran-Torino won.

Josh S. said...

Ibanez is also still on the DL, yes?

JL said...

if pablo won, kemp could have gotten in for beltran. now that a OF won, Palo will get in. man this sucks. hopefully Ibanez and Hanley just sit it out. rest up for the stretch run guys

rbnlaw said...

Bran-Torino?

Had to think about that for about five seconds. Explains my sorry performance on the puzzles.

I lost interest in the ASG when I was about 13, but I still voted my ass off for the Bison. We need to figure out how the Gnats' fans got their bots to do it and get around the security code.

You know they cheated, but how did the Flyin' Hawaiian get the nod?

NicJ said...

More media coverage.

rbnlaw said...

Expound, Nic, expound.

Nostradamus said...

OT, but how much do I love GoatMilk's avatar?

(A: Lots)

MR.F said...

The Dodgers just sent me an email thanking me for voting for the Bison. I've been entered to win a Matt Kemp bobblehead, and given a promo code for tickets. Cool beans.

NicJ said...

I've seen tons of highlights of victorino and sandoughval highlights in the past week. None of kemp. Also I really think that the dodgers playing all away games during the voting period affected matt kemps vote.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

That and the off-day

MR.F said...

Yeah those were definitely big handicaps. Oh well. I think Kemp's a little more well-known now than he was a week ago, at least. And he still might make the team.

NicJ said...

They still need a backup OF don't they?

Erin said...

It's my turn in the chain fiction thing, and I have the worst writer's block of my life.

Josh S. said...

Listening on Gameday Audio. No Steiner. Monday said he has the next few days off. Josh Suchon is filling in. This should be...something.

Josh S. said...

Correction: Sounds like Suchon just filled in on the pre-game. Monday's going to be flying solo through the weekend.

Erin said...

I just don't get Blake being Manny's protection. Wouldn't we all rather see Kemp there?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Raffy feeling hot, hot, hot.

Josh S. said...

Raffy Lives!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Ethier lives!

Erin said...

Nice hit from Ethier, going the other way.

NicJ said...

Is there anywhere that has batting average by the order of the lineup? It seems like kemp does worse when he drops below 7th in the lineup. The only two times I remember him batting cleanup he went 0fer.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Hooray for Manny!

karina said...

Furcal, SS
Ethier, RF
Ramirez, LF
Blake, 3B
Loney, 1B
Martin, C
Hudson, 2B
Kemp, CF
Wolf, P

Josh S. said...

Apparently, hitting the ball is the answer!

Erin said...

It's such a small sample size with him batting above 7th, though. Someone said on another blog that something like 70% of his hits have come when he bats 7-9, but then 80% of his bats have been down there, so it's more likely that most of his hits would be there, too.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Loney walks. Bases juiced for Martin.

Erin said...

Rancho Ardiendo.

MR.F said...

Nic j, Baseball Reference's splits pages has it. Kemp bats best in the 7th or 8th spots, but anywhere else is a small sample size.

QuadSevens said...

Funny headline from Deadspin that I thought I'd share with you guys.

Erin Andrews hit by foul ball goes to hospital with chin bruise. (Not a euphemism). But she's okay.

http://tinyurl.com/land4q

Erin said...

Guess John Hirschbeck isn't behind the plate, or that would have been strike three to Martin.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Down goes Martin.

Erin said...

HUDSON!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

OH-DOG!

Josh S. said...

Beware of Dog.

Erin said...

O-Dog thrown out, but who cares? Three runs score! 4-0, Dodgers!

NicJ said...

I love our team.

Erin said...

I really, really love that we were able to take advantage of that. We let Perez off the hook too many damn times last night.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

tumbling in.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Motto of the game has to be...Take No Prisoners.

Erin said...

Josh S., I have to say that your comment about Wolf changing his name to "Ray" was pretty hilarious.

karina said...

As my brother said: "last night's game was so bad was so bad, they only should count it only if it was necessary".

NicJ said...

Alright 4 early runs in a pitchers park. If Randy manages to pull off a ND he has to change his name to Even Steven.

Josh S. said...

Thanks, Erin!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Wolf lost him. That's embarrasing.

Erin said...

David Ortiz just hit home run #300 in his career.

Orel said...

Now THAT was a first inning!

Josh S. said...

So what will Ohman's number be when (if?) he comes back?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Wolf really wants to have a no-decision.

Orel said...

Offensively, I mean. Wolf looks determined to give something back.

NicJ said...

Looks like wolf wants his ND.

Josh S. said...

Uh oh.

Randy occasionally has shaky first innings before settling down, though

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Dammit.

Erin said...

Seriously, Wolf?

Josh S. said...

GIDP would be nice.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Jeez, that was close.

Erin said...

Christ, that ball scared me.

karina said...

Too high, but scary fly-out.

Josh S. said...

The Dodgers need to stop running jinxy articles like the one about Randy's dominance over the Mets.

NicJ said...

Whew!

MR.F said...

A belated O-Dog is a Wolf's best friend!

karina said...

I thought he was determined to win, he shaved his beard.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Whew, that could have been much worse.

Erin said...

Okay. We got through it.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

TNP

NicJ said...

Not bad. Let's get some more runs now.

Josh S. said...

4 more now, please.

karina said...

This inning was too cheap for Wolf.

Orel said...

I bet we go 1-2-3 this inning.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Orel, are you suggesting the Bison will produce an out?

Orel said...

Sadly, yes.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

HAH! Suck it, Orel.

Orel said...

Happy to be wrong!

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Quote of the Thread (so far):

"Hah, Suck it Orel."

Orel said...

Maybe Torre is grooming Kemp for the cleanup spot after the All-Star break?

MR.F said...

Vote Bison!

Erin said...

Damn it, Kemp.

Orel said...

Lyons doesn't know regular All-Star votes are limited to 25 votes?

Orel said...

I am vindicated!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Dammit, Bison. I went out on a limb for you.

Erin said...

So Orel was right.

Orel said...

(Not proudly so.)

Josh S. said...

Unsuck it, Orel!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

And of course, Furcal singles.

Erin said...

And Furcal makes Kemp really regret that move.

Orel said...

Furcal singles. Of course.

NicJ said...

Damn kemp.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Furcal is on fire.

I want Manny to bat this inning.

karina said...

Kemp's turf.

Instantly, Furcal gets a single.

Erin said...

Wish granted.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Here's Manny.

Orel said...

It's hard to believe the Mets have so many position players on the DL, because their pitching sucks.

Josh S. said...

It's weird. I'm still not used to Manny being back.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Manny more runs!

Erin said...

WOOT.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Damn the Bison!

Josh S. said...

He's an RBI Single Machine!

Orel said...

Well, we got that one back.

karina said...

Manny, shut the Plaschke alikes wit your performance.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Yay Beard!

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Yee Haw.

TNP

Josh S. said...

Me likey.

Orel said...

Hit parade! Manny wisely stays at second.

PenosCabell said...

Nice. Keep it going.

Josh S. said...

"OK guys, new strategy: Score every inning."

karina said...

Neeebs, what's TNP?

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Karina: I've been practicing my puzzle talent by eating chocolate. Beware!

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Take No Prisoners!!!!!

We've let too many teams get back in the game after scoring early

Neeebs (The Original) said...

See reference at 4:25 this post.

karina said...

Sorry, i missed that comment.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Wolf's getting into too many full counts.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Damn blooper.

Erin said...

And he just let the pitcher get a hit.

Erin said...

I know it's Livan, but come on.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Erin: I totally forgot about the Fiction Chain.

I'm right behind you.

You need to set me up with big softballs so I can whack them into RBN's court.

Chomping at the bit.

Orel said...

Wolf now has more pitches than Hernandez.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Wolf is not going to last long

NicJ said...

With wolfs luck he won't even go five with a huge lead and get the ND again.

Orel said...

Diamond Leung is saying Kemp still has a good chance to get into the All-Star Game. See update on the main page.

NicJ said...

Diamond's been a bit of a homer lately. Stupid panda.

MR.F said...

Vote Bison!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I hate David Wright

Orel said...

David Wright is good.

Orel said...

Shortstop!

Erin said...

Sheffield gave his little hop like he thought he hit that ball a lot harder.

Orel said...

Sheffield did his home-run hop out of the batter's box there.

Orel said...

Great minds, Erin.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Randy needs a DP bad.

Erin said...

What is Wolf's pitch count?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Randy'll get an ND, but only because he won't go the five innings.

NicJ said...

Doesn't look like Randy is getting a decision tonight either.

Orel said...

Run for an out here.

Orel said...

67 pitches

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

That they do, Orel.

NicJ said...

Who is going to do the long relief job tonight? Weaver has to pitch on sat, is Milton back from the DL yet? Jmac maybe.

NicJ said...

I really hope he can go at least five.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Maybe Vargas, if the inning on Tuesday didn't hurt.

Erin said...

Wow, Sheffield just stood there on that ball.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Raffy is HOT!

Orel said...

Furcal sure got better in a hurry.

karina said...

Is that really you, Furcal?

MR.F said...

Furcal is HOT.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Ethier is COLD

Erin said...

That should go down as an IBB.

Orel said...

Shoulda just plunked him, Livan.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Wait, there's someone in West Hollywood named Herbert Garrison?

Orel said...

Fast Furcal!

NicJ said...

That was close.

Erin said...

Bad call. I'll take it.

Orel said...

And we get a break.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

More close plays.

Orel said...

Let's cash it in!

Orel said...

The umps do, however, get paid a lot.

Orel said...

RANCHO ARDIENDO

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Now is the time to...

TNP

karina said...

Rancho Ardiendo! own Livan, son!

NicJ said...

Livan is just waiting to be pulled

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Russ delivers!

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Yes!!!

Orel said...

We are getting gunned down like rabbits today!

NicJ said...

Slowney. But we got some runs.

Erin said...

That was the right call.

Orel said...

8-2. Nice to see Russell come through in the clutch.

karina said...

Nic j, to be fair with Loney, it was a close call.

I also called J. Martin was going to own Hernandez.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Even more close plays.

karina said...

Loney-Wolf showing good defense!

Erin said...

I thought Wolf was checking to see if Cora was okay, but Lyons is seeing that differently.

Orel said...

Bad toss by Loney.

karina said...

My brother is shaking his head in disapproval. Poor little thing his baseball teams are not so lately. I try to comfort him saying the Mets are a hospital, he says he has at least Real Madrid.

Orel said...

1-2-3!

Orel said...

Seeing today's game makes me think we really should have won yesterday's.

NicJ said...

I don't think there is anything unfair about calling him slow. He is one of the slower guys on the team. I don't mind him going for it in that situation.

Just a little playful banter.

:)

btw I'm sure he could beat me easily in a foot race.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

C'mon, Wolf. Just one more out.

NicJ said...

Have they ever made a Shef bobblehead where the bat bobbled too, if not they should.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

He did it! Wolf can now actually get the win!

NicJ said...

There we go, wolfs in line for a win!!

NicJ said...

Dusto's caps lock button thanks you for your performance Raffy.

Josh S. said...

That buzz happens every pitch. Weird.

NicJ said...

I think someone is blowing a duck call as the pitch crosses the plate.

Erin said...

Yeah, you're right, Nic. It sounds like a duck call. I had the game on mute until now, but I think someone is just trying to be annoying.

NicJ said...

Maybe Casey is trying to work some hunting in.

Erin said...

Once again, I'm starting to get my fears of a Dodgers/Red Sox World Series.

Josh S. said...

Rats.

NicJ said...

Russ is pulling that ball again.

Josh S. said...

Not sure I like the Dodgertown song.

Erin said...

That's because it's a Montgomery Gentry song.

And Montgomery Gentry sucks.

Erin said...

200.

Josh S. said...

200

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