213 Miles From Shea

Tonight the Athletics will play against the Yankees in a one-game, Wild Card playoff. You’re a Mets fan (probably), that’s why you are on this site (probably) which means you remember this Wild Card format from 2016 when the Mets lost in a pitching duel against the Giants on a three-run homer to Conor Gillaspie given up by Familia. Familia also became the goat (not G.O.A.T.) of the 2015 World Series, somewhat unfairly, as he was tagged for 3 blown saves. The first one was probably his fault, the other two he was surrounded by defensive miscues, inherited runners, etc.

For better or worse this reputation has followed Familia in terms of his pitching ability. Even this season when statistically he was dominate there was still a feeling, a shadow among Mets fans about his pitching ability (important to note that in my experience, the Mets fans who devalue Familia as a pitcher are NOT the same Mets fans who question the Mets and MLB’s treatment of his domestic violence allegation, which in my opinion has still not been dealt with correctly).

The Mets traded Familia away for an incredibly weak return of prospect this year (although hard to tell half a season out), there is still a high chance the Mets and Familia will reunite.

If Familia comes into the game late today, how will the story of his post season success progress? Does he blow the save today? Is he is dominate 2018 self? Can he help end the Yankees season, sitting the Bronx back down? Will he give the major networks what they want? A Red Sox / Yankees ALDS?

I guess we’ll find out in probably 15 hours.

Edit:
15 hours later and the Athletics find themselves out of the playoffs, but this time it wasn’t Familia’s fault. The Athletics went with a bullpen game and ended up allowing 7 runs to the Yankees but Familia, he ended the game with a shutout inning. While it wasn’t a high leverage situation, at least it wasn’t bad.

One last game for 2018.

We all knew last night was going to be emotional, but being prepared for it didn’t matter. One of the greatest players ever to suit up for the Mets worked his way back and it was perfect. David Wright, you’re the best. Thank you for everything. Also, sorry the Mets bats are so inept that you had to wait 13 innings to address the fans.

The Mets going 13 last night may make today look a little different. Sometimes there’s a mentality, not all the time, to get a lot of pitchers in the game to close out the season. We’ll see what happens today. Syndergaard is starting the last game for a second year in a row (although last time it was more of a rehab start). He is 12-4 over 24 games and 145.1 innings with a 3.22 ERA, 2.87 FIP, 1.252 WHIP and a 114 ERA+. He tossed 6 scoreless innings his last time out holding the Braves to three hits (the bullpen collapsed behind him). It was his second time in three starts he held opponents scoreless and 3 amazing start in his last 5. If that pattern holds, today should be rough, let’s hope it doesn’t hold. He is 2-0 in as many starts against the Marlins this year allowing 5 runs, 4 earned over 13.0 innings. The Marlins have the following numbers against him:

• Dietrich 6-18, 2 2B
• Castro 3-11, 2B, BB
• Rojas 4-11
• Realmuto 1-9
• Anderson 2-7, 2B
• Holaday 2-4, BB
• Lee 1-3

The Mets bats draw Sandy Alcantara again who is 2-2 over his first 5 starts as a Marlin pitching 27.0 innings posting a 4.00 ERA, 5.68 FIP, 1.556 WHIP and a 91 ERA+. Two of his first three starts were against the Mets and they were good allowing 3 runs total over 12.0 innings. Since then he has pitched 8.0 innings over two starts against the Nationals allowing 9 runs. The Mets have the following numbers against Sandy:

• Nimmo 1-5, 2B, BB
• Conforto 0-5
• Flores 0-4, BB
• Frazier 1-4
• Bruce 0-3
• Jackson 0-3
• Plawecki 0-1
• Mesoraco 1-2, 2B
• Matz 1-2, HR

Let’s Go Mets!

HAPPY DAVID WRIGHT DAY!

The Mets are set to to play what will undoubtedly be an emotional night as the captain comes back for this first start in over two years. Last night David Wright grounded out pretty much immediately at start of his pinch hit at bat. That doesn’t matter. Wright has worked so hard and has overcome so many hurdles to return to Queens. For people like me, born in the late 80’s early 90’s, see David Wright as the player attached to the franchise. The rising star during our formative teenage years. Everyone has a David Wright story and we all wish him the best. Thank you David Wright for everything.

Steven Matz will start the game tonight. He’s 5-11 over 29 games and 148.0 innings with a 4.14 ERA, 4.77 FIP, 1.270 WHIP and 89 ERA+. His last start against the Nationals was not good, allowing 3 runs over 3.0 innings. However, overall in his 6 games he has pitched 33.1 innings allowing 10 runs posting a 2.70 ERA. He is 1-0 over two starts against the Marlins this year allowing 4 runs, 3 earned, over 11.1 innings while striking out 10. The Marlins have the following numbers against him:

• Rojas 1-13, 2B
• Castro 0-11, 5 K
• Realmuto 3-9, BB
• Anderson 1-6, 2B
• Brinson 0-4
• Dietrich 0-2
• Riddle 1-3

The Mets bats will get a look at Trevor Richards who is 4-9 over 24 games and 119.2 innings with a 4.66 ERA, 4.18 FIP, 1.396 WHIP and a 77 ERA+. Richards is coming off a good start against the Reds where he held them scoreless over 7.0 innings. before that in a three game stretch he allowed 16 runs, 14 earned, off 16 hits in 11.1 innings including a start against the Mets where he allowed 6 runs, 4 earned over 5.0 innings. The Mets have the following numbers against Richards:

• Bruce 0-2, BB
• Conforto 0-3
• McNeil 2-3, 3B
• Nimmo 0-3
• Rosario 1-3, HR
• Smith 1-3, 2B
• Reyes 2-2, 2B

Let’s Go Mets!

The Mets wrapped up their series with the Braves last night with a win! Jason Vargas was able to notch a good win on the end of a bad season and Plawecki and Mesoraco hit two absolute bombs to provide the runs. Now the Mets head into David Wright eve as the Mets gear up for their last series and three games of 2018.

Corey Oswalt makes the last start of his rookie season tonight. He is 3-3 over 16 games and 11 starts over 60.2 innings posting a 6.08 ERA, 5.84 FIP, 1.352 WHIP and 62 ERA+. As a starter he is 2-3 over 51.1 innings with a much better 4.91 ERA. He was good his last time out allowing 2 runs over 4 hits and 5.0 innings against the Nationals. He’s faced Miami a couple of times this year. At the end of June he allowed 6 runs over 2.2 innings (in a game I would argue he was off his normal routine) and then in August he allowed 3 runs over 6.0 innings. He has never faced the Marlins in Queens and the Marlins have the following numbers against him:

• Anderson 1-5
• Castro 2-5
• Dietrich 1-3, 2B
• Realmuto 2-5
• Rojas 0-4
• Alcantara 0-1
• Brinson 1-1, HR

Jose Urena is nursing a right thigh injury but he’s scheduled to start tonight anyway. He is 8-12 over 30 games and 168.0 innings with a 4.07 ERA, 4.16 FIP, 1.173 WHIP, and an 89 ERA+. He’s been on a tear in his last four starts allowing 3 runs over 24.0 innings (1/13 ERA) inching a 6.1 inning, 1 run start against the Mets. He is 1-2 over 16.2 innings against the Mets allowing 8 runs from 17 hits (4.32 ERA). The Mets have the following numbers against him:

• Reyes 6-18, 2B, 3B
• Conforto 7-16, 2B, HR, BB
• Bruce 5-15, 2B, 2 HR, BB
• Plawecki 2-9
• Nimmo 1-8, HR
• Frazier 1-7
• Rosario 3-8, 2B
• McNeil 1-6

Let’s Go Mets!

If last night was deGrom’s last game of the season, then it was a very good one. Jacob tossed 8.0 scoreless innings allowing only 2 hits and striking out 10, lowering his absurd ERA to 1.70 capping off one of the top seasons by a Mets pitcher for all time. The Mets bats managed to squeeze out a few runs and deGrom will finish with a winning record, something that doesn’t really matter but apparently matters to the people voting. Also Conforto hit his 28th homer of the season as he inches closer to 30.

Jason Vargas gets the start for the Mets. His year has been pretty horrible but there were a few gems. Overall he is 6-9 over 19 games and 85.0 innings with a 6.25 ERA, 5.31 FIP, 1.494 WHIP and 59 ERA+. His last two starts have been an improvement, especially compared to his season numbers where he has allowed 4 runs over 11.2 innings. He is 1-2 against the Braves this year allowing 10 runs over 14.2 innings. The Braves have the following numbers against him:

• Suzuki 10-43, HR, 3 BB, 6 K
• Markakis 8-35, 2 2B, 2 HR, 3 BB, 8 K
• Flowers 1-9, H, BB
• Albies 3-8, 2B
• Freeman 2-7
• Acuna 4-5, 3B, HR

The Mets bats get Julio Teheran in his final start before the playoffs. He is 9-8 over 30 games and 169.2 innings with a 4.03 ERA, 4.83 FIP, 1.191 WHIP and 100 ERA+. He’s coming off of a rough start against the Phillies where he allowed 4 runs over 6.1 innings and before that he was on a good streak posting a 2.12 ERA over 3 games and 17.0 innings. Over his four starts against the Mets this year he has allowed 5 runs from 16 hits from 26.2 innings. The Mets have the following numbers against him:

• Bruce 8-37, 3 2B, 2 HR, 4 BB, 8 K
• Reyes 6-30, 2 3B, 3 BB, 6 K
• Conforto 5-20, HR, BB
• Frazier 3-17, 2B, HR
• Rosario 1-10, 2B, 3B

Let’s Go Mets!

Noah Syndergaard’s strong start wasn’t enough for the Mets last night as they fell to the Braves 7-3 and look to rebound tonight. After Syndergaard tossed 6 scoreless innings the bullpen with Gsellman and Blevins imploded. But that’s all yesterday! Today Jacob deGrom makes what will probably be his last start this season!

Jacob deGrom is 9-9 over 31 starts over 209.0 innings with a 1.77 ERA (league leading), 2.03 FIP (league leading), 0.938 WHIP, and 209 ERA+ (league leading). In his last 7 starts he has allowed 11 runs, 9 earned over 50.0 innings, a 1.62 ERA while striking out 64. He is 0-2 against the Braves this year despite starting against them 5 times posting a 1.09 ERA over 33.0 innings. The Braves have the following numbers against him:

• Freeman 12-41, 2 2B, 2 HR, 4 BB, 11 K
• Markakis 10-36, HR, BB, 5 K
• Inciarte 6-32, 2 2B, 2 BB, 8 K
• Albies 3-17, 2B, BB
• Swanson 3-13, 2B, 3 BB, 6 K
• Flowers 4-11, HR, 3 BB

The Mets bats will desperately try to get deGrom a win against Sean Newcomb who is 12-9 over 29 starts and 158.1 innings with a 4.04 ERA.  He’s coming off a rough start vs the Nationals where he allowed 5 runs over 3.0 innings and in his last four starts has allowed 15 runs over 17.1 innings (one of those starts he allowed 1 run over 6.0 innings). He was good against the Mets at the start of the season tossing 6.0 innings allowing 3 runs, 2 earned and then allowing no runs over 7.0. The Mets have the following numbers against him:

• Reyes 1-9, 3 K
• Bruce 1-6, 2B
• Conforto 0-3, 2 BB
• Frazier 0-5, BB
• Nimmo 0-6, 3 K
• Plawecki 2-6
• Rosario 3-4, 2 2B
• Smith 1-2, 2B

Let’s Go Mets!

The Mets return home for the their final home stand of the season against the Braves tonight. While the Mets locked up another losing season on the road, there are some major story lines to wrap up this week. Will Saturday be David Wright’s final game? Will he pitch hit before hand? Will deGrom make two starts this week instead of one? Will it be enough to sway the “wins are the most important stat” camp? Will Conforto reach 30 homers?

Noah Syndergaard is on the mound for the Mets tonight. He is 12-4 over 23 games and 139.1 innings with a 3.36 ERA, 2.87 FIP, 1.270 WHIP, and a 110 ERA+. He’s coming off a not so great start against the Phillies where he allowed 3 runs over 4.0 innings and that’s how things have gone for Noah the last 6 weeks or so. He’s been alternating between great (starts 1 and 3 this month 16.0 innings, 1 ER) and not great (starts 2 and 4 this month 10.2 innings, 7 ER). In two games against the Braves this season he has allowed 6 runs on 17 hits in 12.0 innings. The Braves have the following numbers against him:

• Markakis 6-15, 2B, BB
• Freeman 7-15, 2 2B, 3B, HR
• Inciarte 3-11
• Swanson 5-10
• Duvall 0-9, 6 K
• Albies 2-7, HR
• Tucker 2-5
• Acuna 2-4, 2B

The Mets bats draw rookie Touki Toussiant who is 2-1 over 5 games and 4 starts with 23.0 innings pitching posting a 4.30 ERA, 4.07 FIP, 1.348 WHIP and 95 ERA+. Since his first start he has allowed 10 runs over 17.0 innings, a 5.29 ERA. Across two levels of minor league ball he was 9-6 over 24 starts and 136.1 innings posting a 2.38 ERA. Tonight will be his first game against the Mets.

Let’s Go Mets!

The Mets were one hit yesterday. Voth, the Nationals starter, who gave up 7 runs from 9 hits in his only other major league start, also against the Mets, only allowed 1 hit over 5.0 innings and then the Nationals bullpen took care of the rest. Hopefully the bats will be fully rested for this afternoon’s game.

Steven Matz is on the mound today. He’s 5-11 over 28 games and 145.0 innings with a 4.03 ERA, 4.68 FIP, 1.241 WHIP and 91 ERA+. He’s coming off a strong start against the Phillies where he allowed no runs over 5.0 innings. In his last 6 starts and 35.1 innings he has allowed 9 runs which is a 2.29 ERA while striking out 39. His starts against the Nationals have been interesting this year. He started off in April allowing an unearned run over 5, then later in the same month he allowed 3 runs over 4.0 innings. In July he allowed 3 runs over 6.1 innings then at the end of July he allowed 7 runs over 0.2 innings. His last start against the Nationals in August he held them to 1 run over 7.0 innings. Who knows which Matz we’ll see today. The Nationals have the following numbers against him:

• Taylor 4-21, HR, 2 BB, 11 K
• Rendon 7-22, 3 HR, 9 K
• Turner 6-21, 2 2B, BB
• Hraper 3-16, 2B, 2 BB
• Zimmerman 3-16, 2B, HR, BB
• Reynolds 4-11, 3 2B
• Wieters 2-8, HR
• Soto 3-8

The Mets bats draw 25 year-old Erick Fedde who is 2-3 over 9 games and 43.0 innings posting a 5.03 ERA, 4.25 FIP, 1.442 WHIP and 85 ERA+. Since being called up in September he’s been quite good compared to his other numbers allowing 6 runs over 15.0 innings (3.60 ERA) while striking out 22 over 3 starts. His last start of 2017 was against the Mets where he allowed 5 runs over 6.0 innings. The Mets have the following numbers against him:

• Nimmo 1-4, 2 K
• Flores 1-3, HR
• Rosario 1-3
• Smith 0-3
• Reyes 0-0, BB

Let’s Go Mets!

The Mets finally got Jacob deGrom a win for the first time in over a month last night. Jacob was as good as ever, getting out of trouble in the 2nd inning allowing only 1 run and then shutting everything down through 7. Although the bullpen made things interesting late in the game, the Mets came out on top and today it is the battle of the rookies.

Corey Oswalt is 3-2 over 55.2 innings over 15 games, 10 starts with a 6.31 ERA, 5.88 FIP, 1.365 WHIP and a 59 ERA+. He started last weekend against the Red Sox but only lasted 2.2 innings allowing 1 run over 3 hits and a walk. I imagine today he will have a low maximum pitch count as he continues to build his way back into the rotation. His two games against the Nationals though couldn’t be more different. He started against them back in July holding them to 1 run off 2 hits in 5.0 innings. In relief against them in August he allowed 6 runs on 6 hits in 1 inning. The Nationals have the following numbers against him:

• Eaton 1-3
• Rendon 2-3
• Soto 1-3
• Difo 1-2
• Taylor 0-2
• Turner 0-2
• Wieters 0-2
• Harper 1-1
• Reynolds 1-1, HR (Grand Slam)

The Mets draw rookie Austin Roth making his second career start and pitching in his third game overall. He was recalled from the minors last week where he threw one cleaning inning of relief. His major league start was against the Mets on July 14th where he allowed 7 runs over 9 hits in 4.1 innings, so he’s probably looking to even the score today. The Mets have the following numbers against him:

• Conforto 1-3, HR
• Flores 2-3
• Nimmo 0-3
• Plawecki 2-3
• Reyes 2-3
• Rosario 1-2

Let’s Go Mets!

The Mets beat the Nationals 5-4 in 12 innings tonight, and the Mets look to score runs on the mound today with Jacob deGrom. The Mets were able to raise Scherzer’s ERA from 2.54 to 2.57 yesterday but weren’t able to saddle him with the loss. Conforto also hit his 27th homer of the season as he gets closer to 30.

Jacob deGrom is 8-9 over 30 starts and 202.0 innings with a 1.78 ERA (league leading), 2.05 FIP (league leading), 0.950 WHIP and a 207 ERA+ (league leading). He’s coming off a human start against the Red Sox where he allowed 3 runs over 7.0 innings. In two starts agasinst the Nationals this year he has allowed 5 runs, 4 earned over 13.1 innings while striking out 17. The Nationals have the following numbers against him:

• Harper 1–28, 2 2 B, 2 HR, 7 BB
• Rendon 2-21, 2B, 5 BB
• Taylor 1-24, BB, 13 K
• Zimmerman 5-22, 2 HR, 8 K
• Turner 7-22, 2B, HR, BB, 9 K
• Reynolds 0-15, 3 K
• Wieters 3-15, HR
• Difo 2-7

The Mets draw Joe Ross making his second start of the season as he continues to come back from Tommy John. . Last week against the Cubs he allowed 2 runs over 5.0 innings and 4 hits. Last year he was 5-3 over 13 games and 73.2 innings with a 5.01 ERA, 4.99 FIP, 1.466 WHIP and 90 ERA+. His two seasons before that he was a mid 3’s ERA pitcher. Joe managed to face the Mets 3 times in 13 games in 2017 racking up 17.0 innings and a 4.76 ERA. The Mets have the following numbers against him:

• Florew 3-14, BB
• Bruce 3-12, HR, 4 K
• Reyes 2-11, 3B, HR
• Conforto 3-6
• Nimmo 5-6
• Jackson 1-1, 2 BB
• Frazier 1-2, HR

Let’s Go Mets!