IGT, Braves @ Mets, 9/8/11, Game 1

[bmfc1]

Pair of youngsters go in Game 1 of Mets-Braves By Jason Mastrodonato / MLB.com | 9/8/2011 12:54 AM ET Hurricane Irene took away a weekend series between the Braves and Mets at the end of August, and instead of enjoying a Saturday and Sunday in the Big Apple, the Braves will try to squeeze in two games on Thursday before heading to St. Louis for a three-game set with the Cardinals. The doubleheader allows Mets right-hander Chris Schwinden to make his Major League debut. The 24-year-old has pitched the most innings of his career this season, logging 148 2/3, mostly at Triple-A Buffalo, while striking out 139 to 48 walks with a 3.87 ERA. "My main goal this year was to improve and mature as a better pitcher, and this year, getting an opportunity to start in Triple-A and learn from the older guys was a big thing for me," Schwinden said. ""Most of it was command. Just like any other pitcher, you command your pitches and you do well. I did that. I started to fall off at the end, but I've still got some left and I'm ready to keep going." The Mets come in hot, having won 10 of their last 13 games and approaching a .500 record (24-26) since the All-Star break. They'll try to knock around a pair of young Braves pitchers on Thursday, with 23-year-old Mike Minor earning the nod in the first game. Minor admittedly didn't bring his best his last time out, but he held the Dodgers to just one run over six innings on Saturday, striking out seven and lowering his ERA to 4.09 in 11 starts. "That's where I think he's grown the most," catcher Brian McCann said. "When he doesn't have his best stuff, he's able to fight through that and keep putting up zeroes." Heading into Thursday, the Braves had lost seven of their last 10 games, though they have a sizable lead in the National League Wild Card race. They are 2-for-18 in their last two games with runners in scoring position, including 10 hitless at-bats on Tuesday. "Offensively, we're not scoring runs, and on the other side of the ball, we're not getting deep into ballgames," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "That's the whole ball of wax. I'm real confident and real sure we'll get it turned around."

[Ceetar]

Mets are up to 7th best in the National League. top half!

Also 16th best overall, so technically still have their first round pick protected next year, although it doesn't seem like any type A free agents are particularly desirable anyway.

[MFS62]

If I weren't aware of his contract situation, I'd swear Jason Bay has been on a salary drive.

Later

[Benjamin Grimm]

Maybe he's on a make-himself-tradeable drive.

[Ceetar]

He's been on a couple of these this season. He always follows it up with a "Hit like Julio Franco" drive.

[Fman99]

Ceetar wrote: He's been on a couple of these this season. He always follows it up with a "Hit like Julio Franco" drive.

He wishes. He's been on a "Hit like John Franco" drive as a Met.

[bmfc1]

METS:
1. Ruben Tejada ® SS
2. Justin Turner ® 2B
3. Lucas Duda (L) RF
4. David Wright ® 3B
5. Angel Pagan (S) CF
6. Jason Bay ® LF
7. Nick Evans ® 1B
8. Ronny Paulino ® C
9. Chris Schwinden ® P

Braves:
1. Michael Bourn (L) CF
2. Chipper Jones (S) 3B
3. Brian McCann (L) C
4. Dan Uggla ® 2B
5. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
6. Martin Prado ® LF
7. Jason Heyward (L) RF
8. Alex Gonzalez ® SS
9. Mike Minor ® P

[G-Fafif]

"Hey, Schwinden -- you don't rate having the best hitter in the league in your lineup!"

[bmfc1]

AdamRubinESPN Adam Rubin
Jason Isringhausen has a herniated disc in back and won't be available for several days.
David Wright, Jason Bay and Angel Pagan will have Game 2 off, with Jose Reyes returning to the lineup.

[metirish]

Also from Rubin

Jay Horowitz broke his ankle walking to work this morning and will have surgery Monday at HSS, will remain there until then.Izzy tells Rubin that Jay's break is serious , a displaced fracture......Izzy also tells Rubin he plans on pitching next season.

[Ceetar]

Fman99 wrote: Ceetar wrote: He's been on a couple of these this season. He always follows it up with a "Hit like Julio Franco" drive. He wishes. He's been on a "Hit like John Franco" drive as a Met.

he wishes. John Franco had a career .800 OPS against the Atlanta Braves.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Are we actually getting injury information on Horowitz from Isringhausen?

[seawolf17]

metirish wrote: Also from Rubin Jay Horowitz broke his ankle walking to work this morning and will have surgery Monday at HSS, will remain there until then.Izzy tells Rubin that Jay's break is serious , a displaced fracture......Izzy also tells Rubin he plans on pitching next season.

Jay Horwitz is pitching next season?!? Dear God, things have gotten bad.

[metirish]

Edgy DC wrote: Are we actually getting injury information on Horowitz from Isringhausen?

yes we are, I'd link the tweet but can't from work.

[Guest Edgy DC]

That's some deep irony.

Does he need someone to look after his dog?

[metirish]

"@AdamRubinESPN: Jason Isringhausen said it's serious, displaced fractures for Jay's ankle. Bone snapped. Jay's last game missed was in 1990."

Intrigue?

"@AdamRubinESPN: Jay Horwitz's assistant Shannon Forde is on crutches. She has tiny fracture/sprain of left ankle."

"@AdamRubinESPN: Jason Isringhausen has a herniated disc in back and won't be available for several days."

"@AdamRubinESPN: Jason Isringhausen said he plans to pitch in 2012. Current issue is pinched nerve that leads to right foot tingling."

[Benjamin Grimm]

Jay, Jason, and Shannon must have had a wild three-way sex party.

[Gwreck]

I'm glad somebody just came out and said it.

[Guest Edgy DC]

I've forded the Shannon. Tough to do after a good rain, though.

[metirish]

this thread is shaping up nicely.

[Ceetar]

as long as they get my issue of Mets Magazine out on time.

[Frayed Knot]

Edgy DC wrote: Are we actually getting injury information on Horowitz from Isringhausen?

And probably more quickly and accurately than info that goes the other way around.

[metirish]

Frayed Knot wrote: Edgy DC wrote: Are we actually getting injury information on Horowitz from Isringhausen? And probably more quickly and accurately than info that goes the other way around.

Ha!, and true

[Ceetar]

okay, let's go, keep the e# in double digits please.

[Benjamin Grimm]

Schwinden wearing number 63.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Schwinden wearing number 63.

First ever 63. Now the lowest number never issued is 65.

[Guest themetfairy]

This isn't going to be pretty....

[Benjamin Grimm]

Schwinden doesn't make it through the first unscathed. Somebody (don't know who) just hit a two-out two-run double.

[Ceetar]

themetfairy wrote: This isn't going to be pretty....

ughs.

[Benjamin Grimm]

Looks like the throw beat the runner home, but Paulino dropped the ball.