Centerfield

I move to end the O'Flaherty project.

If Roger Clemens were pitching for the Cardinals with John Rocker warming up in the pen, I'd still root for the Cardinals tonight. With Suzyn Waldman commentating: "OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS, OF ALL THE DRAMATIC THINGS, GREG IS ROOTING FOR THE CARDINALS!"

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I have no trouble at all rooting for the Cardinals against the Nationals. I'd even root for the Yankees if a win on their part would benefit the Mets. Of course, rooting for the Yankees would be accompanied by the taste of bile in my mouth, but not so for the Cardinals. They're just another out-of-town team. Sorry about barging into your house last night to wake you up. I hope that your wife will someday understand.

It looks like I didn't participate in this thread, but in June I was thoroughly convinced that this team would eventually fade and fall out of contention. In fact, I remained convinced of that until they acquired Yoenis Cespedes. I was also very skeptical that the Mets would, or could, acquire a big bat like Cespedes before the deadline. Every day I find that a small part of me is still in shock that the Mets own a 6.5 game lead in the division. I am, now, optimistic and hopeful that they can win the division. I can't imagine what a thrill that will be for this team and the fan base. If they are able, through some miracle, to actually win the World Series, I just might spontaneously combust.

First two runners on. Someone go wake up Ben Grimm.

I got your back Zvon. Let's go St. Louis. Best fans in America.

We suck again.

No David?

I don't know if I am irrationally exuberant anymore. I think I am more bewildered/dumbfounded/sitting in front of the TV with mouth hanging open in disbelief. I like to think that the Nats saw the 5-0 score and were glad to see it, but knew that the game was far from over. I also like to think that as they saw the score change to 5-2, 5-4, then tied at 5, that they knew what was eventually coming. I picture them watching after their game ended, jumping out of their seats during the foul HR, then sitting back down dejectedly. After the Murphy double I see Jason Werth angrily getting up and switching off the TV, and saying "Who fucking cares. We just have to do our part and keep winning." And everyone walking away shaking their heads. I don't know why the Nationals locker room TV does not have a remote. I can't answer everything.

There haven't been enough Schaefer points to go around this month.

Just got tickets for tomorrow night. Wanted to see the Captain's triumphant return. We will also be representing Mets fans September 6 in Miami. I haven't bought my tickets yet. Yikes, I hope that game is not sold out.

Well not anymore. Duh.

Rockin' Doc wrote: August 26th Mets 9 Phillies 4 Padres 6 Nationals 5 Astros 6 Evil Empire 2 to make the night even better, the Blue Jays are currently beating the Rangers 11-2 in the 7th inning. Make that 12-2 now. Quadruple Happiness.

Colon 4.0 Cuddyer 2.5 Conforto 1.5 Clippard 1.0 Cespedes 0.5 Uribe 0.5

"That's right. Mets fan. You remember correctly." "No, definitely, it's been fun." "The streak? Which one, we've had a few now." "Well, actually there were two in August." "Yeah, really. Yup. There was the one where they swept the Nationals and took over first, and then there was the one later in the month where they extended their lead and ripped out the Nationals' hearts."

At this point, I'd rather pitch Cash Considerations. I can't imagine there isn't at least one overpaid lefty that someone is trying to dump. Sandy has4 days to figure it out. Next time we are up 6, let's try Dario Alvarez. He can't be any worse.

If you can call the environment the Phils have played in the last 3 games as "home".

This game warrants a little more attention. The Nats were down 6-2 heading into the bottom of the 7th. They rally for 3 runs, after a huge 2 run single from Bryce Harper. That hit puts runners on first and third with one out. Yunel Escobar is up in the count 3-0. A walk puts the winning run in scoring position with Ryan Zimmerman coming up. Escobar swings 3-0 and grounds into a double play. But wait, there's more. On a bang-bang play at first, Escobar decides not to run through the bag, but instead slide head first. Maybe he saw Roberto Alomar do it many years ago. Well done Yunel Escobar. If the rules would allow it, I would bring you Schaefer.

I thought what Gomez did was completely inappropriate. So what. You made an out. The game is not about you. Be a man and run to first in stoic fashion.

Agreed on all points. O'Flaherty not only sucks, but he his entire being is irritating. He has that loser quality about him that I have not seen since Trachsel. (completely subjective, I know, but he bothers me). We are seeing the best of Cespedes recently, but if you look at this track record, he is not an elite HR hitter, and he does not hit for average or walk at all. Let's hope he rides this current hot streak for the remainder of his time here. I am concerned that the starting pitching may be getting tired, as someone mentioned in the IGT. Am especially concerned about Syndegaard, who seemingly after making the adjustment to big league pitching, has reverted to his Wheeler-like debut. But not to get too down, I am encouraged that: 1. Familia looked NASTY again. 2. Duda is getting rest, and the real doctor in LA confirms it's minor. I wonder if he had the back issue during his slump but felt he couldn't take the time off because the rest of the lineup sucked. 3. We are getting Matz back soon. 4. Gee had a great start in LV. I wonder if we can make him a short reliever in September. He throws strikes, changes speeds. I think he can do it.

Let's score 20.

Gwreck wrote: Centerfield wrote: The 2007 team had glaring holes, and specifically, inconsistent pitching. If the bullpen situation ever got as bad as 2007, I believe they would insert Matz and Gee into the pen and bolster it that way. 2008 was the year of the bullpen disaster. The 2007 pen was decent/average. Wow, I would have sworn that it was 2007. That Luis Ayala-Jorge Sosa pen was the most depressing of all time.

I believe the 2015 Mets are a much better team. The 2007 team had glaring holes, and specifically, inconsistent pitching. If the bullpen situation ever got as bad as 2007, I believe they would insert Matz and Gee into the pen and bolster it that way.

Completely winnable game. Paid for that fuckup in the third inning. I am irrationally infuriated over tonight's game. Irritated about Gary talking about Kang being the first hitter from the Korean leagues. Dae Sung Fucking Koo.

Robles should have had this inning. O'Flaherty ready for the lefties. Bad managing by Collins here.