The Mets roster suffered a 10 man departure from 2021, as a result, the Mets have a slightly different look for the 2022 season.
The Mets got started immediately at HP (….at 8:52) as home squad - pushing 2 across in the first with a Woodmore 2 RBI rip. From there, the Mets put up a run in the 2nd, 2 more in the 3rd, and a singular in the 4th rolling the till to 6 for “the good guys”. The total offensive bill ended with a balanced approach of 9 hits and 7BB - lead by Brett Davis (2-2, 2*2b, 2R), Brendan Seman (2-4, 1SB, 1RBI), Denzel Herring (2-3, 1*2b, 1SB), Justin Chandler (2-4, 1SB, 1R). On the side of statistical oddities: Robey went 0-0 with 3bb (which hasn’t happened on an “opening day” in 15 years).
The Mets sent AJ to the hill for this one, and he opened a few eyes throughout going 6IP, not allowing a hit for 5.1 innings. Final line on AJ: 6IP, 1ER, 12K, 1BB, 1H, 2wp. The ball was then handed to CJ Noon to close it up: the 7th inning required a deep breath, but all was good in the end when CJ got the save.
Mr. Mets fund contributions: Nobody - although it should be noted that there was someone flirting with a fine because the opening lineup announcement featured 3 names being butchered.
The Mets got another matinee special at HP - and got started immediately (this time at 8:38) with a run in the first, 2 in the 3rd and a 3 spot in the 5th, rolling through 3 opposition’s pitchers. Offense was lead by multi-hit guys Jordan Mancillas (2-3, 1*2b, and 2RBI) and Nate Hill (2-3, 1*2b).
As visiting squad, the Mets sent Jack Geraghty to the bump, and while it took a minute for him to settle in, Jack brought the goods for the dub, with a final line of 5IP, 1ER, 6K, 3BB, 3H and 3 “painful” free passes. The ball was then passed to Jordan Mancillas to slam the door shut for 2IP even though 8BF was 2 more than a full “slam” effect.
Mr. Mets fund contributions: a sparkling doughnut for this one (however, we *may* nominate HP because those stupid batting cages remain locked up, and we could not get in to the knee-high weeds to retrieve baseballs that were fouled off.)
The carnival is in town, and the parking lot at HP is a bustling metropolis of trucks, cotton candy trailers and Ferris wheels. As a side show to the carni: the Mets and Americans played some ball on a chilly May evening and there was seemingly way too much air. More specifically, this bill came with a gift-tax of 26 total whiffs making this a pitchers duel between two southpaws. On the hill for the Mets: Anthony Juliano for his second start - going the balance with a final line of 13K, 1H, 2BB, 1 painful free pass, and one shut piece.
The Mets offense had the pleasure of facing a LHP (rumored to be a former Chanticleer) with a pace that can only be described as measured, laborious, precise or perhaps described best by Sandler as “a medium pace”. With this game being called by 1 umpire (a rare occasion), the tone was set somewhat early and the 2 runs that were put up in the 4th stuck for the Mets for the Dub. Top of the order guys, Seman, Chandler and Rangos were able to cash in on a knock/SB/2b/knock/SB combination to break the seal and put the 2 runs up.
Mets/home squad got in gear quick after the perfect one a subway ride away wrapped up. The visiting Marlins were struggling to get 9 for the first pitch, and scrapped together a 9th for game time.
The Mets sent Jack Geraghty to the hill (using that adjective somewhat loosely here, as FF could use a little love and clay there) and observed some real impressive stuff through 5IP, allowing 4 hits but a doughnut for runs. Final line here was 5IP, 9K, 4H, 1BB and 1 painful free pass. Not to be outdone, Justin Chandler put up some mop-up for the “save” with a tidy 1IP, 3BF, 1K performance.
The story of this game is the mini-explosion of offense that has seemingly been brewing for about a year (+) now. The Mets sent 38 men to the dish in this time-shortened affair, plowing in 13 hits, 3RE, and 5BB, along with some SB, and XBH making for a 2 tuddy lead in the end. Offensive performances of note came from Brendan Seman (2-2, 1*HR of the inside variety, 1*3b, 3RBI, and 2SB), Justin Chandler (2-4, 1*2b, 1RBI), Jordan Mancillas (2-3, 2RBI) and Nick Peters (2-3 with 1R).
Mr. Mets fund contributions: we’re gonna fine FF here for letting this field “go”. This place used to be a gem and worth the drive to play at, but apparently the pandemic has taken it’s toll on the field by the inability to use a reel-mower on the IF, or the mini-steam-roller on the basepaths during the past 2 years. Chances are that this contribution will be ignored.
Editors addendum: There was an incident where someone threw a bat at the ball (literally), ending in a foul back and the bat ended at the mound. That someone will catch some chit for the next few weeks, but in defense of the bat throw (literally at the ball) - the 1-2 pitch 4 inches off the dish at the knees was a strike given the score, and this someone did not want to strike out. This "incident" may be fine worthy, beers will be served next game!
Capital was the site for the visiting Mets, where the field took a tiny bit of rain in the afternoon and had some abnormally thick grass on the IF - The Mets got off to an early lead thanks to Rangos dialing 9 for a 2 run shot (the ball never to be found again) and never really looked back thereafter.
On the hill for the Mets, Jordan Mancillas - going 6IP facing just one over the minimum, and allowing 1 IF hit that lead to the unearned run, for a final line of 6IP, 6K, 0BB. The ball was passed to Brendan Seman for the save going 1IP for 1K and issuing 2 free passes.
Offensive performances of note came from Nick Rangos (2-3, 1HR, and one taco short of a second tader, landing for a 2B, + 2RBI), and Jordan Mancillas doing it on the other side of the ball as well, with a classic 0-0 with 3BB.
Mr. Mets fund contributions: Jason Strattard had a sombrero for the evening, but it shall be noted that a ball at the shoulders really should not be a strike for any team.
Mets suffer first L to Detroit Bat Boys* 7-3 at Kyte A
For future reference (again) - Kyte A is the field that is with the RF fence that is parallel and closer to Harper, so that you don’t go to the wrong field….
The boys in blue got down to business at Kyte on a late/Friday affair - the Detroit Bat Boys (*footnote: from this point forward will be referred to as “DBB” to limit the number of keystrokes required to type their full name) were able to match wits through out with youth and a steam tossing righty (“TJ Macallister” — with the WSU stirrups to offset the other colors).
The Mets got things started early, after a little tower-buzzing with a 1 run lead in the first. This was washed away in the bottom half, where DBB put up a 3 spot, and then added on another 3 in the second. Mets SP Justin Chandler stayed poised throughout, and ended the night with a final line of 4IP, 6R, 3ER, 5K, 52 pitches, 20BF - and proceeding to strike out the side before leaving the hill. The ball was tossed over to Jason Stattard who went 1, allowing a run on a walk and a hit, but keeping the youngsters in check by retiring with some weak contact after shaking off a bit of the rust. Brendan Seman closed it down with a tidy final inning, striking out the side.
The story of this affair (from the perspective of Mr. Met) is the lack of timely hitting. The Mets left 10 on, made a mess of the score book, and unfortunately, just could not mount the steed and get that rally to connect. Offensive performances of note: none. Lots of 1’s and 0’s populated the book, and the Mets look forward to the future meeting with the DBB.
Mets suffer second loss of season to Brewers 8-3 at HP
Summer feels like it is just around the corner, as it is starting to get consistently warm out. With the warmth will come more offense from the Mets, but … not on this fateful evening, where the visiting squad Mets were fed a forceful diet of smack talk and were just unable to string together a second rally when it was needed. The Mets sent Justin Chandler to the mound for his second start in as many games, as circumstances dictated such. Unfortunately Chandler’s day was cut short after 2IP; as he suffered the tough luck loss from the number of seeing eye knocks that the opposition ground out. From there; the ball was passed to CJ Noon who went 1IP, and then Brendan Seman who went the balance of 3IP, the pitching crew collected 6K, while issuing 8BB.
This game certainly did not go “as planned” for the Mets, as the offensive response was 3 runs on 5 knocks, 2BB, and a middle of the line up going 0-9 with 3 sombreros (ouch). No multi-hit games were recorded, and at least this game did not get rained out.
Mets look forward to a short memory and a game on Thursday - where a couple Mr Mets fund contributors will bring the post game cold ones.
This game was the first 90 degree day for the Mets, and it proved to be fun and a bit of a run-fest in the 1st, where the Mets rolled the order on some walks and hits, and stolen bases - … and then rolled the order again in the 2nd with much of the same. Big days all around as every single Met scored at least once. Statistical players of the game were Mancillas and Woodmore, combining with 4 hits, 6 runs and 7RBI in the middle of the line up. Lots of Pb was left in the scorebook, as the Mets sent 55 batters to the dish, putting up 3 tuddies and a field goal by way of 16 knocks and 16 BBs, along with a little bobble-itus on both sides.
Jordan Mancillas was sent to the hill for the Mets and went 3IP for the dub, despite a little soccer game that wouldn’t seem to go away behind him. The ball was then passed to Nick Rangos to finish it up in mop up, tossing to the old guy as battery mate. Final line on Nick was a tidy 3IP with 1H.
Mr. Mets fund contributions assigned to who ever keeps chewing on the pencil. Gross.
The Tuesday evening special at Kyte A - where the initial temperature projections were 309K - the Mets rolled as “home” for a game that featured too many runs for the opposition. In essence - the Mets’ attempt to tap the Rockies was thwarted by a beer recall (go ahead, google it) resulting in another evening with PBR post-gamers.
The Mets sent Anthony Juliano to the hill for a last second start after a sickness/time off that completely zapped the energy reserve out of the tank, the result: he took the tough luck loss going 3IP. The final line is being judged as dubious, and the ball was tossed to Jordan Mancillas for a couple IP, and then to Brendan Seman for the “mop-up-save” in the closing pair of innings. With an 11-spot evening out of the opposition; it shall be noted that a lot of sweat was left on the SCS hill from the Mets.
On the offensive side of the pill, Chandler, Rangos, and Herring each put up a multi-hit game, when the Mets collected 10 whiffs (about 9.5 too many) throughout.
Mr. Mets fund contributions came from: …we will go with 5$ for the EKG machine that was not at the field. There was a lot of excited gesticulations (from both Managers at the field) that drew the attention of the umpires resulting in a “dual bench warning.”
The rematch of the Mets/DBB was a looked forward to game for both, the result was a tightly contested affair. (Side note: this fateful evening was tight throughout the 18+ with *mostly* 1 run dubs). The home squad Mets sent Jack Geraghty to the bump and watched him move the FB around effectively throughout. Final line on Jack was a shiny 7IP, 3R, 2ER, 10K, 1 “painful” free pass; bringing a super solid appearance which was in line with the #41 Mets jersey (go ahead and google it).
On the offensive side of the rock, the Mets applied pressure throughout, collecting 6 knocks and pushing across 4 runs - not allowing the opposition to have one clean inning. A bit of a startling statistic is that the Mets left 8 on, and the only multi-hit-game came from Brendan Seman going 2-2 (one of those hits being of the “HP” variety).
Mets had a couple booted balls, but with the tying runner on 1b in the 7th, the defensive play of the game came from Denzel Herring in left with a beautiful diving catch to squash a rally that was lingering. This came after the over zealous Mets management pulled him in and toward the line, and the LH bat put a fly in the gap and watched DZ put it into another gear and fly through the air for a POTG catch.
The home squad Mets have waited for a bit to have the appropriate opportunity, but the stars aligned and Brendan Seman was sent to the hill for this one. There was a strict ‘limit’ that was in check, but not exceeded here, as the Mets watched Brendan command the zone, going the CG, with a squeaky clean final line of 8ip, 12 punchies, 0bb, 1R, 0ER.
This game was tight (as a banjo string) throughout. The Mets put up a run in the 4th, and thought that it would stand, but the unearned run in the 6th from the green guys tied it up. The walk-off play was slated up like any MSBL special - and no EIR was placed on 2nd. Woodmore spanked a worm-burner to 3b, and the throw across was a little high; that landed Woodmore on 2B. With one out in the bottom of the 8th, Nate Hill brought home the winning run with a scud in the L/C gap. Statistical standout in this one was Nate - going 2-3 hitting absolute line drives in every PA. Honorable mention goes to Denzel Herring with a 2 SB evening.
Mets road trip kicked off with excitement in 5-4 dub over ELB
The site was Ford Field, and apparently, there was a time warp because the field wasn’t quite game ready until 6:10, and I/O/warm-ups had to be run around the grounds crew. Early speculation is that the grounds crew had an extended late lunch at “the bench” and lost track of time. Either way - the Mets kicked it off with 1 in the first, 2 in the second, and another run in both the 4th and 5th. It was at this point that the Mets thought it would stick and it would be smooth sailin.... That was not the case as the Mets left on a startling 14 men on base through out. The Mets had a couple statistical standouts this evening, Brett Davis put up a 3-4 evening, CJ Noon put up an MSBL classic 0-0, and swiped a pair of bags and scoring 2 runs. In quick review of the scorebook, there was not one clean inning allowed to the ELB.
Not to be outdone (cue exciting/dramatic music), ELB contested with 4 runs, 3 of which came in the 6th that featured a couple plunks, a walk, and then a shot that beat the CF to turn out to be a triple. Starter Jordan Mancillas went 6IP, allowed 4ER on 4H, 3bb, and 3HB - while collecting 7 punchies. The ball was tossed to Justin Chandler for the close out of the game for the save, adding a ticket to the collection.
Mr. Mets fund: well, someone flirted with LOB consequence, and someone else may have flirted with the 0-2 pitcher’s mess/plunk rule, but these Mets will remain nameless.
On tap is the “battle of the Burroughs” at HP after the holiday. (Editor’s note: We’re curious if that orange guy who goes to all of the Marlins games will be in attendance that sits in plain view of the camera?) Speaking of: have a nice 4th of July, fellas!
Mets fall short to Jankees in subway matchup at HP 4-1
On this fateful evening, the Mets were able to declare victory in one statistical category - 2 broken bats of the Yanks to 0 for the Mets.
This was a tightly contested affair through out, where the difference maker was the first inning where Brendan Seman allowed a pair of runners to reach, and then left a low outside FB in the apparent sweet spot for Corey for him to go down to deposit a 3 run shot on to what once was Mr. Johnson’s porch - apparently is no longer because of a fire. Speculation is that the HP fireworks went terribly awry, and the blue house is the result. Brendan showed poise from the beginning to the end, his final line was 3ER, 9 punchies and one free pass.
On the offensive side of the nickel rock, (which is partially accurate, as the baseballs we use in this league are made in Cambodia instead of China) - the Mets scratched out 1 run on 3 GD hits, and a lot of air came through in this one, as was somewhat forecast - given the opposition's pitching offering of Sims/Tom was commanding the zone as expected. Statistical standouts here - nada; but a side comment here is deserved, as the “plebeian division” Mets were able to keep the game in check brining relatively E-free Defense and plate a run; which is more than other teams could muster in either division let alone those in the “noble division”.
Mr. Mets fund contributions - we will fine the firework that started the previously mentioned fire in Mr. Johnsons house. It is certain that an inanimate will be happy to toss a couple bucks in the kiddy for next game’s post-game brews, right?
The Mets were hustled through I/O and things got started at FF at 6:00(on the dot) with one of the guys in blue stuck in traffic. The Mets put a 2-spot up in the first, and added runs in every inning thereafter. The Mets piled on a bit pushing across 15 runs on 14 knocks, 10BB and 11SB. Statistical standouts came from the regular cast of characters - Brendan Seman finished 3-4, 4R, 3SB with “the hard one” away from the natural cycle, Justin Chandler going 2-4, 2R, 2SB and Brett Davis putting up a 2-4 4RBI performance. A couple other Mets knocked the pill well in this evening - Robey had a 3-4 game with 2RBI and 2SB, and Jason Strattard went 2-3 with 3RBI with a couple rip skuds.
As visiting squad, the Mets sent Jack Geraghty to the sandy, squishy mess that FF is calling a “mound” these days and watched him go 4.1 with a handful of punchies and the July heat got heavy, and his evening ended just under 5IP. The ball was tossed to Brendan Seman for the 1.2IP “save” of the softball score, it shall be noted that the Cubs do not go away easy and never have.
The game wrapped, and some sodas were consumed where memories of “yesteryear” were shared. Some league vets (including Godley) chopped it up about how the Mets/Cubs rivalry has been founded with a fantastic 15 year history. The fun part of the rivalry is that there are a number of current players who were still in diapers when it was initially cast.
Mr. Mets fund contributions: We’re gonna go with a $5 for FF. This place needs some love; and rounding second base is a hazardous activity for any. The mound has fallen apart, and the grounds crew leader does not seem to have the gas in the tank to bring this place to it’s former glory (that IF used to be cut with a reel-mower, come on boys!).
The rubber match, an early affair at Kyte 1 - the Mets got started as home team by sending Brendan Seman to the bump and he absolutely SHINED despite the early morning action - whipping through the DBB order, with a final line of 7IP, 25BF, 89 pitches, 12 punchies, a “free” pass, and the only earned run as a result of an out of position RF with a busted wheel.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Mets pushed on across in the 1st, but waited until the 5th and 6th to add on, leaving 7 on base through out. The Mets put pressure on every inning - there was not one “clean” inning allowed in this one. Offensive performances of note came from the normal cast of characters - Chandler, Rangos and Davis - each pounding the rock for 2 hits each, and collecting 6RBI combined. Additional multi-hit games came from Zac Foster with a sharp 2-2, 1BB, 1R, 2SB and Robey 2-2 with a 2b.
Mr. Mets fund finished at a -0-, as a result of Robey enacting the “swingin D” clause - because there’s a reason that OF is an “ICE” position for that guy. Before you go crazy and demand post game sodas because positional assignment is a management decision; don’t worry: post game sodas will be brought to the Tuesday game!
HP was the sight for a toasty one. Initial temperature projections were around 320K, and the Mets bats were a little hotter (around 325K). The Mets drove the pill for 19 knocks and a couple RE sending 42 men to the dish. As a result - many Mets had big days: Seman, Chandler, Rangos, Davis, Foster, Heins, Heins's puppy AND Juliano each brought 2 knocks to the party, and good gravy was used to ice this one.
On the other side of the rock, the Mets sent Anthony Juliano for his first start in a while - bringing an E-Rod-esque appearance going 5IP, allowing 2hits, 1*2b and punching 3 tickets. Then, Chandler took the hill for an inning whiffing 2, and then the croup de gras was Rangos taking the pill for an inning striking out the side with gas.
Postgame antics brought a newcomer who may have had to deal with a little trouble for bringing the pizza home a little later than initially projected, but that’s OK because MOD4 is open a little later these days. Also - the Mets sent a couple men to the game after to help out the bizcuits as subs, because the MLB ASG new rules were deemed to be dumb, and nobody really cared enough to go watch it…. And baseball is fun to play, right?
CraftBrews deal Mets an L in 4-3 divisional showdown
Mets and Brewers boarded the ship for an 815 affair at Clawson. The Mets kicked it off in the second with a SacFly from Zac Foster to score Mancillas, and then added a pair of runs in the 3rd with a few knocks to score Seman and Rangos. From there, it looked like it would stand, however: a couple miscues and some of the more bizarrely “hit” balls dropped in, and the CraftBrews took the lead in the 4th. Base traffic was pretty regular throughout from both sides, but the Mets proceeded to leave on 9 in this one, as the opposition’s pitcher seemed to gain steam through the evening.
The Mets sent Jordan Mancillas to the hill (plateau) and put up an appearance that should have been enough for the dub, but finished with a final line of 4IP, 4R, 3ER, 4K, and an atta-boy from the gang. Brendan Seman finished it off with 2IP and collected 2 punchies.
Statistical performances of note: nada.
Mr. Mets fund contributors: Big J. Strattard may have had a regular sombrero.
A beautiful day to be flossin in Clawson, where the plebeian division Mets locked horns with the annual powerhouse Redbirds of the royal division… a game that was characterized as tight as a banjo string with a little see-saw action that ended on the side of the Mets as home squad. The scoring was spaced, earned, and tied up going into the bottom of the 6th. In the bottom half of the 6th the Mets pushed the winning run across with a BB to start the rally that ended up coming around to score; and added a little geico for good measure.
The Mets sent Brendan Seman to the plateau that is generally referred to as a mound at Clawson, and watched him spin a gem - navigating the birds lineup is always a task - top to bottom. Brendans final line was 6IP, 115 pitches, 2ER, 7punchies, 3BB, 1HB, and one serious atta-boy from the Mets roster, top-down. The ball was handed to Justin Chandler to close it out, retiring the birds facing 3 in the final inning of the bout.
Offensive performances of note came from Chandler (2-3 with a 3b) Hill (2-2 with a BB) and Davis putting a linedrive into the fence in LF for a double. A couple other Mets did what they could to face the tall RHP Jesse Rometty, but the final offensive collective was 5 stingy hits (none of the “scratch” variety) with 5BB and a RE.
The Mets were scraping for 9 on this eventful evening —- it turns out that the opposition was straining to get 9 to the field just the same. The Mets brought the requisite 9 to pound the rock for 23 hits to push across 16 runs on 43 plate appearances. Every single Met that was able to make this affair had statistical stand-out games, populating many columns all over the place. Runs came in bunches, but it shall be noted that there was only one painful free-pass, and no bases on balls were issued throughout. With the amount of lead left in the book, we will allow the reader to navigate to the “team home page” to see the offensive attack-line (with a small shout out to Zac Foster who put up 3 doubles, each to the warning track).
On the other side of the rock, the Mets sent Justin Chandler to the bump, and watched him roll through the bizcuit batter for 6IP, allowing 5R, 2ER on 5 hits; and collecting 6 punchies keeping it tidy, even though there was a shot that separated JC from his glove resulting in a 1-3 in the 3rd inning.
Mr. Mets Fund contributions: this one got gnarly with the number of unearned runs that crossed. Someone playing 2b (adjective is being used liberally here) was rumored to be sent down to JV for the weak-showing, however, because only 9 made it: the bench was not an option. Trying to hide this player didn’t work either because - when he was later re-assigned to LF, it seemed that every hit ball went out that way, making for a party. It’s a good thing the “swingin-D immunity clause” can be enacted, because it’s been a very long time since Robey had a 4 hit game.
Mets even up season series with BrewCrew in 3-2 dub at Brother Rice
A warm nooner start time was the venue for the Mets/Brewers for the final matchup of the “regular” season.
As home squad - the Mets sent Brendan Seman to the hill (that is looking rather messy these days) and watched him carve the joint up - going the distance on what should have been a shut piece, but things got a little loose in the final inning for the flame thrower. Final line - 7IP, 4H, 1BB, 13 punchies, 0ER, and a solid presence for the home team.
The Mets put up a run in the 2nd by way of a lead off walk and a Foster RBI single - and it looked like it would stick…. However, some needed 2 run geico came in the bottom of the 6th with a Robey double, a Strattard single, a Seman scud RBI single, and a Chandler SacFly. The Mets persisted to add on a bit, but Rangos later pooped on one that the CraftBrew's LF made a spectacular running play that included a dive into the construction fence at the foul pole in left - coming up with the ball ending the inning that could have added a bit more. Editors addendum: the lone offensive performance of note came from Nick Rangos with a 2-3 afternoon.
Mr. Met’s fund contributions - - J-Chan was flirting with a sombrero, and later in the lot during postgame antics announced that he was so concerned with the funny hat that he made absolutely sure that he was able to put a bat on the backward pitcher’s offering (D.Little) that resulted in the sac fly. Ultimately, there was not a contribution - but it is fun to type/discuss potentials, right?
The site was Royal Oak whatever field where the Mets brought the visiting squad to the park, and just could not push across enough runs to bring the dub. The turf field was fast and as a result, there were a few errors that yield 3 unearned throughout, and SP Anthony Juliano finished with the final line of 5IP, 5R, 2ER, 4H, 1BB and 4 punchies. Jordan Mancillas closed it out with a clean final inning.
Editor’s sidebar, this field has many leprechaun references all over the place, and frankly it is difficult to trust any male with buckles on their shoes…. Or a guy in blue who may miss an obvious balk or two in addition to a couple obvious outs, but that is all ancient history now (believe it or not - blue has an ‘off’ night every now and again).
On the offensive side of the ball, the Mets put up 3 on the American’s steam throwing RHP with a combination of 4 hits, 5BB and one painful free-pass to the dome. The lone offensive performance of note came from Kenny Woodmore, putting up a 2-3 2RBI and a smoked double on the evening.
Mr. Mets fund contribution: we will request the leprechaun to drop a buck in the kitty for this field’s absolutely bizarre shape, inclusive of a 388 LF foul pole, and a 500+ shot into right because of the “multi-use” field, in addition to the “rule” for no metal spikes to follow when boarding the ship.
Mets Clinch Esler division in soggy dub 6-0 over Marlins
HP was the sight for a bit of a mess that had to be cleared before the first game. As a result, things got started a bit later than normal, and the Mets got a classic ~830 first pitch. Storms were looming all day, all afternoon, and every single person on all teams were watching the phone/radar closely.
In the middle game of the “road-trip” - the Mets put up a 3 spot in the 1st inning by way of a Cadillac double from Woodmore, clearing the bases and it turns out that was all that was needed in this affair. More runs were added in the 4th, and in the 5th, but - just as Chuck Gaidica would have predicted, the rain came in heavy, just as the Mets were pressing to add on, so: the game was reverted back to the score at the end of the 4th. Offensive performances of note: Brett Davis put up a sweet 0-0 (2BB, 2R, 1RBI) and Kenny Woodmore made a bid, took a picture, and finished the evening 2-2 (1*2b, 4RBI).
On the other side of the rock, the scheduled start was for Jordan Mancillas to go, but in warmups, about 5 pitches in, he felt a twinge in the lower mid back, and he was scratched. Justin Chandler came in to the rescue and ended up keeping it tidy with a final line of 4IP, 2H, and 3 punchies.
Fun fact, when you seemingly browse to the website to the standings it looks like the 18+Esler division is the “premium” one because it is listed first. In the end, baseball is baseball and we’re all happy to still be playing this kids game regardless of the divisional alignment. Mets “management” will be in support of a mixed division set up in the future seasons, like it was done during the COVID year. … or the way the MLB does it (not caring about expansion teams/startups)… so that you have a split of the top teams and all the rest balanced based on previous year record. This way, you could have a “championship” series in the season end (…right?)
Mr. Mets fund contribution: the rain will be fined $5. Seriously - everyone is gonna have to bust out the spit-shine equipment to clean the gear from that one. Yes, we did cover the field, and yes a quick post-game suds was put down after this one.
It was a muggy one, and it is quite possible that every player left a couple pounds in sweat from this affair at Novi (in addition to about a dozen baseballs that the forest monster ate). This game started in decent form, where the Mets plated 4 in the 2d - stringing together a couple walks and a couple hits- capped with a Seman and Chandler pair of shots. It looked like it was gonna stand, but the Expos put up a pair in the bottom of the 3rd, and then the air got a little thick after some of the Mets pointed out that some baseball norms were not really observed after a pitcher delivered a shot to the dome. A whole lot of chatter later and an audible warning was issued for both teams; the top of the 6th was the type of inning that is usually only seen in top 10 ESPN reels. Mancillas walked after ~10 pitches and Kenny Woodmore stepped to the dish where the count was quickly pushed to 1-2, and a FB was offered - and then deposited in the drink behind the LF gap fence leaving there little doubt that Kenny was looking to dial 9. Afterward, the Mets added a 3 spot for good measure, and then handled their biz for the remaining inning. Offensive performances of note came from Anthony Juliano (3-3, 2R), Brendan Seman (2-4, 2*2b, 4RBI, 1SB), Justin Chandler (2-4, 2SB) and Ken Woodmore with the bomb.
On the defensive side of the rock, Brendan Seman was on the hill, and tossing a heavy mess of smoke, and finished the day with a final line of 7IP, 2ER, 4H, 1BB, 1HB and 11 punchies.
Mr. Mets fund contribution: Ken Woodmore had a sombrero, however, the swingin D immunity clause is enacted here with that cooked tader.
The make up game from earlier this season, the Mets (home-squad) sent “Johnny Allstaff” to the hill comprised of Nick Peters, Brett Davis, Nick Rangos and Robey. All 4 runs were earned, and the grey beard had 3 of them.
On the offensive side of the rock, the Mets put the line up of 13 men resulting in 34 PA with a few statistical stand outs from Davis (2-3), Mancillas (2-2, 1R, 1RBI) and Denzel Herring (1-1, with a SB bringing the all-time single season club record with 23SB). Regarding club records: this being the 18th dub puts this group in a ‘tie’ for the single season wins record.
The Mets look forward to playoffs; where round one will be v the Biscuits next Thursday.
Mets advance to round #2 in dub over Biscuits 13-4
The Mets seem to be clicking (kinda) and in the first round of playoffs (cue Jim Mora) put up a healthy amount of offense to put this one in the books. The Mets sent an abbreviated version of Johnny Allstaff for this affair consisting of Seman, Juliano and Peters; collecting 11k between them, 1BB, and 4ER allowing more than a handful of hits.
On the offensive side of the rock, the Mets put up a 2 spot in the first, 1 in the 3rd (with a solo no-doubt tader from Brendan Seman) and then while the rain would seemingly not go away …. put up another 3 in the 4th (with a Mancillas skud double and a Robey line drive double) and then 6 in the 5th (with a couple walks, a Rangos double and Davis add-on) pushing the Biscuit’s SP off the hill, and an added uno in the 6th. Offensive standouts from this one: Seman, Rangos and Robey each put up a 2-3 evening, with Brett Davis putting up a 3-3 evening for the first time “in a while”.
Mr. Mets fund contributions: Nada.
The Mets will apply the spit-shine to the gear and meet the WhiteSox on Sunday at bro-rice.
Mets season ends on the improbable loss to the Whitesox: 5-4 at BroRice
Mets season ends in a loss to the Whitesox - where the Mets had a 4-1 lead going into the 5th, but the wheels came off with a couple knocks linked to a couple BBs and a hit batter led to the opposition to take the lead and sink the “ship” and all plans for “later this week”.
Statistical standouts of this game were Brendan Seman, Brett Davis and Denzel Herring each bringing 2 hits to what would end up being the final game of the year.
The 2022 Mets commanded the Esler division from early season action, not ever taking the foot off the gas from the first week on. The Mets brought a total of 19 wins on the season, and seemingly stopped just short given this special group of guys who gelled nearly from the very beginning in spring practices.
This cast of 18 characters required near 40 men to make up a re-constructed crew for the Mets - comprised of 15 “regulars.” This was a rebuild of sorts, and while a move to the Esler division was a bit of a debated decision, the Mets will consider this a successful season, going 3-2 against Pistono division teams.
Justin Chandler joined the Mets for another season, and played solid defense anywhere he played. On the offensive side of the ball, J-Chan put up a career best 31 hits with a solid 0.383 BA while filling in the #2 spot in the batting order. Justin did some time on the bump, and while he was subject to a couple tough luck losses, he was able to impress with a save against the Redbirds during a tough spot in the schedule.
Brett Davis took another season of abuse behind the dish while putting up a commanding 0.415 BA and batting in 19 runs and taking a couple innings on the hill. Brett did serious damage as the cleanup guy and seldom whiffed meaning that every pitcher had to work his way to get him out. Next year, we will push Brett along a bit so that he can break his statistical trend.
Zac Foster joined the Mets as a D-MSBL rookie and was able to take the majority of reps at 1b. Big Zac (attack) put up a solid hot streak during the middle of the season and hit the ball real well finishing up with a BA of 0.229 and 3 doubles (one with a busted wheel).
Jack Geraghty joined the Mets as another D-MSBL rookie and the lone “PO” on the roster. Jack rounded out the season with a nice 4-0 record, commanding the zone bringing a 12.9 K/9 and ERA of 3.38. Once things wrap up over at Concordia we hope to see more of Jack in the future.
Jacob Heins returned to the Mets for another season of shenanigans - though it was a little bit of a ‘down’ year for him at the dish finishing just over .200, we are going to state that he most certainly shined as most improved defensive player - holding it down in the OF where ever and whenever called upon to do so.
Denzel Herring joined the Mets as another D-MSBL rookie and brought the speed in a serious way for this season. DZ played LF and CF, hit around 9/10 of the order and proceeded to swipe a club single season record 24 bags. When DZ was on base, it was not a matter of if, but rather a matter of *when* he would be stealing the next bag.
Nate Hill joined the Mets as another D-MSBL rookie and did some time in RF - even though his primary spot is/was 1b. At the dish, Nate brought a solid .333 BA, and 0.911 OPS. Nate will have a good year at school and we expect that he will return a Met nex year.
Anthony Juliano brought the southpaw goods to the Mets for another year, even though there were a few weeks there where AJ was on super-hiatus. The final record for AJ was 3-2 with a tidy ERA of 3.41, but the more impressive statistic for AJ was that he lead the Mets in the department of BA (0.538).
Jordan Mancillas returned to the Mets for another season and proceeded to pound the rock - putting up a commanding 0.429BA and an eye popping 1.201 OPS. Jordan also did some time on the mound, and finished with a 3-2 record while leading the offense at the same time.
CJ Noon joined the Mets as another D-MSBL rookie; coming off a TJ repair, and being red-shirted at Hope college. While switch hitting and playing middle infield, CJ also did a bit of time on the mound as a hard throwing LHP. Being able to switch hit is hard enough, throwing with both hands is more impressive, and we look forward to next year after he gets a year with the crew at Hope.
Nick Rangos joined the Mets as another D-MSBL rookie and split time behind the dish and typically crushed the ball in the 3 spot. We met Nick in the winter workouts and while splitting time catching - he shared the team lead in doubles. While hitting 0.411 he also took 7 innings on the hill to pump gas.
Nick Peters returned to the Mets this year as one of the longest active members of the roster. Work got in the way a bit, but the season was a positive one for Nick knocking the pill for 0.310 on 30PA, and then took the ball on the hill for 4 innings and commanded the zone for a very respectable 2.25 ERA.
Brian Robert returned to the helm as “manager” this year, and took a fair amount of abuse while making it to every game this year. Robey did display a little bit of “dad strength” spanking the ball finishing with a handful of doubles and a BA of 0.299 while playing utility guy - making an appearance this season at every position except for SS and CF. The old guy of the group continues to emphasize the brotherhood while being persistent about the importance of fundamentals.
Brendan Seman returned to the Mets after joining the crew in 2021 for a few games toward the end. Brendan did not disappoint as he led the team in IP (50.2), HR (2), 3b (7), BB (19) and Runs (30). After the initial statement was that pitching was going to be “on a limited basis only” Brendan proceeded to lead the team as the unexpected 1SP. After another year of school, we will welcome Brendan and the family for another year of smiles in the seasons to come.
Jason Strattard came to the Mets after a few years of being in Kentucky for work. Jason was another former member of the team that is now the Expos, and when the word was out that he was moving back to Michigan, he was immediately welcomed and played effective/efficient utility though he is a former pitcher and 1b. Big J finished the season with a respectable 0.293 BA and expecting another youngster to enjoy Pearl Jam shows on a global basis.
Ken Woodmore returned to the Mets as SS and captain of the infield for another season. Kenny was the regular 5/6 hitter, and proceeded to lead the team in Cadillac doubles, RBI (23) and big smiles. Offensively, Kenny got quite hot toward the end of the season, and put the middle of the lineup in gear when things started to click.
The other 2 members of the roster (Cody Kern and Billy Blair) were unfortunately unable to make it out to the field this season, but they will be welcomed to give it a shot in future years.
While this season drew to an anticlimactic conclusion, it truly was a breath of fresh air to share half of summer with this group of guys. One may say that ‘......there’s always next year’
Mets Schedule