Haven't seen the new Get Smart movie yet, but I'm a big fan of the Don Adams classic, so excuse the reference for Endy Chavez's almost-catch of Troy Glaus' game-winning home run last night. How close was it? Chavez thought he had a great read on the ball, but knew he missed it when the ball made a deafening thud off the Geico billboard behind his glove.
Nothing against Carlos Muniz, but when he entered for the ninth, it seemed like just a matter of time. Someone was going to hit the walkoff -- Pujols, Ankiel or Glaus -- and that's exactly what happened. Pujols, stuck on HR No. 299, took a huge hack but popped up foul to David Wright. Ankiel, who already had homered off Pedro Martinez, pushed Carlos Beltran up against the centerfield wall with a 400-foot fly ball. And then, of course, it was Glaus' turn. It was like a round of Home Run Derby.
Well, Muniz got a ticket back to Triple-A New Orleans following the game and the Mets will call up an outfielder for tonight's game. It looks like Oliver Perez will be available out of the bullpen if needed.
In other news, Pedro Martinez says he isn't ready to quit yet. I'm sure the Mets are relieved. And Castillo -- brace yourselves -- is still hurting. Moises Alou is now pencilled in for Monday in Philly, as long as he survives any drama in Binghamton.
Comments (1)
What was a rookie pitcher doing in a tie game in the ninth?
Muniz has not been impressive thus far. I also don't understand the Vargas demotion. Last night would have been the perfect time to have Vargas pitch 2 to 3 innings. He would not have fared any worse than the fleet of relievers they used. He was demoted because he gave up runs in a game the Mets had already lost two weeks ago vs. Seattle. Talk about a tired bullpen? Keep running five pitchers out there every night. That's why you have long relievers. As for offense, trade off the minor league prospects and get Matt Holliday for LF. Forget Alou, Trot, Andy Phillips, even F-Mart. Holliday bats .309 on the road to prove he is not just a good hitter in Colorado. The Mets can throw in Heilman and take Brian Fuentes off their hands as part of the deal. It's time to generate some offense and not worry about using 5 pitchers to preserve a precarious lead.