Game chat: Young righties duel; Rollins scratched

After a day to decompress, the Mets look to snap a nine-game losing streak against the Phillies, who try for their third straight win. Jimmy Rollins is a late scratch, according to 950-AM radio.

Summary: It’s been a quiet day for Phillies fans, but it’s been a busy day for Mets faithful, filled with impassioned finger pointing directed every which way, as they try to wrap their heads around another blown game against their division rivals. The season may be young, but the mood surrounding Metsblog today was that of urgency, as they try to leave he haunting memories of 2007 behind them. ... It was also a busy day for the Mets' front office. Orlando Hernandez was refitted with a medical boot and will be reevaluated in two weeks, so in the meantime, they reportedly agreed on a minor league deal with Claudio Vargas. Seems like a good emergency fit for Omar and the Mets.

Kyle Kendrick (1-0, 7.20 ERA) has faced the Mets once and pitched well against them, going 6 2-3 and giving up two runs. His opponent in that game was Mike Pelfrey (5-9, 5.55 ERA in 2007), making his 2008 debut here. ... Eric Bruntlett starts and bats second in place of Rollins, according to the radio report. Shane Victorino shifts into the leadoff spot. [Live Boxscore]

Comments

[CJ]

MLB.com says Pelfrey hasn't pitched in 11 days. Wow.

[phargo]

I hope Jimmy Rollins will get well soon. It seems like a good idea to give him the night off to do that.

Go Phils!

[Morty]

I'm glad the team is erring on the side of caution with Rollins. Even though not having him on the field tonight could cost us the game, and even more joy at the misery of Mets fans, it's so early in the season to push it. I would hate to this injury linger and/or develop into something worse.

[Mike Cunningham]

Tonight is not necessarily a must win for the Mets... but with Adam Eaton -- Mets Killer lurking tomorrow... a win tonight for the Fightin's could mean sweep...

and a sweep would be devastating for them.

boo hoo.

I'd like to see if being in the top of the order helps Shan-o at all.

[AWH the RBP]

If Pelfrey hasn't pitched in 11 days, what pitchers will show up?

A guy with electric stuff who dominates because he's not tired? or, a guy who can't find the plate?

This is going to be very interesting.

[patrick]

Kyle Kendrick's strength is that he's almost always kept the Phillies in the game and gave them a chance to win. He's not overpowering but he doesn't lose his head like Myers does at times and pitches smart like Jamie Moyer usually does. He needs command of his pitches but if he does he'll rarely give up more than 4 runs in 6 innings pitched. Here's to hoping I didn't just jinx my boy Kendrick but I'm a Kendrick fan and believer. Go Phillies!

[Andy]

I have a meeting tonight, so the Phils need to score a gazillion runs so I can get back for the last few innings.

Light'em uo, guys.

P.S. I hope that Heilman guy gets to pitch; I just love that guy.

[Andy]

errr....
Light'em "up"

[diggitydave]

Of course the Phils offense isn't as potent without J-roll at the top of the order; still, it really shouldn't make a difference as this team should pound a AAAA pitcher like Pelfrey with or without their catalyst.

I wonder how many more times Utley is going to be hit tonight??

[CJ]

Anyone think our better lineup tonight may have been:

Victorino
Utley
Burrell
Howard
Jenkins
Feliz
Ruiz
Bruntlett

I guess I'm just not sure what we're going to get out of Bruntlett tonight. That guy better damn well at least take some pitches!

[Morty]

If I'm a Mets fan, I want to see Utley get plunked for real. Of course that might get their pitcher tossed.

If that happens should the Phils get into a battle, tit for tat, and risk helping the Mets grow a pair, or do they keep their cool and realize the Mets will only get more and more frustrated that way?

[bay_area_phan]

I had a vision about how tonight's game will unfold. It goes like this:

The Mets hit Kendrick hard, scoring 5 runs in 5 innings. Pelfrey cruises along for 4 perfect innings, before yielding a solo homer to Howard in the 5th and 2 more runs in the 6th. The bullpens battle to a stalemate through 8. Entering the 9th, it's 5-3, Mets.

Wagner comes in to close out the game. Utley leads off with a walk. Howard and Burrell strike out. Werth, now in for Jenkins, hits a routine grounder to SS, but Reyes muffs it for an error. Cholly then uses Rollins to pinch hit for Feliz & Rollins strokes a 2-out, 3-run homer to give the Phillies a lead. Lidge closes out the game in the 9th.

After the game, Wagner chews out Reyes for muffing the routine grounder. The two come to blows & David Wright has to intervene. A 3-man brawl ensues in which all end up with broken bones, and out for 2 months.

[CJ]

Morty: For me, it depends on the game situation. For the most part, I'd rather we not get involved in anything. We should treat the Mets like they just don't matter to us. That'll piss em off even more.

Now... if they truly cross the line, you have to stand up for your teammates. I don't think it'll come to that, however.

[MG]

CJ - Agreed. Bruntlett in the 2nd hole is kind of puzzling. Not exactly the guy you want getting an extra AB.

[clout]

Against a guy like Pelfrey if Vic is gonna leadoff he needs to be told this: You will take at least 5 pitches every at bat. If, at any time, he takes fewer than 5 pitches he will be benched 1 game per pitch short of 5.

Pelfrey has control issues at the best of times. With him coming off an 11-day layoff, the last thing the Phillies need to do is go up there hacking.

[CJ]

bap: Ha!

[Morty]

CJ:

That's where I'm at, unless it's something truly egregious. I'd rather keep our mental edge, and I think if we brawled it would be to our disadvantage.

BAP:

Sounds good to me.

[clout]

MG: So who do you bat in the 2 hole if not Bruntlett? You surely can't bat him 6th because he's got less power than even Nunez. And to bat Senor Out higher than 7th is madness. Hell, batting him above 8th is near-madness especially since Ruiz is faster and better.

[CJ]

It's kinda nice being in a game against the Mets where it's not nearly as much of a must win for us as it is for them... when's the last time that happened?

[Morty]

What about Ruiz 6th, and Brunlett 8th?

CJ:

Yesterday.

[CJ]

clout: I had suggested Chase 2nd, Feliz 6th (I know, I know), Ruiz 7th and Bruntlett 8th.

[clout]

CJ: Bruntlett got on base 35% of the time last season. Feliz got on base 28% of the time. Who would you bat higher?

[CJ]

Morty: Sure, maybe yesterday. Although I think there was equal importance for both teams. I thought we needed it as much as them. But maybe I'm overstating the importance for us.

[CJ]

clout: I guess it's the unknown for me with Bruntlett. Others may have a better sense of what he offers. Believe me, I'm not a big proponent of giving Feliz any more at bats than is necessary. I'm just not sure what we'll get out of Bruntlett.

[MG]

Clout - Agree with CJ about bumping up Utley to the 2nd hole. Yeah Feliz in the 6th hole isn't ideal but neither Feliz or Chooch have been swinging a decent bat.

[clout]

MG: You don't think Chooch is a better hitter than Feliz?

[MG]

Torch thing was wild out here in SF. Was thinking of watching the game in a sports bar up there but the thought of listening to Joe Morgan for 9 innings was enough to convince me otherwise.

[CJ]

clout: I believe Chooch is a better hitter, but we know there's no way Charlie moves Chooch ahead of Feliz, right?

I was suggesting a lineup that might actually happen.

[clout]

CJ: Here is what Bruntlett gives you: 0 chance of power, 35% chance of a single or walk. He doesn't strike out much either.

[clout]

CJ: You're right about Charlie. And given that fact, I'm glad he's got Bruntlett in the 2 hole.

[CJ]

clout: Not striking out is good. Hopefully both he and Vic can take some pitches tonight and get on base a few times.

[MG]

Clout - Marginally. Ruiz is more likely to take a walk and a couple of pitches but neither guy has been swinging a decent bat so far.

Phils are going to need some production from Howard tonight with JRoll out though.

[RF]

what is up with espn2, where the hell is the game

[CJ]

Well, clout... Vic will see at least 5 pitches this at bat.

[CJ]

I see it on ESPN2... are you blacked out?

[MG]

From the ABs I have seen so far, Feliz certainly has struggled but actually hasn't tried to pull every single pitch which is actually kind of surprising.

He tried this a little bit the last two years in SF though before reverting back to trying to pull every single pitch.

[Morty]

Just turned on the game and Brunlett is already at bat. How many games does Vic sit out?

[clout]

CJ: That is the key to the game in my opinion. If Vic and Bruntlett go up there hacking it will make it easier for Pelfrey to shake off the rust.

[RF]

yes, im pissed, i got stephen a smith talking on espn2 right now wtf

[CJ]

Morty: It took 6 pitches to get Vic to strike out.

Bruntlett swung at the second pitch.

[MG]

Clout - Feel the same way. Last thing you want to do is let a guy who has thrown in 11 days start to find his grip and feel comfortable.

[Zach Morris]

Joe Morgan guarantees that Kendrick pitches well tonight.
We can all take it easy.

[Malcolm]

It's not on ESPN2 here because it's "local" here in Connecticut; however, I don't have SNY. Meanwhile, I can't get it on MLB.tv because it's on ESPN2.

SCREW ME.

[clout]

If the ump doesn't give Kendrick that outside corner, it's gonna be a long night.

[Rico Brogna]

Blacked out here as well (live in South Jersey). I have to watch on CN8.... which they don't offer in HD.

Bummer.

[Zach Morris]

RF: tvants://list.tvants.com/tvants/?k=d93556b54ce1197f2d4a40bf8902e5de
Finally I get to watch a game on regular tv.

[RF]

oh yes, i live in philly and i got it on CN8

[spartanburg phillies]

Malcolm, MLB.tv worked for me (on the SNY feed), but I'm in South Carolina. Thanks, all, for letting me know about ESPN2. I was getting tired of my somewhat laggy connection tonight.

[MG]

Wow. Infield defense woes continue.

[RF]

thanks tho, Zach Morris, loved u at bayside

[diggitydave]

jesus utley has got to make that play

[CJ]

The Sparkle City?!?!?

Wow... didn't know there were any Phils fans there. (Lived in Greenville for 3 years).

[Andy]

Someone forgot to tell Utley that tonight was a bad night for fielding errors.

[MG]

Victorino is probably going to get another workout today. Flyin' Hawaiian showing some nice leather early in the season.

[Sophist]

MG

Terrible play by Utley there

[Malcolm]

SP: Then it's cause I'm supposed to have SNY here. This sucks.

[spartanburg phillies]

There are actually a lot of PA imports here (myself included). Don't know whether they are Phillies phans...the Atlanta strain is very virulent around here.

[MG]

Sophist - Not picking on Utley but every Phils' infielder has been terrible in the field so far this year. Mental errors galore and bungling some relatively routine plays.

[clout]

that last pitch might've been KK's changeup

[RF]

is everyone hitting refresh all the time or is there a better way to do this?

[Andy]

I don't like that KK's sitting high in the zone (and above). It does not bode well for a pitching duel.

[Rico Brogna]

DirecTV is the worst. Comcast won't let them carry CSN or CN8, so I don't get the games there. Extra Innings and MLB.tv both get blacked out, so I can't see them there either.

I have to go to friends' houses that have Comcast to see any Phills games.

[Squonk64]

Whoa. The Philies are on ESPN2. (At least here in DC.)

[Andy]

RF - it's the beerleaguer way...

we love the refresh button almost as much as Aaron Heilman.

[Jack]

It just me or is the ump calling this zone real tight? Kendrick needs to get calls or else this could be a long night. Mets have already shown this inning they can hit him hard.

[MG]

Kendrick hasn't been crisp but the strike zone is really small to start this game.

[CJ]

Kendrick can't be wild. Period. His stuff isn't nearly good enough.

The 1 called strike to Delgado appeared to be a changeup on the inside corner. Delgado totally quit on the pitch. That's the pitch KK needs to master to be effective against lefties. They just do not bite on his outside breaking stuff.

[RF]

haha why aaron heilman?

[Andy]

Coach: Kyle...
KK: Yes, coach.
Coach: Only got three bases.
KK: Oh...
Coach: Throw effin strikes.
KK: Oh. Okay.

[p.Red]

@Rico Brogna: Don't blame DirecTV. Blame Comcast for screwing the out-of-town Philly sports fan out of ever getting to see the local coverage of Phillies, Sixers or Flyers games. I hate Comcast.

[MG]

Easley is a hacker. Have to get him to chance some garbage here.

[Andy]

RF: go to B-Ref, look at Heilman's splits, look at his career numbers against the Phils.

He's been a godsend.

[Zach Morris]

Can anyone imagine an uglier 1 run inning?

[CJ]

Way to go Bruntlett! Getting Kyle out of trouble.

[Andy]

Gotta go. Time to light it up, guys.

[Rico Brogna]

Yeah my beef is with Comcast. I read that there was some loophole that allowed them to do it.

I have no issue with DirecTV, it just sucks for their subscribers.

[Sophist]

True, Kendrick wasn't sharp in the first, but if Utley makes that out to first Beltran flys out for the third out - no runs score.

Defense is obviously crucial. Also, you can't walk Jose Reyes. The guy rarely walks and won't hurt you with the bat.

[CJ]

Good news... KK has a no-hitter going through 1.

[The Theory]

Kyle pulled a Kendrick to escape that with only one run.

[Malcolm]

Man, so I bought this Wild Blue beer today, thinking to get something different; and it was a blueberry beer, so I thought, "heck, I like blueberry beers."

It's freakin' grape juice laced with alcohol. This is horrendous. Bad purchase, good lesson.

[MG]

24 pitches in the first inning. Cholly will probably be fortunate to get 5 innings tonight from Kendrick again. Wonder if the Phils think C. Durbin can throw 120 innings in relief.

[RF]

ah of course

[The Flying Hellfish]

Pelfrey wears a mouthpiece on the mound or is he getting his teeth adjusted?

[Zach Morris]

Wow, thanks for the update ESPN2. Please return me to my programming.

[MG]

Howard's offense continues to be MIA.

[RF]

howard is on pace to shatter his own SO record, he needs to change that

[Jack]

Honestly, my expectations are somewhat low tonight with no Rollins and Kendrick on the mound.

Pat stays hot. MVP. Keith Hernandez just referred to him as the "Met Killer", I love it.

[Malcolm]

Nothing like Eduardo Perez struggling through a sentence.

Phils are getting squeezed. Ump is horrendous. Like this beer.

[MG]

Inconsistent umpires. Hate'em. Call something one way all day but don't get selective.

[Rico Brogna]

@ The Flying Hellfish

Pelfrey wears a mouthpiece because he tends to stick out his tongue when he pitches. It's a preventative measure.

[diggitydave]

Too much swinging and missing against a guy with relatively straight stuff, no?

[RF]

chase will get myp this year, but just in case he doesnt, burrell will

[RF]

mvp*

[The Flying Hellfish]

Hellfish says that's gay. ( ;

[Squonk64]

UR welcome, Zach. It's nice to know I'm useful.

[Malcolm]

I've had one of these Wild Blues (8% alcohol) and already the anchor on ESPNews is kinda cute.

Wow.

[MG]

Can Senor Out contribute here?

[The Flying Hellfish]

Anyone smell a GDP here?

[The Theory]

I just shouted "yes" out loud!