Gameday Thread, #50: 5/29 vs. Mets

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 4:54 PM EDT in News Comment 113 comments

Claudio Vargas, RHP (5-2, 4.93)

Steve Trachsel, RHP (2-4, 4.99)

Let's see if our rotation can keep going on this phenomenal streak of quality starts, now up to eight. Indeed "quality" seems an understatement in the case of the Reds series, where they averaged seven innings each, with an ERA of 0.43. I think we'd settle for that ERA, or even half a dozen times that, in this series against the Mets.

Vargas did well enough for the win last time out, pitching six frames and allowing only two first-inning runs; Trachsel got lit up by the Phillies, with a toasty six earned runs in five innings. His starts in May have seen steadily-increasing control issues, and steadily-decreasing strikeouts, so patience may prove particularly beneficial.

The Mets are only seventh in runs scored in the league, and have been doing it mostly with pitching - their 3.91 ERA trails only St. Louis and LA. However, outside of Pedro and Tom Glavine, their rotation has been a work in progress: El Duque, who won yesterday against Florida, is the tenth different starter they've used this year already. We won't see him or Glavine this series though.

Infielder injury alert! But, before you rush out to buy your Drew shirts, I should mention Counsell feels fine - it's Damion Easley, whose back has been playing him up. The Diamondbacks are hoping he'll be able to avoid any DL time, but if he does, we'll likely see more of Andy Green, with Alberto Callaspo called up to fill the pine-riding spot.

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Today's lineup

C. Counsell ss .306
E. Byrnes cf .322
C. Tracy 3b .292
L. Gonzalez lf .288
C. Jackson 1b .297
S. Green rf .335
J. Estrada c .313
O. Hudson 2b .238
C. Vargas p .077

Looks like we should have the edge in hitting today. We have four players over .300 and another two above .290 - the Mets have only two above .280. Though their pitcher is batting 111 points better than Cruz, so that's an edge for them. :-)

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 6:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Looks like a rain-delay

Hopefully they'll get it under way before much longer.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 7:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

7:45

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 7:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I mean

4:45 Arizona time i think...

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep, just about there...

Left-handers batting .325 off Trachsel. Six in the lineup tonight, including Estrada and Hudson, the switch-hitters.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Julia Stiles...

Throwing out the first pitch. Fill in your own joke there.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 7:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That was an odd pitch

Looked like it was a liner...

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

1 out

Meh.

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 7:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

game on

Webb=Cy Young

by webby17 on May 29, 2006 7:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Byrnes!

HOMERS!!!!! 1-0!

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 7:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good start.

Let's get on Trachsel's case early...

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 7:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Tracy

Got a single

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 7:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

byrnes

HOMERS

Webb=Cy Young

by webby17 on May 29, 2006 7:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

tracy

singles

Webb=Cy Young

by webby17 on May 29, 2006 7:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

BB for Gonzo

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 7:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

gonzo walks

cmon cojack

Webb=Cy Young

by webby17 on May 29, 2006 7:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Crowd seems upset

At Trachsel already. These Mets fans aren't exactly patient, are they? One out in the first, only one run scored, and they're booing their starter.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 7:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

So glad to see a game today

When I tuned in to The Andy Griffith Show on KWBA, I knew it was rain delay time. I was so depressed. I thought the Rain Gods had ruined my Memorial Day, but the Baseball Gods won out today!

by azshadowwalker on May 29, 2006 7:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Craps

CoJack Ks on 3 strikes.

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 7:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Full Count...

*gulp.

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 8:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Boo

That splitter looks like it was on the edge

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 8:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That was a bit disappointing.

Two on with one out, but Jackson and Green K to end it - Green looking at strike three. Made Trachsel work a bit though (26 pitches), and we do have the lead.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 8:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Vargas gets out of a jam!

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 8:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hudson

Ks Man.

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 8:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

1-2-3 inning...

Meh.

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 8:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

BB for Wright

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 8:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I remember the D-Backs

wanted to trade Johnson to the Mets in 2004 for Wright.

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting idea...

But what would have done with Tracy?

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

FU*K

Dalgado Rips a double

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 8:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Comment-Bot

*Beep* Danger, Will Robison!

Based loaded, no outs.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 8:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That "quality start" streak...

Is now in serious trouble. If we get out of this only two runs down, that'll be a blessing.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 8:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

There goes the streak...

Another double for Lo Duca. Four runs in.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 8:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Officially over

LoDuca's 2nd double makes it 4-1. If this continues, we might see a Jarvis appearance

by William K on May 29, 2006 8:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I reckon...

Three runs is certainly within our potential. I suspect, however, that it is also within the Mets potential to add on...

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 8:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

and it pours

Things all set for a major rain delay. field's covered and now the wait for the rain to stop.

by frienetic on May 29, 2006 8:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And the rain is here again

Game delayed

by William K on May 29, 2006 8:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No bad thing

A do-over would be particularly welcome. ;-) Though I suspect it'd just be finished up tomorrow afternoon instead.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 8:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Since it's a rain delay....

This might jinx him, but Garrett Mock has a no-hitter through 6 innings down in Tennessee. He has walked 4 though so not sure if he can pitch all 9. The Smokies are leading 3-0 against the Carolina Mudcats

by William K on May 29, 2006 9:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Guess I did jinx him

Leadoff single in the 7th

by William K on May 29, 2006 9:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And we're back in NY!

Leadoff double for Counsell, but Byrnes fans.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 9:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And that's it...

Tracy flies out, and Gonzalez grounds out, stranding Counsell at second.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 9:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Leadoff man aboard again

This time Jackson with a single. Let's hope for more production from the guys who follow.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 9:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And now Green doubles...

Men on 2nd and 3rd, no out, but the bottom third of the order coming up. Estrada and Hudson need to get the job done: I'm more optimistic about the former than the latter!

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 9:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RBI Estrada

4-2 after the sac fly. Green to 3rd with 1 out for Hudson

by William K on May 29, 2006 9:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RBI sac fly for Estrada

Green to third. Same again from Hudson?

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 9:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Another sac fly

by Hudson makes it 4-3

by William K on May 29, 2006 9:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yep. Sac Fly for Hudson

4-3, bases empty for Vargas.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 9:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Is there an echo in here? :-)

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 9:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

...here...here...here.

Yes. Me. :-)

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whoa.

Double for the .077 hitting Vargas.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 9:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Vargas doubles!?

Counsell up with RISP and 2 outs

by William K on May 29, 2006 9:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Counsell pops out

but good for the D'Backs to hit back for 2 runs. Trachsel looks hittable today

by William K on May 29, 2006 10:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Byrnes homers again

2nd solo shot, ties the game at 4

by William K on May 29, 2006 10:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Tracy almost makes it back-to-back

but flies out to deep center

by William K on May 29, 2006 10:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Eric is having a good day.

Prepare for the 'Mets suffer second-degree Byrnes' headlines. :-).

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 10:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Looks like that Beltran fly...

Just stayed in the park too.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 10:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Lo Duca gets his 3rd hit

and reaches 3rd with 2 outs but Vargas strands him there. 4-4 after 5 innings

by William K on May 29, 2006 10:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Byrnes

Would you swap him in the lineup with Jackson, the way he is hitting? Byrnes has only 20 RBIs with his 8 homers

by William K on May 29, 2006 10:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good question...

I might be inclined to put Gonzo in the #2 hole, frankly. Move Tracy down to #4, after Byrnes perhaps? I dunno...

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Floyd homers in the bottom of the 6th

Mets go back ahead 5-4

by William K on May 29, 2006 10:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Another homer by Valentine

6-4 Mets

by William K on May 29, 2006 10:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Both starters out of the game

DaVanon pinch-hitting for Vargas to lead off the 7th

by William K on May 29, 2006 10:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

DaVanon draws a walk

against Heilman. Top of the order up, including Byrnes

by William K on May 29, 2006 10:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Runners at the corners

DaVanon steals 2nd and reaches 3rd on single by Counsell

by William K on May 29, 2006 10:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Here we come again...

Men on the corners, no-one out. I do like the way this team never gives up.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 10:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Byrnes strikes out

It'll be up to Tracy now

by William K on May 29, 2006 10:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

3-run shot Tracy!

D'Backs go up 7-6

by William K on May 29, 2006 10:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And he delivers!

Homer Tracy!

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 10:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

...racy...racy...racy

And, better yet: no K's today. GOOD boy! :-)

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 10:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Damn

I knew something big would happen. But Damn that was a shot.

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 10:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Going by GameDay

Doesn't look like any of the three homers we've hit today have been cheap shots. Not sure how accurate that is though!

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 10:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nine outs left.

Be interesting to see who Melvin goes to in the bullpen for these last three innings. I do *not* want to see Valverde in there if it's still a one-run game, frankly, but might it be a bigger hit to his confidence if he doesn't get the call?

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 10:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

1-run lead with 3 innings left

Let's see if there is a shakeup in the A-list bullpen

by William K on May 29, 2006 10:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well this heartattack game

has brighten up my lousy day today. Man.

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Medders to relieve.

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 10:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Gotta cool off Beltran

even tho he is on my Fantasy team.

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 10:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

1 more out!

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 10:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wooo!

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 10:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

We go down quietly in the eighth...

I assume we won't see Lyon for a third straight day. Julio or Vizcaino perhaps?

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 11:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Vizcaino it is.

Fingers crossed...

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The irony...

Gonzalez: 1 ER in six innings = no decision
Vargas: 6 ER in six innings = in line for the W.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 11:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That ol' double-play magic...

Strike him out, throw him out, and the Mets are down to their last three outs. I'm reaching for the ulcer medication...

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 11:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Double play

of a strike-em-out, throw-em-out kind!

7-6 after 8. I'd put Valverde back out in the 9th but it's his last chance

by William K on May 29, 2006 11:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

They need to tack on a couple more...

if we want to get out of the danger zone for the big guy. The thought of putting him out there with only one run cushion scares the hell out of me.

by azshadowwalker on May 29, 2006 11:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Here we go

Valverde in

by William K on May 29, 2006 11:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Clark playing 1st

replacing Conor Jackson

by William K on May 29, 2006 11:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Late inning defensive replacement

At its most obvious...

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lead-off double

by Endy Chavez on a 0-2 count

by William K on May 29, 2006 11:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Leadoff Double

Valverde, Valverde, Valverde...

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 11:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

0-2 again

This time on Reyes trying to bunt

by William K on May 29, 2006 11:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

OMFG

Valverde lost his Cl spot.

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 11:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Argh

RBI single...tied game. Valverde throwing way too many strikes

by William K on May 29, 2006 11:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yep. That's it, I think.

Valverde can't get anyone out at the moment.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 11:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Damage prevention

I'll be happy if this goes into extra innings

by William K on May 29, 2006 11:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

GOD!

GET HIM OUT OF THERE!

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 11:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Another single

Runners at the corners with no outs. Might as well walk Beltran to load the bases

by William K on May 29, 2006 11:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nostradamus? Hardly.

"I do *not* want to see Valverde in there if it's still a one-run game, frankly" - Jim
"The thought of putting him out there with only one run cushion scares the hell out of me." - azshadowwalker

It's obvious to everyone. I can only hope that it's now obvious to management too.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 11:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bases loaded

Delgado at the plate

by William K on May 29, 2006 11:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Valverde fans Delgado

Double-play gets the D'Backs out of the inning

by William K on May 29, 2006 11:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

**in *hole

God, WTF

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 11:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It's over

Wright singles. Mets win 8-7

by William K on May 29, 2006 11:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

2 gut-punches in a row

Lead over the Dodgers down to 1/2 a game. So, who's the new closer? Julio?

by William K on May 29, 2006 11:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Horrible. Just horrible.

A new poll has been posted. Discussion of who deserves to go to the All-Star game can wait. This is officially a crisis.

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2006 11:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Jesus

I'll choose Julio just for the hell of it.

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 11:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Vizcaino?

Or Medders? Or Julio? I'll take Vizcaino. Maybe El Duque put a hex on Papa Grande before he left.

by johngordonma on May 30, 2006 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dammit

I thought I'll top this game for one of the best comeback days of my life. But man. Another BS from Valverde

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 11:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Why didnt BoMel

Call the bullpen!?

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 11:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Look what I found while looking at the D-Back site

http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060529&content_id=1478292& amp;vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp&c_id=ari

"They call me the princess of third base" -- Chad Tracy

by Mr. Philosophical on May 29, 2006 11:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

another game

that made me sick
valverde definetly done as closer
arm problems??

Webb=Cy Young

by webby17 on May 30, 2006 1:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Don't think so

It was more like leaving too many balls in the strike-zone. He had 0-2 counts on the first 2 hitters in the 9th and gave up hits to both. He didn't throw a ball until he intentionally walked Beltran.

by William K on May 30, 2006 4:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Adjustments

Valverde doesn't appear to be injured (bruised ego aside), so maybe he needs to try throwing an occasional off-speed pitch! His fastball still moves pretty well, but opposing hitters are adjusting to it; Valverde needs to keep them off-guard.

by IndyDBack on May 30, 2006 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My roommate and I

were just begging Valverde to throw a slider, any slider, at some point during last night's debacle. It never happened.

It seems like he's completely lost faith in his slider and is relying more on the splitfinger lately -- and the splitter has been getting hit hard.

In my nightmares, I see Brian Bruney...make it stop...

by Azreous on May 30, 2006 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

....grrrrr.....

It was bad enough hearing it from the Cincy faithful at GAB on Sunday (all in good fun - the Reds fans were pretty cool), but watching another Valverde meltdown makes me VERY ANGRY!! We should be 4-0 on this road trip right now - - BoMel already said this morning that Valverde will not pitch tonight, so maybe the auditions will begin for Closer 2006 v.2!

by IndyDBack on May 30, 2006 9:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs