New York Mets (MVP 2005)

[Psyblast]

No need to panic, I just need a curve away from football for a bit, I'll still play my UM dynasty, hopefully each day, but this will be #1 for a little bit.

-All-Pro difficulty
-Jistic's V3 sliders
-Rosters are as up to date as possible

One thing...unlike my previous MVP dynasties, I'll be doing overall series recaps instead of game by game.

All the usual goodies to come.

[Acid]

Re: New York Mets (MVP 2005)

BASEBALL?!

Haha, this should be interesting. Just don't trade for Barry Zito and Roger Clemens.

[Psyblast]

Re: New York Mets (MVP 2005)

The 2005 New York Mets

New additions give new hope to Mets in 2005

QUEENS, NY--They're still a long way off from taking New York back from the Yankees, but the Mets hope that their offseason will point them in the right direction in 2005.

A year ago, the Mets finished 71-91, 25 games behind first-place Atlanta, and only four games ahead of Montreal--now Washington--for last place. The Braves easilly won their 14th straight division title, but the competition this year may be the fiercest it has ever been.

The Nationals (formerly the Expos) may be inspired by the change of venue. The Phillies may finally put something together from all their talent. The Marlins appear to be the biggest threat to Atlanta, with their three-headed pitching monster of Beckett, Burnett and Willis, and their slugging with Miguel Cabrera, Mike Lowell, and new addition Carlos Delgado.

However, looking strictly on paper, the Mets may have the most talent out of the four challengers to Atlanta's crown, and should at the very least be in serious Wildcard contention.

The Mets have speed all over their batting order, starting at the top with perhaps the fastest player in baseball, Shortstop Jose Reyes. Among the other speedsters are Kaz Matsui, Cliff Floyd, Mike Cameron, and newcomer and hopeful superstar, CF Carlos Beltran. Beltran was white-hot for the Astros in last year's playoffs, and hopes to have a breakout season. Rounding out the offense are names like David Wright, Miguel Cairo, Doug Mientkiewicz, Marlon Anderson, and Jose Offerman.

There are some questions in the pitching staff, but one huge addition may single-handedly bring stability to the rotation: World Series Champion Pedro Martinez. Pedro is motivated to prove the Red Sox made a mistake by letting him walk, and may produce a Cy Young winning season. Behind him at #2 in the rotation is lefty veteran Tom Glavine, entering his 3rd year with the Mets after an 11-14 2004 campaign. Kris Benson is 3rd in the rotation, and is entering his first full season with the team. Victor Zambrano is at the #4 spot, and the #5 spot is up for grabs between Kaz Ishii and Steve Trachsel.

The bullpen is anything but solid, but the Mets hope starters like Pedro, Glavine, and Benson keep them in front enough so the bullpen can develop. Aaron Heilman, Danny Graves and Roberto Hernandez are serviceable, but the closer spot is a concern, as Braden Looper has been inconsistent in spring training.

Overall, this Mets team has more than enough talent to be successful, but if they can hold up and compete with the Braves and Marlins, that remains to be seen.

The newest Mets, P Pedro Martinez and CF Carlos Beltran

[Psyblast]

Re: New York Mets (MVP 2005)

Shea Stadium

2004 Record: 38-43

2005 Opening Day Batting Order


#7-Jose Reyes, SS
6'0, 175 pounds
2004 Statistics: .255, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 19 SB


#25-Kaz Matsui, 2B
5'10, 185 pounds
2004 Statistics: .272, 7 HR, 44 RBI, 14 SB


#15-Carlos Beltran, CF
6'1, 190 pounds
2004 Statistics (Royals/Astros): .267, 38 HR, 104 RBI, 42 SB


#30-Cliff Floyd, LF
6'4, 230 pounds
2004 Statistics: .260, 18 HR, 63 RBI, 11 SB


#31-Mike Piazza, C
6'3, 215 pounds
2004 Statistics: .266, 20 HR, 54 RBI


#16-Doug Mientkiewicz, 1B
6'2, 205 pounds
2004 Statistics (Twins/Red Sox): .238, 6 HR, 35 RBI


#5-David Wright, 3B
6'0, 200 pounds
2004 Statistics: .293, 14 HR, 40 RBI, 6 SB


#44-Mike Cameron, CF
6'2, 200 pounds
2004 Statistics: .231, 30 HR, 76 RBI, 22 SB

2005 Starting Rotation


#45-Pedro Martinez, RHP
5'11, 180 pounds
2004 Statistics (Red Sox): 16-9, 3.90 ERA, 227 K


#47-Tom Glavine, LHP
6'0, 185 pounds
2004 Statistics: 11-14, 3.60 ERA, 109 K


#34-Kris Benson, RHP
6'4, 205 pounds
2004 Statistics (Pirates/Mets): 12-12, 4.31 ERA, 134 K


#38-Victor Zambrano, RHP
6'0, 205
2004 Statistics (Devil Rays/Mets): 11-7, 4.37 ERA, 123 K


#29-Steve Trachsel, RHP
6'4, 205 pounds
2004 Statistics: 12-13, 4.00 ERA, 117 K

2005 Bullpen


#23-Kaz Ishii, LHP
6'0, 215 pounds
2004 Statistics (Dodgers): 13-8, 4.71 ERA, 99 K


#39-Roberto Hernandez, RHP
6'4, 250 pounds
2004 Statistics (Phillies): 3-5, 4.77 ERA, 44 K


#49-Felix Heredia, LHP
6'0, 180 pounds
2004 Statistics (Yankees): 1-1, 6.28 ERA, 25 K


#48-Aaron Heilman, RHP
6'5, 220 pounds
2004 Statistics: 1-3, 5.46 ERA, 22 K


#10-Shingo Takatsu, RHP
6'0, 180 pounds
2004 Statistics (White Sox): 6-4, 2.31 ERA, 50 K


#32-Danny Graves, RHP
6'0, 200 pounds
2004 Statistics (Reds): 1-6, 3.95 ERA, 40 K, 41 Saves


#40-Bradon Looper, RHP, Closer
6'3, 220 pounds
2004 Statistics: 2-5, 2.70 ERA, 60 K, 29 Saves

[Psyblast]

Re: New York Mets (MVP 2005)

Aprill 2005 Mets Schedule

@ Cincinnati (April 4, 6-7)
@ Atlanta (April 8-10)
Houston (April 11, 13-14)
Florida (April 15-17)
@ Philadelphia (April 18-19)
@ Florida (April 20-21)
Washington (April 22-24)
Atlanta (April 25-27)
@ Washington (April 29-May 1)

[Psyblast]

Re: New York Mets (MVP 2005)

New York Mets @ Cincinnati Reds
Great American Ballpark
Cincinnati, OH
April 4, 6-7

Mets start slow, finish fast against Reds in season opening series

CINCINNATI, OH--Despite spoiling the debut of Pedro Martinez, the Mets bounced back from a season opening loss to take two of three from the Reds at the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati.

Pedro was solid in his first game with the Mets, going 8 innings, allowing 7 hits and 3 earned runs, walking two and striking out five. But the Mets could muster only two hits in a 3-1 loss.

Tom Glavine was even better in the second game, going 8 and fanning 6. He got the run support though, led by David Wright's 4 RBI in the 10-0 blowout.

Kris Benson allowed 10 hits and 4 runs in the rubber match, but the Mets' bats were red hot and bailed him out with an 11-4 win.

The Reds commited 9 errors in the final two games.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
New York Mets	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0		1	2	0
Cincinnati Reds	0	1	2	0	0	0	0	0	x		3	7	0

W: P. Wilson (1-0): 7.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 4 K
L: P. Martinez (0-1): 8.0 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
S: R. Wagner (1)

Player of the Game

Felipe Lopez: 2-2, 2 BB, 3B, 2 SB, R

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
New York Mets	0	0	0	4	4	0	0	0	2		10	14	0
Cincinnati Reds	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		0	5	6

W: T. Glavine (1-0): 8.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 6 K
L: E. Milton (0-1): 4.0 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 3 K

Player of the Game

David Wright: 3-5, HR (1), 4 RBI, 2 R

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
New York Mets	2	0	1	0	0	4	0	0	4		11	13	0
Cincinnati Reds	0	0	3	1	0	0	0	0	0		4	10	3

W: K. Benson (1-0): 7.0 IP, 10 H, 4 ER, K
L: A. Harang (0-1): 5.1 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 3 K

Player of the Game

Cliff Floyd: 2-5, GS (1), 4 RBI

Record: 2-1
Next Series: 3 games @ Atlanta
Game 1 Starters: Victor Zambrano vs. John Thomson

[Psyblast]

Re: New York Mets (MVP 2005)

New York Mets @ Atlanta Braves
Turner Field
Atlanta, GA
April 8-10

Mets come from behind twice, rely on Pedro in surprising sweep of Braves

ATLANTA, GA--The Mets have typically been used to going through hell when they travel south to face the rival Braves in Atlanta.

But this time around, they surprised everybody, by walking into Turner Field and sweeping their nemesis.

Things seemed to be starting off as usual in the first game, as the Braves had a 3-0 lead after eight innings. But the Mets teed off on the Braves bullpen, and sparked by Miguel Cairo's pinch hit 3-R double, beat Atlanta 5-3.

The two teams played run for run through the first eight innings, but Carlos Beltran's clutch hit in the top of the ninth provided the winning margin in the 5-4 victory.

The finale of the series featured an awesome pitching matchup, with Pedro Martinez facing Tim Hudson. Through five innings there was only one run, but David Wright's two run blast in the sixth set things off, and chased Hudson. Pedro's only run allowed was a solo HR from Chipper Jones with 2 outs in the ninth. Pedro finished with 4 Ks and a complete game in the 4-1 win.

The Mets open up at home next, taking on the Houston Astros for three games.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
New York Mets	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5		5	13	0
Atlanta Braves	0	0	1	0	2	0	0	0	0		3	8	1

W: K. Ishii (1-0): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, K
L: D. Reichert (0-1): 0.2 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, K
S: B. Looper (1)

Player of the Game
Miguel Cairo: 1-1, 3 RBI, 2B, R

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
New York Mets	1	0	0	1	0	2	0	0	1		5	14	1
Atlanta Braves	1	0	0	1	0	2	0	0	0		4	8	1

W: F. Heredia (1-0): 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, K
L: D. Reichert (0-2): 2.0 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 K
S: B. Looper (2)

Player of the Game

Carlos Beltran: 3-5, 2 RBI, 2 2B

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
New York Mets	0	1	0	0	0	3	0	0	0		4	8	0
Atlanta Braves	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1		1	6	0

W: P. Martinez (1-1): CG, 6 H, ER, 4 K
L: T. Hudson (0-1): 6.0 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, BB, 4 K

Player of the Game

Pedro Martinez

Record: 5-1
Next Series: 3 games vs. Houston
Game 1 Starters: Tom Glavine (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Roy Oswalt (1-0, 5.40 ERA)

[CharlieBrown]

Re: New York Mets (MVP 2005)

Looking good... I like the series recaps instead of game-by-games.

[Psyblast]

Re: New York Mets (MVP 2005)

Houston Astros @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium
Queens, NY
April 11, 13-14

Mets open at home, lose 2 of 3 to Astros

QUEENS, NY--The Astros have perhaps the best trio of pitchers in baseball, so the Mets' hitters were bound to struggle.

The Mets managed to beat Roy Oswalt, but Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte got them, and the 'Stros won two of three, knocking the Mets back to 6-3 overall.

In the opener, the teams played six innings of scoreless ball before the Mets broke through, scoring 3 runs in the seventh and eighth combined, getting Tom Glavine his 2nd win in a 3-1 victory.

The Rocket soared in the second game two days later, fanning seven over 7.1 innings and holding the Mets down for most of the time. The Astros gave him enough run support, and he gave up 3 runs before he was yanked, but the Mets couldn't capitalize in the 4-3 loss.

Andy Pettitte was nearly as good in the finale, striking out 6 in 7 innings. Victor Zambrano struck out seven in only 5.1 innings pitched, but Kaz Ishii collapsed in the latter innings, and the Astros won 5-2 despite 3 errors.

The Mets stay home, welcoming their rivals the Florida Marlins for 3 games at Shea Stadium next.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Houston Astros	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0		1	7	0
New York Mets	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	x		3	8	0

W: T. Glavine (2-0): 8.0 IP, 7 H, ER, 3 K
L: C. Qualls (0-1): 1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB
S: B. Looper (3)

Player of the Game

Carlos Beltran: 2-4, 2 RBI, SB, 2B, R

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Houston Astros	1	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0		4	11	0
New York Mets	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0		3	7	0

W: R. Clemens (2-0): 7.1 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 7 K
L: K. Benson (1-1): 4.1 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 4 K
S: B. Lidge (3)

Player of the Game

Roger Clemens

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Houston Astros	0	0	0	0	2	0	1	0	2		5	10	3
New York Mets	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0		2	5	0

W: A. Pettitte (2-0): 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
L: K. Ishii (1-1): 1.2 IP, 3 H, ER
S: B. Lidge (4)

Player of the Game

Orlando Palmeiro: 3-4, 2 RBI, 2B

Record: 6-3
Next Series: 3 games vs. Florida
Game 1 Starters: Steve Trachsel (0-0, 6.00 ERA) vs. Scott Olsen (0-1, 5.40 ERA)

[highlight_reel]

Re: New York Mets (MVP 2005)

3-3 isn't that bad considering how the real Mets started this year.

[Psyblast]

Re: New York Mets (MVP 2005)

Florida Marlins @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium
Queens, NY
April 15-17

Mets snag two out of three from struggling Marlins

QUEENS, NY--Even though it's obviously very early in the marathon that is the MLB season, the Mets have to feel confident, after taking two out of three from the team most picked to dethrone the Braves, the Florida Marlins.

After the series, the Mets stand at the top of the division (with the Phillies) at 8-4, while the Marlins have stumbled out of the gates at 4-8.

The first game was a tight, unlikely pitching duel between fifth-slot starters Steve Trachsel and Steve Olsen. But a 1-1 tie was shattered in the bottom of the sixth when David Wright unloaded the bases with his third home run of the season, this one a grand slam. The Mets won by that 5-1 margin.

The Mets showed amazing patience and discipline in the second game of the series. In the bottom of the 3rd with score tied at one, the Mets put the clamps on Marlins pitcher Josh Beckett. Beckett walked SIX straight batters, and the Mets scored four runs and chased him. Pedro Martinez was on cruise control from there, K'ing five in 8.1 innings in the 10-1 win.

The Marlins bounced back in the finale of the series, teeing off on reliever Roberto Hernandez in the 8th inning, rallying from a 3-0 deficit for a 4-3 win.

The Mets hit the road for the next few days, starting with a quick two game set in Philly against the 8-4 Phillies.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Florida Marlins	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0		1	8	0
New York Mets	1	0	0	0	0	4	0	0	x		5	6	0

W: S. Trachsel (1-0): 7.0 IP, 7 H, ER, K
L: S. Olsen (0-2): 6.0 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 6 K

Player of the Game

David Wright: 1-3, GS (3), 4 RBI

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Florida Marlins	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		1	8	0
New York Mets	1	0	4	4	0	0	0	0	x		10	12	0

W: P. Martinez (2-1): 8.1 IP, 8 H, ER, 5 K
L: J. Beckett (0-3): 2.2 IP, 2 H, 5 ER, 6 BB, K

Player of the Game

Carlos Beltran: 3-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 R

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Florida Marlins	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	3	0		4	13	4
New York Mets	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	0		3	4	0

W: J. Riedling (1-0): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
L: R. Hernandez (0-1): 1.0 IP, 4 H, 3 ER
S: G. Mota (1)

No Player of the Game

Record: 8-4
Next Series: 2 games @ Philadelphia
Game 1 Starters: Kris Benson (1-1, 6.35 ERA) vs. Gavin Floyd (0-0)

[billmatic]

Re: New York Mets (MVP 2005)

Beltran looks like A-Rod in that picture

[Psyblast]

Re: New York Mets (MVP 2005)

New York Mets @ Philadelphia Phillies
Citizens Bank Park
Philadelphia, PA
April 18-19

Mets rely on rallying one too many times vs. Phillies

PHILADELPHIA, PA--The Mets continued their underdog ways against the Phillies, but it backfired for once, and they paid the price with an injury.

In the first game of the brief two game set, the Mets scored three in the 7th and three in the 8th, erasing a 2-0 deficit. They allowed three themselves in the 9th before shutting the Phillies down for a 6-5 win. Starter Kris Benson left the game early with an injury. It's being described as an inflamed right shoulder, and he will miss 9-10 days.

The Mets again fell behind early in the 2nd game, and came all the way back again, this time erasing a 4-0 deficit with two in the 6th and two in the 8th. They took a 5-4 lead into the bottom of the 10th before Braden Looper surrendered the tying run. One inning later, with Looper still in, David Bell hit a pitch to center field, and Pat Burrell broke for home from third. Carlos Beltran got a powerful throw off, but it bounced off the pitcher's mound and sailed over Mike Piazza's head as Burrell scored, giving the Phillies a 6-5 win. Worse, first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz will miss 57 days of action with a torn shoulder muscle. It is not currently known what the Mets will do to fill in at first base.

The Mets head south to Florida for two games against the Marlins before returning home.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
New York Mets	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	3	0		6	12	1
Philadelphia Phillies	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	3		5	12	4

W: A. Heilman (1-0): 4.2 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 K
L: G. Floyd (0-1): 7.0 IP, 10 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K

Player of the Game

Cliff Floyd: 2-4, 3 RBI

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
New York Mets	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	2	0	1 0	5	13	1
Philadelphia Phillies	0	1	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	1 1	6	9	2

W: U. Urbina (1-0): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, K
L: B. Looper (0-1): 1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, ER

Player of the Game

David Bell: 2-4, 2 RBI, 2B, R, GW 1B

Record: 9-5
Next Series: 2 games @ Florida
Game 1 Starters: Steve Trachsel (1-0, 3.46 ERA) vs. Scott Olsen (0-2, 6.55 ERA)

[samjjones]

Re: New York Mets (MVP 2005)

Cliff Floyd was an absolute dog in my 2005 Mets replay. I ended up trading Jae Seo for Carl Crawford midseason, and bought out Floyd (as well as Cameron) in the offseason. I am mid-way through April of Year 2...oddly enough, the first time I have EVER completed AND played beyond a full season in any sports sim (I've been playing sports video games since the 80's). MVP 2005 is a great game.

[Psyblast]

Re: New York Mets (MVP 2005)

New York Mets @ Florida Marlins
Dolphins Stadium
Miami, FL
April 20-21

Mets ride Pedro and long ball to earn split in south Florida

MIAMI, FL--For as bad as the Mets looked in game one vs. Florida, they looked all that much better in the second.

Bad pitching and poor hitting plagued the Mets in the first game, and Luis Castillo filled up the box score in a 4-1 Marlins win. The Mets managed only five hits.

But the second game was ALL New York, as Pedro Martinez was his usual self on the mound, throwing his THIRD complete game already, while striking out a season high 8. On offense the Mets took the Marlins deep three times (Carlos Beltran, Cliff Floyd and Mike Cameron) in an 11-2 beatdown.

The Mets return to Shea Stadium tomorrow, beginning a three game series with division opponent Washington.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
New York Mets	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0		1	5	0
Florida Marlins	1	0	0	0	1	0	1	1	x		4	9	0

W: S. Olsen (1-2): 7.0 IP, 5 H, ER, 3 BB, 4 K
L: S. Trachsel (1-1): 6.0 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, K
S: G. Mota (3)

Player of the Game

Luis Castillo: 3-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2B, SB, 2 R

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
New York Mets	0	1	6	0	0	0	2	0	2		11	13	0
Florida Marlins	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0		2	6	1

W: P. Martinez (3-1): CG, 6 H, 2 ER, 8 K
L: J. Beckett (0-4): 4.0 IP, 9 H, 7 ER, 2 K

Player of the Game

Pedro Martinez

Record: 10-6
Next Series: 3 games vs. Washington
Game 1 Starters: Tom Glavine (2-0, 0.78 ERA) vs. Esteban Loaiza (2-1, 2.74 ERA)