Kendrick, Defense Lose Grip In Loss
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Wed, April 09, 2008 10:32 PM | Comments: 11
Posts
The Mets finally beat the Phillies, but you could say it was the Phillies who beat themselves.
The Phils lost, 8-2, as Kyle Kendrick gave up six runs in 2.1 innings (only one was earned, som
ehow). He walked an astounding six batters and gave up four hits. The defense was treacherous, committing three errors in just one inning. That horrible third inning yielded six runs, putting the game seemingly out of reach for the Phils. The offense was shut down by the Mets bullpen after Mike Pelfrey’s exit after five.
Kendrick was squeezed a bit by home plate umpire Lance Barksdale, but you can’t blame blue for everything. Kendrick couldn’t hit his spots. He was bad. We can’t make an assessment yet of the youngster, but things aren’t looking good for him now. Meanwhile, the defense was plain embarrassing. Chase Utley now has three errors on the young season, and Carlos Ruiz has two (he had two all last year). Eric Bruntlett (pictured), who was acquired for defense, was downright horrible in the field. Meanwhile, Pedro Feliz had another 0-fer day at the plate, and Ryan Howard struck out twice.
Clearly, sense has to be talked into these players. A defense should not be this bad, and an offense should not be this impatient. These are the problems killing the Phils this season. They could’ve escaped this game giving up three or four runs, maximum, but errors did them in. Offense cemented the hole. We all know Charlie Manuel runs a loose ship; maybe it’s time the manager tightened things up a bit. A nice talking to in the clubhouse — much like last year’s dressing down after the 4-11 start — might be in order. It’s not essential, but it’s something that could definitely help after such a bad showing.
On the positive side, Utley collected another RBI and Chad Durbin pitched 3.2 hitless innings, striking out four. A good sign.
Associated Press photo
Posts: 0 Geoff
THat was a terrible defensive performance. Bruntlett was horrible. Kendrick needs to develop a good curveball. His problem is he doesnt have an out pitch. IF youre a sinkerball pitcher than make sure the sinker sinks and add a curve in there to fool hitters. kenrick is a little too predictable. still, he can be very solid when he has his command.
Posted: 10:52 PM on April 9, 2008
Posts: 0 Geoff
Can someone please help Chad Durbin out a little? the poor guys been overworked already. Ill bet madson heads to the dl, dunno why but i do, and id like to see them pickup another reliever with the stamina to eat some innings and start if need be. I like to have a surplus of starters on a roster. you have the rotation plus two guys who are 6th and 7th starters but serve as relievers until theyre needed in the roation. they done one in durbin, but they need one more. the more innings that go to durbin or someone like him instead of clay condrey the better.
Posted: 11:00 PM on April 9, 2008
Posts: 0 Mike T
I noticed the “trade Howard” rants came alive last night after the loss. Maybe I’m not as crazy as people think? Let’s move Howard.
Also, relax everyone. We’re doing exactly what the Mets fans were doing Tuesday night. Last night wasn’t Kendrick’s fault. He wasn’t great, but I mean you literally cannot blame him for 6 of those runs. J Roll will be back, top of the rotation coming up at home – we’ll most likely face Ryan Dempster, Jason Marquis and Carlos Zambrano – we can definitely win 2 of 3, if not sweep. Plus, Eaton looked half decent last time, and I kinda feel he can get a W tonight at Shea.
So before everyone starts going crazy, let’s take it easy for a second.
Posted: 09:02 AM on April 10, 2008
Posts: 0 Mets Fan
Stop crying your heart out.
Posted: 09:16 AM on April 10, 2008
Posts: 0 Geoff
I agree. I still think they should move howard or burrell. If you can replace the run production for both somehow then move both. Burrells value is going to be high at the deadline if he keeps hitting the way he has and i dont know if ryan howards value will increase all that much over time. the trick is knowing which of the ryan howards or the pat burrells to sign long-term and which to trade for top talent. i think they can get away with keeping howard for a reaosnable price but they could also make a big score with trading him away
Posted: 09:16 AM on April 10, 2008
Posts: 0 METS FAN #15
My comment may not contribute to this conversation, but I’m still putting in my 2 cents worth. It’s quite interesting to see the dynamics from one day to the next. Yesterday Mets fans were the ones crying and now it’s the Phillies turn. Hopefully we can take the rubber game tonight.
Posted: 10:29 AM on April 10, 2008
Posts: 0 Geoff
Thats what makes baseball so great. Anyone can get into football because its so few games. but baseball has a ridiculous amount of games and everyday thigns can change completely. yesterday i said pelfrey would struggle and kendrick would pitch well. today, youd THINK that john maine will outpitch adam eaton, but will he?
Posted: 10:32 AM on April 10, 2008
Posts: 0 Rich Parks
Like the old Braves when it was “Spahn and Sain and two days of rain,”
for the Phils it’s “Moyer and Hamels and a carton of Camels.”
Posted: 11:16 AM on April 10, 2008
Posts: 0 Mr Met
Trade Howard? Yes do that, then
all your problems will be over.
Posted: 11:18 AM on April 10, 2008
Posts: 1650 Tim Malcolm
Actually, I’m not crying, I don’t think anyone is crying. I certainly am not saying “I have no words” or anything like that. We lost. Bad game. Blunders, etc. We’ll be coool.
Posted: 11:24 AM on April 10, 2008
Posts: 0 Jose Reyes Sucks
The Met’s suck
Posted: 12:46 PM on April 10, 2008