New York Mets 1995 Onward: Trying To Build A Dynasty!

[LetsGoMets89]

I recently purchases OOTP Baseball and within seconds I knew I made a great purchase. I love games that are in-depth and this game has no shortage of information and things to do for your baseball franchise. It was overwhelming at first, but once I looked through everything (several times), I kind of found a groove to the game.

The idea of doing an in-depth historical run with the New York Mets was too good to pass up and thus that is going to be my first game to try. I’ve been a longtime Mets fan and I look forward to the challenge. I started with the 1995 season coming off the 1994 shortened season. It felt like a good starting point as I am fairly familiar with the players. My first baseball game was on the SEGA in 1996, so it will be fun to start a year prior and build forward for many seasons to come.

MEETING THE TEAM:

The owner of the Mets in the game is Jordan Rodriguez, 46, and he has zero patience for failure. When it comes to money, he is very controlling and his main focus is on winning. That should be a joy to deal with. Rodriguez wants the Mets to reach the playoffs ASAP and expects a World Series by 1997.

Two other goals are listed by the owner. Rodriguez wants star third baseman Bobby Bonilla resigned, and after a brief negotiation it’s very apparent that it might be impossible to do that with cash restrictions. He’d also like an upgrade in right field over Carl Everett, who has the highest potential on the team.

SPRING TRAINING


MOVES:

First off, I had to demote four players to make the 25-man Opening Day roster and I made a few moves that could impact the future. Players demoted where Josias Manzanillo RP, Bill Spiers 3B, Edgardo Alfonzo 2B and Dave Mlicki SP. Out of that group, Alfonzo was the only guy to take the news well. I want Alfonzo on the Mets roster, but at the moment I can’t ditch Jeff Kent just yet. If by the trade deadline it’s not looking good, then that could be an option.

I recalled Jason Isringhausen and Bill Pulsipher to be part of the starting rotation coming out of spring. They were both seen as relief pitchers, but I needed potential in the rotation to compete in the division that has a scary Atlanta Braves trio of pitchers. I’m really interested to see how Isringhausen progresses.

STARTING PITCHERS:

Bret Saberhagen had a fine spring finishing off with a 3.91 ERA and a 1-1 record. He has a rough outing on March 8th giving up 6 runs with 3 being earned and only lasting an inning and two thirds. His final three starts saw him pitch 5+ and allowing 2 or less runs.

Matt Barrett finished with a 4.00 ERA and a record of 3-2. Barrett struggled to last long in games, but that is expected in spring. His last two starts saw him go five innings each time out. He didn’t allow more than three earned runs in any outing.

Bobby Jones finished the spring with an ERA of 3.75 and a 1-1 record. Jones isn’t a strikeout pitcher, but he was able to regroup after a poor outing against the Pirates on March 11th that saw him last an inning and two thirds and gave up seven runs.

Bill Pulsipher pitched as a reliever, but his stamina of 80 shouldn’t make a transition into the rotation a difficult one. Pulsipher finished the spring with an ERA of 1.65

Similar to Pulsipher, Isringhausen pitched as a reliever and had good success. His stamina is high at 70 and hopefully a transition isn’t difficult. Isringhausen finished with a 1.29 ERA and a 2-1 record.

RELIEF PITCHING

This could be a rough spot for the team in 1995. John Franco had a fine spring, but outside of him there’s not much there in terms of promising pitching. I know that I’m sacrificing the bullpen by moving Isringhausen and Pulsipher to the rotation, but I feel like fixing the bullpen could be a easier thing to fix compared to the rotation.

OFFENSE

Coming out of spring there doesn’t appear to be any slumping hitters as there’s nobody that ended the spring with a poor batting average. There is a lack of speed outside of Butler art the top of the order, but the hitting may be there for the Mets to keep up with situations where runs are needed to stay competitive.

I’m likely going to need Bonilla to get off to a strong start and possibly move him since a contract extension doesn’t seem to be likely, at all. Entering the season the offense looks like to good fairly solid.


NEXT GAME: Opening Day @ Florida Marlins - April 2nd 1995

Bret Saberhagen vs. John Burkett


NOTE: I tend to enjoy having a lot of description in my writings. I hope you guys enjoy this series as I am beyond excited to document it all!

[LetsGoMets89]

Opening Day has arrived for 1995, but there was little to celebrate for the New York Mets. Florida Marlins ace John Burkett tossed a complete game to start the year and earned his first win of the season. Burkett allowed seven hits and two runs to lead the Marlins to a 8-2 victory in Florida.

Mets starting pitcher Brett Saberhagen gave up a three run home run to Kurt Abbott in the bottom of the second inning. Saberhagen righted the ship for the next three innings, but the sixth inning saw the end of Saberhagen’s day. Marlins got three hits to start the sixth that included singles by Jeff Conine and Gary Sheffield. Terry Pendelton scored Conine with a double down the left field line. Paul Byrd finished the inning for Saberhagen, but also gave up a run in his outing that was credited towards Saberhagen.

David Segui got the Mets on the board with a 2-run home run in the fifth, but that’s all the scoring the Mets could manage against Burkett. Bobby Bonilla, Jeff Kent and Rico Brogna managed to collect hits in the first game of the season, as well. As a team, the Mets collectively got seven hits. Todd Hundley had a rough day hitting cleanup and striking out three times.

The Marlins collected fourteen hits on the Mets and even Burkett got in on the action with an RBI to help his own cause. Marlins hitters 3-6 all had multiple base hits in the game.

Mets Pitching Stats:
Saberhagen 5IP 6R 6ER 1BB 2K 90PI
Byrd 2IP 3H 0R 0ER 0BB 3K 29PI
Minor 1IP 4H 2ER 1BB 0K 22PI

Notable Hitter Stats:
Bonilla 1 for 4
Kent 1 for 4
Segui 1 for 3, 1HR, 2RBI, 1R
Brogna 1 for 4, 1R

Next game: April 4th, 1995
vs. Colorado Rockies (Bill Swift, probable starter)

Mets Probable Starter: Matt Barrett

Mets Record:
0-1

[LetsGoMets89]

Mets home opener went a lot better than their first game on the road. Mets starting pitcher Matt Barrett was fantastic going eight strong innings and giving up three runs to go along with seven strikeouts to keep a dangerous Rockies lineup in check for most of the game. Francisco Gonzalez finished the game off in a non-save situation.

The offense showed up big for the Mets to give the fans something to cheer about. Rockies starter Manny Chavez struggled through four innings giving up six earned runs and two home runs to go along with eight hits and two walks. Manny Navarro also pitched four innings giving up two runs on two solo homers to end the day.

Galaraga, Walker, Burks, Bichette and Castilla combined went 1 for 13. Meanwhile the Mets bats went off with four home runs, which included back to back to back shots in the fifth by Kent, Segui and Brogna. Brogna hit another solo home run in the seventh inning. Jose Vizacaino had a two hit game, as well. Todd Hundley is off to a slow start not managing a hit and striking out twice.

Notable Mets Pitchers:
Matt Barrett 8IP, 3R, 3ER, 7K, 100PI

Notable Mets Hitters:
Jose Vizcaino 2 for 5, 1R
Jeff Kent, 2 for 4, 1R, 1HR, 2RBI
Rico Brogna, 3 for 4, 2R, 2HR, 3RBI
David Segui, 2 for 4, 1R, 1HR, 1RBI

Next Game: April 6th, 1995
vs. Colorado Rockies (Bill Swift, probable starter, again)

Mets Probable Starter: Bobby Jones (first start of the year)

Mets Record
1-1, 1W streak, 1.0GB East

[LetsGoMets89]

Mets starting pitcher Bobby Jones gives up three runs on four hits in the first inning, including a two run homer by Larry Walker to right field. Eric Young infield hit and stolen base got it going. Brogna responds with a two run homer in the bottom of the first to score Bonilla. Kent doubles, but Segui can’t score him.

Butler with a nice sliding catch to end second inning. Carl Everett hits a solo shot in the second to tie the game 3-3. Everett’s first hit of the season. Remember, owner wants him replaced.

Everett makes a nice diving catch on Burks to rob a hit, but Young tags up and scores to give Rockies a 4-3 lead.

Jones with a needed 1-2-3 inning in the fourth. Hundley gets his first hit of the year in the fourth with a single to center. He’s batting 7th instead of cleanup.

Jones gets through 5 innings giving up four runs on six hits and striking out three. Pete Harnisch enters game in 6th. Rockies get a run in the 7th to make it 5-3. Byrd pitches a scoreless 8th and 9th.

Bases loaded in the ninth with two outs for Bonilla. Walk 5-4. Wild pitch to Brogna ties the game! Brogna strikes out heading to extras.

Birkbeck enters the 10th. Kingery doubles, but gets thrown out trying to steal third. First runner Hundley has thrown out on five attempts.

DiPoto enters the 11th. 1-2-3 inning

Rodriguez nearly gets out of the 12th, but a single to center by Kingery gives Rockies a 6-5 lead and eventually the win.

Rockies starting pitcher Bill Swift went 7 2/3 giving up three runs on seven hits for a no decision. Bruce Ruffin tossed three innings of one hit ball for his first win and Steve Reed got one out for the save. Andres Galarraga had three hits on the day. Eric Young scored three runs and had two stolen bases out of the leadoff spot. Dante Bichette also had three hits in the game.

Notable Mets Pitching
Bobby Jones: 5IP, 6H, 4ER, 3K, ND, 84PI
Paul Byrd: 2IP, 0H, 1K

Notable Mets Hitting:
Brett Butler, 4BB
Rico Brogna, 2 for 6, 1HR, 2RBI
David Segui 0-6
Carl Everett, 1 for 6, 1HR, 1RBI

Mets Record:
1-2, 2GB

Next Game: April 7th, 1995
vs. Chicago Cubs (Kevin Foster probable starter)

Mets Probable Starter:
Jason Isringhausen first career start in MLB

[LetsGoMets89]

The explosive bats that the New York Mets had last game didn’t extend into their second game against the Cubs they fail 4-1. Cubs starter Kevin Foster pitched seven strong innings giving up only four hits and striking out four for his first win of the year. Rookie Mets pitcher Jason Isringhausen pitched six innings giving up four earned and striking out three in his first major league outing and picking up the loss.

Brett Butler hasn’t been hitting well finishing the game with an 0.83 average, but he did get another walk making that five walks over his past two games. Rico Brogna collected another two hits including a double. Todd Hundley got in the hit column with two hits and picked up an RBI in the 9th with a double down the left field line.

Brian McRae and Eric Davis went a combined 4 for 9 with three runs and two RBIs between the two to set the tone for the Cubs lineup. Sammy Sosa went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts. Rick Wilkins hit a solo homerun in the fourth inning and Mark Grace singled in a run, as well.

The Cubs victory ended their four game losing streak. All things considered, it wasn’t a bad outing for Isringhausen. Going six innings saved the bullpen from having to work even more coming off an extra inning loss to the Rockies previous game.

Notable Mets Pitchers:
Jason Isringhausen 6IP. 6H, 4ER, 3K, 0-1
Blas Minor 2IP, 3H, 0ER
Jerry DiPoto, 1IP, 0H

Notable Mets Hitters:
Rico Brogna 2 for 4, 1R
Todd Hundley 2 for 4, 1RBI

Mets Record:
1-3, 2GB

Next Game:
vs. Chicago Cubs (Jim Bullinger probable starter)

Bill Pulsipher probable Mets pitcher

[LetsGoMets89]

Bill Pulsipher puts forth a strong outing going six innings to lead the Mets to victory. Pulsipher ended up getting a no decision, but his performance was still notable. Pulsipher only gave up three hits and struck out six batters. Pete Harnisch couldn’t preserve a 1-0 lead, but ended up getting the win. John Franco picked up his first save in his first appearance of the 1995 season striking out two in the ninth.

Every position player in the starting lineup for the Mets earned a hit in the game. Brett Butler earned yet another walk in the game. He’s been a walk machine in the leadoff spot for the Mets in the early season. Jeff Kent had two hits and scored a run late in the game to give some cushion. Kent upped his average to .286. Brogna raised his average to .409, as well. Carl Everett produced a multi hit game, as well and Ryan Thompson hit a two run homer.

Sammy Sosa goes hitless for the Cubs and has gone 0-7 in the series thus far. Mark Grace had two hits in the game and raised his average to .429. Jim Bullinger pitched six innings and struck out four to had a solid outing after a rough first appearance. Tom Edens suffered the loss by giving up three runs in 1 2/3IP.

Mets Pitchers:
Bill Pulsipher 6IP, 3H, 0ER, 6K

Mets Hitters:
Rico Brogna, 1-4, 1R
Jeff Kent, 2 for 4, 1R
Carl Everett, 2 for 4, 1 R, 1RBI
Ryan Thompson, 1 for 4, 1HR, 2RBI, 1R

Mets Record:
2-3, 2GB

Next Game: April 9th, 1995
vs. Chicago Cubs (Frank Castillo probable starter)

Bret Saberhagen makes his second start of the year. Enters game 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA after a rough outing against the Marlins in the opening game of the year.

[LetsGoMets89]

Rico Brogna continues to have a hot bat as he hit a two run homer in the third inning to give the Mets a 4-0 lead and the Mets never looked back as a result. Bobby Bonilla got the first run on the board by hitting a single in the first to score Butler. Brogna broke up a double play in the first to allow a second run to score, as well. Todd Hundley smashed a solo shot in the third to give the Mets a 5-0 lead.

The Cubs tried to make a comeback behind the home runs of Brian McRae (solo) and a two run show by Shawon Dunston, but there was not enough offense to get out of a 5-0 hole after three innings. Mark Grace notched three hits and his average sits at .480.

Brett Saberhagen had a bounce back start going six innings and giving up three runs to go along with two strikeouts. Saberhagen earns his first win of the season. Francisco Gonzalez struck out three in 1 1/3 innings. Lefty specialist Nelson Mancillas got two big outs in eighth. Closer John Franco notched his second save in two days.

Notable Mets Hitters:
Brett Butler, 2 for 4, 1R
Bobby Bonilla, 2 for 4, 1R, 1RBI
Rico Brogna 1 for 4, 1HR, 1R, 2RBI
Todd Hundley 1 for 4, 1HR, 1RBI

Notable Mets Pitchers
Brett Saberhagen, 6IP, 5H, 3ER, 2K, W, 1-1
John Franco, 1IP, 0ER, 2SV

Mets Record:
3-3, 2GB

Next Game: April 10th, 1995
@Pittsburgh Pirates, Jon Lieber projected starter
Matt Barrett (1-0) starts for the Mets.

[majormet]

I am a Met fan so I am reading this it looks promising this was a tough time period to be a Met fan.

Now the big elephant in the room who the heck is Matt Barrett?

[LetsGoMets89]

Originally Posted by majormet

I am a Met fan so I am reading this it looks promising this was a tough time period to be a Met fan.

Now the big elephant in the room who the heck is Matt Barrett?

It's funny you say that. I looked it up and I think it's a generated player for the Mets? He has no real life stats, so I think he's just a randomly created player. I'm just rolling with it, though.

[LetsGoMets89]

Mets starting pitcher Matt Barrett pitched five innings of four hit ball and one earned run. , but control was an issue today as he gave up three hits and had a pitch count of 91 through five. Barrett pitched well enough for a no decision. Pirates starter Jon Lieber pitched seven strong innings and struck out six while only giving up one earned one. Lieber earned his first win of the season.

Mark Parent, Pirates catcher, hit a solo home run in the third inning. Rico Brogna tied the game with a single to right in the sixth to score Butler. However, the Pirates responded in the sixth with a solo homer by Jay Bell. Pirates tossed shutout ball the rest of the way to secure a win.

Brett Butler’s bat is getting hot as he collected three hits in the game to raise his batting average to .304. Jeff Kent also had two hits in the game. Bobby Bonilla has yet to hit a home run this year.

Mets Pitching:
Matt Barrett: 5IP, 4H, 1ER, 4K
Pete Harnisch: 1IP, 2H, 1 ER, L
Mike Birkbeck: 2IP, 3H, 2K

Mets Hitters:
Brett Butler, 3 for 4, 1R
Rico Brogna: 1 for 4, 1RBI
Jeff Kent: 2 for 4

Mets Record:
3-4, 2.5GB

Next Game: April 11th, 1995
@Pittburgh Pirates Paul Wagner probable starter
Bobby Jones scheduled to pitch for Mets.

Also, minor leagues start on April 11th. Some players I'll be keeping an eye on.
Matt Nixon, has a very high potential rating for a bullpen arm. I believe he's a fictional player.
Edgardo Alfonso
Alex Ochoa
Butch Huskey

[LetsGoMets89]

April 11th, 1995 - @Pittsbugh Pirates: Jones vs. Wagner

Two walks to start the game. Bonilla double to left center scoring Butler for a 1-0 lead. Jeff Kent sac fly to center to score Viz for a 2-0 lead.

Jones three pitch first inning. Butler doubles to left center to score Everett for a 3-0 lead.

Jay Bell hits a two run homer in the seventh to cut the lead to 3-2. Mark Parent ties it up with a solo shot also in the seventh. Jerry Dipoto comes in and gets the last out of the seventh to keep the game 3-3. Todd Hundley hits a solo shot in the eighth to make it a 4-3 Mets lead.

Bonilla singles in Viz for insurance run and gives the Mets a 5-3 lead heading into the ninth. Franco enters and tosses a scoreless ninth to earn his third save of the year.

Notable Mets Pitchers:
Bobby Jones, 6 2/3, 8H, 3ER, 2K, 102PI, ND
Jerry DiPoto, 1/3IP, W, 1-0
Francisco Gonzalez, 1.0, 6PI
John Franco, 1IP, 1K, SV, 3 for 3 in save chances thus far.

Notable Mets Hitters:
Brett Butler, 2 for 4, 1R, 1RBI, batting average raised to .333
Jose Vizcaino, 2 for 4, 2R
Bobby Bonilla, 2 for 5, 2RBI, no homers on the season thus far
Rico Borga, 0 for 5
Todd Hundley 1 for 4, 1HR, 1R, 1RBI

Mets Record:
4-4, 2.5GB

Next Game:
@Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Drew Knight probable starter
Jason Isringhausen makes his second start of the year. 0-1 with a 6.00 ERA

The bullpen thus far for the Mets has been exceeding my expectations. Gonzalez is becoming a reliable hand out of the pen in the early season. Paul Byrd has also been a good arm, but I’m been trying to hold off on over using Byrd. I should have pulled Jones after the two run shot, but I chanced it and suffered the consequences, but luckily Hundley bailed us out.

Offensively I think the Mets have been performing fairly well through eight games. Bronga hot streak helped keep the Mets at .500 to start the year. Bonilla doesn’t have a homer yet, but he’s making solid contact. Butler has been fantastic in the leadoff spot. He wasn’t getting hits early on, but his ability to draw walks has kept the Mets in games in pressuring the opposition early in games.

Minor Leagues:
Greenville Vikings lost 15-0. Dave Kessler suffered the loss after giving up 4ER in three innings. Reliever Jose Valdes gave up seven. Butch Huskey went 1 for 3. Edgardo Alfonzo went 0 for 3 and had a fielding error. Alex Ochoa went 0 for 2.

Humberto Ruiz for the Lubbock Stags pitched eight innings of five hit ball and gave up one earned run. However, the game went fifteen innings with the Stags winning 2-1.

[LetsGoMets89]

April 12th, 1995 @ Pittsburgh Pirates: Isringhausen vs. Knight

Merced two run homer in the first inning for a 2-0 Pirates lead. Hundley throws out Al Martin, his third runner on eight tries, to end the inning. Carl Everett responds with a three run homer in the top of the second for a 3-2 Mets lead. Jay Bell hits a solo bomb in the bottom of the second for a 3-3 game.

Jason Isringhausen settled down after a rough two innings to go five innings giving up five hits and three earned runs to go along with two strikeouts. Isringhausen managed to lower his ERA to 5.73 from 6.00. Paul Byrd picked up the win by pitching two scoreless innings. Jerry DiPoto and Francisco Gonzalez pitched the final two innings to close out the Mets win. DiPoto got out of a bases loaded jam in the eighth without giving up a run in a huge moment for the Mets.

Todd Hundley’s bat is starting to heat up in the seventh spot in the lineup. Hundley hit a two run bomb in the eighth to put the Mets up 5-3. David Segui and Rico Brogna had doubles in the game with Brogna driving in a run and Segui scoring two runs in the game. Bret Butler hit his first triple of the season in the ninth inning.

Pirates Orlando Merced hit a two run homer off Isringhausen in the first inning. Carlos Garcia had two hits including a double. Pirates relief pitcher Rick White had a rough outing giving up four earned runs and getting the loss for the game.

Notable Mets Pitchers:
Jason Isringhausen: 5IP, 5H, 3ER, 2K, ND
Paul Byrd: 2IP, 0H, W, 1-0

Notable Mets Hitters
Jose Vizcaino 2 for 5, 2H, 1R, 1RBI
Bobby Bonilla, 0-4
Rico Brogna, 1 for 5, 12B, 1RBI
Todd Hundley, 2 for 4, 1HR, 2R, 2RBI
Carl Everett, 1 for 3, 1HR, 1R, 3RBI

Mets Record
5-4, 1.5GB

Next Game:
April 13th @Chicago Cubs Jim Bullinger projected starter
Bill Pulsipher scheduled to make his second start, coming off six scoreless no decision outing against Rockies on April 8th.

Minor Leagues
Greenville Vikings win their first game of the year 5-4 to move to 1-1 on the year.
Alex Ochoa was 1 for 6
Edgar Alfonzo went 1 for 4
Butch Huskey went 1 for 5

[LetsGoMets89]

April 13th, 1995: @Chicago Cubs Pulsipher vs. Bullinger

Pulsipher gets out of the first despite a leadoff double. Butler ended up throwing out Davis trying to get to third on a fly ball to center.

Rico Brogna leads off the second with a triple to right and scores on a Jeff Kent groundout to second. Mets 1-0. Hundley throws out Sosa trying to steal second. Hundley is 4 for 9 throwing runners out thus far in the season.

Pulispher has started the year with nine scoreless innings. The streak comes to an end in the fourth inning when Mark Grace singles to score McRae and ties the game 1-1. Pulsipher goes nearly six innings giving up two runs on five hits with two strikeouts. It ends up being a tough loss for Pulsipher.

Rico Brogna had two hits including the triple from the second inning. Butler, Viz and Bonilla were a combined 0 for 11 at the top of the order. Todd Hundley finished 1 for 4. Jeff Kent also had a hit in three at-bats.

Pete Harnisch pitched an 1 1/3 innings, but it was a rough outing allowing six hits and three earned runs. His ERA ballooned to 10.12 on the year.

Cubs starting pitcher Jim Bullinger pitched six solid innings only giving up four hits and striking out five. Mark Grace went 3 for 4, Eric Davis went 3 for 4 and Brian McRae went 2 for 4 at the top of the order. Sosa broke a 1-1 tie in the sixth with a single. Jose Hernandez and Eric hit home runs in the seventh inning. Hernandez was a two run bomb.

Notable Mets Pitchers
Bill Pulsipher: 5 2/3IP, 5H, 2ER, 2K, L, 0-1
Pete Harnisch: 1 1/3IP, 6H, 3ER, 2HR
Blas Minor: 1IP, 1K, 0H, 0ER

Notable Mets Hitters
Rico Brogna 2 for 4, 1R
Bobby Bonilla 0 for 4, batting average down to .200

Mets Record
5-5, 2.5GB

Next Game: April 14th @Chicago Cubs, Frank Castillo projected starter
Bret Saberhagen scheduled to start for Mets.

Minor Leagues
Alex Ochoa went 2 for 5
Butch Husket 1 for 4
Dave Mlicki, who was sent down before the start of the year, 4 2/3IP, 7H, 8R, 5ER, 3K, L, 0-1

[LetsGoMets89]

April 14th, 1995: @Chicago Cubs: Saberhagen vs. Castillo

Kelly Stinnett error on a Davis bunt to start the bottom of the 1st inning. Davis thrown out trying to steal third. Saberhagen escapes the first without any runs after a Grace single.

Carl Everett gets the first Mets hit with a single to center, but there’s nothing to show for it. Eric Davis hits a solo shot in the bottom of the third for a Cubs 1-0 lead. Mark Grace hits a two run homer in the sixth to score Davis after he doubled to give the Cubs a 3-0 lead. Saberhagen goes seven inning and turns in a quality start by giving up three earned runs.

Mike Birbeck enters the game to throw a scoreless eighth inning. Bonilla doubles in the ninth. Brogna singles to left to allow the game tying run to the plate. Bonilla scores on a Kent sac fly to center. 3-1 Cubs. David Segui flies out to right field to end the game.

Cubs starter Frank Castillo nearly tossed a complete game, but went 8 1/3 giving up six hits and striking out four for his first win of the year. Randy Myers earned this third save. Mark Grace continues to hit well collecting three hits and is hitting .488 into the early season.

Notable Mets Pitchers
Bret Saberhagen: 7IP, 6H, 3ER, 7K, L, 1-2
Mike Birkbeck: 1IP, H, 2K

Notable Mets Hitters
Carl Everett: 2 for 4 out of the leadoff spot, Brett Butler had the day off.
Bobby Bonilla: 2 for 4, 1R
Rico Brogna: 1 for 4

Mets Record
5-6, 3.5GB

Next Game:
@Chicago Cubs, Alex de Jesus expected starter for Cubs
Matt Barrett starting for the Mets.

Minor Leagues
Alex Ochoa 2 for 4
Edgardo Alfonzo, 1 for 4
Butch Huskey 2 for 4, 2 R, 1HR, 3RBI

[LetsGoMets89]

April 15th, 1995: @Chicago Cubs: Barrett vs. de Jesus

37 minute rain delay in the top of the third inning. It’s a pitching battle through five innings as the Mets have not managed a hit through five innings. The Cubs score first in the bottom of the fifth when McRae singles to right. Mark Grace follows with a three run homer to make it a 4-0 lead for the Cubs.

Cantu get the first hit and run for the Mets with a solo shot in the top of the sixth inning. 4-1 Cubs. Barrett makes it through six innings giving up four runs. It’s a better start than it appears. Mark Grace has been on fire lately of the Cubs and Barrett couldn’t get past his bat in a key moment. Outside of that, Barrett was rather dominate against the Cubs.

Harnish has a good rebound inning throwing a 1-2-3 7th and 8th innings. Cubs starter Alex de Jesus threw eight scoreless innings giving up only two hits and striking out two. De Jesus earns his first victory of the year. Matt Barrett takes the loss.

Bobby Bonilla had the day off. The owner has wanted a contract extension and one was officially offered to Bonilla.

I may demote a pitcher to get another infielder on the roster as both Kent and Viz don't have a viable backup for rest purposes.

Notable Mets Pitchers
Matt Barrett: 6IP, 6H, 4ER, 2K, L, 1-1
Pete Harnisch 2IP, 0H

Notable Mets Hitters
Felipe Cantu, 1 for 3, 1HR, 1R, 1RBI
Matt Barrett: 1 for 2
Chris Jones 1-1, pinch hit his second on the year.

Mets Record
5-7, 4 1/2GB

Next Game:
@Chicago Cubs Edwin Lemus projected starter
Bobby Jones to pitch for the Mets

Minor Leagues
Butch Huskey: 1 for 4
Alex Ochoa: 1 for 4
Andy Shane: 8IP, 3H, 4K, W, 1-0 (fictional player)

[LetsGoMets89]

April 16th, 1995: New York Mets @ Chicago Cubs: Jones vs. Lemus

Prior to the game, Ryan Thompson was demoted to Triple A. Edgardo Alfonzo was recalled to the New York Mets. Alfonzo starts at shortstop for his first career start in MLB. The move was done to add infield depth since there is plenty of outfielders on the roster.

Danny Ayers doubles to left field to score a run and give the Cubs a 1-0 lead in the second inning.

Edgardo Alfonzo hit a double in his first career at bat. Jones bunted Alfonzo over to third, but the Mets fail to score him in the third inning. Alfonzo has an error in the bottom of the inning. McRae score a run with a single to center after Hundley failed to throw the runner out at second. Bonilla has a throwing error allowing another run to score. 3-0 Cubs. Jones throws out a runner trying to score on a Dunston hit to right field. Good throw by Chris Jones. Bobby Jones gets out of a bases loaded jam without giving up more damage.

Cubs score two more runs in the sixth with Danny Ayers getting a triple and scoring on a single by McRae. Mark Grace reaches on an error by Chris Jones in right field allowing Eric Davis to score. Cubs up 5-0.

Mets explode for five runs in the seventh to tie the game 5-5. Mets had three straight singles by Bonilla, Brogna and Hundley. Kent is hit by a pitch, Segui singles, Alfonzo walked, Everett sac fly, and Butler singles to score the runs.

However, the Cubs are able to win with a three run homer by Ayers in the ninth inning with two outs off of Paul Byrd. Cubs win 8-5.

Mets had a season high four errors in the game, which ultimately cost them the game. It was a brutal loss. Thankfully the series with the Cubs is over and hopefully the luck turns around with a new series.

Notable Mets Pitchers
Bobby Jones: 5IP, 5H, 3R, 1ER, 4K, ND
Francisco Gonzalez: 2IP, 2H, 0ER, 3K
Paul Byrd: 2/3IP, 1H, 3ER, 2BB, L, 1-1

Notable Mets Hitters
Brett Butler: 2 for 4, 1RBI
Bobby Bonilla: 1 for 3, 1R
Rico Brogna: 2 for 4, 1R
Todd Hundley: 3 for 4, 2R
Edgardo Alfonzo, 1 for 3, 1RBI, first career MLB hit

Mets Record
5-8, 4.5GB

Next Game:
April, 18th: vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, Drew Knight projected starter
Jason Isringhausen takes the mound for the Mets

Minor Leagues
Butch Huskey 1 for 4, 2B
Alex Ochoa, 2 for 4, 1R
Ryan Thompson, 0 for 4
Alex HernandezL 7IP, 7H, 1ER, 3K, ND, (fictional player)

Following the game, it is announced that Bobby Bonilla has signed his extension. Fan interest has increased as a result. The deal for Bonilla was a four year deal worth 31 million dollars. He had been seeking closer to 40million.

[LetsGoMets89]

April 18th, 1995: vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: Isringhausen vs. Olvera

The Mets found themselves down 6-1 through six innings. Jason Isringhausen lasted five innings, but continues to struggle in finding his stride in the starting rotation. Pirates scored four runs in the fourth inning, which included a homer by Jay Bell.

Bobby Bonilla hit his first homer of the year in the seventh with a grand slam to cap off a seven run seventh inning. Edgardo Alfonzo singled in the seventh. Brett Butler singled in a run, as well. Mets head into the ninth with an 8-6 lead. But, John Franco can’t close it out and gives up a two run homer to Jeff King. The game goes into extras when the Mets fail to score in the ninth.

Pirates leave two stranded in the 10th as Blas Minor gets out of trouble. Mike Birkbeck lets a run score in the 11th inning on a wild pitch. Carl Everett walks to start the bottom of the 11th for the Mets. Bonilla doubles to score Everett and ties the game at 9-9. Birkbeck strikes out the side in the 12th.

Francisco Gonzalez continues to throw extremely well out of the bullpen and gets a 1-2-3 13th inning. In the bottom of the 13th inning, Butler singles and Carl Everett hits a two run homer to right field to win the game 11-9!

Notable Mets Pitchers
Jason Isringhausen: 5IP, 8H, 5R, 5ER, 2K, ND
John Franco: 1IP, 2H, 2ER, BS
Mike Birkbeck: 2IP, 2H, 1ER, 5K
Francisco Gonzalez: 1IP, W, 1-1

Notable Mets Hitters
Brett Butler: 4 for 7, 3R, 1RBI, 3B
Carl Everett: 2 for 5, 3R, 3RBI, 2BB
Bobby Bonilla: 2 for 6, 1R, 2B, GS, 5RBI - first homer of the year

Mets Record
6-8, 4GB

Next Game:
vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, Denny Neagle scheduled to pitch
Bill Pulpisher to pitch for Mets

Minor Leagues
Alex Ochoa 0-4, 1R
Francisco Garcia, 1 for 4, HR, 3RBI
Butch Huskey 0 for 4, 1R
Ryan Thompson, 1 for 3, HR, RBI
Dave Milicki: CG, 5H, 6K, W

I may give Isringhausen one more start in the rotation before either sending him down to the minors to figure it out, or shifting him into a bullpen role for a bit. Milicki would replace him in the rotation.

Bonilla gets an extension and proceeds to have the best offensive game of the year right after. Hopefully that continues on to spark the team similar to Brogna earlier in the month. I moved Carl Everett to the second spot and moved Viz down to eighth. I like having speed at the top of the order and Everett had a great game in that spot. Alfonzo is quickly making an impact in the lineup, and I might have to actively find a way to get him in the lineup. Segui has been struggling and Bonilla can play the outfield. I could shift Kent to third and Alfonzo play second on a regular basis. We shall see.

[LetsGoMets89]

Traded RP Chaing We-Ban (fictional) for Orioles RP Armando Benitez, both players in AA. Benitez has been added to the Triple A team, Greenville Vikings.

April 19th, 1995: vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: Pulsipher vs. Neagle

Through three innings it’s been a pitching duel as the Pirates have only managed one hit off of Pulsipher and the Mets have two hits off Neagle. Butler singles and Everett walks to start the bottom of the third inning with no outs. Bonilla singles to left to score Butler to get a 1-0 lead. Bonilla is 2 for 2 with a double and single. Hundley hits into a double play, but Kent doubles to left center to score Everett for a 2-0 lead.

Bill Pulsipher was dominate through seven innings, but still tossed a complete game. After giving up a run in the eighth inning to cut the lead to 2-1, the Mets went off for six runs in the bottom of the eighth. Brogna broke it open with a single to score two runs. Entering the ninth with a 8-1 lead, Pulsipher finished off game, but gave up three runs in the ninth as he was running out of gas. However, the complete game saves any bullpen usage, which was a huge accomplishment for the team. This is Pulsipher’s first victory of the year. It’s also the second time the Mets have had back to back wins, the first time also being against the Pirates.

Bobby Bonilla had three hits on the day and raised his average to .276 on the year. Every position player had at least one hit in the game and each position player scored a run in the game, as well.

Denny Neagle pitched seven innings giving up six hits and two earned runs. It’s Neagle’s first loss. Jim Gott had another poor outing lasting 1/3 of an inning and allowing six runs, four earned.

Notable Mets Pitchers
Bill Pulsipher: CG, 6H, 4R, 4ER, 6K, W, 1-1

Notable Mets Hitters
Carl Everett: 1 for 4, 1R, 2RBI
Bobby Bonilla: 3 for 5, 2B,1R, 3RBI
Jeff Kent: 1 for 2, 2B, 1R, 1RBI
Rico Brogna: 1 for 4: 1R, 2RBI

Mets Record
7-8, 3.5GB, 2.5GB in the Wild Card

Next Game:
@St. Louis Cardinals, Ryan Seals projected starter
Brett Saberhagen will pitch for the Mets

Minor Leagues:
Greenville Vikings won a 20-inning game 3-2.
Butch Huskey 1 for 7, 1R
Alex Ochoa: 2 for 8, 2 2B,1R, 1RBI
Francisco Garcia, 1 for 6, 1R, HR, 2RBI, game winning solo shot in the 20th inning.
Ryan Thompson, 2 for 7, 2B

[LetsGoMets89]

April 20th, 1995: Saberhagen vs. Seals

Segui first hit of the game in the second inning with a single to right. Hundley double play.

Saberhagen gets out of a 1st and 3rd one out jam with no runs. Lankford scores Smith and Gilkey with a double to left center. Cardinals up 2-0.

Kent triples to right center and scores Everett from first. Cardinals 2-1 lead in the fourth. Seals balks and that ties the game at 2-2 as Kent scores from third. Hundley singles to right to score Segui and Mets are up 3-2.

Everett hits a double down the left field line to score Butler from first. Mets lead 4-2 in the fifth. Kent singles to left and Everett scores to make it a 5-2 lead for the Mets. Two hits to start the fifth and Cardinals score a run. Saberhagen manages to limit the damage to a run and Mets keep a 5-3 lead entering the sixth.

Hundley responds in the 6th with a solo shot to right field. Mets up 6-3. Saberhagen gets through seven solid inning to keep the Mets up 6-3.

Jerry DiPoto entered the game in the eighth. DiPoto gives up a run, Mets keep a 6-4 lead.

John Franco enters the game and the bases are loaded with one out after a hit and a walk. Mark Sweeney ties the game with a single to center with two outs. Franco started the 10th on a lefty vs. lefty matchup and gave up a double. Paul Byrd enters.

PH Schefter singles to center and wins the game for the Cardinals in ten innings 7-6. Franco has blown his second save attempt.

Notable Mets Pitchers
Brett Saberhagen: 7IP, 8H, 3ER, 4K, ND
Jerry Dipoto: 1IP, 2H, 1ER, 1BB
John Franco: 1IP, 3H, 3R, 3ER, 1K, BS, L, 0-1

Notable Mets Hitters
Carl Everett: 1 for 4, 2B, 2R, 1RBI, 1 error in right field, second on the year
Jeff Kent: 2 for 5, 3B, 1R, 2RBI
Bobby Bonilla: 0 for 4
Todd Hundley: 2 for 4, 1R, 2RBI, HR

Mets Record
7-9, 3.5GB, 2.5GB in the Wild Card

Next Game:
vs. St. Louis Cardinals, Donovan Osborne
Matt Barrett scheduled to start for the Mets

Minor Leagues
Alex Shane (fictional): 7 2/3IP, 5, ER, 6K, W, 2-0
Armando Benitez: 1 1/3 IP, 1H, K, SV, first save in Mets system
Ryan Thompson: 1 for 4, 1RBI
Butch Huskey: 1 for 3

[LetsGoMets89]

April 21st, 1995: Barrett vs. Osborne

Cardinals quickly get out in front in the first when Jordan singles to center to score Ozzie Smith. Sac fly by Lee scores Gilkey for a 2-0 lead. Osborne, the pitcher, hits a solo shot to right field in the second inning for a 3-0 lead. Mets are hitless through four innings. Viz breaks up the no hitter in the fifth with a single to left.

Sac fly by Jordan to score Gilkey to make it a 4-0 lead for the Cardinals in the fifth. Edgardo Alfonzo enters the game for Jeff Kent in the sixth as Kent was showing signs of tiredness. Alfonzo was up to bat with 1st and 3rd with one out. Alfonzo grounded out to second scoring a run to cut the lead to 4-1 in the sixth.

Pete Harnisch enters the game in the sixth inning for the Mets. David Segui hits a solo shot to left center to cut the lead to 4-2 in the seventh. Bobby Bonilla ties the game in the eighth with a two-run double to score Everett and Alfonzo. Chris Jones ends the rally with a double play to end the eighth with a tied game at 4-4. Harnisch tosses three scoreless innings out of the bullpen.

Rico Brogna hits a pinch hit solo shot to right field to give the Mets a 5-4 lead in the ninth. Francisco Gonzalez enters the ninth for a save opportunity. Gonzalez retires the side to earn his first save of the season.

Notable Mets Pitchers
Matt Barrett: 5IP, 5H, 4ER, 3BB, 4K, ND
Pete Harnisch: 3IP, 3H, 2K, W, 2-1
Francisco Gonzalez: 1IP, 1K, SV, first save of the year and career

Notable Mets Hitters:
Edgardo Alfonzo: 1 for 2, 1R, 1RBI
Bobby Bonilla, 1 for 4, 2B, 2RBI
David Segui: 1 for 2, 2BB, HR, 1R, 2RBI
Jose Vizcaino: 2 for 4
Rico Brogna: 1 for 1, HR, 1R, 1RBI, GW HR

Mets Record
8-9, 3.5GB, 2.5GB Wild Card

Next Game: @St. Louis Cardinals: Danny Jackson
Bobby Jones on the hill for the Mets

Minor Leagues
Butch Huskey: 1 for 3, 1RBI
Alex Ochoa: 1 for 4
Alex Hernandez (fictional): 6 1/3, 2H, 6K, W, 1-0
Armando Benitez: 2 2/3IP, 1H, 6K, SV,

Chris Jones has been struggling coming off the bench. I’m leaning towards a call up for Ochoa to maybe get a spark off the bench. Franco wasn’t used in the save situation today because of two blown saves in a row and also because of recent usage. Gonzalez has been reliable and came through big time. I may limit my usage of Franco in high pressure situations moving forward for a bit. Benitez is on my radar to be brought up and maybe overtake the closer role sooner rather than later and use Franco in the bullpen. A lot of this depends on Isringhausen performance his next start. If Isringhausen struggles he will be shifted to bullpen. Gonzalez could get a shot in the rotation as he does have starter level stamina and had pitched five innings a few times in spring training.