At least Maine kept the lead

[DIRK]

at least he stranded 7 guys and gave them an extra inning and 2/3

[frankb03]

Met's had Carpenter on the ropes. Maine let him off the hook. Carpenter looks to be getting sharper.

[rented mule]

Why is everyone making it sound like throwing strikes is the easiest thing in the world to do? Now granted, I am not a professional, but I did pitch at a semi-pro level until last year (hopefully I will be playing again next season) and I have always been a control pitcher. Over the past 10 years, or so, I have averaged about 1.5 walks per 9 innings.

That being said, on numerous occasions, I would lose it and throw like 8 balls in a row. It happens. You lose track of your mechanics for a couple of batters and in your mind, you think you will never find them again.

He's trying to throw strikes. It's not as simple as you're making it out to be.

[frankb03]

Why is everyone making it sound like throwing strikes is the easiest thing in the world to do? Now granted, I am not a professional, but I did pitch at a semi-pro level until last year (hopefully I will be playing again next season) and I have always been a control pitcher. Over the past 10 years, or so, I have averaged about 1.5 walks per 9 innings.

That being said, on numerous occasions, I would lose it and throw like 8 balls in a row. It happens. You lose track of your mechanics for a couple of batters and in your mind, you think you will never find them again.

He's trying to throw strikes. It's not as simple as you're making it out to be.

Come on Mule. The guys a professional. It's inexcusable! Maine had 5 walks in 3 innings after the first inning. You think that's acceptable?

It's not only the walks. At this level a pitcher can't continue to pitch behind in the count. It seemed to me Maine was trying to be too fine. With a 3 run lead a pitcher needs to throw strikes.

[DIRK]

that double play bailed out carpenter and kept his pitch count at bay.

[weazel079]

C'mon Mets. Put a run up on the board.

[rented mule]

Come on Mule. The guys a professional. It's inexcusable! Maine had 5 walks in 3 innings after the first inning. You think that's acceptable?

It's not only the walks. At this level a pitcher can't continue to pitch behind in the count. It seemed to me Maine was trying to be too fine. With a 3 run lead a pitcher needs to throw strikes.

5 walks in 3 innings is bad in part because it increases pitch count, although one of those walks was to Pujols with the bases empty. The Mets should not be throwing strikes to Pujols, in a tight game, with the bases empty. Period.

That being said, he does need to work on his command, especially early in the count and my guess is that nerves and inexperience played a little part there.

[rented mule]

woo hoooooo

[weazel079]

that a boy Carlos. He's be huge for the playoffs. He has so much pop in his bat going the other way.

[DIRK]

hittin over .500 with 3 homers 6 rbi's wow but they
walk Beltran instead.

[DIRK]

come on valentin

[weazel079]

come on valentin

weak. time to find another bat.

[frankb03]

Valentin another at bat leaving men on base in scoring position

[frankb03]

weak. time to find another bat.

His defense it too good to sit him.

[weazel079]

Need an insurance run.