Last night's second time around for Mets pitcher James Baldwin was hardly the beginning of a career renaissance judging from last nights performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Having pitched impressively during Spring Training and in AAA, the Mets decided to promote Baldwin when Tyler Yates was sent down after his last start.
Perhaps Bank One park not the place to Debut Baldwin who is basically a fly ball pitcher. Only lasting 1 1/3 innings Art Howe pulled Baldwin after the score was tied up at 4-4. Dan Wheeler, now the Lt. of the bull pen since Grant Roberts was put on waivers didn't fare much better giving up 6 runs.
Ty Wigginton had a 5 hit game while Eric Valent had a 3 hit game, even Kaz Matsui showed signs of breaking out of his slump but the Mets offense was overshadowed by Juan Gonzalez hitting 3 homeruns. Casey Daigel who started for the Diamondbacks was'nt impressive in his performance either, but he proved to be a little better than Baldwin.
The Mets eventually fell to the Diamondbacks 12-8 even though they out hit them 17-12.
My one question about last nights game would be directed to Mets manager Art Howe as to why he let reliever Ricky Bottalico bat in the 9th inning with the bases loaded when he had Todd zeile available on the bench to hit. Just when you think Howe might have clue as to how to manage this team he turns around pulls a move like that. Hopefully Al Leiter can turn things around for the team tonight.