Mets lineup a tribute to farm system
Daniel Murphy is hiugged by David Wright after he had the game-winning hit in the bottom of the 9th inning. (April 9, 2012) Credit: David Pokress
Terry Collins took particular pride in his lineup Monday night -- a list comprised strictly of homegrown talent.
Eight of his nine starters, including pitcher Mike Pelfrey, grew up in the Mets' minor- league system. Collins also pointed out that Jason Bay, who did not begin his career with the organization, played in its minor-league system.
"The Mets should be pretty proud of this lineup tonight," Collins said. "It's really quite a tribute to the organization."
The last time the Mets had eight of nine homegrown starters (excluding September or October) was April 19, 1990, vs. the Cubs, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
No longer is their farm system a source of derision. And that, said Collins, is a testament to their scouting and player development. "And I think there's more to come," he said. "Not every No. 1 pick's gonna make it. But what you do is, you don't ever give up on any of the kids you draft and sign and try to develop. This organization was ridiculed for not having a very good minor-league system. Well, we're running a pretty good lineup out there tonight, and they're all Mets."
Batista can close
Reliever Miguel Batista got the final out in the sixth on a strikeout and then walked two before being replaced in the seventh. But don't be surprised if you see him closing a game or two this season. Collins said Batista, 41, did it in winter ball and, given his experience, he feels comfortable using him when Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch are unavailable.
"You don't pitch for 13 major-league seasons without being put in some tough situations," Collins said. "And if there's one guy down there that we know can deal with it, it's Miguel."
Ike to sit
Collins won't play Ike Davis in today's game against the Nationals, but not because the first baseman is 0-for-15. Collins said he felt it is important to rest Davis as a precaution.
Davis, who has been diagnosed as having the symptoms of Valley Fever, didn't seem concerned about his health. But he did disclose he's scheduled for a checkup Tuesday that includes more blood work.
"We'll see what it says, if it looks better or has gotten worse," he said. "I don't really feel any side effects. But we'll see what the doc says. I'm sure it's nothing."
Extra bases
The Mets are 4-0 for the first time since 2007 . . . David Wright needs four RBIs to tie Darryl Strawberry's franchise record (733) . . . All of the Mets' wins have come by two or fewer runs . . . Jonathon Niese's earned run total from Sunday was changed from two to three after an official scoring review . . . Collins stressed that Andres Torres' DL stint will be two weeks at the "bare minimum." . . . Because of high demand, the Mets are extending their rollback promotion until Tuesday, allowing fans to purchase tickets for as little as $2.50 . . . Yani Tseng, the top-ranked LPGA player, threw out the first pitch for "Taiwanese Heritage Night."
