Join us tonight at 9PM ET for PRO BASEBALL CENTRAL on BLOG TALK RADIO. Our guests will be Brian Costa, Mets beat writer for the Newark Star-Ledger calling us from Port St. Lucie and Mike Henderson of the Washington Nationals blog, NATIONALS PRIDE.

You can join in the conversation as well by using our call in line at (646) 595-4462

If you can’t join us live, you can listen to the podcast right here at Kranepool Society or on Blogtalk Radio or at our PBC site as well.

Posted under Pro Baseball Central

Our guest tonight will be Mike Henderson, one of the writers for the Washington Nationals blog NATIONALS PRIDE. So join us and join in by calling in to the show at (646) 595-4462 tonight at 9PM EST

Posted under Pro Baseball Central

Good evening. A lot going on today kept me away from the blog. We have a few items to touch on before we get to Garza vs. Moyer.

-Willie Randolph turned down the Washington Nationals to be a coach. He must have a good feeling about either the Milwaukee or Seattle jobs. He’ll land somewhere.

-The Phillies are feeling a bit miffed because their complete rosters weren’t introduced. They weren’t because MLB and the network, that would be FOX, couldn’t have the time to squeeze that in. Actually, that’s part of the World Series TV experience I enjoy.

Posted under New York Mets

The Mets today released their preliminary 2009 schedule, and yes, the Washington Nationals are still on it. I know, that’s too bad.

Because of the World Baseball Classic, Opening Day isn’t until April 6, at Cincinnati. The Mets open Citi Field, April 13, against San Diego.

In addition to their home-and-home series with the Yankees, interleague play will include games at Boston and Baltimore, and Tampa Bay coming to Citi Field.

The Phillies come in for the first time, May 6-7, and the Braves make their first appearance, May 11-13.

Click here for next year’s schedule.

Posted under New York Mets

Ouch! Last night was bad on so many levels. Last night was a 2007 flashback. Here’s my thinking on arguably one of the worst losses of the season.

1. Championship caliber teams don’t lose to teams like the Washington Nationals down the stretch. Not after last season, anyway.

2. Pedro Martinez pitched better than I thought he would, but you can’t let Anderson Hernandez beat you.

3. Technically, the bullpen didn’t lose the game, but I have no faith in Duaner Sanchez, a future ex-Met.

4. Where’s the offense?

Just bad in so many ways.

Posted under New York Mets

So much for that 3 1/2-game lead the Mets had over the Phillies. Down to a scant game. It makes no difference the next four games are against the Washington Nationals. Since the Mets won’t have a starter going nine, the games are up for grabs.

Twenty-seven blown saves this year tells me there’s no comfort level and there are constant reminders of last year. Manager Jerry Manuel isn’t in denial.

“For us, coming down the stretch at this point, every loss is a reminder of last year,” Manuel said. “What we have to do is get through it. We have to win games to prevent that from being a subject matter. That’s the way it is. We have to deal with it.”

And, your confidence level this afternoon is?

Posted under New York Mets

Today was a crusher, and that’s even before the Phillies play their second game tonight against Milwaukee. With a win, they can close even with the Brewers for the wild-card and a game behind the Mets.

The same old issues did in the Mets today. They didn’t hit in the clutch and their bullpen caved. Oliver Perez did not pitch well, but was in position to win. It looks as if Perez regressed in his last few starts and that’s another cause for concern.

If the Mets didn’t take care of business against the Braves at home, it makes you wonder if they can do it next week against them in Atlanta. And, the Washington Nationals always play them tough. For games in DC won’t be a breeze.

Pedro Martinez goes tomorrow, but your guess is as good as mine as to what he’ll give the Mets. His durability is an issue, and you know he can’t be counted on for more than five.

Posted under New York Mets

How many times must it be said? The Washington Nationals trail the Mets by 25 1/2 games in the NL East. There’s a reason for that. They aren’t good. The Mets had their hands full last night because Oliver Perez couldn’t put them away.

The Mets can’t count on two homers from Carlos Delgado and ten runs every night. This division will be won by pitching and Mike Pelfrey is the story tonight. Then again, that’s not a bulletin.

Posted under New York Mets