Fan News

Tonight, it was one of those wild nights when each team's bullpen collapsed.

Nine relievers were called in to work when nine out of 14 runs of the game were conceded by the bullpen of either team.

Oh, how things can change so quickly. The Mets signed Francisco Rodriguez to be their new closer, replacing Billy Wagner, at the start of the 2009 season to a 3-year, $37 million contract.

Fans and members of the media thought the Mets were finally landing a star reliever, after years of frustration at the closer position.

After John Franco, the Mets never really had a legitimate closer. It started with Armando Benitez in 1999, who went on to blow Game 1 of the 2000 Subway Series.

After witnessing yet another poor start by Javier Vazquez on Monday, I believe that it is about time to call upon the services of 23-year-old Ivan Nova.

As you may or may not know, Vazquez is going through a stretch of dead arm right now, which is severely limiting his velocity on pitches, which are topping out at 88 miles per hour.

He got ripped by the Rangers last Wednesday, and he gave up two runs through four innings against the Tigers yesterday, throwing 106 pitches and dodging several scary situations in the process.

The Washington Nationals have agreed to a deal with Bryce Harper. It has been reported by Kendall Rogers of Yahoo! Sports that the deal is worth $9.9 million. This has been confirmed by Jim Bowden.

It appears as if the Nationals will be a force to be reckoned with in the future. With Stephen Strasburg already dominating in the majors and Bryce Harper on his way to the Nationals organization, the team appears to be on the rise.

Some scouts have said the Mets have the best farm system in the National League East, but that may soon change.

If a rough patch in a Major League Baseball season can be analogized to a gathering tempest, then the San Francisco Giants are heading into a doozy.

The club is sailing into a bank of cumulonimbus that isn't just dark; it's that inky, purplish shade of black. The kind that means your best option is to find Toto, stick your head between your knees, and kiss your tokus goodbye.

According to Jim Callis of Baseball America, the Rockies signed first-round draft pick Kyle Parker, an outfielder from Clemson.

It's probably a bit of a reach, but it's possible the Phillies are able to add Chase Utley and Ryan Howard to the lineup as early as Tuesday's game against the San Francisco Giants.

Utley, who had thumb surgery back on July 1st, has a better shot of returning when the Phillies start their series against the Giants than Howard.

The Washington Nationals have agreed a deal Bryce Harper. It has been reported by Kendall Rogers of Yahoo Sports that the deal is worth $9.9 million. This has been confirmed by Jim Bowden.

It appears as if the Nationals will be a force to be reckoned with in the future. With Stephen Strasburg already dominating in the majors and Bryce Harper on his way to the Nationals organization, the team appears to be on the rise.

Some scouts have said that the Mets have the best farm system in the National League East, but that may soon change.

HOUSTON-- For the first eight innings of the Mets opener in Houston, it was more of the same--no offense and great starting pitching.

For a third straight start, Jon Niese allowed one run in seven innings and received a no-decision for his effort. He has been dominating lately, but unfortunately, the offense and bullpen has combined to let him down lately.

He didn't get off to a roaring start tonight, allowing four hits in the first three innings, but he settled down after that.