Why Omar should trade...

The Mets are having their worst month of baseball since the 2003 season, their record is 9- 18 ( not including tonight's game) in the month of June. This depleted roster doesn't have the ability to tread water until the injured players return, they have proven they are only capable of playing .400 ball, which includes the Cardinals hot streak.

Now the Phillies aren't going to continue losing games and even if, all they do is play 500 ball, they are still going to gain ground on the Mets. If the Mets allow too big lead to be gained, it will be difficult to over come, as the Phils will have all the momentum and the returning players will press.

But I'm not one that believes there are too many problems with this team, because just as the record shows they're a .400 team it also shows there very close to being at that level where they can tread water. The Mets have lost 10 of those games by only three or less runs, which tells me one more major league quality bat and this team can still compete until everyone returns.

Not only does a trade give the team the offensive numbers it needs to tread water, it also energizes both the clubhouse and the fan base. Bringing in a new guy, who hasn't been enduring these struggles might be the spark that this team needs and instead of returning home to a shell shocked, flat fan base a trade might be the buzz to excite the stadium.

Where do I stand on a trade; I've been around long enough to see so many can't miss prospects, miss, that I value major league experience much more, especially the bigger the need. In my book nobody is untouchable, there are four players in our system I wouldn't trade for a rental player ( Holt, Mejia, F-Mart and Flores) and everybody else I would move for a good bat, even for a rental ( learn to value picks and go out of slot, that player will be ready faster then most of our prospects who are still 16-20 y/o).

In Omar I dis-trust...

What do all these players have in common ?

Jason Bay, Joe Blanton, Casey Kotchman, Dan Harden, Xavier Nady, Ken Griffey Jr., Mark Texiera, Arthur Rhodes, C.C. Sabathia, Randy Wolf, Jon Rauch and Manny Ramirez...

They were all traded in the month of July last year, for a market that was reported to be a sellers market and extremely dry, that's a pretty big group of players. Now, those aren't the only players who were moved, that was one player from each team that I listed.

Last year by the deadline every team in first, second and even some of the third place teams made a move except the Mets, Twins, Rangers and Rays. Three of the four teams did not make the playoff's and in the NL wild card race only two of the top five teams didn't make a move ( Cards/Mets).

For some teams the moves didn't help, but for others it was the piece that bolstered their team enough to get them in the playoffs. For example; the Dodgers were dead in the water until the Casey Blake and Manny Ramirez deals. The bottom line is that; the Red Sox, Yankees, White Sox, Angels, Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Cubs, Brewers, Astros, Dodgers and D-Backs all were able to make trades while Omar claimed there were no good deals to be made.

Omar is showing himself as a poor in-season GM, this is coming from one of his huge early supporters, who is becoming more and more of a doubter. Each season he makes the huge deal Beltran, Delgado, Santana and Rodriguez but fails to fill out the rest of the roster. More importantly, Omar has failed to make in-season adjustments, his last big trade was the Nady move. In 2007 and 2008 the team desperately needed reinforcements in the bullpen and Omar failed to make a move, saying there was nothing that made sense. I'm not sure if anything would have helped in 2007 but one more reliever and the 2008 team makes the playoffs.

This year the team desperately needs a bat and once again we're hearing that trades are too costly and nothing makes sense. I said when the Pirates traded McClouth, that was the time the Mets needed to make a move, there were more teams that were ready to call it a season and in waiting we risked teams coming back into the race. Furthermore, the longer we waited, the more exposed our replacement players would get and the greater the risk of us falling out of the race.

Now as we get told there are no good trades, players are once again moving to contending teams; Jody Gerut, Nate McClouth, Mark DeRosa and Eric Hinske...

I don't belive you get something for nothing and I understand that a trade may cost you a player that you may have to watch, have a successful career elsewhere. But I have no problem with Mike Bordick, who helped us make the World Series in 2000 and never wore a Mets uniform again, while Melvin Mora has become a staple in the Orioles dugout. As Billy Beane says a good trade should hurt both sides...

It's time to make a move, and keep this team in contention until the injured returned. At the end of the day if it didn't help at least you can look back and say we tried everything to win. If each year you keep holding out for the future, then the future may never come, teams only get a certain window and this cores window is being wasted waiting for 16-20 y/o to mature...

I can see this season ending like the 2001-2003 time period where the Wilpon's still loved Steve Phillips but the fan base despise him, Omar seems to be heading in the same direction with his failure to develop the farm system ( never convinced the Wilpon's to draft out of slot which is why all our talent is young and in the lower levels), inability to make in-season adjustments ( cut ineffective players and make trades) and failure to make a full roster not just center pieces.

I hope Omar proves me wrong, as of right now I watch players going to other teams and us losing games with a lack luster offense and I say to myself here we go again; same old, same old...

I'm Angry over Dan Murphy...

I'm not personally angry with Dan Murphy, in fact, I like the kid's work ethic, determination and grittiness, but I am disgruntled with the organizations handling of Murphy.

The Mets spent the entire off-season attempting to sell the fan base on Dan Murphy's ability to become the starting left fielder based on 49 major league games, from the year before.

When the Murphy propaganda machine started in October I made this post (10/9/08), questioning the decision. Simple put, 49 games was too small a sample pool, to hand a major league starting position over to a AA player, who had never been recognized by one scout and was playing out of position.

In fact, I wanted Murphy on the team, because of his bat and the intangibles that he brought to the club but as I also said in another post, I wanted him used as a Kevin Mitchell type (10/24/09) of super utility player.

As I said at the time; I'm not saying he's isn't good or that he should be traded but I don't want the team to rely on a guy with 49 games under his belt and straight out of AA as a starter. I'd like to see him viewed as a super sub, getting his bat in the line-up on a regular basis ( at least 4 games a week) by giving players days off. Almost like a better hitting version of "Super Joe" McEwing. If he struggles then it's no big deal if has has to go down for a while and if he wins a starter spot then the bench is deep with a starter on the bench. After the last two years I want as few question marks as possible heading into next season....(10/9/2008)

I could even understand the move from a financial position when it was believed that corner outfielders would cost 15 MM a season, but once the price came down it almost seemed like a no-brainer to bring someone in.

Still the Mets stubbornly promoted the idea of Murphy being the starting left fielder and a major part of this years offense.

Murphy ended up looking awful in left field and cost the team several games with errors on what would have been routine fly balls for a major league outfielder. When he was moved to first base, he's done a solid job but his inexperience at the position continues to show itself from time to time ( Yanks game on Sunday).

More importantly Murphy's offense has struggled, whether his fielding has effected his offense or he's been exposed and pitchers have made the adjustment, he isn't hitting at all. In 200 plate appearances, Murphy's hitting .246 with a .346 slg pct.

Plain and simple, Murphy should be in AAA playing first base every day, where he'll learn the position and continue to build his confidence as a hitter.

But now the Mets don't have a back-up plan and probably don't want to admit their mistake, after making Murphy out to be the next Don Mattingly.

This month the Mets have lost ten games by three runs or less, that tells me that they are close and one more bat would have won some of those games. That same player I felt the team needed to sign so that they weren't relying so much on Murphy is the same player who would be helping them make it through this injury stretch.

Now Omar says he can't find a trade that makes sense, this is the same guy who said, he was going with the roster as it was and if he needed to make a move in-season he would. Each time I see Murphy make a inexperienced mistake and watch his batting average drop, I get mad, if I could see this coming then I know they did.

For three years now Omar has said he would make moves at the deadline if his team had a need and the last two years he has come away empty handed, now it sounds like the exact same mantra all over again. I'm feeling like I was sold a bill of goods from a snake oil salesmen.

Beltran getting a second opinion on knee...

Carlos Beltran has decided to get a second opinion on his bruised knee. The scary part is that he's seeing a doctor that specializes in microfracture surgery, a procedure to regenerate damaged cartilage. We've been told that Beltran has a bone bruise but we also know how bad the Mets medical staff has been with their diagnosis. If Beltran has more then a bruise and is going to miss significant time, it would be a devastating injury...

Carlos Beltran wanted a second opinion for his ailing right knee. His agent, Scott Boras, favored a particular doctor. That is how Beltran wound up on Monday in Vail, Colo., being examined by Dr. Richard Steadman, who pioneered the technique known as microfracture surgery. source NY Times

Oliver Perez next start will be in Buffalo

On the Heels of Oliver Perez's successful rehab outing, it's been announced that Ollie will make a start on Friday in Buffalo and if everything goes well, he could return to the team after that start.

Ollie threw 73 pitches, through five shut out innings on two hits and one walk while striking out six. Perez threw 41 pitches for strikes and it appears he's as ready as he'll ever be to return.

It will be interesting to see how Perez's used, will he replace someone in the rotation, work out of the pen or piggyback innings with another starter.

"I'm really happy with what happened today," Perez said. "I'm excited to get [back to the majors] and be with my team, and try to help them and do what I have to do." source NY Post

Return of Lambo - Mike Lamb

Mike Lamb is a 33 y/o left handed hitting utility player, his primary position is third base but he's played every position in the majors except short and center ( C, 1B, 2B, OF).

Lamb was an extremely popular figure in Houston for four straight years, when he averaged 14 HRs, 50 RBIs and a .270 BA, when he would come to bat the scoreboard would flash "Lambo".

Last year he played with both the Brewers and Twins but struggled to stay in the majors with a .253 BA ( .233 BA with Twins majority of the season), many speculated that he wasn't healthy and never fully recovered from injuries.

The Mets signed him to a minor league contract and he has spent the first half of the season in Buffalo. There have been reports that the Bison's were pleased with his swing and that it just hasn't been equating to hits, as his average has been around .220 for most the season.

Lamb made it through the veteran cuts ( Pena, Valentin, Kielty) and it appears his bat is starting to find holes. If Mike Lamb returns to "Lambo" form, he might be a better option on the bench then some of the players currently there...

Mike Lamb's 11-game hit streak came to an end on Saturday. Lamb hit .415 (17-41) during the streak.... source MiLB

Connor Robertson still with the B-Mets

In case you were wondering the Yankees relief pitcher, who sent our hitters down 1-2-3 in the 8th inning is the younger brother of our pitcher Connor Robertson.

Connor Robertson was acquired in the off-season for Scott Schoeneweis, after two seasons in which Schoeneweis struggled in the NY spot light the Mets were just looking for a taker and the D-Backs were willing to give the lefty a try, Robertson was the return throw-in.

Since the season started Robertson has been pitching in AA Binghampton, while taking up space on the 40 man roster. In 22 relief appearances he's 0-3 with a 5.56 ERA.

On June 24th Robertson was designated for assignment to be removed from the 40-man roster, his player profile is showing active and he's pitched since then so it appears that he made it through the process.

Jon Switzer & Wilson Valdez make it back to Buffalo

Jon Switzer and Wilson Valdez were designated for assignment on June 24th, both had to pass through waivers and accept assignment.

Both played in Buffalo last night, so it appears they made it through the process and elected to stay with the organization.

Switzer pitched 2.2 hitless and scoreless innings of relief ( ERA 1.93). I thought he was coming around as the second lefty but Misch can pitch multiple innings, I'm sure we'll see him again this season.

Valdez played second base and went 0-3. I'll be honest, I'd rather have Valdez then Reyes, neither can hit and Valdez has a better glove and arm along with veteran experience.

Both players were removed from the 40 man roster when they were designated, but the Mets are only carrying 39 players ( 42 with three on the 60-day DL) so a recall wouldn't necessitate an additional roster move other then who they replaced...

John Maine shut down, set back...

Last night it was reported that John Maine is still experiencing pain in his throwing shoulder, which is being attributed to a pinched nerve. Maine was scheduled to make a rehab start today in Brooklyn, but instead will be shut down for at least a week. He received a cortisone shot in the shoulder and the medical staff will monitor how he responds to the treatment and rest. Maine admitted that the earliest he could return would be the All-Star break...

"I tried throwing," Maine said before the Mets' 9-1 loss to the Yankees last nighty. "And I couldn't." source NY Post

Mets being cautious with Angel Pagan

Angel Pagan was placed on the disabled list with a groin injury on June 1st., almost a month later and Pagan still isn't ready to return. Pagan is chomping at the bit to return, but the Mets are being cautious with his progress.

Trot Nixon, last year, went down with a groin strain and started playing games in New Orleans too soon and ended up having hernia surgery...

Angel Pagan remains at least a week away from entering a rehab game, a team official tells the Daily News. Pagan landed on a disabled list with a groin injury and is eager to advance to games, but those overseeing the rehab prefer Pagan take a more cautious path since he relies on his speed. source Daily News

Four straight excellent starts for Jon Niese...

In a very short time Jon Niese went from being the pitching jewel of the system, to the guy most fans have considered expendable in a trade.

Part of Niese's demise is a result of some very good young pitching prospects in the lower levels, such as Brad Holt and Jenrry Mejia.

Niese's original ascent can be attributed to the Johan Santana trade, when three top pitching prospect were sent to Minnesota for the ace pitcher (Phil Humber, Kevin Mulvey and Deolis Guerra).

In that one deal suddenly Niese was the #3 prospect with a B rating by John Sickel's ( 2008 prospect list). But even then Sickel's considered him an innings eater type of pitcher and not a top of the rotation guy.

Last year everything seemed to be working for Niese, thanks to the trade not only was he the #3 prospect but in AA he went 6-7 with a 3.04 ERA in 22 starts and earned himself a promotion to AAA. In his first exposure to AAA ( then in New Orleans) he went 5-1 with a 3.40 ERA in a hitter friendly league.

He was rewarded for his AAA numbers with a late season call-up to the Mets, he started three games with a 7.07 ERA and a record of 1-1.

Coming into this year many felt he should be the fifth starter and there was as much hype for him as there was Murphy.

Niese had a horrible spring in which he started three games with a record of 0-2 and an ERA 6.75. He then went to AAA Buffalo and things got even worse, in his first eight starts he recorded one quality outing while pitching to an ERA of 8.53 and an 0-6 record. In his one trip to the majors, this year, he had no decisions in two starts with a 5.91 ERA.

But since July 7 he has made four excellent starts, two of the starts he pitched seven innings of shut-out ball. In all, over the four starts he has pitched 26.1 innings, allowed three runs on 20 hits ( still too many hits) and 7 walks while striking out 25, resulting in a 3-0 record over that period of time.

Keeping in mind that he's 23 y/o left hander with a devastating curve ball, but only projected as a middle of the rotation starter, Niese peaking now has either increased his trade value immensely or taken himself off the market...

Look for an Atkins type move...

Omar doesn't want to part with many of his prospects, so I'm starting to get the feeling, guys like DeRosa, Dunn and Huff will be moved but to other teams.

Instead we maybe looking at a deal which brings in a change of scenery guy, who doesn't cost much and the organization hopes thrives from the trade.

Garrrett Atkins appears to be just that type of player, in Colorado he is having a miserable year ( .219 BA) and has lost his starting job to Ian Stewart.

Atkins is a 29 y/o right handed batter who is a lifetime .290 hitter with a .463 Slg. pct.. His natural position is third base but has spent significant time at 1B ( 90 gms) and has had a taste of 2B and the outfield ( 4 gms combined).

In the past as Mets GM, instead of the big deal, Omar has settled for Marlon Anderson, Guillermo Mota, Luis Castillo, Jeff Conine and Trot Nixon, to name a few. Atkins seems to be right in the mold of these other in-season transactions..

Trading Garrett Atkins is a no- brainer, but what can the Rockies get for him? I know some people in the organization who are convinced he will regain his sweet swing and thrive in a new environment. Others in the organization have told me Atkins is a lost cause. Either way, there is no turning back now. Ian Stewart is the third baseman of the present and future. source Denver Post

Marlon Anderson looking to return...

After leaving the Mets, Marlon Anderson landed with the Newark Bears of the Atlantic League ( Independent league).

Apparently Marlon has decided to leave the Bears and hopes to return to the Mets organization.

Omar always loves Marlon's intangibles and I wouldn't be surprised to see him as a player coach in Buffalo, who knows he might even get a call-up in Sept...

Furthermore, Marlon Anderson is believed to have left the Bears with the hopes of returning to the Mets organization, and will apparently retire if he is unable to do so.

He played seven games this season with the Bears — all on the road — and hit .240 with an RBI, three walks and three strikeouts. source Atlantic League Baseball

Jenrry Mejia & Wilmer Flores selected for the futures game..

The minor league All-Star futures game will be played at 2pm on All-Star Sunday ( ESPN & ESPN2) , in St. Louis.

The game gives teams the opportunity to show case their minor league talent in front of large crowds that have arrived early for the All-Star weekend festivities.

The players selected are an organizations top prospects, the teams are divided by those from America against players from the rest of the world.

The Mets will be sending RHP Jenrry Mejia and SS Wilmer Flores...

For a team that is constantly being told they have a weak farm system, they are sending two players ( 10 teams only have one player) to the futures game, along with several other fine prospects ( Holt, Tejada), have five recently home grown players on the major league roster ( Pelfrey, Parnell, Murphy, Martinez, Evans ) and had enough to trade for Santana and Putz...

It smells like teen spirit for the Mets' organization, which will send 19-year-old Double-A pitcher Jenrry Mejia and 17-year-old Class A shortstop Wilmer Flores to the Futures Game. source MLB.com

Argenis Reyes promoted, Jon Switzer DFA

Left hander Jon Switzer didn't get much of an audition prior to being designated for assignment. Switzer appeared in 4 games ( 3.1 innings) in which he allowed three runs on four hits and two walks, while striking out three ( ERA 8.10). The big blow came when he allowed a two run bomb to the Yankees, but in his last two appearances he did not allow a run.

Switzer is out of option and was removed from the 40-man roster, so he'll have to make it through waivers and accept assignment to stay with the organization.

The Mets opted to keep Pat Misch as the second lefty, Misch has options, which would have meant by sending Misch down they could have kept both lefties, but as a former starter, Misch now becomes the longman with Takahashi back in Buffalo...

As expected, while I would have voted for Shawn Bowman, the Mets promoted Argenis Reyes as the back-up middle infielder...

Jon Switzer has been designated for assignment and infielder Argenis Reyes has been recalled from Buffalo. source Newsday

How bad is Gary Sheffield's knee

Gary Sheffield missed his third game in a row due to his sore right knee and now it's being disclosed that Sheffield had a cortisone shot in the knee.

Missing so many days in a row, when the Mets are desperate for any kind of offensive output, has lead some to believe that Sheffield may end up on the DL.

Others have speculated that the knee is much worse, then the 41 y/o veteran is willing to admit and that's why he canceled an MRI earlier this month. There's been rumors that he's basically playing until it gives out completely and forces him into retirement.

I'll say this about Sheffield, who has totally surprised me with his contributions to this team, in addition to the homeruns, Sheffield has provided excellent leadership and toughness to a ball club that was in desperate need of both intangibles prior to the season.

Gary Sheffield says he has an inflamed bursa sac in his knee. We'll see how long he can avoid the DL. source NYPost_Mets Twitter

Bowman should get consideration

With Omar's reluctance to make a trade and turning to the farm to fill their needs, the Mets should consider promoting Shawn Bowman when they demote a reliever.

Bowman isn't the perfect match defensively because of the positions he plays, he maybe the best young offensive alternative.

It would leave Cora without a safety net but if he was injured in game you could live with Tatis and then they could call-up Argenis Reyes.

Right now the plan is to promote Argenis Reyes when the bullpen is fully rested, a guy who hit .219 in his last major league stay is the last thing this team needs.

Bowman was the seventh ranked prospect in the Mets farm in 2004, he was the best corner infielder in the system and had a solid bat. Many speculated that if Bowman continued to progress he would have pushed David Wright to firstbase.

Bowman didn't progress as planned due to a debilitating back injury which cost him most of 2005-2007 ( just over 100 games in three seasons).

Since returning in 2008 Bowman has played a solid third base and a game at first base while producing decent numbers at the plate. Hitting clean-up for the B-Mets ( AA) Bowman has hit .284 with a .440 slg. pct..

The 24 y/o right hander will be lucky to become a utility player in the bigs after all his set backs, so worrying about at bats and development due to being on the bench wouldn't be a concern. He has the glove for the majors and a better chance at hitting then Reyes.

Do the Mets need to have a quicker hook- Fernando Tatis

Jose Valentin, Julio Franco, Marlon Anderson, and Moises Alou were all great pick-ups their first year, but they all stayed a year too long.

I know the Wilpon's don't like to waste money but most of the guys I'm talking about, made less then 2MM a year and when Minnesota can cut former Met Luis Ayala ( 1.3 MM), there's no way the Mets should hymn and haw about these type of losses.

Fernando Tatis was a great comeback story last year and it was a no brainer to bring him back at 1.7MM for the year, but it should be just as much a no brainer to cut ties if it appears he can't duplicate last years performance.

Now I'm not advocating cutting Tatis just yet, but there's no way he should be starting or batting clean-up and with such a depleted roster the hook shouldn't be prolonged.

Unfortunately the Mets don't operate that way and I'm afraid Fernando will be around until October.

The Mets can't afford a guy hitting .059 with two outs RISP, .146 with RISP, and .200 with a Man on 3rd, two outs. Overall in 129 AB he's hitting .248 with a .346 Slg. Pct. In the power position of 1B his slg. pct. .380 and as a pinch hitter he's hitting .200 with a .200 Slg. pct..

Additionally Tatis has become a double play machine...

On Monday, Carlos Beltran went on the disabled list, forcing David Wright to bat third and someone else to bat fourth. Tatis has inherited the spot so far, but in the two games without Beltran, Tatis has been more double-play king than cleanup threat.Tatis went 1-for-5 Monday, grounding into two double plays. In Tuesday night's 3-0 loss, he went 0-for-3, grounding into another double play. source Yahoo.com

Omar should learn from Alex Rodriguez...

When it finally became official that Carlos Delgado would need hip surgery, one of the first examples given to estimate his prognosis was Alex Rodriguez. There were numerous statements made, that A-Rod returned to action in 8-10 weeks and that's what should be expected of Delgado.

First of all, Delgado is five years older then A-Rod and seems to recover from injuries much slower, for example his wrist seemed to ail him for parts of two seasons.

But I would bet if you asked most Yankees fans they would say A-Rod's truly not recovered from the hip injury. A lifetime .304 hitter with a .576 Slg. pct. is currently hitting .207 with a .443 Slg. Pct. The mgr. played him 8 days straight just to provide protection in the line-up and had to be told by ownership to give him a rest. After taking two days off, he came back with an 0-4 performance, now some are questioning his lateral movement in the field and it's believed the over use has resulted in regression in his condition. Clearly one of the best athletes in the game isn't a 100% and if he isn't ready, I can't see how an older Delgado can be expected back August 1st.

Now I have all the respect in the world for Delgado, especially after following his Twitter site and his scholarship activities. I hope he returns and has a great second half, but for Omar to hope that he can count on Delgado to be his power bat down the stretch is a mistake and all he has to do is look at his own example, Alex Rodriguez...

Would Troy Glaus be appealing

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that Troy Glaus is preparing to return from a shoulder injury on Aug. 3rd. While his shoulder is fine hitting, he is struggling to throw from third and may have to move to firstbase. The Cards have Pujols at first and Glaus is making 11.25MM for this year. For the Cards that's an expense bench player/pinch hitter.

Rosenthal believes that Glaus would be appealing to the Mets, who could afford his contract and are unwilling to move prospect chips for a bigger impact player. I think by Aug. 3rd we'll either have most of our injured back or the season will be pretty much done.

Glaus is a 32 y/o right handed hitter with a .256 lifetime BA. He's a four time All-Star, World Series Champion, World Series MVP and two time silver slugger.

To trade Glaus, the Cardinals likely would need to pay a sizable percentage of his remaining salary. The Rangers, Mets, Giants and Braves are among the contenders who could seek help at first base. The Tigers and Mariners are among those who could upgrade at DH. source Fox Sports

Expect an Argenis Reyes call-up...

The last time the Mets needed a middle infielder, when Ramon Martinez went down, Argenis Reyes was on the minor league disabled list, so Omar went out and obtained Wilson Valdez.

It now appears the Mets are hoping to stow Valdez back in AAA as an insurance plan, if he makes it through waivers and accepts assignment.

Jerry Manuel hinted that the pitchers promoted ( Dessens/Misch) were temporary moves to give the pen much needed rest and that another move for a positional player would be made soon.

Reyes has played very little at short stop ( 24 minor league games), but prior to his own injury he had started playing the position in Buffalo, due to the rash of injuries with the big league team. Reyes is currently hitting .295 in 44 games and has played four games at short. While spending most of his career at 2B ( 375 gms), he has 71 games at third and 77 games in the outfield. In seven minor league seasons he has a BA of .286. Last year he spent 27 games with the Mets, all at 2B and batted .218...

Wonder how that played in the Bisons' clubhouse down in Charlotte. Next thing you know, Wily Mo Pena is released even though he's second on the team in HRs and RBIs? Hmmm. Something tells me Wily Mo told the Mets where to stuff their apple and did his best TV impression to howl: "I'm a Celebrity: Get Me Out of Here" (someone please tell me why I can't stop watching that horrid show).

So Wily Mo is gone, Fernando Martinez is back in New York with Carlos Beltran down and closer Elmer Dessens gets a much-deserved chance at Citi Field. All in all, Monday was a pretty brutal day for the Herd aside from its 7-6 loss. And look for Argenis Reyes to get the call next when the Mets cut down a reliever later in the week. source Buffalo News

More on the roster - Connor Robertson...

Yesterday's roster moves were quite curious, to say the least. Was the team looking to make room for a near future move or simply cleaning house.

Javier Valentin and Bobby Kielty were on the minor league DL and not on the 40 man roster, so why cut them, when healthy they had to be considered helpful on a woefully awful Bison team.

The Wily Mo Pena move baffles me the most, the guy was hitting very well for power in AAA and with a team desperate for power like the Mets, it didn't make sense for them to not give him a chance. Again he wasn't on the 40 man roster and Buffalo had better options of players to cut, if they needed room. There's been some speculation that after leading Buffalo in homeruns and RBIs, Pena demanded his release after being passed over by Nick Evans for promotion.

The Mets decided to re-assign Wilson Valdez, which leaves them without a safety net behind Cora in the event of an in-game injury or if Valdez doesn't make it back to Buffalo ( waivers or refusal).

The current 40 man roster has 41 players listed but that includes three players on the 60-day DL ( Wagner, Martinez, Delgado), so why remove Connor Robertson from the roster. Robertson hasn't been spectacular, but he was obtained in a deal and why make an unnecessary move.

The team also announced that righthanded pitcher Connor Robertson was designated for assignment and outfielder Wily Mo Pena, infielder Javier Valentin and outfielder Bobby Kielty were released. source Mets.com

Beltran to the DL and other roster moves...

The Mets made it official in placing Carlos Beltran on the 15-day disabled list. Apparently Beltran's bone bruise under his knee has gotten worse and needs rest. Omar told the press that he hoped it would be a two week stint but according to David Lennon he wasn't convincing.

Minaya: Beltran's bone bruise bigger than a month ago. Back after two weeks?
"Hopefully," says Minaya. Not convincing. source David Lennon Twitter

In other moves, Beltran will be replaced on the roster by Fernando Martinez. Also Wilson Valdez and Ken Takahashi have been re-assigned to AAA while they have recalled Elmer Dessens and Pat Misch for the bullpen.

Can this line-up compete with one trade if Beltran is on the DL...

I know this is currently the topic on WFAN ( 660 AM - Mike Francesca show) but I was truly contemplating this thought when I posted about Beltran's knee and the release of the veterans from Buffalo earlier today....

If Beltran has to go on the DL due to his knee, but it isn't season ending, would it be smart to make a trade or should the team just start evaluating prospects and work towards next season.

Can a team with this line-up stay close enough to hold it together and hope that Reyes, Delgado, and Beltran return.

CF Pagan

SS Cora

3B Wright

1B Huff/Dunn ( whichever is a more reasonable deal)

LF Sheffield/Reed

RF Church

C Schneider/Santos

2B Castillo

Aside from the catching and left field platoon the bench would include Valdez, Evans or Murphy ( which ever one wasn't in the deal) and Tatis.

Now keeping in mind that Maine and Perez are on the DL leaving the rotation with Hernandez, Redding and Nieve, while Pelfrey continues to be inconsistent, which I believe has resulted in the pen burning out.

I'm very close to saying that one player isn't enough and it's time to look at the future, but I just can't allow myself to give up on the season, this early.

While injuries happen and seasons are lost to them, this all still falls back on Omar. Even with these injuries, if Omar had done a better job in the off-season we would still have a fighting chance. If Derek Lowe, Adam Dunn, Wil Ohman and Orlando Hudson are on this team, I believe one trade and were not missing a beat, on our way to the playoffs.

There was also a window when many teams felt they were out of the playoff's, when Atlanta made their deal and if Omar had acted decisively he could have obtained a player, but that window closed when the pack caught the leaders in several divisions.

More praise for Jenrry Mejia...

Last week I posted that NY Post was reporting that they had spoke to a scout who felt Jenrry Mejia was the Mets best pitching prospect. To view that post go here.

Now renowned Minor league expert John Sickels is praising Mejia at his Minor league ball blog. According to Sickels, Mejia could be up-graded to an A or A- level prospect by the end of the season, Sickels is known as a tough grader and that would be extremely high praise.

For example Fernando Martinez is a B+ grade prospect.

The Mets are another team that loves to rush prospects, and right now things are going well with RHP Jenry Mejia. He began the year going 4-1, 1.97 with a 44/16 K/BB in 50 innings for St. Lucie, with a 2.21 GO/AO ratio in nine starts. Promoted to Double-A Binghamton earlier this month, he's 0-2 in three starts, but with a 2.25 ERA and a 17/7 K/BB in 16 innings, with 17 hits allowed. I like the fact that he's maintained his strong GO/AO, with a 2.22 mark so far in the Eastern League. Mejia is just 19 years old, and skipped low Class A, having pitched in the New York-Penn League last year. He posted a 3.49 ERA in 57 innings for Brooklyn, with a 52/23 K/BB. In 66 combined this year, he has a 2.04 ERA with a 61/23 K/BB. The fact that he's maintained virtually identical ratios at a higher level of competition is a really good sign, especially given his age. As with Stanton, I'd leave him in Double-A the rest of the season. I gave him a Grade C+ "but with a very high ceiling" rating in the book. I'm jumping that up to Grade B+ now, and he could be a Grade A- or perhaps even a Grade A by the end of this season. source Minor league Ball

Bison's cut veterans Wily Mo Pena, Javier Valentin & Bobby Kielty

I'm not really sure how this makes sense, but I guess I can't see the big picture.

The Buffalo Bison's have announced that they have released Wily Mo Pena and Javier Valentin.

Valentin has been on the disable list since June 15th with a shoulder strain, prior to that he hit .260 while catching, playing 1B, 3B and left field. Many speculated that he would have been called up instead of Fernando Martinez if he hadn't injured his shoulder.

As many who read this blog are aware, I would have recalled Wily Mo Pena when he proved his shoulder was healthy. Pena has the potential to be the power bat the Mets need while not costing them anything in trade.

The Bison's activated newly acquired LHP Arturo Lopez with the roster room. I think there are other ways the team could have made roster room if they really needed it ( Andy Green / Mark Kiger for example), which leads to believe there's a bigger picture plan.

The Bison's also quietly released Bobby Kielty who had been on the disable list since April recovering from a broken ankle.

So why have the Mets AAA affiliate cut most of the veteran players:

1. They simply needed roster room and these were the most expendable players.
   
2. The team evaluated the vets and felt they couldn't contribute to the major league team.
   
3. One more injury ( Beltran) and were embracing a youth movement/rebuilding process in which stop gap players aren't needed.
4. Omar's about to make a trade and needs room to demote guys
   
   

Pena hit .276 (40-145) with five home runs and 21RBI in 41 games with the Bisons.

Valentin, who had been on the disabled list since June 15 with a
strained right shoulder, hit .260 (20-77) with three home runs and 10RBI in 23 games with the Herd. source MiLB

Beltran concerned about Knee..

Reports indicate that Carlos Beltran will have an MRI on his aligning knee today. Beltran has undoubtedly been the most clutch player on the Mets, hitting .336 with a .526 Slg. pct.

Beltran admitted to Newsday that he's concerned about the results of the MRI due to the amount of pain he's been playing through and he doesn't feel he can continue to play on the knee as it feels right now. If Beltran was lost even for 15 days, with the up coming schedule it would be devastating...

"I'm a little bit worried, to be honest," Beltran said, "because of the way I felt today - it was painful." source Newsday

More on Fernando Nieve

Fernando Nieve has made two tremendous starts against two very good A.L. East teams. First he held the Yankees to, two runs over 6.2 innings and then he followed that up by holding the Rays to one run over six innings. In all with a third relief appearance included, Nieve has an ERA of 1.84 in 14.2 innings and a record of 2-0.

Sam Page at Amazin Avenue has a great break down of Nieve's performances so far with the Mets.

The Astros were famous for their Venezuelan pipeline of talent, Baseball America ranked Nieve the Astros' #3 prospect in 2006 and Jim Callis mentioned him during a question and answer post about the pipeline.

Jim Callis: Shouldn't you be paying attention in class? The Astros aren't handing out huge bonuses in Venezuela, but they're still finding talent. Our Top 30 list includes four Venezuelans: RHPs Fernando Nieve and Juan Gutierrez, C Hector Gimenez and SS Wladimir Sutil. Also keep an eye on LHP Enyelbert Soto. Keep in mind, too, that other teams now realize how much talent is in Venezuelan, and the Astros no longer are the only club that operates an academy down there. There's a lot more competition now. source Baseball America

In 2006 when Jon Sickels considered him the Astros # 5 prospect with B+ potential, he saw his most extensive stint in the majors, he started the season in the rotation but that was the year Roger Clemens joined the team mid-season and Nieve was demoted to the pen. In all he pitched in 40 games ( 11 starts ) with a record of 3-3 and a 4.20 ERA. Who knows how being moved back and forth effected his development or psyche.

Looking back at all this one of the more revealing insights was Garner’s decision to demote Nieve to the pen. In all, Nieve’s record as a starter was an unimpressive 2-3, but the fact remains that Buchholz was worse. It is amazing to think that a pitcher as good as Roger Clemens would have been lucky to win the Astros even one extra game. It just goes to show why pitcher won-loss records are rightly vilified in the analytical community. Who knows, but had the Rocket replaced another pitcher such as Buchholz or even his great friend, Andy Pettitte, then the outcome may have been different. Fortunately for the Cardinals that didn’t happen. source THT

After almost making the team out of spring training (2007) , he lost the season in April to T.J. Surgery and the next year failed to make the team due to hamstring weakness in the leg the tendon was removed for the surgery.

Eventually Nieve was called up in 2008 but struggled with his control as he posted an 8.44 ERA in 11 appearances all as a reliever. Usually recovery time is anywhere from a year to a year and a half from T.J. Surgery so wildness should have been expected.

Nieve spent winter ball as a closer converting 7 of 9 save opportunities, expecting to be in the Astros pen. But received a call from the Astos in January that he would be competing with six other starters for the fifth spot in the rotation. Not only was he going to have to stretch his arm back out in spring training, but being out of options it sounds like the Astros were tired of waiting for him to blossom...

"Last year was a lost season for him," Wade said. "We're hoping he sees the opportunity he has here and takes advantage of it." source MLB.com

"That's why [general manager] Ed [Wade] keeps hollering that it's high noon," Cooper said. "It is high noon. He's got a great arm. He usually pitches down in the strike zone really well and he has a good slider when he throws it for strikes. He hasn't been that consistent with it, but we're hoping that's what happens this spring." source MLB.com

As expected of a pitcher in spring training who's adjusting to the rotation after two years of injuries and relief work, Nieve struggle and posted a 11.67 ERA, which resulted in his re-assignment to the minors. Being out of options the Mets claimed and slipped him through waivers and since being recalled he has been excellent. Hopefully, this isn't a tease and the former prospect is finally reaching his potential...

“This year I feel more comfortable,” said Nieve. “This year I have more confidence in my arm.” source NJ.com

Wily Mo Pena is hitting them over signs

While I sit here frustrated with another weak offensive performance, there's one thing I can't understand; Why hasn't Wily Mo Pena been called up...

The Mets offense is sputtering; both Gary Sheffield and Carlos Beltran are playing on weak legs, while David Wright's power outage has reached epic proportions, couple that with the injuries and it should be expected that this team would struggle to score runs.

In my opinion, Omar is making a mistake by waiting to make a deal for an offensive player, by the time the price comes down they could be in such a whole that it will be tough to pull themselves out of it.

Even with all the injuries the team is competitive, in the month of June they have a record of 7-9 and seven of those nine loses are by three or less runs. One more hitter and this team wins half those loses, which puts them in first place and comfortably in wild card standing.

But even if Omar is smart about waiting and I'm just being impatient, Wily Mo Pena wouldn't cost a thing. I know he's an all or nothing hitter and his defense isn't very good but the guy is hitting mammoth homeruns in Buffalo and has hit .300 twice in the majors.

As I've said before, while Omar waits for the right deal what would be the harm in bringing up Pena...

The offensive explosion really set in during the third inning when Wily Mo Pena sent a homer over the third tier of outfield signage. source MiLB

Mets claim Arturo Lopez...

There were many good left handed relievers on the market this off-season, but when an average lefty reliever can stay in the league until he's forty, a good one is going to cost you.

The Mets chose to pass on the lefty relief market, while they swore their righties were capable of getting lefties out and only needed Feliciano, it was pretty clear they just didn't want to spend the money on an Affeldt, Ohman or Biemel...

After taking on Philly it seems like the team has stepped up their efforts to find that second lefty. They've tried Jon Switzer, Ken Takahashi, Ron Villone and Casey Fussom. They've signed Pat Misch, Tom Martin ( resigned after recovery from injury) and now Arturo Lopez.

According to David Lennon's twitter the Mets claimed Lopez off waivers from the Padres.

Lopez is a 26 y/o left handed reliever, after two camps with the Padres he was the last cut this spring and when they needed a reliever he got the call. Carrying 13 pitchers the Pads had a very short rope and after only four appearances Lopez was back in the minors. He allowed 4 runs on seven hits and three walks in 2.1 innings of work. With a 19.29 ERA the Padres tried to slip him through waivers to make room on the 40 man but the Mets ended up claiming him and assigning him to Buffalo.

"He was one of the guys throwing the ball very well down in Portland," Black said. "He has the ability to go a couple of innings, he's left-handed. We thought he did a fine job in Spring Training, to the point where he was our last guy to be sent down. He was deserving to be the guy and he's had a couple of days off, so he could pitch tonight."source MLB.com

Fernando Martinez to Buffalo- Nick Evans recalled

Before last night's game the Mets optioned Fernando Martinez to AAA and recalled Nick Evans for his roster spot.

The 20 y/o left handed outfielder, Martinez, is the top prospect in the Mets organization and this was his first exposure to the majors. In 18 games ( 62 AB) he hit a mere .184 with a .274 Slg. pct., the highlight of his stay would be his five doubles and five RBI's. Martinez simply wasn't ready for this level, this early in his career, hopefully he'll take this experience and use it to build upon in the minors...

Nick Evans returns, the 23 y/o right handed first baseman/left fielder made two trips to the majors last year. Between May and June he only hit .190 after his three double debut against the Rockies. He received a second chance in July and through August hit over .300, but cooled off in Sept. hitting only .167 ( 5 AB).

Evans was one of the last cuts in spring training, but when he didn't make the team, he went into an awful slump in AAA (.093). After working with the instructional staff in Florida, Evans returned to AA where he was hitting .276 at the time of his call-up.

It appears that Evans is holding down the spot until Angel Pagan returns in about a week, unless he impresses enough to stay. To make room for Evans on the 40-man roster the Mets placed Ramon Martinez on the 60-day DL.

"What I saw in Fernando was a young player that I really believe can handle this situation," Manuel said. "I really believe (he) is gonna be a part of us doing well, doing what we need to do at some point this season. I really feel that."source Daily News

Notes From the Road - Camden Yards

I woke up Thursday morning and logged on to Stubhub to check the going rate for Mets vs. Orioles tickets, just for fun. Twenty minutes later, I found myself scouring the internet to find the Inner Harbor’s best crab cakes, while waiting for my ticket to print. For the price of $25 - $15 for the ticket, $10 in “convenience” charges - I bought a field-level seat, five rows behind the foul pole in left. I quickly threw together a master plan that included a stop at the Babe Ruth Museum, crab cakes at Lexington Market, and my arrival at Camden Yards in time to watch batting practice.

I left North Jersey around lunchtime. A few times, I stopped at service areas along the Turnpike for food or gas. At each stop, I ran into packs of exuberant Met fans on their way to the game. Despite the rain, I was running right on schedule, until a 24-car pileup in White Marsh – yes, 24 cars – brought traffic to a screeching halt, turning a three-and-a-half hour trip into a six-hour journey. Thankfully, only minor injuries were suffered, but my master plan was finished. Forced to skip the museum and crab cakes, I headed straight for Camden Yards. I found a nice garage about three blocks away from the ballpark. The parking fee was eight dollars, a far cry from the eighteen dollar tab in Flushing.

By the time I got inside, I had about twenty minutes until the first pitch – enough time to grab some snacks and find my seat. The food was disappointing, although I have admittedly become spoiled by the incredible selection at Citi Field. I had a hot dog that was average, and a big cup of boardwalk fries that, somehow, were already soggy even though they had just come out of the fryer. Maybe I was just annoyed that I didn’t have a chance to get crab cakes before the game. I still am. Maryland crab cakes are that good.

Regardless, the food will be my last, and only, complaint about Camden Yards. It is my favorite place on earth to watch a baseball game. There’s just a natural charm there that most sports venues lack. For my money, there isn’t a better backdrop in baseball than the old B&O warehouse.

It is not an accident that so many contemporary major league ballparks are modeled after Camden Yards. I have probably been there a half-dozen times, and have never had a bad sightline. Last night, despite being in homerun territory, I was close enough to the action to feel like I was a part of it. That closeness typifies the old guard of classic ballparks, but was replaced for decades by the notion that bigger was better. When it opened in 1992, Camden Yards took baseball back to its roots, and the ballpark-building landscape hasn’t been the same since. Earlier in the week, I made my first trip to the new Yankee Stadium. It is, as some fans refer to it, a cathedral – but that’s not necessarily a good thing. Yankee Stadium is grandiose and palatial, a sight to behold, but it feels more like a museum than a ballpark sometimes. And as far as the intimacy that Camden Yards offers, quite frankly, there is none in the Bronx.

The Mets traveled impressively well last night. I would say that Orioles fans outnumbered Mets fans 60/40, but the Mets fans in attendance were, not surprisingly, much louder. Up until the ninth inning, most chants of “Let’s Go O’s,” came only in response to the louder, more boisterous “Let’s Go Mets” chants that kept surfacing. For most of what was a well-pitched game between Livo Hernandez and Baltimore rookie Jason Berken, the Oriole fans were reduced to playing defense on their own turf.

That changed when Frankie Rodriguez took the mound to try and preserve a 4-3 Mets lead in the ninth.

The home crowd got loud in a hurry when uber-prospect Matt Wieters led off the frame with a double. Rodriguez, who struggled mightily with his control throughout the inning, then walked Nolan Reimold, bringing Brian Roberts to the plate.

In what might have been the turning point of the game, Brian Roberts dropped down a sacrifice bunt. Omir Santos charged the ball and fired to third, but Felix Pie, running for Wieters, was called safe on a bang-bang play. That loaded the bases for Adam Jones, who drew a full-count walk to force in the tying run.

Rodriguez rebounded to fan Nick Markakis for the first out of the inning, but the ensuing batter, Aubrey Huff, lined the first pitch he saw into right field, clinching a 5-4 win for the Orioles.

On my way home, I made a few stops at service areas along the Turnpike and saw some of the same Met fans I ran into on the drive down, looking tired and frustrated. There wasn’t any traffic, but it was a long drive.



-Notes-

-The Mets were hurt last night by the 9th spot in the Orioles’ lineup. In the third inning, Robert Andino took Hernandez deep. Then in the ninth, Reimold, pinch-hitting for Andino, drew a walk and eventually scored the winning run.

-Call it Monday morning quarterbacking, but I have to question Santos’ decision to go for the lead runner on Roberts’ bunt in the ninth inning. It was a close enough play that it could have gone either way, but the rule is that you don’t throw to third there unless you are positive you can get the out.

-As losses go, Thursday’s wasn’t as bad as it felt in the moment. The Mets led the game going into the ninth, a situation I will take my chances with every time as long as K-Rod is the closer. He has been as close to perfect as anyone could reasonably expect him to be, and was bound to blow one sooner or later. (No, I don’t consider last Friday’s Yankee game a blown save, official statistics be damned.)

-There is one thing Mets fans and Orioles fans can agree on: Keith Hernandez is the man. Between innings last night, the Orioles showed some Seinfeld clips on the big screen, including the infamous "spitting incident," featuring Kramer, Newman, and Hernandez. Afterwards, a shot of Keith in the booth went up on the big screen, and the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

Would Doug Davis make sense..

While most of the talk has been about finding a power bat, and in my opinion, rightfully so, an argument can be made for the team obtaining another starter.

Unless another team is financially strapped and just needs to get rid of players with big contracts, I believe the Mets only have enough to make one significant move and that should be for a bat.

If the team was uncertain about Maine's return, then I could see trading for a starter but Santana, Pelfrey, Maine and the rotation by performance committee ( Redding, Hernandez, Nieve) is good enough to compete for the wild card.

That's without mentioning Oliver Perez, because who knows whether he'll return and if he does what we'll get from him.

But I could see how someone would want to bring in another starter, especially a lefty and not depend upon either Maine or Perez returning, if either returned and were effective, then you have a very deep rotation.

Doug Davis is currently the #2 starter in the Arizona rotation, the 34 y/o left hander is in the last year of a three year contract in which he's owed 8.75 MM for the season. With the D-Backs struggling many have speculated that Davis is available, it sounds like the veteran would prefer to sign an extension rather then be traded but Arizona might be looking to reduce salary.

Davis has a lifetime ERA of 4.30 with a record of 84-91 in 269 appearances ( 249 starts). His best year came in 2004 with the Brewers when he went 12-12 with 3.39 ERA in 33 starts.

I'm not that familiar with Davis, from what I remember he's injury prone and a journeyman type pitcher, a left handed Steve Trachsel type. Why I brought it up, is Ben Maller at his Fox Sports MLB rumors thought the Mets would be a good fit for Davis...

D-Backs left-hander Doug Davis has heard his name thrown around in trade speculation, but he said he isn't thinking much about it. "It's out of my control what happens," he said. "I go out there either way. I'm pitching for this team right now, and I'm trying to help this team win, bottom line." Davis, in the final year of a three-year, $22 million deal, said he would rather not be traded and would prefer to remain in Arizona. -- Arizona Republic .....Ben's Take: Rangers and Mets should call Arizona about Davis. source Fox Sports

Are the Nats on the verge of a firesale

I'm convinced that Adam Dunn would be the perfect fit for the Mets. Sure his defense is lousy and he strikes out way too much, but Dunn would be a power threat in Citi Field, his on base pct. is great and gives the team flexibility ( playing left and 1B) if Delgado returns.

The Washington Times has an article in which they speculate that almost any veteran on the Nats is available. In addition to Dunn, the Nats may look to move Nick Johnson, Austin Kearn, and Christian Guzman.

Hopefully, Omar can find a way to lure the Nats into a trade for Dunn which would get Lasto back in the majors once he's healthy. Figure to lose at least two prospects for Dunn he's signed through 2010 and will more then likely be a type A free agent after next season...

"There's no definitive timeline for doing anything," Rizzo said. "Like I've always said, we're always open to make good baseball deals at any time during the season. The corresponding move would be to bring up one of our minor leaguers to take that spot if the trade doesn't fulfill our major league need." source Washington Times

Is Jenrry Mejia our best pitching prospect...

A month ago if you were talking about lower level Mets pitching prospects the names you would hear were Brad Holt, Tobi Stoner and Dillon Gee.

Lately there's been a significant amount of buzz surrounding Jenrry Mejia. I don't follow the minors very much, so for me, Mejia seems to have come out of no where to become one of the big name prospects.

The 19 y/o right hander was recently promoted to double A, overall this season he has a record of 4-2 with 1.91 ERA.

Joel Sherman of the NY Post reported today that he spoke with a scout who believes Mejia is our top pitching prospect...

"This kid has a muscular, powerful body," the scout said. "There is power to his body. I have no issues with his perceived lack of height. He held his velocity at 95 mph through seven innings. I don't see him wearing down just because he is not 6-foot-4. He also has a good mound presence. He has a plus changeup, and an average slider and curveball. So he has a change that is very good and his curve might be better than average. He just doesn't have to use it much right now. So he has two plus pitches, and a couple of average ones. So he starts for me." source NY Post

The Buffalo report

If the Mets decided to drop the youth movement with Dan Murphy and Fernando Martinez, Javier Valentin was probably in line for a promotion. The veteran catcher had been playing 1B, DH, 3B and the outfield while hitting .260, has been placed on the DL with a shoulder strain.

Wily Mo Pena was limited to DH duties after fouling a ball off his shin/ankle when Fernando Martinez was promoted, after returning he quickly left a game with back spasms. The 27 y/o right handed all-or-nothing power hitter continues to hit when in the line-up. Pena played both games of a double header, one at 1B and the other in LF, as the cleanup hitter he went 4-7 raising his average to .270 ( including a two out RBI).

Pat Misch made his first start since being claimed off waivers from the Giants, the 27 y/o left hander lost the game, allowing four runs on six hits but only walked one while striking out five.

Argenis Reyes returned from the DL and Emil Brown returned from the reserve roster, after clearing waivers when he was removed from the 40 man. Both Chip Ambres and Javier Castillo are playing, after both were recently obtained in trades.

Eddie Kunz, the forgotten prospect, pitched two scoreless innings of relief for the win, in the night cap game and has lowered his ERA to 2.73.

I'm still wondering why Takahashi is with the club, as a left handed pitcher who only gets righties out when veteran Elmer Dessens is in the minors with 10 saves and an ERA of 1.11...

Nelson Figueroa was named International League player of the week, during the week Figgy had two starts in which he struck out 16 batters over 13.2 innings of work. In those two starts he allowed three runs, on 12 hits and four walks. Overall he has a record of 2-4 with an ERA of 2.90, seven of his 10 starts have been quality starts ( three or less runs over six or more innings).

Another poor communication injury- Gary Sheffield

The Mets are a very frustrating team when it comes to the handling of injuries, one thing the organization should really make a concerted effort to address, is uniform communication and handling of injuries.

Ever since the Ryan Church concussion syndrome it seems like the team has no idea how to handle these situation, but the Church incident may have just been so obvious, that it brought their handling of injuries to the fore front.

Now it seems like every player is day-to-day and while they sit on the bench, the injury somehow gets progressively worse. The communication over treatment, severity and availability always seems to vary depending on who's dispensing the information.

The latest confusion is over Gary Sheffield, anyone who has watched a Mets game can plainly see that Sheffield his hobbled. Over the weekend it was discussed, as if it was a fact, that Sheffield would have an MRI and his availability to play the field was questionable. But suddenly Sheffield doesn't need an MRI and will play the field when the Mets return home this weekend...

The Mets now say Gary Sheffield will continue to play on his sore right knee after an exam by team doctors Sunday at Yankee Stadium showed the 41-year-old slugger didn't need an MRI exam. source NY Post

Blame it on the shoes- Jose Reyes

Remember spring training of 2006, when Pedro Martinez's biggest concern ( before the hip, shoulder and everything else) was his big toe and the talk of camp was the special shoes being made for Pedro.

Jose Reyes has been relatively healthy since 2004, prior to that year, the one knock on Reyes was that he had the potential to be injury prone. After several years of leg injuries, Reyes adopted a stretching routine that has been attributed to his health.

Reyes has no idea how he was injured, there's no specific play to look back on, where he felt something or pulled up lame, which leads some to believe that it's his new shoes.

As silly as it may sound, I'm a runner and I have one specific brand of shoes that fit me right ( Asics), every time I try another brand of running shoes I pay for it, in my knees and hips...

Some within the Mets' organization have speculated that shortstop Jose Reyes' right-calf injury might have resulted from his switch in shoe companies, from Nike to Under Armour, at the start of spring training.

Reyes, however, dismisses such talk, saying his new shoes are "great" and that the switch is "not an issue." Under Armour is preparing a special model for Reyes, but it was not ready for the start of the season. source Fox sports

Time to worry about Johan Santana

I've heard many say, that if Johan Santana struggles in his next start, after extra rest they will become concerned.

While I'm not sounding an alarm, I'm already concerned...

Usually a slow starter, Santana got off to an incredible start, in which he had an ERA of 0.59 in his first six starts.

Since then his ERA has ballooned to 6.50, allowing 26 runs in 36 innings. But it's also how he has struggled, in his last start he tied a career mark by allowing four home runs in one game and today he allowed a career high nine runs.

The velocity on his fastball is down and the location on his off-speed pitches is missing. He isn't just struggling against good teams but has had a hard time against the Giants and Nats as well.

After the game he attempted to proclaim his health but also admitted he's been battling a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand, which is effecting his fastball and a sore back.

Source Kevin Burhardt twitter and Bart Hubbach twitter...

Mets acquire Infielder Javier Castillo

The Mets have acquired Chicago White Sox's minor league infielder Javier Castillo (source MLBTR).

The 25 y/o career minor leaguer was once the 17th ranked prospect in Appalachian League ( rookie league) with the Bristol White Sox's.

The Bison's infield is as depleted as the Mets; with Argenis Reyes, Mark Kiger and Andy Green on the DL, while Javier Valentin is limited to DH duty with a sore shoulder and veteran Mike Lamb completely in-effective.

Castillo will now join Luis Rivera, Jonathan Malo, Michele Abreu, Wily Mo Pena, Mike Lamb and Javier Valentin ( when his shoulders better) in the infield rotation.

The right handed hitter is a career .265 hitter in AAA and has spent most of his career splitting time between short stop and third base but has a few games at second and first.

K-Rod - Bruney escalate...

On Saturday Brian Bruney called-out Francisco Rodriguez for his histrionics when he successfully saves a game. Rodriguez is argue- ably one of the best closers in the league, while Bruney is a journeyman, hopeful set-up man.

Whether he has a problem with K-Rod's antics or not, at this point in his career it's really not his place to say something.

K-Rod responded by saying as much, basically after asking who Bruney was, K-Rod said he would listen to such criticism from Mariano Rivera not Brain Bruney.

K-Rod sought Bruney out this morning during warm-ups and the two had to be separated.

"We stepped in before something happened," Pelfrey said. "It was getting a little hot. K-Rod went right up to him after we were done stretching and after he found out who he was. He really didn't know. He kept asking, 'Is that the guy?'
"All he was saying was something like, 'If you have something to say, say it to my face.' And Bruney didn't say much at all." source MLB.com

Sheffield to have an MRI

Gary Sheffield sends up the warning signals, anyone who has watched a Mets game knows that he is playing hurt.

Over the last two weeks the injury has made him completely ineffective, but he has seen a slight resurgence since DHing.

Sheffield will have an MRI, it sounds like if there's no structural damage he will continue to play and that he just wants to ensure that nothing serious is wrong.

It would be a big blow for Sheffield to go down, while he's only hitting .250, he has become an edgy, veteran leader and is the only intimidating home run threat in the line-up...

"I'll be able to play," the outfielder said. "I just want to be able to explode like I want. I'll be able to get the job done." source Goggle- AP

Lets Go Mets...

These losses, that seemingly no other team could have, I wear as a badge of honor, it's our destiny and who we are. No matter what, I will come back tomorrow and hope for a win, even when it feels like that's an impossible goal. I'll take this roller coaster ride over any other team in a heartbeat, even when it seems like things come so easy to others.

Were not the Amazin's for nothing, sometimes I forget that it includes both extremes of the baseball spectrum...

As Always LETS GO METS !!!!!!!!!!!

Other roster moves; Carlos Delgado & Emil Brown...

The Mets needed to make room for Jon Switzer on the 40 man roster, so that he could take John Maine's spot on the active roster.

The Mets must have known that Maine was heading to the DL, because they out righted Emil Brown on June 10th. Brown had been designated for assignment on June 7th, he cleared waivers and accepted the demotion ( source Daily News). He is now on Buffalo's reserve roster as he waits for the three days to expire, before he can report and play for the Bison's.

In other roster news, back on June 5th the Mets quietly placed Carlos Delgado on the 60-day DL to make room for Pat Misch.

The Mets who always seemed to have extra roster space since the Jesus Flores fiasco, are now juggling spots like many other clubs, thanks to six players on the 15-day and two on the 60-day DL ( players can only be replaced if their on the 60-day DL).

Information obtain from Mets.com transaction page.

Fernando Nieve to start & Jon Switzer promoted...

Fernando Nieve will make the first start of his NY Mets career, the 26 y/o right hander was once the #5 prospect in the Houston Astros system. Nieve struggled to find his control after TJ surgery and fell in love with the radar gun, which resulted in him not making the Astros team in spring training.

In 52 major league appearances ( 11 starts ) he has a record of 4-5 with a 4.54 ERA. All his starts came with the Astros in 2006 prior to his TJ surgery where he went 2-3 with a 4.67 ERA, WHIP 1.29 and hitters had a .256 BA. For more on Nieve see this post.

The Mets replaced John Maine on the roster with Jon Switzer, the 29 y/o lefty spent four years in the Rays pen. Overall, in 64 appearances he has an ERA of 6.11 and left handed hitters are batting .221. Switzer was extremely impressive in the minors, where he had an 0.85 ERA in two AAA seasons but has never been able to produce that in the majors. This year in buffalo he's appeared in 21 games with an ERA 2.13 and a record of 0-2. For more on Switzer see this post.

Now the Mets have three lefties in the bullpen but Takahashi is in-effective against lefties and they have better right handed options. The Mets should have also reassigned Taki and brought up Elmer Dessens who has eight saves and a 3-1 record with a 1.21 ERA ( 0.88 WHIP ) in 22 appearances.

Lefthanded reliever Jon Switzer will be promoted by the Mets, a source tells the Daily News. It seems reasonable from that selection that Fernando Nieve would start in place of John Maine against the Yankees, with Switzer serving as a lefty-on-lefty option in the pen along with Pedro Feliciano, since Ken Takahashi clearly isn't a lefty specialist. source Daily news

Brad Penny needs to be moved...

With John Maine and Oliver Perez on the disabled list, the Mets currently have three starters in the rotation who should be competing for the fifth spot.

Livan Hernandez, Tim Redding and Fernando Nieve all should be fighting over the last spot and not filling out the entire back half of the rotation.

While John Maine appears to be a short term trip to the DL, there's no telling if/when Oliver Perez will return.

Livan Hernandez has been great, but in recent years he his performances have diminished as the season goes on.

I still believe the Mets biggest need is a power bat, but I would more then welcome a starter who wouldn't cost the pieces needed for that bat.

Brad Penny maybe that starter who would be an upgrade over the three pitchers filling out the bottom of the rotation, while not costing too much.

The Red Sox aren't in a position to hold out for a large return on Penny because they need to move him. John Smoltz is ready to come off the disabled list and Clay Buchholtz is ready to be promoted. Penny stated that his entire 10 year career has been in a rotation and he does not want to go to the pen.

Penny struggled to start the season where his ERA ballooned to 7.80 with a 4-2 record, but last night he had his best performance of the year, going six innings while giving up two earned runs and hitting 98mph on the radar gun.

Fernando Nieve could make a spot start and then Penny could take his place in the rotation, when Maine returns Redding could move to the long man role. If Oliver Perez ever gets it together, it would come around the time Hernandez starts to fall apart.

"He's been tremendous. We are on the same page. But when you activate somebody, there has to be another move," Francona said.
As far as what that move would be -- a trade? Penny to the pen? A six-man rotation? Francona didn't want to air it publicly. "We've had a lot of discussions," Francona said, declining to elaborate beyond that. source Providence Journal

The Phillies, Mets and Cardinals are supposedly among the teams in on the Brad Penny trade talks. But the Phillies are aiming higher, Mets GM Omar Minaya said he feels comfortable wit his rotation (though that was two days before John Maine went to the disabled list with a shoulder issue) and the Cardinals may need to target a third baseman instead of a pitcher. In any case, the Red Sox want to make room for John Smoltz and are allowed to trade Penny after June 15. source SI.com

John Maine to the disabled list...

After the game there was late breaking news that John Maine will be placed on the disabled list. Maine had an MRI on his shoulder which revealed that there was no structural damage but he was still placed on the DL with shoulder fatigue.

Fernando Nieve was projected as a starter for most of his prospect career but has been mainly used as a reliever in the major leagues. Nieve was being used exclusively as a starter in AAA prior to his call-up and could be used for the start. Otherwise, the Mets will have to recall one of; Brandon Knight, Nelson Figueroa or Jon Niese.

Breaking news: John Maine has been placed on the DL with shoulder weakness. Fernando Nieve or a Triple-A call-up will pitch Saturday against the Yankees. source Daily News

Always the Bridesmaid... Fustrated Mets fan...

I can't believe this has happened again...

Once again we have a manager that makes awful decisions, any Mets fan with a decent understanding of the game, knows that Takahashi isn't getting left handed hitters out ( .440 BA) . So why would Jerry send him to the mound, in the tenth inning, against three of the toughest left handed hitters in the game....

Once again the Mets pitching staff can't hold a lead, even the great Johan Santana was in a dog fight for his pitching life. I know the Phillies have a great offense, but every night the staff has allowed the Phillies to get right back in the game, while the Phillies pitchers have shut us down, once they caught up.

Once again the Mets could not respond to the Phillies scoring, the offense had multiple chances to re-take the lead and win these games. Somehow the Phillies pitching staff were able to turn it up a notch, once their team tied the game, while the Mets offense couldn't even score a run, against some mediocre pitchers. I would take David Wright and Carlos Beltran against the likes of Chan Ho Park any night, but somehow the Phillies pen didn't allow a run for two straight extra innings games.

Once again Omar looks foolish in his off-season decisions, Oliver Perez is nowhere to be found and Dan Murphy should be in AAA, while the two guys the Mets should have signed have killed the Mets in Derek Lowe and Raul Ibanez.

Once again the Mets have proved Cole Hammels right, they have had four innings to produce walk-off wins, in two nights with the heart of the order up and a reliever other then the closer on the mound and produced nothing, that fits the definition he gave us on the radio...