Oh Those Achin Mets

Posted by Gregg

This weekend the Mets placed pitcher John Maine and utility player Marlon Anderson on the DL. Closer Billy Wagner is due to have an MRI on his arm Monday (forearm stiffness).

It seems to me that the 2008 Mets have to hold the franchise record for the most guys placed on the disabled list on a season. As a Met fan since the early 1970's I simply can not remember a team having so many guys go down in a season, and its only the first week in August. The closest I can come to is in 1987, each one of the Mets starting pitchers spent some time on the DL, and its only the first week of August.

Here's my list (add on if I missed anyone): Castro, Church, Alou, Castillo, Pagan, Wise (now gone), Maine, El Duque, Pedro, Armas Jr., Sanchez, Schneider. We'll only count Alou and Castillo one time each. 3/5 of the projected starters on the DL. Imagine if everyone was healthy.

The Future Is Now

Posted by Gregg

As the trade deadline came and past with the Mets doing nothing,some fans were happy, Omar Minaya did trade the future away. Others were annoyed, they felt the GM needed to do something. Omar hinted that help was coming, just maybe not from another major league club. Well, help came and the future is now.

On Saturday the Mets called up Daniel Murphy to platoon in left field with Nick Evans. To make room for Murphy, Marlon Anderson was placed on the DL.

On Sunday the Mets placed pitcher John Maine on the disabled list and called up Eddie Kunz.
The Mets wasted no time playing their to young players. In his first at bat on Saturday night Dan Murphy got a base hit and later scored a run. On Sunday Eddie Kunz came in to relief Oliver Perez, and although the Astros did a bush league job of bunting on young pitcher he did a decent job.

I had read in Saturday's paper the Mr. Niese was mentioned as a spot starter a week from Tuesday against the Pirates in a make up game. That could change though. Howie Rose mentioned on WFAN today that the Mets will be needing a spot starter by Saturday, against the Marlins at the latest. The Mets could choose to use a spot starter on Friday, and use Ollie Perez on Saturday.

The Mets have not thrown in the towel on this season, they are only 2.5 back of the Phillies. I think it will be fun to watch these young guys. They are getting their first taste of the major leagues. How will they do? Will they stay hungry for it? It will be interesting to see how Jerry Manuel deals with them.

come September the rosters expand. Will we see Mike Carp and F-Mart then?

Randolph at Yankee Stadium Today

Posted by Gregg

Today was (is), Old Timers Day at Yankee Stadium. I don't know about you guys, but it kind of snuck up on me. I mean the NY Daily News, didn't issue a DVD about past Old Timers Day's, nor did they have a 50 page pullout.

Anyway, so I'm sitting on couch watching the game, and I here Michael Kay "we are so thrilled to have our next guest back at Yankee Stadium..." Kay then went on about Willie's stats. Kay ended with this line: "Once a Yankee always a Yankee, welcome back Willie Randolph!". Of course the Yankee fans were just so thrilled to see Yankee Willie again. Willie actually received a nice ovation.

So back to Kay's line, once a Yankee, always a Yankee. It got me thinking about some Yankees who were not on hand today:

Don Zimmer: Joe Torre's long time bench coach, now a consultant for the Rays. I'm sure he would've come.

Joe Torre: According the the current day Yankee fan, the greatest manager EVER. I know Joe is with the Dodgers now, but I'm sure he could've missed tonight's game to be at the Stadium today.

Don Mattingly: Donny Baseball is in Hollywood with Torre the genius. they could've flied in together.

David Justice: David was so beloved as a Yankee, they moved him into the YES broadcast booth. David has been MIA since the Mitchell report came out.

Roger Clemens: One of the greatest Yankee pitchers ever according to Yankee fans. He's currently not making a comeback, so why not have him? Wasn't it only a few years ago that the Yanks announced during a game that the Rocket was coming back? I remember Suzyn Waldman having an orgasm right on the air when it happened. How times change.

So, if Kay is right, if "Once a Yankee, always a Yankee", where are these guys?

Ummm Houston, We Have A Problem

Posted by Gregg

The Mets last night begun a six game stretch of games against two teams that are not having good seasons, three this weekend with the Atros, then three next week against the Padres at Shea. In my mind anything less than 4-2, would be an embarrassment.

Last night the Mets lost to Houston 7-3. Once again the bullpen showed just how bad it is, with Aaron Heilman giving up a grand slam homer in the bottom of the eight to that well known slugger Mark Loretta.

We really can't put it all on Heilman though. An inning earlier the Mets had the bases load, no one out, and they came up empty. Piss poor guys. The Mets batters made Astros manager Cecil Cooper, and the 'Stro bullpen look awesome.

The Mets must play every team, everyday like they are in a battle. Its just not happening right now.

One last thought, why was Marlon Anderson in there last night? This guy is fucking joke this season! There is NOBODY in the entire Mets organization to call up and play instead of him? I would rather put the kid Evans in and let him get some at bats. At least he can run and catch.
Nick Evans is a young player who needs at bats and playing time. Having him sit on the bench and stare at his shoes is waste of time.

Manny Stays Out of Florida, Thankfully

Posted by Kevin

Now that the deadline is over and the Marlins missed out on Manny Ramirez, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Personally I felt that Manny would be a bad fit for the Mets but I sure as hell did not want to face him again and again.

Thankfully the Dodgers came out of nowhere to pull off that deal. But can I ask what the Red Sox were thinking. To me the deal breaks down like this, the Sox gave away Ramirez, two highly touted prospects, and seven million dollars (to pay off Manny’s salary), for Jason Bay. Are you kidding me?!

So what Manny Ramirez has become a distraction; on the field he gets the job done. Half a season more of Manny would not have killed them and they still would be a formidable opponent. Now, they have taken a serious hit because in no way does Jason Bay compare to Manny Ramirez.

Theo Epstein is regarded as one of the game’s best GM’s, yet I can’t help to wonder what the hell he was thinking pulling the trigger here.

Mets Astros Series

Posted by Gregg

The Mets play the Astros for the first time this season, this weekend at Minute Maid Park in Houston. Hey its August 1st and the Mets and Astros haven't played yet? I don't about you guys, but this "unbalanced" schedule needs to go. If the Mets wanted some scouting on the 'Stros, they could have checked with the Yankees, or Texas Rangers, since both of these AL teams have already played the Astros.

Anyway, word is that John Maine will most likely miss his start on Sunday, with Ollie Perez taking his turn against Randy Wolf. The rest of pitching match ups are Pedro against Backe tonight, and a real gem of a pitching duel Saturday night with Johan going againts Oswalt (chill the Bud Light Limes for that one).

After Houston the Mets return home to play the San Diego Padres. Mets need to be very careful here. They have a tendency to play "down" to inferior teams. The Mets need to crush the Astros and Padres.

Nationals Release LoDuca

Posted by Gregg

The hapless Washington Nationals have released former Mets catcher and fan favorite Paul LoDuca. Apparently the Nats felt they could finish up 30 games under .500 without LoDuca.
The Nats also released Johnny Estrada, who of course the Mets traded Guillermo Moto for during the offseason.
Good Luck Paul.

As Deadline Nears, Yanks Win, Mets Lose

Posted by Gregg

I hate the New York Yankees with every fiber of my being. That said and out of the way, to quite former manager Willie Randolph "you gotta tip your cap to them." Yankees GM Brian Cashman right now (with about 14 hours to go), looks like the big winner at this year's trading deadline. First off, Cashman goes out last week and nabs Nady and Marte from the Pirates, for 4 minor league prospects. He then goes out today and trades the much maligned Kyle Farnsworth to the Detroit Tigers for Pudge Rodriguez. This move was necessary since Yankee catcher Jorge Posada is out with season ending surgery. Cashman is not afraid to make a move.

I have no idea where Mets GM Omar Minaya is these days. However ESPN.com is reporting that the Mets have pulled out of the Brian Fuentes sweepstakes. The Mets also aren't considered likely to land Washburn from the M's.

I'll be the first to point out that the Mets are treated as a second banana in NY. This is one reason why. When the season is over and we look at the incredibly poor job Minaya has done, in spite of this sudden resurgence, it will be clear he must go.

The Phillies saw a problem with their pitching staff, their GM was able to make a move and land Joe Blanton. ESPN is reporting that the Marlins are in serious discussions with Red Sox about acquiring Manny Ramirez. ESPN also reports that the Fish are looking to get catcher Gregg Zaun, and they are looking to sure up the bullpen.

The Yankees and Phils have all made deals. The Fish are close to making a major deal. Omar chooses to stand pat and watch the bullpen blow game after game. That's too bad.

Maine Rotator Cuff Strain

Posted by Gregg

SNY has just reported that John Maine has a mild strain of his right rotator cuff. At this time the Mets don't know if Maine will miss his next start. The injuries for this team just keep coming.

Pitching Concerns

Posted by Gregg

I'm concerned, very concerned about the state of this NY Mets pitching staff. Last night after John Maine left the game with stiffness in his shoulder, the Mets once again had to rely on their bullpen. Sadly the bullpen let them down again.

The horrid state of the Mets bullpen has me deeply concerned. If nothing else this season the pen has been madly inconsistent. In the Phillie series last week we saw the pen blow a big lead in the 9th inning, helping the Mets lose a game they should've won. On Saturday night we saw the pen give up 4 runs in the 6th inning to the Cards. Last night we saw a mess late against the Marlins.

Specifically here are my concerns. Duaner Sanchez has not looked good lately. Is he hurt? Joe Smith has been bad, is it over use? Pedro Feliciano, Scott Schoenweiss and Carlos Muniz, do less then nothing for me.

More importantly the Mets now have problems with the starting rotation. Other then Johan, and Pelf, everyone else is a huge question mark. SNY has just reported that John Maine has a mild strain of the right rotator cuff. How will Pedro come back after the death of hos father? Which Ollie Perez will show up when it his turn to pitch?

Good pitching beats good hitting every time. The Mets need some pitching help.

Mets have Untouchables in Trades

Posted by Matt Pignataro

Joel Sherman of the New York Post, writes, “Rival clubs describe the Mets as making too many prospects untouchable, which also severely diminishes the chances for a trade.”

According to Sherman, Jon Niese, Fernando Martinez, Eddie Kunz, Dan Murphy, and Robert Parnell are ‘untouchable.'

Personally, I'm willing to part with Kunz or Parnell to bring back an outfield bat. If these guys are all untouchable then that means Mike Carp is expendable.

M's like Niese for Raul Ibanez

Posted by Matt Pignataro

According to Jon Heyman at SI.com, the Mariners have been asking for Jon Niese, whom the Mets consider to be ‘untouchable.’

7.26.08 Show Recap

Posted by Matt Pignataro

Matt Pignataro and Greg Tortora talked about the latest trade rumors involving the Mets and the rest of baseball. Matt and Greg discussed what outfielder and relief pitcher the Mets should get while asking what will the Mets give up in return.

To listen to the show click the play button on the Blog Talk Radio player to the right side of this page.

Delgado Feels Good

Posted by Matt Pignataro

Carlos Delgado talks about his game-winning two-run double against the Phillies.

Pagan Done for the Year

Posted by Kevin

Well it looks like the Mets won’t be getting outfield help from Angel Pagan anytime this season, as Pagan opted for surgery on his left shoulder. This move puts even more pressure on Ryan Church to come back and remain healthy.

If Church can come back and remain healthy, a platoon of Tatis and Chavez wouldn’t be that bad. However, going day after day with Tatis and Chavez in both corner spots is going to be similar to playing with fire. Both players typically are bench players and who knows if they will eventually turn into holes in the Mets lineup.

I know there has been talk about Fernando Martinez coming up to provide another spark this season, but I strongly caution the Mets against this. After watching how the Reds handled Jay Bruce I truly believe the Mets should wait until they are one hundred percent sure that Martinez is ready for the big show. He is a phenomenal talent who I would hate to see thrown away because he was called up before he was ready.

Added on by Matt...

Speaking of F-Mart, Fernando Martinez left yesterday's game in Binghamton with a cramp in his hamstring. He is listed day-to-day.

ENJOY TODAY!!

Posted by Gregg

By beating the Phillies in the rubber game of the three game series the New York Metropolitans have regained sole possession of first place. Sole possession of first place. It sounds great doesn't it? But of course sole possession of first place on July 24 is meaningless if you don't have sole possession of first place on October 1.

But lets just enjoy today. Crack open a cold beer and be happy. Anyone who can say with a straight face that "the Phillies are in Mets head", is just an idiot. The Mets have won every series played between these two teams this season. After the Phils came back in dramatic fashion on Tuesday night, you thought maybe the Phils would play fired up last night. They didn't. Instead it was our guys who played a good game. It was Jose Reyes who looked like the MVP shortstop. Our Mets showed heart these last two games. They showed they wanted to win more than the Phillies. Mostly they showed they were the better, they showed that Philly hold nothing over them.

Enjoy today guys. The Mets have six tough ones starting tomorrow with a three game series at Shea with the Cardinals. Next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday the Mets go to Florida to play the Marlins.

LETS GO METS!

David Wright Fired Up!!

Posted by Gregg

In the bottom of the eight inning of today's game David Wright slid home and scored. After sliding safely across the plate D. Wright clapped his hands and pumped his fist, he was fired up. It was great to see. Wright has been on the record as saying the collapse of 2007 has been tough to get over. I think after today's win David may be over it.

Some wonder why when criticizing the Mets, Wright gets a free pass. Besides his stats, David is a stand up guy. He's always there for the press, has made NY his adopted home, plays hard everyday and wears his heart on his sleeve.

David good for you for showing some passion.

LETS GO METS!

Rockies want Niese for Fuentes

Posted by Matt Pignataro

According to the Denver Post, the Rockies have asked the Mets for Jon Niese in a deal for Brian Fuentes.