Mets Lose, Fall to Fourth in NL East, Could Be Done By This Weekend

Tonight it looked like the Mets were not ready to start their biggest stretch of games yet this year, that could make or break their season.  They walked into Atlanta lifeless and went back to their hotel with 4-1 loss to the Braves (box score) and holding fourth place in the NL East.

The only real bright spot on the night was Santana's 11 strike outs, but those were overshadowed by Johan allowing a three-run first inning.  HOWEVER...the first inning was not completely Johan's fault, as Luis Castillo lost the handle on a ball while trying to turn a double-play which would have ended the first inning before any runs could score.  Now, I know you can never assume a double play...BUT...sometimes they should be expected and this was one of those times.  Man, I really hope they find a way to lose Luis...

Overall, it was shocking to see the team look dead out there tonight.  They just started their most important 6-game stretch to date, which honestly could play them right back into this race or basically make the next month plus of baseball unwatchable, AND they came out dead.  I know this seems like a stretch, or reaching for an excuse here, BUT...

I really think this team played with more energy when Castillo, Perez and even Beltran were not in the clubhouse.  I don't know what it is, but they've looked like a different team with a very different energy since these players returned...

Tomorrow, the Mets NEED to turn things around with Dickey on the hill against Lowe.  Tomorrow could be a huge win in going towards making this a successful six games, but if they lose tomorrow, I think this may be the beginning of the end of 2010...

Mets Win, Stand Pat and Play in 20 Minutes

Last night the Mets delivered a much needed win behind solid efforts from D.Wright and Takahashi, when Beltran drove a sac-fly in the ninth to win the game 5-4 (box), and put the Mets 6.5 games back in both the wild card and divisional races.   Nice win, now do it again today...

Speaking of today, the Mets finish their series with the D'backs in what amounts to a very important chance to pick up another game before heading to Atlanta and Philly.  Niese starts for the Mets against the recently aquired Daniel Hudson.  Here's the line up courtesy of the Mets on twitter:

Reyes-SS
Feliciano-LF
Pagan-CF
Wright-3B
Davis-1B
Francoeur-RF
Thole-C
Cora-2B
Niese-P

I like this line up, for the obvious reason (no Castillo), although I wish Beltran didn't need the day off but the reality is that this might actually make the team's outfield defense better.  Also, Beltran clearly needs the day off because of his knee...

As for the Mets not dealing at the deadline...


I wasn't expecting any major moves.  I would have liked a starter, but I think I was most dissappointed by the team not being able to move a bad contract or two.  Of course, I am talking about Castillo and Perez.  I realize that would have taken some creative doings by Omar...but I would have been very excited if that happened.  I'm still holding out hope they'll pass through waivers and can still be traded later this season...I really don't like them.

My Opinion on Francoeur for Guillen Rumor

According to Jon Heyman on twitter, the Mets don't want to mess with the clubhouse chemistry by trading Francoeur to the Royals for Jose Guillen.

Would I pull the trigger on this deal?

ABSOLUTELY NOT.  This should have been dismissed the moment it was brought up.  The numbers aren't staggering for either player and Francoeur is much more valuable in the clubhouse.  The only way I would consider taking on Guillen if I were the Mets, is if the Royals were willing to take Castillo or Perez in the deal...but I sincerely doubt that would happen.

So for now, I say to Omar, sit on your hands...this one is not worth it.

Mets Finish Road Trip 2-9, Talk With Royals About Deals

Yesterday was the same old story lately for the Mets, their starter pitched well enough to win, but the team couldn't score as they lost 1-0 to the Dodgers in L.A. (box/wrap).

This was a terrible road trip, and the Mets SOMEHOW managed to stay within reach of the Braves, although the Phillies are making a move.  Hopefully some home-cooking will make a difference this week, even though these aren't easy games against the Cardinals (Garcia, Wainwright and Suppan) before getting the D'backs again (we know how well that went last time).  All this before heading to Atlanta and Philly in consecutive series.

This will be a telling stretch for the Mets, especially considering the trade deadline just happens to fall into that time period.  Speaking of trade deadline...

Ken Rosenthal tweeted that the Mets are talking with the Royals about swapping some bad contracts.  Rosenthal mentions Farnsworth, Meche and Guillen as players in a potential deal, along with Cashstealo, Perez and Frenchy.  Although Rosenthal does mention that these probably won't be a straight three-for-three or even that a deal is imminent, he does acknowledge that things are being talked about. 

As much as I love Frenchy, and hate Jose Guillen, if you are the Mets and this deal (or some iteration of it) is possible, you HAVE to pull the trigger.  Farnsworth is having a very good year, and Meche if he's healthy can definitely help bolster your pitching staff.  But to me this biggest thing here is to get rid of the headaches you have in Perez and Castillo.  If Omar has a chance to move them, he really should jump on it as long as they're not going to cost any big time prospects.

Anyway, the Mets get tonight off before starting their series with the Cardinals tomorrow.  I hope coming back home will change their fortune, and the way they play ball, because this past weekend was NOTHING fun to watch...

Mets Making Moves: Perez Up, Sign Cordero

According to Metsblog.com, the Mets have brought back Oliver Perez, and sent down Justin Turner to Triple-A. 

Turner was sent down instead of Josh Thole, which is probably the best move the Mets have made in some time.  The bottomline here is that Thole is the only catcher on the roster who is hitting.  So play him.  With the offense struggling the way it's been there is NO REASON to sit a hot bat, especially when it's really the only hot bat going right now.  Cerrone states in the posting above, that Manuel will likely increase Thole's playing time.  Good move Jerry...

Unfortunately, Oliver Perez is back, and will be a complete waste of a roster spot.  He'll probably be on mop up duty for awhile.  Hopefully, we won't see him for the rest of the road trip, because the Mets cannot afford another laugher like they had on Monday Night.

Also of note, Ken Rosenthal tweeted that the Mets have signed Chad Cordero to help in the bullpen.  My assumption is that this is an attempt to work around the not-so-great trade market for relievers this deadline.  Hopefully, he'll work out.  Clearly Omar has a bit of a crush on him, as he's been trying to get him back for a while.  His numbers in triple-A earlier this season weren't bad, so hopefully he'll be able to bring a little something to the 'pen should he get up to the big club.

Mets Avoid Sweep, Welcome Back Cashstealo, Potentially Unwelcome Back Perez

After a blown save, and a blown call, the Mets were able to avoid the sweep in San Fran by beating the Giants 4-3 in extra innings (box score/wrap).

So, Santana was great and deserved the win, but he's cursed on this team.  Santana gave up one run in 8 innings yesterday and was in line for the win until K-Rod blew the save, only to then vulture the win for himself.  Ugh...Johan deserves better, and K-Rod is really starting to bother me.  Everything is a freakin' nail biter with this guy.  I can't stand this crap anymore.  Do your job and shut the opposition down in the ninth without throwing 50 pitches and making it too close for comfort...

Anyway, on a positive note, Ike Davis is starting to hit again after going 3-5 yesterday with the game winning RBI.  He really carried the Mets offense over the the last two games of the Giants series, along with Wright who hit a bomb yesterday.

Lucky to even escape San Fran with a win after that horrible call at home, the Mets next stop is in Arizona tonight, where they FINALLY send Pelfrey to the mound to take on Ian Kennedy.  The game starts at 9:40.

In other news, it looks like Luis Cashstealo will be back with the team tonight and Oliver Perez will be rejoining the team in Arizona, as reported by Adam Rubin, here, for ESPN New York...ehhh.  Clearly, I'm not happy about any of this.  I don't like Cashstealo, and I don't like Perez.  But, I hope that the Mets can show that Perez is healthy enough that they can find SOME team to take a gamble with him...although I severely doubt it. 

As far as Luis, I just don't think he fits with the team anymore.  Despite Tejada's struggles at the plate, I really enjoyed watching the kid play.  It made me feel good as a Mets fan that this team, and the organization, has some nice upcoming talent.  Now, that young talent is put back on the back burner for some older, more broken down, talent.  I'm not happy, but this day had to come eventually...

Regardless, I hope Cashstealo finds himself in the 8 spot tonight, because breaking up Reyes and Pagan at the top of the line up would be a huge mistake.  On the same token, I wouldn't be surprised either if Barajas is hitting eighth tonight and Pagan finds himself hitting 6-7, and Cashstealo weasels his way back into the two-hole.  Although I really hope not.

I guess we'll just wait and see...

Maine, Carmona and Mets Pitching

According to Adam Rubin, here, John Maine did not feel right after his rehab start in Buffalo.  This will cause the Mets to "re-evaluate" their plans with John Maine.  I think this is basically what everyone else had expected, that the Mets would find a way to not have to activate Maine.  The rotation has been good, the bullpen has been pretty good and it's hard to deny that the team has been better since guys like Maine, Perez and Cashstealo have not been around. 

But some think, myself included, that the Mets can find ways to improve their pitching.  And one option, as reported by Buster Olney in this blog post, is Fausto Carmona.  As good as Dickey and Takahashi have been, there are better options out there and Carmona is definitely one of them.  And I would argue after the way Westbrook pitched against the Mets during the week, and considering the prices of both Oswalt and Lee, that Carmona may be the best fit for the Mets. 

Carmona is a guy I have always liked, BUT, I have liked his upside in a similar way to the way I liked Ollie Perez' upside, so take that for what it's worth.  It does seem, however, that Carmona has turned his control issues around and has proven to be a quality starter again this season, which is especially impressive considering how bad the Indians have been this year.  Another interesting bonus to Carmona is that he's under contract, at reasonable prices, for the next few years.

For now, the rotation is fine as it is, BUT if the Mets want to win the division they should make a move.  And whoever they acquire, hopefully will allow either Takahashi or Dickey to move to the bullpen and therefore strengthening both the rotation and the bullpen.

Regardless, this is a good Mets team, much better than last year.  And at some point a move will be made to try to push them over the edge, and when it does, the rest of the NL should watch out...

Olney Discusses Starting Pitching Trade Options For Mets

In an article for ESPN.com, discovered via Metsblog.com, Buster Olney talks about the Mets options as buyers looking for starting pitcher, in this year's buyer's market.

Olney says that the Mets are not thrilled with the idea of trading for Oswalt because of the high price tag, in both talent and money.  Olney also thinks that while the Mets like Lee, they may not match up as well with Seattle as other teams (he mentions the Indians) who have catching prospects, a need position for the Mariners.

Obviously, I would love the Mets acquiring either Lee or Oswalt.  I think that would change the division race a ton...

According to Olney that leaves the Mets bidding for the services of Jake Westbrook, Ben Sheets and Fausto Carmona, although Olney warns that the Mets may be weary of Carmona's past issues.

To me, Sheets should be off the board for two reasons.  One, the A's are in contention and just added Connor Jackson in an effort to compete, so until they fall out of it, I would assume Sheets is staying put.  My other issue with acquiring Sheets is that the Mets SHOULD have just signed him in the off-season.  Now, if they trade for him, not only are they paying the rest of his salary, but they are giving up prospects to do it.  That would be a tough pill for me to swallow considering they could have had Sheets in the off-season if they just paid up.

Carmona and Westbrook, however, are interesting options.  When they were at their best, they were great.  But Westbrook had Tommy John surgery and is still getting back to where he was, while Carmona is recovering from two terrible seasons (but pitching very well this season).

Westbrook is making $11 million this year and will be a free agent after the season.  Carmona, however, will make about $5 million this year, $6 million next year and has affordable club options through 2014.  This makes the decision all the more interesting because of the issue of Carmona's potential value against his club options.  At his best, Carmona is worth more than $6 million, but at his worst, he's another Ollie Perez.

With the way the Mets have been playing this trade deadline could be very interesting.  While I would want the team to go out and get another stud pitcher, I still think they can compete with the way the team is currently constructed (sans Cashstealo and Perez).  So, for me, it's going to come down to asking prices.  If Carmona, Westbrook or Sheets can be had reasonably cheap, then I would go for it.  But, if clubs are asking a lot and it won't be much of a jump for Lee or Oswalt, then I think it's a no-brainer...

Either way, I agree with Olney.  The Mets will be active, and should be able to get someone good, around the trade deadline this year...

Mets Make Roster Moves: My Reactions

I need to address the roster moves the Mets made today.  I would have gotten to these moves earlier had my job not gotten in the way...

So, first thing's first, the Mets FINALLY DFA'D Gary Matthews Jr.  Part of me feels bad for Matthews because he seemed like a good teammate, unfortunately for him he's a terrible player and that's more important.  Now that I showed a little mercy, here it comes...about time.  Matthews was awful and was only really on the team because Jerry was afraid of not having a back up centerfielder.  So instead of calling up Jesus Feliciano, who's hitting close to .400 in Triple-A and plays centerfield, the organization decided to bring up Omir Santos because Blanco is hurting...

Let's stop right there...WHAT?

GMJ being the only guy on the roster capable of playing center fielder was the excuse that kept him around as long as he did, right?  So, when the Mets finally decided "enough was enough" with GMJ, they decided to bring up a catcher?  Is anyone as confused as I am?  I get that Blanco is banged up, but when Blanco was on the bereavement list a week or two ago Barajas played all the time, and Thole was useless.  So what is different now?  Why can't Barajas carry the load again?  If it's because Blanco is THAT hurt, why doesn't he go to the DL?  I am baffled.  The best part of this whole thing is that Jerry now says that Bay can play centerfield if need be.  Where has this been all year?

Before I get to Cashstealo, which I feel was a no-brainer decision, I want to look at Niese being activated tomorrow and try to figure out who gets sent down...

In this article, I mentioned earlier from Metsblog, there is potential for Mejia to be the guy sent down should Perez continue to refuse to take a minor league assignment.  This brings up a few things...

First, while I'd like it to be Mejia who is sent down because I want him to be a starter...I think the need to get Ollie off of the major league roster trumps the need to turn Mejia into a starter, at this point.  Especially considering how Dickey pitched tonight, and how he and Takahashi can easily transition to the bullpen.

I really hope it's going to be Ollie.  I'm not quite sure how it's going to happen, but I really think if the Mets are as frustrated as their fans are with Perez and if he doesn't accept a minor league assignment I a move should be made.  Perez is a distraction and a waste of an arm in the bullpen.  I would throw the minor league option at him one more time, or the organization should just take their lumps and admit Ollie was a bad contract.  That was tough for me to say, I still like Ollie's stuff when he's on...he just hasn't been on in a while.

Now, let's talk Cashstealo, who was playing hurt and NEEDED to go on the DL.  I mean, this guy was limping to the plate, in the field, while walking to first.  There is no doubt in my mind he's tough, and he's earned some respect from me for playing hurt (doesn't make me think he doesn't stink), but I think this was the right decision.

Looks like Ruben Tejada will get a serious look at second base.  I would love to see the kid get hot and never give up this spot, unfortunately, I really doubt that will happen.  Even if Tejada is out of his mind while Cashstealois on the DL, I just don't see the Mets not playing someone who makes $6 million.  For whatever that's worth...

Mets Fans Aren't the Only Ones Who Want Ollie Out...

The Mets asked Oliver Perez to consider going down to Triple-A again, and again, Oliver refused.  Way to help the team Ollie...

In an article early this morning for The New York Post, Mike Puma, anonymously quotes some of the Mets about the Oliver Perez situation...and the reactions seem to be the same: dump him.

In what is an extremely telling article, Puma quotes one Mets player as saying, "“You tell him you go to Triple-A or that’s it, you are finished."  Then Puma goes on to quote ANOTHER Mets player as saying, "At some point you have to cut bait...You owe him a lot of money, but for what?"

Later in the article Puma talks about when Manuel would use Perez, and he basically says only in extra innings.  That's a problem.  What's the point of keeping a guy on the team if he's basically a wasted roster spot?  Puma has another quote from a Mets player, in response to Manuel's plan on when to use Perez: "What, we need another 20-inning game and then use him after we’ve used all our pitchers and if a position player’s sinker isn’t biting?”  Yikes.

The Mets are at the point where you either have to do what the Tigers have done with Willis and just cut the guy free, or work damn hard to find a trade partner for Perez.  It's becoming more and more clear than Ollie is not welcome by the fans, management, and now even his own teammates. 

During yesterday's telecast I think Ron Darling said it best when he basically eluded to Ollie "not being a man".  The frustration with Perez is high, and I think this will be the first move the Mets make, and I wouldn't be surprised if whatever they decide to do takes place when Niese is ready to return.

I want Cashstealo and GMJ gone, but I think Perez is now causing enough problems to justify being the first move...

Sending Down Mejia To Be A Starter: Genius Idea, Wish We'd Thought of It Before...

In a post on Metsblog, citing information from Adam Rubin on ESPNNewYork, it looks like Mejia will be sent down to the minors to get stretched out in order to become part of the Mets rotation later this year.  According to Rubin, Mejia will be sent down when R.A. Dickey is called up Wednesday to start for Oliver Perez.

This is the stuff I don't get about the Mets.  I get that they were concerned about the bullpen to start the year, but it still made MORE sense to send him down to triple-A as a starter to begin the season, because at this point he might be ready to be called up to replace Perez instead of Dickey.  I'm happy they've made the decision that this should be done, I just wish it was done in Spring Training.  At least the Mets are recognizing some of their mistakes and are making moves to fix them.  I guess the theory here is "better late than never", and even at that it's not that late.

While Mejia has been good in the 'pen for the Mets, he's just too good to not at least TRY in the rotation.  Worst-case-scenario he struggles as a starter and he can be brought back as a reliever, because it takes little-to-no time to transition from starter to reliever especially when you've done it before.

Either way, this is a good move, a little late...but good.  Maybe Ricco is gaining some leverage in the front office because I see these types of moves (Mejia to minors, Davis and Carter called up, etc.) as things the Mets would not have done last year until it was too late.  I'm not sure who it is that's pushing for these moves but it's a good change in philosophy for the team and organization.  But like I've said before, I think some more moves can be made...

Mets Fall to .500 As Ollie Gets Crushed And Team Doesn't Hit

The Mets lost their third consecutive game, and dropped to .500 on the season, by falling to the Marlins 7-2 on Friday night (box score/wrap). 

You can't just blame this loss on one person, because the team only managed 4 hits tonight, which wasn't enough last night against Johnson and wasn't enough tonight either against Anibal Sanchez.  THAT BEING SAID...Oliver Perez was awful.  He didn't even give his teammates a chance to think they were in the game.  Perez went 3 and 1/3 innings giving up 9 hits and 7 runs on 4 homers. 

There's a whole lot going wrong right now for the Mets, and Jerry should be held responsible for some of it.  Although the team initially responded to Reyes in the three hole, it's not the right move, and never has been.  The fact that it worked for as long as it did was great, but baseball is a game of adjustments, and now that line up isn't working Jerry should ADJUST.  In the postgame on SNY, Ronnie made an interesting point about the Mets line up, basically saying that if he were a pitcher facing this team he would know where to get the outs.  By that Darling meant that the team has certain guys who strike out too much, and them back to back in the line up is killing the team (Francoeur, Barajas amongst others).  If Ronnie knows that, chances are other teams do too.

The adjustments Jerry needs to make should happen first in the line up because that can take effect immediately.  The other change that needs to be made is the removal of Perez from the rotation.  If Jerry wants to move Perez to the long man role, go for it.  If Jerry wants to drop him to triple-A, do it.  But this team cannot win if they have to overcome their starting pitchers.  And that's been what they've needed to do with the way Perez has been pitching lately.  I know R.A. Dickey is being talked about, but I don't like that idea either.  I think Takahashi should be the man, because he's been fantastic.  And they won't lose too much, especially considering how well Valdes has been throwing out of the 'pen lately.  Fortunately it seems as though Jerry isn't about to let Perez run out there every fifth day anymore, as he hinted to in his post game interview.  And it's about time...

Bottom line here is that the team needs change.  They've responded to it once before this season, and can respond again, but Jerry needs to put them in a situation where they can succeed, and continuing to start Oliver Perez and running this struggling line up out there day after day is not what I would call giving them a chance to succeed. 

Mets Lose Tough Game to Giants 6-5

Today the Mets fell to the Giants 6-5 (box score/wrap) on a late two-run, wind aided, homer by Aaron Rowand off of Jenrry Mejia.

I went into the day thinking that if the Mets lost today I would be ok with it...BUT...that was before they came back to take the lead after Lincecum was pulled.  Once the Mets took the lead on a poorly played fly ball by Torres off the bat of Jason Bay, everything changed.  At that point in the game the Mets NEEDED to win.  It's amazing how much perspective can change like that.  With the way Lincecum was pitching I was happy at least knowing the Mets have already won the series, but once they took the lead, I could smell blood and was eventually dissappointed in the way the game shook out.  A sweep of the Giants was within reach, and probably should have happened...until Aaron Rowand hit a ball that carried about 50 feet more than it should have thanks to the wind.  Either way, it was a good weekend with the Mets taking 2 of 3 from a very good team...BUT...it's tough to take a loss like that when a win was within their grasps...

As far as what happened in the game, Ollie Perez was awful.  He needs to be sent to the 'pen or down or something, but he is single-handedly doing his best to kill Mets winning streaks.  I think it's about time they did something to get him in gear...On the bright side Bay, Davis, Wright and Francoeur were responsible for driving in the Mets runs, with both of Bay's RBI coming off a poorly played fly ball by the Giants left-fielder. 

Tomorrow starts a three game set with the Nationals.  The pitching match up will be John Maine against Luis Atilano at 7:10 in the "Citi"...

Blanco's Turn to Walk Off, 2B Hurt, End Of An Ollie?

I haven't been around to comment since yesterday's game ended, but I am really starting to believe in this team.  Yesterday's walk off homer from Hank White (as McCarver would say) is really indicative of what a GOOD ballclub gets, help from all over.  While Blanco might not have been the likely hero the night after Barajas did the same, it's when guys like this win ballgames that you start to really gain confidence in a team.  And the Mets took the first two of the series against the Giants knowing they would face one of the best pitchers in the league in Tim Lincecum in the third game, who they are just starting to hit a bit as I write this.  Either way they've been playing well and, I think, have established that they are significantly better than they were last year.  I'll even give credit to Omar for the Barajas signing.  Even though he seems to ONLY hit homers, they are in huge spots, and he and Blanco seem to have been instrumental in the way this team has pitched so far.

As for 2B...

He's hurt, and I don't care.  Honestly, he made a great play the other day, BUT, he looks old and hurt and I really wish they could move his contract because while he hasn't been hurting the team, I don't think he brings all that much to them.  Adam the Bull on WFAN yesterday seemed to believe the same thing, that while the 2nd baseman isn't killing them, very rarely do you feel this team cannot win without him.  I thought that was well put.  Especially considering his unnecessary plan to bunt yesterday on a 3-1 count in the first when Wellemeyer couldn't find the strike zone...Genius.  Like Howie said on the radio, "that's just his game."  But I think Howie was just as annoyed as I was when he saw that...
 
And finally Ollie...

He was awful again today.  Now, I think I am the only person who still thinks Perez is worth all of this trouble...but he's even wearing my patience thin at this point.  And while I still feel he will be the first Mets pitcher to throw a no-hitter...he's got the stuff to do it when he's on...it won't be anytime soon.  He looked horrible today, walking 7 batters.  The only positive thing that came out of his performance is the way Jerry gave him a quick hook and didn't let the game (although he probably should have done it in the third).  I think Ollie needs to be moved to the 'pen so Takahashi can make his presence known in the rotation.

On an unrelated note...Can we dump Gary Matthews?  He's awful.

Misch Clears Waiver, Goes to Buffalo

As I first heard on rotoworld.com, it looks like Pat Misch has cleared waivers and will end up back with the Mets.

It's nice to have Misch back considering the current state of the Mets pitching staff in general, which is shaping up to be Santana, Feliciano, K-Rod and a bunch of question marks.  I'm sure Takahashi, Figueroa and Maine will be fine, but they are all question marks at the current time, along with the obvious question marks: Perez, Pelfrey, Igarashi, etc.

I like the idea of getting that depth back, as Misch could be an important for the Mets either as a spot starter or lefty out of the 'pen, should someone else falter early.

Rotation Rotated, Santos and F-Mart to Buffalo and Manny Acosta

 According to Metsblog.com, as relayed from Marty Noble and Adam Rubin, the Mets have seemed to do a little rotation rotating, specifically involving Mike Pelfrey.  According to Noble, here, it looks like the Mets are planning on throwing Maine in game two of the regular season to be followed by Niese, then Pelfrey and Perez.  This is most likely a response to poor springs from Perez and Pelfrey.

Also in this article Michael Baron notes that both F-Mart and Santos were assigned to Triple-A, as was expected.

On another interesting note, Metsblog also says the Mets have jumped all over a talented arm being released today, when the Braves let Manny Acosta hit the waiver wire.  Acosta was in line to compete for the Braves closer position last season and the year before, until a combination of the emergence of Rafael Soriano, Mike Gonzalez, and his own fairly lackluster performance dropped him down.  With the Braves 'pen pretty much solid it seemed like Acosta, who has tons of talent, threw himself out of the running... 

Even so, I like this signing, because if this guy can live up to his talent level he can be very good for the Mets.  And to be honest, I'd be willing to bet this opening day Mets bullpen will change by the end of the first week at the latest.  I'm just not all that confident in it right now, and I don't think Calero has shown that he's the answer so far this spring.  You can never have enough arms...

Exciting Afternoon So Far

According to Metsblog, and my eyes, Murphy left today's game against the Cardinals after an apparent ankle injury...and Alex Cora left the game after being hit by a pitch...awesome.  Hope they're ok...

Pat Misch was put on waivers according to Rich Coutinho on twitter...Not so sure I understand this move because I think if the Mets are considering another lefty in Valdez, in order to allow Feliciano to be considered in the set-up role, why aren't they considering Misch instead...

Also of note so far today, both Perez and Santana got hit hard...sweet...fun day so far.

Good thing the season doesn't start for another 6 days...

Crasnick: Mets Season Lies in the Hands of Starters

In an article for ESPN.com Jerry Crasnick pins the Mets hopes for a rebound season on the rotation.  In this article Crasnick does a good job of taking a look at each member's spring and past performances and talks about their mindset and preparation heading into this season.  Also, Crasnick gets some great quotes out of Mike Pelfrey.  And, although this article isn't truly groundbreaking (everyone knows the Mets will only go as far as their starters let them), Crasnick does a great job of articulating exactly what ails each pitcher, from Maine's recovery from shoulder issues, to Pelfrey's performance, to Perez's knees and mind-set.

The most telling quote in the article comes from Pelfrey, who says, "Johan Santana is going to be Johan Santana. The guys vying for the fifth spot are going to be great fifth starters. The rest is on us three."  There is no disagreement here.  When your team's fifth starter is a prospect with a number two starter ceiling, and your ace is Johan Santana, you are most likely in good shape.  However, two-three and four in this rotation are scary.  They all have the potential of being scary good, or scary bad.  Last year happened to be scary bad, 2008 was a mix, and 2007 was scary good.  I expect more of a mix this season.

I was one of the people who thought the Mets should have upgraded the rotation this off-season, but not at the prices being thrown around.  Now, I'm pretty satisfied to take one more shot with Pelfrey-Perez and Maine, and if it doesn't work out, moves can be made.  But for now, I'll stay optimistic that Maine is healthy, Perez stopped being nuts, and Pelfrey will be dominant again...

With opening day less than two weeks out, at least we won't have to wait long to see...

Francouer Goes Deep, Ollie Shows Something, As Mets Down Braves 7-6

Today the Mets defeated the Braves 7-6 (box score) at Tradition Field.

Ollie Perez got himself into some trouble in the first and then seemed to recover, finishing 4 and 1/3 innings with 3 runs allowed on 5 hits and 4 walks.  Although the walks and hits were high today, Perez didn't implode like we've seen him do in the past.  This was by no means a good performance from Perez, but, if this is him at his worst this season, that would be a great improvement over last season.  It'd be nice to know that everytime something bad goes wrong for him Ollie won't go directly into the toilet.  That is an improvement...

As for the rest of the staff today, Mejia and Igarashi were solid, while Green and Parnell struggled again.  It's becoming more and more clear to me that this bullpen should include Takahashi and Figueroa, and the Mets should deal Green, and put Parnell in the minors to start the season.  Neither Green nor Parnell are throwing well, and combined with Figgy and Takahashi throwing lights out this spring...I think the answer is obvious.  Also, that would allow Mejia to go to Binghamton and learn to be the top-of-the-rotation guy the Mets needs more than an eighth inning guy...

At the plate, Francouer went 1-2 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Wright and Castillo stole bases (one for Wright, two for Castillo - even though he got a favorable call on one).  Murphy threw up another goose egg, while Jacobs had a two-RBI hit...Interesting...

Overall it was more a bad day in the field for the Braves than a good day at the plate for the Mets who scored two runs on an errand pick off at third, which scored Castillo and Wright (on an excellent hustle play).  And an RBI hit by Bay, which should have been fielded by Yunel Escobar.

Regardless, wins build confidence, and by all accounts this was a win...

Mets Win 5-2, Johan Starts Against Former Team at 1 pm

Due to the NCAA tournament, I was slightly pre-occupied last night.  Sorry...

Anyway, Last night the Mets beat the Marlins 5-2 (box score) on the strength of homers from Jeff Francouer and Jason Bay.  Both players hit two-run jobs, as Bay's gave the Mets the lead in the seventh inning after Francouer's tied it in the fifth.

On the hill,  Perez worked himself out of a bunch of trouble, and finished up working 4 innings giving up 6 hits, 2 runs and struck out two.  Not a great performance, but it's encouraging that he didn't unravel like he usually does.  Maybe he got a little headstrong this offseason.

Also, Igarashi, Felciano, K-Rod and Takahashi combined to keep the Marlins off the board for the rest of the game, although some more quietly than others.

As for today...

Johan Santana is starting against his former team at 1 pm on SNY...

Line-up to come...