Mets Win in Walk-Off Fashion, Castillo Couldn't Care Less

In what became a crazy back and forth game last night the Mets pulled out a 6-5 victory over the Marlins (box score) courtesy of a walk-off single by Luis Castillo.

After Dickey gave up a 3-run homer in the seventh to Gaby Sanchez, and the lead, the Mets found a way to fight back and tie the game in the eighth on an RBI single by Carlos Beltran.  Then in the ninth with two outs and runners on first and second Luis Castillo flared a ball into right to bring home Ike Davis with the game-wining run.

The most interesting part about all this, to me, was the reaction of Luis Castillo.  He looked more pissed than anything else.  I mean, I get that the guy is upset about losing his starting gig and everything...BUT COME ON.  He just got a huge hit to win a game that excited everyone else in CitiField, except him, and had no problem showing that.  He looked like he wasn't having any fun with it AT ALL, and instead got the hit more to stick it up the organization's butt that he wants more playing time, than because it helped the team.  At least that was what I took out of NOT seeing him smile at all after getting the game winning hit...

Anyway, the Mets look for a second consecutive series win tonight at 7:10 when they send Pat Misch to the hill against Alex Sanabia.  By the way, the Mets are now 7 games back of the wild card.  I'm not willing to consider anything unless they are 4-5 games out after this weekend...then we can talk.

Misch Against Bud Norris Tonight at 8:05: Line Up

Here's tonight's line up courtesy of the Mets on twitter:

Reyes-SS
Castillo-2B
Pagan-CF
Wright-3B
Davis-1B
Francoeur-RF
Carter-LF
Barajas-C
Misch-P

No Beltran, No Tejada, No Thole...

That means Castillo, Barajas and Carter.  I guess the only one of those I'm ok with is Carter.  In case you missed it, I can't stand Castillo or Barajas.

Either way, the Mets need to win tonight, if for no other reason that to show they are better than the 'Stros...

Mets May Lose K-Rod For the Season, Win Game 3-1

According to Metsblog, here, K-Rod is likely gone for the season as he will have surgery on a torn ligament in his thumb which he sustained during the circus last week.  Way to go, K-Rod.  This MAY be the dumbest thing I've heard in some time.  Also according to Metsblog, the team is looking into their options with K-Rod, presumably looking to void his contract due to a non-baseball related injury.  There is something funny about that phrase "non-baseball related injury"...BUT none of this will matter as Cerrone points out the Baseball Players Union is a tough opponent to take down...

As for things that happen on the field...

Tonight the Mets got a great start from Jon Niese and fought hard to take the first of four from the Astros in Houston, 3-1 (box score).  The new Mets closer, Takahashi, came in and went 1-2-3 in the ninth to secure his first major league save.  Will he be the closer for the rest of the season?  Who knows?  But for now, it looks like he's the guy in the ninth.

The Mets got back to .500 on the season behind a homer from Carlos Beltran and a triple from Frenchy.  Also, Jon Niese was awesome going 7 innings giving up only 1 run on 7 hits while striking out 5.  Unfortunately for Niese, the Mets had only scored one run for him and waited until the ninth to take the lead for good.  Niese deserved the win...but I guess beggars can't be choosers...

Tomorrow the Mets look to move back above .500 as they send Johan to the hill to face old friend Nelson Figueroa.

Mets Win Game, Series Behind Santana

Today in the "Citi" the Mets defeated the Rockies 4-0 (box score) and took the series from Colorado.  Santana was awesome as the Mets shut out the Rox for the second time in three games to get back to .500 on the season.

Santana went the distance for the Mets today, striking out 10, and allowing only 4 hits.  He was great, and had to be, considering the way the bullpen blew up in last night's game and K-Rod's temporary detainment.  Johan must have seen everything that's happened with the 'pen in the last 18 hours and decided he would rather just do the job himself.

At the plate, Reyes went 2-4 with 2 stolen bases and a RBI, while Beltran went 3-3 with an RBI as well.  Martinez and Pagan drove in the other two runs for the Mets.  Hopefully the good day from Beltran is the start of something and not just a good day from a player who isn't what he used to be.

Either way, winning the series was important, as the Mets head into a three game set with the Phillies this weekend.  Tomorrow night's match up features R.A. Dickey and Cole Hamels.  Let's see if the Mets can get hot one more time before the season ends.

Postgame...Poor Niese

Mets lose 6-2 tonight at Citi Field...

Recap/Reaction:Just when it looks like a ray of hope is desperately trying to peak through Citi Field, the Mets find a way to squash it. Tonight Jon Niese pitched a gem, allowing one run through 7 solid innings. When Niese left the game, it looked as if the Mets would win back to back games, for the first time in 40 games. That was not the case.

The wheels fell off in the 8th as Takahashi allowed two runners to reach base, and an intentional walk brought up Melvin Mora. Acosta had Mora 2-2 before hanging a slider that the former Met destroyed.

Acosta had been solid leading up to this outing, same with Takahshi in the 8th inning roll but it just looks like Jerry has such little stability in the pen.

Another negative is the offense which was MIA. David Wright is lost. Carlos Beltran looks old. Mets had 3 hits all night, one of which was a 2-run shot by Pagan in the 1st that supplied the Mets only runs.

Bottom line was tonight the Mets had a chance to take a series and set themselves up tomorrow to sweep with their ace on the mound. Yet, the Mets keeping digging a bigger hole, now 9.5 GB of Hotlanta.

Young Mets Show Life, But Fall Short in Comeback Effort Against Phils

The Mets got off to an early lead today, then Dickey got shelled, then the Mets fought back to within one, only to lose 6-5 (box score) in today's finale.

Although Dickey had his worst outing of the year for the Mets, and the team lost yet another road series, somehow I was encouraged today.  I think it's because I have officially given up hope of having any shot at a playoff run, barring some miraculous hot streak.  But, I'm not pissed...

Today the young kids looked pretty good.  Tejada is continuing to show that he is a better glove than Castillo, although his hitting is leaving something to be desired.  F-Mart looked pretty decent, nothing to get crazy over, but solid.  And Thole and Carter had some big hits in the Mets comeback.  Overall, it's nice to watch a home grown team leave it ALL on the field.  Had Beltran and Wright not struggled the way they did today things may have turned out better for the Mets today.

The point...

The young kids look like they have pride.  Where some players in the past would have given up once they got down 6-2, this youthful Mets team didn't give up.  Ultimately that will make this team more fun to watch, even if they are only playing for pride.  This is a new thing for Mets fans, seeing a dedication to giving the young kids a shot.

In fact...

According to Howie Rose, while I was listening to "The Fan" in my car, the Mets had the most home grown players in today's starting line up (7), than they have since 1990.

Just found that interesting...

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.

Mets Pick Up W, Series Win, Game on Braves; Phillies Pick Up Oswalt

So, on a day that the Mets were able to pick up a series win by defeating the Cardinals 4-0 (box/wrap) and pick up a game in the standings on the Braves...The Phillies picked up Roy Oswalt, according to Ken Rosenthal on twitter.

Today R.A. Dickey was awesome, going 8 and 1/3 innings giving up only 4 hits and two walks.  One of those hits and walks, however, were issued in the ninth forcing Manuel to bring in K-Rod to close it for his 22nd save.  Usually I kill Jerry for basically anything he does, but this move was completely necessary.  He gave Dickey a chance to get the complete game, but once he got into ANY trouble, he needed to go to K-Rod, because the Mets NEEDED the win more than they needed the complete game shut out.

On the offensive side, the big story was Ike's big three-run homer, which ended up being all the Mets needed.  Also driving in a run for the Mets was Beltran.

This was a HUGE series for the Mets to take, but now they CANNOT allow a let down and they need to take 2 of 3 from the D'backs, IF NOT A SWEEP.  Today is July 29th, and tomorrow now becomes a big day/game for the Mets.  I'm not saying if they win tomorrow they will/should make a move, but there could be a little extra motivation if they do and the Braves lose.  In general, the Mets need to look for ways to make their team better for this season and the future, so while I would want to bring in a starter, I don't want to do it by risking the future.  It's the trade deadline, and being SMART should be the move...also, if they can dump Ollie or Cashstealo that wouldn't hurt...

As for the playoff hunt...

The Braves are a very good team, and obviously, the Phillies just got better.  Plus, the Mets are trailing a bunch of teams in the wild card race including the Giants and that stellar pitching staff.  But if the Mets get hot right NOW and win the next three series...that would go a long way towards them making a run this season, especially considering two of their next three series are against the Braves and Phillies...

Tomorrow the Mets look to build on this series win by starting off a three game set against the D'Backs with Pelfrey on the hill.  He's set to face Ian Kennedy at 7:10 tomorrow night.

Let's Go Mets

Mets Find Stroke Against Wainwright, Beat Cards 8-2

Last night the Mets bats woke up, against an unexpected foe, as the Mets picked up a game on the Braves and beat the Cardinals 8-2 in the Citi (wrap/boxscore).

After a road trip where the Mets couldn't hit or drive in runs, they came home to face one of the NL's best pitchers in Adam Wainwright and predictably...pounded him?  What?  I really have no idea where this offense outpouring came from but I am very happy it came.  Especially after hearing yesterday that the Mets may not be buyers this trade deadline, this was well timed.  This team NEEDS to be in on the division race, and cannot give up yet, this year.  A nice win streak might convince ownership to re-visit some deals that could give the team an edge, because there is still plenty of time, and Mets fans WANT something to root for...

At the dish the Mets got homers from Reyes and Francoeur (playing because of Bay's concussion), along with RBI for Wright, Beltran and Davis to help the team beat up on Cy Young candidate Adam Wainwright.  Unreal...

And on the bump...Niese went 6 innings giving up only one earned run on 7 hits.  Acosta, Valdez and K-Rod finished up the game, which was basically decided by the time these guys came in.

Bottomline, the Mets had a good night, but need to follow it up tonight with another good performance. They face Jaime Garcia tonight at 7:10, when they sent Santana to the hill.

Let's Go Mets

Frenchy May Be On His Way Out

In this article Mike Puma of the New York Post says that the Mets may be sending Jeff Francoeur somewhere else "by the time the Mets finish their series with Los Angeles this weekend."

Well that stinks.

I like Frenchy.  I like his personality.  I love his arm.  I'm not crazy about his plate discipline.  But I still want to see him succeed, and see him succeed in NY, with the Mets.  BUT...

I get it.  Pagan, Beltran and Bay.  There just isn't room for Frenchy...

He's not going to play everyday here, and he should have that opportunity.  Also, he's probably one of the more valuable trade pieces the Mets have right now, in that he's not essential to the team winning and he's young enough, and talented enough, that he has SOME value to a team willing to take a chance on him.  Most likely, we're not talking about a big deal here.  It'll probably be something to help the bullpen, or he'll be part (not necessarily a key one) of a deal that could potentially net a starting pitcher.

Either way, I'm a bit dissapointed.  But I think most people saw this coming at some point.  I know he was only in New York for what amounts to a year, BUT, this feels like I am breaking up with a girlfriend.  I just hope we can still be friends...

Mets Lose Again in Desert, In Danger of Getting Swept By One of the Worst Teams in Baseball

Last night, despite the best efforts of Dickey, Thole and Pagan the Mets lost their second straight to the D'Backs 3-2 (box score/wrap).  The worst part of this whole mess is that now they could potentially get swept by one of the worst teams in baseball, and in order to avoid it, they'll have to beat Dan Haren.  Needless to say, Haren is a much better pitcher than Barry Enright, and he held the Mets to one run in 8 innings of work.  This is starting to get ugly quick...

The only real offense to speak of last night came off solo shots from Josh Thole and Angel Pagan, respectively.  Barry Enright? Really?  The Mets offense looks awful right now, even with the "shot in the arm" it was supposed to have gotten from Beltran and Castillo. 

Dickey continued his string of pitching well enough to win, and then not winning.  He went 7 innings giving up 3 runs.  Unfortunately for Dickey, the D'backs decided to test Beltran's range and speed last night by hitting balls into the gap, which CLEARLY still isn't where it was because of the injury.  He's just not getting to the balls in the gap, and behind him, the way he used to and it makes it tough to watch, especially when you think about who's playing right field for the Mets...

Tonight the Mets look to avoid the sweep by sending Jon Niese to the hill against Dan Haren.  The offense better wake up, because even if Niese tosses up zeroes all game, it won't be crap until they start scoring...

On the Night Beltran Returns, Pitching Is the Story as Mets Fall 2-0

Last night in San Francisco pitching was front and center in the Giants 2-0 win over the Mets (box score/wrap).

Last night R.A. Dickey went 7 innings giving up only 1 run on 5 hits, but that just wasn't good enough to win as Tim Lincecum threw a complete game shut out.  The only run Dickey gave up was on a rocket of a double by Pablo Sandoval, which would probably have been a homer anywhere else.  But outside of that Dickey was fantastic, unfortunately, so was Lincecum.

The only thing about last night's game I truly found infuriating was when, with 1 out and runners on first and third in the fifth, Manuel had Dickey sacrifice bunt to get two runners into scoring position.  This left runners on second and third with two outs, and Pagan at the plate.  Now, I know Pagan has been arguably the best Mets hitters with runners in scoring position, but COME ON...A GREAT major league hitter hits .300, that's 3 hits every 10 at bats.  Wouldn't you rather have two shots at driving in at least one run (mind you it was 1-0 at the time) rather than putting all your eggs in one basket and leaving it up to Pagan with two outs?  Yes, I understand that Dickey was up, and the double play would have killed the inning...but Dickey's been a pretty decent hitter so far this year, and more importantly, WHAT IF HE DIDN'T?  It would have tied the game. 

Jerry was frustrating last night, but on a lighter note, it was good to see Beltran back.  Tonight, the Mets look to even the series with Niese going up against Zito.  It will be interesting to see who starts in right for the team tonight, since Zito is a lefty.  Just something to think  about.

Second Half Starts Tonight at 10:15: Line Up

UPDATE:

Reyes was pulled from the line up with oblique pain.  The new line up is as follows:

Pagan-RF
Cora-2B
Wright-3B
Beltran-CF
Davis-1B
Bay-LF
Thole-C
Tejada-SS
Dickey-P

---------------------------

Tonight the Mets start their second half in San Fran against Tim Lincecum and the Giants.  R.A. Dickey will take the mound for the Mets, and a long lost friend returns to the line up.  Here's tonight's starting line up, courtesy of the Mets on twitter:

Reyes-SS
Pagan-RF
Wright-3B
Beltran-CF
Davis-1B
Bay-LF
Thole-C
Cora-2B
Dickey-P

First off, seeing Beltran in the clean up spot is making me very very happy.  Hopefully he's 100 percent.  Also, I really like seeing Thole in the line up.  It makes me feel good about the present and the future.  Cora, being a lefty, gets the start at second...

Let's Go Mets.

Mets Wrap Up First Half With W, 48-40 Record

Today, Johan Santana stepped up and delivered his second consecutive dominant performance, and helped lead the Mets to a 3-0 victory (box score/wrap).

Santana threw 7 innings giving up only 5 hits and walking 3, while striking out 5.  Bobby Parnell came in after Johan and continued his quality performances since returning to the bigs with a perfect eighth inning before K-Rod came in and threw a perfect inning of his own.  Mets pitching was the story today, and that was what brought the team back to within 4 games of the Braves.

For the Mets at the plate, Ike Davis went VERY deep, Josh Thole got a pinch hit RBI and Alex Cora drove in a run as well.

The Mets head into the All-Star Break 4 games back of the Braves and 8 games over .500, and they'll be getting, arguably their best player, Carlos Beltran back right after the break.  In order to make the room for Beltran, Jesus Feliciano was sent back down, and Angel Pagan will be sliding over to right field.  Although I want to see more playing time for Frenchy, there is no denying that Angel Pagan makes this team better than Francoeur does.  I hate to say this, but Frenchy will have to be a part-time player for the rest of the season, unless he is traded or something...

Either way, this team is a LOT better than people thought they would be at this point in the season and that alone is VERY EXCITING.  The second half will hopefully be full of more good baseball and more Met victories...

Let's Go NL. 

Beltran Might Be Back Monday, Or July 15

So, it looks like the countdown to Carlos is getting real.  According to Adam Rubin of ESPN NewYork, here, the two dates the Mets are targeting for Beltran's return are July 5th and July 15th.  In his article Rubin goes on to explain that if Carlos will not be available for Monday against the Reds, then it wouldn't be worth activating Carlos for the last series before the all-star break.  The reasoning being that once Carlos gets going, they wouldn't want him to have days off for the break, and might rather have him play through the break and then activate him on the 15th instead.

I can't deny the logic there.  It makes sense to keep Carlos playing and active.  Although I would love to have him up by Monday, if he needs a little more time then July 15th sounds great to me.  It would be a nice boost for the team to have Carlos back before the break, and it will certainly create an interesting outfield scenario for the Mets as the trade deadline approaches.  It'll be interesting to see what happens to Angel Pagan and Jeff Francoeur's playing time once Beltran returns. 

But having too many good outfielders is a nice problem to have, especially when one of them is a healthy Carlos Beltran...

Rumors For Lee Include Mejia and Pagan

According to this article from the Mariners Blog on The Seattle Times' site, the Mets and Twins seem to be the two teams most likely to land Cliff Lee.  This link was forwarded via rotoworld.com, here, as well as Metsblog.

The most interesting part of the article isn't that the Mets seem to be in on Lee, but instead who they could potentially give up to get him.  In the post, Geoff Baker puts the Twins in the driver's seat with the potential addition of Wilson Ramos, a solid catching prospect in the Twins organization.  But Baker is also quick to point out that the Mets have some serious talent of their own that they could include.  Specifically, Baker mentions rumors that the Mets might include Jenrry Mejia and Angel Pagan in a deal for Lee, which Baker thinks would be enough to get Lee to the Mets.

So the obvious question is, Would you take that deal?

My answer...maybe.

Here are my hang ups, Lee's impending free agency and Beltran's health.  If the Mets were to make a deal like this they would need to make sure they could extend Lee and that Beltran was 100%.  While I really like Mejia and Pagan, if Beltran comes back healthy, I would absolutely consider this deal, assuming you could extend Lee.  But those are two BIG BUTS....

So, I think I would pull the trigger if Lee were extended and Beltran proved to be healthy because to me Cliff Lee and Carlos Beltran are better than Jenrry Mejia and Angel Pagan.  But, like I said before, I would need to see a healthy Beltran and I would need to see an extended Lee, and I don't think both of those chips can realisitically fall into place...

Would you make the deal?

It's Raining Hits, And...Uh...Rain, As Mets Pound Tigers 14-6

Last night the Mets pounded out 16 hits against the Tigers, including Justin Verlander, and outlasted the rain in a 14-6 win (box score/wrap).

There was a lot of offense to report from last night.  The top 4 hitters in the Mets line up all had at least 3 hits each and an RBI.  In fact, the only starting position player without a hit or RBI or run scored was Rod Barajas, who has quietly slipped back down to a .246 batting average for the year. 

Here are some specifics on the offense explosion the Mets experience last night: Reyes went 3-6 with an RBI and 3 runs scored, Wright went 3-3 with 2 RBI and 3 runs scored, Davis went 3-6 with 3 RBI and 1 run scored.  But the biggest bat last night was Angel Pagan who went 4-6 with 4 RBI and 3 runs scored, and was only a homer away from the cycle.  And Reyes, Francoeur and Bay all swiped bases as well.

Niese pitched well for the first 3 innings, but then the rain came and washed away his good start.  Jerry decided to leave Niese out there after nearly an hour rain delay and it was pretty obvious that affected Niese.  But after Niese gave up 6 runs in 4 and 2/3 innings the bullpen only allowed one hit for the rest of the game, which is nice to see, especially considering the concern over the bullpen not having Mejia anymore.  At least tonight, that wasn't an issue...

But what might become an issue is Beltran making rehab starts beginning Thursday as reported by Metsblog, here.  I mean, Pagan is playing well, obviously.  Francoeur is also playing pretty well himself, so between the two of them Bay and Beltran the Mets will have quite a glut in the outfield.  This will be worth monitoring...especially considering the timing of Beltran's return and the way it may match up with the trade deadline...

Anywho...the Mets take on the Tigers in the second game of this three game set tonight with Dickey facing off against Jeremy Bonderman...

Let's Go Mets.

Cashstealo, D'Backs, Beltran and Potential RF Platoon

According to Metsblog, here, Luis Cashstealo is working his way back from injury.  Cerrone says, "Jerry Manuel told reporters yesterday that the team will know in the next day or so whether Castillo is capable of being activated this weekend."

Can I start by saying, is there anyway to keep him on the DL longer?  The team is 9-1 since Cashstealo went on the DL June 4th.  I know there are his supporters out there who think he's fine, and not the problem for this team.  Can something please be said for addition by subtraction?  I just find it hard to dispute that since he, Perez and GMJ have all not been part of this team they are winning, and looking good doing it.  I have no problem living with Cora and Tejada, especially considering the results the TEAM has gotten since that's been the arrangement. 

But for those who want a new second baseman...

In the same posting on Metsblog, Cerrone points to a tweet from Jon Paul Morosi, here, who thinks that Kelly Johnson can be had.  While I think any move at second base isn't really an option for the Mets unless they can move Cashstealo, this is an intriguing name.  Although Johnson isn't a great fielder he does have some nice pop and speed.  He's not a great option as far as all-around second baseman in the league, but in my opinion he is a definite upgrade over Cashstealo.  Despite that, I would argue that unless Johnson was a needed add-in for salary relief in another deal with the D'Backs (Dan Haren), the Mets don't NEED to make a move for him.  Cora and Tejada have been fine so far.  And even though I know there are those who are concerned about Cora's option kicking in, I'm not one of them.  Now, if the Mets and D'Backs start talking Haren and Johnson becomes a throw-in salary dump, then that'd be nice.  I just don't think the team needs to pursue Johnson on his own, because in my opinion his value over Cashstealo is not great enough to warrant a deal, and a potential prospect. Also, I think unless the Mets find a way to deal Cashstealo (not likely), this won't even be considered...

Also worth considering since Beltran has been working out in Florida is this article written by Andy McCullough of the Newark Star-Ledger about a potential right field platoon between Pagan and Francoeur once Beltran returns from the DL.  McCullough makes an interesting point about a platoon.  When looking at the righty/lefty splits for Pagan and Francoeur it's hard to deny that a platoon would make sense, and considering the likelihood that Beltran will not be able to play everyday when he comes back, there will be playing time available in the Mets outfield. 

However, should the Mets be lucky enough to get a full-strength Carlos Beltran, I think the Mets have options.  I would make one of Francoeur/Pagan available in a deal, using whichever has more value (probably Pagan) to net some starting pitching.  OR maybe prove Beltran is healthy for a bit and then ship him out for a starter.  I don't know which would make more sense, as it would depend on the deals available.  I am suprised to see myself saying this because I was one of those guys who hated when people first started talking about dealing Beltran, but maybe there is some sense to it...

Regardless, I'm just saying there are options, because Pagan has proven to me this year to be a viable option as an everyday center fielder.  Whether there is more trade value in him, a recovering commodity in Beltran or Francoeur remains to be seen.

I guess what I'm trying to say is...

This could be a fun trade deadline...

Beltran Likely to Return Sometime Between Early May and Early June

According to the New York Post, as reported from an interview by WFAN's Craig Carton with Omar Minaya, it seems as though the earliest the Mets can expect Carlos Beltran back will be May 8th.  Minaya said in his interview that Beltran cannot start running until April 10th, and that once he starts running, "it could be somewhere between 4, 6 to 8 weeks, in that range." That would put his return as early as May 8th but as late as possibly early June.

Minaya seems confident in the team's ability to perform without Beltran, saying, "I feel that with Gary Mathews and with Pagan we're covered there and we don't have to rush Carlos back...We want to get Carlos back but we don't want to feel like we have to rush him."

I'm in agreement not to rush Beltran, although with today's showings I'm much, much, more concerned with this team than I was yesterday.  It's hard to be a fan and think objectively when you saw what went on this afternoon.  Tough day...