Mets Send K-Rod to DQ, Gets All the Ice Cream He Wants As Long As He's Paying...

According to Metsblog, here, K-Rod has been placed on the disqualified list and will not be paid until he is able to play again nor will he pick up any service time (this one I picked up from SNY's news scroll during the game - probably will affect contract options).  This is coming after a successful surgery on K-Rod's thumb, which was messed up during his altercation with his kids' grandfather. 

Not a bad move...

To me, this looks like the Mets are testing the waters here.  I think this makes more sense, and seems more reasonable to pass, than if they tried to void his contract altogether.  Although I bet the Union is still pissed and will definitely do something to try to get K-Rod paid, at least the Mets are trying to do SOMETHING about this ridiculous situation.

I still think this whole situation is retarded...by the way...

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.

K-Rod Being Detained, Game at 12:10: Line Up

K-Rod is being held in the CitiField detainment center according to Metsblog, here.  Well, this is pretty ridiculous.  Way to go Francisco!  I wonder how big the "detainment center" is, and if some moron will get arrested on purpose in an effort to be K-Rod's cell-mate.  I'm sure they wouldn't put anyone else near him, but it'd be a funny story if they did...

Regardless of K-Rod's legal issues, the Mets will look for the series win today at 12:10.  They're sending Santana to the mound, but will try to win without David Wright, who'd getting the day off.  Honestly, he needs it and the team MAY be better off without him today.  Here's the line up courtesy of the Mets on twitter:

Reyes-SS
Martinez-RF
Pagan-LF
Davis-1B
Beltran-CF
Hessman-3B
Thole-C 
Tejada-2B
Santana-P

I love how Hessman has taken over the role on the team previously occupied by Fernando Tatis.  I'm just irritated that it took the organization this long to realize that they overpaid for "role guys" that they could have easily, and more cheaply, replaced with kids from within their minor league system.

Huge Hit for Frenchy, Bigger Win For the Mets

To say Jeff Francoeur has been struggling lately is probably an understatement, but for tonight he's riding high.  Frenchy hit a HUGE ninth inning homer off of Billy Wagner tonight to give the Mets a 3-2 victory (box/wrap) in what was a MUST-WIN tonight in Atlanta.

Dickey pitched well tonight, and was able to fight through some jams earlier in the game.  Manny Acosta did the same later in the game coming in with one out and runners on the corner and getting pinch-hitter Troy Glaus to hit into a double play.  And K-Rod shut the door in a perfect ninth to keep the Mets afloat in the playoff hunt.  But...

Did I mention Frenchy hit a game-winning homer in the ninth?

I think Gary said it best after Frenchy's homer, when he said it looked like the Mets hadn't been more excited after a homer all year than they were tonight after Frenchy's.  Probably because this was a HUGE game, and that was a HUGE hit.  But I think there is something to be said about Frenchy's attitude and the idea that maybe the team WANTS Frenchy to succeed almost as badly as the fans do.  The bottomline here is that Frenchy has clearly struggled with the Mets, but there is something about him that still makes the team, and certain fans (myself included), like the guy.  While I agree that there is a certain point that no matter how much people like the guy he still needs to perform...BUT...I think a hit like this one, from a player as respected in the clubhouse as Francoeur seems to be, could really provide a lift for this team...

A team, by the way, that has an opportunity to be 5.5 games back after tomorrow night.  Not to state the obvious here but from now on every game is a huge one for the Mets.  Every night should be treated like it's the playoffs, because the truth is that another poor stretch of games will ultimately end their season.  So, with that in mind tomorrow the Mets send Mike Pelfrey to the hill against Kris Medlen in another big game against the Braves...

So there's only one thing left to say...

Let's go Mets.

Santana and Bay Lead the Way in Mets 6-1 Win

Last night the Mets took down the Dodgers 6-1 in L.A. (box/wrap) and Santana played a big part in the win.

Johan Santana was great last night giving up only 1 run on 5 hits, while striking out 4.  Bobby Parnell and K-Rod also did their part in pitching a perfect 8th and 9th to help secure a victory for the Mets.

At the plate the big blow was off the bat of Jason Bay who put the game away with a 3-run double in the eighth.  Bay wasn't alone as Ike went deep, and Henry Blanco had two hits as well.  It was nice to see the offense return last night...Maybe they can do it again today?

Mike Pelfrey heads to the mound today against Carlos Monasterios at 4:10 on FOX.  It's be a great time for a rebound outing from Pelfrey, who could really use it for his confidence.

Let's Go Mets.

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...

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. 

After Yesterday's Blow Up, Mets Look For Redemption at 1:35

I'm not going to waste any time talking about how annoying K-Rod is to watch, or how he is bound to blow saves pitching the way he does....

Instead, I'll be happy that the Mets weren't dominated by Strasburg because that means maybe the future won't be so bleak in the NL East afterwards.  Yeah Strasburg's probably going to be very good, BUT, sometimes teams can just have your number.  Maybe the Mets can be that team for Strasburg...

Redemption time today.  Here's today's line up courtesy of Adam Rubin:

Pagan CF
Cora 2B
Wright 3B
Davis 1B
Bay LF
Francoeur RF
Barajas C
Tejada SS
Takahahsi P

No Reyes again, as he's still sore.  But it's time for the team to split the series...

Let's Go Mets! 

Late Postgame Friday

Last night in Washington, the Mets held off the Nats as Jon Niese went seven strong and gave up only one run. Niese has been the savior of this team, really stepping up when the Mets need a victory. This was definetly a big win, coming off of a loss thursday and the debacle in San Juan. Niese threw a career high 117 pitchers and stuck out eight.

One again we saw another dicey K-Rod outing as he let up two runs on two hits before picking off Bernadina at second to end the game.

David Wright stayed hot, smacking 3 hits and Alex Cora came up huge with a three run triple.

Mets split the first two games of this series and it would be a huge confidence booster to win today vs. God (Strasburg) going up against a guy who's completely opposite stuff (Dickey). Knuckler vs. the Ultimate Flamerthrower, Mets get their first taste of the chosen one this year. Game is 4:30 on Fox.

Lets Go Mets

Recap: A Win, An Injury, A Rumor, A Rehab

Here's a list of things I want to recap and give my input on.  Normally I would have done them WHILE they were happening but sometimes things get busy...

Last night the Mets defeated the Marlins 6-5 (box score/wrap), despite a poor outing from Mike Pelfrey.  Pelfrey got pounded to the tune of 12 hits and 4 runs in 4 and 2/3 innings of work.  NOT A GOOD NIGHT.  Fortunately for the Mets, the offense and bullpen were able to pick Pelfrey up and get the team a win, which helped them avoid the sweep in Puerto Rico.  K-Rod came in in the eighth after Parnell put the Mets in some trouble, but K-Rod was able to get Wes Helms to fly out.  Then K-Rod made it interesting, again, in the ninth but was able to save the game for the Mets.

The Mets got some nice all-around effort on the offensive end, highlighted by David Wright's 2-5 game with 2 RBI and another pinch-hit RBI from Josh Thole (his second in two night).  And not to be the guy who rains on our parade, because I DO think this team is better overall with Barajas behind the plate, BUT...he's now down to .244 and the staff has been getting ripped lately.  All I really mean to say by that is, I'm happy the Mets decided to wait before considering extending Rod...

Also of note from yesterday's game was Jose Reyes' last minute removal from the line up due to a his side hurting, which you can read more about on Metsblog, here.  In the post, Michael Barron quotes Jerry as saying it had something to do with the turf at Hiram Bithorn Stadium.  That wouldn't surprise me much considering the way Gary and Keith talked about the field basically being built on top of a parking lot, and the cement being the base underneath the field.  Either way, I hope to see Jose back in the line up tonight, BUT, I also wouldn't be surprised if he needed another night off.  Any more missed time than that and I may start getting concerned...

ON TO OLLIE...

I know he's doing rehab starts and all that, but is it really necessary?  He has no trade value anyway.  The best thing the Mets can hope for is that he "suffers a set back" the same way John Maine did and the team can continue on without him.  As for Beltran's rehab seemingly going well, I'm cautiously excited.  I know it's cliche and people have been saying this for quite some time, but Beltran REALLY is the best player the Mets can add at the trade deadline....Well....offensive.

Speaking of Cliff Lee, Metsblog notes some rumors here and here regarding how much the Mets would need to give up to get Lee.  Here's what I would and wouldn't do...

The following I think can be traded in any combination in order to get Lee, of course with the caveat that they cannot take more than 4 from this list: Josh Thole, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Jordany Valdespin, Reese Havens, Bobby Parnell, Brad Holt, Ruben Tejada, Sean Ratliff or Juerys Familia.

NOW, if the Mariners needed one of F-Mart, Wilmer Flores, Angel Pagan or Jenrry Mejia to get the deal done I would NOT want to give up more than one of them combined with NO MORE than two of the guys from the previous list.

Interestingly enough, I think the guy who is closest to untouchable to me is Wilmer Flores.  But, I don't think anyone should be off limits right now.  The farm system seems to have enough in it that you can make this deal without losing all your top prospects.  So Omar, make a deal to make this team a winner.  Just be smart about it, and don't give up too much...

Mets Infield Hit and Hustle Their Way to 7-6 Win

Despite K-Rod giving up an absolute BOMB in the ninth inning to make the game a bit too close for my liking, the Mets managed to hold on tonight to beat the Indians 7-6 in Cleveland (box score).

Tonight the Mets hustled, and took advantage of Indian mistakes that lead to 4 of the team's 7 runs tonight.  David Wright finished the game 3-5 with 3 RBI, all of Wright's RBI were driven in on infield shit.  One RBI in particular scored because of a fantastic hustle play from Reyes who was plated from second on an infield grounder that Wright beat out.  Reyes took off on the play and rounded third without stopping to come around and beat the relay from first baseman after Wright beat out the grounder for a hit.  Two of the Mets other runs scored off of a bomb to center field off the bat of Ike Davis.  Davis' homer was in the air for what seemed like forever and what looked like a routine fly ball eventually carried out over the center field fence.  It wasn't a pretty win tonight, but the Mets capitalized on Indian mistakes, and isn't that what good teams do? Beat up on bad teams and take advantage of mistakes?  Does that mean the Mets are a good team?  I think so...

On the hill tonight, Johan Santana got some much needed run support because he wasn't at his best at the beginning of the game.  Santana ended up going 7 innings giving up 4 runs on 7 hits.  Then Pedro Feliciano came in and walked the lead off man, but he shut down the Indians for the remainder of the inning to pass the ball off to K-Rod.  K-Rod decided to make things interesting by giving up 2 hits, including a 2-run homer to Shelly Duncan in the ninth to make things close.  K-Rod then got a fly out to Bay to end the game.

The Mets look to stay hot tomorrow against these same Indians when they send Jon Niese to the hill against Mitch Talbot for the Indians. 

No pressure, but the Mets are in a position to take this series and keep beating up on the AL bottom-dwellers, which is something they NEED to do before they have a tough stretch of games against the Yankees, Tigers and Twins.  It's not that I don't think the team can win every night, because I think they can (an interesting feeling I haven't had in some time), it's just the cautious part of the optimist making it's way out.  Anyway...Let's Go Mets.

Mets End Skid Against the Fish, Win 4-3

Tonight Dickey was good and the offense did just enough to lead the Mets to a 4-3 win tonight in the "Citi" (box score/wrap up).

R.A. Dickey improves to 3-0 this season, pitching 6 and 1/3 innings giving up 7 hits and allowing 3 runs, while striking out 4.  Dickey was pulled in favor of Feliciano who got an out and gave up a hit, and then gave way to Elmer Dessens who gave up NOTHING in an inning and a third of work.  Dessens looked great tonight, and that was huge lift for the Mets.  K-Rod did his usual and made the game ENTIRELY TOO EXCITING, but eventually recorded the save thanks to a nice play from Wright to close it out.

At the plate, Bay, Francoeur and DICKEY all recorded multi-hit games.  Ruben Tejada doubled, scored a run and had an RBi ground out in his first game back with the big club.  Francoeur, Dickey and Bay drove in the other runs for the Mets.  Also of note, Reyes went 1-2 with 2 walks and stole a bag.

A win is a win, and that's all that matters.  BUT, I need to admit I'm a bit concerned with Ike, whose average is now down to .248, ehhh.  Frenchy, by the way, is really hot right now and is up to .258.  I guess Frenchy likes June better than May...

Tomorrow Niese is back to face the Marlins and Nate Robertson.  The game is on FOX at 4:10.  Hopefully the Mets can stay hot at home and win the series tomorrow...

Blown Save, Walk-Off Grand Slam: Not The Best Way To End a Roadtrip...

Ugh...

Irritated isn't quite the right word, but I'm something...

The Mets lost on an extra-inning walk off grand slam last night to the Padres, only 2 innings after K-Rod blew a 1-0 lead with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.  They ended up losing the game 5-1 (box/wrap up) and continued their streak of NOT winning a road series ALL YEAR....awesome.  After the game Gary made a point of saying the Mets have given up the most grand slams this year of any team in the league.  That's probably because when you walk/hit batters to get the bases loaded the next thing you are trying to do is just throw a strike...hence meatballs...hence batting practice fastballs...hence Grand SALAMIS.

K-Rod is killing me.  While some might complain about him coming in in the eighth inning, he should still have been able to shut the door.  And Raul Valdes is now my fourth favorite Valdes(z) after his last two abismal outings.  He has fallen behind Exxon Valdez, which I think is only in third place because of current news...

Oh yeah, and did I forget to mention Santana pitched, was awesome and the Mets still found a way to blow it for him.  This is exactly what I was talking about the other day when I said that I had more confidence with Pelfrey on the hill than Santana.  For some reason the Mets find ways to not hit, and blow leads when Johan throws.  Especially when he throws well. Unreal.  Santana went 7 innings giving up only 5 hits, and no runs, although he did walk five.

The Mets only run was driven in Francoeur.  Bay went 3-4 and swiped a bag and scored the only run of the game, while Reyes also stole a base but went hitless.  That's all worth mentioning on the offensive end.

The Mets come home, apparently the only place they can win...to face the Marlins tomorrow night at 7:10, with Dickey on the hill against Annibal Sanchez.  Time to start beating the Marlins and Nats, because these in-division series are important.  I know that's obvious, but with this team, even the obvious is worth stating...

Mets Win 4-2, A Heart Attack Worth Staying Awake For...

Despite K-Rod making last night's game entirely too interesting for my taste, the Mets still managed to hang on and beat the Padres 4-2 (box score/wrap).

Mike Pelfrey was awesome.  He increased his overall record to 8-1 on the year, going 8 innings while giving up only 1 run on 4 hits, and striking out 8.  Pelfrey looked dominant, which I would normally downplay with the Padres offense except for what they did to the Mets offensively yesterday.  He looked great and I now officially have more confidence the Mets will win a game he starts, then they would if Santana was starting.  It's a combination of Pelfrey being THAT good so far this year, and Santana still getting a bunch of those tough luck losses, and no decisions.

At the plate, the big blows came from Wright and Davis, who both hit homers and drove in two runs each.  Also having a good day with another two hits was Jeff Francoeur, and Luis Cashstealo (although hobbling all over the field) did score two runs for the Mets.  I still don't like him, and he's still hitter for a lower average than Francoeur, but I guess I'll give him a break today...

The Mets look to take their first road series of the year, and finish this road trip at .500, tonight at 6:30 when they send Santana to the mound to face Clayton Richard for the Padres.  Santana and Richard have almost identical lines going into tonight's game.  Santana is 4-2 with a 3.03 ERA, while Richard is 4-3 with a 3.00 ERA...runs will probably be at a premium tonight, and it should be a well pitched contest...

How Sweep It Is

This past week's series against the Phillies could not have gone any better for the Mets, combinating in last night's 3-0 (box score/wrap) which has brought them within two games of first place in the NL East.

Not only did the Mets sweep the Phillies, but they did it without giving up a single run in the entire series.  That is impressive.  Not to downplay what the Mets did, but I think the Philly offense deserves some of that credit as they've only scored 3 runs in their past 5 games, 4 of which they were shut out in.  Either way the Mets brought the bats, and some fine pitching, which really drove them in this series.

Pelfrey was awesome last night throwing 7 shut out innings giving up only 3 hits, although he did walk 5 batters.  The Mets continued some fantastic pitching after Pelfrey left the game with solid innings from both Feliciano and K-Rod to close out the game.  This staff is looking very, very good right now...

And the revival of Reyes continues, as his great series continued last night with a 3-4 night including a huge two run double to extend the Met lead to 3-0.  Jason Bay had the other RBI in last night's game.  Reyes has been awesome of late, and it's not a coincidence that the team has been rolling when Reyes is...

Tonight the Mets will be in Milwaukee to take on the Brewers at 8:10, sending Johan Santana to the hill to face Yovani Gallardo as the Mets look to continue their winning ways.  Let's go Mets.

Neyer Discusses Saving K-Rod for Last

In an interesting article for ESPN.com Rob Neyer answers a tough question from a Mets fan concerned about Jerry's handling of the bullpen (specifically K-Rod) in extra innings this past week.

In the article the question is posed to Neyer as to why the Mets didn't use K-Rod more in extra innings of the Reds series.  To which Neyer responds with a detailed log of who the Mets used and when, when K-Rod has been used lately, and then launches into a discussion about extra inning bullpen usage as the away team.  In specifc Neyer talks about the issue of having the potential to need the closer on the road in extra innings and how that seems to handcuff managers.

In the end Neyer comes down against "waiting for the save situation that might never arrive."  While, on the whole, I agree with this theory, it's never that simple.  There's pitcher usage, situations and other factors to should be taken more into account when talking about extra inning usage. 

Let's take a look at the Mets/Reds bullpen usage for the series for instance...

According to Neyer, "Monday night, Oliver Perez pitched six innings and was succeeded by Jenrry Mejia, Fernando Nieve, Pedro Feliciano, and finally Manny Acosta in the 11th, when Cincinnati's Laynce Nix hit the walkoff homer."  Neyer Continues, " Tuesday night, John Maine went six innings, then was followed by Mejia, Nieve, Feliciano (notice a pattern here?) and finally Francisco Rodriguez, who dispatched the Reds with 13 pitches to earn the save. "  And  then finally, "Wednesday afternoon, Jonathan Niese started and went six innings. He was replaced by Hisanori Takahashi, who went three clean innings. Feliciano took over the 10th and the game was over five pitches later."

Jerry overused Nieve and Feliciano while under-utilizing K-Rod in the series.  As for the overarching idea of closer usage in extra innings on the road.  I think managers should ALWAYS throw your best chance out there to win at all times.  K-Rod is a better choice than Manny Acosta in game one, and using Feliciano in a third game in a row probably also wasn't the best choice in game three.  So while it's not necessarily as easy as throwing your "best pitcher" out there, it should be about getting your best chance to win out there, and that's not what Jerry seems to do. 

One thing is clear about Jerry and his bullpen usage.  He has his guys and he sticks to them.  But I wonder, why isn't K-Rod one of Jerry's guys?

Barajas' Eighth Inning Dinger Leads Mets Over Reds

Tonight, despite Fernando Nieve blowing a two-run lead in the eighth by giving up back-to-back homers to Votto and Rolen, the Mets still found a way to win.  Tonight's hero was Rod Barajas who hit the game winning solo homer in the eighth.  Then in the ninth K-Rod came on to close up shop as the Mets evened their series with the Reds by defeating them 5-4 (box score). 

David Wright also hit a solo shot of his own in the fourth inning to tie the game up.  Along with Wright and Barajas; Bay, Reyes and Francoeur also drove in runs for the Mets tonight.  I think it's about time I started giving Barajas credit, all the guy does is come up with big hits.  Although I am still pretty annoyed with his inability to get on base, but at tonight, I'm letting that slide.

One of the biggest stories of the night was the second consecutive good outing from John Maine, who went 6 innings giving up only 1 earned run on 4 hits and striking out six.  He was then relieved by Mejia, who tossed a perfect 7th before Nieve came in and blew it in the eighth.

This is a great example of a game the Mets would have lost last year.  Last year when they blew a lead you could see the fight just drain out of the team.  Not this year...This really looks like a different team...

The Mets try to take the series tomorrow afternoon at 12:30 on SNY, when they send Jon Niese to the hill to face Johnny Cueto.

Mets Take 3 of 4 From Cubs

Well the Mets have finally won their first series of the year by holding onto a late lead and defeating the Cubs 5-2 on Thursday night (box score).  Santana had a good outting allowing only one run while scattering 8 hits in 6 and 1/3.  In the eighth inning Feliciano and Mejia let the game get a little interesting but then K-Rod got the last 5 outs to shut the door and earn his first save of the season.

On the offensive side, Ike Davis had three hits and scored twice.  Wright and Francoeur both had big RBI hits to get the Mets out in front.  Rod Barajas got into the action late in the game by driving in an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth with a single to right field, and then was thrown out taking too aggressive of a turn around first. 

Nice win for the team tonight after Gorzelanny seemed to have their number all night long.  Especially getting run support, and not "wasting" a start from Johan Santana, allowing him to go 2-1 on the season.

Tomorrow night the Mets start a weekend series with the Braves at 7 pm, when John Main takes the hill against Kawakami for the Braves.

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.

Reyes' Bloodwork and Bullpen Talk

In an article for the New York Post this morning, Mike Puma details exactly why Jose Reyes was out of the line-up yesterday.  According to Puma, Reyes had some bloodwork done which was associated with the team's spring physical and apparently he wouldn't be cleared to play in a game until this bloodwork was done.  According to Puma, "The medical tests, Reyes said, had nothing to do with his legs."  That's a nice thing to hear, because anytime you're doing a blood test for a leg problem, that sounds like trouble.  Regardless, Reyes should be in today's line-up against the Marlins at 1pm on SNY.

Also in this article Puma recaps the Calero signing, talks about Takahashi finally getting his work visa and former Giants punter Sean Landeta visiting the team.  Apparently Landeta had Francouer pretty mesmerized by his Super Bowl rings. 

Also in his article Puma maintains the Mets interest in Joe Beimel on a major league deal for "an amount significantly lower than the $2 million he earned last season."  Puma also throws out Ron Mahay as a lefty the Mets may be interested in for the bullpen.

As far as the 'pen is concerned, outside of Feliciano, K-Rod and Parnell I'm a little worried.  Although we only saw Sean Green once, he was awful.  Igarashi looked fine, but nothing to write home about, and everyone else is competing.  Which is probably why the Mets signed Calero and are still interested in another lefty.

At this point it seems pretty obvious to me that the Mets best set-up options are Feliciano or Parnell.  Personally, I think Feliciano is a much better option and signing a Mahay or Beimel to be the lefty-specialist would allow for Feliciano to step up.

That's what I would do.  But I also wouldn't be hitting Reyes third, I guess that's the difference between me and Manuel/Omar...