Die Hard Sports Fan

I’ve read a bunch of articles about everyone thinks that the Mets are doing the right thing by holding back Johan Santana until Friday night against the Yankees.  I strongly disagree with this concept, and I can care less what the Mets do in the interleague games.  The Mets need to win as many interleague games as possible, but not as much as they need to win division games and NL games.  The Mets make sure that their aces face the Yankees every year.  Last season, if they lost one more game against the Yankees and won one more game in their division then they would’ve won the NL East and played in the Playoffs.  The Mets are playing a four-game series against the Nationals right now.  They lost one already so they need to slam the door on the Nats.  So I believe Santana should remain in his normal spot.  Should New York bragging rights cost the Mets the division title?

Mets.com:

Order is restored - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Mets anything but conventional - Marty Nolbe wrote a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Mets make several roster moves - Marty Noble lists all of the roster moves that the Mets made yesterday.  The New York Post covered this yesterday.

Shea Apple may move over to Citi Field - Marty Noble stated that the Home Run Apple may move over to Citi Field.  Mets COO Jeff Wilpon stated that it hasn’t yet been determined whether the old one can handle the move or whether a replacement will be necessary.  This is already old news.  This was released during Spring Training.

Newsday:

Church leads Mets to victory over Nationals - Anthony Rieber also summarized last night’s Nationals-Mets game.

Mets cut Figueroa loose

Vargas, Wise, Tatis replace Figueroa, Sosa, Pagan

Looks like Mets will have big apple at Citi Field

New York Daily News:

Ryan Church, John Maine lead Mets past Nationals 6-3 at Shea - Adam Rubin also put together a game recap for last night’s game between the Nats and the Mets.

Forget collapse, time for Mets to avoid a May daze - John Harper believes that the Mets have to take advantage of winning in May so they don’t have to worry about must wins in September when they may be unable to do it.

‘Girls’ can cheer as Figgy gets cut

Mets finally relieved of Jorge Sosa

New York Post:

METS GOING TO CHURCH - Bart Hubbuch summarized last night’s Nats-Mets game.

SANTANA GETS OK TO START VS. YANKEES

CITI FIELD SHAPING UP - Howie Rumberg describes how far along Citi Field has come.

New York Times:

For the Mets, New Faces, Better Result - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets also.

Mets Making Moves and Noise

The Star-Ledger:

Clearer picture at new ballpark

Church rings true in win

Santana will start vs. Yanks

Final: Mets 6, Nationals 3

Thank you, Rick Peterson… - Dan Graziano thanks the Mets as an organization for pitching Johan Santana against the Yankees.

Game 37: Nationals at Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for last night’s Nats-Mets game.

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So April is over now.  The Amazins’ finished the month of April with a 14-12 record after playing 26 games.  If you prorate it through 162 games then the Mets will be 87-75.  At month end, the Mets are in a three-way tie with the Marlins and the Phillies.  The Braves are 2.5 games back, and the Nats are 4 games behind.

It’s May now, and hopefully a new calendar month along with a trip out west will get the Metropolitans heading in the right direction.  The Mets will go to Phoenix for three games and then to Los Angeles for three games.

After one month, all of you Mets fans keep on booing our team.  What’s up with that?  I understand some of it, but not all of it.  I understand booing Delgado, Castillo, and Heilman for poor performances.  I understand booing Schoeneweis for steroids, and I would never cheer for somebody that shouldn’t be allowed to play baseball anymore.  I hear callers complain on WFAN because they want Willie fired.  I think Willie is an average Manager.  He lacks to NL knowledge that Bobby V. had, but he still has had a winning record with the Mets.  Historically, that’s better than the majority of Mets managers.  I don’t think this is Willie’s fault at all.  He’s by no means perfect, but I’ve seen much worse.

I put more of this on Omar than Willie because all of the starting players that were part of the collapse are still on the field, with the exception of LoDuca and Green.  If these players don’t feel like they have something to prove this year then Omar should get rid of them.  Omar knows what type of heart these guys have.  Only Wright and Alou played through the end of 2007.  I’m was upset with the Mets as an organization for covering up whatever happened last year.  Like I said in the offseason, I wanted to know what happened to Reyes down the stretch so I can justify it if he was sent to the Twins in exchange for Santana.  If he was hurt and would be back healthy this year then I wanted him back.  If he just quit then I wanted him out.  Reyes said he slumped, and he’s still in a funk.  Maybe he shouldn’t be here anymore.  I hated the Castillo contract from the beginning.  He’s not worth more than $10/year.  He told the Mets he was 100% healthy in December when he got his contract, but he asks Willie for days off.  He still can’t bunt or hit the ball.  Pedro and El Duque lied to the Mets about how great they felt on Spring Training.  They’ve been doing that for years already, and that’s why I wrote the post back then called “Talking the Talk or Walking the Walk”.  Omar believes the lies that Pedro and El Duque told them about being healthy so we don’t have a backup plan in place.

On the positive side, I love what I’ve seen out of Church and Pagan.  I never even liked Milledge because he’s a disgusting person so I loved that trade regardless of how any of the three players actually perform in the future.  Figueroa has been pretty solid as well.  And last but not least, Johan Santana is the man.  He finished April with 3 wins.  At three wins a month, he’ll end up with 18 wins at the end of the year.  Santana could’ve had more wins of the offense could put up more runs or if the bullpen could hold a lead.

That’s enough venting for me.  My point was that if the players weren’t good enough to win last year then why would they be good enough to win this year?  And heart is something that shows up on stats sheets.  I’m a Giants fan, and I just watched them win the Super Bowl with a bunch of rookies.  The Giants were picked to finish last in their division even though they made the Playoffs two years in a row prior to that.  The Mets are the favorites to win the World Series, but besides Santana what have they done?

Mets.com:

Citi Field recalls, renews sport’s legacy - Barry M. Bloom pointed out how Citi Field is a testament to NYC’s rich baseball tradition.

Wagner returns to site of scary incident- Marty Noble tells us a story where Billy Wagner got beaned by a comebacker by Stinnett about ten years ago in Phoenix.

Forgettable day for Perez against Bucs - Marty Noble summarized yesterday’s game between the Pirates and the Mets.

Mets know D-backs present challenge - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis for tomorrow’s game between the Mets and the Diamondbacks.

Schneider at Shea, but stays sidelined - Marty Noble reported that Brian Schneider’s thumb is improving, but the staph infection is not fully healed.

Strawberry writing ‘Straw’ memoir - The AP informed us that Darryl Strawberry is currently writing a book titled “Straw” that will be released in 2009.

Newsday:

Mets lose, 13-1, to Pirates; Wagner calls out team - Jim Baumbach also summarized how the Mets stunk it up yesterday.  Billy had this to say about the team’s perfomance, or lack there of, “Today, we just didn’t show up. I’m not saying Pittsburgh can’t beat the New York Mets. But I’m just saying there’s no way we should have this lopsided of a score. Yes, you’re going to have games like this. It’s something that can’t continue to linger.”

Wagner rips Perez over poor outing - Katie Strang got this quote from Wagner about Oliver Perez’s start yesterday, “Perez honestly has to step up and know we used every guy in the bullpen the night before. He can’t come out there and decide he doesn’t have it today, so be it.”  I hope Billy has something to say about every player every time they mess up which is pretty often.

Wright can do no wrong in fans’ eyes

Schneider back with Mets, but not ready to play

Water main break at Citi Field delays Mets game

New York Daily News:

Pirates crush sloppy Mets, 13-1

September stench still reeks at Shea - Mike Lupica discusses how poorly the Mets have been playing.

Oliver Perez takes walk on wild side - Roger Rubin explains what things Oli was doing wrong yesterday.

Can’t put a finger on Brian Schneider’s return to Mets

New York Post:

METS SEND IN THE OOPS

SCHNEIDER LEAVES HOSPITAL STAPH BEHIND

THIS (BLEEP) IS MORE THAN A BLIP - Mike Vaccaro found out how other Championship teams took loses like the Mets did yesterday and moved on.

INEPT OLLIE FUELS AMAZIN’ FOLLY

New York Times:

It Was a Dark Afternoon for the Daydreaming Mets - Ben Shpigel also summarized yesterday’s Pirates-Mets game.

The Star-Ledger:

Wagner has harsh words for Perez

Pirates rip sloppy Mets

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Injuries are the biggest Mets stories of the day.  We saw that Castillo was replaced with Easley in the 5th Inning of yesterday’s game, Castillo has soreness in his knees, and is listed as day-to-day.  Matt Wise was placed on the DL due to forearm strain.  El Duque is going to be inactive for two weeks due to a strained tendon in his right foot.

The good news is that the Mets have a 5-1 lead over the Phillies right now.  We’ll bring the game summary shortly.

Mets.com:

In last Shea opener, Mets fall to Phillies - Marty Noble summarized yesterday’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

Pelfrey set to make first start of 2008 - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

Wise lands on DL with forearm strain - Marty Noble reported that “The assignment was made on Tuesday, retroactive to April 2, the day after Wise surrendered the walk-off home run to Robert Andino in the Mets’ 5-4 loss to the Marlins. The club recalled right-handed reliever Carlos Muniz from its Triple-A New Orleans affiliate to take Wise’s place. Muniz pitched the ninth inning of the Mets’ 5-2 loss to the Phillies on Tuesday.”

Mets return to past in final Shea opener -  Anthony DiComo wrote about how Bill Shea threw out the first pitch to kick off a year-long celebration.

The future looms large over Shea - Marty Noble describes how far along Citi Field has come.

Castillo leaves with right knee soreness - Anthony DiComo reported that Luis Castillo left Tuesday’s Mets Home Opener against the Phillies after four innings with right knee soreness. Castillo is listed as day-to-day.

Feliciano arrives late to home opener - Anthony DiComo pointed out that Pedro Feliciano had his original flight from Puerto Rico canceled which is why he was unable to pitch in the Home Opener.

Newsday:

Mets’ 9th straight loss to Phils recalls collapse

Rollins loves to fan the fire - Roderick Boone captured the throughts of Jimmy Rollins after yesterday’s game,

I’m almost disappointed - I always expect more. But it’s like the fans aren’t at the game yet. And then when they come in, the game is already going, so it’s like, ‘Ah, well, you missed your chance to do the big boo.’ But it helps you concentrate. It does make the games more interesting because the fans are going to do their best to get under your skin, try to get in your head. So when you smile and give it to them back, then they’ll realize, ‘That’s a pretty good dude. All right, I’ll keep booing him, anyway.’

Randolph critical of Perez’s good outing for Mets

New season, but Phillies still own Mets

Cheer up Mets fans: You can’t collapse in April

Tearing down Shea still unthinkable - Steven Marcus tells us why tearing down Shea Stadium is unthinkable.

Beautiful Citi Field makes switch from Shea easy

Castillo forced out of home opener with sore knee

Strawberry to be joining ‘86 teammates on SNY - Neil Best explains that Darryl Strawberry will be working as a studio analyst with SNY for 15 games beginning April 28.

New York Daily News:

Mets still can’t solve Phillies as final Opening Day at Shea ends in loss

Willie Randolph ignores fans’ sentiment about Scott Schoeneweis - Willie shouldn’t ignore it because Scoeneweis is a steroid user and he sucks.

Never too early to begin booing

Darryl Strawberry joins SNY April 28

Carlos Delgado throws away his good day with error - Christian Red pointed out that Carlos Delgado was having a good day at the plate before the throwing error that costed the Mets two runs.

Jimmy Rollins’ band makes noise 

Billy Wagner throws heat at idea of Mets’ ‘baggage’ - Anthony McCarron wrote that, “Wagner bristled at the suggestion that his team has lost confidence against the team that has beaten the Mets nine straight times. He also griped about some television analysis in which one Daily News reporter said the Mets are bringing psychic baggage into games with the Phils.

Shea patriarch missed at final opener

Mets’ fans wipe tears at last opener in old park, but Phils rain on parade

Pedro Feliciano’s travel woes deprive Mets of relief

New York Post:

PHILS HAVE THEIR SHEA WITH METS

IT COULDN’T START MUCH WORSE THAN THIS

PHILS STILL ROLLIN’ ALONG

BROKEN CLUTCH - Mark Hale pointed out that the Mets are not hitting in the clutch.

FELICIANO ARRIVES IN 7th INNING

DELGADO’S THROW A BACK-BREAKER

IT’S DEJA BOO - Kevin Kernan takes some jabs at the Mets bullpen.

METS DROP FINAL SHEA OPENER

New York Times:

Familiar Bullpen Job Ends in Familiar Way

With Words or His Bat, Rollins Shakes Up Mets

Strawberry Joins SNY as Part-Time Analyst

The Star-Ledger:

Game 7: Phillies at Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

El Duque shuts it down - Jeremy Cothran reported that, “El Duque has a strained tendon in his right foot and was placed in a protective boot. He’ll be inactive the next two weeks and will then be evaluated.”

Mets suffer 9th-straight loss to Phillies in final Shea Stadium opener

Castillo’s knee forces him out

Company line on Philly needs to be rethought

Even when he’s down, it’s hard to get Rollins out

Final: Phillies 5, Mets 2 - Jeremy Cothran summarized yesterday’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

I mean, seriously? - Jeremy Cothran wrote a quick blurb about Delgado’s throwing error in yesterday’s game.

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Lastings Milledge was the last National that was a former Met to complain about his former team.  Paul Lo Duca is another National that was a former Mets to take shots at his former team.  The media shouldn’t even hand these guys a microphone.  Milledge is a classless scumbag, and Lo Duca is a steroid user.  Both of them should figure out why they are not on the Mets anymore.  They can begin by looking in the mirror.  Nobody cares what they have to say so say nothing at all.

Mets.com:

Mailbag: Alternatives to Delgado? - Beat reporter Marty Noble answers Mets fans’ questions.

Off-day won’t be quiet for Mets - Marty Noble lists the tasks that the Mets would like to accomplish during their off-day.

Newsday:

Lo Duca, Milledge still have issues with Mets - Does anybody care what these guys have to say?

Businesses near Shea bracing for uncertain future -With the days until Citi Field opens counting down, Wallace Matthews discusses the fight between the business owners of the Queens’ Iron Triangle and the potential business owners of what could be a beautiful area in Queens.

Mets’ injured Valentin is mulling retirement - David Lennon is following up on an article that Anthony Rieser of Newsday wrote about on Saturday.  Omar Minaya said that the Jose Valentin situation is ”not that desperate”.

New York Daily News:

Paul Lo Duca can’t mask irritation with Omar Minaya and wounded feelings - Paul Lo Duca was quoted as saying this about the Mets letting him go,

Anytime in your lifetime that you’re not wanted, it’s tough. I was vocal that I wanted to stay in New York, but with the way that the offseason went, I’m glad I’m not there. I hate to say that, but they went through three guys and I never got a phone call. I wasn’t wanted, obviously. So, I’m human. I’m glad.

Maybe if Lo Duca did things the right way, he’d still be in New York.  Steroid users shouldn’t be able to control the situation.  They should be lucky that they’re still playing because I would throw them the hell out if I was the Commissioner.

After birth of son, Ryan Church takes own baby steps - Adam Rubin lets us know how Ryan Church did against the Nationals on his first day back from a three-day paternity leave.

For Jose Valentin, pain in neck may spell end of career

New York Post:

METS TOOK LO ROAD

NECK’S NAGGING VALENTIN

New York Times:

Hard Feelings Emerge as Mets Face Lo Duca

The Star-Ledger:

A Simulated Off-Day

It’s Delgado, For Better or Worse - Matthew Artus pointed out how dismal of a Spring Training Carlos Delgado has had, which led Artus to question what type of season Delgado will have.

Injured Valentin hints about retiring

Ex-Met seeks revenge

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The Mets picked up another ’w’ to give them their 10th in Spring Training.  The Amazins’ are playing .625 ball right now.  The regular season is right around the corner so let’s hope the Mets can continue to play hot baseball.  We learned from last season that a 7 game wasn’t enough so I hope the Mets stomp the NL and get to a 14 game lead in 2008.

Mets.com:

Cancel, Maine lead Mets past Marlins - Joe Frisaro summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Marlins.  The Mets beat the Marlins 8-2.  John Maine got the start.  The Mets are 10-6-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Beltran boasts new level of happiness - Marty Noble pointed out how different Carlos Beltran is after having a baby.

Injuries continue to hang over Mets - Marty Noble lets us know how the Mets are handling the injuries.

Newsday:

Mets’ Schneider may miss start of season

Mets will host All-Star Game, likely in 2013

Mets’ Pelfrey hasn’t done enough to earn a spot - Anthony Rieber feels like Mike Pelfrey hasn’t done enough to make Willie Randolph’s decision difficult.  I agree with Anthony, but I also don’t feel like El Duque hasn’t done anything either.  El Duque has only expressed how good he feels.  All along, I never felt like Pelfrey was going to be a great starter even though all of my friends that are Mets fans love him.  I say let Pelfrey start, find out what he’s got, and keep him or trade him after this season depending on his performance.  Give the kid a real shot.  Rieber also noted that Omar Minaya received the Peace Maker Award from Seeds of Peace, a non-profit organization, last night in Manhattan.

Beltran tests knees, Schneider sits out for Mets - Anthony Rieber expresses his thoughts on Betran in centerfield yesterday, and he also mentioned that Brian Schneider needs a few more days off due to a tug in his right hamstring.

New York Daily News:

Carlos Beltran tries legs in center

Mets may wait on El Duque - Adam Rubin also believes that El Duque is going to win the battle for the 5th spot in the rotation.

Mets’ and Yanks’ fields of green

New York Post:

PAGAN GOES FROM LEFT OUT TO LEFT FIELD

DOC AND SON TAKING RAP - Kevin Kernan lets us know what Dwight Gooden is up to.

METS TO HOST ALL-STAR GAME

CARLOS PLAYS CENTER

New York Times:

Having a Baby Helps Beltrán Leave His Shell

The Star-Ledger:

Game 17: Mets at Marlins - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game between the Mets and the Marlins.

Mets Battery Needs Recharging

Beltran patrols outfield, then deals with the pain

Pelfrey lacks command, fights through shaky outing

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The Mets lost 6-5 to the Cardinals today in 10.  I don’t like when the Mets lose to the Cards, but it’s only Spring Training.  Pelfrey isn’t looking as sharp as he did in his first couple of starts, but his pitch count has gone up too which shouldn’t matter.

The best Mets article of the day was “Joke’s on Castillo, but he isn’t laughing” by Marty Noble.

Mets.com:

Pelfrey limits damage in loss to Cards - Matthew Leach summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Cardinals.  The Cards beat the Mets 6-5.  Mike Pelfrey got the start.  The Mets are 9-5-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

New Mets park a friend to environment - Howard Kussoy stated that the Mets joined with the EPA to help Citi Field save water and energy.

Minor League Report: Mike Carp - The Mets invited Mike Carp to training camp last week to be a left-handed hitter against Pedro Martinez in his simulated game.

Joke’s on Castillo, but he isn’t laughing - Marty Noble wrote this about Luis Castillo,

By the fourth inning, Luis Castillo retreated to the Mets’ clubhouse, passed by a mirror and discovered the reasons for the behind-his-back giggles and grins in the dugout on Wednesday. He had been wearing a crown of pink bubble gum atop his cap — the first bubble lasted for two innings, then came a second, then a third and then a plastic cup attached to the gum.

The other players were probably jealous that Castillo got a 4-year contract without even being able to walk to the batters box last season.

Newsday:

Mets looking for outfielder; how about Endy? - Anthony Rieber pointed out that Omar Minaya says the Mets still have Endy Chavez to play left field.  I have no problem with Chavez or Pagan.

El Duque shows off new windup in simulated game - Anthony Rieber said that El Duque got hit hard while trying out his new windup.  Hernandez said “I feel good. I’m happy. More close to a real game. I think I feel good, I think very good.”  Orlando is expected to make his first Spring Training start on Sunday.

New York Daily News:

Mets emerge as probable host for 2013 All-Star game - That’s great for the Mets and NYC.  People don’t really watch that stuff, but at least the stadium and the city will get to host it.

Orlando Hernandez kicks into gear - Adam Rubin tells us how Hernandez felt after pitching in a simulated game.

Luis Castillo delays return; Mets nix Angel Pagan rumor - Adam Rubin noted that Castillo is now planning on returning on Saturday.

• The Mets dismissed the Coco Crisp rumor.
• Jose Reyes said he has officially retired the “Profesor Reyes” skits at Shea Stadium.

 New York Post:

EL DUQUE’S KICK START

DUANER FEELS VERY RELIEVED - After pitching one inning against the Orioles, Duaner Sanchez said “This is the best that I’ve felt since the accident. It felt like I’d never had surgery on my arm today.”

New York Times:

New Delivery for Hernández Gives Him a Leg to Stand On

The Star-Ledger:

Game No. 16: Mets at Cardinals - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game between the Mets and the Cards.

El Duque: For Better or Worse? - Matthew Artus wonders if he wants El Duque on the Mets in 2008.

El Duque puts best foot forward

Pagan remains red-hot

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It seems like a Met a day is getting injured.  The Mets are going to have to place a hospital on Tradition Field and relocate the team Doctors to Port St. Lucie.  Mets are flying back and forth to New York to have MRIs and CT scans performed.  At this rate, just bring everybody down to the Sunshine State.  It also seems like Omar needs to assemble a whole new 2008 team because only Wright and Reyes are healthy.

The best Mets article of the day was “Mets Elect to Not Remember the Maine” by Matthew Artus.  Make sure you give it a read.

Mets.com:

Notes: El Duque unveils new delivery - The Mets need to give Mike Pelfrey the spot in the rotation and use Orlando Hernandez elsewhere.

Pedro gladly passing ace baton - I keep reading these articles about how happy Pedro is to pass the baton to Santana.  It annoys me because Pedro would be the 4th starter if it was based performance rather than what he did in a prior life.  He only started in 5 games last season, and he hasn’t been Pedro since he left the Red Sox.

Johan sharp in second spring start - Anthony DiComo summarized today’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.  Johan Santana got the start.  The Mets beat the Dodgers by a score of 3-2.  The Mets are 5-3 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Mets release ‘08 promotional schedule - The Mets will be handing out promotions during 35 home games during 2008.

Alou needs surgery for hernia - Anthony DiComo reported that “Moises Alou learned on Wednesday that he’ll need to undergo surgery for a hernia. The outfielder will be out four to six weeks.”  Alou flew back to New York today to have an MRI performed.  My Mets are dropping like flies.  4-6 weeks…

Valentin fighting to go out on his terms - Anthony DiComo describes the brace on Jose Valentin’s right leg.

Notes: Gotay’s MRI unconvincing - Anthony DiComo had this to say about Ruben Gotay’s CT scan, “A reading of Gotay’s CT scan on Tuesday revealed that an irregularity in his bone turned out to be the residue of a previous injury. Though the team wasn’t completely convinced, sending the scan results to New York for further review, Mets assistant general manager John Ricco remained optimistic.”  DiComo gave provided some other health updates as well:

• Michel Abreu “strained his right hip flexor running into first base on Monday and is day-to-day.”
• Carlos Delgado and Ryan Church have been working out in a pool.  Delgado has not set a return date yet.  Church was supposed to return to the field today.
• Endy Chavez should return on the weekend.

Anthony also noted that Shea Stadium is banning smoking this year in order to get us ready for the rules of Citi Field.

Slider, not deal, a Maine concern - Anthony DiComo discusses that awful contract that the Mets just gave to John Maine.

Newsday:

Mets’ Beltran worried as he recovers from surgery - Carlos Beltran declared the NL East.  You don’t want that guy to be worried about anything going into the season.

Finally, some good news: No broken bone for Gotay

E-mail from Port St. Lucie - David Lennon lets us know how Matt Wise is doing in Spring Training.

New York Daily News:

Moises Alou sidelined until May - Mets.com said 4-6 weeks on Alou which does not go into May.  We’ll have to see how long Moises is really out.

With so many spring injuries, it pains Willie Randolph to think about them - Willie…all of us Mets fans feel the same way.

John Maine’s payoff pitch has to wait - Adam Rubin also goes over Maine’s new contract.  Maine got the league minimum which is currently $450,000.  I believe all of these guys are overpaid, but Maine should be ahead of Perez.

Ruben Gotay may be catching break - Adam Rubin also discusses the injury status of Gotay.

Smoking completely banned from Shea

New York Post:

MAINE STREAM - Bart Hubbuch stated that Maine is alright with his new contract.

BELIEVE IT, OR NOT - Joel Sherman noted that the Mets put a positive spin on Delgado.

AMAZIN’S ARE BACK IN MARKET FOR BACKUPS - Due to all of the injured players, Joel Sherman explains what positions need to be filled by the Mets.

REYES HAS 2K8 COVERED - Bart Hubbuch pointed out that Jose Reyes is on the cover of MLB 2K8.  Supposedly poor performance follows being on the cover of the video game, but Reyes is not concerned about it.

METS GET GOOD NEWS ON GOTAY

New York Times:

Injuries Give Pagán Chance to Make the Mets - Ben Shpigel explains how Angel Pagan is doing in Spring Training.

The Star-Ledger:

Alou out 4-6 weeks

Mets Elect to Not Remember the Maine - Matthew Artus is disgruntled about the contract that the Mets gave to John Maine.

Mets like new version of Pagan

Maine gets his contract renewed

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Yesterday, bowling was on ESPN so I’m really getting ancy for some baseball games.  The Mets will play their first Grapefriut League game tomorrow against the Tigers at 1:05 p.m. at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, FL.  Mike Pelfrey is scheduled to start for the Mets opposite Jeremy Bonderman.  I’d prefer to skip Spring Training and fast forward to March 31, 2008.

Mets.com:

Martinez will not broach contract talks - Marty Noble reported that “Pedro Martinez will not approach the team about a contract beyond 2008 — though he would be willing to discuss the matter if the club broached the topic.”  Pedro needs to show he can go out there and pitch before the Mets should even have to talk to him.  How many millions of dollars has Pedro collected while on rehab?

Mets salvage tie against Michigan - A tie between a college squad and a pro team?  How are the Mets supposed to beat the Marlins on opening day?  Marty Noble provided a summary of the game, and he pointed out that David Wright and Michael Abreu each hit a 2-run homers.

Citi, Mets unveil Citi Field logo - Anthony DiComo has an picture of the new Citi Field logo.  Willie was able to lie through his teeth by saying, “It’s a beautiful logo, it’s a great marriage with Citi Bank and the New York Mets. It’s a great day, and I can’t wait to see it all over Shea Stadium. It’s going to be fun.”

Notes: Sanchez takes first step - Marty Noble takes us through the return of Sanchez.

Mailbag: Who else will be a leader? - Marty Noble fields questions from the fans.

Newsday:

Sanchez is relieved to be back

Citi Field mock-upgives feeling of new home - Yesterday’s intrasquad game was played on a Citi Field mock-up so they can see how Citi Field will play, according to David Lennon.

SPRING TRAINING: E-MAIL FROM PORT St.LUCIE - I cannot figure out why David Lennon wrote this email.

New York Daily News:

Mets want ’small ball’ from Jose Reyes - John Harper stated that the Mets want Jose Reyes to go back to beating out ground balls.

Sanchez, Padilla off to solid start - Adam Rubin lets you know how Duaner Sanchez and Juan Padilla performed in yesterday’s outing.

Tony Bernazard high on minors

New York Post:

WHATTA ‘RELIEF’ - The Amazins’ are ecstatic about Duaner’s first outing, according to Bart Hubbuch.

SMITH LIKELY ODD MAN OUT - Joe Smith hit a batter and gave up a two-run triple while Sanchez threw a scoreless inning so Bart Hubbuch believes that Smith is less likely to make the roster.  Hubbuch also wrote a few other things:

• “The Mets open their exhibition schedule here at noon today against the University of Michigan, which was invited in part because it’s the alma mater of Amazin’s owner Fred Wilpon.”
• “Pedro Martinez, who has yet to throw to hitters this spring while the Mets move at his pace, was excused from camp yesterday to tend to personal business.”
• “David Wright returned after his grandmother’s funeral and went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored in the scrimmage.”

WILLIE HOPES TO BE ‘POPS’ TO METS’ YOUNGSTERS - Willie must be thinking he’s aged quite a bit.

The Star-Ledger:

Theme of the morning — bullpens

How Hard Is It To Say Goodbye to El Duque? - Matthew Artus got his hands on an article written by Jon Heyman of SI.com.  In this article, Heyman wrote,

The Mets quietly sought trade offers for Orlando Hernandez late this winter, with the idea that if anyone bit, they would sign Lohse. But apparently there were no takers.

Artus examined how ‘08 would be with and without El Duque.

Catching up in a hurry - Jeremy Cothran pointed out that Schneider is establishing a rapport with Mets pitching staff.

Big step for rehabbing reliever - Jeremy Cothran also lets us know how Sanchez performed in yesterday’s outing.

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I have expressed my concerns regarding the Mets already as we head into ’08.  On of my biggest concerns is this guy, Duaner Sanchez.  I was thrilled to hear that Sanchez was able to pitch today, and he didn’t give up any runs in his first outing since ‘06.  Duaner is the one player that I’m going to zone in on more than any other.  The biggest reason why the Bullpen was so much better in ‘06 then in ‘07 was primarily because of Sanchez not being there.  Bradshaw was also very successful, but Omar let him go so it’s not worth arguing that point.  It is very infrequent when pitchers come back from injuries and pitch as well as they used to.  So what we will get out of Duaner?  Your guess is as good as mine, but I’m looking forward to watching him.  If he can hold down the 8th inning like he used to then the Mets are going to have a great season.

Mets.com:

Smith aims to regain early ‘07 magic - As a Mets fan, I also want Joe Smith to regain that early ‘07 magic.  I’ve read that Smith just ran out of gas in ‘07 so he hopefully he got on a better conditioning play this offseason.

Notes: Santana leaves mark — literally - In batting practice, Carlos Beltran ended up getting hit by one of Johan Santana’s pitches in the tricep.  Beltran said “he got me pretty good.”  Marty Noble was seeking for a story and came up with this, John Maine went on the internet for the first time last week.

Newsday:

Beltran survives Santana fastball, but sidelined - David Lennon also lets you know how Beltran is feeling after getting belted by Santana in BP.  Beltran is a big boy…he’ll tough it out.

SPRING TRAINING: E-MAIL FROM PORT St. LUCIE - David Lennon reported that Santana pitched his second BP yesterday.

SPRING TRAINING: Willie carries message to Reyes’ home - David Lennon tells us about a “14-person Mets contingent that visited Reyes at his parents’ house in a village outside of Santiago” which Willie was part of.  Willie stated that “I went because I wanted to talk to him about his mind-set moving forward. We didn’t get into what happened last year.”  If 14 Mets go to DR to see Reyes then it goes to show you how important Jose is to the team.  Does anybody find it odd that they went to Reyes’ parents house?  Does Jose have his own house in DR?

Randolph in better humor for 2008 - David Lennon pointed out that Willie Randolph is smiling and cracking jokes now.  That’s all good during Spring Training, but Willie needs to crack the whip in ‘08 after the collapse.

New York Daily News:

Duaner Sanchez pitches scoreless inning in Mets’ intrasquad scrimmage - The AP reported that Duaner got to pitch as expected, and he threw a scoreless inning in his return.

John Maine is Mets’ ace in the hole - John Harper raises this question.  How good is John Maine?  Then Harper tried to get the answers to his question.

Duaner Sanchez springs into action - Sanchez was expected to pitch in a game today for the first time since ‘06.

Ex-Mets adjusting to life with Twins - Anthony McCarron lets us know how Carlos Gomez, Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey, and Deolis Guerra are doing in Twins camp.

Carlos Beltran not ready for spring games - Adam Rubin provided the status of six Mets that will not be ready in time for the start of Spring Training.  These players are Beltran, Castillo, Chavez, Easley, Johnson, and Valentin.  All of them are suffering from leg injuries.  Also, Rubin wrote that El Duque threw his second BP.  Juan Padilla was supposed to pitch today after not pitching since having Tommy John surgery performed in March 2006.  Last, Angel Pagan swept every event to become the best athlete in camp and the first Met to do that.

New York Post:

PLEADING THE 5TH - Bart Hubbuch has the latest and greatest on that final spot in the rotation.

MINAYA’S BRAND OF BASEBALL - Mike Vaccaro lets you know what kind of GM he thinks Omar is.

FROM BELTRAN TO WELT-RAN - Bart Hubbuch also provided the details about Beltran getting belted by Santana.

New York Times:

The Skinny on the Mets’ New Reliever? Great Changeup, Bad Luck - Ben Shpigel tells the story of Matt Wise.

The Star-Ledger:

Citi Field Logo: Thoughts? - Yesterday, Jeremy Cothran was very excited about seeing the Citi Field logo.  He has a picture of it and it is ugly.

Don’t Call It a Comeback - Matthew Artus wrote about the return of Sanchez.

No rush to play ailing players - Jeremy Cothran also covered the injured Mets.

Mets pitcher regains control of his career - Jeremy Cothran also discusses Wise.

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Major League Baseball continued to make a mockery of itself today in Congress.  Clemens is toast, but I knew that already.  Every time he says a sentence, he makes the situation worse.  I enjoyed the mockery because I always thought Clemens was a piece of crap since he cried after losing to the Mets in the World Series in 1986.  All he does is whine.  Then he threw the bat at Piazza.  He has always been scum.  The simplest reason why they were in Congress today was because there were discrepancies in the Mitchell Report.  If Clemens admitted it like everybody else in the report then Congress would not have held the session today.  It should never be in Congress because MLB should be able to police themselves as everybody suggests, but Bud Selig is too incompetent to police anything.  He had to hire a Senator to create a report just to discover that a steroid problem existed.  Selig needs to step down. 

Mets.com:

Sanchez aiming to play pivotal role - I agree with Marty Noble 100% about Duaner Sanchez.  Sanchez was a stud prior to his injury.  We need to see if he can get back to being a stud.  If Duaner can then the Mets are going to have a great season because he’s the one that will fill the void from the starter to the closer.

Notes: Santana makes first appearance - Marty Noble notes that ”Johan Santana made his first appearance at the Mets’ Spring Training headquarters and, in relative privacy, threw for about 15 minutes. Niemann caught, while Rick Peterson, the big league pitching coach, observed. Later Peterson and Santana auditioned each other. And all was right in the Mets’ world.”

Around the Horn: Bench - Marty Noble examines the Bench in the final article of his weekly column ‘Around the Horn’.

Newsday:

Citi Field, Mets new home, quickly taking shape - Roderick Boone lets you know all about the status of Citi Field.  I’m excited about the new stadium.  I do not like the corporate name, and I will miss Shea…who won’t?  But, I’m excited about the new stadium.

New York Daily News:

Major League Baseball acts on John Rocker’s steroid curve - Ian Begley points out that former Brave, John Rocker, stated that baseball doctors as well as union doctors basically informed players in Texas how to use steroids safely.  Due to this claim, Major League Baseball is investigating the situation.

Citi Field making progress - Oren Yaniv also reports on the progress of Citi Field.

Infielder Olmedo Saenz with Mets - Adam Rubin further discusses the Mets acquiring Olmedo Saenz.

New York Post:

WILPON EAGER TO SIT ON CITI PORCH - According to Mark Hale, “Mets COO Jeff Wilpon is such a fan of the right field porch at Citi Field that he’s going to personally own seats there. Right field may be far away from the batter’s box, but for Wilpon, being in the porch is worth it. The porch will stand approximately 30 feet tall and extend over the field for 8 to 10 feet.”

New York Times:

An Uneven Year Over, a Met Seeks the Grind - Joe Smith says he’ll do whatever the Mets want to help out the team, according to Ben Shpigel.

New Home for Mets: On Time, On Budget

The Star-Ledger:

The Mets Close To Adding Another… - Jeremy Cothran points out that the Mets may bring Ben Johnson back.

Who Picks Up the Call to the Bullpen?

Citi Field honors past

Reliever seeking new start with Mets - Jeremy Cothran also discusses Joe Smith.

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