Die Hard Sports Fan

Even with Johan Santana on our side and one less Jones on their side, the Mets still couldn’t beat the Braves.  Everytime I watch Smoltz pitch against the Mets, I don’t understand how more people don’t think this guy is the best pitcher in baseball over the past two decades.  All he does is put up goose eggs each inning.  The Metropolitans are 0-2 in the first series against the Braves, and in Atlanta.  That’s not a good start against division rivals have been labeled as legit contenders this year.  Since ‘06, the Amazins’ have actually won series at Turner Field where they haven’t in years past.  The Mets must continue to have success down there or the Braves will regain that edge they’ve had at home since Turner Field was built.  It is imperative that the Metropolitans win each of the three series against the Phillies, the Brewers, and the Nationals to get back on track.  Obviously beating the NL East teams are more important than beating the NL Central teams, but the Amazins’ need to dominate the NL.

Mets.com:

Santana brilliant but bested - Marty Noble took us through Johan Santana’s performance against the Braves today.

Church impressing with his arm - Marty Noble believes that Ryan Church is proving to be among the best throwing from right field.

‘Pen provides eerie reminder in loss - Marty Noble has a lot to say about how poorly the bullpen was in yesterday’s loss to the Braves.

Rotation isn’t set up according to plan - Marty Noble stated that an injury to Pedro Martinez and a rainout have available arms in disarray.

Santana taking on Smoltz in finale - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis of today’s Mets-Braves game.

Mets hope to be healed by makeup date - Marty Noble pointed out that the Mets and Braves will make up Friday’s rainout on May 20.  Noble wrote, “Come May 20, the Mets may be at full strength when they play a four-game series in Atlanta, following three games in the Bronx and a trip to Denver. Indeed, the Mets may have all their broken pieces back together again by then.”

Newsday:

Mets lucky if ace Santana becomes their Smoltz

Mets’ Maine falls back in debut after big spring - David Lennon analyzes John Maine’s performance in yesterday’s game against the Braves.

Grand slam dooms Mets, who fall to Braves, 11-5 - David Lennon summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Braves.

New York Daily News:

John Smoltz outduels Johan Santana as Braves sweep Mets in two-game series - Adam Rubin summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Braves.

Kelly Johnson hits pinch-hit grand slam, Atlanta Braves rout Mets 11-5 - Adam Rubin summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Braves.

Tom Glavine start is shuffled - Adam Rubin lets us know why Tom Glavine didn’t pitch against the Mets today.

New York Post:

SOUTHERN EXPOSURE - Bart Hubbuch discusses how Maine got hit in yesterday’s game against the Braves.

SPRING IN MAINE’S STEP IS GONE

DOZEN DAYS OFF DOESN’T FAZE PELFREY - Bart Hubbuch found out what Mike Pelfrey thinks of getting bumped.

New York Times:

Santana’s Solid, but Braves Sweep Mets

The Star-Ledger:

Mets fall 3-0 to Braves - Jeremy Cothran summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Braves.

Matt Wise dealing with forearm discomfort - Jeremy Cothran tells us why Matt Wise was unavailable to pitch today, if needed.

Game 5: Mets at Braves - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s Mets-Braves game.

Closing it out in Atlanta - Jeremy Cothran reflects some more on yesterday’s loss to the Braves.

Mets get rare overturned call

Rust, rain keep Mets off balance - Jeremy Cothran continues to go on and on about yesterday’s loss to the Braves.

Frustrating 11-5 loss for Mets in Atlanta - Jeremy Cothran expresses his frustration over yesterday’s loss to the Braves.

Live-Blog: Mets at Braves - Jeremy Cothran was taking us through yesterday’s Mets-Braves game.

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Last night’s Mets-Braves game was rained out.  It is still raining down in Hotlanta so we don’t know what is going to happen to today’s game.

Worst case scenario, we can watch both Final Four games.  So how is everybody doing in their March Madness brackets?  This was the first year I actually picked all four 1 Seeds to make the Final Four.  Duke was the weakest 2 Seed I’ve ever seen.  But if they are a 2 Seed then everybody else is just garbage.  That was my thought process for actually picking all four 1 Seeds.  The Big East was completely overrated, and I didn’t need to see them get knocked out early to prove it.  Georgetown a 2 Seed?  Pitt a 4 Seed?  UConn a 4 Seed?  Who put the tournament together?  It is very boring when the 1 Seeds run right through it.  It should get better now because two 1 Seeds will lose today.  I have UNC and UCLA in the finals with UNC being crowned king.

Back to baseball, I hope today’s game gets played because the weekend is lost if 2 out of 3 games are postponed.

Mets.com:

Rain falls on Maine in postponement - Marty Noble reported that last night’s Mets vs. Braves game has been officially postponed, and it will be made up as a doubleheader on May 20, 2008.

Maine hopes for no rain this time around - Jon Cooper put together a pre-game analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Braves.

Rain brings Hudson and Maine to FOX - Mark Bowman pointed out that there is a pretty good pitchers duel in FOX’s Game of the Week after Friday’s rainout.  John Maine will face Tim Hudson in the first Mets-Braves game of ‘08.

Former Met recalls foray in outfield - Jon Cooper got a 1986 story from Roger McDowell.

Pelfrey to miss his turn at Turner Field - Due to last night’s game getting postponed, Mike Pelfrey will not make his season debut against the Braves today according to Jon Cooper.  Pelfrey got bumped to Wednesday at home against the Phillies.

Newsday:

Mets skip over Pelfrey until Wednesday

Facing old teammates nothing new to Glavine

New York Daily News:

Rainout pushes John Maine’s season debut to Saturday

New York Post:

PEL OF A CHANCE - George Willis reminds us how Pelfrey made the ‘08 roster.

LOVE FOR GLAV - Bart Hubbuch found out that the Mets still got love for Tommy.

SANTANA START WON’T BE DELAYED BY RAIN - Bart Hubbuch noted that Johan Santana is still scheduled to pitch tomorrow against John Smoltz.

New York Times:

Rainout Pushes Back Pelfrey’s First Start

The Star-Ledger:

Doppler update

Still raining in the Dirty Dirty

Glavine, Mets rivals once again

Pelfrey skipped in rotation

Rain Out: Enjoy the Day - Jeremy Cothran pointed out that last night’s game was postponed.

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Today is Opening Day for the New York Mets.  The Florida Marlins are hosting the Mets at Dolphin Stadium.  When I was walking my dog, I walked onto the overcross to see Shea Stadium on Opening Day even though the Mets are out of town.  It is the final year at Shea which is somewhat upsetting so I went to catch a glimpse of it.

Mets lineup: Reyes, Castillo, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Pagan, Church, Schnieder, and Santana.

At the Plate 

Meanwhile, the Mets didn’t do much with the bat early on.  Hendrickson was the starting pitcher for the Marlins.  2 Hits and 0 Runs through the first 3 Innings.  In the 4th, Beltran lined a double to the corner in left to lead off the inning.  Hendrickson walked Delgado to put runners on first and second.  Pagan pulled an RBI double over third base to drive in Beltran and Delgado advanced to third.  Church pulled an RBI single through the hole on the right side to drive in Delgado and Pagan advanced to third.  Schneider lined out to first, and Church ran around Jacobs to get back to the bag safely for the first out.  Hendrickson fanned Santana for the second out.  Reyes lined an RBI single to left to score Pagan and advanced Church to second.  Hendrickson walked Castillo to load the bases.  Wright lined a base clearing double into the gap in left to score Church, Reyes, and Castillo.  Beltran lined out to center field to end the inning.  The Mets scored 4 runs on 5 hits in the 4th inning.

In the 6th inning, Nolasco came in in relief.  With 2 outs, Reyes hit a single through the hole on the right side.  With Castillo in the batters box, Reyes got caught stealing second to end the inning.  With one out in the 7th, Wright hit a double to the gap in right center.  With Beltran in the batters box, Wright was thrown out trying to steal third.  Nolasco struggled a little bit in the 8th, but got through it without giving up any runs.

In the 9th inning, Lindstrom came in for the Marlins.  Anderson, pinch hit for Sosa, had a leadoff flair to center over the second baseman’s head.  Reyes dropped a sacrifice bunt to move Anderson to second while the Marlins through out Reyes at first.  Lindstrom threw a wild pitch which allowed Anderson to steal third, and a bad throw to third allowed Anderson to score.  Castillo grounded out.  Lindstrom walked Wright.  Beltran grounded out to second to end the inning.

On the Mound

Johan Santana was on the mound, and he retired 9 straight before walking Ramirez in the 4th inning.  Willingham hit a 2-run shot to score Ramirez and Willingham.  The Marlins put up 2 Runs on 1 Hit in the 4th inning.  After giving up the homer, Santana stuggled a little bit in the 5th but didn’t give up any runs.  Johan went through the 6th in order.  Santana gave up 1 Hits and 0 Runs in the 7th.  Johan pitched 7 Innings giving up 2 Runs, 3 Hits, and 2 Walks while Striking Out 8 in his Mets debut.

In the 8th inning, Wise came in in relief.  Wise struggled in the 8th so Randolph brought Schoeneweis in with runners on first and second.  Schoeneweis gave up a ground ball where the Mets got the out at first, but the runners advanced to second and third.  Willie replaced Schoeneweis with Sosa.  Sosa fanned Willingham to end the 8th without giving up any runs.

In the bottom of the 9th, Randolph put Heilman in.  Heilman struck out the first two batters.  Gonzalez grounded to Heilman, and Heilman made the throw to first for the final out.

Final Score: New York beat Florida 7-2.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.

Mets.com:

Facts and figures: Mets Opening Day

Mets ready to put ‘07 in the past 

Newsday:

Mets are anxious to bury memories of fall - David Lennon believes that the Mets are anxious to put 2007 behind them.

Johan Santana’s a Met for one thing: Ring!

Duque on DL; Pelfrey gets spot

New York Daily New:

Johan Santana starts new era for Mets

Remember to forget 2007 collapse

New York Post:

LET’S ROCK ‘N’ ROLL - Bart Hubbuch points out that Johan Santana is the starting pitcher on Opening Day.

PELFREY GRABS DUQUE’S SPOT

‘TIS THE SEASON TO FORGET 2007

New York Times:

From Views to Fastballs, Wagner Won’t Hold Back - Ben Shpigel chats with Billy Wagner about the ‘08 season.

Pelfrey, With 8.14 E.R.A., Gets the Nod for the Mets

The Star-Ledger:

Manatees

That’s right

Shea Stadium South…Part II

Santana!

Moments away…

Game 1: Mets at Marlins - Jeremy Cothran provided the Opening Day lineup between the Mets and the Marlins.

Shea Stadium South - Jeremy Cothran discovered that Dolphin Stadium filled with Mets fans wearing Santana jerseys.

Live from the clubhouse

It’s time to get the Mets season underway

Pelfrey named fifth starter; El Duque to the DL

Mets moved by visit to Civil Rights museum

The heat is on Mets manager Willie Randolph

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The Florida Marlins will host the New York Mets at 4:10 PM tomorrow.  The game will be aired on SNY.  It was those same Marlins that kept the Mets out of the Playoffs.  Once the fight broke out, the Marlins used the anger to stomp the Mets when it mattered most.  The Mets need to sweep the three-game series just like they did when they opened up the 2007 season against the Cardinals.  After the Mets play the Marlins, they head to Atlanta for a three-game series.  After that, they host a three game set with the Phillies at Shea Stadium.  Nine straight NL East games to kick off the season.  It will be interesting to see where the Mets are after that.

Mets.com:

Mets roster moves - MLB.com reported that the Mets added Brady Clark and Raul Casanova to the 25-man roster.  Duaner Sanchez, Orlando Hernandez, and Ramon Castro, was placed on the DL.  Brian Stokes was added to the roster while Fernando Tatis, Nelson Figueroa, and Ricardo Rincon were sent down to the Minors.

Last few Mets roster spots up in the air - Late last night, Anthony DiComo reported that the Mets reassigned backup catcher Gustavo Molina to Minor League camp.  The Mets had to make their 25-man roster by 3:00 pm today.

Memphis sees a slice of Cooperstown - Anthony DiComo noted that Major League Baseball brought the Hall of Fame plaques for Larry Doby and Jackie Robinson sent down to Memphis from Cooperstown so fans can check them out. 

Aaron a perfect stand-in in Memphis - Barry M. Bloom loved the idea that Hank Aaron stood-in for Commissioner Bud Selig at the Civil Rights Game.

Newsday:

Morris to Santana: Ease up on changeup - Ken Davidoff found out what Jack Morris, a Twins television analyst, thinks of Johan Santana.

Mets cherish experience from Civil Rights game - Mark Herrmann captured the thoughts of various Mets players about playing in the Civil Rights Game and about the extracurricular activities they attended.

Will things ever be right in left? - David Lennon asks and answers four questions about the Mets.

Mets’ Smith escapes jam; will he make team?

New York Daily News:

Mike Pelfrey becomes Mets fifth starter; El Duque starts season on DL

Mets can finally put 2007 to bed - Since Opening Day is tomorrow, Adam Rubin says that the Mets can forget about 2007.

El Duque might start season on DL

Mets moved by visit to Lorraine Motel

New book lets the Mets down - David Hinckley criticizes the author, David Green, of a new book about the Mets titled “101 REASONS TO LOVE THE METS”.

New York Post:

Pelfrey is No. 5 starter

OUR NEW BASEBALL BARONS - Kevin Kernan lets us know that we are in a new era of baseball in New York now that the children of the Steinbrenner’s and the Wilpon’s are running things.

METS’ PAIR PITCHES PERFECTLY - Mike Vaccaro described the performance of John Maine and Smith in yesterday’s Civil Rights Game.

SAINTLY PITCHER HAS DEEP ROOTS - James Fanelli and Katie Orlinsky say that Santana owes his success to his childhood.

THE WRIGHT THING TO DO - Kevin Kernan tells us why David Wright cut down on endorsement deals and promotional activities.

DARRYL WATCHES HIS SON THE SON - Brian Lewis told us that Darryl Strawberry went to see his son D.J. play an NBA game last night.  D.J. Strawberry plays for the Phoenix Suns who were in town to play the New Jersey Nets.

The Star-Ledger:

Sunday afternoon musings - Dan Graziano tells us what he thinks about the 2008 Mets.

Mets Keep Ducks On Golden Pond - Matthew Artus offers his thoughts on the ‘08 season.

Mets moved by visit to Civil Rights Museum

Still no decision on No. 5 starter

Mets are eager to answer the bell

Lisa Kennelly’s Mets preview

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I apologize for not writing the past two days.  One of our Giants Bloggers on Die Hard Giants Fan, Phessional, came up from Jacksonville, FL and stayed at my place for two days.  He moved down there about a year and a half ago and barely comes up here.  We partied like rock stars for two days.  He has to go to an engagement party tonight which is the reason he is here.  Anyway, I went back and got all of the news that I missed in case you haven’t heard it already.

The Mets won their final Spring Training game today and beat the White Sox 3-2.  The Mets will play for real on Monday…finally.

Mets.com:

Mets edge Sox in Civil Rights Game - Justice B. Hill recapped the Civil Rights Game between the White Sox and the Mets.  New York beat Chicago 3-2.  John Maine got the start.

Fans enjoy being part of history - Justice B. Hill gathered the thoughts of baseball fans who attended the Civil Rights Game.

Mets Opening Day outlook - Marty Noble tells us what he thinks about the Mets as they get ready to begin the 2008 season.

Aaron headlines roundtable discussion - On the eve of the Civil Rights Game, a dinner was held to discuss why black athletes are not playing Major League Baseball as much as they used to.

Johan has low-key take on hyped debut - Marty Noble found out that Johan Santana excited, but not nervous, about pitching on Opening Day.

Reyes scores pair of runs for Mets - Spencer Fordin summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Orioles.  Baltimore beat the Mets by a score of 4-3.  Orlando Hernandez was the starting pitcher.

El Duque’s right foot a wild card - After yesterday’s game, Marty Noble believes that El Duque has the edge over Mike Pelfrey for the final spot in the rotation.

Mets announce three roster moves - Marty Noble reported that the Mets optioned Anderson Hernandez to Triple-A New Orleans, Steven Register was returned to the Rockies, and Ruben Gotay was claimed off waivers by the Braves.

All ends well with Mets’ limo ride - Marty Noble tells us about a voyage that Billy Wagner, Matt Wise, and Jorge Sosa took.

Mets represent diversity - Anthony DiComo discusses the diversity of the Mets as they are about to play in the Civil Rights Game.

Going down to the wire - Anthony DiComo points out that the Mets still have to decide who the bench players will be and who will win the bullpen spots after the next two games.

Perez looks sharp in final spring start - Mark Bowman summarized Thursday’s game between the Mets and the Braves.  New York stomped Atlanta 9-4.  Oliver Perez got the start.

Civil Rights Game special to Randolph - Anthony DiComo explains how Willie Randolph feels about the Mets participating in the Civil Rights Game.

Perez gives Mets a brief scare - Anthony DiComo describes that fall that Perez took on Thursday.

Gotay’s Mets career nearing an end - Anthony DiComo reported that the Mets placed Gotay on outright waivers on Thursday which may be a hint that his tenure as a Met is coming to an end.  DiComo pointed out that the final bench spot may go to Brady Clark or Fernando Tatis.

New parks pay tribute to the past - Marty Noble compliments the Mets and the Yankees for the stadiums that they are building in New York.

Newsday:

Mets’ El Duque scrubs new windup, looks better

Mets cut Gotay, guess who picks him up? Braves

METS SCOUTING REPORT - David Lennon analyzes every aspect of the 2008 Mets.

Randolph’s high-wire act - Johnette Howard believes that Willie is on a short-leash this season.

Yankee Stadium, Shea make their final turns for home in 2008

PRESSURE FROM DAY 1 - David Lennon talks about the expectations of the Mets as they head into the ‘08 season.

CATCHING ON QUICK - Anthony Rieber explains how Brian Schneider is quickly getting used to the fast pace of New York.

ACE OF ACES - David Lennon had a Q&A with Santana.

Pelfrey vs. El Duque for Mets’ fifth spot

WRIGHT ATTITUDE - Jim Baumbach discusses David Wright’s career with Wright.

Devastated Ruben Gotay is put on waivers by Mets

Mets’ Pedro avoids collision, then throws perfectly

Hopeful singers audition to sing anthem at Shea

Late-arrival Tatis may have right timing for Mets - David Lennon believes that Tatis can make the team.

New York Daily News:

El Duque brings back high leg kick

Memories hit Tom Glavine hard

Keith not dialed in on SNY’s plan

Mets might bid Ruben Gotay goodbye

Pedro Martinez to start final home opener at Shea Stadium

Nelson Figueroa is following his dream of being a pro ball player - Vic Ziegel wrote up a Bio on Nelson Figueroa.

Hundreds line up for chance to sing national anthem at Mets game

Mike Pelfrey, El Duque still battling for 5th spot in rotation

New York Post:

KICK BACK - Bart Hubbuch pointed out that El Duque went back to his old form.

GOTAY GOES TO BRAVES

TATIS HAS SHOT AT REDEMPTION

DUQUE CAN NAIL DOWN FIVE SPOT

METS ARE READY FOR REAL THING

RADIO GIG WILL MAKE WAGNER A SHOCK JOCK - Phil Mushnick found out that, “ESPN 1050 Radio has signed Billy Wagner to a weekly say-for-pay spot on Michael Kay’s late-afternoon show, and that, by no later than Aug. 15, is going to cause a problem. Or two.”

THE HUMAN ERASER - Justin Terranova believes that Johan will help the Mets forget about the collapse.

FINAL 25 WON’T BE RUSH JOB

PEDRO’S GOING TO SPEAK UP - According to Bart Hubbuch, Pedro vows to be the vocal leader that the Mets lacked down the stretch during the collapse in ‘07.

IT AIN’T OVER … - Jay Greenberg discusses the glory days.

IF IT’S ‘08, IT’S CUBS’ YEAR - Kevin Kernan wrote up an National League preview.

The New York Times:

Glavine Says He Retains Emotional Bond With the Mets

A Break From the Game for an Inspiring Lesson - Ben Shpigel discusses other aspects of the Civil Rights Game.

Shea in ’64: The Planes Above, the Mets Below

You Can’t Just Blow Up History - Richard Sandomir doesn’t want to see Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium get blown up.

The Star-Ledger:

Walking (and shivering) in Memphis

Pelfrey v. Hernandez: Deciding Round

El Duque looks sharp

Braves scoop up Gotay off waivers

El Duque, Pelfrey to get final look

Gotay placed on waivers

Final decision would be a relief - Jeremy Cothran explains who can fill the last spot in the Bullpen.

Pedro aces stint, vows to be more vocal

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The Mets didn’t have such a good weekend, in terms of wins and losses.  Another loss to the Cards, and that was a spanking, not a loss.  However, they got right back on track today with a 1-0 win over the Orioles.  Even better news, Opening Day is one week away…finally.  I, like all of us, have high expectations for the ’08 Mets and I cannot wait for it to begin, and maybe even end.  There are more concerns now than prior to Preseason, but as a Mets fan, I hope they can win it all.  7 Days!!! 

Mets.com:

Mets cruise as Maine stifles Orioles - Spencer Fordin summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Orioles.  New York beat Baltimore 1-0.  John Maine was the starting pitcher.  The Mets are 17-9-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Classic on mind of Pedro, Mets - Marty Noble discusses the 2009 World Baseball Classic with Pedro Martinez.

El Duque struggles in debut vs. Cards - Marty Noble summarized Easter Sunday’s game between the Cardinals and the Mets.  St. Louis beat New York 14-4.  Orlando Hernandez got the start.  The Mets are 16-9-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Roster spots may be won by default - Marty Noble points out that injuries to Ramon Castro, Duaner Sanchez, and Jose Valentin may open door for others.

Rotation questions remain for Mets - Marty Noble discusses the bad outings that El Duque and Mike Pelfrey had yesterday as well as how this might affect their chance at the 5th spot in the rotation.

Newsday:

Mets can’t pencil in Pelfrey or Hernandez

Duaner Sanchez unlikely to make opener - Jim Baumbach says that it is still unlikely that Sanchez will be healthy in time for Opening Day.  Also, Valentin probably won’t be able to make Opening Day because had to go to New York to get an injection to treat the pain in his neck from a pinched nerve.  Baumbach lets us know that Reed Johnson was released from the Blue Jays yesterday, and he thinks that the Mets might be interested in Johnson.

New York Daily News:

Trying to make case for 5th spot, El Duque and Mike Pelfrey get ripped

Duaner Sanchez stint offers no relief

New York Post:

OPEN AT 5

PEDRO, JOHAN IN MINOR MOVES - Bart Hubbuch found out that Willie Randolph is not going to have Pedro or Johan Santana pitch anymore in the Grapefruit League.  Rather, Willie is going to have them pitch against Minor League clubs to avoid showing off their pitches.

New York Times:

New Motion Isn’t Ready for Mets’ Rotation - Ben Shpigel also discusses the 5th spot in the rotation.

The Star-Ledger:

Game 25: Mets at Orioles - Lisa Kennelly provided the lineup for today’s game between the Mets and the Orioles.

HELP WANTED: One Pitcher for Mets Rotation

Rotation stuck in the mud

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The Mets are currently trailing the Cardinals 7-3 in the bottom of the 6th.  We can hope for some late inning heroics which was the theme of the Amazins’ just a few weeks ago.  Die Hard Mets Fan would like to wish all of you a Happy Easter if you celebrate it, of course.

Mets.com:

Schneider returns to Mets’ lineup - Anthony DiComo said that Brian Schneider’s hamstring feels good after playing in a game.

El Duque set to make Grapefruit debut - Anthony DiComo talks about how Orlando Hernandez is still competing for fifth spot in the rotation.

Newsday:

Catcher Schneider finally feels healthy; looks forward to work as spring training concludes

NOTEBOOK: Long (ball) day for wild Perez - Jim Baumbach describes Oliver Perez’s last night’s outing.

New York Daily News:

Brian Schneider returns from right hamstring injury for Mets

El Duque set to debut new windup

New York Post:

PLEADING THE 5TH - Bart Hubbuch explains that final spot in the rotation from Mike Pelfrey’s perspective.

OLLIE TAKEN DOWNTOWN BY INDIANS

The Star-Ledger:

Game 24: Mets vs Cardinals - Lisa Kennelly provided the lineup for today’s game between the Cardinals and the Mets.

Pelfrey v. Hernandez: For All the Marbles - Matthew Artus talks about El Duque and Pelfrey.

Interest in medicine is Pedro’s tonic - The Star-Ledger lets you know why Pedro Martinez developed an interest in medicine.

Schneider is looking to catch up with the bat

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The Mets are currently playing their Wednesday night game against the Indians.  The Tribe has a 1-0 lead after 3.  So far, it seems like the Indians keep turning the double plays.  A 1-0 lead means nothing anymore, so there’s no reason why the Metsies can’t win this game with John Maine out on the mound.

Mets.com:

Mets getting 2008 lineup in order - Marty Noble stated that Wednesday night’s starters may mirror Opening Day squad.

El Duque’s ’slow’ outing beguiling - Marty Noble pointed out that Orlando Hernandez sends usual mixed signals in simulated game.

Newsday:

El Duque fails to impress in simulated game

Castro may miss week with strained hamstring - David Lennon provided the status of Ramon Castro.  Lennon stated that the MRI came back negative, and Castro can miss as little as 3 days to as many as a week.

New York Daily News:

El Duque moves closer to 1st start

Ramon Castro legging it out

New York Post:

DUQUE DISAPPOINTING

SCHNEIDER: HAMMY FEELS FINE

New York Times:

Pelfrey and Hernández Have Different Styles, but the Same Goal

The Star-Ledger:

Game 20: Mets vs Indians - Lisa Kennelly provided the lineup for tonight’s game between the Indians and the Mets.

Deceived by El Duque’s Rocky Outing

For El Duque, health is up, velocity down

Pelfrey’s new slider is taken for a ride - Lisa Kennelly wrote that Brian Schneider taught Mike Pelfrey a new slider.  When the slider came to Scneider in a simulated game, he hit a home run and a ground rule double.

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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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The Metropolitans were good enough not to lose today, but not good enough to win.  The game resulted in a 1-1 tie since they don’t go beyond the 10th inning in Spring Training.  Some of the media noted that Red Sox Nation invaded a sold-out Tradition Field.  People were scalping tickets to Red Sox fans.

Mets.com:

Santana overpowers Red Sox - Anthony DiComo summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Red Sox.  The game resulted in a 1-1 tie in 10.  Johan Santana got the start.  The Mets are 8-4-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Mailbag: Who should replace Alou? - Beat reporter Marty Noble answers Mets fans’ questions.

Tip leads to new outlook for Pelfrey - Marty Noble says that Mike Pelfrey is learning to be more deceptive on the mound.

Randolph facing injuries, expectations - Mets manager Willie Randolph recently fielded questions from Marty Noble about Spring Training, the upcoming regular season, shortstop Jose Reyes and more.

Newsday:

Beltran, Delgado set to return to lineup for Mets - David Lennon reported that Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado would play against Boston today.

If Mets bring in Bonds, it’s a Barry bad idea!

Wasn’t that big a no-no by Wagner - I don’t understand David Lennon is mentioning no hitters in Spring Training, but Billy Wagner messed it up in the 5th inning.

New York Daily News:

Angel Pagan playing his way into the Mets’ outfield picture - Peter Botte stated that “Pagan is batting .429 with an NL-high 15 hits, appearing in 10 of the Mets’ first 12 games due to injuries to outfielders Alou, Carlos Beltran, Ryan Church and Endy Chavez (the latter two returned to action over the weekend). “  I hope Pagan can carry it through to the season.

John Maine throws 4 no-hit innings - Peter Botte wrote a quick blurb about John Maine’s performance yesterday.

Mets fans gearing up to Shea goodbye - Tamer El-Ghobashy gathered the thoughts of Mets fans about it being the final year in Shea Stadium.

Jose Valentin’s return to Mets comes earlier than expected - Peter Botte noted that Jose Valentin played in yesterday’s game.

New York Post:

VALENTIN’S DAY

CONFIDENCE MAN - Joel Sherman believes that Maine has what it takes to be number 2 in the starting rotation.  That’s what I’ve been thinking all along, and Maine should be pitching number 2 because what Pedro can do now is unknown.

RED SOX NATION INVADES TRADITION FIELD - Bart Hubbuch revealed that:

The Mets said the 1:10 p.m. game, which will be televised live in New York on SNY, has been sold out since the end of January. Scalpers were asking as much as $300 per ticket on eBay yesterday.

The bulk of the crowd no doubt will be red-clad Red Sox fans, thousands of whom have followed the defending champions around Florida like cultists since the first of Boston’s two recent World Series titles in 2004. Just yesterday, the Red Sox helped the Dodgers draw the largest crowd - 9,293 - in the 60-year history of Dodgertown.

New York Times:

For Church, Concussion Reveals Baseball’s Hazards

The Star-Ledger:

Sully, Murph & Squeezebox are enjoying this one - Jeremy Cothran also discusses the invasion of Red Sox fans today.

Back to Good - Matthew Artus is feeling more comfortable now that he saw some familiar faces yesterday.

Valentin sees an opportunity in the making

Beltran, Delgado on verge of returning

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