Die Hard Sports Fan

The Mets are still hosting their 9-game home stand.  I wanted to see where they were after this 9-game home stand after playing two NL East rivals and one NL team.  The first two series are over, and the Mets won the series over the Phillies and they lost the series to the Brewers.  So the Mets are 3-3 on this home stand so far.  The Nationals are the last team coming to Queens during this home stand.  The Nats are not supposed to be a good team, but as we saw last September they are a pesky group.  On top of that, the trades and free agent signings between the two teams during the offseason may make this series all the more interesting.  We’ll see how Mets fans welcome Lo Duca and Milledge.  I expect all boos, and would be shocked otherwise.  We’ll see how they perform against their former team.  The Mets need to win this series.  They need to make Shea home, and have a really good record at home because they haven’t the past few seasons.  Let’s go Mets!

Mets.com:

Mailbag: Should Nos. 17, 18 be retired? - Marty Noble answers questions submitted by Mets fans.

Holmes, former outfielder, dies at 91 - The AP reported that “Tommy Holmes, an outfielder for the Boston Braves and Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1940s and 1950s, died on Monday. He was 91.”  Holmes died of natural causes.  Tommy also worked for the Mets as the director of ameteur baseball relations from 1973-2003.  May he Rest in Peace.

Church, Schneider take on ex-mates - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tomorrow’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.  DiComo pointed out that Ryan Church and Brian Schneider will be facing their former team.  On the Nationals, the immature Lastings Milledge and the steroid Paul Lo Duca will be facing their former team.  All four of these guys will play like they have something to prove in this series.

Newsday:

Self-defeating Mets waste lead, lose to Brewers

These Mets won’t rant and rave over losing a game

Mets’ Schneider gets 3 hits, needs bigger glove - Roderick Boone pointed out that Schneider had 3 hits, 3 RBIs, and he watched his pitchers throw 3 wild pitches during yesterday’s game against the Brewers.  Boone is confused because this is supposed to be a defensive catcher without a good batting average.

Duaner Sanchez nearly ready to return to Mets - Anthony Rieber also covered the status of Duaner Sanchez which Mets.com covered yesterday.

New York Daily News:

It seems to be getting late early around Shea for Mets

Oliver Perez’s early troubles a bad sign

Moises Alou to play rehab game - Adam Rubin reported that, “Moises Alou’s recovery from March 6 hernia surgery has progressed so well that he’s expected to play in a rehab game in Port St. Lucie by this weekend.”  That’s great news.  The faster Alou gets back, the better.  Pagan has done a great job, and he will probably become the 4th outfielder.

Paul Lo Duca: Boo, Mets! - The steroid using Lo Duca said this about the Mets, “I want them to lose every game.”  Keep crying Paul.  Wish that the Mets lose every game, and I wish that the Shea Faithful boo you right out of Flushing.  This guy went from being my favorite Met player to the biggest bum.  His issues are his issues.  He doesn’t need to bash his former team for what he did wrong.  Have some class.

New York Post:

DOUBLED UP & ‘WAUK-ED ON

SLOPPY PLAY, ATTITUDES

MOTA HEARS BOOS, THEN CLOSES DOOR - The other steroid user that the Mets got rid of, Guillermo Mota, got into trouble yesterday, but got out of the jam.

CLARK ADMITS COSTLY MISTAKE - Players should be accountable for what they do so I give Brady Clark credit for stating he made a mistake in yesterday’s game against the Brewers.  However, there were so many mistakes yesterday.  Add’em all up and the Mets win the game.  I’m still waiting for the Mets to tell me what happened to Reyes last season, and what’s wrong with him now.  Last season, it was a “slump” and that was about all they said.

New York Times:

Pérez Falters, and Mets Go Along for the Slide

The Star-Ledger:

Fan Blogger: You can’t boo Santana

Mets lose to Brewers, 9-7

Reyes hoping off-day helps heal hamstring

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The Mets were fortunate enough to win the series against the Phillies.  That call at the plate last night could’ve went either way as I mentioned in the game summary.  I’ve seen the play a dozen more times today, and I still can’t figure out what happened.

This weekend, the Brewers are in Flushing for a three-game series.  This should be a good NL matchup for the Mets to see where the Mets really are right now.  Here’s a look at the expected pitching matchups this weekend:

• 04/11/2008 - Manny Parra (1-0) - Nelson Figueroa Jr. (0-0)
• 04/12/2008 - Ben Sheets (1-0) - Johan Santana (1-1)
• 04/13/2008 - Jeff Suppan (1-0) - Oliver Perez (1-0)

After the Brewers leave town, the Nationals come to Queens for a three-game set.  The nine-game homestand will be over then, and the Mets will go on the road.

Mets.com:

Mets edge Phils in 12 on Pagan’s single - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

Controversy surrounds song choice - According to Anthony DiComo, the initial online voting was rigged by fans to pick the Rick Astley tune.

Figueroa hopes to impress in first start - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis of tonight’s game between the Brewers and the Mets.  Nelson Figueroa Jr. is scheduled to make his first start since 2004.

Mets sign righty Vargas to Minors deal

Remembering Negro Leaguer Vazquez - Danny Torres noted that Armando Vázquez passed away in March, and Torres feels like this native Cuban was an ambassador for the game on and off field.

Newsday:

Heilman has been weak link in Mets’ bullpen - Ken Davidoff takes his shots at Aaron Heilman, and deservedly so.

Mets’ Santana not thrown by high expectations

Mets sign ex-Brewer Vargas as rotation insurance

METS INSIDER: Grumpy old ballpark - David Lennon describes Mets fans leaving Shea Stadium after Tuesday’s game.

Mets beat Phillies again on Pagan’s hit in 12th

Pagan has seized opportunity Mets have given him - Erik Boland praises Angel Pagan for filling in wonderfully for Moises Alou.

New York Daily News:

Angel Pagan delivers in 12th inning, singles in winning run in Mets win

Mets-Phillies rivalry looking like what Mets-Braves used to be - Filip Bondy describes the play at the plate in the Bottom of the 12th, and how it might play into the 2008 Mets-Phillies rivalry.

Mets sign Claudio Vargas

Nelson Figueroa full circle with Mets - Mark Lelinwalla takes us through how the Mets drafted Figueroa in 1995, he has pitched for various teams (home and abroad), and he finally will be be making his first start as a Met tonight.

Panic is too much, too soon for Mets

New York Post:

STRIKING 12TH - Brian Costello walks us through the 12th inning of last night’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

REYES SLIDE COULD LEAVE SKID BEHIND

PAGAN ENJOYING AN AMAZIN’ START

SCHOENEWEIS GETS METS OUT OF JAM

METS SIGN VARGAS

REYES NEEDS TO PHIL UP STAT SHEET - Prior to last night’s game, Tim Bontemps felt like Jose Reyes needed to get more involved.  It was good timing for the article because Reyes had two hits last night, and he was the tying run.

New York Times:

Mets Slide Past Phillies as Bullpen Holds Late

With Hernández Hobbled, Mets Come Back to Vargas

The Star-Ledger:

Mets Lineup

BRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - M.A. Mehta says he’s freezing at Shea.

Figueroa pitches tonight for Mets

Reyes scores winning run in 12th to lift Mets

Santana ready for Shea debut - David Waldstein pointed out that Johan Santana is scheduled to make his Shea debut tomorrow.

Reyes hits and Mets Win in 12

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Unfortunately, the Mets fell to the Marlins this afternoon.  Even though the Mets did pretty well in Spring Training, it doesn’t mean anything.  Only 5 Days until Opening Day.

Mets.com:

Pedro: Human or superhuman? - Anthony DiComo lets you know of Pedro Martinez’s outing against a Minor League club.

Wright, Delgado prove clutch in loss - Marty Noble summarized today’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.  Florida beat New York by a score of 7-5.  Robert Parnell got the start.  The Mets are 18-10-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

New batterymates have prior history - Marty Noble felt the need to tell us that Brian Schneider took a photo with Martinez when he was a teenager.

Easley to play utility role, that’s for sure - Marty Noble says that it is unknown if the Mets will rely on Damion Easley to backup in the outfield.

Sosa may get rotation shot - Since El Duque and Pelfrey are not performing too well, Marty Noble thinks that Jorge Sosa may be suitable for the 5th spot in the rotation.

Alou eyeing April return - Marty Noble stated that Moises Alou is hoping to return to the Mets by the end of April.

Newsday:

Mets’ Santana can’t wait to pick up bat again - I don’t know much about Santana picking up a bat, but I love when a title begins with “Mets’ Santana”.  Jim Baumbach and David Lennon pointed out that Johan Santana hit his last triple in Dolphin Stadium which is where Santana will make his first start wearing orange and blue.

Mets’ Alou swears he’ll come back strong

New York Daily News:

Mets hoping new ace Johan Santana can help them forget historic collapse

Billy Wagner: Johan Santana is so good he makes bullpen better, too - Billy Wagner is always complimenting other pitchers.  I’m waiting for him to say that he is going to make the team better.

It’s hard to Shea goodbye

Moises Alou eying April return

The ‘Not’ Corner: First base used to be glamour position in New York - What’s wrong with Delgado and Giambi? hahaha.

Fans get into act on SNY - Bob Raissman talks about how SNY now has interactive TV where the fans can call in and discuss what’s on their minds.  That doesn’t sound like a good thing to me.

Minor adjustment a big-league help to Johan Santana - Adam Rubin pointed out that Santana’s inaugural spring as a Met ended quietly with an intrasquad game against minor-leaguers.

Raul Casanova ready to catch on - Adam Rubin believes that Raul Casanova appears to be the catcher on the Opening Day roster due to injuries to Schneider and Ramon Castro.

New York Post:

FIFTH AVENUE - Bart Hubbuch believes that Claudio Vargas may have what it takes to get the 5th spot in the rotation.

JOHAN’S THE MAN

WHAT METS NEED TO WIN - Bart Hubbuch has all of the secrets.

WHOLLY MOISES!

The Star-Ledger:

South American adventure over - Jeremy Cothran is back and ready to bring us through the 2008 season.

A Steady Diet of Curveballs - Matthew Artus extensively explains what the Mets can do to fill the 5th spot in the rotation.

Alou eager to return to Mets

Bullpen taking shape - Lisa Kennelly found out that, “The Mets placed reliever and Rule 5 pick Steven Register on waivers yesterday.”  Kennelly believes that Joe Smith and Brian Stokes will fill the void until Sanchez is ready to return.

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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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So even though the Mets have been devastated by a wrath of injuries, they managed to win 5 straight games.  It kind of went unnoticed.  Most of them came from late inning heroics.  The Mets are losing to the Indians right now by a score of 8-6 in the 8th inning.  Oliver Perez got the start, and didn’t pitch so well.  Maybe the Mets have another comeback in them…

Mets.com:

Notes: Anderson, Easley good to go - Anthony DiComo noted that Marlon Anderson and Damion Easley are healthy and ready to return.

Minor League Report: Robert Parnell - Anthony DiComo provided a Bio about a right-hander named Robert Parnell.

Pedro to throw sim game on Friday - Anthony DiComo stated that Pedro Martinez will pitch in a simulated game today because yesterday’s game got rained out.

Newsday:

Injury-riddled Mets looking to plug holes - David Lennon chatted with Omar Minaya about the possible replacements for Moises Alou.  Here is what Lennon wrote:

“We’ve already identified teams that have outfield situations that have surpluses,” Minaya said, “and we’ll keep an eye on those.”

The Mets have talked about a possible deal for the Tigers’ Marcus Thames. The Pirates’ Xavier Nady, a solid righthanded bat and a former Met, would be a good fit. On the free-agent front, Kenny Lofton remains unsigned, but Minaya chuckled when someone brought up Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa. “It’s fair to say we’ll go with someone internal right now,” Minaya said.

Pedro spared from rare spring road start by rain

All of Mets’ injuries might hurt Minaya

New York Daily News:

Omar Minaya: No time for Mets to panic

Met spin adds insult to injury - Bob Raissman doesn’t like what the Mets are feeding him about the status of their team.

Omar Minaya: Subs will do just fine - It did not bother me when the Mets re-signed Alou, but it bothers me that they don’t have a legit backup for him knowing he gets hurt all of the time.

Pedro outing rained out

New York Post:

REIGN IN SPRING - Joel Sherman says that the healthy Martinez is stealing the show in Spring Training.

PEP TALK HAS SANCHEZ EAGER TO GET BACK ON MOUND - Bart Hubbuch pointed out that Pedro gave Duaner Sanchez a pep talk during lunch this week.  Now, Sanchez is expected to pitch this weekend.

MARTINEZ DEBUT DELAYED

PLAY IT COOL - Bart Hubbuch also wrote about the Mets lack of desire to resolve the injury issues.

New York Times:

Left-Field Question Has the Mets Looking for an Answer

Glavine Says Devastation Isn’t the Word - After a disappointing finale with the Mets, Tom Glavine is happy to be back in a Braves uniform.  I bet he is.  He was a Brave all along.  How many times did he beat the Braves head-to-head?  It seemed like once.  Makes me wonder…

The Star-Ledger:

Health improvements - Lisa Kennelly provided a few quick hits about the Mets.

DON’T PANIC - Matthew Artus tells us why we should not panic about what’s happening to the Mets down in Port St. Lucie.

Mets weigh OF options

Pedro’s first start washed out by rain

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The injury list is up to 16 now.  The Mets are downplaying the status of the injuries.  I’m getting more and more concerned about the ‘08 season.  All of these injuries are overshadowing our acquisition of Santana.  It was supposed to be an easy season, but we need our A-team to play for that to happen.  It seems realistic now that our B-team will be on the field a lot this year.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.  Being a Mets fan, it just seems like nothing goes our way.  All we can do is hope.

Mets.com:

Minaya preparing for Alou-less Mets - Marty Noble explains why Omar Minaya will use use other Mets’ players until Moises Alou returns.

Alou likely out until May - Marty Noble further discusses the status of Alou.

Pedro set for first spring start - Anthony DiComo pointed out that Pedro Martinez is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut in tonight’s game against the Washington Nationals.

Newsday:

Kenny Lofton could help solve Mets’ problems - Jim Baumbach explains how Kenny Lofton can help the Mets.  When I think of Lofton, I crack up.  I once worked with a Yankees fan named Frank (from Brooklyn).  Frank would always mock me because I’m a Mets fan.  Each day he would say something like, “Hey Keith, the Mets suck!”  So once upon a time, the Yankees got Lofton.  When arguing the lineups heading into that season, Frank said to me, ”We got Lofton!”  I said, “You should be fine then.”  We all know how that turned out.  It cracked me up that a Yankees fan would try to use Lofton as the selling point when they had a ton of talent.  So Lofton makes me chuckle, but I don’t have a better answer than that for the Metropolitans.  Lofton was pretty good in the Playoffs last year on the Indians.  It made me think of Frank all over again.

Alou’s hernia adds to Mets’ injury woes

El Duque hopes new windup will work out - According to David Lennon, Orlando Hernandez said this when asked if he thinks the new delivery will work, “I don’t know - good luck! When I throw in the game, please, everybody cross their fingers.”  What kind of answer is that?  I want Pelfrey out there!  Lennon believed that Johan Santana had a good outing yesterday.  Willie Randolph said that Duaner Sanchez may not be ready in time for Opening Day.

E-mail from Port St. Lucie - David Lennon stated that Martinez a Double-A prospect named Daniel Murphy.

New York Daily News:

Moises Alou diagnosed with hernia, could be sidelined until mid-May

Omar Minaya’s plan shows its age

Johan Santana’s off-speed is on - Adam Rubin was also complimentary of Santana’s performance yesterday.  Also, Olmedo Saenz resolved his work-visa issue.  Brady Clark is also going to try to learn to play first base in his effort to make the team.

New York Post:

AMAZIN’ BODY COUNT RISING

EL DUQUE GETS SET TO KICK-START HIS SPRING

JOHAN REBOUNDS; PEDRO IS UP NEXT

IN DENIAL: INJURY FLURRY CAUSING NO WORRIES

The New York Times:

The Mets From A to Z: One Fan’s Perspective - Vincent M. Mallozzi told the story of a Mets fan named Matthew Silverman.

Alou Out 4 to 6 Weeks, Making Mets’ Injury Report Complete

The Star-Ledger:

Rain washes out Pedro’s start - Lisa Kennelly reported that storms cancelled tonight’s game between the Mets and the Nationals.

Maybe An Answer’s Under Our Nose - Matthew Artus tries to find solutions for the injured Alou.

Santana is sharp in start

Alou to have hernia surgery

Milledge determined to prove Mets wrong - He can’t prove them wrong by what he does on the field.  The Mets acquired him because he was good on the field.  It is off the field where Lastings Milledge has to prove them wrong.

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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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The Metropolitans lost again.  This time to the Cardinals by a score of 5-4.  Santana gave up a 3-run shot to Juan Gonzalez in the top of the 1st Inning.  The Mets retaliated early on with a few singles to get two runs back in the bottom of the 1st Inning.  The Mets tied the game 3-3 in the 4th Inning before Pujols went yard off of a pitch by Sanchez in the 6th.  The Cards tacked on an insurance run in the top of the 9th before Gotay crushed a solo shot over the left field wall in the bottom of the 9th.  But it wasn’t enough for the Mets which led to their second straight loss to the Cardinals, and their third loss in Spring Training.  The Mets are 0-3 in the Grapefruit League.  Santana was not the stopper that we needed him to be, but it’s only Spring Training.  Eventually, our boys in blue and orange will win a game.

Mets.com:

Santana set for first spring start today

Leap year shines light on Mets’ feats - Marty Noble discusses ‘extras’ because this year we have an extra day.

Newsday:

Mets not happy about ex-Met Milledge’s comments - David Wright responed to Lastings Milledge’s comments by saying,

Enough is enough, you’re a Washington National now. Don’t worry about what happened last year or the year before that. Just go out there and try to help the Nationals win. It makes no sense to bash your former team. He just needs to turn the page and worry about helping the Washington Nationals. Forget about what we’re doing over here. Forget about the New York Mets.

The Mets should simply say that this behavior is why they traded him.

Santana to make Mets’ debut against Cardinals

St. Louis blanks Mets, 7-0 - The AP put together a post-game summary for yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Cardinals.

E-mail from Port St. Lucie - David Lennon let us know the status of the Mets before today’s game took place.

New York Daily News:

Mets have major age-old issues - John Harper has some concerns about the Mets and he goes in depth about it.

Johan Santana makes debut Friday

Duaner Sanchez comes up sore - Adam Rubin noted that Duaner Sanchez did not pitch yesterday because of “normal soreness”.

New York Post:

AN AMAZIN’ MATCH - Bart Hubbuch pointed out that Johan and Pedro have become best friends.

SANCHEZ ‘SORE’ OVER MISSING SPRING DEBUT

CARDS EAT UP MAINE COURSE - Bart Hubbuch also broke down the game yesterday between the Mets and the Cardinals.

New York Times:

Mets Unveil Their Own Health Plan: Keep Alou on the Field

The Star-Ledger:

Sanchez pitches, after all

Q&A with Baseball Prospectus’s Joe Sheehan

Easley gets his footing, looks for gold with Mets - Jeremy Cothran noted that Damion Easley has never played a Postseason game and wants to contribute in a big way to make it happen.

Roster on road an issue - Jeremy Cothran reported that the Mets didn’t bring enough ‘regulars’ when they played the Tigers, and they faced a fine.  Since too many Mets players are still recovering from injuries, MLB agreed with the Mets and didn’t fine them.

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The biggest Mets story of the day is this bag of jewelry that was stolen from the hotel in Port St. Lucie.  Even though it happened to Burgos, I don’t consider it a sports story.  I think there is a big lesson to be learned about it.  Don’t bring $270K worth of jewelry to a hotel.  Leave about $260K of that at home.  I may be inclined to call a few buddies to take a vacation to Port St. Lucie.  When we get down there, we can probably get $250K worth of jewelry from each player on the Mets which is like winning the lottery.  

Mets.com:

Notes: Maine challenges on, off field - Marty Noble pointed out that John Maine is as cerebral in clubhouse as on diamond.

Newsday:

Mets’ Moises Alou gets out of bed hitting - David Lennon lets us know that the Mets are on a mission to won the division and more this season.

Notes: Freddy Garcia in no rush to sign - According to David Lennon, Freddy Garcia cannot pitch until late June or early July so Garcia is going to try to get a contract with a team in contention that needs to add a pitcher for a playoff run.  Further down in the article, Lennon wrote this about Ambiorix Burgos:

In a bizarre turn of events, Mets reliever Ambiorix Burgos had a bag containing $270,000 worth of jewelry stolen from his room at the team hotel on Tuesday only to have it returned later that day by someone who dropped it off at the front desk. According to the Palm Beach Post, the bag contained rings, bracelets, chains and watches. The newspaper also reported that several hours after hotel employees were interviewed about the theft, a man showed up and tossed the bag on the counter, jumped into an SUV and left without talking to police.

Am I the only person that thinks it’s a little bizarre to carry a bag around with $270K worth of jewelry?  Am I the only one that has no compassion for Burgos having his jewelry stolen because he actually brought $270K worth of jewelry in a bag to a hotel?  I think the thief was the only one because he gave it back.

E-mail from Port St. Lucie - David Lennon spotted Rick Peterson without his jacket.  That’s pretty funny.

New York Daily News:

Jimmy Rollins: Phils can win 100 games - Jimmy Rollins strikes back.

Moises Alou may play until he’s 45 - Moises said he would like to play as long as he has the fast hands needed to hit.

Mets meet with Freddy Garcia - Adam Rubin covered the meeting that took place yesterday between the Mets and Freddy Garcia.

Ambiorix Burgos gets bling relief

New York Post:

SOME SPRING IN THEIR STEP - Bart Hubbuch wrote about how Alou is feeling young again.

FAITHFUL FANS FLOCK TO EMBRACE POST-COLLAPSE METS

METS NOT READY FOR FREDDY

New York Times:

The Oracle of the Phillies Has the Last Words

Valentín Wants Chance to Make a Difference - Ben Shpigel tells you how Valentin plans on doing that.

Jewelry of Mets Reliever Is Stolen From His Hotel

The Star-Ledger:

Jewelry heist update

What Describes a True Shea Stadium Experience? - That’s an excellent question…

Alou clutching to career

Burgos’ jewelry swiped

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I may have made you more pessimistic yesterday so I’m going to go through the things that I’m looking forward to this season.

• Johan Santana winning 20+ games and helping the Mets win a World Series.
• With another year of experience under their belts, I would like to see Maine and Oli each win 18 games.
• Duaner Sanchez returning to 2006 status.
• Billy Wagner returning to early 2007 status.
• Jose Reyes finishing the season/postseason as great as he starts it.
• David Wright having a MVP season in ‘07.

Those are the things that I would like to see.  There are many other things that I hope will happen barring injury such as Beltran having an MVP season and Pedro pitching like he did on the Red Sox.  I feel less confident about things like that, but they can prove me wrong.

Mets.com:

No questioning Schneider’s main role - Marty Noble noted that the Metropolitans expect Schneider to make the pitching staff better.

Notes: Alou feeling rejuvenated

Nowhere to go but up - Marty Noble explains how Fred Wilpon’s got the Mets a little giddy.

Newsday:

Phillies’ Rollins amused by Beltran’s boast - Eventually, you knew Rollins would have something to say.

Mets meet with free agent pitcher Garcia - That would be Freddie Garcia according to David Lennon.  Lennon wrote this:

A team official confirmed that the Mets did meet Wednesday morning with free-agent pitcher Freddy Garcia, as first reported Wednesday by SI.com. Garcia, who is still rehabbing from shoulder surgery, is not expected to return until late June or early July. He shares the same agents as Johan Santana - Peter and Ed Greenberg - and it was unclear how close Garcia is to signing with a team.

Marlins-Mets series in Puerto Rico unlikely

Reyes vows to tone down act this season - Jose Reyes told Newsday that he will focus more on baseball and less on celebrations in 2008.

New York Daily News:

Owner Fred Wilpon says ‘it’s a championship season’ for Mets

On the surface, Fred Wilpon shows deep thoughts about Mets

Gary Carter thinks he was missing piece for Mets in 2007 collapse - Not as a player, as part of the coaching staff.

Top prospect Fernando Martinez plans to be marvelous for Mets

New York Post:

SHEA FOR SURE - Bart Hubbuch is referring to the guarantee made by Fernando Martinez yesterday.

WIL TO WIN - Mike Vaccaro is referring to Fred Wilpon’s proclamation yesterday.

PEDRO THROWS OFF MOUND, SHOWS BLING FAITH IN PETERSON - Bart Hubbuch is referring to Pedro pitching with his eyes closed yesterday.

The Star-Ledger:

Moises Alou and the fountain of youth - Alou believes that New York is the fountain of youth.

Maine gives Mets’ rotation star quality - Lisa Kennelly pointed out how John Maine became a star in the offseason.  This article is very funny.

Wilpon expects the best - Jeremy Cothran discusses Fred Wilpon’s optimism for ‘08.

Prospect likes his chances this year - Jeremy Cothran and Lisa Kennelly are also referring to Fernando’s guarantee to play this season.

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