Die Hard Sports Fan

Tonight’s game might not take place due to tornado warnings in and around Atlanta.  They mentioned that the start will most likely be delayed, but they will try to squeeze it in between storms.  This means they may not get enough innings in to make it a game.  I hope they play because I’m looking forward to the pitching dual between John Maine and Tim Hudson.  I’m really excited about these two three-game sets between the NL East rivals that are supposed to be Playoff contenders.  Play ball!

Mets.com:

Mets-Braves series to set tone in East

Shea family to be honored at home - Anthony DiComo noted that, “The Mets will honor the legacy of William A. Shea in a ceremony before their final home opener at Shea Stadium on Tuesday. Thirty members of the Shea family will be on hand to help unveil a new Shea logo, which will hang alongside the team’s three retired numbers, and travel with the Mets to Citi Field next season.”

Glavine to face former mates on FOX - Mark Bowman pointed out that Tom Glavine will pitch against the Mets on Saturday, and Bowman captured Glavine’s thoughts about facing his former team.  I only remember Tommy beating the Braves once as a Met so it’s a good thing he’s not pitching for us this weekend.

El Duque makes Minors rehab start - Marty Noble explains how Orlando Hernandez pitched last night in a Minor League start.

Newsday:

Minaya in no hurry to go outside for rotation help

After great spring, Mets’ Maine starts tonight - David Lennon points out that John Maine is making his 2008 debut tonight against the Braves.

New York Daily News:

Under any name, it’ll still be Shea

Mets, Yanks obsessed with farewells

Brave new world for Glavine, Gotay

El Duque may fill in for Pedro

New York Post:

HERE COMES THE REAL SEASON - Bart Hubbuch is looking forward to the Mets-Braves series this weekend.

WAIVING HAS GOTAY STEAMING - If I was a Met, and they traded me to the Braves I’d be pretty pissed too.  Who would ever want to listen to that tomahawk chop crap?

NEXT WEEK BRINGS AMAZIN’ TEST - Mike Vaccaro wants to know where the Mets will be after playing the Braves and the Phillies.

FIGUEROA CAPS HAPPY JOURNEY BACK TO BIGS

New York Times:

As Goes Maine, So Mets Could Go This Season

The Star-Ledger:

Bunkered down at Turner Field - Jeremy Cothran tells us about the tornado warnings expected tonight in Atlanta.

Mets’ John Maine striving to join baseball’s elite

El Duque solid in rehab stint

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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 Metropolitans will host the Orioles at 7:10 p.m. tonight.  Opening Day is quickly creeping up on us, and it isn’t good news if we can’t put together a healthy roster.  There are multiple articles about whether or not Duaner Sanchez will make the team or end up on the Disabled List.  Sanchez is going to attempt pitching on back-to-back days to see if he can do it.  How that goes will determine whether or not he will end up on the DL.  We all understand how important Duaner is as the setup man to Wagner.  Worse case scenario is that Sanchez gets a late start to the season.

Mets.com:

Mets’ Maine attraction stars in win - Anthony DiComo summarized last night’s game between the Indians and the Mets.  The Mets beat the Tribe 3-1.  John Maine got the start.  The Mets are 14-7-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Coming days key for Sanchez - Anthony DiComo pointed out that Duaner Sanchez must show ability to recover quickly from outings to avoid being placed on the DL.  When Willie Randolph was asked about Sanchez, he said, “Is he on the borderline of not being able to break with us? Yeah, if he doesn’t start to pitch in succession and get his work done. Yeah, then that’s going to become a real issue.”  I agree with Willie when he said it’s going to become a real issue because Sanchez needs to be the man in the 8th inning.

Mets infielders play through pain - Anthony DiComo explains how Jose Valentin and Ruben Gotay played through pain in last night’s game against the Tribe.

Prospect Martinez among four Mets cuts - Anthony DiComo reported that the Mets sent these four players down to the Minors: Fernando Martinez, Nate Field, Tony Armas Jr., and Joselo Diaz.

Newsday:

Mets’ Church getting tired of stress - I don’t understand why Ryan Church feels stressed.  He, like all pro athletes, is overpaid to play a sport.  Church just had a healthy baby.  Pedro Feliciano went through a much worse situation when his daughter was born.  I have more compassion for a person that works at McDonalds that had a healthy baby then Church.

Mets’ Sanchez might not make Opening Day

Injured Mets receiving most media attention

New York Daily News:

David Wright throws himself into new routine to reduce errors - Adam Rubin supports that David Wright has had fielding issues over the past three years with statistics.  Sandy Alomar Sr. explains what Wright needs to do to improve his fielding, and Wright explains what he is going to do to improve his fielding.

Duaner Sanchez itching to pitch more

New York Post:

MISSING IN ACTION - Bart Hubbuch discusses the status of injured Mets players.

DOMINANT MAINE MOWS DOWN INDIANS - Bart Hubbuch lets us know what he thought of Maine’s outing against the Indians last night.

SANCHEZ MAY MISS OPENER

New York Times:

Mets Still Waiting on Sánchez

The Star-Ledger:

Good night folks - Lisa Kennelly gave us a couple of quick thoughts as of last night.

Mets’ Maine Attraction Still Intact

Once again, Mets are down to third catcher

Sanchez hopes to get back on track

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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 Mets got some revenge on the Marlins, in Spring Training anyway.  The Mets won 6-2.  John Maine was the starter, and he gave up 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 7 in three innings of work.  The Mets finally got above .500 which is a teeny bit relieving, but down 11 men makes me very uneasy.

The best article of the day about the Amazins’ was “GRASPING AT STRAW” by Joel Sherman of the NY Post.  Make sure you check that one out.

Mets.com:

Pagan stays hot; pitching stops Fish - Joe Frisaro summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Marlins.  Frisaro pointed out the Angel Pagan had 3 hits and his average is .423 so far in Spring Training.  The Mets are now 4-3 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Trio of pitchers at different stages - Marty Noble lets us know the status of Mike Pelfrey, Pedro Martinez, and Orlando Hernandez.

Plans unveiled for Robinson Museum - Jack O’Connell wrote, “On the occasion of its 35th anniversary, the Jackie Robinson Foundation announced plans on Monday night for a Jackie Robinson Museum located at the foundation’s new national headquarters at 1 Hudson Square in lower Manhattan.”

Strawberry back where it all began

Notes: Gotay to have CAT scan on ankle - Marty Noble reported that Ruben Gotay was scheduled to have a CAT scan this morning.  Ryan Church returned to Mets camp yesterday, but he still cannot play.

Newsday:

Underachieving Mets aren’t boasting anymore - Wallace Matthews found out that the Mets will not have a slogan in ‘08.  Matthews playfully came up with several slogans that the Mets could use.

Mets doctors on foot patrol with El Duque, Pedro

Mets’ Church on his feet after collision

SPRING TRAINING: E-MAIL FROM PORT St. LUCIE - David Lennon gave a quick bit on Darryl Strawberry being hired by the Mets.

New York Daily News:

Ruben Gotay may have broken ankle; Orlando Hernandez limited

Darryl Strawberry’s stirring redemption with Mets always a hit

New York Post:

PEL OF A START - Bart Hubbuch pointed out that Mike Pelfrey had another great start so the fight for the 5th spot in the rotation continues.

EL DUQUE’S LEG LIFT KICKS THE BUCKET - Joel Sherman found out that “”El Duque” admits he either has to alter the knee-to-chin portion of his windup or eliminate it completely if he wants to continue to pitch in the major leagues.”  I guess the question is will Hernandez be able to adapt?

GRASPING AT STRAW - Joel Sherman says that Strawberry must explain to the current Mets that they cannot allow opportunities to slip away like they did in the ’80s.

LOOKS LIKE BAD BREAK FOR GOTAY - I just hope that the results are negative.

New York Times:

Seeking a Spot, a Mets Pitcher Has to Be Creative - Karen Crouse wrote a brief description of Nelson Figueroa Jr.

Strawberry, in New Role, Is Back With the Mets

The Star-Ledger:

Maine and his money - The Mets renewed John Maine’s contract, according to Lisa Kennelly.

2002: A Cautionary Tale - Matthew Artus is drawing the links between the 2002 Mets and the 2008 Mets.  I don’t even want to think about the 2002 Mets, but there are definitely some health concerns right now.

Pelfrey making case for fifth spot

CT scan scheduled for Gotay

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The Mets beat the Braves which is always a good thing.  I have no complaints about that.  Mike Pelfrey looked really good, again.  Pelfrey wants that final spot.  Some of these young kids can hit in clutch ‘Spring Training’ spots.  The Mets were able to get back to .500.

Whenever I’ve been listening to talk radio lately, I hear Mets fans call up and say they want the Mets to go after Barry Bonds or Sammy Sosa to play right field.  I want no part of these steroid users on the Mets.  Bonds knees are so bad that he hasn’t been able to play in years.  Sosa missed a few years prior to playing for the Rangers last year.  Sosa still had a little game left, but I just don’t want any part of any of these guys.  My favorite story of the day was when I read that the Mets are trying to trade Scott Schoeneweis.  Schoeneweis is the last of the mohicans, on the Mets, so let’s keep that way by not brininging in any more of them.  I would prefer to root for a clean team!

Mets.com:

Pelfrey sharp in second spring outing - Marty Noble summarized today’s game between the Braves and the Mets.  The Mets beat the Braves 3-2 in the tenth inning.  Mike Pelrey was the starting pitcher.  The Mets are 3-3 in the Grapefruit League standings. 

Mailbag: El Duque out of the rotation? - Marty Noble answers questions posed by Mets fans’.

Mets reserves boast win over Dodgers - Anthony DiComo provided a game summary and the box score for yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Dodgers.  Oliver Perez got the start.  The Mets beat the Dodgers 6-5.  The Mets are 2-3 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Notes: Valentin covering his bases - The Mets have Jose Valentin learning first base this spring because they lack depth at the position.

Delgado’s hip pain not serious - That’s good news.  The reports yesterday indicated that Delgado would miss 15 games.  Now Carlos Delgado should only miss a few games, according to Marty Noble.

Newsday:

Delgado’s MRI negative, but hip still an issue - David Lennon also covered Carlos Delgado’s hip injury.  Lennon said that the MRI was negative, but Delgado’s hip can continue to nag him troughout the season.

Straw is back - David Lennon reported that the Mets hired Darryl Strawberry as a full-time instructor.

Church, Anderson still hurting after collision - David Lennon provided us with the current status of Church and Anderson.  Marlon Anderson was diagnosed with a bruised sternum.  Ryan Church was diagnosed with a Grade 2 concussion.  Lennon goes on to explain the ninth inning of yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Dodgers.

E-mail from Vero Beach - David Lennon says farewell to Dodgertown.

New York Daily News:

Mets backups help beat Dodgers while Carlos Delgado returns, but sits out - Adam Rubin also wrote about Carlos Delgado’s hip injury.

Willie Randolph, Joe Torre face chills of early spring pressure - Bill Madden describes the challenges that Willie Randolph and Joe Torre face this season.

Sources: Scott Schoeneweis, Jorge Sosa being shopped - That’s great news.  Get rid of the steroid scum and another pitcher that just sucks.

New York Post:

ELEVEN MEN OUT - Bart Hubbuch tallied up the injured Mets and lets you know the status of the team.

PEREZ GETS HIT HARD IN FIRST START - Bart Hubbuch walks you through the poor outing by Oliver Perez in his first start.  Pedro Martinez is scheduled to make his first start of the spring on Thursday.

New York Times:

Santana’s Changeup: Hitters Never See It Coming - Jack Curry lets you know about Johan Santana’s pitches.

Mets May Keep Delgado Out Several Days

The Star-Ledger:

Grapefruit League Game 6: Braves vs. Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineups and a summary of the first three innings of today’s game between the Braves and the Mets.

Mets Might Not Want to Be Penned Down - Matthew Artus explains the plusses and minuses of trading Scott Schoeneweis and Jorge Sosa.

Latest injury: Gotay’s ankle - Jeremy Cothran tells us how Ruben Gotay injured his ankle as well as his status.

Mets shrug off need for one leader - Jeremy Cothran descbribes who the leaders on the Mets are.

Bad day: Injuries hit hard

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The Mets must get their guys healthy or the start of the season isn’t going to be a good one.  The Mets are playing the Dodgers right now even though the game isn’t aired.  The Dodgers are winning 3-1 in the top of the 3rd.  Hopefully the Mets can come back and win this game.  Maybe even get on a little hot streak and get back to .500.

Newsday:

Facing Mets, Dodgers’ Torre doesn’t diss Yankees - Why would Joe Torre bash his former team?  What is he Lastings Milledge?

SPRING TRAINING: E-MAIL FROM PORT St. LUCIE - David Lennon described Jose Reyes’ at bat when he got hit by a pitch in yesterday’s game.

Collision hurts Church most; Mets’ injuries mount - A bunch of Mets got banged up in yesterday’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.  David Lennon explains what occured on and off the field that made it difficult for Willie to put a team on the field.

New York Daily News:

Marlon Anderson, Ryan Church collide; Carlos Delgado sent home - Adam Rubin also walks you through the Mets players that got injured yesterday.

19-year-old phenom Fernando Martinez blazing a trail toward Shea

There’s a lot more going on during the spring than meets the eye - Anthony McCarron details all of the things that take place behind the scenes in Spring Training.

Jon Niese looks nice in win - Adam Rubin thinks so, and I concur.  Jonathan Niese only pitched 2 innings, but he looked good on the mound.  Rubin also wrote that “Scouts suggest the Mets may be concerned about Ruben Gotay’s range and expect the team to shop for a bona fide backup shortstop this spring.”

New York Post:

METS GET CRASH COURSE IN PAIN - Bart Hubbuch details the collision that took place between Ryan Church and Marlon Anderson in yesterday’s game.

SERBY’S SUNDAY Q&A WITH… - Steve Serby asks Duaner Sanchez questions about his recovery.

A NIESE DAY: PROSPECT KEY TO FIRST VICTORY - Bart Hubbuch lets us know about Niese’s outing yesterday.

OLD JOE CROWS ABOUT NEW JOE - Joe Torre praised Joe Girardi yesterday.

CARLOS HASN’T BEEN LEADER AMAZINS’ NEED - Kevin Kernan takes his shots at Carlos Delgado.

The Star-Ledger:

Some game updates - Jeremy Cothran takes you through the first two innings of today’s game between the Mets and the Dodgers.  Oliver Perez got the start.

Bad day: Injuries hit hard - Jeremy Cothran also discusses the status of the injured Mets.

Mets’ Pelfrey is prepared to advance - According to Jeremy Cothran, Mike Pelfrey continues to impress and wants to make the team.

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After 3 straight loses, the Amazins’ got their first win today as they beat the Dodgers 1-0.  Jonathan Niese gave up no hits and no runs in 2 innings.  Ryan Church collided with Marlon Anderson in right field.  Brady Clark replaced Church and Michael Abreu replaced Anderson.  The score was 0-0 as the Mets headed into the bottom of the 9th.  The Mets quickly loaded the bases, and then Brady Clark (I know you want me to say that he hit a grand slam) was hit by a pitch to drive in the winning run.  These are classic Mets moments.  The Mets are 1-3 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Happy Birthday Ramon Castro!

Mets.com:

Subs come through in clutch for Mets - Marty Noble provided a summary and a box score for today’s game between the Mets and the Dodgers.

Delgado has impingement in right hip - Carlos Delgado is getting an MRI in New York.

Notes: Last Mets trip to Dodgertown - Marty Noble reported that the Mets will make their last trip to Dodgertown tomorrow.  Noble also provided many memorable moments that the Mets have had in Dodgertown.

Notes: It’s honky dory with Sanchez - Anthony DiComo pointed out that Dauner Sanchez pitched in yesterday’s game for the first time since 2006, and Sanchez felt good on the mound.  Orlando Hernandez pitched two batting practice sessions yesterday, but the Mets are in no rush to insert him in the rotation.  Ruben Gotay continues to show Willie that he belongs on the team by hitting a homerun in yesterday’s game.

It’s all about Santana on this day - Anthony DiComo summarized yesterday’s game between the Cardinals and the Mets, and he also included the box score.  It was Johan Santana’s first Spring Training start as a Met.

Newsday:

Mets’ Sanchez feels well despite Pujols’ home run - That’s relieving, but what do you expect?  Duaner hasn’t been out there in two years.

Davey Johnson back in baseball as USA’s manager - Jim Baubach reported that Davey Johnson will be the manager of the United States baseball team in the Beijing Olympics this summer.  That’s awesome.  Go Davey!!!

Santana hit hard but not worried about Mets debut - David Lennon offers his thoughts on Santana’s debut against the Cards yesterday.

New York Daily News:

Juan Gonzalez has a blast on day Johan Santana doesn’t

Johan Santana roughed up in Met debut - Adam Rubin recapped yesterday’s game between the Cardinals and the Mets.

Foot woe is real pain for El Duque

New York Post:

DELGADO TO GET MRI ON HIP - Bart Hubbuch stated that Delgado will be out the next 15 days.

THAT’S A RELIEF: DUANER FINALLY TAKES MOUND

New York Times:

Delgado’s Woes Show How Fragile Mets Are

Pitches and Spirits Are Up in Santana’s Debut

The Star-Ledger:

Finally a win, but no one’s celebrating

Santana works out the kinks

El Duque still feeling out of sorts on mound

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Spring Training is about to begin, so here’s a look at what the ‘08 lineup shoud look like:

1. Jose Reyes
2. Luis Castillo
3. David Wright
4. Carlos Beltran
5. Carlos Delgado
6. Moises Alou
7. Ryan Church
8. Brian Schneider
9. Pitcher

Mets.com:

Delgado gets back to basics - Anthony DiComo walks you through how Delgado intends to get back on track.

Mailbag: The underdog stops here - Marty Noble answered a whole bunch of questions about various topics.

Notes: Pedro takes turn on mound - Anthony DiComo provided various clues as to what is taking place in Port St. Lucie.   

• Rick Peterson had Pedro pitch with his eyes closed.
• It has been six years since Pagan has been a Met, so DiComo is happy to see him back home.
• Anthony noted that the Mets have an abundance of players that can fill in for Castillo, so Gotay is just trying to make the team.
• DiComo points out that Schneider wears a goalie-style mask rather than a traditional cather’s mask.

Young Kunz learning early from Wagner - Anthony DiComo lets us know all about how rookie reliever Eddie Kunz has been listening and shadowing the old dogs like Wagner.

Newsday:

Pedro moves up mound appearance - David Lennon stated that Martinez showed up to throw a day early.  Then Lennon pointed out that Beltran didn’t show up yesterday after making that bold prediction.  Last, Willie was quoted as saying that Reyes needs rest and will get more days off this year.

Will less Wagner be more effective for Mets? - Wagner believes that he’ll be more effective if he is used less in ‘08 which makes Ken Davidoff wonder if the Mets will be more or less effective.  This is funny because I remember Billy allowing too many runners on base last year.  If he focuses on getting people out then he won’t have to throw as many pitches.

SPRING TRAINING: E-MAIL FROM PORT St. LUCIE - David Lennon pointed out that Santana had trouble looking back a runner today.

SPRING TRAINING: Sometimes Gold has silver lining - David Lennon reminded us that Wright is coming off of a Gold Glove season in 2007.  Lennon detailed the numerous things that David is doing to improve his defensive skills.  At the end of the article, David included all of Wright’s fielding statistics.

New York Daily News:

NL East champion Phillies question Carlos Beltran’s boast - Adam Rubin included quotes from various Phillies regarding Beltran’s prediction.

For Mets, Brian Schneider might be biggest catch of the offseason

Mets wary of Oliver Perez’s looming contract battle after season - Adam Rubin lets you know the latest and greatest about the status of this situation.

Jose Reyes plan favors Ruben Gotay - The ‘Reyes Plan’ is rest, and Adam Rubin explained how Gotay will most likely be the backup to Reyes.

New York Post:

GOING TO CHURCH - Bart Hubbuch believes that the Amazin’s are praying for Church to be the right fit.

MASKED MARVELS - Mike Vaccaro reminded us that Mets fans fall in love with our Catchers, and Schnieder is newest one for us to open up our hearts for.

PHILS WON’T TAKE BAIT

PEDRO TAKES THE MOUND A DAY EARLY

The Star-Ledger:

Carlos Delgado Has Arrived - Jeremy Cothran pointed out that Delgado showed up.  In this article, Cothran included this video clip where “Phillies pitcher Kyle Kendrick get “punked” by his teammates in Clearwater”.

Gotay may be on the short list

Sanchez is giving Mets something to chew on - Jeremy Cothran noticed that Sanchez lost about 25 pounds because of a new diet, and Duaner is doing all of this to help the Mets dominate the National League.

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