Ryan Church came back to New York yesterday and underwent neurological tests today in Manhattan. The Star-Ledger reported that the “MRI Ryan Church had on his head and neck were negative.” The Mets said his status is still day-to-day. This is good news because not all of us believed him when he said that he sat out of the game due to migraines. Church insisted that he has been suffering from migraines for a lifetime.
Jon Blau of Mets.com reported that the Mets activated Ryan Church as expected. To make room on roster, the Mets placed Trot Nixon on the 15-day DL on Sunday with a left groin strain. I was unaware that anything was wrong with Nixon. According to Jerry Manuel, “He played as hard as he could, battled as hard as he could. It limited him somewhat, but he would never mention that it did. He just wanted to play, so hopefully this will give him a chance to heal and rest up a bit.” I guess that’s why I didn’t know anything about it. Let’s hope that Trot comes back healthy.
Ryan Church was supposed to be back in time for the Subway Series, as we pointed out the other day. That didn’t work out as planned, but Church is expected back tomorrow according to Mets.com. Ryan is to return after missing 27 of the team’s 35 most recent games because of the aftereffects of the concussion that he suffered on May 20 in Atlanta. Jerry Manuel said, “Hopefully, he can continue having the year he was having.”
The Metropolitans can definitely use their best player right now. He will get to play in one game against the Yankees, then it’s on to St. Louis and Philadelphia. Both are teams the Mets are trying to catch up to in the Playoff hunt.
Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News pointed out that Ryan Church is expected to return for the Subway Series this upcoming weekend. Church is supposed to take BP at Shea today. Jerry Manuel wants Ryan to begin a rehab assignment with the Brooklyn Cyclones tomorrow at Hudson Valley. It’s great if he could come back because he’s been our best player this year, but I’m a little uneasy after how the Mets handled that situation. I hope he’s really 100% by the time he comes back because concussions are not the type of injury to mess around with.
So Willie managed to make it through the weekend after the Mets won the series against the Rangers two games to one. Now the Mets are in Cali to take on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim or something like that. Not really sure what that means…lol. That would be like the New York Jets of East Ruthersford. No matter how you slice it or dice it, it just sounds dumb. The Angels went from representing the state to representing Anaheim to representing L.A. and Anaheim in my lifetime. Who knows what they did prior to that. Anyway, here’s the pitching probables for the series.
Mets heave sigh of relief with split - Marty Noble summarized the second Rangers-Mets game yesterday.
Team cycle becoming a factor for Mets - Jon Blau wrote up a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Angels and the Mets.
Late-inning heroics not enough - Jon Blau summarized the first Rangers-Mets game yesterday.
Church itching to be back with Mets - Ryan Church stated, “It’s progressing every day, it’s getting better. I haven’t had any spells or anything like that. It’s just one of those things now, waiting out time on the DL.”
Willie deserves better from Jeff Wilpon - Wallace Matthews wrote that,
No one with the Mets has told Randolph he’s in trouble, not to his face, anyway. He must read it in the papers, leaked through Wilpon’s media lapdogs, hear it on the radio, discern it in the lukewarm votes of confidence from his general manager and the ominous inaccessibility of his bosses.
Randolph gets on plane, going day to day - Mark Herrmann pointed out that,
Minaya was asked by reporters if Randolph and the coaching staff will be working when the team plays the Angels in Anaheim, Calif., tonight, and gave only this vague response: “Willie is our manager. That situation is always under evaluation.”
When he was pressed again about the manager and the coaches, Minaya kept repeating the same basic theme. “You know my feelings on it,” he said. “I think we’re not playing to our potential and I would like to leave myself room to evaluate these things.”
Nine years since last hit, Cancel gets a big one - Katie Strang covered Robinson Cancel’s big pinch hit two-run single off Texas starter Kason Gabbard to break a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning. Strang also pointed out, “Before his at-bat, fans were chanting Martinez’s name in hopes he’d get another at-bat during his first home start of the season, but fortunately for embattled Mets manager Willie Randolph, he did not oblige.” That was a gutsy move by Willie, and he’s lucky it worked out.
Rick Peterson, Tom Nieto facing ax but Willie Randolph safe - for now - Adam Rubin wrote,
Sources have told the Daily News that principal owner Fred Wilpon and chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon have authorized Minaya to make the call on whether to fire Randolph, pitching coach Rick Peterson and first base coach Tom Nieto. Bench coach Jerry Manuel would ascend to manager if Randolph is ousted, while Triple-A New Orleans manager Ken Oberkfell and pitching coach Dan Warthen would join the major league staff.
A team insider speculated that Randolph could survive a first round of firings, saying: “I think the coaches are in trouble. That may be the compromise for now.”
I have no idea how firing the first base coach is going to get this team rolling. Minaya has to realize that his players are the problem.
Mets bullpen finds a way to save face in second game vs. Rangers
Slow-footed Brian Schneider easily out at the plate - Now that was some poor base running by Brian Schneider.
Brooklyn Cyclones & Staten Island Yankees get farms up & runnin’
Ryan Church talks to ESPN about the state of the Mets and the status of Willie Randolph.
So the Metsies are on a 5-game losing streak, and who knows when it’s going to end. Even when they put up 5 runs in the first two innings, they can’t seal the deal. They have a whole bunch of issues. The media and the fans have pointed them out since game one. The issues are obvious to us, but it’s the organization that needs to shake things up before it’s too late or it’s going to be a very long season.
Mets fall to D-backs after delay - Anthony DiComo summarized last night’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.
Randolph hopes to ‘return the favor’ - Jon Blau put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.
Mets follow doctors’ orders with Church - Anthony DiComo reported that Ryan Church won’t return from DL until neurologist clears him.
Optimistic Alou returns to Mets’ lineup
Mets blow 5-1 lead against Arizona- Roderick Boone summarized last night’s Diamondbacks-Mets game.
It’s time to restart the Willie watch
Alou itching to help, finally gets activated
Despite meeting, Mets blow lead and fall to Diamondbacks 9-5 at Shea - Roger Rubin wrote up a game summary for last night’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.
Despite defeat to Diamondbacks, Mets might see magic in numbers
Met bullpen racked for six runs in four innings vs. Diamondbacks - The Bullpen shouldn’t even pitch four innings.
Moises Alou gets hit, then sits
‘PEN GIVES LEAD D’BACK TO ‘ZONA - Mark Hale summarized last night’s D-Backs-Mets game.
NO JOKE! ‘HEALTHY’ ALOU EYES PLAYOFFS
Alou Is Back, Church Is on the D.L. and the Mets Stagger On
Mets’ Bullpen to the Rescue in Delay
He just can’t go any Mo - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for tonight’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.
Mets bullpen falters as skid hits five
Virginia has its share of premium baseball players
Diamondbacks batter Mets, 9-5 - Colin Stephenson summarized last night’s game between the D-Backs and the Mets.
The Amazin’s have completed the first 62 games of their season and have a 30-32 record. Their GM and Manager stated that their record is ‘unacceptable’. Their best everyday player of ‘08, Church, was just placed on the 15-day DL. The entire team is underperforming, according to the team. Where will the Mets end up after the final 100 games?
The Mets begin a six-game homestand against the D-Backs tonight. Here’s a look at the probable pitching matchups:
Mets look for boost in All-Star balloting - Marty Noble pointed out that there are not any Mets at the top of their respective position for the All-Star balloting.
Church headed to DL with concussion - Jon Blau reported that Ryan Church, “will be placed on the 15-day disabled list before Tuesday’s game because of lingering effects from a concussion suffered May 20 in Atlanta.” This was expected and should of been done earlier.
Mailbag: Tough to live up to ‘great’ billing - Marty Noble answers Mets fans’ questions.
Mets players raise money on off-day - Jon Blau told us what the Mets did on their off day yesterday, “On Monday, instead of buttoning up their uniforms, the Mets were flashing fashionable suit jackets at the Richards clothing store in Greenwich, Conn., schmoozing with fans and autograph seekers alike. They spent their one day away from the diamond raising money for charity at the Mets Foundation’s “Teammates in the Community” fund-raiser sponsored by NetJets.”
King of Queens (Video) - Carlos Delgado has found his groove after a slow start to ‘08.
Are the Mets a money team or not? - Willie Randolph said, “I think we’re a good team, but it’s always been ridiculous that people look at payroll. I’ve been on many teams where that doesn’t wash. People have to produce. Look at Seattle this year or Detroit. Let’s be real. You have to play. Salary has nothing to do with it. Expectations might be higher by fans and the media, but you have to play the game, do your job, execute. That’s how you justify payroll. It doesn’t mean it’s automatic.
Minaya concerned about Mets ‘unacceptable’ record - Omar Minaya said, “Five hundred is not acceptable because we are better than that.” Roderick Boone wrote, “Minaya said he’s working the phone every day, trying to see if players who could help are available. He’s considered changing the makeup of the 25-man roster but said nothing out there at the moment makes sense. With five weeks left before the All-Star break, few if any clubs are ready to give up and trade a valuable commodity.” It is about time Omar sees that there is an issue because you cannot solve it if you don’t. It’s like the first step of AA.
With aging players, barren farm system, Omar Minaya’s rule a reign of error - Adam Rubin is calling Minaya’s rule an ‘error’. That seems way too strong because the same paper said that about Isiah Thomas. The Mets are playing .500 ball while the Knicks were nowhere near that. Both had high payrolls while the results are different. Minaya needs to get a little bit more credit than Isiah.
Series Preview: Mets vs. D-backs
Ryan Church to DL as Mets get pair back
Omar Minaya, Willie Randolph stay upbeat about Mets - Newsday put a negative spin on this topic while the New York Daily News put a positive spin on the topic, but the quote is the same.
AMAZIN’LY AVERAGE - Bart Hubbuch wrote, “After forking over a whole lot of millions in the offseason, the Wilpons are getting a whole lot of mediocrity in return.” Isn’t that the truth?
CHURCH HEADING TO DISABLED LIST
Mets’ Debt Comes Due in 100 Games
Mets’ Record Is ‘Not Acceptable’ to Minaya or Randolph
Mets’ draft pick in fight (kind of)
Last night, I had to go to a dinner. I got into the car around 1 a.m. and turned on WFAN, they said that it was tied 1-1 in the Bottom of the 10th. I said, “Oh no. The Mets are going to lose to the Padres 2-1 again.” On the next pitch, Scott Hairston hit a walkoff homer to win the game 2-1. Now that was frustrating.
Mets lose third in symmetrical fashion - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.
Mets hope Pedro can salvage Game 4 - Marty Noble wrote up a pregame analysis for today’s Mets-Padres game.
Church’s situation not encouraging - Marty Noble reported that Ryan Church, “experienced a pulsating sensation on both sides of his head, his situation had reverted to where it had been several times since the concussion, to a point of uncertain prognosis and discussion of assigning him to the disabled list.” I’m very concerned about Ryan. He should go on the DL if he is still suffering symptons. It is a tough blow to this Mets team because he was performing better than everybody else, but the Mets have to do what’s right for their players health.
Johan expects to make next start - Marty Noble reported that Johan Santana, “seemed relatively confident on Saturday that the bruised left shoulder he sustained on Friday wouldn’t prevent him from taking his next scheduled turn in the Mets’ starting rotation on Thursday. “ That’s great news because he’s the last person we need to lose to injury.
PADRES 1, METS 1: Church is using his head - Newsday summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres. For some reason, the score is incorrect.
Mets’ Church done for weekend; could go on DL
Mets offense sputters again, fall to Padres 2-1 for third straight game - Adam Rubin summarized last night’s Mets-Padres game.
Ryan Church still suffering from post-concussion symptoms
No worry on Johan Santana’s shoulders
IT’S SAME ‘O’ STORY - Bart Hubbuch wrote up a game summary for last night’s Mets-Padres game.
BELL RUNG, CHURCH OUT TWO DAYS
RED LETTER DAY - This article is part of the ‘25 Greatest Moments at Shea’ series. It is No. 16 when Tom Seaver returned on August 21, 1977.
SAVES OF ANOTHER KIND - Brian Costello lets us know about Billy Wagner’s upbringing.
Mets Caught in a Loop of 2-1 Losses in San Diego - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.
The Star-Ledger:
Offense sputtering as Mets lose third straight
Game 61: Mets at Padres - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for last night’s Mets-Padres game.
The Mets have two games left with the Padres just to even up the series. At best, they can come home from California with a 4-3 record. All of us Mets fans are waiting for whatever it is that is going to ignite this team. Each time we see signs, we think all is right. It hasn’t been the case yet because they are struggling against last place teams. Since the Mets have been playing .500 for so long, there’s no reason to assume that it’s going to get better except for my own hope. After last season, I thought that this season didn’t even begin until they locked up the division. I thought that they would pick up where they left off, in September but sealing the deal. Now, I just hope they get to October.
Santana hurt as Mets suffer tough loss - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres. He also noted that Johan Santana suffered a bruised left shoulder when he was struck by a pitch in the sixth inning.
After Johan injury, Mets aim to regroup - Marty Noble wrote up a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Padres.
Church doesn’t play against Padres
Holes filled by departed blue chippers - Jon Blau pointed out that the Mets replenished their farm system by going after collegiate prospects rather than high school prospects.
Meeting with Randolph benefits Reyes - After a routine ball bounced through the legs of Jose Reyes in the third inning of Wednesday’s game in San Francisco, Willie Randolph spoke with Reyes about it Thursday before the Mets played their first game of their four-game series against the Padres. Willie stated that “Footwork … mechanics … rhythm.” was the message, and Marty Noble believes that it’s paying off on Reyes.
More frustration for Mets in 2-1 loss - David Lennon summarized last night’s Mets-Padres game.
Randolph hasn’t lost faith in Perez - yet - Willie said this about Oliver Perez, “I told him how disappointed I was in his performance and to get ready for the next one.”
Mets’ Church upset about benching Friday night
THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what took place at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium on June 7 of a year in the past.
Johan Santana’s gaffe aids Padres rally in 2-1 Mets loss - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary about last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.
Heath Bell rings ‘em up - Adam Rubin lets you know how former Met, Heath Bell, is doing.
Ryan Church out of the lineup again
TOP PICK ALREADY LOVES NY - Since the Mets drafted Ike Davis, who is the son of former Yankee Ron Davis, Ike had this to say when asked about New York, “He just said they have the best fans and it’s a blast because every game is live and die with them. He loved it, and I’m looking forward to it, too.”
Mistakes Mar Close Game as Mets Slip Back to .500 - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s Mets-Padres game.
Pelfrey Throws More Pitches, Learning More
Mets can’t muster much, Santana falls to Padres
Church sits as playing time is monitored
Final: Padres 2, Mets 1 - Jeremy Cothran summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.
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