Maine: Eat more bananas

Posted by Matt Pignataro

John Maine left the game after experienced cramping in his left forearm near the elbow, during last night's game.

Maine says it is a little sore, but he feels alright and has planned to go through his normal day-after routine.

Maine on how to avoid it, “Who knows? Eat more bananas. It’s just like a stinger in my arm. It’s all right.”

Church: I’ve been in a car crash

Posted by Matt Pignataro

According to reports, Ryan Church left Saturday's ball game due to migraines. He has been suffering from them since high school.

Church is out of today's lineup, as he is sensitive to sun light.

Church, on how long it lasts:

“Normally the headache is that day. The next day it usually feels like I’ve been in a car crash - my body hurts, my head hurts, nauseated. That’s just what I’m feeling now.”

These migraines aren't an affect of Church's concussion's, which he has suffered this season.

Lidge gets Extension with Phils

Posted by Matt Pignataro

Phillies closer Brad Lidge signed a three-year extension for $37.5 million with a team option for 2012 that could make it worth $49 million.

Castillo placed on DL

Posted by Matt Pignataro

The Mets have placed Luis Castillo on the disabled list with a strained left hip flexor and have demoted Carlos Muniz to New Orleans.

Chris Aguila and Argenis Reyes are excepted to be called up from Triple-A to fill the vacant spots.

Reyes was hitting .290 down with the Zephyrs, before the call up.

Muniz taking the New Orleans shuttled back for the fourth time this season.

It's time to eat the rest if Castillo's contract, he serves no purpose to this team. All he does is get injuried and his basically the walking wounded. That fake bunt crap is getting old in my mind. Swing the damn bat for once and field a ground ball correctly.

On a lighter note, it will be cool to see a Reyes, Reyes combo up the middle.

Who would you take Kazmir or Johan?

Posted by Matt Pignataro

Roger Rubin of the Daily News, writes a great article about how Scott Kazmir now considers the trade from the Mets to the Rays 'a blessing.'

Kazmir, now on the trade:

"It turned out to be a blessing... If that doesn't happen, I don't pitch in the majors as soon as I did. If that doesn't happen I'm not on this team, sitting in first place and hoping for October."

This season Kazmir is 7-3 with a 2.28 ERA with 72 K's in 67 innings pitched.

A good discussion is who would you take Scott Kazmir or Johan Santana?

Personally, I would take Scott Kazmir over Johan Santana. Even though Kazmir has been bitten by the injury bug a couple of times over his career, his potential out ways his injuries. Last season, Kazmir went 13-9 and led the AL with 239 strikeouts on a team that averaged 97 losses the past three seasons. Kazmir has become a dominant force much quicker than Johan Santana this early in his career and is still just 24 years-old.

This season opponents are hitting .246 against Santana, while hitting just .192 against Kazmir.

Johan Santana has pitched up to his contract in my mind, keeping the Mets in the ball game, despite his 7-7 record and receiving little to none run support. Only twice this season has Santana given up 4 runs or more in a game. I'm just still concerned about how Santana is losing velocity off his pitches.

Who know's what would have happened if the Mets would have never traded away Kazmir. Maybe the Mets would have never traded for Johan Santana or maybe last season would have been different.

Who would take Johan Santana or Scott Kazmir? Post them in the comment section.

Catching Platoon?

Posted by Matt Pignataro

Maybe it's time for Jerry Manuel consider platooning Ramon Castro and Brian Schneider behind the plate.

Ramon Casto was 2-for-4 with 3 RBI, during the Mets 7-4 victory over the Cardinals last night.

Looking at it more closely, Schneider is hitting and slugging .216 against lefty's, while Castro is hitting .318 and slugging .500 against lefty's.

Castro, after the game:

“I just want to win. I’m glad I played good today. Every time I play more, I feel better. I just want to help the team win, especially now, when we need it. Every time they put me out there I will play my best.”

Manuel wants Mets O to be Consistent

Posted by Matt Pignataro

The Mets bats finally came alive last night after going dead on Monday. The Mets had 14 hits while scoring seven times in last night's game.

Jerry Manuel on the team's offense:

“I have to see this on a consistent basis. Obviously, when you perform the way we did tonight, it gives you hope. You know it’s there. It’s just a matter of it becoming consistent. If we can get to that point, we’ll feel better about ourselves.”

The Mets season has been like a roller coaster ride, with high points and low points. I think everyone knows the Mets need to be more consistent. They look great one night and the next it looks as if they haven't picked up a baseball in years. An example of this is when they took 2 out of 3 against the Rockies. We all thought they were going to turn it around since they were going to play the worst team in baseball in the Mariners. Next thing you Johan Santana is serving up a grand slam to the pitcher Felix Hernandez. If the Mets even want think about getting over .500 let alone make the playoffs, they need to be consistent night in and night out.

Maine doesn't have "Dead Arm"

Posted by Matt Pignataro

According to John Delcos of The Journal News, John Maine does not have a "dead arm" and will make his Saturday start against the Phillies.

Delcos writes:

'Maine attributed part of the problem to rushing through his side session Friday when he tried to squeeze it in between the two-stadium, day-night doubleheader against the Yankees.'

***

In the article Delcos says that Jerry Manual's patience is running thin with Luis Castillo, saying, "He seems to wear down easier than I thought he would."

***
He also gives a rehab update on Moises Alou who went 2-for-3 in last night's game for the St. Lucie Mets.

Sanchez sore from liner

Posted by Matt Pignataro

In the eight inning of last night's game Duaner Sanchez took a Yadier Molina line drive off of the inside of his left knee.

According to the New York Post, Duaner knows his knee will be sore and doesn't expect to miss any action.

Name that Molina? If you guessed Yadier, then congrats.

A-Scumbag

Posted by Michael Lucre

Well folks, I'm back and I'm still angry. Yeah the Mets won, big whoop now they are only one game under .500. But its not the Mets I'm angry at, nope this time its Alex Rodriguez the Yankees premodonna third baseman has decided not to participate in the State Farm Home Run Derby. Maybe Alex did not realize that the Home Run Derby is at Yankee Stadium, you know A-Rod that place where you play 81 games, that same place that boos you out of the ballpark day in and day out. And its that same place thats going to be knocked down after this season. So why in the world would you decide not to be a part of the All Star Game festivities. Because if this All Star game was anywhere else but Yankee Stadium, you my friend would be on the bench while Evan Longoria would be starting at third base respresenting the best team in baseball.

Angel Pagan might have Surgery

Posted by Matt

Angel Pagan is considering season-ending surgery on his left shoulder. Pagan has been on the disabled list since mid May.

***
Claudio Vargas cleared waivers and will join Triple-A New Orleans.

***
Reese Havens made his pro-debut for the Brooklyn Cyclones going 0-4 in last nights game.

All-Star Selections

Posted by Matt

With a day left to vote in the online All-Star ballot, here are my All-Star selections.

AL:
1B: MIN Justin Morneau. Is having a solid season batting .308 with 12 HR's and 63 RBI's, probably doesn't get the exposure playing in Minnesota as some of the other first basemen.

2B: TEX Ian Kinsler. He could possibly finish the season being a 30/30 guy. Leads all AL second basemen is Average, HR, RBI, and SB.

SS: TEX Micheal Young. Probably the most underrated SS and player in baseball.

3B: NYY Alex Rodriguez. Nobody else really deserves it. I can't believe I just said that.

C: MIN Joe Mauer. With Victor Martinez hurt and Jason Varitek only hitting .222, Mauer earns the starting spot.

OF: TEX Josh Hamilton. One of the greatest stories in baseball.

OF: CWS Carlos Quentin. He has come out of nowhere to help carry the White Sox.

OF: TB Carl Crawford. The best team in baseball needs to be represented too.

DH: TB Cliff Floyd. Big Papi and Matsui are out with injuries, so Uncle Cliffy is coming back to NY.

NL:
1B: HOU Lance Berkman. AVG. 365, 22 HR, and 68 RBI's says it all.

2B: FLA Dan Uggla. Tough choice between Uggla and Chase Utley, but I like Uggla more.

SS: FLA Hanley Ramirez. With Jose Reyes acting like a little kid, we need an adult at the All-Star game and Hanely fits the bill.

3B: NYM David Wright. Larry Jones is having one heck of a season, but I can't vote for a Brave.

C: LAD Russel Martin. The position is slim to say the least. Martin will be a fixture behind the plate for years to come.

OF: PIT Nate McLouth. Your probably asking yourself who is this guy?

OF: MIL Ryan Braun. The move to the OF has payed off, slugging out 20 HR's this season while hitting for a high average.

OF: NYM Ryan Church. He has been the Mets MVP this season and would have likely recieved a lot more votes if he didn't get injuried.

Those are my All-Star selections. Feel free to post your selections in the comment section below.

End Interleague Play

Posted by Gregg

Interleague play for 2008 has ended. Thank God. I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but inter league games just don't cut it for me. I know, we all like the Mets and Yankees, but maybe MLB can cut that down to one 3 game geographical rival series a year. Teams without a geographical rival can play an inter league series based on last season's won lost record. I'm sorry but Mets-Texas Rangers, or Mets-Mariners just don't do it for me.

I would like to see MLB return to a more balanced type schedule. In the 1980's the Mets used to play 18 games against divisional rivals, and 12 games against the NL West. That meant teams like the Cards and Cubs, would come to Shea three times a year. The Mets would go to St. Louis and Chicago three times. This year the Mets made one road trip to Chicago in April. One trip!! The Cubs are a good team, I want to see more of them, not the freakin Texas Rangers. If you wanted to see Ben Sheets and the Brewers at Shea, you had to be in Queens before the Easter Bunny this year. The Brewers made their lone NY appearance in early April.

Tonight the Mets play the Cards for the first time all season, its only June 30, why rush things? As for the Astros, well the Mets haven't seen them yet. Maybe the Rangers gave the Mets information about the Astros.

Bay or Nady in Mets Plans?

Posted by Matt

At SI.com, Jon Heyman lists some starters and relievers who could be dealt come July 31st in his article.

On the outfield, Heyman writes:

“Jason Bay and Xavier Nady should be highly coveted, and I can imagine the Mets calling every other day to try to bring back Nady, whom they dealt to the Bucs for Oliver Perez in 2006.”

Word is that the Pirates are more likely to trade Xavier Nady over Jason Bay, if they do become available. Nady is a Scott Boras client and I don't think the Pirates are going to give him a long term deal or shell out the money for him. Both Nady and Bay are good fits for the Mets. I would go after Jason Bay over Nady. Don't get me wrong I like Nady, but I think he has out welcomed his stay in New York. The Mets have a Nady type player on the team in Ryan Church.

Probably any trade involving Nady or Bay could likely include Aaron Heilman.

If you got a trade idea the Mets should do post it in the comment section.

Ollie is Back

Posted by Matt

Oliver Perez might be back to his old self, after yesterday's 3-1 win over the Yankees, in which Perez just gave up three hits, one run, walking none, and striking out eight in seven innings that he pitched.

I noticed Perez used a rocking motion in his delivery, which helped him get into a groove. His placement on the rubber was on the center of it and not on the side. Before, Rick Peterson didn't allow his pitchers to pitch in the center of the rubber. I can see why this is possible. If you are pitching from the center of the rubber, your pitch has a better chance to catch more of the plate. If you are on the side of the rubber, your pitch has a better chance of jamming a right handed hitter. Perez also changed speeds and threw a lot more fastballs.

I like how Warthen takes into account each pitchers strength and tries to use it to the fullest, where Peterson wanted everyone on the same page. The one thing I have noticed is the Mets pitching staff is throwing a lot more fastballs especially Mike Pelfrey with his two-seam fastball.

Perez improved to 5-1 with a 2.61 ERA in six career starts against the Yankees.

Perez on his outing:

“Today was the real Ollie…I was having fun, but at the same time I was focused…Before, I was trying to be a different pitcher. Right now, it’s me…I was really there, and I’m happy for what I did today and I have to keep going…Before, I was trying to be too perfect, I was trying to be a different pitcher, but today was the real me.”

New York Disgrace

Posted by Michael Lucre

I really don't know why I'm writing this blog right now. It's 2:00 AM EST, I have to wake up in six hours to lift and do other baseball related workouts and drills. But I can't sleep. Why? Because the New York Mets just dropped a second straight game to the Yankees, and after watching the game I find no reason for the Mets to make the playoffs, or for that matter even finish 3rd in the division. I am sick and tired of rooting for a bunch of overpaid, underachieving players that play as if they have won 26 championships. Willie is probably loving every minute of this, and how can you blame him. Geez, if I was Willie I would pray that this team finish dead last and the way they are playing it won't be long.

Carlos Beltran might be the biggest bust the Mets have ever had since Roberto Alomar, who struck out 4 times in today's game, including one in the 8th inning, when the Mets could have really used a long ball. Instead Beltran foul tipped it into the Molina's glove, threw his helmet to the side as if it was the helmet that made him strike out and walked his way to the outfield.

Once again David Wright proved why he is a below average third baseman, when he made a subpar throw to Delgado that took him off the bag. Speaking of Delgado, why is this man still on the team? Omar if you happen to be up as late as I am figuring out how you are going to make a big splash, maybe you can ship off Delgado because we need him as much as we needed Jose Reyes getting picked off at second base. But I doubt Omar is concerned about this team, no why should he? Didn't Omar say that he and the Mets got over last year? Its good to know he doesn't take anything to heart, because I pray that if the Mets don't make the playoffs the Wilpon's will not hesitate to fire Omar. Infact maybe the Wilpon's can get Donald Trump to say to Omar "You're Fired!" infront of millions of people. I would really get a kick out of that. I would also like to see a real second baseman playing everyday instead of the once a week Luis Castillo, who has one bad knee and hasn't had a good season since he was a Marlins. As far as the Marlins are concerned folks, between you and me, they will win the division. But thats a totally different issue.

Rumor has it that Moises Alou is suppose to comeback next weekend against the Phillies. Are you kidding me!? Alou is lucky he can wake up in the morning without going on the DL, am I the only person who thinks that the Mets should really look into a real everyday left fielder who will play more than once every 2 months. Another issue that I haven't touched base on is Mr. Oliver Perez, the worst pitcher in the National League. If he goes 5 innings, 12 hits, 4 walks, 4 earned runs, he should kiss the ground he walks on because thats the best he will be all year.

Speaking of bad pitching comes to mind Joe Smith (terrible), Scott Schowenweis I really don't care if I misspelled his last name because he is useless and Aaron Heilman. If Jerry Manuel thinks he is going to win the division with those guys in the pen, then he should expect to be fired in a hotel room in California, along with Dan Whathen who looks to me like he is subbing in for the real "Dan Wharthen", because he looks like he knows about pitching just as much as the operated machine on the train that says "Stand clear for the closing door please."

But looks aren't everything. What is everything is "W's" and the Mets have too little of those, so they better pick it up or else just pack up their equipment now and lets get some minor leaguers that want to be on the field. Besides McDonald's is hiring.