Photo of the Day: Santana

This is an absolutely gorgeous photograph from Doug Benc from Getty Images. Amazin'.

Game Recap: Mets 7 -- Marlins 2

The New York Mets opened their season in Miami this afternoon, receiving great performances from Johan Santana and David Wright, as they went on to win 7-2 over the Florida Marlins.

Santana pitched seven strong innings, allowing only three hits, one of which went for a 2-run home run to Josh Willingham in the bottom of the fourth inning. Those two earned runs were the only runs allowed. Santana walked two while striking out eight. He set down the first nine Marlins in a row, and also struck out four batters in a row between the fifth and sixth innings.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say everyone in their right mind is absolutely impressed and excited about this performance. I will accept no less than this for every game from here on out (kidding). Great stuff.

The eighth inning saw three pitchers make appearances, each tallied one out. Matt Wise, making his first appearance as a Met, started the inning, allowing two hits, both singles to Alfredo Amezaga and Dan Uggla. Scott Schoeneweis came in to face ex-Met Mike Jacobs, getting him to ground out to first. For the final out of the inning, Jorge Sosa came in with runners on second and third, and got Willingham to strike out swinging to end the inning.

Interesting inning management from Willie Randolph here, but I can't get on him because it worked. Wise struggled a bit, but before any damage was done he was pulled, in a nice move from Randolph. That's something I don't think he would have done last year.

Aaron Heilman finished out the game, striking out Jorge Cantu and Cody Ross to start the inning, and inducing a comebacker off the bat of Luis Gonzalez to end the game.

I didn't think he was going pitch at all when he didn't come in for the eighth. I guess we should throw out the book on how Randolph is handling the bullpen this year, or is it too early to tell?

The Mets offense came to play today, picking up 10 hits, five of them doubles.

David Wright and Carlos Beltran led the way, each picking up two doubles. Beltran started off the fourth inning with a double, scoring on an Angel Pagan double. Wright had a three-run double later in the six-run fourth, scoring Ryan Church, Luis Castillo and Jose Reyes.

Now that is how you start a season.

Reyes went 2-4, scoring once and driving in one run. Castillo was on base three times, picking up one hit and walking twice. Church and Marlon Anderson each picked up one hit on the day. Anderson singled in the ninth inning, moved to second on a Reyes sac-bunt, swiped third on a passed ball, and scored on the same play when Cantu couldn't handle the throw from Matt Treanor.

I could get used to some of this small ball stuff.

Game Ball: Mr. Johan Santana.

Santana's first final line

Johan Santana: 7 IP, 3 hits, 2 ER, 2 walks, 8 K's.

Santana allowed one home run to Josh Willingham, allowing both runs.

Honestly, could you ask much more of this man. Great stuff from him today. I'm going to jump the gun right now and get used to this. We better get this sort of stuff from him everyday. Too much to ask?

Lineup vs. the Marlins

Alright everyone...here we go!

Mets @ Marlins, 4:10 p.m.

Johan Santana vs. Mark Hendrickson

Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
1B Carlos Delgado
LF Angel Pagan
RF Ryan Church
C Brian Schneider
LH Johan Santana

This is the moment we've all been waiting for. I can't wait to watch the first inning, and then go to class. Awesome!

Santana effect felt in Venezuela

Jack Curry relays a pretty cool comment about Johan Santana from a sports writer from Venezuela, Alfredo Villasmil:

"When Johan pitches,” Villasmil said, “the country is paralyzed."

I'm sure the same feelings are being felt by Mets fans all around the tri-state area.

That's really awesome though. I wonder how much Mets merchandise is available in that country. I'm sure the Mets have enough smarts in their front office to get their shirts, hats, and all things numbered "57" down there as soon as possible.

Weather in Miami

According to Weather.com, it's supposed to rain all morning, and into the afternoon, until about 4 p.m. After that, it's supposed to get very windy.

As long as they play baseball today, I'll be happy. A two hour rain delay would be nice though. Then I can watch the entire game.

I just made a bet with my American Political Literature teacher that if Johan Santana gives up 15 runs in the first inning, I have to cry in front of my class on Wednesday.

Don't make me have to do it, Mr. Santana. Please.

A message from Willie Randolph

This just popped up in my e-mail: A MESSAGE FROM WILLIE RANDOLPH

It goes on and on about how the team is amazing and how we will win and so on.

In closing I want to say one more thing. We all hated the way last year ended for us. For 98 percent of the season we were the best team in our division, but we let it slip away. When I spoke to the team this spring I didn't look backwards that much, I tried to look forward so we can all learn from what happened. The lesson is simple: don't take anything for granted and don't expect things to happen just because you think they will.

The season is here. It's time to make it happen.

Alright, I'm officially pumped. Make it happen.

I think I'm going to adopt that phrase.

Lucky rocket ship underpants

The day us fans have waited half a year for is finally here.

Johan Santana will take the mound for the New York Mets as baseball season is back in business.

The question I pose to my readers is this: What are your superstitions?

Calvin, from Calvin & Hobbes, always had his lucky rocket ship underpants for good luck. What is your version of his underpants?

I know for a fact, I laid out my Carlos Beltran t-shirt last night and dusted off my Mets helmet to prepare for the game today. During football season I wore the same clothes for every game of the playoffs, and it worked.

Do you wear a special shirt? Do a special dance? Create a shrine of Mets memorabilia? Leave it in the comments!

25-man roster set

Joe Smith, Brady Clark, Mike Pelfrey and Raul Casanova all made the roster.

Orlando Hernandez, Duaner Sanchez and Ramon Castro are heading to the DL.

Here's the press release. I pretty much got everything I wish for.

And here is tomorrow's opening day lineup:

Jose Reyes SS
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Carlos Beltran CF
Carlos Delgado 1B
Angel Pagan LF
Ryan Church RF
Brian Schneider C
Johan Santana P

Pretty interesting where Pagan is batting tomorrow. They're breaking up the lefty / lefty against Marlins starter Mark Hendrickson.

18 hours. Only 18 more hours.

Early indications

Today is the Mets final day to finalize their roster before they open the season against the Florida Marlins on Monday afternoon. It seems they are willing to wait right up until the 3 p.m. deadline to make their decisions.

Adam Rubin relays some things he's heard about the final spots that are still up for grabs:

Mets officials appeared to be leaning toward placing Orlando Hernandez on the DL to start the season, paving the way for Mike Pelfrey to make at least two starts

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Joe Smith also looked close to claiming the final spot in the bullpen, a vacancy created with Duaner Sanchez not yet ready for regular-season action.

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Fernando Tatis also seemed to hold a lead over Brady Clark for the final bench spot, but a team insider insisted Tatis — who had a .212 Grapefruit League average — was not a foregone conclusion to be on the roster.

Just to reiterate, I'm supporting Pelfrey (or even Nelson Figueroa), Smith and Clark for the final spots.

If the Mets take Pelfrey, he won't be able to work on his mechanics as much, as he will have to win the game he is in. If he waits and stays in minor league camp, the results don't matter, so he can stay in a game even if he's given up a few runs just to work on his pitches. What do the Mets have to lose if they pitch Figueroa? Nothing. Why not give him a shot?

Smith, who struggled mightily early in spring, has come on strong these last few weeks. Yesterday was a great game for him, when he came in with the bases loaded, and got Alexi Ramirez to strike out on three pitches. Inherited runners was a huge problem for Smith last year and if he can remedy that, it would be a huge accomplishment.

Again, I don't get why Tatis is so wonderful. Sure, he can play pretty much any position besides center field if need be, but he doesn't play any of them especially well. We already have two guys in Marlon Anderson and Damion Easley who can play the entire infield and two guys in Endy Chavez and Angel Pagan who can play the entire outfield. So why do we need a guy who can do all of those, but none well? Clark will be much more lasting and consistent, I feel, and that's why I want him to make the team.

It's a travel day for me, back down to New Jersey for a bit and then back to Quinnipiac tonight. I'll be back with a recap of the day and the finalized roster moves tonight. Enjoy your last day before the season begins!

Photo of the Day: Church

Ryan Church has a ball tip off his glove, and seemingly into the stands for what would have been a 3-run home run. Luckily, the man knocked the ball back in play and the umpires botched the call.

Church has been getting hot at the plate over the last few weeks. He's my pick for breakout player of the year on this team.
(AP Photo/Bill Waugh)

Game Recap: Mets 3 -- White Sox 2

Playing in the second-annual Civil Rights Game, the Mets beat the White Sox by a score of 3-2, rounding out their spring season. The Mets went 20-11 in spring training.

John Maine made the start for the Mets, pitching four innings, allowing only three hits, while striking out five. Maine struck out two in the first inning alone. He only needed 56 pitches, 39 went for strikes.

He looked great today. Easily the best #4 in the league. Would you pitch him ahead of Oliver Perez??

Pedro Feliciano and Aaron Heilman each logged an inning of work, allowing three hits between them. They both struck out two batters. Scott Schoeneweis gave up the runs for the Mets, pitching 2-3 of an inning, walking three and giving up one hit as two runs scored.

Schoeneweis has looked a lot better this spring, and if he is used in the correct situation, I think he's going to have a much better year.

Joe Smith relieved Schoeneweis in the seventh with the bases loaded and got Alexi Ramirez to strike out swinging. Billy Wagner came on to close out the game, getting the side in order. Wagner tallied one strikeout.

I think Smith is going get the call for the last bullpen spot, especially with this last outing.

Carlos Beltran drove a 2-run home run over the left field wall in the fourth inning off of White Sox starter Jose Contreras for the Mets first runs. Carlos Delgado picked up a double, going 1-3. Ryan Church went 2-3, scoring once.

Beltran looks excellent this spring. Those newly cleaned out knees are going to help out a lot. Church is getting hot. I like it.

Game Ball: Maine and Beltran.

Shea will not go boom

According to Richard Sandomir, from the New York Times, neither Shea Stadium or Yankee Stadium will be imploded.

Each stadium will be taken apart by hand, piece by piece.

From Sandomir:

The wreckers will arrive at Shea Stadium soon after the Mets’ final home game in late September or sometime in October. In February or March, Yankee Stadium’s dismantling will begin. The old ballparks will be taken apart piece by piece over two to three months with hydraulic jackhammers, blowtorches and grapplers.

The concrete will be chopped up, pushed toward the middle of the fields and removed by trucks. The steel girders will be cut out, cut up and carted away for salvage.

Shea will then be reclaimed as part of the parking lot, and Yankee Stadium as three baseball fields surrounded by 12,000 trees.

The article also points out that pieces of the stadium, such as the seats, bricks, and signs, will be sold, most likely for a very high price.

Also at the New York Times, Ben Shpigel has a great article about Shea.

From Shpigel:

By any objective standard, Shea is bleak and outdated. It has not aged, shall we say, gracefully, its imperfections and architectural shortcomings growing more prominent over the years, particularly as glorious baseball-only parks have sprouted around the country. Those flaws are now magnified by Citi Field, the Mets' new home in 2009, whose beatific presence beyond Shea’s right-center-field fence prompted Ron Darling, the SportsNet New York analyst and former Met, to make this comparison: “It’s like driving a VW bus with a Maserati in the lot.”

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“It’s dilapidated and obsolete, sure, but I could say the same thing about the apartment where I grew up, in Bayside, Queens,” said Howie Rose, the Mets’ play-by-play broadcaster on WFAN. “That apartment was home. My memories there are happy, warm and indelible, just like they are from Shea. To me, Shea is home.”

That article brought a little tear to my eye. Wonderful, wonderful stuff.

Lineup vs. the White Sox

The Mets are in Memphis, taking on the Chicago White Sox for the Second Annual Civil Rights Game, a 5 p.m. start. This is the last exhibition game before the Mets open up in Miami on Monday afternoon.

Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
1B Carlos Delgado
RF Ryan Church
LF Angel Pagan
C Brian Schneider
DH Brady Clark

SP John Maine

There you have it ladies and gentlemen, as this will most likely be the opening day lineup for the 2008 Mets.

I think if Clark can get a few key hits here today, he might make that jump to the 25 man roster. That might just be me hoping for Fernando Tatis to not make the team.

Raining in Memphis

The Mets will face the Chicago White Sox in the Civil Rights Game in Memphis at 5 p.m.

Unfortunately, the weather does not look like it wants to cooperate, as it is pouring in Memphis right now. John Maine is slated to take the mound for the Mets today.

Hopefully, they can get this game in, but if it's a sloppy field, I don't see how the teams would want to play in this final exhibition game before the season and risk someone getting hurt.

A song tribute to Ruben Gotay

Someone going by the name "The Gato" posted this in the comments for Gotay claimed by Braves, sung to the tune of Don McLean's hit "American Pie."

A long, long time ago…
I can still remember How Ho-Jo used to make me smile.
And I knew if he had his chance
Jose Reyes could make those people dance
And, maybe, they'd be happy for a while.
But march made me shiver With every trade Omar deliver.
Bad news on the doorstep;Gotay couldn't take one more step.
I can't remember if I cried
When I heard about the waiver wire,
But something touched me deep inside
The day the Ruben Gotay died.

Hilarious. Becoming a Brave is equal to passing on for Mets fans. The phrase "You're dead to me," comes to mind.

I have never heard of such a public outcry over losing a backup infielder. He was obviously a fan favorite and it stings that much more that he went to a hated rival in the Mets division.

Updated: Why are the Mets in the Civil Rights Game?

The Mets have the honor of playing the Chicago White Sox in the 2008 Civil Rights Game on March 29th.

My question is simple. Why the Mets?

"The intent of the game is to embrace baseball's history of African-American players, as well as to generate interest for future black players," says its Wikipedia page. On MLB.com, the game is said to represent "a symbolic eternal torch commemorating the struggle for racial harmony near where the most painful obstacle had been thrown in its path."

So, in a nutshell, it's supposed to showcase and embrace the African-American community in baseball and attempt to raise awareness supporting baseball in those communities.

So who was the genius who chose the Mets?

On the 40-man roster, the Mets only have two African-American players. On the coaching staff, they also have two men from African-American descent. Damion Easley and Marlon Anderson on the field, Willie Randolph and Jerry Manuel on the coaching staff.

In the 2006 Racial and Gender Report Card for Major League Baseball (PDF), it is noted that "A total of 40.5 percent of the players were Latino." For the Mets, it's a little more than that. On the 40-man roster, 19 players are from Latino descent.

The report also states that the drop in African-Americans in the sport since 1996 from 17 percent to 8 percent, as the percentage of Hispanic players increased during that period, from 20 percent to 29 percent.

African-American players make up 5 percent of the Mets roster. Latino players make up 47.5 percent.

If the Civil Rights Game is supposed to raise awareness for the African-American community, choosing the Mets probably wasn't the best move, as almost half of the team is Latino.

The only possible reason the Mets are in this game, that I can figure shows up later in the MLB article. It goes on to quote Omay Minaya as saying "Since the days of Jackie Robinson, baseball has been at the forefront of social change in this country, and this game is just another example that our sport understands the significance of paying the proper respect to such an important part of American history." Again, the Mets are tied to Jackie Robinson, not that it's a bad thing, but it just makes little sense to me.

So for a team that is comprised of nearly 50 percent of players from Latino descent while they are only 5 percent African-American, they were chosen to participate in a game promoting African-Americans in baseball.

That just doesn't make sense to me.

Postscript:
After seeing some of the reaction to this, I would like to talk about some things.

I'm not saying the Mets shouldn't be in this game and I'm also not saying that the civil rights movement didn't affect the Latino community. The way I read the articles about the game, it was primarily, if not exclusively, celebrating African-American and their perseverance and their effect on the game. It was also supposed to serve as a way to gain interest in baseball in the African-American community. For these reasons, I spoke primarily of that community and their role on this Mets team.

Randolph being the first African-American manager in New York is big, I understand that. He's a pretty good manager and I can live with all his different tendencies. No dissing on Randolph was meant by this post. Same goes for Manuel.

Also, I'm sure if I traced my roots back to Sicily and Italy, I'd be black too. The same could be said for more people than most people think.

Any way I look at it, I'm still glad the Mets are in this game, and it should be a nice experience for all involved.

Photo of the Day: El Duque

Orlando Hernandez seemingly locked up the fifth starter spot today with a five-inning, one run performance.

El Duque returned to his familiar high leg kick after spending most of spring working with a new delivery. As long as he can stay healthy and effective, I'll take it.
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

SNY drinking game

Zoe, over at Pick Me Up Some Mets!, put out her SNY Drinking Game.

It's amazing.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Gary sings: 1 drink
Keith gets his ice cream: 1 drink
Gary impresses Ron and/or Keith with some esoteric baseball-historical detail: 1 drink
Keith SHOWS his footwear (or lack thereof): Drink until done
"And it's out of here!" 1 drink

If you follow this game during a broadcast, you'll probably be out cold by the third inning.
Gosh, I just love Gary / Keith / Ron. They're the best.

(This blog does not endorse drinking, but if you must, you better be of age!)

Game Recap: Orioles 4 -- Mets 3

In the battle for the fifth starter spot, it seems that El Duque has come out on top and will be in the rotation for the Mets to start the season. In a fitting finish to the game, Mike Pelfrey gave up three runs in the bottom of the ninth as the Orioles beat the Mets by a scored of 4-3.

El Duque got the start today, and with his old leg kick back, pitched five innings, only allowed one run. Hernandez ran into a bit of trouble in the third inning, but benefited from a base running blunder and got out of the inning with only the one run. He gave up four hits and one walk while striking out two.

Welcome to the fifth starter spot, Mr. Hernandez. Please don't get hurt and be, at the very least, somewhat effective. I like you, we all like you, now go out and perform like all the fans know you can.

Pelfrey took over for the rest of the game, and only allowed one hit through the first three innings while he was on the mound. In the ninth inning Pelfrey allowed three runs to score, blowing the game and taking the loss. Pelfrey walked three and struck out two today.

El Duque's performance punched his ticket to New Orleans today. I'm absolutely, 100 percent sure that he will be up with the Mets within a few months due to injuries.

The Mets will have a hot Jose Reyes coming into the season, as he went 2-3 on the day, with a double, scoring two runs. Reyes hit .328 in spring training this year.

Good stuff from Reyes as usual. He's going to be a new player this year. Much more focused and driven. I will miss the dances though.

David Wright, Endy Chavez and Marlon Anderson each added a single for the Mets to round out their hitting on the day. Both Wright and Carlos Beltran walked twice in the game.

In the battle for the final bench spot, between Fernando Tatis and Brady Clark, there was no clear winner determined today. Tatis went 0-4 with one strike out and one man left on base. Clark went 0-3 with one walk and one strike out.

It looks like Tatis has the spot locked up, but you never know with the Mets. All we know is it won't be Ruben Gotay.

Game ball: El Duque.

Gotay claimed by Braves

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news Doug...

The Atlanta Braves have claimed Ruben Gotay off of waivers.

Mets fans, prepare yourself for all the time Gotay gets a hit off of us in the coming year(s).

In other news, Steven Register was returned to the Colorado Rockies and Anderson Hernandez was optioned to AAA.

So long Cash, we barely knew ye. AHern, stay healthy, you're our backup infielder waiting in the wings, again.

9/11 game

For those who are nostalgic and also love America, the first game after 9/11 is airing on SNY right now.

I love Tsuyoshi Shinjo and all his arm bands.

Duque's mechanics

I'm so confused.

After all the talk and work to get El Duque to change his delivery and his leg kick, he has apparently abandoned it and returned to his normal high kick.

This makes no sense. So was all of his spring training a sham to try and trick other teams?

He's held the O's to one hit through two innings, if that means anything to anyone. He's faced the minimum, inducing a double play ball after allowing his first hit.

Lineup vs. the Orioles

The Mets will take on the Orioles in Ft. Lauderdale in the second to last game before the season begins. The Mets will have El Duque and Mike Pelfrey face off to see if one takes a definite lead for the fifth starter spot.

Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
1B Carlos Delgado
RF Ryan Church
LF Fernando Tatis
C Brian Schneider
DH Brady Clark
RH Orlando Hernandez

The first six in that order will be your opening day lineup. It looks like the Mets want to see if Tatis can play in left and if Clark can hit a bit. Glad to see Schneider behind the dish.

Gotay's fate TBD

Ruben Gotay will be in limbo for a few more hours.

It is believed that Gotay was placed on waivers on Wednesday, after facing Pedro Martinez in a minor league game. The game ended around noon, and Gotay is on waivers for three days. That means sometime in the next few hours, it will be determined if Gotay will stay with the team.

Rumor has it that Gotay will refuse any assignment to AAA. Gotay could refuse assignment and become a free agent.

This stinks. Even though he might not have the best glove, he makes some fine plays in the field. If he gives up on switch hitting, he could be a really good hitter.

I'd love for him to stick with the Mets, because I don't see one of Damion Easley, Marlon Anderson, or (ugh) Fernando Tatis not going down with an injury at sometime during the season. The first guy the Mets will turn to would probably be the light-hitting Anderson Hernandez, again.

Gotay, take the assignment if you make it through waivers. Please. You're going to get your shot with the team, you just have to wait until some people come to their senses.

Pelf vs. Duque, take 2

Here we go again...

The Mets will have Orlando Hernandez and Mike Pelfrey face off, again, tomorrow against the Orioles to see who might be best suited to assume the role of the fifth starter role.

This is insanity, and I hope if El Duque puts together one good start that he is automatically good enough to go for the season. I would much rather see Nelson Figueroa or Jorge Sosa take the spot while Pelfrey and El Duque get healthy and fine tune different aspects in their respective motions.

We shall see tomorrow.

Game Recap: Mets 9 -- Braves 4

The Mets made their only trip to Orlando to face the Atlanta Braves, and Oliver Perez came out and pitched very well in his final tuneup, leading the Mets to a 9-4 win.

Perez lasted 6 1-3 of an inning, allowing 7 hits and 3 earned runs. He only walked one while striking out 4 batters. Perez induced 10 fly ball outs and 5 ground ball outs. The third run was given up by Joe Smith.

Perez scared fans a bit when he made a diving toss to first to end an inning, and stayed down on the ground. Trainers were quick to react but luckily he got up and came out for the next inning. The best part about his outing here is the one walk. That's what we need to see more of from Perez.

Smith pitched 1 2-3 innings, walking one and striking out one. As noted above, he allowed one of Perez's runners to score. Ricardo Rincon pitched the final inning, allowing one run on two hits. Rincon also walked one and struck out one batter to end the game.

Smith is still battling for a bullpen spot, and even though he let in one run, he still put up a good performance on the day. Rincon has pitched very well through out spring, but his name hasn't really come into contention for a spot. Too bad.

Endy Chavez, who was batting in the leadoff position, went 2-4, driving in 2 RBI. Marlon Anderson went 2-3, with a double. He scored one run and drove in 3 RBI while playing first base today.

Meet: The Super Subs. These two are absolutely invaluable off the bench, and a lot of people forget about how strong our bench is going to be this year.

Ryan Church, the DH today, went 3-5 with a run and an RBI. Church knocked out 2 doubles today. Raul Casanova, who is going to be the backup for the Mets while Ramon Castro is down and out, had a great day, going 2-4 with 2 runs and 2 RBI. 'Nova picked up a double and knocked a solo home run in the 7th inning.

Great to see from Church, who seems to be finding his swing late in spring. Casanova has been on a tear, and will be a great guy to have come off the bench or come up from AAA when the team needs him.

In the battle for that final bench spot, which seems to be between Fernando Tatis and Brady Clark, Tatis seems to have the advantage. Today, Tatis went 1-5, striking out once and leaving 6 players on base. Clark went 1-4 with a walk and a run scored.

I still favor Clark, just because I think Tatis is going to fizzle out in early April.

Game Ball: Ollie P.

Register clears waivers

Steven Register has cleared waivers, and the Mets are trying to keep him with the organization.

The Mets are currently trying to work out a trade with the Colorado Rockies which would allow them to keep Register on the team.

Register would head to AAA for the Mets, as he has been surpassed by other players for the spots in the bullpen, such as Nelson Figueroa, Joe Smith, and even Brian Stokes.

Hey, Colorado, have any use for Ruben Gotay??

Lineup vs. the Braves

In one of the final games of the spring, the New York Mets head to Orlando to take on the Atlanta Braves for a 1:05 p.m. game. It is available nationwide on ESPN.

Lineup:
CF Endy Chavez
2B Damion Easley
LF Angel Pagan
1B Marlon Anderson
3B Fernando Tatis
DH Ryan Church
C Raul Casanova
RF Brady Clark
SS Anderson Machado
LH Oliver Perez

The Mets are already leading in the top of the first by a score of 3-0. Good stuff. I'm still pulling for Clark over Tatis.

Gotay now ON waivers

Yes, it is official.

Ruben Gotay is now on waivers.

According to David Lennon, Gotay was ready to go to the game against Atlanta in Orlando today, but was told he was on waivers which does not allow a player to participate in any team practices or games.

Gotay was most likely placed on waivers yesterday after appearing in the minor league game against Pedro Martinez. That means that he must wait until tomorrow to see if he is claimed by another team.

From Lennon:

Gotay was supposed to be on today's trip to Orlando, but with his duffel bag in front of him, he sat on his stool with tears in his eyes as he talked on his cell phone.

"I thought I did a good job last year," Gotay said. "I didn't think I deserved this."

That's rough. I really like Gotay, and I can't believe the Mets would rather have a guy like Fernando Tatis instead of taking Gotay and his much higher ceiling.

Tatis has played alright, but he cannot play the outfield like the Mets hope. I commented on Mets Lounge that "Tatis is like a fat, lazy, uncoordinated Lastings Milledge. He takes the worst beads to ball in the OF. It's scary. "

Gotay has a better bat, and though his defense might not be up to par, the rest of the team which would play around him is stellar, and the team could take a slight hit at one position to spell a guy like Luis Castillo, David Wright or Jose Reyes for a day or even a few days.

I know one of the sites most prolific commenter (Doug) will not be pleased. Hopefully Gotay can make it back to the team and start to polish up his glove so he can show the Mets what he can really do.

TBS picks up Darling

Last season, Ron Darling appeared on TBS during the playoffs as a commentator and analyst. This year, TBS will feature Darling on it's new Sunday broadcasts.

USA Today is reporting that Darling, along with Buck Martinez, will appear on TBS' new Sunday format, which will contain a 26-week package of afternoon games. In the new package they are allowed to show one single team as much as 13 times over the course of the season.

If the Mets are ever featured on TBS, those of us in the tri-state area won't be able to watch it, as it will be blacked out, but this is probably good news for any fans outside of the Mets general vicinity.

Darling is an amazing broadcaster, so it comes as no surprise for him to get picked up nationally like this. He's very insightful and knowledgeable, and knows how to keep it upbeat and interesting through the entire game.

Photo of the Day: Castillo

Luis Castillo made a diving grab and threw out Luis Gonzalez from the seat of his pants in today's game against the Marlins.
His knees are looking better, just like Carlos Beltran, and with both of them healthy, I think the Mets can expect big things from them this season.

(AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Game Recap: Marlins 7 -- Mets 5

The Mets got another strong start from a substitute young pitcher, but late inning relief gave up quite a few runs, as the Mets dropped today's final spring home game by a score of 7-5.

Bobby Parnell pitched 5 innings of scoreless baseball while taking the place of Pedro Martinez. Parnell gave up 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 5 while on the mound.

Good stuff from him. The last two starts, with Jon Niese and Parnell, is a nice glimpse to the future for the Mets staff.

Joe Smith and Nelson Figueroa, both competing for spots on the 25-man roster, suffered major setbacks, each allowing 3 runs in their respective innings. Figueroa gave up a 3-run home run to Jorge Cantu and Smith gave up a 2-run blast to Mike Jacobs.

Ouch. Just when we all thought they could be locks for the team with their good performances, they come out and give up 6 runs between them.

Duaner Sanchez pitched for the first time in days, allowing one run on 2 hits. Aaron Heilman finished out the game, pitching a hitless inning and giving up 1 walk.

I'm not expecting Sanchez to break with the team from camp, not with performances like this. He just needs to take his time and get healthy.

Jose Reyes went 1-3 on the day, walking once. Reyes knocked a double, driving in one run. Luis Castillo walked 3 times in the game. David Wright drove in 2 runs, with an RBI double in the third inning.

Does Wright belong in the 3-hole or is he better suited batting 4th or 5th?

Carlos Delgado picked up 2 RBI, going 2-5 on the day. Delgado also struck out twice.

He's been working the opposite field a lot, and it's going to pay dividends during the season.

Game Ball: Parnell. See you in Citi Field in a few years.

Gotay still not on waivers

If a player is placed on waivers, like Steven Register, that player is not allowed to participate in any team practices or games.

Ruben Gotay hit against Pedro Martinez in today's minor league game, which would mean as of then, he had still not been placed on waivers.

Since the game, Gotay could have been placed on waivers, as reported on SNY, but no one is sure.

Gotay is in limbo.

Omar in the booth

From what I can hear of Omar Minaya in the SNY booth, I believe he just said that Mike Pelfrey will start the season in the minors.

I don't think they will take El Duque if he is under 100 percent, so Nelson Figueroa, who Minaya said has had a great spring so far, and they're looking at him, is the top guy for the 5th spot as of now.

I think.

Lineup vs. the Marlins

The Mets will welcome the Florida Marlins to Tradition Field for the final home game of spring training, a 1:10 p.m. start.

Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
1B Carlos Delgado
DH Marlon Anderson
LF Angel Pagan
C Gustavo Molina
RF Endy Chavez
RH Robert Parnell

The Mets are playing it smart, as Ramon Castro is probably heading to the DL, so they're keeping his backup, Raul Casanova out of the game and hopefully healthy.

Pedro Martinez pitched in a minor league game, instead of making his start for the Mets, with Brian Schneider catching him earlier today.

Ayy! Numero cinco!

The 5th starter spot is still confusing as ever.

The Mets probably can't turn to Orlando Hernandez or Mike Pelfrey, because they're either injured and throwing like a little leaguer or not injured and throwing, well, just poorly.

Jorge Sosa and Nelson Figueroa are the teams best options right now. Joe, my new blogging buddy over at Mets Today, does an excellent breakdown of the rest of the options for the 5th starter role.
Here is the Sosa and Figueroa blurbs:

Jorge Sosa
The slider machine likely is the de facto Mets #5 starter. Who knows, maybe he can recapture the magic that made him virtually unhittable in the first half of 2007.

Nelson Figueroa
Being the type who roots for the underdog, I’m hoping “Figgy” has a lights-out performance in the “Civil Rights Game” and earns a spot in the rotation.

I'd like to see "Figgy" get his chance, while Duque and Pelfrey spend time in minor league camp fine tuning and getting healthy.

Recently released Claudio Vargas should get a look-see from the Mets, as they now realize they might not have enough arms to go a full season.

I wouldn't mind taking him on board, as you can never have enough arms. The team sure has learned that so far.

Castro likely for the DL

According to Adam Rubin, Ramon Castro is likely to start the season on the DL after suffering a setback while running today.

Replacing Castro on the roster will most likely be Raul Casanova. 'Nova hit a solo shot off of Braves starter Tim Hudson today.

I think he'll be a capable backup, a big plus over Mike DiFelice or Sandy Alomar, that's for sure.

Register only one on waivers

Quick update: as reported earlier Steven Register has been placed on waivers.

There were rumors that Ruben Gotay was also placed on waivers, but that has since turned out to be false.

Game Recap: Mets 5 -- Braves 4

The Mets had a substitute starter instead of Johan Santana today, and Jon Niese put together a pretty nice outing, as the Mets won 5-4 in the bottom of the 9th inning.

Niese went 4 2-3 innings, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits. Niese walked 6 batters and struck out 1. He was pitching very well until he hit a wall in the 5th inning. The bases were loaded with none out, and Niese got some key outs to limit the damage.

He looked good, but still raw. Give him a few years, and if he's still with the team, I think he can be a good 3 or 4 starter.

Ivan Maldonado pitched 1 1-3, allowing 2 earned runs on 4 hits. Converted catcher Joe Hietpas pitched 1 1-3 of an inning, allowing three hits, but no runs. Ricardo Rincon continued his hot spring, going 1 2-3, allowing only one hit.

Rincon has been really good, but like Steven Register, there's just no room for him in the 'pen.

Carlos Beltran went 1-2, with a double, and scored twice. Both times he scored, there were plays at the plate, and he made the same slide both times, getting around the catcher and swiping the plate with his hand.

He looked excellent running around out there today. His knees seem to be feeling fine, which is amazing news.

Raul Casanova went 1-3, crushing a solo home run into the wind in right field. The ball had to be hit very hard to get out in right, as there was a stiff wind blowing in through the entire game.

Casanova might catch on, and it's looking very likely, as we haven't seen Ramon Castro in a while.

Rafael Arroyo drove in Brady Clark in the bottom of the 9th inning with a hit just fair down the right field line.

The Mets played a bit of small ball this inning, as Clark walked, moved to second on a sac bunt, picked up third on a wild pitch, and came home on Arroyo's hit. Good stuff.

Game Ball: Beltran.

Santana's outing

Johan Santana pitched against minor leaguers and without fielders instead of taking on the Atlanta Braves today.

Santana will make a start against the Braves early in the season, so he was skipped for todays game. He threw 81 pitches against a cast of minor leaguers on the back fields, according to NJ.com.

Jon Niese took his place as a starter, and went 4 2-3, giving up 2 hits and 2 runs. He walked 6 and struck out one.

Nice outing by Niese, who should be very good in a few years. Earlier in the day, I wrote that I can't wait until someone inquires about Niese being the Mets 5th starter, and not minutes later, I received an e-mail asking that exact question.

PSL nickname 2008

As Marty Noble has done for years, he's nicknamed the Mets spring training, all based off of P.S.L.

In 1990, it was Port St. Lockout.
1993 gave up Port St. Lucifer.
'99 was Port St. Legend.
2005, Port St. Latino.

And this year, Noble names it: Port...

I'm not giving it away right here! You have to read the article!

Cashing out

Steven Register, the Rule V draft pick from the Colorado Rockies, has been placed on waivers, according to Adam Rubin.

Register could have stuck around if Duaner Sanchez is unable to go, so this seems like the Mets are more willing to stick with a guy like Joe Smith, who has come on strong lately. Also in contention for spots in the bullpen are Brian Stokes and Nelson Figueroa.

I liked to think Register would have been good, had he gotten a chance. He just didn't seem to fit in the already crowded bullpen, so he's one of the odd men out. I wish we could keep him around in AAA, but he's a Rule V pick, and he'll be heading elsewhere.

---

Mets Blog is reporting that Ruben Gotay has also been placed on waivers, but I can't find that being backed up anywhere. Stay tuned.

I'm up, I'm up!

That's right. I've dragged myself out of bed for this.

It was quite the fanfare in Japan for the Boston Red Sox and the Oakland A's game.

Dustin Pedroia just led off the season with a single up the middle. What an odd sentence.

As "cool" as this is, the game and everything, why in the world (pun) would an American sport, "America's past time," start it's season at 6 a.m. on the other side of the world? This makes literally no sense to me. The season should have started with the Nationals, in their new park, because they are the Nationals. The Washington Nationals. How much more American can you get?

Well, if anyone else is up, which I doubt, enjoy the game. Here comes Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Mets playing cards close to their chest

Johan Santana and Pedro Martinez will skip their Grapefruit League starts in an effort to keep them from facing the teams they will pitch against during the first week of the season.

In their place, Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell make the starts against the Braves and the Marlins.

Very clever, Willie Randolph, very clever.

I'm just waiting to read something claiming Niese is pitching because he's going to be the 5th starter. I can't wait.

Photo of the Day: Maine

John Maine had one of his best starts, allowing only 1 hit over 6 innings.
The best 4th starter in baseball, ladies and gentlemen.

(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Game Recap: Mets 1 -- Orioles 0

Good: John Maine was absolutely stellar today.
Bad: The offense only managed 3 hits.

Maine went 6 innings, allowing only 1 hit and 1 walk. He struck out 7 batters while on the bump. He faced only 19 batters, only one over the maximum.

That just about says it all right there. What else could you want from your number four starter? Amazing.

Joe Smith and Nelson Figueroa combined to finish out the game, with Figueroa allowing the only hit between them. Smith pitched 1 2-3, walking one and striking out two. Figueroa pitched 1 1-3 of an inning, allowing that one hit and striking out one.

Spectacular. Figueroa for #5? Anyone?

Luis Castillo picked up as many hits as the Orioles team, going 2-3, with a double and the lone RBI of the game. Brady Clark scored the only run in the third inning, walking and scoring on Castillo's hit. Marlon Anderson walked twice as the DH, and Ruben Gotay also walked once.

Castillo has been very hot as of late. Lets hope he can carry that into the season.

Ryan Church picked up the other hit for the Mets, and also swiped his first stolen base of the spring.

Church may be coming on here, so keep your eye on him. I foresee big things for him this year.

Game Ball: Maine. No doubt.

Lineup vs. the Orioles

The Mets will travel to Fort Lauderdale Stadium to take on the Baltimore Orioles today at 1:05 p.m.

Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
1B Damion Easley
DH Marlon Anderson
LF Fernando Tatis
RF Ryan Church
CF Brady Clark
C Brian Schneider
RH John Maine

Clark in center is interesting. Looks like they're seeing if he has the range to cover center in case thy take him north and need him to fill in for Carlos Beltran.
And that is not a mirage, Schneider is actually starting another game.

The Traded Twins: Gomez wins CF job

We'll keep tabs on the Mets prospects that were traded away for Johan Santana every once in a while.

Carlos Gomez has won the starting center fielders job for the Minnesota Twins, as Denard Span and Jason Pridie, Gomez's main competition, were sent down to minor league camp.

Gomez is batting .286, with 1 home run, 6 RBI, and 10 steals this spring.

Good luck to Gomez, and I am glad he is out of our league. I think he'll be a pretty good player one day, and I'm just happy as long as he's not on the Mets, he's far, far away. Ten steals is spectacular.

When I watched him against the Yankees this spring, he didn't look too hot in center. He made two pretty miserable throws, trying to gun someone out at the plate. His first throw was air-mailed to the backstop and his other went halfway up the first base line.

Obviously, he's performed well enough to win the job, so he must have been doing some things right when I wasn't watching.

Figueroa and Sosa

Can the Mets actually turn to Jorge Sosa or Nelson Figueroa?

With the health of Orlando Hernandez and the poor performance from Mike Pelfrey, Sosa or Figueroa could be an option for the 5th starter spot.

Sosa, who went 7-6 with a 4.59 ERA as a starter last year, would be able to slip into that position, but they seem more content with keeping him out of the bullpen in the long relief role. Sosa went 2-2 with a 4.18 ERA coming out of the bullpen last year after shifting there due to a string of bad starts.

Figueroa, who has a 7-17 career record with a 4.65 ERA, has been pretty impressive so far this spring. He has a 2-1 record with a 3.38 ERA this spring. He has mainly appeared in minor league games lately, but after yesterday's absolute disaster, I think the Mets should take a serious look at him.

At best, Figueroa can fill in at the 5th spot, while Pelfrey and El Duque spend time at the extended minor league spring training, getting in more work and trying to stay healthy.

I can't believe it's come to this, as it's a sobering look at the Mets after all the hype of Johan Santana and the like. This is something the Mets should get used to, as the biggest issue facing them this year is injuries.

Lesser of the two evils

As absolutely bad as Mike Pelfrey was (4 1-3 IP, 8 ER, 13 hits, 1 walk, 1 K), I still think he earned the spot in rotation over Orlando Hernandez, due to the rest of his spring and the ability to throw over 85 mph. Oh, and to stay healthy, of course.

El Duque only lasted 3 innings, allowing 5 runs on 4 hits, 2 walks, while striking out 1. El Duque topped out at 85 mph, and had to be pulled from the game before his slotted four innings. Eddie Kunz had to come out for the 4th because Pelfrey was not ready to come into the game as early as they needed him.

I am officially cutting all emotional ties to El Duque.

We have the best 1-4 starters in the league, and the biggest question mark in the 5th spot.

I'm penciling in Pelfrey as the 5th starter, but you never know...Nelson Figueroa could make a late spring push. Wouldn't that be nice?

If the glove don't fit...

From Yahoo!:

The New York Mets have scouted Detroit Tigers first baseman/outfielder Marcus Thames so much this spring that they could be accused of stalking according to the Boston Glove.

Hmm...I've never heard of that newspaper before.

Either way, say the Mets trade away a guy like Scott Schoeneweis for Thames, which I don't see happening, who takes the hit and loses his spot on the bench?

Ramon Castro or Raul Casanova (if Castro starts on the DL) - Safe. You always need a backup.
Damion Easley - Safe. Can play all the infield positions.
Marlon Anderson - Safe. Way too valuable as a pinch hitter.
Endy Chavez - Safe. He'll see a lot of time filling in for Carlos Beltran and Ryan Church.
Ruben Gotay - Goner. He'd be the odd man out here, so if this deal does come to fruition, maybe the Mets can toss Gotay in and get something back in return, you never know.

Still, I don't see the Thames deal going down, at least not with the Mets, but it's just something to keep your eye on.

Weather may be an issue

El Duque and Mike Pelfrey are set to square off against the St. Louis Cardinals today, as they battle for the 5th spot in the rotation. It is raining in Port St. Lucie right now, and looks like it's going to rain the rest of the day.

There was a comment from Matt Tracy on the last post that stated:

People still don't know what went on behind closed doors before duque's last start, so to already start assuming he is going to throw slow today is not a real good assumption.

Who knows, maybe he was told to slow it down the other day because of something to do with his routine, pitching schedule, whatever. Maybe they said since you are throwing a real game next, throw slow now and fast then? You never know.

Maybe if the Mets were just getting him back before a postseason start, I could see this. You know, trying to mask his ability and speed. But before a spring training start just doesn't make sense to me.

The coaching staff would want to evaluate El Duque as much as possible before giving him the green light to make his first spring training start, don't you think?

I think that El Duque and his career are running on fumes, trying anything to speak into the rotation. Today will be the tell all. Hopefully El Duque can prove me wrong and solidify the 5th spot, but I just don't see that happening.

Happy Easter to all those celebrate, and enjoy the game if you're able to catch it. I'll be back later with a game recap.

Tomorrow is D-Day

"Everything will be revealed tomorrow," said Willie Randolph.

Tomorrow, the Mets will have Orlando Hernandez take the mound for his first start in spring training. When El Duque's day is done, Mike Pelfrey will take over on the mound.

A lot of stock will be put into tomorrow's game and the 5th starter could be decided by tomorrows performances. Of course, for probably the most meaningful game of spring training, I'll be at Easter dinner.

I really don't think El Duque is going to have it in him. Velocity may not mean a lot to the staff and to Hernandez, but when hitters start tagging him for hits and runs, it will be a different story.

For absolutely no reason, Randolph also seems dead set on taking five pitchers to begin the season, even though the 5th spot isn't needed until halfway through April.

Pelfrey is still my top choice, even if he hasn't performed up to par so far this spring. I'll take health over a veteran presence any day.

Tomorrow, the 5th starter will probably be decided, and this blogger is pulling for Pelfrey.

Who do you prefer?

Mets Lounge

Hey everyone!

I just launched MetsLounge.com, the official forum of The 'Ropolitans!

It's really new, so there will be some minor updates and such coming in the near future, but it is up and fully functional.

We're all very friendly over there, so don't be afraid to join and get your voice heard!

Mets Lounge, the official forum of The 'Ropolitans!

Thanks and enjoy!

Game Recap: Indians 5 -- Mets 2

In a rain shortened game, Oliver Perez gave up 4 home runs in 5 innings, and the Indians beat the Mets 5-2 in 7 innings.

Perez pitched 5 innings, allowing 5 earned runs on 7 hits and 2 walks. Perez struck out 6. All the runs came on home runs. Victor Martinez, Asdrubal Cabrera and Ben Francisco each had solo shots, while Casey Blake added a 2-run home run. Three of the home runs came in the 4th inning.

Not good, not good at all. Yes, it's only spring training, but Perez has only one, maybe two games until the season starts, so you have to start paying attention to the numbers being put up now.

Joe Smith and Nelson Figueroa each pitched one inning in relief. Smith allowed two hits, and nothing more. Figueroa pitched a hitless inning, but he walked one, hit a batter, and balked.

As long as they don't give up runs, I'm OK with it. I think we'll see both of these guys at Shea sometime this year.

The Mets offense picked up 7 hits, 3 for extra base hits.

Carlos Beltran hit a solo home run in the top of the 6th inning off of Scott Elarton. He also struck out once, going 1-3 on the day. Fernando Tatis went 1-2 with a walk and an RBI double in the 7th inning.

Apparently Beltran crushed that ball, which is great to see. His knees will always bother him, but he still puts up numbers and wins gold gloves. Tatis has looked pretty good over the last few days.

Ryan Church ended his hitless streak, knocking a double while going 1-3 on the day. Damion Easley picked up 2 singles, going 2-3.

It's about time, Church! Get in a groove now and keep it up.

Game Ball: Beltran, I guess.

Perez's final line

Oliver Perez: 5 IP, 7 hits, 5 earned runs, 2 walks, 6 strikeouts.
All the runs came on 4 home runs Perez surrendered.

John Delcos:

Perez has this superstition of hopping over the foul line on the way back to the dugout. After giving up three bombs in the inning, he still hopped over the line. What for? To hold the Indians to only two dingers next inning?

Lineup vs. the Indians

The Mets took a 2 hour bus trip to play the Cleveland Indians in Winter Haven, Fla. for a 1:05 p.m. game.

Lineup:

Luis Castillo 2B
Brady Clark LF
Carlos Beltran CF
Carlos Delgado 1B
Damion Easley SS
Ryan Church RF
Fernando Tatis 3B
Brian Schneider C
Michel Abreu DH

Oliver Perez SP

Well, look who is behind the plate!! Schneider is starting only his 4th spring training game. That's pretty much the only thing to note here. Some of they guys are taking the day off, so guys like Clark, Tatis, and Abreu are getting some reps.

Poll results: Heilman as the setup man

Due to a late barrage of votes, Aaron Heilman took the victory over Duaner Sanchez for "Who will be the main setup man for Billy Wagner?"

Results:
Aaron Heilman - 54% (26 votes)
Duaner Sanchez - 39% (19 votes)
Matt Wise - 4% (2 votes)
Pedro Feliciano - 2% (1 vote)

It is still unknown if Sanchez will break north with the team as he had been unable to pitch back to back innings so far this spring. Heilman figures to be the main 8th inning guy, just like last year.

Most of you seem to think that Wise and Feliciano are best suited in the middle innings, and I absolutely agree.

Why are the Mets in the Civil Rights Game?

The Mets have the honor of playing the Chicago White Sox in the 2008 Civil Rights Game on March 29th.

My question is simple. Why the Mets?

"The intent of the game is to embrace baseball's history of African-American players, as well as to generate interest for future black players," says its Wikipedia page. On MLB.com, the game is said to represent "a symbolic eternal torch commemorating the struggle for racial harmony near where the most painful obstacle had been thrown in its path."

So, in a nutshell, it's supposed to showcase and embrace the African-American community in baseball and attempt to raise awareness supporting baseball in those communities.

So who was the genius who chose the Mets?

On the 40-man roster, the Mets only have two African-American players. On the coaching staff, they also have two men from African-American descent. Damion Easley and Marlon Anderson on the field, Willie Randolph and Jerry Manuel on the coaching staff.

In the 2006 Racial and Gender Report Card for Major League Baseball (PDF), it is noted that "A total of 40.5 percent of the players were Latino." For the Mets, it's a little more than that. On the 40-man roster, 19 players are from Latino descent.

The report also states that the drop in African-Americans in the sport since 1996 from 17 percent to 8 percent, as the percentage of Hispanic players increased during that period, from 20 percent to 29 percent.

African-American players make up 5 percent of the Mets roster. Latino players make up 47.5 percent.

If the Civil Rights Game is supposed to raise awareness for the African-American community, choosing the Mets probably wasn't the best move, as almost half of the team is Latino.

The only possible reason the Mets are in this game, that I can figure shows up later in the MLB article. It goes on to quote Omay Minaya as saying "Since the days of Jackie Robinson, baseball has been at the forefront of social change in this country, and this game is just another example that our sport understands the significance of paying the proper respect to such an important part of American history." Again, the Mets are tied to Jackie Robinson, not that it's a bad thing, but it just makes little sense to me.

So for a team that is comprised of nearly 50 percent of players from Latino descent while they are only 5 percent African-American, they were chosen to participate in a game promoting African-Americans in baseball.

That just doesn't make sense to me.

2K8 commercial

Have you seen it?
It makes absolutely no sense to me.

Here's what happens: There is a man polishing a bat with a towel, counting "89...90...91..." Jose Reyes walks into the clubhouse with a radio playing some sort of reggae music or something. (Someone tells me this is the "Jose! Jose! Jose!" chant. Shows how much I pay attention.) Reyes turns toward his locker as the man stops polishing his bat (insert own joke here) and bashes the radio to smithereens. Reyes turns around in shock, and starts hysterically laughing. Then he has a little spasm, and the commercial cuts to video game footage.

What. Just. Happened?

I really just have no idea why that part of the commercial exists. I guess it's funny when Reyes just starts laughing and has an apparent muscle spasm.

Other than that though, I'm lost. If anyone can explain it to me, I'd be happy to post it up to the site.

Update: Joe at Mets Today and I must have the same train of thought. This just popped up in my Google Reader after I published this.

Catchers up and down

You can take Robinson Cancel's mask out of contention for a possible spot on the roster if one of Brian Schneider or Ramon Castro can't go.

Cancel had an MRI on his knee, and will require surgery to repair it, reports Lisa Kennelly on NJ.com.

Pay attention to Gustavo Molina, who has been pretty good when he gets a chance along with Raul Casanova.

Brian Schneider did appear in a minor league game, going 2-4 with a walk, a home run, and double. He said he was good enough to go today, but was held out and will go tomorrow instead.

Game Recap: Mets 8 -- Nationals 2

This team seems like they are ready for the season. The Mets overcame a strong start from Matt Chico, and beat up the Nationals bullpen, winning 8-2.

Pedro Martinez put in 5 strong innings of work, allowing 2 earned runs on 5 hits. Pedro did not walk any batters, and struck out 4. Pedro gave up a solo home run to left in the 4th inning to Austin Kearns. Other than that, Pedro looks pretty dominant. He did hit a batter, but still was pretty under control through the majority of the game.

For only Pedro's second start of the spring, I'm more than happy with that.

The rest of the bullpen combined to only allow one hit and a walk through the next 4 innings. Ricardo Rincon pitched the 6th inning, striking out two batters and making Paul Lo Duca look silly in his first game back from an injury. Pedro Feliciano allowed the one hit, and nothing else in the 7th. Scott Schoeneweis and Matt Wise closed out the game, with Wise walking one.

Not only do we have a strong bullpen in the majors, but we will have strong reserves waiting in AAA if anyone happens to get injured.

The offense absolutely exploded today, scoring 8 runs on 16 hits.

Jose Reyes, who has been hot lately, went 2-4 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI. Reyes tried to stretch one of his doubles to a triple, but was beaten by about 10 steps and was easily tagged out. David Wright had a huge day, going 3-4, scoring twice and driving in 2. Wright absolutely crushed a ball to deep left center for the only Mets home run of the game.

"The young studs." Is it bad luck to name them? I'm surprised no one has a clever nickname for them yet.

Carlos Beltran went 2-3 on the day, picking up a double. Angel Pagan went 2-2 with a walk, and also scored one run. Pagan ripped a triple off the wall in right field, he cruised into third standing. Marlon Anderson subbed in the game at first base, going 2-2 with 2 RBI's and a run scored.

Beltran looks very healthy out there. Pagan had cooled down recently, but picked it right back up again today. How does the bench shake out in your eyes?

Luis Castillo, Endy Chavez and Anderson Hernandez also scored for the Mets. Fernando Tatis and Gustavo Molina each picked up the rest of the RBIs for the Mets.

Tatis and Molina have each contributed in limited duty the past few days. Any chance for either of them? I don't think so, but again, they can be nice AAA reserves if/when someone goes down.

Game Ball: D. Wright.

Note: Brian Schneider played in a minor league game. He went 2-4 with a walk, picking up a home run and a double. He was not allowed to go full power, but said he felt good enough to play. He said he should return tomorrow against the Indians, but we know to take what he says with a grain of salt.

Live Game Commentary: Nats at Mets

Another decaf version of the Live Game...

First inning:

• 1-1 on Christian Guzman, and Pedro Martinez and Raul Casanova are having a bit of trouble communicating. Pedro gets Guz to pop out to Jose Reyes on the outfield grass.
• Paul Lo Duca is making his first appearance of the spring, and gets a nice hand from the crowd. He looks to Pedro, and blows him a kiss. Interesting. Pedro works him 0-2, as he grounds one to Reyes' right, and he boots it.
• Ryan Zimmerman pokes one down the line in right and gets gunned down by Ryan Church as he tries to stretch it to a double. Church has an absolute gun in right. Lo Duca moved to third.
• Pedro and Casanova are still having issues with the signals. A beautiful changeup in the dirt against Dimitri Young for strike two, and an even nicer one to get him swinging to end the inning.

• I truly do not understand that Reyes commercial for MLB 2K8.

• Reyes surprisingly does not swing at the first pitch, but makes up for it with a terrible swing on a ball low and away to strike out.
• Luis Castillo does not have a pretty AB, and pops out to center.
• David Wright has a loopy swing, but pulls the ball into right field for a single. Not his prettiest swing.
• Carlos Beltran loves to call time right as the pitcher is about to deliver. It's like icing the kicker in football, I guess. Beltran pulls a double down the third base line. Looks pretty good running from home to second. Wright moves to third.
• Carlos Delgado pulls one down the first base line, which eats up Young. He keeps the ball in front of him as he doubles over and searches for the ball. He finds it and tosses it to Matt Chico running over to cover the bag. Chico trips while he catches the ball, tags the bag, and tumbles to the ground.

Second inning:

• Pedro promptly pegs the batter on the hip with his first pitch of the inning.
• Elijah Dukes rips a double to left. 2nd and 3rd, no one out. Not Pedros best work so far. He's giving up the balls away which is allowing the batters to put the balls down the line.
• Another ball ripped down the line, snagged by a diving Delgado. He rolls over the tosses to Pedro who came over to cover. Excellent play, but the run comes home. 1-0 Nats, man on third, 1 out.
• Ryan Langerhans works the count full, but goes down swinging on a ~75 mph changeup from Pedro.
• And a ground out to Reyes will end the inning. Pedro had two on in scoring position with no one out, and got out of the inning with only one run.

• Angel Pagan comes up for his first AB of the day. He really needs to pick it up if he doesn't want to end up in AAA. He started off very hot, but has cooled off significantly over the past few games. He cues a one hopper up the middle and beats out the throw for an infield single.
• Church didn't get on base again. How? I don't know.
• Casanova is putting together a tough at bat, and as I write that, he grounds into an inning ending double play.

Third inning:

• Pedro gets Guzman swinging for the first out of the inning.
• Apparently Lo Duca hit a single in the first inning. My bad. Lo Duca hits one to straightaway center, and Beltran has to go straight back to make the catch. Looks fine in the outfield. Almost 100% apparently.
• Another one right to Beltran, who has to backtrack a few steps to make the catch. 1-2-3 for Pedro.

• Martinez is making his first AB of the game. He pops out to shallow center.
• Reyes pops out in foul territory behind the plate.
• It's scary to say, but Chico is setting the Mets down quickly. Castillo is at the plate. He singles, and in his usual gimpy running style, gets down to first.
• Wright takes the first pitch from Chico and singles up the middle.
• Beltran knocks one to left, and Dukes falls down, but still makes the play.

Fourth inning:

• The Meat Hook is up to face Pedro. Chops one down to Castillo for the first out.
• Austin Kearns takes Pedro deep to left and over the wall. Right down the pipe from Martinez, and Kearns took advantage. 2-0 Nats.
• Martinez leaves a curveball hanging over the plate, and it is ripped to left field. Pagan charges and makes a diving grab for the out. Nice play.
• Swinging strike to end the inning, Martinez might be done.

• Delgado grounds out for the first out.
• Brian Schneider is playing in the minor league game, and he really looks uncomfortable as he runs to first on a ground out. I think SNY just figured out they can show the minor league game, as between every pitch, they switch to the back fields.
• Pagan works out a walk. And easily steals second on the very next pitch. Lo Duca's throw had arc on it. The Mets can't wait to exploit that.
  
• Church has at least gotten the count to 3-2 on the AB. Church grounds out to short, which doesn't allow Pagan to advance. I can already hear the boo birds for Church.
• Casanova pops out to Langerhans, and the inning is over.

Fifth inning:

• Pedro is still in.
• Allows a single to Langerhans up the middle.
• Chico commits a cardinal sin, popping up his bunt. Casanova catches it, and easily gets Langerhans out at first as he was running on the play. 2 away.
• Ground out to end the inning. Pedro might be done, again.

• Caleb Stewart is up hitting for Pedro, who is done for the day. He dribbles one down to first for the first out.
• 212-246-0416, if you would like to call in to the SNY booth. No joke. They're taking calls in the booth.
• Reyes doubles for the second straight game, which spells the end for Chico. A big day from him. Chris Schroder is in for the Nats.
• Reyes gets thrown out stealing third base. An odd sight for us Mets fans, Lo Duca threw out a runner. He absolutely looks safe on that, I'm sorry.
• Castillo...gets on base, somehow. Sorry, Drake / WKY is a great game.
• WP from Schroder, and Castillo practically walks to second.
• Wright absolutely CRUSHES a home run to left center. 2-2 game. That was long gone.
• Beltran bloops one off the glove of the second baseman in shallow right. Should be an error.
• They are busting Delgado inside here. He skies one to the catcher. Guess it worked.

Sixth inning:

• Ricardo Rincon is on to pitch, facing Lo Duca.
• Lo Duca looks absolutely foolish on a great pitch by Rincon. Strikes out swinging.
• Strike out looking, for Zimmerman. 3 pitches.
• Ground out to end the inning, and it elicits a fist-pump from Delgado. Great inning from Rincon.

• They're taking calls in the booth. This is hilarious.

• Pagan hits one off the wall for a stand up triple. I really don't know who is making this team anymore.
• Church walks on 4 pitches.
• Casanova has a chance to impress here, with 1st and 3rd and nobody out. Instead, he strikes out swinging.
• Pinch hitting master Marlon Anderson comes to the plate. Rips one off the wall, almost to the same spot as Pagan. Pagan scores, Church moves to third on Anderson's double.
• Reyes slices one into left center, and tries to stretch it to a triple but is easily gunned down at third. Two runs score to make it 5-2 Mets.
• Damion Easley at the dish. He puts one right to left field. Inning over.

I'll call it here for the day. I'll be back in a few with the recap.

Lineup vs. the Nationals

The Mets are taking on the Washington Nationals at home at 1:10 p.m. The game will be aired on SNY, and I'll be doing a Live Game.

Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
1B Carlos Delgado
LF Angel Pagan
RF Ryan Church
C Raul Casanova
RH Pedro Martinez

Pedro's second start this spring. Pagan has fallen off recently, so if he hopes to make the squad over Brady Clark, he better start hitting again.

The 5th starter and the bullpen

According to Adam Rubin, and for no apparent reason, the Mets "appear to be leaning heavily toward carrying five starters from the beginning of the season, regardless of whether Orlando Hernandez is ready from the get-go."

Um, why? The team doesn't need a 5th starter until April 12, so why would you carry one? This would open a spot for a tandem of Duaner Sanchez and Steven Register to break with the team. This would give Duaner more time to work into going back-to-back days and possibly showcase Register to other teams, if he doesn't stick.

El Duque and Mike Pelfrey are slated to split the game on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals.

If it was up to me, I wouldn't take a 5th starter, see how those two pitch in simulated games in minor league camp, and make your decision from there.