Lineups & notes for game one against the Rays

1. Alex Cora – SS
2. Daniel Murphy – 1B
3. Carlos Beltran – CF
4. David Wright – 3B
5. Gary Sheffield – LF
6. Ryan Church – RF
7. Brian Schneider – C
8. Luis Castillo - 2B
9. Fernando Nieve - RHP

• Fernando Martinez demoted, Nick Evans promoted.
• Mets picked up LHP Arturo Lopez off waivers from San Diego Padres.
• The Mets are 7-5 all time against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Game Chat will go live at 7 p.m.

A few thoughts on this beautiful Memorial Day

First off, if you're inside reading this and you're not at work, go outside! The weather outside is spectacular.

Mercifully, the Mets road trip ended yesterday, as they fell to the Colorado Rockies by a score of 4-1. They're record on the latest road trip was a pitiful 1-6.

Today, Willie Randolph will meet with Omar Minaya and The Wilpons in their usual quarterly meeting. This meeting is now under the magnifying glass as the team is playing some uninspired baseball and currently sits two games under .500 on the season.

Everyone and their mothers is claiming Randolph most likely will not be canned today. I'd have to agree, but if the team continues to play at this level, I can't see him making it through this homestand.

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Adam Rubin in the Daily News is reporting there are whispers that the Mets are mulling a AAA sting for Aaron Heilman. The Mets would most likely call up Carlos Muniz, who is 2-2 with a 1.80 ERA in New Orleans.

Well I have to say, it's about time. He's young, struggling, and it cannot hurt to get out of New York right now to clear your head. I say pull the trigger, sooner rather than later.

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This guy seems pretty dead-set on Randolph's job security.

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Enjoy your Memorial Day. A huge "thank you" must go out to all the members of the military.

Two notes on a pretty quiet day

There really hasn't been much discussed today as everyone just seems to be preparing for tonights matchup of Johan Santana and Cole Hamels.

On paper, it's a pitching duel, but they're in Citizens Bank Park, and when do have these ace's meet, it rarely ever works out like that.

John Delcos has tonight's over/under home run total at four. I'll take the over.

Two notes:
Carlos Beltran should return tonight after missing last night with a sore neck. He pinch hit in the ninth inning, but struck out swinging with men on base.

Also, Jimmy Rollins will not be playing tonight, as he is attending his uncle's funeral. He may or may not be back Saturday, but definitely by Sunday.

Quick notes before I head out

I'll be out and about today, so I won't be able to post a game lineup. A recap should be in by tonight though.

-Orlando Hernandez threw a simulated game this morning while using his new windup. He tossed 3 inning (60 pitches, 38 strikes) to a minor-league group. Without fielders to shag balls, El Duque seemed to give up 8 hits and 2 runs, one of which came on a home run to Rene Reyes. Bart Hubbuch reports that El Duque's next session will be a start in Grapefruit League play.

I need to see what Duque can do in a game to try and gauge where the 5th starters spot stands. This might be a tough one for Willie Randolph & Co.

-Luis Castillo could get into the lineup today at Tradition Field. The ailing second baseman could return soon, and possibly as early as todays game against the Orioles, reports Peter Botte.

If the Mets can field the starting team just once before spring is over, I'll be a happy man.

-Oliver Perez takes the mound to face the Baltimore Orioles at Tradition Field, a 1:10 p.m. start. The game is available on SNY.