Die Hard Mets Fan

Well, the Mets couldn’t sweep the Pirates.  Not only could they not sweep the Pirates, but it took them 11 innings to beat them the first night and they got torched today.  The Mets (14-12) have an off day tomorrow before they head out west for a 6-game road trip.  The Mets will be in Arizona (20-8) over the weekend and in L.A. (13-13) early next week.  The Diamondbacks are smokin’ hot right now.  If we struggle with the Nats and the Bucs then it’s safe to assume that we’ll struggle out west.  I hope not though.

The Mets are 14-12 now.

 Game delayed by water main break - Marty Noble explained why today’s Pirates-Mets game got off to a late start.

Wright gives Mets walk-off win - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Pirates and the Mets.

Mets up to the task against southpaws - Marty Noble assembled a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Pirates and the Mets.

Alou cleared to return to Mets - Marty Noble stated that Moises Alou could play this wekeend vs. Arizona.

Valentin pays visit to Mets teammates - Marty Noble pointed out that Jose Valentin visited the team prior to last night’s game, and Valentin expects to return to the team by the end of May.

Church looking for first All-Star bid

Newsday:

Mets win on Wright’s long single in 11th - Jim Baumbach summarized last night’s Pirates-Mets game.

Alou could be back in Mets’ lineup on Friday

Mientkiewicz: You haven’t seen the real Johan yet

Mets’ Schneider close to leaving hospital

New York Daily News:

David Wright’s 11th-inning hit gives Mets 5-4 win over Pirates - Adam Rubin also summarized last night’s game between the Pirates and the Mets.

Mets catcher Brian Schneider released from hospital - The AP reported that Brian Schneider was released by the hospital yesterday.

In cold, Johan Santana’s drama is gripping - Roger Rubin found out that Johan Santana thought it was difficult to pitch in the chilly conditions last night.

Moises Alou’s bat set for road swing

To Ryan Church, strong start to year is all relative

Matt Wise might replace Jorge Sosa - Adam Rubin reported that Matt Wise is expected to rejoin the Mets in Arizona this weekend after a rehab appearance Thursday.  Rubin believes that the Mets might send Jorge Sosa down to the minors when Wise returns.

New York Post:

WRIGHT ON TIME - Bart Hubbuch summarized last night’s Pirates-Mets games as well.

URGENT MATTER - Even though the Mets have been winning, Kevin Kernan believes that the Mets need to play with more urgency because they don’t understand how to put away a much lesser opponent.

ALOU MAY BE BACK FRIDAY

SANCHEZ SIDESTEPS BIG TROUBLE - Duaner Sanchez took the blame for allowing last night’s game to get into extra innings.

New York Times:

Mets Will Take a Victory They Nearly Gave Away

Alou Is Finally Ready to Play, but Schneider Is Not

Smoltz Put on Disabled List With Sore Right Shoulder - YEAH!!!

The Star-Ledger:

Wright’s hit boosts Mets in 11th

Alou says he’ll play vs. D’backs

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The Mets didn’t have such a good weekend, in terms of wins and losses.  Another loss to the Cards, and that was a spanking, not a loss.  However, they got right back on track today with a 1-0 win over the Orioles.  Even better news, Opening Day is one week away…finally.  I, like all of us, have high expectations for the ’08 Mets and I cannot wait for it to begin, and maybe even end.  There are more concerns now than prior to Preseason, but as a Mets fan, I hope they can win it all.  7 Days!!! 

 Mets cruise as Maine stifles Orioles - Spencer Fordin summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Orioles.  New York beat Baltimore 1-0.  John Maine was the starting pitcher.  The Mets are 17-9-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Classic on mind of Pedro, Mets - Marty Noble discusses the 2009 World Baseball Classic with Pedro Martinez.

El Duque struggles in debut vs. Cards - Marty Noble summarized Easter Sunday’s game between the Cardinals and the Mets.  St. Louis beat New York 14-4.  Orlando Hernandez got the start.  The Mets are 16-9-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Roster spots may be won by default - Marty Noble points out that injuries to Ramon Castro, Duaner Sanchez, and Jose Valentin may open door for others.

Rotation questions remain for Mets - Marty Noble discusses the bad outings that El Duque and Mike Pelfrey had yesterday as well as how this might affect their chance at the 5th spot in the rotation.

Newsday:

Mets can’t pencil in Pelfrey or Hernandez

Duaner Sanchez unlikely to make opener - Jim Baumbach says that it is still unlikely that Sanchez will be healthy in time for Opening Day.  Also, Valentin probably won’t be able to make Opening Day because had to go to New York to get an injection to treat the pain in his neck from a pinched nerve.  Baumbach lets us know that Reed Johnson was released from the Blue Jays yesterday, and he thinks that the Mets might be interested in Johnson.

New York Daily News:

Trying to make case for 5th spot, El Duque and Mike Pelfrey get ripped

Duaner Sanchez stint offers no relief

New York Post:

OPEN AT 5

PEDRO, JOHAN IN MINOR MOVES - Bart Hubbuch found out that Willie Randolph is not going to have Pedro or Johan Santana pitch anymore in the Grapefruit League.  Rather, Willie is going to have them pitch against Minor League clubs to avoid showing off their pitches.

New York Times:

New Motion Isn’t Ready for Mets’ Rotation - Ben Shpigel also discusses the 5th spot in the rotation.

The Star-Ledger:

Game 25: Mets at Orioles - Lisa Kennelly provided the lineup for today’s game between the Mets and the Orioles.

HELP WANTED: One Pitcher for Mets Rotation

Rotation stuck in the mud

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

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

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

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

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

Newsday:

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

Mets’ Sanchez might not make Opening Day

Injured Mets receiving most media attention

New York Daily News:

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

Duaner Sanchez itching to pitch more

New York Post:

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

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

SANCHEZ MAY MISS OPENER

New York Times:

Mets Still Waiting on Sánchez

The Star-Ledger:

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

Mets’ Maine Attraction Still Intact

Once again, Mets are down to third catcher

Sanchez hopes to get back on track

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Lastings Milledge was the last National that was a former Met to complain about his former team.  Paul Lo Duca is another National that was a former Mets to take shots at his former team.  The media shouldn’t even hand these guys a microphone.  Milledge is a classless scumbag, and Lo Duca is a steroid user.  Both of them should figure out why they are not on the Mets anymore.  They can begin by looking in the mirror.  Nobody cares what they have to say so say nothing at all.

 Mailbag: Alternatives to Delgado? - Beat reporter Marty Noble answers Mets fans’ questions.

Off-day won’t be quiet for Mets - Marty Noble lists the tasks that the Mets would like to accomplish during their off-day.

Newsday:

Lo Duca, Milledge still have issues with Mets - Does anybody care what these guys have to say?

Businesses near Shea bracing for uncertain future -With the days until Citi Field opens counting down, Wallace Matthews discusses the fight between the business owners of the Queens’ Iron Triangle and the potential business owners of what could be a beautiful area in Queens.

Mets’ injured Valentin is mulling retirement - David Lennon is following up on an article that Anthony Rieser of Newsday wrote about on Saturday.  Omar Minaya said that the Jose Valentin situation is ”not that desperate”.

New York Daily News:

Paul Lo Duca can’t mask irritation with Omar Minaya and wounded feelings - Paul Lo Duca was quoted as saying this about the Mets letting him go,

Anytime in your lifetime that you’re not wanted, it’s tough. I was vocal that I wanted to stay in New York, but with the way that the offseason went, I’m glad I’m not there. I hate to say that, but they went through three guys and I never got a phone call. I wasn’t wanted, obviously. So, I’m human. I’m glad.

Maybe if Lo Duca did things the right way, he’d still be in New York.  Steroid users shouldn’t be able to control the situation.  They should be lucky that they’re still playing because I would throw them the hell out if I was the Commissioner.

After birth of son, Ryan Church takes own baby steps - Adam Rubin lets us know how Ryan Church did against the Nationals on his first day back from a three-day paternity leave.

For Jose Valentin, pain in neck may spell end of career

New York Post:

METS TOOK LO ROAD

NECK’S NAGGING VALENTIN

New York Times:

Hard Feelings Emerge as Mets Face Lo Duca

The Star-Ledger:

A Simulated Off-Day

It’s Delgado, For Better or Worse - Matthew Artus pointed out how dismal of a Spring Training Carlos Delgado has had, which led Artus to question what type of season Delgado will have.

Injured Valentin hints about retiring

Ex-Met seeks revenge

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  The Mets whooped the Nationals today as the Mets got their 13th win of the spring.  It seems like every time they win a game they lose a Met.  It seems like the Mets need to bring in a catcher because their first two are down.  I thought that the Mets needed to bring in a left fielder, but they didn’t so it doesn’t mean that they will bring in a catcher.  It depends who’s available and how much it will cost.

 Vargas, Valentin latest Mets out - Marty Noble provides the status of the injuries suffered by Jason Vargas and Jose Valentin.  Noble believes that Valentin will not be ready for Opening Day.

Perez lights-out against Nationals - Bill Ladson summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Nationals.  The Mets beat the Nats 7-3.  Oliver Perez got the start.  The Mets are 13-7-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

More injuries for hurting Mets - Marty Noble discusses the injuries that Carlos Delgado and Ramon Castro suffered in yesterday’s game.

Newsday:

Delgado, Castro injuries mar Pedro’s debut

Pedro springs forward - Anthony Rieber described Pedro Martinez’s start yesterday as “outstanding”.

New York Daily News:

Pedro Martinez’s debut wows Mets

Broken bat makes mess of Carlos Delgado

New York Post:

PEDRO DELIVERS

MRI FOR CASTRO TODAY

New York Times:

Martínez Is on Target in His Spring Debut

The Star-Ledger:

Wrapping up from Viera - A couple of quick bits from Lisa Kennelly.

Rusty Nails - Matthew Artus lets us know what Lenny Dykstra has been up to…besides being named in the Mitchell Report.

Pedro up to his old trickiness

Suddenly the plate’s almost empty - Jeremy Cothran talks about the shortage of catchers.

Mets 7, Tigers 4; Mets 6, Astros 4 (SS)

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The Mets dropped another Spring Training game to the Cards.  Like I said the last time the Mets lost to the Cardinals, I hate when that happens.

Once again, Die Hard Mets Fan would like to remind you that you can send us photos of you and your buddies in Mets gear so we can post it on the appropriate page above.  Click on one of the photo tabs in the header bar for more information.  Readers love to see pics of other Mets fans.  I can tell that many people find our fansite looking for photos of Mets fans and Mets tattoos, but there aren’t any yet.  We would greatly appreciate it if you send us some.

Note: We are looking for a few more Mets Bloggers to become a better Mets blog.  We are looking to cover many aspects of the Mets daily so you can more or less choose to write where your strenghts are.  If you are interested then please click on the ‘Write for Us’ link in the sidebar for more information.

 Castillo reaps benefits of slow return - Anthony DiComo lets us know that Luis Castillo feels great in his Grapefruit League debut.

Johan, Mets remain vexed by Cards - Anthony DiComo summarized today’s game between the Cardinals and the Mets.  The Cards beat the Mets 10-3.  Johan Santana got the start.  The Mets are 10-7-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Vargas seeks second opinion on hip - Anthony DiComo reported that ”Jason Vargas traveled to Colorado on Saturday for a second opinion on his sore left hip, which may require surgery.”

Camp nearing end, Mets roster ailing - Marty Noble stated that the calendar is counting down and the lineup remains incomplete.

Which teams have the best defense? - Lyle Spencer pointed out that MLB.com produced a list of the five premier defensive units heading into 2008.  This list includes these teams: New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, and Kansas City Royals.  Spencer explained why each of these teams made the list, and here is what he wrote about the Mets:

Johan Santana, whose glove is a matching accessory to his golden arm, will enjoy watching his new teammates pick it. Jose Reyes is the game’s premier defensive infielder in the view of advance scouts participating in MLB.com’s survey, and his partner on the left side, Gold Glover David Wright, also is first-rate. Ryan Church enhances an outfield that features Gold Glover Carlos Beltran and arguably the game’s best all-purpose sub in Endy Chavez. There are no serious chinks in manager Willie Randolph’s defensive armor.

Pitchers row laughs are par for course - Marty Noble revealed that Pedro Martinez was never into golfing like most MLB pitchers are, but now Martinez brought a golf bag to Spring Training, and said this to his colleagues, “You guys are going to teach me. If someone can tell me where to put my feet, I’ll be all right.”

Newsday:

Mets’ Valentin makes a major plea about his role - Anthony Rieber wrote that “Jose Valentin knows the Mets have made him no promises. He knows they signed Luis Castillo to a four-year contract to play second base. He also knows he signed a minor-league deal that allows the team to send him down if he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster.”  If Valentin does not make the team, he said, “I mean, I’m not going down there because they say I don’t make it. I don’t have to prove something in Triple-A. Money-wise, it’s not a big deal. I think that if I just shut it down right now and retire, I’ve still got enough money to live the rest of my life.”

New York Daily News:

Willie Randolph closes in on opener - Adam Rubin pointed out that Willie Randolph needs to get the full squad together in order to get ready for the season.

Jimmy Rollins repeats NL East boast - Here’s what Jimmy Rollins was quoted as saying in the April issue of Men’s Journal.  “That wasn’t a one-year thing. It’s still gonna ring true in 2008, and every year I’m with the Phillies. We’re going to win. It’s gonna come down to who wants it more, and we want to win more than the Mets do. Truthfully, I don’t worry about anybody in our division, or anybody in our league for that matter. I’m not worried about getting into the playoffs, because that part is accomplished. We’re a playoff team now. Our next goal is to win the World Series.”

New York Post:

BURNING QUESTION - Bart Hubbuch believes that Aaron Heilman has settled into the bullpen, but he still would prefer to be in the starting rotation.

AMAZIN’ STAFF HAS ANOTHER MAINE MAN

New York Times:

Soothsayer to Mets Won’t Brush Off Signs - Karen Crouse tells a story of a Mets fan in Floriday.

Castillo Feels No Pain in Spring Debut

Mets’ Schoeneweis Puts Painful Year Behind Him - Charlie Nobles discusses the injuries that Scott Schoeneweis suffered last season, and how he aims to put last year behind him.

The Star-Ledger:

Castillo plays, feels healthy

Getting Things Started Wright - Matthew Artus has spent the last few days pondering a debate that arose recently over at Shea Nation regarding where David Wright should bat in the Mets’ lineup.  In his article, he makes his case.

Castro is also a big hit on field - Jeremy Cothran revealed Ramon Castro as the prankster that placed the bubble gum on Castillo.

With 5 at-bats, Schneider feels he’ll be ready

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The Metropolitans were good enough not to lose today, but not good enough to win.  The game resulted in a 1-1 tie since they don’t go beyond the 10th inning in Spring Training.  Some of the media noted that Red Sox Nation invaded a sold-out Tradition Field.  People were scalping tickets to Red Sox fans.

 Santana overpowers Red Sox - Anthony DiComo summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Red Sox.  The game resulted in a 1-1 tie in 10.  Johan Santana got the start.  The Mets are 8-4-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Mailbag: Who should replace Alou? - Beat reporter Marty Noble answers Mets fans’ questions.

Tip leads to new outlook for Pelfrey - Marty Noble says that Mike Pelfrey is learning to be more deceptive on the mound.

Randolph facing injuries, expectations - Mets manager Willie Randolph recently fielded questions from Marty Noble about Spring Training, the upcoming regular season, shortstop Jose Reyes and more.

Newsday:

Beltran, Delgado set to return to lineup for Mets - David Lennon reported that Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado would play against Boston today.

If Mets bring in Bonds, it’s a Barry bad idea!

Wasn’t that big a no-no by Wagner - I don’t understand David Lennon is mentioning no hitters in Spring Training, but Billy Wagner messed it up in the 5th inning.

New York Daily News:

Angel Pagan playing his way into the Mets’ outfield picture - Peter Botte stated that “Pagan is batting .429 with an NL-high 15 hits, appearing in 10 of the Mets’ first 12 games due to injuries to outfielders Alou, Carlos Beltran, Ryan Church and Endy Chavez (the latter two returned to action over the weekend). “  I hope Pagan can carry it through to the season.

John Maine throws 4 no-hit innings - Peter Botte wrote a quick blurb about John Maine’s performance yesterday.

Mets fans gearing up to Shea goodbye - Tamer El-Ghobashy gathered the thoughts of Mets fans about it being the final year in Shea Stadium.

Jose Valentin’s return to Mets comes earlier than expected - Peter Botte noted that Jose Valentin played in yesterday’s game.

New York Post:

VALENTIN’S DAY

CONFIDENCE MAN - Joel Sherman believes that Maine has what it takes to be number 2 in the starting rotation.  That’s what I’ve been thinking all along, and Maine should be pitching number 2 because what Pedro can do now is unknown.

RED SOX NATION INVADES TRADITION FIELD - Bart Hubbuch revealed that:

The Mets said the 1:10 p.m. game, which will be televised live in New York on SNY, has been sold out since the end of January. Scalpers were asking as much as $300 per ticket on eBay yesterday.

The bulk of the crowd no doubt will be red-clad Red Sox fans, thousands of whom have followed the defending champions around Florida like cultists since the first of Boston’s two recent World Series titles in 2004. Just yesterday, the Red Sox helped the Dodgers draw the largest crowd - 9,293 - in the 60-year history of Dodgertown.

New York Times:

For Church, Concussion Reveals Baseball’s Hazards

The Star-Ledger:

Sully, Murph & Squeezebox are enjoying this one - Jeremy Cothran also discusses the invasion of Red Sox fans today.

Back to Good - Matthew Artus is feeling more comfortable now that he saw some familiar faces yesterday.

Valentin sees an opportunity in the making

Beltran, Delgado on verge of returning

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After that 0-3 start, the Mets have won 8 of their last 9 to improve to an 8-4 record.  Not too shabby for a club that needs an ER in their dugout.  So many Mets are hurt that a few players come back each day.  Eventually they’ll be back to full strength.  These Barry Bonds rumors are really awful.  I don’t know which newspaper started the rumor, but it had to come from one of them.

The best Mets article of the day is “COLLECT ‘EM ALL!” by Joel Sherman of the New York Post so check it out below.

 Unhittable Maine carries Mets - Marty Noble summarized today’s game between the Astros and the Mets.  The Mets beat the Astros 3-0.  John Maine got the start and pitched 4 hitless innings.  The Mets are 8-4 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Young Mets top Orioles on the road - Spencer Fordin summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Orioles.  The Mets beat the Orioles 4-1.  Jonathan Niese got the start.

Schneider, Easley go deep in loss - Anthony DiComo summarized yesterday’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.  The Marlins beat the Mets 12-4.  Mike Pelfrey got the start.

El Duque has sights set on starting

Notes: Sanchez returns to action - According to Anthony DiComo, Duaner Sanchez pitched one inning yesterday against the Marlins and said he felt like “I was 97 percent of what you watched in ‘06. I could say 100, but I don’t want to be crazy.”  Jose Valentin was expected to make his debut today playing either first base or second base.  Ryan Church was cleared to play yesterday and played.  Church finished the day with 2 singles.  When the Mets cut 13 players on Friday, Steven Register did not get cut.

Newsday:

Fifth spot for Mets? Duque confident; Pelfrey hit - David Lennon provides the status for the 5th spot in the rotation.

Now starting in left for Mets … Barry Bonds? - That is the dumbest idea that I’ve ever heard.  And then we can add Sammy Sosa in center and Mark McGwire in right.  David Lennon included excerpts from Mets players, and they don’t want Bonds either.  That’s relieving.

New York Daily News:

Mets laugh off reports they have any interest in signing Barry Bonds

Pedro Martinez, wife committed to making a difference in Dominican - Christian Red wrote about how Pedro and Carolina Martinez, appear at a charity dinner in December in Santo Domingo that was part of their foundation’s effort to help underprivileged girls in the Dominican Republic.

El Duque starts to talk the talk; Mike Pelfrey gets shelled

Newest Mets return, make good impression - Peter Botte lets us know how Church and Brian Schneider felt after playing yesterday.

New York Post:

COLLECT ‘EM ALL! - Joel Sherman says that the Mets should sign Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens so they can discuss steroids and their legal troubles.

PELFREY TAKES STEP BACK IN BATTLE FOR FIFTH SPOT

DEARTH VALLEY - Joel Sherman explains the lack of depth that the Mets have since giving up 4 players for Johan Santana.

WEAPONS FOR WAGS - Bart Hubbuch noted that Billy Wagner added a curveball and a change-up to his arsenal because Wagner felt like hitters were catching up to him.

New York Times:

Mets Are Happy to See Some Familiar Faces

The Star-Ledger:

Mets vs. Astros - Lisa Kennelly provided the lineup for today’s game between the Astros and the Mets.

El Duque not feeling the Pelfrey pressure

Fernando Martinez is a huge talent, tiny ego

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It seems like a Met a day is getting injured.  The Mets are going to have to place a hospital on Tradition Field and relocate the team Doctors to Port St. Lucie.  Mets are flying back and forth to New York to have MRIs and CT scans performed.  At this rate, just bring everybody down to the Sunshine State.  It also seems like Omar needs to assemble a whole new 2008 team because only Wright and Reyes are healthy.

The best Mets article of the day was “Mets Elect to Not Remember the Maine” by Matthew Artus.  Make sure you give it a read.

 Notes: El Duque unveils new delivery - The Mets need to give Mike Pelfrey the spot in the rotation and use Orlando Hernandez elsewhere.

Pedro gladly passing ace baton - I keep reading these articles about how happy Pedro is to pass the baton to Santana.  It annoys me because Pedro would be the 4th starter if it was based performance rather than what he did in a prior life.  He only started in 5 games last season, and he hasn’t been Pedro since he left the Red Sox.

Johan sharp in second spring start - Anthony DiComo summarized today’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.  Johan Santana got the start.  The Mets beat the Dodgers by a score of 3-2.  The Mets are 5-3 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Mets release ‘08 promotional schedule - The Mets will be handing out promotions during 35 home games during 2008.

Alou needs surgery for hernia - Anthony DiComo reported that “Moises Alou learned on Wednesday that he’ll need to undergo surgery for a hernia. The outfielder will be out four to six weeks.”  Alou flew back to New York today to have an MRI performed.  My Mets are dropping like flies.  4-6 weeks…

Valentin fighting to go out on his terms - Anthony DiComo describes the brace on Jose Valentin’s right leg.

Notes: Gotay’s MRI unconvincing - Anthony DiComo had this to say about Ruben Gotay’s CT scan, “A reading of Gotay’s CT scan on Tuesday revealed that an irregularity in his bone turned out to be the residue of a previous injury. Though the team wasn’t completely convinced, sending the scan results to New York for further review, Mets assistant general manager John Ricco remained optimistic.”  DiComo gave provided some other health updates as well:

• Michel Abreu “strained his right hip flexor running into first base on Monday and is day-to-day.”
• Carlos Delgado and Ryan Church have been working out in a pool.  Delgado has not set a return date yet.  Church was supposed to return to the field today.
• Endy Chavez should return on the weekend.

Anthony also noted that Shea Stadium is banning smoking this year in order to get us ready for the rules of Citi Field.

Slider, not deal, a Maine concern - Anthony DiComo discusses that awful contract that the Mets just gave to John Maine.

Newsday:

Mets’ Beltran worried as he recovers from surgery - Carlos Beltran declared the NL East.  You don’t want that guy to be worried about anything going into the season.

Finally, some good news: No broken bone for Gotay

E-mail from Port St. Lucie - David Lennon lets us know how Matt Wise is doing in Spring Training.

New York Daily News:

Moises Alou sidelined until May - Mets.com said 4-6 weeks on Alou which does not go into May.  We’ll have to see how long Moises is really out.

With so many spring injuries, it pains Willie Randolph to think about them - Willie…all of us Mets fans feel the same way.

John Maine’s payoff pitch has to wait - Adam Rubin also goes over Maine’s new contract.  Maine got the league minimum which is currently $450,000.  I believe all of these guys are overpaid, but Maine should be ahead of Perez.

Ruben Gotay may be catching break - Adam Rubin also discusses the injury status of Gotay.

Smoking completely banned from Shea

New York Post:

MAINE STREAM - Bart Hubbuch stated that Maine is alright with his new contract.

BELIEVE IT, OR NOT - Joel Sherman noted that the Mets put a positive spin on Delgado.

AMAZIN’S ARE BACK IN MARKET FOR BACKUPS - Due to all of the injured players, Joel Sherman explains what positions need to be filled by the Mets.

REYES HAS 2K8 COVERED - Bart Hubbuch pointed out that Jose Reyes is on the cover of MLB 2K8.  Supposedly poor performance follows being on the cover of the video game, but Reyes is not concerned about it.

METS GET GOOD NEWS ON GOTAY

New York Times:

Injuries Give Pagán Chance to Make the Mets - Ben Shpigel explains how Angel Pagan is doing in Spring Training.

The Star-Ledger:

Alou out 4-6 weeks

Mets Elect to Not Remember the Maine - Matthew Artus is disgruntled about the contract that the Mets gave to John Maine.

Mets like new version of Pagan

Maine gets his contract renewed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Newsday:

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

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

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

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

New York Daily News:

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

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

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

New York Post:

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

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

New York Times:

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

Mets May Keep Delgado Out Several Days

The Star-Ledger:

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

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

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

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

Bad day: Injuries hit hard

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