Die Hard Mets Fan

The Mets are currently playing their Wednesday night game against the Indians.  The Tribe has a 1-0 lead after 3.  So far, it seems like the Indians keep turning the double plays.  A 1-0 lead means nothing anymore, so there’s no reason why the Metsies can’t win this game with John Maine out on the mound.

 Mets getting 2008 lineup in order - Marty Noble stated that Wednesday night’s starters may mirror Opening Day squad.

El Duque’s ’slow’ outing beguiling - Marty Noble pointed out that Orlando Hernandez sends usual mixed signals in simulated game.

Newsday:

El Duque fails to impress in simulated game

Castro may miss week with strained hamstring - David Lennon provided the status of Ramon Castro.  Lennon stated that the MRI came back negative, and Castro can miss as little as 3 days to as many as a week.

New York Daily News:

El Duque moves closer to 1st start

Ramon Castro legging it out

New York Post:

DUQUE DISAPPOINTING

SCHNEIDER: HAMMY FEELS FINE

New York Times:

Pelfrey and Hernández Have Different Styles, but the Same Goal

The Star-Ledger:

Game 20: Mets vs Indians - Lisa Kennelly provided the lineup for tonight’s game between the Indians and the Mets.

Deceived by El Duque’s Rocky Outing

For El Duque, health is up, velocity down

Pelfrey’s new slider is taken for a ride - Lisa Kennelly wrote that Brian Schneider taught Mike Pelfrey a new slider.  When the slider came to Scneider in a simulated game, he hit a home run and a ground rule double.

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The Mets picked up another ’w’ to give them their 10th in Spring Training.  The Amazins’ are playing .625 ball right now.  The regular season is right around the corner so let’s hope the Mets can continue to play hot baseball.  We learned from last season that a 7 game wasn’t enough so I hope the Mets stomp the NL and get to a 14 game lead in 2008.

 Cancel, Maine lead Mets past Marlins - Joe Frisaro summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Marlins.  The Mets beat the Marlins 8-2.  John Maine got the start.  The Mets are 10-6-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Beltran boasts new level of happiness - Marty Noble pointed out how different Carlos Beltran is after having a baby.

Injuries continue to hang over Mets - Marty Noble lets us know how the Mets are handling the injuries.

Newsday:

Mets’ Schneider may miss start of season

Mets will host All-Star Game, likely in 2013

Mets’ Pelfrey hasn’t done enough to earn a spot - Anthony Rieber feels like Mike Pelfrey hasn’t done enough to make Willie Randolph’s decision difficult.  I agree with Anthony, but I also don’t feel like El Duque hasn’t done anything either.  El Duque has only expressed how good he feels.  All along, I never felt like Pelfrey was going to be a great starter even though all of my friends that are Mets fans love him.  I say let Pelfrey start, find out what he’s got, and keep him or trade him after this season depending on his performance.  Give the kid a real shot.  Rieber also noted that Omar Minaya received the Peace Maker Award from Seeds of Peace, a non-profit organization, last night in Manhattan.

Beltran tests knees, Schneider sits out for Mets - Anthony Rieber expresses his thoughts on Betran in centerfield yesterday, and he also mentioned that Brian Schneider needs a few more days off due to a tug in his right hamstring.

New York Daily News:

Carlos Beltran tries legs in center

Mets may wait on El Duque - Adam Rubin also believes that El Duque is going to win the battle for the 5th spot in the rotation.

Mets’ and Yanks’ fields of green

New York Post:

PAGAN GOES FROM LEFT OUT TO LEFT FIELD

DOC AND SON TAKING RAP - Kevin Kernan lets us know what Dwight Gooden is up to.

METS TO HOST ALL-STAR GAME

CARLOS PLAYS CENTER

New York Times:

Having a Baby Helps Beltrán Leave His Shell

The Star-Ledger:

Game 17: Mets at Marlins - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game between the Mets and the Marlins.

Mets Battery Needs Recharging

Beltran patrols outfield, then deals with the pain

Pelfrey lacks command, fights through shaky outing

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The Mets lost 6-5 to the Cardinals today in 10.  I don’t like when the Mets lose to the Cards, but it’s only Spring Training.  Pelfrey isn’t looking as sharp as he did in his first couple of starts, but his pitch count has gone up too which shouldn’t matter.

The best Mets article of the day was “Joke’s on Castillo, but he isn’t laughing” by Marty Noble.

 Pelfrey limits damage in loss to Cards - Matthew Leach summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Cardinals.  The Cards beat the Mets 6-5.  Mike Pelfrey got the start.  The Mets are 9-5-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

New Mets park a friend to environment - Howard Kussoy stated that the Mets joined with the EPA to help Citi Field save water and energy.

Minor League Report: Mike Carp - The Mets invited Mike Carp to training camp last week to be a left-handed hitter against Pedro Martinez in his simulated game.

Joke’s on Castillo, but he isn’t laughing - Marty Noble wrote this about Luis Castillo,

By the fourth inning, Luis Castillo retreated to the Mets’ clubhouse, passed by a mirror and discovered the reasons for the behind-his-back giggles and grins in the dugout on Wednesday. He had been wearing a crown of pink bubble gum atop his cap — the first bubble lasted for two innings, then came a second, then a third and then a plastic cup attached to the gum.

The other players were probably jealous that Castillo got a 4-year contract without even being able to walk to the batters box last season.

Newsday:

Mets looking for outfielder; how about Endy? - Anthony Rieber pointed out that Omar Minaya says the Mets still have Endy Chavez to play left field.  I have no problem with Chavez or Pagan.

El Duque shows off new windup in simulated game - Anthony Rieber said that El Duque got hit hard while trying out his new windup.  Hernandez said “I feel good. I’m happy. More close to a real game. I think I feel good, I think very good.”  Orlando is expected to make his first Spring Training start on Sunday.

New York Daily News:

Mets emerge as probable host for 2013 All-Star game - That’s great for the Mets and NYC.  People don’t really watch that stuff, but at least the stadium and the city will get to host it.

Orlando Hernandez kicks into gear - Adam Rubin tells us how Hernandez felt after pitching in a simulated game.

Luis Castillo delays return; Mets nix Angel Pagan rumor - Adam Rubin noted that Castillo is now planning on returning on Saturday.

• The Mets dismissed the Coco Crisp rumor.
• Jose Reyes said he has officially retired the “Profesor Reyes” skits at Shea Stadium.

 New York Post:

EL DUQUE’S KICK START

DUANER FEELS VERY RELIEVED - After pitching one inning against the Orioles, Duaner Sanchez said “This is the best that I’ve felt since the accident. It felt like I’d never had surgery on my arm today.”

New York Times:

New Delivery for Hernández Gives Him a Leg to Stand On

The Star-Ledger:

Game No. 16: Mets at Cardinals - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game between the Mets and the Cards.

El Duque: For Better or Worse? - Matthew Artus wonders if he wants El Duque on the Mets in 2008.

El Duque puts best foot forward

Pagan remains red-hot

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Pedro continues to tell the world how great he feels.  El Duque has been doing the same thing.  I just hope each of them can walk the walk in the regular season.  We know Pedro will be the number 2 pitcher, but how well he pitches is yet to be determined.  He pitched pretty well down the stretch last season even though he couldn’t go deep into a game.  El Duque is reinventing himself as we speak.  That’s a big red flag all by itself.  His age is unknown.  He is fighting for the number 5 spot in the rotation.  His health has limited the amount of starts he could pitch the past two seasons.  So will he be able to walk the walk?

 Perez returns to form vs. Orioles - Marty Noble summarized today’s game between Orioles and the Mets.  The Mets beat the Orioles 6-2.  Oliver Perez got the start, and Noble felt like he had a much better outing today.  The Mets are 9-4-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

New El Duque on display - Marty Noble lets us know that Orlando Hernandez feels good after throwing 60 pitches in simulated game.

Triple, diving grab pay off for Pagan - Maureen Mullen described how well Angel Pagan has played this spring.

Newsday:

Pedro shows flashes of old form in simulated game - Anthony Rieber described Pedro Martinez’s outing in a simulated game as “Showing flashes of the old Pedro, Martinez threw 59 pitches to a quartet of batters - three minor-leaguers and Carlos Beltran, who batted five times against him - and looked sharp. He allowed one run, four singles and no walks and struck out two in what amounted to four innings of pitching and pronounced himself “very happy with everything.”"

Beltran’s knee a ‘good sore’ after first game - Whatever that means.

New York Daily News:

Pedro Martinez has final warmup before Grapefruit League start - Peter Botte stated that Pedro is expected to pitch against the Tigers on Sunday.

Ailing Mets will get Luis Castillo back - Peter Botte noted this about Luis Castillo, ”The second baseman said he’s ready to make his spring-training debut as early as today against the Orioles at Tradition Field. He’s been out fighting lingering knee issues.”  Little by little, the Mets are getting healthier.

New York Post:

TAKE IT FROM ME - Once again, an article points out how Martinez has no problem passing the baton to Johan Santana.

SANTANA PAYS VISIT TO TWINS - The AP reported that Santana visited the Twins yesterday while the Mets were playing the Red Sox.

ALOU WHO? - Bart Hubbuch believes that Pagan is the Mets’ “Angel in the outfield”.

PEDRO, METS PLEASED WITH PROGRESS

New York Times:

Martínez Faces the Toughest Outs Available at the Mets’ Camp

The Star-Ledger:

Say no to Coco - Jeremy Cothran heard WFAN report that the Mets “were close to obtaining Boston’s Coco Crisp in exchange for the now scorching Angel Pagan.”  Cothran found out that this is not true, according to two Mets officials.  After seeing how Pagan has played this spring, I would rather keep Pagan.

Out, Out of Left Field!- Matthew Artus continues to track down possibilities for a left fielder.

Pedro passes tougher test

Papelbon believes slider will keep hitters guessing

Castillo set to play today or tomorrow

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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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The injury list is up to 16 now.  The Mets are downplaying the status of the injuries.  I’m getting more and more concerned about the ‘08 season.  All of these injuries are overshadowing our acquisition of Santana.  It was supposed to be an easy season, but we need our A-team to play for that to happen.  It seems realistic now that our B-team will be on the field a lot this year.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.  Being a Mets fan, it just seems like nothing goes our way.  All we can do is hope.

 Minaya preparing for Alou-less Mets - Marty Noble explains why Omar Minaya will use use other Mets’ players until Moises Alou returns.

Alou likely out until May - Marty Noble further discusses the status of Alou.

Pedro set for first spring start - Anthony DiComo pointed out that Pedro Martinez is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut in tonight’s game against the Washington Nationals.

Newsday:

Kenny Lofton could help solve Mets’ problems - Jim Baumbach explains how Kenny Lofton can help the Mets.  When I think of Lofton, I crack up.  I once worked with a Yankees fan named Frank (from Brooklyn).  Frank would always mock me because I’m a Mets fan.  Each day he would say something like, “Hey Keith, the Mets suck!”  So once upon a time, the Yankees got Lofton.  When arguing the lineups heading into that season, Frank said to me, ”We got Lofton!”  I said, “You should be fine then.”  We all know how that turned out.  It cracked me up that a Yankees fan would try to use Lofton as the selling point when they had a ton of talent.  So Lofton makes me chuckle, but I don’t have a better answer than that for the Metropolitans.  Lofton was pretty good in the Playoffs last year on the Indians.  It made me think of Frank all over again.

Alou’s hernia adds to Mets’ injury woes

El Duque hopes new windup will work out - According to David Lennon, Orlando Hernandez said this when asked if he thinks the new delivery will work, “I don’t know - good luck! When I throw in the game, please, everybody cross their fingers.”  What kind of answer is that?  I want Pelfrey out there!  Lennon believed that Johan Santana had a good outing yesterday.  Willie Randolph said that Duaner Sanchez may not be ready in time for Opening Day.

E-mail from Port St. Lucie - David Lennon stated that Martinez a Double-A prospect named Daniel Murphy.

New York Daily News:

Moises Alou diagnosed with hernia, could be sidelined until mid-May

Omar Minaya’s plan shows its age

Johan Santana’s off-speed is on - Adam Rubin was also complimentary of Santana’s performance yesterday.  Also, Olmedo Saenz resolved his work-visa issue.  Brady Clark is also going to try to learn to play first base in his effort to make the team.

New York Post:

AMAZIN’ BODY COUNT RISING

EL DUQUE GETS SET TO KICK-START HIS SPRING

JOHAN REBOUNDS; PEDRO IS UP NEXT

IN DENIAL: INJURY FLURRY CAUSING NO WORRIES

The New York Times:

The Mets From A to Z: One Fan’s Perspective - Vincent M. Mallozzi told the story of a Mets fan named Matthew Silverman.

Alou Out 4 to 6 Weeks, Making Mets’ Injury Report Complete

The Star-Ledger:

Rain washes out Pedro’s start - Lisa Kennelly reported that storms cancelled tonight’s game between the Mets and the Nationals.

Maybe An Answer’s Under Our Nose - Matthew Artus tries to find solutions for the injured Alou.

Santana is sharp in start

Alou to have hernia surgery

Milledge determined to prove Mets wrong - He can’t prove them wrong by what he does on the field.  The Mets acquired him because he was good on the field.  It is off the field where Lastings Milledge has to prove them wrong.

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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 got some revenge on the Marlins, in Spring Training anyway.  The Mets won 6-2.  John Maine was the starter, and he gave up 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 7 in three innings of work.  The Mets finally got above .500 which is a teeny bit relieving, but down 11 men makes me very uneasy.

The best article of the day about the Amazins’ was “GRASPING AT STRAW” by Joel Sherman of the NY Post.  Make sure you check that one out.

 Pagan stays hot; pitching stops Fish - Joe Frisaro summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Marlins.  Frisaro pointed out the Angel Pagan had 3 hits and his average is .423 so far in Spring Training.  The Mets are now 4-3 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Trio of pitchers at different stages - Marty Noble lets us know the status of Mike Pelfrey, Pedro Martinez, and Orlando Hernandez.

Plans unveiled for Robinson Museum - Jack O’Connell wrote, “On the occasion of its 35th anniversary, the Jackie Robinson Foundation announced plans on Monday night for a Jackie Robinson Museum located at the foundation’s new national headquarters at 1 Hudson Square in lower Manhattan.”

Strawberry back where it all began

Notes: Gotay to have CAT scan on ankle - Marty Noble reported that Ruben Gotay was scheduled to have a CAT scan this morning.  Ryan Church returned to Mets camp yesterday, but he still cannot play.

Newsday:

Underachieving Mets aren’t boasting anymore - Wallace Matthews found out that the Mets will not have a slogan in ‘08.  Matthews playfully came up with several slogans that the Mets could use.

Mets doctors on foot patrol with El Duque, Pedro

Mets’ Church on his feet after collision

SPRING TRAINING: E-MAIL FROM PORT St. LUCIE - David Lennon gave a quick bit on Darryl Strawberry being hired by the Mets.

New York Daily News:

Ruben Gotay may have broken ankle; Orlando Hernandez limited

Darryl Strawberry’s stirring redemption with Mets always a hit

New York Post:

PEL OF A START - Bart Hubbuch pointed out that Mike Pelfrey had another great start so the fight for the 5th spot in the rotation continues.

EL DUQUE’S LEG LIFT KICKS THE BUCKET - Joel Sherman found out that “”El Duque” admits he either has to alter the knee-to-chin portion of his windup or eliminate it completely if he wants to continue to pitch in the major leagues.”  I guess the question is will Hernandez be able to adapt?

GRASPING AT STRAW - Joel Sherman says that Strawberry must explain to the current Mets that they cannot allow opportunities to slip away like they did in the ’80s.

LOOKS LIKE BAD BREAK FOR GOTAY - I just hope that the results are negative.

New York Times:

Seeking a Spot, a Mets Pitcher Has to Be Creative - Karen Crouse wrote a brief description of Nelson Figueroa Jr.

Strawberry, in New Role, Is Back With the Mets

The Star-Ledger:

Maine and his money - The Mets renewed John Maine’s contract, according to Lisa Kennelly.

2002: A Cautionary Tale - Matthew Artus is drawing the links between the 2002 Mets and the 2008 Mets.  I don’t even want to think about the 2002 Mets, but there are definitely some health concerns right now.

Pelfrey making case for fifth spot

CT scan scheduled for Gotay

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After 3 straight loses, the Amazins’ got their first win today as they beat the Dodgers 1-0.  Jonathan Niese gave up no hits and no runs in 2 innings.  Ryan Church collided with Marlon Anderson in right field.  Brady Clark replaced Church and Michael Abreu replaced Anderson.  The score was 0-0 as the Mets headed into the bottom of the 9th.  The Mets quickly loaded the bases, and then Brady Clark (I know you want me to say that he hit a grand slam) was hit by a pitch to drive in the winning run.  These are classic Mets moments.  The Mets are 1-3 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Happy Birthday Ramon Castro!

 Subs come through in clutch for Mets - Marty Noble provided a summary and a box score for today’s game between the Mets and the Dodgers.

Delgado has impingement in right hip - Carlos Delgado is getting an MRI in New York.

Notes: Last Mets trip to Dodgertown - Marty Noble reported that the Mets will make their last trip to Dodgertown tomorrow.  Noble also provided many memorable moments that the Mets have had in Dodgertown.

Notes: It’s honky dory with Sanchez - Anthony DiComo pointed out that Dauner Sanchez pitched in yesterday’s game for the first time since 2006, and Sanchez felt good on the mound.  Orlando Hernandez pitched two batting practice sessions yesterday, but the Mets are in no rush to insert him in the rotation.  Ruben Gotay continues to show Willie that he belongs on the team by hitting a homerun in yesterday’s game.

It’s all about Santana on this day - Anthony DiComo summarized yesterday’s game between the Cardinals and the Mets, and he also included the box score.  It was Johan Santana’s first Spring Training start as a Met.

Newsday:

Mets’ Sanchez feels well despite Pujols’ home run - That’s relieving, but what do you expect?  Duaner hasn’t been out there in two years.

Davey Johnson back in baseball as USA’s manager - Jim Baubach reported that Davey Johnson will be the manager of the United States baseball team in the Beijing Olympics this summer.  That’s awesome.  Go Davey!!!

Santana hit hard but not worried about Mets debut - David Lennon offers his thoughts on Santana’s debut against the Cards yesterday.

New York Daily News:

Juan Gonzalez has a blast on day Johan Santana doesn’t

Johan Santana roughed up in Met debut - Adam Rubin recapped yesterday’s game between the Cardinals and the Mets.

Foot woe is real pain for El Duque

New York Post:

DELGADO TO GET MRI ON HIP - Bart Hubbuch stated that Delgado will be out the next 15 days.

THAT’S A RELIEF: DUANER FINALLY TAKES MOUND

New York Times:

Delgado’s Woes Show How Fragile Mets Are

Pitches and Spirits Are Up in Santana’s Debut

The Star-Ledger:

Finally a win, but no one’s celebrating

Santana works out the kinks

El Duque still feeling out of sorts on mound

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The bad news is that the Amazins’ lost again with Mr. Maine out there.  This time to the Cardinals by a score of 7-0.   The good news is that their Grapefruit League home opener is tomorrow, and the Mets will be hosting the Cardinals at 1:10 p.m. with Santana on the mound.  If I’m lucky then I can watch Johan lead the Mets to their first Spring Training win.

I thought that the best Mets article of the day was “Pedro and Roger have got a lot of nerve” by Wallace Matthews.  Make sure you check it out below.

 Mets looking to tomorrow - Anthony DiComo provided a summary and the box score for today’s game between the Mets and the Cardinals.  The Cardinals beat the Mets 7-0.  Ouch!  You want to see your team do well, but just remember that it is Spring Training so it doesn’t count.  The Mets are 0-2 in the Grapefruit League now.

Minor League Report: Brant Rustich - Anthony DiComo covered Brant Rustich who was a college reliever who is trying to convert to a starter.  Brant is already considered one of the Mets top prospects.

Pelfrey applies lessons from last year - According to Marty Noble, Mike Pelfrey was talking to himself on the mound yesterday.  He was saying things like “We’re not doing this again.  That was last year.  No more of that.  If I’m going to go 0-7 again, I’m going to do it throwing strikes.”  That’s what I wanna hear from this kid.

Notes: Schneider learns from teammates - Marty Noble and Anthony DiComo said that Brian Schneider and Carlos Beltran did not play the Tigers yesterday.  Instead, Schneider got some hitting advice from Beltran.

Newsday:

Mets’ Pelfrey impresses, but he’s still sixth man

Minaya on El Duque’s first start: What’s the rush?

Pedro and Roger have got a lot of nerve - Wallace Matthews has some beef with Pedro Martinez and Roger Clemens.  It’s syterical so give it a read.

E-mail from Port St. Lucie - David Lennon says that the ”Joker Marchant Stadium is one of the nicer ballparks on the Grapefruit League circuit”.

New York Daily News:

Lastings Milledge rips Mets again - Adam Rubin got this quote from Lastings Millegde, “I can’t go through anything worse than I went through in New York.  It only gets better from here, a lot of veterans (on the Mets) didn’t like the way I play the game. They thought I didn’t respect it.”  The biggest move that Omar made during the offseason was signing Santana.  Second to that was getting rid of Milledge.  Even his own teammates thought he didn’t respect the game.  That’s how I felt about him all along, and I cannot figure out why so many Mets fans questioned that trade.  I understand that they didn’t get equal value, but who wants Milledge.  Even his comments now go to show you how classless he is.  This guy is a bum.

Mike Pelfrey sees need to get ahead - Adam Rubin lets us know how Pelfrey did in yesterday’s game.

New York Post:

ONE-MAINE SHOW - Bart Hubbuch also covered the story about how a John Maine imposter dressed as a woman in November.  Another media outlet reported this story a while ago.  Maine had this to say, “I thought it was kind of great, actually, I mean, of all the people on the team, this guy picked me to impersonate. Maybe that means my name is getting out there.”

FORMER MET ENJOYING GREEN-ER PASTURES - Mark Hale has reported that Shawn Green told The Post that he retired yesterday after playing 15 seasons in the big leagues.  Green said that a few teams across the coutnry were interested in him, but he was hoping to sign with a team near his home in California, but none were interested.  Die Hard Mets Fan would like to wish Shawn a happy retirement.

WILLIE ‘SURELY DIDN’T’ KNOW MCNAMEE RISK - So says Willie Randolph…I am suspect on all of these baseball guys saying that they don’t know anything about anything.  We know that Willie was with the Yankees, but I’m not just talking about Willie.  I’m talking about all of the coaches, trainers, GMs, and owners.  With such a widespread problem, how does nobody know about it?

PELFREY POPPIN’

New York Times:

Pelfrey Hopes First Outing Becomes a Lasting Impression

The Star-Ledger:

Sanchez pushed back - Lisa Kennelly reported that Duaner Sanchez didn’t pitch today due to “normal soreness”.

Vote for Pelfrey - Regarding that 5th spot in the rotation, Matthew Artus explains why he would rather have Pelfrey pitch than El Duque.

Pelfrey confident his opportunity will come in time

Maine starting off with new mind-set

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