Minor League Report 7/31

Buffalo-Lost to Pawtucket 4-3

• Nick Evans: 1-4, .157
• Mike Lamb: 3-4, RBI(30), .245 but batting .286 in his last 10 games
• Jesus Feliciano: 1-4, R, .312
• Andy Green: 1-3 with his first homer of the season
• Tobi Stoner: 7ip, 4h, 3er, 3BB, 3K, 4.39 era
• Eddie Kunz: 0.2ip, ER, raising his era to 3.95

Binghamton-Lost to Akron 16-3

• Ruben Tejada: 0-4, .280
• Josh Thole: 1-3, 2B(25), R, RBI(39), .347
• Ike Davis: 1-4, 2B(9), RBI(29), .304
• Lucas Duda: 2-4, 2B(24), .277

St.Lucie- Lost to Lakeland 5-3

• Reese Havens: 0-3, BB, .229
• Zach Lutz: 2-4, .283
• Fernando Pena: 1-4, R, .219
• Josh Stinson: 2ip, 0H, 2K, 2.50 era
• Billy Wagner: 1ip, 0H, 0BB, 2K

Savannah's score to come later

Mets Quiet At Deadline

The trade deadline has passed and the Mets did nothing to improve there team because of the supposed help that Minaya keeps telling us is gonna return from the DL. Well I don't think that there is any help coming any time soon, considering that the only one person has started a rehab assignment and that is Billy Wagner. Who would have ever thought that between all the injured players that Wags might be the first one back. Which must be the reason the Mets backed off trading for a lefty today.

Granted Minaya is in a tough spot because the Mets are 6.5 games back in the Wild Card and are behind 7 teams, so they would need an unbelievable stretch to make the playoffs. That being said, this is New York and its there first year in a new ball park so I believe that Mets management owed it to the fans to go out and do something. It didn't have to a big move, just a move to reassure the fans that they are committed to winning and think that this team can make a nice run to finish the year.

I still think that the Minaya will do something if the Mets continue to win, he will find someone useful on a bad team and bring them in via waivers.

Peavy to White Sox?

Jon Heyman is saying that Peavy again has been traded to the White Sox but doesn't know if he has approved it.

Update: Peavy has approved trade and the Padres will receive Adam Russell, Dexter Carter, Aaron Poreda, and Clayton Richard.

Tonights Lineup

Angel Pagan CF
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Jeff Francoeur RF
Fernando Tatis LF
Daniel Murphy 1B
Omir Santos C
Alex Cora SS
Livan Hernandez RHP

The tarp is still on the field.

Scott Rolen to the Reds

Scott Rolen has been traded to the Reds.

And I'm hearing that the Red Sox could get Casey Kotchman in the deal for LaRoche

3 More Trades

The Red Sox sent Adam LaRoche to the Braves.

Nationals sent Joe Beimel to the Rockies.

Reds sent Jerry Hairston Jr. to the Yankees

Red Sox Acquire Victor Martinez

According to multiple reports the Red Sox are on the verge of acquiring Victor Martinez.

More details when they come

Update: Clay Buckholtz is not in the deal, neither is Daniel Bard..Mayo thinks that Nick Hagadone is though.

Justin Masterson is also part of the deal.

Also going to Cleveland is pitching prospect Bryan Price

Washburn Traded to Tigers

Jarrod Washburn has been traded to the Tigers for lefties Lucas French and Mauricio Robles according to Mike Salk.

I'm a little suprised because i thought he was gonna end up with the Yankees

Halladay to stay a Blue Jay

Joel Sherman just talked to J.P. Ricciardi and he said that is highly probable that Halladay will be a Blue Jay at 4:01pm today.

I just don't see a great fit for Halladay unless the Dodgers cave in and decide to give up Kershaw or Billingsley.

Mets Going to do Nothing at Deadline

The talk around the Mets is that even if they make a move it will be a low risk move giving prospects not seen as important for the future. Most people think that the Mets are trying to get a lefty reliever but the 2 best available ones were traded yesterday. I don't see the Mets giving up much of anything to get a 2nd lefty when we already have Feliciano.

I think that Omar has definitely talked to the Rays and Indians about Victor Martinez and Scott Kazmir bout I think the chances of everything happening are remote because the Mets are not gonna give up Holt, Mejia, or Niese.

That being said I wouldn't put it past Minaya making a crazy trade giving up a couple of our big prospects together like Holt and Niese to get a big bat. Remember this guys job is online so he might go all out.

Minaya is gonna go big or go home!

This Day in Mets History

1989-The Mets obtain Frank Viola, last season's American League Cy Young Award winner, from the Twins for Rick Aguilera, Tim Drummond, Kevin Tapani, Jack Savage and David West. He had a rough time in New York posting 38-32 record in 82 starts with a team which fails to make the playoffs during his 2 1/2 year tenure.

1995-The Mets trade former two-time Cy Young Award winner right-handed pitcher Bret Saberhagen and left-handed pitcher farmhand Dave Swanson to the Rockies for righties Juan Acevedo and Arnold Gooch.

1998- The Mets traded Bill Pulsipher to the Brewers for Mike Kinkade.

Traded Bernard Gilkey and Nelson Figueroa to the Diamondbacks for Willie Blair and Jorge Fabregas.

1999- The Mets traded Jason Isringhasuen and Greg McMichael to the A's for Billy Taylor

Mets Traded Craig Paquette to the Cardinals for Shawn Dunston.

Mets traded Brian McRae, Thomas Johnson, and Rico Beltran to the Rockies for Darryl Hamilton and Chuck McElroy

2002- The Mets traded Jay Payton, Robert Stratton, and Mark Corey to Colorado Rockies for John Thomson and Mark Little.

Traded Bobby Jones, Jason Bay, and Josh Reynolds to the Padres for Jason Middlebrook and Steve Reed.

2004-Traded Scott Erickson to the Rangers for Josh Hoffpauir

2006- The Mets traded Xavier Nady to the Pirates for Roberto Hernandez and Oliver Perez.

Minor League Report 7/30

Buffalo- Beat Pawtucket 4-1

• Nick Evans: 1-4, 3-run homer in eight inning(5)
• Jesus Feliciano: 1-3, BB, .312
• Lance Broadway: 7.1ip, 9h, ER, 4k, 5.08 era
• Tim McNab: picked up his 5th win with 1.1 scoreless innings, 1.90 era

Binghamton- played 2 games today against Altoona

Game 1: Lost 2-1

• Ruben Tejada: 1-2, .280
• Ike Davis: 1-3, RBI(25), BB, .308
• Jose Coronado: 2-4, .266
• Lucas Duda: 0-2, BB, .274

Game 2: Won 5-1

• Ruben Tejada: 2-4, RBI(30),SB(10), .283
• Ike Davis: 1-4, HR(8), 2RBI(27), .306
• Josh Thole: 1-4, .347
• Lucas Duda: 1-3, HR(9), RBI(50), .275

St. Lucie-Lost to Lakeland 8-5

• Reese Havens: 1-5, R, .233
• Stefan Welch: 2-4, 2B(5), R, RBI(17), .353 in 21 games
• Carlos Guzman: 2-4, 3B(2), R, 2RBI(49), .259
• Zach Lutz: 1-5, R, .280
• Fernando Pena: 1-4, RBI(33), .218

Cubs get John Grabow

The Cubs have traded for John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny from the Pirates according to Dejan Kovacevic. More details as it becomes finalized.

Now the best two lefty relievers are of the market, if the Mets want one they better move fast.

Update: The Cubs have sent Pitchers Kevin Hart and Jose Ascanio, and 3B Josh Harrison to the Pirates

George Sherrill Traded to Dodgers

According to Ken Gurnick the Orioles have traded their closer George Sherrill to the Dodgers for prospects Josh Bell and Steve Johnson

Good trade for Dodgers, they needed a lefty bad and got the best one on the market. Their bullpen is gonna be very good now with him and Jonathan Broxton closing out games.

Game 2 Lineup

Pagan
Castillo
Wright
Frenchy
Tatis
Murph
Santos
Berroa
Niese

Apparently Castillo is definitely gonna be there in time. Hopefully the Mets can make it 6 straight, while I am very excited to see how Niese fairs tonight because he has never really had back to back good starts in the Majors

Big Pappi and Manny Ramirez on 2003 Doping List

According to the New York Times David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez are among the 100 players that tested positive for steriods in 2003. The information was leaked by lawyers with knowledge of the results.

There is no way the Boston media can spin this thing and take the heat off the 2004 World Series.

Elmer Dessens DFA

Elmer Dessens has been designated for assignment to make room for Robinson Cancel who has been called up because of concerns with Brian Schneider's knees.

Game 1 Lineup

Pagan, cf
Cora, 2b
Wright, 3b
Murphy, 1b
Francoeur, rf
Sullivan, lf
Santos, c
Berroa, ss
Santana, p

They are hopeful that Luis Castillo will be back before the first game is over and in the lineup for the second game.

This Day in Mets History

1969-During an 11-run top of the ninth inning at Shea Stadium, Astros Denis Menke and Jim Wynn both hit grandslams. Jimmy Wynn and Norm Miller score on each bases loaded home run as Houston cruises to a 16-3 victory over the Mets.

1973- The Mets released Jerry May.

2001- Traded Rick Reed to the Twins for Matt Lawton.

2004- Traded Ty Wigginton, Jose Bautista, and Matt Peterson to the Pirates for Kris Benson and Jeff Keppinger.

Traded Scott Kazmir and Joselo Diaz to the Rays for Victor Zambrano and Bartolome Fortunato.

2006- Carlos Beltran hits his 3rd grand slam of the month to tie a ML record, becoming the ninth player to do so. It is also the Mets 6th as a team tying the record previously held by the 1996 Montreal Expos

2007- Traded Drew Butera and Dustin Martin to the Twins for Luis Castillo.

Former Coach Bill Robinson also died on this day in 2007.


Mets Birthdays:

• Casey Stengel: 119
• Ellis Valentine: 65
• Clint Hurdle: 52
• Todd Haney: 44

Minor League Report 7/29

Buffalo- Beat Pawtucket 3-0

• Argenis Reyes: 1-5, 2RBI(16), .260
• Nick Evans: 0-4, .152
• Javier Castillo: 2-4, .263
• Ken Takahashi: 4ip, 3h, 0er, BB, 2K, 1.70 era
• Adam Bostick: 2 scoreless innings with 4 k's earning his first save, 1.23 era

St. Lucie- Lost to Clearwater 4-3

• Kirk Niewenhuis: 2-4, HR(10), 2RBI(45), SB(14) .251
• Reese Havens: 1-4, .233
• Josh Stinson: 2 scoreless innings lowering his era to 2.81
• Zach Lutz: 0-3, .282

Savannah-Lost to Greensboro 13-2

• Sean Ratliff: 1-3, HR(13), RBI(61), .282
• Jefry Marte: 1-3, 3B(6), R, BB, .242
• Wilmer Flores: 1-4, .278
• Eric Beaulac: 5ip, 4R, 0er, BB, 3K, loss drops him to 6-6 with 2.63 era

Luis Castillo to Miss both games tomorrow

Luis Castillo will most likely miss both games of the double header tomorrow because his Wife will be giving birth.

First off congratulations to Luis and his family, but this is gonna hurt the Mets big time the way he has been playing lately.

Pirates Trade Jack Wilson to the Mariners

The Pirates have traded Jack Wilson and Ian Snell to the Mariners for Jeff Clement, Ronny Cedeno, Nathan Arcock, Brett Lorin, and Aaron Pribanic according to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

This Day in Mets History

1963- Traded Jacke Davis to St. Louis Cardinals for Duke Carmel

1996- Traded Jeff Kent and Jose Vizcaino to the Cleveland Indians for Carlos Baerga and Alvaro
Espinoza

2000-Recently acquired Mets make good first impressions as Mike Bordick goes 2-for-3, including a homer on the first pitch he sees as a Met, and Rick White pitches a scoreless inning to get the win.

2003- The Mets traded Rey Ordonez to the Mariners for Kenny Kelly

2008-In a 4-1 win over the Marlins at Dolphin Stadium, Mets third baseman David Wright scores in his 13th consecutive game establishing a new franchise record. Teammate Carlos Beltran had set the previous team mark in 2006.


Mets Birthdays:

• Felix Mantilla-75
• Luis Alicea-44

Phillies Talking Trade With Indians

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Phillies are discussing a trade with the Indians for Cliff Lee and possibly another player for Jason Knapp, Carlos Carrasco, Lou Marson, Jason Donald.

Carrasco, Marson, and Donald had been scratched from the lineup for Lehigh Valley Today

Minor League Report 7/28

Buffalo- Beat Pawtucket 2-1

• Argenis Reyes: 1-3 with a run scored, .261
• Wilson Valdez: 1-2, 2B, run scored, .222
• Jesus Feliciano: 1-3, RBI(37), .313
• Nick Evans: 0-3, .156
• Nelson Figueroa: 8ip, 4h, 0er, BB, 9K improving to 7-5 with a 2.25 era

Binghamton-Lost to Altoona 5-2

• Ruben Tejada: 0-3, .279
• Josh Thole: 2-3, BB, R, RBI(38), SB(6), .348
• Ike Davis: 1-4, .307
• Brad Holt: 6.1ip, 10h, 4er, 0BB, K, 5.49 era

St. Lucie- Lost to Clearwater 4-3

• Reese Havens: 0-4, .233
• Zach Lutz: 1-4, RBI(41), R, .285
• Francisco Pena: 1-4, 2RBI(32), .221

Savannah- Beat Greensboro 11-7

• Jefry Marte: 2-4, 2R, 2RBI(38), .241
• Sean Ratliff: 3-4, 2HR(12), 3R, 6RBI(60), .281
• Joshua Satin: 1-3, R, 2BB, RBI(52), .307

This Day in Mets History

1975- Purchased Skip Lockwood from Oakland A's

1978- Purchased Gil Flores from the Anaheim Angels

1979- Cubs' slugger Dave Kingman becomes the sixth player in major league history to hit three home runs in one game twice in one season. The Mets win the game, 6-4.

1993- Anthony Young's Major League record 27-game losing streak comes to an end. The Mets come from behind to beat the Marlins 4-3, after Young's error let them take the lead.

1995- Traded Bobby Bonilla and Jimmy Williams to the Orioles for Alex Ochoa and Damon Buford

2000- Traded Melvin Mora, Mike Kinkade, Lesli Brea, and Pat Gorman for Mike Bordick

Traded Paul Wilson and Jason Tyner to the Tampa Bay Rays for Bubba Trammell and Rick White

2003- Traded Graeme Lloyd to the Kansas City Royals for Jeremy Hill

Minor League Report 7/27

Buffalo-Lost 4-3 to Indianapolis

• Nick Evans: 1-4, 3B with a run scored
• Jesus Feliciano: 2-4, 2B(23) with a run scored
• Eddie Kunz: one scoreless inning, lowering his era to 3.8

Binghamton- Beat Altoona in 10 innings 10-6

• Ruben Tejada: 2-5, BB, SB(9) and R scored, .282
• Josh Thole: 4-5, 2B(24), 3R, BB, SB(5) .345 avg, .412 obp
• Ike Davis: 2-6, 2B(8), R, .309
• Lucas Duda: 1-5, 2B(23), 2RBI(49), BB, 2R, .279 avg, .376 obp
• DJ Wabick: 3-6, HR(2), 2R, 6RBI(41), .300
• Dylan Owen: 5ip, 6h, 0er, 3BB, 3K, lowering his era to 5.24

St. Lucie-played to and lost both games to Clearwater 4-2, 4-3 respectively

Game one: 4-2 loss

• Reese Havens: 0-1, 2BB, .239 avg, .360 obp
• Kirk Niewenhuis: 1-4, 2B(21), 2RBI(43), .245
• Fernando Pena: 0-4 with 2K's lowering his average to .221
• Josh Stinson, one scoreless inning, lowering his era to 3.14

Game two: 4-3 loss

• Kirk Niewenhuis: 2-3, R, raising his average to .249
• Reese Havens: 0-2, BB, R, .237
• Zach Lutz: 1-3, HR(7), 3RBI(40), .286

Savannah- Beat Greensboro 13-7

• Raul Reyes: 2-5, HR(7), 2RBI(35), BB, .250
• Jefry Mart: 1-5, 2B(18), 2R, RBI(36), BB, .239
• Wilmer Flores: 2-5, R, .280
• Sean Ratliff: 1-5, HR(10), 2RBI(52), .276
• Joshua Satin: 3-5, HR(6), 2B(28), 2R, 2RBI(54), .307

News Conference

The Mets somehow just turned a media positive by firing Director of Player Develop Tony Bernazard into a negative by Omar Minaya blurting out accusations against beat writer Adam Rubin. Whether or not if the accusations were true this was completely unprofessional and Omar should be shown the door as well.

Before this news conference I was not one of the people saying that Omar should lose his job but after today there is no way he can stay. He has made this team the laughing stock of the Major media world. I, for the first time ever, am embarrassed to be a Mets fan. The way Minaya acted today was a absolute joke, he should be able to put personal feelings behind him when he is giving a news conference

Big News Conference Today

The Mets have announced that Omar Minaya will hold a press conference from Citi Field at 3:30, which will air on SNY.

If it was a trade I think we would have heard from a Major news source, but I'm thinking that someone is getting fired today.

Update: Joel Sherman of the New York Post is reporting the News conference is to announce the firing Tony Bernazard.

Possibly the Most Important Series of the Year

Tonight the Mets(46-51) start a 4 game series at Citi Field with the NL Wild Card leading Colorodo Rockies(54-44). This Mets begin this series 7.5 games behind the Rockies and with 6 teams in between them. So yes it is very unlikely that the Mets make it to the playoffs but if they were to if would be because of a good series against the Rockies. To have realistic chance the Mets need to take at least 3 of the games in this series

Tonight's Match up is Oliver Perez, 2-3, 7.68 era, with 38 walks in 38.2 innings versus Ubaldo Jimenez, 7-9, 3.85 era, 128.2 innings, 116k, 52BB, with an .240 opponents batting average.

• Garrett Atkins is 5-10 with 2HR's and 6RBI against Perez
• Brad Hawpe is 1-3 with a solo HR
• Yorvit Torrealba is 3-7 with a HR and 4RBI

• Jeff Francoeur is 0-10 lifetime versus Jimenez
• David Wright is 0-5
• Jeremy Reed 0-6 with a RBI
• Brian Schneider is 1-8 with 2B with a RBI

This Day in Mets History

1975- The Mets released Cleon Jones

1990- Traded Mike Marshall to the Red Sox for Greg Hansell, Paul Williams, and Ed Perozo

1992- Salty Parker passed away on the day.

2001-Traded Turk Wendell and Dennis Cook to the Philiies for Bruce Chen and Adam Walker.

2002- The Mets signed outfielder Caros Gomez.

2003- Gary Carter was inducted into the Hall of Fame

Minor League Report 7/26

Buffalo- Beat Indianapolis and Ian Snell 2-1

• Nick Evans: 1-5, RBI
• Jesus Feliciano: 3-5 with a run scored
• Tobi Stoner: W, 3-4, 8ip, 4H, ER, 0BB, 7k, lowering his era to 4.47, also had a base hit

Savannah- Lost to Greensboro 9-2

• Wilmer Flores: 1-5, 2B(15)
• Jefry Marte: 0-1, 3BB

Minor League Report for Yesterday 7/25

Buffalo-Beat Indianapolis 6-3 last night

• Nick Evans: 2-4, 2B, RBI, R, BB, has a 7-game hit streak
• Andy Green: 3-5, 3B, 3RBI, 2R
• Lance Broadway: 7ip, 6h, 3er, 5k, W 3-6, 5.51
• Jon Switzer: 2ip, 0er, 2k, SV, .272

Binghamton- Lost to Erie 9-6

• Ruben Tejada: 2-5, 2B(18), R, RBI(29), .280
• Josh Thole: 0-5, .337
• Ike Davis: 3-5, HR(7), 2B(7), 2RBI(24), .308
• Lucas Duda: 1-4, HR(8), RBI(47), .280
• DJ Wabick: 2-5, 3B, RBI(35), .296

Savannah-Lost 6-5 to West Virginia

• Wilmer Flores: 0-4, .279
• Jefry Marte: 2-4, HR(6), 2RBI(35), 2R, .240
• Jeurys Familia: 7ip, 8H, 2ER, K, 2.87 era

Tonights Lineup

Pagan, cf
Castillo, 2b
Wright, 3b
Murphy, 1b
Francoeur, rf
Sullivan, lf
Santos, c
Cora, ss
Niese, lhp

This Day in Mets History

1978-Pete Rose’s third inning Shea Stadium single to left off Mets righty Craig Swan establishes a National League record for hits in consecutive games. The Reds infielder has hit safely in 38 games breaking Tommy Holmes’ mark set as a member of the Boston Braves in 1945.

1990-After having a 9-0 lead and still ahead 10-3 entering the bottom of the ninth inning, the Mets barely hold on to beat the Phillies at the Vet, 10-9. The nail biter causes the usually even mannered Bob Murphy to use a mild obscenity in his call of the final out, "they win the damn thing by a score of 10 to 9!".

2001- The Mets leave a team record 16 men left on base, but still beat the Marlins 5-2. Lenny Harris ties Smokey Burgess for 2nd on the all-time pinch hit list with a double.

Birthdays-

• Billy Wagner: 38
• Guillermo Mota: 36

Sheffield place on DL, Niese Promoted

Gary Sheffield has been placed on the DL a day after he said he could have been in the lineup. He was put on the 15 day-DL so the Mets could bring up the starter for tonight's game, Jon Niese. Niese has been pitching extremely well lately, so hopefully he can get the Mets back in the win column. He has gone 5-3 with a 2.23 era in his last 10 starts including 4 starts where he has pitched 7 or more innings and not allowed a run

Sheffield is apparently not overly pleased with being placed on DL because he thinks he his healthy enough to play. The good news is that the move is retroactive to July 17Th so he won't be out much longer.

The Mets active Home run leader is now Jeff Francoeur who has 6.

Minor League Report 7/24

Buffalo- Lost 3-1 to Indianapolis

• Nick Evans: 1-4 with a 2B
• Joshua Peterson: 1-3 with a BB
• Adam Bostick: 3ip, 4h, 1ER, 0BB, 5k, era 1.35
• Eddie Kunz: 2ip, 0H, BB, K, era 3.89

Binghamton- Got slacked tonight 16-3 by Erie

• Josh Thole: 1-3 with a walk .343 avg
• Ike Davis: 1-3, HR(6), BB, .295 avg
• DJ Wabick: 2-4, 2 2B(24), run scored, .294 avg
• Ruben Tejada got the night off
• Mets pitching gave up 7 HR's

St. Lucie-Beat Brevard County 12-5

• Reese Havens: 1-4, RBI(31),R, .241 avg
• Zach Lutz: 3-4, 2B, 2R, 4RBI(37), .289 avg
• Carlos Guzman: 2-5, 2HR(13), 5RBI(47), .255 avg
• Stefan Welch: 2-3, 2R, 2RBI(16), .348 avg

Savannah-Lost to West Virginia 4-1

• Wilmer Flores: 0-4, .282 avg
• Jefry Marte: 1-4, .237 avg
• Sean Ratliff: 3-3, 2B(22), BB, SB(10), .277 avg, outfield assist

Jon Niese Promoted

Jon Niese will be promoted to make the start tomorrow against the Astros.

Tonights Lineup

Pagan, cf
Castillo, 2b
Wright, 3b
Francoeur, rf
Tatis, lf
Murphy, 1b
Santos, c
Berroa, ss
Santana, lhp

Still no word on the DL for Gary Sheffield or Alex Cora

Cardinals Trade for Holliday

The Cardinals have acquired Matt Holliday from the A's for minor leaguers 3B Brett Wallace, OF Shane Peterson, and RHP Clayton Mortensen.

Obviously Matt Holliday is a good hitter and is actually a pretty good fielder too, but if I'm not mistaken the Cardinals already have 3 outfielders. I just saying it I was the Cardinals I would have used Brett Wallace to bring in a pitcher like Cliff Lee or Roy Halladay.

This being said maybe they make Rick Ankiel available, I wouldn't mind seeing him in a Mets uniform.

Cards Close To Holliday

The Cardinals are close to acquiring Matt Holliday for Brett Wallace and two other players according to Tim Kurkjian.

This Day in Mets History

1962-In the 12th inning of a 4-4 tie with the Braves, Mets reliever Robert G. Miller gives up a walk-off HR to Del Crandall on the very first pitch he threw that year. At the start of the season, the southpaw had been managing a car agency, but was convinced by the struggling team to come out of retirement because he only needed 18 more days of major league service to qualify for the players' pension plan.

1965-Casey Stengel resigns as manager of the Mets

1967-The Mets traded Hawk Taylor to the California Angels for Don Wallace

1993-The Mets lost 5-4 to the Dodgers, the Mets tough luck hurler Anthony Young extends his personal losing streak to 27 games by walking in a run in the 10th inning.

1998- The Mets signed Melvin Mora

Birthday:

• Jeff Kaiser: 42

Non-Mets History

• Today is the 26th anniversary of the day that George Brett thought he had hit a game-winning HR off Goose Gossage against the Yankees. He had given the Royals a 5-4 lead until Yankees 3B Graig Nettles told Billy Martin to check Brett's bat. The HR was taken away because the pine tar was over the width of 18 inches.

Minor League Report 7/23

Buffalo-they did there best Mets imitation tonight by losing a well pitched game to Louisville 3-1 because they could only manage 3 hits

• Nick Evans: 1-3 with a RBI double
• Figgy: 7ip, 3er, 0BB, 5k, 6-5, raising his era to 2.42

Binghamton- Beat Connecticut 6-5

• Ruben Tejada: 1-4 with a run scored, .278
• Josh Thole: 2-4 with a RBI(37) and run scored, raised average to .343
• Ike Davis: 2-3, RBI(21), R, BB, raised average to .294, now has 21 RBI in 29 games since being promoted
• Lucas Duda(who is now playing left field to accommodate Davis):1-3, HR(7), 46RBI, .280
• Brad Holt: 6ip, 9h, 5er, 0bb, 3k, 4HR, raised era to 5.45

St. Lucie-Lost to Brevard County 5-4

• Reese Havens: 2-4, 2 runs scored, BB, raised average to .240 avg, .354 obp
• Zach Lutz: 3-3 with 2RBI(33), raised average to .281, .387 obp
• Josh Stinson: 1.2ip, 1H, 1R, 5k, era 3.45

Savannah-Beat West Virginia 7-6

• Jefry Marte: 0-5, lowering his average to .237
• Wilmer Flores: 1-5 lowering his average to .286
• Sean Ratliff: 1-3, 2B(21), BB, SB(9)

Buyers or Sellers?

Omar Minaya said he pictures the Mets being Buyers because we are only 6.5 games back in the Wild Card(when he said this, now 7.5).

Realistically I just can't see myself justifying the Mets being buyers, they are 7.5 in the Wild Card behind 7 teams and 10 back in the division. It would take a miracle to make a comeback like this with only 68 games left in the season. While I would have some optimism if the Mets were playing with a full squad, they are playing with a minor league, AAAA roster, and David Wright. You just are not gonna win Major League games with Angel Berroa, Cory Sullivan, and Brian Schneider batting consecutively, its just not gonna happen.

While the Mets have had a slew of injuries this year which is not the fault of management, not having better backups and not making trades to fill those spots is. The Mets should have went out and got some bullpen help when Putz got injured but instead they called up Elmer Dessens. Why he has pitched ok we are a big market team and we should have the money to go out and get an 8th inning guy. The Mets should have traded for a backup outfielder with some pop(Scott Hairston anyone) when Sheffield starting having leg problems. And worst of the Mets should have went out and got an everyday center fielder(Alex Rios) when Carlos Beltran got hurt

A month or so ago the Mets should have been buyers, they were still in it but management chose to sit on there ass and do nothing about it. But there is no way that the Mets can still consider themselves buyers.

This Date in Mets History

1994-Longest rain delay in baseball history as the Mets lose to the Giants 4-2 at Shea Stadium.

1996-The Mets are swept in a doubleheader by the Rockies at Coors Field by the scores 10-7 and 11-10. The doubleheader featured 59 hits including 8 HRS, off 17 pitchers

1999- The Mets get Kenny Rogers from the A's for Terrence Long and Leoner Vazquez

2000-After rejecting a trade to the Mets, Reds' All-Star shortstop Barry Larkin agrees three-year, $27 million contract extension that will keep him Cincinnati until 2003.

2001- The Mets Traded Todd Pratt to the Phillies for Gary Bennett

Minor League Report 7/22

Buffalo- Beat Louisville 2-1

• Argenis Reyes: 1-5 with his 2nd HR of the year
• Nick Evans: 1-4 with a run scored
• Tim McNab: got the win with 3 scoreless innings bringing his era to 2.01

Binghamton- Lost 9-3 to Connecticut

• Ruben Tejada: 2-4, HR(3) 2 runs scored
• Josh Thole: 1-4, 2b(23) with 2 RBI(36)

St. Lucie-Lost 2-1 to Brevard County

• Reese Havens: 2-4, HR(9), RBI(30) raising his average .235
• Francisco Pena: 1-3 .230 also picked off a runner at first
• Scott Shaw: 6ip, 5h, 2er, 4bb, 5k lowering his era to .375

Savannah-Beat West Virginia 7-2

• Wilmer Flores: 1-3, RBI(28), and a walk .287
• Sean Ratliff: 1-5 with a run scored .271
• Catcher Kai Gronauer: 1-4, HR(6), 3RBI, second consecutive game with a homerun and 3RBI's
• Chris Swinden: 6ip, 5h, 0er, 10k, lowering his era to 3.14 W 7-5 record

Post Game

The Mets lost tonight 3-1 to the Nationals.

It is becoming tougher and tougher every night to take away positives from every game but I guess I will try.

• Pagan hit a triple to left center in the sixth inning, but scored on the play because Christian Guzman threw the ball away.
• Francoeur went 0-4 tonight but hit the ball hard every time up, he has really looked good swinging the bat since coming over.
• Pelfrey looked good tonight pitching 7 innings giving up 3 runs. His biggest mistake was a fastball right down the middle to Josh Willingham for a 2-run homerun.

On the bright side Fernando Tatis didn't hit into a double play tonight after entering the game for Luis Castillo. Castillo was ejected after not being able to catch a ball on a force play at second. He was ejected pretty quickly and right before Jerry got out there to talk to the umpire.

No Lugo for Mets

Julio Lugo was traded to the Cardinals for Outfielder Chris Duncan.

I guess im suprised that the Red Sox were able to get anything of value in return for Lugo.

Tonight Lineup

Pagan, cf
Castillo, 2b
Murphy, 1b
Wright, 3b
Francoeur, rf
Sullivan, lf
Berroa, ss
Schneider, c
Pelfrey, rhp

Cory Sullivan will be making his Mets debut and Angel Berroa gets his first start as a Met.

Omar Minaya Press Conference

Omar is going to speak with reporters at 3:30 today to presumably address the recent issues revolving around Tony Bernazard.

Hopefully it is to tell us that Bernazard has been fired, I mean enough is enough already with this guy. He has turned himself and this organization into a league wide embarrassment. He should have been shown the door last year when he was undermining other parts of Mets Management. He just needs to go!

I will keep you updated on the conference.

The press conference will now take place at 4:30 and air on SNY at 5:15.

Red Sox trade for 1B Adam LaRoche

The Red Sox traded two minor leaguers P Hunter Strickland and SS Argenis Diaz to the Pirates for 1B Adam LaRoche. LaRoche is batting .247 with 12 hrs and 40 rbi and has a reputation for having great August and Septembers.

Some people have talked about whether the Mets should go after him, and I think they will give him a look this offseason as he becomes a free agent after the season.

This Day in Mets History

1962-During a doubleheader with the Reds at Crosley Field, the Mets had four runners thrown out trying to score at home plate. The new National League expansion team from New York lost both games, 11-4 and 4-3. The Mets finished the season with what is still a record 120 losses.

1965-The Mets released Warren Spahn.

1967- The Mets traded Sandy Alomar and Ken Boyer to the White Sox for J.C. Martin and Billy Southworth.

1990- The Mets traded Doug Sisk to the Atlanta Braves for Tony Valle.

Mets Birthdays:

• Jessie Hudson-61

In A None Mets Note:

• Today marks the second anniversary of the tragic death of Minor League Coach and former player Mike Coolbaugh. Two years ago today he was struck with a foul ball directly in the head, in the ninth inning of a game between his Tulsa Drillers and Arkansas Travelers. Base coaches now have to were helmets in the Majors and Minors, as it should have been all along.

Minor League Report 7/21

Buffalo- Lost again tonight 5-2 to Louisville

• Nick Evans: 1-4 HR(4)
• Recently promoted Joshua Peterson: 2-4 with 2 2bs and a run scored
• Jesus Feliciano: 2-4 with an rbi(36) now batting .313
• Adam Bostick(lefthanded pitcher who we received in Matt Lindstrom trade) 2ip 1er, raising his era to 1.06

Binghamton- Beat Connecticut 5-4

• Ruben Tejada: 0-3 run scored .276
• Josh Thole: 2-4, 2 rbi, run scored, .342
• Ike Davis: 1-4, run scored, .284

St. Lucie- Beat Dayton 8-2

• Reese Havens: 1-3, rbi(29), 2bb, .230
• Zach Lutz: 3-4 HR(6) .274
• Kirk Nieuwenhuis: 1-2, 3b(3) run scored, rbi(40), 3bb, and SB(13)
• Stephen Clyne: 2 scoreless innings, 1.66 era

Post Game

The Mets lost 4-0 to the Nationals tonight.

John Lannan shut down the Mets offense again tonight with the help of some great defense by Nyjer Morgan and Christian Guzman. The Mets did manage to out hit the Nats 7-4 tonight but Oliver Perez was him old self walking 6 batters tonight and hit one. Omir Santos continued his slump by going 0-4 and swing at balls all night long. Tatis continued his year long slump going 0-4 including hitting into his 12th double play of the year.

On a positive note Francoeur continued his hot hitting being the only Met to collect 2 hits tonight. Stokes and Parnell both came out of the bullpen and threw scoreless innings.

I think is time to end the Tatis experiment, he is just not hitting and he really doesn't have a position that he plays well. Tonight he went 0-4 against a lefty that he had previous success against, when he isn't hitting lefties he is not useful to this team.

Tonights Lineup

How they have fared lifetime versus Nationals Start John Lannan

Pagan, cf 0-4
Castillo, 2b .364 with Hr and 2rbi
Wright, 3b .278 and 2rbi
Francoeur, rf .500 with Hr and 5rbi
Tatis, lf 4-10
Murphy, 1b 0-1
Santos, c 1-5
Cora, ss never faced
Perez, lhp

Austin Kearns had great career numbers vs Ollie, he is batting .348 with 4 Hrs and 8 rbi, including a HR the only time he face him this year. Dunn and Willingham both have 3 career HR's off Oliver Perez

Rumors, and Emil Brown

Acording to Ken Rosenthal of Foxsports.com the Mets are interested in the Oakland A's ss-2b Orlando Cabrera, he says the M's, Cardinals, Rockies and Reds are also interested.

Alex Spier of WEEI.com says that just because Julio Lugo is working out at the Mets facility in the Domincan Repbulic that it is not a definite sign that he will sign will the Mets when he becomes a free agent. Lugo has worked out there before in prior offseasons when he was a Boston Red Sox.

I still think that eventually he will end up with the Mets this season, he is a better option then Angel Berroa, and Cora has shown that he can't play everyday.

Today the Mets released Veteran OF Emil Brown who has been playing in Triple-A. The Mets acquired Brown earlier this season from the San Diego Padres, he managed a couple of bats with the Mets earlier in the year.

Injury Update

Accoring to Jerry Manuel, Sheffield was available to pinch hit last and will be again tonight, but he will not start. As it seems the injury again may be more severe then the fans are told.

Omar Minaya said that he does not expect Carlos Delgado to be back before July 31st but seems optimistic that Jose Reyes could be back by the deadline.(I highly doubt it, but hopefully he will start a rehab assignment by then.) Minaya said that Reyes recently hit and had a good day running.

Fernando Nieve will be out atleast 6 weeks with his quad injury, which means we probably won't see him again this year. Tough break for him because he was pitching good, but hopefully Niese can come up and step in for him.

This Day in Mets History

1975- Mets' infielder Joe Torre becomes the first player in National League history to hit into straight four double plays in one game. Felix Millan singles in four consecutive at bats against the Astros making the dubious mark possible.

1991- The Mets jump on Bobby Ojeda for 8 runs in 3 innings and coast to a 9-4 over the Dodgers. Dwight Gooden notches his 11th straight victory over the Dodgers going back to 1985.

2008- Jose Reyes fourth inning three-bagger in the Mets 7-5 victory over the Reds at Great American Ballpark makes him the franchise leader in triples. The speedy shortstop's 11th three-base hit this season, his the sixty-third of his career, all as a Met, puts the 25-year old infielder one ahead Mookie Wilson.

Former Met Birthdays:

Mike Bordick-44
Brian Buchanan-36

No Big Moves!!

According to Bart Hubbuch at the New York Post who talked to Omar Minaya, the team doesn't expect to bring in significant outside help before the trade deadline. Minaya has said before that he has no interest in trading prospects for rental player.

Earlier today Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated tweeted that the Mets turned down a package of Ruben Tejada, Fernando Martinez, Bobby Parnell , and Jon Niese for Blue Jays Pitcher Roy Halladay.

I would not even think about doing this trade unless Hallday signed an extension before it was finalized. It is just too much to give up for a year and half of a pitcher. Now if he agreed to sign an extension, you would definitely have to be enticed by that package for one of the best pitchers in the game.

Mets Minor League Outcomes 7/20

Buffalo- lost to Louisville tonight 5-1.

• Nick Evans: 1-4 with a double
• Jesus Feliciano: 2-4 raising season averahe to .311
• Lance Broadway(got in return for Ramon Castro) started and got the loss going 6 innings giving up 4 earned runs with 4 walks and 1k. Now is 2-6 with 5.71 era
• Eddie Kunz pitched one inning giving up a run on a solo hr while walking one. His era is now at 4.08

Binghamton-beat Connecticut tonight 11-5

• Josh Thole: 2-5, 2b(22), 2r, 2rbis, raising his average to .340
• Ike Davis: 2-4, HR(5), 2r, 2rbis, raising his average to .286
• Ruben Tejada: 3-4 with 2 runs scored, raising his average to .278

St. Lucie-lost tonight in 11 innings to Daytona

• Francisco Pena: 1-5 with a HR his 7th of the year, currently hitting .229
• Carlos Guzman 1-5, 2b(20) , RBI(40), currently hitting .262

Savannah-won tonight 8-0 against Hickory

• Wilmer Flores: 1-4, HR(3) and 2 runs scored, currently batting .287
• Jefry Marte: 3-5 with 2 runs scored, raising his average to .243
• Sean Ratliff: 1-3, RBI his team leading 52nd, batting .272

Post Game

The Mets won tonight 6-2 over the Nationals in the first game of a three game set.

Key Numbers:

• Livan: 7ip, 5h, 2er, 2bb, 3k, and only 97 pitchers
• Murphy: 2-4 with 2rbis, 2b, and 1 run scored
• Francoeur: 3-4, 2b, hr, and 2 rbis
• Pagan: 2-4, rbi, 2 runs scored
• Team: 5-8 with RISP, including four 2-out rbis, and only 2 team LOB

Key Player/Plays

• Livan: He looked alot better tonight with better control and movement on his fastball was very effective and probably could/should have gone deeper into the game
• Murphy: Looked very strong at the plate getting both his hits on inside pitchers, which has been a cold zone for him this year. Also made the play of the game in the 8th inning with two runners on and none out with Dunn at the plate. Dunn hit one in the hole and Murphy made a great stop and throw on the run to Cora, who threw to Feliciano covering first for a huge double play.
• Francoeur: He continues to hit well as he now has 7rbis in as many games, was the only Met player to get a hit after the 3rd inning.

The Mets looked good tonight but failed to amass a big lead, before Francoeurs 9th innning homerun, there offense fell alseep for 5 innings. The Mets need to do a better job of keep chipping away and adding on runs, but luckily for tonight they were playin the Natinals.

Tonights Lineup

Here's the lineup for Monday's series opener against the Nationals:

Pagan, cf
Castillo, 2b
Murphy, 1b
Wright, 3b
Francoeur, rf
Reed, lf
Cora, ss
Schneider, c
Hernandez, rhp

Sullivan Called Up, Nieve on Disabled List

Outfielder Cory Sullivan has been called up from Triple-A to replace Fernando Nieve who was placed on the disabled list with a quad injury. Sullivan is batting .290 this year with 2 hrs and 24 rbis, while sporting a .352 obp.

Figgy and Holt Named Pitchers of the Week

Figgy has been named the International League Pitcher of the Week for the second time this season. To start off the week he threw a scoreless eight inning in the in the Triple-A allstar game, and finish it off he threw a complete game shutout in the second game of a double-header against the Toledo Mud Hens. Nelson was also the pitcher of the week from June 8th-14th. Figgy now has an era of 2.32, good for second in the league, he has also won 6 straight decisions.

Brad Holt was named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week for the week ending July 19th. For the week he went 2-0 with a 1.32 era while striking out 14 in 13.2 innings. His next start will be the 23rd against Connecticut.