Reyes Hurt Again

Jose Reyes now has a torn hamstring to go with his torn tendon behind his right knee. He tore his hammy while running the bases in New York earlier this week. Which begs the questions why was he running and was he running with the intent of playing in the last couple of games?

Reyes should have been shut down earlier this year and had the necessary surgery to fix his tendon. The Mets mishandled another players injury and this time it has bigger consequences that it did with Church. Reyes is one of the faces of the franchise and a big part of the Mets future, so their is no reason to try experimental treatment in season to try and get him back this year.

At first, yes go ahead and try the treatment, but once it fails move on do the surgery. It is now September 30th, the season has been over for 2 months, and if finally looks like Reyes is heading for surgery.

I just hope that Reyes injury only affects this season, not the mistreatment of the injury affecting next season.

This Day in Mets History

1962- The Mets end their inaugural season with their 120th loss of the season, setting a new record. Joe Pignatano hits into a triple-play in his last ML at-bat

1973- The Mets beat the Pirates to clinch the NL East title thanks to Cleon Jones throwing out the potential winning run at the plate.

1979- Ed Kranepool hits a pinch-hit 2B in his last ML at-bat completing the longest tenure in franchise history of 18 years.

1988- David Cone throws a complete game to beat the Cardinals 4-2 to improve his record to 20-3. He joins Doc Gooden, Tom Seaver, and Jerry Koosman as the only pitchers to win 20 in franchise history.

1999- Rey Ordonez plays in his 96th consecutive error less game at SS breaking Cal Ripken's record. His streak will end at 100 games.



Mets Birthdays

• Dave Magadan: 47
• Yorkis Perez: 42
• Jose Lima: 37

Tonights Lineup-No Evans or Thole

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

I'm sick of seeing the lineup without Evans, granted he is not a big prospect but the season is over why not let him play some lf and some 1B. He is just rotting on the bench with only 3 at-bats since Sept 12th, that is no why to treat a young player. Lets not forget that earlier this year in the Minor Leagues he started off terrible and it was reported that he was seeing a sports psychologist. Now I'm no shrink but sitting on a bench every day while not getting into the game at all for a couple of weeks can't be good for an already weak psyche.

Now onto the to the fact that we continue to play Schneider when he is not in the plans for next years team. Today people will say that he is catching to try and help Pelfrey. Well to be frank that is bs, next year Pelfrey is not gonna have Schneider behind the plate and he needs to get use to it. He needs to learn to become a pitcher mentally as well as physically, and he needs to learn that with guys like Thole and Santos who will be most likely catching him next year. I appreciate the fact that Schneider has helped mentor Thole and he seems like a nice guy, but sports is a business. The Mets should have spent the last month or so trying to evaluate possible players for next year, and for the most part they have failed at this.

More Fall Cleaning

Its been announced that the Mets have fired their AA Binghamton Mets manager Mako Oliveras and their Gulf Coast League manager Julio Franco according to Adam Rubin.

The talk is that Omar Minaya is getting rid of all of Tony Bernazard's "guys" so that he can bring in his own. When Tony was hired, he was responsible for hiring the Minor League personnel, so this may not be the end of the firings.

Today in Mets History

1964- The Mets announce in a press coneference that skipper Casey Stengel will continue to manage next season despite 3 straight last place finishes. Stengel will die on this same date in 1975.

2001- Armando Benitez gives up a 2-out 2-strike grand slam to Brian Jordan to cap a 6-run rally that leads Atlanta to a 8-5 win. The loss puts the Mets 5 games behind the Braves with 7 left.

2002- On the last day of the season the Braves (24) and the Mets (21) tied the record for players used in a nine inning game. The record was previously set by Expos and Cubs in 1978.

Mets Birthdays

• Heath Bell: 32

Tonights Lineup

Angel Pagan LF
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Carlos Beltran CF
Fernando Tatis 1B
Omir Santos C
Anderson Hernandez SS
Nelson Figueroa RHP

The Mets will face left-handed rookie Ross Detwiler who is 0-6 with a 5.71 era. Figgy is coming off a start where he threw 126 pitchers against the Braves.

Minor League Bits and Pieces

Team USA- Beat Cuba 10-5 in the title game to win the World Cup

• Ike Davis didn't get into the title game but did end the tournament with a line of .333 avg, .444 obp, .667 slg with 1o runs, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 2 2B, and a 3B.

Team Canada- Beat Puerto Rico 6-2 to clinch 3rd place

• Shawn Bowman: 2-4, BB, R, RBI, 2B while playing and batting 3rd. Finished the tourney with a line of .291 avg, .381 opb, .491 slg with 3 HR's, 15 RBI's, 9 runs and 2 2B. His impressive offensive performance earned him a spot on the All-World Cup Team.
• Jonathan Malo: 1-4, RBI, 3B, while playing SS. He finished with a .263 avg, .378 obp, and .474 slg line.

Team Australia- Beat the Netherlands 4-1 to claim 5th place in the World Cup

• Stefan Welch: 1-4, HR, while playing first and batting fifth. Finishes the tourney with a line of .258 avg, .281 obp, and .613 slg with 5 HR's, 7 2B's and 13 RBI's

Mets prospect Rhiner Cruz had 5.1ip scoreless innings allowing only 1 hit with 7 k's while pitching for Spain.

This Day in Mets History

1991- The Mets fired Buddy Harrelson after a 6-2 loss to the Phillies.

2003- Jose Reyes hits a HR from both sides of the plate to become only the second in team history, the first being Lee Mazzilli in 1978

2008- The Mets lose to the Marlins 4-2 to end their season and to end the days of Shea Stadium. The Mets lose for the second straight year on the last day of the season in front of a sell-out crowd.

Mets Birthdays

• Ronn Reynolds: 51
• Mike DeJean: 39

J-E-T-S, Jets Jets Jets

I was unable to post this weekend because I was at the Jets-Titans game on Sunday. What an amazing game, the Jets and Titans both had some major miscues but in the end it was the Jets defense that was the deciding factor with a little help from Nate Washington who has terrible hands and dropped 3 passes in the 4th quarter.

The Jets defense struggled at times letting Chris Johnson get to the outside and let Kerry Collins sit back and throw. In the end the D made plays when they had to including interceptions by David Harris and Eric Smith.

Special teams also had two big plays, a forced fumble and recovery by Jason Trusnik in the 1st quarter and a forced fumble by Brad Smith and recovery by Larry Izzo.

The stadium was packed and the crowd was very loud despite on and off rain the whole game. It was a great experience and I hope I can go back to another this year.

Tonights Lineup

Angel Pagan LF
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Carlos Beltran CF
Daniel Murphy 1B
Jeff Francoeur RF
Josh Thole C
Anderson Hernandez SS
Tim Redding RHP

The Mets are facing Ricky Nolasco who has a 6.06 era vs the Mets this year, while Redding has a 8.02 era against Florida. Wright(3), Frenchy, and Beltran all of have career HR's against Nolasco while Castillo holds a .545 avg and Murphy a .400 avg. Chris Coghlan had 2 solo HR's last time Redding faced the Marlins.

Minor League Bits and Pieces

Team USA- Beat Cuba 5-3 clinching a spot in the Gold Medal round

• Ike Davis: 1-3, R, RBI, 2B while hitting 4th and playing RF

Team Canada- Beat Netherlands 11-5 after being down 4-0

• Shawn Bowman: 2-4, 2R, 3 RBI, HR(3), HBP while playing and batting 3rd
• Jonathan Malo: 1-3, 3R, 2 RBI, HR(2), BB, HBP, while playing short

Team Australia- Lost to Venezuela 9-4

• Stefan Welch: 2-4, R, RBI, 2 2B's, while playing first

For Team Puerto Rico Former Mets Ruben Gotay and Jose Valentin both hit homeruns on their way to beating China 8-2.

I found a little write up on the Mets 4th round pick from 2007 Richard Lucas. This quote is from Matthew Eddy of Baseball America.

A fourth-rounder from '07, he missed the majority of the '08 season while dealing with off-field issues. Lucas returned with a vengeance this season, showing off natural strength and righthanded bat speed by driving the ball to all fields. He knows the strike zone, too, and handled himself well after a promotion to the New York-Penn League. He's nothing special at third base, but Lucas has pop-up prospect potential.

He goes on to talk about the Mets 4th rounder this year Darrell Cecilliani and Mets 2B prospect Alonzo Harris.

The Mets' fourth-rounder this year, Darrell Cecilliani hails from a small town in Washington, but he's made strides over the course of the past few years. He's a 70 runner who can handle center field and steal bases, but his bat has a ways to go. A lefthanded hitter, he takes a fairly direct route to the ball and has enough pop to drive the ball into the gaps. Cecilliani could develop into a 50-55 type hitter with strong plate discipline and a center-field profile. And secondly, 2B Alonzo Harris lacks pitch recognition skills and tends to swing too big, but he's a quick-twitch athlete who ripped 10 HR and stole 15 bases this season. His feet are quick enough to handle second, though he remains an inconsistent defender.

This Day in Mets History

1973- The Mets on Willie Mays with "Willie Mays Day" in an emotional ceremony at Shea Stadium.

1984- Rusty Staub becomes only the second player ever to hit a HR as a teenager and over 40, Ty Cobb was they only other to accomplish that feat. Staub's HR was a pinch 2-run blast to finish a 4-run 9th inning to overtake the Phillies 6-4.

Mets Birthdays

• Bill Hepler: 64
• David Weathers: 40
• Argenis Reyes: 27

Discussion: Next Year's Catchers

First off Josh Thole is the Mets future at catcher but that future can't me next year because he needs time at AAA to work on his blocking ability and calling a game. Playing at AAA will help because he will work with some veteran pitchers who know how to game plan and work a game. His arm is pretty good and has a fairly quick release but he doesn't look comfortable moving on breaking balls in the dirt. He is a ML hitter, but he needs to work on going the other way more and laying off the high fastball.

Now Omir Santos who I believe should be the Mets backup catcher next year because he has some pop, goes the other way, and is average defensively. He also runs well for a catcher, has a .284 avg at Citi Field, .400 avg with a runner on third with less than 2 outs, and has a .299 avg with runners on.

The free agent catching class is mediocre with some potential starters like Miguel Olivo, Bengie Molina, Rod Barajas, Pudge, and Jason Varitek. And some veteran backups Jason Kendall, Jose Molina, Henry Blanco, Brad Ausmus, and Josh Bard.

I've been weighing the realistic options like Bengie Molina(to slow, only thrown out 23% of runners, and lowest BA since 2002), Olivo(doesn't walk at all, 120k's, 28% thrown out, and .237 avg with runners on including 0-14 with bases loaded and Pudge(18/87 walk to K's, grounded into 19 DP's, and a obp under .300.

So my choice for catcher is Rod Barajas of the Toronto Blue Jays. He has a line of 18 HR's, 66 RBI's with a .231 avg, and a .672 ops. He has thrown out 35% of base runners and has only grounded into 4 DP's. He also hit .270 with RISP, .308 avg with runners on 3rd and less than 2 outs, and a .275 hitter against ground ball pitchers which the Mets have been terrible against the last couple of years.

To sum it up I would sign Barajas to a one-year deal to platoon with Santos and let Thole spend the whole year at AAA to learn how to play the catching position better.

Minor League Bits and Pieces

Team USA- Beat Puerto Rico 3-0

• Ike Davis: 1-4 with his 2nd HR while playing RF

Team Canada- Beat Venezuela 9-3

• Shawn Bowman: 2-5, 2nd HR, 2 RBI, while playing and batting 3rd
• Jonathan Malo: 1-4, R, RBI, while playing SS

Team Australia- Beat Netherlands 5-2

• Stefan Welch: 1-4, while playing 1B

Special Assistant Ramon Pena has been fired, he signed such international players as Fernando Martinez, Jeurys Familia, Jenrry Mejia, Francisco Pena, Juan Urbina, and Cesar Puello.

The Mets also fired Minor League Field Coordinator Luis Aguayo.

This Day in Mets History

1968- Mets manager Gil Hodges suffers a mild heart attack during a game against the Atlanta Braves. He will stay hospitalized untiil October 20th and die in 1972 of massive coronary.(www.nationalpastime.com)

1969- The Mets clinch the first-ever NL East title with a 6-0 win over the Cardinals. The fans go into a frenzy at Shea and run on the field to celebrate to the team.

1975- Tom Seaver loses his no-hitter with 2 outs in the 9th inning against the Cubs when Joe Wallis lines a single for the Cubs first hit. The Mets will go on the lose the game in the 11th inning 1-0.

1991- Howard Johnson hits his 37th HR setting a NL record for switch-hitters in a 10-8 loss to the Cardinals. He finished the season with 38 HR's and 117 RBI's, becoming the first switch-hitter to lead the NL.

Mets Birthdays

• Hubie Brooks: 53
• Bernard Gilkey: 43

Minor League Bits and Pieces

Third Round of World Cup began yesterday.

Team USA: Beat Venezuela 6-3

• Ike Davis didn't play for the second game in a row

Team Canada: Beat Puerto Rico 3-0

• Shawn Bowman: 0-5, 2k's while playing and batting 3rd
• Jonathan Malo: 0-2, BB, SF, while playing SS

Team Australia- Lost to Cuba 2-1

• Stefan Welch: 1-4, 2b(5), while playing 1B

This Day in Mets History

2001- Armando Benitez gives up 3 runs in the ninth including a 2-run HR by Brain Jordan who later hit the game winning HR off Jerrod Riggan. If the Mets would have held on it would have marked the first time since 1991 that the Braves didn't hold first place in September.

2008- Jose Reyes collects his 200th hit of the season with a bases-loaded triple in a much-needed Mets 6-2 victory over the Cubs at Shea Stadium. The 25-year old shortstop joins Lance Johnson (1996) as one of the only two players in franchise history to do so.(www.nationalpastime.com)

Mets Birthdays

• Pete Harnisch: 43

Today's Link Dump

Kevin Kernan from the Post talks to Gary Sheffiield who discusses that he will play next year and for who. He said that he would consider the Mets, along with the Astros, Marlins, Rangers, or even the Rays.
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/mets/sheffield_wants_to_return_next_year_D0LscrffaJirT615JPjKrK
While the Mets do need a hitter with some power like Sheff, they also need to get younger and avoid players that are prone to injury.

Mike Puma talked to Jeff Francoeur who say's that friend Jason Marquis would like to pitch for the Mets next season. Marquis is from Staten Island and is having a very nice year in the last of a 3-year $21 contract.
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/mets/francoeur_marquis_would_love_to_H44QxunoedyVLp8k27kh8J
I would add Marquis because he is dependable, innings eater, and pretty good with the bat(5 career HR's). But only depending on the rest of the off-season, I would add him if we can get another starter like Bedard or Wolf. Or if the Mets go out and get a big bat like Holliday or Bay. He is a nice pitcher but he shouldn't be the best pitcher that we sign.

Ken Davidoff talks about who the Mets should avoid signing this offseason including Jason Marquis.
http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/ken-davidoff-s-baseball-insider-1.1278117/free-agents-the-mets-should-avoid-1.1465978
I think that he is right about Hudson because we don't have enough money to pay 2 second basemen, plus Castillo played well this year besides one night in Yankee Stadium. I disagree with him about Wolf and Marquis, they both could help this team next year. I'm not adovacating signing either them to a multi-year deal or signing both of them, I'm just saying that every successful team needs an innings eater.

Minor League Bits and Pieces

Team USA- Beat Australia 4-3 to improve 7-0

• Ike Davis did not play
• Stefan Welch: 1-4, R, while playing 1B and batting 5th

Lance Broadway will be playing Winter Ball in Venezuela joining him will be Josh Thole who will play for Caracas and Bobby Parnell who is still undecided who he will play for.

This Day in Mets History

1962- The Cubs beat the Mets and Al Jackson handing him his 20th loss of the season. He joins teammate Roger Craig and the only teammates since the 1936 Phillies to have teammates with 20 losses.

1988- The Mets clinch their 2nd NL East title in 3 years with a win over the Phillies 3-1.

1998- John Olerud walks to reach base 15 consecutive times to tie Barry Bonds NL record.

2000- Armando Benitez saves his 39th game of the season against the Phillies to break John Franco's team record



Mets Birthdays

• Wally Backman: 50
• Vince Coleman: 48
• Mark Guthrie: 44
• Jeff Barry: 40

Poll: One hot head for Another

PollPub.com Vote

Would you trade Ollie for Bradley?

Yes
No



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Todays Link Dump

MLBTRADERUMORS discusses whether the Mets and Cubs should swap Oliver Perez for Milton Bradley. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/09/discussion-milton-bradley-for-oliver-perez.html
I'm still undecided on this because getting rid of Ollie is a great idea but bringing Bradley aboard could be a really bad idea.

Matt Cerrone discusses who should be the Mets MVP. http://www.metsblog.com/2009/09/21/vote-2009-mets-mvp/
Despite him not finishing the year up it has got to be Santana, he was our most dependable starting pitcher and pitched through injury pretty effectively.

Metsfever talks about some of the Mets minor league players who were drafted in the Dominican Winter League.http://metsfever.blogspot.com/2009/09/domincan-rookie-draft.html
I am very surprised to see that Marte was taken before Familia and Mejia considering the type of year he had. That must mean some scouts still see that this kid has lots of potential.

And last a picture of the World's tallest man who is in attendace tonight at Citi Field. http://twitpic.com/imopp

Minor League Bits and Pieces

Team USA- Beat Italy 12-3 and are still undefeated

• Ike Davis: 1-4, 2R's, BB, while playing first base and batting sixth.

Team Canada- Beat Taiwan 5-3 to improve to 5-2

• Shawn Bowman: 1-2, RBI, BB, while playing and batting 3rd
• Jonathan Malo: 0-1, with 3 sacrifices, while playing SS

Team Australia- Beat Mexico 6-5 to improve to 5-1

• Stefan Welch: 0-4, while playing first

This Day in Mets History

1973- The Mets complete an amazing climb from last place to first place by beating the Pirates 10-2 and improving their record to 77-77, they will finish the season at 82-79.

1979- The Mets sold Dock Ellis to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1987- Daryl Strawberry steals 2 bases to join Howard Johnson as the only teammates to ever have 30 steals and 30 HR's.

2001- A crowd of 41,235 gathered at Shea Stadium to witness the return of baseball to New York City for the first time since the terrorist attacks of September 11. Uplifting ceremonies before and during the game, which included singers Diana Ross, Marc Anthony Lisa Minnelli as well as bagpipers, paid tribute to victims of the tragedy. Mike Piazza's eighth inning home run gives the Mets a 3-2 dramatic victory over the Braves.

The Mets donate their day's pay, which totals approximately $500,000, from tonight's game with the Braves at Shea to a rescue fund for the families of the firefighters and policemen killed in the World Trade Center terrorist attacks. The contest is the first professional baseball game played in New York since the tragedy. (www.nationalpastime.com)



Mets Birthdays

• D.J. Dozier: 44

Minor League Bits and Pieces

Team USA- Crushed Chinese Taipei 14-3

• Ike Davis: 0-3, 2 R's, 2 BB's, and 3k's while playing RF and hitting cleanup

Team Australia- Beat Italy 5-4 on a Chris Snelling walkoff single

• Stefan Welch: 0-4, while playing first

Team Canada- Beat Japan 3-2

• Shawn Bowman: 0-3, BB, while playing 3rd
• Jonathan Malo: 0-2, with a sacrifice while playing SS

Mets announced their Sterling Award Winner for each level:

AAA: OF Jesus Feliciano
AA: C Josh Thole
A+: CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis
A: LHP Robert Carson
SSA: LHP Mark Cohoon
Rookie – Kingsport: 1B Jeffrey Flagg
Rookie – GCL: OF Julio Concepcion
DSL: 1B Alexander Sanchez
VSL: OF Andres Perez

This Day in Mets History

1970- The Mets purchased Dean Chance from the Cleveland Indians.

1975- Mets slugger Dave Kingman hits his 35th HR to set a new franchise record for homeruns in a season.

Rusty Staub becomes the first Met player to drive in a hundred runs in a season. A two-run HR accounts for the RBI's as the Mets beat the Cubs 7-5 at Shea Stadium.

1976- Tom Seaver beats the Pirates for the 2nd time in 6 days as the Mets win 6-2.

2006- The Mets beat the Marlins 4-0 to clinch their first NL East title since 1988. This was their fifth try as they lost to the Marlins and were swept in Pittsburgh, so they could enjoy the celebration in front of 46,729 at Shea.

Mets Birthdays

• Harvey Haddix: 84
• Scott Holman: 51
• Roger Mason: 51

Parnell Back to Pen Where He Belongs

Today Jerry Manuel announced that Bobby Parnell is going back to the pen he was effective for most of the season. He has an ERA of 3.75 as a reliever and 7.93 as a starter. He had also given up 3 more HR's in 9 less innings as a starter.

I wasn't in favor of this at the very start, especially because it was during the season. After seeing him pitch as a starter I am definitely against him being a starter. He is basically a two pitch pitcher who doesn't control his off-speed pitches enough to be a starter.

Next year the Mets are gonna need a setup man, and instead of jerking Bobby around with starting the Mets should have been putting him into high pressure late inning situations. Mets management hasn't done many things write this year and the handling of Parnell just adds to their mistakes.

Minor League Bits and Pieces

Team USA had the day off but face fellow undefeated team Taiwan today.

Team Canada- Beat Mexico 4-2

• Shawn Bowman: 2-4, 2 RBI, while playing 3rd
• Jonathan Malo: 1-3, while playing SS

Ike Davis won the Minor League Player of the year award for the Mets. He hit a combined 20 HR's between St. Lucie and Binghamton.

Jeurys Familia won the Minor League Pitcher of the year for the Mets farm systems. While pitching for Savannah he went 10-6 with a 2.69 era with a 1.71 era in the Month of August.

This Day in Mets History

1976- The Mets sold Ken Sanders to the Kansas City Royals.
The Mets also signed free agent Greg Harris on this day.

1982- Dave Kingman hit his league leading 37th homerun against the Cardinals. He finshes the year hitting .204, the lowest batting average ever for someone who wins a HR crown.

1984- Dwight Gooden strikes out 16 batters for the second straight start and ties the record with 32k's in consecutive starts.

1986- The Mets beat the Cubs 4-2 and clinch the NL East Championship behind a 6-hitter by Dwight Gooden.

1993- The Mets traded Frank Tanana to the Yankees for Kenny Greer.

2005- Donn Clendenon passed away on this day.


Mets Birthdays

• Bobby Fine: 71
• John Franco: 49

Minor League Bits and Pieces

Team USA- Beat Japan 4-2 to improve to 3-0

• Ike Davis did not get into the game again.
• Justin Smoak had another HR to bring his total to 6.

Team Australia- Loss to Taiwan 5-4

• Stefan Welch: 0-3 while playing first base

Team Canada's game was rained out.

Pitchers Josh Stinson and Scott Moviel will join there teammate Mejia, Davis, and Tejada in the Arizona Fall League.

This Day in Mets History

1966- The Mets with 5 and the Giants with 3 tie a ML record for number of pinch hitters used in an inning as the Mets win 5-4.

1996- The Mets released Wayne Kirby.

Mets OF Lance Johnson hits his 20th triple become the first NL player to do so since Willy Mays in 1957.

2007- With a homer in seventh inning of a 10-6 loss to the Phillies at Shea Stadium, David Wright becomes the 30th member of the 30-30 club. Returning to the dugout, the Mets third baseman is greeted by hitting coach Howard Johnson, who along with Darryl Strawberry are the other Mets to also have stole 30 bases and hit 30 homers in the same season. (www.nationalpastime.com)

Mets Birthdays

• Orel Hershiser: 51
• Desi Relaford: 36

Tonights Lineup

Castillo, 2b
Sullivan, lf
Wright, 3b
Beltran, cf
Murphy, 1b
Francoeur, rf
Thole, c
Hernandez, ss
Misch, lhp

K-Rod won't be with the team tonight because his wife had twins in New York today.

Larry won't be playing tonight for the Braves.

Mets 2010 Schedule

Just click on Schedule for full size.

Minor League Bits and Pieces

Team USA- Beat the Netherlands 11-1, they play Japan today

• Ike Davis: 1-3, 2b, R, RBI, BB, while playing right field again
• Justin Smoak: 2-4, 2HR's, 5RBI, seriously this kid is just tearing it up, excited to possibly see him in the Majors very soon.

Team Canada- Lost to Australia 5-3, they play Mexico today

• Shawn Bowman: 0-4, BB, RBI, while playing 3rd again
• Jonathan Malo: 0-3, while playing SS
• Stefan Welch(AUS): 0-4 while playing 1B

Jenry Mejia will pitch in the Arizona Fall League, he will be playing with Ike Davis and Ruben Tejada.

This Day in Mets History

1963- Inspired by their fans, the Mets hold the first of many Banner Days including an on field parade in between the double header that day.

1969: The Mets defeat Steve Carlton despite his 19k's that then set a major league record because Ron Swoboda hit 2 two-run homeruns to win 4-3.

1973- Mets Rookie Mike Vail hits in his 23rd consecutive game to tie a National League record.

1987- The Mets traded Shane Young and Jeff Richardson to the California Angels for John
Candelaria.

Keith Hernadez collects his 2,000th hit as the Mets beat the Cubs 12-4.

1994- The Mets are informed that Doc Gooden is in violation of his aftercare program for substance abuse.

Mets Birthdays

• Charley Smith: 72
• John Pacella: 53
• Satoru Komiyama: 44
• Doug Simons: 43
• Jason Hardtke: 38

This Day in Mets History

1996- Todd Hundley hits his 41st HR of the season to pass to set a new major league record for catchers. The Mets come back to beat the Braves 6-5 in 12 innings.

1999- The Mets traded Dan Murray to the Kansas City Royals for Glendon Rusch.

2004- The Mets fired Manager Art Howe to take effect at the end of the season.

2008- With his 8th inning thievery in a 7-4 loss to the Braves at Shea Stadium, Mets' shortstop Jose Reyes becomes the first player to have four straight seasons of 50 or more stolen bases playing for a New York area team, which also includes Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants. The accomplishment extends the infielder's own record as he is also the only Gotham major leaguer to achieve the feat for three consecutive years.(www.nationalpastime.com)

Mets Birthdays

• Dave Hillman: 82
• Harry Parker: 62
• Mike Draper: 43
• Chad Bradford: 35

Minor League Bits and Pieces

Team USA- Beat Canada 8-0 in the first game of the second round

• Ike Davis: didn't get into the game
• Shawn Bowman: 0-3, 3k's
• Jonathan Malo 0-3
• Canada only had one hit and 3 baserunners all game

Former Met Jose Valentin hit a homerun for Puerto Rico as they beat Spain 12-2. Also playing for Puerto Rico are former Mets Raul Casanova and Ruben Gotay.

• Stefan Welch: 2-5, HR, 5 RBI, and 2 runs scored for Australia as they crushed the Netherlands 19-6.

Both Ike Davis and Kirk Nieuwenhuis were listed on Baseball America's end of the season prospect hot sheet. http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/prospect-hot-sheet/2009/268861.html scroll all the way to the bottom to read about Kirk.

Minor League Bits and Pieces

Team USA- Beat China 8-0 to move to 2-1

• Ike Davis went 1-4, R, while playing first base and batting cleanup

Team Canada- Blasted Sweden 19-1 to move to 3-0

• Shawn Bowman: 0-5, RBI, while playing 3rd and hitting 3rd
• Jonathan Malo: 3-3, 3R's, BB, RBI, while playing shortstop and hitting 8th

Other Mets Prospects

• Stefan Welch: playing for Australia, 1-4, R, BB, while playing first
• Kai Gronauer: playing for Germany, 2-3, 2b, while catching

This Day in Mets History

1972- The Mets sold Chuck Taylor to the Milwaukee Brewers

1983- Mets rookie catcher Mike Fritzgerald becomes the 48th major leaguer to hit a home run in his first big league at bat.

1997- The Mets‚ down 6-0 with one strike to go in the bottom of the 9th rally to tie the Expos. Carl Everett ties the game with a grand slam. Two innings later‚ Bernard Gilkey hits a three-run homer to end it‚ 9-6. Facing Dustin Hermanson‚ the Mets manage just one hit through the first 8 innings‚ and that is a blooper by Carlos Mendoza‚ his first ML hit. Two singles and two relievers later the Mets tie it. John Franco is the winner over Steve Kline.(www.baseballlibrary.com)

Mets Birthdays

• Tom Parsons: 70
• Rodney McCray: 46
• Grant Roberts: 32

This Day in Mets History

1974- The Mets lose to the Cardinals 4-3 in a marathon game that takes 25 innings and 7 hours and 4 minutes to complete. Its the longest game in baseball history and didn't end until 3:13 am in the morning. A record 175 offical at-bats are recorded and a record 45 men are stranded on base.

1987- With his 30th stolen base, Mets third baseman Howard Johnson becomes the first National League infielder to become a member of the 30-30 club. The other players in the Senior Circuit to have 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in the same season are outfielders Willie Mays, Hank Arron, Bobby Bonds, Dale Murphy, and Eric Davis. Ron Darling tears a ligament in his thumb in the game ending his season. (www.nationalpasttime.com)

1997- In a 9-5 Mets victory over the Expos at Shea Stadium, slow-footed John Olerud legs out an eighth-inning three-run triple to complete the cycle. The New York first baseman becomes the seventh player in franchise history to accomplish the feat. (www.nationalpasttime.com)

2004- The Mets lose to the Phillies in 13 innings 11-9 while combining to set a new record with 18 pitchers used. The Phillies used 10 to tie a NL record for one team.

Mets Birthdays

• Larry Bearnath: 68
• Dave Roberts: 65

World Cup Action 9/10

Team USA: Lost to Venezuela 13-9 after holding a 7-2 lead

• Ike Davis didn't get to play and probably won't get alot of opportunity because of Rangers first base prospect Justin Smoak who went 4-6 with 2 HR's.

Team USA is playing Germany at 1pm today.

Team Canada: Beat South Korea 9-1

• Shawn Bowman: 2-4, R, 2b, 2 RBI while playind 3rd base
• Jonathan Malo: 0-3, BB, 2k's while playing shortstop

Team Canada plays again tonight at 7pm vs. the Netherlands.

This Day in Mets History

1963- In the Mets 4-2 victory over the Giants at Polo Grounds, Carlton Willey retires the side in order getting all three Alou brothers -Jesus , Matty and Felipe - to make an out. The Dominican trio become the first three siblings to bat consecutively in the same inning. (www.nationalpasttime.com)

1969- The Mets sweep the Expos 3-2 in 12 innings and 7-1 to move into first place for the first time in team history.

1982- The Mets traded Tom Hausman to the Atlanta Braves for Carlos Diaz.

1985- Immediately following a benches clearing incident Howard Johnson hit a grand slam to give the Mets a 5-4 victory over the Cardinals.

1990- The Mets traded Steve LaRose and Nicky Davis to the Houston Astros for Dan Schatzeder.

John Maine threw a Simluated Game

Today Maine threw a simulated game and came away looking pain free, although he has yet to talk to the media. He is on target to pitch against Pedro in the second game of the doubleheader on Sunday.

To me Maine maybe the most important player so see return this year, because he effects our offseason alot. If he comes back and can prove that he is 100%, that is one less starting pitcher the Mets need to go out and get. And if healthy he is a solid #3 starter. There also has been talk of nontending him, their is no way that will happen if he is healthy.

Well I wish Maine some goodluck all the way from Maine.

Minor League Bits and Pieces

Ike Davis and Team USA will be playing today at 1pm against Venezuela. To follow live stats go to www.USAbaseball.com.

Shawn Bowman and Jonathan Malo are playing for Team Canada who are playing tonight against Korea at 7pm.

Brooklyn: Lost their first playoff game 3-1 to Mahoning Valley ending their season.

This Day in Mets History

1969- Purchased Jim Gosger from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

With a 3-2 win the Mets hand the Cubs there 6th straight loss and are now only 1/2 game behind them.

1993- The Mets released Darren Reed.

1997- Former Original Met OF Richie Ashburn died on this date. He died of an apparent heart attack in his New York Hotel room after broadcasting a Mets game.

Mets Birthdays

• Todd Zeile: 44
• Mike Hampton: 37
• Kaz Ishii: 36

This Day in Mets History

1964- The Mets announce the signing of 18-year old right hander Bill Denehy.

1969- At Shea Stadium‚ the Mets top the Cubs 3-2 on Tommie Agee's 2-run HR. Jerry Koosman beats Bill Hands and strikes out 13 Cub batters. Chicago has now lost 5 in a row and leads the Mets by 1 1/2 games.

1990- Darryl Strawberry, the Mets all-time home run leader (252), ends his eight-year tenure with New York and signs a five -year free-agent deal with his hometown Dodgers.
(www.nationalpasttime.com)

1993- Houston's Darryl Kile no-hits the Mets‚ winning by a score of 7-1. He fans 9 and walks 1. Mets 3B Butch Huskey becomes the 3rd player in history to make his major league debut on the losing end of a no-hitter.(www.baseballlibrary.com)

Mets Birthdays-

• Sheriff Robinson: 88
• Don Aase: 55
• Bobby Parnell: 25

Non-Mets: Today is the 11th anniversary of Mark McGwire hitting his 62nd homerun off SteveTrachsel passing Roger Maris.

Minor League Report 9/7

Buffalo- Lost to Lehigh Valley 3-0 in season finale

• Andy Green: 2-3, BB, .259
• Mike Lamb: 2-4, .261
• Luis Rivera: 2-3, .316
• Argenis Reyes: 0-4, .282
• Robinson Cancel: 1-4, .248
• Chip Ambres: 1-4, .261
• Joshua Peterson: 0-4, .248

Binghamton- Lost to Altoona 3-0

• Kirk Nieuwenhuis: 1-4, .406
• Ruben Tejada: 1-4, 2b(24), .289
• DJ Wabick: 2-4, 2b(31), .296
• Carlos Guzman: 0-4, .130
• Zach Lutz: 1-4, .207
• Jose Corronado: 1-4, .271
• Eric Niesen: 7ip, 5H, 2ER, 5k's, L 4-7, 4.66 era(3.67 with 55k's in last 56 innings

Savannah- Lost to Charleston 7-6

• Wilmer Flores: 0-5, R, .264
• Juan Lagares: 2-5, RBI(13), .274
• Nicolas Giarraputo: 2-5, 2b(2), RBI(13), .397

Brooklyn will play there first playoff game tonight at home vs. Mahoning Valley at 7 PM.

Tobi Stoner To Be Called Up

Tobi will be promoted to the Mets tomorrow after the Bisons completed there season today by losing there season finale 3-0. He is a 24-year old right handed pitcher from Germany who has three solid pitches in a fastball in the 88-90 range, a curve ball around 76 with good bite and a changeup.

He has gone 9-9 with a 3.55 era in 23 starts with 2 complete games and 92k's, 47 walks, 120 hits, and 14 hr allowed in 144 innings. Those numbers are combined AA and AAA and he has pitched a little better lately with a 3.41 era in his last 10 starts in AAA. He also is 5-25 lifetime as a hitter.

I'm glad to see him get a call up, obviously he is not a big prospect but its nice to see the Mets give people within the organization a chance instead of 35 year old washed up pitchers. Good luck Tobi and maybe this can be an audition for next year.

This Day in Mets History

1962- Purchased Galen Cisco from the Red Sox.

1973- To prevent an injury, the second game of the Mets Expos doubleheader at Jarry Park is delayed for 11 minutes. The setting sun over the rim of the Montreal ballpark makes it impossible for the first baseman to see the ball being thrown from certain positions on the field.

1978- In a 9-4 victory over Expos, Mets backstop John Stearns establishes a new mark for National League catchers with his 25th stolen base. Johnny Kling swiped 24 bases catching for the Cubs in 1902. (www.nationalpasttime.com)

1984- Dwight Gooden pitches a one-hitter and strikes out 11 in a 10-0 rout of the Cubs. The only hit is Keith Moreland's slow roller in the 5th inning‚ which 3B Ray Knight fields but can't get out of his glove. Gooden's 11 strikeouts give him 236 for the season‚ breaking the NL rookie record set by Grover Alexander in 1911. For Gooden‚ he will win another 9 straight over the Cubs‚ lose‚ then win 12 straight.(www.baseballlibrary.com)

1990- The Mets signed free agent Guillermo Mota.

1998- The Mets signed free agent Jorge Toca.

Mets Birthdays-

• Dave Wallace: 62
• Rick Sweet: 57
• Darren Bragg: 40
• Jason Isringhausn: 37
• David Newhan: 36
• Brain Stokes: 30

Minor League Report 9/5

Buffalo: Lost to Lehigh Valley 5-4

• Argenis Reyes: 1-4, R, 2b(19), .285
• Jesus Feliciano: 3-4, R, .311(.375 over last 10 games)
• Mike Lamb: 2-4, RBI(53), .259
• Adam Bostick: 0.2ip, 3ER's, BB, 2k's, L 0-3, 3.26 era

Binghamton: Beat Altoona 4-3

• Kirk Nieuwenhuis: 1-3, BB, R, .429
• Ruben Tejada: 2-4, 2b(23), HR(5), 3 RBI(46), .289(.378 with 7 RBI last 10)
• Zach Lutz: 2-3, 2b, BB, .200
• Carlos Guzman: 0-3, .158
• Jenry Mejia: 5.2ip, 5H, ER, 5BB's, 6k's, 4.47 era
• Roy Merritt: 1.1ip, BB, 2H, K, S(14), 3.45 era

St. Lucie- Lost to Palm Beach 8-4

• Sean Ratliff: 1-5, RBI(6), .286
• Stefan Welch: 1-5, .278
• Brahiam Maldonado: 0-3, RBI(73), 2BB's, .273
• Josh Stinson: 2.1 scoreless ip, H, 3BB's 4k's, 1.98 era

Savannah: Beat Charleston 6-1

• Wilmer Flores: 3-5, 2b(20), RBI(36), .267(.333 over last 10)
• Nicolas Giarraputo: 3-5, HR(2), 2 RBI(12), .397
• Armando Rodriguez: 5ip, H, ER, 4BB's, 6k's, W 2-1, 2.16 era

This Day in Mets History

1962- Purchased Larry Foss from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1968- Jerry Koosman sets a franchise record for victories with 17 when he beats the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-1.

1984- Signed Free Agent Keith Miller.

Mets Birthdays-

• Fran Healy: 63
• Alex Escobar: 31

Minor League Report 9/5

Buffalo- Beat Lehigh Valley 6-4

• Jesus Felicano: 3-4, R, BB, 2b(30), RBI(42), .308
• Mike Lamb: 2-5, HR(5), 2 RBI(52), .257
• Chip Ambres: 2-4, BB, RBI(58), .263
• Luis Rivera: 3-5, 2b, 2R's, .315
• Tobi Stoner: 6ip, 8H, 3 ER, BB, 6k's, W 7-7, 3.96 era

Binghamton- Lost to Altoona 6-1

• Kirk Nieuwenhuis: 1-4, R, .440
• Jose Corronado: 3-4, 2b(16), .274
• DJ Wabick: 2-4, RBI(55), .297
• Zach Lutz: 1-1, 3BB's, .136
• Carlos Guzman: 0-4, .188

St. Lucie: Beat Palm Beach 2-1

• Reese Havens: 0-1, BB, HBP, .247
• Joshua Satin: 0-3, RBI, .389
• Stefan Welch: 1-4, .280
• Sean Ratliff: 0-4, .304
• Brahiam Maldonado: 1-4, R, .275
• John Maine: 4ip, 2H, BB, 6k's

Savannah: Lost to Charleston 5-4

• Wilmer Flores: 0-5, .264
• Nicolas Giarraputo: 0-4, .382
• Juan Lagares: 1-4, R, .272

Minor League Report 9/3

Buffalo- Won 4-3 on a walkoff single by Luis Rivera

• Jesus Felicano: 3-4, R, BB, .304
• Chip Ambres: 2-4, 2R, HR(12), 2 RBI(57)
• Luis Rivera: 2-5, R, game winning RBI single in bottom of tenth
• Eddie Kunz: 0.1ip, ER, 5.12
• Adam Bostick: 1.2ip, H, K, 2.61 era, inherited runners scored 0-3

Binghamton- Lost to Bowie 6-4

• Kirk Nieuwenhuis: 1-3, R, 2BB, .500
• Ruben Tejada: 1-5, R, .287
• DJ Wabick: 3-4, 2b(30), HR(4), 2 RBI(54), .293(.382 with 7 RBI last 10)
• Zach Lutz: 0-4, .059
• Carlos Guzman: 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, .333

St. Lucie- Beat Fort Myers 4-3

• Reese Havens: 0-3, BB, .245
• Joshua Satin: 2-4, R, .375
• Stefan Welch: 0-3, BB, R, .277
• Sean Ratliff: 2-4, R, 2 RBI, .273
• Brahiam Maldonado: 2-3, RBI(69), .270(.343 with 7 RBI last 10)
• Josh Stinson: scoreless inning with 2 k's recording 5th save, 2.23 era

Savannah- Lost to Charleston 8-4

• Wilmer Flores: 1-3, BB, R, .264
• Nicolas Giarraputo: 3-4, HR(2), 2 RBI(10), .393
• Juan Lagares: 2-3, R, RBI(12), SB(9), .278

Minor League Report 8/2

Buffalo- Lost to Scranton 8-6

• Argenis Reyes: 3-5, 2R, 3b(4), .292(.383 with 5 RBI last 10)
• Mike Lamb: 2-5, 2b(29), 2 RBI(50), .260(.308 with 6 RBI last 10)
• Joshua Peterson: 1-4, HR(1), RBI(5), .269
• Jason Dubois: 2-4, 2HR(5), 2 RBI(8), .198

Binghamton- Beat Bowie 6-1

• Kirk Nieuwenhuis: 4-5, HR, 2 2bs, 3R, 2 RBI, .538
• Ruben Tejada: 0-3, BB, .288
• DJ Wabick: 2-4, 2R, HR(3), BB, 2 RBI(52), .288
• Zach Lutz: 1-4, BB, RBI, .077
• Carlos Guzman: Just Promoted: 1-5, RBI
• Eric Niesen: 7.1ip, 5H, ER, 3BB, 5k's, W 4-6, 4.86 era

St. Lucie- Split 2 with Fort Myers

Game 1- Lost 8-4

• Reese Havens: 1-4, .246
• Joshua Satin: Just Promoted: 1-1, 2R, 3BB's, HR(1)
• Sean Ratliff: Just Promoted: 1-4
• Stefan Welch: 1-4, 2b(9), R, RBI(36),
• Brahiam Maldonado: 1-4, HR(18), 2RBI(68), .266
• William Rackel: Just Promoted: one scoreless inning

Game 2- Won 2-1

• Reese Havens: 1-3, .247
• Ratliff: 0-3
• Welch: 1-3, R, .281
• Maldonado: 1-3, .266

Savannah- Lost to Augusta 5-4

• Alonzo Harris: 2-3, BB, 2 RBI, .375
• Wilmer Flores: 2-4, SB(3), .264
• Nicolas Giarraputo: 1-4, R, .368

Time to Rest Pelfrey

Before the season began Tom Verducci pointed out a list of pitchers to watch out from that could get injured this season because of the increased number of innings they pitched last season. Well luckily Pelfrey didn't get injured but he definitely looks like he may be pitching on tired legs out there. Maybe he is just tired in general because he is making mental mistakes as well.

This season has been over for awhile, Mike is very young so lets shut him down and bring up a guy like Tobi Stoner and let him get a couple of starts.

Minor League Report 9/1

Buffalo- Lost to Rochester 9-6

• Argenis Reyes: 3-5, R, 2b(18), RBI(31), .288
• Mike Lamb: 2-4, R, 2b(28), RBI(48), .258
• Luis Rivera: 2-4, 2R, 2b, .293
• Rene Rivera: 2-3, BB, 2b(14), HR(9), 3 RBI(30), .242
• Adam Bostick: 1ip, R, BB 2k's, 2.72 era

Binghamton- Lost to Bowie 6-1

• Kirk Nieuwenhuis: 0-3, BB, SB
• Ruben Tejada: 1-3, BB, .289
• Zach Lutz: 0-4, 2k's
• Jose Coronado: 1-4, 2b(14), RBI(39), .269
• Jenry Mejia: 4ip, 4H. 3ER, 3BB, 6k's, 4.89 era
• Roy Merritt: 2 perfect innings with 2k's, 3.52 era

Savannah- Lost 2 games to Augusta

Game One- 7-0

• Wilmer Flores: 0-3, .259
• Nicolas Giarraputo: 1-2, .400
• Alonzo Harris(Just promoted): 1-3

Game Two- 2-1

• Alonzo Harris: 0-2, R, BB
• Wilmer Flores: 2-3, .262
• Nicolas Giarraputo: 0-3, .377
• Armando Rodriguez(second start): 6ip, 3H, 2ER, BB, 9k's, 2.31 era
  

This Day in Mets History

1970- Traded Rod Gaspar to the Padres for Ton Herbel

1975- When he whiffs Pirate Manny Sanguillen in the seventh inning of the Mets 3-0 victory, Tom Seaver becomes the first pitcher to strike out at least 200 batters in eight consecutive seasons. The victory is also 'Tom Terrific's' 20th of the season making it the fourth time in his career he has reached that plateau.(www.nationalpastime.com)

1985- The visiting New York Mets edge San Francisco‚ 4-3 with Keith Hernandez 2-run homer climaxing a 3-run 9th inning. Siske‚ in relief of Ed Lynch‚ is the winning pitcher. In the 5th‚ Lynch lines to right field and is thrown out 9-3 by RF Joel Youngblood. It's the NL's 2nd 9-3 putout in 2 months.(www.baseballlibrary.com)

2001- Traded Kyle Kessel to the Tigers for C.J. Nitkowski

2004- Signed Free Agent Alay Soler

Mets Birthdays:

• Tom Burgess- 82
• Dave West- 45
• Derek Wallace- 38