Monday Applesauce

Well, well, well. First place is pretty sweet. Who needs grit at this point?

Meet the Mets

Daniel Murphy wanted to be an insurance agent. He really means business.

On the morning of Johan's next start, here's a look at what the Mets gave up in the trade. 

David Wright agrees with me, Carlos Beltran is the best player in New York.

Metstradamus puts this weekend in comic book form. Well done.

Here's an interesting story: Pirate pitcher Ian Snell has accused the Mets of stealing the signs in yesterday's victory. NY Sports Dog makes a good point in the Mets' defense. One way or the other, a win's a win.

Good for Sandy Alomar. For the first time in his 49 year career, Alomar managed a big league team. 

Nelson Figueroa is doing well in AAA, Nick Evans has 7 hits (season total), and Argenis Reyes is on a tear. In the meantime, Jonathan Niese goes six in the big leagues.

Around the NL East

The Braves took two out of three from Philadelphia this past weekend, dropping the world champs 1.5 games behind the Mets for first place. The Phillies still can't pitch. But don't worry Philly, in one columnist's opinion this looks a lot like last year. The Braves' one loss during the weekend came on Friday night, with Jo-Jo Reyes starting. Bobby Cox still has faith in him, despite losing 9 straight.

In other Brave news, Chipper Jones might miss tonight's series opener due to a sore elbow.

Ron Villone tied the ML record on Saturday by making an appearance for his 12th team. I'm guessing he has a chance to break that. He also got the win. The Nats lost both the game and Scott Olsen in yesterday's 10-8 decision against Arizona. Washington had already won the series. Oh yeah, and Ryan Zimmerman is halfway to Dimaggio.

Future National Stephen Strasburg threw a no-hitter in his last home start for San Diego State.

The Marlins took two out of three from the Rockies over the weekend. Hanley Ramirez went 9-13 in the series. Congratulations to Jeff Conine for making the All-Jeff team. That is quite an honor.

Around MLB

The New York Times' Tyler Kepner is unhappy with the new Yankee Stadium. There is no buzz. Yankee fans are a little happier with their team, as they took two out of three from the Orioles. Phil Hughes did give up 8 runs on Saturday, however. All is good, however, because Brett Tomko has arrived.

Some scary Yankee news: Ian Kennedy was diagnosed with an aneurysm. Best of luck Ian.

Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia left in the third inning of last night's game against the Rays with an injured groin. No word on missed time yet.

This headline looks familiar... Guillermo Mota is still not good.

David Eckstein was hit in the ribs by Roy Oswalt. The dirt that he rubbed in it did not appear to do the trick, and he is now listed as day to day.

The White Sox offense is depressing. Yikes.

Royal all star closer Joakim Soria has been placed on the DL for a shoulder injury.

Remember Darren Oliver? Omar does amazing work resurrecting peoples' careers.

Anyway, that is all for today. It's the best day of the week! The only way that Monday's can be good! Johan's going!