The Reds played some shoddy defense in the early innings and the Mets bullpen miraculously threw four solid innings of relief, as the Mets defeated the Reds 8-6 in a sea-saw affair on Tuesday evening and jumped back over the .500 barrier. New York held a 4-0 lead before Jon Niese imploded, allowing a run in the 4th and four in the 5th. Luckily, Jason Pridie hit a big two run double in the 6th to put the Metropolitans back in the lead for good. With both Jason Isringhausen and Bobby Parnell unavailable, Terry Collins mixed and matched through the final four innings and Tim Byrdak ultimately struck out Jay Bruce to pick up the save.
Game three of the series takes place Wednesday evening as the Mets look to clinch the series from the Reds. Game time is at 7:10 on SNY and will feature Mike Pelfrey on the hill, going up against Bronson Arroyo for the Reds.
Welcome to Carlos Beltran Trade Central! We're now under five days to go until the trade deadline and Carlos Beltran is (unsurprisingly) still a Met. There has been plenty of chatter regarding where Carlos will land and who the Mets will receive. A week ago, things were looking up in terms of the prospects they'd get but just a few days later, a number of the talking heads have become skeptical (although not surprising that Philly fanboy Jayson Stark is talking down Beltran's value). Another talking head who's always correct, Jon Heyman (Yes, I was laughing while writing that) also says that Carlos' price is trending downwards. Interestingly enough, Mets beat writer Andy Martino reports that the Mets are not budging from their stance of receiving top prospects, so go figure. Somebody's got to be wrong here and we'll probably find out this weekend.
A couple of other Beltran articles: Patrick Flood examines what would be a fair return for Carlos. Over at the LoHud blog, Howard Megdal receives fan mail from a very articulate 4 year old asking about Rangers prospect Rob Erlin, a potential return in a trade.
In non-Beltran news, Johan Santana is finally ready to begin a rehab assignment on Thursday in Port St. Lucie. You know the drill. Everybody cross your fingers and say your prayers to Dickey.
Finally, here's some Madoff news for you to decipher. Arguments in the Picard vs Wilpon/Katz showdown are set to be heard on August 17th in Manhattan.
Around the NL East
Vance Worley continues to mystify opponents with help from the BABIP Queen, the LOB% Monster and the Home Runs Not Flying Out of CBP Wizard as the Phillies quieted the Giants 7-2. Chase Utley hit an inside the park home run in this game and the Giants offense proved again how much they need Carlos Beltran.
After nearly seven hours, 19 innings and one iffy complete bullshit call from the umpires Jerry Meals (only one? Come on, that's child's play) the Braves outlasted the Pirates 4-3. The Bravos got some bad news in this one, as Brian McCann left with an oblique strain and will head to the disabled list tomorrow. Also, Chipper Jones is going to be sidelined with a quad injury for a few days. Looks like the Braves could use Beltran too.
Game 1 of the World Series of old managers took place on Tuesday in Washington and the Marlins were victorious, crushing the Nationals by a score of 11-2. The Nationals had better watch out for the explosion of Mount Davey as the skipper is slowly reaching his boiling point. Meanwhile, it looks as if Josh Johnson is all but finished for the season with shoulder issues. Aww, too bad. Also, annoying Shane Victorino clone Emilio Bonifacio extended his hit streak to 24 games.
Around the Majors
Here's a quick rundown of trade rumors: The Reds dealt Jonny Gomes to the Nats in exchange for 2 minor leaguers and then they called up top prospect Yonder Alonso to replace him. Lots of teams are lining up for Ubaldo Jimenez in case the Rockies are willing to deal him. It looks like Hunter Pence will stay in Houston and not become a Phillies asshole. For more, here is MLB.com's Trade Deadline section.
The best hitter in baseball Jose Bautista took a pitch to the head in Tuesday's game against the Orioles. Luckily, he thinks he should be okay.
The Seattle "#6org" Mariners fell to the Yankees 4-1 on Tuesday, their 17th consecutive defeat. CC Sabathia carved up the young Mariners, striking out 14 over 7 innings and allowing just a single hit in the 7th. Ouch.
Jered Weaver is kind of quietly having a ridiculous season for the Angels, as the righty picked up his 14th victory in the Angels' 2-1 win over Cleveland. Sure, the ERA probably isn't totally sustainable in the future but it's always impressive when a starter this late in the year has an ERA under 2.