Meet the Mets
Some people can just never be happy. Despite winning 3 games of a 4 game series (against the likes of Lincecum, Johnson, and Sanchez) and a half game lead in the division, ESPN analyst Steve Phillips just does not like the Mets. This attitude of dismissing the Mets has been common on national broadcasts for quite some time (see Eric Karros constant Met-bashing on the FOX national game of the week against the Phillies). It also has been noticed in the blogosphere, where Met fans who are usually hypercritical of their team rose to their defense. Here's more. And more. And more.
This criticism comes at a funny time, as gritless David Wright is dominating. Oh yeah, and Carlos Beltran is second in the league in hitting.
In the most underreported story surrounding the Mets, Carlos Delgado was put on the DL on Friday and there's no timetable for a return. Mike Francesa thinks the Mets can get Nick Johnson and Jermaine Dye for cheap, for whatever that's worth.
The injury bug continued last night as Jose Reyes' replacement Alex Cora injured his thumb. Reyes may be ready to play tonight. Fernando Tatis made his first professional appearance at shortstop to replace Cora.
The extra adrenaline might have actually helped add a few miles per hour on Putz's fastball, as he picked up the save on Saturday afternoon.
Oliver Perez pitched three simulated innings in an extended Spring Training outing. He struck out 7 and walked 4. That sounds about right.
The New York Post spotlights Josh Thole.
In old Met player news, Mookie's upset about the lack of 86 memorabilia. Ron Swoboda talks about his professional television career and New Orleans. And Anna Benson wants the Rangers to play the Mets in the World Series.
Tim Redding will make his Met debut tonight against the Dodgers' Randy Wolf.
Mike Pelfrey balked a lot.
Around the NL East
Sergio Escalona made his big league debut yesterday as the Phillies swept a weekend series at Washington. It was yet another scrappy "salvaged" win, against a really awful team.
Earlier in the weekend, the Nationals put Jesus Flores on the DL and called up Jesus Colome. After Saturday's game, the Nats also put Scott Olsen on the DL and called up 2007 first round pick Ross Detwiler.
The Phillies' ALS festival disappointment is turning one family into potential Met fans. Converts are always welcome.
The Marlins lost 2 of 3 to the Dodgers over the weekend, almost getting no-hit by Clayton Kershaw yesterday. Oh, and by the way, Landshark Stadium? I will count my blessings that I'm only stuck with Citi Field.
Rain washed out yesterday's Braves series finale with the Diamondbacks, with Atlanta having split the opening two games. Braves outfield prospect Brian Barton is one semester away from a degree in aerospace engineering. Man, get him in the same room as John Maine and sparks watch the world's problems be solved.
Around MLB
Back spasms forced Edison Volquez out of Saturday's game in the 6th.
David Ortiz's mind is busy, possibly causing his season-long slump.
Wow, Joe Maddon screwed up the lineup card.
Jake Peavy went the distance in yesterday's series conclusion with the Reds.
Good news for the Putzes, Chris Carpenter will make his return on Wednesday.
Let's see if Tim Redding can survive without his mother's cooking. LA is pretty far away from Buffalo. One word for you Tim: plastics, as in tupperware.