Meet the Mets
Johan Santana takes the mound in tonight's series opening game against the Red Sox. Boston's Daisuke Matsusaka will oppose him, making his first start since coming off the DL from a right shoulder strain.
The Wall Street Journal takes a look at the underrated Johan.
Met philosopher Ted Berg runs intellectual circles around Steve Phillips and explains how you can enjoy baseball without worshipping at the altar of grission.
On the totally opposite spectrum, Jerry Manuel doesn't rely on stats.
Jose Reyes MRI yesterday revealed tendinitis behind his right calf and he is listed as day to day. That means we get more of Tatis/Martinez at shortstop for the near future. Metsblog tries to get the Mets interested in Seattle's Yuniesky Betancourt.
Fernando Martinez continues to rake, going 2 for 4 yesterday. In other news, Josh Thole is now a C+. I don't really know what that means.
Wondering why Gary Sheffield wasn't in the lineup against Los Angeles? Food poisoning.
Met scout "Shooty" Babitt thinks Stephen Strasburg is the best amateur he's ever scouted. He kind of disappointed me though with his best Rickey story.
Around the NL East
A lot of action in the division during the Mets' off-day. The Phillies cruised passed the Reds, 12-5, with the help of Chase Utley's 4 RBI. Joe Blanton continued the Philly starting rotation struggles, however, giving up 5 ER in 5 innings.
Phillies Nation believes that their team has a chance to get Peavy with this underwhelming crop. Wow.
The Braves were shut out by the Rockies, 9-0, in a disappointing rookie debut by pitcher Kris Medlin. In addition to Omar Infante, the Braves added Jo-Jo Reyes to the DL. Neither injury is worrying Bobby Cox, however, as he told this reporter after waking up from his afternoon nap.
The Nationals finally snapped their 7 game losing streak, beating the Pirates 5-4 in Craig Stammen's first major league appearance. Prior to yesterday's victory, Manny Acta tried to get the Nationals to think that they're better than their record.
The formerly 11-1 Florida Marlins dropped to 19-23 in losing to the Arizona Diamondbacks last night 4-3, despite a strong outing from Andrew Miller. Florida's opponents for the next 35 games have a winning percentage of .547. Prior to last night's game, the Marlins called up Dave Davidson and Christhian Martinez for their bullpen. Martinez was thrown right into the action, allowing 2 runs and was charged with the loss.
Around MLB
So, the Jake Peavy trade thing never happened, as Peavy vetoed the deal. Some in San Diego think that the Padres messed up the deal from the start. But, in a move that was destined to happen and will surely by good PR, Tony Gwynn, Jr. was acquired by San Diego.
Jim Leyritz's trial has been set for September 14.
The Yankees keep winning. Ugh. Chien-Ming Wang will make a start at AAA Scranton.
The Cubs may move Alfonso Soriano back to second base.
Reds pitcher Edison Volquez is going on the 15-day DL with a sore back.