Off Day Applesauce: Cedeno Still Not Ready, Using The Taxi Squad

No Mets game last night, and there wasn't a whole lot going on in the National League. That usually leads to a relatively slow news day, but there were still a few things out there worth pointing out. First, we've got a weekend series down in Miami's new digs to look forward to. The Marlins have been playing well of late, and the three pitching matchups all look to be really good. Hopefully we don't need to come from behind quite as often in this series, but with the starting pitching we'll be facing we may need to continue to pound the bullpen to have a great weekend.

Friday night will mark the 8,000th game in Mets franchise history. We're currently at 7,999 without a no hitter. Fun.

One of the new rules around the majors this season involves the taxi squad. Rob Johnson, Jordany Valdespin, and Josh Satin have already been among the players used for this new roster rule, and it really does seem like a great little addition to the CBA. R.A. Dickey seems to be a fan, and anything Dickey likes is usually a good thing.

There has been quite a bit of speculation that Ronny Cedeno would be returning to the big leagues this weekend in Miami to take over the starting SS position. The Mets have poured some cold water on that idea, as it appears Cedeno may make a few rehab starts before returning.

Matt Cerrone did a little speculating about Matt Harvey and his potential timetable to the major leagues. As much as I'm thrilled that we've been playing well thus far, I really don't want to see Harvey called up if the front office still plans to send him down for Chris Young in a few weeks time. Let him keep working in AAA, his time will come.

Howard Megdal took a little look at Dillon Gee. After his hot start last season, most of us around these parts realized he was probably due for a little regression. This year appears to be the opposite though, as Gee has been putting up some sparkling peripherals. Let's hope he starts to see the results that his FIP suggests we should be seeing soon.

Why were the 2007 Phillies able to catch the 2007 Mets? Grission. Word out of the Adam Rubin lobby is that this year's Mets don't lack in that department though. Hooray!

Around MLB

There was only one game last night involving a divisional foe, and unfortunately the Nats managed a win. Stephen Strasburg was really good. Surprised?

FanGraphs took a look at the Bryce Harper/Cole Hamels situation.

Over at Talking Chop, they took a look at the greatest final seasons in light of Larry's impending retirement. I was surprised at how few players topped 3 WAR in their last seasons.

In light of Josh Beckett being booed off the mound yesterday, Over the Monster looked at another struggling Sox pitcher. Blame Bobby V.

Since we've got a bit of a struggling pitcher theme going, we might as well look at Tim Lincecum. It's too bad that he took Sabean's contract offer, I could see him being a non-tender candidate this coming offseason if he had stuck with the arbitration route.

Ivan Nova has been getting hit fairly hard this season. Here's a deeper look at why that might be.

Finally for today, Vlad Guerrero will be joining the Blue Jays on a minor league deal. I sure hope he doesn't fall apart on that turf.