Mets Morning News: Hopefully Niese-On's Summer Run-Saving Days Last Longer Than Those Annoying Commercials (You Know The Ones)

Meet the Mets

The Mets defeated the Nationals 2-0 in Washington on Saturday evening. Through six innings, this game featured a brilliant pitchers duel between Jon Niese and Edwin Jackson. Both men were on top of their respective games until the top of the seventh, when Ike Davis connected on a two-run home run to left center field. Of course, with the Mets bullpen, a 2-0 lead almost feels like a deficit and even more so when Frank Francisco is looming in the bullpen. With the way big Frank has pitched of late, Mets fans had their eyes covered for the last frame. But somehow, someway, Frank tossed a 1-2-3 ninth (with some help from his friend Baxter in right field) and the Mets triumphed. Oh happy day!

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After winning last night, the Mets somehow have the opportunity to take two of three from the Nationals with a victory this afternoon. Game time is at 1:35 PM and it'll be Jeremy Hefner on the hill taking on Gio Gonzalez.

Monday seems to be the day of reckoning regarding Johan Santana's immediate future. Terry Collins and Sandy Alderson will meet then to figure out whether to let the lefty continue to pitch or shut him down for the season. Speaking of Johan's struggles, Patrick Flood tries to figure out what may be wrong with him.

Is there any chance the Mets could trade Santana in the offseason? While it seems an unlikely proposition, perhaps there's a team that is suddenly flush with cash and willing to take on giant contracts that would have some interest in him.

Remember Jenrry Mejia? Former top prospect who the previous regime foolishly called up to be the eighth inning mop-up man that would save their jobs, who then had Tommy John surgery last year? Well, he may be back in the big leagues this September. AS A STARTING PITCHER. The 4.0 K/9 at Buffalo is not very pretty but it'll be nice to see him back on the Citi Field mound, at least.

Apparently, new Mets catcher Kelly Shoppach was a strong force behind the infamous Red Sox text message that was attributed to first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Hmm....

Veteran journeyman and one-time Met C.J. Nitkowski may be in line for a September promotion. Small sample size and all but the submarine lefty has pitched well since the Mets signed him earlier this summer.

Looks like the Mets will face off against the AL Central in interleague play next season, as the early rumors have it.

Around the NL East

Perhaps Ben Sheets is starting to turn back into a pumpkin. The righty allowed four home runs, as the Braves fell to the Dodgers 6-2. Cole Hamels struck out 10 and he continues to dominate, as the Phillies defeated the Brewers 4-3. Meanwhile, Giancarlo Stanton did more Giancarlo Stanton things, while the bullpen did more LOLpen things and the Marlins held on to defeat the Rockies 6-5.

Around the Majors

This shouldn't be all that surprising, considering their record but the Astros have fired manager Brad Mills, along with hitting coach Mike Barnett and first base coach Bobby Meacham. New owner, new league, new jerseys, new manager, new EVERYTHING in Houston.

In potential National League Cy Young news, Johnny Cueto picked up his NL leading 16th victory yesterday. Cueto has had an excellent season in the Reds' rotation and could certainly find himself in a race with, among others, R.A. Dickey for CY honors next month.

Adam Dunn cranked his 400th career home run yesterday. Good for him.

Reports on Saturday indicated that Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford would ask the team if he could undergo Tommy John surgery on his ailing elbow. However, those reports appear to have been false, as Crawford's agent say that the outfielder will do whatever the team doctors prescribe.

The Cubs and young shortstop Starlin Castro have agreed on a seven year deal worth $60 million. A nice deal for the Cubs' best young position player and you can imagine that it can only improve his value on the trade market, should the organization decide to move him at some point.

Not sure how I missed this but something strange happened on Friday -- Jeff Francoeur walked three times in a game, the first time he'd ever pulled off this incredible feat in his career. Now before you faint or spit-take or drive your car off of a cliff (why are you reading this while you're driving, moron?!?!), be sure to realize that two of those walks were intentional. Why anybody would intentionally walk Jeff Francoeur is beyond me but so be it.