Mets Game 45 Lineup vs. Yankees

One of the benefits of being affiliated with ESPN is that the New York Mets sort of see this blog as a member of the media. As such, the Mets PR department now sends to me the official lineup for each game. Here is tonight’s:

Jose Reyes – SS
Luis Castillo Alex Cora – 2B
Jason Bay – LF
Ike Davis – 1B
David Wright – 3B
Angel Pagan – CF
Rod Barajas – C
Jeff Francoeur – RF
Johan Santana – LHP

Have to admit I’m a little surprised to have received this at 3:40 PM — well before batting practice. I thought Jerry Manuel makes out the lineup card based on what he sees from BP. Maybe that’s no longer the case.

Speaking of ESPN, you can see me — and engage in the conversation — on the Baseball Tonight Live chat on ESPN.com, beginning at 7 PM.

********** UPDATE ****************

Just got word from Mets PR that Castillo has been scratched for Alex Cora. I’m guessing that Castillo’s foot is acting up again.

Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.