July 2: Afternoon Mets Links and Open Thread

UPDATED (6:09 pm)

Andy Martino on Twitter – Apparently, Jose Reyes won’t return until Sunday, at the earliest. Martino is also reporting that Luis Castillo will start his rehab assignment soon and – according to Jerry Manuel – Castillo will be the starting second baseman as soon as he is back with the Mets.

MetsGrrl – Photos from the Mets’ “Teammates in the Community” event at the Humane Society of New York.

OnTheBlack – Kerel Cooper breaks down who’s hot and who’s not for July 2, 2010.

NY Times – An absolutely amazing video that illustrates why Mariano Rivera has been so dominant for so many years (via MetsBlog)

MetsPolice – A heated discussion has broken out over in the comments section of Mets Police. The issue essentially boils down to this – how bad is Jerry Manuel? In other words, is he merely “George Foster bad” or is he “Carlos Baerga bad”? Hey, that could be a poll question next week!

MetsToday – MLB would like some money to give you the chance to spend more money if you’re team makes the playoffs. Bud Selig would’ve made one hell of a used car salesman…

TONIGHT’S GAME

The Mets (44-35) take on the Nationals (35-45) in a game that oozes with importance. If the Mets drop this game, they will have to beat Stephen Strasburg tomorrow to have a chance at splitting the 4-game series. Thankfully, tonight’s pitching matchup favors the Mets, as Jon Niese (5-2, 3.84) faces Luis Atilano (6-4, 4.33).

Tonight’s Lineup:

Angel Pagan – CF
Ruben Tejada – SS
David Wright – 3B
Ike Davis – 1B
Jason Bay – LF
Rod Barajas – C
Jeff Francoeur – RF
Alex Cora – 2B
Jonathon Niese – LHP

  1. isuzudude July 2, 2010 at 5:00 pm
    What are the odds that Pagan re-injures himself tonight? 3-1?
  2. loge mezzanine July 2, 2010 at 5:50 pm
    Nah, considering he played last night, I think he’ll be ok.
  3. loge mezzanine July 2, 2010 at 6:20 pm
    Reyes out till Sunday… at least. But Castillo and Ollie are gonna be back soon.

    Woo… freakin… hoo

  4. Mic July 4, 2010 at 10:05 am
    Not really that funny. BUT the Mets handling of injuries is scary. Reyes is sitting because Tejada is playing well and his value skyrockets as he shows comparisons to Reyes. Other bait the Mets are showcasing include Thole, and not to mention Fmart and Nick Evans are doing OK in the minors. Angel’s name is rumored but what about French?

    My views? With Santana-Niese-Pel-Dickey are my 1-4. I want Tak in the pen, Valdes up and Iggy down (for now), I am strongly consider a swap of Zambrano for Ollie. A cheap frontline starter..provided he can prove health. I dont care too much about the headcase stuff as a change of scenery could help. Then Octavio Dotel, Glen Perkins, and relif help become my focus. I’d still trade CB if I can get a good deal.

  5. isuzudude July 5, 2010 at 8:47 am
    Mic – how do you consider Zambrano a “cheap frontline starter?” Not only is Zambrano owed at least another $36 million on his current contract, but he also hasn’t resembled a frontline starter in 4 years. You’re not the only person I read encouraging the Mets to pursue an Ollie-for-Zambrano trade, but these outcries need to be nipped in the bud. On no planet, in no alternate universe, should the Mets trade Ollie’s expiring contract for Zambrano’s longer, more expensive contract. You’d be trading a migraine for a brain tumor.