July 2: Afternoon Mets Links and Open Thread
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
Woo… freakin… hoo
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.