Curiosities and Comments
A few things passing through the mind of a Mets fan …
- The injury to Endy Chavez appears more serious than first suspected. There’s a distinct possibility “Legendary Endy” does not return until mid- to late September. That makes the acquisition of Marlon Anderson all the more important, and the likelihood of trading Lastings Milledge next to nil.
- Pedro Martinez threw three simulated innings after taking a “vacation”. Who takes a vacation in the middle of the baseball season? We heard all the mumbo-jumbo from Jay Horwitz’s crack PR team — he needed a mental rest, the doctors recommended it, blah blah blah — but if you put your hands over your ears, it seems more possible that Pedro took the time off as a result of a setback, and isn’t likely to return this season. Admitting as such, however, would give other teams leverage in last-minute trade talks — if indeed there are any trade talks going on.
- Before the Mets give up a warm body for someone like Jose Castillo as second base insurance, why not give Jake “The Rake” Gautreau a quick look? Gautreau was once mentioned in the same breath as Mark Teixeira, and may have been on a similar career path had he not been devastated by injuries and medical issues. Gautreau is batting .291 with a .522 slugging percentage in New Orleans, and is playing acceptable defense.
- Speaking of the Zephyrs, Brian Lawrence is 7-2 with a 3.70 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 46 Ks and only 7 BB in 72 innings covering 11 starts. So why is Mike Pelfrey making a spot start on Saturday vs. the Nationals? I guess it has something to do with the 40-man roster, or Lawrence’s options, but then what’s the point of having him down in AAA?
- Scott Schoeneweis had pitched in five straight games without allowing a run before Saturday’s appearance vs. the Dodgers, and has had an excellent July. Is now the time to trade him to a team desperate for a lefthander, and perhaps watching his latest performances through rose-colored glasses? We know the good coming from him can’t last much longer, and he can’t help us at Shea — so why not deal him while his value may be at its peak? Think about it: his main purpose was to give the Mets an extra LOOGY against Utley and Howard of the Phillies — so as long as the Phils keep dropping in the standings, he means even less and less to the Mets (you don’t really believe he can be counted on for more full innings of relief, do you?).
- Sometimes, you think you’ve seen something happen over and over, yet when you check the stats find out the numbers aren’t nearly as high as you thought. However, in this case, you’re eyes have not deceived you: Shawn Green and Paul LoDuca are running neck and neck for the team lead in GIDP — they both have eleven. You might have guessed that Carlos Delgado was in second place with 8, but guess who’s next at 7? Moises Alou — in only 110 at-bats.