With all the ballyhoo about Jose Reyes’ headfirst slide into third last night and the ensuing discussion about whether it’s safer / smarter / faster to slide head- or feet-first, here are some interesting points.

First, a mechanical engineer came to the conclusion that sliding head-first was faster.

Though, other researchers — including a physicist — saw no significant difference between the two methods.

But what about the opinion of someone who has actually been on a baseball field and done some sliding? Here is what Davey Lopes — one of the all-time great basestealers — had to say in an article published on MLB.com a few weeks back:

Former Met reliever Roger McDowell is under investigation by MLB for allegedly threatening fans in San Francisco with a baseball bat and verbally assaulting them with homophobic slurs

You can read all the gory details

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After falling behind 3-2, the Mets fought back and went ahead in the top of the ninth with a bleeder, a blooper, a bunt, a sacrifice fly, and a bouncer — proving that “small ball” still survives and can help win ballgames.

Tonight’s Mets lineup against Washington Nationals lefthander Tom Gorzelanny:

Jose Reyes – SS
Justin Turner – 2B
David Wright – 3B
Carlos Beltran – RF
Jason Bay – LF
Ike Davis – 1B
Scott Hairston – CF
Mike Nickeas – C
R.A. Dickey – P

What is it with Mets managers and their insistence on batting second basemen second in the lineup? Is it because they were all former second basemen who knew how to take a pitch, hit-and-run, hit behind the runner, and bunt? Though, I suppose it’s better to see Turner in the two spot than Scott Hairston. Personally, it wouldn’t bother me to see hot-hitting Jason Bay or David Wright up there — I’d like to be guaranteed that both get an at-bat in the initial inning. And, such a choice would move equally hot Ike Davis up to fifth. Get the big bats to the plate as much as possible, no?

For the second straight year, both Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo chose not to take part in the Mets’ annual visit to Walter Reed Hospital. This time, everyone is very pleased that Perez and Castillo stayed home. What a difference a year makes.

In other irrelevant news about former Mets, Brad Emaus is listed at 2B on the All-Star ballot. Were the Mets

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Five in a row, gotta be pleased about that.

The Mets lineup tonight facing Jordan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals:

Jose Reyes – SS
Dan Murphy – 2B
David Wright – 3B
Carlos Beltran – RF
Jason Bay – LF
Ike Davis – 1B
Josh Thole – C
Jason Pridie – CF
Chris Young – P

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

A quick preview on the three-game series beginning tonight between the Mets and Nationals, to be played in Washington, DC. All games have a start time of 7:05 PM and will be televised on SNY.