This game reminded me of playing phone tag. You know, you call someone, get their voicemail, leave a message. Then they call back, miss you, leave a message. Then you call back, get voicemail, leave a message … and so on …
While the Mets prepare (apparently) to bid adieu to one slugger, they are expected to welcome another one back tonight, as David Wright is all set to come off the disabled list. Out since mid-May with a lower vertebrae stress fracture, Wright went 10 for 21 during a rehab stint in the Florida State League. Prior to being disabled, Wright hit .226 with 6 homers and 26 RBI. Nick Evans is expected to be returned to Buffalo in make room for Wright.
WFAN’s Ed Coleman reported that injured ace Johan Santana is set for an August 21 return. That report however was quickly refuted by at least two other sources. There has been no official word from the team on this–but why let that stand in the way of a good story?
K-Rod is gone and we’ve covered Carlos Beltran. Next on the trading block is Jason Isringhausen, who has proven to be healthy and effective in a setup role for the Mets. Do you know how many teams can use an effective middle- / late-inning reliever? About 29.
The fact the Mets picked up Izzy for virtually nothing and have turned him into a trading chip is to be commended — but it’s also time to trade in that chip. Considering the dearth of decent relief pitching available, I truly believe that a postseason-contending team would be willing to give up a decent prospect for a reliable setup man such as Isringhausen. Maybe not a top-ten prospect, but possibly a top-15, and at worst a top-20. And a top-20 prospect would be welcome indeed in return for a 38-year-old reliever whose contract expires at the end of the year.
So where might the Mets shop Izzy? Here are a few possibilities:
On Thursday, Carlos Beltran played his final home game before the trade deadline, prompting many a reaction among the Mets faithful. For many, it is a foregone conclusion that his days as a Met are winding down.
Meanwhile, David Wright returns from the disabled list tonight, effectively re-forming the Fab 3 from the “New Mets Era” for one more time. No word on a rooftop concert, though.
Remember to stay cool, find some A/C, and keep reading Mets Today.
Johan Santana, who is rehabbing from last years left shoulder surgery, says he is on schedule for a September return to the big leagues.
He told the NY Post that any projections for pitching after the All Star break or in August were best-case scenarios.
I was told by Dr. [David] Altchek this was going to take up to a year, so it’s going to take me to Sept. 14,” said Santana, who underwent surgery on that date last year to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder. “If I come back sooner, that would be great. If not, we’ll be fine. [Altchek] said there might be a possibility to come back within 10 months, but that was just a possibility. That was not a fact.”
The hopes are that August will bring a minor league rehab assignment. Rumors are already circulating that he will be pitching in Brooklyn for the Cyclones starting the 6th.
Santana says he still has faith in his Mets team and, spoken like a man who has $55 million left on his 2 year contract after this season, went on to say:
“Looking toward the future, we still have a pretty good chance to put a good team out there and compete.”
And if the Mets can’t get it done in 2 years, Santana will find anther team who can.
