As of this moment, the New York Mets are tied for first place in the NL East. See? I can post positive news.
Unfortunately, that position in the standings is guaranteed to change by the time this day is over — unless this afternoon’s game between the Nationals and Braves is postponed.
Enjoy it while it lasts … we have no idea how long the Mets will remain atop the standings.
According to Adam Rubin at ESPN-NY, Pat Misch has agreed to accept an assignment to AAA Buffalo.
Good move for Misch, I think, since his best shot at returning to the bigs is likely with the Mets. As much as I’d like to believe that Chris Young is going to stay healthy for more than 15 starts, it’s not a realistic expectation. Add in the uncertainty of Chris Capuano, who may or may not be fully recovered from TJ surgery. Plus, pitchers who appear healthy when they leave sunny Florida could suddenly feel soreness and other ailments in the cold, wet northeast April weather.
The one thing going against Misch is the fact that Dillon Gee has options, and therefore could be more likely to get a brief callup for a spot start.
Not a surprise, but it’s official: Jason Bay has been placed on the 15-day DL, retroactive to March 25.
Bad news for Jason, but not necessarily bad news for the Mets. For all we know, Lucas Duda may step in and prove to be a monster with this opportunity. Plus, Bay has been the man of a thousand stances all spring, struggling to find a consistent approach and swing. Maybe a week off from swinging and tinkering is the best thing for Bay right now.
Finally, some good news: odds are that the Mets will win on Opening Day. They have the longest active winning streak on Opening Day (5) and own the MLB record with 11 straight Opening Day victories (1970-1981). Also, since 1970, have won 32 of 41 Opening Day contests (after starting their history 0-8 in season openers).
Info courtesy of ESPN’s SweetSpot blog.
I know, you’re reading the headline and thinking, “has Joe lost his mind?”. But hear me out. Continue reading
Adam Rubin is reporting that Luis Castillo has been released by the Phillies.
Good to know; in case Brad Emaus flops there is an experienced veteran second sacker out there who the Mets can pick up for the league minimum. Oh, wait …
According to Sandy Alderson, Nick Evans has cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to AAA Buffalo. Continue reading
Adam Rubin has reported that Jason Isringhausen will remain back in Port St. Lucie for at least another two weeks. However, that’s no guarantee that he’ll be with the Mets in the near future.
Per Rubin’s post:
If another team approaches Isringhausen in the interim about a major league opportunity, the Mets must either call up Izzy or let him depart.
“It’s in their hands,” Isringhausen said. “If another team wants me, what we’ve talked about is they have the right to call me up or let me go.”