Reyes and Church Out, F-Mart and Some Other Guy In

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Whoever it was in the Mets front office who was sober enough to realize the insanity of holding five players hostage from the disabled list, we thank you for releasing Jose Reyes and Ryan Church to convalescence. And we thank you for affording Jerry Manuel at least 23, maybe … Read more

Why Steve Phillips is Right About Beltran

steve-phillips-metsSo much to-do over a few little comments by Steve Phillips

Yes, I also watched the game last night on ESPN, and for part of the time did not use the mute button. Yes, I agree that Joe Morgan, Steve Phillips, and Jon Miller are not the best broadcast team. No, I don’t understand anything Morgan says. Yes, I disagree with 99% of what Phillips says.

But one thing I do agree with Phillips on, sort of, is the Carlos Beltran issue. If I were the Mets GM, I would absolutely consider trading Carlos Beltran at the end of this season. Not because he’s lacking edge (even if he is) or clutchness (ditto), not because he’s imperfect (aren’t we all?), not because he lacks leadership skills (there are at least 20 other Mets guilty of the same), and not because he’s an airhead (he is, you just don’t notice it when he’s hitting .400). Rather, following are my reasons why it would make sense to explore the possibility of dealing Beltran next winter.

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Link Roundup

Anthony Rieber of Newsday alerts Carlos Beltran to the fact that his dad’s senior softball league does not allow sliding, but the National League does. Andrew Vazzano of TheRopolitans regurgitates a quick Q&A on Ken Takahashi he did with BaseballDigest.com‘s Japanese specialist Patrick Newman. Guess what? Takahashi was NOT particularly strong against LH hitters. Swell. … Read more

Is Carlos Beltran on Drugs?

Last week, Carlos Beltran did not slide into home because he said he had his eyes on the ball and didn’t realize that the catcher was blocking the plate. Where else he thought a catcher might be positioned, with the ball loose in the infield, is anyone’s guess. His exact quote: “When I took off … Read more

Mets Game 17: Win Over Nationals

Mets 8 Nationals 2 The red-hot Mets blew out the Nationals to win their second consecutive game. New York’s struggles with runners in scoring position are a distant memory, as the offense came through with four base hits out of eleven tries (.363) with RISP in this contest. Ryan Church led the way with two … Read more