Afternoon Mets Links & Doubleheader Open Thread

The Mets (31-27) take on the Padres(34-24) in a day/night doubleheader at Citi Field. Game 1 will pit Johan Santana (4-2, 2.76) against Matt Latos (5-4, 3.26). First pitch at 1:10pm.

The Mets’ lineup for Game 1:

1. Jose Reyes
2. Angel Pagan
3. Jason Bay
4. Ike Davis
5. David Wright
6. Jeff Francoeur
7. Alex Cora
8. Henry Blanco
9. Johan Santana

Game 2 will see Jon Niese (2-2, 4.28) take on Jon Garland (6-3, 2.68), first pitch is scheduled for 7:10pm.

And here are the afternoon’s Mets links:

MetsToday – In case you missed it, Joe Janish has done some analysis on Mets first-round pick Matt Harvey. Check it out.

MetsToday – Matt Himelfarb takes a look at Mets minor league catcher – and German export – Kai Gronauer.

Planet Hardball – I had the opportunity to interview Andy Fleischacker a few months back… Andy is the head coach of Germany’s Soligen Alligators… The Alligators were Kai Gronauer’s team in Germany.

Baltimore Sun – The Orioles are looking for a new manager and they seem to have the Mets on their mind. Among the candidates to replace interim skipper Juan Samuel are Bobby Valentine, Bob Melvin, Davey Johnson and Clint Hurdle.

SNY – Michael Salfino gives the Mets high marks for minimizing their risk by drafting college players.

NBC – Josh Alper says the Mets have been successful this year because of talent. It sounds like Alper is giving credit to Omar Minaya, but he also heaps praise on Jerry Manuel for his calm demeanor.  I guess there is plenty of credit to go around when you are sitting in third place.

Queens Courier – Joe Pascullo is excited about the Mets again.

And here is video of Kai Gronauer getting his number retired (I think) in Germany: