Dickey, Mets Look To Keep The Streak Alive

July 30, 2011

7:05 PM ET

Nationals Park, Washington D.C.

TV: WPIX

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: R.A. Dickey (5-8, 3.74 ERA)

Dickey gave up two runs in 6.2 innings of work his last time out. Six of his last seven starts have led to wins for the Mets. In his career, he is 1-2 with a 4.08 ERA against the Nationals.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Starting Pitcher: Jason Marquis (8-5, 3.95 ERA)

Marquis went six innings in his last start for Washington. He allowed three runs on five hits. Marquis is 6-7 with a 4.64 ERA against the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Turner-2B, Murphy-1B, Wright-3B, Pagan-CF, Bay-LF, Duda-RF, Thole-C, Dickey-RHP

Mets Morning News: Wright's Throws, Wheeler, & Santana Update

David Wright has begun working on his throws to first base. Since returning from the disabled list he has made three errors.

"His timing was just a little bit off," [Chip] Hale said. "The game was moving a little quick for him.

"His game speed on defense hadn't come to where it was on offense.... His timing on the throws was bad. Balls weren't even making it."

Dear Mets, David Wright's inability to throw to first base has been well documented for years. This is nothing new, and it is something that should have been addressed years ago.

During a conference call with reporters Friday, Paul DePodesta talked about watching Zack Wheeler pitch in high school.

"I saw him in high school. At the time I was with San Diego. We had the No. 3 pick in the country (and took Georgia high school outfielder Donavan Tate). So I was down there in Georgia and did get to see him pitch toward the end of his senior year. In short, it was pretty electric. That night he touched 99 (mph). He came out in the first inning throwing 97, 98, and had one of those breaking balls that elicited an audible sound from the scouts the first time he snapped one off. It was a pretty good combination and certainly an exciting guy. He was right near the top of our board in San Diego, and I think was the top high school pitcher on our board. I may have gone to great lengths here to finally acquire him, leaving the organization and everything else. We're certainly glad we have him here in New York."

One day after making his first rehab start with St. Lucie, Johan Santana said his arm felt good.

"Alive," he said, jokingly, while sitting at a picnic table under a tree at the Mets' minor-league complex. "No, I felt good. I think better than what I thought I was going to feel. I'm definitely very happy with the way everything feels Saturday."

Despite his optimism, Santana did caution:

"We're still building everything up. It's about doing this day in and day out. We still have some way to go, but it's going in the right direction and that's what you want."

The "Little Met Machine" Keeps Rolling As Team Wins Fifth Straight

The Mets jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, and despite some dicey moments, never looked back. They are now four games above .500, and just 6.5 games back in the Wild Card. As Gary Cohen stated at the end of the broadcast, this is "The little Met machine that keeps on going."

• Dillon Gee went 6.2 innings, giving up three runs on four hits, while striking out five and walking four. Gee didn't allow a hit until the fourth inning, and that's when things started to fall apart. After loading the bases, Gee was able to get Laynce Nix to hit into what should have been an inning ending double play. A throwing error by Jose Reyes, however, meant the Mets only got one out, and the Nationals would score two runs. Gee labored through the next 2.2 innings of work, although he only allowed just one additional run.

• Jason Bay had another productive night at the plate, going 2-4 with an RBI and a run scored. As long as he's getting on base, I'll be happy. I don't need the home runs (although they would be nice).

• Ronny Paulino was 3-4 with an RBI and two runs scored.

• Bobby Parnell came in to pitch the eighth inning, and he stunk. Manager Terry Collins brought in Tim Byrdak, and he wasn't any better. Finally, D.J. Carrasco entered the game and got two huge strike outs in Danny Espinosa and Ryan Zimmerman to end the inning.

• Jason Isringhausen continued to be impressive in his new role as closer (even though it's not official). Izzy pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning to record his fifth save of the season, and the 298th of his career.

Next up: R.A. Dickey will take the mound for New York in game two tomorrow night. Jason Marquis will start for Washington. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Mets Head To D.C., Go For Fifth Win In A Row

July 29, 2011

7:05 PM ET

Nationals Park, Washington D.C.

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Dillon Gee (9-3, 3.75 ERA)

Gee struggled in his last start, going five innings, and giving up three runs on seven hits. In two career starts against Washington, Gee is 2-0 with a 0.61 ERA .

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Starting Pitcher: Chien-Ming Wang (0-0, -.-- ERA)

Wang has missed the last two seasons with shoulder problems. His start tonight will be his first since he was with the Yankees in 2009. He is 2-1 with a 4.57 ERA against the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Turner-2B, Murphy-1B, Wright-3B, Pagan-CF, Bay-LF, Duda-RF, Paulino-C, Gee-RHP

Mets Morning News: Santana's Rehab Start, Wheeler, Alderson's DoneDealin'

Johan Santana completed his first rehab start with St. Lucie Thursday night. He threw 33 pitches, 26 of which were for strikes. Don't let the good news fool you though, rehabilitation pitching coordinator Randy Niemann says Santana still has a ways to go before he's big league ready.

"There is a big gap. I believe you take that guy out to a major league mound right now and he'd give you everything he's got. Physically, his shoulder's just not ready right now. We hope over the next month, we can build up the strength and recovery. It's paying off, but we have a ways to go.

Sam Borden of the New York Times sat down with new Met Zack Wheeler.

He initially thought he was not going to be traded at all. Wheeler woke up Wednesday morning and saw on his Twitter feed that his teammate and friend Gary Brown was rumored to be involved in the deal for Beltran.

"Then I went downstairs and turned on the television and saw that actually I was the one who was probably being traded," Wheeler said.

According to Newsday, general manager Sandy Alderson is most likely done wheelin' and dealin' before the trade deadline.

"By trading Carlos, we've made it a little tougher on our remaining players and the Mets club," Alderson said Thursday in a conference call with reporters. "I'd be very reluctant to make it any tougher on them. I really have some confidence -- real confidence -- that this group is going to respond to this change as they have to other situations earlier in the year.

"I really believe that this group still has the kind of persistence and tenacity that could lead them to some positive things this year. Unless something extraordinary was to come up -- I wouldn't rule it out -- but for me personally, I'm reluctant to make many other changes. I like the group that we have."

Mets Complete Four-Game Sweep Of Reds

The Mets completed a four-game sweep of the Reds, winning this afternoon by a score of 10-9.

• Chris Capuano went 5.1 innings, giving up six runs on eight hits, while striking out four and walking three. Capuano gave up back-to-back doubles in the first inning, but soon settled down. He allowed one more run in the fourth, an RBI single from the pitcher Homer Bailey.

• Lucas Duda came up big in the fourth inning with the bases loaded, driving in all three runs on a double to right field. When all was said and done, he was 2-4 at the plate.

• Even Jason Bay had a big day at the plate, hitting a three-run double in the fifth inning. Bay finished the day going 3-4.

• The Mets went into the sixth inning, winning 9-3. Then Manny Acosta entered the game. After coming in to relieve Capuano with one out, Acosta gave up a three-run homer to Miguel Cairo to make it 9-7. Of course, all but one of those runs was charged to Capuano. The perks of being a relief pitcher.

• Jason Isringhausen recorded his fourth save of the season, and the 297 of his career.

Next up: The Mets head to Washington D.C. for a three-game series this weekend against the Nationals. Dillon Gee will get the start against Chien-Ming Wang Friday night. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Goodbye, Carlos Beltran

It's official. Carlos Beltran is gone. Signed, sealed, and delivered to San Francisco in time to be in tonight's lineup against Philadelphia.

As word leaked out that the trade was taking place, I noticed a funny thing on Twitter. All of a sudden, Beltran was being thanked by Mets fans who, for years, considered him "soft" and even more ridiculous, "selfish" for supposedly caring more about himself than the team.

Perhaps for many fans, the trade of Beltran helped them realize that you really "Don't know what you got till it's gone."

New York has had a love/hate relationship with Beltran since his arrival seven years ago. There were those who loved him, and then there were those who just plain loved to hate him.

He will forever be remembered for that third strike in game seven of the National League Championship Series against the Cardinals in 2006. But what about all of the other pitches he did swing at, and made contact?

In his seven years with the Mets, Beltran had 551 hits, 149 home runs, 559 RBIs, and 100 stolen bases.

In 2011 alone, he played 98 games, hit 15 home runs, 30 doubles, 66 RBIs, and three stolen bases. Not bad for a guy who wasn't expected to play too often this season.

In the beginning of Spring Training, there was talk that Beltran may be moved to right field. How disappointed the Media and the haters must have been to learn that Beltran had no problem with the move, which allowed Angel Pagan to become the team's new everyday center fielder.

So selfish.

It appears that Beltran knew his days were numbered. Following Tuesday's game, he took his teammates out to dinner, footing a pretty hefty bill.

I, for one, wasn't terribly heartbroken about the trade of Beltran. Maybe that's because I've been expecting it for months now. I've had time to brace myself.

In the next few days, I expect to see articles with quotes from Beltran stating his appreciation for New York and Mets fans. I don't need the quotes though.

If Beltran wants to show gratitude, he can do what he does best. Play baseball. Help the Giants beat up on the Phillies tonight, or better yet, help knock them out of the NLCS in October.

I wish you well, Carlos. Good luck.

Hello There, Zack Wheeler

Let me just say this: Zack Wheeler is an absolute stud. The potential ace, former first round pick pitchers are the ones that are never available. The fact that Sandy Alderson acquired a player of this caliber, for two months of Carlos Beltran, means he deserves quite the pat on the back.

I do not want to take anything away from how good Beltran was for the Mets and how underrated he was in the past. He was their best EVERYDAY player this season. Yes, Jose Reyes has been incredible as well, but Beltran's presence not only in the lineup but also in the clubhouse cannot be overstated. He made this team believe, and really kept it afloat while teammate after teammate went down with injuries.

Let's not forget how he won over a fan base, myself included, that never fully appreciated just how good he was his 6.5 years as a Met, (averaging roughly 4.8 WAR per season with the club). He has had an unbelievable season; I already miss him. But this is no longer about 2011. This is about 2012 and beyond, and how much I love this trade.

Wheeler has "ace of the staff" type potential. With a 91-95 MPH fastball that has late movement, combined with his reasonable command of the pitch, and you already have a plus pitch. Add in a curveball that sits in the 70's, with a devastating break that he can places anywhere from your head, to the dirt, and you have the makings of another plus pitch.

Being as young as he is, and where he pitched for the Giants, he will start in High-A ball. He is still working on his secondary stuff, but is still young for his league (he turned 21 in May), and has plenty of time to develop. At least a year away from the majors, if he can string together another pitch or two, we should see him dominating Queens with a bunch of "wheel-esque" giveaways to boot.

My one problem with Wheeler is the potential delivery risk that scouts and "insiders" keep referring too. They say he has a very violent delivery and many expect arm surgery in his future. This is obviously not news I like hearing, but I have a couple of stories that will help me sleep at night.

How about Zack's former spring training teammate, Tim Linceum? This was a kid who teams had to "stay away from" because of delivery concerns. Now, he has back-to-back Cy Young awards,and is one of the best starting pitchers in the game.

In addition, look at Mark Prior and Stephen Strasburg.

Prior was proclaimed the best pitching prospect ever, a perfect arm with a flawless delivery. He started off incredibly, leading the Cubs to the NLCS. However, with the help of Dusty Baker and a few too many innings, he blew out his arm and has been unable to find a consistent spot in the bigs since. Nobody was worried about Stephen Strasburg or his delivery, either, but one year and one Tommy John surgery later, nobody knows who or what Strasburg will be when he comes beck.

Injuries will always be a part of the game. However, I think with a controlled workload, and a delivery that the pitcher himself is comfortable with are most important and will help avoid arm trouble.

The point is, getting a player of Wheeler's potential, for two months of Beltran, especially when the Mets were a .500 team is phenomenal. Beltran might even be back next season. The Mets as an organization are better today than they were yesterday, and the prospect of Sandy Alderson running this team look better and better every day.

Mets Try For The Four-Game Sweep Of The Reds

July 28, 2011

12:35 PM ET

Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Chris Capuano (8-10, 4.26 ERA)

Capuano was on his way to a win until he imploded in the sixth inning of his last start. He gave up four runs, including two home runs, in the inning. In 13 appearances against the Reds, he is 2-3 with a 4.85 ERA.

CINCINNATI REDS

Starting Pitcher: Homer Bailey (5-4, 3.67 ERA)

Bailey struggled against the Braves in his last start, but he managed to get the win, going six innings and giving up two runs. Bailey has not faced the Mets in his career.

Mets Morning News: Beltran To Giants, Nickeas Called Up, Santana's Start

If you somehow managed to miss this, Carlos Beltran has been traded to the San Francisco Giants for right-handed pitching prospect, Zack Wheeler.

To read more on Zack Wheeler, click here.

Mike Nickeas will replace Beltran on the Mets roster. Nickeas may not be able to join the team until Friday, however, because of Major League Baseball's 10-and-5 rule. Beltran has been in the majors for 10 years and has been with the Mets for at least 5 years. This means he must wait 24 hours until he can officially approve the deal. That 24 hour period may not be over in time for the 12:35 start this afternoon.

Don't forget, Johan Santana is scheduled to make his first rehab start tonight for St. Lucie. He will be held to 45 pitches.

Who Needs Beltran? Duda Fills In Just Fine In Mets Win

The Mets were able to get their first win under their belt in the post-Carlos Beltran era, beating the Reds, 8-2.

• Mike Pelfrey, brace yourselves, pitched a complete game! Pelfrey allowed two runs on seven hits over nine innings, while striking out three. He did give up a home run to Joey Votto in the fourth inning. That's now 19 home runs allowed by Pelfrey this season.

• Lucas Duda, taking over in right field, was 1-3 at the plate, and hit his second home run of the season in the sixth inning off Bronson Arroyo.

• The Mets biggest hit of the night came in the seventh inning when David Wright hit a three-run shot to make it 8-1. Wright finished the night going 2-4 with four RBIs and two runs scored. He now has 11 RBIs since returning from the disabled list.

• Daniel Murphy continues to be a hitting machine, going 4-5 with an RBI and one run scored.

• Angel Pagan played his first game since Sunday. He doubled in a pair of runs to get the Mets started in the first inning.

Next up: The Mets send Chris Capuano to the mound in the series finale against the Reds tomorrow afternoon. Game time is 12:30 p.m.

Mets vs. Reds: Let The Post-Beltran Era Begin

July 27, 2011

7:10 PM ET

Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Mike Pelfrey (5-9, 4.73 ERA)

Pelfrey, who has been giving up home runs left and right all season, allowed two in his last start, bumping his home run total up to 18 on the season. Against Cincinnati, he is 3-2 with a 5.84 ERA.

CINCINNATI REDS

Starting Pitcher: Bronson Arroyo (7-8, 5.56 ERA)

Pelfrey has nothing on Reds starter, Bronson Arroyo. Arroyo has allowed a Major League leading 29 home runs this season. He's two away from matching his career-high of 31 in a season. He is 7-2 with a 3.31 ERA against the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Harris-2B, Murphy-1B, Wright-3B, Pagan-CF, Bay-LF, Duda-RF, Paulino-C, Pelfrey-RHP

See You In San Francisco, Carlos

The day has finally arrived. The Carlos Beltran Trade Watch appears to have run its course.

Reports have indicated that Beltran has all but been traded to the San Francisco Giants for right-handed pitching prospect, Zack Wheeler.



Beltran has 24 hours to approve the deal.

According to Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman, the Mets will be paying roughly $4 million to Beltran in order to obtain Wheeler.

Wheeler was selected by the Giants in the first round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft.

In his first year of pro ball, Wheeler was 3-3 with a 3.99 ERA in 21 games for the Augusta Greenjackets. So far in 2011, he is 7-5 with a 3.99 ERA in 16 games with San Jose. Opponents are batting just .224 off him this season.

Mets Morning News: Santana Cleared For Rehab, Beltran Trade Update,Brydak Trivia

Johan Santana has been cleared to begin a minor league rehab assignment with single-A St. Lucie. He will only be allowed to throw 45 pitches in his start for St. Lucie on Thursday.

There were reports yesterday that Carlos Beltran refused a deal with the Indians. According to Mike Puma of the NY Post, however, Beltran stated that wasn't true, and the Mets never approached him about going to Cleveland.

"[The Mets] haven't come to me," he said. "When they come to me, we'll talk about it."

Here's a fun piece of trivia for you, Tim Byrdak's first save as a Met last night, was his fourth career save with his fourth organization.

Bullpen Holds It Together As Mets Beat Reds, 8-6

The Mets took game two in their series against Cincinnati, 8-6, and are back to one game above .500.

• Jon Niese went five innings, giving up five runs on six hits, while striking out five and walking two. Niese looked good through the first four innings, and then appeared to fall apart in the fifth, allowing four runs to score in the inning on a two-RBI double from Edgar Renteria, and a two-run homer off the bat of Joey Votto.

• Daniel Murphy had another excellent night at the plate. He was 3-4 with two RBIs and a run scored.

• Carlos Beltran was 1-3 with an RBI and three runs scored.

• Angel Pagan, who has missed the past two games after undergoing blood work and battling fatigue, pinch-hit for Manny Acosta in the seventh inning, and drove in a run on a single to center field.

• The Mets had a lot of help from the Reds' defense early in this game. Altogether, Cincinnati committed three errors in the game.

• The Mets were not without their own bone-headed plays. Jason Pridie overthrew the cut-off man in the fifth inning, allowing Drew Stubbs to advance to second base. When I saw the play, this Jimmy Dugan quote from A League of Their Own ran through my head: "Well I was just wonderin' why you would throw home when we got a two-run lead. You let the tying run get on second base and we lost the lead because of you. Start using your head. That's the lump that's three feet above your ass."

• Tim Byrdak was called in to replace Pedro Beato in the ninth after Beato got himself into some trouble. Facing Jay Bruce, Byrdak was able to get Bruce to strike out swinging to end it, and record his first save of the season.

Next up: The Mets play the third game of this four-game series with the Reds on Wednesday. Mike Pelfrey will take the mound for the Mets. Game time is 7:10 p.m.

Mets Will Have Their Work Cut Out For Them Against Cueto

July 26, 2011

7:10 PM ET

Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Jon Niese (9-8, 3.76 ERA)

Niese allowed three earned runs in his last start, going six innings, and tying a season-high seven strike outs. Against Cincinnati, Niese is 0-1 with a 4.61 ERA.

CINCINNATI REDS

Starting Pitcher: Johnny Cueto (6-3, 1.98 ERA)

Cueto has not allowed more than three runs in any start this season. Cueto hasn't had much luck against the Mets, going 0-2 with a 8.14 ERA, but he has been outstanding this season.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Turner-2B, Beltran-RF, Wright-3B, Murphy-1B, Bay-LF, Paulino-C, Pridie-CF, Niese-LHP

The Wright Stuff

David looks great for 229 years old!

David Wright made his fairly triumphant return to the Mets this weekend, and at least one Wikipedia editor was not pleased. I cannot fathom what about Wright could inspire someone to alter his bio into an 18^th century New York Stupid Metropolitan, but here we are. Wright is back, and for whatever reason some guy on the internet is pissed.

Wright has always inspired somewhat inexplicable vitriol. Maybe it's playing in New York, maybe it's playing for an often-disappointing team, or maybe it's the photogenic smile and the hot girlfriends and the Vitamin Water ads. Maybe it's everything combined, but I've never felt Wright has gotten a fair shake.

Mets Morning News: Mets Better Not Quit, Pagan's Health, Wright's Errors

Manager Terry Collins warned his team that they better not quit if/when Carlos Beltran is traded.

"You're going to hear guys say, 'The front office is giving up on us,' or 'We don't have a chance now' or 'We didn't get much for him,' " Collins said.

Then he offered a warning shot: "We've got guys that are playing for their jobs, too. The minute they give up and quit, they won't be here next year. I want the guys to play 162 [games] and play hard."

Right on cue, Mike Pelfrey made the exact comment that Collins had just warned against.

"I understand that if you want to get something back for him you have to trade him. But in the same sense I would think if we ended up getting rid of him, the front office's view is that we don't have a chance, because he gives us our best chance to win. If he's not here, then they felt we can't rebound from where we're at."

Angel Pagan underwent some bloodwork in Cincinnati on Monday. The center fielder has been experiencing dehydration and dizziness for the past week. He left Sunday's game because of the issue.

"He told me after the game that for about a week now, right in the middle of the game he just starts to lose energy," Collins said. "So we're just giving him a little check-up."

David Wright committed his third error in four games since returning from the disabled list.

"I just feel off in the field," Wright said. "It's probably just the fact that I concentrated so much on hitting and getting a ton of at-bats. When you think back at it, I got, I think, two ground balls in [minor league] game situations. Assuming that it's kind of like spring training, I feel horrible the first couple of weeks, and then from there you get better and better. Hopefully that's the case."

Izzy Makes Things Interesting, But Mets Hold On For The Win

It wasn't easy, but the Mets managed to get the win in their series opener against Cincinnati.

• R.A. Dickey was excellent tonight. He went 6.2 innings, giving up two runs on eight hits, while striking out seven and walking one. Dickey probably could have and should have stayed in, but manager Terry Collins thought otherwise, opting to bring in Pedro Beato in the seventh.

• Daniel Murphy was 2-5 with two RBIs and a run scored. In what appears to be becoming a daily "What was he thinking" moment, Murphy decided to try and advance to third base with no outs after Jason Bay hit the ball back to Cincinnati starter Mike Leake. I bet you're wondering how this turned out. He was out by a mile. I used to find Daniel Murphy to just be a quirky, entertaining player. I no longer have any patience for him and his bone-headed plays.

• Jason Bay was 1-3 at the plate, including a big RBI double in the seventh inning. This was Bay's first double since May 19. In case your wondering, that's 50 games without a double.

• David Wright committed his third error since returning from the disabled list on Friday.

• Tim Byrdak had one of the biggest outs of the night. With two men on base and two outs, Byrdak set down Jay Bruce on three pitches to get the Mets out of the inning.

• Bobby Parnell had a nice bounce-back game after blowing Sunday's game for the Mets. Parnell pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

• Jason Isringhausen came in to close out the ninth, and was apparently channeling his inner K-Rod. After getting the lead-off batter to ground out, Izzy then went on to load the bases, thanks in part to Wright's fielding error. He was finally able to get Brandon Phillips to strike out swinging to end it and record his third save of the season, and the 296 of his career.

Next up: The Mets play game two of their four-game series with the Reds. Jon Niese will start for New York. Game time is 7:10 p.m.

Mets Open Up Series With Reds, Try To Get Back To .500...Again

July 25, 2011

7:10 PM ET

Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati

TV: SNY

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: R.A. Dickey (4-8, 3.80 ERA)

Dickey gave up four runs in the first three innings of his last start, but was able to settle down to go 6.1 innings, and help the Mets come back and beat the Cardinals. Dickey has never pitched against the Reds.

CINCINNATI REDS

Starting Pitcher: Mike Leake (8-5, 4.11 ERA)

Leake allowed just one run in six innings of work in his last start. That was the first time he had allowed fewer than four earned runs this month. He is 0-0 with a 1.50 ERA against the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Turner-2B, Beltran-RF, Wright-3B, Murphy-1B, Bay-LF, Thole-C, Pridie-CF, Dickey-RHP

Mets Morning News: Santana's Bullpen Session, Alomar Inducted IntoHOF, & Beltran Prefers NL

Johan Santana threw 45 pitches in the bullpen Sunday. Whether or not he goes on to make his first rehab start on Wednesday as reported, depends on how his arm feels today. Following his bullpen session, Santana said:

"Right now we're doing everything," Santana said. "We want quality, we want to make sure we feel good and we have command. That's what we've been doing. I'm able to throw my pitches without any problem so that's what I'm looking forward to."

Former Met, Roberto Alomar, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday.

He made only a passing reference to his time at Shea during his induction speech: "To the New York Mets , Chicago White Sox , Arizona Diamondbacks , Tampa Bay Rays , I wore your uniform with pride and dignity. And I want you all to know that I gave you my best, each and every time I hit that field to represent you. Thank you."

Carlos Beltran told reporters after Sunday's game that he doesn't have a problem with any of the rumored teams he could be traded to, although he would prefer to go to a National League team.

"Those teams are in first place," Beltran said. "The only one not in first place is Atlanta, but they are ahead in the wild card. Yeah, if [a trade] happens, I would love to be with one of those teams."

"I want to make it clear that I would love to play in the outfield," Beltran said. "I'm not going to an American League team to be a DH -- that's something that I'm not willing to do and I'm not going to do it because I feel it's not going to work for me."

"Those teams" that Beltran is referring to are the Giants, Phillies, Braves, Rangers, and Red Sox.

According to David Waldstein of the New York Times, Terry Collins has already begun preparing a speech to his players after the trade of Beltran some time in the next week.

"I've been thinking about what I'm going to say and how I'm going to say it when the time comes, because they better understand, it's not a white flag," Collins said. "They better understand they still have something to prove. This is the major leagues, and if you give in at any time, the other team will kick your butt."

Parnell Blows Save As Mets Lose Series Finale, 5-4

The Mets played sloppy baseball today, and they paid for it, losing to the Marlins by a score of 5-4.

• Dillon Gee struggled from his first pitch on. Gee went five innings, giving up three runs on seven hits, while striking out three and walking three. He gave up a second inning home run to Mike Stanton, which gave Florida the lead.

• The Mets jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning on a sacrifice fly by Carlos Beltran to score Jose Reyes.

• Down by two runs in the fourth with no outs and a runner on second base, Daniel Murphy was BUNTING. He was able to move the runner over on the sacrifice. Someone needs to explain to him that he's hitting .303 and that there was absolutely no reason to waste an out in that situation.

• Jason Bay finally had a productive at-bat in the sixth inning, hitting an RBI single up the middle to score David Wright.

• David Wright went 3-4 with a two-run home run in the seventh to put the Mets ahead 4-3.

• Bobby Parnell couldn't hold a one run lead when he came in for the save in the ninth. Parnell gave up two runs, and three hits, including a home run to Logan Morrison which tied the game. Parnell then went on to give up an RBI double to John Buck.

• Angel Pagan left the game in the fifth inning with dehydration.

Next up: The Mets head to Cincinnati to play a four-game series with the Reds. R.A. Dickey will get the start on Monday. Game time is 7:10 p.m.

What's A Guy Gotta Do To Get Benched Around Here?

Original photo taken by: Michael G. Baron

Congratulations, Lucas Duda. You had yourself a pinch-hit home run in last night's game. Your prize? A seat on the bench. What? You thought you'd get a start in left field over Jason Bay? Not today, kid.

Terry Collins' favorite Canadian gets the start in left field this afternoon, despite going 3-33 in his last ten games.

Over that same stretch, Duda is hitting .500. He is also hitting .290 against righties, which today's Marlins starter, Anibal Sanchez, happens to be. More importantly, Lucas Duda is hitting. Period.

In case you're wondering, Bay is hitting a paltry .207 against righties.

Look, I like Jason Bay. I really do. I want to root for him. At the end of the day though, the guy just stinks.

I have never in my life seen a player fall from grace so quickly as Bay did going from Boston to New York.

The one thing I must give Bay credit for, however, is that through all of his troubles at the plate, none of it has carried over to his defense.

If I had to guess, I'd say that's the one thing that has saved Bay this season, and has prevented Duda from playing in left field more often. Duda's not exactly winning any Gold Gloves any time soon.

All season, however, it's been Jason Bay giveth, and Jason Bay taketh away. He'll make an outstanding catch in the outfield, and then in his next at-bat, he'll strike out/ground out/pop out with the bases loaded, or something fantastic like that.

So, what exactly will it take to cause Collins to bench Bay?

It's probably painful for management to bench a guy making $16 million a year, but at the end of the day, it's about trying to win games, and Bay is just not helping this team win.

Mets Try To Take Rubber Game Against Marlins In Miami

July 24, 2011

1:10 PM ET

Sun life Stadium, Miami

TV: WPIX

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Dillon Gee (9-3, 3.67 ERA)

Gee looks to improve to 10-3 on the season, as he takes on the Marlins this afternoon. In his last start, he allowed two runs on three hits. Gee has never faced the Marlins.

FLORIDA MARLINS

Starting Pitcher: Anibal Sanchez (6-3, 3.52 ERA)

Sanchez has not won a game since June 10. He went six innings in his last start, but two early inning runs cost him, as he lost to the Padres. Sanchez is 4-4 with a 4.53 ERA against the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Turner-2B, Beltran-RF, Wright-3B, Murphy-1B, Pagan-CF, Bay-LF, Thole-C, Gee-RHP

Mets Morning News: Santana Wants To Play, The Chaos Of Being Traded, &Einhorn Deal Held Up By Lender

Johan Santana will throw a bullpen session this morning. If all goes well, Santana could make a rehab start on Wednesday.

"I want to pitch right now," Santana said. "I want to be here. But the reality is that I can't. This is a long process and we're taking everything very careful. If that's my choice I'd be here right now. But the reality is that I can't. I'm working my way back and I hope to be back sometime soon before the season ends. If it's not the case, I'll be fine. What we're looking for here is to make sure I'm healthy and ready to go. Whenever that time comes I'll be ready."

David Lennon of Newsday believes there's a good chance Carlos Beltran ends up with the San Francisco Giants.


As trade rumors swirl around Beltran, Anthony McCarron of the Daily News spoke with other big leaguers who have been dealt, and examines the chaos that can sometimes ensue.

When [Jason] Bay was sent from Pittsburgh to Boston at the deadline in 2008, his first thought was, "OK, this is real. Now what?" He looked at his wife, who was eight months pregnant with their second child, and said, "Hon, I apologize, but I'm no help. I've got to go. I've got to be there Monday. She said, 'I understand. I'll be alright.'"

According to the NY Post, the deal to sell a minority stake in the Mets to David Einhorn, is being held up by JP Morgan Chase. The Mets are trying to structure the deal as a loan, however, JP Morgan Chase will not allow that.

JPMorgan Chase, which is owed about $500 million by the team, won't approve such a deal unless its loans get serviced -- repaid or restructured -- prior to Einhorn.

In addition to objecting to the Einhorn deal, in the last few months the bank wrote a "tough" letter to Sterling telling it that the Mets had breached their loan in 13 different ways, said the source, who has seen the letter.