In a bit of a surprising move, Jerry Manuel announced to reporters that he plans to have leftfielder Dan Murphy batting second in the lineup. The move means that Luis Castillo would become the eight place hitter. It’s a move that has been debated for months here on this site, and one that will make many Mets fans happy. Adam Rubin of the Daily News explains: Despite only 131 big-league at-bats on his resume, Murphy’s [...]

Depending on which newspaper you read this morning, Oliver Perez’s performance ranged from as bad as “discouraging” to as good as “a surprising success”. Oliver Perez is so unpredictable and erratic in terms of his performance, that even those who write about him can’t seem to agree how good or how bad he is on any given day. As for my take… It was three scoreless innings and given how bad he looked at the WBC, it was a solid [...]

All the talk lately has been focused on the hot hitting Nick Evans, but if Evans were to make the team, who would be the odd man out? Adam Rubin of the Daily News believes it could be Marlon Anderson despite his guaranteed contract for 2009. Now, Evans has performed so well, he could push the lefty-hitting Marlon Anderson off the team entirely, despite Anderson’s guaranteed $1.15 million contract. “It will probably be an interesting [...]

Pelfrey was spectacular yesterday, furthermore showing why the Mets have strength in their rotation, but he also showed something a little more yesterday, his new pitch. From hanging around Livan Hernandez, Pelfrey has developed a new sinker for left handed batters, who usually do damage against Pelfrey. The New York Times actually calls it a front door sinker, basically, it looks good, goes out and comes back, which makes left handed batters not swing at [...]

In an expected move, the Mets optioned pitcher Jon Niese to Triple-A Buffalo on today. Niese, 22, was one of several roster moves that trimmed the spring roster. Niese was one of the contenders for the fifth spot in the Mets’ rotation, but he was a longshot at best to get the job. Mets general manager Omar Minaya said the move will allow Niese to get more innings of work in the minors, while Jerry Manuel [...]

Somebody forgot to give Nick Evans the memo. The young first baseman started the spring with a one way ticket to AAA Buffalo, but all bets are off now. Apparently, either nobody told Evans, or he decided on his own to make it utterly impossible for the Mets to send him to the minors. You rock dude! This kid is has been relentless at the plate… His sheer determination may have clinched his place on [...]

A daily feature that will keep you fully briefed on the current state of the Mets. One post with all you need to know until tomorrow. Domestic Issues Adam Rubin of the Daily News tells us that Livan Hernandez is closing in on the fifth starters job, and that he would only cost the Mets $1MM in base salary and only a million more in incentives. He also reveals that Livan is not a terrible hitter [...]

According to mets.com, David Wright suffered a cracked toe nail after fouling a ball off of his left foot in yesterdays loss to Venezuela. A cracked big toe didn’t wipe the smile off David Wright’s face or diminish his enthusiasm for the World Baseball Classic. The Mets All-Star third baseman fouled a ball off his left foot in Team USA’s 10-6 loss to Venezuela on Wednesday night at Dolphin Stadium. The ball plunked Wright’s big [...]

Mets.com reports that the Mets await word on the condition of catcher Brian Schneider, who was examined Wednesday off-site after experiencing pain and stiffness behind and above his right knee. Not scheduled to play against the Braves, Schneider spent most of his time at the complex in the trainer’s room. He appeared to be walking normally. He had experienced the pain when he arrived at the complex Wednesday. Schneider, 32, last played on Sunday. Last [...]

Maybe after last nights game winning walk-off hit by David Wright, some dissenting Mets fans can begin to embrace David Wright as clutch hitter. Of course, one game isn’t going to convince you of anything, but last nights win over Puerto Rico was actually one of many. When Wright stepped up with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth with his team down by one run, several Mets fans in our chat bemoaned the [...]

Livan Hernandez gave up one run and five hits through 5 innings with 3 strikeouts to bring him closer to the fifth rotation spot to start the season. The one run came in the 5th. Hernandez induced 6 groundouts and 6 flyouts among the 18 batters faced. His spring ERA now stands at 3.07, which is much better than the guy who relieved him against the Braves today at Tradition Field. Freddy Garcia was hit [...]