Is Jerry Manuel Tripping?

Update: Carlos Beltran will be starting and playing in centerfield today, as opposed to what was reported earlier. Thanks to Amazin86er for the tip.

I’m not one to mess around with a real life Gangsta, but what exactly was Jerry Manuel on, when he wrote out his lineup card for todays game?

Did he toast to Santana’s great start a little bit too much last night? Or was this decision the result of something a little bit more sinister… Hmm, I wonder…

In todays outfield configuration, you won’t see Carlos Beltran manning centerfield, but instead Ryan Church will assume the position. Beltran will start in centerfield today.

He will be flanked by ”Fool’s Gold” Glovers Daniel Murphy in left, and Gary Sheffield in right.

In addition to this bizarre defensive alignment in the outfield, Fernando Tatis will make his first start of the season at second base. Was there no room for him in the outfield? Nevermind the fact that Castillo is scorching the ball, and all that jazz about not messing with a guys playing time when he’s scorching the ball, but what exactly are we trying to prove here?

Omir Santos will be behind the plate, and you know what? That actually is a defensive upgrade at catcher over Castro as evidenced yesterday by that throw to second base to nail Ryan Braun and end the game.

You never know though, these guys can go out there and deliver a third straight win for the Mets despite looking completely lost in the field. Stranger things have happened.