Mets Notes: Pelfrey Bumped, Scary Outfield, Live Game Chat

Jerry Manuel has confirmed that Mike Pelfrey will indeed skip his scheduled start on Sunday to rest his forearm. However, he remains tight-lipped about who will start in his place. I had surmised that starter to be Nelson Figueroa and it looks like that’s exactly who the Mets will call up despite the National Security implications of admitting to it. Figueroa was 3-3 with a 4.57 ERA in 16 games for the Mets last season. In two games at the Triple-A level this year, Figueroa has a 3.00 ERA over nine innings.

Adam Rubin reported this morning that the Mets may soon be giving Carlos Beltran a game off, possibly even this Sunday. So what does a Mets outfield without Beltran look like? Well, it’s not much different than the nightmare that took Johnny Depp’s life in A Nightmare On Elm Street. Daniel Murphy in left, Church in center, and Sheffield in right. … five, six, grab your crucifix…

Gary Sheffield, fresh off his historic homerun is rewarded with a start in left field today. I think it’s a good move and it will give Daniel Murphy a chance to work on his horrendous bunting skills. And not surprisingly, Luis Castillo is batting in the two spot. Nice going last night, Luis!

Willie Randolph had some nice things to say about the Mets new ballpark last night. He credited the Wilpon family for building a “beautiful” stadium and met with Fred Wilpon and Jeff Wilpon before the Brewers took batting practice late Friday afternoon. “I wish I was still here,” said Randolph, the Brewers’ bench coach. “Obviously, it’s kind of bittersweet. I’ve watched the place being built the past couple of years, and anticipated maybe being here to experience this beautiful ballpark. He’s still a class act.

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