Pinch-hitting is one of the more difficult things to do in the sport. After sitting for up to two hours, you are given little time to get loose and thrust into position of trying to hit a 90-mph., fastball or nasty fall-off-the-table breaking stuff. Few do it well, but the Mets’ Jordany Valdespin has a knack for coming through with power. His three-run homer Wednesday was his sixth in two years with the Mets. He is indeed, a [...]

As it often has been with the Mets over the years, what was once good quickly and dramatically turned sour as 5-2 fell to 10-15. The Mets rode Matt Harvey’s blistering start – they won five of his six starts – but have to be alarmed he was responsible for half their victories. Once again, the Mets fell victim to the same old vices that have crippled them for years. The bullpen collapsed, the team [...]

Strike up the band, the Mets pulled one out in the final game of the Marlins series to avoid getting swept by the worst team in baseball. I don’t need to tell you this, but being a Mets’ fan is about being disappointed, frustrated and angry. It shouldn’t have to mean being betrayed. After the disappointment of the Omar Minaya Era, which was highlighted by bad contracts – but at least he was signing people [...]

The bad news about the Mets keeps getting worse. David Wright, who was supposed to rest his stiff neck last night, was used as a pinch-hitter and now he’s questionable for tonight’s game at Miami, While it is conjecture Wright might have done something to aggravate his condition, the question can’t help be asked. Seriously, is winning a game in April worth losing Wright for a period of time? That’s the perception today and considering the Mets’ [...]

To say things are rocky might be sugarcoating what is going on with the Mets these days. Do you remember the beginning of the month when the Mets were off to a semi-good start and the Yankees – beset by injuries – stumbled out of the gate and the talk was could they actually finish with a better record? Not happening. We are looking at a fifth straight losing season, and please, don’t delude yourselves [...]

Updated at 5:30 PM According to Terry Collins, it’s too early to worry about Ike Davis and his prolonged slump. “There is no need to panic about Ike Davis, or talk about sending him to the minor leagues,” Collins told reporters. Would the Mets consider sending Ike to minors? “If that discussion is going to be had, it’s not going to be had for a long time. You have to have patience.” Ike Davis is [...]

While approaching Citi Field last night one couldn’t help but notice the monstrous digital image of Matt Harvey on a video board outside the stadium with the screaming caption, “Harvey-licious.’’ When logging onto the Mets’ website there was an advertisement plugging Harvey T-Shirts. And, all of this is for a guy who was starting just his 15th major league game. I am waiting for the Mets to put him on a banner outside the stadium, joining the likes [...]

Several times this season John Buck’s fast start fueled speculation that with Travis d’Arnaud’s promotion the Mets might deal him at the trade deadline. After all, who doesn’t want a hot-hitting catcher who calls a crisp game behind the plate? Most every team would and that includes the Mets, who, along with Buck exceeded early expectations. It’s not as if Buck has gone from trade bait to indispensable, but he isn’t going anywhere any time soon. [...]

Most everything about the Mets these days is about the future. From Matt Harvey, to extending David Wright, to the trade of R.A. Dickey and protecting Zack Wheeler, we’re talking about 2014 and beyond. Sure, it would be great to compete now, but 2013 is mostly for establishing the foundation. It is the development of Harvey and Jon Niese; giving Wheeler major league experience – while avoiding free agency for a year – and hope Ike Davis and Lucas Duda improve their offensive efficiency while still producing [...]