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It looks like Ruben Gotay may actually be joining the New York mets to replace the injured Jose Valentin according to Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News.

"Ruben Gotay is headed to New York with Park, confirming this morning's Daily News report that Jose Valentin is also headed to the DL, though the Mets have yet to announce that transaction."

Valentin flew to New York for an MRI after leaving Saturday's game with a "loose" feeling in the ACL area on the outside of his right knee. Valentin was told he may need another surgery but plans to rehab for now and come back within a month. Valentin admitted one motivation for postponing surgery is his $4.3 million contract for next year, which is guaranteed only if he reaches 400 plate appearances.

This is a big blow for the Mets anyway you slice it. Valentin gave the Mets a solid bat at the bottom of the lineup and was actually a better run producer in April than even Wright and Delgado. His defense and ability to turn the double-play will be missed by the pitching staff.

Obviously with no shortage of Mets news reporting, most of you should know by now about Orlando Hernandez going to the Disabled List this morning. Apparently El Duque has some bursitis that should be cleared up in a week or two. The Mets made the right move to DL him as they try to ensure he is in top form for the pennant drive later in the season. As our game analyst Andrew reported earlier, right-handed pitcher Chan Ho Park has been recalled from New Orleans (AAA) of the Pacific Coast League and will start tonight for New York against the Marlins. (read more about it on Andrew's series preview)

It appears that age may be catching up with the Mets a little bit. First Jose Valentin, then El Duque, and let me toss this into the ring...

Is Carlos Delgado completely healed from his off-season surgery? We all know how badly he has slumped, and of course we've seen this before with Delgado, but what if there's more to it this time?

Delgado had surgery back in October 2006 to repair carpal tunnel syndrome in his right wrist. He spent the off-season recovering but is mired in the worst hitting slump of his career and sports a dismal .183 batting average. He is also stuck in a dreadful power outage with only 1 home run in his last 120 at-bats. I believe the surgery could be more of a factor than the Mets (or Carlos) are letting on. The good news is that maybe as his wrist gets stronger his batting will get better as well. Only time will tell.

Join us tonight during the game for "Gameday Live" and chat with other Mets fans during the game. We will have an open thread starting at 7:00 PM EST. Hope to see you there!

LETS GO METS!