Joel Sherman of the NY Post believes that the bench is all but finalized except for the very last spot. He surmises, and correctly I might add, that Ramon Castro, Fernando Tatis, Alex Cora and Jeremy Reed have all secured spots on the Opening Day roster. He further believes that the last spot will come down to either Nick Evans or Marlon Anderson. He writes… The Mets owe Anderson $1.15 million this year and he [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

The United States held off elimination Tuesday night with a come from behind win over Puerto Rico, 6-5. Puerto Rico held a 5-3 lead heading into the bottom of the 9th, before closer JC Romero loaded the bases with Shane Victorino, Brian Roberts, and Jimmy Rollins. Fernando Cabrera relieved Romero before walking Kevin Youkilis to bring the US to 5-4. Met 3B David Wright singled to right to drive in Roberts and Rollins to give [...]

The Mets released relief pitcher Rocky Cherry Tuesday after he cleared waivers, but a team spokesman said Cherry could be re-signed to a minor-league contract. Cherry, a Rule 5 draft pick, was offered back to the Baltimore Orioles after clearing waivers, but the Orioles declined to pay the $25,000 fee to get him back. The Mets acquired Cherry, who had a 2.25 ERA in four Grapefruit League innings, for $50,000 from the Orioles in last [...]

Earlier today it was announced that the Houston Astros signed free agent catcher and future Hall Of Famer, Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez.  The Astros signed him to a 1 year deal valued at $1.5 million with another $1.5 million in incentives.  Pudge who has been playing in the WBC for Puerto Rico looks to be in great shape, perhaps even the best shape of his career.  His bat has been on fire and of course his [...]

A new 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 Policy Yesterday, I wrote that Nick Evans might make it too hard for the Mets to send him back to the minors. Today, Newsday writes that Jerry Manuel admitted as much. “He is definitely opening some eyes, there’s no doubt about that,” Manuel said. “Every time he [...]