I read a solid article entitled “What If Billy Wagner Never Got Hurt?” by Brian Joura of Mets 360. Brian not only contemplates what could have been in the second half of the 2008 season, but also what might have transpired if the Mets signed an outfielder instead of K-Rod later that offseason.  We have seen how good Wagner has been this season.  If Wagner had not been injured in 2008, the Mets probably have [...]

The Mets take the series opener against the Astros, 3-1. The last time the Mets took the road opener, was back on June 18th against the Yankees. Almost two months ago. Jon Niese had another great start but walks away with a no decision. The offense supplied some late inning support to win the game. The bullpen did their job for two shutout innings. Mets get back to .500 on the season. Game Summary Jon [...]

Joe Posnanski answered a question on his blog a few days back about who is the worst everyday player in baseball for 2010. “A friend and I have a bet – I say Rony Cedeno, he says Chone Figgins. I know Yuni was your choice at one point last year, can you give us an update and settle a bet?” His judgment of “The Worst Everyday Player in Baseball” goes by these qualities… (1) Poor [...]

The Mets take game two against the Phillies in a tight 1-0 win. Johan Santana had a great start not giving up any runs, and not allowing a hit for the first five and two-third innings. Frankie Rodriguez pitched five outs to get his twenty fourth save and win it for the Mets. Jeff Francoeur supplied the only Mets run in the seventh with a solo homerun. This the Mets first nine innings 1-0 win [...]

Almost as predictable as the Mets falling short in the wins column these days is the projected fall-out that occurs after each loss.  Every beat writer or sports news outlet is trying to find the scapegoat.  I find that laughable, since I believe Jerry Manuel, Howard Johnson or Omar Minaya are symptoms of a larger problem. I can’t believe that letting any of those guys go will help in the short or long term, except [...]

After a great pitching outing from R.A. Dickey, Jeff Francoeur hit a tie-breaking home-run in the ninth inning and the Mets broke a two game losing streak to win the game 3-2. Game Notes R.A. Dickey went out today, and was wildly effective. Dickey gave up two runs on five hits with four walks, two strikeouts and he hit a batter. Dickey probably would’ve pitched more if he wasn’t lifted for a pinch hitter in [...]

How good it feels to be home. Jonathon Niese went to the mound today and pitched six solid innings, getting out of trouble consistently and received plenty of run support as the Mets beat the Cardinals 8-2 Game Notes Jonathon Niese went to the mound today and provided the Mets with some quality pitching to kick-off their trip home. Niese went gave up one run in six innings on seven hits with two walks and [...]

According to Andy Martino of the NY Daily News, the Mets are unlikely to deal Jeff Francoeur unless they are overwhelmed. According to a person familiar with the team’s thinking, the Mets are naturally open to dealing Francoeur if a team presents an overwhelming offer, but view him as necessary insurance. The Mets do not want to be without a viable backup if Carlos Beltran, Angel Pagan or Jason Bay were injured. Francoeur told the Daily [...]

Updated 7/23 2:15 PM According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports in a post to Twitter, the Kansas City Royals like Jeff Francoeur. As I posted yesterday (see below), the Mets would like to trade Francoeur, and Royals GM Dayton Moore worked in the Braves front office when Francoeur began his major league career. The Royals do have some interesting players the Mets might find useful and they could be compatible trade partners. Francoeur is eligible for arbitration next season, [...]