Moises Alou lasted one game in left field before going back on the disabled list with a strained calf muscle. Robinson Cancel was recalled to from Triple-A New Orleans to replace him on the roster.
I still can’t understand why they’re going with three catchers. The only way this makes sense is if they use Ramon Castro as a pinch hitter to take advantage of the offense he brings to the table. But they haven’t been doing that.
David Lennon and Ken Davidoff of Newsday are reporting that Willie Randolph has this weekend to show management something or he’ll be fired. The last couple of days have given us opinions from Jon Heyman and Ken Rosenthal that Randolph’s job is day-to-day at this point. Only Jayson Stark from ESPN is reporting that Randolph is safe for now.
From Newsday:
"He’s got the weekend," a person familiar with the situation said.
It’s also interesting to note that Rick Peterson and Howard Johnson’s fates are being tied to Randolph. That’s bad news for them.
All reports seem to be in agreement that Mets bench coach Jerry Manuel will take over the team for the rest of the season.
Texas Rangers (34-34) at New York Mets (31-34) 7:10pm
Scott Feldman (1-2 4.31) vs. Oliver Perez (4-4 5.37)
What to watch: The reeling Mets welcome the Texas Rangers and bench coach Art Howe to town for a three game series this weekend. Oliver Perez is the most inconsistent pitcher that I’ve ever seen. So we have absolutely no idea what we’ll get from him tonight. It could be a no hitter, or he might not get out of the first inning. Who knows?
You’ve probably seen this video by now. Billy Wagner is brutally honest about his brutal performance yesterday. I respect that he’s taking the heat for the team but I’d respect him more if he was saving games!
If you watched ESPN Baseball Tonight after the Mets game it was interesting that they bleeped the word "sucked" from Billy’s comments. Is that really a word that needs to be bleeped in current English vernacular?
See his post game reaction below.
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Image by Getty Images via Daylife
Sports Illustrated senior baseball writer Jon Heyman reports that Omar Minaya and members of the Mets front office met yesterday to discuss the Mets decline. Although no decisions have been finalized, the Mets are considering changes at manager and several coaches.
Heyman reports that a source close to the Mets says that Minaya remains a vocal source of support for Randolph but other members of the front office have differing views.
Minaya and other club higher-ups met Thursday to discuss the deteriorating fortunes of the team and what can be done about it. Minaya is considered extremely loyal by co-workers and has been Randolph’s greatest supporter for weeks. As one Mets person put it, “Willie’s his guy.” However, Randolph’s detractors have become more vocal in recent days, and there seems to be a general feeling that something major needs to be done to reinvigorate the club.
After the bullpen’s latest meltdown and the lack of hitting with RISP, both Howard Johnson and Rick Peterson are candidates to be replaced.
My feeling is that the Mets have to do something, whether it’s replacing Randolph and/or coaches or making significant player moves. The problem is that moving players is much more difficult and time consuming. It won’t happen overnight.
The front office just needs to do something now though. They’re letting the last season at Shea Stadium slip away without a fight. That’s what is most disturbing about this season. They need to determine a direction quickly (like today) and start moving in that direction. It’s the indecision about what to do with this team that’s hurting the chances for a successful outcome.
Gammons does his weekly spot with Michael Kay of ESPN Radio. The audio is from June 11 and they talk about a variety of topics from MLB including:
Image by Getty Images via Daylife
Here’s some morning audio for you after a devastating loss in 10 innings and series loss to the D’Backs. The Mets have lost six of seven games and appear to a .500 team, at best.
Fox Sports senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal joins Steve Somers on WFAN.
Mike Pelfrey joins WFAN’s Joe & Evan to talk about his third straight good start for the Mets and Billy Wagner coming in to blow the lead.
Both audio clips are from June 12, 2008.
The Mets Report 