Author: Dave Doyle

Frequently disappointed Mets fan

Lupica On Mets Racial Divide

Last night the Daily News website published a new column from Mike Lupica on the Mets so-called racial divide. If you listen to WFAN or other sports talk radio shows, this column doesn’t contain any new information that you haven’t already heard. Omar Minaya gave Lupica some quotes denying that there’s a rift in the clubhouse. No surprise there.

Personally, I don’t believe that there is this rift that we’ve heard about. Paul LoDuca was one of the people that publicly raised the issue last season. Nobody ever accused him of being particularly perceptive or bright though. I wouldn’t use LoDuca as my barometer for anything. He exercised very poor judgment on several occasions while with the Mets and there was evidence on Facebook to prove it.

Billy Wagner’s comments about Carlos Delgado disappearing from the clubhouse after a Mets loss were also tied to the so-called rift. But I don’t understand that. It was one person talking about another person. That’s all.

On Deck: May 28 Marlins- Mets

Florida Marlins (30-21) at New York Mets (24-26) 7:10pm

Scott Olsen (4-2) vs. Oliver Perez (4-3)

TV: SNY Radio: WFAN

What to watch: The Mets play the rubber game of the series tonight against the Marlins. Both Olsen and Perez had terrible starts in their last time out; Olsen in San Francisco and Perez in Colorado. You never know what kind of start it’ll be from Perez. Carlos Delgado may ride the bench again tonight as well.

Mets, Santana Over Marlins 5-3

Johan Santana (6-3) got the win tonight going seven innings giving up three runs on eight hits and two walks, while recording seven strikeouts. The Mets sorely needed a win after losing seven of their last eight games. Santana comes through…

The lineup was juggled a bit tonight with Carlos Delgado riding the pine and Damion Easley getting a start at first base. Easley contributed with a 1 for 3 night, scored a run, and had an RBI. It was nice to see a Mets first baseman putting the ball in play and making an offensive contribution.

Fernando Tatis, getting a start in right field, went 2 for 3 with 2 RBI’s. Ramon Castro also went 2 for 3 with 2 RBI’s. The bench players came up big tonight.

The Mets close the gap a little with the first place Marlins by cutting their lead down to 5.5 games.

Box score

Audio: Neyer And Marchand On Randolph

ESPN Radio

Image via Wikipedia

ESPN’s Rob Neyer and Andrew Marchand join Michael Kay on ESPN Radio. Neyer makes some great points about why Willie Randolph should have been fired yesterday. Andrew Marchand talks in detail about the scene at Shea Stadium yesterday and the mixed support that Randolph received from the Mets players.

ESPN Audio

Delgado Benched Tonight, Maybe More

New York Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado before a Mets/Devil Rays spring training game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Image via Wikipedia

Willie Randolph said prior to tonight’s game that he’s giving Carlos Delgado some time to clear his head. He may sit out tomorrow night as well. Delgado has been killing the Mets for most of this season and last year. He just appears to be “done”. He can’t get around on inside fastballs anymore and frequently can’t get to high pitches.

I have to think that his decision came out of the meeting between Randolph, Omar Minaya, and the Wilpons yesterday. Hopefully, they’re working on a plan for a permanent solution to Delgado’s two year long lack of productivity. Scott Hatteberg, designated for assignment by the Reds today, might be a good start.

Church May Go On Disabled List

The New York Post is reporting that Ryan Church is still suffering from the effects of a concussion sustained in Atlanta last week. Church saw a neurologist and the Mets sent him home today to rest prior to the game. He was told by the doctor to rest and stay away from light.

That would be a huge blow to the Mets. Church has carried the Mets offensively for the first two months of the season.

Read the full story here.

Audio: Schneider and Heyman

Brian Schneider does his weekly spot with WFAN’s Joe & Evan. Jon Heyman, Sports Illustrated baseball writer, joins WFAN’s Mike and the Mad Dog.

Schneider talks about the Mets struggles and the announcement yesterday that Willie Randolph is still the manager. Heyman talks about Randolph and a testy exchange that he had with Carlos Delgado yesterday.

Brian Schneider Audio

Jon Heyman Audio