Author: Dave Doyle

Frequently disappointed Mets fan

Flurry Of Roster Moves Shakes Up Mets

WFAN’s Mike and the Mad Dog just discussed several roster moves for the Mets today:

  • Mets purchase the contract of Claudio Vargas
  • Mets purchase the contract of Fernando Tatis
  • Mets activate Matt Wise from the disabled list
  • Angel Pagan was placed on the 15 day disabled list
  • Nelson Figueroa was designated for assignment
  • Jorge Sosa was designated for assignment

The purchase of Fernando Tatis’ contract is a bit of a surprise. Luis Castillo must be hurt enough so that the Mets feel like they need some infield insurance. Tatis can provide that if Castillo is out for a week or more.

Claudio Vargas will pitch Wednesday against the Nationals. Who knows what we’ll get from him? He was released by the Brewers for a reason, so don’t expect miracles from him. We should be thrilled to get five innings out of him. He was on the street a month ago.

The Nelson Figueroa dream comes to an end for now. He was a great story but just couldn’t get major league hitters out consistently. He was fantastic the first time through the order and may have been more suited for a relief role.

I’m ecstatic that Omar Minaya designated Sosa. This is best for the team despite the fact that they may have to eat $1.5 million of his salary if he doesn’t accept a minor league assignment. Joe Smith earned the right to stay on the team. I would’ve been livid if Minaya kept Sosa instead of Smith. It would have displayed a lack of concern for winning now. Not to mention the fact that it may have adversely affected Willie Randolph’s ability to keep his job. Good job Omar!

New Baseball Celebrity Blogger- Paul DePodesta

San Diego PadresImage via Wikipedia

San Diego Padres front office assistant Paul DePodesta is the latest entrant into the blogsphere. DePodesta is the 35 year old, Harvard grad, former GM of the Dodgers. He only lasted about a year and a half as the GM in LA though. He was the one that traded Paul LoDuca to the Marlins at the deadline in 2004.

His blog is called It Might Be Dangerous. It’s always interesting to get a first person view into baseball operations. Check it out.

On Deck: Tuesday May 13, 2008 Mets-Nats

Washington Nationals (16-23) at New York Mets (19-17)  7:10pm

John Lannan (3-3) vs. John Maine (4-2)

TV: SNY      Radio: WFAN

What to watch:  After losing last night to the Nationals, the Mets need to win the next three games in a row to have a successful home stand against the Nats. It’s not a good position for the Mets to be in. John Maine should look to build on the success of his last start in Los Angeles. The Nationals John Lannan is from Long Beach, NY and pitched a great game at Shea on April 17th.

Video: The Zen of Bobby V Preview

Bobby Valentine is the star of a new documentary film appearing on ESPN2 at 9:00pm on Tuesday May 13th. It looks like Bobby’s living a rock star life in Japan from the clips of the film. I’ll be watching the Mets-Nationals game instead of the film but I have to admit that I’m interested in seeing it at some point.

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/player.swf?mediaId=3391984

Nats Hammer Mets 10-4

Nelson Figueroa didn’t solidify his position on the team tonight at all. He was wild giving up five walks and made a costly throwing error with the bases loaded. Figueroa gave up six runs, four were earned after his own error and a sloppy fielding error by Carlos Delgado.

Jorge Sosa came into the game in the sixth inning and threw some gas on the fire. He was just as awful as he’s been all season long, giving up four runs in the inning. Joe Smith struck out the side in the eighth making it more difficult to send him to the minors when Matt Wise comes back. The SNY team reported that Wise was sent back to Florida even though he’s healthy and ready to pitch.

The Washington Nationals were hitting everything from Figueroa and Sosa. When they weren’t hitting, they were taking walks. It was an ugly game for the Mets to lose to the lowly Nats. Odalis Perez, the pitcher, went 3 for 3. That’s how bad the Mets pitchers were tonight. Need I say more?

I have to comment on Elijah Dukes chanting in the dugout when the Nats were batting. I haven’t seen anything like that since Little League. I was hoping Billy Wagner would put one in his rib cage when he pinch hit in the ninth inning. That was completely Bush League.

Box score