SNY’s post game video from Mets manager Jerry Manuel and spot starter Tony Armas, Jr.
Also, I posted an audio clip from WFAN’s Steve Somers speaking to Duaner Sanchez after the game last night. He talked about the line drive off his knee. You can see that post here.
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WFAN’s Steve Somers talks to Duaner Sanchez about the game in St. Louis last night. Specifically, he talks about the line drive he took off the back of his knee that was hit by Yadier Molina. From what Sanchez says, he’s not going to miss any time because of the injury.
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Moises Alou is planning to play some rehab games with Port St. Lucie this week and re-join the Mets in Philly. The Port St. Lucie game was rained out today though. Alou is rehabbing from a left calf muscle injury.
We haven’t heard much about Angel Pagan recently. Jerry Manuel told reporters before tonight’s game that Pagan is deciding whether to have shoulder surgery. He hasn’t been able to recover from the injury he suffered about six weeks ago against the Dodgers. He made an outstanding catch in left field but went over the wall into the seats while making the catch.
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The Mets activated Ryan Church from the disabled list today and he was inserted into the lineup against the Yankees. It’s the first game he’s played since June 5th after suffering from post concussion syndrome.
To make room on the roster the Mets put outfielder Trot Nixon on the disabled list with a strained groin that he suffered in Los Angeles last week.
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Prior to the game today Jerry Manuel told reporters that Ryan Church should be ready to be activated from the disabled list prior to the game against the Yankees tomorrow. He also said that Moises Alou is targeting a return to the active roster next weekend in Philadelphia.
Manuel also talked about how the double header yesterday forces the Mets to seek outside help for a starting pitcher on Tuesday. Most likely Tony Armas, Jr. will be called up from Triple-A New Orleans. But Manuel left the door open for Omar Minaya to acquire a starter from outside of the Mets organization. Armas has pitched very well for the New Orleans Zephyrs this season going 5-6 with a 2.50 ERA in 16 starts.
There aren’t that many starters on the street that I can think of. There’s David Wells and Jeff Weaver out there, but I think Armas would be a better option. Wells hasn’t pitched all season and Weaver was released byt the Brewers after getting bombed in Triple-A Nashville. He made nine starts and went 2-4 with a 6.22 ERA.
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The Mets have been an inconsistent, troubled team for much of the 2008 season. The next two weeks give the Mets an opportunity to show what the rest of their season will look like. There are series against the Cardinals and Phillies on the road, and the Giants and Rockies at home. It seems like they’ve been playing the Rockies way too much already…
The Cardinals are currently in the National League lead for the wild card and the Phillies lead the NL East. That’s an opportunity and a challenge.
The Giants and Rockies give the Mets a chance to stomp on some weak West division teams that have been out of the race this season.
To do that the Mets need a lot more than they’ve gotten from Oliver Perez. His 5-5 record and 5.29 ERA just isn’t getting it done. He’s always been maddeningly inconsistent but it’s been taken to new heights this season.
The injuries to Ryan Church and Moises Alou have obliterated the Mets plans for their regular outfield. Alou is a walking injury so that wasn’t completely unexpected but Church was the team’s MVP for the first two months of the season. Before going on the disabled list he was hitting .300/ .365/ /.522 with 10 homers and 35 RBI’s.
If the corner outfield positions can be solidified and Perez’ spot in the rotation becomes more consistent, the Mets will be a contender this season.
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Ryan Church played the DH for the Brooklyn Cyclones last night and went 3 for 3. He’s scheduled to play the field tonight in Brooklyn. Manager Jerry Manuel said there’s a chance that Church could be activated for Sunday’s Mets game against the Yankees.
Church left a hole in the Mets lineup the size of Flushing when he got hurt last month with his second concussion of the season. The Mets need him back, at full strength, badly.
It’ll be interesting to see what the Mets do to make room on the roster for Church. Most likely Marlon Anderson or Trot Nixon will be designated for assignment. Both would have to clear waivers, but I doubt that they would be claimed. Anderson might not want to go to New Orleans and opt to be a free agent but Nixon may go to Triple-A. Nixon started the season in Triple-A with the D-Backs organization.
The Mets Report 