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

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.

Hatteberg May Be Designated Today

Cincinnati Reds

Image via Wikipedia

Cincinnati Reds monster prospect Jay Bruce is being called up today. To make room on the roster the Reds have a couple of options. One is to designate struggling outfielder Cory Patterson. The other option is to designate Scott Hatteberg.

If Hatteberg is designated today the Mets need to make a move for him, even if it requires trading a low level prospect. Hatteberg shouldn’t command too much in the trade market. He’s 38 years old and hasn’t had a good season as a pinch hitter this year.

Hatteberg is a below average fielder at first base which is no change from what we have now with Carlos Delgado. Last season the lefty hitting Hatteberg got 361 at-bats for the Reds and hit .310/.394/.474 with 10 homers and 47 RBI’s. It would be nice to see a .300+ hitter at first base every day.

If the Mets aren’t going to make a change at manager immediately, it’s time to make a change at first bast. Hatteberg and Nick Evans might make a nice lefty-righty platoon at first base.

Read the full story from John Fay at the Cincinnati Enquirer. Thanks to MLBTR for the story.

Cook Four Hits Mets For 4-1 Win

The Mets lose another road series on the eve of Willie Randolph’s meeting with ownership in New York. The Mets have now lost 6 of their last 7 games and looked completely uninspired today making two ugly errors in the field and more baserunning problems.

Aaron Cook went through the Mets like a buzzsaw today giving up only four hits and one walk over nine innings.

John Maine wasn’t particularly good but kept the Mets in the game. He went six innings giving up four runs (three earned). That should be enough to keep the Mets in the game in Colorado.

Jose Reyes let a ball go through his legs with a man on first that would have been a double play. That led to a three run homer by Seth Smith in the fourth inning and that was all that the Colorado Rockies needed today.

Reyes was also picked off first. The second time in this series that he’s been picked off. He’s playing like his head is in the clouds.

Carlos Delgado also had an ugly error at first base. For both Reyes and Delgado it was their sixth error of the season.

The Mets head home tonight to begin a three game series with division leader Florida Marlins.

Box score

Mets Finally Get Win Over Rockies 9-2

Rookie Nick Evans was the story of the day playing in his first game as a Met. He went 3 for 4 with three doubles and two RBI’s. Now that’s the way to start your career! He played a solid left field, getting six putouts as well.

Claudio Vargas was excellent for seven innings today pitching on short rest. He only allowed 2 runs on four hits and a walk to go along with three strikeouts. Two of his first three starts have been really good. He could give Mike Pelfrey a run for the fifth starter spot when Pedro Martinez comes back next week.

Carlos Beltran had the big hit in the first inning; a three run double that set the tone for the Mets. Carlos Delgado also chipped in with his third home run in as many games. His average is still at .222 but at least he’s showing some power. His homer came in the ninth inning off Josh Newman in garbage time after looking silly against lefty starter Jeff Francis.

David Wright also had a solo homer in the second, went 1 for 3 and had a stolen base. Nice comeback game for him after looking pretty bad last night.

Ramon Castro went 3 for 4 with one RBI as well.

The Mets losing streak comes to an end after five games. Uhhh.

Box score

Video Highlights

Report: Anderson On Disabled List And Evans Called Up

According to the NY Post Marlon Anderson’s strained hamstring, suffered in last night’s game in Colorado, has forced him to the disabled list.

The Mets have called up 22 year old first basemen Nick Evans from Double-A Binghamton. He’s hitting .292 with 8 HR’s and 31 RBI’s in 171 at-bats. He’s also played a little outfield.

It’s telling that the Mets aren’t calling up an outfielder with Ryan Church still not starting because of his concussion in Atlanta and Moises Alou on the disabled list. Clearly, they’re trying to evaluate if they have someone that can play first base if they unload Carlos Delgado. Presumably, Delgado has no trade value so the roster move would have to be designating him for assignment.

That may be one of the roster shake up’s that we see after Willie Randolph is fired this coming week.

Join Mets Report Game Chat Tonight

Colorado Rockies all-time roster

Image via Wikipedia

I’ll be in The Mets Report Game Chat room tonight for the Colorado Rockies game at 9:05pm. There’s plenty to talk about tonight like:

  • How long Willie will be here
  • Who the managerial candidates are
  • Moises Alou on the DL… again
  • Carlos Delgado’s problems

Join me at 9:05pm tonight to talk Mets. Click the link above or on Game Chat on the navigation bar above this post. See you there tonight.