Here are a some audio links for you with good information about the Mets off-season plans.
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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.
ESPN reports that Mets COO Jeff Wilpon didn’t return Willie Randolph’s voicemail before he made his public apology for the SNY and race comments. Jay Horowitz said that Omar Minaya returned the call on behalf of Mets ownership. I think that says it all. Randolph is done, put that in the books!
Moises Alou left yesterday’s game against the Braves in the middle of the third inning because of tightness in his left calf. He’s back in New York today for an MRI. Early reports are that it’s a muscle strain and he may miss some time.
Pedro Martinez is now saying that he isn’t thinking about retiring that he wants to play for two or three more season.
John Maine went five innings and got the win today to go to 2-2 on the season. Five other pitchers from the bullpen combined to hold the Braves down over the last four innings. The only scare was Aaron Heilman giving up two hits and a run in the sixth. Heilman was heartily booed by the crowd of 51,000.
The Mets offense seemed to start waking up today too. Willie Randolph canceled batting practice this morning and told the players they could show up late at 11:30am. He’s pulling out all of the tricks in his book to try to get the Mets back on track. Yesterday he made the team take fielding practice before the game which is a rarity these days.
Reportedly Jeff Wilpon visited Willie in his office before the game. yesterday Maybe Willie is starting to get a little desperate and pushing every button he can think of. If it works, that’s great. If not, it comes across as grabbing at straws.
David Wright and Damion Easley both had two hits in the game. Ryan Church hit a triple off Tim Hudson, and Angel Pagan had a pinch hit triple off reliever Jeff Bennett.
Carlos Delgado took another “O-fer” and heard about it from the crowd in every at-bat. They’ve got to move him down to seventh or eighth in the lineup. He’s got nothing at the plate right now. He’s still hitting sixth on his reputation from a few years ago but it’s hurting the team. Willie needs to come to grips with that.
There are plenty of baseball and Mets links for listening today. If you enjoy listening to baseball talk as much as I do, enjoy the links. Click the small play icon next to the link to listen.
MVN Radio’s “The Pitch” previews Week 2-The Pitch
Tim McCarver on WFAN’s “Mike and The Mad Dog” from April 7, 2008-Tim McCarver
Nelson Figueroa on WFAN’s “Boomer & Carton” from April 8, 2008- Nelson Figueroa
Jeff Wilpon on WFAN’s “Boomer & Carton” from April 7, 2008- Jeff Wilpon
Brady Clark on WFAN’s “Joe & Evan” from April 8, 2008- Brady Clark
Mike Pelfrey on WFAN’s “Joe & Evan” from April 8, 2008 – Mike Pelfrey
See the video tour that Jeff Wilpon gave to the media here.
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed6Kd_JSzKY%5DThere’s a good article in the NY Post today about the progress at CitiField. Jeff Wilpon is buying seats in a porch that will slightly overhang the field in right like the old Tiger Stadium. That sounds great! I can’t wait to see a game in the new stadium. It’s been a long time coming.
The Mets Report 