Benjamin Grimm

I don't like the intentional walk suggestion. There have been times when it's led to a wild pitch, so I think the pitcher should have to execute. (I've often thought that if I was a batter being intentionally walked, I'd swing at the fourth pitch, just to make the pitcher have to throw a fifth pitch. And maybe, I'd even swing at the fifth pitch to entice him to try to get me out on the sixth pitch.) As for the reviews, I would like to end the farce. Let the manager call a 30-second timeout to determine whether or not he wants to post a challenge. And maybe he can be limited to how many times he can do this. I don't mind the time for the reviews. I was at a game in Pittsburgh where a challenge was made in a key spot, and they showed the replays on the scoreboard as the review was underway. There was a terrific feeling of suspense in the ballpark. These reviews can have just as much drama as what happens on the field. I do like the idea of one foot in the batter's box, and encouraging the pitcher to pitch more quickly. Reducing the amount of time between innings is also a good idea. Entertainment shows have been challenged to come up with ways to advertise even though people fast-forward through commercials. Sports events, more likely to be watched live, don't have to worry about that, but they can maximize their in-game spots. ("This foul ball sponsored by Toyota.") I know this kind of thing is awful and annoying, but if it leads to shorter commercial breaks and games ending earlier, I'd be willing to put up with it. (I've pretty much learned how to tune out that noise by now anyway.)

I'm over Jose Reyes. While it might be nice to have him back, I don't think it's imperative. I'd set my sights elsewhere. I don't think the Jays would kick in enough money to make his contract palatable. Kristie Ackert in the Daily News today suggests that the Mets should trade Mejia. That's an intriguing idea, since teams overvalue closers and the Mets have Familia and Parnell.

Voting for all three games played against the Astros this past weekend will close on Thursday morning, some time after 10 a.m. This will conclude Schaefer voting for the 2014 season. Schaefer POTG 9/26/14 - Astros 3, Mets 1 Schaefer POTG 9/27/14 - Mets 2, Astros 1 Schaefer POTG 9/28/14 - Mets 8, Astros 3

It seems that deGrom has become the front-runner for Rookie of the Year. Not so long ago, I was hearing that that other guy, on that other team, (the guy with the stolen bases) was a shoo-in.

It had better be a big piece! For that to happen, though, the Mets would definitely have to include some youth. The Jays wouldn't trade Reyes and a ton of money to only get back a 42-year-old pitcher.

Well, to a certain extent, familiarity does breed contempt. But I don't really see any teams in this post-season that I would root against, other than St. Louis. A Pirates-Royals World Series would be nice. (It sounds like a strange matchup, but the two teams did win pennants in consecutive years back in 1979 and 1980.) That said, I'm not really rooting for anyone. If the Mets aren't in it (and they usually are not) I pretty much tune out the post-season.

I don't think anyone is going to get that message. Someday a third-place team will win the World Series, and few people will care.

Mazzilli

Do you have inside information about which of the two would be a better hitting coach?

Both games from last Thursday's day-night doubleheader in Washington will close on Wednesday morning, some time after 10 a.m. Schaefer POTG, 9/25/2014: Mets 7 Nationals 4 (Game 1) Schaefer POTG 9/25/14 (Game 2) - Nationals 3, Mets 0

Colon 3 den Dekker 0.5 Duda 3 Familia 1 Murphy 0.5 Tejada 1 Torres 1

Carlyle 1 Duda 3 Familia 1 Mejia 1 Montero 3 Young 1

I'd fire Terry if a big difference maker became available, but I doubt that there are any potential managers who could clearly fit that description.

Hopefully they'll win both and everyone will be wrong.

ESPNNewYork.com wrote: The New York Mets announced Friday that d'Arnaud will miss this weekend's final series against the Houston Astros, and will undergo surgery Wednesday to remove bone chips from his right elbow. Tests taken this week showed no more serious damage to d'Arnaud's elbow, and the procedure shouldn't affect his offseason routine or his 2015 season.

The Daily News today had a sixteen-page wraparound section. I appreciated that; I was able to easily remove it and drop it in the recycling bin before it even entered my house.

Edgy MD wrote: I missed that. Some dick napping on his girl's shoulder behind home plate. "Dick napping?" And they can show that on TV???

Niese 2 Goeddel 1 Granderson 1

Wheeler 0.5 Matsuzaka 1.5 Germen 0.5

Carlyle 0.5 den Dekker 1 Duda 0.5 Familia 0.5 Flores 2 Granderson 3 Mejia 0.5 Murphy 0.5 Nieuwenhuis 0.5 Tejada 0.5 Torres 0.5

Voting for Tuesday's loss in Washington will close over the weekend, but not before noon on Saturday. Only four people have voted for this game so far. Schaefer POTG, 9/23/2014: Nationals 4 Mets 2

Colon 1 Flores 1.5 Granderson 0.5 Nieuwenhuis 0.5 Tejada 0.5 Torres 0.5