bmfc1

Sherman--Tony B. fired http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/st/archives/2009/07/bernazard_fired.html

A) Tony B. is fired Someone goes on the DL--nobody has since Saturday! C) Angel Berroa gets a 3 year contract Burkhardt tweets that it's on SNY @3:30.

I put on the Astros radiocast and the announcers said that their team had "a let down" after playing the Cardinals for 3 games and then beating Santana. "Let down" is a poor excuse

mlb.tv properly touts the HD quality of the video. The problem is that it's 2 to 3 minutes behind real time so when I read "Stand Up Triples...." I knew what was coming. I've since switched to the standard video quality.

Brandon Knight was released from Buffalo so he can pitch in Korea. http://buffalo.bisons.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090725&content_id=6054574&vkey=news_t422&fext=.jsp&sid=t422

Mystifying that Wright K's on the curve but Cory Sullivan gets a hit off the curve. Sheffield isn't upset anymore: http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/mets/archives/2009/07/sheffield_now_o.html

Thanks Kong76. Let's just leave it at that and hope for a good one tonight.

"Some Mets fans aren't happy. Ever." Not me. I've been very happy. E.g., I was at the Omir Santos game and floated (not literally) out of Fenway. Just not happy now. The players are doing the best they can. (It's not Daniel Murphy's fault he's batting cleanup when he probably should be in AAA.)

I don't want to be Mr. Negative so I've refrained from commenting even more, but since you asked, I wouldn't say "Hostile." "Angry", definitely. The team sucks, ownership is a joke and the front office is an embarrasment. Have I missed anybody? Plus, the thought of the post-season is gone and it's not even August. (Still love them despite all of the above.) BTW, this tweet just came in: NYPost_Mets Sheffield does not appear happy about his DL trip. He and Manuel are in left field right now, and Sheff's arms have been waving. #Mets Burkhardt tweeted the same information.

Sheffield to the DL. So the Mets go a week playing a man short and then DL the guy anyway. Adam Rubin: Sheffield didn't seem pleased about the decision. "Y'all talk to them about that," he said. More important apparently to DL Sheffield than to lose Redding.

The August 15th game was moved to 4:05 for FOX. It's safe to assume that it's to see the Giants and not the Mets.

="Fman99":35f4uyyb]Who am I missing?[/quote:35f4uyyb] Nobody. My bad. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:30 PM Holy hell. A two out RBI from these guys is like seeing a unicorn. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:32 PM Double from Castillo (this team's second-most complete all-around player right now-- suck on THAT with your sucker) scores Berroa. 3-2. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:32 PM Frenchy ties it up! Fuck Ryan Church. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:34 PM But, Master, there are two out, and nobody on first. How, pray tell, will you DP this time? "Sometimes, double play does not actually make two out. Sometimes, double play... state of mind." Huh? "You will understand one day, little one." Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:41 PM Well fuck! LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:42 PM Should we walk this guy, and pitch to the guy who has just as much power, and hit the home run last time up? Well, fuck yes! EDIT: Well, fuck me! I standing fucking corrected! Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:45 PM Johan: No, C.C., this sub is "BIG AS YOUR GIANT POSTERIOR" big! bmfc1 Jul 24 2009 07:46 PM The August 15th game was moved to 4:05 for FOX. It's safe to assume that it's to see the Giants and not the Mets. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:51 PM Well, THAT was unexpected. And, yeah, it went a ways. Well, sure, why not. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 07:51 PM Santana is going to homer here. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 07:52 PM Or walk. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 07:54 PM Not such a bad game going on here tonight. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:55 PM Thanks for all the fish, Mike. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:57 PM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":3sp02ifn]Not such a bad game going on here tonight.[/quote:3sp02ifn] Agreed, breeze coming in the windows, cold alcoholic drink, honey roasted peanuts, sleeping kids, Fwife, Mets game. Competitive even! Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:02 PM That dolphin video is funny. Ashie62 Jul 24 2009 08:08 PM ="bmfc1"]Of the starting 8 for the Mets tonight, how many should be starting in a major league lineup? Pagan--at best, a 4th OF Castillo--barely, I guess (this doesn't mean that I want him around my team) Wright--yes Francoeur--yes Tatis--perhaps as a PH but that's it. Murphy--at best, a backup guy (see the opinion that I linked to earlier) Santos--at most, a backup catcher Berroa--no Scoring this charitably, that's 3 major leaguers in the Mets starting lineup. Santos has more HR's than Wright Ashie62 Jul 24 2009 08:09 PM Kidding aside Santos may lead this Motley Crew in HR's Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:12 PM 3 GIDPs through 7 innings. God damn. Wright is scuffling. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:12 PM Jeez. Now we need Francouer to hit a homa PiggiesTomatoes Jul 24 2009 08:14 PM WTF, Wright! Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:14 PM Tatis seeking the rare 4 out inning. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:16 PM It's Muffy's time to shine. Tatis gets a hit, largely because Tejada is out of position. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:16 PM That is about the last thing I thought I'd see, considering how awful Tatty has looked tonight. Muffy's had a bad night too, of course... LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:18 PM ="Fman99":pxp4jdso]It's Muffy's time to shine. Tatis gets a hit, largely because Tejada is out of position.[/quote:pxp4jdso] Kind of a psychic double play, if you will. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:19 PM ...and that's what a country mile looks like. metirish Jul 24 2009 08:19 PM Frenchie never had a chance Gwreck Jul 24 2009 08:19 PM I know our offense sucks, but still. He was throwing home from like 25 feet past the infield. Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:20 PM 3 hits plus an HBP in one inning = zero runs LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:21 PM Razor Shines, ladies and gents! metirish Jul 24 2009 08:23 PM Holy crap that Aflac cry made me jump a bit Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:24 PM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":al04wph1]Razor Shines, ladies and gents![/quote:al04wph1] Normally, two outs, you send the runner basically every time. But Omir coming off the dinger, and the pitcher clearly not throwing well, I would've like to see what happened. Meanwhile, the Yanks won and Berroa boots a ball. And so it goes... Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:25 PM Hey I got a good idea; let's boot another ball so as to set the stage for another couple of runs after 2-out and none-on. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:26 PM I don't get why he went home (I can't spell his name on the fly) and the booth is going on and on about why he didn't plow into Pudge which I agree with. Stupid and typical all around and it happens night after night after day. metirish Jul 24 2009 08:28 PM Understatment of the week at least from Keith, " Berroa doesn't move well to his right, does he" no he does not Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:28 PM mi: Holy crap that Aflac cry made me jump a bit <<< Yeah, what the hell was that ... outta a back speaker and loud. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:29 PM ="Frayed Knot":mfuvnkt5]Hey I got a good idea; let's boot another ball so as to set the stage for another couple of runs after 2-out and none-on.[/quote:mfuvnkt5] Dude, they'll hear you! LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:33 PM ="Fman99":1ib7otll]="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":1ib7otll]Razor Shines, ladies and gents![/quote:1ib7otll] Normally, two outs, you send the runner basically every time. But Omir coming off the dinger, and the pitcher clearly not throwing well, I would've like to see what happened. Meanwhile, the Yanks won and Berroa boots a ball. And so it goes...[/quote:1ib7otll] Fair enough, but Pence has a good arm... and since he was playing in, he played the ball 30 FEET FROM THE INFIELD. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:34 PM Stokes get the out. On to the 8th... I have to believe that whatever schlub the 'Stros are sending out there to set up is someone that we can knock around. Santos, Berroa, PH due up..... John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:35 PM Francoeur is a big jock and a former football hero. He should have flattened Pudge. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:36 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 24 2009 08:38 PM ="Kong76"]I don't get why he went home (I can't spell his name on the fly) and the booth is going on and on about why he didn't plow into Pudge which I agree with. He was an all-state safety in high school, too-- all he did was hit. You'd think it would come naturally. Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:37 PM Hawkins was always good at sucking as a Yanqui at least. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:38 PM Santos = speed demon Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:40 PM Sac bunts, at this point, are merely GiDP avoidance maneuvers. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:40 PM Wasted out. Fucking bunting. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:41 PM Pudge tells me to sod off. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:43 PM You know, I don't think I'd get nearly as apoplectic about all the bunting if anyone on the team could actually bunt. Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:44 PM This season is just a fucking nightmare. The one time we actually do score a couple runs for Santana is one of the few he gives up a bunch. Meanwhile we've got, what now, like 13 hits plus 4 or 5 walks and an HBP and 4 runs to show for ti? Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:47 PM LWFS: apoplectic <<< I'm gonna have to go look that up ... be right back. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:48 PM It's up to Luis, two outs, first and third. Castillo is locked in tonight. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:49 PM We need Castillo's 4th hit. Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:51 PM Mutha-Fucka!!!!! John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:52 PM This fucking team. The Astros rally for everything they've got with 2 out, no on (Santana is on my shit list by the way for these kinds of failures too often). The Mets in the meantime get 65 guys on base an inning and can't score shit. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:54 PM Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:57 PM Won't be long before the 'was signing Santana worth it?' drums start beating. -------------- Apoplectic ... my new favorite word. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:58 PM ="Kong76":3frlbvva]Won't be long before the 'was signing Santana worth it?' drums start beating. -------------- Apoplectic ... my new favorite word.[/quote:3frlbvva] Ha. At least you got something out of tonight. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 09:00 PM Parnell hitting triple digits on the radar. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 09:02 PM OK, Get Up. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 09:02 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 24 2009 09:04 PM Hey-- it's all good. Heart of the order's coming up. Yeah, I couldn't keep a straight face, either. LETS PiggiesTomatoes Jul 24 2009 09:02 PM My shirt is off and I'm calling out all 25 of these mother fuckers, right now! Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 09:07 PM Didn't even make it interesting. PiggiesTomatoes Jul 24 2009 09:07 PM ="PiggiesTomatoes":3mr31mcg]My shirt is off and I'm calling out all 25 of these mother fuckers, right now![/quote:3mr31mcg] Same effect Tony B. had in Bingoland. Hope I don't lose my job. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 09:08 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 24 2009 09:10 PM GET LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 09:09 PM A NEW HOBBY! Kong76 Jul 24 2009 09:13 PM Good REM video anyway ... dreams, they complicate my life. Frayed Knot Jul 25 2009 11:24 AM Adam Rubin: Jeff Francoeur said he felt like a �pansy� not bowling over Pudge Rodriguez on an aggressive (ill-advised?) send by third base coach Razor Shines in the seventh with the Mets trailing by a run. Francoeur, a former Clemson football recruit, said Rodriguez veered on him and he missed lining him up. At least he had the intention of bowling over Rodriguez. �I started going to the outside and he went back on the inside for the tag,� Francoeur said. Rockin' Doc Jul 25 2009 01:34 PM Francoeur must have been a hell of a hitter in his football days. "I meant to tackle him coach, but he moved on me." MFS62 Jul 25 2009 01:52 PM Losing hurts. Losing to Hampton hurt even more. Later metirish Jul 25 2009 02:12 PM ="MFS62":3vh9vwdm]Losing hurts. Losing to Hampton hurt even more. Later[/quote:3vh9vwdm] Really? , it such old hat that

Of the starting 8 for the Mets tonight, how many should be starting in a major league lineup? Pagan--at best, a 4th OF Castillo--barely, I guess (this doesn't mean that I want him around my team) Wright--yes Francoeur--yes Tatis--perhaps as a PH but that's it. Murphy--at best, a backup guy (see the opinion that I linked to earlier) Santos--at most, a backup catcher Berroa--no Scoring this charitably, that's 3 major leaguers in the Mets starting lineup.

Interesting read on Daniel Murphy: http://www.blueandorange.net/?p=704

="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":2wjnm26w] Loss deferred one more inning.[/quote:2wjnm26w] Excellent. Nicely done. bmfc1 Jul 24 2009 07:09 PM Interesting read on Daniel Murphy: http://www.blueandorange.net/?p=704 LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:19 PM Fuuuuuuuuucktastic. PiggiesTomatoes Jul 24 2009 07:19 PM Little Fucker...Couldn't do that in a Mets' uniform. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 07:19 PM Dolphinface with a two-run dinger! Mmmmm, those wounds are gonna taste good when we lick 'em with some salt! PiggiesTomatoes Jul 24 2009 07:21 PM If you squint, they look like the Bad News Bears. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:22 PM Sucky. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:24 PM ="bmfc1":450scjqe]Interesting read on Daniel Murphy: http://www.blueandorange.net/?p=704[/quote:450scjqe] I'm in full agreeance on this one-- let's SuperJoe the hell out of him. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:26 PM Re: IGT--Mets @ Astros, 07/24/09 ="bmfc1"]Mets: Angel Pagan CF Luis Castillo 2B David Wright 3B Jeff Francoeur RF Fernando Tatis LF Daniel Murphy 1B Omir Santos C Angel Berroa SS Johan Santana LHP (11-7, 2.92) Astros: Michael Bourn CF Kaz Matsui 2B Miguel Tejada SS Carlos Lee CF Hunter Pence RF Pudge Rodriguez C Chris Coste 1B Jeff Keppinger 3B Mike Hampton LHP (5-7, 4.63) Four ex-Mets in the Houston lineup plus ex-Phillie (and author) Coste. Keppinger Matsui Hampton Who am I missing? bmfc1 Jul 24 2009 07:27 PM Of the starting 8 for the Mets tonight, how many should be starting in a major league lineup? Pagan--at best, a 4th OF Castillo--barely, I guess (this doesn't mean that I want him around my team) Wright--yes Francoeur--yes Tatis--perhaps as a PH but that's it. Murphy--at best, a backup guy (see the opinion that I linked to earlier) Santos--at most, a backup catcher Berroa--no Scoring this charitably, that's 3 major leaguers in the Mets starting lineup. metsguyinmichigan Jul 24 2009 07:27 PM When the pitcher, even a decent-hitting one like Hamption, connects on your Ace, it's time to turn out the lights and go home. bmfc1 Jul 24 2009 07:29 PM Re: IGT--Mets @ Astros, 07/24/09 ="Fman99":35f4uyyb]Who am I missing?[/quote:35f4uyyb] Nobody. My bad. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:30 PM Holy hell. A two out RBI from these guys is like seeing a unicorn. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:32 PM Double from Castillo (this team's second-most complete all-around player right now-- suck on THAT with your sucker) scores Berroa. 3-2. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:32 PM Frenchy ties it up! Fuck Ryan Church. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:34 PM But, Master, there are two out, and nobody on first. How, pray tell, will you DP this time? "Sometimes, double play does not actually make two out. Sometimes, double play... state of mind." Huh? "You will understand one day, little one." Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:41 PM Well fuck! LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:42 PM Should we walk this guy, and pitch to the guy who has just as much power, and hit the home run last time up? Well, fuck yes! EDIT: Well, fuck me! I standing fucking corrected! Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:45 PM Johan: No, C.C., this sub is "BIG AS YOUR GIANT POSTERIOR" big! bmfc1 Jul 24 2009 07:46 PM The August 15th game was moved to 4:05 for FOX. It's safe to assume that it's to see the Giants and not the Mets. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:51 PM Well, THAT was unexpected. And, yeah, it went a ways. Well, sure, why not. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 07:51 PM Santana is going to homer here. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 07:52 PM Or walk. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 07:54 PM Not such a bad game going on here tonight. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:55 PM Thanks for all the fish, Mike. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:57 PM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":3sp02ifn]Not such a bad game going on here tonight.[/quote:3sp02ifn] Agreed, breeze coming in the windows, cold alcoholic drink, honey roasted peanuts, sleeping kids, Fwife, Mets game. Competitive even! Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:02 PM That dolphin video is funny. Ashie62 Jul 24 2009 08:08 PM ="bmfc1"]Of the starting 8 for the Mets tonight, how many should be starting in a major league lineup? Pagan--at best, a 4th OF Castillo--barely, I guess (this doesn't mean that I want him around my team) Wright--yes Francoeur--yes Tatis--perhaps as a PH but that's it. Murphy--at best, a backup guy (see the opinion that I linked to earlier) Santos--at most, a backup catcher Berroa--no Scoring this charitably, that's 3 major leaguers in the Mets starting lineup. Santos has more HR's than Wright Ashie62 Jul 24 2009 08:09 PM Kidding aside Santos may lead this Motley Crew in HR's Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:12 PM 3 GIDPs through 7 innings. God damn. Wright is scuffling. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:12 PM Jeez. Now we need Francouer to hit a homa PiggiesTomatoes Jul 24 2009 08:14 PM WTF, Wright! Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:14 PM Tatis seeking the rare 4 out inning. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:16 PM It's Muffy's time to shine. Tatis gets a hit, largely because Tejada is out of position. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:16 PM That is about the last thing I thought I'd see, considering how awful Tatty has looked tonight. Muffy's had a bad night too, of course... LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:18 PM ="Fman99":pxp4jdso]It's Muffy's time to shine. Tatis gets a hit, largely because Tejada is out of position.[/quote:pxp4jdso] Kind of a psychic double play, if you will. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:19 PM ...and that's what a country mile looks like. metirish Jul 24 2009 08:19 PM Frenchie never had a chance Gwreck Jul 24 2009 08:19 PM I know our offense sucks, but still. He was throwing home from like 25 feet past the infield. Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:20 PM 3 hits plus an HBP in one inning = zero runs LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:21 PM Razor Shines, ladies and gents! metirish Jul 24 2009 08:23 PM Holy crap that Aflac cry made me jump a bit Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:24 PM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":al04wph1]Razor Shines, ladies and gents![/quote:al04wph1] Normally, two outs, you send the runner basically every time. But Omir coming off the dinger, and the pitcher clearly not throwing well, I would've like to see what happened. Meanwhile, the Yanks won and Berroa boots a ball. And so it goes... Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:25 PM Hey I got a good idea; let's boot another ball so as to set the stage for another couple of runs after 2-out and none-on. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:26 PM I don't get why he went home (I can't spell his name on the fly) and the booth is going on and on about why he didn't plow into Pudge which I agree with. Stupid and typical all around and it happens night after night after day. metirish Jul 24 2009 08:28 PM Understatment of the week at least from Keith, " Berroa doesn't move well to his right, does he" no he does not Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:28 PM mi: Holy crap that Aflac cry made me jump a bit <<< Yeah, what the hell was that ... outta a back speaker and loud. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:29 PM ="Frayed Knot":mfuvnkt5]Hey I got a good idea; let's boot another ball so as to set the stage for another couple of runs after 2-out and none-on.[/quote:mfuvnkt5] Dude, they'll hear you! LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:33 PM ="Fman99":1ib7otll]="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":1ib7otll]Razor Shines, ladies and gents![/quote:1ib7otll] Normally, two outs, you send the runner basically every time. But Omir coming off the dinger, and the pitcher clearly not throwing well, I would've like to see what happened. Meanwhile, the Yanks won and Berroa boots a ball. And so it goes...[/quote:1ib7otll] Fair enough, but Pence has a good arm... and since he was playing in, he played the ball 30 FEET FROM THE INFIELD. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:34 PM Stokes get the out. On to the 8th... I have to believe that whatever schlub the 'Stros are sending out there to set up is someone that we can knock around. Santos, Berroa, PH due up..... John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:35 PM Francoeur is a big jock and a former football hero. He should have flattened Pudge. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:36 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 24 2009 08:38 PM ="Kong76"]I don't get why he went home (I can't spell his name on the fly) and the booth is going on and on about why he didn't plow into Pudge which I agree with. He was an all-state safety in high school, too-- all he did was hit. You'd think it would come naturally. Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:37 PM Hawkins was always good at sucking as a Yanqui at least. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:38 PM Santos = speed demon Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:40 PM Sac bunts, at this point, are merely GiDP avoidance maneuvers. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:40 PM Wasted out. Fucking bunting. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:41 PM Pudge tells me to sod off. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:43 PM You know, I don't think I'd get nearly as apoplectic about all the bunting if anyone on the team could actually bunt. Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:44 PM This season is just a fucking nightmare. The one time we actually do score a couple runs for Santana is one of the few he gives up a bunch. Meanwhile we've got, what now, like 13 hits plus 4 or 5 walks and an HBP and 4 runs to show for ti? Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:47 PM LWFS: apoplectic <<< I'm gonna have to go look that up ... be right back. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:48 PM It's up to Luis, two outs, first and third. Castillo is locked in tonight. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:49 PM We need Castillo's 4th hit. Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:51 PM Mutha-Fucka!!!!! John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:52 PM This fucking team. The Astros rally for everything they've got with 2 out, no on (Santana is on my shit list by the way for these kinds of failures too often). The Mets in the meantime get 65 guys on base an inning and can't score shit. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:54 PM Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:57 PM Won't be long before the 'was signing Santana worth it?' drums start beating. -------------- Apoplectic ... my new favorite word. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:58 PM ="Kong76":3frlbvva]Won't be long before the 'was signing Santana worth it?' drums start beating. -------------- Apoplectic ... my new favorite word.[/quote:3frlbvva] Ha. At least you got something out of tonight. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 09:00 PM Parnell hitting triple digits on the radar. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 09:02 PM OK, Get Up. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 09:02 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 24 2009 09:04 PM Hey-- it's all good. Heart of the order's coming up. Yeah, I couldn't keep a straight face, either. LETS PiggiesTomatoes Jul 24 2009 09:02 PM My shirt is off and I'm calling out all 25 of these mother fuckers, right now! Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 09:07 PM Didn't even make it interesting. PiggiesTomatoes Jul 24 2009 09:07 PM ="PiggiesTomatoes":3mr31mcg]My shirt is off and I'm calling out all 25 of these mother fuckers, right now![/quote:3mr31mcg] Same effect Tony B. had in Bingoland. Hope I don't lose my job. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 09:08 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 24 2009 09:10 PM GET LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 09:09 PM A NEW HOBBY! Kong76 Jul 24 2009 09:13 PM Good REM video anyway ... dreams, they complicate my life. Frayed Knot Jul 25 2009 11:24 AM Adam Rubin: Jeff Francoeur said he felt like a �pansy� not bowling over Pudge Rodriguez on an aggressive (ill-advised?) send by third base coach Razor Shines in the seventh with the Mets trailing by a run. Francoeur, a former Clemson football recruit, said Rodriguez veered on him and he missed lining him up. At least he had the intention of bowling over Rodriguez. �I started going to the outside and he went back on the inside for the tag,� Francoeur said. Rockin' Doc Jul 25 2009 01:34 PM Francoeur must have been a hell of a hitter in his football days. "I meant to tackle him coach, but he moved on me." MFS62 Jul 25 2009 01:52 PM Losing hurts. Losing to Hampton hurt even more. Later metirish Jul 25 2009 02:12 PM ="MFS62":3vh9vwdm]Losing hurts. Losing to Hampton hurt even more. Later[/quote:3vh9vwdm] Really? , it such old hat that

="metirish":2msf2o2l]I just love Santana. SNY just about showed his whole trot through the dugout doing his handshakes with all the team and staff. Great stuff.[/quote:2msf2o2l] Indeed. Loved the simulated shaving with Razor Shines. metirish Jul 24 2009 06:22 PM ="bmfc1":1nwkbyja]="metirish":1nwkbyja]I just love Santana. SNY just about showed his whole trot through the dugout doing his handshakes with all the team and staff. Great stuff.[/quote:1nwkbyja] Indeed. Loved the simulated shaving with Razor Shines.[/quote:1nwkbyja] Games have not been fun to watch lately so yeah that was fun. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 06:40 PM I don't think I'd mind it if Angel Berroa bunted every time up... even if nobody were on-base. metsguyinmichigan Jul 24 2009 06:40 PM We get a lead -- and give it right back. Sigh. PiggiesTomatoes Jul 24 2009 06:43 PM Have the road grays and black New York jerseys been stolen? Did Charlie Samuels forget to pack them? You'd think they'd change just to switch things up a bit. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 06:50 PM ="PiggiesTomatoes":1id5rw9k]Have the road grays and black New York jerseys been stolen? Did Charlie Samuels forget to pack them? You'd think they'd change just to switch things up a bit.[/quote:1id5rw9k] Black "New York"s are permanently retired. (For now.) LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 06:54 PM First and second, two out... you think you see sweat forming on Hampton's brow after a long David Wright at-bat ends in a walk... ... but YOU BEEN FRENCHED! metirish Jul 24 2009 06:55 PM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":2aztxojs]="PiggiesTomatoes":2aztxojs]Have the road grays and black New York jerseys been stolen? Did Charlie Samuels forget to pack them? You'd think they'd change just to switch things up a bit.[/quote:2aztxojs] Black "New York"s are permanently retired. (For now.)[/quote:2aztxojs] Seriously? Gary says to Keith " don't they look resplendent in their black tops" , not sure but he sounded like he was being sarcastic. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 06:59 PM ="metirish":1gl3qa1r]="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":1gl3qa1r]="PiggiesTomatoes":1gl3qa1r]Have the road grays and black New York jerseys been stolen? Did Charlie Samuels forget to pack them? You'd think they'd change just to switch things up a bit.[/quote:1gl3qa1r] Black "New York"s are permanently retired. (For now.)[/quote:1gl3qa1r] Seriously? Gary says to Keith " don't they look resplendent in their black tops" , not sure but he sounded like he was being sarcastic.[/quote:1gl3qa1r] Yeps. Just black "Mets," home and road. I'm pretty sure he was being sarcastic, too. And I'm not sure if he's a drinker, but he may just be one by the end of the year. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 07:04 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 24 2009 07:06 PM I like when really good pitchers seemingly walk the bases loaded to avoid the likes of a Carlos Lee type dude to then just get outs. I like it even if it's in my head and didn't really happen. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:04 PM Bases loaded, one out, after the on-baser's sampler (error, hit, walk). No problem-- superspy Hunter Pence bounds out to Berroa, who makes himself useful by starting the 6-4-3. Loss deferred one more inning. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:06 PM Edited 2 time(s), most recently on Jul 24 2009 07:15 PM Ah, but Master Tatis, how do you hit into double play with nobody on? "Patience, grasshopper." EDIT: I solved the riddle, Master-- by turning a no-out walk into a strikeout with nobody on! bmfc1 Jul 24 2009 07:08 PM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":2wjnm26w] Loss deferred one more inning.[/quote:2wjnm26w] Excellent. Nicely done. bmfc1 Jul 24 2009 07:09 PM Interesting read on Daniel Murphy: http://www.blueandorange.net/?p=704 LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:19 PM Fuuuuuuuuucktastic. PiggiesTomatoes Jul 24 2009 07:19 PM Little Fucker...Couldn't do that in a Mets' uniform. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 07:19 PM Dolphinface with a two-run dinger! Mmmmm, those wounds are gonna taste good when we lick 'em with some salt! PiggiesTomatoes Jul 24 2009 07:21 PM If you squint, they look like the Bad News Bears. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:22 PM Sucky. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:24 PM ="bmfc1":450scjqe]Interesting read on Daniel Murphy: http://www.blueandorange.net/?p=704[/quote:450scjqe] I'm in full agreeance on this one-- let's SuperJoe the hell out of him. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:26 PM Re: IGT--Mets @ Astros, 07/24/09 ="bmfc1"]Mets: Angel Pagan CF Luis Castillo 2B David Wright 3B Jeff Francoeur RF Fernando Tatis LF Daniel Murphy 1B Omir Santos C Angel Berroa SS Johan Santana LHP (11-7, 2.92) Astros: Michael Bourn CF Kaz Matsui 2B Miguel Tejada SS Carlos Lee CF Hunter Pence RF Pudge Rodriguez C Chris Coste 1B Jeff Keppinger 3B Mike Hampton LHP (5-7, 4.63) Four ex-Mets in the Houston lineup plus ex-Phillie (and author) Coste. Keppinger Matsui Hampton Who am I missing? bmfc1 Jul 24 2009 07:27 PM Of the starting 8 for the Mets tonight, how many should be starting in a major league lineup? Pagan--at best, a 4th OF Castillo--barely, I guess (this doesn't mean that I want him around my team) Wright--yes Francoeur--yes Tatis--perhaps as a PH but that's it. Murphy--at best, a backup guy (see the opinion that I linked to earlier) Santos--at most, a backup catcher Berroa--no Scoring this charitably, that's 3 major leaguers in the Mets starting lineup. metsguyinmichigan Jul 24 2009 07:27 PM When the pitcher, even a decent-hitting one like Hamption, connects on your Ace, it's time to turn out the lights and go home. bmfc1 Jul 24 2009 07:29 PM Re: IGT--Mets @ Astros, 07/24/09 ="Fman99":35f4uyyb]Who am I missing?[/quote:35f4uyyb] Nobody. My bad. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:30 PM Holy hell. A two out RBI from these guys is like seeing a unicorn. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:32 PM Double from Castillo (this team's second-most complete all-around player right now-- suck on THAT with your sucker) scores Berroa. 3-2. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:32 PM Frenchy ties it up! Fuck Ryan Church. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:34 PM But, Master, there are two out, and nobody on first. How, pray tell, will you DP this time? "Sometimes, double play does not actually make two out. Sometimes, double play... state of mind." Huh? "You will understand one day, little one." Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:41 PM Well fuck! LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:42 PM Should we walk this guy, and pitch to the guy who has just as much power, and hit the home run last time up? Well, fuck yes! EDIT: Well, fuck me! I standing fucking corrected! Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:45 PM Johan: No, C.C., this sub is "BIG AS YOUR GIANT POSTERIOR" big! bmfc1 Jul 24 2009 07:46 PM The August 15th game was moved to 4:05 for FOX. It's safe to assume that it's to see the Giants and not the Mets. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:51 PM Well, THAT was unexpected. And, yeah, it went a ways. Well, sure, why not. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 07:51 PM Santana is going to homer here. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 07:52 PM Or walk. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 07:54 PM Not such a bad game going on here tonight. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 07:55 PM Thanks for all the fish, Mike. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 07:57 PM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":3sp02ifn]Not such a bad game going on here tonight.[/quote:3sp02ifn] Agreed, breeze coming in the windows, cold alcoholic drink, honey roasted peanuts, sleeping kids, Fwife, Mets game. Competitive even! Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:02 PM That dolphin video is funny. Ashie62 Jul 24 2009 08:08 PM ="bmfc1"]Of the starting 8 for the Mets tonight, how many should be starting in a major league lineup? Pagan--at best, a 4th OF Castillo--barely, I guess (this doesn't mean that I want him around my team) Wright--yes Francoeur--yes Tatis--perhaps as a PH but that's it. Murphy--at best, a backup guy (see the opinion that I linked to earlier) Santos--at most, a backup catcher Berroa--no Scoring this charitably, that's 3 major leaguers in the Mets starting lineup. Santos has more HR's than Wright Ashie62 Jul 24 2009 08:09 PM Kidding aside Santos may lead this Motley Crew in HR's Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:12 PM 3 GIDPs through 7 innings. God damn. Wright is scuffling. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:12 PM Jeez. Now we need Francouer to hit a homa PiggiesTomatoes Jul 24 2009 08:14 PM WTF, Wright! Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:14 PM Tatis seeking the rare 4 out inning. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:16 PM It's Muffy's time to shine. Tatis gets a hit, largely because Tejada is out of position. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:16 PM That is about the last thing I thought I'd see, considering how awful Tatty has looked tonight. Muffy's had a bad night too, of course... LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:18 PM ="Fman99":pxp4jdso]It's Muffy's time to shine. Tatis gets a hit, largely because Tejada is out of position.[/quote:pxp4jdso] Kind of a psychic double play, if you will. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:19 PM ...and that's what a country mile looks like. metirish Jul 24 2009 08:19 PM Frenchie never had a chance Gwreck Jul 24 2009 08:19 PM I know our offense sucks, but still. He was throwing home from like 25 feet past the infield. Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:20 PM 3 hits plus an HBP in one inning = zero runs LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:21 PM Razor Shines, ladies and gents! metirish Jul 24 2009 08:23 PM Holy crap that Aflac cry made me jump a bit Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:24 PM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":al04wph1]Razor Shines, ladies and gents![/quote:al04wph1] Normally, two outs, you send the runner basically every time. But Omir coming off the dinger, and the pitcher clearly not throwing well, I would've like to see what happened. Meanwhile, the Yanks won and Berroa boots a ball. And so it goes... Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:25 PM Hey I got a good idea; let's boot another ball so as to set the stage for another couple of runs after 2-out and none-on. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:26 PM I don't get why he went home (I can't spell his name on the fly) and the booth is going on and on about why he didn't plow into Pudge which I agree with. Stupid and typical all around and it happens night after night after day. metirish Jul 24 2009 08:28 PM Understatment of the week at least from Keith, " Berroa doesn't move well to his right, does he" no he does not Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:28 PM mi: Holy crap that Aflac cry made me jump a bit <<< Yeah, what the hell was that ... outta a back speaker and loud. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:29 PM ="Frayed Knot":mfuvnkt5]Hey I got a good idea; let's boot another ball so as to set the stage for another couple of runs after 2-out and none-on.[/quote:mfuvnkt5] Dude, they'll hear you! LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:33 PM ="Fman99":1ib7otll]="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":1ib7otll]Razor Shines, ladies and gents![/quote:1ib7otll] Normally, two outs, you send the runner basically every time. But Omir coming off the dinger, and the pitcher clearly not throwing well, I would've like to see what happened. Meanwhile, the Yanks won and Berroa boots a ball. And so it goes...[/quote:1ib7otll] Fair enough, but Pence has a good arm... and since he was playing in, he played the ball 30 FEET FROM THE INFIELD. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:34 PM Stokes get the out. On to the 8th... I have to believe that whatever schlub the 'Stros are sending out there to set up is someone that we can knock around. Santos, Berroa, PH due up..... John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:35 PM Francoeur is a big jock and a former football hero. He should have flattened Pudge. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:36 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 24 2009 08:38 PM ="Kong76"]I don't get why he went home (I can't spell his name on the fly) and the booth is going on and on about why he didn't plow into Pudge which I agree with. He was an all-state safety in high school, too-- all he did was hit. You'd think it would come naturally. Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:37 PM Hawkins was always good at sucking as a Yanqui at least. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:38 PM Santos = speed demon Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:40 PM Sac bunts, at this point, are merely GiDP avoidance maneuvers. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:40 PM Wasted out. Fucking bunting. Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:41 PM Pudge tells me to sod off. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:43 PM You know, I don't think I'd get nearly as apoplectic about all the bunting if anyone on the team could actually bunt. Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:44 PM This season is just a fucking nightmare. The one time we actually do score a couple runs for Santana is one of the few he gives up a bunch. Meanwhile we've got, what now, like 13 hits plus 4 or 5 walks and an HBP and 4 runs to show for ti? Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:47 PM LWFS: apoplectic <<< I'm gonna have to go look that up ... be right back. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 08:48 PM It's up to Luis, two outs, first and third. Castillo is locked in tonight. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:49 PM We need Castillo's 4th hit. Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 08:51 PM Mutha-Fucka!!!!! John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 08:52 PM This fucking team. The Astros rally for everything they've got with 2 out, no on (Santana is on my shit list by the way for these kinds of failures too often). The Mets in the meantime get 65 guys on base an inning and can't score shit. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:54 PM Kong76 Jul 24 2009 08:57 PM Won't be long before the 'was signing Santana worth it?' drums start beating. -------------- Apoplectic ... my new favorite word. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 08:58 PM ="Kong76":3frlbvva]Won't be long before the 'was signing Santana worth it?' drums start beating. -------------- Apoplectic ... my new favorite word.[/quote:3frlbvva] Ha. At least you got something out of tonight. Fman99 Jul 24 2009 09:00 PM Parnell hitting triple digits on the radar. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2009 09:02 PM OK, Get Up. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 09:02 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 24 2009 09:04 PM Hey-- it's all good. Heart of the order's coming up. Yeah, I couldn't keep a straight face, either. LETS PiggiesTomatoes Jul 24 2009 09:02 PM My shirt is off and I'm calling out all 25 of these mother fuckers, right now! Frayed Knot Jul 24 2009 09:07 PM Didn't even make it interesting. PiggiesTomatoes Jul 24 2009 09:07 PM ="PiggiesTomatoes":3mr31mcg]My shirt is off and I'm calling out all 25 of these mother fuckers, right now![/quote:3mr31mcg] Same effect Tony B. had in Bingoland. Hope I don't lose my job. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 09:08 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 24 2009 09:10 PM GET LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 24 2009 09:09 PM A NEW HOBBY! Kong76 Jul 24 2009 09:13 PM Good REM video anyway ... dreams, they complicate my life. Frayed Knot Jul 25 2009 11:24 AM Adam Rubin: Jeff Francoeur said he felt like a �pansy� not bowling over Pudge Rodriguez on an aggressive (ill-advised?) send by third base coach Razor Shines in the seventh with the Mets trailing by a run. Francoeur, a former Clemson football recruit, said Rodriguez veered on him and he missed lining him up. At least he had the intention of bowling over Rodriguez. �I started going to the outside and he went back on the inside for the tag,� Francoeur said. Rockin' Doc Jul 25 2009 01:34 PM Francoeur must have been a hell of a hitter in his football days. "I meant to tackle him coach, but he moved on me." MFS62 Jul 25 2009 01:52 PM Losing hurts. Losing to Hampton hurt even more. Later metirish Jul 25 2009 02:12 PM ="MFS62":3vh9vwdm]Losing hurts. Losing to Hampton hurt even more. Later[/quote:3vh9vwdm] Really? , it such old hat that

KTE from Adam Rubin: Series preview: Mets at Astros July 24, 2009 METS (44-50, 4th place/NL EAST) at ASTROS (49-46, 2nd place/NL Central) Friday: LHP Johan Santana (11-7, 2.92) vs. LHP Mike Hampton (5-7, 4.63), 8:05 p.m. (SNY, WFAN, WADO) Saturday: LHP Jon Niese (0-0, 5.91) vs. RHP Russ Ortiz (3-4, 4.33), 7:05 p.m. (PIX11, WFAN, WADO) Sunday: RHP Livan Hernandez (6-5, 4.93) vs. RHP Brian Moehler (7-5, 4.92), 2:05 p.m. (SNY, WFAN, WADO) *** ASTROS SHORT HOPS First baseman Lance Berkman (.273, 18 HR, 55 RBI) landed on the DL on Thursday with a strained left calf muscle, which he injured on the bases last week at Dodger Stadium. Berkman had only been on the DL one other time in his 11-year big-league career, when he started the '05 season on the DL following winter knee surgery. Infielder Edwin Maysonet was promoted from Triple-A Round Rock. Maysonet, 27, has the curious distinction of having a significantly higher average in the majors (.315 in 54 at-bats) than minors (.241 in 137 at-bats) this season. � Darin Erstad, the replacement for Berkman at first base after his injury last week, quickly landed on the DL, too, with a strained left hamstring. Infielder Matt Kata was promoted. As a result, ex-Phillies catcher Chris Coste has started four of the past five games at first base. Coste originally was claimed off waivers from the Phillies on July 10 as a third catcher, behind Ivan Rodriguez and Humberto Quintero. With Philadelphia, Coste�who didn�t debut in the majors until age 33�had appeared in five games (three starts) at first base since 2006. � Left fielder Carlos Lee has 296 career homers. He�d become the third Astro to reach the 300-homer plateau this season with four more, making Houston the first franchise in major-league history to have three players reach that level in the same season. Berkman and Rodriguez are the other two to reach the plateau in �09. After going five games without an RBI, Lee has two homers and nine RBI in his past four games. � Rodriguez set the MLB record for most games caught with No. 2,227 on June 17 at Texas. Rodriguez wears No. 77, because his former No. 7 is retired by the Astros in honor of Craig Biggio. � Mike Hampton is 4-0 with a 1.00 ERA against the Pirates this season. He�s 1-7 with a 6.21 ERA against everyone else. � Right fielder Hunter Pence represented Houston in the All-Star Game but went unused. He had a two-run homer Tuesday off St. Louis� Todd Wellemeyer, but is hitting .216 since June 30. � The Mets miss the two hottest arms in the Astros� rotation: Wandy Rodriguez has won five straight starts, while Roy Oswalt has an NL-best three complete games. In July, Rodriguez leads the majors in wins (4-0) and ERA (0.62, minimum 25 innings). They each have personal catchers: Pudge with Oswalt, Quintero with Wandy. Oswalt nearly tossed a fourth complete game Wednesday. He had tossed only 79 pitches when he departed after seven innings, with the Astros needing a pinch-hitter trailing by two runs in what became a 4-3 win. � Since losing to San Francisco by a combined score of 22-0 on July 3-4, the Astros are 11-4. � Closer Jose Valverde led the majors in 2007 with 47 saves as a Diamondback. Then, after getting dealt for Chris Burke, Juan Gutierrez and Chad Qualls after the season, he had an NL-best 44 last year. Valverde has reemerged as the closer and has 10 saves this season after missing 41 games through June 13 with a right calf strain. LaTroy Hawkins stepped in with Valverde absent and has 10 saves. � Righthanded reliever Alberto Arias (2-0, 1.38 ERA) has not allowed an earned run since May 20 against Milwaukee, spanning 25 innings. � Projected to be a strength out of spring training, the bullpen had been decimated by injury, including losing Doug Brocail, yet has performed well. Jeff Fulchino has joined Arias in pitching strongly, including a 14 1/3-inning scoreless streak from May 23-June 14. Fulchino has tossed at least three innings four times this season. Chris Sampson (4-1, 3.02 ERA) also had been unsung, yet he�s now on the DL, too, with right shoulder spasms. Brocail (left hamstring strain) is making rehab appearances but is not projected to return this series. � Righty-hitting ex-Met Jeff Keppinger (.269, 3 HR, 15 RBI) is platooning with switch-hitter Geoff Blum at third base. � Kaz Matsui is playing with a tender hamstring and bothersome right knee. *** Santana vs. Astros (lifetime, 2-0, 0.98): Miguel Tejada .324, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 34 AB Carlos Lee .313, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 32 AB Geoff Blum .267, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 15 AB Hunter Pence .200, 5 AB Ivan Rodriguez .194, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 36 AB Jeff Keppinger .182, 2 RBI, 11 AB Kaz Matsui .167, 6 AB Jason Michaels .043, 1 RBI, 23 AB Chris Coste .000, 8 AB Matt Kata .000, 3 AB *** Niese vs. Astros (never faced) *** Hernandez vs. Astros (lifetime, 9-5, 4.25): Jason Michaels 1.000, 2 AB Hunter Pence .571, 2 RBI, 7 AB Humberto Quintero .500, 2 AB Miguel Tejada .375, 1 RBI, 16 AB Jeff Keppinger .333, 6 AB Matt Kata .333, 3 AB Geoff Blum .292, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 24 AB Kaz Matsui .286, 1 RBI, 35 AB Carlos Lee .250, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 12 AB Ivan Rodriguez .235, 1 RBI, 17 AB Chris Coste .000, 3 AB *** Hampton vs. Mets (lifetime, 10-10, 3.19): Jeff Francoeur .500, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 AB Fernando Tatis .438, 1 RBI, 16 AB Brian Schneider .400, 1 RBI, 5 AB Luis Castillo .364, 2 RBI, 44 AB Gary Sheffield .259, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 27 AB David Wright .231, 1 HR,1 RBI, 13 AB *** Ortiz vs. Mets (lifetime, 9-7, 5.20): David Wright .545, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 11 AB Cory Sullivan .400, 10 AB Gary Sheffield .385, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 13 AB Luis Castillo .267, 45 AB Alex Cora .214, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 28 AB Brian Schneider .167, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 18 AB Fernando Tatis .167, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 12 AB Angel Berroa .167, 1 RBI, 6 AB Jeff Francoeur .143, 7 AB *** Moehler vs. Mets (lifetime, 2-5, 3.60): Alex Cora 1.000, 1 AB David Wright .385, 1 RBI, 13 AB Brian Schneider .250, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 12 AB Jeff Francoeur .222, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 9 AB Fernando Tatis .200, 5 AB Cory Sullivan .000, 1 RBI, 4 AB Luis Castillo .000, 2 AB Daniel Murphy .000, 2 AB

[u:2nfwnsgv]Mets:[/u:2nfwnsgv] Angel Pagan CF Luis Castillo 2B David Wright 3B Jeff Francoeur RF Fernando Tatis LF Daniel Murphy 1B Omir Santos C Angel Berroa SS Johan Santana LHP (11-7, 2.92) [u:2nfwnsgv]Astros:[/u:2nfwnsgv] Michael Bourn CF Kaz Matsui 2B Miguel Tejada SS Carlos Lee CF Hunter Pence RF Pudge Rodriguez C Chris Coste 1B Jeff Keppinger 3B Mike Hampton LHP (5-7, 4.63) Three ex-Mets in the Houston lineup plus ex-Phillie (and author) Coste. Congrats to the Mets who only have only one player in the lineup tonight hitting .000. No Sheffield and no Cora but no DL move. Perhaps they're too busy "investigating" things to field a healthy team. I usually bold "Mets" when I post the lineups but this team doesn't deserve bolding. Sorry Mets, I know it hurts but that's the price you pay.

Why are the Mets in Port St. Lucie? Whatever the reason, it looks like lots of long bus rides for the Mets next ST: From Joel Sherman: In the Mets New York Mets ' galaxy of problems, losing a regular spring partner really is way down on the list. However, it is a problem that the Orioles are leaving their Fort Lauderdale spring base immediately. That will leave the Mets with even fewer options to play relatively nearby in spring training. Fort Lauderdale is approximately 90 miles from Port St. Lucie. The Mets played the Orioles six times last spring training, three in Fort Lauderdale. Now the Orioles are moving to the western part of Florida in Sarasota. Now the only teams that will be less than 100 miles away will be the Dodgers in Vero Beach (34 miles), the Nationals in Viera (72 miles), and the Marlins and Cardinals, who both train in Jupiter (33 miles). Those are all NL teams, including two from the NL East. Ideally, you want to have opponents from the opposite league nearby so that it matters less than they see, in particular, your pitchers so often. http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/st/archives/2009/07/mets_will_be_lo.html

Heyman said yesterday that it was someone connect with Willie Randolph: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2009/07/23/2009-07-23_for_mets_tony_bernazards_shirt_incident_provides_indecent_exposure.html

Fantastic show. The new season starts August 16.

Sherman nails it in point #2. Either the Mets knew and did nothing until it became public or didn't know until it became public and both possibilities are inexcusable. Plus, what exactly are the Mets "investigating" now? Did the guy do those things? Everyone knows he did. http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/st/archives/2009/07/3_up_the_bernaz.html

Jerry laughed 3 times in his post-game presser. One run in two games against a pathetic team and he's making jokes. Perhaps he was working on his routine when he forgot to walk Willingham with a runner at 2d in a tie game and a sub-.200 hitter on deck. I guess knowing you won't be fired no matter how many games you lose is funny, too.

Adam LaRoche to the Red Sox. We're awaiting comment on the Pirates from Carlos Beltran.

This is now on espn.com. Congrats Mets for becoming even more of an embarrassment.