Lidge DLed
The Phillies placed Brad Lidge on the DL on Monday because he is not fully recovered from offseason knee surgery. Lidge was a key acquisition for the Phils who were able to then move Brett Myers back into the starting rotation. He’s eligible to return on April 5 so he will probably be active for part Philadelphia’s first series with the Mets
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Maine Man
John Maine pitched a gem today. In 6 innings he allowed 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 7. He even picked off a runner at first. I’m feeling very good about the 4th slot in the rotation right now. If only the 5th slot would sort itself out.
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Starting Rotation
Willie Randolph announced the starting pitching rotation after yesterday’s game. And it is:
No surprises there except that Willie chose not to anoint a 5th starter despite having previously said he wants to name one by the start of the season. Both Orlando Hernandez and Mike Pelfrey had been competing for the job. They also both had lousy outings yesterday. El Duque had been clocked at 60 MPH on some pitches. Ugh.
Though I have written previously that I’d like Pelfrey to spend some time in the minors to mature his abilities I thought he pitched well enough this spring (until yesterday) to win the spot at least for the start of the season.
After the Mets acquired Santana I wrote a blog entry (actually more than one) calling for the Mets to sign another starter. My thinking was that with the condition that El Duque was in at the time he would not be able to be a serviceable starter. As time went on it became clear (to me at least) that he would not be ready to start the season due to the change being made in his delivery. At the time I was talking about this Kyle Lohse was still available. Though I don’t think Lohse would be the answer toward the top of the rotation he is certainly better than anyone the Mets currently have to fill the 5th slot. Instead it looks like we’re back to square one as far as the 5th rotation spot goes.
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Mets Notes
- Fernando Martinez was re-assigned to minor league camp yesterday along with Tony Armas Jr., who actually just arrived in camp the other day because of visa problems.
- John Maine struck out 7 in 5 innings yesterday.
- It’s becoming more apparent that Duaner Sanchez is running out of time to prove himself and may, indeed, start the season on the disable list. He has yet to pitch in consecutive games and manager Willie Randolph appears to be losing patience. Willie was very blunt when talking about the Sanchez situation before last night’s game. “Is Sanchez on the borderline of not being able to break camp with us? Yeah… He’s behind, obviously.”
- Jose Valentin worked out yesterday to see if the medication he’s been taking for his neck has helped. He admitted that he has thought about surgery. I think what he really needs to admit is that it’s time to hang ’em up.
- Eric Simon at Amazin’ Avenue has updated the Make-The-Mets-O-Meter.
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Jim Caple on the Knuckleball
In ESPN Page 2 Jim Caple discusses Seattle Mariners knuckleballer R.A. Dickey and wonders why coahes don’t teach the knuckleball more
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Notes From An Off Day
- The diagnosis on Jason Vargas‘s hip is a torn labrum. He’ll have surgery on Monday.
- Ruddy Lugo was optioned to AAA.
- Carlos Delgado is day to day after receiving stitches in his right forearm. Delgado was struck by the barrel of a broken bat during Sunday’s game.
- There is growing concern about Duaner Sanchez‘s rehab and if he’ll be ready for opening day. Though he says he’s feeling good and getting stronger Sanchez has still not pitched in consecutive games.
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Art Shamsky on Mickey Mantles Live
1969 World Champion New York Met Art Shamsky was a guest on Mickey Mantles Live on BlogTalkRadio last Friday evening. Use the widget below to hear the whole netcast.
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Hernandez, Pelfrey Throw Simulated Games
Livan Hernandez threw a simulated game today. His fastball topped out at 81 mph. Hitters all around the league have started to calculate if their scheduled games against the Mets coincide with the 5th spot in the teams rotation. Brian Schneider said that in the last inning El Duque was working on control and not velocity. That’s fine but a top speed of 81 does not do much for fans enthusiasm.
Hernandez is scheduled to start on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals. That will obviously be a big test for him.
In the meantime Mike Pelfrey, Hernandez’s competition for the fifth spot in the rotation, pitched well in a simulated game. Catcher Ramon Castro, who is day to day after an MRI on his ailing right hamstring came back negative, said Pelfrey threw well.
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Perez Is Hot
Oliver Perez had a good outing today.
He allowed 1 run on 2 hits while striking out 5 and walking none in 5 innings of work. Now if only he could do that in September.
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The End For Valentin?
Jose Valentin is going to New York for treatment on a pinched nerve in his neck. Rumor has it that if treatment doesn’t work and surgery is recommended he may retire. Frankly this team doesn’t need Valentin and I wouldn’t miss him if he were gone. I always thought that the Mets thought he should retire and only signed him again because they didn’t think he would make the team. I’d bet they were figuring he just wouldn’t make the cut as opposed to getting knocked out by an injury. But the net gain is the same either way.
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