Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Mets, Phils both struggling to sting their wins together

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July 3

New York Post

"With their many injuries, the Mets likely don't have the talent to stick with the first-place Phillies, who they play this weekend, but they don't need their manager enforcing that belief. Jerry Manuel insisted his team needs to add a bat to the lineup with Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes and Carlos Delgado on the disabled list, statements that can't be helping the players in the clubhouse, according to SNY analyst Ron Darling. "You have a roomful of players that are going out there and busting their rear ends to try and get the job done for you, and when you start to implore management to try and get someone else in there, you start wondering 'What's wrong with us?' " the former Mets hurler ..."

A-reddiculously Bad Start

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July 3

New York Post

"Tim Redding had a simple description for how he pitched yesterday. "Terrible from the first pitch really," the right-hander said. Redding gave up a double to Andrew McCutchen to start the game and things got worse from there. He lasted just 21⁄3 innings, allowed five runs on six hits and saw his ERA inflate to 6.99. With Oliver Perez close to returning from the disabled list, Redding could lose his spot in the starting rotation. Jerry Manuel has said he might "piggyback" Perez and Redding, splitting a start between them, but the manager said he's not sure now. Perez pitches tonight for Triple-A Buffalo against Rochester in his fourth and final rehab start. Redding had to deal with a ..."

Amazin'ly, There's Fireworks in Philly

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July 3

New York Post

"There is no way we could've expected what we're getting this weekend. This was the weekend the Phillies would bid farewell to the Mets, September coming a little bit early this year, the Phils taking advantage of the Fourth of July festivities to bury the Mets for good at Citizens Bank Park. There is no rhyme for this, no reason, no rational explanation. The Mets are beaten up and bloodied and battered, and have been for weeks, and even when they were fully fortified it wasn't as if they scared anyone with either fundamentals or fortitude. The Phillies? Everyone fell in love with the Phillies. "They play the game the way the game is supposed to be played," David Wright had said exactly 22 ..."

RBI Single in 10th Caps Wild Met Win

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July 3

New York Post

"Three nights ago, Jerry Manuel preached to his team it had enough talent to win games despite all its mounting injuries. Yesterday, the Mets showed he might just know what he's talking about. The Mets overcame rough weather, poor starting pitching and a rare stumble by their closer to gut out a 9-8 victory in 10 innings over the Pirates in a one-game makeup stop. They made the short trip across Pennsylvania to take on the first-place Phillies with a bit of confidence and trailing by just one game, after the Phillies lost in Atlanta last night. "I think what was good about today was because of the situation, [down 5-0 in the third], we could have just said, 'Let's pack up and head to ..."

Mets Win Marathon in Pittsburgh

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July 3

New York Times

"By his count, Fernando Tatis was wearing three ice packs. His left ankle and thigh were wrapped, as was his left side, as he hobbled through the Mets' clubhouse Thursday evening, a walking (gingerly), talking (excitedly) symbol of his team's resilience. In defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates, 9-8 in 10 innings, at PNC Park, the Mets overcame two rain delays, a miserable performance by their starting pitcher, a five-run deficit and a ninth-inning meltdown by their closer, Francisco Rodriguez. Tatis scored the winning run, racing home on Ryan Church's second straight game-winning hit, after being hit by a pitch for the second time in the game. Wincing as he jogged to first, Tatis surprised the ..."

Fernando Tatis takes two for team, helps save K-Rod as Mets beat Pirates

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July 3

New York Daily News

"Fernando Tatis hobbled home with the decisive run. Francisco Rodriguez demanded to make amends. And the Mets avoided further embarrassment Thursday. Barely. Summoned to protect a two-run lead in the ninth in a rainout makeup against the Pirates on the eve of a series in Philadelphia, K-Rod served up a game-tying homer to Adam LaRoche to suffer his third blown save in 24 chances. The Mets survived for a 9-8 win, though, as Ryan Church's two-out single in the 10th off Matt Capps scored Tatis when center fielder Andrew McCutchen air-mailed a throw to the plate after scooping the slick baseball on the wet turf. Tatis, who scored a career-high four times, had stolen second despite painfully ..."

For LaRoche, Pirates, satisfying finish elusive

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July 3

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"To look at Adam LaRoche, one never could imagine he had nearly lived out a baseball player's fantasy. It was LaRoche who took exception a month ago when New York's Carlos Beltran called it "embarrassing" that his Mets were swept by the Pirates, publicly declaring that Beltran had "zero class." And it was LaRoche, in the teams' first meeting since then, who belted a two-run, tying home run in the bottom of the ninth inning yesterday at PNC Park. Alas, the Mets prevailed, 9-8, in the 10th. "Wish it was a three-run shot," LaRoche said in a hushed tone at his locker. "Wasn't enough." Not in this dogfight that included two rain delays, three lead changes, five players hit by pitches, several ..."

Bucs waste early 5-run lead

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July 3

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Paul Maholm can count on one hand how many times he's allowed five earned runs in a game since May 25 of last season. Now, he's done it three times in the past 16 days. "We had a five-run lead, and I gave it up," he said. "On my part, that's pretty pathetic." Maholm wasted an early five-run cushion in what turned into a 9-8, 10-inning loss to the New York Mets in a back-and-forth make-up game Thursday afternoon at PNC Park. Trailing, 8-6, in the bottom of the ninth, the Pirates tied the score on Adam LaRoche's two-run homer run off All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez. But Ryan Church lined a run-scoring, two-out single off Matt Capps (1-4) in the top of the 10th, as the Mets won for the ..."

Lopez gets the call-up to start against Mets

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July 2

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The Phillies bypassed promising youngsters Carlos Carrasco and Drew Carpenter to award veteran Rodrigo Lopez tomorrow's start against the New York Mets, but team officials said that Lopez's experience was not the main factor in their decision. They simply felt that he gave them the best chance to win. "They said he was the guy who could help us at this moment because of the way he has been pitching," manager Charlie Manuel said. The move is significant because the Phillies view Lopez's assignment as potentially more than a spot start. With Antonio Bastardo (shoulder strain) likely sidelined for more than a month and the trade market for pitching bearish, Lopez could become a member of the ..."

David Wright responds to criticism from former New York Mets closer John Franco

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July 2

Trenton Times

"David Wright is tired of having his leadership questioned, and he isn't about to take flak from John Franco. The Mets third baseman fired back Wednesday at the former closer, who ripped Wright and his teammates for their lack of leadership, mental errors and selfish play in a radio interview Tuesday. Here was Wright's response after Wednesday's game: "With all due respect to Johnnie, he doesn't know what's going on in this clubhouse. I don't feel the need to have to defend myself as a leader. If these guys in here respect me and think of me as a leader, that's what I need. I don't worry myself about outside people saying what they're going to say, because it doesn't matter to me. What ..."

Former Met closer John Franco leads way in ripping ex-team

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July 2

New York Daily News

"John Franco last threw a pitch for the Mets in 2004, but Wednesday the former closer threw a high hard one at Jerry Manuel's team. Appearing on satellite radio, Franco not only said that the Mets lack leadership, but that some of them worry only about their stats and care more about getting paid than winning. "Watching them almost every day, there's no leadership there," Franco said on "MLB Home Plate" on Sirius XM Radio. "Nobody wants to step forward and be a leader. Something is missing and it's hard to put your finger on it. They got some great, talented players - (Jose) Reyes and (David) Wright and (Carlos) Beltran, now (Johan) Santana's there - but I just can't put my finger on it." ..."

David Wright asks Jerry Manuel to be in Mets' lineup, goes 0-for-4

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July 2

New York Daily News

"Jerry Manuel reversed course and started David Wright in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Brewers, after pledging the previous afternoon to give the third baseman a day off no matter how dire the Mets' circumstances were. Manuel said Wright let his feelings be known that he needed to be in the lineup. Wright nonetheless went 0-for-4. He struck out in his first three at-bats against Yovani Gallardo, lifting his season total to 79 Ks. "They need to see him out there like that," Manuel said about Wright's presence influencing the team. "After what we've kind of struggled with, it's important that they see him out there. He'll be OK." Wright has started all but one game this season, and now ..."

Former Met closer John Franco leads way in ripping ex-team

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July 2

New York Daily News

"John Franco last threw a pitch for the Mets in 2004, but Wednesday the former closer threw a high hard one at Jerry Manuel's team. Appearing on satellite radio, Franco not only said that the Mets lack leadership, but that some of them worry only about their stats and care more about getting paid than winning. "Watching them almost every day, there's no leadership there," Franco said on "MLB Home Plate" on Sirius XM Radio. "Nobody wants to step forward and be a leader. Something is missing and it's hard to put your finger on it. They got some great, talented players - (Jose) Reyes and (David) Wright and (Carlos) Beltran, now (Johan) Santana's there - but I just can't put my finger on it." ..."

Franco Rips Mets For Leadership Void

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July 2

New York Post

"Longtime Mets closer John Franco blasted his struggling former team in a radio interview this week, saying there is no leadership in the clubhouse and "too much individuality." Franco, who became the Mets' all-time saves leader during his 1990-2004 stint, was a guest instructor with the team in spring training this year. It's safe to say he won't be invited back after his withering criticism in an interview Tuesday with Sirius XM. "You know, there's still something missing there," Franco said. "I don't know what it is the last couple of years. Watching them almost every day, there's no leadership there. Nobody wants to step forward and be a leader. Something is missing, and it's hard to ..."

Amazin's Ride High Before Win

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July 2

New York Post

"It might have been the most scrutinized bus ride in Mets history. The trip from their hotel to Miller Park lasted less than 10 minutes, but the Mets' players couldn't stop talking about the team-building exercise ordered by Jerry Manuel before yesterday's game. The fact that the rare, every-man-on-board trip came on the same day as a much-needed, 1-0 win over the Brewers only added to the lore. "That's probably the first bus ride I've ever taken [in the regular season]," Ryan Church said. "You just had a sense that something good was going to happen today." On Manuel's orders, the Mets skipped batting practice and all pregame activity, not arriving until 11:15 a.m. CST -- just under two ..."

7 2/3 Shutout Innings Help End 5-Game Skid

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July 2

New York Post

"As much as Jerry Manuel wanted to credit the team meeting he called Tuesday night for the Mets' 1-0 win over the Brewers yesterday, there was one small problem: Mike Pelfrey wasn't at the meeting. So much for fiery pep talks, because Pelfrey was by far the driving force behind the badly needed matinee victory at Miller Park that snapped the reeling Replace-Mets' five-game skid. The big right-hander, who didn't find out about the meeting until the team-building bus ride ordered by Manuel yesterday morning, outdueled unheralded Milwaukee ace Yovani Gallardo for 72⁄3 innings in easily Pelfrey's most impressive start of the season. Despite committing his major-league leading fifth balk, ..."

Waste treatment

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July 2

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"Yovani Gallardo typically wins these games. You know, the kind in which he's dueling with the opposing pitcher. The games in which his own offense is struggling to score but he keeps the Milwaukee Brewers in the game by masterfully slicing and dicing the strike zone with the precision of a lifelong butcher. Sometimes he even bails out the offense by launching a game-winning home run. It's happened before. Twice, actually, this season alone. He needed a third occurrence for a victory Wednesday. But it wasn't to be. Gallardo matched New York Mets right-hander Mike Pelfrey nearly pitch-for-pitch, but a hiccup in the sixth inning cost Gallardo and the Brewers the series sweep as they lost, ..."

Mike Pelfrey's gem, team commute lift Mets over Brewers, end losing streak

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July 2

New York Daily News

"Maybe the Mets ought to call a team meeting and be forced to ride the bus to work together every day. After a fed-up Jerry Manuel lectured his players and made them commute to the ballpark as a group rather than travel in separate taxicabs, the Mets snapped a season-high five-game losing streak with a 1-0 win against the Brewers. Of course, 7 2/3 scoreless innings by Mike Pelfrey probably had more to do with the victory than any motivational speeches. Pelfrey matched his longest outing this season while outdueling Brewers ace Yovani Gallardo (8-5). The lone run came on Ryan Church's one-out single in the sixth, which scored Luis Castillo, who had doubled to open the inning. The Mets ..."

Travel Plans Change and the Result Follows

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July 2

New York Times

"Manager Jerry Manuel sauntered into an empty clubhouse late Wednesday morning followed by his coaching staff, his trainers and, finally, his bedraggled players - every last one of them. The procession started in the bowels of Miller Park, where the team bus dropped everyone off - taxis were prohibited - in what Manuel conceded was a tactic to ease tension. By arriving together, his thinking went, perhaps the Mets would play together and even win together. Nothing that transpired during the 10-minute bus ride had a direct effect on the Mets' crisp 1-0 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers that snapped their five-game losing streak. The prevailing forces were the dominance of Mike Pelfrey ..."

Season Teeters After Another Fall

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July 2

New York Times

"Go ahead, sift through the remnants of the Mets' latest loss. Pick out the infuriating moments, the distressing lapses, the embarrassing fourth inning, and what remains is a hollow feeling. It's not shock; these defeats have been standard fare for much of the season. This loss, by 6-3 to the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night, stung more because the Mets' best pitcher, Johan Santana, unraveled, and there is no relief in sight. The cumulative effect bothered Manager Jerry Manuel enough to have "just a little family talk" with his team afterward, keeping the clubhouse closed for 28 minutes before allowing reporters to enter. He reminded his players not to feel sorry for themselves and to ..."

After Mets' 6-3 loss to Brewers, Jerry Manuel holds team meeting

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July 1

New York Daily News

"Jerry Manuel maintained for days that the undermanned Mets simply needed to find a way to tread water until the core returned. The manager took a different tact after the Mets lost their season-high fifth straight Tuesday night. The clubhouse doors remained closed for a half-hour after the 6-3 defeat to the Brewers as Manuel lectured his players not to feel sorry for themselves. "The whole key was to say that we have enough," Manuel said. "We've got enough in here to do what we need to get it done. Let's get it done." Johan Santana couldn't halt the free-fall as the Mets completed June with a 9-18record. The loss cemented the Mets' worst month since they went 7-19 in September of 2003 to ..."

Mets will sit David Wright and Gary Sheffield in finale against Brewers

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July 1

New York Daily News

"Jerry Manuel plans to give David Wright Wednesday's matinee off against the Brewers, even if it leaves an already depleted lineup naked. Manuel said he's observed Wright's swing getting "long" recently, although his third baseman broke a 79 at-bat home run drought Wednesday night with a two-run blast. The manager insisted he has to keep Wright fresh and plans to start Fernando Tatis at third base. Wright has started all but one of the Mets' 76 games at third base. He had three hits last night but was 1-for-16 in the previous four games. Gary Sheffield also should have this afternoon's series finale off. The Mets face southpaw Paul Maholm in Pittsburgh tomorrow afternoon, and both ..."

Brewers: Milwaukee trumps Mets' ace

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July 1

Wisconsin State Journal

"Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder and the Milwaukee Brewers are still in first place despite a rough month. The Mets haven't been so lucky. Braun hit a three-run double and scored on Johan Santana's throwing error, sending the Brewers to a 6-3 victory on Tuesday night at Miller Park that extended New York's losing streak to a season-high five games. Fielder added a solo homer and fill-in starter Mike Burns earned his first major league win for the National League Central-leading Brewers, who have won four of five and hold a two-game lead over the Cardinals. "It couldn't get much better," Braun said. "We have a tough schedule up until the All-Star break. We've got these guys one more day, go to ..."

Season Teeters After Another Fall

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July 1

New York Times

"Go ahead, sift through the remnants of the Mets' latest loss. Pick out the infuriating moments, the distressing lapses, the embarrassing fourth inning, and what remains is a hollow feeling. It's not shock; these defeats have been standard fare for much of the season. This loss, by 6-3 to the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night, stung more because the Mets' best pitcher, Johan Santana, unraveled, and there is no relief in sight. The cumulative effect bothered Manager Jerry Manuel enough to have "just a little family talk" with his team afterward, keeping the clubhouse closed for 28 minutes before allowing reporters to enter. He reminded his players not to feel sorry for themselves and to ..."

News on Beltran (No Surgery) Relieves the Mets

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July 1

New York Times

"Carlos Beltran is not expected to return until after the All-Star break, and considering the alternative, the Mets could not be happier. His consultation Monday in Vail, Colo., with Dr. Richard Steadman, a noted orthopedic surgeon, confirmed that Beltran had only bone bruises in his right knee and would not need surgery. "There were a lot of questions as to whether there was something new or something else in there, and the word we got from the second opinion was that, no, it was pretty much what we knew it was," John Ricco, the Mets' assistant general manager, said before Tuesday night's 6-3 loss to the Brewers. "Now it's just a matter of how quickly he's able to heal." The short answer ..."

Beltran gets reassuring news

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June 30

Bergen Record

"A person familiar with the results of the examination in Colorado said that the meeting with Dr. Richard Steadman backed up the diagnosis of Carlos Beltran's right knee. The exam by the reknowned orthopedic surgeon found a bone bruise and recommended rest, not surgery for the Mets' centerfielder. While this injury can lead to microfracture surgery as a solution - and Beltran already had both knees cleaned out surgically after the 2007 season - Steadman, the inventor of the microfracture technique, did not believe surgery was necessary."

Source: Carlos Beltran could be ready to return to Mets after All-Star break

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July 1

New York Daily News

"Carlos Beltran's trip to Vail, Colo., provided a reassuring diagnosis, a source familiar with the examination told the Daily News. Dr. Richard Steadman, who examined Beltran on Monday, agreed with the team medical staff's assessment that the center fielder is suffering from a bone bruise. Steadman is expected to recommend Beltran remain inactive slightly longer than Mets doctor David Altchek initially suggested - until after the All-Star break. The doctors had yet to speak as of Tuesday morning, according to a source. The Steadman Hawkins Clinic is where Alex Rodriguez had hip surgery. The group also has pioneered microfracture surgery on knees. But assistant GM John Ricco explicitly said ..."

Amazin's feeling the heat during slide

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June 30

Bergen Record

columnist Bob Klapisch

"Faster and faster the Mets keep swirling downward, heading toward oblivion. The latest missile to the solar plexus, aside from the fourth straight loss in Milwaukee on Monday night, is news that Carlos Beltran is seeking a second opinion on his tender right knee, and conceivably might need surgery. If so, say goodbye to this $140 million abomination, if you haven't already. No one blames Mets' fans for feeling like they're in purgatory. Everyone's hurt - the medical staff seemingly has botched every injury - the new ballpark is too big, the seats are too expensive, the remaining players are (maybe) a notch above Class AAA caliber. No wonder Citi Field was so dreary over the weekend, when ..."

A leadoff hitter named Reyes, a bench coach named Willie and a funky smell in the New York Mets' clubhouse

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June 30

Trenton Times

"There was a Reyes leading off for the Mets on Monday night. But it was no indication of the Mets getting healthy. Just another sign of how far they have fallen. Argenis Reyes, not Jose, led off and started at shortstop against the Brewers in place of Alex Cora. Manager Jerry Manuel said Cora needed a rest and also has been bothered by the torn ligament in his right thumb. Plus, Manuel got to write "Reyes" in the No. 1 spot for the first time in a while. "Just writing Reyes' name at the top might mean something, you know?" Manuel said. Wishful thinking, maybe. But Manuel had a couple other reasons for batting Reyes ahead of Daniel Murphy, who hit second. "I think that's probably where he's ..."

New York Mets' Carlos Beltran seeks second opinion of knee injury from Colorado surgeon

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June 30

Trenton Times

"Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran traveled to Vail, Colo., to get a second opinion on his injured right knee Monday from Dr. Richard Steadman, who specializes in knee surgery. But assistant general manager John Ricco said the team still believes it is only a bone bruise and surgery has not been discussed. Beltran visited the same clinic Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez went to for his hip surgery. There was no immediate word on the result of the exam, but Ricco said it was initiated by Beltran and agent Scott Boras, and doesn't reflect any increased concern on the Mets' part. "It's no different than when we first put him on the DL," Ricco said. "He asked to go have a second opinion, which ..."

While waiting on injuries, it's calendar that hurts Mets most

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June 30

New York Daily News

"Their combined salary this season is $67.4 million. Their combined presence on the disabled list has helped put the Mets under .500 after Monday night's 10-6 loss to the Brewers. With Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, John Maine, Angel Pagan, Oliver Perez, J.J. Putz, Jose Reyes and Billy Wagner all on the DL - and with the Phillies perhaps having finished their swoon with consecutive weekend wins in Toronto - the Mets are in danger of being buried by the end of the July 4 weekend. This seven-game trip, which includes a makeup game in Pittsburgh on Thursday afternoon, ends with an all-important three-game series in Philadelphia. How the Mets fare in that one could make trade-deadline ..."

Beltran's Season (Career?) Could Hinge on Diagnosis

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June 30

New York Post

"A Mets team that can hardly afford more bad injury news is facing exactly that with All-Star center fielder Carlos Beltran. The Mets confirmed yesterday that Beltran was in Vail, Colo., for a second opinion on his ailing right knee, this one from noted orthopedic surgeon Richard Steadman. The ominous aspect of that for Beltran and the Mets is that Steadman is the inventor of microfracture knee surgery, an operation that -- if he opts to have it -- could sideline Beltran for the rest of the season, and potentially jeopardize his career. Beltran, 32, already has had arthroscopic surgery on both knees, doing so after the 2007 season. Steadman, who runs the clinic where Alex Rodriguez's hip ..."

Trade Talk Will Surely Heat Up

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June 30

New York Post

columnist Bart Hubbuch

"The possibility that Carlos Beltran will miss a sizable amount of time, if not the rest of the season, puts even more pressure on Mets GM Omar Minaya to swing a trade to bring his depleted team a bat. Washington's Nick Johnson and Adam Dunn, and Aubrey Huff of the Orioles have been linked most often to the Mets after Mark DeRosa's weekend trade to the Cardinals. Manager Jerry Manuel, who said Sunday he would push for a trade if the Mets fell below .500, stood by that yesterday, before their loss to Milwaukee dropped them to 37-38. But he said he had made no calls yet to Minaya. "I don't say, 'Hey, go get me this guy, get me that guy,' " Manuel said. "I focus on the guys I have here.""

Latest Loss Leaves Mets Looking Up at .500

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June 30

New York Times

"Call it spin or delusion, but the Mets say they do not care as much about their record as they do their place in the standings. Thinking that way has comforted them, consoled them during this challenging time. But now that they are losing ground in the National League East as quickly as they are losing games, there is no other way to twist their plight. "We're a below-average team," Manager Jerry Manuel said. "Period." The Mets dropped below .500 for the first time since May 5 on Monday night after they lost to the Milwaukee Brewers, 10-6, their fourth straight defeat. In dropping to 37-38, they slipped to third place in the division, a half-game behind Florida and three behind ..."

For Beltran, a Second Opinion on His Knee

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June 30

New York Times

"Carlos Beltran wanted a second opinion for his ailing right knee, and his agent, Scott Boras, favored a particular doctor. So on Monday, Beltran was in Vail, Colo., being examined by Dr. Richard Steadman, who pioneered the technique known as microfracture surgery. John Ricco, the Mets' assistant general manager, said the team had no reason to think something more serious was wrong with Beltran's knee, and that surgery had not been discussed. "With a player of this importance to us, there's no argument on our end to get another look," Ricco said before the Mets' 10-6 loss to the Brewers. "He asked to go have a second opinion, which is his right under the rules. With him, there's no reason ..."

McGehee makes amends with slam

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June 30

Wisconsin State Journal

"Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum had recently told Casey McGehee that there's nothing like the emotional swings they face in baseball. McGehee faced it all in the same inning. "I experienced them both pretty quick," McGehee said. "It's ironic people start talking about stuff and it happens right away." McGehee hit his first career grand slam moments after committing a costly gaffe in the sixth inning and then taking out his frustrations on his helmet in the Milwaukee Brewers' 10-6 win over the reeling New York Mets Monday night. "Me and my helmet are going to have to have a sitdown apology session later," he joked. "I might have hurt its feelings." J.J. Hardy went 4-for-4 with a homer and ..."

Slam redeems McGehee

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June 30

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"The look on Casey McGehee's face never changed. Not once. At least not while it was visible to the public. McGehee redeemed himself after a costly and embarrassing gaffe put the New York Mets on the scoreboard by hitting a frenzy-sparking grand slam that took the burden off his shoulders and propelled the Milwaukee Brewers to a 10-6 victory and first place in the National League Central on Monday at Miller Park. The Brewers had 19 hits, the most at home since 2005, but none shining more than McGehee's first career granny. After dropping an ever routine pop-up in the top of the sixth inning that eventually led to two Mets runs, the Brewers infielder stood near third base with a stoic ..."

New York Mets' David Wright leads All-Star fan balloting among NL third basemen

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June 29

Newark Star-Ledger

"David Wright has opened a commanding lead in fan balloting for the NL All-Star team, according to figures released Monday. The Mets third baseman is at 2,049,487 votes, well ahead of Atlanta's Chipper Jones, who has 1,351,455. Carlos Beltran would also be a starter if balloting ended Monday, though he is unlikely to play because of his knee injury."

Manuel Close To Begging For Help

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June 29

New York Post

"Jerry Manuel is not banging down Omar Minaya's door begging for help . . . yet. But the Mets manager is definitely getting closer. In his strongest statement of the season, Manuel said before last night's game that if the Mets slip below .500 -- a mark they dropped to with their 4-2 loss to the Yankees -- Minaya needs to make a trade for a big bat. The Mets embark on a seven-game road trip today against the Brewers, Pirates and Phillies. "If we get below [.500] and we continue to struggle offensively as we are, I think that's a no-brainer," Manuel said. "I think we have to visit that. I think that has to be visited or talked about at some point. It would be dishonest if I said no." ..."

Jeter Returns

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June 29

New York Post

"Derek Jeter not only didn't play on Friday or Saturday against the Mets, he didn't make it into the Yankees' dugout either. "I haven't even been on the bench," Jeter said yesterday. "[I was] sort of quarantined." But it's time to lift the restrictions: Jeter is healthy and able again. The Yankees shortstop, leadoff hitter and captain was back in the lineup for last night's Subway Series finale at Citi Field, returning after a two-game absence because of flu-like symptoms. "Good to go, buddy," he said. In his first career at-bat at Citi Field, Jeter opened the game with a double off the left-field wall and scored on Mark Teixeira's two-run double. He was 1-for-2 with three walks. ..."

Rough, Wild Night for K-Rod

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June 29

New York Post

"On a night when the Yankees closer achieved another career milestone, the Mets closer suffered a career embarrassment. Francisco Rodriguez, who has been nearly perfect for the Mets this year, walked Mariano Rivera with the bases loaded in the ninth inning to extend the Yankees lead to 4-2. The at-bat was just the third of Rivera's career and he had been 0-for-2. The walk gave him the first RBI of his 15-year career. He previously struck out and flied out. Afterward, Rodriguez said the Rivera walk was a symptom of wildness he's suffered in his last few appearances. "It's been the last couple of outings," Rodriguez said. "I haven't been able to make pitches when I needed to. I've been a ..."

YANKS DO LITTLE WANG IN SUBWAY SWEEP

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June 29

New York Post

"Mariano Rivera's historic night only added to the Replace-Mets' shame. Rivera not only became just the second player ever to record 500 saves, but the Yankees' closer also notched his first career RBI in a 4-2 win that completed a three-game Subway Series sweep at Citi Field and extended the Mets' swoon. Mets closer Frankie Rodriguez made his team a punch line in the ninth inning when he walked Rivera on a 3-2 pitch with the bases loaded to force in a run as the remaining pro-Yankees crowd erupted in laughter and cheers. There was plenty for the Yankees to celebrate as Rivera completed a four-out save as the last of three relievers to shut out the Mets over the final 4 2/3 innings. ..."

Desperate Mets says trade, help would 'send message' to clubhouse

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June 29

New York Daily News

"Jerry Manuel keeps using terms like "tread water," "survive" and "hold on." But even the Mets' manager admits that it soon may be time to make a trade. "I think if we get below that (.500) mark and we continue to struggle offensively as we are, I think that's a no-brainer," Manuel said of making a deal for a hitter. "I think we have to visit that. It has to be talked about at some point. It would be dishonest if I said no." The Mets, who have lost four straight to the Yankees, including Sunday night's 4-2 defeat that capped the Bombers' Citi Field sweep, are trying to persevere with Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado on the disabled list. But the lineup is sputtering, and there ..."

Mariano Rivera works count vs. K-Rod, walks to earn first RBI

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June 29

New York Daily News

"It was the rarest of rare sights in New York baseball. One of the city's two elite closers, Francisco Rodriguez, was staring down a bases loaded jam in the in the ninth inning while facing his crosstown counterpart, future Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera. "That's probably one-in-a-100," Rodriguez said of the chances of the encounter. And it was memorable while it lasted. The Yankees were looking to add some insurance to their one-run lead with Derek Jeter up and runners on first and second and two out. But rather than intentionally walk Jeter to load the bases and face Rivera, who had just two career at-bats coming into Sunday night, the Mets initially chose to pitch to Jeter. When ..."

Oliver Perez twists into form in rehab start with Cyclones

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June 29

New York Daily News

"While the Mets and Yankees geared up for the final game of the Subway Series Sunday, Mets pitcher Oliver Perez instead was surrounded by little children during the national anthem as he waited to pitch for the Brooklyn Cyclones. The Mets could have used their $36 million lefthander as they were swept in Flushing - Perez is 5-1 with a 2.61 ERA in six career starts against the Yankees. And that was the kind of form he displayed against the Hudson Valley Renegades at KeySpan Park in Coney Island. Perez, pitching in his second minor league rehab start as he continues to work his way back from patellar tendinitis that has kept him on the disabled list since May 6, pitched five scoreless ..."

Pressed into duty, Fernando Martinez struggling for stumbling Mets

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June 29

New York Daily News

"As if the disabled list weren't causing him to lose enough sleep, Jerry Manuel is also worrying about the mental health of Fernando Martinez, the Mets' top position prospect who wouldn't be in the big leagues if not for all of the injuries. Struggling mightily against major league pitching, Martinez entered last night's game with a .164 average (12-for-73), no home runs and just six RBI in 23 games. Leading up to the Subway Series finale at Citi Field, he was also 0-for-11 in three starts and two pinch-hitting appearances over the Mets' 10-game homestand. Nonetheless, Martinez was in the starting lineup Sunday night, playing center field and batting in the No. 6 spot because of a favorable ..."

Milestone for Rivera and Sweep for Yanks

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June 29

New York Times

"On the same grounds where he celebrated the Yankees' last title, Mariano Rivera could not help draw attention to himself on Sunday. Personal glory is uncomfortable for Rivera, the Yankees' humble closer. But with 500 saves, he has no choice. Rivera, who closed out the 2000 World Series at the old Shea Stadium, reached a milestone matched only by Trevor Hoffman by silencing the Mets for the final four outs of a 4-2 victory at Citi Field. He even drove in the Yankees' last run with a bases-loaded walk against Francisco Rodriguez. It was the first run batted in of a career that began in 1995. Rivera was a starter then and a setup man the next season, when he picked up five saves. He evolved ..."

For Jeter, Memories of Shea Are Not All Happy

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June 29

New York Times

"It is all about championships for Derek Jeter, or so he has always said, yet he holds no sentiment for the place where the Yankees last won a title. It was Shea Stadium, the former home of the Mets, where Jeter hugged Luis Sojo in triumph after the last out of the 2000 World Series. And he says he does not miss it. "I'm not trying to be disrespectful, I just didn't like the stadium," Jeter said on Sunday, before his first game at Citi Field after two days off with the flu. "The field conditions were not good. Hitting at that stadium was a lot different than playing defense." The visiting clubhouse at Shea was also uncomfortable, Jeter said, even though that is the last place he sprayed ..."

Manuel Plays the Cards He Has, Such as They Are

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June 29

New York Times

"Mets Manager Jerry Manuel was doing his best to be a good employee and not tell his boss, General Manager Omar Minaya, how to do his job. After two losses in a row to the Yankees, in which the Mets managed just four hits combined, Manuel was asked before the Mets' 4-2 loss Sunday if his team could afford to wait much longer for Minaya to make a deal to try to jolt a Mets offense that is without the injured Carlos Delgado, Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes. "I have to deal with what I have here," Manuel said. Then he turned candid. He added that if the Mets, 37-37 after Sunday's loss, fell far below .500, trying to acquire an offensive threat would be a "no-brainer." "You're going to write ..."

Jerry Manuel's subs are bridges to nowhere as Mets are blanked by Yankees

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June 28

New York Daily News

columnist Bill Madden

"It took the Yankees three times around the lineup to solve the journeyman refugee from the Washington Nationals that is Tim Redding, with a vicious sixth-inning assault of four straight hard hits capped by Jorge Posada's three-run homer. After that, the only suspense left in this embarrassing mismatch of a Subway Series was whether the Yankees' A.J. Burnett was going to pitch the second no-hitter of his career. Heaven knows, the ingredients were all there Saturday night for Burnett to toss a collective pie in the Mets' faces, what with the latest makeshift lineup of soft hitters Jerry Manuel was forced to sprinkle around David Wright and Gary Sheffield. As it was, Alex Cora broke up ..."

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