Mets News

"When the Mets return to Shea Friday, Willie Randolph might be wondering if he's checking his team into Shea Stadium or a psychiatric ward. Or as WFAN's Mike (Sports Pope) Francesa put it Wednesday afternoon: "Mets fans are nuts." Not all of them. Just the impatient, lunatic fringe who, after a grand total of 32 games, and with the Mets a game-and-a-half out of first in the NL East, want Randolph fired."

"The good news for the Mets is the damage Angel Pagan suffered to his left shoulder flipping over a wall at Dodger Stadium Wednesday has been diagnosed as a bruise that leaves the outfielder day-to-day. But if Pagan doesn't go on the disabled list, will general manager Omar Minaya really admit a $2million mistake and walk away from Jorge Sosa in order to make room for other players ready to come off the DL? "

"Angel Pagan spent the off day getting an MRI exam and examination by team doctor Struan Coleman at the Hospital for Special Surgery. The testing revealed a left shoulder contusion, and the Mets are listing the outfielder as day-to-day."

"The Mets' 12-1 romp over the Dodgers on Wednesday couldn't overshadow the fact that their best player remains in a perplexing funk. Since a three-game show of force against the Phillies in Philadelphia two weeks ago, even David Wright admits he has been a little more than a shadow of his All-Star self at the plate. Wright had a double in Wednesday's rout in Los Angeles, but was fruitless in his other four at-bats and is hitting just .155 (9-for-58) in the wake of that eight-hit weekend eruption in Philly. "

"A cloudy sky was only a small reason why it was so dreary at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday. In a rare weekday afternoon start, the Dodgers appeared to still have sleep in their eyes as they were clobbered 12-1 by the New York Mets. And the game didn't even seem to be as close as the lopsided score would indicate. "

"The Dodgers' heavily taxed bullpen logged another 4 1/3 innings Wednesday in a 12-1 loss to the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium, as Brad Penny gave up a career-high 10 runs and was forced to exit early. Penny gave up five two-out runs in the fifth inning and was replaced by Scott Proctor."

"John Maine fell two outs shy of a complete game, but the Mets' victory over the Dodgers Wednesday was complete in virtually every other way. A day after stranding 13 baserunners and watching an early three-run lead erode - Willie Randolph suggested his team "gave away" that game - the Mets forged a split of a six-game trip to Arizona and L.A. by tagging two-time All-Star Brad Penny for a career-high 10 runs on the way to a 12-1 win."

"Angel Pagan futilely tried to locate the wall in foul territory down the left-field line after catching Andre Ethier's first-inning fly ball Wednesday. The Mets left fielder ended up flipping over it and wedging his left shoulder into a seat as his entire body applied pressure to the joint. Pagan, who held onto the ball, will have an MRI Thursday in New York. "I really have faith that it's nothing bad," Pagan said. "I didn't feel anything crack. It was just like the shoulder dislocated and came back. That was the feeling. We'll just wait for the results." "

"Angel Pagan is headed for an MRI exam in New York today after injuring his left shoulder on a spectacular catch in the first inning of yesterday's 12-1 win over the Dodgers. The Mets' backup outfielder drove his shoulder into a folding seat after flipping over a cement wall along the third-base line while catching a pop-up by Andre Ethier. Pagan somehow held on to the ball and stayed in the game for another inning before aggravating the injury on a slide into second base in the third. The Mets then lifted him for Endy Chavez Endy Chavez . "

"Where in the world did this come from? When exasperated Mets fans least expected it, the gang that couldn't buy a timely hit most of this season couldn't stop spraying them around Dodger Stadium in a 12-1 runaway here yesterday. "

"Instead of running into walls — in the field and at the plate — they simply ran over them. After Ryan Church came up empty crashing into the wall Tuesday night, leading to a game-winning inside-the-park home run by Blake DeWitt, and the rest of the Mets were equally futile at delivering big hits, there were no such problems Wednesday in a 12-1 victory against the Dodgers."

"Once he finally got there, Kuo didn't figure to complain about being shuttled back and forth between the rotation and the bullpen, either. And his dutiful acceptance of one of baseball's least glamorous roles never came in more handy for the Dodgers than it did on Tuesday night, when they rode it to a 5-4 victory - their 10th in their past 11 games - over the New York Mets in front of 43,927 at Dodger Stadium."

"No attempt was made on the Dodgers' bench to conceal excitement this time, the players and coaches leaping out of their seats when Blake DeWitt touched home plate. DeWitt initially received the silent treatment from his jesting teammates upon hitting his first career home run the previous day, but he was immediately mobbed in the dugout for his blast Tuesday -- a fifth-inning, two-run, inside-the-park home run that reversed a one-run deficit and put the Dodgers on their way to a 5-4 victory over the New York Mets."

"Move over Pat Burrell, there's a new Met-killer in the National League. And his name is Blake DeWitt. Never heard of him? Well, most Mets probably didn't either before the start of this three-game series at Dodger Stadium. But they know who he is now. For the second straight night, DeWitt homered off Met pitching, with Tuesday night's round-tripper a game-deciding, inside-the-park, two-run homer that handed the Mets a 5-4 loss. "

"With reliever Matt Wise expected to come off the disabled list soon, the Mets have a decision to make. Wise, sidelined since the first week of the season by a bruised right forearm, is scheduled to pitch on consecutive days this week as part of his minor-league rehab assignment. If all goes well, Wise could be activated for the Mets' weekend series at home against the Reds. Where Willie Randolph will put the right-hander is the question. The Mets have ruled out carrying an extra pitcher, and Wise isn't likely to unseat the struggling Aaron Heilman. The more viable candidates to go are Joe Smith or last night's emergency starter, Nelson Figueroa. "

"After blooming in the desert last weekend, the Mets' offense suddenly is MIA again. A pathetic hitting display Monday prompted most of the lineup to show up hours early for extra batting practice yesterday afternoon. But a lot of good that did the Mets last night in a 5-4 loss to the Dodgers. While rookie third baseman Blake DeWitt was electrifying the home crowd with a four-RBI night that included the Dodgers' first inside-the-park home run since 2003, the Mets couldn't stop wasting opportunities. "

"It is not even mid-May, and the Mets, despite their faults and foibles, are a mere game and a half out of first place. But the lack of reliable depth in the rotation is starting to cause some anxiety. Johan Santana has lived up to his billing, John Maine has overcome some struggles and Nelson Figueroa has been a pleasant surprise. But Oliver Pérez has lost his last three starts and Mike Pelfrey has dropped two straight. Neither has looked good in the process."

"Starter Hiroki Kuroda looked as though he were offering up batting-practice fastballs. Other Dodgers bobbled ground balls, loafed in the outfield and wandered off the bases into outs. But when the Mets were unable to take the game and run away with it, a little-known rookie for Los Angeles did, and the Dodgers defeated the Mets, 5-4. "

"As content as Joe Torre is in Los Angeles, Willie Randolph insists that he and his club are not deterred by the reaction back home. When the Mets left New York for this West Coast swing, they left behind the the Shea boo-birds, a residue Randolph believes from the collapse at the end of last season. "In our mind we've moved on," Randolph said. "In spring training we were past it. Obviously the fans are having a tough time moving past that. We just hope that they eventually get behind this team because I think we're going to make them proud before the year is over."

"Maybe next time, Blake DeWitt will know what to do. Maybe next time, the Dodgers' rookie third baseman won't have to be prodded by hitting coach Mike Easler to climb to the top step of the dugout and pump his fist to the roar of a fan base that has spent the past month or so gradually falling in love with him. But in the fifth inning of the surging Dodgers' latest victory, 5-1 over the New York Mets in front of 44,181 on Monday night at Dodger Stadium, DeWitt suddenly found himself in a strange situation he wasn't quite sure how to handle. "

"The Dodgers brought the good times back with them to Dodger Stadium on Monday night, continuing the roll they started here 11 days ago and toted along during a triumphant trip to Florida and Colorado. There was a standing ovation for Chad Billingsley and a curtain call for Blake DeWitt during a 5-1 victory over the New York Mets that provided equal-opportunity enjoyment for the Dodgers."

"With reliever Matt Wise slated to return from the disabled list as soon as Friday, the Mets will debate three potential moves to clear room. The cleanest is to demote Joe Smith, who can be sent to Triple-A New Orleans without being exposed to waivers. But Smith entered Monday night's Dodgers series as one of the team's better-performing relievers. The sidearm-throwing Smith had a 3.14 ERA, .222 opponents batting average and had allowed just one of 12 inherited runners to score. "

" Oliver Perez may have been due for a gut check after Billy Wagner called him out last week, but neither had this in mind. Perez - who had recorded only five outs in his previous start, irking Wagner - took a line shot from Jeff Kent off the midsection in the first inning last night. The southpaw shook off that body blow after a visit from trainer Ray Ramirez, but ultimately took it on the chin as the Mets lost to Joe Torre's Dodgers, 5-1, at Dodger Stadium."

"Joe Torre still has the burning desire to win. But the first-year Dodgers skipper appreciates the contrast between L.A. and New York. "It's a little more laid back," Torre said before his team opened a three-game series against the Mets Monday night. "In saying that, it doesn't mean you don't have the hunger to win. I certainly would have a problem with that. Right now - and I say right now - baseball is in the sports section. That's a nice change." "

"Any time he misses managing in New York, Joe Torre only has to glance at his morning newspaper to come to his senses. How Torre's Dodgers are playing hasn't been on the front page of the L.A. Times once, and there are no tabloids in Southern California to jump on his every move. No wonder the former Yankees manager looked so relaxed yesterday as he held court in the Dodger Stadium home dugout before the opener of a three-game series with the Mets. "

"Willie Randolph doesn't think it was an accident that the Mets looked so relaxed while taking two of three from the Diamondbacks in Arizona over the weekend. Randolph admitted yesterday that the constant negativity from the fans at Shea Stadium so far this year - an obvious carryover from last September's epic collapse - has turned the road into a welcome refuge. "

"A change of scenery didn't make one bit of difference for Oliver Perez. The Mets' erratic left-hander followed up his dreadful start at Shea Stadium last Wednesday with another eyesore here last night, giving up three home runs in a 5-1 loss to the Dodgers. "

"Joe Torre is gone from New York, but he has a pretty good idea of what it will take for fans at Shea Stadium to stop raining boos on the Mets at the drop of a bat. Winning games in October should do."

"If Mets Manager Willie Randolph was eager to see what type of performance he would get from Oliver Pérez on Monday night, let’s say it wasn’t a good night for gut checks. Pérez, five days after being criticized by teammate Billy Wagner, turned in his third consecutive subpar start as the Dodgers hit three home runs off him in a 5-1 victory."

"It took exactly five weeks and 29 games, but the Mets finally had their Opening Day lineup on the field yesterday for the series finale against the Diamondbacks. With Moises Alou returning from the disabled list Friday and Brian Schneider giving a thumbs-up a day ahead of schedule, the 18th lineup the Mets used this season turned out to be the one they had planned in spring training. After yesterday's 5-2 win, the Mets are 1-0 at full strength this season, even if some players, such as Alou and Schneider, aren't quite at 100 percent yet."

"Mets manager Willie Randolph defended Rick Peterson and denied there was a gag order to prevent the pitching coach from talking with the media. Beyond Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez being on the disabled list, the Mets' pitching staff has more issues than five years of Sports Illustrated, and that's Peterson's responsibility."

"Johan Santana got the best of the pitching duel with Dan Haren, leaving with a 2-1 lead after both had pitched six innings. But when Joe Smith gave up a two-out, broken-bat single to plate a run in the seventh, Santana ended up with a no-decision. Still, he was content with his effort, giving up six hits and one run with eight strikeouts."

"In a game where quality starters Dan Haren and Johan Santana made their expected quality starts, two throws were about all that separated the DiamondbOne throw was two feet high. The other would have dotted an "i" at 250 feet. With them, the Mets showed the rest of the league that the Diamondbacks can lose a series, even if it wasn't decided until the final inning of the final game.acks and New York Mets. "

"Conor Jackson made a bad throw, Chad Qualls allowed an earned run, Chip Hale made a bad decision and the Diamondbacks lost a series. All are rarities this season, and all occurred in some form in Sunday afternoon's 5-2 rubber-match loss to the New York Mets, who departed Chase Field having won two of three games, the first time the Diamondbacks have dropped a series since the first week of the season."

"Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson has been under fire and mostly out of touch this season. Willie Randolph defended Peterson yesterday while giving the manager's version of why the usually talkative Peterson has been so unavailable to reporters since the end of spring training. Peterson has been criticized for his handling of the staff so far, specifically the Mets' porous collection of middle relievers and inconsistent young starters, Oliver Perez and Mike Pelfrey. Randolph, though, gave the embattled Peterson a vote of confidence before yesterday's 5-2 win here over the NL-leading Diamondbacks."

"The Mets never had any questions about right fielder Ryan Church's arm. How the former National would adjust to the New York microscope and his ability to hit left-handers were touchy subjects, but Church's cannon of a left arm was beyond reproach. That arm came through for the Mets in a big way here yesterday against the Diamondbacks, setting the table for a ninth-inning outburst that produced a 5-2 win at Chase Field. "

"Willie Randolph and coach Tom Nieto approached Brian Schneider in the visitors' clubhouse shortly after the catcher arrived Sunday, inquiring if he might be ready to catch Johan Santana in the series finale against the Diamondbacks. Schneider, who originally had pointed to Monday's series opener in Los Angeles for his return, said yes. And four days after being released from the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, where he dealt with a staph infection in his left thumb for nearly a week, Schneider returned to the lineup for the first time since April 23. He went 0-for-2 with a walk and sacrifice bunt. "

"Pedro Feliciano nearly threw away the game for the Mets, but teammate Ryan Church bailed out the reliever. No one could rescue Arizona first baseman Conor Jackson after his throwing error a half-inning later as the Mets beat the Diamondbacks, 5-2, Sunday to capture the series from the team with baseball's best record. "

"Catcher Brian Schneider, sidelined since April 23 with a thumb infection, plans to be back in the starting lineup Monday against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. The tip of Schneider's left thumb is almost completely covered with new skin after doctors repeatedly poked inside with a needle to drain the fluid. That makes catching some pitches painful, but Schneider figured another day of rest would help. "I can still feel it sometimes," he said. "But it's getting there.""

"After the Mets had played 11 innings Tuesday night against Pittsburgh, Oliver Perez needed to pitch well Wednesday afternoon. Not do the impossible - like go into the seventh inning - but at least keep the Mets in the game. After he failed, giving up seven runs in 1 2/3 innings, closer Billy Wagner said: "Perez has honestly got to step up and know that we've just used every guy in our bullpen the night before. He can't come out there and decide that gee, he hasn't got it today, and so be it." Everything he said was obvious. It's exactly what was on the mind of every Mets fan. Except that Perez might actually listen to his teammate's words, unlike those of every Mets fan."

"Today's pitching duel provides not only two of the best pitchers in the National League, but also two of the prizes of the winter trade market. While the Mets landed Johan Santana with a four-player package and a massive contract, the Diamondbacks gave up six players to get Dan Haren and pitcher Connor Robertson from the A's. So far the returns have been good for each team. While Santana is 3-2 with a 3.12 ERA, Haren is 4-1 with a 3.13 ERA."

"Mike Pelfrey was out of the game hours before the conclusion, so sitting in the clubhouse he had the chance to peruse a replay of his performance. While his effort might have caused him to choke on his popcorn, he might have been better served by skipping ahead to the part of the game that showed his counterpart, Brandon Webb. Like Pelfrey, Webb relies on a heavy sinker. But unlike Pelfrey, Webb has mastered his art – improving to 7-0 this season by getting the win in a 10-4 Diamondbacks' victory."

"The first and only time Dan Haren faced Johan Santana, they combined for the best-pitched game in the major leagues in 2005, on Aug. 12 in Oakland. Haren, with the Athletics, threw a complete-game three-hitter, gave up one run … and lost, 1-0, when Minnesota scored on a walk, a stolen base and Michael Cuddyer’s fifth-inning single to right field. “That was cool. I hope it happens again. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow,” said Santana, who will oppose Haren again today after the two premier pitchers available in the offseason changed leagues."

"About 40 minutes into Brandon Webb's start Saturday, the league office sent out a memo naming Webb the NL Pitcher of the Month for April. Reliable, prepared Augie Ojeda made certain Webb got off to a good start in May with a career-high six RBIs in the Diamondbacks' 10-4 victory over the New York Mets on Saturday, evening the series at one game apiece."

"A successful role player has to stay on top of his game. Augie Ojeda climbed beyond that Saturday. The Diamondbacks utility infielder, getting a start because of an injury to second baseman Orlando Hudson, turned in the best offensive performance of his career, driving in six runs in a 10-4 victory over the New York Mets in front of a crowd of 34,744 at Chase Field."

"Mets prospect Dan Murphy, Double-A Binghamton's starting third baseman, had a great April, hitting .363 with one home run and 18 RBI in 26 games. But no matter how much Murphy, Baseball America's No. 15 prospect in the Mets system, hits in the minors, he always is going to have the same problem: David Wright. Because the star third baseman should have the hot corner in Queens covered for years to come, Murphy's going to have to play somewhere else if he expects to make it with the Mets. "

"Not even Carlos Delgado is sure if his recent surge at the plate is the beginning of a turnaround. The target of so many boos at Shea Stadium this season stayed hot yesterday, belting a three-run homer off Arizona starter Brandon Webb in the sixth inning of an eventual 10-4 loss. Delgado's shot to right followed a two-hit night Friday and came just four games after he blasted two homers against the Braves at Shea while igniting a controversy by snubbing a curtain call. "

"Q: What would you say the odds are that you will not pitch beyond the end of next season? A: I would say somewhere around 99 percent. Q: Why? A: I'm ready to go see my kids play. It's made me enjoy being that dad and feeling the pressure for them instead of going out there having that pressure on me the whole time saying, "Geez, I've got millions of people watching me" . . . Now I can sit back and watch them and explain to them why they don't have to worry about it."

"Mike Pelfrey stood in front of his locker yesterday afternoon and proceeded to beat himself up for nearly 10 minutes. There was plenty of blame to go around for the Mets' 10-4 loss to the Diamondbacks, but Pelfrey was willing to shoulder the brunt of it after a third consecutive poor start. "

"Carlos Delgado slugged a three-run homer off Diamondbacks ace Brandon Webb to erase much of the early damage allowed by Pelfrey. But Duaner Sanchez and Scott Schoeneweis combined to scuttle any chance of a late comeback by surrendering five eighth-inning runs as the Mets lost to Arizona, 10-4, Saturday."