Tatis Out

As if the Mets health wasn't bad enough as it is, it appears the Mets may lose Fernando Tatis who left Tuesday's game with a separated shoulder.

So the Mets lost one of the main infielders playing the outfield for them. Yup, that's right.

The question will be whether Jerry Manuel gives Endy Chavez a shot or goes with the Evans/Murphy platoon. I like Murphy a lot, but Nick Evans has me worried a bit. I think Endy and Evans are about the same at the plate these days, but at least Endy gives you a solid glove. The only issue is that Endy is a lefty and Evans at least gives you a right-handed bat in the lineup.

If Tatis is done for the season, that's a major blow to the Mets as he's been one of the few clutch hitters this season with men in scoring position. It would be a shame to see his amazing comeback season end abruptly like this.

Nothing is Ever Easy With This Team

Those were the prophetic and applicable words used by Keith Hernandez last night in the 10th inning, and boy are they ever true.

After coming back to take the lead in the top of the 10th, Luis Ayala looked like he was in cruise control getting the first two Brewers out in the bottom of the 10th. Then some guy that looked like Kevin James and Chris Farley's love child stepped up to the plate and things began to fall apart. Ayala definitely looked like his groin was bothering him, and I was certain that this would go as another blown save for this dismal bullpen.

But then everything worked out. Ayala got out of it. Mets win.

Amazingly the bullpen has not given up a run in its last 13 innings of work. That's unheard of for this team. Nelson Figueroa came in yet again looking good while he bailed out the young Jon Niese who struggled in his first big league outing.

The Mets couldn't get a hit after the 5th inning, but it took the young rookie, Daniel Murphy, to bail the Mets out with a leadoff hit in the 10th. Then because the Mets can't score runs late in the game it required an error on a sac bunt to get Murphy to 3rd and then of all the people to get a sac fly to drive in the winning run it was Endy Chavez.

You can't make this stuff up. Meanwhile the Mets are 5-2 on this road trip and have an opportunity to sweep a series away from home with Oliver Perez on the mound tonight. A win today would be huge with an off day tomorrow and the Phillies coming to Queens on Friday.

But as we know, nothing is ever easy with this team so be prepared for anything.

Mets Should Get Winn

No, he’s not a big name like Matt Holliday. Nor does he carry a big bat like Adam Dunn or even Xavier Nady. But Randy Winn is a solid player and he does have a robust .348 average with 2 outs and RISP. Plus he’s a savvy veteran and could be a perfect 2 hitter behind Reyes. Don’t underestimate the value of a good 2 hitter. Everyone gets hung up on power, but a professional hitter in the 2nd slot could be a difference maker for the Mets.

I like Endy Chavez, and he’s performed admirably, but he’s too much of a hacker at the plate, and doesn’t hit well in the clutch. His greatest value is as a 4th outfielder. And who could complain about the performance of Super Hero Fernando Tatis? This guy, without question, is one of the biggest keys for this Mets turnaround. Heck, I’m starting to believe more and more that he might just be able to sustain this miraculous run he’s on. If nothing else, the guy is Mr. Clutch. That home run last night? Come on, this guy rules. Love him! TATIS…TATIS…TATIS!

So even if Tatis continues to produce, I still get Winn. Maybe you set up a platoon situation. Winn is certainly versatile. Plus, everyone knows he’s better than Marlon Anderson. A switch hitter, Winn has primarily been hitting 3rd for a weak Giants’ offense. His .294 average with runners in scoring position is better than anyone on the Mets. Perhaps best of all is that he will come cheap as far as players are concerned. In fact, all the Giants will ask for is that the Mets pick up his salary for next year, which is $8.5 million. Apparently, the Mariners are asking too much for Ibanez. I'm not saying Randy Winn is a super star, but if he doesn't cost anything other than cash, Omar has to make this deal.

Hi, My Name is Luis Aguayo

Hello. My name is Luis Aguayo. You don't know me? I'm the third base coach for the New York Mets (thanks Jerry!). I'd post a picture of myself, but none exist on the entire Internet. Can you believe that? I can.

I'm just your average third base coach. I like to spit. I like to stand outside doing nothing. And I absolutely love the sunflower seeds. They're so tasty and crunchy at the same time. Plus they allow me to have an excuse to do the other thing I absolutely love, spit!

One of my other hobbies is getting Endy Chavez thrown out at home plate. Oh, it's so funny watching little Endy run around the bases. He's reminds me of Speedy Gonzalez, who I love almost as much as spitting.

When I see Endy flying around second, it just makes me want to see him embarrass himself by making an out at the plate. He's so cute with his skinny little arms chugging back and forth. I just love to watch him get thrown out.

In fact I did it last night, twice! Oh what a wonderful evening. I could hardly write about it in my diary because I was just smiling from ear to ear as I thought about sending Endy around third while Jimmy Rollins' rocket arm was waiting to gun him down like Bambi's momma.

The only person I enjoy sending to home plate more than Endy Chavez is Ramon Castro. Oh that bucket head huffs and puffs around the bag and I send him home just for the fun of it.

So now you know me. I'm Luis Aguayo and I love to watch Endy Chavez get thrown out at home plate. It's almost as fun as spitting. And that's my job.

An Abomination

Somewhere, right now, Johan Santana is talking to his agent trying to find a way to get out of this contract. And I can't say I blame him.

Santana came through giving up only 2 runs through 8 innings. Unfortunately, they play 9 innings.

Hey Duaner Sanchez. You're fired as closer. Forever. That's right. Until the world is turned into dust and no living soul walks the face of this planet, you will never be the Mets closer again. Talk about choke job.

This is a backbreaker folks. You went from 3 outs to feeling really good to just pain beyond all imagination. The play in the field was horrid. So much for Endy Chavez being the defensive specialist. Reyes botched a potential out. Feliciano had a tailor made double play ball that resulted in only one.

Why did it take so long to bring in Heilman? I get you're trying to play the righty/lefty game, but as soon as Sanchez folded faster than a Gap employee, you gotta go to your next best pitcher in the pen to stop the bleeding.

This may have been the worst 9th inning I've ever seen. I kept getting flashbacks of that magical 8th inning the Mets had against the Braves back when Piazza played and we scored like 9 runs in an inning. Only this time it was happening to us.

This will be very hard to come back from. Be prepared for plenty of mentions of the collapse tomorrow. Be prepared for Billy Wagner's absence to be bantered about. But worst of all be prepared for another loss tomorrow. The Mets are notorious for their inability to come back quickly from the brink.

Good luck John Maine. Hope you have a no hitter in you.

Oh Pedro

It's easy to place the blame on the bullpen last night. Sure they gave up a walk-off homer and some other runs, but to me this loss is on Pedro.

And it's not just this loss that's making me think this way. Pedro hasn't had a good start yet. Honestly, I think he's done. He came back to pitch better after the rain delay, but he already dug himself a 4 run hole.

The Mets showed me some life in their lineup by coming back from a 4-0 deficit to take a 7-5 lead, but in usualy Mets fashion they look to disappoint.

Soon it was 7-7 and then I thought Endy Chavez was going to rob Troy Glaus of his walk-off homer, but it was not to be.

They need a win tonight, but can they keep up the offensive fireworks? I don't think so, but they need to scratch out a few runs to get a win.

And Omar needs to start thinking about how he might need to replace Pedro in the second half of the season if this keeps up.

The Mystery of the Mets

As my partner, Bryan, just posted last night's game was incredible, fun to watch, and you got the sense of urgency in the ball club.

Yes the Mets won, but when you look at some of the crazy things that happened last night you would have thought that the Mets should have won big.

Here's what I'm talking about. Last night the following oddities occurred:

1. Luis Castillo homered
2. Reyes homered for the 3rd time in as many days
3. Endy Chavez homered
4. Schoenweiss pitched a scoreless inning
5. Aaron Heilman pitched TWO perfect innings, striking out 4
6. Oliver Perez had magical stuff and struck out 7
7. The Mets bullpen retired 12 consecutive batters
8. The 1 thru 5 batters in the lineup had a combined 9 hits

But yet the Mets' pitching continues to give up the long ball which negates a lot of your offensive effort. Still this was a good win and refreshing to see the Mets come back.

It's sad that it was the first comeback win when the Mets were losing after the 8th inning, but hopefully this team doesn't need to comeback that often.

Bring on Torre's Dodgers.

ESPN's 50 greatest moments in LCS history

If you get a chance, check out ESPN's 50 greatest moments in LCS history. These lists are always subjective but nonetheless, entertaining.

Some Mets highlights include Gary Carter's game-winning single (#48) in Game 5 against Houston in '86. Endy's catch comes in at #34. Dykstra's walk off in Game 3 in '86 is listed at #31. Robin Ventura's Grand Single came in high at #9 while Game 6 against the Astros was the highest-ranked Mets moment at #6, which is a game many consider to be the greatest ever played. Amazing when you think about that NLCS; there are 3 moments in this list from that one series alone.

Some low lights include Scocia's home run (#27) off Gooden in Game 4, 1988, against the Dodgers...which of course led to Gibson's extra inning blast of McDowell in that same game (#26). It was 11 years before the Mets finally made it back to the post season. And of course, who could forget Kenny Rogers and the infamous series ending, bases loaded walk to Atlanta in '99? (#18).

One surprising omission was Yadier Molina's home run off Heilman last year. Not that I mind...

The Return of the Spark Plug

While the Phils got a major boost with the return of Chase Utley, the Mets will get one of their own tonight, as Endy “The Greatest Post Season Catch Ever” Chavez suits up for the first time in nearly three months. While Chavez is no Utely, he is certainly a key part of this club and Lord knows we missed him while he was out. I love the way he plays the game. He has heart and he brings great energy. Plus, let’s face it, the guy can flat out chase’em down in the outfield.

Sean Green, in all of his flopping and flailing attempts, just can’t get to fly balls, not too mention, he can’t drive the ball with any kind of authority anymore. Lastings Milledge, still young, is looking overmatched way too often now and is a little suspect in the field.

The questions is: Where does Willie bat him? I kind of like him in the 8th spot, especially when Castillo is playing. This way, the pitcher doesn’t have two easy outs back to back, and if he gets on, the pitcher can bunt him over with the speedy Reyes and Castillo, coming up after him. Facing those guys puts all kinds of pressure on the opposing team; a pitcher’s nightmare.

So with a 5 game lead, and 5 weeks to go, Chavez’s return couldn’t come at a better time. Welcome back, Endy! We missed you.

The Return of Endy Chavez

"The Catch", Endy Chavez, returns to organized baseball tonight as he'll make his first minor league rehab start.

It feels like we haven't seen Endy since his miracle catch in game 7 of the NLCS last year. Man, have I missed Endy. But what's going to happen once Endy returns? With the surge of Everlastings Thrilledge (Lastings Milledge) and a healthy Moises Alou, what's Endy Chavez going to do?

Here's what should happen. Endy Chavez thrives when he comes off the bench or gets a spot start. The starting outfield should remain the same with Alou, Beltran and Milledge/Green. Endy will get a start when there's a day game after a night game or if Alou's arthritis is acting up.

But Endy should play in every game down the stretch after the 7th inning. He should replace either Green or Alou in the outfield for defensive purposes. We don't need to lose any big games because Green & Alou are too slow to react to a ball. Chavez is our lock down defender in the outfield.

I love Endy, but this team is starting to get into a groove offensively and inserting him into the lineup immediately I don't think would be in Endy's best interest or the team's.

I am looking forward to the return of Endy Chavez. There's a level of excitement that he brings that I think the team thrives on and I know the fans do.

Here's to a successful rehab stint in the minors, Endy. Hope to see you in September!

Check Out Actober.com

If you have yet to see the MLB commercial featuring Dane Cook, here it is and it's worth a look as it includes plenty of Mets' moments as it promotes postseason baseball.



After you check out the commercial, go visit Actober.com a promotional site run by Major League Baseball. There are some great postseason videos on there you can download and watch as well as some contests and whole bunch of content.

As I marketing guy I really appreciate the unique approach MLB is taking to promote the postseason in JULY! Talk about lead time. Still the Dane Cook MLB commercial is well done, and I still get chills watching Endy Chavez make "The Catch."

This Mets Lifer tips his hat to MLB for using a promotion to get people energetic about the upcoming playoffs while providing an entertaining site for fans.

Greater Catch: Endy Chavez or Carlos Beltran?

Hands down Endy Chavez made the greatest catch in playoff history. I refuse to hear any argument to the contrary. And Carlos Beltran made a catch in the 14th inning that was just a jaw dropping, jump of the couch and grab the TiVo remote to rewind it type of catch.

But if we remove the fact that Endy's catch was in an extremely close game 7 of the playoffs, who's catch was better. Remove the context of the play and let's determine which catch was a greater feat of outfield athleticism.

First, Endy's catch was made a shorter than average outfielder who stretched his body to its fullest extent to bring back a home run. Any home run saving catch is phenomenal, and timing a jump to catch ball is seriously difficult, not to mention having to deal with a wall.

But Endy Chavez's catch did have one thing missing that Beltran's catch did have: a pain in the neck, pointless grassy knoll to deal with.

Carlos Beltran's catch immediately reminded of Willie Mays' famous over the shoulder catch. But Beltran took it up a notch by dealing with that little hill in center field AND the fact that he had to fall to his knees to catch it. Not to mention the ground that Beltran covered to get to that 430 ft. flyball. The jump he got off the bat was phenomenal.

Therefore I would argue that Carlos Beltran's "Lone Man on the Grassy Knoll" catch was a greater feat of outfielder athleticism than Endy Chavez's "The Catch" if we compre each catch outside of the context of the games that were played.

But Endy will always have a place in my heart for Game 7.

Carlos Gomez Makes Mets Future Bright

It's easy to get down about the Mets right now. We haven't won a series since Paris Hilton was thrown in jail. And it feels like nothing can go right.

But I have seen hope, and it's name is Carlos Gomez.

I have to admit that I was one of the major critics of Gomez when he first came up. He swung at everything. He was swinging out of his shoes on every pitch. He was making bad decisions in the field. He didn't know the meaning of a cutoff man. And the list goes on.

However, over the past week and a half Carlos Gomez has shown us something that is an invaluable trait in any ballplayer. He learns from his mistakes.

The kid is starting to take pitches. He even walked twice in a game last week. He's bunting for base hits, stealing bases, and returning to the fundamentals.

Gomez tracked down a flyball down the left field line yesterday that I thought was a guaranteed double. Yet he glided over there and caught the ball in stride. The kid is a gazelle.

He's got great potential and I'd like to see Willie keep him up the rest of the season even when Moises Alou & Endy Chavez come off the DL. Why? He's the perfect pinch runner and he needs more at bats to help his development speed along.

I think Carlos Gomez is improving at a faster rate than Jose Reyes did when he first came up. Don't get me wrong. Gomez is nowhere near the ballplayer we need him to be, but I like what I'm seeing that gives me hope for the future of the ball club.

Keep working hard Gomez. Great things are ahead. And he's the only man on the planet faster than Jose Reyes.