Ex-Mets: Lo Duca to first

You know your season is in the tank when...

From the Washington Post:

At 36, for the first time in his career, Paul Lo Duca has become an everyday starting first baseman. All it took was the emergence of Jesús Flores at catcher, the wrist injury to starting first baseman Nick Johnson, the various maladies of backup first baseman Young, and the left calf strain of another first base option, Aaron Boone. As a result, Manager Manny Acta said Sunday that Lo Duca, at least for the short-term, "will get most of the at-bats at first base."

Yeah, Nationals, good luck with that.

Welcome back to first place, Mets

And we're back!

With yesterdays extra inning win in Cincinnati, coupled with the Phillies extra inning loss in Florida, the Mets moved back into a tie for first place.

The Marlins could move into a three way tie for first place with a win against the Braves tonight, as both the Mets and the Phillies have a night off before they begin a three game series at Shea Stadium on Tuesday.

Gosh, I love baseball. This is going to be a dogfight to the finish.

Poll: Do the Mets need to make a trade?

Hit the sidebar to cast your vote and leave your comments here to discuss.

I voted "yes" but I'm not quite sure who I would trade for. It's not going to be a huge, blockbuster deal, but I think Omar Minaya will land a capable player who will help this team along.

For some reason, I think it's going to be Randy Winn from the Giants.

Early Morning Madness: Billy Wagner should have a cramp in his shoulder more often edition

It's the bottom of the tenth inning on Sunday. The Mets are up by two, bringing in their closer Billy Wagner. Two pitches in, both Jerry Manuel and trainer Rey Ramirez begin trotting out to the mound to check on Wagner, for an injury they think he has.

Billy shrugs them off, and flashes a smile as they walk away. He proceeds to strike out the side, in order, and seal up a win for his team.

He does all this with a cramp in his pitching shoulder. More cramps, I say!

But seriously, Wagner will have an MRI on the shoulder today, just to see if everything is all right. It was ridiculously hot yesterday, so a little dehydration is my expert opinion of what went wrong. Not too worried.

Update: I wasn't worried, and now either are the Mets. The scheduled MRI has been cancelled.

** * **

Congratulations are in order for Jose Reyes, who is now the franchise leader in triples.

Reyes passed Mookie Wilson's, notching his 63rd triple in a Mets uniform yesterday at Cincy.

To many more, Reyes. Many, many more.

** * **

Mets minor league prospect Dan Murphy, a third baseman by trade, has shifted to second base in hopes of making it to the big leagues with the Mets.

Obviously, Murphy is blocked by David Wright at third, and will be for a very long time. Second base is a bit more crowded, but things are very up in the air with that position.

Luis Castillo is unfortunately signed for the next three years at that position, pulling in $6 million a year. Damion Easley has filled in amazingly well while Castillo is on the DL. And now Argenis Reyes has come up and made things look easy, contributing key pinch hits and playing well in the field to spell Easley.

Well, if Murphy has his way, you should add his name to the list.

Here's a quote, via Adam Rubin:

"My theory is just catch it and get rid of it," said Murphy, who played second base through the 11th grade, about his double-play approach. "If I get hit, I get hit. That's the way it is. I'm pretty sure my pitchers would take something for me. So if they're going to throw a double-play ball and I take a hit, that's just the way it goes."

I wonder if he's willing to take a hit...

TSTDIA: Mets 7 -- Reds 5

A tenth inning rally sparked by Robinson Cancel and helped out by some shotty play be the Reds helped the mets earn a split of the series.

The Mets move back into a tie for first with the Phillies, with the Marlins only one half game back.

TSTDIA: Reds 7 -- Mets 2

So glad I skipped out on this one.

Settle a bet: Who is faster: Brett Gardner or Jose Reyes?

Very simple. Between Yankee outfielder Brett Gardner and Mets shortstop Jose Reyes, who do you think is faster?

My Yankee friend has some delusion that Gardner is quicker. Please give me proof to blow him out of the water.

For your Saturday morning viewing pleasure

I present to you, the funniest left fielder in the major leagues, Manny Ramirez...


Original Video- More videos at TinyPic

Hat tip to Ian from Sox&Dawgs for the video.

Off Topic: My friday night of seeing Billy Joel (kinda) at Shea Stadium (not at all)

OK, so I lied.

I actually saw the Billy Joel tribute band, Big Shot, and I wasn't in Shea Stadium either. I was actually in Bloomfield, New Jersey enjoying the musical stylings of Beginnings (a Chicago tribute band) and Big Shot.

I was thoroughly impressed with Big Shot. Sounded like Joel, played like Joel. It was excellent. Most of the people attending were a little too old to know some, or most, or any, of the words, so that was a bit of a letdown, but my family made up for it by knowing each and every one.

Beginnings was alright. Nothing to write home about. They played Chicago tunes, to the best of their ability and they were decent. Big Shot stole the show.

Oh, and I must say, this woman who was sitting behind us was the single most annoying screamer I've ever heard. When she got just too excited she couldn't help herself, she would let out this scream, more like a wail. It was high pitched, warbling, and just terrible. It sounded like the mating call of some exotic creature from the deepest depths of the Amazon, with helium, and after 200 cases of Red Bull.

Turrible.

Great concert last night. If Big Shot is in your area, and you don't have the ca$h to spend on the real Billy Joel, make sure you check them out.

And if you need tickets to an upcoming game, I recommend Vivid Seats for all your New York Mets ticket needs.

Mark two more up to the injured list

Trot Nixon and Angel Pagan are the latest to add their names to list of the Mets heading to Del Boca Vista.

Mr. Nixon, who saw was only around long enough for 35 at bats with the Mets, had hernia surgery and will miss the rest of the season.

Mr. Pagan has a torn labrum, and needs surgery, but will seek a second opinion. That's sure going to work out in his favor.

I'm telling you, that corner outfield spots are cursed! The Mets need to bring back Benny Agbayani for one more go around in the outfield and everything will be cured.