Manuel’s Musing for July 5

“We haven't been able to put anything together offensively.”

-Jerry Manuel as Captain Obvious

Wright, Beltran, Rodriguez and Santana selected to All-Star Game

David Wright and Carlos Beltran have been named starters for the 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis.

Beltran, due to his bone bruise in his knee, likely will not participate in the game.

Update – 2:54 p.m.: Joining Wright and Beltran, Johan Santana and Francisco Rodriguez have been named to the All-Star roster.

The starting NL roster:

• Yadier Molina – C - STL
• Albert Pujols – 1B - STL
• Chase Utley – 2B - PHI
• Hanley Ramirez – SS - FLA
• David Wright – 3B - NYM
• Carlos Beltran – OF - NYM
• Ryan Braun – OF - MIL
• Raul Ibanez – OF – PHI

So of the starting eight players for the NL, they come from only five teams.  Not surprising, if you really think about it.

Here are the AL and NL starting rosters.

Congrats to Beltran and Wright.

Lineup for Game 81

Trying to stave off a sweep, the Mets will attempt to win the finale of this series in CBP.

1. Alex Cora – SS
2. Daniel Murphy – 1B
3. David Wright – 3B
4. Ryan Church – RF
5. Nick Evans – LF
6. Jeremy Reed – CF
7. Brian Schneider – C
8. Luis Castillo – 2B
9. Johan Santana - LHP

Franco apologizes to Wright for leadership comments

In a fitting end to the John Franco leadership interview from Sirius XM earlier this week, Franco has apologized to David Wright via voicemail.

Ed Eagle writes:

Wright, who had publicly dismissed the comments earlier this week, said he received an apology from Franco via voicemail.

"Johnny and I have a great relationship," Wright told the New York Times. "I'm glad he called and apologized. I've always respected his opinion. But he's not in here on a day-to-day basis, so he can't really know what's going on."

Wright said that he was unaffected by Franco's criticisms because they came from outside the clubhouse.

And that’s that.

Manuel’s Musing for July 4

“I just see the struggles, and say, 'Hey, OK. We still got a shot.’”

-Jerry Manuel on the Phillies

Oliver Perez to start Wednesday; F-Mart out with knee pain

The Mets have announced that Oliver Perez will start on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

No word on what the fate is of Tim Redding, the pitcher he replaced in the rotation.

My guess: Elmer Dessens is sent down and Redding slides into the bullpen.

** *** **

Also, Fernando Martinez is “out” according to Steve Popper.  Popper writes that he will be examined by team doctors in New York on Monday.

A similar injury cost him six weeks a few years ago, says Popper.

Lineup for Game 80

Here are the lineups for today’s Mets / Phillies matchup.  No game chat today.  Get outside and enjoy the nice weather with the Mets on WFAN!

1. Luis Castillo - 2B
2. Alex Cora - SS
3. David Wright - 3B
4. Gary Sheffield - RF
5. Fernando Tatis - 1B
6. Ryan Church - CF
7. Nick Evans - LF
8. Omir Santos - C
9. Fernando Nieve - RHP

David Wright vs. team strikeouts [Chart]

David Wright leads the team with 80 strikeouts.  In second place, Carlos Beltran has 34 and Ryan Church has K’d 33 times in third place.

Obviously, most of the team has been on the disabled list, outside of Wright.  There is a correlation that he has had by far the most plate appearances (341), giving him more chances to strike out.

Still, this chart is amazing to look at.

Pagan inching closer to return

The TCPalm is reporting that Angel Pagan “feels 100 percent” while rehabbing in Port St. Lucie.

“I feel like a million bucks,” Pagan told the TCPalm Thursday. “I’ve been working out great, and I feel better than the first time when I got hurt (and came back). I’m very positive I will stay healthy this time.”

With Fernando Martinez nursing a balky knee, it would be nice to get Pagan back on the Mets to see what he can do.  I’ve always liked what Pagan brought to the team, if he just could stay healthy.

F-Mart’s second tour of duty in the majors has been no better than his first.  It’s obvious the young kid has talent, he just needs more seasoning in the minor leagues before he’s ready to contribute.

The TCPalm also updates us on Jose Reyes, who currently has no timetable to return.  They do describe him as “in high spirits,” which I guess is a good thing.

Manuel’s Musing for July 3

“We lost a lot of games in the month of June and still somehow (we) remain - we've got a chance.”

-Jerry Manuel