Manuel’s Musing

“It was very encouraging to watch him move as freely as he was moving and to be able to not have a noticeable limp or anything.”

-Jerry Manuel on Jose Reyes

Home Run Derby Chat

Join in for a fun little discussion while watching the Home Run Derby from St. Louis.

(Chat removed, as usual.)

Tune in tomorrow for an All-Star Game Chat.

All-Star lineup set, Wright batting sixth

Charlie Manuel has released his lineup for tomorrow night’s All-Star Game in St. Louis.  David Wright is batting sixth, sandwiched between two Phillies.

1. Hanley Ramirez – FLA
2. Chase Utley – PHI
3. Albert Pujols – STL
4. Ryan Braun – MIL
5. Raul Ibanez – PHI
6. David Wright – NYM
7. Shane Victorino – PHI
8. Yadier Molina – STL
9. Tim Lincecum - SF

New York Mets lunchbox [Photos]

This is, by far, the best promotion.  Ever.

My girlfriend’s parents attended the Saturday night game between the Mets and the Reds and were treated to a Johan Santana gem.  Along with taking in the game, they were able to snag two lunchboxes as they walked through the gates, courtesy of Verizon Wireless.  They graciously passed one on to me.

It is awesome.  I don’t know why, but I just love it.  I think I’ll use it to bring my lunch to college next year, much to my girlfriend’s chagrin.

Here’s what it looks like…

Pedro in Philly for physical, will sign if he passes

Free agent Pedro Martinez is en route to Philadelphia for a physical. If he passes the physical, it is being reported that he will sign a contract with the Phillies.

Jayson Stark at ESPN cites a report out of the Dominican Republic that Pedro would sign for a prorated $4 million deal.

Frankly, I don’t care. Mets fans know how he has pitched in the last few years, battling injuries and a fizzling career. Plopping him down in Citizens Bank Park, where he gave up eight home runs in 18 innings is going to be a joy to watch from the Mets perspective.

Sure, I bet Pedro still has something left in the tank. And of course, he’ll outduel Johan Santana if they match up down the stretch, but I’m not going to lose any sleep over this.

Acta out as Nats manager; Met implications

Manny Acta has been fired as manager of the putrid Washington Nationals.  Jim Riggleman will take over in his place as interim manager.

When Acta was with the Mets, there was some indication that he might be in line for the job the next time it was available.  Ownership was very high on him before he jumped ship to join the Nats.

Now, with a season teetering on the brink of disaster, the Mets brass might be prime to shake things up in the coaching staff.

First base coach Luis Alicea could be an odd-man out if the Mets do go through with any firings.  It’s not that Alicea has done anything wrong, per say, but just to light a fire under the remaining coaches and the team to show they better kick it up a notch, it might be a move they consider.

In Alicea’s place, the team would likely try to bring in Acta, again.

I’m against that.  Acta was a coach under Willie Randolph and bringing him back into the fold would be taking a few steps back.  It would also be a punch to the guy of Jerry Manuel, a manager who has already suffered enough this season.

I wouldn’t want to see Acta back in a Mets uniform even if he’s the bat boy.  At a minor league level, though, it’s a different story.

The Buffalo Bisons are about as bad as the Nationals, both with winning percentages below .400.  A shakeup there might be the best thing for everyone.

All in all, Acta steered the mostly talent-less Nationals to a 158-252 record in his years in Washington.  Talk about a mercy firing.

Manuel’s Musing

“This has been about the toughest first half I've been a part of. I don't think I've been on a team that lost the pieces that we lost this first half.”

-Jerry Manuel

Is Tony Clark an option?

Ex-Met Tony Clark was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks after a dreadful first half to the season.  The 37-year-old was hitting just .180 with a .301 OBP (which is exactly what Omir Santos’ OBP is).

Clark has four home runs and 11 RBI in 73 plate appearances in 34 games.  In 20 of those games, Clark has appeared at first base, starting only 13 of them.

Is there a place for Clark on the Mets?

The aging first baseman would take time away from Daniel Murphy or Fernando Tatis.  Murphy’s OBP is only a mere .312, which is pretty awful considering he has 265 plate appearances under his belt.  Clark’s average is much lower, but I’m willing to look beyond that and at his .301 OBP.  That’s more telling.

I wouldn’t mind the team taking a chance on Clark.  He’s not a perfect fit but he might be someone they could add to try and catch lightning in a bottle. 

If he’s willing to accept a demotion to the minor leagues, I’d really love to see him at Triple-A Buffalo playing some first base but also coaching and mentoring the players there.  They obviously need a little help.

If I was Omar Minaya, I would at least look into it.  I’m not saying I’d love Clark on the Mets right now, but trying to add a little something here or there might be the trick to keeping this ship above water just long enough for the regulars to come back.

A. Reyes optioned (again) to Buffalo

After the game on Sunday, the Mets once again optioned Argenis Reyes to Triple-A Buffalo.

No corresponding move has been announced, but one must think it might be Angel Berroa.  Berroa was recently signed to a minor league deal after the New York Yankees released him earlier this week.

Game Chat: CIN @ NYM [Game 86]

Johnny Cueto (8-5, 3.45 ERA) vs. Johan Santana (9-7, 3.29 ERA)

Join in for some game gabbing and barstool banter with your fellow fans!

(Chat removed, as usual.)

I'll be back up to speed soon. Still "recovering" from this weekend.