Delgado is off and running

Steve Popper updates up with news that Carlos Delgado has begun running – sort of.

Here’s Popper’s report:

So far the workout consisted of one dash at half-speed about 40 feet, then jogging backwards. And that looked about how he usually makes his way around the field. But after that one lap, he spotted one of the Cardinals - can't recognize him from up here - and walked out to chat, where he still is while the strength coach waits for him.

Seems strenuous.

But seriously, it is a step in the right direction, especially for a player in the walk-year of his contract.  He will be making every effort to return and show teams (maybe even the Mets) that he can still hit.

He’s entirely built for an AL team as a DH now, with occasional starts at first, but some power-starved NL teams may also take a look.

Beltran and Delgado return to Citi Field…for BP

Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado were both at Citi Field last night, but neither were in the lineup.  The Carloses are both still on the disabled list, but last night was an encouraging sight for Mets fans, even if the season seems to have slipped away.

Beltran was hitting and shagging fly balls in the outfield, claiming he felt pain in his knee “only twice.”

Delgado told the Daily News that he plans on stepping up his routine today, and will continue hitting outside.

He also had the line of the day, saying, “I'm going to be ready when I'm ready.”

Is Delgado turning into Michelangelo?

Jeff Francoeur’s quick night at the plate, in pictures

AB #1 – None on, one out

AB #2 – None on, two out

AB #3 – None on, one out

AB #4 – Man on second, two out

Total: 4 AB, 6 pitches, 4 outs

Manuel’s Musing

“I think the fact that we continue to fight, and at some point, if you continue to fight, you're going to win a game like that tonight.”

-Jerry Manuel on fighting

Figgy fizzles, Mets miss out

There were many people, myself included, campaigning to have Nelson Figueroa called up.

Well, he was.  And he stunk.

Figueroa: 1.2 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 1 BB, 3 HR, 53 pitches

Yikes.

So the Mets were in a 6-0 hole in a hurry, but they battled back.  An RBI triple here (Angel Pagan), a pair of RBI singles there (Luis Castillo and David Wright) and a solo home run (Daniel Murphy) brought the Mets within one.

But that would be as close as they would get.

The team must tip their cap to the bullpen who allowed only three hits in 7 1-3 innings.  Tim Redding turned in a 3 1-3 inning outing, allowing two hits and walking only one.  Bobby Parnell tossed two scoreless, as well.

This seems fitting.

Game Chat: ARI @ NYM [Game 105]

Dan Haren (10-6, 2.19 ERA) vs. Nelson Figueroa, 0-1, 4.50 ERA)

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

(Chat removed, as usual.)

Hit the comments to discuss the Mets 6-5 loss to the Diamondbacks...

Lineup for Game 105

Nelson Figueroa is up and making his second start of the season, this time against Dan Haren and the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Gary Sheffield is back in the starting lineup.

1. Angel Pagan – CF
2. Luis Castillo – 2B
3. David Wright – 3B
4. Gary Sheffield – LF
5. Daniel Murphy – 1B
6. Jeff Francoeur – RF
7. Alex Cora – SS
8. Omir Santos – C
9. Nelson Figueroa - RHP

Billy Wagner dominating

Too bad it’s against Single-A and Rookie league players. (Thanks, Dora!)

Billy Wagner tossed his second perfect inning in two rehab appearances, inducing three flyouts. Wagner retired the 3-4-5 batters of the opposing team's lineup.

Next step for Wagner: Pitch in back-to-back games. If that happens, and it seems to be getting closer and closer, Wagner may be the first Met back from the DL.

Introducing the new Twitter pastime: #Keithism

We all know and love Keith Hernandez.  He was a spectacular player in his day and helped the Mets to their 1986 World Series victory (among other things).  We also know him as a color guy for SNY.

During his time in the booth, Hernandez provides some interesting commentary on hitters, baseball and a lot of the time, food.  He’s also been known to put his foot in his mouth on occasion.

So starting tonight, with the use of Twitter, we will attempt to track and highlight some of the best things that come out of Keith Hernandez’s mouth.

Every time you hear Keith say something funny, silly, crazy or just “normal” Keith-talk, type it up on Twitter (in 130 or so characters) and tag it with #Keithism.

Examples:

• “What a great player.  And he could fly...” on Roberto Clemente.  #Keithism
• “Oh man, great camera angle, eh, Gaer?” #Keithism
• “Women don't belong in the dugout” #Keithism

And on and on and on…

So tonight, and in the future, as you watch our beloved Mets, be sure to keep a keen ear on Mr. Hernandez, and be sure to pass along your favorite #Keithism.

If you’re a fan of the crosstown team, or just like to read silly things announcers say, check out this Twitter hash-tag, started by my friend @Fletch788, #Kayche.

Tracking David Wright [Day 24]

David Wright, 8/2: 0-4

AVG: .322 (Change from previous game: -.003, Change from Game 81: -.004)

OBP: .413 (Change from previous game: -.004, Change from Game 81: -.001)

SLG: .468 (Change from previous game: -.004, Change from Game 81: –.002)