Manuel’s Musing

“We had him played just right. Our shortstop wasn't tall enough.”

-Jerry Manuel on Jason Giambi’s pinch-hit

Santana nominated for Roberto Clemente Award

Johan Santana has been nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award, annually given out to “the Major League Baseball player who combines a dedication to giving back to the community with outstanding skills on the baseball field.”

Among other things, here’s why Santana was nominated…

He created the Johan Santana Foundation, which provides funding for programs that focus on education and healthcare domestically and abroad. The Foundation supports youth baseball and other children's charities in Venezuela and Tovar Merida, where he has helped build schools, hospitals and sports facilities.

Santana personally delivered a fire truck he donated to his hometown to replace a beaten up pick-up truck that was ill-equipped to do the job, and sent several firefighters to train the town's fire department. He will return home again this December to hand out Christmas gifts to youngsters at his fourth annual Holiday Party.

To vote for the national winner of this year’s Clemente Award, click here.

Remember this?

From June 11...

I work for Hunt Construction. I was a foreman at Citi Field. There are 3 Phillies Jerseys buried in the ball park. As a lifelong Phillies fan, I felt it was my duty to jinx the Mets. I'm not telling you my real name for obvious reasons. The jerseys are:

1. Under the Fanwalk bricks.
2. Jackie Robinson Rotunda in the vicinity of the Ticket Office window.
3. Near the vicinity of the '47 Shop near right field.

Maybe Citi Field really is jinxed.

Pelfrey struggles as Mets fall to Rockies

Mike Pelfrey is likely the most talented pitcher in the Mets rotation right now.  But a miserable start in Colorado was no indication.

Pelfrey lasted only four innings, surrendering seven runs (six earned), as the Mets fell to the Rockies by a score of 8-3.  While throwing 96 pitches, only 55 landed for strikes.  No surprise that Pelfrey walked five batters.  He did strike out four, but also let up two home runs, including a three-run home run to Todd Helton in the fourth inning.

This is a season Pelf would likely want to forget.  He’s given up five runs or more in seven of his 26 starts.  He’s let up nine runs in a game twice.  Yeesh.

The Mets looked to have Rockies’ starter Jorge De La Rosa on the ropes in the first inning, even with a base running gaffe by Angel Pagan.

Pagan led off with a single but misread a ball hit by Luis Castillo, thinking the ball was caught, he attempted to go back to first base, which was already occupied by Castillo.

Still, the Mets managed to score two runs, one on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Jeff Francoeur and another on a double down the right field line by Fernando Tatis.

Since Tatis had gotten some steady playing time at third base with David Wright recuperating, he’s been swinging a hot bat.  Maybe that’s the trick.

The Mets were held in check by De La Rosa until he exited after the sixth inning.  Cory Sullivan returned to Colorado with a one-out pinch-hit triple to center field.  Pagan followed that up with a triple of his own, easily chasing in Sullivan.

And that was that.  It could be considered a victory because no one got hurt.  Except Pelfrey’s ERA.

Manuel’s Musing

“Lost sight of the ball, didn't pick up the coaches, and just, I guess his brain locked up on him, I don't know.”

-Jerry Manuel on Angel Pagan’s baserunning goof

David Wright’s new helmet [Photo]

That’s David Wright in the middle, if you couldn’t tell.

Game Chat: NYM @ COL [Game 132]

Mike Pelfrey (9-9, 4.80 ERA) vs. Jorge De La Rosa (12-9, 4.72 ERA)

Chat removed, as usual.

Lineup for Game 132

David Wright makes his triumphant return to the Mets lineup, complete with his brand spankin’ new helmet. Fernando Tatis is staying in the lineup as he’s swinging a hot bat. Nick Evans is getting a start, too. Here’s the lineup tonight…

1. Angel Pagan – CF
2. Luis Castillo – 2B
3. David Wright – 3B
4. Jeff Francoeur – RF
5. Fernando Tatis – 1B
6. Nick Evans – LF
7. Omir Santos – C
8. Anderson Hernandez – SS
9. Mike Pelfrey - RHP

Successful surgeries for Santana and Perez

The Mets sure are keeping Dr. David Altcheck busy.

From the Mets…

FLUSHING, N.Y., September 1, 2009 - The New York Mets today announced that lefthanded pitchers Johan Santana and Oliver Perez each underwent successful surgery this morning at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.

Santana had successful arthroscopic removal of multiple bone fragments from his left elbow. Perez underwent successful removal of scar tissue from the patella tendon of his right knee.

Santana and Perez are both expected to make full recoveries and be ready for 2010 Spring Training.

Mets Medical Director Dr. David Altchek performed both procedures.

Manuel’s Musing

“The best way I can describe him is 'fresh.' He really looks fresh at this point.”

-Jerry Manuel on David Wright