Mets Media Madness: #3 David Lennon vs. #6 David Waldstein

Here’s today vote: #3 David Lennon vs. #6 David Waldstein. Vote for your favorite!

And here is the updated bracket, as Brian Costa beat out Mike Puma to get into the final bracket…

Quote from Collins–3/22

“To be bluntly honest, I truly believe that you can get a position player ready, with the opportunities to get some extra at-bats in Minor League camp, in 10 days.”

-Terry Collins on Carlos Beltran

Mets Media Madness: Costa vs. Puma

Yesterday’s results: Anthony DiComo of MLB.com captured 78.57 percent, defeating Andy Martino of the New York Daily News.

In today’s play in game, Brian Costa of the Wall Street Journal takes on Mike Puma of the New York Post. Voting ends at midnight.

Mets Media Madness: Martino vs. DiComo

Here is the first round of matchups for the 2011 Mets Media Madness tournament.

You can vote for your favorite Mets reporter to have him advance into the next round. Vote closed at midnight tonight.

Today’s matchup: Andy Martino vs. Anthony DiComo. Vote below!

Press Release: Mets release Perez

Here’s the official dispatch from the Mets…

FLUSHING, N.Y., March 21, 2011 - The New York Mets today announced that they have released lefthanded pitcher Oliver Perez.

The 6-3, 205-pounder had one year left on his contract.

"As I said during the winter our plan was to bring Oliver to Spring Training and give him a chance," said Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson. "After trying him as a starter and out of the bullpen, we felt that we needed to move in a different direction. Terry and I met and I went to Jeff (Wilpon), told him my recommendation and Jeff approved on behalf of ownership."

Perez went 0-5 with a 6.80 ERA in 2010 after going 3-4 with a 6.82 ERA in 2009. Overall, the lefthander is 58-69 with a 4.63 ERA during his nine-year major league career with the San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates and Mets.

Adios, Perez

BUH-BYE.

Martino: Perez to be released

“On Friday, the Mets appeased an angry public by releasing Luis Castillo - and sources say that Oliver Perez, another unpopular player with a generous contract, will likely soon follow him out of town.”

-Andy Martino

Fingers crossed.

I was discussing this with Randy from (Read) The Apple the other day. If Castillo and Perez aren’t on the team in 2011, who will become the scapegoat? (Because, yes, Mets fans need to hate someone – or something.)

We both agreed that Francisco Rodriguez is next in line for Mets fans hatred. Carlos Beltran – still because of 2006 – is likely next on that list.

Thoughts?

A look back at the 2010 Opening Day lineup

1. Alex Cora – SS
2. Luis Castillo – 2B
3. David Wright – 3B
4. Mike Jacobs – 1B
5. Jason Bay – LF
6. Gary Matthews Jr. – CF
7. Jeff Francoeur – RF
8. Rod Barajas – C
9. Johan Santana – LHP*

Only three players remain within the Mets organization, and one of them will start the season on the disabled list.

Press Release: Mets Release Luis Castillo

Here’s the official release from the Mets regarding Luis Castillo…

The New York Mets today announced that they have released 35-year-old second baseman Luis Castillo.

The 5-11, 191-pound switch-hitter had one year left on his contract.

"This was baseball decision," said Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson. "I met with Terry (Collins) and made a recommendation to Jeff (Wilpon) and Jeff approved on behalf of ownership."

Castillo was acquired by the Mets from the Minnesota Twins on July 30, 2007 for minor league catcher Drew Butera and minor league outfielder Dustin Martin.

He has a .299 career average over 13 major league seasons with 194 doubles, 59 triples, 28 home runs, 443 RBI and 370 stolen bases.

Poll: Who should be the starting second baseman?

With Luis Castillo gone, the question needs to be asked, “Who should be the Mets second baseman when Opening Day rolls around?”

Vote below…