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.
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.
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:
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.
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)
Player: Billy Wagner
Update: Pitched in his first rehab game for the Single-A St. Lucie Mets. He threw 10 pitches, eight of them for strikes in a perfect inning of work. He struck out two.
ETA: Still a couple of weeks away.
Player: J.J. Putz
Update: Threw in the bullpen, 25 pitches, at Citi Field. He claims he was “pain free” and hopes to be back within three weeks.
ETA: Three weeks, I guess.
Player: Carlos Beltran
Update: Tested out his knee by hitting BP before the games. He was said to have launched one into the Pepsi Porch. He’s still weary of running on it (i.e. playing the field).
ETA: Why not? Three weeks for him too.
Player: Carlos Delgado
Update: Has been taking BP and has also been seen teaching Daniel Murphy the tricks of the trade at first base.
ETA: Month away.
Player: Jose Reyes
Update: Was scheduled to run bases, but due to a “setback,” did not.
ETA: Month or more.
Player: John Maine
Update: No action since Dr. James Andrews backed up diagnosis of no structural damage.
ETA: 2010.
“That type of pitcher has really given us a lot of trouble this year.”
-Jerry Manuel on Jon Garland
Robinson Cancel has been designated for assignment to make room for Gary Sheffield. Sheffield made his return from the disabled list on Sunday, but did not start. He eventually entered the game in the sixth inning and went 0-2.
Pat Misch, the lefty who saw his first action in two weeks today, was optioned back to Triple-A Buffalo to make room for Nelson Figueroa. Figueroa will make a spot start Monday against Dan Haren. He had been up twice previously, starting one game.
Today is one of the best weather days we’ve had in a while. Go outside. Lay in the sun. Do something enjoyable.
The Mets are on tonight, but I won’t be around. I’ll rejoin the blog sometime Sunday. Until then, enjoy your weekend and let’s go Mets.
Earlier today, I posted a the daily Manuel’s Musing. In it, Jerry Manuel said, “Angel has had some success against Arizona. That's what we are. That's what we have. He's somewhat of a veteran. So I didn't mind taking my shot with him at that point.”
Understandably, I was skeptical of this statement. Does Manuel really know the history of Angel Berroa? Does he even know who Angel Berroa is?
So I checked, and he’s actually somewhat right. Berroa has had some moderate “success” against the Diamondbacks, and almost all of it came in 2008.
Career against ARI: 66 PA, .214 AVG / .313 OBP / .268 SLG, 2B, 3B, 4 RBI, 6 R, 5 BB
2008 against ARI: 35 PA, .308 AVG / .455 OBP / .346 SLG, 2B, RBI, 5 R, 5 BB
Oh, but wait. Angel Berroa pinch hit for Livan Hernandez, who had thrown only 81 pitches so far in the game. Hernandez’s career numbers have to be much worse than Berroa’s, right?
Well, take a look…
Livan’s career against ARI: 45 PA, .310 AVG / .310 OBP / .381 SLG, 3 2B, 3 R
“Angel has had some success against Arizona. That's what we are. That's what we have. He's somewhat of a veteran. So I didn't mind taking my shot with him at that point.”
-Jerry Manuel on pinch-hitting Angel Berroa with the bases loaded