Mets go 1-2, incquire about Day

The Mets have played 3 games in the past two days, two of which were possible playoff matchups. On Friday the Mets played the Cardinals, and once again their offense wasn't much of a factor, in fact it was their defense that did the Mets in. The Mets commited 3 errors, and allowed 5 un-earned runs in an 11-3 Cardinal win. Jeremi Gonzalez gave up 3 runs, 2 un-earned through the first 3 innings, while Mike Pelfrey allowed 3 runs, all un-earned during the following 3 innings. Billy Wagner, on the other hand, has continued his rough Spring, allowed 2 runs on 2 hits in his only inning of work. Bullpen standout Henry Owens started the ninth inning and allowed 2 more runs, after surrendoring 2 walks and a hit.

The Mets offense was lackluster as well. Lastings Milledge and David Wright were the only two Mets with more then 1 hit, but neither had a rbi, although each scored one run. However, Jeff Keppinger had a 2 rbis on the day, while Xavier Nady had the third rbi, going 1-2.

On Saturday the Mets offense was very existent in both games played, however the result is one win and one loss. The first gane, against the Braves was started by prospect John Maine. Maine was terrible, allowing 6 earned runs n only 2 innings of work, all coming in the first inning. Maine's era for the Spring through 4 innings is now 13.5. After Maine came in Cuban defector, Alay Soler, who wasn't much better, Soler allowed 5 runs, 4 earned, in only 1 2/3 innings of work. Soler's era is remarkably worse than Maine's, at 21.6 in 3 1/3 innings on work. Juan Perez followed Soler with 2 2/3 innings of shutout relief, lowering his era to 4.26. Mitch Wylie and Anderson Garcia pitched shutout 8th and 9th innings respectivley. Although the pitching staff surendered 11 runs the Mets offense kept the game competetive, scoring 7 runs. Lastings Milledge had his 3rd, 4th, and 5th hits in two days, while top prospect Carlos Gomez went 2-4 with 2 rbis, 2 runs scored, and a triple. Stay tuned for news about Gomez, I picked up a little nugget earlier today. Lastly, bench hopeful, Juan Tejeda went 3-4 with 2 runs scored. Back-up catcher Ramon Castro, also added a home run.

The second game of the day was against the Marlins, and was broadcasted on WFAN. The Mets ended their brief 2 game losing streak, beating the young Fish 6-10. Jose Lima continued to struggle this Spring, allowing 4 runs in as many innings. Royce Ring, on the other hand, pitched two innings of 1 run ball, striking out 2 and picking up the victory. Heath Bell and Matt Perisho followed Ring for scoreless innings in relief, while Bartolome Fortunato allowed one run on two hits in the ninth. The hitters picked up the slack from the pitchers, especially David Wright. Wright hit his first home run of the Spring, a three run home run that was part of a 7 run 5th inning for the Mets. Kazuo Matsui had an rbi double in the 5th, and after Cliff Floyd singled Xavier Nady drove him in with a triple. After Julio Franco singled Chris Woodward doubled him home to cap off the inning. A pair of Met's prospects were displayed, 17 year old Fernando Martinez had his first professional hit, going 1-2 on the day, after striking out in his first at bat. While Brett Harper went 1-1 with a run scored. Last season Harper broke out in the minors, hitting 36 home runs between St. Luice and Binghamton.

Position battles report (last three games):
Second Base:
1) Jeff Keppinger- 1-7, 2 rbi, double, error (overall: .313 avg)
2) Anderson Hernandez- 0-3 (overall: .292 avg)
3) Kazuo Matsui- 1-7, double, rbi, run, 2 errors (overall: .160 avg)
4) Chris Woodward- 1-7, double, 2 rbi, error (overall: .316)

Right Field:
1) Xavier Nady- 3-6, 2 runs, 2 rbi (overall: .476 avg, 9 rbi)
2) Victor Diaz- 1-7 (overall: .300 avg, 3 rbi)
3) Lastings Milledge- 5-9, 2 runs (overall: .318, 2 rbi 2 steals)

Well, I said I read a little nugget about prospect Carlos Gomez, and it certainly is little. The Daily News made a brief note that Minaya has been in contact with the Rockies about possibly acquiring Zach Day. Day was acquired from the Nats in the Preston Wilson trade last July. However, once the Rockie's GM requested Carlos Gomez negotiations broke off. Minaya has looked into acquiring several different starters, and it seems to me like a deal is inevitable. Day has nice stuff, but it is questionable whether he would succeed in New York