Mets deal Victor Diaz to Texas for Catcher

Mike Nickeas is the newest Met, although I don't know if we will ever see him wear a New York Mets uniform. Nickeas plays catcher which is the weakest position in the Mets system, but Nickeas isn't much of a hitter. In fact, Nickeas did not even start on his AA team. What's more is that the man he backed up, Kevin Richardson, struck out 93 times so far this season in only 293 at bats, so that shows you how good a hitter Nickeas is. Nickeas' best abillity is his plate discipline. This season Nickeas has a batting average of .266 in 177 at bats split between A and AA. However, despite the mediocore average Nickeas has a very impressive .386 OBP which is .120 points higher than his batting average. Despite the higher OBP a .362 slugging percentage makes Nickeas available, and makes him the newest Met for a one time top prospect.

Victor Diaz, once compared to Manny Ramirez, has clearly lost his confidence this season, and it was clear he was going to be traded eventually. Diaz's .224 average in AAA was not even the most troubling statistic. More troubling then the average was the disgusting .276 on base percentage, and the equally disgusting .330 slugging percentage. After Diaz hit .300 in AAA last season with a .353 on base percentage and an excellent .541 slugging percentage he completely fell off, and is now considered a non-prospect to most.

With all that said, I would still rather have Diaz over Nickeas since Diaz has shown he can hit, something that cannot be said about Nickeas. This could wind up being a steal for the Rangers, but most likely not.

In other news Baseball America released its AFL preview. Playing for the Mesa Solar Sox are Mets top prospects Phil Humber and Fernando Martinez. BA says that martinez well start to learn the corner outfield positions in the AFL for his inevitable call up. As for Humber BA says

When healthy, Humber shows two quality pitches: a 91-94 fastball and a curveball with true 12-to-6 break. Humber's command has always been ahead of his control, which is one of the main reasons he's headed west. Another is to further refine his changeup, which is below average now and needs work.

The day in...

The day in news:
Oliver Perez will officially get another start, thankfully. Perez was very impressive in the first four innings of his start against the Phillies, although he imploded in the fifth, allowing five runs. Perez pitched on seven days rest, and will be going on the normal amount of rest in his next start. One possible problem in Perez's outing was the consistent decrease in velocity every inning. In the first Perez was reaching 94 mph on the gun, and by the fifth he was down to 90, and I don't believe he broke 91 once in the fifth. Just something to keep an eye on.

The day in the minors:
AAA: Lastings Milledge had two singles, as Jacob Cruz had the only rbi for the Tides. Milledge's average has been in a constant downfall since originally being demoted from the majors, and now has an average of .274 after tonight's 2-4 game. Blake McGinley started for the Tides and went only two innings, allowing just one hit, and striking out three batters. Jose Lima pitched six strong innings in relief, allowing three runs on six hits and no walks. Lima took the loss and dropped to 6-8.

AA: The B-Mets were flat-out embarrased on Monday night. Not only did Binghamton get shutout, and allow ten runs, but they were one hit. What's more is that they were one-hit by a 26 year old, and when you are 26 and in AA you don't have much of a future, unless your someone like Alay Soler. Carlos Gomez had the only hit in three trips to the plate. Bryan Edwards allowed three run over 4.1 innings, and Rich Rundles followed by allowing seven runs over three innings, although only four were earned.

A: In game one of a double-header Jose Sanchez struggled mightily on the mound. The right-hander threw five innings, and allowed six runs. Fernando Martinez went 1-4 and stole his first St. lucie base. Mike Carp drove in his 84th run of the year in the 6-2 defeat. Jonathon Niese was recently promoted from Hagerstown to Port St. Lucie, and in his first start Niese was solid. Niese checks in on Gotham Baseball's top ten prospects as the third best arm in the Mets system pitched five innings in his debut. Niese walked three, and struck out five, while allowing three runs, only one earned, in the loss. In the seven inning game Fernando Martinez went 0-4, and the Mets were two hit. Tony Piazza hit a home run in the 4-1 loss.

The day in the majors:
8,000 fans showed up at Shea today, but that didn't stop the Mets from gving the Phillies a beatdown. Jose Reyes went 2-5, and is inching closer and closer to the .300 mark, and he also scored two more runs getting him closer and closer to the team's record for runs scored in a season. Paul LoDuca and Carlos Delgado also had two hits each, and both drove in two and scored once. David Wright had a foul ball turned rbi single in the third inning and finished the day with two rbi and a possible slump busted. John Maine was once again brilliant. In his 6.1 innings pitched he allowed only two runs on a Pat Burrel home run, and a total of only seven base runners. Roberto Hernandez got two outs of the bullpen in the seventh, and after Mota pitched another impressive inning, despite a Ryan Howard home run, Wagner shut the door in the ninth, striking out three straight batters. Overall, a feel good day for the Mets, who had nothing to frown about after the game.

My two latest articles for Shea Baseball

I forgot to link you to an article I wrote a couple of weeks ago for Shea Baseball. I diagnose the original Kris Benson trade when the Mets acquired him on July 31st 2004 from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Also, I wrote an article on the acquisition of Guillermo Mota, and how much I loved the move. I wrote the article on Monday, so it may seem a bit outdated. Will Musto, the owner of Shea Baseball, has been very busy so it took him a bit to get the article up. Let me know what you guys think.

Second round pick on display in Binghamton

Kevin Mulvey made his AA debut on Thursday night, and despite not putting up terrific numbers he was not terrible. The most likely nervous 21 year old pitched only three innings and allowed only two hits. However, Mulvey did walk two batters, and a llow a total of two runs. Mulvey also struck out four batters and allowed a home run. To read more about Mulvey check out the interview I did with Mulvey's college coach, Joe Godri.

Also of note in the game was Michael Abreu recording two hits in three at bats including a home run.

On the major leage level the Mets made a multitude of moves.
-With the addition of Shawn Green a fellow left-handed bat, Ricky Ledee, was designated for assignment.
-Next, the Mets announced that El Duque would be scratched from his next start due to soreness, which means my man, Oliver Perez, will probably get the call.
-Also, Ramon Castro was played on the 60 day disabled list, taking him off of the team's roster.
-With Castro out at least until the post-season the Mets signed ex-Yankee Kelly Stinnett who will most likely play third string to LoDuca and DiFelice down the stretch once rosters expand to 40.
-Brian Bannister will start tommorow against Randy Wolf and the Phillies.
-With Bannitser being promoted back to the majors Lastings Milledge was demoted for a week. We will see Milledge up again when the rosters expand, in the meantime expect Endy Chavez to get the bulk of playing time in leftfield.

The day in...

The day in transactions:
Dave Williams was officially promoted from AAA to MLB, and Mr. Demotion, Heath Bell, was demoted to Norfolk. Williams started tonight's game in the majors, but the man I wanted to pitch tonight was lights out in Virginia.

The day in the minors:
In AAA Oliver Perez once again showed that he still has something left. The 24 year old pitched an absolute gem. After the first six innings Perez had not even allowed a hit, although he did allow a leadoff single in the seventh inning. Perez finished with seven shutout, one hit, innings. Seven innings that included 11 punch-outs, two walks, one hit batsman, and a 59-35 strike to ball ratio. Perez, Lavigne, and Heath Bell combined on a one hitter and 14 total strikeouts. Jacob Cruz had the lone run batted in in the 1-0 victory, while Anderson Hernandez scored the only run after stealing second base.

In AA Willie Collazo was also at top form. In his seven innings Collazo allowed four hits and one run en route to his seventh win of the season. Chase Lambin and Wilson Batista each hit home runs in the 7-1 win.

In High A the St. Lucie Mets were held to just three hits over seven innings. Corey Coles hit a home run for the Mets only run of the game, his first this season. Rich Rundles, a former St. Louis minor leaguer, pitched seven innings and allowed three runs, although only one was earned. Despite the low runs allowed total Rundles allowed 12 hits and walked three.

The day in the majors:
After an eventful, emotional, and inagural night at Shea Dave Williams had an impressive debut. Before leaving with an injury Williams pitched 5.2 three run innings. Two of the runs allowed scored on a three run home run given up by Roberto Hernandez. Williams ended the day with 99 pitches, and an impressive total of 68 strikes. Williams reportedly had cramps in both legs, which does not sound too serious but we should discover more in the coming days. Heilman and Wagner pitched three scoreless innings combined to close out the 7-4 win. A big part of how the Mets scored was based around prospect Lastings Milledge. As one of the few Milledge supporters, consistently, I was happy to finally see him come through. He finished 3-3 with a home run, a bases loaded rbi single, and his first hit came to break up Francis' no hitter in the fifth. Milledge reached base four times in total, since he was hit by a pitch in the third inning. Beltran had a sacrifice fly for his 100th rbi of the season, the first Met to meet that ilustrious plateau. Delgado also went 2-4 in the win. In the Mets sixth run sixth inning the Rockies played terrible defense inclduing two errors and a passed ball. What's more is that the Mets were wearing their 1986 jerseys, and if you remember, which you should, the Mets rally in the ninth inning of game six was very similar. The Mets scored the tying run on a passed ball, and the winning run on the notorious Bill Buckner error. The situation and game impact is, quite obviously, different, but it is very weird how these situations happened on the night the 1986 team was honored, and when the Mets wore those exact jerseys.

The day in...

The day in news:
It appears that the start on Saturday will go to one of Dave Williams or Oliver Perez. Brian Bannister and Mike Pelfrey have been called non-options by Willie Randolph, and Oliver Perez's turn to pitch would, coincidentally, come on Saturday. Williams threw a quality start when he last pitched, on Sunday. Therefore, Williams normal day would be tommorow to start, as a result the Saturday starter should be announced before tommorow night's game against Colorado.

Jose Valentin left today's 7-2 victory over the Phillies early with a strained hamstring. Willie Randolph basically said the injury was nothing to be worried about, and they'll re-evaulate tommorow. Randolph said it was not a DL situation, but should it un-expectedly become one one of Ruben Gotay, Anderson Hernandez, or Edgardo Alfonzo would most likely get the call.

The day in the minors:
It was quite an eventful day throughout the Mets minor league system. Every minor league team one, except for AAA Norfolk, where the 47-78 Tides took on the Louisville Bats. With Jose Lima on the mound, and officially eliminated from pitching on Saturday *whipes brow*, The Tides knew they needed to score runs. Despite the fact that Lima was not terrible, a seven inning four run outing, the Tides mustered only one run against former Minnesota Twin, Joe Mays. The Tides were held to five hits, while Ruben Gotay went 0-4 and Edgardo Alfonzo and Anderson Hernandez each went 1-4.

In AA Jorge Padilla knocked in three runs, and hit a home run in 7-5 victory over Bowie. Padilla went 2-4 on the day, and raised his average to .299 on the season. Carlos Gomez had a two out rbi, his only hit in four at bats, and kept his average above the .270 mark, at .280. Mike Devaney, the B-Mets starter, lasted only 1.2 innings, and allowed two runs on two hits. Devaney walked as many batters as he retird, five. After Eddie Camacho gave up three runs four Mets reliever shutout the Baysox for 5.2 innings. Ivan Maldonado pitched 2.2 innings, while the winning pitcher Ryan Cullen, Matt Lindstrom, and Henry Owens each pitched a scoreless inning, respectivley.

In High A St. Lucie Fernando Martinez record two hits, including a double, a night after he hit his third St. Lucie home run. Martinez also threw out a baserunner trying to stretch a single into a double. Corey Coles was a home run away from the cycle, as he recorded a single, double, and triple to go along with an rbi, while raising his batting average to a very impressive .347. Chuck Smith pitched five one run innings in his third win of the season, and Travis Hope pitched four one hit shutout innings for the extended save.

In Low A Hagerstown, the Mets other teenage prospect, Deolis Guerra, showed why he is considered part of the Mets future, at age 17. Guerra threw a mini no-no, going five innings of no hit ball, before being pulled because of six walks. Guerra also struck out six batters, and lowered his era to 2.20 and increased his record to 6-7. Brandon Nall pitched three one hit innings, Kevin Tomasiewicz pitched a shutout inning in the ninth to close the door on a 5-0 win.

The day in the majors:
After getting embarassed by the Phillies for three straight days the two Carlos', Beltran and Delgado, awoke, as did the Mets. Jose Reyes went 2-4 with an rbi single, and a stolen base, while Carlos Beltran had four hits in five at bats, including a home run. No Met has reached the century mark in any of the two main categories this season (runs/rbi), and Beltran is most likely the first to reach 100, he is now at 99 rbi. Carlos Delgado went 3-4 with four rbi, including a home run and a triple. Delgado needed a double to complete the cycle. However, David Wright is starting to raise concern, going 0-4 again today with three strikeouts. John Maine was once again solid on the mound, and he continues to impress after every start. Maine's six inning two run outing earned Maine his third win of the season, and it seems like he is inching closer to being in the playoff rotation, which may mean no Trachsel. I can't help but smile. Speaking of Trachsel, he is starting tommorow against the Rockies.

Coach: Mets May Have Gotten First-Round Talent in Mulvey

Here is my article I wrote about a month and a half ago for NY Baseball Central. Here is the link, but I'll save you the trouble of clicking, and re-post the article here:

Left without a first-round pick, after the signing of Billy Wagner, the Mets ironically found themselves going back to the Philadelphia area for their first pick of this year’s draft, second rounder Kevin Mulvey of Villanova University.

Mulvey, a 6-1, right-handed pitcher, who was taken with the 62nd pick of the draft, was the first of a bushel of pitchers the Mets picked on draft day. But after speaking to his college coach, Joe Godri, despite not being a first-round pick, there’s a lot for Mets’ fans to be excited about. Yes, he’s talented, but he is a excellent person, too, his college coach said.

“His quality of person is impeccable” Godri said of the Parlin, N.J. Native who grew up rooting for both the Mets and the Yankees. “He always plays for the name on the front of his jersey, and never ever for the name on the back. He is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet and is very coachable.”

Nice and coachable only goes so far, though.

Mulvey has a 92-94 mph fastball, with a plus slider that he is not afraid to throw in any count, according to Godri. In fact, Mulvey has better control of his slider than he does of his fastball. Godri said he believes that Mulvey is a power pitcher, with good off speed stuff, a deadly combination.

Not only does Mulvey have good stuff, said Godri, but he has a lightening-quick arm, a smooth delivery, and he has a “tremendous presence [on the mound].” The 21 year old has very good control, too good in fact. Godri said he thinks that Mulvey needs to mix up more balls to go along with his strikes, because he can become too hittable at times, and should become effectively wild more often.

But he’s far from a pushover, Godri explains.

Mulvey “will knock you down if he needs to” Godri said when asked if Mulvey would be willing to protect his hitters. When runners are on base Mulvey has a slide step, described by Godri as “nice,” despite a normally slow delivery. He is a “plus fielder” and “there aren’t many things that Kevin can’t do on a baseball field.” He is a pitcher who can even overpower his opposing hitters. Pitcher is the key word. When asked if Mulvey was a pitcher as opposed to a thrower Godri responded with a resounding “absolutely.”

Godri said he was a little bit surprised that Mulvey dropped to the 62nd pick, because the Indians, Yankees, Cardinals, Phillies, and obviously the Mets all liked Mulvey, he said. Godri said he believes that Brian Slocum, a Cleveland Indians farmhand, and Mulvey are similar pitchers based on talent. Godri would not say which one is a better pitcher, but Slocum has played in the majors and he currently has a 3.82 era through 30.2 innings in the bullpen and the rotation at AAA Buffalo.

Right now Mulvey needs to fill out in his body a bit more, Godri said, and become more “man strong.” Also, his former coach said Mulvey needs to learn how to pitch a complete season in the minor leagues, because a 56 game college schedule with 15-16 starts is different from the 30-35 starts a year that the major leagues demands.

All in all, Godri, currently busy as the assistant Head Coach for the USA National team, seems pretty confident that the Mets got a steal with the 62nd overall pick. To hear his coach speak, it seems Mulvey, who remains unsigned, has all of the tools to become a dependable pitcher in the Major Leagues when it is all said and done. A plus fielder, a great personality, a slider that he can throw in any count, and a New York fan is the makings of the next great star in the Mets minor league system.

The day in...

The day in news:
Top pitching prospect, Mike Pelfrey, has gone on the disabled list for the first time in his career today. Pelfrey has a strained right lat muscle, a similar injury that Kaz Ishii had with the Mets last season, and should be out for up to a month, and should return just in time for September call-ups.

Yesterday the Mets signed 62nd overall draft pick, Kevin Mulvey, who is likely to have a few starts in Port St. Lucie, and then jump to AA Binghamton. I interviewed Mulvey's coach awhile back for NY Baseball Central, and I'll re-post the article here in a few.

The day in the minors:
In AAA Brian Bannister, and his 12.60 era took the mound. 4.1 innings later Bannister is out of the game after allowing four runs, three earned, on seven hits. However, despite the overall dissapointing effort Bannister only walked one batter and struck out five, both encouragin signs. In the loss six Tides went 1-4 including Ruben Gotay and Anderson Hernandez.

In AA the Mets and Yankees had a battle of New York minor league affiliates. With Phil Humber on the mound the Mets had a good chance of winning against the Thunder, however after the B-Mets offense scored only two runs Humber ended with a loss. The 23 year old pitched seven strong innings, allowing four runs, although only three were earned. Humber also allowed only six hits, and walked only one batter, while striking out seven. This start was Humber's first succesful start in two chances in AA this season. Ambiorix Concepcion went 2-4 with an rbi, a double, and a run scored in the 6-2 defeat.

In High A Jesus Flores hit two home runs in four trips to the plate en route to a 6-2 victory. The home runs were Flores 15th and 16th on the season, as Flores showed why he is the best catching prospect in the Mets system (exculding Tony Pena's son). Chuck Smith, who has pitched in AAA, AA, and A this season, struck out eight batters over six two run innings.

The day in the majors:
The Mets completed their first home sweep of the season, and they did so by using an outfielder that had no player playing their everyday position. Michael Tucker, who played left out (pun intended) in yesterday's game, actually played left outfield today, with Ricky Ledee manning right. Endy Chavez played centerfield, and Mike DiFelice did the catching. Despite all of the irregulars playing the Mets were able to score seven runs, backing a very strong outing behind Orlando Hernandez. El Duque went seven innings, allowing just five baserunners and three runs. Hernandez improved to 8-8 on the season with the win. Jose Reyes and Jose Valentin each had two rbi, while Chavez, Wright, and Tucker had one a piece.

The day in...

The day in news:
The Mets claimed Ricky Ledee off of waivers from the Dodgers. Originally drafted by the Yankees, Ledee is a career .246 hitter who is now with his seventh team in his eight year career. Ledee is the lefty bat off of the bench that Minaya was looking for. The 32 year old makes 1.5 million a season.

As a result of Ledee being claimed the Mets released Eli Marrero who struck out in his last Met at bat today.

The day in the minors:
In AAA Dave Williams, a former Pirate acquired by the Mets earlier this season, pitched six sinnings of one run ball, although the one run allowed was un-earned. Williams allowed three hits, no walks, and struck out six. Williams' era in AAA is now 3.52 on the season. Yusaku Iriki pitched two innings in relief, allowing two earned runs, and taking the loss. Anderson Hernandez also went 2-5 in the loss with a double.

In AA Willie Collazo allowed an astounding 14 hits over six innings, while allowing six runs in his sixth loss of the season. Carlos Gomez went 0-4 with two strikeouts in the game. Michel Abreu hit a home run, and raised his average to an impressive .343. Abreu, 31, is not much of a prospect because of his age, and he is not likely to see the bigs this season.

The St. Lucie Mets played a double header today, and Fernando Martinez shined in both games. In game one the teenager went 2-3 with a double, as Rich Rundles pitched six two run innings (one earned) in the seven inning game victory. In game two Fernando Martinez hit a home run and tripled in four at bats, completing the two game cycle. Blake Eager pitched a complete game, seven innings, of three hit shutout baseball.

The day in the majors:
I was lucky enough to be at one of the most emotional games of the season, and the cheers for Piazza were un-real. During the video tribute I actually got chills when they showed the 9/11 home run. As for the game, Trachsel had good results, but he pitched behind all game. I actually yawned twice in the third inning, which is quite an impressive feat at such a high intense game. The bullpen, despite using five relievers, did a very good job shutting out the Padres for 3.1 innings. Carlos Beltran and David Wright had very good games, each recording three hits. A good win, for sure, and the Mets can take the series tommorow with Pedro on the mound.

The day in...

The day in news:
The Paul Lo Duca scandal has finally been released. Allegedely Lo Duca commited adultery and his wife is filing for divorce. Lo Duca and his wife, Sonia, will be on Joe Beningo's morning show tommorow to either set the record straight, or address the issue. Either way, the NY Post should be ashamed for not only acting like it is news that a baseball player committed adultery, but the fact that is was on their front page! I would also like to direct your attention to a quote from Jose Canseco's book "Juiced". Said Canseco

Here's something you probably don't know about Roger Clemens: He's one of the very few baseball players I know who never cheated on his wife.

Fact is committing adultery seems to be a rite of passage in a way with baseball players. I undertsand Lo Duca not wanting to talk with the media anymore, but like I said, the Post should be ashamed.

The day around baseball:
Livan Hernandez was finally dealt to the Diamondbacks for two prospects. Nice find for the DBacks who have a bad bullpen and need innings out of their rotation.

The day in the minors:
With AAA and AA having the night off, and High A's game resulting in a rain out, Hagerstown was the only minor league team with signicant prospects (if you can call them that) playing. Jeramy Simmons pitched five innings, and allowed just as many runs in his second loss of the season. As for the hitters, Jonel Pacheco hit a home run and scored two runs along with two rbi.

The day in the majors:
The Mets had the day off, but I am going to Piazza's return tommorow, and I couldn't be more syked. Hopefully the Mets win, Piazza and Cameron have big games, and we get to boo the hell out of Hoffman.

The day in...

The day in news:
The New York Mets announced that David Wright has been signed to a six year contract extension with an option for a seventh year. The deal is worth a reported $55 million, and is the second extension, along with Jose Reyes, that the Mets have signed this week. David Wright is hitting .308 with 83 rbi so far this season.

The day in rumors:
Newsday is reporting that the Mets may be interested in signing Ruben Sierra to a contract for when rosters expand to 40 in September. Sierra was released earlier this season by the Twins, and Newsday says of a possible comeback:

Currently, Sierra's comeback is on hold as he tends to his ailing mother, but the two sides plan to talk if Sierra decides to return to action this season. Before his mother's health problems, Sierra and the Mets discussed a program in which Sierra would spend a few days in Port St. Lucie, then a couple of weeks with Triple-A Norfolk before joining the big-league club Sept. 1. Even if Sierra joins the organization at the minor-league level by Aug. 31, he will be eligible (as an injury replacement) for the team's postseason roster.

The day in the minors:
In AAA Mike Pelfrey made his first start for the Tides. Over his five innings of work Pelfrey allowed two runs on only three hits, while walking two. Pelfrey did allow a home run to Jason Cooper which shows Pelfrey was not on top of his game, because Pelfrey does not normally allow home runs. In fact, in his four starts in the majors the 22 year old allowed only one home run. Pelfrey threw only 90 pitches, and earned the victory.
In AA the B-Mets played 13 innings against the Connecticut Defenders, and despite four rbi from Carlos Gomez Binghamton lost. Henry Owens blew a 5-7 lead in the ninth inning, and Kevin Rios took the loss in the thirteenth inning when pitcher Oscar Montero had a single to score Travis Ishikawa. Also of note in the game is Andy Wilson returned from the disabled list and went 1-3 with a home run, and Anderson Garcia, just demoted from AAA, pitched two scoreless extra inning frames.
In St. Lucie Fernando Martinez homered and went 1-5 as the Mets won 4-1. Martinez has gone 1-4, 1-4, and 1-5 in all three of his games so far in St. Lucie. Starter Salvador Aguilar pitched six shutout innings for his seventh victory of the season.
In low A Hagerstown Deolis Guerra was on the mound and he was nothing short of spectacular in his 5.2 innings. The teenager struck out 11 batters, while allowing only a single run to cross the plate. Guerra also walked two and allowed five hits, en route to a no decision that lowered his era to 2.39. Also of note is Ryan Coultas who went 4-4 with two doubles in his first game after being demoted from St. Lucie where he hit to a dreadful .146 batting average in 144 at bats.

The day in the majors:
John Maine pitched six beautiful innings en route to his second victory of the season. Over his six shutout innings Maine allowed just three hits and three walks, while striking out four batters. Maine's scoreless innings streak has now reached an impressive, 23. Surpassing Jae Seo's 20.1 inning scoreless streak last season for the New York Mets. Ironically, Maine's situation this season was similar to Jae Seo's last season. Royce Ring made his season debut out of the bullpen. Despite striking out two over 1.1 innings Ring allowed three hits, including a home run to Mike Lieberthal. Paul Lo Duca went 3-4, but as of right now it remains to be seen why he will no longer speak with the media. Jose Reyes hit his second career grand slam, and is now 10 rbi away from breaking the Mets club record for shortstop rbi's, of 60.

Reviewing Omar's Deadline Catches

Check out my most recent Shea Baseball article, and let me know what you though of it. I have some nice quotes from brain O'Neill of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazzette on the player's the Mets got from the Pirates on Monday.

Bannister throws seven inning gem in rehab start

In Brian Bannister's second rehab start he knew he had to prove that he can still pitch well, coming off of an outing in which he allowed four runs over five innings. Despite the fact that two of those runs were un-earned Bannister wanted to place his name on Mets team brass and Mets fans' radars, and after tonight's start he certainly did that.

Spanning seven innings the 25 year old allowed no runs, while surrendering four hits no walks and striking out eight. Bannister also earned his first win in St. Lucie this season, and after pitching 12 innings in High A he may be staring down a promotion to AA or AAA shortly.