Let me clear things up: The outfield is not OK; Endy Chavez has been great; The Mets need someone

I'm seeing a bunch of comments arguing my point I made early this morning, and I feel the need to defend my points.

1. Moises Alou is old, gets hurt way too much, and I am going to hold out no hope of him returning and helping the team for more than 16.2 seconds.

2. Endy Chavez has played very well in Alou's and Ryan Church's absence. He can easily continue to start in the OF with no problem. He has a great glove and is perfect hitting behind Jose Reyes.

3. The Mets still need another OF. I don't think the platoon of Fernando Tatis, Marlon Anderson, Chris Aguila, Trot Nixon, Angel Pagan, etc. etc., will be enough to carry this team into postseason play.

4. I don't want Omar Minaya to sell the farm to pick up trade bait. Matt Holliday would be awesome, but I'm almost 100 percent sure Aaron Heilman, Fernando Martinez, and probably two other top flight minor leaguers would have to head west to land him. I don't feel comfortable watching all that young talent leave the already depleted farm system.

Yes, the Mets need another outfielder. Yes, Minaya will probably have to give up a blue chip prospect to land that guy. Yes, I'm confident that the guy he lands will help this team through the season.

So that's that. Thoughts??

Nick Evans to replace Church on roster

Nick Evans has been called up to replace Ryan Church.

Ryan Church back to the DL

Here we go again...

Ryan Church has been placed on the disabled list once again. Church has been struggling with the after effects of his second concussion and the extreme mishandling of it by both himself and the team. Church had missed the past few games with migraines.

I am convinced the corner outfield spots are cursed. The ghost of Jeromy Burnitz or something crazy like that.

The Mets need Church to get right. He should be absolutely shut down for an extended period of time, purely for his own good. His health is secondary to his contributions to the team.

Get well, Ryan.

Early Morning Madness: Who is this man you call 'El Duque' edition

Hey...remember this guy? Well he's on the comeback trail.

That's right, Orlando Hernandez threw four innings of baseball in rookie league ball, allowing two runs (one earned). El Duque allowed four hits, walking one, and striking out six.

Honestly, I'm not even going to begin to remotely think about if he could ever be somewhat effective ever again. This is just a pinhole sized blip on the radar screen.

** * **

Is Pedro cooked? I don't think so.

Yes, he has struggled through his recent starts, but if you take away a shaky first inning last time around, he pitched pretty well. His start win interrupted by a rain delay, but Pedro Martinez manned up and came back out, pitching fairly well before allowing a solo home run.

Tonight should be interesting, especially because he's pitching in hitter friendly Citizen's Bank Park.

** * **

The Continuing Story of Ryan Church...continues.

Church was held out of the lineup for all 12 innings during yesterday's marathon game. Church was recovering from a migraine which forced him out of 8th inning of Saturday's game.

Hopefully (fingers crossed), it was really only a migraine and was only slightly related to the concussions, if at all. The team's dynamic is nowhere close to the same without his bat in the lineup.

I'll be monitoring this situation closely.

Migraines keeping Ryan Church out of play

Ryan Church left last night's game in the 8th inning with migraines. The same ailment is keeping him out of the lineup for Sunday's matinee.

Church has suffered from migraines since an early age, but they have recently increased in frequency due to his two concussions in only a handful of months.

Are the Mets corner outfield spots cursed or something?? This is getting crazy.

Ryan Church is dizzy

Here we go again.

Ryan Church left last night's game against the Phillies in the top of the 8th inning with "dizziness." Apparently, it was only a migraine and not repercussions from his second concussion of the season.

I really, really hope he's all right. His bat needs to stay in the lineup.

The Mets bats stink

Another excellent Johan Santana start wasted.

Santana gave up only two runs, and the Mets lost again. This reminds me of when Roger Clemens pitched with the Astros. He would dominate the other team, but the 'Stros simply did not score for him.

I sort of feel bad for Santana, because he's doing pretty much all that he can do, and his team still can't manage to win. He may not be the best pitcher in the league anymore, but he's pitching very, very well and the Mets are now 0-6 in his last six starts.

This team always seems to fail horribly with timely hitting. The Mets had the bases loaded and nobody out, and managed to score only two runs. Luckily, at that. Thanks to the speed of Jose Reyes, who beat out a double play ball, and a good eye by David Wright to walk a run in, otherwise the inning could have ended without the Mets pushing any runs across.

I'm not sure if the Mets need to add a bat from elsewhere, but this team needs a jolt. In big games like last night's, the team should be fired up and aggressive, but they still looked flat. Is the team dynamic that different without Ryan Church? Without Moises Alou? Maybe a lineup shakeup will do the trick, but who knows.

Maybe this team really is just a mediocre, .500 team.

TSTDIA: Mets 11 -- Cardinals 1

The Mets played well, very well. Of course, I lost power at my house and didn't see or know about a pitch after Ryan Church's at bat in the first inning.

Of course. Great game though, from what I read at least.

Early Morning Madness: Yadier Molina is a bum edition

Yadier Molina is on a mission to destroy the New York Mets.

First, it was 2006. Now, he's hitting line drives off of the players. As reported last night, Duaner Sanchez took a screamer off the back of his leg, and went to the ground immediately. He should be all right, but it will probably be swollen, black and blue, and causing him a lot of pain for the next few days.

Molina doesn't just want to beat the Mets...he wants to beat them up.

** * **

Carlos Delgado is playing like an engine starts.

When you put the key in the ignition and turn it to get your car started, it starts to turn over. It sputters and churns, heaving itself to get over that hump and kick into motion.

Delgado is showing spurts of power and ability. The 9 RBI game, couple with last nights 3-3 performance, picking up two doubles and scoring once. Unfortunately, these games were the only bright spots in the last few weeks, if not the last few months.

I don't think Delgado is going to have a come back year, as I predicted way back before the start of the season, but he still seems to have something left in the tank.

** * **

Obligitory Early Morning Madness Ryan Church Comment: 2-5, RBI, run scored. The Mets would be in a much different place right now if Church had been able to stay healthy for the whole season up until now.

His bat is powerful, clutch, and it protects the other guys in the lineup. Carlos Beltran doesn't seem to be reaping the benefits just yet, as he's seeing a lot more strikes with Church behind him instead of Delgado. Beltran went 0-5, driving in one run on a ground ball in the fifth inning.

Stay healthy, Ryan Church.

Giving up on the Mets?? Not me, not yet

Last night's 7-1 drubbing by the Cardinals could be explained by any one of: terrible, awful, disaster, gross, boring, ugly...so on and so forth.

I've heard many claims for trades to go down, to start selling the farm and some major leaguers in return for prospects with talent and futures.

Not me, not yet. And here's why:

It's the first of July. The Mets are 3.5 games back, and only three in the loss column. The Mets have the talent, but most of them are under-performing.

Here are some reasons the Mets won't make the playoffs:

• Pedro Martinez might be done. He just doesn't seem to have it, tipping pitches or not. His power is gone and he seems to be throwing batting practice on the mound.
• Moises Alou is old and injured. 15 games is all Alou has been able to play this season. He's on his way to returning to the Mets, possibly by next weekend, but how long will it last?
• The bench has been awful. Just...awful.
• Another concussion for Ryan Church and he's really in serious trouble. He has to protect that noggin.

Reasons the Mets will make the playoffs:

• Johan Santana is a second-half pitcher.
• Aaron Heilman is a second-half pitcher.
• David Wright is a second-half player.
• Carlos Delgado's days are numbered. He may not be cut, but his playing time will diminish.
• Omar Minaya will pull off another spectacular trade. I'm just waiting for it. I don't know who it will be for, but it will work in the Mets favor.
• Fernando Martinez will be called up in late August and have a Jacoby Ellsbury type of season.

I still think the Mets will make the playoffs. I know my father wanted me to rip into them, but I'm still confident in this baseball team, and probably will be until they're mathematically eliminated from contention.

Remember me? The missing Mets

Have a good memory? See if you remember these Mets...

from left to right: Moises Alou, Orlando Hernandez, Matt Wise, Ambiorix Burgos, Angel Pagan

Honorable mention: Ryan Church, who returned to the lineup yesterday against the Yankees.

These five players have appeared in a combined 54 games for the New York Mets in 2008. Two of them have not appeared in any games...at any level.

Alou has played in 15 games for the team, and is looking to come off his third DL stint, possibly as early as this weekend. A habitual member of the DL and has appeared in only 102 games for the Mets in two years. Alou is often seen without batting gloves and may or may not be riding around in a Rascal Personal Scooter.

El Duque has appeared in a total of 47 games for the Mets since coming over in a trade from Arizona for Jorge Julio. He has not pitched at all, in any level of professional baseball in 2008 and has been in a protective boot for months. Look for the limp and/or high leg kick.

Wise came to the Mets as a free agent in before the '08 season. Two stops on the DL has limited his playing time to only eight games (seven innings) for the team, sporting a 6.43 ERA. He's lanky, and that's about all the info we have on him.

Burgos has only appeared in 17 games for the Mets since coming over on December 6, 2006 for Brian Bannister. Burgos is often seen wearing lots and lots of bling, if it has not already been stolen.

Pagan, who had a breakout spring training to catch on with the Alou-less Mets, registered 91 AB in 31 games for the team. He went down with a shoulder injury after making a spectacular diving grab into the stands on May 7th. He may need surgery, which would cost him significantly more time off. Pagan can be seen jumping into the stands and hitting one game winning hit for the team.

If seen, please call the New York Mets at 718-507-METS.

Early Morning Madness: Tantrum edition

Jose Reyes is still maturing.

Every time someone claims Reyes has finally matured, become a man, stopped being a baby, he goes out and makes a bonehead move, then mopes about it. This time it was a throwing error allowing a runner on late in the game. Reyes took off his glove, tossed it to the ground, and stood with his hands on his hips.

When the inning finally ended, Reyes' sunglasses and glove were on the ground again, which he picked up before slowly making his way into the dugout.

Though it's nice to see him get mad at himself for botching an easy play, he needs to shake it off and get back in the game rather than sulk and take it to heart. Just turn around, say "I'll get it next time," and keep your head in the game, otherwise more errors will come your way.

** * **

Oliver Perez was simply magnificent yesterday, and most of it stemmed from his brand new windup.

While it wasn't a drastic change, Perez now has a bit of a rocking motion, where he steps back, then forward and his whole body goes into the pitch. This is something new pitching coach Dan Warthen has added to Perez's delivery.

Here I was worried that Perez would completely fall apart if not under the watchful eye of Rick Peterson, and then he comes out in his second start under Warthen and pitches a gem. I feel that Peterson had Perez over-thinking instead of just throwing. Perez came out yesterday pounding fastballs, throwing 25 of his first 30 pitches for strikes, almost all of which were his heater.

** * **

And welcome back to Ryan Church, who picked up two hits in his return to the Mets.

As I've said a million times before, his bat and presence was sorely missed in the Mets lineup, and now that he's back and healthy, this team is poised to make it's move.

Also, I dig the new facial hair sprouting up around the Mets, especially on Church. Maybe it's time to regrow my beard.

Hallelujah! Church is back

Ryan Church will return from the disabled list today, after finally recovering from his second concussion of this calendar year.

The odd man out in this situation is Trot Nixon. According to Adam Rubin, "team brass was discussing putting him on the DL over designating him for assignment."

What's hurt? His pride? The man is batting .171 with one home run and one RBI. He's scored twice. Is he really worth keeping around?

Also per Rubin, Church will apparently hit sixth in the order, behind Carlos Delgado. I don't know why Delgado continues to bat 5th in the order. He had one good day all season, yet he still bats fifth. He's put together an improved June, but not good enough to continue to justify batting fifth.

I figured when Jerry Manuel took over, the lineup would be shaken up a bit, but it's taken until now for that to happen. Rubin reports that Delgado will probably drop to seventh in the order when the Mets head to St. Louis in an attempt to split up the two lefties.

Either way, I'm sure the Mets and their fans are glad to welcome Ryan Church back into the fold. Stay away from other players, walls, peoples knees and any thing else that can hit your head.

Mets to hold Church on Sunday

Ryan Church, who is at Shea Stadium with the team, should be activated on Sunday for the Subway Series finale against the Yankees.

Church went 3-3 in his only rehab game for the Brooklyn Cyclones.

The Mets are sorely missing his bat and his glove. Hey Ryan, just make sure you protect your head, please.

Hopefully Trot Nixon takes a trot back to AAA. He's been flat out bad.

Early Morning Madness: Subway edition

Is everyone sick of the Subway Series by now? I still find it somewhat interesting, the game that is, but the media attention to it is sickening. I know people still want to read about it, hear about it, and watch (about) it, but it's talked about ad nauseum as if it's some magical event that will bring peace and happiness to New York. In reality, it's just another reason Yankee fans and Mets fans yell and scream and fight. Thanks, MLB, for not letting me love my fellow New Yorker.

** * **

Ryan Church seemed to like A-ball, where he is now hitting 1.000 on the season. As noted last night, Church went 3-3, with a double, RBI, and run scored. Can Mets equipment master Charlie Samuels outfit Church with a John Olerud-esque helmet for the field? Maybe add some extra padding or just duct tape a pillow around his head. It might not be very aerodynamic, but whatever works.

** * **

I'm writing this post a mere 5 minutes before I get dressed and walk downstairs to get everything in order for my commute to work. Bottle of water, granola bar, book, ID badge, so on and so forth. Even though I have a Post-It note on my keys, I can almost guarantee you that I forget to grab my AM radio so I can listen to the first game on the ride home. I'll forget it, and when I'm getting on the train, smack myself in the forehead with the palm of my hand and yell "Should have had a V8!" or "Doh! AM RADIO!" Either of those. I can't predict which, but it will definitely be one of those. I'll update you once I get on a computer again. Update: I remembered the radio. Don't ask me how, but I did.

Church's night in Brooklyn

Ryan Church, rehabbing his way back from his second concussion on the year, absolutely tore up A-ball on Thursday night.

Church went 3-3 for the Brooklyn Cyclones against the Aberdeen IronBirds. He doubled, drove in one run and scored another as Brooklyn beat Aberdeen by a score of 4-2.

In typical Mets fashion, Brooklyn pounded out 15 hits but only tallied four runs.

Seems to me like Church is ready and raring for some action. Can't wait to get him back into the lineup.

Early Morning Madness: Pearl jammin' edition

Last night's Mets game was far from Sad. It had a better Even Flow as the Mets went Deep three times over. They were Faithfull to the balls that were Given to Fly. The Mets have a Habit of Sometimes making me Smile. Maybe Manuel and Omar Minaya will want to put the Present Tense in the Rearviewmirror and start to Do The Evolution, shaking up the team a bit.

If you didn't know, all the italics are Pearl Jam song titles.

MetsGrrl beat me to it. She was at the Pearl Jam show last night too, and Mr. Eddie Vedder gave us this little quote, right before playing "Rats":

Oh, I was out at Shea Stadium the other night and they have big rats there.

** * **

Brian Runge, the ump that bumped Jerry Manuel, has since apologized to the manager.

From Manuel, on the apology:

Yes, he did (apologize). He felt very bad," Manuel said. "He had spoken to his father (former big-league ump Paul Runge), who actually is a good friend of mine. He felt very bad about the whole incident and I accepted it."

See? The world isn't totally evil.

** * **

Ryan Church will play for the Brooklyn Cyclones tomorrow night. He may DH, he may play the outfield, it all depends on how he feels when he wakes up tomorrow morning.

The way I feel waking up this morning, I don't even know if I'm suited to walk. Maybe Church should gauge it on how he feels around 10 a.m., just to let some grogginess wear off.

Early Morning Madness: Smiles edition

Since Jerry Manuel took over, I've never seen the team smile this much.

Almost everywhere you look, players are flashing their pearly whites. U don't even think I saw Carlos Delgado or Carlos Beltran smile under Willie Randolph. Ever.

This team is playing in a completely new environment under Manuel. He demands hustle and quality play, but he also knows it's a game and you can't be 100 percent somber all the time.

The one smile noticeably absent is that of David Wright, who's struggling at the plate against righties. As mentioned below, Wright will finally see some rest tonight. Hopefully this allows Wright to clear his head and just relax at the plate, as it looks like he's pulling off pitches and trying to rush things.

Either way, players finally seem to be enjoying themselves, and instead of treating games like a funeral service, they look like they have a passion for the game again.

** * **

Finally, Manuel is fielding some praise in the New York media, though probably not for the reason one would hope.

From Bob Raissman:

It remains to be seen if Jerry Manuel can lead the Mets to the promised land - or at least a trip to the playoffs. But in the eight days since Omar (It Was My Decision) Minaya gave him the keys to his blue and orange jalopy, the interim manager has provided ample evidence that he deserves his own TV show.

** * **

Man, I miss Ryan Church.

Early Morning Madness: Injuries edition

Luis Castillo might be heading to the disabled list.

Castillo injured his left quad a few days ago and Damion Easley has been starting in his place. If Castillo was to go on the DL, do the Mets really call up AAA second baseman Anderson Hernandez?

Sure, he's got a glove, but the kid just can't hit a lick. He's batting a miserable .185. And looking even lower to Binghamton, Emmanuel Garcia is hitting a cool .225 and Jonathan Malo is stroking a tepid .233 in limited time.

So second base is practically depleted for the Mets and the current starter is signed to a four year contract and is slow, injured, and slaps at everything. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a trade.

** * **

Ryan Church could be back by next weekend, and I couldn't be happier.

I'm assuming once Church is ready to go again, we've seen the end of Trot Nixon, but as much as I thought I'd love Nixon, his .167 average just isn't cutting it for me.

If Church can come back, even at 80 percent, he'll be a huge addition to this club. Church hasn't played since June 5th, and since that time the Mets have gone 7-9. They're really missing his bat in the lineup, as the offense usually goes flat past the 4th inning.

I miss this guy and so do the Mets.

** * **

Things are lining up in Yankee-ville that the Mets will probably face newly acquired Sidney Ponson during their series at Shea Stadium (and Yankee Stadium) this weekend.

Stay sober, Sidney.

More roster moves

Raul Casanova, it's been nice knowing you.

Casanova has been designated for assignment as both Marlon Anderson and Moises Alou have been activated from the disabled list.

One roster spot was opened when Ryan Church was finally put on the DL.

Almost back to normal. Alou, please stay healthy, the team needs you. It's about time they dropped that third catcher.

And if anyone can figure out why the Mets still have Abraham Nunez, please fill me in. I'd love to know the reasoning behind that move.