Well, apparently all of the Eastern United States has faced rain and tarped fields today. After I got to leave work early due to the inclement weather, I raced home to get back in time for Mets & Braves: Round 1. Five minutes after I flick on the tube, Matt Yallof informs me this game is canceled too. Without baseball games, I was forced to Baseball Tonight, which would include highlights of Glendon Rusch. Yes, that Glendon Rusch. Don't look now either, but Carlos Gomez is trying to be a stud in Minnesota. Since canceled baseball games make me irritable, Mother Nature is a viable candidate for Ass of the Day. But even she couldn't outpour Ruben Gotay's man tears.

Now that I have finally started to come down from my high over the Giants being the greatest team in the land, I can firmly give my opinions about the Johan Santana trade, and where it stands in New York Mets history. Keep in mind this is a history full of miserable trades, stupid free agent singings, and in my lifetime, many disappointments. In other words, the Mets made this trade, so they better win the World Series.

First off, not only did we trade for Santana, we got him for legit highway robbery. Philip Humber and Kevin Mulvey will never be anymore than mid rotation guys, and only time can tell with Deolis Guerra. OF Carlos Gomez, though fast and vastly talented, was dispensable based on the fact that Fernando Martinez is still waiting in the wings. The fact that we didn’t have to give up the super talented Martinez is still beyond me. For weeks it seems like that was the deal on the table that the Twins wouldn’t take, and then all of a sudden we get the trade done and Martinez is still a Met. Way to go Omar for pulling that one out your you-know-where.

The other main issue, and the most important issue, is that the trade puts us to the top of the class in not only the National League East, but the whole National League. For a team and fan base still bitter about the 2006 NLCS disappointment, and the 2007 late season stink bomb, this is the best news we have heard out the Mets front office since the Reagan Administration. Living down here in the South Jersey wilderness I’m pretty sure I heard an extremely loud GULP coming from somewhere towards the direction of the city of Philadelphia. Yeah the Phillies have the best infield in baseball, but their infield won’t do them any good when the mighty Santana continues to sit them down in order, one-by-one. You heard it here first; game over in the National League, as the Mets have no excuse to not win that elusive pennant this season.

Many Mets fans and Mets historians believe that this might turn out to be the biggest trade in New York Mets history. Now I think we might be getting a head of ourselves here, as there definitely needs to be a championship won before lofty claims like that can be made. The Gary Carter and Keith Hernandez trades in the mid 1980’s that set the veteran cornerstones for the 1986 squad still remain the biggest and most lopsided trades in team history. We got a future Hall of Famer in Carter, and a man who is still one of the faces of this organization in Hernandez. The short and long term effects of this deal can still be felt today, and they are by far the biggest trades in Mets history.

The series of deals leading up to the 2000 National League Pennant can be considered here also. Mike Piazza, Mike Hampton, Derek Bell, and Mike Bordick were all solid players that were acquired via trade. All of them had a significant hand in that 2000 pennant run. Mike Piazza was the face of the team for almost ten seasons, and will surely be the next Met to have his number hang from left field. Mike Hampton was the NLCS MVP. The 2000 Mets were a great overachieving squad, which will never be forgotten because of those players.

Basically Santana and the 2008 New York Mets still have a ton to prove, and the only way they can prove it to me is on the field.

Speaking of overachieving…I think there are congratulations in order to our football brothers in arms, the New York Football Giants. Unless you have been living in Omar Minaya’s cell phone for the past week, you most surely know that my beloved New York Giants defeated the previously undefeated New England Patriots (18-1) 17-14 in what may go down as the greatest Super Bowl ever played. This also put a blemish on the hated city of Boston, and their miracle run of sport success this decade. Here’s to the New York Giants, for bringing the top of the sports mountain back to New York. And thank you for capping the best week in New York sports history.

That’s all I got. Later. JD

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Courtesy of Global Mets contributor Zac Wassink... cross posted at Associated Content

The New York Mets suffered a historic collapse in the 2007 regular season. They may now be the favorite to win the National League in 2008.

Reports around the country indicate that the Minnesota Twins have traded ace pitcher and two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana to the New York Mets for four prospects.

ESPN.com and several other websites state that the Twins will receive outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitching prospects Phil Humber, Kevin Mulvey and Deolis Guerra. Completion of the deal is pending Santana passing a team physical as well as the Mets signing Santana to a contract extension. ESPN.com reports that the deadline for the Mets and Santana to agree upon a deal is 5 p.m. on Friday. It is believed that Santana is seeking a six or seven year deal worth anywhere between $140 and $150 million.

Just as important as acquiring Santana for the Mets is the fact that the team did not have to add 19-year old prospect Fernando Martinez in the deal. Baseball America named Martinez the number one prospect in the Mets' farm system in 2007.

The addition of Johan Santana gives the Mets arguably the best pitching rotation in the National League and without question one of the best in all of Major League Baseball. New York now could have a stating pitching rotation of Santana, Pedro Martinez, Oliver Perez, John Maine and Mike Pelfrey, Orlando Hernandez or a possible free agent pickup. This rotation along with an above average bullpen and one of the best offenses in the National League make the 2008 New York Mets once again the favorite to win the National League East.

Santana, who will turn 29 before Opening Day, had somewhat of a down year in 2007. He finished with a record of 15-13 and an ERA of 3.33. 2007 was the first time Santana finished with an ERA over three since the 2003 season. Nevertheless, Santana still had a WHIP of 1.07 and struck out 235 batters last season. He struck out an average of over nine and a half (9.66) batters per nine innings and opposing hitters had a batting average of .225 against the dominant southpaw.

The New York Mets were searching for an upgrade such as this after the disappointment that was the 2007 regular season. The Mets were picked by many to win the NL East with ease and the team held a seven game lead in the division with only 17 games to play. However, the Mets were swept twice by the Philadelphia Phillies in the last month of the regular season and eventually relinquished the division lead to the Phillies. Philadelphia went on to win the division and the Mets failed to make the playoffs.
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According to Impacto Deportivo It is doubtful that Mets outfielder Carlos Gomez will play in the Caribbean World Series for the Licey Tigers.

Translation courtesy of Global Mets reader Ryan Weaver

IS DOUBTFUL THAT CARLOS GOMEZ OF THE TIGERS CAN HELP THEM IN THE CARRIBEAN WORLD SERIES

Carlos Gomez, who was selected by the Licey Tigers to help them in the world Series, has been placed as a doubtful player.

It is reported that the New York Mets will not give the Licey Tigers permission to play him.

Journalist Elías Wehber reports from Santiago revealed in his Amanecer Deportivo that Gomez’ family has said that it will be difficult for Gomez to play in the series.

The only thing left is for licey to make a formal request to the New York Mets for Gomez to play.

It is the case that it is doubtful for Gomez to play for the Licey Tigers

A number of different sites are reporting that the Mets may have moved into the driver's seat in the Johan Santana sweepstakes. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported last night that the Twins are interested in the Mets recent offer for Santana.

The Mets' original offer included Carlos Gomez, Deolis Guerra, Kevin Mulvey and Phillip Humber. The Twins however were interested in Fernando Martinez as well, whom they stated could "seal the deal". The Mets seem prepared to offer Martinez in addition to the above mentioned prospects.

Metsblog is also reporting that Mets owner Fred Wilpon is willing to meet Santana's contract demands if a deal can be made.

This coupled with the Yankees announcement that they are no longer pursuing Santana, makes the mets the most likely team for Santana in 2008.

This is probably the closest the Mets have ever been to landing Santana. Keep your fingers crossed.
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The Mets have re-acquired former minor league prospect Angel Pagan from the Cubs in exchange for minor leaguers Corey Coles and Ryan Meyers. Neither Coles nor Meyers was highly touted by the organization.

You may remember Pagan was a young star for the inaugural 2001 Brooklyn Cyclones who were named co-champions of the NY-Penn league after the championship series was cut short following the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Pagan was sold by the Mets to the Cubs in January 2006. Pagan hit .255 in 148 games with the Cubs between 2006 and 2007.

This is an interesting acquisition for the Mets, Pagan is another young speedy outfielder, who could conceivably take the spot of Carlos Gomez or Endy Chavez on the roster if one of them is traded in a deal for a pitcher.
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Mets outfielder Carlos Gomez turns 22 years old today. Read More...

Over the weekend, the Orioles rejected the Mets' trade offer of outfield prospect Carlos Gomez, reliever Aaron Heilman and pitching prospect Philip Humber for Erik Bedard, according to the Baltimore Sun.

The Sun reports that Bedard has attracted a lot of attention in a trade market that also includes Johan Santana. But it remains unknown whether the Orioles will trade him and, according to a team source, several members of the organization remain opposed to parting with Bedard, who is two years away from free agency.

The Los Angeles Angels, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners are among other teams that have expressed interest in the star lefty.The Yankees apparently view Bedard as a backup plan if they do not land Johan Santana, but its unlikely the Orioles would trade him within the division. One Orioles sportswriter suggested that Bedard could cost the Yankees Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, and Melky Cabrera.

The Orioles seem to prefer to retain their ace if a contract extension can be reached. However, with contract negotiations reportedly stalled, a trade is looking more and more likely. Orioles President Andy MacPhail told the Baltimore Sun last week that stalled contract talks won't "dramatically" affect the club's position on Bedard, and that talks could revive in the days ahead.

Bedard could be the solution to the Mets' starting pitching woes, but what would the price be? Apparently Bedard is not going to be cheap, and the Mets must be careful not to sell their whole future to land one player. Read More...

The Mets have officially traded OF Lastings Milledge to the Washington Nationals for OF Ryan Church and C Brian Schneider.

Milledge, who was selected 12th overall in the first round of the 2003 amateur draft by the Mets, was always highly touted as a prospect, but was criticized for having attitude problems. This led to him being involved in more trade rumors over the past few years than any other player in the Mets farm system. After numerous rumors this off season which had him involved in trades for Johan Santana or Dan Haren, the Mets have settled for Church and Schneider.

Ryan Church, who got his first chance to play everyday for the Nationals last season, hit .272 with 15 home runs and 70 RBIs in 2007, and will likely compete with Carlos Gomez and Endy Chavez to be the every day left fielder for the mets in 2008. (That is of course assuming that Gomez or Church aren't traded before then).

In addition, the Mets also get catcher Brian Schneider who has been the Nationals starting catcher since their days in Montreal. In 2007, the 30 year old Schneider hit .235 with 6 homers and 54 RBIs. Schneider is known however for being a very good defensive catcher.

This deal tells me a few things; first, the Mets, and Mets fans, have seriously overestimated Milledge's value, second, the mets look like they will let Johnny Estrada become arbitration eligible in January and let him go, proving the deal for him was done solely to dump Mota. Third, I get the sense that the A's were never really interested in Milledge, and didn't want him in a potential deal for Dan Haren. Fourth, The Mets didn't have confidence in a Milledge Gomez platoon in left field for 2008.

Personally I'm not all that pleased with this deal, for all the hype Milledge has been getting the last few years, leading to the mets selling Milledge jerseys, and Met fans creating Lastings Milledge "facts" sites, all we end up with is a mediocre offensive catcher and an older outfielder who isn't that much better than Milledge to begin with.

Early indications on the reactions of fans are mixed, we will be running a poll on your opinion of this trade later today.
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When I write my article next Thursday all the MLB trade rumors will be over and done with, due to the Non-Waiver Trade Deadline passing this upcoming Tuesday. This means no more thinking that the Mets will acquire Dontrelle Willis for Scott Schoeneweis (hahahaha); or something else wild that we can only dream about. Of course with the trade deadline coming, the debate of "Do we trade prospects for ballplayers that are established?" will come into play. Will players like Lastings Milledge, Carlos Gomez, and Fernando Martinez be a Met after July 31st? I most certainly hope so.

While thinking of what to write about before the deadline, I came across a great article on the SNY website; written by Ted Berg. It's almost like we share a brain, because I agree 110% with what he is saying. While we have our share of veterans like Delgado, Green, and Lo Duca, we also have a lot of up-and-coming players that have already contributed. Players like Gotay, Gomez, Reyes, Milledge, Maine, and Perez--all of which are between the ages of 22 and 26--could help out the Mets for a while to come. In addition to these ballplayers who have contributed, we also have Mike Pelfrey, and Mike Carp waiting in the wings.

Why trade any of these ballplayers for a guy who might only be here for 3 months, and then go back to his old team (Mike Bordick anyone)? Of course it's hard to tell if Gotay will pan out to be a great, like Wally Backman; or a dud, like Carlos Baerga. Will Lastings Milledge be the next Dave Kingman, or the next Alex Ochoa? Let's not make the same mistake that Jim Duquette did in 2004, by trading our stud Scott Kazmir for a broken Victor Zambrano. Let's make it so that we are not just contenders in 2007, but contenders for years to come.

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Now that the all star game is over, the Mets can settle into playing everyday again after their layoff. With the season more than half over, here begins the stretch run towards the playoffs. That first step in the stretch run is the trading deadline where teams can wheel and deal in attempts to make their team better, without having players pass through the waiver wire. Mets fans can remember numerous deadline deals made over the last several years including the infamous Scott Kazmir for Victor Zambrano deal (Kazmir is free in 2011 and a Boras client for those of you wondering.).

The most important thing for any team this time of year is to figure out whether or not you want to be a buyer or a seller. Obviously, the Mets are in a position to be a buyer whether that means acquiring a starting pitcher, reliever, or corner outfielder. This trading deadline is trickier than normal though. First off, we have several ballplayers that are coming back momentarily in the pitching and outfield department. For example, even though we were in a pinch for starting pitching before the all star break, Oliver Perez and Jorge Sosa are due to be activated shortly after the all star break. With Pedro Martinez starting his rehab assignment shortly, that will be adding a boost to the rotation. Hopefully, since Martinez is coming back that means that Scott Schoenweis is shown the door.

The outfield is another tough area right now to decide upon. Gomez, Alou, Chavez, and Milledge are all in the wings. Gomez is the farthest off as he probably won’t be seen until the early part of September. However, Alou and Milledge should be back shortly with Chavez coming back within the next few weeks. Do we continue to wait around? It’s inevitable that the surplus of outfielders and pitchers will happen, but how patient can we be?

So what is the answer to these questions? Nobody really knows but the Mets general manager Omar Minaya. I am positive that Omar is on the phone seeing who is available with regards to keeping Pelfrey and Humber. It should be an interesting next 3 weeks for Mets fans, especially if we become consistent.


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Rookie sensation Carlos Gomez has fallen victim to the latest string of injuries to Mets’ left fielders. While playing in Colorado on Wednesday night, Carlos broke his hand on a check swing in the 6th inning. That check swing will cost him 6-8 weeks on the disabled list and cause him to undergo surgery to his harmate bone in his left hand.

It seems like we can’t keep a healthy left fielder for the life of us. First, Alou goes down, then Chavez and now Gomez. Who would have thought that in July we would be having Ricky Ledee as our left fielder?

We all know what injuries mean to a baseball team. Roster moves. Dave Williams, Ricky Ledee, David Newhan, and Sandy Alomar Jr have been called up from AAA to supplement the depleted Mets roster. Sandy Alomar Jr will only be here for a few days to cover as a backup catcher for Ramon Castro during Paul Lo Duca’s suspension.

One thing that I have been hearing over and over again from Oriole fans is how David Newhan gets going after playing everyday. In 21 games at AAA New Orleans, Newhan was hitting .330 with 2 homeruns and 12 runs batted in. If all goes according to plan, Newhan should be a nice fill-in until the all star break.

The 2nd half of the season really can’t come soon enough. It seems like everyone is coming back after the break. Endy, Moises, Pedro, Oliver. You name it.

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Over the last week the Mets have shown signs that their offense has been back. One of the spark plugs has been none other than rookie phenom Carlos Gomez. He seems like he has finally hit his stride after being shaky in the first few weeks of his major league career. Yesterday, he produced two singles and a double to bring his average up to .277. He has hit .364 in his last 33 at bats which has helped to raise the average.

Two other spark plugs to the Mets offense include Jose Valentin who is batting .298 in 13 games since returning from the disabled list and Carlos Beltran who since his 0-4 on June 19^th against Johan Santana, has gone 8 for 15 with 3 runs scored.

Is our offense back? It seems like Beltran, Wright, Valentin, Gomez are all hitting..now if only we could get Delgado going our main offense would be full strength.