Former Mets utility player and fan favorite Joe McEwing has finally called it a career after spending all of the 2007 season in the Red Sox minor league system.

Super Joe is most remembered by Mets fans for his ability to play every position on the field and his uncanny ability to hit against Randy Johnson, which really is a misnomer based on the 6 at bats he had against Randy Johnson in 2000 when he went 4 for 6 with 3 doubles a home run and 4 RBIs. Read More...

Over the last few days 2 of the 5 Mets starters have gone down with injuries. First it was Jorge Sosa on Saturday hurting his hamstring while attempting to beat out a throw to first to break up a double play. It was diagnosed as a grade 2 strain which means 2-3 weeks of recovery. Next, Oliver Perez experiences stiffness in his back prompting the Mets to first push back his start. Eventually Ollie decides to have a side session on Sunday in which he made the decision to shut it down completely and go on the DL. I am hoping the stiff back is along the lines of what David Wright gets every so often compared to what Randy Johnson gets.

Now this scenario would make any Mets fan nervous. But I want to take more of an optimistic approach to these injuries. First, the All Star Break is coming which means 3 full days of rest for everyone minus Beltran, Reyes, Wright, and Wagner. Second, the injuries are 15 day DL injuries which mean these guys will be activated as the second half begins. Third, this gives an opportunity for guys like Jason Vargas and Mike Pelfrey to get 2 starts and impress the Mets brass.

These injuries get some young guys in the spotlight and give some rest to some important players. Its better these injuries happen now then down the stretch.
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