Although hardly mentioned by the incompetent Jon Miller and Joe Morgan on ESPN, Mets ace Johan Santana won his 100th career game on Sunday night against the Dodgers. His career record is now 100-47. According to the Elias Sports Bureau...

Only four other active (or disabled) pitchers had fewer than 50 losses at the time of their 100th career win: Mike Mussina (100-43), Tim Hudson (100-45), Roy Oswalt (100-47) and Pedro Martinez (100-49).

Congrats Johan! Read More...

So the All Star Break has come and gone, as have many in the New York Mets organization, including hitting instructor Rick Down and ageless wonder Julio Franco. Replacing the departed are baseball legend Rickey Henderson, who took over as the first base coach, while Howard Johnson was named the Mets new hitting instructor, and OF Lastings Milledge, whose ego and sense of cockiness in his first stints in Queens have rivaled that of Ricky in his prime (Well, at least Milledge isn’t talking in the third person yet).

While the hiring of Rickey is what’s dominating the headlines, it is Milledge that has made the bigger splash since the All Star break. Milledge finally started to show the signs of the great ballplayer that he should be this past weekend as the Mets took three of four from the Cincinnati Reds. His personal high point of the weekend was no doubt his game winning RBI on Saturday, a game which most all of us attended. The clutch performance on Saturday, plus steady performances the rest of the four games has got to have Mets GM Omar Minaya interested in what his top hitting prospect could be capable of…or sent away for.

Now, don’t jump on my back, but Milledge can definitely be considered expendable for the right price; especially with guys like Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez in our system also. Minaya though is smart, and will not make a move unless it is for a stud, especially an ace. The problem is, Omar doesn’t have too many options to choose from in the trade market. It definitely seems like Astros ace Roy Oswalt is generating the most attention on the market, and the Mets are serious contenders for his services. We would basically have to give up the farm for Oswalt though, who is under contract for another four years after this season. If Omar could pull off a move while not giving up too much for Oswalt, it would be one of the more impressive trades in Mets history. Earlier in the season, free agent to be Carlos Zambrano’s name was thrown around in trade rumors, but with the Cubs playing like contenders, I can’t see him being on the market anymore. There are other pitchers out there, but none that is worth our top hitting prospect.

There is also the possibility that we keep Milledge and stick him in one of the corners as a starter next season. I mean I am not against keeping him if he continues to perform, and stay out of “trouble.” The marked improvement in his behavior from his earlier stints with the parent club, has only improved his credibility to the team and fans (yes this club is still credible and classy…even with Ricky and Keith on the same payroll). Plus, if Milledge blossoms into the player he should turn out the be, himself, Gomez, and center fielder Carlos Beltran will be one of the great outfields for a long time. Extra base hits for opponents would be a thing of the past with those three flying around there. And as I said, I cannot wait to see the “positive” influence of Rickey on Lastings.

As you can plainly see, there are pros and cons of putting Milledge on the trading block. A deal for Milledge better bring in some hard-core studs, such as Mr. Oswalt or Mr. Dunn (which I am not 100% in support of), or Mr. Griffey (who is still the man). If not though, it looks like that Milledge can become one of the best in the business if he keeps up the pace he has shown since the All Star Break ended. So let me hear back from ya, do we trade Milledge, keep him, tell him to jump off of a cliff. Let me know what’s up. Have a great day and pleasant yesterday.

JD
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So by now I am sure you've heard that Rick Down has been replaced as hitting coach, by none other than Rickey Henderson. Personally I think this will be a good move, considering how he helped Jose Reyes become a better leadoff batter, and considering Rickey was a decent hitter in his day. One thing that does worry me and other Mets fans though is his ego, and the effect it could have on the team. I think this move can do nothing but help a struggling line up, and the Mets bats will catapult back into the top of the league.

The second move does not occur as a shock to many Mets fans as IF Julio Franco was released this week. While Grandpa Julio was a great mentor, especially for the Spanish ballplayers, most Mets fans grew tiresome of his “grounding out to second base” routine. I hope the Mets decide to make him a coach, because he truly would be great for that position on the team. Franco's roster spot will be filled by OF Lastings Milledge.

As I mentioned yesterday the Trade Deadline is coming, which means many rumors will begin to spread. Astros SP Roy Oswalt mentioned that he would waive his no trade clause in his 5-year $73 million contract if the Astros decided to trade him; however Astros General Manager Tim Purpura denied any interest in trading his ace. I imagine Omar will be on his cell phone about 20 hours a day for the next 3 weeks, trying to make a deal for Oswalt.

Since the trading deadline is fast approaching these are sure to be the first of many moves to come. It is a sigh of relief that Julio Franco was finally replaced with someone who can do more than just ground out to second base. Omar has to figure out how to improve the Mets in order to repeat as National League East Champions. An achievement we all are very hopeful for. Read More...