Turnpike Series

New Year Same Mets!

The calendar may have turned but the New York Mets are the same. The news broke today that the often injured outfielder Carlos Beltran will require another surgery on his knees which will put him out for at least 12 weeks before being able to resume baseball activities. With no setbacks Beltran will probably miss most if not all of April.

This is a blow to a team that has to question his and shortstop Jose Reyes' health. While the team added Jason Bay, they still do not have any depth to speak of in the outfield. For a team that has been plagued with injuries and clubhouse woes, this was a blow Omar Minaya and friends can not have.

In addition to losing Beltran, he and the team are at odds about the surgery. Buster Olney of ESPN reports that the Mets did not want Beltran to have the surgery but he had it anyway. There are reports that the Mets will file a grievance with the commissioners office. 

Agent Scott Boras told ESPN Radio 1050 in New York that, "the Mets gave consent to pay for the surgery." 

Another year, another mess in Flushing! Ah what a great year to be a Mets fans! Enjoy another year as a second division team!!!

 
 

Don't Cry Jose!

I will not bring up the fact that Reyes was out on the steal attempt but it was funnier watching Jose look like a fighter who had just been knocked out. Is there not a tough guy on this Mets team?

Big deal he stayed in the game. Maybe now he can complain with Castillo that he can not handle playing every day.

See You in June Pedro

I always thought players were paid to play an entire season. I have found out that they ARE paid to play a full season. Pedro Martinez just doesn't like to work for his pay over a full season. Once again, Glass Jaw Martinez will miss a substantial part of a season and cause his team that lacks depth to look around for other dead arms to take his place. According to Omar Minayacle Windbag, Pedro may not be back until mid June.

I would feel bad but its the Mets. They continue as they have throughout their history to over pay players past their prime and then suffer when they do not perform like they did 10 years before. On a personal note I am sorry to not see Pedro come to Philly this weekend as the Phillies players love to take batting practice off of him every time he faces them. For those of you that do not know, 10% of his career losses have come at the hand of the Philadelphia Phillies. Amazing (sorry to take your word) considering how much of his career was spent in the American League.

Pedro kisses another season goodbye!

Stretching is Good For You!

Our Pedro (Feliz) stretches his hamstrings before he plays the game. Maybe your Pedro can take a lesson! I guess not, we will see him in 4 to 6 weeks when he comes back lame as ever! I wonder if he will pitch 100 innings this season?!?

Mets Woes Begin Early

Normally a veteran team like the New York Mets will start the season strong as the older players with experience feel good physically and play their best baseball. Then the dog days of summer hit them and fatigue and injury take over.

Mark your calendar, for the old man Mets the dog days of summer began on April 1st when glass jaw Pedro Martinez pulled his left hamstring. On a team that needs all of its players healthy to win, this is not a good start. With Delgado and Alou not healthy and no back up in the farm system since blowing their wad on Johan Santana, the Mets face an uncertain 2008.

During Spring Training, Martinez often had commented on how well his body had responded to his rehab last year and his offseason training. He all but bragged about not using ice after he had pitched. If you are going to be arrogant, be able to back it up!

Tough luck Pedro. Although this is bad news for the Philadelphia Phillies who do not get a chance to take batting practice on him next week like the did when he pitched against them last August.

Old Men and Injuries

Mets left fielder Moises Alou suffered a hernia as the Mets have spent the Spring banged up. A team full of old men and has beens, the Mets have already showed that they do not have the durability to produce over a 162 game season.

The Mets need to keep their team healthy this season as they traded many of their prospects from what was already a thin farm system. Alou will require surgery and be out until at least May. Omar Minaya has dismissed the idea of acquiring Barry Bonds or Sammy Sosa and said, “It’s fair to say we’ll go with someone internal right now.” Angel Pagan, Brady Clark, and Endy Chavez were players considered although the team likes Chavez as a 4th outfielder. The Mets have no position player of interest in their farm system for a trade other than Fernando Martinez who has been called untouchable. Left handed pitcher Jonathan Niese could attract interest but with Orlando  Hernandez a question, Jason Vargas unable to pitch and Tony Armas Jr. not even in camp, the Mets have no depth in their starting rotation. Other Mets injuries include Brian Schneider (tight right hamstring), first baseman Carlos Delgado (right hip impingement) second baseman Luis Castillo (recovering from October surgery on both knees), center fielder Carlos Beltran (recovering from October surgery on both knees) and Church, who suffered a concussion in an exhibition game. Not a good start for an aging team with players with a history of injuries. Can I hear 3rd place and 80 wins at best?