Now that it looks as if injuries and an underperforming second defense will be the things that kill this Mets team dead, here comes Oliver Perez.
The enigmatic lefty rejoins the rotation tonight against the Dodgers — I’ll be watching up in Section 521 if you want to say hi or commiserate. To make room the Mets returned Argenis Reyes back to where he belongs in Buffalo. His legacy as a No. 11 may be a pointless turn as a leadoff hitter that hastened the Mets’ demise and eroded even more of my confidence in Jerry Manuel, who I liked a lot only a few months ago.
Seems that Manuel has become trapped in a device of his own making. While his team was at full strength he opted to play passively so as to build for a second half, only to find that second half just may arrive without the horses. If this team is teaching us anything perhaps it’s to consider the possibily of disaster down the road before one pinch-hits one catcher for another with the winning run on base, or employs character-building but ultimately foolish strategies like sacrifice bunts as often as Jerry did early this year.
That, and, you know, the value of catching the ball when it’s hit to you.
* * *
With that out of the way, who wants to get together and watch more of this team?
Last month’s Metstock gathering at Two Boots Tavern was a great success with a roomful of Met fans meeting, greeting and eating while hearing readings from three Mets-related books including mine. Owner Phil Hartman was so jazzed about its success he’s asked Greg Prince and myself to organize similar monthly gatherings featuring literary readings, game-watching, consciousness raising, pizza eating, Rheingold drinking, cocktail shaking, Yankee baiting, memorabilia gawking and seven steps support as needed.
The first such “Amazin Tuesday” is scheduled for July 21 at 7 p.m. and will feature guests including Paul Lukas, ESPN columnist, Met fan and creator of the incomparable “Uni Watch” and author Mathew Silverman, who co-authored MBTN and more recently, Shea Goodbye with Keith Hernandez.
Two Boots is located at 384 Grand Street on the Lower East Side. Any more questions, just ask — hope to see you there!
Submitted by Dave Mackey (not verified) on Thu, 07/09/2009 – 9:31pm.
Then what was Reyes doing playing on Thursday night? Did he miss the bus to Buffalo?
Also, I hear the Oakland A’s are going to be retiring Rickey Henderson’s 24. Wonder if the Mets are going to do the same for Rickey and Willie Mays.
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Dave
Submitted by Jon Springer on Thu, 07/09/2009 – 10:05pm.
Reyes actually was recalled today when Fartinez went to the DL — the injury allowed them to recall him prior to the 10-day minimum the rules stipulate.
Given that it’s painfully obvious by now what they need is someone to replace Cora — or at least give him a day off — I find it curious they didn’t go get Wilson Valdez again. But not much is making sense.
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Francoeur
Submitted by Gene F. on Fri, 07/10/2009 – 5:58pm.
Has worn 7 at Atlanta, and that’s obviously out. I see a 4 in his future unless this is a DUD and he ends up in 19.
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Welcome Frenchy
Submitted by gored82 on Fri, 07/10/2009 – 7:22pm.
Frenchy wore 7 for the Bravos…will he get 8 with the Mets? What are some other possibilities?
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Francoeur
Submitted by Gene F. on Fri, 07/10/2009 – 8:26pm.
I like 4, but if Evans goes 6 is available. Maybe 12 as well. With all the coming and going this year nobody has been issued 12. Sullivan wore it in the spring, but they’ve been taking numbers right off of guys backs to re-issue.
Among the ‘7’ numbers 27 is free, and so is 77 if he wants to go there.
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Welcome Frenchy II
Submitted by gored82 on Fri, 07/10/2009 – 8:27pm.
Perhaps 27 for Francoeur?