We’ll know in a matter of hours what number they put on newly acquired catcher Kelly Shoppach, whose customary No. 10 is worn by manager Terry Collins (in honor of his mentor Jim Leyland in case you didn’t know). Popular speculation includes 20 and/or 22, but it might be fun to see him wearing No. 6. Then he can take 10 in the event Terry gets whacked for overseeing a sonambulent second-half yet again, though I don’t think that’ll happen). But seeing as someone should take the blame for this rotten second half I wouldn’t be shopping for a home in the area were I Dan Warthen. I think Terry serves until the Mets are truly ready to contend then step aside for the post-turnaround leadership.

Not that I don’t want him to succeed, but Josh Thole to me has looked in desperate need of a lengthy break since well before the All-Star Break, and increasingly appears as though his best role will be as a backup. We gave him a shot anyway. This Shoppach move gives us a look-see at a guy who can be a free agent after the season, at the cost of a player-to-be-named.

You guys already know that Johan Santana is back (on the roster anyway) and that Garrett Olson has already washed out as a lefty reliever.

UPDATE: Sure enough he’s a 6. Yeah!