Randolph in trouble with ownership & not for the double header

The funny thing is that Willie may find himself unemployed soon and while most of us would welcome a managerial change for whats taken place on the field that might not be what brings it about. The Wilpon's and their squeaky clean image, over the years have shuffled people out for much less inflammatory comments then Willie's "of the cuff" remarks. It's funny that he linked himself to Isaiah because in fans eyes this teams lackluster performance and his profound managerial moves are very similar. If Chris Benson can be moved for his wife's comments, I'm sure Willie's aren't sitting well with an owner who made a rotunda named after Jackie Robinson.

I have been writing for awhile now that I couldn't see them firing Randolph. However, I've been told ownership is really hacked off at him on this race thing. Of all teams, the Mets are the most up front when it comes to this issue. But, what Randolph said is insulting. And, the stuff about SNY. Reminds of Captain Queeg (Bogie) in the Caine Mutiny (The strawberries. They thought I
was crazy, but that's where I had them).-JD source John Delcos

I guess building on something is too much to ask

The Mets marched through their crosstown rivals and everybody started talking about them finally turning the corner. Everything was working right the offense, defense and pitching. Except for Willie sticking his foot in his mouth, there was a day off in which everybody felt positive for once. The one thing Mets fans have been looking for is the team to build on their success and not just stay in neutral. What a better way to do it then with John Maine on the mound, while facing Tom Glavine who is just coming off the DL which should have made the change-up difficult to throw.

It started great the Mets got a HR off Luis Castillo, then two straight hits and a walk. The Mets had bases loaded with one run in, one out and Glavine on the ropes. But then as if someone turned off a switch the Mets who played the Nationals returned. Both Moises Alou and Carlos Delgado recorded outs without getting a run home. I wished they kept a stat on how many times this team failed to get a fly ball with a man on third and less then two outs, fundamentals elevate the ball- fly ball gets a run home.

After the first inning the Mets offense completely shut down, the Braves retired 22 Mets hitters in a row. The Mets put up absolutely no fight offensively against the Braves, it was as if a completely different team replaced the one that destroyed the Yankees. They couldn't even draw a walk let alone put a threat together. Finally in the eighth Jose Reyes had a two out single but the inning was quickly finished when Castillo grounded out. They at least had a few hits in the ninth but still didn't get past second base.

John Maine struggled badly he repeatedly got to 0-2 counts on hitters and then lost them, with either a hit or walk. He was in trouble in every inning of the game and was lucky to hold the Braves to four runs, but was out of the game after the fourth. Scott Schoeneweis took over and held the Braves at a reasonable 4-1 lead, but even though he was a starter in 2004 he was pulled after two innings I thought it was an ideal spot for Schoeneweis to save the pen. Aaron Heilman was brought in and quickly gave up four runs, I think it's time to start considering the options with Heilman he doesn't appear effective in any role. Wise finished off the game by pitching a solid ninth, but now probably wont be available tonight.

Pedro & the impact on Vargas, Pelfrey, Smith, Heilman.....

One of the most frustrating parts of last weeks 3-1 series loss to the Nationals was the outstanding starting pitching the Mets received.

Mike Pelfrey looked solid pitching 7.2 innings in which he allowed one run on three hits, three walks while striking out four. After giving up 14 runs in three starts against playoff caliber teams ( Arizona, Philly, Atl.), Pelf. bounced back with two solid performances. With his ERA hovering in the mid fours, I think it's critical for the young righty to gain experience in the majors. But he may not give the team their best chance to win against competitive teams. It's hard to allow a young pitcher to struggle, despite the value of the lessens learned when your vying for a championship.....

Claudio Vargas finished spring training in the Brewers camp with a mid 3 ERA, but was cut in a salary dump move. Vargas has always had a very good SO/BB ratio but his ERA has crept up each year he's been in the league, despite the high ERA he has 23 wins over the last two years. Vargas was signed to a minor league deal when Pedro went down and was recalled after Nelson Figueroa stumbled. All Vargas was asked to do in his first start was keep the club in the game, he did much better then that in 6.1 innings, he allowed just 2 runs on 3 hits and 4 walks while striking out six. Vargas has also been a long man in 2004 for the Expos with Schneider as his catcher, in 31 gms ( 52 innings ) he had a 4.61 ERA. Could Vargas be the crafty veteran that has finally learned how to use his skills, for him it's a high 90s fastball maybe this years Sosa or Oliver.

"I've really been looking forward to getting another chance because I want to show [the Mets] I can do this all the time," said Vargas, who gets tonight's nod against Jorge Campillo. "I want to show people that what I did the other night wasn't an accident or a fluke," said Vargas source NY Post

Both pitchers throw this week against Atlanta and with Pedro edging closer to returning they maybe competing for that last spot in the rotation. Vargas gets beat up and as soon as Pedro returns he's gone. But if Vargas looks good and Pelfrey struggles then Omar may decide to keep Vargas since Pelfrey still has options. Vargas had several suitors prior to picking the Mets, so if he can keep his ERA down there's no way he makes it through waivers. There's no guarantee that Pedro can remain healthy when he returns so it might be important to find away to keep Vargas. It could be that Vargas is moved to the pen but then who goes. Once again Joe Smith one of our best relievers is in jeopardy of losing his spot because he has options. Again Heilman appears to have options but the club isn't acting like he does, he could really use some time in the minors.....

The reunion of Pedro Martinez and the Mets, not to be confused with the return of Martinez to active duty, is to happen this week while the team is here to play four games in three days against the Braves. Martinez's return to the rotation may follow closely, though. The pitcher who was to have been the team's No. 2 starter could make his second big league start of the season shortly, possibly at Shea Stadium as soon as next week. source MLB.com