Osi Done for Season

The Giants received horrible news Sunday afternoon, as they learned Pro Bowl DE Osi Umenyiora is out for the season after tearing his lateral meniscus in his left knee. With the retirement of Michael Strahan and the loss of Kawika Mitchell to free agency, the G-Men now have 25 sacks to replace from last season. Reports are already swirling that Strahan is in talks to come back out of retirement, but it would take nearly double his salary from last season for him to consider a comeback. As a Giant fan, how do you feel, and would you like to see Strahan back?                                                                          

 

Pavano Pitches

Rumor has it that Yankees pitcher Carl Pavano pitched today. Apparently he went 5 innings giving up 3 runs with 5 k’s while earning a win. Do you believe it?

 

Church to Return to Mets By Weekend?

Jerry Manuel said today that if all goes well with Ryan Church’s rehab, he should be back with the team this weekend. This is great news for the Mets, as it bolsters their lineup, outfield defense, and also, provides more depth to the bench as the Tatis will most likely will no longer be an everyday player. However, this also creates an interesting dilemma. Who do the Mets move to make room for Church? For the majority of the year the Mets have carried 3 catchers (Schneider, Castro, Cancel) and Cancel seems like a likely suitor for the demotion. However, with the impeding return of Luis Castillo, Argenis Reyes is a possibility as well. Manuel did say though, that Castillo would have to earn the job back, meaning Reyes should be safe. What would you like to see the Mets do, in response to Church? Also, do you agree that Castillo should have to earn his job back?

 

Yankees Keep Falling in Standings

Last night, the Yankees lost to the Toronto Blue Jays by the score of 2-1. With the Sox and Rays winning, the Yanks are now down 11 games in the AL East and 6.5 back in the Wild Card. Also, don’t look now, but the Blue Jays are only 1 game behind the Yankees in the Wild Card standings. Various blunders from Damon dropping a fly ball in center (miss Melky anyone?) to A-Rod trying to stretch out a single to a double in the 9th and getting thrown out. With no outs in the 9th, this sometimes can be seen as a good, aggressive move. But not in this situation. As a baserunner, A-Rod has to understand that with the Yankees struggles at the plate, baserunners are imperative any way they can get on. Plus, with Nady and Giambi coming up, he would have had a good shot at gettin’ over and gettin’ in. However, I do understand what went through his mind, trying to get into scoring position, because of these very struggles by the offense. So let’s open up the floor and see what you think. Should A-Rod have stayed at 1st or was it a good aggressive play?

Wagner Examined, Still Has Soreness and Swelling in Elbow

Billy Wagner was examined this morning at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and still felt soreness and swelling in his left elbow. This is a potentially devastating development as elbow injuries tend to shut down pitchers for long periods of time. The options now include either bringing back Eddie Kunz, or moving Maine to the bullpen. As Maine continues to struggle to get through games without high pitch counts, it seems he may be a perfect candidate for the closer position. Who would you like to see in the 9th if Wagner is unable to go, and how worried should we be?

Mets Finish Road Trip 6-1; Bullpen Struggles Again in Loss

The Mets wrapped up their 7 game road trip against the lower level teams with a loss Monday afternoon. They had many opportunities to break the game open, stranding 8 men on base, and it ultimately came back to haunt them. In the 8th Inning the Pirates broke it open against the Mets’ Pen, lead by Duaner Sanchez, who continues to struggle with his velocity. Trainer Ray Ramirez came out to check on him after he backed up a throw, but he stayed in to give up a 2 run double to Jack Wilson. At the end of the game, Jerry Manuel said “anytime somebody struggles like he has, you’re a little concerned.” Something is not quite right with Duaner and the Mets have every right to be concerned.

Mets Acquire Reliever Ayala From Nats

The Mets today, traded for Nationals RHP Luis Ayala for a player to be named later, reportedly 2nd Baseman Anderson Hernandez. Ayala is 1-8 this season with a 5.77 ERA. Many say Ayala is having an off year, and Nationals GM Jim Bowden said going to a pennant race will help him. Mets GM Omar Minaya is familiar with Ayala from his days with the Montreal Expos. With the Mets’ plethora of 2nd basemen, and struggling relief corps, this move seems like a low risk. What do you think?

UPDATE 8/18… 2:15 P.M. The Mets optioned Eddie Kunz to AAA New Orleans to make room for Ayala

Brett Favre Debuts

As the world anxiously waited Michael Phelps’ final dive of the 2008 Olympics, Jet fans were watching as their new QB took his hopefully first of many charges through the tunnel. This was no ordinary preseason game as Brett Favre took the field for the first time as a New York Jet. After two drives he went 5 for 6 for 48 yards and a TD. He threw some balls into tight coverage and small windows, showing off his legendary zip, leading the Jets to an early 7-0 lead. Although the Jets would go on to lose 13-10, the game would not be remembered for its outcome, but rather what took place with Favre. Were you impressed?

 

WAGNER TO UNDERGO MORE TESTS; CHURCH FINALLY PLAYS BASEBALL

The Mets’ roller coaster season continued on Saturday as they received encouraging news and quite possibly devastating news within 12 hours. Ryan Church played DH for the Gulf Coast League Mets and went 1 for 3. It was the first step in his rehab program to hopefully return to the Metssometime at the end of the month.  On the other hand, after throwing a simulated game in Pittsburgh, Billy Wagner reported “stiffness and soreness” in his left throwing elbow, stemming from the forearm injury that has landed him on the DL. Wagner said he is not ready to come off the DL when eligible this Monday. The Mets meanwhile, almost blew a 7-1 lead in the 9th, courtesy of……. the bullpen! So, you worried? Confident? Let’s hear it.  

UPDATE 8/17–11:24 P.M.     Wagner has been diagnosed with “elbow stiffness”. He will be reevaluated on Tuesday at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC

 

    

 

Plax Finally Practices

Plaxico Burress finally hit the field today, practicing with pads for the first time in camp. Several reports have stated that the reason for this is due to his desire for a new contract, rather than the ankle injury he has claimed.  Injury? Contract? Something else?  Let us know.