Where Was Jose Lima?

R.I.P. Geremi Gonzalez. Struck by lightning on a beach? I can't think of a better way to go.

Laugh Your Pain Away

And We're Back

Sorry for the horribly infrequent posting - back for the summer now. Missing a week and a half makes a difference when the manager accuses the fan base and television channel of his employer of widespread racism, the team makes like it's 2000 and gets swept out of Turner Field, and the GM "decides" to fly into Denver to "watch" the team during the weekend set against the Rockies.

With all that being said, you know my take on Willie, the series in ATL was hard to watch, and we can only hope that Freddie Coupon fires Willie and Omar on the same day.

And just a random tidbit as I watch Oliver Perez slowly implode: Today on M&MD FranDog was steadfastly defending the "great" moves of Omar Minaya. They kept talking about the "Maine" and "Perez" deals as if those two players were the centerpieces and not throwaways by the O's and Bucs. Long story short, I hadn't listened to the two of them is a while and now remember why - they're idiots.

More tomorrow. Let's hope Fernando Tatis' moonshot can hold up.

Dear Elijah Dukes

Kindly shut the fuck up. Thanks in advance.

Seriously...what's the matter with this guy? I can see cheering for one AB or so - but it's been constant, not to mention loud, the whole game. Figueroa should throw one into the Nats dugout by accident.

Late Night Radio Ruminations

(If you ever want to talk boxing at 4 AM - call this man immediately. 718-937-6666)

After the postgame on WFAN last night, the overnight host - Tony Paige - made a comment that got me thinking. Why didn't Willie pinch hit for Castillo in the 9th? He had all the reasons in the world to make the move.

For starters, Luis was batting from the left side which automatically means the outfielders move in to little league depth. Easley was on the bench and available to play 2B. The only factor weighing against the move (in Willie's mind) was that Luis broke an 0-835 skid with an RBI-single in the 2nd inning.

Marlon Anderson career against RHP: .268/.318/.404
Luis Castillo career against RHP: .260/.327/.300

Luis Castillo last year against RHP: .291/.368/.330
Marlon Anderson last year against RHP: .307/.361/.489

Now, I realize all the team needed there was single to tie the game (presumably). But Castillo from the left side isn't a major league hitter. Opposing teams play him in the outfield like it's a 50+ softball league and it's obvious from his approach that Luis is up there to walk. Sorry, Luis -but last night the Mets needed a hit.

I know there's the argument that if Anderson pinch hits there you waste 3 players in 2 AB - Anderson probably doesn't go out to play 2B there if he ties the game, Easely does. And you'd have to pinch hit again for the pitchers spot. The bottom line is an old cliche -and I paraphrase - you can't worry about that shit when you're trailing by a run. Saving bullets doesn't help much when you don't get a chance to use them.

So yeah, Willie should have pinch hit for Castillo in that spot. There, I said it. Feel free to disagree.

You Seen Him?

(Yes, I also have Photoshop)

EDIT: He's got the flu. You believe it? Killed like 50 million people in 1918! Rest up Carlos, feel better.

EDIT (11:35): Wayne Hagin just announced: "Hu's up" - What I would have paid to hear Howie Rose say "I don't know Wayne, who is up?"

Bob Melvin: Hey Anderson, You Suck!

"Yeah we'll take our chances with you, pussy. That's right, that 5'2'' Dominican with no kneecaps who hasn't got a hit since April scares me more than you do. How's that taste?"

Now, I understand the thought of setting up the double play there...but Luis Castillo? Really? Please accept my thanks on behalf of all Mets fans Mr. Melvin, we applaud you.

The Movement Has Gone Mainstream

Everyone's talking about it. Lots of influential people want him to go. Except me?

Now I'm always a fan for seeing Willie get the axe, but I don't think you can do it in May - at least with the team playing over .500 with some key names on the DL.

The time to fire Willie was last year - specifically the day after a certain not-devastated someone went 0.1 innings. You just can't do it now, not a month into the season that has seen the Mets go 2 games over .500 with Pedro and Moises on the DL, Raul Casanova starting 10 games, and Perez and Pelfrey battling it out to see who does the best Lima impersonation.

There was a time to fire Willie. That time has passed and not yet presented itself again. At the All-Star Break when the team is still treading water? Yes. Getting swept by the Phillies to fall more than 3 games back of the division lead? Yes. But not today, not tomorrow, not anytime soon unless the wheels come off in a big way.

But in all honesty there's not much to worry about. Judging how the team has looked in every game save for the extra inning win against the Phillies and Friday night in Arizona - the wheels shouldn't take that long to come loose.