VIDEO Link: Ike Davis First Homerun

Big congrats to our boy Ike Davis, who is sponsored as the official player of NY Sports Dog.

For those that haven't seen it yet, the video of the majestic blast can be seen here.

Jason Heyward can watch it this morning as he ponders his three Ks over a juice box and some Fruit Loops.

Ike is the money man.

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• Open Thread: Mets vs Braves, 4/23/2010 (amazinavenue.com)

Welcome Andy Martino, Mets New Beat Writer

Andy Martino is officially on board with the Daily News.

I'd imagine for any baseball writer, coming to New York would represent a pinnacle achievement in their career.

In Andy's case, this is a return engagement, though now he's the star of the show.

As you can see below, Andy brings a wealth of talent to the job, and he'll already have a built-in following of die-hards salivating over his every word.

Andy Martino returns to the Daily News after one year as Phillies beat writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer. He began his journalism career as an intern here, covering nearly every sport and spending significant time reporting on the 2008 Mets. Before that, he spent three years teaching high school English in Brooklyn. A Rochester native, he is a graduate of Purchase College, SUNY and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Good luck Andy, and welcome back to where you belong!

Jose's Thyroid is Hyper

Tests in New York confirmed that Jose Reyes does in fact have a condition known as Hyperthyroidism.

The good folks at the Mayo Clinic define it as follows:

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can significantly accelerate your body's metabolism, causing sudden weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, and nervousness or irritability.

Several treatment options are available if you have hyperthyroidism. Doctors use anti-thyroid medications and radioactive iodine to slow the production of thyroid hormones. Sometimes, treatment of hyperthyroidism involves surgery to remove part of your thyroid gland. Although hyperthyroidism can be serious if you ignore it, most people respond well once hyperthyroidism is diagnosed and treated.

Let's repeat that for the hyper-worried among you: the good news is that this is very treatable. No thyroid condition is taken lightly, but the treatments are very effective.

Here is the Mets latest press release:

"Test results today on Jose Reyes have confirmed that Jose has an overactive thyroid. Jose will remain in New York to await results of additional blood tests that will help further determine his treatment. Those test results are not expected back before Thursday. We will share more information as it becomes available."

You Want to Work for the Mets? Here's How...

An update to my post from yesterday on jobs with the Mets.

The Mets are currently looking to fill the following positions: Photographers, Pepsi Party Patrol and FanFest Staff. There are also internships for you enterprising young college students.

Internet/New Media: Photography

NEW YORK METS FAN PHOTOS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS - New York Mets (New York, NY)

Where: Citi Field, Flushing NY
When: New York Mets home games: April 5th – October 3rd, 2010
Salary: $10.00/hr with bonus opportunities

Amazin’ Fan Photo staff photographers take photos of fans during games and events, which are then made available via mets.com for purchase.

Games-There are 12-15 photographers working every Mets home game. You are not required to work every game but we do request that you are available to work 75% of games during each homestand (to clarify, a homestand is the number of games played at home, back to back, and can range between 6 and 10 games). Each photographer has a specific section of the park during pre-game and in-game. We require our photographers to be here 2 hours prior to game time to shoot the pre-game crowds. We usually shoot until the 7th inning, after which you are free to watch the rest of the game in the standing room only sections. Shifts are approximately 3.5-5 hours long and you are on your feet moving around the stadium and interacting with fans the entire time.

General-We provide shirts and all digital SLR camera equipment. All you need is to bring is yourself and an outgoing, positive attitude. Although we do not require previous photography experience, it is preferred along with an interest in the field of photography. We are looking for enthusiastic, reliable, social people who have basic camera knowledge.

If this seems like a good fit for you please apply online. Interviews will be held early March (exact dates to be determined). This is NOT a full-time position.

Note: When you apply for this job online, you will be required to answer the following questions:

1. Yes/No: I have local housing available in or near Flushing.

2. Yes/No: I have previous photography experience.

3. Yes/No: I am able to work at least 75% of games during each homestand.

4. Yes/No: I am available to work nights.

5. Yes/No: I am available to work weekends.

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Sales & Marketing: Client Relations/Customer Service

New York Mets Pepsi Party Patrol - New York Mets (Flushing, NY)

Job Description:

The New York Mets Pepsi Party Patrol is a high-energy, fan-interactive team that will perform at all 2010 New York Mets home games at Citi Field. The fan-friendly Pepsi Party Patrol will be a quintessential part of the Mets game day experience as members will act as Mets fan ambassadors. Members will be the face of the fan experience. Pepsi Party Patrol duties will include: fan interaction (meet and greets, autograph sessions, etc.), escorting Mr. Met throughout the Ballpark and to his special appearances, T-shirt launches and crowd rallies, facilitating entertainment with live, on-screen interactive features, game operations responsibilities such as selecting feature participants and in-game promotions, and other duties as assigned by the New York Mets.

Qualifications:

• Candidates must have stellar communication and interpersonal skills as well as a positive, energetic personality. The ability to learn quickly and adapt to the situation is essential
• Candidates must be reliable, punctual and courteous. Must have good listening skills and an ability to work with others as a part of a team, as well as the ability to carry their individual responsibilities
• Candidates must be able to dedicate a large percentage of time to the Pepsi Party Patrol, including all designated games, community events and special appearances.
• Must have a flexible schedule for nights, weekends and holidays during the baseball season with mandatory hours from 5pm – end of game for night games and 11am – end of game for afternoon games
• Candidates must work well and have the patience to work with children and feel comfortable working large crowds
• Candidates must have reliable transportation to and from the ballpark
• Need to have an accurate knowledge of the ballpark’s layout
• Candidates should have knowledge of the game of baseball
• Candidates must have a healthy fitness level and be able to be on their feet for the game’s duration while performing their duties during the summer heat
• Proficiency in other languages is valued, but not required
• 18+ and a high school graduate by April 5, 2010 (valid photo I.D. required)
• Please provide current resume and headshot

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Sales & Marketing: Client Relations/Customer Service

New York Mets Fan Fest Staff - New York Mets (Flushing, NY)

Job Description:

The New York Mets Fan Fest is a high-energy, fan-interactive area that will be open from 3 hours prior to game time until the 7th inning at all 2010 New York Mets home games at Citi Field. The fan-friendly Fan Fest staff will be a quintessential part of the Mets game day experience as members will act as Mets fan ambassadors. Members will be the face of the fan experience. Fan Fest Staff duties will include: fan interaction (meet and greets, autograph sessions, etc.), responsible for facilitating interactive areas (pitching machine, wiffle ball field, video game kiosk, etc.), assist the live DJ and interactive stage show, provide game operations assistance with live player talk-backs, and other duties as assigned by the New York Mets.

Qualifications:

• Candidates must have stellar communication and interpersonal skills as well as a positive, energetic personality. The ability to learn quickly and adapt to the situation is essential.
• Candidates must be reliable, punctual and courteous. Must have good listening skills and an ability to work with others as a part of a team, as well as the ability to carry their individual responsibilities
• Candidates must be able to dedicate a large percentage of time to the Fan Fest, including all designated games. Must have a flexible schedule for nights, weekends and holidays during the baseball season with a 3:30pm call time for night games and a 9:30am call time for afternoon games
• Candidates must work well and have the patience to work with children and feel comfortable working large crowds
• Candidates must have reliable transportation to and from the ballpark
• Candidates must have a healthy fitness level and be able to be on their feet for the entirety of Fan Fest’s operating hours, especially during the summer heat
• Candidates should have knowledge of the game of baseball
• Proficiency in other languages is valued, but not required
• 18+ and a high school graduate by April 5, 2010 (valid photo I.D. required)
• Please provide current resume and headshot

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Internships: Any Internship

Internship Notification - MLB and its Teams (Various Locations, NA)

From time to time, the participating teams in MLB will be looking for interns. If you apply below and check off all of the internship notifications, you will be contacted about specific internship opportunities with these teams posting their internships on the MLB Teams Employment Site. This is a notification only, not an application for a job. Thank you. If you complete your application and then press "edit your information" you can be notified of full-time positions as well. Please complete the application first and then modify it to include notifications for full-time positions if you are in your final year of college or graduate school.

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Apply for Future Notification Only: Open

Future Notification Only - MLB and its Teams (Various Locations, NA)

If you would like to be notified of positions in the future with MLB teams participating in this program, please press "apply" below and fill out the entire application. Make sure your email is correct and you check off the notification boxes, otherwise we cannot send you notifications. Once you receive notification of a job, you must come back to the site to reapply. Entering your record here does not make you an applicant to any position and is not viewable by any team. If you need to update, edit, modify or delete your record, please go to "Edit Your Information" above and put in your email address and password.

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Mets to Offer Free Surgery with Season Ticket Plan

The Mets have a new plan to bring their fans even closer to the action, but it comes with a price.

Just announced is the new "Dr Andrews Premium Plan."

Under the arrangement premium season ticket holders get their choice of arthroscopic surgery (knee, hip or shoulder), or an elbow cleanout.

"We feel this is the next logical step in the evolution of the Mets fan experience," said Fred Wilpon. "How better to get the feel of being a real New York Met than with some surgery by noted physician James Andrews?"

Sample packages include:

• Jose Reyes "Knee Deep in the Hoopla"
• John Maine Shoulder "Cool Cleanout"
• Carlos Delgado "Too Hip to be Square"
• Omar Minaya "Colon Cleanse" (* Diamond Prestige Level Only)
  

Wilpon went on to add, "Of course re-hab is extra and does not include your plane tickets to Port St Lucie."

Mike Pelfrey Dominates

Complete game for Big Pelf, his second complete game in a row.

Mike Pelfrey dominated from start to finish. He is 3-0 with a 1.44 ERA in his last 3 starts and has only given up 10 walks in his last 11 outings.

Pelf is now 10-2 since June 1st...incredible.

Ladies and gentleman, the Mets have another ace!

Scoreboard
Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Houston (66-65)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	6	0
N.Y. Mets (73-59) «	3	0	0	0	0	1	3	2	x	9	9	0

Players of the Game

New York M. Pelfrey IP 9.0 H 6 ER 1 BB 0 K 6

New York C. Delgado AB 4 R 2 H 2 HR 2 RBI 6

Good Morning Mets Fans! 6 in a Row!

There was something in the air that night,
The stars were bright, Fernando!

From scrap heap, to scrappy star. Fernando Tatis is baseball's feel good story of the year.

On a day the Mets learned the Moises Alou era at Shea is most likely over, Tatis, a Comeback Player of the Year candidate, did it again. He went 3 for 5 with two doubles and a homerun, while driving in 4 runs. His 7th inning two-run bomb put the Mets up for good.

He is winning over the hearts of his manager, teammates and the Shea faithful with his hustle, clutch hitting, and the energy and smile he carries around with him...he is a gamer and exactly the type of player NY fans love to cheer.

Tatis stroked a two-run double in the third inning against Barry Zito before untying a 3-3 game with a shot over the fence in left-center against Sergio Romo (0-1) in the seventh. Fans chanted "Ta-tis" following the homer and again as he came to bat in the eighth inning.

When you lose [Alou and Church] you think of replacing them with like pieces," interim manager Jerry Manuel said. "But if you look around, you might have had that piece staring you in the face."

"This is New York," Tatis said. "Sometimes they are going to boo you and sometimes they are going to clap for you. So far they've been great." "He's a good ballplayer. He's always been a tough out. He's not a surprise to the guys who know him," said Billy Wagner, who was starring for Houston when Tatis had his one brilliant year.

And the clutch stats certainly tell the tale of this unlikely hero. He is hitting 12 for 26, .462, with runners in scoring position. How about pressure? In "close and late" situations he is hitting .368.

Fernando-Mania!

How amazing were the Mets pitchers against the Giants? How about 3 runs and 9 hits in 3 games....that is staggering.

John Maine didn't have great control yesterday and his pitch count suffered, but he didn't allow the Giants much.

The bullpen, for the second straight game, was the star. 4.1 innings of one-hit ball. Yesterday it was Muniz, Schoeneweis (who got the win), Goggles and Billy Wagner.

Our young guys continue to rake--David Wright had two doubles and Jose Reyes drove in a run...not sure if you are aware, but neither player is going to the All-Star game.

So here we sit, after a 6-game winning streak, 4 games over .500, 1.5 games back in the NL East, and 3.5 games back in the NL Wild Card.

We talked about our favorable schedule earlier in the week, and how big a part that is going to play for the rest of the year. The Mets are very much in the hunt and are 14-9 under Jerry Manuel.

Guys are hitting, guys are pitching, we're running more and the results have been tremendous. Let's take it to the Rockies and close out the first half in style.

It's a good morning to be a Mets fans. Enjoy your coffee you wild-eyed optimists!

Scoreboard
Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
San Francisco (39-53)	0	0	0	1	2	0	0	0	0	3	3	2
N.Y. Mets (48-44) «	0	0	3	0	0	0	4	0	x	7	9	0

Players of the Game

New York D. Wright AB 3 R 2 H 2 HR 0 RBI 0

New York F. Tatis AB 5 R 1 H 3 HR 1 RBI 4

New York Mets
Hitters	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Jose Reyes, SS	4	0	1	1	1	0	1	.300
Argenis Reyes, 2B	5	1	1	0	0	1	5	.308
David Wright, 3B	3	2	2	0	2	0	0	.288
Carlos Beltran, CF	5	1	1	1	0	0	6	.265
Fernando Tatis, RF-LF	5	1	3	4	0	0	1	.303
Carlos Delgado, 1B	4	0	0	0	1	0	2	.246
Nick Evans, LF	4	1	1	0	0	0	2	.185
Endy Chavez, RF	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	.268
Brian Schneider, C	1	1	0	0	3	1	0	.249
John Maine, P	1	0	0	0	1	0	2	.111
Carlos Muniz, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
a- Chris Aguila, PH	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.167
Scott Schoeneweis, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
b- Damion Easley, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.286
Duaner Sanchez, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Billy Wagner, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Totals	34	7	9	6	8	2
a-hit a sacrifice bunt for Muniz in the 6th
b-grounded out for Schoeneweis in the 7th
Batting
2B - David Wright 2 (24, Romo, Matos), Fernando Tatis 2 (5, Zito, Zito)
HR - Fernando Tatis (4, Romo)
SH - Chris Aguila (1)
RBI - Jose Reyes (40), Carlos Beltran (63), Fernando Tatis 4 (18)
2-OUT RBI - Jose Reyes (21)
Team LOB - 12
Fielding
DP - A. Reyes-Delgado

New York Mets
Pitchers	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
John Maine	4.2	2	3	3	5	8	0	3.99
Carlos Muniz	1.1	0	0	0	1	1	0	5.54
Scott Schoeneweis (W,1-2)	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	2.72
Duaner Sanchez	1	1	0	0	1	1	0	3.63
Billy Wagner	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	2.43
WP - John Maine 2 (9)
Pitches-Strikes - John Maine 109-63, Carlos Muniz 20-10, Scott Schoeneweis 8-5, Duaner Sanchez 21-12, Billy Wagner 5-5
Ground Balls-Fly Balls - John Maine 2-4, Scott Schoeneweis 2-1, Duaner Sanchez 1-0, Billy Wagner 1-2
Batters Faced - John Maine 21, Carlos Muniz 5, Scott Schoeneweis 3, Duaner Sanchez 4, Billy Wagner 3

Passing of the Torch: Jose Reyes Surpasses Derek Jeter

Is there any doubt that Jose Reyes is now a far, far superior player to Derek Jeter? Yes Jeter won all those championships years ago, and yes he is still the Captain, and heart and Soul, of the Yankees. That was the past....a great past, but the past.

So the question for the present is as follows: Is Derek Jeter still a great, or even good, player? The numbers say no. The numbers also point to the inevitable decline that all stars go through.

Derek Jeter has had an exceptional career...a Hall of Fame career. But these days he is a singles hitter who can't play defense, and his bat and foot speed are not nearly what they once were. How often have you heard the phrase, "Past a diving Jeter!" as he again fails to move a few feet to grab a ground ball.

Jose Reyes, on the other hand, keeps getting better. He already has 39 extra base hits, and is on pace for an outstanding 75 extra base hits in 2008 after compiling 60 last year and 68 in 2006.

To put that in perspective for our Jeter vs Reyes comparison, Derek Jeter had the following extra base hit stats for the last three seasons:

2005: 49
2006: 56
2007: 55

And where do these two stars stand in 2008? A comparison of the numbers shows the following:

Jeter:

SPLITS	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
Season	79	315	48	88	15	3	4	35	25	38	5	2	.279	.342	.384	.726
Career	1914	7744	1427	2444	401	57	199	968	786	1329	269	72	.316	.387	.459	.846
Last 7	7	28	5	6	2	0	0	2	4	4	0	0	.214	.313	.286	.598
Projected	155	618	94	173	29	6	8	69	49	75	10	4	.279	.342	.384	.726

Reyes:

SPLITS	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
Season	83	353	62	104	20	10	9	37	35	45	28	9	.295	.355	.484	.840
Career	679	2871	482	819	138	62	54	279	210	349	262	67	.285	.334	.433	.767
Last 7	8	35	5	11	0	2	0	3	4	4	1	2	.314	.385	.429	.813
Projected	160	680	120	200	39	19	17	71	67	87	54	17	.295	.355	.484	.840

As you can see, Jose Reyes leads Jeter in every stat, in some cases by an embarrassingly wide margin. Moreover, Reyes has 39 XBH to Jeter's 22.

The bottom line is that Jose Reyes is now firmly entrenched as the best SS in New York--and it's not close.

Deja Vu All Over Again

What a brutal offensive stretch for the Mets--three straight losses to the San Diego Padres by 2-1 scores.

The real shame? The pitching has been brilliant.

The Mets now stand 6.5 games behind the Phillies in the NL East, and 5.5 games behind the Cards for the Wild Card, with four other teams sandwiched between.

Ever the eternal optimist when it comes to the Mets, I have begun to worry.

I'm worried that we'll never have the offensive consistency needed to win 90+ games.

I'm worried that Moises Alou won't have 90 more games of baseball left in his old body.

I'm worried that Ryan Church might have cobwebs for another month.

I'm worried that our weak hitting bench is going to be the team's downfall.

Speaking of the bench, I love those guys individually, but as a unit they have got to be among the worst in baseball. Tatis, Endy, Easley, Castro, Casanova, and Nunez?

My kingdom for Angel Pagan!

Hey Omar....we need some offense, and I believe it is time to make a move and part ways with one of the weak hitting guys that currently make up our roster. Tatis is the obvious candidate, but don't rule out Easley....he has just lost his ability to turn on a fastball and cover the plate on breaking pitches.

It's time for a move on the bench and a little shakeup.

Damion Easley Stats and Projections--what has he done to deserve 360 at bats this season?

2008 Season Stats
SPLITS	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
Season	37	96	7	22	4	0	1	11	5	13	0	0	.229	.262	.302	.564
Career	1630	5264	709	1323	281	25	158	651	496	910	114	56	.251	.328	.404	.732
Last 7	4	10	1	4	1	0	0	3	1	1	0	0	.400	.455	.500	.955
Projected	138	358	26	82	15	0	4	41	19	48	0	0	.229	.262	.302	.564

Good Morning Mets Fans!

A very good victory for the Mets last night on a lot of levels.

3 of 4 from the Dodgers is tremendous, but this easily could have been a four game sweep.

Johan Santana earned his 100th major league victory yesterday.

Ryan Church came back with a bang...a big bang.

Jose Reyes, "Mr. More Hips", is on a big time tear.

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
L.A. Dodgers	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	6	1
N.Y. Mets «	1	0	5	0	0	0	0	0	x	6	10	0

W: J. Santana (7-3) L: H. Kuroda (2-5) HR: LA - None NYM - C. Beltran (6), R. Church (10)

Recap/Box · GameCenter

Johan Santana, the ace of the Met's pitching staff, won his 100th career game last night and did what ace's do--he dominated.

"It always feels good," Santana said of reaching a career milestone. "It's a great feeling, I feel I still have a ways to go, but it is definitely an honor to win 100 in this level and hopefully there are more to come. It's good to accomplish these kinds of milestones, but I know I still have a ways to go."

Santana went deep into the 8th and only allowed one run while striking out 6. He is now second in the NL in wins and is on pace for a 20+ win season.

When he left last night's game he got a rousing standing ovation from the Sea faithful.

"It's all about having fun," said Santana, who gave up a run in the first but frustrated the Dodgers the rest of the night. "You have to remember this is a game and you have to have fun."

"It's a great atmosphere right now," Santana added, "everything is going well. Everybody is feeling more comfortable, and that's where you want to be."

Helping Santana's cause was the return of rightfielder Ryan Church. NY Sports Dog loves this guy and is his sponsor on Baseball-Reference.com.

Church had one of his best games as a Met, going 3 for 4 with a single, double, and homerun.

"I expected to have my timing off a little bit," he said. "But I was just able to see the ball real well today and put some good swings and came away with some hits."

After the big night, Church said he felt almost back to normal after missing 11 games.

"I'd be lying if I said I was 100 percent, but I don't have any symptoms," he said. "The only thing for me right now is I'm just tired."

Ryan Church Batting Stats
Year	Team	G	AB	R	H	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	AVG
2003	CLE	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	---	---	---
2004	MTL	30	63	6	11	1	6	7	16	0	0	.257	.238	.175
2005	WAS	102	268	41	77	9	42	24	70	3	2	.353	.466	.287
2006	WAS	71	196	22	54	10	35	26	60	6	1	.366	.526	.276
2007	WAS	144	470	57	128	15	70	49	107	3	2	.349	.464	.272
2008	NYM	47	169	35	54	10	34	17	40	1	1	.384	.556	.320
Total		394	1166	161	324	45	187	123	293	13	6	.353	.476	.278

Carlos Beltran continues with his strong offensive resurgence. The All-Star, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger struck the big blow of the night with a massive 2-run HR.

Beltran is now hitting .264 with 6 HRs and 34 RBIs, to go along with 36 walks and a 120 OPS+. He is hitting the ball to all fields with authority and looks like his timing is down....he is on everything and has that "Beltran Ultra-Hot Streak" look at the plate.

When Beltran is hot he can singlehandedly carry a team....folks, Beltran is hot. .314 with 3 HRs, 3 triples, 5 doubles and 19 RBIs in the last 28 days.

The other hot Met is Jose Reyes. The 24-year old whiz kid has now reached base in 32 consecutive games, and his numbers show it.

Here's a nice piece on Reyes in the NY Post.

2008 Season Stats
SPLITS	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
Season	53	225	36	64	13	5	7	25	23	34	18	5	.284	.347	.480	.827
Career	649	2743	456	779	131	57	52	267	198	338	252	63	.284	.332	.430	.762
Last 7	7	30	10	11	3	0	3	4	5	6	3	0	.367	.457	.767	1.224
Projected	160	679	109	193	39	15	21	75	69	103	54	15	.284	.347	.480	.827

Reyes has been the catalyst during the Mets turnaround. Every time you look he is on base, stealing bases, driving opposing pitchers crazy, turning sensational double plays, and chattering up the dugout.

In my opinion Jose Reyes is the most unique talent in baseball. He is back to 2006 form and getting better. Just leave him along, get him a day of rest once a month or so, and let him go. He is an absolute joy to watch and a singular talent.

So all in all a great night--Santana dominated, Reyes hit, Beltran hit, Church hit, and the lineup was balanced and productive all the way through. Castillo scared us all the other day, but he appears to be injury free and ran well yesterday.

And this week we're out West, which means a little lost sleep for us east coasters with 10:15 EST starting times.

Pedro comes back on Tuesday, and all eyes will be on him and his increasingly balky body.

Ian O'Connor at the Bergen Record says it's time for Pedro to step up.

I will agree that having Pedro in the locker room and the dugout is important--he keeps everybody loose. He's a nice bookend to Johan Santana who shows a LOT of support to his teammates, both on the field and off. Santana is always pumping up his teammates, patting them on the back after a great defensive play, and is in the game. Most starting pitchers sit alone during the game, acting aloof and focused. Santana is quite the opposite, and I believe that has a positive impact on the whole team.

So enjoy your coffee folks and we'll see you tonight for Ollie Perez against the SF Giants!

Gary Carter Aplogizes to Keith Hernandez....Sort of.

Well, here's Gary Carter commenting on what Keith Hernandez had to say about Gary being "unconscious" on the Mike and Mike show.

Weather Looking "Iffy" for Shea and the Mets

What say you Mets fans?

Will the Mets play tonight or will the game get rained out?

Can David Wright break out of his slump?

Can Mike Pelfrey return to the form he displayed early in the season?

Will Carlos Delgado take a home curtain call?

Who is Willie going to have hit in the #2 hole?

Has your week been good or bad, and were you counting on a Friday night home game to make life just a tad bit better?

Keep those finger's crossed....early season rainouts after an off day are not a good thing!

Say it with me: No Mets Rainout!

Moises Alou Steals Home!

Image via WikipediaIs he the oldest player to ever do it?

Let's look it up! Hmmmmm....no one is talking about this, and I cannot find this particular record anywhere. The closest info I found comes from the always great "Baseball Fever" (Link Below).

OK, someone knows...I think...Bueller? Anyone?

UPDATE: I have found out that at least four players have stolen home after age 40, and the list already included Moises Alou, who did it in 2006. The others are Minnie Minosa (probably the oldest when he did it), Davey Concepcion, and Paul Molitor.

I am still looking for help!

To watch Moises stealing home click here: here.

Stealing home plate is NOT an officially recorded statistic so research into this unusual feat is still considered on-going.

Here is a list of players who had at least ten (10) documented steals of home during their career:

Stealing Home Plate Ten Times in a Career
1	Ty Cobb	54
2	Max Carey	33
3	George Burns	28
4	Honus Wagner	27
5	Sherry Magee	23
	Frank Schulte	23
7	Johnny Evers	21
8	George Sisler	20
9	Frankie Frisch	19
	Jackie Robinson	19
11	Jim Sheckard	18
	Tris Speaker	18
	Joe Tinker	18
14	Rod Carew	17
	Eddie Collins	17
	Larry Doyle	17
17	Tommy Leach	16
18	Ben Chapman	15
	Fred Clarke	15
	Lou Gehrig	15
21	Bobby Byrne	14
	Fritz Maisel	14
	Fred Merkle	14
	Vic Saier	14
25	Heinie Zimmerman	13
26	Donie Bush	12
	Sam Rice	12
28	Shano Collins	11
	Harry Hooper	11
	George Moriarty	11
	Braggo Roth	11
32	Buck Herzog	10
	Jimmy Johnston	10
	Rabbit Maranville	10
	Paul Molitor	10
	Babe Ruth	10
	Billy Werber	10
	Ross Youngs	10
Stealing Home Plate Ten Times in a Career

The last National League player to steal second, then third, then home plate during the same inning was Eric Young of the Colorado Rockies on June 30, 1996. The last American League player to steal second, then third, then home plate during the same inning was Chris Stynes of the Kansas City Royals on May 12, 1996. The career record for these larcenous occurrences are four (4) in the American League by Ty Cobb and three (3) in the National League by Honus Wagner.

So Moises Alou did it last night, and I am frustrated by my inability to figure out if he is the oldest to do it. Thanks to Baseball Fever for the above stats.