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eMailbag: Text Qs, A’s and Video Responses

by Matthew Cerrone on July 10th, 2009 at 2:20 pm

John Wozny: Be honest man, you really think we have a chance?

Matthew Cerrone: I do.  Of course, I always believe, because I always hope to see a miracle – and, let’s be honest, this would be a miracle.  I do not think the Mets will continue to go 10–18 every 18 games they play.  I think they’re capable of playing around .500, as is, assuming they tweak the rotation, keep pitching well out of the bullpen, and commit to a lineup and defense.  I expect them to make some sort of trade, though I’m convinced it will not be for a big-time player.  That said, who knows, maybe the Phillies suffer a devastating injury or two, or maybe the Marlins panic and collapse?  I’m not counting on this, of course, and I doubt it will happen, but you never know… and, it’s that, ‘You never know,’ which I’m clinging to, because isn’t that what sports is all about…

R Mats 89: I don’t understand why no one in the media or the fans are questioning the team’s training staff… A major league team hasn’t been this ravaged by injuries in a while and no one is looking in that direction.”

Matthew Cerrone: Well, I think everyone is tired of complaining.  I mean, we ran that argument in to the ground last month, after the first wave of injuries, moaning and groaning about the medical staff, why, who’s to blame, etc…

The reality is: injuries are up all across baseball.  The Phillies lost Raul Ibanez and Brad Lidge.  Other teams are banged up.  I recall reading injuries are up roughly 25 percent from last season all across the league, and the Mets are not even the most injured team.

That said, I can’t imagine any team has suffered this many injuries to this caliber player, i.e., three All-Star sluggers, two starting pitchers and a set-up guy, not to mention Ryan Church and Brian Schneider spent time on the disabled list as well.  I mean, think about it, every position player from the Opening Day lineup has been on the disabled list at some point this season, except Daniel Murphy, David Wright and Luis Castillo.

To watch this week’s Video Mailbag, presented by Verizon, click below: