In the New York Post, Bart Hubbuch writes, “Jerry Manuel obviously wasn’t happy with Omar Minaya’s abrupt decision to release Sanchez just hours before Sanchez was scheduled to pitch here.”

Manuel, on Sanchez, and whether the decision was ‘cut and dry,’ said yesterday:

“No, I would say not.  For me, you’re always optimistic, when you have a guy.  But, at the same time, everybody kind of sat down and discussed different issues and I guess you have to be realistic.  Like yesterday, I felt good about him… We felt that Duaner had not made the progress we wanted to see.  That’s the bottom line.  It’s strictly performance… I wouldn’t say it was vigorous or a long meeting.  I think from Omar’s point of view, I’m sure it was discussed quite a lot.”

When asked if he agreed with the decision, he paused, and said, while looking towards the ground, ‘Uhh, sure.’

…yes, manuel looked annoyed… and, so what… i mean, Omar Minaya is the boss, and he made a decision, and like it or not, jerry has to move on and work with what he has towards the goals that have been set for him… last i checked, this happens every day in offices all over America, and yet we all keep doing our job… he’ll get over it, just like every one else… also, i’m glad he was optimistic about duaner… he should be optimistic and want to keep all of his players… i think that’s a good message for his players, to know they all have his support like that…

To watch all of Manuel’s comments on Sanchez, click here.

Yesterday, Sanchez walked two hitters, but did not allow a run, in one inning or work.

Following the game, Jerry Manuel told reporters Sanchez is competing for a spot to be on the team, adding:

“I don’t deal with money.  For me, it’s what’s best for the team, and there are some guys who are pitching very well right now that have to be considered… He’s got to pitch well and convince us that, hey, he’s the guy he was two years ago.”

…i mean, duaner should be in competition, especially since he can’t seem to crack 90 with his fastball… he hasn’t been great, so what should he be guaranteed anything… nevertheless, i don’t g et the sense is in serious jeopardy of losing his job, because, have one conversation with some one from the team and you’ll realize they are counting on him to be there… in standard fashion, i believe jerry was just saying there is competition, nothing is a given, and every one has to work to be rewarded…

…you know, it must be hard for people who love conflict, knowing so much craziness is going on with the Yankees, and yet the most controversial thing in St. Lucie is that a relief pitcher is competing for a job, and an ace is maybe a week behind schedule…

According to Sherman, Sanchez has come in to camp in good shape, but with several spots in the bullpen already set he could be the odd man out.

With the Mets in need of a right-handed hitter, Sherman suggests the Mets trade Sanchez for Rangers OF Marlon Byrd or Tigers OF Marcus Thames.

...repeat, this is not a trade rumor, just a creative suggestion from sherman…

In 66 appearances last season, Sanchez was 5-1 with a 4.32 ERA, with 44 strikeouts and 23 walks in 58.3 IP.

…i’d love to see sanchez return to his 2006 form, but i doubt that will happen…unless he has an impressive spring, i’d rather the Mets take their chances with Bobby Parnell or Darren O’Day for the last spot in the bullpen…

Shpigel writes, “Green projected as a more polished version of Joe Smith, who they sent to Cleveland in the three-team trade. Green’s sinker helped produce the eighth-best ground ball percentage among relievers who pitched in at least 50 games last season, [and] did not allow a home run to a right-handed hitter in 172 at-bats”

Mike Steffanos of Mike’s Mets is eager to see what Green can do, noting, “perhaps he can combine with [Pedro] Feliciano and give the Mets something close to what they had in 2006 when the southpaw combined effectively with Chad Bradford.”

…i actually think he looks a bit like bradford, but that’s just me…

Also, check out MLB.com for a video of Duaner Sanchez’s thoughts on this season, his health, and how he hopes the fans will perceive him.

Sanchez, who made $950,000 last season, was 5-1 with a 4.32 ERA in 66 relief appearances in 2008.

John Maine, Pedro Feliciano, Ryan Church, Angel Pagan and Jeremy Reed remain in arbitration with the Mets.

According to Rotoworld.com, Church, Pagan and Maine are under contract through 2011, while Heilamn, Sanchez and Feliciano are under contract through 2010.

In 2008, his first full season back from injury, Sanchez leads the Mets with 21 holds but his average fastball velocity has been reduced from 93 mph to 90 mph according to ESPN.com’s Inside Edge.

Although his ERA has risen from 2.60 in 2006 to presently 4.45, Sanchez seems to be pitching almost as well when looking at this comparison:

2006: BAA – .231; Strikeout % – 17.3; Walk % – 8.3

2008: BAA – .236; Strikeout % – 17.0; Walk % – 9.3

According to the report, Sanchez has gotten himself into trouble by not to pitching inside to right-handed batters, relying more on sliders and change ups. These difficulties where evident on Monday when he threw only three inside fastballs on 20 total pitches to the middle of the Nationals’ order.

…i know the story of the last two days has been the offense, but the offense is not what has killed this team time and time again…this is duaner’s first taste of a pennant race with the Mets and they will need him, along with the rest of this makeshift bullpen, to hold down games down the stretch…

…like matt said…bullpen…bullpen…bullpen…

Duaner Sanchez, as quoted by David Lennon in Newsday:

“A lot of people have been talking about the bullpen, the bullpen, the bullpen.  Listen, everybody goes through tough times…Go and look at the record since Billy left.  If it’s a losing record, then we can talk about it. If not, we have nothing to talk about – simple as that.  I know what we can do and we never lost the confidence that we can do it.”

As Lennon points out, the Mets are 21–9 since Wagner was put on the disabled list.

…the problem is that his fastball is clocking in at around 86 mph, which is around 5 percent off from what it usually is…

Sanchez, talking to reporters following yesterday’s loss, said:

“I’m fine, physically, I’m totally fine…My arm feels good.  Sometime, the firggin’ monkey has got to get off my back.  I don’t know when, but, damn, sometime soon…

“I don’t know, bro, but something’s gotta happen soon.  It can’t be like this.  This is not me…I’m letting my team down, that’s basically what it is and this is not me.  Something’s gotta happen and I’m the one who has to do it…It’s gonna take a lot, but it’s got to happen…My arm is totally fine.  I’m not fatigued.  I was more fatigued in the beginning, when I first came back.  Now, I’m totally fine.  It’s just not going my way…

“I’m not down on myself, I’m pissed.  I don’t think any one would be happy.  I’m not down at all, I’m just a little pissed off – and that’s about it.”

Sanchez has allowed three runs in his last two appearances, prior to which he had an eight-game scoreless streak.

Martinez, regarding the bullpen, while speaking to reporters following yesterday’s loss:

“With me, it’s OK.  Everybody out there was trying to reel in and win.  They never quit, and you have to give them credit.”

…i admire pedro’s view, but forgive me if i am unable to be so peaceful and loving today…

The Mets have 20 blown saves this season, which is fourth-worst in the National League.

The Phillies have blown just eight saves, best in the league.

…i’m officially sick…do you realize if the bullpen had blown just half of that number, the Mets would be in first place by eight games, and have the best record in the league…

…one more time, in case you missed it: if the bullpen had blown just half of that number, the Mets would be in first place by eight games, and have the best record in the league…

This season, while Billy Wagner has blown seven saves, Pedro Feliciano is 0 for 2 in save situations, Aaron Heilman is 2 for 4, Carlos Muniz is 0 for 1, Scott Schoenweiss is 1 for 4 and Joe Smith is 0 for 3.

What’s worse, During the 10–game winning streak in July, opponents hit .191 against the bullpen – but, in the 22 games since, opponents are batting .289.