Over the last week or so, Mike Nichols and Regis Courtemanche, as well as Brandon Eddy, Jordan Zakarin and Ted Berg, each stepped up to keep content flowing on MetsBlog.com, all while I took a much needed vacation.
Mike, Regis, Jordan, Brandon and Ted are an integral part of MetsBlog, and, though I do not say it as often [...]

Though he was eligible to return yesterday from the disabled list, Ryan Church remained sidelined with a limited pre-game workout.
Prior to the game, Church told reporters that he hopes to be cleared for more baseball activities after being evaluated by a team doctor later today.
…the buzz from Shea Stadium suggests that church could still need [...]

Billy Wagner pronounced himself ready to pitch after playing catch and throwing in the bullpen before last night’s game, but the Mets opted to be cautious and keep Wagner out of the game.
Manuel, on why Wagner was not available, speaking to reporters after last night’s loss:
“Well, it was suggested we give up him another day…I [...]

Johan Santana allowed two runs on eight hits in a 105 pitch effort through eight innings, but was not allowed to start the ninth inning, in the Mets 8 to 6 loss to the Phillies last night.
Following the game, Manuel explained to reporters that, had Santana retired Pat Burrell in the eighth, he would have [...]

In last night’s loss to the Phillies, with the Mets up 5 to 2 in the ninth, with Johan Santana on the bench and Billy Wagner unavailable, Duaner Sanchez, Joe Smith and Pedro Feliciano allowed six runs on five hits.
Jerry Manuel, talking to reporters last night, when asked what he was thinking as the game [...]

During the Mets 8 to 6 loss to the Phillies last night, Third Base Coach Luis Aguayo sent Endy Chavez home on hits by David Wright, but was thrown out at home in both the third and seventh innings with no outs.
Manuel, on Aguayo, talking after the game said:
“Those weren’t very good decisions at that [...]

The Mets (53-47) lost to the Phillies (54-46) by the score of 8 to 6 in Shea Stadium tonight.
With the loss the Mets are now one game behind the first place Phillies.
For a recap, boxscore, stats, etc., go to SNY.tv.

With the Mets up 5 to 2 in the ninth inning and Billy Wagner unavailable to [...]

The Game:
The Mets (53-46) begin a three-game series against the Phillies (53-46) tonight at Shea Stadium, starting at 7:10 pm.
The Lineup:

SS Jose Reyes
RF Endy Chavez
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
1B Carlos Delgado
2B Damion Easley
LF Marlon Anderson
C Ramon Castro
P Johan Santana

…marlon in left field makes no sense…he is [...]

Click play below to watch ESPN’s Baseball Tonight crew preview the Mets/Phillies series, which begins tonight at Shea Stadium.

Earlier today, MetsBlog’s Matt Cerrone was a guest on WFAN’s morning show Boomer and Carton.
Cerrone discussed such topics as Carlos Delgado’s resurgence, Johan Santana’s first half performance, the impact of pitching coach Dan Warthen and other Mets related topics..
To listen to Cerrone’s appearance, click here.

On Tuesday at 12:00 pm SNY will hold a Mets/Phillies Preview event on the SNY Plaza.
Ron Darling, Keith Hernandez and Lee Mazzilli will be on hand for a Q&A session.
For more on the event, click here.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports the Mets have expressed interest in A’s RHP Huston Street, but does not believe the Mets matchup up well with the A’s.
Rosenthal also suggests the White Sox, Dodgers and Brewers are interested in Street.
Meanwhile, according to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the Mets still continue to be a [...]

At his blog for Newsday, Anthony Rieber reports Billy Wagner will not have an MRI today on his left shoulder.
According to Lennon, Wagner felt better on the flight home from Cincinnati and may see a doctor today if he wakes up with tightness in his shoulder.
…whew…good news on a possible injury for once…

On July 22, Gary, Keith and Ron will hold another GKR day at Shea Stadium.
Tickets to the game and t-shirts were donated by Gary, Keith and Ron to PLAN of CT and distributed to 25 families with children afflicted by autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and other pervasive developmental disorders.
Supporters who purchased tickets through GaryKeithandRon.com will also [...]

In a report for the Daily News, Adam Rubin reports Mets prospect Daniel Murphy recently asked to switch positions, from third base to second base.
According to Rubin, Murphy, who plays for the Mets Double-A Binghamton affiliate, has committed three errors since making the move 15 games ago, but is receiving positive reviews for his play.
In [...]