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 [...]

According to the New York Post, Billy Wagner will have a cautionary MRI exam this morning.
The Post notes that Wagner saw a doctor yesterday in Manhattan, who diagnosed inflammation in the shoulder, and is uncertain for the upcoming series against the Phillies.
The article also discusses the likelihood of Omar making a move before [...]

In an article for the New York Post, Mike Vaccarro notes that the Mets are in the fortunate position of being in control of their own fate as they open a series against the Phillies.
Vaccaro writes:
ohan Santana “They need Johan Santana to go out and grab it for them tonight. They need Santana to give [...]

The Mets (52-44) beat the Reds (46-51) by the score of 10 to 8 tonight in Cincinnati, increasing their winning streak to ten consecutive games.
For the first time since April 19th, the Mets are in first place, even if they do share it with the Phillies.
For a recap, boxscore, stats, etc., go to SNY.tv.

It was [...]

ESPN is reporting that the Phillies have acquired Joe Blanton from the Oakland A’s for three minor leaguers.
Blanton has a record of 5-12 this season with an ERA of 4.96.

ESPN’s Inside Edge section has posted in-depth mid-season report cards for all 30 major league teams, including the Mets.
The New York Post has a much more casual report card of their own today as well.
Meanwhile, over at The Nooner, Duke Casanova notes why these and other mid-season report cards are senseless.
Casanova writes:
“If we’re grading these [...]

I attended Billy Joel’s concert at Shea Stadium last night.  I may be the only native Long Islander that isn’t completely enamored by Joel, but I couldn’t pass up a shot at going to the farewell concert at Shea.
Needless to say, it was a great event, full of cameos from artists such as Tony Bennett [...]

It was bad enough to see the NL lose their twelfth straight All-Star Game last night by the score of 4-3, but to do it in fifteen innings and almost five hours is just absurd. Having the Orioles closer, George Sherrill, pitch two-and-a-third innings is not right. Clint Hurdle having to consider David Wright as [...]

According to Brian Costello at the New York Post, Willie Randolph will be a guest of George Steinbrenner’s tonight at the All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium.
Costello writes:
“George never walked away from the friendship he had with Willie,” said Howard Rubenstein, Steinbrenner’s spokesman. “George has said he’s a terrific guy and he wanted him to be [...]

Today, from 1-3 pm, more than 110 of baseball’s greatest current and retired players will drive by in the fourth annual All-Star Game Red Carpet Parade.
The parade will start at 40th Street and Sixth Avenue and end at 58th Street.  More than one million spectators are expected to attend.
For more info go to MLB.com.
…my question [...]

In an article for the New York Post, Joel Sherman writes that the Mets are one of nine teams that are eyeing Freddy Garcia as he continues to rehab from shoulder surgery.
Garcia’s agent Ed Greenberg, says that he does not anticipate allowing a club to negotiate a 2009 option.
…with the way the rotation has solidified [...]

The Mets are 19-9 in their last 28 games, a half game out of first place, and have won nine games in a row, their longest such streak since 2000.
Jerry Manuel, on being in second place:
“At some point we have to get back in the position of being chased, but right now we’re the chasers [...]

In an article for the Journal News, Mike Lopresti comments on how the final season of Shea Stadium is being unfairly overshadowed by the final season of Yankee Stadium.
Lopresti writes:

“Plain truth: Shea is an outdated, scruffy place. Then again, so is Yankee Stadium. But Shea’s history is rich enough that it should not be left [...]

In a column for MLB.com, Marty Noble notes how the recent success of Damion Easley and Argenis Reyes may keep Luis Castillo on the bench when he is eligible to return from the DL on Thursday.
Jerry Manuel, on who will start at second upon Castillo’s return:
“When the time comes, we’ll make a decision on that [...]

In last night’s game, both Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran homered off of Rockies pitching.
During the Mets’ nine-game winning streak, Carlos Beltran is batting .316 with three home runs, four stolen bases and 10 RBI. Beltran has also struck out only three times.
In that stretch, Carlos Delgado has a .361 batting average and a [...]