OFF DAY

An off day means there's a full day to stir up controversy, and there's an article on the internet today (from yesterday's Philadelphia Inquirer...so I guess I should say off days allow an extra day for controversy to swirl) that says the Philadelphia Phillies hate Billy Wagner*.

Wagner* is persona non grata in Philly because he said last July that the Phillies didn't have a chance to make the playoffs (they finished only a game out of the wild card), and said his teammates quit when they got behind in games. (So far I don't see anything there that could be called untruthful.) Anyway, those comments allegedly resulted in Wagner* being called a "rat" in the clubhouse. Then, Wagner* said that he didn't feel his teammates supported him down the stretch...implying that they wanted him to fail.

Hmm. Interesting stuff about Wagner*. He's looking more and more like the type of closer that will blow his share of saves (obviously), spend some time on the DL, and stir up more controversy. I'm starting to change my mind about him as the guy who will win the Mets the World Series...now, to me, he's looking like a guy who won't blow the Mets' chances at winning a World Series, like Armando Benitez did.

The Mets are in Philadelphia for 3 games starting Tuesday. Phillies manager (THE MANAGER!) Charlie Manuel says, "Bring on Billy boy."

ANOTHER THING THE OFF DAY FORCES ME TO DO IS THIS: Have you seen the picture of Pedro Martinez* (he deserves to have the asterisk dropped - but it's a superstition thing now) on the Mets website whenever he is pitching? It looks like he's in 10th grade.



Cute.

METS MAKE PITCH FOR GLAVINE: The Mets restructured Tom Glavine's contract on Monday night, adding a player option for 2007. I'm not exactly sure what this means, but I think it means they'll take him back next year, if he chooses to stay. But he has the option to go elsewhere. I think.

MEET THE METS: I heard on New York sports talk radio this weekend that there's a song about this year's Mets that's stirring up a little controversy in New York. Fans don't like it or something. I'm not sure what that's all about - I haven't heard it, I didn't know such a song existed. But I heard it mentioned once during Friday night's game, and once on a Sunday morning show. It came up during the game because in between one of the innings the Mets played "Meet The Mets" over the PA speakers, and the fans went crazy. Mets fans love that song...and I've been saying for years (since I've started this blog) that the Mets need to bring it back. (It was a staple at Shea during the Mets' glory years in the '80's, and well before that - back to the inaugural season.) Anyway, it must have been the first time the Mets did that all year, because of the way Howie Rose was talking about it...and he said the Mets should do it again because of how well-received it was. That's when he mentioned this other song.

I say - who cares about another song. The Mets have a song. It's called "Meet The Mets". It's great. Bring it back to Shea immediately - for the rest of this year, and every year for the rest of our lives.

THE KID'S KIDS: The St. Lucie Mets fell to the Fort Myers Miracle, 4-1, on Monday night. Apparently, the Twins have pitching prospects throughout their system. We all know about Boof Bonser - but the Mets were shut down by Matt Garza, who may be moving up in the minors pretty soon. Garza is 5-0, with a 0.92 ERA - he pitched 8 innings, giving up just one run, and striking out 9. You just don't get this type of stuff on these other Mets blogs. Speaking of which......

OTHER METS BLOGS: I was watching the weekly Mets show on SNY this weekend. I believe it's aptly called "Mets Weekly". They actually have bloggers contributing - commenting on the Mets. I don't know if they consider it a "voice of the fan" type thing or what - but they just have these schmoes (is that a bad word? I hope not. I try to keep it clean here.) talking about the team. Why haven't they asked me to contribute?? They're probably mad because they missed the boat on the whole "official blogging partner" thing.

FANTASY UPDATE: The What if Mets are now 8-7, tied with two other teams for second in the division, 4 games behind the Nationals/Expos (who have finally lost a couple - now 12-3). The Mets have won 7 out of 10, and Gary Carter has his average up over .300. Joe McEwing is having a great start to the year, and Robin Ventura continues to be awesome. Tuesday there will be a morning game wrapping up the series with the Phillies, then the first two of four against Atlanta, one of the teams in the division I'm tied with.

BEAT THE STREAK: Vernon Wells had a hit against the Angels, so the streak is at 4. Tuesday night it's Edgar Renteria. He's 0-for-11 in his career against Brian Moehler, but I have a feeling he keeps his 23-game hitting streak going for at least one more game.