Here is some quick Mets' news from today:
- Jon Heyman reports that Carlos Beltran met with Dr. Steadman and that he's doing well. However, Dr. Steadman says that all "hot spots'' (bone bruises) need to heal before he can return to baseball activities.
- Adam Rubin reports that Daniel Murphy is fine with Ike Davis starting and will play whatever role the team needs him play in order for them to win.
- Nick Cafardo reports that the Houston Astros might be looking to trade ace Roy Oswalt because he wants to play with a contender. Oswalt has a no-trade cause, so that could make the Astros job a little tougher.
- Mike Francesa is saying that the Mets are interested in Oswalt, and the Astros are willing to listen. A source close to the Astros tells Adam Rubin that the Mets might be interested, but they have no chance a landing him.
- Mike Jacobs has cleared waivers, according to Adam Rubin. Jacobs would accept an assignment to Triple-A, but only if he gets playing time.
With the news about Beltran, I don't see him coming back until June. If I were the Mets, I'd be looking at either just releasing Gary Matthews Jr. and bringing up Fernando Martinez to be the everyday center fielder, or I would stick with Angel Pagan and move him to the third spot in the line-up. There are three line-ups they could potentially go with:: Reyes – Castillo – Wright – Bay – Davis – Francoeur – Pagan/Martinez – Barajas; Reyes – Castillo – Pagan – Bay – Wright – Davis – Francoeur – Barajas; Castillo – Martinez/Pagan – Reyes – Bay – Wright – Davis – Francoeur – Barajas I'm such a big fan of Murphy, and I hate to see him lose his position without being able to fight for it. But he's a great team player and he'll have an important role on this team. When he comes back, the Mets will most likely send down Frank Catalanotto, and have Murphy take over as the team's top pinch hitter. The Oswalt rumors are certainly interesting. There's no doubt that the Mets have the players that would be necessary to get him. It comes down to: a) are they willing to give up those players; and b) would Oswalt accept a trade to the Mets? I really think it depends on where this team stands by the All-Star break. If they are in contention, then Oswalt might be willing to come here. He would give them a solid rotation, especially if Mike Pelfrey and Ollie Perez keep pitching the way they are now.
If Jacobs wants to regain any major league value, he'd put his catching gear back on and revisit being a catcher…his offense is well below average as a 1st baseman, but above the norm for a catcher…
Same goes with Murphy, the best thing for Murphy would be to spend some time in the minors playing 2nd, corner OF, 3rd and maybe even borrow Jacobs catching gear…as a utility guy, he's a good offensive player…but we've got plenty of first base options, that are equal to or better than Murphy…