The John Delcos New York Mets Report Featuring Mets' commentary, analysis and news.

* Oliver Perez is en route to Arizona but might not be activated immediately. Jerry Manuel said when Perez returns it would be as a situational lefty with Hisanori Takahashi remaining in the rotation.

The Mets would like to unload Perez’s contract in a trade for a pitcher.  With the asking price for Roy Oswalt and Dan Haren too high for GM Omar Minaya’s liking, the Mets are concentrating on a middle-tier arm such as Ted Lilly, Brett Myers, Ben Sheets or Jake Westbrook.

For some reason, they won’t give Pat Misch a chance. Misch pitched well for them last year and represented Triple-A Buffalo in that league’s All-Star game.

* We are expected to see Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes in the lineup tonight at Arizona. It will be the first time in over a year they’ve been on the field together.

* It is anticipated Luis Castillo will be activated for tonight’s game. Ruben Tejada, who played well in the field, but had his problems at the plate, is expected to be optioned to Triple-A Buffalo where he’ll get regular at-bats.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Of course it is early in spring training, but one has to like the initial attitude coming from the team’s leaders, that being David Wright and Johan Santana. On the day after Wright said the team’s goal is to win the World Series, Santana echoed that sentiment.

SANTANA: Liking his attitude.

Ok, maybe they don’t see the criticism, or maybe they are ignoring it, but either way winning begins with attitude.

Part of Santana’s attitude is coming from the fact he said he arm feels good and he has full extension. Quite honestly, it’s all about pitching and that starts with him.

Posted under Commentary/2010, Mets Commentary

GARKO: Would help at first.

With Carlos Delgado not showing in winter ball he’s capable of the defensive end of it, why not go with Ryan Garko at first over Fernando Tatis?

Garko hit a combined .268 with 13 homers and 51 RBI last season for Cleveland and San Francisco. Tatis, who has been serviceable the last two seasons with the Mets, doesn’t have that power. Instead, he’ll be remembered for grounding into 13 double plays last year.

Garko won’t come at a high price, has some pop and plays first base by trade. I’d go with him over Tatis.

Posted under Commentary/2010, Mets Commentary