Murphy's Law For The Mets: Yes, Pun Intended

Just when you thought it couldn't get worse for the Mets, it did last night. Shortstop Jose Reyes re injured his strained calf. He's got tendonitis, and is day to day. Please Omar Minaya, PLEASE-DL Jose NOW-don't do this "day to day" crap. Let him heal and be ready for the bulk of the season. Let's dump Ramon Martinez NOW. He is not a big league shortstop anymore. Argenis Reyes may not be much better, but he sure as heck WON'T be worse. Get him up from Buffalo. Gary Sheffield has been sick the last few days. Well, somebody better tell me that Gary was puking on his uniform and crapping his pants in the 9th inning last night! Why else would Jerry Manuel let Martinez hit with the tying run on base? Oh, that's right: Mr Manel had already pinch hit Fernando Tatis, his "emergency" shortstop, for Ryan "We really need him even though he's in my doghouse" Church. Result: Assuming Sheffield was near death, Martinez has to face Broxton's 100 mph heater in the 9th. Great thinking there, Jerry. I'd almost rather you sent up Johan Santana.

Meanwhile, Daniel Murphy, worse than Todd Hundley in left field, looked like Wes Parker at first base. Now, he just has to get his stroke back. But at least the kid is happy at first-that's half the battle. Now his bat can be his primary focus. The work ethic is still there to be a good defensive player, but the Mets need all the offense they can get in a hurry. Omar: The words "offense" and "hurry" are for you.

I wish I could understand this 'closer mentality' thing. J. J. Putz says his mental focus just ain't there when he's pitching in the 8th. J.J.: You KNEW what you were getting into when you signed your deal. Shut up and pitch. K-Rod (Francisco Rodriguez) may make things a bit tense when he comes in a game, but he has no blown saves-and strangely had no problem pitching in the 8th the other night. Never mind that Livan Hernandez should have started the 8th. Manuel, like most managers, has bought into the "know your role" garbage. So here comes Putz in the 8th, even though he says his neck is stiff. So, J.J., it IS fair to say your biggest problems are from the neck up.

I know it's early, I say that all the time. But how many games do you expect the Mets to win this weekend at Fenway, even with Johan Santana going Friday night? At the one-eighth pole of the season, the Mets are floundering. With all the injuries and an offense that hasn't homered in a week, Memorial Day and the Nationals can't come fast enough. The same can be said for Minaya and Manuel. It's a broken record, but its time to find a way to right the ship, or lose the season in a hurry. That's NOT what fans who are spending a fortune on tickets at Citi Field want to hear in May.