More off-season cuts

Despite the short amount of time since the end of the World Series, the baseball world is still turning as team's are cutting down their rosters to make a run for the hot stove in December. Here's a few players who survived the first day of cuts, but weren'l so lucky:
Bill Hall, UT; Felipe Lopez, 2B - Red Sox
Kevin Gregg, RP; Miguel Olivo, C - Blue Jays (after he was traded from the Rockies)
Edgar Renteria, SS - Giants - considering retirement.
Scott Podsednik, OF - Dodgers
Jesus Feliciano, OF; Omir Santos, C - Mets
Casey Kotchman, 1B - Mariners
Jeff Francis, P - Rockies

The Red Sox have picked up David Ortiz's option, but Ortiz is less than excited about fearing job security. Also, sub-par reliever Scott Atchinson was retained. The Marlins have offered 2B Dan Uggla a four year contract with the financials undisclosed, but would receive $8M for 2011. Uggla is seeking five years.

Rumors: Juan Uribe and Aubrey Huff may be offered contracts soon from the champion Giants. The Giants aren't sure if they will keep Pat Burrell or Mark DeRosa.
The Yankees and Derek Jeter have begun discussing a new contract.
RP Hasanori Takahashi is looking for a three yr. deal
A few teams are already calling about Brandon Webb.
Lance Berkman "won't be an Astro again" according to GM Ed Wade.

Bring On The Offseason!

The season is over and congrats to the Giants on a well-deserved championship. Now we made it to the exciting part of the season( especially if your team has been sitting for awhile). Before the hot stove heats up, teams are making decisions on whose coming back already. Here's a list of players who aren't returning to their teams currently:
Adam Kennedy, 2B - Nats
Chris Young, P; Jon Garland, P; Yorvit Torrealba, C - Padres
Octavio Dotel, RP; Jeff Francis, P - Rockies
Willy Ayber, UT; Dan Wheeler, RP - Rays
Vladimir Guerrero - Rangers
Adrian Beltre, 3B - Red Sox
Orlando Cabrera, SS; Aaron Harang, P - Reds
Erik Bedard, P; Russell Branyan 1B, 2B Jose Lopez - Mariners
Eric Chavez, 3B; Boof Bonser, RP - A's
Rick Ankiel, OF; Kyle Farnsworth, RP - Braves
Jhonny Peralta, SS - Tigers
Adam LaRoche, 1B - D'Backs
Greg Zaun, C; Trevor Hoffman, RP; Doug Davis, P - Brewers
Mark Hendrickson, P - Orioles

Meanwhile, the Mets exercised Jose Reyes option, the Padres have exercised Adrian Gonzalez's option, The A's have exercised Coco Crisp and Mark Ellis's options, and finally the Reds pick up Bronson Arroyo and Jonny Gomes options. Aramis Ramirez exercised his player option with the Cubs.

End of 2010: New York Mets

It's now a reality the Mets will once again be looking to a new season for redemption. While many fans gave up weeks ago, the reality is today is the final day of 2010 regular season and yet another Mets loss 2-1 to the Nats. The Mets really never got off the ground losing Johan Santana, trading away a re-surgent Jeff Francoeur, the K-Rod "incident", endless Oliver Perez incidents, What is Jerry Manuel thinking?, and the is Mike Pelfrey for real? Carlos Beltran came back after what seemed like a decade out of the line-up. However, the rumor is that he and two other members of the team are causing trouble in the clubhouse.

The Mets did have some bright spots though mainly on the pitching side. R.A. Dickey turned out to be one of the biggest bargains of the year and Jon Niese was another stand-out. The Mets can hope they re-sign Hasanori Takahashi, who pitched admirably this season. Jose Reyes provided some flash in hopes of receiving a new contract and David Wright was the offensive MVP.

The future is uncertain at this time. Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel(possibly) won't be back. Rumored by the great Peter Gammons, the Red Sox maybe interested in trading Daisuke Matsuzaka for Carlos Beltran. Jose Reyes's future is undetermined until a new GM is installed, despite desiring a long-term deal. Pedro Feliciano has a potential for a new home, as well as K-Rod. More on this as it unfolds and be on the look-out next for the Red Sox 2010 wrap-up.

Trying To Keep The Faith

Whether you're a Phillies fan or Red Sox fan, you're close to the edge of your seat with 30 games left in the 2010 regular season( Sox fans like me are past the edge and have fell off curled up like a fetus with every passing game). At least Mets fans don't have to worry about this..(sorry, had to throw it out there). The Sox are about 8 games out of first and 6 of the wild-card( after dismally losing to the O's tonight). The Phils meanwhile as I blog, are up 3-1 to the Dodgers in the 2nd inning (off a Brian Schneider 3 run HR). The difference between these two teams is of course health. Both teams were ravaged by injuries to crucial players like Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and etc. However, the Phils have those players back and just aren't hitting. The Red Sox would kill to have Youk and Pedey back (Fans would kill, too). Fact of the matter is, they're done and the Sox hopes die every day, unlike the Phils who are just stuck in an offensive slump.

I'm pulling for both teams, (even if the Mets could make an improbable run I'd be stoked), but I know more than likely my beloved Sox will be home watching the post-season hoping for a better( and healthier) 2011 season. So keep believing Phils fans...

(Mets fans should hope that in a freak event R.A. Dickey wins the NL Cy Young Award lol).

P.S. my reaction to the Delcarmen trade....Not sure how this helps the Sox out. He wasn't the best reliever, but Robert Manuel has yet to reach his effectiveness.

Trade DeadLine thoughts 2010

By now, you've scoured every source you could and waited patiently or impatiently for your team to make the necessary move they need for a post-season run. If you're me, you've watched your team(s) fail miserably. So let's begin:

- What can I say about the ill-thought Roy Oswalt trade that hasn't already been said? J.A. Happ will be a consistent 15 game winner given enough run support in Houston. Roy Oswalt will be a higher priced Joe Blanton for the Phils.

- Did anybody inform the Mets today was the deadline?

- Typically, when the team leading your division makes several moves to bolster their reinforcements and the team ahead of you deals for a decent reliever/closer, you should probably make a really good move considering the underachieving done thus far in the second half. Theo Epstein felt none of this mattered after dealing Ramon Ramirez to the Giants. Thankfully, he tried redeeming himself by getting Saltamacchia from Texas, but designate their best reserve OF instantly shrugged that progress off.

- The Rangers are freakin' stacked! This could be their year if the Yanks or Rays bow out early.

- I'm still confused what the Pirates were trying to accomplish today.

- The Dodgers were about the most active team aside from the "Skanks", but I don't see them working out as well as the Yanks move.

- The Cards TOTALLY overpaid for Jake Westbrook, just saying.

- Disappointed Adam Dunn didn't move as well as Josh Willingham, but I see the Nats building a contender finally.

- The Royals weren't properly compensated for Rick Ankiel.

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Happy 4th

Happy 4th of July all! It's been awhile since I typed up anything as I been preparing for my new job( which will mean I'll be posting even less) and such. However, I did attend last Sunday's Mets game against the Twins. Phenomenal game and a great time with my buds. For the first time ever live, I witnessed back-back HR's (courtesy of David Wright and Ike Davis) and a shut-out. Jon Niese pitched 7.2 innings of four hit ball on a sweltering New York afternoon. Lucky for me, that was before the Puerto Rico trip, but the Mets still trail Hotlanta by a few games with the injury-depleted Phillies two games back.

Ironically enough, next Sunday I may be in Philly for the game against the Reds. I'm hoping to catch Mike Leake pitch after watching him pitch against the Phils earlier this week. Let's hope the Phils can squeeze out a win against the red hot Reds.

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Ollie Perez and The Meaning Of No

Coming soon to a theater near you, the biggest summer blockbuster of them all: Oliver Perez vs. The Mets. Watch as the two sides slug it out over who is the supreme commander of their destiny. Yep, that's how I see it billed. The Mets are most certainly going to roll over for this clown on two legs. I can't understand why the Mets keep him around...he's dead weight. The guy can't pitch. He's had two "good" seasons (if you enjoy just over .500 win decisions and a career ERA of 4.60) with the Mets and the rest of his career in Pittsburgh and San Diego were abysmal numbers. Even then, what did the Mets see in this guy?

This week after so much speculation, "Queen Perez" refused a minor league assignment because it's a slap to his ego...nothing more, nothing less. Ollie, you got command issues, the minors is where you can get back on track. You think Dwight Gooden enjoyed going back to the minors before re-proving his worth to the Yankees and Indians during the 1996-1999 stretch? No, he was scared he'd never make it back, but he took the assignment for his shot and look what it got him-- A World Series ring among a few post-season appearances. Now, by no means am I saying Ollie can become a fire-baller like Gooden was, but he can become a serviceable middle rotation guy if he'd be more accommodating. The Mets NEED to release this guy or force to change his mind. He's hurting the organization and the fans. The Mets could go after a guy like Dontrelle Willis (who will not be a Met) that may be able to help the team out. Joel Sherman of The New York Post says "Fans shouldn't blame him for not accepting, but blame the team for a bad contract." Ok, fine I do blame them for a bad contract, but a player has a duty to the team and Perez isn't doing such.

So if my overall point of this entry was anything, it's that the Mets have a big decision to make and it can't wait much longer.

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Mets questions at pitching

Recently, starter Oliver Perez was demoted to the bullpen after an 0-3; 5.94 ERA start. Seems fitting right? This all comes a brief time ago after signing a three year/$36M contract. The Mets didn't send him to the minors due to him not accepting that kind of demotion and more than likely having to shred the contract and eat the money. Writers say Perez doesn't pitch as well in the cold, which is plausible if you think of Pedro Martinez, but hardly an excuse for lack of velocity. Oliver Perez and Red Sox reliever Manny Delcarmen can surely commiserate such a problem as Delcarmen has struggled to get his velocity back after an injury. Interestingly, the two are the same age (28) and neither should be hitting a "dead-arm" age yet. Both have been extensively injured throughout their careers.

The real problem for the Mets is the fact who is the person to replace Perez. Jon Niese has been diagnosed with a mild strain of his right hamstring after exiting Sunday's game. Two pitchers are needed now. Johan Santana has yet to win, John Maine is having command issues, while Mike Pelfrey continues to showcase himself as the number one guy for now. Hisanori Takahasi (3-1; 3.12ERA) will take Niese's start on Friday, but rumor has it that Perez's replacement will be R.A. Dickey, whose been added to the roster while they await word on the extent of Niese's hamstring. Dickey hasn't played in the bigs since last season, but sports a 4-2; 2.23ERA at Triple A Buffalo.

The question is are Hisanori Takahashi and R.A. Dickey be the replacements to keep the Mets afloat? At least, Chris Carter is exciting to watch while Jeff Francouer took his mental health day.

Baseball reflects life sometimes....

I apologize for my brief disappearance, but I've been busy getting ready for graduation, figuring out how I'm gonna pay my bills on my limited income, and relationship issues. Quite simply, it hasn't been all roses here, a lot of questions that need answers.

The season is underway and in full swing. Some teams have found their identities and others, like my Red Sox haven't. It's hard to pin-point the exact problem because every night it's something different. Is it me or since Josh Beckett signed the new contract he's sucked? Wake is angry he's been relegated to the bullpen, but has little to show he deserves to be in the rotation. Buc has been dynamite and in another start mediocre. Lackey had one bad start. I'm still re-visiting my disgust for Dice-K..how many more years do I have to put up with him? Pedey's mini-slump has hurt the offense with it being crippled by injuries to Cameron (possibly beginning a minor league assignment this week), Ellsbury, and now V-Tek is sore, but not expected to miss much time. V-Mart STILL can't throw runners out. The OF positions are in constant shuffle with one really getting accommodated to playing consecutive days aside from J.D.

Meanwhile, the Phils and Mets continue to excite. I've been watching a lot of Phillies games as of late including the fantastic Hamels outing against the Cards, when the other idiot jumped onto the field. The Mets win streak ended a week ago today, but who knew Mike Pelfrey would be this good?!? It's been a refreshing change to watch when I've had the time instead of banging my head against the wall with the Sox. The Phils look like a well-oiled machine mowing through their competition without J-Roll in the line-up. Don't fret about Blanton's outing today, he'll come around. The Mets got into a funk after being dismantled by the Phils last weekend, dropping games to the Reds, but the dugout has never looked that good in years..finally, the Metsies look like they're havin fun. Ike Davis is electrifying on the field.

Still, for all the bad, at least we've gotten some surprises (Darnell McDonald, Ortiz's bat is starting to come alive, and Hermida). The Sox are far from consistent, but should the pitching and hitting become more consistent, we'll see the Sox team we've been hoping to see....just like I'm hoping to get my first REAL job interview in a very inconsistent job market.

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Mets Notes

- Recently, the Mets have really come along. The pitching is solidifying and the hitters are getting on the ball. And excitement--how about the twenty inning marathon with the Cards? This may indeed be the season to believe.

- Prospect Ike Davis finally got his promotion after the team DFA'd Mike Jacobs. Davis got a hit in his debut. Davis is currently batting .286 with 1 RBI in.

- On the injury front, Carlos Beltran is still not participating in baseball activities despite optimistically stating he;d be running by now. The organization seems less than excited about the news. Reliever Ryota Igarashi is taking an MRI on his hamstring after feeling discomfort fielding a bunt in Tuesday night's affair with the Cubs. It's been announced he is placed on the 15 day DL (hamstring strain) and Manny Acosta has been called up from Buffalo.

- Oliver Perez has looked better and better in his last two outings. Granted last night's three runs over five wasn't near his performance against the Cards, but Perez looks like the servicable arm he was.

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Mets, Phillies, Red Sox Notes

- The Sox got lit up in the finale against the Twins 8-0 with Wakefield taking the loss and the offense rendered non-existent. Next is a series with the Rays for the weekend.

- Reliever Alan Embree has decided not to opt out of his contract with the deal according to WEEI, but doesn't necessarily mean he's sticking around in Boston.

- Mike Cameron sat out the finale with an abdominal strain. He seen a doctor in Minneapolis and will have tests in Boston today. Jacoby Ellsbury is still out from the collision in Tuesday's game and is a long-shot from starting. The Sox may look to AAA to bring someone up.

-Daisuke Matsuzaka threw six scoreless frames in Pawtucket and feels "ready to pitch in the bigs."

PHILLIES

- The Phils were denied a sweep by the Nats in a 2-1 heartbreaker when Nats 3B Ryan Zimmerman went long.

- Brad Lidge says "He's 100% healthy, but not 100% ready to re-join the club." I'd agree looking at his peripherals (0-1; 16.87 ERA) in A ball. He thinks a late April return. J.C. Romero is only a step ahead in his rehab. Joe Blanton will throw a pen session today before his first start in Clearwater Tuesday.

- Juan Castro's bat sure is hot these days. The hot Marlins are coming to town, so his bat will be important.

METS

- Mike Pelfrey looked like Tim Lincecum yesterday as the Mets beat the Rockies. Jeff Francoeur is still hot at the plate having a hit in the last 9 games.

- Manager Jerry Manuel would love to move Jose Reyes in the batting order while the SS is still rusty. The three spot is where Reyes maybe this weekend against the Cards.

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New York Mets Notes

The season hasn't started off as hoped. Santana was roughed up for five runs a few days ago, which was simply un-Santana like. Mike Jacobs is 1 for 12. Castillo has been injured and Reyes is still rusty.

-Reliever Sean Green hit the DL retroactive as of April 8th.

-Holy cow, has anyone been paying attention to Jeff Francoeur's bat?!? Suddenly, the Church-Francouer swap sees some return.

-Mets were .189 batters with RISP this past week, another reason why the wins are few.

-2B Luis Castillo (sore calf) returns tonight as the Mets take on the Rox.

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Phils/Nats & Mets/Marlins games 2 & 3

The Phils continued their dominance of the Nationals in game two. The Nats did put more runs up on the board and show a little life defensively this time. Cole Hamels gave just enough and the bullpen did the rest over the final four frames. Ryan Madson came in to close it out and earn a save. Hamels line read five hits, three runs (two earned) and five K's over five innings of work. He lacked control and command. Ryan Howard blasted his second home run of the season in the fifth off of Jason Marquis, who had a considerably rough outing with his new team. Placido Polanco picked up where left off adding three runs and Chase Utley had two as well an RBI. The Phils officially claimed Nelson Figueroa.

Going for an opening series sweep, Kyle Kendrick lasted just four innings giving up six hits and five runs, including a HR. Despite the rough outing, the Phils managed to stage a rally only to fall short in a 6-5 loss. Nelson Figueroa (and took the loss) gave up the tying run Phils still take the series two game to one. The top of the order had a great day with most batters going 2/4 or 2/5 and counting as a run. Jayson Werth went 3/5 with a run. Raul Ibanez continued his slow start going 0/4 with two strike-outs. The Phillies head to Houston next with J.A. Happ starting the series off.

The Mets didn't have the kind of luck the Phils did. They rallied to tie the game at six before falling in extras 7-6 on a Ronny Paulino RBI grounder to center in the tenth. John Maine lasted five innings giving up two HR's and four runs on eight hits. The bullpen wasn't much better giving up another three between Mejia, Green, and Takashi. K-Rod and Feliciano pitched a combined two innings of scoreless ball on two hits(noth given up by Rodriguez). Jason Bay had the best day going 1/3 with two runs. A plsu was the Mets drawing nine walks out of the Marlins, but the pitching still appears to be the problem carried over from last season.

Jon Niese dueled against new Marlins pitcher Nate Robertson and came up on the losing end giving the Marlins the series. Niese worked six innings on eight hits and three runs striking out three. He looked good despite giving up the hits, but the offense simply wasn't there. Once again, the blame goes to the bottom of the order. Jeff Francouer and Angel Pagan were solid offensively. The thing about this game was seeing the upside Niese and Francouer are bringing to New York, both men looked like the investment they were thought to be. The Mets face the Nationals today with Mike Pelfrey going against Garrett Mock.

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NL East Opening Day : Phils/Nats and Mets/Marlins

For the Phils and Mets, Opening Day was a huge success. Both starting pitchers looked sharp and both offenses had no problem breaking out their bats. The Phils beat the Nationals(thought to have re-vamped nicely) 11-1 while the Mets fried the fish 7-1. Both teams jump out to an early lead(Braves are currently winning 8-5 in the 7th) in the division.

The Phillies won their game solely by two players: pitcher Roy Halladay and 3B Placido Polanco. Halladay threw seven innings giving up a run and six hits with nine k's. Not only was he brilliant on the mound, but brought in a run and advanced runners in his at bats. Polanco had a six rbi day including his seventh inning grand slam. Ryan Howard added a two run shot in the fourth. Every position player had at least one hit.

Philadelphia AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Rollins, SS 4 2 2 1 2 1 2 .500
Polanco, 3B 5 1 3 6 0 0 2 .600
Utley, 2B 3 1 1 0 3 0 1 .333
Howard, 1B 6 1 2 2 0 0 8 .333
Werth, RF 5 1 1 0 0 0 3 .200
Ibanez, LF 4 2 1 0 1 1 1 .250
Victorino, CF 5 1 1 1 0 1 2 .200
Ruiz, C 2 2 1 0 3 0 2 .500
Halladay, P 4 0 1 1 0 1 4 .250
Bastardo, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Baez, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Dobbs, PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .000
Herndon, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 39 11 13 11 9 4 26 .333

Philadelphia IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Halladay(W, 1-0)7.0 6 1 1 2 9 0 1.29
Bastardo 0.2 1 0 0 1 1 0 0.00
Baez 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00
Herndon 1.0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0.00
Totals 9.0 9 1 1 3 11 0 1.00

Meanwhile, the rival Mets had a fantastic outing from Johan Santana, who returned from off-season surgery to pitch one run with four hits and five k's over six innings of work. David Wright was the bright spot in the top of the order belting a two run shot in the first. The mid-bottom of the order( Bay, Matthews, Francoeur, and Barajas) really paced the team combining for seven hits and three rbis. Nieve pitched two innings of relief before K-Rod got his first outing of 2010.

NY Mets AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Cora, SS 4 0 0 1 0 0 3 .000
Castillo, L, 2B 4 1 0 0 1 0 1 .000
Wright, D, 3B 3 1 1 2 1 0 1 .333
Jacobs, 1B 4 0 0 0 0 2 2 .000
Tatis, 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Bay, LF 4 1 2 0 0 1 2 .500
Matthews, CF 3 2 2 0 1 0 1 .667
Francoeur, RF 2 0 1 2 1 0 0 .500
Barajas, C 4 1 2 1 0 1 1 .500
Santana, J, P 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 .000
a-Pagan, PH 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1.000
Nieve, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
b-Catalanotto, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
Rodriguez, F, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 32 7 9 7 4 5 14 .281

NY Mets IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Santana 6.0 4 1 1 2 5 0 1.50
Nieve 2.0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0.00
Rodriguez, F 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00
Totals 9.0 6 1 1 2 7 0 1.00

The Phils take on the Nats again with Cole Hamels opposing Jason Marquis and the Mets send John Maine to face Ricky Nolasco. A rumor to consider the Phils may pick up Nelson Figueroa(released by the Mets last week) to fill the injury void and have an eye on Pedro Martinez as he beings to get back in shape.

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The Close of Spring Training: NY Mets

For the Mets, the close of spring training ended very bittersweetly. Jose Reyes and Daniel Murphy will both start the season on the disable list. Reyes, despite looking very good in his action as of late, will miss the first six games of the season at least. Manager Jerry Manuel and GM Omar Minaya wanted to play it safe and not rush Reyes back from the hyperactive thyroid. Daniel Murphy has a grade one right knee sprain that will keep him out two-six weeks. His injury ensures Mike Jacobs a roster spot(Opening Day 1B) and Chris Carter or Frank Catalanatto could make the team as well. "I didn't really think it was that bad, to tell you the truth. I just felt it tweak at third base," said Murphy, who acknowledged the knee stiffened Wednesday.
"It's bad timing," Murphy said. "To get hurt, it's unfortunate, but it's a good ballclub and we have some pieces in place, so I just look forward to getting healthy here over the next couple weeks and getting back to New York and helping the team win, (from ESPN.com - Adam Rubin)."

Johan Santana(much to no ones surprise) will get the ball for Opening Day against Florida followed by John Maine, Jon Niese, Mike Pelfrey, and Oliver Perez. john Maine pitches the spring finale today against the Nats.

Fernando Martinez's hot bat and play will see him in AAA Buffalo at the beginning of the season. Don't be too bummed out though, he'll be back before you know it! Maybe even Ike Davis as well.

The Mets claimed Manny Acosta from the Braves to strengthen the bullpen. They recently released Pat Misch.

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BOS, PHL, NYM Notes

Red Sox

- Brian Shouse has been released despite holding opponents under a run an outing. The 41 year old will be looking for employment and the Phils could use another arm in their pen. The Sox signed Scott Schownweis a short time later to a minor league deal. He has until April 15 to opt out should he not make the bigs. Only two spots remain in the pen leaving Alan Embree, Joe Nelson, Scott Atchinson, Boof Bonser, and Schoenweis. My odds are Bonser and Atchinson are on the outside looking in.

- The Red Sox acquired 2B/SS Kevin Frandsen from the Giants for a player to be named. Frandsen hit .240 for the Giants last year. Frandsen can be sent down this year to AAA (which is very likely given the roster spots left).

- Mike Lowell has a knee contusion and on top of that the trade talks have begun again as of Friday.

- The 2010 goes: Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, john Lackey, Tim Wakefield, and Clay Buchholz will start the season. Dice-K may slide in when someone goes down after his return from the DL.

METS

- Jon Niese and Nelson Figueroa are inching closer to grabbing a spot on the ML roster. Niese would be a starter and Figueroa would be in the bullpen. Manager Jerry Manuel made it clear that Fernando Nieve is headed for bullpen duties where's needed which should practically hand Niese the job. Figueroa has looked impressive this spring and could be the long man in the pen.

- Pedro Feliciano wants to be K-Rod's set-up man. Feliciano's competition is Kiko Calero, Ryota Igarashi, and possibly Jennry Mejia. Feliciano has been one of the most reliable relievers on the Mets staff as of late. "I see [J.J.] Putz is gone, and nobody's set up as the setup man," Feliciano said. "I want to get that position. I want to win it. I'm working with the righties like I'm doing with the lefties. And I just want to leave Spring Training as the setup man." - interview with MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez

PHILLIES

- Did someone turn up the heat on Kyle Kendrick and Jamie Moyer. The two are having a battle for the ages in hopes of attaining the fifth spot in the rotation. Kendrick threw 5.2 innings giving up 1 earned run over five hits, two walks and a K. Moyer meanwhile gave up one hit, six K's and no walks against the Yanks in 6.2 innings. Moyer wins this race in my mind despite how strong Kendrick has been.

- Raul Ibanez has struggles since returning from off-season surgery, but will be playing in minor league games to find his rhythm. The organization isn't worried about his struggles. "He's having trouble finding his timing," manager Charlie Manuel said. "When he gets it, you'll see. It's hard to explain. Sometimes you have a hard time really finding your swing. And you try, and you try, and you try, and it seems like forever you're not hitting. The worst thing you can do is really start thinking about digging a big hole for yourself. All of a sudden, one day you might walk out there and a guy throws a ball and you hit a couple right on the nose, and you're right back to square one and you start hitting good again. I've got all the faith in the world in him. I know he can hit." -interview with Todd Zolecki of MLB.com

BOS, NYM, PHL Notes

RED SOX

- The Sox are looking for a back-up SS due to Jed Lowrie's unfortunate health issues. Bill Hall tried out yesterday, but committed two errors. Marco Scutaro is the primary, but coming off his late season injury is still a concern. Will we hear of talks of Dustin Pedroia backing him up and maybe a back-up 2B?

- If reliever Brian Shouse doesn't make the team, there's a possibility he may retire rather than report to Pawtucket where Scott Atchinson and Joe Nelson may find themselves. Alan Embree is said to have the inside track to be the lefty specialist behind Hideki Okajima, but may not be ready for Opening Day. He can opt out of his contract on April 15th.

- After the shelling Boof Bonser took (5 runs, 6 hits) in his start yesterday against the Rays, he looks like he could be headed to the pen if he decides to stay with Boston. A few teams have interest in acquiring him. According to Gordon Edes, Bonser has a groin issue.

- Jorge Jimenez was returned to the organization by the Marlins. The Red Sox gave 25K back to Florida.

PHILLIES

- Placido Polanco returned to the line-up on Sunday after spraining his knee earlier last week.

- The Phils plan on twelve pitchers on the Opening Day roster. Roy Hallday, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ round out the penciled in starters. Kyle Kendrick and Moyer are still battling for the last slot. Moyer had a strong outing against the Orioles. Whoever loses, goes to the pen with Antonio Bastardo, Jose Contreras, Danys Baez, Chad Durbin, Ryan Madson, and David Herndon. Mike Zagurski was sent down to AAA, but expect to see him make an appearance at some point this season.

- The Phils aren't the only ones that want Jayson Werth. The Yankees are looking at him and Carl Crawford as possibilities next off-season.

METS

- Catching is a hot topic in NY these days. The team has five catchers available to them. Josh Thole is almost certainly headed to Buffalo and Omir Santos maybe as well. With Barajas and Blanco on the roster, doesn't leave much room for Chris Coste unless one of the two go down very soon. Santos and Thole will battle season round to get the call-up and will more than likely happen due to the aging catchers ability to play.

- 1B Ike Davis made enough of an impression that he will almost certainly get the call in mid-season to join the Mets. As for Daniel Murphy, this is not good news.

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Mets notes

- Marty Noble (Mets beat writer) says that Alex Cora will be the primary SS while Jose Reyes recovers. Rueben Tejada will be his back-up.

- Fernando Martinez is beginning to live up to the expectations the team had when he was acquired in the Santana deal and is less likely to be traded now.

- Expect Ike Davis, Fernando Martinez, Chris Carter and Jennry Mejia to start the season in the minors despite their strong springs.

- P Pedro Feliciano is ok after taking a liner to the knee in Thursday night's game. Expect him back on the mound soon.

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Mets, Phillies, Red Sox Notes

METS

- With Jose Reyes sidelined, David Murphy, Jason Bay, and David Wright look to be the most likely to bat third in the line-up.

- Alex Cora and non-roster invitee Rueben Tejada are in heated competition for the final bench spot. Cora should win because of his experience and Tejada should be headed to the minors to work on his defense (21 errors in AA).

PHILLIES

- The Phils sent 14 down to minors camp: Pitchers - Phillipe Aumont, Yohan Flande, Scott Mathieson, J.C. Ramirez, Drew Naylor, Joe Savery, Jesus Sanchez and Bill White. Positon players include: Catchers Tuffy Gosewisch, Joe Sumoi and Kevin Nelson, INF Freddy Galvis, and OF's Tyson Gillies and Quintin Berry.

- Brad Lidge and J.C. Romero are hoping to make Opening Day, but the organization doesn't want to rush their return.

RED SOX

- Josh Beckett was scratched from his start due to illness today. Ryne Miller will take his place and Jason Varitek will make his first start this spring training.

- The Sox sent 14 down to the minors including young studs Casey Kelly and Jose Iglesias. Both had successful springs, but have more work to put in. Other players sent down are: Pitchers Adam Mills, Kris Johnson, Kyle Weiland, Radnor Bierd, and Robert Manuel, OF's Ryan Kalish and Che-Hsuan Lin, catcher Luis Exposito, and INF Yamaico Navarro.

- OF prospect Ryan Westmoreland will have brain surgery this week to fix a rare vascular disease diagnosed as a "cavernous malformation." It is unclear if this is detrimental to his career, but it can be deadly if left untreated.

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Red Sox, Mets, and Phillies notes

METS

- Jose Reyes is lost for 2-8 weeks after being prescribe rest for his thyroid imbalance. This is a big blow to the team considering Beltran is out until May.

- The Mets fell to the Red Sox 8-2 Thursday. Mike Pelfrey struggles to get going and Ryota Igarashi wasn't much better. Pedro Feliciano pitched a scoreless frame. J-Bay was 0-2 against his old team.

- Kelvim Escobar could be thinking about retirement if his arm doesn't get better. Escobar has only pitched five innings total in two years because of various injuries. Currently, he's awaiting to have an MRI unless the pain fades away.

RED SOX

- John Lackey dazzled again on the mound Thursday.

- The Red Sox and Josh Beckett could have a "pact within the next few weeks," according to Ian Browne.

- Jason Bay endorsed the Red Sox offense and says "They'll be fine."

PHILLIES

- Joe Blanton was fantastic as the Phils tamed the Tigers 4-0. Blanton threw four scoreless frames. Raul Ibanez went yard which was a sigh of relief after his off-season surgery.

- Placido Polanco wanted to come back to Philly so much, he skipped staying in Detroit and going to arbitration.

- Right now, the Phillies pitching staff looks stronger than expected. David Herndon, Yohan Flande, and Joe Savery just may make the bullpen this season.