Who the hell plays for the Mets, anyway? and other random thoughts

Brett M. Rhyne

Random thoughts while watching the Mets @ the Red Sox, Friday, May 22:

• Who the hell plays for the Mets, anyway? We recognize Gary Sheffield, and Johan Santana, of course. Maybe that's because they're refugees from the AL. But where's Jose Reyes, and Carlos Beltrán, and Carlos Delgado? And how is it these no-names are whipping the Old Towne Team?

• RhyNewSports fan David Borsykowsky — the most self-deprecaing Mets fan we know — is fond of pointing out that when the Mets signed Shef, manager Jerry Manuel lauded his "historic bat." As opposed to what he can do with it now, we suppose.

• Watching Daisuke Matsuzaka pitch makes us think he belongs in the NL, with its better defenses and weaker offenses. Maybe with the pitchers hitting, he'd last a little longer in the games. And if they had to yank him after five, the team might actually benefit, since they'd get to use a pinch-hitter or do a double-switch or pull some other such goofy Senior Loop shenanigans. Plus, Dice-K's not too bad a hitter himself.

• No disrespect to Jerry Remy, and we hope he recovers some his surgery and returns soon, but we're enjoying Eck doing color for the games. He's more, well, colorful, and besides, isn't it fun to say (or write) "Eck"? The Rem Dawg thing is getting a little old. Maybe NESN (or the radio team) could go to a three-man booth.

• Some dopey Met just tried to go first-to-third on a bunt. Did he not realize the Sox have Gold Glovers at first (Youk) and third (Lowell)? What a maroon.

• OK, Papi's now 0-3, with 2 K's and a GIDP. Way to go, slugger.