link - Whether because the Mets' farm system is bankrupt, or because Omar Minaya is incompetent, or both, New York's other team couldn't make a deal before the non-waiver trade deadline. Although first basemen are a dime a dozen, Minaya was unwilling to part with Ike Davis, and Johan Santana is therefore again left to fend for himself as a one-man rotation. Philadelphia gets Roy Oswalt, Atlanta gets Kyle Farnsworth and Alex Gonzalez, Florida knows its place, Washington acquires Wilson Ramos, and the Metropolitans stand disturbingly pat. Minaya has been on the hot seat a long time, and, not to be inflammatory, but the guy should just be fired
link - Jeff Francoeur, OF, Mets : What about the Mets? Their money was so tight during the trade deadline that they couldn't move anything. Deals that involved Jose Guillen, Carlos Zambrano, and Brett Myers were shot - down and to make matters worse, Jason Bay was placed on the DL with a concussion . The only move they made was trading Mike Jacobs to Toronto. Now, Bay may come back later in August, which could give them a chance to move Francoeur. There was a deal in place for Guillen but the Mets couldn't do it. I suspect a possible Francoeur move.
link - Wally Backman is the current favorite to replace Manuel and he is a stark contrast to the current head of the team. Backman has a history of success in the minors with affiliate clubs of the White Sox and the Diamondbacks. In 2004, Arizona took notice and looked to bring Backman to the big club. However, in November of that year Arizona learned about the baggage that tends to come with the hard nosed types. Wally found himself a target of Bryant Gumbel’s HBO Real Sports. The show took a look at Backman’s DUI arrest in 1999. More unsettling news was soon coming to the surface as reporters began to uncover the truth. In 2000, Backman was arrested due to an altercation in his home. Backman also had financial woes and filed for bankruptcy to avoid over 20 creditors.
8-3-10: - link - AA Binghamton Mets, Position Player of the Month: Outfielder, Kirk Nieuwenhuis - After having some severe ups and downs, Nieuwenhuis has really gotten back into shape after pounding the ball in July. His plate discipline is emerging. He did strike out 24 times, but he drew 13 walks in July. He smacked six homers and drove in 17 runs while batting .328 and swiping two bases. His 38 hits are equally impressive. The Mets clearly value him highly, especially after they turned down a trade in which they would have sent him to Toronto for lefty setup man Scott Downs.
8-3-10: - link - Pitcher of the Month: Right-handed pitcher, Josh Stinson - His ERA seems inflated in July in comparison to his record, but he gets run support. His high walk totals have contributed to some of his struggles, but nonetheless, Stinson knows how to pitch out of trouble and turn in some wins. In five July starts, he put together a 4-0 record despite a 5.19 ERA. He struck out 19 batters in 26 innings pitched. Despite all the runs he gave up in July, he didn't allow a single home run. He really just has to clean up his command before he gets more consideration from scouts.
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