Well, I'm on a major project at work (doesn't it suck that we have to work for a living, all these Mets games and so little time...) so I was unable to post this morning. Anyway, I always come up with a good excuse or two as to why I need to be at my desk when the Mets are playing in the afternoon. This way I can listen in on MLB Gameday Audio. Jose Reyes just hit a three run home run to tie the game. Now it's the top of the 3rd. Today Mike Francesa and Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo are broadcasting the game over WFAN radio as part of some charity benefit. I must say, I am surprised that the both of them are doing a pretty good job, especially Russo. If it wasn't for the fact that he sounds like he gargles with gravel he really would be a very good baseball announcer. I guess it proves that the quality of an announcer's voice goes a long way to their success. ...Gonzales just gave up another hit, two on and nobody out... My prediction as to the next Mets press release: "The Mets have designated Jeremi Gonzales for assignment"...just a wild guess on my part. Let's face it, now that el-Duke is here, and Soler showed last night that he can really pitch, there is not going to be any need for Gonzales after today's game...a line drive to Matsui, he throws to Reyes for the double play... Nice, now if Gonzales can get out of this inning maybe he can at least get sent back to triple A. Anyway, what was I saying, oh yes, I like the trade. Certainly Orlando Hernandez is a clear upgrade over Gonzales and Lima. He brings experience with having pitched in New York and in the post season for that matter...Utley steals second, man on second, two out...Burrell walks. Ryan Howard coming up...Now all of a sudden the rotation consists of Pedro, Galvine, Trachsel, Soler, and Hernandez--not bad...Howard flies out to left, you can exhale now...What do the Mets do when Bannister comes back? I don't know but that's a much nicer problem to have. Also this trade takes any pressure off of Mike Pelfrey. Now he doesn't have to worry about hurrying his progress to help the parent club. Pelfrey could still see Major League action this year but now there is no rush. "Dog" is now talking about the article in SI regarding David Wright. I guess he planned this as some fill. Mike's doing a pretty good job but clearly Russo is the better announcer surprisingly enough...Floyd singled down the right field line. Good to see him hitting again... If he keeps it going the Mets could be scoring some serious runs soon. ...One on with two out...When Gonzales is dropped, the Mets will need someone in the bullpen to take Julio's spot. I would assume that will be Heath Bell.

On losing Julio-well I have mixed feelings because it really seemed like he was starting to get his act together. But to be honest, I just don't get filled with confidence when Jorge came in to the game, especially when it mattered. But again, lately he has been much better. I'm not sure if he would ever be very successful in New York. As we know it takes a special mentality to make it in the big apple...Here we go again, a walk and another hit. The Phillies have two on with one out. Can Gonzales give the Mets just five innings today? Is that asking too much?...Anyway, I think the trade was a good one and a risk worth taking. We'll see.

I thought Alay Soler pitched just great last night. Obviously he was very nervous in the first inning...sacrifice bunt moves the runners to scoring position. Victorino is up with two outs and grounds out to 2nd. Exhale once again... In retrospect, I think Woodward did Soler a favor when he let that ball go through his legs. Because after that, the kid (yeah I know he's 26+ years old) really settled down and pitched a great game. I think Soler is going to give the Mets pitching staff a nice boost. Soler really showed that he can pitch. Great control, he uses the whole plate, and sets up the batters well. It was a pleasure to watch. I think he very well may be here to stay.

...Accept for a hit by Reyes, the Mets go quietly in the fourth, but now in the 5th, there are two on with nobody out but Burrell, the Mets killer fouled out to third. Howard coming up, time to hold my breath again...