New York Mets News And Notes

Sitting in second place with a 48-40 record and just four games out of first place, the New York Mets are legit playoff contenders as the second half of the season begins.

The Mets are doing better than anyone expected in 2010, so let’s see what is going with the boys from Flushing as they get ready to take on the San Francisco Giants.

Carlos Beltran Is Set to Return

Well, I was dead wrong. I was convinced Beltran wasn’t going to play an inning for the Mets this season. Beltran will indeed play for the Mets this season and he will be making his debut tonight.

Beltran completed his rehab assignment and will be activated from the disabled list today. With his return, Jeff Francouer will head to the bench.

Sending Francoeur to the bench is the right move by the Mets. Angel Pagan is having a sensational year both with the bat and the glove and deserves to play everyday.

Mike Pelfrey Suffering from “Dead Arm”

Pelfrey said recently that he was suffering from “dead arm,” which is not unusual for a pitcher towards the middle of the season.

“Every year, you just go through a little period where you don’t feel like the ball is coming out of your hand like it has that extra life on it,” Pelfrey said. “That it jumps out of your hand. I feel like I’ve been going through that.”

This would explain Pelfrey’s last five starts. Over his last five starts, Pelfrey is 2-3 with a 7.52 ERA. If the Mets are going to make a serious run in the second half, Pelfrey needs to get back on track.

Will the Mets make a trade?

The biggest question regarding the Mets—other than how effective Beltran will be—is will the Mets make a trade come the trade deadline? I say they will, but not for a big name player.

I don’t see them going after Roy Oswalt because of his contract, but I can see them making a run at Jake Westbrook or Shaun Marcum.

El Verano Taqueria Is Pretty Good

I went to the Mets’ game on Friday night against the Braves and sampled the Taqueria for the first time. As you could imagine, I was always pretty hesitant eating Mexican food at a baseball game in fear of the end result, but I was feeling good on Friday night.

To my delight, it was pretty good. I went with the three taco combo on the recommendation of my friend Jon and all’s well that ends well. I recommend it next time you are at Citi Field.

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