Word is Jerry Manuel is saying “no” to John Maine and won’t let him pitch again this season. Manuel said his conscience won’t let him use Maine, who will undergo shoulder surgery on his right shoulder.

The doctors said Maine can’t reinjure himself, but they really don’t know. Should Maine try to overcompensate with his delivery, it could place stress somewhere else. That’s what the doctors ARE NOT taking into consideration.

That Manuel won’t risk Maine’s health with the season being on the line, and consequently possibly his job, shows his integrity. He’s doing the right thing.

Pedro Martinez is starting what could be his last game for the Mets tonight if they don’t get into the playoffs.

Should they somehow squeeze their way in, I can still see Manuel giving Martinez the ball by citing his experience.

That said, I don’t have faith that experience will last long then, or tonight. Not with these numbers: In his last three starts, Martinez has worked 16 innings and given up 14 earned runs on 24 hits and eight walks.

Posted under New York Mets

We’ve had some good comments on several earlier posts. Are the Mets taking too big a risk? Omar Minaya’s contract extension. Moments you would have liked to have seen at Shea. And, Jerry Manuel commenting on just getting in.

If you haven’t already, please check out these posts and provide your input.

Thanks.-JD

Posted under New York Mets

I’ve been writing “no” all along. I don’t believe it is worth running John Maine out there to work in the bullpen this weekend, no matter what is at stake. I don’t believe he will make the difference and it isn’t worth risking further injury.

What about you guys?

Tell me if they should shut him down or roll the dice, and why.

Posted under New York Mets

John Maine threw in the bullpen today Washington without difficulty, but there’s no word on when he’ll return. Or even if he’ll return. It’s clear, that for the time he missed, it is doubtful he’ll be able to return as a starter who could go long into a game during the playoffs.

I know he wants to pitch, but I’d be inclined to shut him down and forget the bullpen. He’s too important to risk further injury and it’s doubtful he can reasonably be expected to give the Mets anything substantial out of the bullpen.

And, with surgery a possibility, why take the chance?

Posted under New York Mets