Rotten to the core

by Mike Trovato

The way 2009 has gone, the Mets may be wise to bench any other player that has any value for the remainder of the season, not that there are many left.

If my count is correct, sixteen different Mets have spent time on the disabled list in 2009: Maine, Perez, Putz, Nieve, Niese, Wagner. Cora, Ramon Martinez, Fernando Martinez. Sheffield, Schneider, Pagan, Delgado, Reyes, Beltran. Now, David Wright.

I was in Maryland when I heard the news via text message about Wright's concussion. I barely even reacted. Of course I was upset, but at this point, I'm so numb to all of the injuries that it's almost become comical. Not that injuries are funny, because they're not. But it was only a matter of time before David Wright got hurt. It's really absurd.

A concussion, by definition, is a traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden direct blow to the head, and can potentially cause blurred vision and loss of equilibrium. Yet, Jerry Manuel seemed confused in his interview before Sunday's 3-2 walk off win over the Giants, claiming that he would give Wright the benefit of the doubt when it came to deciding whether or not he would play.

Omar Minaya said in a press conference that Wright may be done for the remainder of the season. Wright said on Monday that he is sure he'll play again this year. Though he insisted on staying in the game, instead, the Mets handled this situation properly- unlike last season with Ryan Church- having placed Wright on the 15-day DL the next day and not a week removed from the incident.

Here's some food for thought. Daniel Murphy is a natural third baseman. Perhaps he'll see time at third? Probably not, as the Mets are rerouting his career to make him a first baseman. But it is something to consider. Wright will still have massive trade value, and if the Wilpons are considering cleaning house, it may not be the worst idea to see if Murph would suffice at third, if the Mets are ever offered a top tier pitcher in a package for Wright.

The bottom line is, the loss of the All-Star third baseman is just a little more icing on the already well-iced cake. This season is finished. Now all we have to do is eat every last bit of it, and all of the crazy stories from management that will come with it.

Additionally:

• Alex Cora is probably done for the year and will undergo surgery to repair torn ligaments in both of his thumbs...
• Billy Wagner has rejoined the Mets, but has not yet been activated from the DL, which may happen this Friday. When asked about possibly being traded, Wagner snapped, saying "I'm a New York Met today. I'm happy to be a Met." Interesting words from the pitcher, who a month ago said he was in no hurry to get back to those guys. Quite a contrast to David Wright, who said on Monday that he is embarrassed to be letting his teammates down by missing time. Clearly we know who the team player is here...
  
• Carlos Beltran will apparently attempt to play again in 2009, despite having been advised against it by Padres outfielder Brian Giles. Giles, who has had similar knee issues as Beltran, recommended taking it easy and getting healthy for next season. Beltran may need micro fracture surgery, but has been shagging fly balls, and more recently running in an attempt to return this season. For what? I'm not really sure...
• The Mets first pick from this year's draft may or may not sign with New York. Steven Matz, a Long Island native, could recieve a signing bonus upwards of $1 million from the Mets. Intriguingly, last off season the Mets intriguingly declined to sign several free agents, players who actually have Major League experience. Yet, reeling in the Ward-Melville High School product appears to be worth 7 figures...
  

For bit of good news, football season is starting. For all you Jets fans who aren't Mets fans, don't worry, a Jets post is coming soon. And even if you don't like the Jets, I'll be weighing in on a bunch of NFL stuff throughout the season, so keep checking back for new posts.