Fan News

As the Mets start a three-game series against the D-Backs, one thing is sure: Luis Castillo has returned. He has been activated from the disabled list, and Ruben Tejada has been demoted to make room. I, for one, am not happy about this. I consider Tejada to be a plus over Castillo. Neither can hit, but at least Tejada can field. Castillo is expected in tonight’s lineup.

The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are currently competing for the services of Toronto Blue Jay Reliever Scott Downs. According to AOL FanHouses’ Ed Price, both teams have demonstrated “big-time” interest in the soon-to-be free agent Southpaw from their division rival.

That Joba bravado has been replaced by inconsistent relief pitching.

It’s clear the New York Yankees' constant juggling of roles, responsibilities, and pitch counts have messed with Joba Chamberlain’s head.

Today’s Joba isn’t the same Joba who, at the age of 21, made his MLB debut in 2007 throwing fire out of the Yankee bullpen. Joba set the American League on its ear that year with a 2-0 record and a 0.38 ERA in 19 appearances. If not for a swarm of midges in Cleveland, he would have been a playoff hero as well.

According to multiple reports channeled through MLBTradeRumors.com, the Boston Red Sox have joined the New York Yankees in trade discussions for Florida Marlin OF Cody Ross and RP Leo Nunez.

Both players represent affordable fixes for the Red Sox’ myriad bullpen and outfield woes. As is well known, beyond closer Jonathan Papelbon and setup man Daniel Bard, the piecemeal Red Sox bullpen has been horrible, and the outfield has been riddled with injury.

To the casual observer, the Yankees appear to sit in a comfortable position atop the American League East. It is true that after taking two of three games in the Bronx over the weekend from their closest competition, the Yanks now possess a full three game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays.

As owners of the best record in baseball at 58-33 as of July 19, there is clearly no need to panic in the Bronx. That being said, this most recent series with the Rays did help to illustrate some of the concerns for the team moving forward into the dog days of summer.

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Mike Francesa reports that the Mets will make a trade at the deadline. He said that they will make a "proper trade," and that the Mets have "no financial restrictions."

By proper trade I'm guessing he means that they will do a trade to address their starting pitcher and/or reliever problems.

The Yankees' starting rotation has been one of their strengths, but lately we’ve seen AJ Burnett leave a game early because of a self inflicted wound and Andy Pettitte limping off the mound. Now, there are real questions to be answered.

Here are some notes:

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The Mets are going to be in for a playoff fight for the rest of the year. There are a few things they need to realize.

First, they need to learn to cut their losses. Barajas needs to go. The clock has struck midnight, and he has simply can't hit anymore.

I realize that he did well for them early in the season. But he has been their worst player since June 1st.

From the standpoint of the San Francisco Giants, yesterday’s game was as "foul" as they come. 

Phil Cuzzi calling Travis Ishikawa out at home on a play that would have ended the game cost the Giants a win and it’s all anyone can talk about.