Grapefruit League Game 30-Mets at Rays

The New York Mets are playing the Rays at Tropicana Field this evening. Mike Pelfrey will make the start. Also available to pitch tonight are Ryota Igarashi, Jenrry Mejia and Pedro Feliciano. Here is the starting lineup for the game: Cora(SS) Castillo(2B) Wright(3B) Jacobs(DH) Bay(LF) Matthews Jr.(CF) Francoeur(RF) Tatis(1B) Barajas(C) Jerry Manuel said on WFAN today that the Mets will be making some decisions on the roster tonight after the game. He wants Jenrry Mejia on the team, said he could eventually be the 8th inning guy. He also said he believes they have enough talent in the bullpen to get the job done. Alex Cora will be the starting SS on Opening Day. He will play both Gary Matthews Jr. and Angel Pagan based on matchups. He is leaning towards breaking up his right handers. Mike Jacobs will probably be the cleanup hitter since he will now be the first baseman.

Grapefruit League Game 3-Cardinals at Mets

The New York Mets will take on the St. Louis Cardinals from Tradition Field at 1:10PM today. Jose Reyes was scratched from the lineup because they saw something they didn't like in a follow up to his physical. He said it is nothing serious and I hear that it has nothing to do with his hamstring. This is the Mets though and anything like this has to be a concern but hopefully it is not big deal and he will be back to action soon. R.A. Dickey will get the start for the Mets and Tobi Stoner, Clint Everts,Sean Green and Jack Egbert will also pitch. Here is the starting lineup for the Mets and a couple of notes. New York Mets: Gary Matthews Jr.(CF) Luis Castillo(2B) David Wright(3B) Jason Bay(LF) Daniel Murphy(1B) Jeff Francoeur(RF) Fernando Tatis(DH) Henry Blanco(C) Ruben Tejada(SS) This will be Jason Bays debut with the Mets, the game will also be televised on SNY. Takahashi has returned to the team after getting his visa issues solved. Francisco Rodriguez is still dealing with pink eye and not with the team. It is amazing to me that even something like pink eye turns into a big thing with the Mets. I meant to mention this the other day but WFAN Mets beat reporter Ed Coleman said on one of the shows that he first saw it and said you have pinkeye and K-rod said they told me I don't have that so don't worry about it. The Mets medical staff can't even diagnos pink eye right. I hope they get this mess solved because if this turns bad like last year, there will have to be major changes made all the way around.

Mets win Opener of Exhibition Season

Carlos Beltran was the latest player to be involved in the FBI investigation into Dr. Galea. He was questioned last week he revealed today. He said that he did get treatment from him for his knee but never had anything injected into him. It appears that he has been cleared as was Jose Reyes. The Mets had their grapefruit league opener today and got off to a great start with a 4-2 win over the Braves. I know it is exhibition but they want to get that winning feeling going early. Nelson Figueroa started and allowed 2 hits and 2 walks over 2 innings. He struck out the side in the second inning and did not allow a run. Elmer Dessens came on in relief and allowed a run on 2 hits and then was hit on the leg by a line drive and had to leave the game. Bobby Livingston who is a non roster invitee replaced Dessens and pitched 2 2/3 effective innings. He struck out four and got the win, which I am sure made him feel good as he is a long shot that is trying to open some eyes. Top prospect Ike Davis had a couple of hits including a double. Ryota Igarashi came on in the ninth and got the save in his first North American action of his career. Jerry Manuel appeared on WFAN today and said that Jon Niese is the front runner to be the fifth starter. He also said Daniel Murphy is the front runner to be the first baseman with Mike Jacobs being a good power bat for the bench. He also sees Angel Pagan leading the race for center fielder until Carlos Beltran gets back.