Ward or Dugout?

Seems like there are some hurtin' bods in Queens (and now on the West Coast)...Delgado's hip, now Putz's elbow and Reyes too is getting sore.

Too many integral guys getting aches at the wrong time - and the time zone change doesn't help much - that's for sure. The Mets need to realize the team doesn't revolve around 1 injury and must cover for it.

I just turned on the SF - Mets game and what astonishes me is how many empty seats there are. A downright crime.

My good friend and Mets fan from the Casey Stengel days (ML) just IMed me with a nice nugget of wisdom...I agree...he states: "... nice challenge move to bat Sheffield in the 4 spot. Manuel sends a dual message of respect to a vet, and simultaneously challenges him to produce."

I like ML's viewpoint. SF is soft target, and after the first AB it produced a dividend - a hit and an RBI

In other areas....Maybe this guy can teach some of the Mets how to run out hits.... Streaker (Jose Reyes, I hope you are reading this...I LOVE ya, but you gotta learn to hustle a bit more...Willie R is gone...Jerry M is the man now).

Managing the Managers

OK...Time for a little fun and a gut-instinct rating. Since 1962, 17 men have been at the helm of the esteemed Metropolitans.

Going to give a personal gut rating *as I am writing this, the Mets are trouncing the Marlins 11-0, middle of the 7th...)

Rating is by Stars

Willie Randolph 2004-Present --- *****

Art Howe 2003-04 --- **

Bobby Valentine 1996-2002 ***

Dallas Green 1993-96 **

Jeff Torborg 1992-93 *

Mike Cubbage 1991 3-4 **

Bud Harrelson 1990-91 **

Davey Johnson 1984-90 *****

Frank Howard 1983 **

George Bamberger 1982-83 **

Joe Torre 1977-81 **

Joe Frazier 1976-77 **

Roy McMillan 1975 **

Yogi Berra 1972-75 *****

Gil Hodges 1968-71 *****

Salty Parker 1967 **

Wes Westrum 1965-67 *

Casey Stengel 1962-1965 ***** (Gotta give the Ole Perfesser 5)