Adam Rubin

  (11:46 AM)

Please feel free to submit questions early. I'll be back in about 10 minutes to get going on a gray morning in San Diego.

Adam Rubin

  (11:56 AM)

Ok, let's get started ...

Brian (NY, NY)

Adam, Ollie Perez is a capitalist in a capitalist society acting in his own best interest, just like Fred Wilpon, Omar Minaya, and Derek Jeter. Going to the minors is not in his own best interest. Any capitalist who argues otherwise is a completely hypocrite, yes?

Adam Rubin

  (11:57 AM)

Fair point. Shame on the Mets for signing Oliver Perez to a three-year, $36 million contract. He has a CBA-bargained right not to go to the minors -- and if he doesn't want to, the Mets have the choice to release him or carry him on the roster. I will say Steve Trachsel a decade ago had success rediscovering himself in the minors. And based on some nuanced reporting, you can almost assume Scott Boras, Perez's agent, feels like Ollie might be better served in the minors for a little bit.

Albert (Warwick)

How close are the Mets to just packing Ollie's bags?

Adam Rubin

  (11:59 AM)

To the extent the Mets are very cognizant of public pressure, I'm sure the ball has started rolling in that direction. But $20 million owed is $20 million owed, and the Mets just never have been big about eating contracts. The only two examples I can recall since covering the team are Roger Cedeno and Kazuo Matsui (where significant money was sent away with the players in trades). And this amount owed is much more.

Mark (NJ)

What is the likelihood that John Maine is ever a productive Major league starter again? Are the mets better off just letting him go as well.

Adam Rubin

  (12:01 PM)

I'm pretty sure the tendinitis issue is way too simple an explanation/diagnosis. Maine is expected to be nontendered by December, since he's making $3.2 million this year and is again arbitration-eligible. Maybe he hooks up with Rick Peterson in Milwaukee after that. I believe that John's mindset is he can reinvent himself as a successful pitcher throwing in the mid- to upper-80s. I just have my doubts it will be with the Mets, though.

Mark (NJ)

Do you think there is any chance the Mets Cut Ollie P? On a similar note any chance they also cut GMJ?

Adam Rubin

  (12:02 PM)

We've sort of addressed Ollie. The issue with Gary Matthews Jr. is that other than Angel Pagan, no one plays center field. And even the minor leaguers who could (Jason Pridie and Fernando Martinez) are injured. I think the practical time would be to time it with Carlos Beltran's activation. But it could happen sooner, I suppose.

Jim (Woodbridge, NJ)

Where do the mets project Wilmer Flores to play? SS, 3b, corner OF? Is there a chance they trade him for an over the Hill starting pitcher? I hope not.

Adam Rubin

  (12:03 PM)

Flores will stay at shortstop for a while, Terry Collins says. Because of his lack of first-step speed, he'll probably end up at third base, or right field. I don't think the Mets will trade him. He's the one bona fide potential future star they have currently in the minors.

Jeff (NY)

Where will Murphy play when he is activated??

Adam Rubin

  (12:04 PM)

Murphy so far only has played first base since being activated, but he's due to start playing some other positions soon -- probably second base, third base and left field. When he proves he can be passable at a number of positions, which could take a while, they could bring him back as a utility player. Perhaps he gets a couple of starts a week at various positions, then is a sharp bat for the bench.

brian (brooklyn)

Can Jesus Feliciano play CF?

Adam Rubin

  (12:05 PM)

I wrote about Jesus Feliciano a day ago:http://proxy.espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/3758/feliciano-eclipses-400-with-bisonsHe's really not quick enough to play CF as more than a short-term plug.

Mike (Garden City)

Adam, if you had to put a percentage on it, what is the chance the Mets sign Pedro Martinez. I would like to get him before a team like the Phillies do.

Adam Rubin

  (12:06 PM)

One percent. And that may be too generous. The Bergen Record did mention, however, that Pedro placed a call to Ollie to tell him about a flaw with his arm slot.

matthew (ny)

beltran, best case scenario all star break? should we carry on as if he is not coming back?

Adam Rubin

  (12:08 PM)

I'd just be satisfied with what Pagan is giving and leave it at that. Beltran is mid-30s now, with knee issues you imagine will likely persist for the remainder of his career. It's an arthritic knee, after all. That said, after the All-Star break is a best-case scenario. Unless something has changed in the past day, he has not yet been cleared to do baseball activities. He's just running straight ahead with a brace, etc. Omar Minaya is on record saying it should take four to six weeks to get into baseball shape once he is cleared to do baseball activity. And we saw how rusty Jose Reyes was when he came back after inactivity.

Joe (Clark, NJ)

Adam, great job with Mets coverage ... We all thank you for all the hard work you do. I think if the team were to flat out cut Ollie it would send a message to the rest of the team and the fans that the Mets are about winning and they are not going to take mediocrity. I think it would give the team a huge boost.

Adam Rubin

  (12:09 PM)

Thanks. I'm on the same page with you. I hate to talk so pointedly considering it's people's livelihoods, but I think if you did it with Ollie and Gary Matthews on the same day, the point would be hammered home.

brian (brooklyn)

Isnt it delusional to think that the Mets biggest problem is having an ineffective 5 starter/long man?

Adam Rubin

  (12:11 PM)

I agree that there's a disproportionate amount of attention being placed on Ollie. But it's symbolic of a lot of things. Plus, because Ollie is on the roster and untrusted, and because Fernando Nieve started Saturday, Jerry Manuel really had a short bullpen.

George (Freeport)

Coleman Country Rules!great to see someone who was awesome handling kids as a counselor doing so well in a field he loves so much!Baseball Stats Club Forever!

Adam Rubin

  (12:12 PM)

Most people won't appreciate this, but hey, I've got the controls for selecting items.

Bill (New York)

Are the Mets buyers or sellers come trade deadline time. If sellers, who has any value?

Adam Rubin

  (12:13 PM)

That's difficult. The Mets are never going to want to sell out a season so early. And I think they'll technically be in a wild card race since no one will run away. I just don't see them as buyers for a big piece. They've never shown an inclination to be renters, and this would be a dangerous time to start.

Dominick (NJ)

Any reason Manuel has worked Nieve so much?

Adam Rubin

  (12:14 PM)

Other than Pedro Feliciano, Jerry didn't trust anybody else much. Now, I'm not sure he trusts Nieve either.

Adam (NY)

Reese Havens 2011 second baseman? He has pop at the plate like Utley...but Batting Average could be questionable.

Adam Rubin

  (12:15 PM)

Let's let him stay healthy and have a full season at Double-A first.

Connie (Rockville Centre)

When are the Mets going to cut the cord with Frenchy? Typically, a corner OF spot is for a power hitter, not an eighth-place guy who swings at everything. Have the Mets wised up to Frenchy, the way Bobby Cox did?

Adam Rubin

  (12:16 PM)

I will say Francoeur will get a lot of extra rope because of his personality. And, who exactly are they otherwise placing in RF? Once/whenever Beltran returns, I'm sure the Beltran-Bay-Pagan combo will chip away at Francoeur's playing time. And, like John Maine, Francoeur is a prime candidate to be nontendered after the year because his salary is out of step with his production.

Dave (Michigan)

Will the Mets get serious about stretching out Jenrry Mejia so he can step into the rotation?

Adam Rubin

  (12:17 PM)

That's the one story I whiffed on recently. I was told point blank that it sounded like he was going down to the minors to start stretching out for starting duty. Then, in the game Maine left after five pitches in D.C., Jerry Manuel tried to have Mejia work the final three innings. In the second of those innings, Mejia's mechanics went out of whack. And so much for starting right now, it seemed. I believe he'll go to winter ball to start and then compete for a rotation spot next spring training.

MrMet (NY)

How come Chris Carter is not being used more on defense? I see him being used in situational hitting spots.

Adam Rubin

  (12:18 PM)

Chris Carter is a great guy. Defense is not his forte.

Ryotis (New York, NY)

Any thoughts as to the upcoming draft?

Adam Rubin

  (12:19 PM)

I haven't studied the players at all. But I would say if the talents are roughly equivalent, take a college pitcher. You see what Mike Leake is doing with Cincinnati less than a full year after the draft with a comparable pick (8th overall last year) and think the Mets have to find someone similar.

David J (NY)

is there ANY heat on Hojo with the way the offense has been going?

Adam Rubin

  (12:19 PM)

The offense has actually heated up lately, no?

greg (brookllyn)

is kirk niuwhies and eric campell evrey day major leaguers

Adam Rubin

  (12:20 PM)

Nieuwenhuis could be a starting center fielder in the majors and potentially get to 20-20 one season, but that's not a can't-miss thing. Eric Campbell has hit very well since he got to Double-A, continuing his St. Lucie success. From what I understand, he's more of a hitter than a fielder. Let's see how he develops a little more.

scoopcoop (NJ)

if Jerry does not trust Mejia why is he here?

Adam Rubin

  (12:21 PM)

Because Jerry trusts him in the bullpen more than Manny Acosta, etc.

Ryan (NYC)

Doesn't Cora's option vest with 80 starts, not 80 appearances? It's bad enough with 80 starts, you're freaking me out with the 80 appearances thing

Adam Rubin

  (12:22 PM)

I asked Alex yesterday, and he confirmed to me it's 80 appearances for the contract to vest for 2011 -- not 80 starts. And that's exactly how the Associated Press carried the terms of the contract originally when he signed it.

Jared (New York)

Why have the Mets not called up Bobby Parnell? He had 23 Ks to only 5 BBs in May in 18 IP. Certainly much better than some of the pitchers they have in their pen now, no?

Adam Rubin

  (12:22 PM)

I'm actually writing about Bobby for tomorrow's minor league report on the Mets blog at ESPNNewYork.com. I need to ask Dan Warthen today. I know they wanted him to cut down on walks.

Eric (New York)

Adam, don't you think that the Mets should get Castillo/Cora out of the two hole. It seems to be a perfect place for Pagan. I also believe in the school of thought that a 2 hitter must be able to DRIVE the ball. Wouldn't Castillo make for the perfect 8 hitter (if such a thing exists?)...

Adam Rubin

  (12:23 PM)

Jerry Manuel was asked about Pagan in the No. 2 hole Monday. He said he would work there, but he doesn't want to do it because it stacks righties later in the order. He likes Pagan breaking up those guys.

Dave (Hillsdale, NJ)

Why is fernando tatis on the major league squad? Shouldn't they be giving younger players a chance?

Adam Rubin

  (12:24 PM)

Who? Actually, if Davis is going to play nearly every day, you do want a veteran withering on the bench for sporadic pinch-hitting opportunties as opposed to a young player who ought to get playing time somewhere.

Jason (NJ)

According to Cot's, Alex Cora's option vests with 80 games started and not games appeared in. Therefore, it isn't likely the option will vest.

Adam Rubin

  (12:25 PM)

Perhaps Alex Cora knows more than Mr. Cot, whose site I actually use as a reference.

Jason (NJ)

With two off days coming up within the next week, Will Jerry juggle teh rotation so that Pelfrey goes on Sunday and Santana on Tuesday?

Adam Rubin

  (12:26 PM)

Jon Niese is supposed to return from the DL on Saturday. R.A. Dickey is listed as Friday's pitcher, with Hisanori Takahashi on Sunday against the Marlins. Unless something changes, that means Pelfrey and Santana will be working with extra rest the following series -- which I believe is intended.

mike (westchester)

why does it seem like the Mets are the least proactive organization around? Does management and ownership realize the mood of the fanbase, or do they generally think they know what they are doing?

Adam Rubin

  (12:27 PM)

I'm sure they think they know what they are doing.

Kyle (GA)

Can we agree that Jesus Feliciano would be at the very least as effective as GMJ, but more likely better? And it doesn't really matter if his defense is bad, I don't see GMJ playing the field either right?

Adam Rubin

  (12:28 PM)

You're probably right, but I just think the plan at least was to bide time until Beltran returns, and then consider any move then. Say you get rid of Matthews, Pridie and Martinez are hurt, and then Pagan gets injured -- which has been known to happen. What do you do? If he's sititng on the bench anyway, you might as well wait a little bit.

Dave M (Grand Rapids)

Looking ahead to the All-Star Game, because I love it. Do you think Pelfrey and Barajas get the call?

Adam Rubin

  (12:29 PM)

At this point, I'd imagine those are the only two Mets. We'll see about third base, especially with fan balloting.

Ryan (NYC)

The Mets four best hitters bat 1, 3, 5, 6 in the lineup. Discuss.

Adam Rubin

  (12:29 PM)

Correct.

Dave (Hillsdale, NJ)

What chance do you give this team of making the playoffs, assuming no major changes? (ollie being cut notwithstanding)

Adam Rubin

  (12:31 PM)

Five percent? Bullpen has come back to earth. I mentioned this on a previous chat, but a scout gave the Mets an edge over the Nationals in only one position -- shortstop. And he called right field a push. I ran that by a different scout last night. He said maybe give the Mets the edge at catcher, too. So he scored it 6-3 Nats (with RF) instead of 7-1-1.

Andrew Gunz (Staten Island)

Hi Adam, I don't want to turn this into a minor league chat but do you see Kirk Nieuwenhuis making any contributions to the Met outfield late this year or next year?

Adam Rubin

  (12:32 PM)

If the Mets are out of the race in September, I suppose it's possible. But I don't think Kirk has to be placed on the 40-man roster this winter to be protected in the Rule 5 draft, at least off the top of my head. So that would be an impediment. Also, if Fernando Martinez is healthy, I would think he would have first dibs at that point.

Kevin (Florida)

Thanks for the chat Adam. Has Manuel indicated that Takahashi will get another start after struggling yesterday?

Adam Rubin

  (12:33 PM)

Well, Jerry has been known to change, but he was pretty firm going into that start that Takahashi is entrenched in the rotation at this point -- with Dickey getting some rope, too. Niese is back Saturday, returning Nieve to the bullpen. The next time they'd need to create a spot is if they want to put John Maine back in the rotation. And if Dickey and Takahashi are passable the next few turns through, I'm not sure Jerry Manuel will put John Maine back in the rotation.

Ryan (NYC)

Wouldn't it make sense to, I don't know, give Wright/Bay/Pagan more at-bats than Alex Cora?

Adam Rubin

  (12:34 PM)

I certainly think there's a case to be made for maximizing the at-bats of the best hitters.

Rob (Great Neck)

the real question is how long till luis is on the DL and can murphy play second base.

Adam Rubin

  (12:35 PM)

Luis Castillo could be headed to the DL soon. You can't believe how he looks when he walks. But Daniel Murphy has not played a game at second base since the Arizona Fall League in 2008, if I remember correctly. It'll be a while before we see him there in a major league game.

Dan (Oregon)

Can't Carter take the Tatis role? Let Jesus platoon w French? Did anyone ask Jerry why Tatis hit cleanup (not Barajas or DW or AP) when he hit Wolf under .100 in over 30 ABs the other day?

Adam Rubin

  (12:36 PM)

Carter is a lefty. Tatis is a righty. Tatis' saving grace since spring training is that he's the only righty hitter, really. And I do believe he has a fairly good average pinch hitting, by the way.

Eric (NJ)

When will the mets figure out how to win on the road? If I remember correctly, they were having a ton of problems winning at home last season and now its the complete opposite.

Adam Rubin

  (12:37 PM)

I wish I had an answer. The closest thing Jerry can offer by way of explanation is that the hitters salivate when they see road parks and swing for the fences after being frustrated at Citi Field. But he even admits that's just trying to speculate.

Sam M. (Brooklyn)

Hey, adam. Love your work. Would the Mets ever think of bringing in a plethera of '86 teammates for the coaching staff next year, i.e. Backman managing, ojeda pitching coach, and (unrealistic cause of his laziness {he's never on road games!}, though I believe a good idea) Keith Hernandez hitting coach? Both broadcasters have a very keen eye and are excellent at dissecting what is wright or wrong with a player.

Adam Rubin

  (12:38 PM)

Thanks. I can see Backman managing one day. And you've got HoJo on the staff now. I think the broadcasters like Keith and Bobby O like their lifestyles.

Greg (PA)

How is the Nationals LF better than Bay? not too sure about that one

Adam Rubin

  (12:39 PM)

I questioned that, too, but two separate AL scouts said they liked Josh Willingham better. At least for the next year or so.

Daryl (CT)

The lineup should be: Reyes/Pagan/Wright/Bay/Davis/Barajas/Francoeur/Castillo/PitcherThoughts?

Adam Rubin

  (12:39 PM)

Looks good to me.

matt (pottsville, pa)

the nats have the edge in CF and LF? really? morgan and willingham are better than pagan and bay? come on...

Adam Rubin

  (12:40 PM)

I'm just telling you what two guys assigned to the Mets for AL teams said. They both said it. Just their opinions.

Mike (Cubicle)

If you were GM, would you make a move on Lee or Oswalt? A top 3 of Santana, Lee/Oswalt

Adam Rubin

  (12:41 PM)

I think you have to recognize when you're a legit contender and when you're not. In Lee's case, it makes no sense to clear out top prospects for a rental. Remember what the Mariners gave up not too long ago. And if they offered arbitration, they'd pick up two first-round picks. So you'd need to significantly exceed that package.

Daryl (CT)

Odds that Jerry comes home with the team?

Adam Rubin

  (12:41 PM)

99.9 percent. Although he probably shouldn't answer the phone/door at 3:14 a.m.

Adam Rubin

  (12:44 PM)

I apologize I didn't get to more questions. There are more than 300 still in the queue. You can always email me at Adam.Rubin@espn.com. I'm generally pretty good about replying, except when I'm inundated. Please following me on Twitter at AdamRubinESPN and check out the Mets blog at ESPNNewYork.com: http://proxy.espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/