On-Base Perception

ATLANTA -- A few notes before the tag team of Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler take on the Braves during this Tuesday afternoon doubleheader. Weather permitting, of course:

-- The Mets placed utilityman Justin Turner on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left intercostal muscle. They also activated righthanded reliever Scott Atchison from the DL after he had been shelved with elbow inflammation....

With the Subway Series nearly upon us, we decided to take a look at the Yankees and Mets lineups – but with a twist. Instead of strict “player vs. player” breakdowns, we went through the lineup by composite defensive position and batting order.

Some of the results may surprise.

Our main tool for comparison was on-base plus slugging percentage. Good hitters generally post an OPS over...

ST. LOUIS -- Mets manager Terry Collins is getting hammered on sports talk radio today, which is predictable since he ventured into choppy waters by invoking fans in his defense of the way he's handled the Jordany Valdespin situation.

But what can't get lost in the noise is that within the context of the conversation yesterday, it's clear that Collins' main point wasn't to rip fans, but to...

ATLANTA -- Just like many of his peers, Mets manager Terry Collins routinely leaves himself open for second guessing. Whether it be his lineup construction, or bullpen management or in-game decision making, he has never shied away from cutting against the grain.

After all, Collins is the same man who ordered an intentional walk of Donovan Solano on Monday even after he fell behind in the count...

MIAMI -- Mets manager Terry Collins said on Wednesday morning that he's been pleased with his team's approach at the plate, even though that approach hasn't led to any results.

While the Mets continue to work counts, he said the issue has stemmed from simply missing good pitches to hit, and failing to do damage against opposing bullpens. Hitting coach Dave Hudgens echoed the message, preaching...

Lucas Duda ranks third in all of baseball with a 1.199 OPS. He's reaching base and hitting for power, the exact combination that any team could use in the middle of the lineup. But even though Mets coaches have discussed moving Duda into the cleanup spot -- which is currently occupied by Ike Davis -- manager Terry Collins said that he's content to leave Duda where he is.

On Sunday against...

Shaun Marcum's long awaited Mets debut may come in less than a week. Assuming no setbacks, the Mets have the veteran righthander slated to return on Saturday, which is the next time the team needs a fifth starter in the rotation.

Lefthander Aaron Laffey would have been the most likely alternative to make the start on Saturday. However, Laffey was designated for assignment to make room for...

DENVER -- Lucas Duda was out of the Mets' starting lineup for Thursday afternoon's frigid series finale against the Rockies. The leftfielder's still suffering from lingering effects of the lower back stiffness that forced him to leave Tuesday's second game in the fifth inning.

"There's a process that we want to make sure he goes through before he's ready and 22 degrees is really not the...

MINNEAPOLIS -- Following last night's 16-5 victory over the Twins, Mets manager Terry Collins shook hands with his players. They felt like ice cubes. It shouldn't be as bad on Saturday afternoon, when the Mets and Twins will play in 35-degree weather around first pitch.

However, the Mets might not see even passable weather for the next five days.

Forecasts are calling for an 80 percent...

MINNEAPOLIS -- Jordany Valdespin has excelled in the leadoff spot. He also looked good on Friday night patrolling the wide expanse that is center field here at Target Field. On the Mets' current road trip, Valdespin is 6-for-12.

Just as he was in camp, Valdespin is swinging one of the hottest bats on the team.

Yet, against Twins lefthander Scott Diamond on Saturday, Valdespin will watch...