Alomar gone, Mets fans relieved... Leiter to miss start

It has been announced that Al Leiter will miss his next start, which is Saturday against the Reds. He has been struggling of late, and has had pain in his knee, which is the reason he is sitting. His spot in the rotation will be taken by either Jeremy Griffiths, Mike Bacsik, Dan Wheeler or Pat Strange. Leiter may be out until after the All-Star break, although no official word was given yet.

It was supposed to be a match made in heaven, a fleecing by former GM Steve Phillips. The Mets and all their fans were thrilled when Roberto Alomar was acquired for Matt Lawton, Billy Traber and Alex Escobar in the winter after the '01 season as part of a veteran-laden retooling effort. However, it never worked out.

Alomar batted just .262 this year and .265 in his year and a half in a Met uniform. He had just 2 homers and 22 RBI this year. He will get a fresh start in Chicago in the AL, and will be playing with his brother. He'll will most likely become a hot player there.

Alomar was much hated by Mets fans, who thought he was lazy and often appeared indifferent on the field. Alomar refutes that notion, saying that he felt he may have put too much pressure on himself. Either way, Mets fans are glad to see him go.

The Mets received first round pick Royce Ring, a hard throwing lefty closer at AA Birmingham. He could make his way to the Met bullpen by the end of the year, especially if Armando Benitez is traded, as rumored.

Aaron Heilman pitched well last night, going seven innings and giving up three runs, only to see Armando Benitez blow his first major league win. Benitez got the "W" when Tony Clark singled in Joe McEwing to win the game. Heilman has been very good, allowing only one earned run in his first start, although he allowed five unearned runs thanks to shoddy Met defense.

On the topic of Benitez, he looked terrible in walking four to blow the win two Sundays ago against the Yankees. He came back and picked up an impressive six out save in which he got out of a bases loaded jam he inherited in the eighth. He recorded a four out save on Monday, but blew another four out try by giving up a two run homerun to Expo Jose Vidro.

Jose Reyes is starting to play well, and picked up 3 RBI on a 2-5 night batting from the left side. Although I wouldnt start him just yet, Reyes has the potential to be good for keeper leagues and rookie leagues.

Jason Phillips is on a tear, and has brought his average to .319. He is collecting multiple hits almost nightly, and has an outstanding OBP of.406 If he's catcher eligible in your league, I suggest picking him up.