Alou's return will most likely be pushed back. He felt some soreness after running in the outfield yesterday and will be getting another exam from his doctor.

Just because you replaced Cliff Floyd, doesn't mean you need to be hurt as much as Cliff Floyd.

There's still no time table on Beltran's return.  He's day to day and will be back whenever he tells Willie he feels good enough to play. 

I feel comfortable with the defense of an Endy, Gomez, Johnson outfield. Even with the lesser experience (I think any one of our normal outfielders has more years than the three of them combined), they have the speed to make up for it, though we'll still see the occasional bad idea play from Gomez. Its more the offense. Gomez is almost 1 for 20 after his successful pinch hit yesterday.  Endy is doing alright, but seemed to be cold for a bit there. And considering they're replacing the three guys who were the most consistent this year.


That all being said,  for the most part they've proved able to come through when needed. Plus we still have the bats of  Wright, Reyes, Delgado , LoDuca.   Beltran's also shown that he only sits when he has to.  He seems to be a pretty stoic guy.  If he's doing well, he's quiet. And if he's a little sore, he's quiet then too,  and seems to play through it. So if Beltran says he needs another day, I think thats the sort of thing  we can trust. This isn't one of those Met teams from the  Bad Times,  these guys  seem willing to do  whats best for the team. So if Beltran is out again today its probably safe to assume he really needs one more to get back into playing shape.