According to MLB.com’s Marty Noble, the Mets are concerned about Billy Wagner’s left shoulder. During the 10th inning of today’s game Manager Jerry Manuel went out to visit Wagner who described the discomfort in his shoulder “like a cramp” and “as a little tight”. So, tomorrow Wagner will have a MRI in NY to find out what is giving him discomfort in his left trapezius muscle.

Jerry Manuel said:

“We want to know what was keeping him tight. It was 120 degrees. … I was loose.”

Billy Wagner said:

“My shoulder’s a little tight…I hope I don’t have to spend that much time in the city…I’m old — I’m supposed to hurt…I should hurt more often…It seems fine now…It wasn’t that bad. When Jerry came out, I thought it was for someone else…It doesn’t seem bad. If it is, I’ll miss the first game [of the Phillies series], and if we’re winning by more than three, that won’t matter.”

Trot Nixon was brought over from Arizona to help add some depth to an all ready depleted Mets outfield. Well, forget about seeing Trot’s experienced bat in the Mets line-up this season. Ed Ryan of Mets Fever discovered in a chat exchange with John Delcos of the Journal News that Trot Nixon is out for the season because of a hernia operation.

I, like Ed, am disappointed with this news because Nixon has been through the pressurized wars of Yankees-Red Sox. Although that doesn’t necessarily mean he would of been a key component to any future Mets success at least you could count on him not to be intimidated by a pennant race or playoff atmosphere in NY.

Jose Reyes got a new tattoo over the All-Star break, a spiderweb tattooed on his left elbow. Reyes said it was very painful and he could barely move his arm on Tuesday but it’s fine now.

Yesterday, Reyes went hitless in five at-bats. I wonder if the discomfort from the tattoo had anything to do with it. Also, we better hope that Reyes makes the All-Star game on a yearly basis or he may end up looking like this guy.

Info via Brian Costello of the NY Post.

My brother in-law Nick attended yesterday’s All-Star parade and game. Today, he sent out an e-mail to friends and family describing his experiences. I enjoyed his take, so I thought I’d share it…

2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium

Last night’s All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium was one of the most memorable events I have ever attended. In fact, the entire All-Star festivities in New York which commemorated the final season of Yankee Stadium were nothing less than special. Starting with the All-Star parade leading into the All-Star game was incredible.

All-Star Parade
The All-Star parade, which is only a few years old, is one of the best ideas MLB Baseball had in years. Unlike “Fanfests”, in which MLB charges a stiff $50.00+ fee to enter, not to mention the outrageous prices for an All-Star ticket, this event is free. It costs nothing to baseball fans but their time, and they get the opportunity to see up close their favorite players, they wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to do so at games. This year’s All-Star parade featured the greatest collection of Hall of Famers ever, along with this year’s All-Star Roster. The city estimated that 1.2 million people were at the parade.

It was only fitting that Whitey Ford, and Yogi Berra lead-off the parade as the two greatest living Yankees. The reception they received was outstanding. Dave Winfeild followed, and he was playful and animate with the crowd. Though he entered the Hall of Fame as a San Diego Padre (to the dismay of many fans), he made it a point to carry both a Padres cap, and a Yankees cap. Of course the parade of Hall of Famers included the likes of Ralph Kiner, Bruce Sutter, Lou Brock, Rod Carew, Bob Gibson, Goose Gossage, Gary Carter, and many others. Among the most memorable moments were Hank Aaron; as the fans chanted “Home-Run King”, Phil Neikro; showing fans how he threw his Knuckle ball, George Brett; the chants of “pine-tar” echoed 5th Avenue, Reggie Jackson; “REGGIE!”, and of course the parade was highlighted by the arrival of Willie Mays.

Among the active players, the locals were treated like royalty, including Jeter, A-Rod, Wright, and Wagner. Other players were warmly received including Alfonso Soriano, Josh Hamilton (especially after his home run display the night before), and Lou Pinella. The Red Sox were booed mercilessly, but for the most part, the players took it in stride and seemed to have fun with the crowd. Though there were reports of harsh words directed at Pappelpon’s pregnant wife. But for the most-part, the fans were well behaved, and everyone seemed to enjoy the event.

All-Star Pre-Game
As a baseball enthusiast and a long-time Yankee fan, I was always unaffected at the news of a new Yankee Stadium being built. However, as I walked over to the ballpark, and for the first time, saw the “new” stadium almost fully completed, I have to admit I had a little lump in my throat knowing that this may very well be one of the last times I will be visiting the stadium for an event of this magnitude. I am not one who is easily attached to building structures, in fact I always embrace the newer facilities, but I wonder how the new stadium will compare. Forget the fact that Yankee Stadium holds so many amazing memories. One of the most charming aspects of the Stadium is the upper-deck. Despite what is largely considered “nose-bleed” seats, the position of the upper-deck is just off the baseball field, providing an intimate “ballpark” feel, without losing the “stadium electricity”. Knowing the economic realities of baseball, the new facility will cater to the “luxury” suites, and my fear is the stadium will lose that “charm”.

I went to meet some friends at a bar called the “Flash Inn” which technically is in Manhattan, (just over Macombs Bridge). It’s an “old-school” bar which is too far off the beaten path for fans to go to after a game. Rumor has it that was where Mantle went after night games when he wanted to drink alone. It’s a pretty long walk away from the “old” stadium, but the new stadium will be 5 minutes closer, so that was a little encouraging.

Afterwards, we made our way back to the park, and upon entering, I remembered why the fans needed a new stadium to begin with. The entrances were way too small, the interior looks terrible, and the smell of foul beer is awful. The kicker was the escalator in which threw me into a crowd provided me with a most unwelcome moment of terror. Of course, the seats were cramped, the food was unappetizing, and the rest-rooms were filthy as always. So in many ways, I do welcome a new facility.

The Pre-Game festivities were probably the best I ever seen. Along with player introductions, the hall of famers took part as well being introduced to the crowd. Again the ovations were overwhelming. A special moment is when George Steinbrenner was introduced to the crowd. Despite his love-hate relationship with the fans and players, he received a massive ovation. He was met with Yogi Berra at the pitchers mound with a hug and a kiss. A truly touching moment. If it wasn’t obvious, Steinbrenner is in poor health, and is unable to walk or even talk at length. A far cry from the days in which his sharp criticism and his quick temper saw him fire managers left and right. In fact, one of the most memorable Yankee Stadium moments in which no one speaks of is when Reggie Jackson returned to Yankee Stadium after being let go by “the Boss”. After hitting his first home run, the fans cheered REGGIE- followed, by “STEINBRENNER SUCKS”. Fans even cheered when he was banned from Baseball in the early 90’s. I guess after years of winning, it helps us to forget the past. But regardless what some felt about Steinbrener, he is synonymous with the history of the Yankees, the Stadium, and baseball itself. My father once said that Steinbrenner was one of his favorite Yankees, I told him I didn’t get it, he “wasn’t a player”. His response was “he is a character! I guess you couldn’t script a better one.

All-Star Game
Ok, after a day filled with honoring the past it was time for baseball. The BLEECHER CREATURES were out in full force as they went through their revised “roll call” chanting Jeter, and then A-Rod. Afterwards, they chanted “Bob-by Mur-cer!” followed by “Boston Sucks!”

I’ll tell ya, one of the weirdest events, in terms of competitive nature, is the all-star game. Very few players are from the home team, you awkwardly cheer for your rivals in one instance, while booing them the next, despite the fact they are playing for your team. Obviously I am referring to the Red Sox, but dash in a few Mets players in the equation, and you have a divided, yet vocal stadium. As the game went on, it was clear pitchers would dominate the night as the game remained close. The starters would eventually leave the game, and enter the younger lesser known players. I have to give Francona credit; he made it a point to exit A-Rod and Jeter while they were on the field so they can receive their proper curtain calls. He even bought in Rivera in the 9th, despite the fact that K-Rod, only faced two-batters. That was classy, I hope the fans took note.

As you all know the game remained tied after 9 innings. By then close to 25% of the stadium went home. Then the game moved on to the 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th! The stadium was less than half full, and fans were screaming for an outcome. Many were annoyed, but I wasn’t. I was watching some terrific baseball being played, with a wide open stadium to myself, and soaking in every of what may be my last moments at the stadium. We went to the 14th inning, and of course, we had the 14th inning stretch, and AGAIN we all sang “Take me out to the ball game”. It was as much surreal as it was fun.

The game did end in the bottom of the 15th, and it was with great satisfaction that I took part in the longest, and most historic All-Star Game in history. I checked back into my room at 3am, and dropped dead asleep instantly. I woke up just three hours later, and did not feel at all tired. I am sure I will hit the wall sometime this afternoon.

I have been fortunate to be at some of the most memorable moments in baseball, which includes the 1999 Mets Grand Slam Single, the 2001 Yankees World Series, the 2003 and 2004 ALCS (Boston-Yanks). To point to the “best” moment, would be difficult, but last night was by far, the most special moment I ever had at any event at any given time.

The game could have gone 21 innings, and I would have stayed.

Newsday’s David Lennon is reporting that Willie Randolph will be a guest of George Steinbrenner for tonight’s All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium.

“George emphasized that his friendship with Willie is a very important thing to him,” spokesman Howard Rubenstein said. “He’s always looked at Willie as a friend and he is very pleased he’ll be his guest at the Stadium.”

The AP also reported that David Wright has exchanged messages with Randolph since his dismissal.

“I think it’s good for a guy that’s been such a part of that Yankees history to be here,” Wright said. “He definitely deserves to be here.”

Quotes from Willie tonight might actually be more interesting than the game.

Pic - Willie Randolph arrives with his wife Gretchen at Yankee Stadium.

NY Post’s Bart Hubbuch provides us with some video of David Wright and Billy Wagner talking with the press at today’s All-Star Game media session.

Anthony Rieber and Ken Davidoff of Newsday are reporting that after a trip to Cleveland to get more tests that Ryan Church is cautiously optimistic that he will play again this season. Opinions are aplenty with this whole story regarding Church’s health and the way the Mets have handled him. Even Dr. Mike Francesa and nurse Chris Russo said today that Church was most likely done for the season. Well, in an e-mail to Newsday Friday night Church wrote:

“Yes, things went very well and we all are very happy with the news we received,.. “I will be at the field tomorrow to answer any questions that you guys may have!”

Reading about Church’s symptoms made me me cringe. So, hopefully for his sake he is feeling better and will recover 100%. At times I felt like I was watching former Jets Al Toon and Wayne Chrebet all over again. So, get better Ryan and don’t rush back, your health has got to be the number one priority.

Rays fans are having fun with their young exciting team. Plus, everyone loves the cowbell. No?

Hat tip to With Leather for the video.

New York Post sports columnist Kevin Kernan talks about the Mets and the Yankees on ESPN.

Kernan covers Jose Reyes‘ ‘tantrum’ and compares him to Paul O’Neill. He also talks about Jerrry Manuel’s recent quotes about the fans and about the Mets being number two in NY. Kernan thinks Johan Santana is frustrated about the Mets porous defense and compares it to the solid defense Santana had in Minnesota. Overall Kernan says the Mets feel good about themselves and that they feel like ‘they’re about ready to make a move’.

With the possible break-up of WFAN’s Mike and the Mad Dog the guys over at Mike and the Mad Blog have compiled a ‘Bucket List’ for our favorite sports talk know it all’s.

The creator of the site, Andy, who happens to live in Hoboken, was able to get a plug in regarding this list on the Mike and The Mad Dog show recently. The clip can be seen here from the YES Network broadcast. Andy dropped the plug, with Russo’s blessing, after schooling Mad Dog on a Johan Santana vs. Tim Lincecum argument. Mad Dog even got a chuckle out of it.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Ask Michael Strahan to cohost a show
• Let Chris predict the ratings
• Go a week without Jon Heyman
• Invite Phil Mushnick into the studio for some tea
• Have John Sterling guest host a segment and let him play audio clips of all the incorrect things you have said over the last 19 years
• Treat people like human beings
• Come prepared
• Mike and Chris tell the audience that they have cut the caller off but are going to continue talking like he’s still there
• Admit that they should never talk about anything outside of sports because they don’t know enough about movies or the news or politics

Chat live today with Newsday baseball columnist Ken Davidoff at 1PM ET.

Join the live chat in progress HERE.

Tigers Pitcher Todd Jones entertains the crowd with his Magglio Ordonez impersonation during tonight’s rain delay.

Jerry Manual spoke with Chris Russo today on WFAN and will now be in Willie’s weekly spot.

Asked about the difference between himself and Willie Randolph when arguing with umpires:

“There are managers that do things differently. I can’t fault Willie for handling things different. That just happens to be the way I do things. There is no right and wrong.”

Asked about the whether the clubhouse is loose:

“Well, for me it’s all about relationships and it was a difficult thing with the cloud that was hanging over the club. It had nothing to do with how the clubhouse was being run. For me its about relationships more than rules. Rules without relationships leads to rebellion. I try to liberate them a little bit, there will be a time were things will have to get tightened up because there also needs to be a certain discipline amongst a group of men…but at this time, I just felt, let me free it up and let me see what type of player you can be and then at any given time I’ll be able to tighten that up…Yes, the clubhouse was tight. Not because of anything Willie was doing but because of his status. A lot of attention was payed to that and I would say it was difficult for some of the young players to handle.”

Asked about giving David Wright the day off:

“Well, I thought the night before he really showed signs of fatigue offensively and defensively so, I figured I’d better get it out of the way. I do not like giving players days off at home, especially everyday players but I felt it was necessary.”

Asked about the team’s bad play after playing well in Colorado:

“It was a surprise. I think what we were able to identify is that when you don’t hit as a team, you give everybody a chance to beat you regardless what record you have, you become even with them. Everyone can look good when you’re not hitting and yesterday, obviously, Perez wasn’t any good as well.”

Asked if Howard Johnson is responsible for the team not hitting:

“I think its a group effort. HoJo and myself. We have to try to find maybe a better plan how we can win games with the offensive machinery we do have. That part has been somewhat challenging for us to understand what type of team we are versus what type of team we were. We’ve lost, and everyone has lost players don’t get me wrong but without Church, Alou that’s a lot of offense that we are missing. Plus, Delgado has been somewhat of an enigma, he’s been sporadic here and there. So, when you have that combination and when you replace offensive players with strictly defensive players you have to create a different way of scoring runs and winning ball games.”

Asked if Arthur Rhodes dominance over Delgado was Rhodes or Delgado:

“That’s a very good question. I would have to tip my hat to Rhodes because that same night Delgado took another lefty and hit a line drive to left field. So, I thought we were in a good situation with Rhodes in the game because historically teams have been able score on him late in ball games.”

Asked again about the bad play versus Seattle:

“We have played very, very poorly and it’s surprising and we have to find a way to play consistent baseball. We have not played the type of baseball I want especially in front of the passionate fans we have. People are waiting and anticipating and hoping for something good and we haven’t given it to them and its very disappointing.”

Asked about Carlos Beltran and overall team aggressiveness on the bases:

“We are addressing that as we speak because we are not the type of team that can wait. With the group we have on the field on a daily basis we can ill afford not to take advantage of critical base running and base stealing.”

Asked about surprises so far:

“The media has been a surprise…with the questions about the strategy, I always thought there would be a question about a reaction here and there. Its surprising that there are strategic questions being asked…I appreciate it but it was surprising, in the other cities it was more about what was controversial, even though that is a part of it here as well but I seem to get more questions about strategy and that is good for me. I like that.”

Asked about the controversies regarding Willie Randolph and Tony Bernazard:

‘It bothered me because I didn’t think it was fair. I felt I was a tremendous subordinate for Willie and a support for whatever he needed to do. Do I have a lot of different ideas? Of course I do. Now, when news broke that Jerry is the guy quite naturally you begin to in your own way think of things and those are things that have always been with me that I’ve always discussed with Willie right here in his office. So, as soon as that came out Willie asked me and I said hey no one, no one has spoken to me or talked to me about whether I would do this or x,y and z.”

Hat tip to Faith and Fear in Flushing for the video