The Washington Nationals, seemingly unaware that the Mets have already won the national league east, are looking at Johnny Estrada as a catching option while Paul Lo Duca heals. For those following along at home, the Mets failed to sign Lo Duca, picked up free agent Johnny Estrada, traded the Nats go get their catcher Schneider, nontendered Estrada, who is now possible signing up with the Nats to replace Lo Duca.

All this needs is Jose Conseco injected drugs into someones butt and a love triangle with Arod and Jeter and this would make a great daytime Soap.

The New York Mets have announced that they have non-tendered catcher Johnny Estrada, outfielder Ben Johnson and reliever Juan Padilla.

Estrada’s short-lived Mets career came to an end when the Mets acquired Brian Schneider. Johnson and Padilla may be brought back by the team on minor league deals.

During his interview today on WFAN with Mike and the Mad Dog, Omar Minaya touched on a few key points on everyones mind. Minaya stated throughout the interview that he is looking to upgrade defensively, which explains why he wanted to bring Brian Schnieder aboard. Minaya feels that the team is going in a new direction and that Schnieder would make a better fit that Paul LoDuca.

When asked what size role Ryan Church will have with the Mets in 2008, Minaya indicated that Church will be the starting RF, attributing his number last year to the size of RFK stadium. Minaya also touched on the Mota/Estrada trade, saying that his numbers were fine, but he struggled too much in key spots.

When asked about Billy Wagner’s comments about the team, Minaya said that he brought Wagner in and explained what was going on and Wagner seemed pleased at some of the ideas, but Minaya also told him to be more careful about what he says to the media.

I think that Minaya made some great points and once everyone calms down, they will start to understand him better. I agree the team needs to upgrade defensivley. What’s the point of having good pitching if there is no team behind him?

Ken Davidoff on his blog for Newsday, points out that team ERA has improved on each staff the season Johnny Estrada has joined them.

The Braves, Diamondbacks and Brewers each saw their ERA drop in the season Estrada joined them. The Braves staff ERA went from 11th in 2003 to the best in baseball in 2004 when Estrada began calling the pitches.

Here’s to hoping he can protect and serve the Mets in 2008.

The New York Mets announced today that they have acquired catcher Johnny Estrada from the Brewers for RHP Guillermo Mota.

Estrada, 31, hit .278 (123-for-442) with 40 runs scored, 25 doubles, 10 home runs and 54 RBI in 120 games with the Brewers last year.

Give me a moment to catch my breath from laughing.