What a day, and not in a good way

If you believe in omens, files this one under "bad." Saturday's collision between Ryan Church and Marlon Anderson resulted in a concussion for Church and a bruised chest for Anderson. Church apparently tried to call off Anderson to no avail, and now Church will be out for "several days" while Anderson should be OK.

Not a good start for Church, who is being counted on as an everyday player. Maybe the jolt will magically help him figure out how to hit lefties.

Meanwhile, Carlos Delgado is out of the lineup with a hip impingement. He had an MRI in New York, which was negative. This is the same hip that bothered him last year. Great, another nagging injury for a veteran player who's looking more and more on the down side.

So the two players that are considered key for the Mets' success, at least at the plate -- Church and Delgado -- are both out with injuries that could have long-term effects. Lovely.

In other news, the Mets beat the Dodgers 1-0 on a walkoff HBP. Hot lefthanded prospect Jon Niese threw two shutout innings and Willie referred to him as "the future." Nice to see not ALL the best pitching prospects were traded for Santana.

Also, Fernando Martinez has looked great so far, and everything we've seen and read about him points to "future all-star." Have a look for yourself -- this was taken on Feb. 21:



And regarding Juan Gonzalez homering off Johan Santana? Let's see... Former slugging star who has been conspicuously absent from the league during the steroids scandal and is desperate for a job, against the best pitcher in baseball just trying to hit his spots in his first couple of innings of the spring. Yes, advantage Juan Gone. Good luck, pal.