With the recent health scare of John Maine and Pedro Martinez' durability in question, the Mets will take a close look at free agent pitcher Freddy Garcia.

That doesn't mean the Mets fans won't see new faces at Shea Stadium soon. At some point in August, before the traditional September roster expansion, you can expect the organization to baptize Fernando Martinez, Jon Niese and Eddie Kunz.

Although no official announcement has been made, Oliver Perez will likely start Sunday in Houston.

Mets manger Jerry Manuel said he will meet with John Maine in Houston on Friday before making a final decision on the rotation. "If there's any indication that he's not quite what he should be, we have the flexibility to back him off," Manuel said Wednesday afternoon on WFAN.

New York Mets GM Omar Minaya addressed the media late Thursday afternoon. Usually, press conferences are reserved to announce something. In this case, the Mets wanted to personally deliver the message that the Mets didn't make a move at the trade deadline.

Although no official announcement has been made, Oliver Perez will likely start Sunday in Houston.

With Pedro Martinez' durability in question and John Maine's health lingering, the last thing the Mets need is another pitching scare. But, one could be brewing ever so quietly as the season wears on.

In the first part of this series, I examined trades 11-20 in the best deals in New York Mets history. Below is the top 10.

With Pedro Martinez' durability in question and John Maine's health lingering, the last thing the Mets need is another pitching scare. But, one could be brewing ever so quietly as the season wears on.

With no trade, no "big splash" expected by today's trading deadline, New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel is at peace with the realization that the team he has right now, will be the team that he must find a way to win with.

Everyone thinks of the New York Mets as a franchise that has made plenty of bad trades through the years. And when the team has traded Hall of Famers Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan, it is hard to argue with that line of thinking. But you know what? The New York Mets have made many more good trades than bad. Don't believe me? Well, then I will put together two lists of the best trades ever made by the New York Mets.

Although no official announcement has been made, it is likely Oliver Perez will start Sunday in Houston.

Mets manger Jerry Manuel said he will meet with John Maine in Houston on Friday before making a final decision on the rotation. "If there's any indication that he's not quite what he should be, we have the flexibility to back him off," Manuel said Wednesday afternoon on WFAN. "We're going to everything we can that's in the best interest of John Maine, whether John Maine likes it or not."

Jon Niese pitched seven innings, allowing one run and three hits in his first start with AAA-New Orleans.

The New York Mets lost 7-5 to the Florida Marlins Wednesday night at Dolphin Stadium. It was the second loss in three games to Florida, marking the only series the Mets (58-50) lost in the month of July.

The New York Mets announced today that Ryan Church will travel with the team to Houston.

New York Mets top pitching prospect Jon Niese will make his first start for AAA-New Orleans tonight as the Zephyrs open an eight-game homestand against the Tucson Sidewinders.