For years, I have had a major gripe with the New York Mets. They have rarely given the kids a chance to contribute and see what they can do. Last season, while young players like Ellsbury, Buchholz, and Chamberlain were helping their respective teams, the Mets were using players like Sandy Alomar Jr., Ricky Ledee, and Dave Williams while players such as Carp, Humber, and Mulvey remained at AA. This August, the Mets have Eddie Kunz, Dan Murphy, Nick Evans, and Argenis Reyes on their active roster. IT'S ABOUT TIME!

You have to wonder if Omar was given direction from the powers-that-be to start looking at the kids rather than the washed up veterans he tends to sign on a regular basis. For every Fernando Tatis, lightning-in-a-bottle signing that Omar has made, he has wasted valuable AAA space with the likes of Nelson Figueroa, Raul Casanova, Abraham Nunez, John Rodriguez, Jose Lima, and his most recent ridiculous signing; infielder Ramon Martinez.

We'll never know if Minaya was told to give the kids a chance, but it's a clear departure from his previous moves which saw the over-the-hill guys coming to Shea to waste a roster space. Kunz, Murphy, Evans, and Reyes have given the Mets a new sense of enthusiasm. The lifeless Mets needed a shot in the arm, and hopefully, the kids will supply that shot with their passion. It is a definite upgrade from the passive Mets that we saw for much of the first half of the season.

Unfortunately, the "honeymoon" could be short-lived. Luis Castillo is expected back from the DL. I don't think there's a single Met fan (or Met official) who wants to see Argenis Reyes sent down to make room for an under-performing Castillo. When John Maine returns from the DL, the Mets may very well demote Kunz who may actually be their best reliever at this point in the season, instead of putting Sanchez on the DL with a tired arm, or putting Carlos Muniz back in AAA. And when Ryan Church returns, the Mets will demote Evans or Murphy...both of whom have made a positive impression during their brief major league audition (though it's hard to argue with that move because Church is needed).

Regardless of what happens, it has been a refreshing change to see the Mets using their actual "prospects" from the minors to help the team rather than going with washed up veterans. Will it last? Only time will tell. But so far... so good.


Court Adjourned!