For all of those interested in out-of market games and don't currently own MLB.TV or MLB Extra Innings, the cable version of MLB Extra Innings, ran by On Demand, is in the midst of a 1-week free trial from July 12-July 18.  Enjoy it!

Although the DirecTV product of MLB Extra Innings is a little better, the cablevision version is just as good.  I need to get my Sox games living here in NY, and Extra Innings has 'em all.  Any baseball fan should have this package.  It's a ton of fun to watch all the games every night.  For those who don't get it every day, enjoy the free preview!

From late Wednesday Night throughout Thursday the Mets were very busy making some changes before the 2nd half got underway.  First they fired Rick Down and replaced him with coach Rickey Henderson.  Then it was speculated that Howard Johnson, the Mets 1st-base coach would resume Down's responsibilities as hitting coach, while Henderson helped the staff in some other way.  The full-time hitting coach is still unknown.  The Mets then decided to release Julio Franco and called up Lastings Milledge.  The oldest member of the team was released for his lack of ability so far this season and apparent complaints about playing time.

I'm glad they finally released Down.  He needed to be released, looking at the terrible offensive struggles that the Mets have had all season.  They need a new perspective and a new start.  An interesting but exciting choice to bring Rickey in.  He's smart, had over 3,000 hits, stole a ton of bases, and no matter what he does will have a positive impact on the team.  I do hope the Mets do pick an official hitting coach ASAP.  They also needed to get rid of the 126-year old Julio Franco, whom wasn't productive at all throughout the first-half.  He was useless at the plate.  I will miss his wisdom and the impact his veteran leadership had on the youngsters, but the bottomline was he had to go.  I think L-Millz will have a positive impact early as he'll be eager, anxious, and excited to get back on the diamond.  Hopefully, his trade value will increase as well.  Here's too a much better, positive 2nd-half.