Big ups Billy Wagner! It’s not everyday that a ballplayer calls out a teammate for not giving maximum effort but that’s precisely what the Mets’ veteran lefty closer did the other day calling out an ineffective Oliver Perez for not dialing it up a notch. Instead, the talented southpaw enigma showed his dreadful side losing the plate to the tune of five walks and seven runs (2 ER) in a disastrous second inning against the lowly Pirates. His former club got the better of him taking advantage of porous Met defense turning three errors and one big mental lapse by Jose Reyes to destroy New York 13-1. Prior to the blowout defeat at Shea before another testy crowd (who could blame them), the Amazin’s had won three in a row including the last two from a banged up Atlanta team over the weekend.

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Playing professional baseball is often deemed as an occupation filled with plenty of glitz and glamour, but it’s not that way for everyone, especially young players trying to work their way up to the big leagues. Unlike players in the Major Leagues, most Minor Leaguers make their way across the country to their games by bus, rather than plane and have to carry their own bags. During these long journeys, most minor leaguers develop an inmate relationship with their iPods, listening to their favorite tracks to not only pass the time, but to get them ready for work. Mets prospect Jason Jacobs is no different. As a matter of fact, judging by the music that played every time he stepped up to the plate last season, which ranged from songs by Queens of the Stone Age, Audioslave and Red Hot Chili Peppers, music plays a huge part in his life and his career. At times last season it was hard to figure out what was more entertaining, listening to the music that played when Jacobs approached the plate or watching him hit, as he slugged 12 home runs and 46 RBI with the Cyclones last season.

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Thousands of miles, different cultures, numerous leagues and organizations, Nelson Figueroa finally returned home. Pitching in front of more than 100 family and friends, the Brooklyn-born hurler scripted one of the warmest chapters in the history of the Mets, retiring the first 14 batters he faced in his first appearance as a Major Leaguer since Sept. 23, 2004 as New York doubled up the Milwaukee Brewers, 4-2, in front of 46,214 on Friday night at Shea Stadium. Angel Pagan continued his torrid start with two hits and an RBI for the Mets, who won their third straight to move back over the .500 mark on the season (5-4).

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