SS Maine Sinking: Manuel Announces Maine Has Been Shut Down

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*** Updated June 23, 2010 ***

John Maine's second opinion was the same as the first; no structural damage to his pitching shoulder. Just tendinitis.

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Just in from Ken Davidoff:

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" We have an update from this story. Jerry Manuel just announced, moments ago, that Maine has been shut down after complaining of discomfort from his last start for Triple-A. He'll be examined again shortly."
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All surprised readers raise you hand...Bueller? Bueller?

I don't think I'm going out on a ledge when I say that John Maine will not be on the Mets team the remainder of this year, and will either be traded (fat chance) or non-tendered at season's end. If haven't yet voted on our poll on this subject, you have until tomorrow.

For a career that began with such promise for the Mets in 2006, and continued into the 2007 season, Maine's success has plummeted like a rock dropped into the ocean. It is a shame, but Maine must bear some of the blame. His refusal to acknowledge injuries has brought his honesty into question, as well as his ability to rebound from injury.

As I have stated many times, Maine has frustrated me, but he will always have a special place in my heart as a Mets fan. I was at game 6 of the 2006 NLCS when he pitched real well for the Mets en route to their 4-2 win over the Cardinals, forcing a game 7.

What could have been. Maine isn't a youngster anymore. He is 29 years old, and shoulder problems are difficult to overcome - especially the older you get.

The Mets have shown that they win BETTER without him, and that is never good for one's stock.