Can't hurt.

The Nationals may have mistakenly released the name, but if you saw Ayala's recent conflagrations, you'll know it was the Mets who made the mistake here. Rejoice, Phils and Fish fans.

I am not sure it can help either.

Apparently the Mets are trading IPOR for him. Talk about your "bag of balls".

So there's that big bullpen move; I was wondering how long it would take Omar to get on the board.

Was Minaya in charge when Ayala was having those good years with the Expos? Because that might be affecting his decision here.

Fangraphs has his velocity being better than last year and as good as it was when he was putting up good numbers for the Nats in 2005 and 2007. It's a shot in the dark and they gave up nothing for him. He's probably going to get Kunz's roster spot so he's not really taking away from someone who is helping the team this year.

I'd have liked to see them get someone better but this is a solid move.

Was Minaya in charge when Ayala was having those good years with the Expos? Because that might be affecting his decision here.

Yes.

Is Anderson Hernandez the love child of Larry Anderson and Keith Hernandez?

No, Marlon Anderson and Roberto Hernandez. It was quite embarrassing for both of them when Anderson Hernandez was brought up from the minors in 2005 and all three had to share a clubhouse. Then the couple became estranged, but Roberto Hernandez was brought back in that trade with the Pirates. Tres awkward once more!

One of our best nicknames. So long, IPOR.

Ayala I think was really overused early in the season, and he's been overthrowing and lost a lot of command. I'm guessing he was still building back arm strength from the TJ and was messed up with the 30+ or so appearances he had by June.

Ayala may not be so reliable this year, but I woudn't be at all shocked to see him regain his 2005 form next year.

What does IPOR mean?

In Play, out recorded.

It's what Gameday almost always showed after an Anderson Hernandez plate appearance.

Damn east coast bias invades even these boards, I mean here we have an article about the Mets acquiring a need(if poor) reliever and yet I don't remember any threads about the Cardinals acquiring a much needed reliever.. Damn Bias.

......what do you mean the Cardinals didn't acquire an obvious needed reliever? Nevermind. :( (man Mo sucks)

I like the deal. Ayala has a nice slider/breaking pitch to righties. Struck out DWright with it.

I like the deal. Ayala has a nice slider/breaking pitch to righties. Struck out DWright with it.

Likewise. He's death on righties, and lefties don't exactly slaughter him. If used judiciously, with regard for this being a down year for him, what's not to like?

Do the Mets have arb rights next year?

Ayala is going to be a free agent at the end of the season.

Damn east coast bias invades even these boards, I mean here we have an article about the Mets acquiring a need(if poor) reliever and yet I don't remember any threads about the Cardinals acquiring a much needed reliever.. Damn Bias.

......what do you mean the Cardinals didn't acquire an obvious needed reliever? Nevermind. :( (man Mo sucks)

LaRussa has finally stopped using Isringhausen in crucial situations - that's almost like getting a reliever...

The ranks of former Expos left on the Nationals are down to almost nothing: Chad Cordero, Nick Johnson and Shawn Hill are the only ones who are currently active (although active is a bit much for permanent DL fodder like Hill and Johnson). There are more on the Mets, with Church, Schneider, Alou and now Ayala; there is probably another team or two that also out-Exposes the Nats (LAA of A ?).

Mark my words, at one point between now and October, Mets fans will be advocating sending Ayala into orbit with that home plate.