Safe At Home

Now I know I complained that there wasn't a lot of life to Cincinnati - or at least an open Starbucks on the Covington, Kentucky side of the river, but really, this wasn't what I had in mind.

Departing Cincy after the Mets survived Sunday afternoon in 10 innings to gain a share of first place in the National League East, as we detailed in today's Record , the trip home was a little more eventful. The radar was knocked out by the weather, causing the Mets to try to scramble quickly to get their charter in the air. And when I arrived at the airport things got worse.

With the end of the world seeming to swirl above the airport, I checked in for my flight and started on the escalator down to the concourses when power blew out at the airport - causing the escalator to abruptly stop and almost causing me and the New York Post's Brian Costello to tumble down to the security line.

We made our way down and through security after they reset and recalibrated the machines. We bypassed the tram since a power outage would leave us stuck like in a New York City subway and started walking down to the terminals. But as we got closer we saw huge crowds heading our way and got the news that the terminals were being cleared with everyone - customers and employees - flooding into the walkway down below the airport because of a tornado watch.

Finally, we were released back to the surface and got home, just in time for tomorrow's three-game series with the Phillies. The Mets were content to head back to New York with a share of first place.

In the meantime, there is plenty of trade talk going on with 10 days until the non-waiver trading deadline, so if you want to see what Mets' minor leaguers might be sacrificed, in today's Record we also detail the Mets' system  with a story that details how there is more than just Fernando Martinez, and also a link to a graphic with some of the best and worst to come out of the Mets minor leagues.

One last note - Billy Wagner might get an MRI today. Or he might not. The Mets still say this morning that he felt fine last night, but also admit that he might be examined to be sure heading into the big series that he's ready.