On the night before the Mets have to make a move to make room for Brian Schneider, they got an Omiracle as Omir Santos provided all of the offense, hitting a solo home run to tie the game and then had the walk-off hit to win it in 11 innings. It was just the third extra-innings win for the Mets this season. The Mets held on to first place, staying a half-game ahead of the Phillies who beat the Nationals, 5-4.

Gary Sheffield got it all started when he had a lead-off single and then stole a base. The throw to second got away, and Sheffield walked into third base. Santos then delivered his single.

Until Sheffield’s hit, the middle of the Mets order was held in check. Carlos Beltran, in his first game back in centerfield since hobbled by a sore knee, David Wright and Sheffield had gone 0-for-12. Wright doesn’t seem like he’s seeing the ball well any more as he had two more strikeouts. Ramon Martinez had two hits but was substituted for by Wilson Valdez. Valdez played some excellent defense in the late innings.

Mike Pelfrey was excellent tonight as he pitched into the eighth inning going 7 2/3 with six strikeouts. It was the second time in which a Mets starter pitched in the eighth inning in three games. Marlins starter Sean West was just as good, going seven innings.

Word is the Mets are in talks with the Chicago White Sox, who are looking for a catcher who bats right-handed. That could spell trouble for Ramon Castro if a deal is reached. It’s impossible to tell how Schneider will do coming off of a couple of injuries, but it’s well known that Castro is not a particularly good defensive catcher. Of the three catchers, you have to believe that Castro is the weakest one, even though he’s been with the team the longest.

Would you be sad to see Castro go?