Part time Metropolitan and friend to the disabled list, Ryan Church, had some harsh words for Cole Hamels and the Phillies yesterday.

Adam Rubin of the NYDN supplies the quotes:

Ryan Church didn’t exactly take on Philadelphia ace Cole Hamels for calling the Mets “choke artists” this winter. The right fielder didn’t back down, either, now that the Phillies are world champs.

“Hey, they won the World Series. More power to them,” the outfielder said after taking batting practice, with no lingering signs of two concussions. “There’s only a big bull’s-eye on their back. We’re coming.”

Far be it from me to tell you what to do, Ryan, but I think you should worry about protecting that ol’ puddin head of yours and leave the division winning to the professionals.  Even if you could stay healthy for an entire year, I doubt you would have the kind of impact on your team that warrants pre-season shit-talking.

However, David Wright seems intrigued about that whole “putting a bull’s-eye on their back and coming” idea.  So talk that over with him.

Ryan Church to Phils: ‘We’re coming’ | New York Daily News

Following a questionable called third strike to end the top of the fifth, delicate Mets outfielder Ryan Church was livid; and directed his wrath towards poor homeplate umpire Dan Iassogna.  Ryan exchanged a few harsh words with the ump, made a squinty-face like he was gonna cwy, and got so irritated, he almost  –*gasp* — threw his bat!

Sensing that his teammate was in distress, on-deck batter David Wright quickly rushed to his aid.  In order to calm Church down, Wright put his arm around him and supplied much-needed words of encouragement on the way back to the dugout before delivering a heartfelt pat on his behind.  Afterall, Ryan is concussion-prone and Davey Wright didn’t want him to get so worked up that his migraines flared up again*.  A noble gesture by a concerned teammate.

To commemorate, I’ve captured this loving moment in slideshow form:

* Ryan Church left the game after the 7th inning because his migraines flared up again.

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