Here is author Erin Arvedlund on FOX Business Channel defending her stance that the Wilpons will sell the New York Mets soon.
Thoughts, Mets fans?
h/t to Brian Costa over at NJ.com
8/31/09
Josh Thole, No. 30
Be the first to own a Josh Thole jersey. No guarantee he sticks with that number for the rest of his major league career.
It’s scary being an early adopter, but someone has to set the trend.
Beltran to Brooklyn; Thole called up
Carlos Beltran has been cleared to begin a rehab assignment as he returns from a bone bruise in his knee.
Beltran was examined by Dr. David Altcheck and will report to the Brooklyn Cyclones. He will play in a game on Wednesday night, reports Brad Como of SNY.
Also, Josh Thole, the 22-year-old catcher, has been called up to the Mets, reports Joel Sherman.
Thole hit .328 / .395 / .422 with one home run and 46 RBI with Double-A Binghamton this season. Jerry Manuel has said that Thole likely will only face righties.
Thole will join the Mets tomorrow in Denver, sporting No. 30.
Santana and Perez to have surgery tomorrow
Guess they’re getting the 2-for-1 deal.
From the Mets…
The New York Mets today announced that lefthanded pitchers Johan Santana and Oliver Perez will each undergo surgery tomorrow at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. Santana will have bone chips removed from his left elbow; Perez will have scar tissue removed from the patella tendon of his left knee. Both procedures will be performed by Mets Medical Director Dr. David Altchek and Mets Team Physician Dr. Struan Coleman.
Koosman to be sentenced for tax evasion
Jerry Koosman, who was recently at Citi Field for the 1969 World Series anniversary celebration, will be sentenced this week for evading taxes.
According to WCCO in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Koosman failed to pay taxes from 2002-2004, owing as much as $90,000.
Here’s where it gets strange, according to WCCO…
The 66 year-old Koosman told investigators he researched tax laws and concluded that only federal workers, corporate employees and District of Columbia residents were subject to federal taxes.
I wish that were true, Kooz. I do.
h/t to Kerel Cooper and Jeff Roblen.
Ike Davis named to USA’s World Cup team
Minor league first baseman Ike Davis, the Mets 2008 first round draft pick, has been named to the United States World Cup team.
The 6-foot-5 first baseman had previously appeared on the 18-and-under and 16-and-under World Cup team. This year’s World Cup will be held from Sept. 9-27 in Europe.
Davis has also been named to the Surprise Rafters roster in the Arizona Fall League.
Davis, in 54 games with the Binghamton Mets, has hit .307 / .409 / .442 with 12 home runs and 41 RBI.
Manuel’s Musing
“Obviously we don't have any other choices, and I think this is important in his development, even though we're not only here to develop. We're here to win games.”
-Jerry Manuel on Bobby Parnell and the 2009 season
8/30/09
Mets to cancel Fall Instruction League due to money…Or are they? [Updated]
Here’s a tidbit from Jim Duquette from Sirius XM’s MLBHomePlate Twitter page:
Today's news from Jim Duquette - #Mets will be cancelling Fall Instructional League over $$$
And if you still think the Mets are going to spend in the off-season, you’re delusional.
Or are they…?
Per Bart Hubbuch:
The Mets say they are moving their fall instructional league to the Dominican because so many other teams in Florida have left the area.
The above statement still stands true.
Figgy fantastic as Mets stave off sweep
When Johan Santana went down for the season, the man filling his spot in the rotation had some pretty big shoes to fill. Today, Nelson Figueroa was as good as you could ask for.
Seven innings of six-hit baseball saw Figueroa through his longest outing of the season. While on the mound, Figueroa struck out 10 Cubs, nine in the first four inning, a career high strikeout count.
Figueroa allowed one run in the first inning, but bounced back from there, allowing only five hits over the next six inning.
I love Figueroa and always have since he came up last year. Glad he’s putting together some starts and maybe showing the Mets he can be a fifth starter next year. Maybe.
Brian Stokes turned in a 1-2-3 8th inning and Francisco Rodriguez saved the game after a bit of pressure. Kosuke Fukudome led off the inning with a single and Jeff Francoeur dropped Jake Fox’s pop-up, but was able to throw out Fukudome at second.
Never easy.
The Mets got a pair of runs in the third and fourth innings, respectively.
In the third, the Mets stitched singles from Angel Pagan, Luis Castillo, Daniel Murphy and Jeff Francoeur together to drive in two runs. Murphy and Francoeur each picked up an RBI with their singles.
In the fourth, Brian Schneider hit a one-out single. Schneider was chased in by an Anderson Hernandez triple. Figueroa helped his own cause with an RBI single of his own, driving in Hernandez from third.
Eleven hits off of Carlos Zambrano is no small task. A good few innings from the Mets, but went fairly quiet from there on out, picking up only one hit the rest of the game.
Luckily, it was enough.
This time.
Beltran inching closer to return
David Lennon reports that Carlos Beltran has cleared one of his major hurdles in returning to the Mets: running the bases.
Beltran ran the bases in Port St. Lucie and will likely head for an MRI before possibly returning to the Mets team. Simulated games are likely to be sprinkled in there before making his return to the big club.
Though I don’t think it’s smart to rush back, it might be nice for Beltran to play a few games before taking the winter off.
Lineup for Game 131
Mets looking to avoid the sweep in Chicago. Jeremy Reed gets a rare start for the Mets.
- Angel Pagan – CF
- Luis Castillo – 2B
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- Jeff Francoeur – RF
- Jeremy Reed – LF
- Fernando Tatis – 3B
- Brian Schneider – C
- Anderson Hernandez – SS
- Nelson Figueroa - RHP
David Wright’s new best friend
David Wright plans on playing on Sept. 1, sixteen days after taking a 94 mph fastball to the helmet.
To help protect him from any further headshots, Wright will be sporting a new helmet when he return to the Mets, or at least as soon as Rawlings gets it to him.
The S100 helmet is designed to withstand up to 100 mph from two feet away, while current batting helmets must only withstand 60 mph from two feet away.
“When they get it to me, I’ll wear it,” Wright told the NY Times. The Times notes that Wright should have the helmet when he returns to action in Colorado on Tuesday.
The helmet retails for $99.99.
Manuel’s Musing
“I'd like to see better command. He's had some success.”
-Jerry Manuel on Bobby Parnell
8/29/09
Parnell pounded in 11-4 loss
It’s almost exciting watching how many ways the Mets will find to lose a game. Today it came via the grand slam.
Bobby Parnell surrendered a grand slam in the bottom of the fifth inning, ending his day. Parnell allowed eight earned runs on nine hits and two walks. He lasted only 4 2-3 innings, needing 110 pitches.
Is the Parnell experiment over yet? Or will the Mets just let him take his licks in the rotation?
Ken Takahashi pitched 1-3 of an inning, allowing one run to score.
Lance Broadway made his Mets debut, pitching three innings and allowing two earned runs on four hits. He walked one and struck out three.
Yay?
The Mets got a pair of two-run doubles from Jeff Francoeur and Brian Schneider respectively.
Just a game closer to ending 2009.
Twitter Poll: What’s a good metaphor for the Mets season?
The 2009 season has been nothing short of disaster. So I asked my Twitter followers for their best metaphor for this season.
Here are some responses…
BergersBookRev said: The Mets are like a half-eaten worm, left by a bird to squirm around helplessly without its head.
doug_whitehorn said: the 2009 Mets season. The definition of adding insult to injury.
LennyChiarello said: No metaphors needed..."Trainwreck" that's it
wmburden said: from the hit series M*A*S*H comes M*E*T*S exclusively on SNY.
RobinBoyWonders said: "Will the last Met standing, please turn off the lights!"
metgirl4ever said: "damaged goods"
acesigma said: 2009 Mets? "LostMess.com"
LouieBolkovic said: 2009 Mets are like a horror movie with 8 sequels - the original is scary as hell, but by the 8th sequel its more of a comedy
cvelardi said: 40 years after the Miracle Mets.. you get the Medical Me(t)ss..
newyorkr521 said: "What's the worst that could happpen?"
What’s your best metaphor for 2009?
Manuel’s Musing
“He gave us a legitimate chance to win that game. It's unfortunate that we couldn't get it done.”
-Jerry Manuel on Pat Misch
8/28/09
Stokes surrenders 8th inning home run in loss
Pat Misch was excellent. Mets struggled to score runs. Bullpen surrendered home runs. Mets lost.
Just another day for the Mets.
Misch, making his first start for the Mets, lasted seven innings, allowing only one run. He let up six hits, walked two and struck out two. It was his longest outing of his career, tossing 98 pitches.
Brian Stokes entered, allowed a game tying hit, then surrendered a three-run home run to Alfonso Soriano. Those were the first runs Stokes has given up since August 1, over 12 1-3 innings.
The anemic Mets offense managed only two runs on seven hits. Omir Santos and Fernando Tatis drove in the runs on a single and double respectively.
But hey, no one got hurt.
Lineup for Game 129
Pat Misch making his first start for the Mets today, likely backed up by Lance Broadway. Here’s the lineup…
- Angel Pagan – CF
- Luis Castillo – 2B
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- Jeff Francoeur – RF
- Fernando Tatis – 3B
- Omir Santos – C
- Cory Sullivan – LF
- Wilson Valdez – SS
- Pat Misch – LHP
Hit the comments to discuss the game.
Will the Wilpons sell the Mets?
The author of a new Bernie Madoff book believes so.
Erin Arvelund, author of “Too Good To Be True,” a book about Madoff’s Ponzi scheme, believes the Wilpons lost somewhere around $700 million and will be forced to sell the Mets very soon.
“You can quote me,” Arvedlund told FOX Business. “It's a matter of when. It could be as soon as next year.”
The Mets, obviously, refute the rumor.
A Mets spokeswoman told FOX Business on Thursday by e-mail:
“The numbers speculated continue to be inaccurate. We refute what has been reported. As we have said on numerous occasions, losses incurred by the Sterling Partners do not and will not affect the day-to-day operations and long-term plans of the Mets organization. The team is not for sale in any respect.” Wilpon's Sterling company controls the Mets franchise.
Well here’s another storyline to watch for in the coming months or years. This team is never boring, that’s for sure.
h/t to The Mets Police
Report: Jose Reyes has torn hamstring, may require surgery
In a report for the Daily News, Adam Rubin relays info from a source that Jose Reyes has a completely torn hamstring and may require surgery.
Rubin writes:
While hardly ideal, surgery is not necessarily as ominous as it might sound. That tendon is expendable, and is sometimes partly removed and inserted into the elbow when a pitcher undergoes Tommy John surgery.
This morning on Twitter, pAuLiE_bRuZ asked me, “Do you think it’s a joke that they are deciding now that Reyes needs surgery?”
To put it plainly: No.
This season has seen a multitude of injuries and another one getting worse is no surprise. The Mets front office needs to take a very serious look at their training staff and their medical professionals. Things like this shouldn’t be found out months after the fact.
Something is very, very wrong with all of this.
Chris Carter claimed by Yankees
When the Mets traded Billy Wagner to the Red Sox, they were to receive two players to be named later. It was reported that Chris Carter, a 27-year-old first baseman/corner outfielder, was one of the players heading to the Mets.
But a third team, the New York Yankees, have thrown a wrench into the process.
As the Sox need to send Carter to the Mets, they had to put him on waivers with the intent that he would not be claimed and they could send him to Queens. Instead, the Yankees claimed him.
Obviously, the Red Sox pulled him back off waivers and will now have to keep him on their 40-man roster for the remainder of the season.
The Mets will still receive Carter, but it will have to wait until the off-season. So thanks to the Yankees, instead of seeing Carter in Citi Field this September, we’ll have to wait until spring training to see what talent he has.
Thanks a lot, Brian Cashman!
Update: Let me clarify.
I think this is a bushleague move by the Yankees, as the Red Sox already have Billy Wagner and they just want Boston to have to keep Carter on their roster for the remainder of the season.
For the Mets, this won’t affect them much. I have no notion that Carter is the next great first baseman the Mets have been searching for. He might be decent off the bench, if that, but nothing more.
This is more a critique of the Yankees / Red Sox rivalry than anything regarding the Mets roster.
It would be nice to see Carter, but I’m not going to lose sleep over having to wait to watch him in blue and orange.
“As long as the tempo is right, the dog days don't seem as bad.”8/27/09
Startling numbers from Thursday’s Mets win
17 hits.
5 doubles.
2 home runs.
10 runs scored.
3 double plays.
And take a look at the box score…
Woah.
A sign from Landshark Stadium
Snapped by my friend Justin Cohen at last night’s game.
I’ll be driving up and moving in to my house in Connecticut for my senior year (Ahh!) of college. See you on the flip side.
Mets should claim Matt Murton
The Colorado Rockies have put Matt Murton on irrevocable waivers in hopes that no one would claim him and he would head back to Triple-A.
The Mets should claim him. Now.
Murton, only 27, has some pretty awesome Triple-A numbers. In 954 plate appearances with three different organizations, Murton has hit .312 / .388 / .469 with 19 home runs and 129 RBI.
At the major league level, Murton has performed well sans 2008. In his longest season, 2006, Murton had 508 plate appearances with the Chicago Cubs. He hit .297 / .365 / .444 with 13 home runs and 62 RBI.
Over the span of five seasons and 1051 plate appearances, Murton is hitting .287 / .353 / .438 with 29 home runs and 112 RBI.
He can play the corner outfield positions and would be a cheaper alternative to Jeff Francoeur next season.
Ken Davidoff summed it up the best:
I understand why the Mets and many fans like Jeff Francoeur. He has slugged very well since coming to Flushing, and he does have that positive body language that we all like. But to go to the $4-$5 million neighborhood with Francoeur for 2010 just isn't good payroll management, not when you look at his overall career.
“It hurts to lose regardless of what I have or don't have.”8/26/09
Lineup for Game 127
Between all the injuries, the Mets still have games to play. Here’s the lineup they’ll run out tonight…
- Angel Pagan – CF
- Luis Castillo – 2B
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- Jeff Francoeur – RF
- Cory Sullivan – LF
- Fernando Tatis – 3B
- Brian Schneider – C
- Anderson Hernandez – SS
- Mike Pelfrey – RHP
Hit the comments to discuss the game.
Perez out for season with patella tendon tendinitis; Broadway called up
Oliver Perez will miss the rest of the 2009 season after being diagnosed with patella tendon tendinitis. He will have surgery on the knee, costing him the rest of the 2009 season.
Dr. David Altcheck (again) at the Hospital for Special Surgery diagnosed the condition.
Perez is expected to be ready by spring training.
Lance Broadway has been called up from Triple-A Buffalo to take Perez’s spot on the roster. Broadway came to the Mets in the Ramon Castro trade.
Downfall of the Mets and Wilpon [Video]
This video was sent to me by reader Brad. It made me laugh, so I will pass it along to you.
There’s some NSFW language (subtitles) in there, so just be aware if you’re eyes are sensitive to that sort of stuff.
Omar’s follies
Yesterday’s conference call said a lot about Omar Minaya.
I understand the Mets have had an unbelievable amount of injuries, but most fans can probably recall the relatively short list of maladies suffered by their No. 1 pitcher, Johan Santana. Not so for the general manager of the team.
During the conference call, Minaya confessed that he could not remember Santana’s injuries during spring training. Remember, this one?
He also went on to say that he had not spoken to Santana.
These things scare me.
Minaya should be able to easily recall these injuries, especially ones to his very expensive pitcher and crutch of the franchise. That he hadn’t spoken to him that day is equally frightening.
Minaya seems out of touch with the team, and that’s not a good thing.
For a great column on the Mets, check out Joel Sherman’s piece in the NY Post today.
Get well soon.
“I’m terribly concerned. No question about it.”Report: Chris Carter coming to the Mets
In return for Billy Wagner, the Mets are likely to get two minor league players. According to the Boston Herald, one of those players is OF/DH Chris Carter.
(Because the Mets need a DH.)
The Herald also went on to say, “According to the source, the other player dealt away to the Mets is a prospect “not of significance.”
Carter, 26, has seen 26 plate appearances with the Red Sox over the last two years. He picked up six hits, all in 2008, and four RBI, with two walks and nine strikeouts.
This season with Triple-A Pawtucket, Carter is hitting .279 AVG / .340 OBP / .439 SLG with 14 HR and 54 RBI. He has played first base, both corner outfield positions and DH’d this season, with the majority of his playing time coming in RF.
Putz out for season with elbow tear
J.J. Putz was expected to rehab with the Brooklyn Cyclones on Tuesday night.
Then, during Omar Minaya’s conference call, he told reporters that Putz was scratched from his scheduled appearance in Brooklyn to, “give him a little more time.”
In his post-game conference, Jerry Manuel told reporters that he didn’t believe Putz would return this year. It was later revealed that Putz has a slight tear of his ulnar collateral ligament.
He will not need surgery.
Putz has been shut down for the remainder of the season.
8/25/09
Tweets from Yankee Stadium
Off to the new Yankee Stadium with a friend for tonight’s game between the Yankees and the Texas Rangers. At least I’ll see some winning baseball.
Notes from conference call with Omar Minaya
SNY just carried Omar Minaya’s conference call with reporters (which was absolutely fascinating to listen to). Here are the updates I tweeted…
- Oliver Perez heading to NY to get his knee checked on.
- @benshpigel asks about relation between Santana's injuries in ST and now. Minaya can't recall injury from ST.
- Putz scratched from Brooklyn appearance "to give him a little more time," says Minaya
- @nyp_joelsherman on the line now. Asking Minaya why they let Santana keep pitching with '09 in the tank.
- "That's why we're shutting him down now. ... After his last start is when he brought it up." -Minaya on Santana
- Minaya cannot recall Santana ST injury. Ya know, the one that almost cost him starting on Opening Day...
- "I think our medical staff did a very good job in getting him back out here in 11 months," -Minaya on Wagner
- "I have not spoken to Johan." -Omar Minaya
The reporters were fairly skeptical on why Santana kept pitching through 2009 with this pain since the season is essentially over. And rightly so.
Notes: Perez back to NY, Evans and Misch up for Wagner and Santana, Putz scratched from rehab
-Omar Minaya just told reporters that Oliver Perez will head back to New York to have his knee checked on by doctors.
-David Lennon bumped into Nick Evans in Florida, which means he’s likely the player promoted to take Billy Wagner’s roster spot. Pat Misch has been called back to the major leagues to fill Johan Santana’s spot.
-Also, J.J. Putz has been scratched from his first rehab appearance. He was scheduled to pitch for the Brooklyn Cyclones tonight. “To give him more time,” says Minaya.
Report: Surgery for Santana, out for season
Johan Santana will undergo minor surgery on his left elbow and should be ready by spring training, reports Brad Como of SNY.
Santana will have minor arthroscopic surgery to clean up bone chips in his elbow.
This should be viewed as good news for Mets fans, as it is not Tommy John surgery and he is expected to be ready for spring training 2010.
This will likely be a very similar surgery to J.J. Putz’s earlier this season. Putz was said to be out for 10-12 weeks.
Billy Wagner traded to Red Sox for two PTBNL [Updated]
Brad Como, news director for SNY, is reporting that the Mets have traded Billy Wagner to the Boston Red Sox for two players to be named later.
The Boston Globe is reporting that the Mets would likely get “two mid-range minor leaguers” in return for Wagner.
Jon Heyman reports that the Red Sox will pay the remainder of Wagner’s contract and the $1 million contract buyout. Roughly $2.7 million remains on the contract.
The Red Sox have agreed to decline Wagner’s 2010 option, but will offer him salary arbitration in the off-season. They would receive two draft picks as compensation if he signs elsewhere.
Bart Hubbuch tweets that the Mets will likely receive two Double-A level prospects. The Red Sox Double-A team is the Portland Sea Dogs. Take a look at their roster here.
More from the Boston Globe:
It is not expected that any more than one of the two players the Sox are giving up will come from the 40-man roster, and neither is considered an upper-tier prospect.
More details to come…
Santana going for MRI
As we track the Billy Wagner trade, an update is necessary on Johan Santana.
Santana was scratched from tonight’s start and will have an MRI on his ailing left elbow later in the day.
Santana saw Dr. David Altcheck at the Hospital for Special Surgery earlier today.
Keep your fingers crossed he doesn’t get on a plane headed for Alabama.
Wagner update
The 1:30 p.m. deadline is quickly approaching. And now we’re waiting for an announcement.
Though last night it seemed that Billy Wagner would not waive his no-trade clause, therefore torpedoing the waiver claim, the Mets may have been able to prod him into revoking the clause.
David Lennon is reporting that an announcement on Wagner is coming soon.
SI is reporting that Wagner is “on the verge” of accepting a trade to the Red Sox.
Stay tuned.
Manuel’s Musing
“He has not been throwing between starts for quite awhile. I would say since before the All-Star break. He has been pitching with this problem, but not with the level of discomfort he has now. Now, it concerns him.”
-Jerry Manuel on Johan Santana’s elbow
Wagner staying a Met, for now
With his demands not met, Billy Wagner will likely not waive his no-trade clause and will remain a member of the New York Mets.
A few tweets cite Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports for reporting that Wagner will not waive the clause in his contract as the Boston Red Sox have not agreed to refuse his option and not offer arbitration in the off-season. Those were the two demands that Wagner asked in return for waiving his no-trade clause.
The Red Sox agreed to not pick up his option, but were not willing to budge on offering him salary arbitration for 2010.
The Mets and Sox (and Wagner) have until 1 p.m. on Tuesday to work out a deal.
The Mets cannot simply let Wagner go to the Red Sox without compensation. There is a clause in his contract for that too, Rosenthal reports.
8/24/09
Surgery for Johan Santana?
Mets players said Monday they expect Johan Santana will require surgery on his left elbow to repair whatever malady has prompted the club to scratch the pitcher from his scheduled start against the Marlins in Miami Tuesday.
I’m running out of words.
I want to ask what’s next, but I don’t want to find out.
Santana to miss next start with elbow discomfort
Jerry Manuel just announced that Johan Santana will miss his next start with elbow discomfort.
Santana was scheduled to start tomorrow in Florida.
There was a rumor going around that Santana was going to be placed on the DL tomorrow, which may prove to be true.
Santana is scheduled to see Dr. David Altcheck tomorrow at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
SNY also said that Santana has been experiencing this pain since the All-Star break. The pain has kept him from throwing between starts.
Update – 5:19 p.m.: Nelson Figueroa will start tomorrow against the Marlins.
Francoeur latest victim to 2009 season [Updated: Torn ligament]
Update – 3:35 p.m.: Francoeur has been diagnosed with a torn ligament in his left thumb. He is listed as day-to-day.
You’ll remember Alex Cora played with torn ligaments in both thumbs for most of the season before having surgery. Francoeur will try to play through it.
Original post: Jeff Francoeur made a wonderful diving grab in the ninth inning that was eventually overruled. In the process, he hurt his left thumb.
He stayed in the game, eventually hitting into an unassisted triple play to end the game.
This morning, Francoeur is getting an MRI on his thumb, as it swelled overnight, reports Adam Rubin.
Guess you can scratch him off the lineup card today.
Lineup for Game 124
Finale of the Phillies series, as Bobby Parnell and Cliff Lee take to the mound for their respective teams.
Here’s the lineup the Mets will run out onto the field…
- Angel Pagan - CF
- Luis Castillo – 2B
- Gary Sheffield – LF'
- Fernando Tatis – 3B
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- Omir Santos – C
- Cory Sullivan – RF
- Anderson Hernandez – SS
- Bobby Parnell – RHP
Take to the comments to discuss today’s game.
Wright, Putz on track for return
David Wright was taking grounders at Citi Field and is on track to return to the Mets Sept. 1, the day after he is eligible to come off the DL.
J.J. Putz, who threw a simulated game on Saturday, tossing 19 pitches. He will begin his rehab assignment on Tuesday with the Brooklyn Cyclones. From Brooklyn he will pitch for the Binghamton Mets, then the major league club.
Though Wright should be in no rush at all to return, Putz has something to prove. The Mets hold a 2010 club option worth $8.6 million with a $1 million buyout.
Yikes. That’s a lot to pay a set-up man.
Misch down, Takahashi up
Pat Misch has been sent down. Ken Takahashi has been called up from Triple-A Buffalo.
Move along. Nothing to see here.
What’s up with Wagner?
Billy Wagner was reportedly picked off waivers on Friday by the Boston Red Sox. The Mets and the Red Sox had three days, until 1 p.m. on Tuesday, to work out a deal.
From all the reports that have come out since then, it seems unlikely he will be traded.
Ken Rosenthal, who was the first to report the waiver claim, writes that the conditions asked for by Wagner are unlikely to be accepted by the Sox. Wagner has asked the Sox to guarantee they would not pick up his option so that he can become a free agents in 2010 without restrictions.
Wagner also asked the Sox not to offer him salary arbitration.
Wagner has a full no-trade clause, but said he would waive it if these conditions were met.
Still, the Mets and Sox have until 1 p.m. Tuesday to work out a possible deal.
Manuel’s Musing
“Much as you hate to point to the injuries, they are very significant.”
-Jerry Manuel on the obvious
8/23/09
Yes, that just happened (Now with video!)
Only the Mets.
And here’s a link to the video of the unassisted triple play, if you were lucky enough not to see it until now.
Game Chat: PHI @ NYM [Game 123]
Pedro Martinez (1-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. Oliver Perez (3-3, 6.06 ERA)
Chat removed, as usual.
Lineup for Game 124
Pedro Martinez will be facing the Mets for the first time since signing a four-year deal with them back in 2004. Here’s the lineup the Mets will run out against Pedro and the Phillies…
- Angel Pagan – CF
- Luis Castillo – 2B
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- Jeff Francoeur – RF
- Cory Sullivan – LF
- Fernando Tatis – 3B
- Brian Schneider – C
- Anderson Hernandez – SS
- Oliver Perez - LHP
Minaya and Manuel get second vote of confidence
In a tune we’ve already heard this season, a Wilpon has made it known that Omar Minaya will be back for 2010. When Minaya was asked about Jerry Manuel, he sang the same song.
This time around, it’s head honcho Fred Wilpon making the call on Minaya. (Last time, it came from Jeff’s mouth.)
Mike Puma of the NY Post got in one question to Wilpon, asking if Minaya was coming back for at least another turn with the team.
“Am I going to bring Omar back next year?” Wilpon told Puma. “Absolutely. That's a fact.”
Later, Puma asked Minaya what his plans were for Manuel.
“Jerry is my guy,” Minaya told Puma. “We work well together.”
That’s two of the dreaded “votes of confidence.” Guess we just have to wait and see how it plays out.
Manuel’s Musing
“He gave us much more than we expected or anticipated.”
-Jerry Manuel on Tim Redding
Phillies fan gets revenge for Victorino-beer-toss on wrong team [Video]
When Phillies fans and Mets fans get together, things like this are bound to happen.
When they slow the video down, doesn’t the “Ohhh myyy” sound a lot like Steve Somers? Or is it just me?
H/T to Deadspin for the video.
Redding surprises, Mets lose anyway
Tim Redding, making his first start since July 2, tossed five innings of one-hit baseball. He walked three and struck out four. And then the Mets let it slip away.
Removed due to a high pitch count, Redding gave way to Pat Misch, who was recalled from the minor leagues earlier yesterday. A lead-off walk to Shane Victorino was followed by a two-run home run off the bat of Chase Utley. The 1-0 Mets lead turned into a 2-1 Mets deficit.
After Misch recorded an out, Sean Green took over. Green allowed back-to-back two-out doubles for another Phillies run, giving them a 3-1 lead.
Though the Mets knocked out eight hits and walked twice, they were only able to plate one run. The run came in the bottom of the second when a groundball from Omir Santos was just out of the reach of third baseman Pedro Feliz. As it glanced off his glove and into the outfield, Jeff Francoeur was able to trot home with the Mets first, and only, run.
The Mets ended up using seven pitchers in last night’s game, with Pedro Feliciano giving up the other run in the Phillies eventual 4-1 victory.
At one point it looked like a little of the 1969 magic may have worn off on the 2009 Mets. But in the end, the ‘69 celebration was marred by the ‘09 talent.
My favorite moment from last night’s 1969 celebration
It was absolutely awesome to watch Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman throw out the ceremonial first pitch(es) to Jerry Grote, Duffy Dyer and Yogi Berra.
This, by far, was my favorite moment of the 1969 celebration.
What was yours?
8/22/09
Report: Thole, Kunz, Evans expected among Sept. call-ups
In an exclusive report for the Daily News, Adam Rubin is reporting that 22-year-old catcher Josh Thole, Eddie Kunz and Nick Evans will be among the September call-ups for the Mets.
Thole is hitting .332 /.401 / .429 with the Double-A Binghamton team. He has 28 doubles, one home run and 43 RBI in 415 plate appearances.
Kunz has a 4.91 ERA and 1.382 WHIP in 55 innings with Triple-A Buffalo. He’s walked 29 and struck out 35.
Evans has appeared with Binghamton, Buffalo and the Mets this year, not to mention a stint at extended spring training. With Buffalo, split between two stints, Evans is hitting .204 / .274 / .400. In 15 games with the Mets, Evans hit .250 / .298 / .409 with a home run and six RBI this season.
For the full report, head over to Surfing the Mets.
Game Chat: 1969 & PHI @ NYM [Game 123]
Join in for a chat for the 1969 World Series celebration and Saturday night’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.
JA Happ (9-2, 2.66 ERA) vs. Tim Redding (1-4, 6.53 ERA)
Lineup for Game 123
Tonight’s game will begin at 7:30 p.m., weather permitting, due to the 1969 World Series celebration on the field.
Here’s the lineup…
- Angel Pagan – CF
- Luis Castillo – 2B
- Gary Sheffield – LF
- Jeff Francoeur – RF
- Fernando Tatis – 3B
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- Omir Santos – C
- Wilson Valdez – SS
- Tim Redding – RHP
Game Chat will go up at 6:30 p.m.
Andy Green DFA’d, Pat Misch recalled
In a move that signals little to no confidence in Tim Redding, the Mets have recalled Pat Misch from Triple-A Buffalo, reports Adam Rubin.
To make room for Misch, Andy Green has been designated for assignment.
Misch has pitched 14 1-3 innings for the Mets in 2009, posting a 2.51 ERA and a WHIP of 1.744. He walked nine and struck out nine with the Mets.
Green had five plate appearances with the Mets, singling once and walking once.
Manuel’s Musing
“We're just in a place where we're fighting for our lives right now.”
-Jerry Manuel on 2009
Red Sox claim Wagner, according to report
Ken Rosenthal is on top of the Billy Wagner situation.
Rosenthal first reported on Friday that Wagner had been claimed on waivers. Now he reports that the Boston Red Sox were the team that claimed him.
The Mets have until Tuesday at 1 p.m. to work out a deal with the Red Sox for Wagner or they can pull him back from the waivers and keep him on the roster. They could also simply let him go to the Red Sox for nothing in return, but that is unlikely.
Wagner does have a full no-trade clause, which he would have to waive if he was to be moved to Boston.
8/21/09
Twitter updates
I’m not at the game, but I’ll be out and about. Tweeting is my best and easiest way to break any news and muse about the Mets, so I’ll throw up one of their wonderful widgets as a place holder until I can post for real.
Enjoy the night.
Report: Wagner claimed off waivers
Ken Rosenthal is reporting that a team has claimed Billy Wagner off waivers, citing a major league source. Update – 3:16 p.m.: Jon Heyman corroborates the report.
I guess small sample sizes count for something.
The Mets can now either work out a trade for Wagner with the team that claimed him or pull him off waivers, which wouldn’t allow him to be traded again this season. The Mets have three days to work out a deal, says Heyman.
Wagner has $2.5 million left on his contract, plus a $1 million buyout for his 2010 option.
Rosenthal lists the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels and Cubs as teams who may be interested and have enough money to spend. (My money is on the Cubs.)
He also notes that the Mets are reluctant to include money in the deal, “according to a source with knowledge of the club's thinking.”
Q&A with Phillies Nation on their bus trip to Citi Field
A large group of Phillies fans will be invading Citi Field this Saturday.
Put together by the guys and girl at Phillies Nation, a convoy of buses will make it’s way from Philly to Flushing for Saturday’s night game at Citi Field. Coincidentally, that’s also the night of the 1969 World Series celebration.
I sent a few questions out to Phillies Nation and Brian was nice enough to answer them for me. Here’s the quick Q&A…
The ‘Ropolitans: How did this trip come about? When was it first planned?
Phillies Nation: We've been doing trips for about four years now, but they've been mostly to DC or Clearwater. With the Mets' new stadium, the (formerly) heated rivalry on the field, and proximity to Philly, it just made sense. Plus this is the only weekend this season that the Phils are in Flushing, so that made picking the date easy as well.
T’R: How many fans are you expecting to make the trip to Citi Field.
PN: Phillies Nation has 5 buses coming up from Philly, so that's 250 right there. Then we're planning on meeting up with another 50 or so local fans. That's just the Phillies Nation crew. Just in the past three days, I've encountered at least a dozen more people that are going up. With all the other bus trips and individual friends and family going, I wouldn't be surprised to see 5,000-10,000 Phililes fans for the games on Saturday and Sunday. We've been averaging around 15,000 fans at Nationals weekend games, but I don't think it would be that overwhelming.
T’R: If you don't know by now, but the Mets are hosting a celebration for the 1969 Mets team. These shirts will be given away. Do a bunch of Phillies fans going to a 1969 celebration have some hijinks in store? Going to burn the shirts as an effigy or are they so silly ('69 on a Mets shirt - 15 year old humor) that you'll cherish it forever?
PN: I'm sure there will be a lot of booing, but I doubt my shirt will make it out of Citi Field. I'll likely use it in place of toilet paper.
T’R: Pedro Martinez is returning to Citi Field to face the Mets, does that mean anything to you?
PN: It doesn't mean a whole lot to me, but I'm sure it does for Pedro. He didn't have the success in NY as he had in Boston, so maybe he'll have something to prove in that regard. He still has something to prove to Phillies fans as well. Although he's looked good on the mound, his two outings have been only 5 and 3 innings. He has a long way to go before he reaches Cliff Lee status in Philly.
T’R: Luckily for you, you'll get to see the Phillies face Tim Redding, since the Mets released Livan Hernandez. Does that tickle your fancy at all?
PN: We're pretty familiar with Redding from his days with the Nationals, and he has pitched well against the Phils. I know Utley hits him well, but he's definitely a solid starter...a decent replacement for Livan, who I certainly enjoyed watching. Even more so than Redding, I think it will be fun to watch J.A. Happ who is also starting on Saturday. He's quietly becoming a front-runner for NL Rookie of the Year.
-----
Thanks to Brian at Phillies Nation for answering all my questions.
And if you’re heading out to Citi Field on Saturday, Mets fans, be prepared for a lot of Phillies fans in the stadium. And be prepared to out-cheer them during the ceremony.
Poll Results: Fans think Manuel should be fired
In my latest poll, I asked Mets fans if they think Jerry Manuel should be fired. Here are the results…
I don’t think he’s done much wrong and the injuries aren’t his fault. I would keep him on for 2010 and see what happens. You can hardly blame these losses on him.
Oh, and he’s quite entertaining.
Next Poll: Keep or trade Billy Wagner?
Baseball Digest: Sheffield cracked
Head over to Baseball Digest to read my latest:
“Sheffield cracked”
Rays and Marlins interested in Wagner
Based on an extremely small sample size (one inning of work), Billy Wagner looked awesome.
Since the pitcher is already on waivers, the rumors about what teams are interested are squeaking out. Jayson Stark of ESPN.com notes that the Tampa Bay Rays and the Florida Marlins are two teams that scouts believe have expressed interest in Wagner.
The one hitch is the money left on Wagner’s contract.
There is $2.5 million left on the deal, with another $1 million buyout of his option for 2010. Stark writes, “other clubs believe that the Mets will have to eat a major chuck of that money if they expect to land a decent prospect in return for Wagner.”
As a fan, I love Wagner. I love his attitude on and off the mound. But at this time, it’s time for the Mets to deal him. Even though Francisco Rodriguez has shown signs of cracking and having a back-up closer (much like the plan was for J.J. Putz this year) wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
(Don’t forget, Putz has an option for 2010 as well, but it’s a little hefty to be paying that much for a set-up man.)
If the Mets can take most of Wagner’s contract on and dea l him away, they may be able to get a good, young player from a desperate team trying to make it in 2009.
I say the Mets pull the trigger on a deal if the right one comes along.
Manuel’s Musing
“From a manager's point of view, I probably always want to see youth at this point, but it has to be the right timing. The player development people have to say a young player will come into this situation and not be hurt by it.”
-Jerry Manuel on a youth movement
8/20/09
Billy’s back
Billy Wagner’s appearance in Thursday night’s game was the unlikely highlight, as Johan Santana was on the mound for the Mets. The Mets lost 3-2, dropping the final two games of the series to the Braves
Santana allowed three earned runs on nine hits over seven innings. He struck out two and walk none, needing only 77 pitches (66 landing for strikes).
But when Wagner entered the game for the 8th inning, the crowd got to it’s feet and cheered. He paid them back by turning in a 1-2-3 inning, striking out two batters in a span of 14 pitches.
The offense sputtered again, plating one in the 4th on a Cory Sullivan single and later in the 8th inning on a pinch-hit single from Omir Santos. Other than that, the bats were relatively quiet.
Francisco Rodriguez turned in a shutout inning, but walked two batters in his time on the bump.
But hey, Billy’s back. (For now.)
Sheffield released? No, but he asked for an extension [Updated]
Update 4 – 7:19 p.m.: Steve Popper is on top of this. He just reported that Sheffield first asked for an extension three weeks ago. Tonight, he “revisited” it.
Update 3 – 7:10 p.m.: Sheffield is in uniform and sitting on the Mets bench as the game gets underway.
Update 2 – 6:58 p.m.: This gets better and better. Patrick, in the comments, alerted me to the fact that Sheffield asked the Mets for an extension.
David Lennon provides us with an update…
A person familiar with the situation just said that Sheffield asked the Mets for an extension today and they refused. Now at standoff.
I was siding with Sheffield until I heard this. As Patrick said, it’s a very Brett Favre thing to do.
Update – 6:55 p.m.: Joel Sherman tweets…
A Mets official tells me that "Sheffield has not been released."
Original Post: According to Steve Popper, one player told him that he was told Gary Sheffield had been released. Brian Costa reports the same story.
Joel Sherman notes that Tim Redding was the anonymous player, if it matters.
At this point, since the Mets already screwed up by pulling him off waivers, this would be the classy thing to do by the Mets. The team should grant Sheffield his release and let him possibly play elsewhere.
It’s not like the Mets are going anywhere or doing anything.
Lineup for Game 121
The Mets scored eight runs in one inning in the first game of this series. The Braves responded and did the same thing. Who know what will happen tonight?
Gary Sheffield was originally in the lineup, but was a late scratch. According to David Lennon, Sheffield says he’s completely healthy. Adam Rubin reports that Jerry Manuel said that Sheffield requested a day off.
Here’s the lineup…
- Angel Pagan – CF
- Luis Castillo – 2B
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- Jeff Francoeur – RF
- Cory Sullivan – LF
- Fernando Tatis – 3B
- Brian Schneider – C
- Anderson Hernandez – SS
- Johan Santana - LHP
Mets release Livan Hernandez to make room for Billy Wagner
The Mets have released Livan Hernandez and activated Billy Wagner, according to Kevin Burkhardt.
Hernandez went 4-1 in his first nine starts with the Mets, going 3-0 with a 2.70 ERA in May. Since then, he’s gone 3-7 14 starts, now sporting an ERA of 5.47 and a WHIP of 1.59.
ERA and WHIP, by month:
| Month | ERA | WHIP |
| April | 6.75 | 1.453 |
| May | 2.70 | 1.380 |
| June | 3.69 | 1.359 |
| July | 7.33 | 1.889 |
| August | 11.30 | 2.372 |
Safe to say the magic ran out.
Livan signed a minor-league deal with the Mets in February. He made $1 million when added to the 40-man roster and could have made another $1 million in performance bonuses.
Another hole in the Mets rotation. Who’s filling it this time?
Nelson Figueroa? Tim Redding? Pat Misch? Tag-team all three?
Updated – 5:02 p.m.: Bart Hubbuch just tweeted that Tim Redding will take Livan’s spot in the rotation on Saturday.
As if there was any better way to pay homage to the 1969 team, Tim Redding is pitching.
Twitter Poll: Will you still go to Citi Field in 2009?
In an column in the New York Post, Mike Vaccaro writes, in reference to fans still going out to Citi Field, “The remarkable part, in just about every way, is that you may be sabotaging yourselves, and your baseball team, and that part of you that so fiercely believes that but for the dark cloud permanently hovering above Flushing Bay this could all have been different this year. And will be different next year.”
So I asked my Twitter followers if they will still go out to Citi Field this year. Here are some responses…
ToneRome1 said: I will go if the tickets are free and beer is at least half price
DonCheech said: Yes.. because I enjoy going to games and i still have tickets for a few more
gmo418 said: Sure, September 6th Krod Bobble head day. Other than that, nope
Gscott1847 said: No because all I have is a Triple A team that reminds me more of the Durham Bulls than a professional baseball team!
benbarbato said: Probably not, unless someone buys for me. Not worth shelling out the $ in hopes they'll have a rare good day.
daICJs said: I'd go cuz I love baseball; but can I get in for free?
harrycalat said: Yep, cuz lots $5-$25 tix in the 400/500s avail on StubHub, plus I still support Johan/Pelf/Murph/Krod & I guess Ollie too.
Mets411Blog said: For the stadium, yes. For the games, no.
maggie162 said: Of course I'm going. Baseball is baseball and the Mets are my team. Plus, with all the whiners gone, the lines will be short
metschick28 said: yes i will. i have tickets i like Citi Field and the wins are still fun. i was there tuesday night and it was alot of fun
dtmfr said: i'll still be going! Have about 7 games left, and until hockey season starts, what other entertainment is there?
dtmfr continued: one other thing - you go for love of the game!
tfc3rid said: I have to, I have Full Season Tickets
TheRealSoxy said: Yes. Because that is where the Mets play and I am a Mets fan.
cutiepie0319k said: yea because i already paid too much money for season tickets not to use them and i'm still a fan regardless.
kdoster said: if I could go to Citi I would still go... This whole Cincinnati thing kinda gets in the way...
rhythmdev9 said: if i was in the tri-sate i'd be there once a week. headed to CHI next weekend, its still baseball and its still my mets
keithmace said: have tickets for sunday but even if I can't sell em not going, don't wanna waste $ @ the field to watch them play
sweetcarolynne said: Yeah I will be going in a couple of weeks! No Rain Please!
Wagner to Putz to K-Rod
Back in April, if you told me the Mets would be sporting Billy Wagner, J.J. Putz and Francisco Rodriguez in the same bullpen in August, I would have danced a jig and bought everyone a round.
Now that the Mets are days away from having this become a reality, I’m barely entertained by the idea.
K-Rod, as of late, has been all over the place. One day he’s great, the other, not so much. Putz and Wagner are coming back from long stints on the DL after surgery, so their ability is entirely a crapshoot.
Sitting in 4th place in late August, the idea of these three in the pen is more of a novelty and an audition.
Wagner has already been placed on waivers and Putz is going to try and show the Mets if they should pick up the option on the relief pitcher.
Wagner-to-Putz-to-K-Rod were the things Mets fans dreams were made of before the 2009 season began. Now, it’s nothing more than an amusing storyline in a dismal season.
Manuel’s Musing
“I want us to pitch well. Hitting comes and goes.”
-Jerry Manuel on pitching and hitting
Discussion with Kerel Cooper on the additions to Citi Field
Recently, Kerel Cooper of On The Black contacted me for a little Q&A over the new things the Mets have installed in Citi Field.
Here’s the interview…
Report: Billy Wagner placed on waivers
In the first move in a process of trading a player this late in the season, the Mets have put Billy Wagner on waivers, reports Adam Rubin and Jayson Stark.
From here, a team can claim Wagner and the Mets can either pull him back or work out a deal. If a trade is put through, the claiming team will be responsible for some of Wagner’s contract and his buyout for 2010.
“It's unlikely Wagner would be claimed,” Stark wrote. “Any team claiming him would be on the hook for approximately $2.7 million of his $8.5 million salary for this year, plus a $1 million buyout of his option for 2010. So if, as expected, he goes unclaimed, the Mets would be able to trade him to any interested club.”
Wagner expects to be activated on Thursday, Rubin reported.
8/19/09
Beyond stinker
Revenge, I guess, is a dish best served on a hot Wednesday night in August.
Bobby Parnell made his third start for the Mets and surrendered eight runs in the second inning, just like the Mets did to the Braves the night before.
I called Monday’s game a “stinker.” Thursday night’s game was so much worse.
Parnell ended up allowing nine hits and nine earned runs, walking two and striking out one in three innings. Parnell was going to be limited to 100 or so pitches, but was only around to throw 72, 40 for strikes.
The offense pounded out 10 hits, but were only able to plate two runs. Luis Castillo, Daniel Murphy and Wilson Valdez each picked up two hits, with Murphy knocking a triple in the sixth inning.
Castillo and Angel Pagan drove in the Mets only runs with RBI hits in the third and fifth innings.
Overall, a miserable game. The highlight may have come when my girlfriends parents appeared on the Kiss Cam at Citi Field. What a thrill.
A huge tip of the cap to anyone that stayed at Citi Field for the entire thing. True fans.
Lineup for Game 120
The Mets are hoping yesterday’s fourth inning wasn’t just a one-time deal. Here’s the lineup that will take the field tonight…
- Angel Pagan – CF
- Luis Castillo – 2B
- Gary Sheffield – LF
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- Jeff Francoeur – RF
- Fernando Tatis – 3B
- Omir Santos – C
- Anderson Hernandez – SS
- Bobby Parnell – RHP
Hit the comments to discuss the game.
New Shirt: STOP THE WAVE
The Wave is one of the worst things to ever happen to a sporting event. It’s silly, stupid and bothersome to other fans that might want to …ya know… watch the game.
So, I mocked up these simple shirts. They’re fairly brash, so wear them proudly. We must band together to stomp out this evil.
Please, if you’re heading out to Citi Field (or anywhere else where they play sports and The Wave is popular), buy one and wear it. Please.
This is comical
Each year, three members of each team are selected as nominees for the annual Hank Aaron Award.
Players from the Mets you would expect to be on the list: David Wright, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, possibly Gary Sheffield and maybe Jose Reyes.
Players actually on the short list this year: David Wright, Luis Castillo and Angel Pagan.
Wright, Castillo and Pagan are the three Mets selected for the Hank Aaron Award, given “awarded annually to the best overall offensive performer in each league, with each club having three nominees. This is the seventh consecutive year that fans have had a voice in selecting the award winners.”
Says a lot about 2009, doesn’t it?
Sheffield thinks he’s a goner
Gary Sheffield, a brash player who has flown pretty much under the radar this season, is starting to stir the pot a bit.
Sheffield, whom the Mets are paying only $400,000 this year, thinks his days as a Met are numbered. Sheffield told Larry Brooks on the NY Post that, “Based on what I know now, no, I do not think I will be here.”
He was already placed on waivers and pulled back this season, meaning if the Mets were to dump him, they would not, as Brooks wrote, “be able to negate a claim.”
Sheffield leads the Mets in home runs with 10.
I don’t think there’s a future for Sheffield with the Mets. He’s getting older when the Mets really need to be getting younger. He’s 40 and has provided some surprise power that the Mets would otherwise not have. He was a smart pickup at the time, but there’s no need to hold on to him with a tight fist.
Why Jerry Manuel cracks me up
Jerry Manuel says what he thinks. Every time. Without fail. (Hence the Manuel’s Musing.)
Yesterday we heard Manuel compare Ryan Church to David Wright. Wright, Manuel said, “is made up a little different” than Church.
Current player, ex-player or anyone at all shouldn’t have to hear this from a manager’s mouth. Maybe a player after a plunking or bushleague play, but a manager should keep his trap shut unless it’s entirely necessary. And this was far from it.
Manuel keeps people on the edge of their seat with what he’s going to say next, but this was a little too far. He needs to think about his words might mean to someone else before he blurts it out.
Still, he’s always entertaining.
An eight-run frame and an injured Ollie
I watched the Mets put up eight runs in an inning last night. I wasn’t dreaming. It wasn’t a video game. And it wasn’t a Mets Classic.
The New York Mets, with this lineup, put up eight runs in an inning.
The bottom of the 4th inning saw 10 hits, the most in franchise history in one inning. Gary Sheffield and Luis Castillo each picked up two hits, driving in two runs a piece. Jeff Francoeur, Fernando Tatis, Anderson Hernandez and Angel Pagan each drove in one.
Who woulda thunk it?
And Oliver Perez, forever the enigma, threw 81 pitches over five innings. He let up two home runs, accounting for the four runs. Perez walked one and struck out four.
Jerry Manuel later said that he removed Perez from the game due to pain behind his knee, the same knee that landed him on the DL earlier in the season.
An eight-run inning and possibly losing another player to injury. Something so rare and something so common. Oh, 2009.
Manuel’s Musing(s)
“There's no ill intent. I don't mean to take a shot at him. If that's how he felt, I apologize to him. I like Ryan Church.”
-Jerry Manuel on his feelings for Ryan Church
and
“Anderson is a guy we're going to look very closely at. We feel very confident he's a good second baseman in this league”
-Jerry Manuel on Anderson Hernandez’s talent
8/18/09
Lineup for Game 119
In a face-off of off-season free agents, Oliver Perez will pitch for the Mets and Derek Lowe will take the mound for the Braves. Here’s the lineup the Mets will run out…
- Angel Pagan – CF
- Luis Castillo – 2B
- Gary Sheffield – LF
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- Jeff Francoeur – RF
- Fernando Tatis – 3B
- Omir Santos – C
- Anderson Hernandez – SS
- Oliver Perez - LHP
Valdez takes Cora’s spot on roster
As expected, Wilson Valdez has officially taken Alex Cora’s spot on the 25-man roster, reports Adam Rubin.
Cora, who will have surgery on both thumbs due to torn ligaments in each, will miss the remainder of the season.
Valdez was pulled from the Bisons game last night in anticipation of a call-up. Valdez was 12-for-his-last-27 with Triple-A Buffalo.
He hit .208 / .269 / .333 with three RBI in 26 plate appearances with the Mets in 11 games earlier this year.
Bobby Bonilla’s back on the payroll in 2011
Joe Foriello of DisgruntledMetsFan.com just tweeted something that I had completely forgotten about.
Does anyone realize that starting in 2011, the New York Mets will pay Bobby Bonilla $1.2 mil / year for 25 years? What an organization!
That’s right. Starting July 1, 2011, and on every July 1 until 2035, the Mets will send a check to Bobby Bonilla worth $1,193,248.20.
When the Mets released Bonilla in January of 2000, instead of picking up the $5.9 million owed to him for that year, they agreed to pay him nearly $1.2 million over the course of 25 years. That’s almost $30 million.
Yikes.
Might as well bring him back as a coach somewhere for that much money. Or have him cut the grass at Citi Field.
Or maybe he can play left field.
‘Bloomberg’s Head’ [Photo]
My cousin Andrea sent this picture that one of her friends took at last night’s game. It’s great.
Thanks, Andrea!
Draft pick signings
According to Baseball America, the Mets signed 35 of their of their 49 draft picks.
Noteable signings: Steven Matz (2nd round / 72nd overall), Robbie Shields (3rd round, 103rd overall), Darrell Ceciliani (4th round, 134th overall), Darin Gorski (7th round, 224th overall), Taylor Freeman (8th round, 254th overall) and Jeff Glenn (9th round, 284th overall).
Noteable non-signings: Damien Magnifico (5th round, 164th overall), David Buchanan (6th round, 194th overall)
For the full list of draft picks that signed with the Mets, head over to Baseball America.
“We're going to stay where we are.”What a stinker!
Last night may have been one of the more boring games of the 2009 campaign. Unless you were a Giants fan.
From Livan Hernandez hemorrhaging hits to a lineup that was beyond putrid, the game was an all-around disaster. My record at Citi Field fell from the perfect 3-0, to a less cool 3-1 because of last night’s mess of a game.
Do you want to know, in one very simple explanation, why last night was one of the worst games all year? Because when Andy Green, the 32-year-old who was called up to replace David Wright on the roster, came to the plate in the 9th inning down nine runs with the stadium almost completely empty, he garnered the loudest cheer of the night.
Cheers of “AN-DY GREEN!” reverberated throughout the stadium and the crowd went wild when he worked out a walk.
Of course, he was snuffed out on the very next play as Cory Sullivan grounded into an inning-ending double play, but it was fun while it lasted.
Again, a terrible game on a beautiful night. I now own a .750 winning percentage at Citi Field, which I will take over my sub-.500 winning percentage from Shea Stadium any day of the week.
Check out MetsGrrl.com for a much more awesome photo of the savior we call “Andy Green.”
Reports: Mets sign top-pick Steven Matz for $895,000
Chris Brickhead and Nick Campione are shooting me messages on Twitter telling me that ESPN’s Keith Law is reporting that the Mets signed top-pick Steven Matz out of Ward Melville High School.
SI’s Jon Heyman backs up the report, and puts a figure on the bonus: $895,000.
Update – 8:41 a.m.: The Mets are yet to confirm the deal, even though many outlets have reported that the deal was completed before the deadline.
The Mets selected Matz with their first pick of the 2009 draft, in the second round, 72nd overall.
Matz was 6-1 with an ERA of 0.47 in his first seven starts for Ward Melville during his senior year of high school. He struck out 81 batters in 44 innings last year as well.
Cora out for the year with two bum thumbs
Alex Cora will miss the remainder of the year as he will have surgery to repair torn ligaments in both his thumbs.
Yeah, Cora had been playing with torn ligaments in not just one, but both his thumbs.
Crazy.
First up for surgery, his right thumb. Followed five weeks later by his left thumb.
Wilson Valdez was pulled from the Triple-A Bisons game in anticipation of a call-up.
Cora was a good bench signing who was forced into a major role due to the Mets injuries this season. I wouldn’t mind seeing him back with the Mets, purely as a guy off the bench.
8/17/09
Tweets from Citi Field
I’ll be at the game tonight, and of course I’ll be updating with insights and musings from Citi Field. Tune in to converse with me at the stadium.
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