I’m in Austin, TX for the National College Media Conference. Unfortunately, there is no free wireless in the rooms.
Instead, you can follow my tweets, where I will post any news I come across and musings on the World Series.
(To help, send any Mets news links you may find to @theropolitans)
Chip Hale, a recent castoff by the Arizona Diamondbacks, is expected to be hired as the Mets third base coach, according to Adam Rubin.
Hale spent the last three seasons with Arizona and will replace Razor Shines, who may be named Jerry Manuel’s bench coach. But Rubin notes that another ex-DBack may be on a list of people to join the coaching staff: Bob Melvin.
It’s not set in stone who will be on the staff or even where they will be coaching, but I’m glad the Mets seem to be taking this task very seriously.
I’m off to Austin, TX for the next few days for a college media conference.
I will try to post if/when I can, so don’t fret.
Yee-haw!
Take some enjoyment away from this, Mets fans…
The Nightmare World Series has been good for something.
Twenty-three years ago, 55,032 fans packed into Shea Stadium on an October evening.
Twenty-three years ago, Ron Darling struggled early and was pulled after only 3 2-3 innings.
Twenty-three years ago, Sid Fernandez tossed 2 1-2 shutout innings in relief.
Twenty-three years ago, Ray Knight and Darryl Strawberry homered in the 7th and 8th inning, respectively.
Twenty-three years ago, Jesse Orosco’s glove went up and may have never come down.
Twenty-three years ago, at 11:26 p.m., the Mets and their fans had the ultimate reason to celebrate.
Twenty-three years ago today, the Mets won the 1986 World Series, beating the Boston Red Sox 8-5.
What are some of your memories of the ‘86 World Series?
Head over to the New York Daily News blog Touching Base for some responses from Mets fans around the blogosphere on what they’ll be doing for the nightmare World Series.
With quotes from Caryn from MetsGrrl.com, Grag and Jason from FAFIF, Sagiv from FireJerryManuel and Steve from Kranepool Society, along with me.
A few days ago in the Boston Herald, columnist Michael Silverman pitched the idea of Carlos Beltran going to the Boston Red Sox.
It was just a suggestion, but the Full Count blog squashed any rumors before they could get started.
From WEEI’s Full Count blog…
A major-league source said that the Mets would not even entertain the idea of trading Beltran. The Mets are instead giving every indication that they will be active in adding pieces this offseason (New York is expected to get involved in the markets for Bay and/or Matt Holliday). Given that likelihood, it would not make sense for the team to deal one of its best players.
(Emphasis mine.)
Don’t worry, Beltran fans. He’s not going anywhere but back out to centerfield in Citi Field for at least another year.
Just until the Yankees or Phillies fans get sick of celebrating. Then I will rejoin society.
I think it’s too touchy of a subject to ask Mets fans who they want to see win the World Series. It might be a little gentler to ask them which team they would rather see lose.
So I asked. Here are some responses…
cutiepie0319k said: the yankees better lose. i cannot deal with their fans in my face anymore.
VivaLMainstream said: Someone needs to demolish the Phillies. I'm gonna have to hide for a week if they win again (Mets fan in Philly = FAIL)
VivaLMainstream continued: The Yankees have had their time in the humility box. Now I need them to start kicking ass again (not too much, mind you)
metsphanatic said: Phillies!
loganpoweredny said: Phillies MUST lose
kayser3373 said: I would much rather see the Yankees lose. Just so their fans will stop squawking.
bosco86 said: would like to see the Phillies get swept and embarrassed by the Yankees.
fscker said: phillies, no question.
realcinch said: phils
davidwakeman said: I was thinking maybe they can cancel this world series.
How about you? Who would you rather see lose in the World Series?
Steve Phillips is out at ESPN, according to Mike Soltys of ESPN PR.
Update – 10:31 p.m.:
Yikes.
Something went awry with the recording, but I was still able to pull three clips off the CD.
Joining me on the show are Jeremy Schilling, Alex Birsh and Lenny Neslin.
We discuss playoff baseball, Jose Reyes and Jeff Francoeur.
Clip 1 – Playoff baseball
Clip 2 – Jose Reyes
Clip 3 – Jeff Francoeur
Rafael Castro, 18 and a Columbian native, collapsed and died of an apparent heart attack, according to the Associated Press.
Castro had been in the Mets organization for two years, both with the Venezuelan summer team. He died at the team’s academy in Carabobo, Venezuela.
Simply: Probably not.
The 21-year-old Cuban defector looks like he’ll be making headlines until he signs, but it’s unlikely he’ll land in Flushing.
Chapman is asking for somewhere between $40 and $60 million, according to David Lennon.
If that’s the case, count the Mets out. With something like $30 million coming off the payroll this season, the Mets have too many other things to deal with.
For all of those that have high hopes of Chapman and Mr. Met arm in arm, it might be time to set your sights a little lower. Or a lot lower.
The 2nd annual “Should they stay or should they go?” article. While you read, I suggest you listen to this.
Below is a list of all position players who played for the Mets (and are still with them, in some capacity) in 2009 and whether they should stay or go for 2010…
Omir Santos – Stay. As a platoon/backup player. His struggle to keep his OBP near .300 is sad, but with little to no decent catchers on the market this season, he may be the Mets best option. Sign another mediocre catcher and hope they don’t stink up the joint too bad.
Brian Schneider – Go. For as thin as the catchers market is, the Mets can upgrade of the Schneid.
Josh Thole – Stay. In Triple-A. He needs more seasoning. But hopefully not too much more.
Daniel Murphy – Stay. I think he’s eventually traded, but his stock is pretty low right now. Hope 2010 platooning at first base with a cheap, decent bat raises that stock a bit and he can be shipped out before 2011, when, if all goes according to plan, Ike Davis starts at first. Or…just keep Murphy. If they do, they need to seriously upgrade elsewhere.
Fernando Tatis – Go. Double play machine.
Carlos Delgado – Go. To an AL team. Unless he’s really, really cheap.
Nick Evans – Go. To Triple-A or another team. If you can find a spot for Evans on the Mets, I’ll give you a nickel.*
Luis Castillo – Stay. A very good year for Castillo was overshadowed by a dismal season for the entire team. He won’t repeat 2009, but a slight decline won’t be the worst thing in the world. And honestly, where else will he go?
Alex Cora – Go. I like his leadership and all and he should only be a backup player, at best. But if they want to contend in 2010, they need to plan for reoccurring injuries. Find a better backup.
Anderson Hernandez – Go. Didn’t like his the first time around. Not any better the second spin, either.
David Wright – Stay. Duh.
Jose Reyes – Stay. Anyone who says he should be traded is a knucklehead.
Wilson Valdez – Go. I know James Kannengieser wouldn’t mind him back, but again, they can find better. I hope.
Jeremy Reed – Go. His talent can be found in a bunch of other players. Though, he had a knack for pinch hitting.
Gary Sheffield – Go. Do you need an explanation?
Cory Sullivan – Go. Can’t hit, can’t really field much either. Made some nice plays, but isn’t a defensive star. Though, wouldn’t hate it. As a fifth outfielder, maybe.
Carlos Beltran – Stay. Again, duh.
Angel Pagan – Stay. As a fourth outfielder. Don’t hand this guy the reigns to any starting jobs. He’s a solid fill-in (for an extended period of time) and that’s about it. Surprisingly one of the healthier players last season.
Jeff Francoeur – Go. For what he’ll likely cost and what he puts out on the field, he’s just not worth it.
Fernando Martinez – Stay. In the minors. His short stint with the Mets didn’t do much to raise his stock. In fact, it likely dropped considerably.
Did I miss anyone?
With the Red Sox…
With the Phillies…
He’s lost his edge.
Also, apparently Pedro was nowhere to be found when the Mets won the National League in 2006. Or at least no image exists of him. Or I just didn’t find one when I Googled it five minutes ago.
Everyone (OK, maybe not everyone) wants to run/own/control a team. I asked my Twitter followers what they would do if they had one move to make for the Mets.
Roster move, coaching staff change, uniforms, front office…anything. Here are some responses…
dmoneymania said: Bring back those Blue road uni's with the silver lettering and orange trim. Heck yeah!
Ceetar said: Any Mets change? Playerwise, Holliday. non-player, Manuel for Carter, Valentine, or someone else.#firemanuel
cutiepie0319k said: bye bye omar!! #fireomar
chrisbirckhead said: Plain and simple, fire Omar
saffir_99 said: Hire people who actually know a bit about baseball and not try to compete with the Yankees
wendy93639 said: ONE?! I don't think I can choose. ...ditch Jerry for starters. Anyone else can't be much worse.
tyronem said: ship ollie perez for a bunch of stale ritz crackers.
darknova306 said: In all seriousness, though, my move would be to replace the owners.
What about you?
Hit the comments to discuss what one (1) move/change you would make for the Mets.
A story in the New York Post today reveals that Steve Phillips is in deep trouble with his wife (again) and ESPN.
Remember all we heard about the Mets losing $700 million or more in the Bernie Madoff disaster? Well, apparently they made money off of it.
From Bloomberg…
An entity tied to the New York Mets baseball team and its owner Sterling Equities Inc. might be sued for withdrawing $47.8 million more from Bernard Madoff’s firm than it deposited with the con man, a lawyer said.
Mets LP placed a total of $522.7 million in two Madoff accounts and withdrew $570.5 million over an unspecified period, Irving Picard, the court-appointed liquidator, said in a filing Oct. 19 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York.
This is nuts. First, they lost a ton of money. Now, it seems like they made money. But they might be sued for it.
Oy vey.
Who thought you had to be a finance major to be a Mets fan?
This one is a little more recent. According to the Tax Watchdog blog, Livan Hernandez owes quite a lot of money to many people.
From the Tax Watchdog blog…
What's owed:
- On Aug. 19, SunTrust Bank sued Hernandez in Miami, and is trying to foreclose on the mortgage for his 4,643-square-foot home (see below), according to this public record. The home, coincidentally, is for sale for $1.42 million, according to this listing.
- A day earlier, on Aug. 18, the neighborhood association that governs the pitcher's $981,000 Miami Beach condo filed a $3,587 lien for unpaid bills, which you can see here.
- He's also catching heat from a second neighborhood association. The Bay Point Property Owners Association filed a lien July 8, claiming the pitcher owed more than $2,700 for property maintenance, attorney fees and costs associated with the Miami home, according to this public record.
- Even the pool guy is pursuing Hernandez. David Cohen, president of All Florida Pools & Spa Center, filed this lien on Sept. 17, claiming Hernandez failed to pay $1,102 in pool repairs.
- The state of California filed a $29,791 lien against Hernandez on Jan. 25, 2008, in Sacramento County Court. It is the second lien filed against Hernandez in recent years.
- On Aug. 20, 2008, the IRS released a $307,268 income tax lien that had been filed three months earlier in Miami, according to this public record.
Pay your bills!
On Oct. 20, 1953 in San Francisco, Calif.,
Keith Barlow Hernandez was born.
Happy birthday, Keith!
The Mets have released 40-year-old Ken Takahashi, according to Ben Shpigel.
Takahashi signed with the Mets on March 30 after being released by the Toronto Blue Jays. He made 28 appearances for the Mets, compiling a 2.96 ERA and 1.354 WHIP in 27 1-3 innings.
Let the roster changes begin!
Yesterday, I posted this e-mail that ticket broker StubHub sent out to Mets fans (and apparently Cubs fans, too).
A few hours later, they issued an apology that read…
Earlier today, an email promoting New York Mets postseason tickets was sent to you. This, unfortunately, was a mistake. We regret the error and apologize for any inconvenience or confusion this may have caused.
Sincerely,
The StubHub Team
I wonder what Phillies fan was bored at work and felt like taunting Mets fans yesterday?
Rick Peterson, former Mets pitching coach, has been hired by the Milwaukee Brewers for the same role.
Interestingly, Willie Randolph is also on the Brewers staff as a bench coach.
Hey Milwaukee, I heard Manny Acta is still available. You’ve almost reassembled the 2006 Mets coaching staff.
Also, when they announce Peterson’s signing, will they present him with a jacket instead of a jersey?
It's one thing that the Mets aren't in the playoffs. But now StubHub is here to take Mets fans down yet another notch.
From a StubHub e-mail…
Where do you want to sit?
Hey Tony,
Be there alongside your New York Mets as they chase baseball immortality. Go to StubHub, where you’ll find a fantastic selection of tickets to every playoff game – so you experience the championship chase live and in person.Check it out. Go to StubHub and get the seats you want today.
An obvious automated response, but still.
Ouch.
Not only do Mets fans want to forget 2009 as quick as possible, now they’re being teased by ticket brokers?
Thanks, Tony!
Here’s what ESPN’s Keith Law had to say about Jenrry Mejia in AFL action…
The most impressive arm so far has been Jenrry Mejia of the New York Mets, who was on a short pitch count but showed two above-average pitches and a chance for a third. Mejia's fastball sat from 93-96 mph and touched 98, he also threw a plus changeup that looked more like a two-seamer at 85-87.
---
The velocity comes easily, and if his command is better than what he showed on Wednesday and he can snap off that good curveball more frequently, he's a potential No. 1 or No. 2 starter.
I like the sound of that. Don’t you?
For more from Law, click here.
In the latest poll, I asked fans if they thought the Mets fired the right coaches when they cut Sandy Alomar Sr. and Luis Alicea from the coaching staff and reassigned Razor Shines and Sandy Alomar Jr.
Here are the results…
What do you think?
Next poll: Are you watching the playoffs this year?
I asked my Twitter followers what they thought about Citi Field this year. Here are some responses…
DonCheech said: loved it
Ceetar said: I loved it. Needs more Mets stuff, but love it.
metsfanmurph said: Love Citi Field. Needs more Mets stuff. I would like to see the seats blue and orange, more Mets pictures, and blue walls
metsfanmurph continued: All in all I like watching a game there and I like that it is a pitchers park. I wouldn't want them to change the dimensions
scratchbomb said: fantastic. still needs more Met presence, but I think that's the only real complaint you can make about it
elZi said: Citi Field was an A+ in my book
DatNYCStar said: Looks great. Great food. Great stores. Not enuff Mets stuff though. A little bit too big maybe?
Metsfanfeed said: I love it. But it won't replace Shea.
Schulmania said: Great stadium, even better food, terrible product
What are your thoughts on Citi Field this year?
Here are some clips from The ‘Ropolitans radio. Joining me on the segments were Andrew Fletcher, Jeremy Schilling and Corey Hersch.
Part 1: Playoff baseball & Ron Darling
Part 2: Billy Wagner
Part 3: Roy Halladay and such
More tomorrow…
Be sure to listen in to The ‘Ropolitans Radio from 12 – 1 p.m. on WQAQ.com (or 98.1 FM if you happen to be within a mile or two of Quinnipiac University).
To contact me during the show, the call-in number is (203) 582-5555, my e-mail is TheRopolitans@gmail.com or send me a message on Twitter.
Jenrry Mejia took the mound for his first Arizona Fall League game, but only lasted one inning.
Mejia gave up only one hit, but walked three batters and allowed three runs to score. He did strike out one while on the mound.
On more positive notes, Ike Davis picked up another hit and two more RBI. Davis has driven in eight runs in only two games.
And Ruben Tejada added two more hits and scored two more runs, giving him four hits and four runs in the first two games of the AFL season.
Jose Reyes had successful surgery on the scar tissue around his hamstring tendon, according to Marty Noble.
Noble noted that Reyes should be fully healed by spring training in February.
This is just strange. But I’m not really surprised.
From Justin Terranova in the NY Post…
Peter Gammons today called owner Jeff Wilpon the general manager, and said Omar Minaya is only "out there to take the heat."
Gammons, as heard on the Michael Kay Show on 1050 ESPN New York, was asked why the Mets had not hired a particular coach. Gammons replied, “Ask the general manager, Jeff Wilpon.”
Asked why Minaya wasn’t interested, Gammons replied, “He’s not the general manager. Omar’s the one out there to take the heat.”
Thoughts?
Jose Reyes will finally undergo surgery on his right hamstring tendon today.
The surgery will try to clean up the scar tissue around the injury.
Reyes will have the surgery in Dallas.
Bean Stringfellow, Billy Wagner’s agent, tells the Boston Herald, “Those comments probably came right after the Red Sox lost, so I’d bet they were said in the heat of the moment, when he was very frustrated. That’s probably not the best time to take comments like that as gospel.”
The Wagner news will taper off after this, unless he actually does retire, I promise. Or ride an alpaca through the streets. Or something.
Yesterday, the Arizona Fall League kicked off with a nice start for Mets fans. Ike Davis, the veritable first baseman of the future, drove in six runs, going 4-6 with a grand slam and two doubles.
Today, Mets fans can track the first start of Jenrry Mejia, one of the top pitching prospects in the Mets organization.
Mejia will take the mound for the Surprise Rafters today, facing off against the Peoria Javelinas, which you can track here.
Mejia got a nice write up in the Daily News today by Adam Rubin.
Manager Jerry Manuel traveled Tuesday from his home in Sacramento, Calif., to gauge whether Mejia may be able to help the Mets in the bullpen in early 2010, as well as to evaluate first-base prospect Ike Davis. GM Omar Minaya is also in attendance. Mejia projects as a No.1 or No.2 starter in the majors eventually.
"Somebody told me if you play in the big leagues at 20 years old, that's good," Mejia said. "I said, 'I know, but I wanted to play in the big leagues last year.'"
Via @MLBazFallLeague
Update – 5:54 p.m.: Davis also drove in two runs on a bases loaded single in the seventh inning. That’s six RBI if you’re counting at home.
First Jerry Koosman, now Ron Darling. (Lenny Dykstra, too, but at a much grander level.)
According to the Tax Watchdog blog, Ron Darling, the former pitcher and current SNY and TBS analyst, owes $544,197 in state and federal taxes.
From Tax Watchdog…
What's owed:
- The IRS filed a $71,076 lien against Darling on July 29 in the New York City Register's office.
- The state of New York filed a $12,664 tax warrant against Darling on May 23 in the New York County Clerk's office.
- The state of California filed an $84,860 lien against Darling on June 6, 2008, in Contra Costa County Court.
- The IRS filed a $375,597 lien against Darling on May 15, 2008, in the New York City Register's office.
Darling could not be reached for comment.
Come on guys, pay your taxes!
Hat tip to Bart Hubbuch on Twitter.
So it seems.
According to a report in the NY Post, Billy Wagner is “planning to retire.”
Wagner, who was traded from the Mets to the Boston Red Sox on Aug. 25 for Chris Carter and Eddie Lora, appeared in only 15 games for the Sox. He posted a 1.98 ERA and 1.098 WHIP in 13 2-3 innings.
"I don't plan on talking to nobody," Wagner said, when asked where he might pitch next season.
Does that mean retirement?
"Why wouldn't I?" he said. "I've got nothing else to [accomplish]."
In that case, happy trails, Wagner. Enjoy your alpacas.
Facial hair is “part of baseball's culture.”
-Jerry Manuel on facial hair and baseball
The 2nd annual “Should they stay or should they go?” article. While you read, I suggest you listen to this.
Below is a list of all pitchers who made an appearance for the Mets in 2009 and whether they should stay or go for 2009…
Johan Santana – Stay.
Mike Pelfrey – Stay.
Oliver Perez – Unfortunately, stay. (Because no one will take that contract.)
John Maine – Stay.* (*But I think he will go.) It will be another year of DL stints and arm soreness, I assume. But right now, he’s better than most other options. If (big if) he can stay healthy, he should be somewhat effective in the Mets rotation. But this is a guy I could see them shedding. If he’s not back next season, I won’t lose sleep over it.
Tim Redding – Go. Strong finish notwithstanding, get this guy as far away from the Mets as possible. Unless of course, he pitches for beard groomings.
Bobby Parnell – Stay. In the bullpen. Though he showed flashes of brilliance once or twice, Parnell is the poor-man’s Joba Chamberlain. He’d be a so-so starter, but a much better bullpen pitcher. Now about all those hits…
Nelson Figueroa – Stay. He dominates at Triple-A and has a rubber arm for when the injury bug strikes again. Also, how can you not like this guy?
Brian Stokes – Stay. Probably my favorite pitcher on the staff hit a few rough patches the last few months of play, but overall was about as effective as I could have hoped. Maybe if he got regular appearances he would pitch better.
Sean Green – Stay. He needs to stick with that new delivery. Hanging on by a thread, though. I’d be fine to see him go. Go. After further review (a few more minutes pondering him over) I’d rather see Green go.
Francisco Rodriguez – Stay. BB-Rod or no BB-Rod, he’s one of the better closers in the league. Plus, I have his jersey.
Pedro Feliciano – Stay. Offer this guy a multi-year deal, simply for the fact that he’s pitched in 54 percent of the team’s games over the last two years. OK, maybe not simply for that fact. But he's been a good reliever who can stay healthy and pitch in half your team's games. That's valuable.
Pat Misch – Stay. Triple-A fodder.
Fernando Nieve – Go. Sorry, bud. The magic just won’t be there when you get back.
Elmer Dessens – Go.
J.J. Putz – Go. I wonder if they will ever regret this trade?
Ken Takahashi – Go. Bye bye, Tank.
Jonathan Niese – Stay. He’ll be back and hopefully on the roster again. If they can’t field a somewhat competitive team next year, it should be a year of growing pains for the young guys at the major league level. If not, to the minor leagues.
Lance Broadway – Go. No thanks.
Tobi Stoner – Stay. See: Niese.
Breakdown of the 53 Mets players to appear on the roster in 2009, broken down by age.
Can you name the one 20-year-old and two 40-year-olds?
(All ages gathered from Baseball-Reference.com)
No, not Kaz. Hideki.
David Lennon ponders in Newsday if Hideki Matsui could make his way across town.
Please, no.
Matsui did not play one inning in the field this season. Let me repeat that. Matsui did not play one inning in the field this season.
At least Gary Sheffield appeared in 12 games for the Tigers in 2008.
Matsui is also on two surgically repaired knees, which Lennon points out one was drained twice, this season alone.
Sure, a guy that can hit home runs would be a nice addition, with Matsui belting 28 this year, but there is no designated hitter in the National League.
No. Thank. You.
Albert Pujols led the league with 47 home runs. The league average was 10.
Five Mets at least met the league average, while only one surpassed it.
It should be noted that Carlos Beltran hit 10 home runs in 357 plate appearances, Gary Sheffield hit 10 home runs in 312 plate appearances and Jeff Francoeur hit his 10 home runs in 308 PAs.
In no way, shape or form would I ever undo the Mets trade of Johan Santana. Two surgeries or no surgeries, Santana has meant more to the fans of the Mets than Carlos Gomez (and those three other guys) ever will.
But, it was quite sad to watch Go-Go Gomez slide across home plate on Saturday night, propelling the Minnesota Twins into the playoffs. Especially while Santana sits at home resting and recuperating.
The Daily News caught up with Gomez, who had this to say about his former teammates…
"I am sorry for the Mets," said Gomez. "I am hurt too. I spent five or six years with the Mets, and I see how they collapse. When your friends hurt, you hurt too. That's baseball, you can do nothing about it.
"Johan has done a good job. They traded Johan for me, he does a good job there and I think I do a good job here."
I always liked Gomez as a emotional player, sort of the poor-mans Jose Reyes.
Anyways, go Twins, go Rockies, go Cardinals and go Angels. Go-Go Gomez.
Tune in to WQAQ between the hours of 12 – 1 p.m. to hear me talk Mets, Yankees and playoff baseball.
Click right here to tune in.
Today, I asked my Twitter followers which free agent (position player or pitcher) they most want to see in orange and blue next season.
Here are some responses…
cwb75 said: Matt Holliday, I think...
DonCheech said: Holliday and Lackey
kramtelak said: Matt Holliday
fscker said: Holliday
nmigliore said: in this order: 1) Matt Holliday 2) John Lackey* 3) Adam LaRoche (* = only if the price/years isn't outrageous)
YaGottaBKiddnMe said: Matt Holliday
mattclausen said: John Lackey. I also want to see us grab either Crawford or Upton.
darknova306 said: Lackey plus 2 more competent pitchers. Rotation needs serious help...
Majin_Bernard said: John Lackey. The rotation needs more work than the lineup.
TheRealSoxy said: John Lackey
Seems that people either want Lackey or Holliday. And who can blame them?
To me, neither seems like a “great” signing. Lackey is on the wrong side of 30 and looks like he’ll be demanding some big money. Holliday will also be looking for a good chunk of change, and I just don’t think the Mets have it.
How about you?
With Jeff Wilpon assuring fans that the Mets will be spending money this off-season, it’s time for the rumor mill of big names to start to spin.
First up: Matt Holliday.
Jon Heyman says that he believes the Mets are leaning toward Holliday over another free-agent-to-be, (and ex-Met farmhand) Jason Bay.
Holliday, who was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals earlier this season, went 1-4 with two strikeouts last night.
He hit .313 / .394 / .515 with 24 home runs and 109 RBI between Oakland and St. Louis in 2009.
After much confusion, the Mets and the Red Sox have finished the deal that sent Billy Wagner to the Red Sox.
The Mets got 20-year-old first baseman Eddie Lora and 26-year-old outfielder Chris Carter.
Here’s the full press release from the Mets…
The New York Mets today announced that they acquired minor league outfielder Chris Carter and minor league first baseman Eddie Lora from the Boston Red Sox as the two players to be named later in the Billy Wagner trade that was completed on August 25.
Carter was added to the Mets 40-Man roster which is now at 38.
Carter, 26, hit .294 (126-428) with 50 runs scored, 25 doubles, 16 home runs and 61 RBI in 116 games with Pawtucket (AAA) of the International League this year. From July 1st through the end of the season on September 7th, Carter batted .333 (67-201) with nine home runs and 32 RBI. The 6-0, 230-pounder went 0-5 with the Red Sox in four games earlier this season in April.
Carter batted .333 (6-18) with three RBI in nine games with Boston in 2008. He made his major league debut on June 5, 2008 vs. Tampa Bay at Fenway Park. He also hit .300 (141-470) with 25 doubles, 24 home runs and 81 RBI in 121 games with Pawtucket in 2008. Carter was acquired by the Red Sox on August 21, 2007 to complete the trade that sent outfielder Wily Mo Pena and cash considerations to Washington.
Carter doubled home J.D. Drew in the fourth inning with the first run of the contest in the Mets first ever exhibition game at Citi Field on April 3 in Boston's 4-3 win.
The lefthanded-hitting native of Concord, CA has batted .306 (850-2779) with 168 doubles, 126 home runs and 512 RBI in 726 career minor league games. He was drafted in the 17th round in the 2004 First Year Player Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Lora, 20, hit .222 (22-99) with nine runs scored, six doubles, two triples, three home runs and seven RBI in 34 games with the Gulf Coast Red Sox this year.
Lora, who was born in New York City and resides in Santo Domingo, DR, was named Boston's Minor League Latin Program Player of the Year in 2008. Last year he hit .300 (36-120) with 21 runs scored, six doubles, one triple, five home runs and 26 RBI in 35 games with the Dominican Summer League Red Sox.
The 6-2, 205-pounder was signed by the Red Sox as a non-drafted free agent on July 24, 2006. He cracked four home runs and drove in 19 runs while hitting .222 (48-216) in 2007 for the Dominican Summer League squad.
New York Magazine caught up with former-Met Mike Piazza at the 24th Annual Great Sports Legends dinner in New York.
Here’s a little sampling…
They [the editors] wanted to know if you think the Mets are the unluckiest team in baseball.
No. I don't believe in luck. No. Look, we had a lot of frustrations when I was there. That's just the unfortunate thing of playing for the Mets. The highs are extremely high, and the lows are really low. It's really like a roller coaster. There's really not a lot of middle ground with them.
Piazza's wife interjects: The Chicago Cubs are the unluckiest team in baseball.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Exactly! The Mets have won two World Series. There's no question. Things will get better.
Were you embarrassed by the Mets' performance this season?
No, no, no. We always root for them.
We miss you, Mike.
…Or something with a lot more expletives and exclamation points.
All while sitting on his pile of money and weeping to himself.
“The traffic that we had on the bases probably to a lot of degree was not properly managed as well as we would've liked to have seen.”
-Jerry Manuel on Angel Pagan Razor Shines and Luis Alicea
In my last poll, I asked my readers what team they will pull for in the playoffs. The Red Sox were the victor over the Dodgers by one vote. Here are the results…
Somehow, the Phillies managed to garner 11 votes. I’m guessing those were voted for by Philly fans, don’t you think?
Personally, I’d like to see either the Twins or the Tigers win it all, though for Johan Santana’s sake, maybe the Twins shouldn’t win it all.
Next poll: Were the right people fired?
Bob Raissman brings us very chilling news about our beloved SNY trio.
Keith Hernandez may not be back.
"I've enjoyed the four years and, hopefully, I'm in the middle of negotiating my new contract, hopefully, I'll be back (next season)," Hernandez said.
Darling, eyebrows raised and totally surprised, looked at Hernandez and asked: "Are you doing that (negotiating your contract on TV) now?"
"Hopefully I'll be back," Hernandez said. "If not, it's been a great four years."
Gary Cohen, Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez were one of the few bright spots for Mets fans this season.
Keith is a fan favorite and is always entertaining. I’d be very sad to see him go.
Here’s an interview Kerel Cooper of On The Black did with yours truly discussing starting pitching on the Mets in 2009 and going forward.
Again, thanks to Kerel from On The Black for putting this together.
As expected, Jose Reyes will undergo surgery on his right hamstring tendon.
From the Mets…
The Mets today announced that shortstop Jose Reyes will undergo surgery to clean up scar tissue around the accessory hamstring tendon behind the right knee (semi tendinosis tendon). He will not require surgery for the separate hamstring muscle tear in his right leg which he suffered in late September while working out for his return to baseball.
Mets Medical Director Dr. David Altchek of the Hospital for Surgery in Manhattan has directed that the surgery be performed by Dr. Daniel E. Cooper - the leading expert in the country in the surgical treatment of the chronically torn semi tendinosis tendon in athletes. Cooper, affiliated with The Carrell Clinic and based in Dallas, is the head team physician for the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Stars. Cooper trained under Altchek at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
The date of the surgery is yet to be determined. Reyes is expected to fully recover and be ready for Spring Training.
How many months late is this? I lost count.
Omar Minaya and Jeff Wilpon are on WFAN right now.
Two times already, they have said that “the Mets will have one of the highest payrolls in baseball.”
Um…why?
Can’t you have a winning team without spending so much money? Making the right signings, for the right price or fostering the minor leagues to produce quality players who are under your control.
Enough with the “big payroll” talk and tell me you’re going to give the fans a “winning team.”
“Depending how you feel about the mix we had, some might say 70-92, I should be Manager of the Year.”
-Jerry Manuel, jokingly, on himself (via David Lennon)
Jon Heyman just tweeted something of note…
Mets planning to bring back feisty '86 hero Wally Backman in minor-league coaching role. they could use a little spunk.
It’s about time this guy got another shot.
There is an opening with Double-A Binghamton, as manager Mako Oliveras was fired last week.
Backman’s brash attitude might not sit well with some people, but he’s the kind of guy that will light a fire under a player or team and push them to perform. He has a very polarizing persona, so some people hate him and some people love him.
I’m interested to see how Mets fans react to this. I know a few people will like to see Backman back with the Mets. On the flip side, I also know a lot of people just flat-out don’t like him.
Also, if Jerry Manuel gets off to a rough start in 2010, I wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t considered as a replacement.
Another note on coaches, according to a source, the Mets and Edgardo Alfonzo have been talking about a possible coaching position, likely with the Gulf Coast League team. Just a rumor right now, but that would be nice to see.
The Mets have announced that bench coach Sandy Alomar Sr. and first base coach Luis Alicea will not return for the 2010 season.
Alomar Sr. will be offered another position with the Mets.
Third base coach Razor Shines and catching instructor Sandy Alomar Jr. will stay on staff, but their roles are yet to be determined.
According to Jon Heyman, it was Jerry Manuel’s choice not to fire Shines.
That means Manuel, pitching coach Dan Warthen, hitting coach Howard Johnson and bullpen coach Randy Niemann will be the only coaches sticking in the same roles.
Is this the start to the Mets off-season that you expected?
The 2009 Mets season has mercifully come to an end. It will not be missed. Unfortunately, it will be remembered.
Mercifully, this season is nearly over…
Join in to chat with your fellow fans about Mets, baseball, football or whatever crosses your mind.
(Chat removed, as usual.)
The lineup was posted at noon. Strange.
Here’s the lineup for the last game of the 2009 season…
*Game Chat will be up at 1 p.m.*
Well, you’re in luck.
Head over to The NY Times Bats Blog to see a rundown of the top-(bottom?)10 lowlights of the Mets season.
Also, just to add insult to injury (literally), you’ll have to scroll through the highlights of the New York Yankees season to read the Mets ones.
Sounds about right.
According to his new employer, sources say Bobby Valentine is in talks with the Florida Marlins as a possible managerial candidate.
Valentine just signed a contract with ESPN to join the network as a analyst, but supposedly has a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave the job to manage a team.
Though the Marlins haven’t made any firings, Fredi Gonzalez is on the hot seat in terms of his job as manager of the team. Other teams that will be looking for managers are Cleveland and Washington.
And if some fans had their way, so would the Mets.
“No, I don't.”
-Jerry Manuel on if he had any idea why the umpires delayed the meaningless game for 2 1/2 hours
I’m home for the day (Yeah, New Jersey!) and I will be running around like a chicken with my head cut off.
Talk to you all tomorrow.
Thanks to the Ted Berg, RealAnthonyCamp and others for sending this over.
The Mets have announced that they will be cutting ticket prices for the 2010 season for season ticket holders. They will also not raise any prices of tickets for those without a ticket plan.
Here’s the Mets press release they sent out to ticket-plan holders…
The New York Mets today announced across the board decreases in the price of Season Tickets for the 2010 season at Citi Field with no increase in the price of any ticket next year.
The average ticket price on a full-season basis will drop by more than 10 percent with reductions in select locations in excess of 20 percent. Every Season Ticket Holder will see a decrease in their invoice for next season.
The price of the least expensive seat will remain at $11.
"The Mets are sensitive to the economic realities facing our fans and we have lowered our ticket prices in response to these challenging conditions," said Dave Howard, Executive Vice President, Business Operations. "This move underscores our appreciation of our fans’ ongoing loyalty and support. We are committed to delivering exceptional service and value to our customers at Citi Field in 2010."
Wonderful news. A smart PR move by the Mets that will get people back into the seats.
Oh, and by the way, this morning in my “Nine Innings” interview on Jesse Spector’s blog, when he asked me what I would do if I was owner for a day, I responded with…
You're probably expecting some sort of roster move here, but I would slash ticket prices. By a lot. Look, the fans want to see your team play, so let them. Make the tickets cheaper. Get them through the gate and in their seats. Also, keep the food prices generally cheap because they're going to be hungry. More fans equals more purchases in the stadium. The team will still make its money.
Hire me, Mets! I know what the fans want!
According to the AP, Francisco Rodriguez is the first pitcher since 1995 to allow two walk-off grand slams in the same season.
The last pitcher to do so was Lee Smith in 1995 with the Angels.
Yeesh.
According to Peter Greenberg, Jose Reyes “is going to be good for next year.”
Reyes is expected to have surgery on the leg.
Andrew Marchand of 1050 ESPN spoke to Greenberg who said he has consulted with Omar Minaya and Jeff Wilpon and they believe that Reyes should be able to begin working out in December of January.
If that’s true, Reyes should be ready to go by spring training.
Fingers crossed.
Jesse Spector, who pens the wonderful Touching Base blog for the Daily News, has been putting together a Q&A with some bloggers. Jesse was nice enough to interview me for one of the “Nine Innings.”
Click here to read the blog, where I answer who the most overrated and underrated players are, my picks for MVP, ROY and Cy Young and my most disappointing Met, among other things.
Thanks again, Jesse.
From the Mets…
The New York Mets today announced they will host PEANUTS 60-Year Celebration at Citi Field this Saturday, October 3 when the Mets play the Houston Astros at 1:10 p.m.
The famous PEANUTS characters Snoopy and Charlie Brown will roam the ballpark with Mr. Met throughout the game. Snoopy will also throw out the first pitch and join Mr. Met for the Mr. Met Dash, where children run the bases after the game.
The first 25,000 fans in attendance will receive a PEANUTS Trick-or-Treat Bag in time for Halloween. Lucky fans will also be able to win copies of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" DVD from Warner Home Video, and PEANUTS New Balance Sneakers for toddlers and infants.
Super. Wonderful. Anything to put fans in the stands.
But on a non-baseball note, PEANUTS has got to stop. This comic strip needs to get out of the newspaper every day. We get it, it’s a classic, but it’s maddeningly boring and bland. Do away with it, please.
Also, while you’re at it, please do away with…
But that’s just me.
(Yeah, the Mets are so bad they’ve driven to me blog about comic strips.)
“We're not playing good baseball, despite who we play.”
-Jerry Manuel
and
“I apologize to the fans who were watching this game because it was really embarrassing…When I suck, I suck, and today you guys saw it. That's what happened.”
-Francisco Rodriguez on his performance last night
“He's a good baseball man.”
Has anyone seen this man?!