Oct. 25, 1986: Game 6 of the World Series

Twenty-two years ago today...well...we all know what happened.

Link: Q&A with Fernando Tatis

Big League Stew talked to Fernando Tatis, after winning the MLBPA Comeback Player of the Year.

Some excerpts:

Q: When you got to the Mets organization, they already had David Wright, who plays the same position as you, third base. Did you worry that it would keep you out of the majors even longer?

FT: You know, David Wright is one of the greatest players in the big leagues. I was not worried about it because I put it in my mind that if I didn't make it with the Mets, I'm going to make it to the other teams. I was not really worried about, too, because there were other positions that I could play. I was so happy that they gave me the opportunity to play first base and right field and left field. That was great for me.

---

Q: How does your shoulder feel?

FT: My shoulder feels a lot better. I feel pretty good. It's becoming stronger. I'm going to start playing ball in the Dominican Republic. I played three practice games already, practice games, and it's coming along really good so far.

Q: Do you expect to be 100 percent for spring training?

FT: Yes, that's my goal. That, and to become a better teammate.

I'm liking this guy more and more every day.

My favorite photo from Shea Stadium

I took this at the last game I attended at Shea Stadium. Aug. 11, 2008, when the Mets took on the Pittsburgh Pirates.

I just love this photo. It's one of my favorites from my "portfolio."

Click for full size.

Too expensive?

The Mets may have money to spend, but it looks like they're not going to spend it all in one place. Smart move.

(Ed. note: This might be the 942,398th article I've written about this, and don't expect it to stop. Things are generally speculation, but speculation leads to discussion, and discussion is always fun.)

According to Ken Davidoff, the Mets realize that both Manny Ramirez and Francisco Rodriguez may be too expensive.

The Mets have convinced themeslves that Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez just isn't worth the money he wants to close.
---
The Mets, moreover, have no intention of pursuing Manny Ramirez at this point. Too old, too expensive, too potentially disruptive.

We're all going to have to wait until after the World Series until real news starts pouring in, but this seems about right to me. The Mets have too many holes to fill to go out and spend the majority of they money on one player (especially one who only pitches one inning a game, if at all.)

I'd much rather see them pick up a bunch of good players, instead of one "great" player. Makes more sense in the situation they're in, even if it really hasn't been the style lately.

Help out a Phillies fan

Stay with me. I know you never though you'd see those words on this blog, but she's a good fan, and she deserved it.

Over on PhilliesNation.com, they're running a contest for a pair of tickets to the World Series. I'm throwing my support behind Maria. Believe me, she deserved it.

Head over to Phillies Nation and vote for whomever you want, but I highly suggest Maria!

Still, go Rays!

Coaching staff rounding out

As noted yesterday, Jerry Manuel will retain Dan Warthen, Howard Johnson, and Sandy Alomar Sr. Today, two more coaches were announced.

Randy Niemann and Razor Shines (great name) have been added to the 2009 Mets staff. Niemann will take over the bullpen coaching duties, and Shines will man the third base coaching box.

Guy Conti, the teams previous bullpen coach, Ken Oberkfell, and Luis Aguayo will all stay with the organization. Oberkfell will likely return to managing the AAA affiliate.

Niemann will start his third stint as the Mets bullpen coach, as he was with the team from 2000-2002 and 1997-midway through 1999. This will be his 22nd year with the Mets.

Shines, used to coach with the White Sox organization, which is most likely why he's joining Manuel's staff (Manuel coached the Sox from 98-03).

I'm going to find as many reasons to write about Razor Shines as possible. I like all of these moves, all of these coaches. Well done.

And oh thank heavens, Luis Aguayo will no longer be in the dugout.

Fernando Tatis named NL Comeback Player of the Year

Good for him. He truly deserved it.

Here's what they had to say about Tatis in the press release (via David Lennon):

After not playing professionally in 2004 and 2005, Tatis was motivated to attempt a big league comeback by his desire to earn enough money to build a church in his hometown of San Pedro de Macoris, D.R. The road back was a bumpy one as he played in just 28 games with Baltimore in 2006, and found himself in Triple-A New Orleans for all of 2007. Not to be deterred, he excelled in New Orleans, and finished the season with 21 homers, 137 hits and 90 runs scored in 131 games.

His 2007 performance was good enough to earn him a trip to spring training with the New York Mets, but he fell just short of making the big league roster out of camp, winding up back in the Big Easy. However, after just 37 games in New Orleans, he was summoned to the Big Apple in May, and helped the Mets contend for the NL East title by hitting .297, with 11 homers, 47 RBI and 33 runs scored in 92 games.

I was dead-set against bringing in Tatis, giving him any time in spring training, and especially when they called him up. He proved me, and all of his detractors very, very wrong.

I'd like to see Tatis back purely as a bench player. He excelled in that role, and was pretty good as a forced starter. I have a feeling he's penciled in on the bench, as long as they can come to terms on a contract.

Mets to go after K-Rod

If you thought people complained about Billy Wagner, just wait until the Mets have Francisco Rodriguez on the mound (if they land him, of course).

ESPN1050 reported on Monday that "an executive with knowledge of the Mets thinking" thinks the Mets will pursue the season saves leader, but will not bid on CC Sabathia.

First of all, that term "executive with knowledge of the [teams name] thinking" really irks me. It seems to vague and misleading. Might as well quote a psychic.

Anyway, the Mets are going to have to pay through the nose, but locking up a decent closer for a long time might be the best way to spend the money. The team has roughly $30 million to spend to stay in line with last years payroll. The better be willing to fork over a good chunk of that for a man that will get three outs in one inning of work.

Outside of the closer, the Mets need to spend money on bridging the gap from starter to closer. Oh, and don't forget they need two starters too.

Sure, I'd love to see the Mets land Rodriguez. I love his stuff, his fire, and the ability. I think he might be a bit overhyped, as he did let a lot of men reach base, but still was able to work out of jams. I'm prepared for heart attacks in the ninth inning for years to come.

This is going to be one crazy off-season.

Link: Q&A with Ted Berg

Check out a good friends blog, Mets Fans Forever, for an interview of SNY.tv's Ted Berg.

Jason Bartlett is my MVP

There was a bit of a hubbub when Jason Bartlett was named the MVP of the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, it is undeniable he is the hero. Free tacos for everyone!

Thanks to Bartlett's stolen base in the fifth inning, everyone in America will be able to stop by Taco Bell on Oct. 28, between 2 - 6 p.m. for one free taco.

Genius move on Taco Bell's part. No way, no how, is someone going to go to Taco Bell and only have one measly taco. They're bound to buy something else, especially a drink if you're as sensitive to spicy food as I am. (I can't even eat Chex Mix. And I mean the normal, completely normal Chex Mix. I'm a wuss, I know.)

Anyway, I'll be heading out next Tuesday to pick up my free taco, and if you join me, you must thank Jason Bartlett.

Big League Stew grabbed a screen cap of the wonderful graphic.