Martino: Perez to be released

“On Friday, the Mets appeased an angry public by releasing Luis Castillo - and sources say that Oliver Perez, another unpopular player with a generous contract, will likely soon follow him out of town.”

-Andy Martino

Fingers crossed.

I was discussing this with Randy from (Read) The Apple the other day. If Castillo and Perez aren’t on the team in 2011, who will become the scapegoat? (Because, yes, Mets fans need to hate someone – or something.)

We both agreed that Francisco Rodriguez is next in line for Mets fans hatred. Carlos Beltran – still because of 2006 – is likely next on that list.

Thoughts?

A look back at the 2010 Opening Day lineup

1. Alex Cora – SS
2. Luis Castillo – 2B
3. David Wright – 3B
4. Mike Jacobs – 1B
5. Jason Bay – LF
6. Gary Matthews Jr. – CF
7. Jeff Francoeur – RF
8. Rod Barajas – C
9. Johan Santana – LHP*

Only three players remain within the Mets organization, and one of them will start the season on the disabled list.

Press Release: Mets Release Luis Castillo

Here’s the official release from the Mets regarding Luis Castillo…

The New York Mets today announced that they have released 35-year-old second baseman Luis Castillo.

The 5-11, 191-pound switch-hitter had one year left on his contract.

"This was baseball decision," said Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson. "I met with Terry (Collins) and made a recommendation to Jeff (Wilpon) and Jeff approved on behalf of ownership."

Castillo was acquired by the Mets from the Minnesota Twins on July 30, 2007 for minor league catcher Drew Butera and minor league outfielder Dustin Martin.

He has a .299 career average over 13 major league seasons with 194 doubles, 59 triples, 28 home runs, 443 RBI and 370 stolen bases.

Poll: Who should be the starting second baseman?

With Luis Castillo gone, the question needs to be asked, “Who should be the Mets second baseman when Opening Day rolls around?”

Vote below…

Goodbye, Luis Castillo

Happy trails, Slappy Castillo.

Anyone else get the feeling he’ll catch on with the Phillies (with Chase Utley’s knee issues) and come back to bite the Mets in the butt multiple times this season? No? Just me?

Mets Media Madness: It’s coming…

Voting starts Monday.

St. Patrick’s Day Mets hats [Photo]

Here are the hats the Mets will be wearing in honor of St. Patrick’s Day today…

That is the scariest Mr. Met I have ever seen.

I didn’t think they could design uglier hats than the ones they’ve worn the last few years, but, they’ve proved me wrong.

Terrifying.

Quote from Collins–3/16

“We're going to make some moves here pretty soon.”

-Terry Collins on 2B

OK, I’m ready for baseball

Fun with spring training stats

Spring training stats mean nothing, so why not take a look at some of the more peculiar numbers…

• Nick Evans leads the team with 41 at bats.
• Luis Hernandez, who is “in the second base mix,” has only 12 ABs.  He also has five hits.
• Josh Thole has 13 hits. Lucas Duda and Scott Hairston have 11 each.
• Ike Davis, Lucas Duda, Scott Hairston, Angel Pagan and Josh Thole each have two home runs.
• Davis, Thole and Daniel Murphy have each driven in six runs.
• Jason Bay, Nick Evans and Zach Lutz have each struck out 10 times.
• R.A. Dickey has allowed 13 hits in 12 innings, both the most for a Mets pitcher.
• Chris Capuano, Taylor Tankersley and Chris Young have each allowed two home runs.
• Oliver Perez – unsurprisingly – has walked five batters, leading the Mets in free passes.
• Jon Niese has stuck out 10 batters. Ryota Igarashi is second on the team, striking out 9.

Check out the spring training stats here. Any good tidbits I missed?