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Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Edgy DC Jan 11 2010 10:18 AM

Pirates closing in on Ryan Church Blaine Beatty takes over the pitching staff for the Frederick Keys. Aaron Ledesma catches on with the Yanks as an infield instructor. Bob Keppel is doing something, but the link won't work.

Edgy DC Jan 11 2010 02:14 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Lenny DiNardo tries to re-ingratiate himself to the Sawx by jamming with Theo Epstein and Peter Gammons. Is that really Lenny? Bats lefty, throws lefty, but plays the rickenbacker righty? Really?

Fman99 Jan 11 2010 03:53 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

I love [crossout:3vea0wh7]Bernie from Weekend at Bernie's[/crossout:3vea0wh7] Peter Gammons on guitar, he rocks!

TransMonk Jan 12 2010 07:10 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Argenis Reyes signs with the Dodgers http://hotstove.mlblogs.com/archives/20 ... n_rey.html

TransMonk Jan 13 2010 06:39 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Church deal with Pirates complete pending physical. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=A ... &type=lgns

Nymr83 Jan 13 2010 06:48 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Rob Neyer wrote: The Pirates added Ryan Church on a one-year contract on Tuesday that will pay the outfielder a 1.5 million dollar base salary which could reach up to 2.8 million if all plate appearance-based incentives are reached thats a good deal for the Pirates.

Bunt the First Two Jan 13 2010 07:56 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Churchie and Nady, Burnitz, Derek Bell Look back, see, we had them in right for a spell Fate turns, yes it does, and each would move on Ask, and I'll tell you, to Pittsburgh they've gone You cry out for help, but to fate, you're a pawn New York Pergatory to Steel City Hell Churchie and Nady, Burnitz, Derek Bell

Edgy DC Jan 15 2010 07:56 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Heath Bell, re-ups with San Diego --- one year and four mills, avoids Arby Tration. Jorge Sosa, minor league deal with Boston.

attgig Jan 18 2010 09:15 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

somewhat of a continuing career... Jose Offerman, now managing in the dominican punches an ump... good job jose.

MFS62 Jan 19 2010 10:25 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

From various sites the past week: Royce Ring signs a minor league contract with the Yanks. If he joins their AAA team in Scranton he will meet their recently re-signed infield coach - Aaron Ledesma. Later

attgig Jan 19 2010 01:02 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Jeremy Reed signs minor league deal with Jays

Edgy DC Jan 22 2010 08:09 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Jay Payton and Paul LoDuca, step up and get your minor league contracts from the Rockies.

TheOldMole Jan 23 2010 09:46 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

I would have given Paul LoDuca a minor league contract.

Edgy DC Jan 25 2010 08:02 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Tyler Walker joins the Nats and becomes, I think, the 26th pitcher on their 40-man roster. Actually, it was already 25, but the roster was full, so they'll have to do a transaction to accomodate him. But seriously. That's a lot.

Fman99 Jan 26 2010 10:42 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

The X-Man, Xavier Nady, signs with the Cubs. According to Yahoo! Sports.

G-Fafif Jan 27 2010 02:10 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Springtime in the Rockies with Tim Redding, provided he makes the big club after signing a minor league contract.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 04 2010 09:04 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Shinjo, SHORN. http://www.tedquarters.net/2010/02/04/a ... aves-head/

themetfairy Feb 05 2010 06:17 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

He's still got that sparkle!

MFS62 Feb 07 2010 01:10 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Now we know why we haven't seen him for a while: http://www.insidetherockies.com/2010/02 ... o-sky-sox/ Later

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 08 2010 11:45 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Well, that's weird, and vaguely unsettling. But then, so is the fact that Bobby Kielty himself was the one who confirmed it to MLB Trade Rumors. Or that he's a ginger at all.

Edgy DC Feb 08 2010 12:47 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

I like Kietly. I'm sorry he couldn't deep-fry a Buffalo as well as he ought to have.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 08 2010 10:47 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Lenny just keeps on digging. (He really IS gritty, isn't he?) Everything below is [sic], natch. Nails wrote: A stock becomes a pick based on 3 or 4 core items, such as; its technical trends - its moving averages. I watch these to see what direction it's headed. I also watch market trends for news that will impact that stock's industry and its performance. These are the strategies that enable me to pick good stocks that will turn hot at some point, enabling me to cash out. In the end, they pay off. And in some weeks, those payoffs hit the ball out of the park!

Edgy DC Feb 09 2010 06:17 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

I don't know if he's writing his own copy these days (but I guess he is). This reads like it was translated from the Japanese by a Commodore 64. Nicknamed 'Nails' for his tough style of play, the 3-time National League All-Star played 12 years in the major leagues. Lenny was called up to the big leagues by the1985, it to the show in 1985 for the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies which included winning the 1986 World Champions, New York Mets and the 1993 National League Champions, Philadelphia Phillies.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 09 2010 10:06 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Ex-flamethrowing prospect/erstwhile D'Back/nominal Mariner Yusmeiro PetitDFA'ed to make room for Bedard. He's out of options, so he'll be riding waivers a bit longer before heading Tacoma-ward. Hmm. Perhaps this should be in the "Hot Stove" thread?

MFS62 Feb 09 2010 10:08 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Edgy DC wrote: I don't know if he's writing his own copy these days (but I guess he is). This reads like it was translated from the Japanese by a Commodore 64. Be careful, Edgy. Computers do have memory. And one day, when they take over the world, you might get attacked by a Vic-20. Later

Edgy DC Feb 09 2010 10:12 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

While he was a prospect (organizaitonal pitcher of the year at one point), I think the issue was that he wasn't a flame-thrower. Elusive, rather than fast, I think he was (correctly as it turned out) tagged as a guy who may not be able to miss as many bats against higher competition. His strikeout totals are still pretty good though.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 09 2010 10:27 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

You are correct, sir. It was a moving fastball, though, right?

MFS62 Feb 09 2010 10:28 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Was he the first player in Major League history whose first name began with "Y"? There have been some since then (e.g.- Yorvit Torealba), but I don't remember any before him. Later

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 09 2010 10:29 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Yorkis Perez.

Benjamin Grimm Feb 09 2010 10:30 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Yvonne De Carlo

MFS62 Feb 09 2010 10:42 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Yvonne De Carlo Ben, you're showing your age. LOL! She may not have pitched in the majors, but she sure had some nice curves. Later

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 09 2010 10:49 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Speaking of Red Cs... Yadier F-ing Molina.

Edgy DC Feb 09 2010 11:20 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Ex-flamethrowing prospect/erstwhile D'Back/nominal Mariner Yusmeiro PetitDFA'ed to make room for Bedard. He's out of options, so he'll be riding waivers a bit longer before heading Tacoma-ward. Hmm. Perhaps this should be in the "Hot Stove" thread? Also on the DFA line is Gaby Hernandez. With a little effort, the Mets can corral in all the booty they sent to Florida in 2005-2006.

Farmer Ted Feb 10 2010 04:34 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Not sure what possessed me to do this, but went to the Pirates website to glance at the depth chart. Milledge is listed as a starter, Church listed as backup at all outfield positions. How about that for career advancement? Backup to Lastings Milledge.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 11 2010 01:09 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Vaya con Aaron, Tommy Boy. I'm not devastated.

Edgy DC Feb 11 2010 05:09 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Wow, MLB tagged him like a deer:

Edgy DC Feb 12 2010 11:23 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

I read this interesting blog post pointing out the simliarities of Glavine and Frank Thomas. I read this quote and did a stop. "I still could play right now, but with this body and I'm 41," said Thomas. "I can walk away and say I was just as good at the end as I was at the beginning, probably better because I was much smarter." I origianally thought that was Glavine, who, while deluded, would have had a point, because he really took his lumps at the start of his career. But it turns out to be Frank Thomas, who would be delusional and delusional only. He was astoundingly awesome at the start, and scarcely wanted at the end. But check out Tom Glavine at the starts and end of his career Year IP ERA 1987 50.1 5.54 1988 195.1 4.56 1989 186.0 3.68 Year IP ERA 2006 198.0 3.82 2007 200.1 4.45 2008 63.1 5.54 Now, yeah, two very different eras, and a 5.54 ERA is much less useful in 1987 tan in 2008, but it'd be hard to find anybody else who came and went in such similar fashinon. Two perfect ends to the bell curve.

metirish Feb 15 2010 06:32 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Endy Chavez to the Rangers , $1 million for 2010 if he makes the team ,2011 club option for $1.25 million.

Fman99 Feb 15 2010 06:53 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

metirish wrote: Endy Chavez to the Rangers , $1 million for 2010 if he makes the team ,2011 club option for $1.25 million. Good luck to him. How can you not root for the guy?

Rockin' Doc Feb 15 2010 09:04 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Fman99 wrote: metirish wrote: Endy Chavez to the Rangers , $1 million for 2010 if he makes the team ,2011 club option for $1.25 million. Good luck to him. How can you not root for the guy? If he had signed with the Yankees. In all seriousness, I wish Endy well. I always liked the guy, even before "The Catch".

Edgy DC Feb 19 2010 05:07 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Billy Wagner is one self-centered closer. [list][*]I want to get 40 saves.[/*:m] [*]If I do that, I can pass Franco.[/*:m] [*]If I do that, I can be the savingest lefty ever.[/*:m] [*]If I do that, I can get in the Hall of Fame.[/*:m] [*]Oh, and if I do that, it should help the team, also.[/*:m][/list:u]

metsguyinmichigan Feb 22 2010 08:43 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Chan Ho Park extending his tour of Mets tormentors, signs to play for the Yankees.

metirish Feb 22 2010 08:44 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Wow , Brain Cashman is a genius.

Frayed Knot Feb 22 2010 08:51 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Hey, Park's not going to be the star he briefly was 10 years ago but has been a useful part for the last two seasons and probably should have been considered for here. But I think too many Met fans convinced themselves that he was the devil himself based on the grand total of 4 innings he pitched for them 3 seasons back to the point where mgmt is too spooked to even consider it.

Met Hunter Feb 23 2010 09:24 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

metsguyinmichigan wrote: Chan Ho Park extending his tour of Mets tormentors, signs to play for the Yankees. I love it when the Mets make signings like this and they're the laughing stock of the MFY world.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 26 2010 10:49 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

How do you say "no" to this? I mean, really? The agent representing former Mets second baseman Edgardo Alfonzo is trying to convince general manager Omar Minaya to sign his client. Peter Greenberg said on Friday his 37-year-old client is willing to report to the Minor League camp and receive no invitation to the big league camp. "He'd just like to show he can still play," Greenberg said. "And he'd like the chance to retire as a Met if it doesn't work out." Alfonzo, who ranks with Darryl Strawberry, David Wright, Jose Reyes, Hubie Brooks, Kevin Mitchell, Mookie Wilson, Todd Hundley and Jeromy Burnitz as the best position players the Mets have developed, left the club as a free agent after the 2002 season and played five more seasons. He also played for the Long Island Ducks before playing in Japan. he has undergone surgery to clean out his knee. If the Mets decline his services as they have for two years, Alfonzo will sign with the Newark Bears. I'd just like to point out that they employed past-their-expiration-dates-- and older-- Damion Easley and Marlon Anderson for guaranteed major-league deals during the same timespan.

Frayed Knot Feb 27 2010 06:43 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Except that neither Easley nor Anderson were six years past their expiration dates at the time. Seriously, I liked Fonzie as much as anyone but the line about wanting "to show he can still play" is priceless. He's had about 9 chances with several teams over the recent half-decade and has shown the answer to be 'No' each time.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 27 2010 07:39 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Frayed Knot wrote: Except that neither Easley nor Anderson were six years past their expiration dates at the time. Seriously, I liked Fonzie as much as anyone but the line about wanting "to show he can still play" is priceless. He's had about 9 chances with several teams over the recent half-decade and has shown the answer to be 'No' each time. Call me a sentimental ass, but I think this is key... "And he'd like the chance to retire as a Met if it doesn't work out." Fonzie's legacy could use some burnishing. This is a nice, easy way to bring a little goodwill into camp, and do just that... along with setting the scene for a not-too-far-off-- or not posthumous, anyway-- Met HOF induction. (No Met HOF should have Gary Carter in it, yet remain Fonzieless.)

Frayed Knot Feb 27 2010 08:33 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Whether Fonz goes into the NYM HoF should have nothing to do with whether or not he retires as a Met. Plus does showing up to camp and getting cut without ever making the team even mean that you were a Met when you hung 'em up? I know that whole 'retire as' thing is big in the NFL, but it's stupid there too and there's no reason to copy it.

Gwreck Mar 02 2010 11:38 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Catching up with Chris Woodward. Nice article but incorrectly attributes his double in the 2006 NLDS as him playing for Atlanta (???).

Edgy DC Mar 12 2010 09:03 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Robinson Cancel? Joselo Diaz? Congratualtions, you men are Ducks.

Fman99 Mar 13 2010 01:21 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Shinjo, SHORN. http://www.tedquarters.net/2010/02/04/a ... aves-head/ It looks bigger that way. Oh wait, what?

Edgy DC Mar 18 2010 01:16 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

And Kristen Benson gets a minor-league dealio from Arizona.

Edgy DC Mar 22 2010 06:11 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Scutaro recalls his first day as a Met.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 25 2010 11:22 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Mar 26 2010 08:45 AM

Heath Bell has excellent taste in Nerf toys, believes in UFOs and the curve, doesn't believe in the DH or political parties, and likes... biting. Also, he says some nice things: DB: Is it a coincidence that the Mets have gone to pot ever since you left? (Ed. note-- hilarious, asshole.) Bell: Ooh. Part of me says yes, but a part of me says no. I didn't have the best shot over there but they did give me a shot and I'm always going to have a small part of me that's a Met. I'm always going to follow them a little bit. Was I happy the first year when they fell? Kind of, but after that I was kind of upset. I want to beat them every time we play, but I also want them to get to the playoffs if I'm not playing them. I guess I'm a little softie for that. Miss you, too, Ron Lardenhire. OE: Forgot to link to the article.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 26 2010 07:29 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Kaz Fatsui Mike Chubbage Manny Whalexander Glendon Walrusch

Edgy DC Mar 26 2010 07:34 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Mickey Wesson

Edgy DC Mar 26 2010 07:37 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Great. It turns out to be poor Mickey's birthday.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 26 2010 09:42 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Jeff McNugget? Initially forgot to link to the article, which is long, but weird and worth it.

Frayed Knot Mar 27 2010 03:27 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

If you're an ex-NYM with a hard last name to spell, well then today is your day to make news: ** Doug Meintkiewicz leaves Dodger camp after being told he's lost the LH-PH job to Garret Anderson and is not going to make the roster. Dodgers offer to keep him around as a coach of some sort but he says he wants to play more and will go home to "consider his options" ** Scott Schoeneweis signs a minor league deal with the BoSox

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 27 2010 03:36 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Who the hell is so terrible you'd PH an aging Doug Mientkiewicz for him?

Edgy DC Mar 27 2010 03:57 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Frayed Knot wrote: ** Doug Meintkiewicz... will go home to "consider his options" Astronaut? Nope. Luther? Naah. Theologian? Mayb... naah. I got it! Lion tamer! Naaah.

Ashie62 Mar 28 2010 08:17 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Siegfried & Mientkewicz

Fman99 Mar 28 2010 06:46 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Edgardo Alfonso and Armando Benitez both sign with Newark Bears for 2010.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 30 2010 12:50 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

"He's just a guy doing a job that has to be done." And now that he's been released by the Marlins, for former Met bullpen creature Scott Strickland, that job is no longer retiring Edgar Renteria with men on, but working for the man: "You get a contract from a bank and it says these people know they're not paying their bills," Strickland told the Palm Beach Post. "It's not their first time. And you just walk up with the contract: 'Hey, we've got an order for repossession of your car. If you give me the keys, we'll let you get your stuff out. If not, we'll just take your car.' " And hey-- there's a Mellencamp reference in there, too! Reminds me of a song. He said "John it's just my job and I hope you understand." Hey, callin' it your job, ol' hoss, that sure don't make it right But if you want me to, I'll say a prayer for your soul tonight

Met Hunter Apr 01 2010 07:03 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

KC Royals-Announced the retirement of C Vance Wilson.

duan Apr 02 2010 04:07 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

wouldn't this be fun [url]http://twitter.com/rocktober/status/11447839658 "The Phillies are kicking the tires a bit on Redding. They had interest in him over the winter. For now, Kendrick is Blanton's replacement. " ***** Seriously, i'd like to think that we could give redding a whooping.

G-Fafif Apr 02 2010 06:38 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Paul Lo Duca and Jay Payton, like Tim Redding, all given minor league assignments by the Rockies, whose supersub will be Melvin Mora. Octavio Dotel feels "perfecto," or at least did as of last week, and will be the Pirate closer. With Jason Isringhausen and Paul Byrd unsigned, Mora and Dotel are the last of the '90s Mets slated to appear on an Opening Day roster in 2010.

Edgy DC Apr 02 2010 06:57 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

I'm-a guessing Glendon Rusch gets a phone call to suit up this season. Life has also taught me to never write off Alberto Castillo.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2010 09:41 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Drew Butera won the plum job of being Joe Maurer's backup.

Edgy DC Jun 16 2010 02:08 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Aaron Heilman, your new Diamondbacks Closer.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 16 2010 02:13 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Mets shoulda tried that 5 years ago.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 17 2010 12:41 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Jason Phillips... bullpen catcher, master of the cute meet.

bmfc1 Jun 17 2010 01:00 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Jason Phillips is a bullpen catcher? I wonder if he couldn't get a minor league job or doesn't want one. You'd think that he could find playing time in the Independent League.

metirish Jun 17 2010 01:04 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Great story about Phillips.....wow, I was thinking about him the other night and wondering if he was still playing......thanks for the link

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 17 2010 01:07 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Whaddaya think the layout will be-- ceremony on the mound, wedding party near home plate, family and friends surrounding in the David Cone Fans section?

Fman99 Jun 17 2010 01:43 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Whaddaya think the layout will be-- ceremony on the mound, wedding party near home plate, family and friends surrounding in the David Cone Fans section? I would love to heckle the wedding from the upper deck, blindly drunk, throwing harmless empty plastic beer bottles down on the happy couple.

themetfairy Jun 17 2010 02:19 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Damn Fman - I almost spit my seltzer all over the computer screen!

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 17 2010 02:23 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Wasn't Phillips married to a hot Australian athlete? I'm almost sure of it. He and Seo dumped by them Shielas

G-Fafif Jun 17 2010 03:04 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

The reason I bought my first REYES 7 shirt was the clubhouse shop didn't have PHILLIPS 23. Interesting the directions their respective careers took.

seawolf17 Jun 17 2010 03:39 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Only 33; you're right, I'm surprised he's not still playing too. Although his current gig isn't a bad one. I think any one of us would trade jobs with him.

themetfairy Jun 17 2010 03:45 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

I remember a photo of Jason with his baby in the locker room in 2003. Ty Wigginton was on the next stool, looking totally annoyed by the baby's presence.

Chad Ochoseis Jun 17 2010 04:39 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Okay, well, uh... candlesticks always make a nice gift, and uh, maybe you could find out where she's registered and maybe a place-setting or maybe a silverware pattern.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 17 2010 05:45 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Chad Ochoseis wrote: Okay, well, uh... candlesticks always make a nice gift, and uh, maybe you could find out where she's registered and maybe a place-setting or maybe a silverware pattern. Origato. Nicely spare selection, although I would call the automatic toothpaste dispenser a "tool of ignorance."

Edgy DC Jun 18 2010 05:25 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

I say we go for the Swarovski crystal-encrusted goggles.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 18 2010 08:05 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

The Ultimate MBTN Database sez: Congrats to the Phillipses and the DePastinos (Aug. 5 [2003]): The Mets today sent down pitcher Jeremy Griffiths 46 for a few days while Jason Phillips 23 attends the birth of his son. The move provided a rare opportunity to 12-year minor league vet catcher Joe DePastino, who made his long-awaited Major League debut tonight in Houston wearing No. 10. DePastino had 2 at bats before getting sent back.

themetfairy Jun 18 2010 09:08 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Thanks Lunchie. The photo I was thinking about was probably during Spring Training 2004, now that I think of it.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 25 2010 12:53 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

I might be able to make my peace with the imminent Marlins-Valentine marriage if he promises to use this guy as his closer. Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLBTradeRumors.com wrote: The Marlins' search for relievers has led them back to Armando Benitez. They plan to sign the long-time closer and assign him to Triple A, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald (via Twitter). Spencer notes that Benitez will likely be in uniform for the New Orleans Zephyrs tonight, assuming he passes his physical (Twitter link). It was apparent that the Marlins were looking for relief help, but this agreement is a definite surprise.

Ceetar Jun 25 2010 12:55 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: I might be able to make my peace with the imminent Marlins-Valentine marriage if he promises to use this guy as his closer. Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLBTradeRumors.com wrote: The Marlins' search for relievers has led them back to Armando Benitez. They plan to sign the long-time closer and assign him to Triple A, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald (via Twitter). Spencer notes that Benitez will likely be in uniform for the New Orleans Zephyrs tonight, assuming he passes his physical (Twitter link). It was apparent that the Marlins were looking for relief help, but this agreement is a definite surprise. I get a little fuzzy about other times, but Benitez has been the Marlins closer before right?

G-Fafif Jun 25 2010 12:59 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: I might be able to make my peace with the imminent Marlins-Valentine marriage if he promises to use this guy as his closer. Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLBTradeRumors.com wrote: The Marlins' search for relievers has led them back to Armando Benitez. They plan to sign the long-time closer and assign him to Triple A, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald (via Twitter). Spencer notes that Benitez will likely be in uniform for the New Orleans Zephyrs tonight, assuming he passes his physical (Twitter link). It was apparent that the Marlins were looking for relief help, but this agreement is a definite surprise. BV Heart AB so much that he had his staff change the name of the Timo Burger (or whatever it was called) to the Armando Sub (or whatever it was called) at the old Bobby V's of Corona. On every menu, the change was made by hand.

Edgy DC Jun 25 2010 01:25 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Ceetar wrote: I get a little fuzzy about other times, but Benitez has been the Marlins closer before right? Hell, yeah! Many New York bashers are amnesiac about that season (2004), coming directly after his Met/Yankee/Mariner one. He not only had his best year (2-2, 47 saves, 1.29 ERA, 62 strikeouts and 21 walks in 69 2/3 innings), but he absolutely murdered the Mets, getting a record 11 saves against them while posting a 0.68 ERA in 13 innings. He got no Cy Young support (Gagne and Lidge --- who pitched more innings, but didn't put up as miniscule an ERA or notch as many saves ---did), but he finished 23rd in MVP voving. He was simply Mandoriffic.

Fman99 Jun 25 2010 01:27 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

I might be able to make my peace with the imminent Marlins-Valentine marriage if he promises to use this guy as his closer. The Marlins' search for relievers has led them back to Armando Benitez. They plan to sign the long-time closer and assign him to Triple A, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald (via Twitter). Spencer notes that Benitez will likely be in uniform for the New Orleans Zephyrs tonight, assuming he passes his physical (Twitter link). It was apparent that the Marlins were looking for relief help, but this agreement is a definite surprise. I get a little fuzzy about other times, but Benitez has been the Marlins closer before right? He was an all-star there, in fact, immediately upon leaving the Mets. It was his last effective season -- he then went to SF and turned back into a pumpkin. OE: Not immediate, he went briefly to Seattle first, my bad. It was the following full season, 2004.

Edgy DC Jun 25 2010 01:34 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

He went to the Yankees before that! Come on, people!

seawolf17 Jun 25 2010 01:46 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Amnesiac?!? Hell no. I still have nightmares about it. The Mets couldn't hit him; it was unreal. It was that season that spawned my hatred for all things Marlinian.

Frayed Knot Jun 25 2010 02:00 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

I remember when he was in Miami all the FAN-iacs telling us that he'd never pitch well against the Mets on account of that NY-phobia thing he had. Then when he did the story changed to where he wouldn't pitch well against the Mets IN NYC ... and that quickly fell to pieces too. I suppose the story eventually wound up where he couldn't pitch against the Mets, at Shea, late in the season or something nit-picking like that, but after about 7 straight saves most of them had shut up.

Edgy DC Jun 25 2010 02:04 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Oh you forget too. They shut up until, like, two years later, when the Mets had a comeback against him and the Giants, and the common line was that "We all knew it was going to happen as soon as the brought Benitez in," even though he had had a save for them against the Mets the night before.

G-Fafif Jun 25 2010 03:15 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

The last time we saw him was pretty sweet. It is, literally, a Mets Classic (aired about 4,000 times on SNY to date).

Fman99 Jun 26 2010 06:10 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

G-Fafif wrote: The last time we saw him was pretty sweet. It is, literally, a Mets Classic (aired about 4,000 times on SNY to date). Ah, the balk-off win. What a great game that was.

G-Fafif Jun 27 2010 05:52 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Casey Fossum is pitching and blogging Japanese style. Also, Jon Heyman's reporting he'll be managing the Marlins any day now.

Edgy DC Jul 06 2010 07:13 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Matt Watson, called up by the Athletics for his third cuppa. What's the deal with the AL West? Oakland is eight games in back of a bankrupt team.

Edgy DC Jul 19 2010 08:56 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Louisville Bats, loving their Sargelet.

MFS62 Jul 19 2010 09:00 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Louisville Bats, loving their Sargelet. And he's still being remembered my his ex fellow major leaguers: http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/joba- ... layers.php Later

Edgy DC Jul 19 2010 09:02 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

The Indians, who claimed Anderson Hernandez from the Mets at the end of Spring Training, have DFA'd him, so if you are unsatisfiied with Justin Turner, we may get a chance to claim him back for a third trip around the park.

MFS62 Jul 19 2010 09:17 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Edgy DC wrote: The Indians, who claimed Anderson Hernandez from the Mets at the end of Spring Training, have DFA'd him, so if you are unsatisfiied with Justin Turner, we may get a chance to claim him back for a third trip around the park. Its a possibility. With Castillo about to rejoin the Mets, someone will have to be sent down. Tejada is the only other true shortstop on the Mets to backup Reyes. But if they want to send him back down for more seasoning, Hernandez might be the guy they'll sign. Later

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 19 2010 09:26 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Yeah, no.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 19 2010 10:42 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

MFS62 wrote: Edgy DC wrote: The Indians, who claimed Anderson Hernandez from the Mets at the end of Spring Training, have DFA'd him, so if you are unsatisfiied with Justin Turner, we may get a chance to claim him back for a third trip around the park. Its a possibility. With Castillo about to rejoin the Mets, someone will have to be sent down. Tejada is the only other true shortstop on the Mets to backup Reyes. But if they want to send him back down for more seasoning, Hernandez might be the guy they'll sign. Turner was drafted as a shortstop-- playing about as much there in the minors as Tejada has second base-- and he plays some third as well (which, given the Burrelling Wright's knee took yesterday...).

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 19 2010 10:56 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Besides, Hernanderson was/is a shitty shortstop.

Edgy DC Jul 19 2010 11:10 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

I'm reporting, certainly, not advocating.

Fman99 Jul 19 2010 12:32 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Speaking of weak-hitting former Met middle infielders (or WHFMMI's if you prefer), we spotted Argenis Reyes toiling for the Red Sox' AAA affiliate this past weekend at a Syracuse Chiefs game.

Edgy DC Jul 19 2010 12:36 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Fman99 wrote: Speaking of weak-hitting former Met middle infielders (or WHFMMI's if you prefer), we spotted Argenis Reyes toiling for the Red Sox' AAA affiliate this past weekend at a Syracuse Chiefs game. I would pronounce this acronym "Whiff-Me's."

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 20 2010 09:01 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 20 2010 09:04 AM

some good stuff in here Tuesday, July 20, 2010 In-depth: Ex-Met now at D-Backs helm By Adam Rubin AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin Former Mets reliever Jerry DiPoto (left), who grew up a Mets fan in Toms River, N.J., is now Diamondbacks interim GM. He's paired with Kirk Gibson, Arizona's interim manager. The office of the interim general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks is decorated with New York Mets memorabilia. Well, more precisely, Tom Seaver memorabilia. Jerry DiPoto, who grew up in Toms River, N.J., and pitched as a reliever for the Mets in 1995 and ’96, grew up a fan of the organization. He even named a son Jonah Seaver DiPoto after the Hall of Fame Pitcher. DiPoto was named interim GM of the Diamondbacks this month, when Josh Byrnes was fired. “I’ve actually developed a little relationship in the years since, particularly toward the tail end of my years with the Mets,” DiPoto said, referring to Seaver. “He wrote a letter to my son essentially giving him permission to wear the number 41 should he ever get to the big leagues and play for the Mets. So that hangs over my son’s bed, although he probably isn’t aware of the significance of number 41. Now he almost 14 years old. It’s something if you asked him to name the first baseball player that came to his mind, he might not say me. He might say Tom Seaver, because it’s been drilled into his head.” DiPoto may have groomed himself for his current role during his days with the Mets. He annually organized the team’s fantasy football pool, and was a dominant force in it as a general manager for years. “It was pretty large. We had a lot of fun to play in the Mets’ fantasy football league for years,” DiPoto said. “My cohort was Pete Harnisch -- one of my closest friends. We actually ran the league together for a number of years, even after we left.” Al Bello/Getty Images Jerry DiPoto throws a pitch during a Mets game at Dodger Stadium on June 5, 1995. DiPoto, now 42, was a combined 11-8 with a 3.97 ERA and two saves in 115 relief appearances for the Mets over two seasons. He also pitched for the Cleveland Indians and Colorado Rockies during a major league career that spanned 1993-2000. The year before joining the Mets, DiPoto had a cancerous thyroid gland removed during spring training. He had reappeared in the major leagues by June of that ’94 season. After retiring, “within two hours” he was working in the front office for the Rockies. He recalled being a “high school foe” of Al Leiter. His extended family remains in New Jersey. “A lot of things stood out about it,” DiPoto recalled about his Mets days. “I was born in New Jersey and grew up a Mets fan. So the two years I was able to play in New York were a lot of fun for me. It was a chance to realize a boyhood dream -- to play for your favorite boyhood club. “They weren’t great years for the Mets. They were OK years in regard to performance. One I would consider having contributed a good deal. Another not so much. The one thing I will always remember is the thrill the first time I got to put the uniform on because it’s something I honestly dreamed of my whole life.” His favorite players -- aside, of course, from Seaver? “Lee Mazzilli, Steve Henderson, Buddy Harrelson,” DiPoto said. “There was a crew of Mets players that kind of stuck together for a while in the period shortly after free agency began that I certainly had an affinity for, and I still do.” Not that DiPoto will look to steer frontline pitcher Dan Haren to the Mets in a trade or anything like that. Instead, DiPoto is looking to team with interim manager Kirk Gibson to build a winner in Arizona and remain in their roles beyond this season. “That was the growing-up phase,” DiPoto said about his Mets fandom. “Once you get into pro ball, your allegiance is where you work. Right now, we’re going to go through this not knowing how it goes for the next two weeks. But our efforts are going to be toward maintaining a positive environment, creating a culture here that I think we’ve been a little short on in recent years, and allowing Gibby to do his thing.” DiPoto has no assurance his job will continue beyond the 2010 season. “The way I’ve approached my career -- I’ve been in some capacity in professional baseball for 22 years -- every day is an audition,” he said. “Nobody ever promises you much for tomorrow. It all depends on what you do today. The way I accept this is the same way I accepted my playing career. You go out there and do the best job you can do, with the team coming first. And I think Gibby is wired the same way. And whatever happens, happens.” As for the affinity for Seaver, DiPoto rattled off the articles on display in his Diamondbacks office. “I’ve got a lot of Tom’s memorabilia,” he said. “An old jersey, pictures of him, things that he’s signed to me that are some of my most valued possessions.” What about a bottle of wine from Seaver’s vineyard? “No, unfortunately,” DiPoto said. “I may well do that on Aug. 1.”

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 20 2010 09:03 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

A really dutiful Mets fan would make it his first order of business to shed that onerous Dan Haren for a selection of fine non-Wilmer/non-Jenrry prospects.

MFS62 Jul 20 2010 09:08 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Besides, Hernanderson was/is a shitty shortstop. A brief, but accurate, description. Later

Edgy DC Jul 21 2010 08:50 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

The Reds are gearing up for the stretch by, among other things, apparently adding Jason Isringhausen. The Pads are all in as well, my friends, adding Wily Mo Peña.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 21 2010 09:01 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Anyone notice that DiPoto article?

batmagadanleadoff Jul 21 2010 09:04 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

I'm happy to hear that DiPoto and Isringhausen survived Dallas Green's doghouse.

seawolf17 Jul 21 2010 11:54 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Hernanderson and Figgy both land off waivers in Houston, as per Adam Rubin. They have also put in claims on Emil Brown, Argenis Reyes, and Jon Switzer in an attempt to recreate that 2009 Mets Magic™.

Edgy DC Jul 21 2010 12:45 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

I wonder what Mrs. Figgy's blog says this morning.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 21 2010 12:51 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

seawolf17 wrote: Hernanderson and Figgy both land off waivers in Houston, as per Adam Rubin. They have also put in claims on Emil Brown, Argenis Reyes, and Jon Switzer in an attempt to recreate that 2009 Mets Magic™. I never figured Ed Wade for a funny-cigarette man before.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 23 2010 09:27 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

After winning a couple of division crowns and a WS title, the Phillies continue on Phase 3 of their late-oughts campaign of terror: desecrating Met fan memories. Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Philadelphia has signed Timo Perez to a minor-league contract and assigned the outfielder to Double-A. The outfielder hasn't played in the majors since 2007, but he has been toiling in the independent leagues, Mexican League and (this season) for the Dodgers' Triple-A franchise, posting a .762 OPS in 123 plate appearances for Albuquerque.

Farmer Ted Jul 23 2010 02:28 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Pearlman takes a look at history. Good piece. Called Jim Duquette yesterday. Left a message for him at the Sirius XM office, where he hosts a show with Kevin Kennedy. Mentioned that I'm working on a column about Scott Kazmir. Never heard back. I'm not upset. Duquette is someone I know a little bit, someone I like and respect as both a former baseball executive and, now, as a fellow member of the media. Maybe he was busy. Maybe he had to cook dinner, fly to Guam, buy a sofa, meet my Uncle Marty for sushi. My guess, however, is that Duquette simply doesn't want to answer the 432,532,211th question of his life about Kazmir, Victor Zambrano and the ill-conceived trade that overshadowed his brief career as general manager of the New York Mets. I completely understand. It has been nearly six years to the day since Duquette, in his only season as New York's GM, famously dealt his team's top prospect, the 20-year-old Kazmir, to Tampa Bay for a pitcher who, in 2003, led the American League in walks, wild pitches and hit batsmen. Not that Zambrano didn't have an upside. He threw hard, his fastball had some wicked movement and, at age 28, he was still in the prime of his career. "The feeling is that we still have a chance (this year)," Duquette said at the time. "We're still in the mix. Let's go for it. With these guys added to the rotation [the Mets also acquired Kris Benson from Pittsburgh] we have a chance to win every night." The trade was a disaster. At the time, New York was seven games behind Atlanta in the NL East standings and 7 1/2 back of San Diego for the wild card. It was a listless, heartless, ill-fitted collection of players, what with an aged Mike Piazza missing 94 games, Kaz Matsui butchering balls at shortstop, a person named Eric Valent somehow accumulating 270 at-bats and the overmatched Art Howe managing. With or without two new starting pitchers, the Mets were wretched. They finished the year 71-91, a whopping 25 games behind Atlanta and 21 out of the wild card. Unbeknownst to the Mets, Zambrano was suffering from a bum right elbow. He would last three seasons in New York, going 10-14 with a 4.42 ERA in 39 appearances. He hasn't played in a major league game since 2007. In the ensuing years, as Kazmir emerged as Tampa Bay's ace and a two-time All-Star, Mets fans grew to place the deal among the worst in franchise history. There was Nolan Ryan (along with Leroy Stanton, Francisco Estrada and Don Rose) to the Angels for Jim Fregosi in 1971. There was Tom Seaver to the Reds for Doug Flynn, Pat Zachry, Steve Henderson and Dan Norman in 1977. There was Mike Scott to the Astros for Danny Heep in 1982. There was Lenny Dykstra, Roger McDowell and Tom Edens to Philadelphia for Juan Samuel in 1989. And now there was Kazmir for Zambrano -- Duquette's personal Waterloo. With, ahem, one problem. While Duquette was certainly foolish to take on Zambrano, his worries about Kazmir have, by and large, proven true. At the time of the deal, Kazmir boosters were comparing the youngster to another Ron Guidry. Both were small (Kazmir is 6-feet, 175 pounds), left-handed, fluid and hard-throwing. Yet how many Ron Guidrys are there? Truth is, when the Mets brass watched Kazmir throw, they often saw another Bud Smith, a slight St. Louis left-hander who, as a rookie phenom in 2001, went 6-3 while tossing a no-hitter. Smith was briefly the talk of baseball, but after pitching terribly early in 2002, he was traded to Philadelphia and never heard from again. He was small, he was left-handed -- and he broke down. Yes, Scott Kazmir has had a nice career. But nice is often misleading. Now in his seventh full season, Kazmir has never posted an ERA lower than 3.48, has never won more than 13 games and has only thrown one complete game -- in 2006. After beginning last season with an 8-7 record and 5.92 ERA for Tampa Bay, he was unceremoniously shipped to the Angels for Sean Rodriguez and two prospects. Now, with his velocity down, his once-potent slider nonexistent and his ERA a major league-worst 6.92, Kazmir has been placed on the disabled list by an organization perplexed and befuddled by a should-be ace. He recently made the worst start in the 49-year history of the Angels, permitting 13 earned runs over five innings against Oakland. "Looking at video, I can't even tell if that's me out there," Kazmir recently told ESPN. "It's getting a little out of control." In other words, the man has broken down. He will likely never be Ron Guidry or, for that matter, the Scott Kazmir of four years ago. This doesn't mean Jim Duquette was right. The trade was unambiguously dumb and irrational and unsophisticated. But after six years of being reminded of the blunder, it's time to let him move on. The baseball landscape is one littered with boneheaded swaps -- many worse than Kazmir for Zambrano. Jeff Pearlman can be reached at anngold22@gmail.com Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/w ... z0uXUp30Nv

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 23 2010 03:07 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Yeah, "never had an ERA below 3.48" and "one complete game" is reaching. I am reminded though of that trade now because just like in 2004 the Mets are playing like shit after the all-star break and like then if they move heaven and earth to make a trade now they have no guarantees.

G-Fafif Jul 23 2010 03:22 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Easy to confuse lousy years, I suppose, but Piazza missed the gargantuan chunk of time in 2003, not 2004. He was a healthy first baseman in 2004...which may have been a sickly idea, but he didn't miss extended periods of time. Not having access to the medical reports (as apparently the Mets didn't), I was for the trade. I just assumed Kazmir would turn into Pulsipher, Leary, Hank Webb, you name him. One hindsight thing that pissed me off at the time, after Kazmir made his debut, was that some Post (I think) columnist bemoaned how awful this was for the Mets, that by all rights, had the trade not occurred, Kazmir would be making his first start "in front of 50,000 screaming Mets fans" at Shea. Kazmir could have been followed to the mound by John Lennon and they wouldn't have drawn 50,000 to Shea in September 2004. Cast doubt and express cynicism, but don't stretch idiotically to prove your points.

Edgy DC Jul 27 2010 12:09 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Ty Wigginton, flips out on the field and gets suspended for three games. He appeals, and it gets dropped to two games. Three games? Two games? What's the big deal, Ty? Prentice Redman has to sit out 100.

Edgy DC Aug 05 2010 09:31 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Chan Ho Park, claimed by the Buccos for their "staggering pen."

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 05 2010 09:33 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Anderson Hernandez, DFAed by the Astros.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Aug 05 2010 09:58 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

AndyNandy had put up a .230/.260/.284 trip-slash* this year, for an OPS+ of 50. (Because I know you're all wondering: Alex Cora has put up a .207/.265/.278 for a 47 OPS+, in twice the at-bats, and at more than four times the paycheck... which is set to automatically renew for '11 with 18 more appearances.) And speaking of middle-infielders you can sit in judgement on... At least he didn't spit. That would be, like, unseemly. *Even more 'ficient!

Benjamin Grimm Aug 07 2010 01:25 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Maybe, just maybe, Carlos Delgado will be the next guy to hit his 500th home run: MLB.com wrote: Red Sox sign Delgado to Minors deal The Red Sox may have added some veteran insurance for the stretch drive on Saturday, when they signed Carlos Delgado to a Minor League contract. Delgado, a two-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger, will spend the next few weeks playing his way into shape at Triple-A Pawtucket before a potential promotion. Delgado, who has hit 483 career home runs, has missed all of the season due to a hip condition that required two operations. He played in just 26 games for the Mets last year, and if he manages to make it up to Boston, it would be his first appearance with an American League club since his tenure with the Blue Jays ended in 2004. The Red Sox are likely hoping that Delgado can help fill the void left by first baseman Kevin Youkilis, who was lost for the season with a torn muscle in his right thumb. Delgado, an All-Star in 2000 and 2003 with Toronto, has hit at least 30 home runs in 11 different seasons, most recently with the Mets in 2008, his last full year of action.

Fman99 Aug 21 2010 08:57 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Royce Ring, closing tonight's game for the SWB Yankees here in Syracuse. Still submarining.

Met Hunter Aug 23 2010 04:55 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

(Bridgeport, Conn. – August 23, 2010) – The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced the signing of pitcher Bartolome Fortunato. The former Major Leaguer makes his way to Bridgeport for his Atlantic League debut and ninth season of professional baseball. Fortunato began the year with St. George of the Golden League. He made one appearance for the Road Runners, tossing one inning. The 36-year-old was originally signed as an undrafted free agent in 1996 by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The reliever reached Major League status at the age of 29 with Tampa. He was traded during the 2004 season to the New York Mets along with pitcher Victor Zambrano for Jose Diaz and Scott Kazmir. Fortunato has earned two victories and worked 29 innings in the Majors between the Mets and Devil Rays. The righthander has struck out 375 batters in 337 career innings in the minors

metirish Aug 23 2010 05:06 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Mr. Koo announces his retirement in Korea.

G-Fafif Aug 23 2010 06:17 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

metirish wrote: Mr. Koo announces his retirement in Korea. Does a Mr. Koo "announce" his retirement, or does he just stop showing up one day and after a while somebody notices?

seawolf17 Aug 24 2010 10:17 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

G-Fafif wrote: metirish wrote: Mr. Koo announces his retirement in Korea. Does a Mr. Koo "announce" his retirement, or does he just stop showing up one day and after a while somebody notices? One of my all-time favorite Mets. They should bring him back as a coach.

G-Fafif Aug 24 2010 02:35 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

seawolf17 wrote: G-Fafif wrote: metirish wrote: Mr. Koo announces his retirement in Korea. Does a Mr. Koo "announce" his retirement, or does he just stop showing up one day and after a while somebody notices? One of my all-time favorite Mets. They should bring him back as a coach. Baserunning?

metsguyinmichigan Aug 27 2010 08:21 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Former Mets manager Frank Howard is appearing tonight at the West Michigan Whitecaps (A-Midwest) game. The Caps have a Tiger Friday promotion, where they have a former Tiger on hand, give out bobbleheads and have the player sign free autographs. They've had guys like Jack Morris and Dave Rozema. I've going to ask Frank to sign my Mets book, and ask him about managing Tom Seaver!

Edgy DC Aug 27 2010 09:04 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Ask him about Craig Swan.

MFS62 Aug 27 2010 09:05 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Ask him about the brown spot of dead grass in left field in RFK stadium where he used to stand. Then, make him feel better. Ask him about the blue painted seats in the upper deck of RFK which mark where two of his longest home runs landed. Does he remember the pitchers? The pitches? Later

metirish Aug 27 2010 09:14 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

G-Fafif wrote: metirish wrote: Mr. Koo announces his retirement in Korea. Does a Mr. Koo "announce" his retirement, or does he just stop showing up one day and after a while somebody notices? Jimmy Carter is over there trying to talk him out of retirement.

MFS62 Aug 27 2010 09:16 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

metirish wrote: metirish wrote: Mr. Koo announces his retirement in Korea. Does a Mr. Koo "announce" his retirement, or does he just stop showing up one day and after a while somebody notices? Jimmy Carter is over there trying to talk him out of retirement. Well played. Both of them. Later

Edgy DC Aug 29 2010 09:22 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

The Nats, convinced they've found their own Jaimie Moyer, sign Orlando Hernandez to an extension. He may be a Moyer, but he's not a Dickey. Rod Barajas, psyched to come home. Alex Cora, recharged and ready to be a Ranger.

metsguyinmichigan Aug 31 2010 01:12 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Last year, my Dad won Freddy Garcia's jersey during spring training, which was OK for Freddy since he never needed it at Citi Field after all. I assumed he was done. But Sunday I went to see the White Sox with a buddy, and there on the cover of the program was the near-Met Garcia. He's 11-5 with an ugly ERA -- but pitching nonetheless. I had no idea.

Edgy DC Aug 31 2010 01:25 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Speaking of near-Mets, any word on what's become of Kelvim Escobar? I thought he'd get a rehab assignment or something.

G-Fafif Sep 12 2010 05:14 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Your 2000 National League Champion Mets are coming out of mothballs: Jay Payton is up with the Rockies, Mike Hampton is a Diamondback. And Super Joe McEwing could easily start at second base for this club.

Ashie62 Sep 12 2010 09:39 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

G-Fafif wrote: Your 2000 National League Champion Mets are coming out of mothballs: Jay Payton is up with the Rockies, Mike Hampton is a Diamondback. And Super Joe McEwing could easily start at second base for this club. This is frightening and everyone was kung-foo fighting.

Edgy DC Sep 23 2010 10:32 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Julie Alexandria, hitting the big time.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 23 2010 10:35 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

So who's hosting Mets Weekly?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Sep 23 2010 10:39 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

I've got a thinly-veiled sexual innuendo in my thinly-veiled sexual-sounding location!

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 23 2010 10:55 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Speaking of which, I did some research on Miss Hillside Honda: [url]http://www.exploretalent.com/model_page.php?talentnum=1511079

Vince Coleman Firecracker Oct 18 2010 10:24 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

[url]http://www.mlb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=3B&sid=l135&t=p_pbp&pid=110135 That's the man himself. He ain't playing great, but he's still playing. One for four Sunday night in the Venezuelan Winter League.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Oct 19 2010 11:14 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Speaking of which, I did some research on Miss Hillside Honda: [url]http://www.exploretalent.com/model_page.php?talentnum=1511079 Just saw. Meow. I don't know who the lovely is that they've got in there working the floor, but... well... she compares. (Not necessarily favorably, but...)

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 10 2010 02:51 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Willie Blair named pitching coach of the Class AA Fort Worth TinCaps (Padres)

Edgy DC Nov 11 2010 08:36 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

And Brian Bannister refuses a AAA assignment and is cut loose by the Royals.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 11 2010 08:39 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Frenchy Francoeur is a free agent too. As are Omir Santos and Mike Hessman, refusers of minor league assignments.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 26 2010 09:13 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Kaz Matsui returning to Japan to play for Eagles TOKYO (AP) -- Kazuo Matsui has returned to Japan and joined the Rakuten Eagles after spending seven seasons in the major leagues. The Eagles said Thursday they reached an agreement with the 35-year-old infielder, who played for the New York Mets, Colorado Rockies and Houston Astros from 2004-10. The switch-hitting Matsui was waived by the Astros in May and finished the year in the minors. Matsui, who helped the Rockies reach the 2007 World Series, batted .267 with 615 hits and 102 stolen bases in the majors. He played in only 27 games for Houston this season, hitting .141.

Edgy DC Dec 01 2010 09:09 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Fernando Nieve catches on with the Pirates. Minor league deal. "Don't be disappointed," says Andy Marte, "I just signed a minor league deal with them also and I used to be the shit. Baseball America top prospect, yo."

Edgy DC Dec 05 2010 08:12 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

$3.25 million for Rod Barajas? Really?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 05 2010 09:24 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Hessman to dominate for Orix of Japan.

metirish Dec 07 2010 12:02 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Enrique Rojas who is fast becoming a Twitter sensation reports that Gary Sheffield is at the winter meetings and he is now a agent/financial advisor.

G-Fafif Dec 07 2010 12:11 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Omir Santos to Tigers; Ty Wigginton to Rockies; J.J. Putz to Diamondbacks; Roberto Alomar to where, one wonders, after he seemed so happy to be here when he had just arrived. ''Finally I get a chance to wear this uniform,'' he said. ''I'm excited. It's like being a little kid again.''

Benjamin Grimm Dec 08 2010 05:53 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Jeff Francoeur to Kansas City. One year $2.5 million.

Gwreck Dec 08 2010 05:54 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Too bad, I was hoping Philadelphia would get him.

Valadius Dec 08 2010 09:01 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Kansas City writer(s) are in for a treat.

Fman99 Dec 15 2010 08:52 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

The X-Man, Xavier Nady, one year, 1.75 mil, Arizona. Good fit for him there.

G-Fafif Dec 16 2010 08:00 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Henry Blanco headed to the D'Backs. He and Takahashi now officially in the One-Year Wonders division of Metsdom.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 16 2010 08:01 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Gustavo Molina inks a minor league contract with the MFYs.

Valadius Dec 16 2010 10:46 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Phil Humber DFA'd by the Royals. You've gotta give Minaya credit - he kept the right pitcher.

Edgy DC Dec 16 2010 10:52 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Ouch. DFA'd to clear room for Francoeur.

metirish Dec 16 2010 10:56 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

I remember the Spring Training of the year I guess he got traded , he and Maine are doing a sit down lunch on SNY with whoever the host was then, seemed like a guy with a future on the Mets...I do find it a shame to see guys like that basically disappear , bounce around...

seawolf17 Dec 16 2010 12:00 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

I'd throw him a minor-league deal. Still only 28, and hasn't been awful.

smg58 Dec 16 2010 12:26 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

seawolf17 wrote: I'd throw him a minor-league deal. Still only 28, and hasn't been awful. I would too. He's young enough that he still has time to get it.

Ashie62 Dec 16 2010 12:56 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

smg58 wrote: seawolf17 wrote: I'd throw him a minor-league deal. Still only 28, and hasn't been awful. I would too. He's young enough that he still has time to get it. Kevin Mulvey is in similar territory.

Fman99 Dec 17 2010 07:54 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Lots of rumors on the Interweb of Pedro Feliciano trading the good-guy pinstripes for the colors of MFY dickdom.

G-Fafif Dec 18 2010 04:36 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Dan Wheeler keeps on turnin' (turnin'!), Boston Red Sox keep burnin' (burnin'!). And for the record in this thread, Feliciano Comma Pedro, a Y Comma MF.

Fman99 Dec 18 2010 07:14 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

It's the holiday season, time to dole out minor league deals under the tree. Mike Jacobs to Colorado, and Endy Chavez to Texas.

Valadius Dec 20 2010 02:53 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Super Joe McEwing named manager of the White Sox's AAA affiliate in Charlotte.

Met Hunter Dec 20 2010 05:44 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Neil Allen will be the pitching coach for the Durham Bulls in the same IL as Super Joe.

Valadius Dec 21 2010 01:51 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Brian Stokes signed to a minor league deal with the Blue Jays.

metirish Dec 22 2010 09:53 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Rubin has a tidy list up By Adam Rubin Here is a look at some of the minor league deals signed with other organizations by players who once appeared for the Mets at the major or minor league level: John Bale, LHP, Tigers Shawn Bowman, 3B, Braves Yhency Brazoban, RHP, Rangers Brian Bruney, RHP, White Sox Willie Collazo, LHP, Blue Jays Clint Everts, RHP, Blue Jays Ruben Gotay, IF, Marlins Anderson Hernandez, IF, Astros Justin Huber, 1B, Twins Chase Lambin, 2B, Twins Gustavo Molina, C, Yankees Fernando Nieve, RHP, Pirates Yusmeiro Petit, RHP, Mariners Royce Ring, LHP, Mariners Omir Santos, C, Tigers Brian Stokes, RHP, Blue Jays Andy Tracy, IF, Diamondbacks Raul Valdes, LHP, Cardinals Tyler Yates, RHP, Pirates

Edgy DC Dec 22 2010 10:13 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Bowman stands out there. He's a defensive specialist had a nice little breakthrough in 2009. He then found his power stroke in 2010 after Toronto grabbed him off waivers. Maybe the world would have been a better place if Charlie Samuels got fired after letting Willie Collazo take the field with his name mis-spelled.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 22 2010 05:38 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

Sean Green is apparently a Brewer.

G-Fafif Dec 23 2010 05:08 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2010

The Royals have assigned Joaquin Arias to Triple-A. There goes, for now, his chance to play with the guy the Mets traded to get him. The A's claimed Phil Humber -- which sounded legalese ("the plaintiffs are seeking an undisclosed amount in damage after claiming Phil Humber..."), but actually means they got the Mets' first-round draft choice from 2004. Deolis Guerra is the only component of the package the Mets traded for Johan Santana who is still in the Twins organization. Wow, what a terrible trade for Minnesota. It's really slowed them down, hasn't it?