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Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 2017

Edgy MD Jan 08 2017 03:46 AM

Pedro Beato, against whom batters at one time couldn't do squatto, attempts to return to the NL East, signing a minor league cataract with the Phils.

Rockin' Doc Jan 08 2017 04:03 AM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Edgy MD wrote: Pedro Beato, against whom batters at one time couldn't do squatto, attempts to return to the NL East, signing a minor league cataract with the Phils. I believe he may have trouble throwing strikes with his cataract. Seriously, best of luck to him with his comeback (except when facing the Mets).

Edgy MD Jan 17 2017 08:02 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Everybody send your congratulations to Dillon Gee, who has signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers. Dillon grew up in nearby Cleburne, TX, only 53 minutes from Arlington and, if that doesn't work out, two hours and 15 minutes from Round Rock.

Edgy MD Jan 22 2017 03:46 AM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Dillon and nu teammate Tyson Ross are both recovering from offseason thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. It seems to be a proliferating diagnosis.

Edgy MD Jan 24 2017 02:56 AM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Josh Thole, no longer employed to catch knucklers, takes a minor league deal with Arizona. Once you were a king, Josh. Once you were a king.

Fman99 Jan 28 2017 08:54 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Ike Davis, minor league deal with the Dodgahs... not much gas left in that tank it seems. If you can't mash as a lefty in the MFY bandbox, well, shit. Time to dust off that resume.

DocTee Feb 10 2017 10:31 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Colin Cowgill, Sandy Eggo, minor league dealio.

Edgy MD Feb 21 2017 02:40 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Short-time infield backup and out-of-his-league girlfriender Danny Muno finds his way into the Dodger organization on a minor league contract. Dodgers have, amazingly, also signed free agent Chase Utley. Big league deal and everything. Perhaps he's only joining them for assassination purposes.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 10 2017 05:50 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Dilson Hererra has a sore shoulder and can't play second base at Reds camp, though he is DHing. Chances of him making squad are low, Reds Insiders say.

Edgy MD Mar 10 2017 07:21 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

What's with that guy? The Mets shed Daniel Murphy, and he still can't crack the squad. The Reds trade Brandon Phillips, still no Dilson.

41Forever Mar 19 2017 01:38 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

I saw Matt den Dekker playing for the Marlins last week. I didn't realized he moved on from the Nationals. Always seemed like a decent guy. I wish him well.

Frayed Knot Mar 19 2017 02:35 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Josh Thole, trying to hook on with Arizona, is possibly looking at surgery and a season-long recovery from it due to a severely torn hamstring. He's going to get a second opinion before deciding on anything, although I suspect that second opinion will likely tell him that he'll need to hit better regardless of how long it takes his hammy to recover.

Edgy MD Mar 19 2017 03:17 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Yeah, but a year on the DL is better money than quittin'.

41Forever Mar 30 2017 12:51 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Mike Pelfrey, released by the Detroit Tigers. I can't think of Pelfrey without thinking about giving up that first-batter homer in the Citi Field debut.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 30 2017 12:53 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

41Forever wrote: Mike Pelfrey, released by the Detroit Tigers. I can't think of Pelfrey without thinking about giving up that first-batter homer in the Citi Field debut. Jody Gerut. What a moment. It said everything about how I felt about the Mets and that place, for about 4 years.

DocTee Mar 30 2017 01:09 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Dillon Gee opted out of his dealio with the Rangers. Tossed six shutout innings yesterday, with nine strikeouts. Has had a pretty solid spring: "In 19 2/3 innings during Major League camp, Gee logged a 3.20 ERA with a stellar 18-to-3 K/BB ratio. While he’s been tagged for 25 hits, only one of those has left the yard for a home run." He'll latch on somewhere, for sure.

Edgy MD Mar 30 2017 01:29 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Maybe Baltimore can add him to Verrett and Ynoa and put together an all-ex-Met rotation.

41Forever Mar 30 2017 05:02 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Story about Pelfrey: "I got what I deserved." [url]http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2017/03/30/tigers-release-pitcher-mike-pelfrey/99818610/

seawolf17 Mar 30 2017 05:06 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Story about Pelfrey: "I got what I deserved." [url]http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2017/03/30/tigers-release-pitcher-mike-pelfrey/99818610/ Pelf has "future Long Island Duck" written all over him.

41Forever Apr 01 2017 04:57 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Sounds like a potential Mets reunion is in the works. My guess: Filling out the rotation in Vegas.

G-Fafif Apr 01 2017 05:54 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Among the Quebec-born MLBers honored at Olympic Stadium this we end for annual Jays exhibitions was Original Met Ray Daviault. Even the Mets don't honor Original Mets.

MFS62 Apr 02 2017 01:16 AM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

G-Fafif wrote: Even the Mets don't honor Original Mets. BOC Later

41Forever Apr 21 2017 04:32 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Former Met -- and minor-league home run champ -- has a new role as hitting coach for the West Michigan Whitecaps. That's the Detroit Tigers' Midwest League team. [url]http://www.mlive.com/whitecaps/index.ssf/2017/04/minor_league_hr_king_mike_hess.html#incart_river_home_pop

G-Fafif Apr 21 2017 04:40 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

From my night chillin' with Todd Zeile, just another Mets fan these days.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 21 2017 08:00 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Kirk Niuewenhuis DFAed by Milwaukee

Edgy MD Apr 21 2017 08:03 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Strikes out like a ... well, like a Met. But if Duda moves to the DL and Cousin Brucie stays at first, they could do worse. Has looked up to José Reyes in the batting average rankings this year, which isn't a very good sign.

Frayed Knot Apr 21 2017 08:06 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Edgy MD wrote: ... if Duda moves to the DL and Cousin Brucie stays at first, they could do worse. At 2 for 25 this year w/15 K's, it'd be tough to do much worse.

Edgy MD Apr 21 2017 08:40 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Yeah, I noted that. But I think you'd agree that this season's level of small-sample-size futility is not exactly representative.

Farmer Ted May 08 2017 01:32 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Four former Mets/Mets Farmhands Robert Carson, Danny Muno, Daryl Thompson, and Cory Vaughn ALL playing for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in the Indy League. There would be a fifth on the roster but the Crabs released pitcher Pat Misch late last week.

Frayed Knot May 10 2017 06:06 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

[u:2is2wvlr]Carlos Beltran HRs off of Bartolo Colon[/u:2is2wvlr] 1) 6/29/2000 Beltran for KC, the 27th HR of his career. Colon with Cleveland, 59th allowed in career 2) 5/10/2001 same teams. 32nd HR for Beltran, 76th for BC 3) 6/30/2001 4) 6/30/2001 first one in the 2nd inning, then again in the 4th. 39th & 40th career for Beltran // 88th & 90th for Big Bart -------- 16 year gap ------- 5) 5/9/2017 in Houston last night. #424 for, 387th against Heard some stat about it being the longest gap between same batter/same pitcher HRs "in the expansion era" - or words to that effect.

MFS62 May 17 2017 12:49 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Jack (the leather rocket) Leathersich is now pitching for the AAA Iowa Cubs. He pitched against Las Vegas last night. His ERA for the season is 10.29, so I doubt we'll be seeing him in the majors any time soon. Later

Edgy MD Jun 08 2017 12:48 AM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Reporting from m Oriole Park: Manny Machado just went down with a wrist injury following a hard but clean slide by Andrew McCutcheon. Coming on to play third for Baltimore, making his season debut ... Ruben Tejada!

G-Fafif Jun 27 2017 06:55 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

John Lannan is a Long Island Duck. Departing right before major team success soon took on a thematic quality for Lannan. His short tenure with the Mets came one year before they won the NL pennant. “It was a transition year for them,” Lannan said. “You could see they had potential. Terry [Collins] was doing a great job with that team. You could see they had the pieces and it was just a matter of it coming together. And it did, the year after.” Lannan had high praise for Collins. “Most managers I played for were really great,” Lannan said. “But in Terry’s case, he really does care about the players and their well-being. It seems like he really wants them to handle everything the right way and make sure every player is all right, which is a great quality to have as a manager.” David Aardsma, too. Ducks closer David Aardsma said he hopes to return from the disabled list early this week. Aardsma, who has been bothered by a pectoral injury, hasn’t pitched since May 28. “It really didn’t affect me while pitching,” he said. “It was more after, and it was more of the concern that, because of [the injury], I would start pitching differently and maybe hurt something real.” Aardsma, who has five saves and a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings in 12 appearances, is anxious to get back on the mound. “I’m going crazy,” he said with a chuckle. “I’m losing it . . . But you understand the process.”

bmfc1 Jun 27 2017 07:06 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Nobody likes Angel Pagan: Some with the Giants muse that the team even misses Angel Pagan, who created an odd sort of unity because most of the players disliked him. http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/san-francisco-giants-find-nothing-is-routine-in-troubled-2017-season-062617

smg58 Aug 07 2017 11:40 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

from Rotoworld: "Ike Davis struck out the side for the Dodgers' Arizona League team Sunday in his first inning as a full-time pitcher. Davis, 30, decided to make the switch to the mound earlier this season after getting off to a rough start as a hitter at Triple-A Oklahoma City. Pitching isn't totally new to him, though, as Davis was a reliever in college at Arizona State. Eric Longenhagen of Fangraphs.com reports that Davis was sitting in the 88-92 mph range with his fastball Sunday in the rookie-level AZL. He's obviously not a great bet to make it to the majors as a pitcher, but it will be an interesting story to track." Did anybody else know about this?

seawolf17 Aug 07 2017 11:43 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Whoa. Had no idea. Good for him.

Frayed Knot Aug 07 2017 11:57 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

smg58 wrote: Did anybody else know about this? Well I remember the part about him pitching in college and heard a brief mention just recently about him considering the pitching option, although it wasn't clear as to whether this was still just an idea or an actual plan ready to test-drive.

41Forever Nov 02 2017 03:21 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Rick Anderson, welcome to Detroit! The Tigers announced the new coaching staff to go with Ron Gardenhire. Anderson was a member of the 1986 Mets champs, and, I think, went with Ed Hearn to the Royals in the David Cone deal. Rick Anderson - Bullpen Coach Anderson, 50, most recently served as the pitching coach for the Minnesota Twins from 2002-14. During his tenure as pitching coach, the Twins advanced to the postseason six times, including three consecutive seasons from 2002-04. He guided Johan Santana to the American League Cy Young Award in 2004 and 2006, while Joe Nathan won the Rolaids Relief Man Award in 2009. Over his 13 seasons in Minnesota, the Twins issued the fewest walks among all Major League clubs with 5,462 walks, which were 674 fewer walks issued than the second place team (St. Louis, 5,719 walks). Prior to joining the Twins Major League coaching staff, Anderson served as a pitching coach for several Minor League teams, including Triple A Salt Lake (1995-2002), Double A Nashville (1993-94), Single A Kenosha (1990-92) and Rookie-level Sarasota (1989). A 24th round selection by the New York Mets in the 1978 MLB First-Year Player Draft, Anderson played 11 seasons in professional baseball, including parts of three seasons in the Major Leagues. In 28 career big league appearances, including 10 starts, Anderson had a 4-4 record with a 4.75 ERA (96.2IP/51ER) and 42 strikeouts. A native of Everett, WA, Anderson and his wife, Rhonda, reside in Fort Myers, FL. The couple has two daughters, Cortnie and Ashley, and one son, Ricky.

Benjamin Grimm Nov 02 2017 03:31 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

I've been to Everett, Washington! The Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum has a fantastic collection of World War II planes. (And tanks and weapons and other stuff too.) If you're ever in the area, it's a must-see! The docents there really know their stuff and they're fascinating to talk to.

Edgy MD Nov 02 2017 05:34 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

How is Rick Anderson only 50? That would suggest he was holding up the back end of the bullpen for the 1986 Mets at 19 years old.

41Forever Nov 02 2017 05:47 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Edgy MD wrote: How is Rick Anderson only 50? That would suggest he was holding up the back end of the bullpen for the 1986 Mets at 19 years old. I was wondering about that, too. Baseball Reference has him at 60. [url]https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/anderri02.shtml

41Forever Nov 07 2017 05:13 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

According to Jon Heyman, Doug Mientkiewicz will be managing the Toledo Mud Hens next season. [url]https://www.fanragsports.com/heyman-tigers-to-hire-doug-mientkiewicz-as-triple-a-manager/

Benjamin Grimm Nov 07 2017 05:16 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

I guess they couldn't get Carlos Delgado. They should have known that he doesn't respond to Street Spanish.

Edgy MD Nov 07 2017 05:29 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Good throwback. "Street Spanish" has to go on any collection of Omar's greatest hits.

41Forever Nov 08 2017 02:12 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Vance Wilson has a new gig: Bullpen coach for the Kansas City Royals [url]https://twitter.com/Royals/status/927956477125562368/photo/1

Edgy MD Nov 08 2017 02:49 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Which brings us to a useful Once We Were Kings side project: THE BURLY BACKUPS Below is a list of all Mike Piazza's backups during his tenure as the Mets catcher. Some covered for him during periods of injury, some sat and waited for him to take a blow, some just came up for a few days during a roster crunch. Some played another position usually, but got an appearance or two in the catcher's box. Pick a burly backup, look him up, and find out what he's doing now. Copy the list and add the new information. I notice Jason Phillips is no longer bullpen catcher for the Dodgers. WEAK PLACE FOR YOU TO PINCH PENNIES, FARHAN ZAIDI! Alberto Castillo: Catching Coach, DSL Mets 2 Ramon Castro: Joe DePastino: Mike DiFelice: Jorge Fabregas: Joe Hietpas: Todd Hundley: Mike Kinkade: Jason Phillips: Todd Pratt: Jim Tatum: Tom Wilson: Vance Wilson: Bullpen Coach, Kansas City Royals Todd Zeile:

41Forever Nov 08 2017 03:05 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Alberto Castillo: Catching Coach, DSL Mets 2 Ramon Castro: Joe DePastino: Roving minor league catching instructor for the Tigers Mike DiFelice: Jorge Fabregas: Joe Hietpas: Todd Hundley: Mike Kinkade: Jason Phillips: Todd Pratt: Jim Tatum: Tom Wilson: Vance Wilson: Bullpen Coach, Kansas City Royals Todd Zeile: Joe DePastino spent 10 years in the minors and made his Metly debut in August 2003, getting just two at-bats. He was manager of the West Michigan Whitecaps, A-Midwest League, for two glorious season before becoming a roving instructor.

Frayed Knot Nov 08 2017 03:10 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Most people already know how to rove, you wouldn't figure they'd need an instructor for that.

seawolf17 Nov 08 2017 03:49 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Hietpas became a real estate lawyer in St. Louis. I looked him up a few years back because I was going to send him an autograph request.

dgwphotography Nov 16 2017 05:28 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Wally Backman, New Britain Bee

Edgy MD Dec 27 2017 04:05 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Ty Kelly, briefly a funny, skinny utility Met, has been claimed by the Blue Jays.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 27 2017 04:25 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

If you ignore the "sometimes Y" clause, 85.7 per cent of the letters in his name are consonants. Can any other Met top that?

Edgy MD Dec 27 2017 04:49 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Well, I'm uncertain about that standard, since the Y's there are serving as vowels, but on those terms, Ed Lynch ties Ty's score at 85.7.

Edgy MD Dec 27 2017 07:06 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

This is me totally falling for fake news, by the way. Ty is still a free agent. (Go get him, Mets!)

Benjamin Grimm Dec 27 2017 07:13 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Did you get that story from The Kaplan Herald?

Edgy MD Dec 27 2017 07:17 PM Re: Once We Were Kings: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets in 201

Papa says, ‘If you see it in The Kaplan Herald, it’s so.’