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Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2008 (2009 content too)

AG/DC Jan 04 2008 09:31 PM

Hideo Nomo, signing a minor league deal with the Royals, essentially the threshold of extinction.

cooby Jan 05 2008 08:22 AM

Is that Tommie Agee?

AG/DC Jan 05 2008 09:40 AM

It's Tommie AG.

cooby Jan 05 2008 10:09 AM

Yes, I see now. You know, the trouble with me is, I ask dumb questions, figure out the answer for myself, then look really silly. Very cool, AG/DC!

AG/DC Jan 07 2008 01:09 PM

Edgardo Alfonzo is one of the leading hitters in the Venezuelan Winter league this winter, batting .335 with five home runs and 33 RBIs in 54 games.

AG/DC Jan 10 2008 12:03 PM

Signing with the Astros is Victor Diaz and Mike DeJean.

Farmer Ted Jan 10 2008 03:00 PM

Did I see Mike DeFelice just signed somehwere? on edit: yup, Tampa Bay, minor league deal

Farmer Ted Jan 11 2008 05:05 AM

Tim Bogar named coach with the Rays.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 11 2008 07:58 AM

Jermaine Allensworth signs with the Schaumberg Flyers of the Northern League

AG/DC Jan 11 2008 08:06 AM

Mike Piazza gives dubious answers on drugs: http://www.beliefnet.com/story/220/stor ... OAodozwG1g

themetfairy Jan 11 2008 08:15 AM

[quote="AG/DC"]Mike Piazza gives dubious answers on drugs: http://www.beliefnet.com/story/220/stor ... OAodozwG1g

Oy -

It's kind of like going back and reinvestigating the Kennedy assassination. It's impossible to really put a finger on where it derailed and where it went wrong.

Benjamin Grimm Jan 11 2008 08:21 AM

There's just so much in that article that I prefer not to comment on. Instead, I'll just ask: Does Mike have a job for next season? Is he still with Oakland?

AG/DC Jan 11 2008 08:37 AM

Well, I'm not asking you to deal with Mike's testifying. It's for an audience of people already seeking faith and all. I'm more concerned with the issues that are the concern of the general baseball audience. He's never acquitted himself particularly well on the subjuect. Baseball's drug scandal is almost nothing like the Kennedy assasination. Maybe in that it draws out the opionions of louts and fools, but that can be said about a lot of things. But that as an excuse to move past the issue without investigating? Should we have moved past the Kennedy assassination?

smg58 Jan 11 2008 01:39 PM

[quote="Benjamin Grimm":19kgnozi]There's just so much in that article that I prefer not to comment on. Instead, I'll just ask: Does Mike have a job for next season? Is he still with Oakland?[/quote:19kgnozi] He's still a free agent.

AG/DC Jan 11 2008 01:40 PM

Mike Cameron, Milwaukee Brewer. Fun fact (theological content, so Ben Grimm, look away.): Mike Cameron's name roughly translates in English to "Shrimp Who Is Like God."

smg58 Jan 11 2008 02:06 PM

[quote="AG/DC":1170yti0]Mike Cameron, Milwaukee Brewer. Fun fact (theological content, so Ben Grimm, look away.): Mike Cameron's name roughly translates in English to "Shrimp Who Is Like God."[/quote:1170yti0] You know, church attendance would be a lot higher if communion involved shrimp cocktail.

metsguyinmichigan Jan 11 2008 02:20 PM

[quote="AG/DC":1w9aioy0]Signing with the Astros is Victor Diaz and Mike DeJean.[/quote:1w9aioy0] I like it when Mike DeJean signs with other National League teams. It's good for our batters.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 11 2008 02:36 PM

I dunno. Anyone remember that short period of time in 2004 when Mike DeJean ruled the universe? Not only did he relieve us of Karim F. Garcia, he also relieved pretty darn well. Then it was revealed he was pitching with a broken leg. Then they fixed him up, he came back, and sucked.

AG/DC Jan 11 2008 02:39 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jan 14 2008 10:26 PM

Mike DeJean was the original Guillermo Mota. He was picked up on a flyer, kicked ass for a partial season, got himself a ocntract based on that partial season, and then made monkeys of us all. The thing about DeJean is that he did well again after we sold low on him. In Colorado!

Rockin' Doc Jan 14 2008 09:42 PM

I'm probably just blinded by the fact hat I always liked Mike Cameron during his time with the Mets, but I think he could have been a nice addition to the Mets. Cameron could fill in for Beltran when Carlos he needed some time off or he could platoon with Church against lefties. Cameron could be a late inning defensive sub or a right handed power bat off the bench.

Gwreck Jan 14 2008 09:50 PM

I liked Cameron a lot too. I suspect though that he would've been reticent to take a part-time job and probably would've needed a big increase to not take a starting job. Also, he's out for the whole month of April.

Farmer Ted Jan 19 2008 07:59 AM

Ty Wigginton signs a one-year deal with Houston. Xavier Nady avoids arbitration and scores $3.35 million deal for 2008 with Pittsburgh.

Rockin' Doc Jan 19 2008 03:03 PM

Gwreck - "I liked Cameron a lot too. I suspect though that he would've been reticent to take a part-time job and probably would've needed a big increase to not take a starting job." True. I'm sure he was looking for a fulltime role as a center fielder, but he could have been a great fit for the Mets.

Farmer Ted Jan 22 2008 07:17 AM

Chicago Sun-Times: The White Sox are expected to announce today that they have reached agreement on a two-year, $11 million contract with free-agent reliever Octavio Dotel, several sources close to the situation said Monday. The Sox also had been looking at signing starting pitcher Bartolo Colon, but with Dotel on board and Colon wanting more than a one-year deal, those talks have gone all but silent.

smg58 Jan 22 2008 09:13 AM

The Sox have now overpaid for two relievers this offseason, one of whom is average at best and the other is about as likely as I am to give them two full seasons of quality relief work.

AG/DC Jan 22 2008 09:22 AM

The Sox are going for it on full throttle. I think it'll blow up in their faces like a coyote contraption. But it may be just as fun to watch.

Rockin' Doc Jan 22 2008 06:47 PM

I loved the Coyote and Roadrunner as a kid. Hell, I still find them amusing.

AG/DC Jan 25 2008 01:36 PM

WASHINGTON -- Nationals catcher Paul Lo Duca suffered a left knee injury this week while working out in a New York gym. Lo Duca saw Dr. Andrew Pearle, the Mets' associate team physician, on Friday and had an MRI in New York. Lo Duca will return to Washington on Monday to be looked at by Dr. Ben Shaffer, the Nationals' physician and orthopedist. According to a baseball source, the injury was described as a "tweak." It has not been determined if Lo Duca will miss time in Spring Training. The Nationals will give an update on Lo Duca's condition next week.

seawolf17 Jan 25 2008 02:51 PM

[quote="AG/DC"]WASHINGTON -- Nationals catcher Paul Lo Duca suffered a left knee injury this week while working out in a New York gym. Lo Duca saw Dr. Andrew Pearle, the Mets' associate team physician, on Friday and had an MRI in New York. Lo Duca will return to Washington on Monday to be looked at by Dr. Ben Shaffer, the Nationals' physician and orthopedist. According to a baseball source, the injury was described as a "tweak." It has not been determined if Lo Duca will miss time in Spring Training. The Nationals will give an update on Lo Duca's condition next week.

"Ha, ha!"

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 25 2008 03:06 PM

Wolfie's killing me today.

mario25 Jan 26 2008 07:47 AM former Mets players

Joe Mcewing is the Triple A hitting coach for the Charlotte Knights (White Sox) and Joel Youngblood is the Triple A hitting coach for the Diamondbacks. Met both guys at Mets Fantasy Camp and they were great guys and awesome baseball coaches. Youngbloods team hit .297 tops in baseball in 2007.

AG/DC Jan 26 2008 03:44 PM

How did you do? Do we get a report?

AG/DC Jan 27 2008 10:48 PM

[quote="seawolf17"][quote="AG/DC"]WASHINGTON -- Nationals catcher Paul Lo Duca suffered a left knee injury this week while working out in a New York gym. Lo Duca saw Dr. Andrew Pearle, the Mets' associate team physician, on Friday and had an MRI in New York. Lo Duca will return to Washington on Monday to be looked at by Dr. Ben Shaffer, the Nationals' physician and orthopedist. According to a baseball source, the injury was described as a "tweak." It has not been determined if Lo Duca will miss time in Spring Training. The Nationals will give an update on Lo Duca's condition next week.

"Ha, ha!"

Meniscus tear in his left knee, expecting to miss 4-6 weeks. Possible surgery.

Sounds like we'll be seeing some Jose Flores action at the start of the season, and Paulie won't be getting those 18 games against the Mets he so devoutly wished.

Willets Point Jan 28 2008 10:00 AM

Looks like we dodged a bullet twice.

DocTee Jan 29 2008 08:12 AM

Nats sign furtive Met Johnny Estrada to a one-year, $1.25 million deal as insurance for Paulie.

AG/DC Jan 29 2008 08:21 AM

With that kind of coin, I guess Flores goes down whenever Lo Duca is ready.

metsguyinmichigan Jan 30 2008 08:00 AM

Astros are collecting former Mets infielders. HOUSTON (AP) — Right-hander Brian Moehler and utility player David Newhan agreed Tuesday to minor league contracts with the Houston Astros. ùù Moehler was 1-4 with a save and a 4.07 ERA in 42 games for Houston last year, and the 10-year veteran has a 64-83 record with a 4.75 ERA. ùù Newhan appeared in 56 games with one homer and six RBIs for the New York Mets last season. He also spent time last year with Triple-A New Orleans, hitting .347 with seven homers, 12 doubles and 30 RBIs in 44 games. He also has played for San Diego, Philadelphia and Baltimore.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 30 2008 08:04 AM

I'm not the kinda guy who makes a big deal about this stuff normally but thank heavens Newhan is out of here. I mean, he wasn't at all useful.

Fman99 Jan 30 2008 09:35 AM

[quote="John Cougar Lunchbucket":3rfh7bn7]I'm not the kinda guy who makes a big deal about this stuff normally but thank heavens Newhan is out of here. I mean, he wasn't at all useful.[/quote:3rfh7bn7] I agree - he stunk out loud. I was present at Shea for his one home run that he hit as a Met. Sadly it came in a game where ol Pelf' was getting shelled by Milwaukee.

AG/DC Feb 05 2008 06:51 AM

Kansas City signs ex-Met Tim Hamulak Houston signs es-adoptee Harold Eckert. Eckert has played for Las Vegas four straight years, and had an ERA over six each year. Nice work if you can get it.

Farmer Ted Feb 08 2008 06:43 AM

Benson and his wife looking to move up I-95. From the Philly Inquirer. The Phillies continue to talk with Gregg Clifton, the agent for free-agent righthander Kris Benson. The team has seen Benson, 33, throw twice in private sessions recently. Benson, who missed last season recovering from shoulder surgery, is looking for a one-year contract with performance bonuses. Today could be an important day in negotiations because Benson is scheduled to throw for a few teams tomorrow. If those teams like what they see, that could change the dynamic of negotiations between the Phillies and Clifton. "Trying to get to the finish line," Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "I know the player is interested in playing in Philadelphia, and we have interest in signing him. But it takes two to tango, and at the end of the day we have to be comfortable and they have to be comfortable." If Benson signs, he would compete for a spot in the rotation with Adam Eaton, Chad Durbin and Travis Blackley.

AG/DC Feb 08 2008 07:12 AM

Phillie Phans are pheeling phrustrated and phunky with that back end of the rotation. I'll be honest. I'm not blown away by Hamels and Myers up front either. Nor their pen. That lineup is golden, though.

MFS62 Feb 10 2008 12:24 PM

Tony Clark a Padre: http://www.rotoworld.com/conte....aspx?sport=MLB Later

SteveJRogers Feb 11 2008 07:31 PM

Couple of recent ex-Met signage Both Steve Traschel and Doug Mientkiewicz to minor league deals with the Orioles and Pirates respectively Also Chris Woodwardsigned with the Yankees.

Valadius Feb 16 2008 08:50 AM

Nationals catcher Paul Lo Duca apologizes for 'mistakes in judgment' By HOWARD FENDRICH, AP Sports Writer February 16, 2008 VIERA, Fla. (AP) -- In his first words about his inclusion in the Mitchell Report, Nationals catcher Paul Lo Duca apologized Saturday for his "mistakes in judgment." The four-time All-Star was one of more than 80 players cited in baseball investigator George Mitchell's report on drug use in the sport. Lo Duca was to arrive at the team's spring training camp Saturday for a preseason physical. "In regards to Senator Mitchell's Report, I apologize to my family, all of my fans and to the entire baseball community for mistakes in judgment I made in the past and for the distraction that has resulted," Lo Duca said in a statement released by the Nationals. The report came out in December, two days after the Nationals announced they signed Lo Duca to a $5 million, one-year contract. One of the main sources of the report, admitted steroid distributor Kirk Radomski, gave Mitchell's investigators copies of checks he said were from Lo Duca, each in the amount of $3,200. Radomski said those were for human growth hormone. The report also included handwritten notes from Lo Duca to Radomski, one of which was seized from Radomski's house during a search by federal agents. "So that I can focus on making positive contributions and avoid creating further distractions, I respectfully decline to comment any further on the content of the Mitchell Report," Lo Duca said in the statement. He played for the New York Mets the past two years, then moved to the Nationals as a free agent. Lo Duca, who turns 36 during the first month of the 2008 season, had left knee surgery last month and is expected to miss most of spring training. In 10 major league seasons with the Dodgers, Marlins and Mets, Lo Duca has batted .288 with 80 homers and 466 RBIs.

MFS62 Feb 17 2008 09:23 AM

Happened to see the promo for the tv show "Joes VS Pros". The "pro" baseball player who will be competing looked like John Franco. Anyone know if that is really him? Later

SteveJRogers Feb 17 2008 09:31 AM

Yeah, it is. Also Al Leiter is among the Season 3 roster. The impressive roster for Season 3 includes a list of sports heroes ranging from Heisman trophy winners to World Series heroes to hockey and boxing hall-of-famers to an Olympic gold medalist. They include: Brady Anderson, Jamal Anderson, Kenny Anderson, Kurt Angle, Jessie Armstead, Joe Carter, Derrick Coleman, Paul Coffey, Sean Elliott, Nick Van Exel, John Franco, Arturo Gatti, Jeff George, Allan Houston, Rocket Ismail, Al Leiter, Charles Oakley, Christian Okoye, Dan Majerle, Marty McSorley, Warren Moon, John Randle, Mitch Richmond, Bob Sapp, Jimmy Smith, Pernell Whitaker, Ricky Williams, and Rod Woodson.

AG/DC Feb 18 2008 10:33 PM

Faith has been broken. Tears must be cried. Bret Boone trying to do some living after he died. Signed a mnor league dealio with the Nats. "There's something still in there,'' Boone said Monday. "I look at it as I've got nothing to lose.'' Somebody's been renting Rocky Balboa.

Farmer Ted Feb 20 2008 11:50 AM

I must have been hybernating. Kaz is an Astro?

AG/DC Apr 06 2008 01:03 PM

Yup. Also, the (Devil) Rays have called up Mike DiFelice to help in their streak past the Yankees. Meanwhile, Adam Rubin catches up with Tom Glavine: Say what you want about Tom Glavine’s last performance as a Met, but he’s a first-class guy who never wanted to leave Atlanta in the first place. The Braves’ last-minute, final offer to Glavine before he left for the Mets was for roughly $10 million a year for three years. But that’s misleading, because the entire third-year salary was deferred without interest, making the average annual value much less. What was it like putting on a Braves uniform again? “It was an adjustment, just like when I put on the Mets jersey for the first time. It obviously wasn’t as severe because I have a familiarity here, with this ballpark and Bobby (Cox) and John (Smoltz) and Chipper (Jones). But it still felt different. I think in my mind, I knew, ‘All right, you’re making a change.’ And there’s a little bit of uneasiness that comes with that. Obviously it’s a little bit easier to settle in because I do have history here and I have familiarity here.” Had you been looking ahead to Saturday’s start against the Mets? “Yeah, I have. … It will be different pitching against those guys, just like pitching against Atlanta was always different than any other team I pitched against when I was with New York. Pitching against the Mets is going to be the same way.” Really, the same way? You can’t have the same emotional attachment to New York. “It’s probably not as much, simply because I spent 16 years here. But I think it’s more than people give it credit for. Even though I was only there for five years, I made some good friends there. And those five years had a good impact on me as a person and on me as a player. The emotional ties that I had there are much greater, I think, than people give it credit for. Because of that, it’s going to be different, but it’s not going to be like that first time I faced the Braves after being here for 16 years and felt like everybody on the team and in the ballpark knew everything I was doing. It won’t be that extreme, but it’ll be close.” What about the treatment from Atlanta fans, many of whom were upset with you? “Like I’ve said, I’m not naïve enough to sit here and say everybody in Atlanta is going to be thrilled that I’m back. I know that there are some people that aren’t, and will continue to not be. Those people that are set in their ways like that, you can’t change their minds. But I think that the overwhelming majority of people will feel good and feel positive about me being back, especially if I pitch well and help this team get back to the postseason.” Did former GM John Schuerholz’s book, where he revealed that you met with him on the eve of the press conference in Flushing because of reservations, make you a sympathetic figure to some extent to Atlantans? “I don’t know. Maybe, maybe not. I don’t know why people needed to hear that from John or read it in a book, because I made no bones about that fact that when I was facing free agency, my goal was to stay in Atlanta. It just didn’t work. Maybe his explanation in the book gives people different insight on it, more so than, ‘Oh, he’s just a greedy player and it was all about the money.’ I still think there are people that feel that way, but maybe there are people who were on the fence who are a little bit more understanding. I don’t know.” If Frank Wren hadn’t replaced Schuerholz as GM, would you be here? “I think so. I think at the end of the day, regardless of what happened between me and John, I don’t think it remained or continued to be a personal thing. I think in the end me coming here obviously made sense for me personally, and I think it makes sense for them business-wise. I don’t see that that would have been too hard to overcome.” How good can the Braves be? “I like our team. I think offensively we’ve got a really good lineup. We obviously have some questions with our pitching with John (Smoltz) being a little bit banged up now. Obviously with Mike (Hampton) being hurt the last couple of years, people are keeping their fingers crossed with him. There’s some uncertainty, maybe a little bit, in the bullpen. But I think most teams are the same way. Most teams probably have their fingers crossed with one or two of their starting pitchers and have some uncertainty in the bullpen, so I don’t think we’re any different in that regard. But I like our team. We’ve got a nice mix of young superstars like (Brian) McCann and (Jeff) Francoeur and some veteran guys like myself, and Chipper and (Mark) Teixeira and John. It’s a good mix. Obviously everybody is talking about Philly and New York, and rightfully so. The Phillies are the defending champs and the Mets added the best pitcher in baseball, so they deserve the talk that they’re getting. But I think our division is going to be extremely competitive and it’s going to come down to the same thing it seems to come down to for the last 130 years - whoever stays healthy and pitches the best is going to win.” You feel slighted not being part of a self-proclaimed team to beat? “No, that’s okay. They can declare that and we can lay in the weeds. That’ll be fine.” So what about that word? “The ‘devastation’ word?” Yeah. Do you think you were trying to be too intellectual with your answer at a moment when fans were emotional? “Perhaps. The easy thing to do would be say, ‘Oh, gee, of course I’m devastated.’ I guess that’s not where I’m at in my life, you know, whether it’s maturity or being a dad or just everyday life where you see tragic things happen. It bothered me more than any other game I’ve ever pitched. Look, I’m pretty good about leaving things at the ballpark. But I didn’t leave that at the ballpark. That got on the plane with me and went home with me and was with me for a good week after the season. There aren’t too many games that I lose sleep over three or four nights later. I might lose sleep that night, but that bothered me. It bothered me because of what it meant to that team. It bothered me because of what it meant to me individually. It bothered me knowing that was going to be the last image of the end of that season. It was all of those things. It couldn’t have bothered me any more than it did. It’s just that word, the way I look at it, you get a phone call that tells you, ‘Hey, your son is terminally ill.’ That’s a heck of a lot different feeling than I’m going to have over a baseball game. That’s just where I was trying to come from.” Was your time in New York a success? After all, there was only one postseason appearance in five years, and your coming to Flushing was supposed to be when the Mets passed the Braves. “It depends on what you judge success by. Obviously we didn’t win a World Series, so from that standpoint it wasn’t as successful as I would have liked. It’s like so many things in life that you take on. You want to leave something better than it was than when you got there. And there’s no question in my mind the Mets organization is a better organization than when I got there. Was I a part of that? Absolutely. How much of a part? Well, people can argue that. But it was a change of regime over there and they were doing a change in direction. Much like this organization here, when they turned things around, they started by bringing in guys who were winners, who were good character guys, to try to change the image of the organization. I was a part of the start of that. And then a lot of guys followed and made us a better team while I was there. Now they’re one of the premier organizations in baseball. I view it a success in that regard. It’s a much better organization than it was five years ago.”

Rockin' Doc Apr 06 2008 03:35 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 06 2008 03:48 PM

Adam Rubin -"Say what you want about Tom Glavine’s last performance as a Met, but he’s a first-class guy who never wanted to leave Atlanta in the first place." I believe that Glavine gave the Mets his best effort during his time with them. Unfortunately, down the stretch last year, when it mattered most, he just couldn't come through. He was far from alone in that regard. His last outing was horrible and it was the Mets last gasp hope, so people tended to take it very hard. Had the team played a little better and not completely collapsed down the stretch they would have never found themselves in such a dire situation in the first place. Edited to properly attribute the quote.

AG/DC Apr 06 2008 03:45 PM

Not that I particularly disagree with him, but that's Adam Rubin talking and not me.

Rockin' Doc Apr 06 2008 03:47 PM

Sorry, I didn't mean to put words in your mouth. I will edit the quote to attribute to Rubin rather than you.

The Second Spitter Apr 23 2008 12:23 AM

Guillermoid Mota has a 0.90 ERA after 10 ip, this season. Guess the banned substance he'll test postive to within the next month.

DocTee Apr 29 2008 07:31 PM

Mike Cameron, fresh off a 25 game ban for PEDs, debuts in CF for the Brewers tonight. I always liked him, and hope he does well in Milwaukee.

metirish Apr 29 2008 08:35 PM

Even with his ban and all that came with it I still could not dislike him , apart form his play in the field I will remember when he went of top of the dugout and hung with the fans signing stuff.

The Second Spitter May 08 2008 09:26 AM

After going 3-0 with a 0.86 ERA in his first three starts of the season, Brian Bannister is 0-4 with a 8.02 ERA in his last four giving up 33 hits and 19 runs in 21 1/3 innings.

MFS62 May 09 2008 05:22 AM

Last night I was listening to my car radio and heard Jayson Tyner give the basic player intro to the Buffalo Bisons' post game radio show. (For some weird reason, I can get the station in Buffalo but can't get ESPN radio NYC after dark.) You know, it went something like "This is Jayson Tyner, and you're listening to the post game show on 1520 radio, Buffalo". Not a great voice. Later

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 09 2008 07:31 AM

Shawn Estes activated by the Pods.

DocTee May 10 2008 03:48 PM

Armando Benitez, purchased by Toronto.

SteveJRogers May 14 2008 05:34 PM

Kazmir to sign a 4 year, 28.5 extention deal.

MFS62 May 14 2008 06:10 PM

Jeff Keppinger broke his kneecap with a foul ball last night. Looks like his career with them has been interrupted for a while. Later

Fman99 May 16 2008 10:38 AM

Jason Tyner and his warning-track powerDFA'd by the Tribe.

AG/DC May 16 2008 10:47 AM

That was brief.

Fman99 May 21 2008 12:48 PM

Tyner cleared waivers and is reporting to AAA Buffalo.

metirish May 21 2008 12:56 PM

While waiting for the rain to stop last night SNY showed a documentary " Playing for Peanuts" , the little they showed made me want to buy the DVD . Wally Backman is the manager of the South Georgia Peanuts , high jinks ensue .... Anyone see the complete airing last week?

Benjamin Grimm May 21 2008 12:56 PM

There was an item in The Philadelphia Inquirer today that ex-Met (and ex-Phillie) Gary Bennett is having Mackey Sasser-like throwing problems for the Dodgers.

AG/DC May 22 2008 08:26 AM

Lino Urdaneta, kicking it with the St. George Roadrunners under manager Cory Snyder in the Golden Baseball League. His open-source catcher is Wiki Gonzalez.

Fman99 May 26 2008 03:17 PM

ESPN has a nice feature on historical footnote Mike Bascik, pitching for the Nats AAA affiliate in Columbus.

themetfairy Jun 04 2008 06:26 AM

Turk Wendell, Official Spokesperson for the National Honey Board. The ad campaign is on YouTube, and it's a real goof

themetfairy Jun 05 2008 06:07 PM

Not a Met per se, but former radio guy Tom McCarthy is now serving in the Kevin Burkhardt role for the Phillies on the Comcast Sports Network. I just saw him conducting a mid-inning fan interview from the outfield at Citizens Bank Ballpark.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 11 2008 06:03 AM

Steve Traschel (2-5 with an 8.39 ERA in 10 games), DFA'ed by the O's.

metsguyinmichigan Jun 11 2008 07:41 AM

Dontrelle Willis is now the problem of Jon Matlack, who is the minor league pitching coordinator for the Tigers, based in Lakeland.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 11 2008 07:49 AM

Amazing that Willis got sent down to Single A.

AG/DC Jun 11 2008 08:06 AM

Well, I'm guessing A+ usually where thier spring complex is, and where intensive study with their minor league coordinator can take place.

Fman99 Jun 11 2008 08:14 AM

[quote="AG/DC":1t2bqvuf]Well, I'm guessing A+ usually where thier spring complex is, and where intensive study with their minor league coordinator can take place.[/quote:1t2bqvuf] That is correct in this case. The A league franchise is also the Tigers spring training facility.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 11 2008 08:17 AM

I think it's their Florida State League team, which is, as you say, the highest level of Single A. But still... For a while it looked like Dontrelle was destined to be a Met or a Yankee. I'm sure glad he's not a Met.

metsguyinmichigan Jun 11 2008 08:26 AM

[quote="AG/DC":3cma91xw]Well, I'm guessing A+ usually where thier spring complex is, and where intensive study with their minor league coordinator can take place.[/quote:3cma91xw] That is true, but there is more. The other teams -- Erie, Toledo and here in Grand Rapids -- are short drives from Detroit and an appearance by Willis would bring much attention. Whereas the Florida State League teams can't draw flies. They want Willis to work this out in peace. Of course, Rick Peterson can fix this guy in 10 minutes.

Farmer Ted Jun 11 2008 08:39 AM

ESPN pool boy Buster Olney reports that Dontrelle is 30 pounds overweight. Sending him to FLA for fat camp, basically.

AG/DC Jun 11 2008 08:41 AM

[quote="Fman99"]Jason Tyner and his warning-track powerDFA'd by the Tribe.

It's a little late to ask, but on what planet does Jason Tyner achieve warning track power?

metsguyinmichigan Jun 11 2008 09:57 AM

[quote="AG/DC"][quote="Fman99"]Jason Tyner and his warning-track powerDFA'd by the Tribe.

It's a little late to ask, but on what planet does Jason Tyner achieve warning track power?

The softball field I'm playing on tonight is 285 feet to the fence. Maybe there. (Though not with me on the mound!)

AG/DC Jun 13 2008 10:35 AM

Wilson needs surgery again Vance Wilson's career, at least as a Tiger, is probably over. Wilson, who missed all of last season because of Tommy John surgery on his elbow, found out Wednesday night that he has again torn the ligament in his elbow and will have to undergo the same surgery again -- which means at least another year on the sidelines. The 35-year-old Wilson signed a new two-year, $1.9 million contract after the Tigers' appearance in the 2006 World Series but hasn't played since. "I still feel I've got a lot of baseball left in me, but whether I play again or not, I don't want my arm hurting the rest of life," said a dejected Wilson, who was the Tigers' backup catcher in 2005-06. "I'm kind of in shock, to tell you the truth. It's a little scary. "I'll give it a shot -- if not, I'll have had a great career," continued Wilson, who spent nearly four seasons in a similar role with the New York Mets. "To play, you have to have a job, and I've been out of the big leagues for two years now." Wilson, who has been rehabbing in Florida since the end of spring training, felt something pop in his arm on throw to second base last month. He thought it was scar tissue from the surgery breaking loose. But an MRI on Wednesday revealed he had torn the ligament again. "When I'm done playing, I imagine I'll do something in baseball so I want to get it fixed," Wilson said. "What else am I going to do?"

Benjamin Grimm Jun 13 2008 11:00 AM

He's 35 already? Jeez...

Frayed Knot Jun 13 2008 11:03 AM

That surprised me too. Suxx for Vance - who I could see coaching later on whether he ever comes back to playing or not.

Farmer Ted Jun 19 2008 11:41 AM

Harrisburg Senators manager John Stearns was conspicuously absent from the third-base coach's box during Wednesday night's 9-8 victory over the Trenton Thunder. Was hitting coach Troy Gingrich out there as part of some slump-breaking plan, like flipping a hat around backwards to spark a late-inning rally? Nope. Turns out Stearns can't exactly wave runners home right now. The 56-year-old tough guy, a four-time all-star catcher with the New York Mets and standout safety at the University of Colorado, separated his right shoulder during a bicycle accident on Wednesday afternoon. Seems he was riding his bike between Lemoyne and Camp Hill along the Market Street sidewalk when a car surprised him by turning into his path. Riding an estimated 15 mph, Stearns squeezed the left hand-brake and flipped over the handlebars, smack into the pavement. Some good citizens called 911, and Stearns was taken to the hospital for X-rays. It was a painful shoulder injury, but it could have been much worse. His helmet, now resting atop a shelf in the Senators' clubhouse, features some nasty dents and scratches. Gingrich will continue to coach third base for the foreseeable future. And Stearns might avoid two wheels for a bit.

Fman99 Jul 15 2008 10:19 PM

Alex Escobar cut by the Nationals.

Farmer Ted Jul 27 2008 08:38 AM

Eating Raul, Indie style. http://www.newarkbears.com/team/current ... ayer_id=80

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 27 2008 08:07 PM

Kris Benson is on the comeback trail with the Allentown Ironpigs.

SteveJRogers Jul 31 2008 11:35 PM

Per CBS Sportsline, by way of the Washington Post, Paul LoDuca has been released by the Nats Nationals Release Lo Duca, Lopez Posted on: July 31, 2008 11:42 pm The Washington Post is reporting that the Nationals released both Paul Lo Duca and Felipe Lopez following tonight's game. The move was made to free-up space on the roster for Elijah Dukes and Emilio Bonifacio. Lo Duca was hitting .230/.301/.281 in 139 at bats this season and made $5MM on a one-year deal. Lopez was hitting .231/.303/.309 in 324 at bats and was in his final arbitration-eligible season, making $4.9MM.

SteveJRogers Jul 31 2008 11:42 PM

Should be noted that LoDuca was looking forward to playing the Mets 18 times this season. Well, due injuries and poor play, he never played in any of the Mets and Nats games this season.

Nymr83 Jul 31 2008 11:44 PM

i wouldnt mind signing Lopez to a minor league deal if he's agreeable. he had a decent obp in 2005 and 2006, once hit 23 homers, stole 44 bases in a year, and i think is a decent middle infielder defensively, not a bad guy to have in the syatem incase of emergency.

AG/DC Aug 01 2008 05:58 AM

I was preparing to write about the travails of LoDu in an upcoming KTE. It looks like Nationals Park might be even more of a power drain than RFK, and LoDuca has contributed to the cause zero homers in 139 at-bats. Regarding middle infield emergencies, we're not far from one as it is. Lopez, though, is not known to be a friend maker.

Vince Coleman Firecracker Aug 01 2008 06:11 AM

[quote="Nymr83"]i wouldnt mind signing Lopez to a minor league deal if he's agreeable. he had a decent obp in 2005 and 2006, once hit 23 homers, stole 44 bases in a year, and i think is a decent middle infielder defensively, not a bad guy to have in the syatem incase of emergency.

Felipe Lopez SLG%, 2001-2005: .420
Felipe Lopez SLG%, 2006-2008: .354

Now, did anything happen in between 2005 and 2006 that could possibly have caused this? Hmmmm....

Over his last thousand major league PA's he has a .307 OBP and a .338 SLG. He's not a major leaguer. Not that giving him a minor league deal is anything killer, but the Mets have Anderson Hernandez-types in the system.

AG/DC Aug 01 2008 06:43 AM

Well, a middle infielder with a .645 OBP is capable of being a major leaguer, just not a starting one.

Rockin' Doc Aug 01 2008 07:11 AM

AG/DC - "Well, a middle infielder with a .645 OBP is capable of being a major leaguer, just not a starting one." A guy with a .645 OBP can start for my team any time and I don't care what position he plays. Now a .645 OPS isn't nearly as impressive definitely isn't worthing of a starting role.

Vince Coleman Firecracker Aug 01 2008 07:13 AM

[quote="AG/DC"]Well, a middle infielder with a .645 OBP is capable of being a major leaguer, just not a starting one.

My apologies, Nymr, I overstated my case. I didn't realize just how bad major league shortstops hit. Among shortstops, he'd rank 45th in OPS. The following players are actually as bad or worse than Lopez:

Name OBP/SLG/OPS
Edgar Renteria .308/.337/.646
Yuniesky Betancourt .267/.353/.620
Khalil Greene .260/.339/.599
Jason Bartlett .294/.292/.586
Brendan Ryan .297/.283/.581
Omar Vizquel .242/.215/.458
Tony Pena Jr. .171/.198/.369 (Dear god, this guy actually starts. I'm so sorry, Royals fans.)

AG/DC Aug 01 2008 07:13 AM

Dar!

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 01 2008 07:17 AM

Victor Zambrano signs a minor-league deal with the MFYs. Tough break for Paulie. I wonder what's up with his x-wife Sonia

soupcan Aug 01 2008 07:25 AM

LoDuca: "I apologize to the organization and the fans. I'm a better baseball player than I played," Lo Duca said. "To give me a chance to hook on with another team - big-time class act."

bmfc1 Aug 01 2008 10:41 AM

More from LoDuca who said all the right things: "When Jim and Manny just called me in there, I apologized, I feel bad. I'm a better player than I played; it's just an unfortunate year this year. I had the knee surgery and just when I started to feel healthy, I broke my hand. I actually started to feel better at the plate. Their reasons are verified, definitely. Kory needs to play. He has future with this organization. And a lot of these guys here, especially Jesus, they need to play. Them giving me my release is sort of a class act by them. "I think they're making the right move. Other guys in here need to play and I'm taking up a spot. Bottom line. You gotta be honest with yourself. Do think can play? Yeah, most definitely. And I'm going to come back next year, if it doesn't happen this year, and I'm going to shove it to a lot of people, believe me. I can play this game, I know I can. It's just unfortunate. But like I said, a lot of the young kids here need to play. I'm not going to be here next year. Those guys need to get at-bats and learn up here. This is an organization that's going to go in the right direction." http://blog.washingtonpost.com/national ... v=rss_blog

AG/DC Aug 01 2008 10:52 AM

Well, there's only one direction they can go in right now. Paulie doesn't do much for his caveman rep with constructions like, "Do think can play?" does he? While he's tossing around apologies, he might want to send one to Omar Minaya, his wife, his girlfriend, and me. What are the odds that he's a 2009 Yankee?

Farmer Ted Aug 03 2008 05:30 AM

Royce Ring DFAd by the Braves.

AG/DC Aug 04 2008 08:29 AM

Jermaine Allensworth, still lacing 'em up: Now and Then: Jermaine Allensworth Passion for baseball still burns in former Boilermaker By Nathan Baird • nbaird@journalandcourier.com • August 4, 2008 Jermaine Allensworth left Purdue 15 years ago as a first-round draft pick pursuing a major league dream. Jermaine Allensworth advises young and old about how to play the game. (Photo by Bill Meyer/Schaumberg Flyers) Speed was one of Jermaine Allensworth's assets as a Boilermaker. (Photo provide by Purdue Sports Information) The outfielder spent parts of four seasons in the major leagues with three teams. While Allensworth admits his major league career is likely in the past, he still makes his living playing the game he loves. Allensworth joined the Schaumburg Flyers of the Northern League this season. He has played for three teams in the unaffiliated minor league since 2004. "I was part of a tradition that not all people can say that they're part of," Allensworth said. "It was awesome. In hindsight, to be on the field playing with or against Hall of Fame guys, it's amazing. I'm like, man, I should've been getting everybody's autograph." Allensworth played his last major league game, with the New York Mets, on May 29, 1999. At age 28, he missed the entire 2000 season, and he believes that hindered his chances of returning to the majors. In just over 1,000 big league at-bats, the Anderson native batted .260, hit 15 home runs and stole 42 bases. "He played hard and smart, very smart," said former Purdue coach Dave Alexander, now an amateur scout for Seattle. "He had really good instincts. He had great judgment running the bases, knew how to play, threw the ball to the right base. It came natural to him." Allensworth lives in Bloomington, Ill., in the offseason. He and his wife Susan, who he met at Purdue, settled there because she has family ties in the area. In the offseason, Allensworth helps cultivate the next generation of baseball stars by offering personal instruction to players ages 10-18. "You're teaching kids the finer points, trying to fine-tune them, helping them get better," Allensworth said. "There's nothing better than to see or hear of them doing well. To have them attribute some of their success to the help you're giving them, it's a good feeling." As the oldest player on the Flyers roster, Allensworth, 36, has accepted a mentor-like role among his teammates as well. Having endured knee troubles this season, he says his body will tell him whether or not he'll return for another season in 2009. "I was on a championship team last year and thought about stopping then," Allensworth said, referring to the Northern League's Gary SouthShore Rail Cats. "But after I looked back, my body felt good, so I said let's do it again and see what happens."

metsguyinmichigan Aug 04 2008 08:42 AM

[quote="Farmer Ted":2zo28v2f]Royce Ring DFAd by the Braves.[/quote:2zo28v2f] Worth a flier? It's not like he can do worse.

AG/DC Aug 04 2008 08:44 AM

(Cathy)ACK!(/Cathy) There's that phrase again. 8.46 ERA.

metsguyinmichigan Aug 04 2008 09:43 AM

[quote="AG/DC":uwghipix](Cathy)ACK!(/Cathy) There's that phrase again. 8.46 ERA.[/quote:uwghipix] That would be worse.

sharpie Aug 07 2008 01:51 PM

Chad Bradford to the Rays in a waiver deal for a playa to be named layta.

smg58 Aug 07 2008 03:07 PM

Bradford's 2.45 ERA would have looked nice here. I'm guessing the Orioles would have been willing to trade him before the deadline, too.

SteveJRogers Aug 09 2008 08:29 AM

Lo Duca signs with the Marlins.

metsguyinmichigan Aug 11 2008 11:16 AM

[url]http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/A-conversation-with-USA-Olympic-team-manager-Dav?urn=mlb,91172 Neat interview with Davey Johnson about managing the Olympic team, and his thoughts on the Willie situation.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 26 2008 06:15 PM

Jose Oquendo, manager of Your Puerto Rico National Team in the WBC and Randolphian minority-big-league skipper-in-waiting: [url]http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/7333A8BA8ED9E48D8625750D0016A7B6?OpenDocument As a manager, Oquendo is a not-so-secret weapon By Joe Strauss ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH Wednesday, Nov. 26 2008 CAROLINA, PUERTO RICO — Long tired of watching two pitchers "squeezed" by one very inconsistent home plate umpire, the home team's manager trudges to the mound for a word or two with his frustrated reliever. Except the mound visit is a ruse. As the umpire joins the conference to speed the process, the Carolina Giagantes manager becomes an unleashed bundle of fury, turning on the arbiter with a head-bobbing spew of unprintables. The drama plays out. Umpire ejects manager. Manager swipes three clouds of dirt at the umpire with his right foot. Manager stalks to the plate, where he raises and lowers his arms to portray variable strike zones. Manager then again uses right foot to cover plate with dirt. "It's a little different here," a grinning Jose Oquendo explains in his office, moments after the Gigantes are subdued 6-2 by fierce rival Santurce. For six months every season at Busch Stadium, Oquendo is universally seen as Whitey Herzog's one-time "Secret Weapon" and Tony La Russa's current Cardinals third-base coach. Oquendo does his job, teaching as well as serving as traffic cop, with the rarest displays of disgust. But it is different here. Oquendo runs a clubhouse full of Class A and AA players along with a heavy dose of Independent League talent looking to catch on somewhere. Once a place where native major league players routinely appeared, the Puerto Rican Winter League has assumed a more developmental flavor as costs were slashed after last year's shutdown. A top talent such as Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina would receive $12,000 a month. (Molina has so far politely declined Oquendo's invite for a three-game-a-week routine.) There is no team charter; players must drive themselves to games across the island. Carolina's roster includes only two pitchers who worked mostly at Triple-A last season, including Cardinals prospect P.J. Walters. Catcher Bryan Anderson is also among the mix. "If you don't compete, you won't be here long," says Oquendo, anticipating a fresh injection of pitching within days. "You can come out and work on something, but once you're in the game you have to perform. If you don't perform, they get rid of you." At Estadio Roberto Clemente some 20 minutes east of San Juan, Oquendo manages one of six entries in the reborn Puerto Rican Winter League. And for a second time Oquendo will lead Puerto Rico's national team in next spring's World Baseball Classic, an event viewed as a warm-up act for the major league season on the mainland but considered a national test in the United States' Caribbean commonwealth. No. 27 in your program, No. 1 in your hearts, Oquendo is two weeks removed from a runner-up finish in the Seattle Mariners' managerial search. Just as the Mariners ultimately chose Don Wakamatsu from seven finalists as the first Japanese-American to manage a major league team, Oquendo hopes one day to become the first native Puerto Rican to manage in the majors. The Montreal Expos named Felipe Alou the first Dominican-born manager in 1992. More recently, the Washington Nationals chose Manny Acta as their manager shortly after he led the Dominican Republic in the inaugural World Baseball Classic. Ozzie Guillen became the first Venezuelan when hired by the Chicago White Sox in November 2003. Alou and Guillen's breakthroughs occurred more than two decades after the San Diego Padres named Preston Gomez the first Cuban-born, non-interim manager in 1969. Most recently Cuban-born Fredi Gonzalez became Florida Marlins manager in 2007. "I think doors have been opened," Qquendo says. "Fredi spent a lot of time with the Marlins in the minor leagues. He knows the situation, bottom to top. Same with Acta. Felipe was with the Expos for so long. What works against me is that I've only been with two teams, the Cardinals and the Mets. You have to study other organizations. What they've got, their payroll, all that. You don't pay as much attention to the other league." Oquendo interviewed for the San Diego Padres' managerial vacancy in 2006 before the job went to Los Angeles Angels pitching coach Bud Black. The Mariners' search also included Joey Cora, like Oquendo a Puerto Rican-born former major-league infielder and current coach. "It would be a real big deal," Oquendo says. "We have (managers from) the Dominican, Cuba, Venezuela. Well, how long has Puerto Rico been involved in the major leagues? And we haven't had one. I know Joey wants to do it. Myself, (Jose) Cruz, Sandy Alomar Sr. ... we've got more candidates now." Oquendo, 45, says he remains patient. "It's not in my nature to scream and yell, 'Why not me?'" Oquendo says. "My nature is to take it a step at a time. If the door opens, so be it. If not, I love what I'm doing. I don't think (being repeatedly passed over) would stop me from doing interviews. If you keep interviewing, you don't know what might happen." Oquendo enjoys his role with the Cardinals, where he is considered a master defensive instructor and believes he now might have momentum for a managerial job. He has lost 20 pounds since the Cardinals' season ended, which helps his high blood pressure. "Somebody has to be putting my name out there," he says. "If nobody was asking me to interview, then I'd be worried, because then nobody would be wanting me. I'd rather interview, get more comfortable in the process, hear what they have to say and handle the questions they ask. San Diego and Seattle had different sets of questions." The Mariners sought someone who could calm an uneasy clubhouse. Former MVP right fielder Ichiro Suzuki represents to Seattle what Albert Pujols means to St. Louis. "They were more worried about how to handle problems in the clubhouse. Both want to know how you handle superstars. I think Albert gives me good experience, " Oquendo said wryly. "How do you handle situations, not necessarily on the field, but situations in the clubhouse and the media? I don't think I would have a problem with any of that." Oquendo, part of La Russa's staff for 10 seasons, skirts the possibility of eventually managing the Cardinals. La Russa's contract expires after next season and the inevitable questions soon will sprout about his future. Asked if he ever has broached the topic to his boss, Oquendo says, "That's stuff I don't get into." Oquendo dismisses any suggestion his style would be a Herzog-La Russa (or should it be La Russa-Herzog?) hybrid. "Each of them had their own way of handling players and handling situations in the game," Oquendo says. "But it's not fair for me to draw so much from Whitey because I was a player then. As a player you view the game a lot differently than when you're a coach. I played for Joe Torre also. He was different than Whitey and Tony. But Torre came to us in a different situation. He didn't have the players that Whitey had early in the 80s. He had the players that were the reason Whitey quit." A lengthy association with La Russa is "a plus," says Oquendo. "Tony has won everywhere he's gone. He's got his style of doing it. I like the way he runs things and communicates with players. He creates a family atmosphere. I respect the way he runs the game. I don't have to do everything the same way he does, but he does a tremendous job getting the best of his players." Pressed on the possibility of succeeding La Russa, Oquendo relents. "If something happened, it would be a nice place to manage," he says. "But at the same time, I hope Tony stays forever." For now, Oquendo is preparing for the excitement and accompanying controversy that go with the WBC. Puerto Rico is typically short on pitching but long on catching. Oquendo can carry only three catchers from among the catching Molinas, Yadi and Bengie; freshly-awarded NL Rookie of the Year Geovany Soto; and former AL MVP and national hero Pudge Rodriguez. Former New York Yankees center fielder Bernie Williams has voiced interest in playing in the Classic. However, Oquendo insists Williams play in the league to be considered. Oquendo was similarly rigid on two-time AL MVP Juan Gonzalez appearing in games in 2006. When Gonzalez balked, Oquendo excluded him. "I don't want to put a guy who might one day go into the Hall of Fame out there to embarrass himself," Oquendo says. He knows with visibility comes scrutiny. "They'll come out when I do the first (45-man) list for the Classic. And they'll really come out for the second," Oquendo says, alluding to the local press. "The choices will be heavily scrutinized. There's second-guessing. It's part of it." For now, Oquendo can only work his team and wait. That, too, is part of it.

Edgy DC Dec 05 2008 06:13 AM

Jorge Julio has joined the Milwaukee Brewers, where no one will call him fat.

Edgy DC Dec 05 2008 02:03 PM

Omar's special assistant Wayne Krivsky gets hired away by Baltimore.

Zvon Dec 05 2008 02:58 PM

He looks totally stoned^

Edgy DC Apr 30 2009 10:40 AM

CJ Nitkowski, who stil plays in Korea and therefore qualifies for this thread, reveals little about his number choices. He's from the New York area (Long Island, I think) and I thought he was an MLBS, but it turns out that he's a YLDB: http://www.cardboardconnection.com/inte ... owski.html

Edgy DC Jun 02 2009 10:52 AM

Here's a nutty blogger with a strange Jorge Juilo obsession: http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/ ... _julio.php But he gets his Mets stint all wrong. He didn't pitch 2 1/2 months. More like seven weeks. Of those, he sucked the first two weeks, got buried, but slowly got his act together over the last five. The effort in Yankee game he mentions was one of only two runs he yielded in 9 2/3 innings that month. The idea that he was traded because of the crowd's derision is itself risible. The crowd was much harsher a month earlier, and the trade (for Orlando Hernandez) clearly helped the team, dipping into bullpen depth to make up for rotation shallowness.

Fman99 Jun 02 2009 11:42 AM

For those of you not clicking on external links, it should be noted that Julio is in the news because he was released by Milwaukee, who will now pay him the rest of his $950,000 (!) salary to not be a Brewer. Hey, I'm not a Brewer either. Where's mine?

Benjamin Grimm Jun 02 2009 11:43 AM

Can you prove that you're not a Brewer?

Fman99 Jun 02 2009 11:53 AM

[quote="Benjamin Grimm"]Can you prove that you're not a Brewer?

Can you prove that I am?

Ha! Pay me!

Benjamin Grimm Jun 02 2009 12:16 PM

Okay, you win:

Fman99 Jun 11 2009 08:45 PM

El Duque picked up by Texas, always looking for starting pitching.

MFS62 Jun 15 2009 07:37 PM

And now warming up in the bullpen: http://www.newarkbears.com/thebears/cur ... ayer_id=92 Later

Swan Swan H Jun 15 2009 07:45 PM

There are at least ten former major leaguers on the Newark team, if the roster on that page is current.

Edgy DC Jun 15 2009 08:11 PM

Season(possibly career?)-ending surgery for Jason Isringhausen.

DocTee Jun 15 2009 09:27 PM

There are at least ten former major leaguers on the Newark team, if the roster on that page is current. 13 by my count if you look at the full roster.

Farmer Ted Jun 16 2009 09:50 AM

Raines, Torrez, and Karkovice as coaches for the N-Bears.

Edgy DC Jun 20 2009 07:52 AM

"N-Bears" sounds kinda racist. Meanwhile, the end may be nigh for Cliff.

Frayed Knot Jun 21 2009 06:47 AM

Endy done for the year w/Seattle thanks to torn knee ligaments following a crash into the SS while going after a short fly.

Valadius Jun 21 2009 07:47 AM

Poor Endy.

Edgy DC Jun 21 2009 10:27 AM

Former Mets leftfielders going down even faster than active ones.

MFS62 Jun 23 2009 06:53 AM

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have designated reliever Luis Ayala for assignment in the latest move to address their struggling bullpen. The Twins say they bring up right-hander Bobby Keppel from Triple-A Rochester in time for Tuesday's game at Milwaukee. From Rotoworld: ************************************** I remember when he was known as Bob Keppel and was a Mets farmhand. Later

Benjamin Grimm Jun 23 2009 07:15 AM

I bet there's a fascinating story about how he switched from "Bob" to "Bobby."

MFS62 Jun 23 2009 07:29 AM

[quote="Benjamin Grimm":36wv4g68]I bet there's a fascinating story about how he switched from "Bob" to "Bobby."[/quote:36wv4g68] Maybe he thinks that Bobby will make him seem younger. Later

Fman99 Jun 23 2009 07:33 AM

Forgot to post it but Tony Clark had a Castillo-esque error on a routine play the other day in Arizona, playing first. Bases loaded, bottom of 9th and someone grounds to the left size. Instead of catching it Clark boots the ball and the D-Backs lose. I feel for the guy.

Edgy DC Jun 27 2009 01:24 PM

MFS62 Jun 27 2009 01:51 PM

Mags makes the news: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/stor ... BHeadlines Later

Fman99 Jul 02 2009 11:31 AM

Luis Ayala, DFA'd by the Twinks.

Fman99 Jul 02 2009 08:39 PM

Luis Ayala, picked up by the Marlins. That didn't take long.

Edgy DC Jul 02 2009 09:26 PM

Well his DFA-ness actually goes back to June 23rd. He was probably claimed earlier, but the claim doeesn't go through unless he's gone 10 days without being traded.

Edgy DC Jul 09 2009 08:14 AM

Tom Martin continues to rehab in St. Lucie from several consecutive injuries to his legs. He needs the equivelant of one full season on a big league roster to qualify for his pension, so look for him to hang around as long as he can. If he was healthy, he almost certainly would have been called on before Misch and probably before Takahashi.

metsguyinmichigan Jul 10 2009 03:42 PM

Carlos Gomez, afraid of ghosts. BC-BBN--Haunted Hotel,0814

Edgy DC Jul 10 2009 06:19 PM

A lot of stories coming out recently about the Pfister. Makes me think Milwaukee has a pub staff working overtime. But Jon Switzer will tell you it's Tampa's Renaissance Vinoy that you want to stay away from. http://cranepoolforum.net/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=10906

MFS62 Jul 10 2009 06:22 PM

Looks like Aaron Heilman is going to be afraid of Cardinals: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore;_y ... =290710116 Later

Edgy DC Jul 13 2009 09:07 AM

Jamar Hill turns up in Edmonton, wearing one of those creepy Metsy venting sleestack helmets. http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Hill+con ... story.html Hill continues tough climb up ranks Costa Rican slugger gains new appreciation for game following father's murder By Paul Owen, Freelance July 13, 2009 With a renewed passion for the game, Jamar Hill of the Victoria seals leads the golden league in home runs heading into the all-star break. Photograph by: Brian Gavriloff, The Journal., FreelanceNo one else in Jamar Hill's family played baseball. It wasn't a popular sport in Costa Rica, where his family comes from, but that didn't stop his father, Ernesto, from telling him to go ahead and play ball. Now, Hill, a six-foot-three outfielder with the Victoria Seals, leads the Golden Baseball League with 12 home runs heading into the all-star break, but Ernesto isn't around to witness it. He was murdered in Costa Rica on Feb. 27. A tragic precursor to the season, Hill has come out of it with a change in philosophy after a pre-season visit to his father's home. "I went to the house where my dad had been living there, and there were people staying there and they had moved most of his stuff," Hill said. "The only thing that was left there was a pin-up board right in front of a table where he'd probably eat all of his meals, and there were pictures of me in my baseball uniform. "I think I've been able to try and enjoy myself more because it kind of put everything into perspective that a lot of people draw joy in being able to check up on me and see that I'm playing." Hill certainly has reason to enjoy himself as he is having his best season since he swatted 26 home runs in 2004 as a member of the Single-A Capital City Bombers, an affiliate of the New York Mets. "That lesson has helped me to really be able to appreciate the guys I play with and pay attention to everything that's going on and really absorb myself in the experience of playing on this team," Hill said. Of course, it helps for the slugger to be learning from a pretty good mentor. Hill has been picking the brain of manager Darrell Evans, who hit 414 home runs over 20 major league seasons. Evans has helped Hill become at ease with his style of play, which has seen him draw 35 walks and compile a .408 on-base percentage this season. "I would have seasons in the past where I would walk and I wouldn't really be comfortable with it. I wouldn't trust it because I felt like I needed to be swinging the bat. (Evans) has helped me along to just be able to trust it and let the game come to you -- appreciate those walks because you earn them," Hill admitted. "I think we tend to (think) in baseball that you're not going to show somebody something if you don't swing the bat," he added. But while Hill has been leaning on his manager's experience to guide him, he's also been treating Evans to new achievements. Such was the case on July 2 against the Tucson Toros, when Hill knocked four balls out of Victoria's Royal Athletic Park in the same game, a feat that has only happened 15 times at the major league level. "I'd never seen that ever, not even close, and I played with Aaron and McCovey and all those guys," Evans said. "I don't even think I swung and missed at all that game. Every swing was like a swing that you'd close your eyes and picture in your head," Hill said with a grin. "All my teammates were saying, 'Stop it. Knock it off. You won't hit three,'and I'd think to myself, 'I want to hit three. I'm going to try to hit three. I'm going to try to hit four,'and I wouldn't think about anything else other than that." While all this would be plenty of reason for Hill to smile, he insists that he'd feel the same even if he was struggling, that he's turned a page where baseball has become about having fun again. "Before it was always, 'I have to worry about my average; I got to worry about this, that or whatever.' (Now), I could be hitting .400, I could be hitting .092, I would still feel like this is a really fun season for me."

Edgy DC Aug 26 2009 07:17 AM

Livan Hernandez, signed by the Nats and starting tonight against the Cubs. Jae Weong Seo, struggling to find his way back from injuries with the Kia Tigers back in Korea after signing for 1.3 billion won. Ryan Church, trying to return tonight after missing the last few games with an aggravated sacroiliac joint. An aggravated sacroiliac joint. That's right. Because you can't take the Met out of the man.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 26 2009 07:42 AM

Sacroiliac? Heavens to Mergatroid! I thought only Snagglepuss had one of those!

dgwphotography Aug 26 2009 08:06 AM

I don't know why, but this gave me a much needed laugh this morning.

metirish Aug 26 2009 08:09 AM

[quote="dgwphotography":21qz6rep]I don't know why, but this gave me a much needed laugh this morning.[/quote:21qz6rep] You're in mourning over Teddy , I can tell.

Farmer Ted Aug 26 2009 01:27 PM

According to (drum roll please)...TMZ! Just days after being dropped by the New York Mets for being a terrible baseball player, Livan Hernandez had a lawsuit dropped in his lap for allegedly being a terrible payer. A guy named Franklin Vizcaino -- who claims to have been Hernandez's personal driver -- just filed a lawsuit in NY claiming the pitcher owes him $15,800. TMZ spoke with Vizcaino, who gave us the breakdown on the cash: $7500 for unpaid wages -- and the rest, he claims, is what's owed to him after Hernandez borrowed (and then wrecked) his Lincoln Navigator back in June. Vizcaino wants his nearly 16 grand back, plus interest and whatever the court will add onto it for his troubles.

Fman99 Aug 28 2009 11:07 AM

Lenny Dykstra, self-professed giant prick (give/take), now living in his car and not too far from becoming a real life parody of Mark Wahlberg beating himself off in front of weirdos in parking lots in the last 40 minutes of "Boogie Nights." If you watch the video on that link you can see how the house is gutted, I suspect Lenny was selling the appliances and fixtures to pay for more private jet runs.

MFS62 Aug 28 2009 11:54 AM

[quote="Edgy DC":2duzne58]Livan Hernandez, signed by the Nats and starting tonight against the Cubs. [/quote:2duzne58] The signing was in the "Continuing With Lesser Teams" thread. Which is the correct place for it? Later

Met Hunter Sep 01 2009 07:30 AM

Too bad Les didn't come to the reunion. He seems like my kind of guy. http://www.billingsgazette.com/sports/b ... 002e0.html

Edgy DC Sep 01 2009 07:36 AM

Excellent. Want to know more about Les? Order the book: http://www.potomacbooksinc.com/Books/Bo ... tID=186448

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 01 2009 07:46 AM

[quote="Met Hunter":28jy2kmx]Too bad Les didn't come to the reunion. He seems like my kind of guy. http://www.billingsgazette.com/sports/b ... 002e0.html[/quote:28jy2kmx] Explains why he wasn't interested in returning my calls, at least partly...

Edgy DC Nov 10 2009 07:28 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2008 (2009 content too)

Yeah, good luck with that. http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/na ... 55202.html

Edgy DC Dec 01 2009 07:33 AM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2008 (2009 content too)

Ruben Gotay, minor league deal with St. Lou. Gave us the best year of his life. http://www.baseball-reference.com/playe ... ru01.shtml

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 03 2009 12:46 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2008 (2009 content too)

Mo Vaughn, urban renewer: MAYOR BLOOMBERG, SENATOR SCHUMER, CONGRESSMAN SERRANO, SPEAKER QUINN AND FANNIE MAE ANNOUNCE HOUSING DEVELOPER LED BY MO VAUGHN WILL PURCHASE TROUBLED SOUTH BRONX HOUSING PORTFOLIO Omni New York LLC Will Purchase Debt on Former Ocelot Capital Group Properties, Invest $1 Million in Emergency Repairs and Ensure the Long-Term Health and Affordability of the 416 Units Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Senator Charles E. Schumer, Congressman José E. Serrano, Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert C. Lieber, Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Rafael E. Cestero and Fannie Mae Executive Vice President of Housing & Community Development Ken Bacon today announced that Omni New York LLC - led by former New York Met Maurice "Mo" Vaughn - has been chosen as the successful bidder for the debt on a portfolio of properties in the South Bronx owned by entities of the Ocelot Capital Group. The Ocelot entities, which have allowed the buildings to fall into a state of disrepair, recently defaulted on their mortgage, prompting foreclosure proceedings. To ensure the properties ended up in the hands of a responsible developer that would invest in and maintain the affordability of the units, HPD, Fannie Mae and Deutsche Bank worked collaboratively to identify viable bidders for the mortgages covering 14 of the original 25 buildings. The collateral for the current loan portfolio is made up of fourteen individual properties consisting of 416 units with mortgage debt totaling $23.8 million, which Omni has purchased from Fannie Mae and Deutsche Bank at a reduced price through the bidding process. Omni has committed to invest up to $1 million in emergency repairs and will work to obtain the deed to each of the properties in order to take title and become the long-term owner of each property. "The sale of these buildings to an affordable housing developer with a track record as strong as Omni's is a home run for the residents, the neighborhood, and all of New York City" said Mayor Bloomberg. "When the former building owner allowed the properties to fall into disrepair and defaulted on its mortgage, the residents were understandably worried about the future. That's why the City stepped in - and, working with Fannie Mae every step of the way - we made a commitment to the residents that we would not allow the buildings to fall into the wrong hands and let the cycle repeat itself. Thanks to Fannie Mae, Senator Schumer, Congressman Serrano and others, we've put an end to the uncertainty of these properties, and we're confident that Mo Vaughn and Omni will do right by the residents - and that's something all of us can cheer." (...blah blah blah...) "Omni is thrilled to have been chosen as the successful bidder for the Ocelot portfolio. I think this speaks volumes about our history as a responsible developer and our commitment to helping preserve affordable housing for families here in the Bronx and throughout New York City," said Mo Vaughn, co-Managing Director and co-owner of Omni New York LLC. "This outcome could not have been achieved without the hard work and support of Fannie Mae and HPD, and we look forward to moving ahead with the foreclosure process and substantial rehabilitation of these properties." Omni New York LLC is a real estate development company that was founded by Mo Vaughn and Eugene Schneur to help revitalize neighborhoods. Omni focuses not only on the real estate aspect of revitalization and development, but also on the social aspect of the revitalization of the neighborhood by partnering with community and neighborhood groups to provide social services to the community, such as after-school programs for children as well as skill-building seminars and classes for adults. Since December 2004, it has acquired and has either rehabilitated or is in the process of rehabilitating 2,937 units of affordable housing in New York State.

Edgy DC Dec 03 2009 12:54 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2008 (2009 content too)

Is Ms. Bucket in on that action?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 03 2009 01:39 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2008 (2009 content too)

Nah, she does industrial biz deals now

Farmer Ted Dec 03 2009 05:14 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2008 (2009 content too)

I she in on that Ratner deal in Brooklyn? When was that project launched eight years ago?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 09 2009 03:42 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2008 (2009 content too)

Flameboy Matt Lindstrom is taking his stuff to a place with a more flexible fire-arm policy: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/stor ... BHeadlines

Met Hunter Dec 09 2009 10:17 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2008 (2009 content too)

Jon Nunnally named hitting coach for Cleveland.

Met Hunter Dec 11 2009 07:29 PM Re: Continuing Careers of Ex-Mets, 2008 (2009 content too)

Bruce Chen and Vance Wilson both sign minors deals with KC.