Johan Santana handshake [Video]

Because it’s Sunday and absolutely nothing is going on, why not repost this video of awesome?

Enjoy and feel free to discuss anything Mets-related in the comments.

Mets sign Catalanotto to minor-league deal

As I was tweeting last night, the Mets have signed Frank Catalanotto to a minor-league deal.

Catalanotto will be invited to spring training with the team.

Last season, Catalanotto hit .278 / .346 / .382 with one home run in 144 ABs with the Milwaukee Brewers.

A lot of people seem to respect Catalanotto as more than just a player.  He seems to fit the same mold of Alex Cora, in playing ability and in his future at a possible managerial position.

The Mets could do worse than having Catalanotto coming up from Buffalo if/when the injuries begin.  (That is not a challenge, Omar.)

Twitter Poll: What are your thoughts on Omar’s off-season?

It’s Saturday, I’m still laying in bed and I’m tired.

That, of course, has me thinking about the Mets.  So far, Omar Minaya has added one big bat and a few fringe players / pitchers.  So how do you think he’s done this off-season?

I asked my Twitter followers and here are some responses…

SheckyXero: Omar sucks, he could’ve done more, instead we lack a good catcher, a good first baseman and loads of pitching.

beerman59452000: BAD Jason bay was good, we got no pitching he signed washed up catchers and the mets got holes in there line up.

MetsGuide: ok. It can be salvaged if he acquires a #2 and a catcher.

bosco86: 2 many "ifs". Has not done enough support the core. No #2 starter no catcher bad move at 1st and pen full of "ifs".

willDavidian: Hudson/Lopez and Smoltz or an unlikely trade are his only opportunities to salvage it. Otherwise, it's been awful.

metsfan6986: I feel mixed. He didn't do as good as he couldve but I think Jeff has his hands tied. He's been more aggressive in the past.

MVPGotham: After his comments in October along with Jeff Wilpon, the team has not done enough.

darknova306: This offseason will be a failure until our rotation is fixed. I see only a very slim chance of that happening.

What are your thoughts on Minaya’s off-season so far?  Has he done enough?  Or is there a lot more work to do?

Mets sign Josh Fogg

The Mets have signed Josh Fogg to a minor-league deal, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post.

Fogg, Renck writes, is “one of the coolest guys I have ever covered — think of Vince Vaughn in “Dodgeball.”  Renck believes Fogg has a shot to make the Mets out of spring training, and might even compete for the fifth starter spot.

Unfortunately, that might be the best thing to be said about Fogg.

Last season with Colorado, Fogg pitched in 24 games, starting only one.  In 45 2-3 innings, Fogg struck out 27 and walked 20.  He posted a 3.74 ERA and 1.139 WHIP (surprised me).

He’s a career 5.03 ERA and 1.458 WHIP pitcher.

‘I have full autonomy’ [Quote]

“I understand there is going to be a lot of articles written about how the situation with the Mets is, but when I tell you that I have full autonomy, I have full autonomy.”

-Omar Minaya on who controls the Mets

Tatis returns

Mike Puma, who last night reported the Mets were “close” with Fernando Tatis, is now reporting that the Mets and Tatis have agreed to a contract.

Puma reports that the deal is worth less than the $1.7 million he made last season.  Matt Cerrone believes the deal to be worth $800,000 with a chance to make up to $1.5 million in performance bonuses.

My “SHOW YOUR TATIS” shirts, which were shelved last year, will be available next week.

What would you ask Omar?

So with Omar Minaya in studio tonight for Mets Hot Stove, I was wondering what you would ask him if you had the chance?

A few of mine:

• Are you still in control? (Echoing Mr. Burkhardt)
• Why Gary Matthews Jr.?
• What’s next this off-season?
• How is it working under the Wilpons?

What would you ask Omar Minaya if you had the chance?

POST: Mets close with Tatis

The Mets and utility-man Fernando Tatis are closing in on a contract, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.

Tatis, who made $1.7 million last year with the Mets, would serve as a likely backup/platoon partner with Daniel Murphy at first base.  He could also spell either corner outfield position, as well as David Wright at third.

I’m for this.  I think Tatis can contribute to the team, especially they way it is designed right now.

Parnell back to the pen

Bobby Parnell is back in the bullpen for 2010, according to some notes filed by Adam Rubin from Port St. Lucie.

Rubin also noted that “Parnell in no way pulled an Aaron Heilman, but he does envision himself one day as a starting pitcher.”

I was at Parnell’s best start: Aug. 14 at home against San Francisco.  He went six innings, allowing only three hits and striking out seven.

I watched from the bridge in center field, some of the best seats in Citi Field.

The Wilpons, Omar and the Mets and my opinion on it all

Little will change for the Mets until they change the way they operate — from ownership on down.

The Mets, multiple industry sources say, do not function like most clubs. Their unique style would be fine if they were building championship teams. Instead, they’re coming off a 70-win season and losing out on free agent after free agent -- except for one, left fielder Jason Bay, who seemingly lacked a better option.

-Ken Rosenthal

I agree with Rosenthal to a point (you should probably read the article, then come back here).

Yes, the Mets look hapless right now. Three bad years in a row. “Bad,” though, is relative.

A win or two more in ‘07, and the Mets are in the playoffs. Same goes for ‘08. Last season, thanks to injuries, they needed about 30 more wins.

Is Omar the problem? Maybe. Is it the Wilpons? Again, maybe.

We’ll see the change in the GM position before the keys to the franchise switch hands, but to me, Omar gets a lot of unnecessary flack.

I’m sure you all have had (or still have) bosses that you hate. They just don’t do things the way you’d like, but you have to deal with them anyway. It makes your life at work a lot harder because you have to wait around for them to approve this or them to check that.

To me, from the complete outside looking in, this what Omar has to deal with. I’m not saying Omar is a saint and the best GM ever, far from it. But it seems to be a perfect storm of ineptitude.

Bad ownership makes a mediocre GM look even worse. A new stadium and TV station magnify the holes. And the fans, three seasons removed from a playoff run and Game 7 of the NLCS, are ready to jump ship.

All this combined, has brewed the perfect storm of cynicism, sarcasm and dislike, all pointed toward Flushing.

Is the state of the Mets bad? Without a doubt. But it has become too easy, and the norm around these parts, to pile on this team.

The fans, if they’ve been here from the start, have seen worse. A lot worse. But the media is feeding into it and it’s blowing holes in an already sinking ship. It’s easy for the media to blast the Wilpons and Omar & Co. for anything and everything, and they have.

So who is the problem with the Mets? How will it ever get turned around? Where will 2010 take them?

Honestly, no one can know.

There is a chance, a small, miniscule one at that, the team jumps out of the gate, things clicking and running smoothly and they surprise everyone in ‘10.

Say they win 80 games. Will that please the fans? Maybe.

Say they make the playoffs. Even as a Wild Card team, I’d be thrilled.

Imagine if they get through the first round? To the NLCS? Maybe even the World Series?

Am I dreaming? Am I too hopeful? Do I actually think this will happen? Yes, yes and no.

But in this off-season, which was weak to start, the Mets have become an easy target and everyone has their Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle out and ready to fire.

There is no quick fix. Ownership changing hands won’t do much. Cleaning house will just set the franchise back by 10 years.

Fred, Jeff and Omar don’t want to lose. They don’t want people canceling ticket plans. They don’t want all this criticism.

But due to their flaws, the flaws in the people they’ve hired, the flaws in the people they’ve dealt with and all of them falling into some mystical alignment to create the super-flaws, this team is where it is now.

No one wants this. But here we are.

Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Baseball, and especially the Mets, is about entertainment. And heck, if this team isn’t entertaining, I don’t know what is.

Garland to sunny San Diego

Free agent Jon Garland will sign a one-year, $4.75 million contract with the San Diego Padres.

Most reports pointed to the Mets not showing much interest in Garland, so to them it might not be a big deal.  But it’s just one less pitcher, something pretty much everyone believes they need, off the market.

Sheets to the A’s; Now what?

This leaves the Mets to pick from, again in no particular order:

• John Smoltz
• Erik Bedard
• Jon Garland
• Chien-Ming Wang
• Jarrod Washburn

Did I miss any?

Your 2010 Mets rotation (as of right now)

1. Johan Santana
2. Mike Pelfrey
3. Oliver Perez
4. John Maine
5. Fernando Nieve

According to Ken Davidoff, Omar Minaya said that as of now, Nieve is penciled in as the fifth starter in the rotation.  Davidoff further clarifies that Nieve is ahead of Jon Niese as the Mets “want to take it slow” with Niese.

He also mentioned that the Mets still want to add another arm, be it John Smoltz, Jon Garland or Ben Sheets (not in that order).

Santana tosses 24 pitches

I would hope Johan Santana isn’t in regular-season form. 
It’s still January.

Manuel’s Musing

“The start is going to be very, very critical for us. But at the same time, we need to know that it's 162 games.”

-Jerry Manuel on the start (and the end)

Santana to throw from mound Tuesday

Johan Santana will test his surgically cleaned up arm on Tuesday and will throw from the mound.

“I’m feeling good,” Santana told the AP. “Time will tell, but I am feeling good.”

In other words: Tomorrow is a big day for Mets fans.  All signs point to Santana being OK, but I won’t be comfortable until he throws pain-free.

The AP also reports that Oliver Perez is pain-free.  I can’t quite figure out if that’s good or bad news for Mets fans.

$8 million for Ben Sheets

Ben Sheets will cost a team $8 million, according to Jon Heyman, who spoke to an NL executive.

The Mets are one of the many teams to watch Sheets throw last week.

Sheets hit 92 mph on the gun, according to those that were there.

I’m all for bringing Sheets aboard for the Mets.  He is, by far, the best pitcher still on the market, injury history or no injury history.

Links: Mets mini-camp reports today

The Mets are holding a voluntary three-day mini-camp in Port St. Lucie, starting today.

Adam Rubin is there and providing some awesome details.  Not to steal from his page views, here are the links to what he’s written so far:

Ollie says he’s ready to go

More from St. Lucie (photos)

Johan on the field (photo)

Back in PSL

Baseball, for the most part, is back!

Re-guessing the 2010 Mets Opening Day lineup

Earlier this month, I took a stab at what I expected the Mets Opening Day lineup would look like.  A lot has changed over the last two weeks or so, so it’s time to re-guess the lineup.

Here is what I think, not want, the Mets lineup to look like on April 5?

1. Jose Reyes
2. Luis Castillo
3. David Wright
4. Jason Bay
5. Daniel Murphy
6. Jeff Francoeur
7. Angel Pagan
8. Henry Blanco
9. Johan Santana

What do you think the Opening Day lineup will look like?

The world works in funny ways, sometimes

Does anyone else find this ironic and funny?

From Brian Costa…

[Carlos] Beltran, who was unable to attend the dinner because he is rehabbing from knee surgery in Colorado, received the Joan Payson Award for community service. Mets general manager Omar Minaya accepted the award on Beltran's behalf, making no mention of the dispute between Beltran and the Mets over his surgery last week.

Oh, these Mets.

For some more notes on what went on at the BBWAA awards gala, click here.  There are some gems.

Poll: Who will start in CF on Opening Day?

With the Mets acquisition of Gary Matthews Jr., likely to challenge Angel Pagan for the starting job in centerfield as Carlos Beltran rehabs, I’m wondering who will get the nod come Opening Day.

This is not who you hope will start, but rather who will be the starter.

Mets to acquire Gary Matthews Jr. for Brian Stokes [Updated]

Update – 12:20 p.m.: Heyman confirms Stokes to LA for Matthews Jr.  Angels will pay all but $2 million that is owed to him over the next two years.

Money saved from Molina will pay for Matthews, not that it makes it OK.

$1 million a year for Matthews is something I can live with.

Update – 11:57 a.m.: Jon Morosi tweets that it is, in fact, Brian Stokes heading to LA for GMJ.

Update – 11:56 a.m.: In discussing GMJ’s salary next season, Crasnick writes “It's believed the Angels will pay most of the two years and $23 million remaining on Matthews' contract with the Angels.”

Update – 11:34 a.m.: Crasnick tweets that he was told a “low salaried pitcher” is heading to LA.  MLBTR suggested Brian Stokes, as the Angels had interest in him earlier, but that was just a guess.

Original post: According to Jon Heyman, the Mets are set to acquire Gary Matthews Jr. the Los Angeles Angels.

Heyman notes that Luis Castillo is not involved in the deal.

The Angels are going to pick up a “whole bunch” of Matthews contract, according to Jerry Crasnick.

No matter how much money they’re picking up, this looks like a bad deal for the Mets from the start.,

Twitter responds to Matthews Jr. to Mets

People are simply piling on this GMJ to the Mets trade.  Here are my four favorite tweets this morning.

OGTedBerg: Just watch the Mets try to start Gary Matthews Jr. over Pagan next year. Just watch that. That's so going to happen.

mattcasey9: Anytime you can get a guy whose last 3 years of OPS are .742, .675, .697, and UZRs of -12.3, -9.3, -14.5 ... you HAVE to make that deal

MetsMerized: Gary Matthews Jr. misjudges flyballs, is terrible on basepaths, and dont run out grounders. Should fit right in.

dances_w_vowels: Gary Matthews, Omar? Really? Subtraction by addition, I think.

You can’t make this stuff up.  Well, they just did.

Is this the big news out of Buffalo?

Earlier today I re-tweeted a tweet from the Buffalo Bisons that mentioned a “big” announcement coming tomorrow at their Hot Stove Luncheon.

I really have no idea what qualifies as “big” news for the Bisons, but The Buffalo News’ Mike Harrington has a guess.

Click here to find out what Harrington thinks might be coming tomorrow.

I guess that’d be a cool thing.

Twitter Poll: Which free-agent starters would you like to see on the Mets?

With the starting pitchers flying off the shelves, the Mets are now left with a few injury-prone players and some that just aren’t very good.

I asked my Twitter followers which starter they would like to see on the Mets come 2010.  Here are some responses…

dtmfr: Ben Sheets, because he's got the highest reward (provided he stays healthy)

TheRealHoov: Jon Garland....he may not be glossy, but he's consistent and an innings eater

thesolomind: Wang

NYSportzNut: Sheets hands down - only starter available that has the upside to make the Mets a playoff contender.

Do you agree with these selections?  Who would you sign if you were GM?

Angels sign Joel Pineiro

According to Ken Davidoff and Jon Heyman, the Los Angeles Angels have signed Joel Pineiro.

Heyman says the deal is worth two years and $16 million.

Now that he is off the table, where do the Mets turn?  Ben Sheets has to be at the top of their wish list now.

Mets building actual MASH facility at Citi Field [Funny]

This was left as a comment on NJ.com.  I thought it was too good to pass up.

New York (AP) - The New York Mets will construct a full service hospital at Citi Field to treat injured players. The facility will include an operating room, full-body MRI and 6 bed convalescent center.

The facility will be named Hopsital For Special Surgery Annex at Citi Field, and is expected to be completed in time for the start of the regular season opener in April.

The announcement was made at a joint news conference with Mets general manager Omar Minaya, and Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO of the Hospital for Special Surgery.

The Annex, as the medical facility will be known, is intended to reduce Mets medical costs and improve medical care for the often-injured Mets players.

"Having a hospital right at the ball park, we feel very comfortable now to go after even more injury-prone players," said Mets general manager Omar Minaya, "Carlos Delgado is at the top of our list."

"We actually approached the Mets with this suggestion," said Dr. Shapiro "because with so many Met players already injured, and with more expected during the 2010 season without a doubt, it just made sense to do this."

"Just the savings in ambulance fare into Manhatten alone makes it worth it," chimed in Minaya.

"And we can keep the players at the ball park 24/7 which virtually eliminates them going for second and third opinions," added Shapiro.

In order to maximize return on investment, the Annex will be open to fans in need of medical treatment for sports injuries, as space permits.

"It will be like fantasy camp, where fans can have the same operations as the players, by the same doctors," said Minaya. "Season ticket holders will get first crack."

"For example, you can have the Santana Shoulder Surgery, or the Reyes Hamstring Ligament Reattachment, or whatever you want."

"Anything that can extract more money out our fan base is a good thing," quipped team owner Fred Wilpon to reporters.

Carlos Beltran was reached by phone in Denver, where he is recuperating from knee surgery performed by his personal physician Dr. Richard Steadman.

Beltran was asked whether he planned to be a patient at The Annex.

"No way," replied the Mets star center fielder. "I'd rather be traded to Pittsburgh."

Well done, sec309.  Well done, indeed.

2009 Met of the Year: David Wright

Taking home 60 percent of the vote, David Wright has been named the 2009 Met of the Year.

Wright cruised through the first three rounds over Jeremy Reed, Jeff Francoeur and Carlos Beltran.  Wright beat last year’s winner, Johan Santana, for the title as this year’s MotY.

Congratulations to Wright on being named the 2009 Met of the Year.

And thanks to everyone who voted this year.  Hopefully next year we won’t be voting after such a miserable season.

Minaya leads USA Today’s ‘Worst GM in Baseball’ poll

Here are the latest results from USA Today’s “Worst GM in Baseball” voting…

As you can see, Omar Minaya leads by a wide, wide margin.

Do you agree or disagree?

(H/T My father)

Updates: Molina to SF, Feliciano and Green signed

Bengie Molina has re-signed, for less then the Mets offered, with the San Francisco Giants.

Molina signed a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the Giants.  The Mets had offered $5 million plus, according to Jon Heyman.

Whew.

***

Also, Pedro Feliciano ($2.9 million) and Sean Green ($975,000) have agreed to one-year deals with the Mets, avoiding arbitration.

Angel Pagan is the only Met without a contract.  And he now holds all the cards.

Bengie Molina rejects Mets offer?

According to Buster Olney’s tweet, Bengie Molina has rejected the Mets latest offer.

My thoughts in short: Good.  Very good.

Olney also mentions that the Mets are focusing more on Joel Pineiro.

My thoughts in short: Good.  Kind of good.

Press release from Mets regarding Mets HoF inductions

From the New York Mets…

FLUSHING, N.Y., January 19, 2010 - The New York Mets today announced that Frank Cashen, general manager of the 1986 World Champion Mets, Dwight Gooden, the 1985 National League Cy Young Award winner, Davey Johnson, manager of the 1986 club, and Darryl Strawberry, the franchise's career home run leader, will be inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame on Sunday, August 1 prior to the Mets hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks at 1:10 p.m.

"It was very important to re-establish the Mets Hall of Fame Committee," said Mets COO Jeff Wilpon, who serves as Ex-Officio for the Selection Committee. "The committee made great choices and all four inductees played a vital role in our success during the 1980s. Each individual was a unanimous recommendation and on behalf of myself and the rest of Ownership I was pleased to approve them."

Gooden, Strawberry, Johnson and Cashen made their mark on the Mets in the 1980s and were key contributors for the 1986 World Championship team. This class will be the first to be inducted since Tommie Agee in 2002.

Cashen was general manager and the architect of the 1986 Mets, drafting and overseeing the development of Strawberry and Gooden, tapping Johnson as manager, and trading for established All-Stars Keith Hernandez and Gary Carter. From 1984-1991, the Mets averaged more than 95 victories, won the World Series in 1986, and a second NL East title in 1988. Cashen remained in the Mets front office as chief operating officer from 1980-1992.

Gooden has the second most wins (157) and strikeouts (1,875) in franchise history, trailing only Mets and National Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Seaver. Gooden holds the Mets record for most shutouts in a season (8) and owns the major league record for most strikeouts by a rookie in a season (276). "Doc" electrified Mets fans for 11 seasons, finishing his Mets career with a 157-85 record and a 3.10 earned run average. The righthander burst onto the scene in 1984, winning 17 games and the National League Rookie of the Year honors. He continued his dominance the following season by winning the pitching Triple Crown - leading the National League in wins (24), strikeouts (268) and ERA (1.53) - and capturing the Cy Young Award.

Johnson transformed the Mets into winners after seven straight losing seasons and has the highest winning percentage (.588) of any manager in club history. The Mets ran away with the NL East, winning a club-record 108 games, on their way to their second World Championship in 1986. Johnson's teams won an average of 95 games from 1984-1990 and took home a second division title in 1988 with 100 victories. He finished his Mets career with a 595-417 record.

Strawberry was one of the most feared hitters in Mets history, and is the club's leader in home runs (252), runs batted in (733), runs (662) and extra-base hits (469). The former No. 1 draft pick won the NL Rookie of the Year award in 1983 hitting 26 home runs. The rightfielder was a seven-time All-Star with the Mets and hit 25 or more home runs in each of his eight years with the team. In 1988, Strawberry led the league with a career-high 39 home runs as the Mets won their second NL East title in three years.

The Mets Hall of Fame now has 25 members. The 21 previous Hall of Fame members in order of the year they were inducted are: Joan Payson (1981); Casey Stengel (1981); Gil Hodges (1982); George M. Weiss (1982); William A. Shea (1983); Johnny Murphy (1983); Ralph Kiner (1984); Bob Murphy (1984); Lindsey Nelson (1984); Bud Harrelson (1986); Rusty Staub (1986); Tom Seaver (1988); Jerry Koosman (1989); Ed Kranepool (1990); Cleon Jones (1991); Jerry Grote (1992); Tug McGraw (1993); Mookie Wilson (1996); Keith Hernandez (1997); Gary Carter (2001); and Tommie Agee (2002).

The plaques of all the inductees will be one of the main attractions at the new Mets Hall of Fame and Museum which will open this season.

The Mets Hall of Fame committee was re-formed in November. The seven-member committee is comprised of a combination of media members with long-standing connections to the club and the Mets front office staff. The members are: Dave Howard, Executive Vice President, Business Operations who has been with the organization for 18 years; Jay Horwitz, Vice President, Media Relations who enters his 31st season with the team; Tina Mannix, Senior Director, Marketing who has been with the Mets for nine years; former Mets pitcher Al Jackson, a pitching consultant who is entering his sixth decade with the Mets; Marty Noble, the Mets.com beat writer who is entering his fifth decade covering the team; Gary Cohen, the New York native and voice of the Mets on SNY who has been a Mets broadcaster for 21 years; and Howie Rose, a Queens native and radio voice of the Mets on WFAN who has covered the team for 21 years on radio and television.

Emphases are mine.

Mets to add Strawberry, Gooden, Davey Johnson and Frank Cashen to HoF

I like it.

Gammons: Mets did not insure Beltran’s contract [Quote]

Everyone in the business understands that the Mets did not insure Beltran, so that when team physician Dr. David Altcheck and trainer Ray Ramirez signed off on Dr. Richard Steadman's decision to perform arthroscopic surgery in Vail, Colo., it was clear they were afraid that their worst time-frame fears might be realized and that Beltran could be out for -- and paid for -- much of the 2010 season.

-Peter Gammons

Click here for the rest of the article (scroll down a bit).

Francoeur signs $5 million contract

Jeff Francoeur and the Mets avoided arbitration today, as he has signed a one-year, $5 million contract according to Jon Heyman.

Francoeur made $3.375 million last season.

‘Off-field news’ coming?

Here’s a tidbit from MetsBlog this morning…

…speaking of honoring people, from what i can tell, having talked with people connected to the team today, the Mets are getting very, very close to announcing some sort of news about this type of off-field stuff, though i doubt it has anything to do with retiring numbers…

Matt Cerrone says the news could come as early as today.

Some possibilities:

• Lowering the outfield walls
• Moving the outfield walls
• Mets Hall of Fame details
• Renaming of things around the stadium
• Ticket prices (doubtful)
• Personnel changes

Or it could be something else entirely.  What do you think the news will be?

Mets spring training hats [Image]

Here are the Mets 2010 spring training hats…Does anyone actually buy/wear these hats?  Besides the players, of course.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of them in the “wild.”

They’re always so ugly, don’t you think?

Mets to hold voluntary minicamp

According to Brian Costa, the Mets will hold a voluntary 3-day minicamp at their complex in Port St. Lucie next week.

Costa tweets that Oliver Perez, Jon Niese, John Maine, Daniel Murphy and Johan Santana are among the players likely attending.

Surprised David Wright and Jeff Francoeur aren’t on this list, though they may be attending and just not listed. 

Or they’re at Howard Johnson’s house.

Championship Round: David Wright vs. Johan Santana

The moment we’ve all been waiting for: The 2009 Met of the Year Championship Round voting!

Vote for your pick based on his ability at the plate, on the mound, in the field, off the field, looks, style or anything you so choose.

Voting ends Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Ex-Met: Jose Offerman ‘punches’ umpire [Video]

Jose Offerman, who was a Met for 53 games, “punched” a Dominican League umpire and it was captured on video.

I guess it’s safe to say Offerman has no future in boxing.

Another Minaya quote

“It was a very good conversation. Everything is fine. Listen, we have no problems with Carlos Beltran. I have no problem with him and ownership has no problem. We love him. The only issue was with the process, not the player.”

-Omar Minaya to the New York Times

Mets, Maine agree to deal, avoid arbitration; Four file

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, John Maine and the New York Mets agreed to a one-year deal moments after he filed for arbitration.

The deal is worth $3.3 million with the chance to make an additional $225,000 from bonuses based on starts, according to the AP.

Also filing for arbitration today was Pedro Feliciano, Jeff Francoeur, Sean Green and Angel Pagan.

Link: Minaya says he did not OK surgery

Head over to Newsday (one free page view a day) to read Anthony Rieber’s article about Omar Minaya and Carlos Beltran’s conversation.

The Omar quote is so Omar.

Mets sign Jolbert Cabrera; Eric Byrnes DFA’d

 Neither excite me very much, if at all.

2009 Met of the Year: Championship Round is set

It’s a re-match!

The 2009 Met of the Year award is down to two players.  Both No. 1 seeds have advanced the entire way and David Wright and Johan Santana will face off on Monday to see who is crowned the 2009 MotY.

Check back Monday morning for the poll.

Below is the full bracket from the 2009 MotY…Ed. note: I’m heading back up to Connecticut today for my last semester of college.  Crazy, I know.  If anything happens during my ride up, I’ll be sure to post something when I arrive.

Statement from Carlos Beltran

I am totally surprised by the reaction to my recent knee surgery. Any accusations that I ignored or defied the team’s wishes are simply false. I also spoke to Omar Minaya about the surgery on Tuesday. He did not ask me to wait, or to get another doctor’s opinion. He just wished me well. No one from team raised any issue until Wednesday, after I was already in surgery. I do not know what else I could have done. The most important thing here is that the surgery was a total success and I expect to be back on the field playing the game I love sooner rather than later.

Carlos Beltran through his agent Scott Boras

Quotes and notes from John Ricco conference call

Direct quotes from Assistant GM John Ricco

• "When he started to ramp up for his spring training program in early December  was when he started feeling discomfort in his knee."
• "There is an issue regarding the process that was followed regarding the surgery."
• "Surgery was performed before we had the opportunity to do that [get third opinion]."
• "I'm not going to get into the legal ramifications right now."
• "All we've done is sent a letter to the agent alerting him to the fact that we were not afforded the opportunity we asked for."
• "We're just reserving our rights under his [Beltran's] contract."
• "The 12 weeks is the time frame before he can start full baseball activity."
• "The estimate right now is 12 weeks until be can *begin* baseball activity."
• "We're clearly not done putting this team together."
• "Clearly he had a symptom. ... He had a procedure he thinks can alleviate those symptoms."
• "We found out the surgery had been done Wednesday mid-day."
• "Omar has spoken with Carlos and we've had several conversations with Scott Boras."
• "It's disappointment on a couple of different levels."
• "This was not microfracture surgery. ... He is not a candidate for microfracture surgery."

Notes/Paraphrases from Ricco

• He was monitored by the medial staff. Ray Ramirez visited him in PR.
• Beltran visited Dr. Altchek. Had three MRIs on the knee.
• Altchek suggested backing off workouts to see if that helped
• Dr. Steadman suggested procedure, was a successful surgery. Beltran is still in Colo.
• Mets wanted third opinion on Beltran's knee and wanted to "digest" the info.
• There was communication between the doctors [Steadman & Altchek]
• Mets are most upset that surgery was done before third opinion, not that the surgery was done.

Did the Mets give consent? [Quote]

“The Mets gave consent to pay for the surgery.”

-Scott Boras, via Andrew Marchand

Marchand said he spoke with Boras who claims the Mets, specifically Ray Ramirez, sent over workman’s comp papers to perform the surgery.

Mets sign LHP Bobby Livingston

According to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, the Mets have signed LHP Bobby Livingston to a minor-league deal.

Livingston was in four different organizations last year, bouncing from Double- to Triple-A.  He went 9-7 in 25 starts (27 appearances) with a 4.15 ERA and 1.365 WHIP.  He struck out 74 in 156 innings while walking 36.

He last made an appearance in the majors with Cincinnati in 2007.  That year he went 3-3 in 10 starts with a 5.27 ERA and 1.509 WHIP.  He surrendered eight home runs, struck out 27 and walked eight in 56 1-3 innings.

Mets sue SpongeTech

The Mets are taking their official sponge supplier to court for bounced checks.

According to the Daily News, the Mets are suing SpongeTech, a soap-filled sponge, for $400,000 in bounced checks.

The Mets are also asking for $2.3 million from SpongeTech, the rest of the advertising contract they have with the team.

Scott Boras speaks [Quote]

“This was necessary surgery,
necessary surgery to work.”

-Scott Boras on Carlos Beltran’s surgery

Mets blogs react to Carlos Beltran news

Last night, the Mets 2010 season got off to a bumpy start.  Not only will Carlos Beltran, their star center fielder, go under the knife and will subsequently miss 8-12 weeks (but likely more), he also did it without the Mets blessing.

Here, culled from many different Mets blogs, are some reactions to the news…

Amazin’ Avenue - The Carlos Beltran Quagmire

Though the Mets should have learned by now to be conservative in their prognoses, I'm not particularly sanguine that Beltran will be running full-speed by the end of the twelve-week timeframe the Mets have propounded. It's probably even-money that he won't begin a rehab assignment until at least the beginning of May, and nobody who has been following this team over the past few seasons would even raise an eyebrow if Beltran didn't return until June.

Brooklyn Met Fan - Heeeeeeerrrrrre’s KneeGate!

I honestly thought it must be some cruel Syd Finch-esqe April Fools joke. How could this really be happening to us right now??? It’s only JANUARY 13TH!!!! AAARRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Mets Today - Carlos Beltran’s Mysterious Knee Surgery

The 12 weeks spit out by the Mets’ crack PR team is what makes things suspicious, because it takes the blood clot formed by microfracture surgery at least 8-15 weeks to heal — and the number 12 is right in the middle of that range. Mind you, the healing of the clot is only step one of the recovery process. From the research available on the information superhighway, if indeed he had microfracture surgery, Beltran would GET OFF CRUTCHES after 8-15 weeks

Mets Merized Online - Beltran Surgery Aftermath Fueling Wild Speculation

I’m also surprised at the number of Mets fans who find it unbelievable that Beltran chose to follow the advice of his personal physician instead of the Mets doctor. Based on what transpired in 2009, why are Beltran’s actions so shocking and unbelievable?

Hot Foot - Beltran Out 12 Weeks, Now What?

Whatever they plan on doing, it would be unwise to rely on Beltran returning anytime soon, no matter what the reports are.

TedQuarters – Gut punch

That’s a bit of a gut punch given the way things went for the Mets last year. And it certainly doesn’t seem like a good omen for 2010. And it’s bad for fans of awesome baseball players in general.

Mets alert Players Association [Quote]

A person familiar with the situation told the Post that the Commissioners Office and the Players Association have been alerted that “the Mets are claiming this was done without clearance and that the Mets are threatening to take some form of action. There is a potential issue out there.”

-Joel Sherman

Don’t punish Beltran

With the reports surfacing that Carlos Beltran had surgery, specifically, without the permission of the New York Mets, this leaves the team in a tough situation.

Many people are reporting that the Mets are “threatening some form of action,” according to Joel Sherman.

But they shouldn’t.

Outside of some menial fine or deduction from his contract, I’d be fine with a slap on the wrist and a warning to the rest of the team to never ever do this again.

The problem: If the Mets take a hard stance on this and truly “punish” him in some way (outside of monetarily, I can’t imagine what they’d do), what will that accomplish?  Yes, it would warn others to never do it, but between Beltran and the Mets, there will be bad blood.

And that’s something the Mets can’t afford.  After these last three seasons, the Mets need to keep their players healthy and happy. 

Regardless of the trust for the Mets medical staff (and who can blame him?), the Mets need to shake their finger at Beltran and move on. Anything more will likely created unneeded tension between the player and the team.

Mets: Carlos Beltran medical update

Here’s the medical update press release from the Mets…

FLUSHING, N.Y., January 13, 2010 -- Mets centerfielder Carlos Beltran had worsening of osteoarthritis of the right knee during the offseason. He had not been experiencing pain following the conclusion of the season and into his early offseason conditioning. The symptoms returned to the point where pre-spring training conditioning became too painful.

He elected to undergo arthroscopic clean out of the arthritic area of his knee by Beltran's personal physician Dr. Richard Steadman today in Colorado. He is anticipated to return to baseball activities in 12 weeks.

Emphasis mine.

Update: Beltran underwent ‘minor’ knee surgery without Mets permission, out 8-12 weeks

Update – 10:44 p.m.: Info from Kevin Burkhardt: “Mets knew about this, but didn't agree with surgery.”

Update – 10:16 p.m.: Joel Sherman: “Mets are definitely claiming Beltran procedure done without their blessing, and are threatening some form of action.”

Not good.

Update – 10:01 p.m.: Two things: Twelve weeks from now is April 7, the second game of the season.  But that’s when his spring training will begin.  So don’t expect Beltran until the second month of the season.

Kevin Burkhardt, on SNY, also reports that the surgery may have been done without the Mets blessing.

Update – 9:54 p.m.: Steve Popper says out 12 weeks and performed by doctor that invented microfracture surgery.  Joel Sherman said Beltran’s knee worsened during the offseason and had surgery in Colorado today due to osteoarthritis.

Update – 9:49 p.m.: Another Sherman update.  Says it wasn’t microfracture, as Heyman reported.

Update – 9:46 p.m.: Sherman’s source says “scope clean up.”  Then Sherman writes “but Mets are acting like this was more than routine.”

Original post: According to Sports Illustrated, Carlos Beltran underwent “minor” knee surgery earlier today.

He will miss 8-12 weeks, according to the report.

Joel Sherman heard that Beltran may have gone through with the surgery without the Mets permission.

A few questions raised from the Beltran news

Does anyone trust the Mets medical staff?

Did the Mets say not to get it or was this all on his own?

How bad was the pain?

Will there be any repercussions for Beltran?

Will the Mets make a deal even if they have Angel Pagan?

Endy Chavez? Rick Ankiel? Randy Winn? Other?

What does the lineup look like without Beltran for the first month or so?

Bad news coming for the Mets?

Update – 9:36 p.m.:

Update – 9:33 p.m.: Steve Popper confirms there is news coming tonight and it is “bad.”

Brian Costa says it is not an injury to Jose Reyes or Johan Santana. That still leaves Carlos Beltran, though.

Original post:

Jose Reyes? Carlos Beltran? Something non-player related?
What do you think?

2009 MotY Final Four: Johan Santana vs Angel Pagan

Here is the second matchup in the 2009 Met of the Year Final Four…

Voting ends Friday at 10 a.m.

With 77 percent of the vote, David Wright advanced into the Championship Round.  He will face the winner of this matchup.

Mets closing in on Molina?

Yesterday, I wrote that Bengie Molina lowered his demands and was willing to take a two-year deal.  In today’s NY Post, Mike Puma backs up this statement.

Last night, Tim Kurkjian of ESPN said that Molina and the Mets could have an agreement within “the next 48 to 72 hours.”

It seems inevitable at this point.  No other team has shown a real interest in signing Molina and the Mets seem to have him near the top of their wishlist.  It seems to be just a matter of time.

Regarding Fernando Martinez [Quote]

“The guy was the equivalent of a college sophomore last year. If a college sophomore got drafted and hit .290/.337/.540 in Triple-A,
people would be drooling over him.”

-John Sickels on Fernando Martinez

Molina lowers asking price

Bengie Molina, one of the Mets targets from the start, has lowered his asking price according to FOX Sports.

Molina, who had been holding at three years, is now “willing to sign for two years.”

Jon Paul Morosi writes that this raises “the likelihood of a long-expected union with the New York Mets.”

This isn’t exactly new news, as the Mets have seemed unwillingly to go three years on Molina.  The Mets are believed to have offered two years to Molina and have been rumored to offer a one year contract plus an option for a second.

Now that Molina is willing to sign for two years, the marriage between the team and the player are one step closer to a deal.

The fake Mets [Twitter]

Not all are funny, but they are all fake.  

On Twitter, there is a collection of “fake” accounts ranging from the Mets front office to the owners and manager.

Here’s a list of all them, with one of their better tweets so you know what to expect…

@FakeFredWilpon

The Royals have signed Vance Wilson. The rich are getting richer. If I had known he was still playing we would have been in on the bidding.

@JeffWilponNYM

Don't tell him: We've promised Orlando Hudson if he signed w/ Mets we'd get a river named after him.

@FauxmarMinaya

Overheard kids on train last nite talking about going to see the ball drop. Told them I appreciated their support but to check back in April

@FakeOmarMinaya_

My real plan is to bring players into the organization that are injury prone and old. I just want to test the new medical team.

@NotJerryManuel

I got a bad feeling Leno replaces Conan, Conan replaces Fallon, Fallon replaces Daly and Carson Daly replaces me.

@FakeJayHorwitz

More 2010 Mets slogan options: "Not 2009!" "Citi Field: Still sorta new" "Shake Shack is yummy" Thoughts?

@MetsOfficials

Bay passed his physical! Turns out he only has two concussions and a torn ACL. That's like a paper cut around here.

Link: Interview with the ‘I Hate the Mets the Most’ dudes

The other day I posted a video entitled “I Hate the Mets the Most” by two guys from down south.

Will Sommer contacted the two men, known as the Tomahawk Dudes and conducted a little Q&A.

Here’s the gem…

Sommer: Why so much hate on the Mets? Why not the Phillies? After all they are the best team in the East.

Tomahawk Dudes: There is a pretty simple reason as to why we chose the Mets. The Mets have always been the biggest rival for the Braves and it is a given that if you are a Braves fan, you hate the Mets, period. As you may know, there are some of the best rivalries in the South. It’s just like if you are a Georgia Bulldog fan, you are going to hate the Florida Gators. We do not like the Phillies, Marlins, or Nationals either but as the song illustrates, we just hate the Mets the Most. We think a lot of the hatred between these two ball clubs spawns from their history. From all the close games, to playoff battles, controversy on the diamond is no stranger between these two teams. We know that every time the Braves travel to Citi Field that #10 for the Braves will step into the batter box and the “Larry Chant” will soon follow. Also, when the Mets take the trip to Turner Field, it is a given that the stadium will be filled to capacity with die-hard Braves fans.  We just know as loyal Braves fans that if someone asks a “true Braves fan” who is the Braves’ biggest rival; it is going to be the Mets nine times out of ten.

For the rest of the interview, head over to Mets Fans Forever.

Price: Mets talking to Pineiro

I’d go for this.  We won’t see the same Joel Pineiro that was in St. Louis, but it’d be an upgrade for the Mets rotation.

What about you?  Would you like this rumored deal?

Mark McGwire admits, no one seems to care

Honestly, did anyone even bat an eyelash over this?

And this is for you, Jeremy Schilling.

2009 MotY Final Four: David Wright vs. Carlos Beltran

Here’s the first matchup of the 2009 Met of the Year Final Four…

Voting ends 1/13 at 10 a.m.

Want to poop on the Phillies? [Image]

Um, no comment?

Sent in by Jack W.  Thanks!

Ex-Mets: Church, Pirates nearing deal

Free-agent Ryan Church and the Pittsburgh Pirates are in talks for a deal, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Church appears to fit the Pirates' profile for their primary position-player need, in that they seek a reserve outfielder capable of stepping into everyday duty if needed: Church, a left-handed batter, is versatile, sound defensively, and his career splits -- he bats .280 vs. right-handed pitchers, .248 vs. left-handers, with 43 of his 51 home runs, -- probably would work best in a platoon or bench role.

I know Church was (is?) something of a fan-favorite around these parts, so thought I’d pass it along.

‘I Hate the Mets the Most’ [Video]

My favorite line: “Heck yes, we miss Francoeur”

Still, I’d prefer these guys to Kuff and the Buttheads every day of the week.

‘We believe in comebacks’ [Video]

Here is the Mets 2010 promotional video…

What do you think?

(I’ll be in NYC all day.  Hopefully I don’t freeze!)

Mets claim Jay Marshall off waivers

According to various reports, the Mets have claimed Jay Marshall, a lefthand pitcher,  off waivers from Oakland.  As you can tell by this photo, Marshall is a sidearm pitcher, dropping his arm below his shoulder.  See other photos here.

Marshall, 26, went 0-2 in 7 1-3 innings last season with Oakland.  He posted a 14.73 ERA and 1.773 WHIP.  He struck out one, walked none and surrendered one home run.

In 50 2-3 innings in Triple-A last season, he posted a 3.20 ERA and 1.342 WHIP.  He struck out 30 and walked 15.

Enjoy Buffalo, Jay.

Also, he has a beard.

Wright on WFAN next Wednesday at 2 p.m.

Awesome, but will he wear a silly hat?

2009 Met of the Year: Final Four

The Final Four is set for the 2009 Met of the Year. 

Two one-seeds and two six-seeds.  A starting pitcher, the ace of the staff.  The third baseman, the face of the franchise.  And two center fielders, one, a backup who filled in during an injury plagued season and the other, the All-Star who missed half the year due to a bone bruise.

David Wright will take on Carlos Beltran
and
Johan Santana will take on Angel Pagan.

Voting resumes on Monday.

Roberto Alomar denied from HOF [Video]

Here is Ken Davidoff’s story (paid).

And here is a story from Stalking Steve Phillips, who was also at Alomar’s home.

Met of the Year voting: Castillo vs Pagan

Yesterday’s winner: Johan Santana with 74 percent of the vote.
He will take on the winner of today’s matchup.

Guessing the 2010 Mets Opening Day lineup

This post, in no way, is what I want the Mets to do.  This is, rather, a guess as to what they will do and what the lineup will look like on opening day.

1. Jose Reyes
2. Luis Castillo
3. Carlos Beltran
4. Jason Bay
5. David Wright
6. Daniel Murphy
7. Jeff Francoeur
8. Bengie Molina
9. Johan Santana

What do you think the Opening Day lineup will look on April 5 at Citi Field?

Link: Sherman’s notes on the Bay signing

NY Post: Notes, thoughts on Mets signing of Bay

I suggest you read through these.  Some of them make me shake my head.  Not that I didn’t think they were true, but that they’re already creating a fallback if this (or many other things) fails.

Why say these out loud, to a reporter?  I don’t get it.

(Hat tip to Will Davidian for the link)

2009 Met of the Year: Black Bracket voting

Voting ends tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Yesterday’s winner: With 57 percent of the vote, six-seed Carlos Beltran advances to the Final Four.
Beltran and David Wright (1) will face off in the Seaver Division Final Four.

Quotes from the Jason Bay press conference

Jason Bay

• "Thank you to Jeff and Omar and everyone else that made this possible."
• "I'm grateful and honored to be here."
• "I offer a fresh perspective as a little bit of an outsider."
• "The Mets wanted me more."
• "The money's nice, don't get me wrong. ... You still have to make a decision ... New York: It was the perfect fit for everything."
• "Where you come up with Beirut, I don't know."
• "Can somebody ask Omar a question?" (jokingly)
• "I actually never hurt my shoulder. That thing took on a life of it's own. I had surgery in 2003 and it's been great ever since."
• "I can play in the playoffs, I can play in this market."
• "I'm expected to drive in runs. There's a lot of ways to do that."
• "I don't consider myself a home run hitter, I pride myself on trying to drive in runs."

Omar Minaya

• "We ask the fans to be patient."
• "Jason Bay, when it's all said and done, does a lot of fundamental things right."
• "I do anticipate Luis Castillo being our second baseman."
• "2009 is over, 2010, for me, for all of us, we're looking forward to having a great year."

Jeff Wilpon

• "Omar had a plan and wanted to get a power hitting outfielder. We looked at the spray charts and everything."
• "We have to do what's best for the organization long term. ... We had a deal done Christmas Eve."
• "Speed is not going to win this winter."

Jason Bay contract details

Here is the breakdown of Jason Bay’s contract with the Mets. Four years – with a fifth-year vesting option – worth $66 million ($80 million with vesting option).

Signing bonus: $8.5 million.

2010 salary: $6.5 million.

2011 salary: $16 million.

2012 salary: $16 million.

2013 salary: $16 million.

2014 vesting option details: 600 plate appearances in 2013 or 500 plate appearances in both the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

2014 salary: $17 million (or $3 million buyout).

Full no-trade clause.

2009 Met of the Year: White Bracket voting

2. Luis Castillo vs 6. Carlos Beltran

Voting ends at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Jason Bay Mets jerseys now available, No. 44

That was fast. 

Jason Bay, No. 44, jerseys are now for sale on Mets.com.

Fans react to Jason Bay signing

Here are some fans reactions on the Jason Bay deal going official…

AndrewLiv: Love it, they needed a power bat, and got the player they wanted for their price.

Jbones72: if they can swing a deal for a good pitcher i'll love it!

alansmodic: From a Pirates fan. I think Mets overpaid. After a year and a half, maybe sooner, they'll be wishing he was gone.

GermanMetsFan: hmm like the upgrade of the offense and that something got done finally, not sure if i like the 5yrs

DWrightGuy5: JayBay's signing shows Omar is actually good at playing chicken. Bengie ran scared to his mommy since he's losing his battle.

cutiepie0319k: i like the signing of jason bay. i know it's not going to fix their problems but they are finally making moves.

mtmcq: They needed a bat, and they went out and got a bat. They also didn't break the bank by signing Holliday. I like it.

michealnichols: Good deal for the first two years. My concern lies in years 3, 4 & 5 where I think holliday will be better.

kerelcoop: good signing but ultimately he won't be the difference maker in the success of this team. They still need pitching.

DonCheech: I am happy with it. Got a legitimate middle of the order bat

DanPirozzi: i'm not a huge fan of it, but it's better to do this than nothing at all which is what it seemed like

What are your thoughts on the signing?  Hit the comments to discuss.

SNY: Bay passed physical, to be announced tomorrow

Jason Bay is now officially a New York Met.  Four years, $66 million – with a fifth-year vesting option.

Your thoughts?

Bay to take physical today

Jason Bay and the Mets have one obstacle between getting ink onto the dotted line: His physical.

Today, Bay will be checked out by Mets doctors and medical staff to see if he’s healthy and if the Mets still want to pay him $66 million over four years.

As I alluded to, and has been mentioned a few times since, this is no slam dunk.  Bay hasn’t really missed a lot of time due to injuries (at least 145 games each year since ‘05), but he’s on the wrong side of 30 and has shown some wear and tear over the years.

His knees and possibly his arm/shoulder could be points of contention.

In the end, I think Bay will pass the physical.  If the Mets do happen to find anything, the contract might be adjusted slightly, but not by much.

The press conference announcing the signing and showing him off for the media and fans, if all goes according to plan, will be tomorrow.

2009 Met of the Year: Elite 8 & Orange Bracket voting

Here is the updated bracket for the 2009 Met of the Year (click to see bigger)…And below is today’s vote… (Results will now be hidden to the voters and revealed the next day)

1. David Wright vs 3. Jeff Francoeur

The poll closes at 10 a.m. on 1/5/10.

Link: Mets used ‘shady firms’ to build Citi Field

NY Post: Met ‘mob’ contracts

The Mets shelled out $51.6 million in taxpayer money to contractors shunned by the city for their ties to the Mafia, labor corruption or bribery, The Post has learned.

Well then.

2009 MotY: Blue Bracket voting

2. Luis Castillo vs. 7. Brian Stokes

and

4. Francisco Rodriguez vs. 6. Angel Pagan

Voting ends at 10 a.m. on 1/4/10.

Visit Mets_Pics and submit your own photos

A few days ago, I started a Mets photos Tumblr blog.  There I’ll be posting some of my photos that I’ve snapped from Citi Field and Shea Stadium over the years.

But the cool part about Tumblr is that is has a “Submission” feature.

I encourage everyone to submit their own Mets photos that they’ve snapped over the years.  (If you do submit a picture, let us know when it was taken and by whom!)

So head over to Mets_Pics to see some of mine and other Mets fans photos from our favorite team.

2009 MotY: Black Bracket voting

1. Johan Santana vs. 8. Fernando Tatis
and
3. Daniel Murphy vs. 5. Alex Cora

Voting ends at 10 a.m. on 1/3/09.

2009 MotY: White Bracket voting

*This bracket is closed.
Click here to vote in today's open bracket.*

2. Pedro Feliciano vs. 7. Mike Pelfrey
and
4. Omir Santos vs. 6. Carlos Beltran