12/30/2002
Mets agree to deal with Rey Sanchez
The Mets have reached an understanding on the structure of a contract with infielder Rey Sanchez.
The one-year deal is worth $1.3 million and could net Sanchez another $700,000 in bonuses based on playing time.
12/30/2002
Mets GM patient with the hot corner
Steve Phillips is being patient in his search for a third baseman.
It's a philosophy that worked when the Mets general manager went looking for a shortstop so he sees no reason to change his strategy now.
12/20/2002
Mets, Floyd agree to multi-year deal
The Mets addressed their need for offensive production in the outfield on Friday, reaching an agreement with free agent slugger Cliff Floyd.
The four-year, $26 million contract is contingent on Floyd passing a physical on Saturday.
12/20/2002
Mets let go of Thomson, Nickle
John Thomson's brief stint with the Mets ended on Friday when the club decided not to offer the right-hander a contract for 2003.
Reliever Doug Nickle, who was claimed off waivers on Oct. 1 from San Diego, was also not offered a contract.
12/19/2002
Heilman ready to make impact
Being in the Big Apple at Christmas was always something Kerri Heilman wanted to experience.
So Mrs. Heilman and her new husband, Aaron, will take in a few Broadway shows this week, check out Rockefeller Center and Times Square and maybe even hang around long enough to watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve.
12/18/2002
Stanton happy to stay in New York
Mike Stanton couldn't gush enough about the time he spent with the Yankees. But the veteran southpaw was quick to remind people that those pinstripes weren't carved into his heart nor did they confine him to The Bronx.
12/15/2002
Mets send Ordoņez to Devil Rays
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays acquired shortstop Rey Ordoņez and cash considerations from the New York Mets on Sunday night for two players to be named.
Ordonez, 30, spent seven seasons in New York as one of the National League's best defensive shortstops.
12/15/2002
Ordoņez trade gives Reyes shot at job
Jose Reyes will get the chance to win the starting shortstop job at Port St. Lucie this February but he won't have to worry about taking the job away from Rey Ordonez. That's because the Mets dealt the three-time Gold Glove winner to Tampa Bay on Sunday night.
12/14/2002
Howe looks forward to challenge
After seven years in the American League, where station-to-station baserunning and waiting for the long ball are the norm, Art Howe is jumping back over to the Senior Circuit, where he'll be making moves he hasn't made on a regular basis in years.
12/08/2002
Mets sign Trachsel, cut ties with Alfonzo
Right-hander Steve Trachsel agreed to a new two-year contract Saturday night in negotiations that butted up against a midnight deadline for clubs to offer arbitration to their free agents.
However, the Mets detached themselves from Edgardo Alfonzo, an eight-season veteran of the team.
12/05/2002
Mets, Glavine agree on contract
The Mets took one giant step in closing the gap on the Braves in the NL East on Thursday by agreeing with free agent left-hander Tom Glavine on a three-year, $35 million deal with a vested option for the fourth year that would bring the deal to $42 million.
12/02/2002
Where have you gone, Rusty Staub?
Rusty Staub was already an established hitter and a six-year veteran when the Expos acquired him from the Astros in a three-player trade Jan. 22, 1969.
But it wasn't until he put on an Expos uniform that he became known as one of the best players in baseball.