November 30, 2007
Mets Unload Milledge
 | |
| Lastings Milledge |
Ryan hit .293 (55-188) and had a .354 on-base percentage after the All-Star break. Church also had a career-high 11-game hitting streak last season from April 3rd-11th.
The 6-1, 220-pounder has hit .340 (17-50) with three home runs and 12 RBI in 19 career games at Shea.
 | |
| Ryan Church |
Schneider, who turned 31 Nov. 26, batted .235 (96-408) with 33 runs scored, 21 doubles, one triple, six home runs and 54 RBI in 129 contests for the Nationals in 2007.
Schneider drew 56 walks and struck out 56 times. He was one of two Major League catchers to play at least 80 games to record as many walks as strikeouts (the other was Minnesota's Joe Maurer - 33 total catchers).
Brian ranked third in the National League and seventh in the majors last season throwing out 22 of 75 runners for a 29.1 percentage. Only St. Louis' Yadier Molina (50 percent) and Cincinnati's David Ross (39 percent) had a higher percentage in the NL.
 | |
| Brian Schneider |
During his eight-year Major League career, Schneider has hit .252 (586-2,321) with 206 runs scored, 133 doubles, eight triples, 47 home runs and 294 RBI in 757 games with Montreal and Washington.
Milledge, 22, hit .272 (50-184) with 27 runs scored, nine doubles, one triple, seven home runs and 29 RBI in 59 games last year with New York.
November 28, 2007
Mets acquire RHP Brian Stokes
The New York Mets announced today that they have acquired right-handed relief pitcher Brian Stokes from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for cash considerations. Stokes will be added to New York's 40-man roster, which now stands at 36. Stokes, 28, went 2-7 with a 7.07 ERA in 59 games for Tampa Bay last year. In 62.1 innings, the 6-1, 210-pounder allowed 90 hits, 49 runs, earned, with 25 walks and 35 strikeouts. Brian's 59 appearances were fourth among American League rookies.
He is currently 3-3 with three saves and a 4.30 ERA in 12 games, three starts for Mexicali in the Mexican Winter League. In 23.0 innings, he's permitted 27 hits, 14 runs, 11 earned, with 11 walks and 16 strikeouts.
Brian went 1-0 with a 4.88 ERA in five games, four starts for the Rays in 2006. In 24.0 innings, he surrendered 31 hits, 13 runs, earned, with nine walks and 15 strikeouts. He also posted a 7-7 mark with a 4.11 ERA in 29 contests, 23 starts for Durham (AAA) of the International League that year.
Overall, Stokes was 3-7 with a 6.46 ERA in 64 career games with Tampa Bay. In 86.1 innings, he's yielded 121 hits, 62 runs, earned, with 34 walks and 50 strikeouts.
November 26, 2007
Mets unveil Shea Stadium commemorative logo
 | |
| The Mets will announce plans for a season-long "Salute to Shea" that will include a series of special events and promotions. |
The Mets, in the weeks ahead, will announce plans for a season-long "Salute to Shea" that will include a series of special events and promotions.
Past commemorative patches worn by the Mets include tributes to Shea Stadium's 40th Anniversary (2004), the 40th Anniversary of the club's inception (2002), the first Major League game to be played in Tokyo (2000), the 50th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball's color barrier (1997), the 25th Anniversary of the Mets' 1969 World Championship (1994), the 125th Anniversary of Major League Baseball (1994), a Mets' 25th Anniversary (1986), America's Bicentennial (1976), the 100th Anniversary of Major League Baseball (1969), and the World's Fair (1964, 1965).
Opened in 1964 as home to both the Mets and New York Jets, Shea has been the scene of many of New York's most memorable sports and entertainment moments. From the Beatles' historic open-air stadium concert in 1965 to the unforgettable 1969 and 1986 Mets' World Championships, the venerable ballpark has been an iconic fixture on the New York City landscape since its opening.
William A. Shea, for whom Shea Stadium is named, was a driving force to bring National League baseball back to New York following the departure of the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants 50 years ago. Shea spearheaded Mayor Robert Wagner's four-man baseball task force, which helped form the proposed rival Continental League. Major League Baseball granted New York a National League expansion franchise in 1960 and the Continental League agreed to disband. Shea was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1983.
November 20, 2007
Mets Unload Mota To Brewers For Estrada
The New York Mets acquired Johnny Estrada from Milwaukee for reliever Guillermo Mota on Tuesday, moving quickly to plug their hole at catcher after talks with Yorvit Torrealba collapsed.
Estrada batted .278 with 10 homers and 54 RBIs for the Brewers this year. He is eligible for arbitration this winter and can become a free agent after the 2008 season.
"Johnny adds depth to our catching situation," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said. "He's a former All-Star who switch-hits and has hit over .300 three times in his career."
Mota served a 50-game steroids suspension at the beginning of the season and finished 2-2 with a 5.76 ERA in 52 appearances. Often booed at home, the 34-year-old right-hander struck out 47 and walked 18 in 59 1-3 innings.
"We are getting a quality relief pitcher who can pitch out of the back of the pen," Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin said. "We have been looking for a pitcher who can give us multiple innings, and last season Mota showed he could do that, pitching 2.0 innings 13 times."
The 31-year-old Estrada had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Oct. 4 to repair a torn meniscus. He also had a bone spur removed from his right elbow. The operations were performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala.
Estrada threw out only 11 of 84 basestealers (13 percent) in his lone season with the Brewers, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, and he also lacks discipline at the plate. He drew just 12 walks despite getting 442 at-bats, leaving him with a meager .296 on-base percentage.
November 19, 2007
Castillo, Mets Complete $25 Million, 4-year Deal
The Mets completed their deal with Luis Castillo on Monday, securing an everyday second baseman. Now, they must find a No. 1 catcher and a starting pitcher to replace Tom Glavine.
Castillo passed his physical and finalized a $25 million, four-year contract with the Mets, who acquired him from Minnesota on July 30.
"I'm happy," Castillo said during a conference call. "I know we have a good team."
The three-time All-Star batted .296 for New York with 10 stolen bases, 20 RBIs and 37 runs in 50 games. He hit .304 with 18 RBIs and 54 runs in 85 games for the Twins.
A three-time Gold Glove winner, the 32-year-old Castillo also provided solid defense despite playing on a sore right knee that limited his speed.
Castillo had an arthroscopic procedure to clean out his knee after the season and is expected to be 100 percent healthy by early January, according to his agents, Sam and Seth Levinson. They said it was simply scar tissue that caused the discomfort.
"We feel that he should be fine going forward," New York general manager Omar Minaya said.
Castillo, who had filed for free agency, gets a $1 million signing bonus and salaries of $6 million in each of the next four years.
A switch-hitter who lacks home run power, Castillo was one of the few Mets who played well as the team collapsed down the stretch. He batted .316 in September, but New York squandered a seven-game lead in the NL East and missed the playoffs.
The Mets are excited about having two speedy switch-hitters at the top of the lineup in Castillo and All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes, who bats leadoff.
"It's kind of an offensive model that we've strived to get to," Minaya said.
November 18, 2007
Shoulder Injuries May Have Killed Torrealba-Mets Deal
Though neither side said so publicly, the Denver Post reported the New York Mets may have changed their mind on signing Colorado Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba because of his history of shoulder problems. Torrealba missed time in 2006 with two separate shoulder injuries.
According to The Post, there are no ongoing negotiations betweent he two parties.
The Florida Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, Rockies and Mets pursued Torrealba last week. The field narrowed to the Rockies and Mets, with both sides engaging in serious discussions. When the Mets included a guaranteed third year, Torrealba was swayed. The Rockies' best proposal was a two-year, $7 million deal with a vesting option for a third year based on performance incentives.
Nov. 15, 2007
Mets Close To Filling Hole At Catcher With Deal For Torrealba
The Mets were close to filling their big hole at catcherThursday night, nearing a contract with free agent Yorvit Torrealba aftercompleting a two-year deal for backup Ramon Castro.
|
|
The moves would leave Paul Lo Duca, New York's starting backstop the past two seasons, looking for a job elsewhere.
Torrealba has never been known for his bat, but he was a steady defensive presence for the NL champion Colorado Rockies this season. He and the Mets were closing in on a $14.4 million, three-year contract, according to a person familiar with the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been finalized.
The Mets retained Castro to be their backup again, though now he could get more playing time than he did behind Lo Duca. Castro passed his physical Thursday after agreeing to a $4.6 million, two-year contract negotiated by agents Sam and Seth Levinson.
The 29-year-old Torrealba batted .255 with eight homers and 47 RBIs in 113 games for the Rockies this season. He was roundly praised for a deft touch in expertly handling Colorado's young pitchers.
Orioles To Explore Extension For Bedard
 | |
| Erik Bedard |
The Orioles have gauged league interest in Bedard, 28, who went 13-5 this season with a 3.16 ERA. Among those interested are the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers.
However, the team first wants to find out what it might cost to sign the left-hander long term. Bedard is eligible for free agency after the 2009 season.
Nov. 12, 2007
A-Rod Or Not, Wright Preparing To Stay Put At Third
 | |
| David Wright |
"I don't own any other gloves," the New York Mets star said with a smile Monday.
Wright recently had his chat with general manager Omar Minaya and is preparing to stay put at third next season -- whether or not the Mets try to sign Alex Rodriguez.
"When I spoke to Omar," Wright said, "he told me, `Be prepared to be the third baseman in 2008. That's what I took from it and that's the way I'm going about it.
"Alex Rodriguez's name did not come up at any point."
Wright, who won his first Gold Glove last week, had said he would like to speak with Mets management to gauge whether the team might want him to consider switching positions.
Minaya obliged, and Wright appreciated the gesture, calling it a "courtesy."
"I don't keep in touch with the front office, nor should they feel obligated at all to let any of the players know what's going on," he added. "I think it's good to have that separation there. But as a fan and, obviously, as part of the team, I'm interested."
One of the game's brightest young stars, the 24-year-old Wright batted .325 with 30 home runs, 107 RBIs and 34 stolen bases this year, his third full season in the majors. His .416 on-base percentage ranked fifth in the NL.
Wright also won a Gold Glove despite committing 21 errors. Still, the Mets are thought to be interested in Rodriguez, the free-agent prize who played the past four seasons at third base for the Yankees.
With their own lucrative regional sports network and a new ballpark on the way in 2009, the Mets are one of the few major league clubs that probably could meet A-Rod's price tag without emptying the piggy bank. But if they lure Rodriguez across town, where does that leave Wright?
A-Rod, of course, was a Gold Glove shortstop before switching to third base when he was traded from Texas to the Yankees. The Mets, however, have another young All-Star at shortstop in speedy Jose Reyes.
Nov. 9, 2007
Wright and Beltran Win Silver Slugger Awards
Philadelphia shortstop Jimmy Rollins, New York Mets third baseman David Wright and Seattle outfielder Ichiro Suzuki won Silver Slugger awards Friday, complementing the Gold Gloves they earned earlier this week.
|
|
The Silver Sluggers are presented by Louisville Slugger to the best offensive players at their position in each league. Managers and coaches vote for the awards.
Alex Rodriguez won his ninth Silver Slugger after leading the majors with 54 home runs and 156 RBIs for the New York Yankees. He won for the second time as a third baseman; his other seven awards came at shortstop.
Rodriguez tied former Cincinnati shortstop Barry Larkin for the third place on the all-time Silver Slugger win list. Barry Bonds (12) and Mike Piazza (10) have won the most often since the awards were first presented in 1980.
Angels outfielder Vladimir Guerrero won for the seventh time overall and Boston designated hitter David Ortiz (.332, 35 HRs, 117 RBIs) won for the fourth straight year. Arizona pitcher Micah Owings (.333, 4, 15) won for the first time.
Other winners included: first basemen Prince Fielder of Milwaukee and Carlos Pena of Tampa Bay, second basemen Chase Utley of Philadelphia, shortstop Derek Jeter of the Yankees, catcher Jorge Posada of the Yankees and outfielders Magglio Ordonez of Detroit, Matt Holliday of Colorado and Carlos Lee of Houston.
Nov. 8, 2007
Mets Meet With Boras, A-Rod Deal Highly Unlikely
The New York Mets met with Scott Boras, the agent for Alex Rodriguez, but it is unlikely there will be any negotiations to bring A-Rod to the National League.
The New York Post reported New York GM Omar Minaya will report his findings to ownership.
The Post reported the meeting was as much to show respect for Boras than to get Rodriguez. Since Boras is likely to represent players the Mets may want in the future, the Mets listened to the sales pitch more out of courtesy than interest in A-Rod.
Mets want Cordero, Nats want Gomez, Pelfrey
After their historic crash earlier this fall, it became apparent the New York Mets need bullpen help, someone like Chad Cordero of the Washington Nationals.
The Washington Nationals, meanwhile, are interested in Mets' outfielder Carlos Gomez and right-hander Mike Pelfrey, according to a baseball source.
Pelfrey, 23, is a pitcher the Nationals have been coveting since before the July 31 trade deadline.
Source: MLB.com Nov. 7, 2007
Mets, Angels Emerge As Frontrunners For A-Rod
The New York Daily News reported the New York Mets will meet with agent Scott Boras about Alex Rodriguez this week. Tuesday Anaheim Angels GM Tony Reagins made it clear his team was in the mix.
The News reported other than the Giants and Dodgers, who have previously expressed their intention to explore the A-Rod situation, only the Mets and Angels seem interested in Alex Rodriguez and his hefty price tag.
"We're interested. We're going to speak to his people and see where they are," Angels GM Tony Reagins said. "They'll know where we stand and we'll go from there. You look to try to improve your club. If that's a piece that improves your club, you go for it."
Source: New York Daily News
Nov. 6, 2007
Mets, Marlon Anderson Agree To Deal
Pinch-hitting specialist Marlon Anderson is staying with the NewYork Mets, agreeing Tuesday to a $2.2 million, two-year contract.
After he was released by the Los Angeles Dodgers in July, Anderson signedwith the Mets for his second stint with the team. He batted .319 (22-for-69) inpart-time duty for New York with three homers and 25 RBIs.
One of baseball's top pinch-hitters, Anderson again was at his best off thebench. He went 10-for-29 (.345) with one homer and 14 RBIs as a Metspinch-hitter this year. He has a .295 career average with eight homers and 44RBIs in 251 pinch-hit at-bats, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
The 33-year-old Anderson also spent 2005 with the Mets. This season, heplayed 12 games in left field, three in center, one in right and one at firstbase for New York.
He gets $1.05 million next year and $1.15 million in 2009.
In other moves, New York declined its $4.3 million option on second basemanJose Valentin, who filed for free agency. Valentin's option would have becomeguaranteed if he reached 400 plate appearances, but his season was cut short bya knee injury.
The Mets also declined their $4 million option on right-hander BrianLawrence, instead choosing to pay him a $200,000 buyout.
New York sent left-hander Dave Williams outright to Triple-A New Orleans. Hedeclined the assignment and elected to become a free agent. Utility player DavidNewhan also was sent outright to New Orleans, and the team expects him todecline the assignment.
Minaya Working On Pitching, Not A-Rod
New York Mets GM Omar Minaya didn't come out and say the team is out of the Alex Rodriguez hunt, but considering Minaya told Newsday Mets are happy with David Wright at third and Jose Reyes and shortstop, signing the slugger appears to be unlikely.
"We're very happy with Jose Reyes. We're very happy with David Wright," Minaya said. "We've got two of the best young players at those positions in the game."
Minaya is concentrating on improving the pitching staff. The Mets have spoken numerous times with the Oakland Athletics about Joe Blanton and with the Chicago White Sox about Jose Contreras and Jon Garland, and those pitchers can be had once again.
The Mets also will speak to the representatives of free-agent righthander Carlos Silva this week at the meetings.
Nov. 2, 2007
Lo Duca May Be Back In Big Apple
Paul Lo Duca just might wind up with the New York Mets after all.
Lo Duca's agent, Andrew Mongelluzzi, did not return calls or e-mails Thursday seeking comment, but GM Omar Minaya sounded optimistic that Lo Duca could return in 2008.