Monday, March 30, 2009
Seaver, Piazza to return for opener
The New York Daily News reported on the Mets' plan on its web site Sunday night. The Mets' home opener is scheduled to be played on April 13 against the Padres.
Seaver bounced a pitch to Piazza during the postgame ceremonies following the final game at Shea on Sept. 28. The two then walked the distance to center field and exited Shea in a symbolic closing of the Mets' home for 45 seasons.
Tigers interest in Mets' reliever Stokes
The Detroit Tigers still have bullpen concerns and talked to the New York Mets about a potential deal that would have send reliever Brian Stokes to Detroit for the Tigers' righty-hitting utility player Ryan Raburn, according to the New York Daily News.
According to the report, the talks began after Wednesday's Mets-Tigers game, during which Detroit GM Dave Dombrowski watched Stokes fire two scoreless innings. However, the talks fizzled because Stokes, who is out of options and must pass through waivers to be sent to the minors, is projected to make the Opening Day roster. Raburn, 27, has a .255 average with eight homers and 48 RBI in 349 at-bats over the past three seasons with Detroit.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Madoff Citi Field seats soon could be on market
The prime Citi Field seats of Bernard Madoff’s company could soon be available. The New York Mets season tickets, just behind home plate, will likely be resold by the trustee for Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC. “We have no intention of not monetizing them and letting them go unused,” trustee Irving H. Picard said Saturday in an e-mail to The Associated Press. “When we have something to announce, we will do so.”
Mets executive vice president David Howard said the seats were paid for and were in either the first or second row behind home plate, a section known as Delta Club Platinum. They list for $695 each for opening day on April 13 and June interleague games against the New York Yankees, all classified as platinum by the Mets. They cost $595 for gold games, $495 for silver games, $395 for bronze games and $295 for value games. Overall, the season ticket comes to $40,095 per seat, an average of $495.
“They’re paid for. They can do with them what they want to,” Howard said. Mets owners Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz were close to Madoff, who pleaded guilty March 12 in federal court to 11 counts, including securities fraud and perjury, stemming from a Ponzi scheme prosecutors said was worth $64.8 billion.
The 70-year-old Madoff could get up to 150 years in prison at sentencing June 16. Wilpon, Katz and many entities of their company, Sterling Equities, and various affiliated foundations are among the swindled creditors.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Mets say Oliver Perez is 'out of shape'
Oliver PerezPerez showed little zip on, or command of, his fastball Wednesday, and was up to 92 pitches before Manuel finally lifted him with two outs in the fourth inning. According to The Daily News, Perez's problems began soon after departing camp for the WBC, which included just two starts in the 19 days he was away from the Mets. He also complained he was tired after being left in to throw 85 pitches in a March 15 loss to Korea.
"I think he's out of shape, the arm is out of shape," pitching coach Dan Warthen said. "It's a combination. Since he's come back we really haven't seen the life out of the hand, the ball is just not jumping out right now ... I think he's gained a little weight and needs to start pushing himself a little more."
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Santana sharp in Mets’ victory
Since returning from elbow tightness, Johan Santana has been saying he’s on track to make his opening-day start for the New York Mets. He backed that up on Sunday.
In his second Grapefruit League start this spring, Santana tossed five strong innings and the Mets scored nine runs in the seventh for a 12-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves.
“I felt pretty good out there,” said Santana, who didn’t make his first exhibition start until March 12 and then faced minor leaguers last Tuesday.
The 30-year-old lefty was sharp against the Braves, striking out seven. He worked out of one small jam and yielded two hits.
Manuel said Murphy will bat No.2 for New York Mets
Daniel Murphy has only 131 major league at-bats, but his approach is impressive enough that New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel said he will bat Murphy in the No.2 hole behind Jose Reyes and bat veteran Luis Castillo No.8, according to the New York Daily News.
"I'm confident that I can go out there and try to put a quality at-bat on them every time," said Murphy, who hit .313 with two homers and 17 RBI during his rookie season. "That's what my goal is. It's not numbers. It's not hits. It's not home runs. It's not doubles or RBI. It's quality at-bats."
The Mets used 10 different hitters in the No. 2 position last season, according to The Daily News.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Hernandez earning No.5 starter job; Garcia gone?
Livan HernandezHernandez limited the Braves to one run on five hits while striking out three and walking none in a 58-pitch effort over five innings Wednesday. He ran his scoreless streak to eight innings before allowing an RBI single to Brandon Jones in the fifth in the Mets' 7-4 loss.
According to The Daily News, when Hernandez signed a minor-league deal as camp was getting underway, Minaya indicated it was likely that the righthander would open the season at Triple-A Buffalo. That was before Tim Redding's shoulder trouble surfaced and Minaya announced Redding would open the season on the disabled list. And it came before Garcia imploded. Garcia allowed five runs on seven hits in two innings in relief of Hernandez, lifting his spring ERA to 16.71.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Team USA rallies to beat Puerto Rico
Hobbled and humbled in the World Baseball Classic, Team USA is still swinging. David Wright sliced a two-run single that capped a three-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning Tuesday night, and the injury-plagued Americans qualified for this weekend’s semifinals with a 6-5 win over Puerto Rico. Wright’s hit with one out eliminated Puerto Rico.
The Americans advanced to the next round at Dodger Stadium. It was an especially sweet victory after Saturday’s humiliation against Puerto Rico that triggered the mercy rule when the Americans fell 10 runs behind, ending the game in the seventh inning.
Wright then lined a 2-1 pitch just inside the right-field line, raising his fist when the ball dropped in. The New York Mets star called the hit the biggest of his career.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Santana pitches 4 innings against minor leaguers
Rather than have Johan Santana ride a bus 2 hours to pitch against division rival Atlanta, the Mets had their ace pitch against New York minor leaguers for four innings Tuesday in his second outing since knee surgery.
Santana allowed two runs and six hits in four innings, striking out five and walking none. He gave up three doubles and threw 40 of 56 pitches for strikes.
The Mets released RHP Rocky Cherry, who spent last season with the Baltimore Orioles. New York offered him back to the Orioles after he cleared waivers, but Baltimore rejected the offer. New York might try to sign Cherry to a minor league contract.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Mets shut down Redding
The New York Mets shut down right-hander Tim Redding on Saturday, citing soreness and a lack of strength in his throwing shoulder. They said it is unlikely he will make the opening day roster.
Tim Redding“It’s totally different because the beginning of camp, it was just a completely unconditioned situation,” Redding said on Saturday. “… Now it’s more or less a pinpoint simple area giving me discomfort.
“It’s not a burn, it’s not a shooting pain, it’s just an achiness, and the only way we can identify trying to get that better is to back off.” Redding will begin rehab once his strength returns, but general manager Omar Minaya said there is no timetable for his return.
“We will let him rest for a while and make sure his strength comes back before we get him back on the mound,” Minaya said. Redding made his first game appearance on Sunday against the University of Michigan, giving up five hits and five runs in one-third of an inning. He struggled again on Thursday in his Grapefruit League debut, giving up eight hits, including three home runs, and nine runs in two innings
Friday, March 13, 2009
Ex-Mets pitcher convicted of assaulting girlfriend
Former New York Mets pitcher Ambiorix Burgos (am-bee-OR'-iks BUR'-gos) has been convicted of throwing his girlfriend against a wall and punching her in a motel.
Prosecutors say a jury on Thursday convicted the 24-year-old Burgos of assaulting the woman in September 2008. He faces up to a year in jail when he is sentenced April 3.
District Attorney Richard Brown's office says Burgos threw his then-girlfriend against a wall and repeatedly punched and slapped her when she tried to leave. Prosecutors say Burgos then stepped on the woman and pummeled her as she lay on the floor.
Burgos' lawyer, Edgar De Leon, didn't immediately return an after-hours message seeking comment.
The Mets released Burgos in December.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Mets and Ex-Mets shine at WBC
Francisco Rodriguez loves pitching for his country. “For some reason I feel like right now I’m at another level,” said Rodriguez, who signed a $37 million, three-year contract with the New York Mets this offseason. “Just to be able to wear a Venezuelan jersey, it’s totally different for some reason. I don’t know why, but it’s totally different to be able to play with your country. Rodriguez closed it out on the next pitch by striking out Kevin Youkilis. "It was fun, the adrenaline was going 100 percent," Rodriguez said.
Former Met Karim Garcia went 4-for-4 with two homers and Mexico eliminated Australia from the World Baseball Classic with a 6-inning, 16-1 victory Wednesday night. Garcia’s three-run homer in the sixth capped a four-run inning and the mercy rule meant Mexico wouldn’t need to go the full nine to move on to the second round.
Victor Zambrano allowed one run and three hits in 3 2-3 innings to earn the win before a crowd of 12,358. He walked two and struck out one. Venezuela’s bullpen was tagged for 13 runs over five inning in Sunday’s rout by the U.S. but redeemed itself in this one, with five relievers combining to allow two runs in six innings of work.
Mike Pelfrey, who has been slowed by a left leg strain, will return to Grapefruit League action on March 14. He said the leg felt better in a March 11 bullpen session.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Mets Release Duaner Sanchez
General Manager Omar Minaya said this morning that the Mets have released Duaner Sanchez, whose diminished velocity and spotty command this spring has stood out among a crowded pack of relievers. Despite returning last season, Sanchez has never truly recovered from the two shoulder surgeries that interrupted a once-promising career.
"We looked at it, really, his over all performance based upon last year to what we see now and we didn’t see the improvement," Minaya said.
By releasing him before March 18, the Mets are responsible for only roughly one-sixth of his $1,687,500 salary.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Lower leg strain will keep Pelfrey sidelined
Mike PelfreyAccording to the report, Pelfrey had his lower left leg wrapped. The training staff wanted Pelfrey to wear a boot that extends to just below the knee, so the strained muscle can remain relaxed. He left camp without it on Sunday afternoon and returned after the trainers found the boot in an unopened bag. Pelfrey has a strained muscle between the shin and the ankle.
Pelfrey believes he will throw Wednesday, a scheduled day off for the team, and then make a start on the weekend. Pelfrey was to have made his third appearance of the spring Monday, but those plans have been scratched, and the trainers don't want him playing catch either, according to the report.
Brandon Knight is expected to take Mike Pelfrey's start Monday against the Orioles.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Angel Pagan push gets derailed
Outfielder Angel Pagan, who was scratched from Friday's game with an inflamed right elbow, traveled to New York for an MRI exam.
While Jeremy Reed was likely to claim the Endy Chavez-vacated backup role anyway, Pagan (7-for-15) was having a strong spring to push the former Mariner.
Pagan had a solid start to last season while replacing injured Moises Alou in left field, and hit .275 in 31 games. But his 2008 season ended with surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder after flipping into the stands at Dodger Stadium.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Santana throws live batting practice
New York Mets ace Johan Santana doesn’t see any reason why he won’t be ready for opening day. Santana, hindered last week by elbow tightness, threw 36 pitches in live batting practice Saturday before the Mets played an exhibition game against the Washington Nationals. It was the first time he’d faced hitters since knee surgery in October, and said everything went well.
“I pitched today with no problems in my elbow or my arm or anything, so I am fine, and at the same time I was working on my pitches and I was able to command it, so that’s what you want to see,” Santana said.
The left-hander threw mostly fastballs, but also worked in some off-speed pitches and made it difficult for hitters to get a bat on the ball. Only three pitches were put into play.
Santana took a break after the first 20 pitches to simulate the change in innings.
Pitching coach Dan Warthen liked what he saw, including the energy Santana showed while on the mound. Santana smiled throughout the session, even cracking jokes at times.
Warthen said last weekend that Santana might not throw batting practice until March 13, but the two-time Cy Young winner insisted his elbow was fine. Now, the club has moved up his ever-changing schedule and he could pitch in a game next week.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Santana wants to start on opening day
New York Mets ace Johan Santana wants the ball on opening day. Santana threw 46 pitches off a mound early Wednesday in his most ambitious and productive bullpen session since the start of spring training, and made it clear he wants to start for New York on April 6 in Cincinnati despite concerns over his tender elbow.
“I appreciate everything they’re doing trying to protect me and trying to keep me healthy,” Santana said. “But I’m a professional and I know exactly what it takes for me to be ready. I’ve been doing this for years now and I know exactly what I have to do and I’m pretty sure I’ll be ready for opening day.” Santana has an irritated triceps tendon that has caused discomfort in his throwing elbow.
The two-time Cy Young winner has yet to pitch in a spring training game for the Mets, but he threw all of his pitches Wednesday under the watchful eye of pitching coach Dan Warthen.
Warthen had said Tuesday that the left-hander wouldn’t make his spring debut until March 18, putting him on track to start the Mets’ fifth game of the regular season. After seeing Santana throw, Warthen said he is open to changing that schedule.
“All plans have got to have room for modification,” Warthen said. “If he feels good (Thursday), I have no problem moving the schedule up. His arm strength is fine. We were all worried about the elbow—we didn’t want that thing to fire up again—but he threw his slider and he looked great. He threw the ball really well today.”
Santana had arthroscopic surgery Oct. 1 to repair torn cartilage in his left knee. He reported to camp early and threw bullpen sessions every other day, a routine he said he has never followed before and one he thinks may have caused the tightness in his elbow.
Santana looked sharp Wednesday as he threw his final dozen or so pitches to catcher Brian Schneider with a batter standing in at the plate. “I feel good,” Santana said. “I threw all my pitches, I threw my breaking ball and everything was good. From now on it’s just a matter of trying to get everything together, but I think big progress today.”
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Mets stagger ticket on-sale dates
The Mets are putting individual game tickets for April and May on sale ahead of the rest of the year in an effort to boost early-season attendance. Preparing for their first season at Citi Field, the Mets said Tuesday they would start selling tickets for the first two months on March 15. The sale date for the rest of the year will be announced later.
Ticket prices run from $11-$17 (promenade reserved) to $120-$280 (Ebbets Club) for regular-season games, according to the team’s Web site. In addition, tickets will go on sale Friday at $6-$50 for exhibition games against Boston on April 3-4.
The first event at the $800 million ballpark is a college baseball game between St. John’s and Georgetown on March 29. Tickets sold out Monday.
The Mets say sales for full and partial season tickets are about 10 percent ahead of last year, when the team averaged 51,165 in its final season at Shea Stadium. Citi Field has about 42,000 seats.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Santana feeling fine after bullpen session
Johan Santana could miss the New York Mets’ season opener due to a stiff left elbow.
Johan Santana“He felt he was fine, so he’s not going to New York as planned,” general manager Omar Minaya said. “He’ll be seen by our doctors when they come down. It was the weather also.”
Santana long-tossed with new closer Francisco Rodriguez before heading to the bullpen for a 15-minute session with catcher Omir Santos. The 29-year-old left-hander threw 31 pitches hours before New York’s 13-1 win over the Houston Astros in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
“This is the first time in the last four days that I’ve thrown, but I feel fine and don’t think there should be any problems,” Santana said.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Mets claim they have prospects, cash to deal if necessary
With the news that Johan Santana may not be ready opening day, it means the New York Mets may have to turn their attention from trying to obtain Matt Holliday at the deadline to getting Roy Halladay.
However, the New York Daily News reported that contrary to reports, the Mets have the resources to make a deal to fill whatever needs they may have as the season goes on.
"Our farm system is stronger than people seem to give it credit for," GM Omar Minaya said this past week. "It has helped us make two big trades the last two years, and we still have a lot of good, young players in our system."
Minaya referred to the deals with the Twins for Santana and the Mariners for J.J. Putz, in which the Mets gave up a total of six minor-leaguers, none of them considered their best prospects. The Mets believe they still have enough depth and talent in the farm system to make a significant trade during the season, to the point where people close to the situation say the organization has budgeted money for a trading-deadline deal, according to the Daily News.
The Daily News also reported the Mets believed with new revenue streams from their new ballpark, the they will be in a position to take advantage of the bad economy that prevented many teams from spending as usual on free agents this offseason.