I always regarded the WBC as Dancing With The Stars with spikes. It’s a manufactured competition, but with its roots in nationalism. However, last night’s USA-Puerto Rico elimination match was compelling, far more interesting than your average Mets-Marlins spring training game. That interest was generated by the passion in the stands. The WBC means more in terms of national pride to the teams and fans in Asia and Latin America than to the United States. [...]

In a report to MLB Trade Rumors, Tim Dierkes posted of Nelson Figueroa’s release: The Phillies designated pitcher Nelson Figueroa for assignment to make room for Brad Lidge, tweets MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki.  Figueroa, 36, was claimed off waivers from the Mets on April 7th and tallied nine games for the Phils. Last year for the Mets Figueroa compiled a 4.09 ERA, 7.5 K/9, and 3.1 BB/9 in 70.3 innings.  Figueroa has spent most of his second career Phillies stint [...]

We could use Nelson Figueroa.  After Johan Santana and Mike Pelfrey, he would be our next best starting pitcher. I was never sold on John Maine after seeing him in spring training.  He’s recently had a few positive starts, though those were against weak hitting NL teams and at the friendly confines of Citifield when the Mets were hot.  It’s a mystery as to why John was striking so many guys out with an 87 [...]

As Mets fans, we don’t get moments like this very often, so in those rare instances when the Phillies make headlines for all the wrong reasons, you really have to relish them. To begin, we already know what a big mouth Jimmy Rollins has, but get a load of what he said while a guest on the Dan Patrick Show. Patrick asked Rollins why the Phillies didn’t elect to keep Cliff Lee. (A loaded question?) “That, [...]

Update 4/7 1:30 pm The Phillies have claimed right-hander Nelson Figueroa off waivers, according to ESPN NY. He is expected to join the Phillies immediately and is likely would be the team’s long man and spot starter. The Mets designated Figueroa for assignment over the weekend. Figueroa went 3-8 with a 4.09 ERA in 16 games (10 starts) last season for the Mets. He had a 4.61 ERA in Spring Training. Original Post 4/6 1:00 pm [...]

I found it so laughable and typical that after almost an entire spring training without a peep from Jerry Manuel regarding Nelson Figueroa, Manuel chose yesterdays implosion on the mound from Figgy to reveal his intentions about the 35-year old right-hander. After a near perfect run this spring, you would think that Figueroa might have jeopardized his chances to secure a roster spot after allowing seven runs in 2 2/3 innings against the Marlins on Friday. Figgy called [...]

With all the talk about #2 through #4 of the rotation for the Amazins, the 5th spot is as up in the air as an Ike Davis homerun. There are arguably about three or four pitchers contending for the spot. After a tenuous 2009, a clear message is being sent to everyone not named Santana or Rodriguez on the pitching staff: The best pitchers get the spots. Pure and simple. Let’s take a look at the [...]

Many people would characterize Nelson Figueroa as a very good AAA player.  He can start or relieve, help the team win some games, and fill up seats in the minor league ballpark.  Nelson is probably looking at this kind of scenario again in 2010; one in which he starts the season in the minors, then due to injuries or ineffectiveness on the major league squad, he is called up and gets another opportunity to show [...]

And then there were none. We did win 70 games, we’re guaranteed a top ten draft pick and we can all kick back and watch some football or so for the new few months. I’ll still be watching the playoffs with a decent amount of the Mets fanbase (and i’ll be cheering for the Rockies.) It was a season of ups and downs and downs and downs…but what does not killl you only makes you [...]

Like a wounded prizefighter hoping to get one last chance at the title, the Mets fought their way through a difficult 2009 season.  They kept getting pushed aside, beaten down and left for dead.  The season might have ended much earlier than Mets fans expected (like July), but at least the Mets gave the hearty fans in attendance for this final series at Citi Field something to smile about. Nelson Figueroa’s best pitching performance in [...]

Last night, as the Mets fell to the Braves 7-3 it was more than just your typical loss. For the Mets it was their ninth loss in their last ten games, a feat they have managed to avoid all season long until last night. It was also their fifth straight loss, just one away from a season high. If you were hoping , as I was, that the Mets would at least end the season on [...]