On Wednesday, the Mets finished off their seven-game homestand with a bang.

After a Brett Baty two-run homer off of Zack Wheeler, offense was hard to come by as it was knotted at 2-2 going into the eighth. The Mets’ defense continued to keep them in the game, as Juan Soto gunned out Nick Castellanos at the plate in the eighth inning, eventually sending the game into extras. The culmination of the Mets’ perfect homestand would come with a Starling Marte bloop single into center field, scoring Pete Alonso and securing a 4-3 win for New York. For a full game recap, click here!

This win made the Mets 12-1 to start the season at Citi Field, marking their best home record to start a season in team history.

New York has an off day on Thursday as they travel down to D.C. to kick off a four-game set against the Washington Nationals. Kodai Senga, Clay Holmes, Tylor Megill and Griffin Canning are the expected starters for that series. 

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

Ryne Stanek raved about the Mets pitching development under this new regime, per David Lennon of Newsday. Stanek said New York’s pitching development is is “as good as anywhere I’ve been.”

Carlos Mendoza told reporters that he expects to reinstate Jeff McNeil and Francisco Alvarez from the 10-day IL on Friday. Click here for more on the two Mets’ expected returns.

Mets traded minor leaguer Rowdey Jordan to the Astros, per Mike Mayer of Metsmerized Online. Jordan was an 11th RD pick in 2021. and has a .683 OPS in the minors.

Mets trainers noticed that one of Edwin Díaz’s legs was longer than the other on Tuesday. They fixed the issue, says Díaz: “I was feeling better after”, per SNY. Edwin left Wednesday’s win with what he labeled as a “hip cramp.” Click here for more on Edwin’s injury.

Latest MLB News

The Atlanta Braves selected RHP Jesse Chavez to the major league roster and transferred INF Nacho Alvarez Jr. to the 60-day injured list. 

The Philadelphia Phillies reinstated INF/OF Weston Wilson from the 10-day IL and in return designated INF/OF Kody Clemens for assignment.

The Chicago Cubs signed Nicky Lopez to a one-year major league contract and transferred LHP Justin Steele to the 60-day IL.

Athletics reliever José Leclerc is going to get a second opinion when the A’s are in Texas next week after going down with a lat strain, per Martín Gallegos of MLB.com. He’s shut down for the time being with no timetable for a return.

Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell “didn’t feel great” after playing catch on Tuesday per Dave Roberts. Snell will be shut down from throwing and might go for more imaging, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.

Latest on MMO

Edwin Díaz left Wednesday’s win with a hip cramp.

Jeff McNeil and Francisco Alvarez are expected to return this weekend!

The Mets finish off a perfect homestand!

On This Date in Mets History

2013: Jordany Valdespin hits a walk-off grand slam to give the Mets a 7-3 win over the Dodgers. 

2007: Pinch-hitter Damion Easley ties the Mets at one a piece with the Colorado Rockies in the 10th inning with the club down to their last strike. Endy Chávez would then win the game in the 12t inning with a walk-off drag bunt.

1986: Howard Johnson launches a two-run homer to tie the Mets and Reds in the ninth inning. George Foster then puts the Mets ahead in the 10th with an RBI single. 

1962: Casey Stengel is fined $500 by commissioner Ford Frick for appearing in a Rheingold Beer advertisement while in uniform.

Born on This Date: Tyler Naquin (1991), Carlos Beltrán (1977), Pat Zachry (1952).

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Continued Historic Start at Citi Field appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The 1985 season was Gooden’s best, coming off his rookie season of 1984 when he put up a 17-9 record, led the league in strikeouts with 276, and won the National League’s Rookie of the Year award. Gooden also led the league in strikeouts in 1985, and had 16 complete games, which was the most in the National League.

For fans who watched Gooden in 1985, it was absolutely must-see television. Matt Harvey‘s 2013 season and Jacob deGrom‘s 2018, 2019, and 2021 seasons were close, but no pitcher electrified the fanbase as Gooden did in 1984 and 1985. He was dominant, with a high-90s fastball and a roundhouse curve that would freeze hitters.

Gooden’s Mets career covered 11 seasons, over which he posted a 157-85 record. The Doctor never again reached the heights of his 1984 and 1985 campaigns, and was suspended for drug use at the beginning of the 1987 season. His 1986 season was very good, with a 17-6 record, however, his strikeouts were down to 200 in 250 innings pitched, and his WHIP climbed to 1.108 (an excellent number but above his previous seasons). His ERA+ in 1986 dropped to 126, while his ERA increased to 2.84. Gooden’s 1987-1991 seasons remained solid, if not spectacular. His last three years with the Mets, 1992-1994, Gooden’s record was below.500 in each season.

Back to the game on August 25, 1985, the Mets jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first on run-scoring hits by Darryl Strawberry (two RBIs) and Howard Johnson. The Padres answered with two runs in the top of the third inning. Strawberry belted a home run in the fifth inning, putting New York ahead 4-2. In the top of the sixth, a Terry Kennedy groundout scored Steve Garvey, cutting the Mets’ lead to 4-3.

The Orange and Blue took over from there, plating four runs in the bottom of the seventh. George Foster drove in two with a single, Rusty Staub added an RBI single, and Roger McDowell, who had replaced Gooden on the mound, doubled in a run. The Mets held an 8-3 lead into the bottom of the eighth, when Strawberry completed his fine day with another RBI, this time on a single.

The 1985 Mets won 98 games, finishing second to the St. Louis Cardinals and missing the playoffs. The Mets went into St. Louis trailing by three games for a three-game series with six total games left to play. The Mets won the first two, but could not complete the sweep, and went home for their final three games, two games off the division lead. The Cardinals would clinch on the second-to-last day.

The Mets would use the 1985 near-miss as fuel for the following season, when they dominated the National League, and persevered through the postseason to bring the franchise’s second championship to Flushing.

The post OTD 1985: Gooden Notches 20th Win appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

We all have Aunts down in Florida.  Okay, maybe not everyone, but I do.  And recently she sent some “vintage” mid-80s Mets cards up to me in NY from a neighbor who wanted to get rid of them after her spouse passed on.  In looking through them, I came across the 1986 Mets card shown below:

Several things about this card. Firstly 1986 is not “vintage”.  In 1986 I was in high school, had a full head of hair, and weighed about 150 pounds.  The Mets had a young Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, and Lenny Dykstra and would win their second World Series. Truly just a few short years ago.

Secondly, while I remember Tom Paciorek, I don’t remember him ever being a Met. Paciorek had come up to the Dodgers in 1970 as a corner outfielder and had become an All-Star with Seattle in 1981 when he was second in the American League with a .326 batting average.  In 1985 he was a 38-year old fourth outfielder, and back-up first baseman with the White Sox when the Mets acquired him for good glove but no-hit shortstop project Dave Cochrane, who was batting .223 in AA when traded on July 16. That was at the All-Star break in 1985 and the Mets were in second place, 2.5 games behind St. Louis.

It was a trade to shore up the bench as young outfielder John Christensen was hitting .190. Paciorek could also serve as a defensive placement for an aging George Foster in left, provide Strawberry a day off in right, spell Keith Hernandez at first or serve as a right-handed pitch hitter while Rusty Staub was the left-handed pitch hitter.

Paciorek did exactly that in 1985 with the Mets, hitting a solid .284 while playing 8 games at first, 29 in the outfield and pinch hitting 17 times as well.

The picture on the card is easy to determine where and when it was taken.  Shown in the home uniform and high-fiving after a home run, Paciorek only hit one home run for the Mets.  A check of BaseballReference.com shows that occurred on August 15, against the Phillies in the bottom of the first off of Jerry Koosman, who was pitching in his final year of baseball.  Wally Backman, who had walked, scored ahead of him, so that’s likely Wally on the left side of the card shown.

Alas, the 1985 Mets remained where they were at the All-Star break, as despite winning 98 games, the second-best record in the National League and the third-best in baseball, the Cardinals won 101 games, finishing 3 games ahead of the Mets. St. Louis won the pennant that year but fell to the Royals in the World Series.  At least the way Don Denkinger saw it.

After the season, with a young Kevin Mitchell on the way, Paciorek was released.  He signed with Texas and played two seasons with the Rangers, finishing his career with a .282/.325/.415 slash line, and at least one card showing his 1/2 season with the Mets so “vintage” fans can be prompted that Tom Paciorek was once a New York Met.

The post Shoebox Memories – 1986 Topps Tom Paciorek appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans!

Latest Mets News

Bradford William Davis of the New York Daily News analyzed the defense of Mets shortstop Amed Rosario.

Vote for the Mets players you would like to be represented on the All-MLB team roster up until Dec. 10!

Latest MLB News

The owner of the Daytona Tortugas, Class-A advanced affiliate for the Cincinnati Reds, has a strong opinion on the idea of cutting 42 minor league teams, opining that it would hurt communities across the nation.

After performing under their expectations in 2019, the Boston Red Sox, along with four other franchises, feel pressured to make a big move this offseason.

Latest NL East News

The Philadelphia Phillies have shown interest in two former New York Yankees, reliever Dellin Betances and catcher Austin Romine.

Matt Weyrich of NBC Sports analyzed the possible non-tender candidates for the Washington Nationals.

Latest on MMO

Josh Finkelstein assessed the idea of the Mets trading for Pittsburgh Pirates’ center fielder Starling Marte, saying they must decide how much money they are willing to spend beforehand.

Kyle Newman shared his thoughts on who the Mets’ untouchable prospects are.

On This Day In Mets History

Birthdays: George Foster (71), Dan Warthen (67), Dan Schatzeder (65), Tom Filer (64), Herm Winningham (58), Julio Machado (54), Greg McMichael (53).

Let’s go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: Vote For Your Favorite Mets In the All-MLB Team! appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The New York Mets began the 1980s with new ownership, and they would promise “The Magic is Back.” It was a bold promise for a franchise not too far removed from “Grant’s Tomb,” but that year, the Mets would see the beginnings of what would be the greatest run in team history culminating in one of the greatest teams in Major League history.

In the 1980s, the Mets finished second or better six straight seasons. From 1984 – 1989, the team would average 96 wins. That includes them winning 108 games in 1986 and 100 games in 1988. In both seasons, the team would win the division. While everyone credits this player or that player, it all began with Frank Cashen, who is the best GM in team history, and with the Mets putting Davey Johnson, who is the Mets all time leader in wins and win percentage, in the dugout.

There would be two Rookies of the Year, a Cy Young, and countless Gold Gloves, Silver Sluggers, and All-Stars. There was a Hall of Famer behind the plate with maybe one day Hall of Famers at first and in the dugout. There were 30/30 seasons and 200 strikeout seasons. Mostly, there was the 1986 World Series which will forever live on in every Mets fans hearts and memories.

Gary Carter, C

Bottom of the 10th, two outs, and the Mets down by two. At that moment in time, it seemed all over, and the 108 win Mets were about to suffer the biggest heartbreak in franchise history. That was until Carter refused to make the last out hitting a single up the middle to begin the most improbable rally in World Series history.

When the Mets obtained Carter before the 1985 season, it was for that moment. It was to win a World Series. Aside from that rally, Carter would do that hitting two doubles and two homers and leading all players in RBI in that series.

Carter had big moment after big moment for the Mets, and it all started out with a bang with his hitting a walkoff homer in his first ever game. Through it all, Carter wasn’t just an offensive force, but he was a great defensive catcher who got everything out of that young Mets pitching staff.

His time with the Mets cemented his Hall of Fame status, and if not for the Hall of Fame applying rules to him they wouldn’t apply to other inductees, he would be wearing a Mets cap on his plaque.

Honorable Mention: John Stearns (two time All-Star)

Keith Hernandez, 1B

Before he was part of the famed GKR, Hernandez was the best defensive first baseman in the history of the game. In his time with the Mets, Hernandez would five Gold Gloves, which is still a Mets team record. Notably, Hernandez won a Gold Glove in all but one year he was on the Mets Opening Day roster.

Hernandez wasn’t just known for this glove. He was a real leader, who was famed for his ability to teach the young Mets team how to win. In 1983, the Mets lost 94 games and finished sixth in the National League East. Starting in 1984, the Mets would win no fewer than 87 games, and they would finish no worse than second in the division. If there was a Wild Card back then, this would have been a perennial postseason team.

Overall, Hernandez would have two top four MVP finishes, win a Silver Slugger, and make three All Star teams as a member of the Mets. To this day, he remains the best first baseman in team history, and with his being the first ever team captain, the best leader the Mets have ever known.

Honorable Mention: Dave Magadan (122 OPS+)

Wally Backman, 2B

In 1980, Backman and Mookie Wilson were the first two homegrown Mets to debut as we began to see the Mets homegrown core begin to emerge and begin the best run in franchise history. Backman was part of that run with his fiery personality and ability to get on base.

Through his Mets career, Backman had a .353 OBP. At the time, that was the best in franchise history at the position, and to this day, it still ranks as second best among players who have played at least 700 games with the team. His 11.6 WAR with the team also puts him as the third best Mets second baseman ever. For that matter, his 11.6 WAR was the best by any Mets middle infielder in the decade.

Honorable Mention: Tim Teufel (7.5 WAR in four years)

Howard Johnson, 3B

In 1987, Ho Jo had a record breaking season. That year, he became the first ever switch hitter in Major League history to join the 30/30 club. He and Strawberry would become the first ever teammates to do that in the same season. His 36 homers that year would be the most ever hit by a National League switch hitter. It was a mark he would break twice in his Mets career.

In the late 80s, he would show prodigious power hitting .262/.359/.498 (142) twice topping the 305 homer run mark. He was a dead red hitter who owned Cardinals closer Todd Worrell. It would cause the Cardinals and other teams to (falsely) accuse him of corking his bats. Each and every time, he would be exonerated.

Until David Wright, a player Johnson molded in the minors and majors came along, Johnson was the best ever third baseman in team history. Now, he will just have to settle for the best ever switch hitting infielder in team history.

Honorable Mention: Ray Knight (1986 World Series MVP)

Kevin Elster, SS

In the 1980s, the Mets focused primarily on defense at short, and Elster was the best of the lot. In a stretch beginning in 1988, Elster would begin what was a Major League record of 88 errorless games at the position. With his glove, he would appear in five games during the 1986 postseason as a late inning defensive replacement.

In addition to the defense, Elster would lead all Mets shortstops who played at least 300 games in the decade in homers, SB, wRC+, and WAR.

Honorable Mention: Rafael Santana (1.5 WAR)

Kevin McReynolds, LF

In 1988, McReynolds would finish third in MVP voting, which to this date, is the highest any Mets left fielder has ever finished in the voting. That season was part of a good Mets career which gets overlooked partially because he was obtained for a player in Kevin Mitchell who won a ring with the 1986 Mets and went on to have big years with the San Francisco Giants.

McReynolds 10.7 WAR with the Mets was double what any other Mets left fielder had in the decade. In addition to the solid bat and defense, he would come up big in the 1988 NLCS hitting two homers and slugging .536.

Thank Honorable Mention: George Foster (99 homers)

Lenny Dykstra, CF

Believe it or not, Dykstra was the best outfielder on the 1986 Mets with a 4.7 WAR on that team. That was part of a huge year for Dykstra which began with his taking advantage of the opportunity presented when Wilson injured his eye during Spring Training.

During that year, Dystrka would hit the Mets first ever walkoff homer in Game 3 of the NLCS. It was a crucial homer for a team who faced falling behind 2-1 with Mike Scott ready to take the mound in Game 4. Dyskstra would repeat his Game 3 heroics by hitting a leadoff homer off Oil Can Boyd to help the Mets get back in that series.

During the decade, Dykstra had a 118 wRC+, which was the best for any Mets center fielder. He’d also have the batting average, OBP, and slugging. More than that, he was a big time player hitting .328/.419/.609 with four doubles, a triple, four homers, and nine RBI in 20 postseason games.

Honorable Mention: Mookie Wilson (281 stolen bases)

Darryl Strawberry, RF

Strawberry remains an all-time Mets great and easily the best right fielder in team history. In 1980, he was the second ever Mets player drafted first overall, and in 1983, he became the first such Mets player to make his Major League debut. Until Pete Alonso this year, Strawberry would be the only Mets position player to win the Rookie of the Year award.

In addition to the Rookie of the Year honors, Strawberry would finish higher than any other Mets player has in MVP voting finishing second in 1988. His seven All-Star appearances are the most any Mets position player ever has. His 215 homes in the decade were more than any Mets player has ever hit in one decade.

Speaking of homers, Strawberry’s blast in the bottom of the eighth in Game 7 gave the Mets some breathing room, and it began one of the longest home run trots we have ever seen.

Through it all, even with the addiction problems, Strawberry delivered on the field. He still leads all Mets outfielders in WAR, and he is still the Mets all-time leader in homers. Those marks remain all the more impressive when they continue unchallenged year after passing year.

Honorable Mention: Danny Heep (First DH in Mets history)

Mookie Wilson, UTIL

By the time Wilson was traded by the Mets to the Toronto Blue Jays, he was the Mets all-time leader in stolen bases and triples. He was also second in runs scored while being in the top five in a host of other categories. More than that, Mookie was a beloved Mets player who was seen as the first real piece of the 1986 Mets World Series.

His eye injury in 1986 would lead to Dyskstra getting the full time center fielder role, but Wilson would adapt playing some left field. Later, he would platoon with Dykstra helping propel the Mets to another National League East title in 1988.

Of course, no story of Mookie is complete without telling the story of how he fought off pitch after pitch from Bob Stanley keeping the at-bat alive. During that at-bat, he somehow got out of the way of what should have been a hit by pitch. That wild pitch allowed Mitchell to score and put Knight in scoring position. Knight would then score on Mookie’s little roller which found its way through Bill Buckner‘s legs.

Dwight Gooden, RHP

This is a franchise which had Tom Seaver, who is arguably the greatest right-handed pitcher in Major League history. Jacob deGrom is about to become the first Mets pitcher to have consecutive Cy Young awards. The team has seen great pitcher after great pitcher like Pedro Martinez and Johan Santana, and yet none of them had a better two year stretch than Doc.

In 1984, Gooden won the National League Rookie of the Year award, and the following year, he was the Cy Young winner. You could put into greatness into numbers and the like. However, the best way to describe how great he was, as noted in a Sports Illustrated article, Gooden was tipping his pitches.

The opponents knew what was coming, and they still couldn’t hit it. This should come as no surprise when Gooden paired an electric fastball with a curveball so good Tim McCarver famously dubbed it Lord Charles.

Gooden’s 1985 season was the single best WAR, ERA, shutouts, ERA+, and WPA any Mets starter ever had. His 1984 season was the best K/9 and FIP a Mets pitcher ever had. He has the Major League rookie record for most strikeouts in a season, and really, he was one of the best pitchers to ever toe the rubber for the Mets.

In the 1980s, Gooden 100-39 with a 2.64 ERA, 1.109 WHIP, and 1,168 strikeouts. More than the numbers, he was a true ace who drew fans in droves to the ballpark due to his greatness.

Honorable Mention: Ron Darling (87 wins)

Sid Fernandez, LHP

By WAR, El Sid was the Mets second best pitcher of the decade, which gets overlooked because he was never viewed as such. But make no mistake, he was very much that. In fact, his 1985 season remains the best single season H/9 mark of any Mets starter. Fernandez also had the fifth best mark with his 1988 season. On that front, his H/9 is the fourth best in Major League history.

Fernandez was an All-Star in 1986 and 1987. He got there because he was a surprisingly athletic player who had a seemingly rising fastball. The pitch was difficult to hit, and we would find Fernandez occasionally flirting with a no-hitter.

As impressive as any individual game or achievement was, Fernandez came up biggest in Game 7 of the 1986 World Series. After Darling was knocked out in the fourth, Fernandez came in and pitched 2.1 scoreless to keep the Mets in the game allowing them to come back from the early 3-0 deficit.

In that World Series, Fernandez pitched 6.1 scoreless striking out nine in 6.1 innings. If not for his contributions, the Mets probably don’t win that World Series. That alone merits his inclusion on this list.

Honorable Mention: Bob Ojeda (112 ERA+)

Jesse Orosco, RP

Sooner or later, Orosco’s glove is going to come down to Earth.

That celebration is one of the more iconic celebrations in World Series history. It was all the more fitting it was Orosco on that mound too. The story began with the Mets obtaining him from the Minnesota Twins in a package for Jerry Koosman. Koosman was the Mets pitcher standing on the mound when the Mets won their first World Series.

Orosco won three games in the 1986 NLCS, and he started down Kevin Bass to record the final out in what was his third inning of work to close out the Mets third ever pennant. In the World Series, he recorded two saves. He would also butcher boy in an RBI single making him the last relief pitcher to record a World Series RBI.

In addition the 1986 heroics, Orosco’s 1983 season was perhaps the best ever for a Mets reliever. In that season, he would make his first All-Star team, and he’d finish third in Cy Young voting. Of Mets pitchers who threw 100 innings in a season, Orosco’s 1983 season was the best ERA and ERA+.

His 107 saves in the decade was easily the most by any Mets reliever as was his 12.3 WAR. Again, more than the save numbers or his ERA, Orosoco was the man standing on the mound when the Mets won a pennant and a World Series.

Honorable Mention: Randy Myers (9.9 K/9)

The post Mets All Decade Team: The 1980s appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

During the Mets’ 52 year history, there have been 25 everyday left fielders. Not so bad compared to center and right field.

The following are the ten players who have played the most games in Left Field for the Mets in franchise history.

10 – Benny Agbayani (2000-01). Benny played 234 games in Left (198 starts). In 2000, he batted .289 with 15 HR and 60 RBI.

9 – Frank Thomas (1962-63). Frank played 253 games in Left Field (251 starts). In 1962, he hit had a solid season for the Mets, batting .266 with 34 HR and 94 RBI.

8 – Jason Bay (2010-12). Hard to believe that Jason played in 280 games in Left (267 starts) for the Mets, isn’t it? In 2011, he hit .245 with 12 HR and 57 RBI.

7 – John Milner (1972, 1976). John played in 283 games in Left (271 starts). He was also in the top 10 in games played at First Base. In 1976, he hit .271 with 15 HR and 78 RBI.

6 – Bernard Gilkey (1996-98). Bernard played 363 games in Left (347 starts). In 1996, he hit .317 with 30 HR, 117 RBI, and 108 runs scored.

5 – Cliff Floyd (2003-06). Cliff played 443 games for the Mets in Left (437 starts). In 2005, he had his best season for the Amazins, batting .273 with 34 HR and 98 RBI.

4 – Steve Henderson (1977-80). Hendu played 482 games in Left Field (480 starts). In 1980, he hit .290 with 8 HR, 58 RBI, and 23 stolen bases.

3 – George Foster (1982-85). George played 617 games in Left (610 starts). In 1984, he hit .269 with 24 HR and 86 RBI.

2 – Kevin McReynolds (1987-91, 1994). McReynolds played 758 games in Left (732 starts). In 1988, the underrated Met hit .288 with 27 HR, 99 RBI, and 21 stolen bases.

1 – Cleon Jones (1968-71, 1973-74). Cleon played 800 games in Left (717 starts). In 1969, he hit .340 with 12 HR, 75 RBI, and 94 runs scored.

The post Around the Diamond – Left Field appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Baseball-Reference.com has a pretty cool feature where you can translate a player’s salary for any particular year into current year dollars.

I was curious, so I wanted to see how much the 1986 Mets would be paid in 2013 dollars. This just goes to show how much money has flowed into the game since then… not only at the top end of the spectrum, but at the current MLB minimum as well. Nearly half the roster was making the equivalent of less than the current MLB minimum.

Dillon Gee would be paid more than every player, but George Foster, Gary Carter, and Keith Hernandez. And Lucas Duda is practically asking for Darryl Strawberry money…

George Foster – $5.96M

Gary Carter – $4.6M

Keith Hernandez – $3.51M

Dwight Gooden – $2.81M

Darryl Strawberry – $2.01M

Jesse Orosco – $1.76M

Mookie Wilson – $1.49M

Ray Knight – $1.37M

Lee Mazzilli – $1.3M

Bob Ojeda – $1.17M

Ron Darling – $937K

Danny Heep – $745K

Wally Backman – $692K

Doug Sisk – $586K

Rafael Santana – $500K

Howard Johnson – $484K

Tim Teufel – $426K

Sid Fernandez – $426K

Roger McDowell – $394K

Rick Aguilera – $277K

Lenny Dykstra – $197K

Randy Niemann – $177K

Kevin Mitchell – $128K

Ed Hearn – $128K

Kevin Elster – $128K

The post What Would The 1986 Mets Be Making In Today’s Dollars? appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

During the dismal years of the late 1970’s, Lee Mazzilli was the Mets’ centerpiece player. A first-round draft pick out of Brooklyn, and incidentally, one of the Mets‘ very best first round picks, especially when you consider the players drafted ahead of him*.

Mazzilli quickly rose through the farm system, displaying an exceptional ability to get on base, steal bases, play centerfield, and also hit with consistency and power from both sides of the plate.

Once Mazz reached the big club, he quickly became a fan favorite. He had the look and swagger and put up some nice numbers on otherwise terrible teams. His one glaring weakness was his arm. Ironically, Lee was ambidextrous and his left arm was considered stronger, but once he signed with the Mets, he was instructed to throw righthanded only.

Whether Mazzilli was a legitimate all-star major league centerfielder, he was certainly the best one the Mets had, at least until Mookie Wilson came along. Once Wilson came up, Mazz moved over to left and also played some at first base.

Then, in February of 1982, GM Frank Cashen made what we all thought was a great move for the Mets, acquiring slugging left fielder George Foster from the Reds for a package of spare parts. With Wilson in center and Dave Kingman at first, Mazzilli was destined for a utility role, something that didn’t sit well with him, especially since his mentor, Joe Torre had been replaced as manager by George Bamberger.

In the spring of 1982, Cashen sent Mazzilli to the Texas Rangers for two minor league pitchers, a return that Mazzilli himself saw as an insult and many of his fans agreed.

Ron Darling was the Rangers’ #1 draft pick the previous year, a talented pitcher out of Yale who started out in Double-A where his numbers were just fair and his control disappointing. Walt Terrell was considered a fringe prospect at best, a low-round draft pick who put up decent minor league numbers.

Although the Mets didn’t reap any immediate results and had another awful season in 1982 as Foster proved to be a major disappointment, by the following year, Terrell was in the Mets’ rotation with Darling joining him in 1984. Darling went on to put up excellent numbers as a quality starter for seven years and Terrell, after a couple of solid, if unspectacular years with the Mets was traded even-up to Detroit for Howard Johnson, who became the Mets’ top home run hitter and a solid contributor for almost a decade. Terrell, meanwhile was a workhorse for Detroit, so that trade helped both teams.

To top it off, after drifting from Texas to the Yankees to Pittsburgh, Mazzilli returned to the Mets for the 1986 stretch run, replacing the released George Foster, and was part of the World Championship team serving mostly as an effective pinch-hitter. So, this was undeniably, a trade that worked out about as well as possible. We can only hope Sandy Alderson can come up with something similar before the 2014 season.

* Mazzilli was the #14 pick. Between #4 pick Dave Winfield and Mazzilli, the other players selected were Glen Tufts, Johnnie Lemaster, Billy Taylor, Gary Roenicke, Lew Olsen, Pat Rockett, Ed Bane, Joe Edelen, and Doug Heinold.. The only player selected in the first round after Mazzilli to have any kind of career in the big leagues was catcher Steve Swisher.

The post Mets’ Trades Of The Past – Mazzilli Goes To Texas appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

When the news broke late Friday morning that the Mets had finally came to an agreement with outfielder, Curtis Granderson I admit I did the proverbial  “happy dance” while driving in my car. Yes Granderson is not the “savior” that the Mets need to help this team escape from mediocrity as well as ineptitude. But his signing is a start and I do agree with Daily News columnist, Andy Martino, that his signing is the type of signing that shows other free agents that the Mets are trying to field a team that is trying to win.

Is Granderson a game changing free agent like Pedro Martinez or Carlos Beltran like the Mets signed before the 2005 season? No, but I feel he will be more of a leadership type ala Cliff Floyd, and a good complimentary player that will take the pressure off some of the other players including David Wright who now doesn’t have to do all the heavy lifting.

Is he worth the contract that he signed? Well he got a contract that reflects the robust free agent market this season. Would I have gone a fourth year? Obviously if I didn’t have to I wouldn’t, but hopefully by the end of his contract he will still be healthy enough to produce and that his career doesn’t mirror that of George Foster.

Lastly, I do not believe Mike Francesa’s “sources” that Jeff Wilpon had to twist Alderson’s arm to go the fourth year on Granderson. I’ll go with Mike Puma’s version of events, who tweeted that the fourth year was all Sandy. Now lets just hope the Mets GM can do some adding-on this week in Orlando.

And with that said….. HERE COMES THE INFAMY!!!

Mets alumni celebrating a birthday today include:

The original “Crazy Horse”, shortstop Tim Foli is 63 (1950). Foli was one of the players that was dealt in the trade that brought Rusty Staub to the Mets. The Mets would bring him back seven years later as a utility infielder.

Other transactions of note include:

The New York Mets purchased the contract of outfielder, Richie Ashburn from the Chicago Cubs on December 8, 1961. Ashburn was the first Met to ever bat over .300.

The New York Mets traded reserve infielder,  Elio Chacon and starting pitcher, Tracy Stallard to the St. Louis Cardinals for  outfielder, Johnny Lewis and middle reliever,  Gordie Richardson on December 8, 1964.

The New York Mets traded  former Rookie of the Year pitcher, Jon Matlack and power hitting first baseman/outfielder, John Milner to the Texas Rangers for first baseman, Willie Montanez, as well as reserve outfielders, Ken Henderson and Tom Grieve on December 8, 1977. This trade definitely goes down as one of the top 10 worst trades in Mets history!

The New York Mets traded fan favorite Jerry Koosman to the Minnesota Twins for future closer, Jesse Orosco and Greg Field on December 8, 1978. Koosman demanded to be traded when he saw how the Mets front office dismantled the team the season prior. M. Donald Grant granted Kooz his demands and it would take four years until we realized that the Mets got the better end of that deal.

The New York Mets traded utility infielder, Bob Bailor and spot starter/middle reliever, Carlos Diaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers for pitcher, Sid Fernandez and utility infielder, Ross Jones on December 8, 1983. This in my opinion was one of the biggest steals in Mets history

The Florida Marlins signed first baseman, Dave Magadan of the New York Mets as a free agent on December 8, 1992.I always felt is was a no brainer that “Mags” should have been the heir apparent to Keith Hernandez‘s job after “Mex” was let go. But the Mets management didn’t see him that way and paired him with various players in a platoon role. One has to wonder what coulda been if he was given the role full time.

The Florida Marlins signed starting pitcher,  Al Leiter of the New York Mets as a free agent on December 8, 2004. Although Mets fans saw Leiter as a clubhouse lawyer type it is not crazy to say that was one of the best pitchers over the last 20 years to wear a Mets uniform.

Mo Vaughn thinks the Grandy Man can!!! He was heard singing the confectionery jingle, “I Want Candy.”

The post This Day In Mets Infamy With Rusty: Random Thoughts On Granderson appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Mets have agreed to sign free agent outfielder Curtis Granderson to a four-year deal according to Joel Sherman of the NY Post. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that the deal is worth $60 million dollars or a $15 million annual average.

Here are some reactions from our staff on today’s blockbuster news for the Mets…

David Conde – Finally the Mets bring an impact player to Queens. I am very excited to see Granderson in a Mets uniform and playing alongside Lagares. If Chris Young rejuvenates his career with the Mets, so far the 2014 season looks a lot more exciting. But still need to make a few more moves, by solidifying the infield, so still more to do, but I am pleased with this signing.

Stephanie Sheehan – Thank God! With all the recent hullabaloo that has been taking place in the free agent market recently, it’s great that Sandy got in there and finally did something; not to mention the contract is a good length and price. However, this should not be a stopping point. Now that he made his first move, this should be a push to go make some more moves and get actual starting-caliber players in our lineup. Hopefully our fences will treat Granderson nicely…

Christina Montana – Very happy that it got done. This deal was not only for Mets fans to begin to regain confidence in the Mets future, but also to show Wright they weren’t lying just for a discount and to show other free agents that it’s not solely a bargain-bin team. Look forward to seeing the moves that follow this.

Matt Balasis – They had to do it, if only to placate the masses. Nevertheless Grandy is a good fit and (by all accounts) a great guy. A little concerned about how his power will play in Citi but hey didn’t they like Bay because his power profile was a good fit for Citi’s dimensions?

Jim McCormick – I do not love Granderson but it’s great seeing the Mets make a deal like this, as long as he can avoid getting his hand hit by a pitch this year. We have all been waiting for them to make a splash and now that this deal has been made it sets the Mets up for a variety of other moves. He should be a great help for David Wright and others in this lineup. Going into winter meetings the Mets will have a clearer plan and will be able to focus their efforts on some other holes.

Joe Spector – I would have preferred a 3-year deal with a 4th option, but it is what it is. He’s very athletic which is a plus, so hopefully if he stays healthy, he won’t deteriorate quite as fast. Overall, a decent signing.

John Ginder – I am probably in the minority here but I am pretty happy that he signed here. The years are a bit of a concern but a player like Granderson is a great addition. Looking forward to what he can bring to the table and interested to see how this benefits the rest of the lineup.

Corey March – It was necessary for the team to begin on the path toward success. I am cautiously optimistic that his numbers will translate over to Citi Field. However, with that said, it will not be as easy to hide a .230 batting average and a 28% strikeout rate as it was for the Yankees. Overall I expect to get a few solid years out of Granderson as he provides power and leadership that this club needs to turn things around.

Tommy Rothman – Was it a good value? I think so. Hunter Pence got $90 Million, Choo is asking for over $100 million, Ellsbury got over $150 million, Cruz wants at least $75 million… so the fact that the Mets got a very good player like Granderson for $60 million surprises me a bit. The Mets now have an outfield of Granderson, Chris Young, and Juan Lagares. That’s 3 natural center fielders and 2 players who have recently been in an All-Star game. Granderson gives the Mets power that they desperately need, so if he stays healthy, it seems like a great deal, and it’s not exactly a mega-contract if things go awry. Value aside… the Mets got somebody. They brought in a big name for the first time in years, and showed that they may be ready to re-enter the “steak section”, to use Scott Boras’s term. This is a big step in terms of showing the fans that they are serious about getting a competitive team back on the field in Flushing. As a Mets fan, I am ecstatic right now. Progress. Finally.

Rusty – I’m pleased with the signing – we really needed that bat in the lineup – just hoping he doesn’t turn into the second coming of George Foster : The Mets Years

Tom Watson – I think they overpaid a little for Granderson, but I think that’s ok. He’s not a franchise savior. They still have a ton of holes, and I’m not a believer in the Young signing at all. They’re buying his years from 33 to 36 with high strikeouts and lower production. That said, he’s good defender still and his injuries didn’t seem to be the nagging kind – more freakish. I’m happy he’s coming to Citi Field, but wish he was a secondary acquisition among other big acquisitions in this long-promised, “game changing” 2013-14 off-season. I think they almost had to sign Grandy or face a serious fan revolt. So this gives them a pulse, and decent outfielder besides.

Barry Duchan – Something the Mets had to do before the winter meetings. No one can predict what Grandy will do for the Mets or if he’ll stay healthy, but he’s a good guy, good outfielder, hustles, a positive clubhouse influence and far superior to Nelson Cruz other than for pure power.

Zack Drisko – I could look at his 2013, but that’s not what today is about. Here’s to four 40-home run seasons with the Mets!

DrDooby – Granderson is a strong athlete with a good chance to age well. Think Torii Hunter who signed a 5-year deal with the Angels at the same age and is still going strong on his next deal or Mike Cameron who was under-appreciated in NY but remained a strong player through his age 36 season. The Mets needed a dependable power bat who can be expected to hit 25 to 30 HR per year. Of course, just one piece – with several more needed…

Teddy Klein –

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(Photo credit: US Presswire)

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