Winter Meetings

The winter meetings got started Sunday in Orlando and MMO’s Mike Mayer is on hand. He has the scoop on Super Nintendo World. (Spoiler: it is epic.)

As for any epic signings or trades, nothing to report on the first day. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale did have lots of Mets tidbits in his column, however, and perhaps the most interesting was that the Pirates are “hanging around” the Pete Alonso market.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Nightengale said David Stearns isn’t going to let public pressure push him into signing Alonso (he proved this last offseason by playing the waiting game with the first baseman) and added that he won’t pay $100 million over five years for Edwin Díaz either.

“If Diaz chooses not to return at their price, they’ll be perfectly content to pursue Robert Suarez or even return Clay Holmes to the bullpen,” Nightengale wrote. The Mets, he said, and this has been reported elsewhere, are shopping Kodai Senga and Jeff McNeil. The Pirates may be interested in trading for McNeil, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported.

Nightengale also predicts the Mets (and Orioles) will land at least one free agent starter, but not during the winter meetings. He expects that the real action will occur in the two weeks between when the meetings end on Wednesday and Christmas.

Rosenthal reported that the Pirates have made Kyle Schwarber a four-year offer, according to people briefed on their discussions. The offer is most likely for more than $100 million. The Phillies are still the favorite to re-sign the slugger, but the Mets, Reds, Red Sox and Orioles are “serious suitors,” per Nightengale.

The American League champion Blue Jays will introduce Dylan Cease Tuesday and have Kyle Tucker and Suarez on their radar, according to Nightengale. If Toronto does land Tucker, it is expected they will let free agent Bo Bichette go. Boston is one potential destination.

The Yankees are the favorite to re-sign Cody Bellinger, but Nightengale said the Mets are “in play” and he is a fallback plan for the Phillies and Blue Jays (if they were to miss on Schwarber and Tucker.)

Alex Bregman will attract interest from the Red Sox, Tigers and Cubs, Nightengale reported. The Marlins have told teams they won’t deal Sandy Alcantara, but that Edward Cabrera is available.

The Tigers are telling teams they will listen to offers for Tarik Skubal, but he is not expected to be dealt, partly because the team adding him knows he will be free agent after the 2026 season.

Ketel Marte (signed through 2031) is more likely to be moved and the Red Sox, Rays and Tigers have checked in with Arizona. Jon Heyman of the New York Post and MLB Network reported that the Mariners, Pirates and Blue Jays are among teams that are a fit for Marte. Baseball reporter Francys Romero reported the Phillies are also in on Marte.

Romero also reported that the Cubs are looking for a third baseman and Eugenio Suárez is on their radar.

The Red Sox want to move Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu to alleviate a crowded outfield, per Nightengale. The Padres are taking offers on Jake Cronenworth. The Phillies “will give away” Nick Castellanos.

Rosenthal and Katie Woo of The Athletic reported that Pete Fairbanks could be the next closer to sign and that sources told them the Blue Jays and Marlins are among the teams interested.

The Royals are looking sign or trade for an outfielder and are willing to deal a starter, perhaps Kris Bubic, per Rosenthal. Free agent outfielders Kansas City may go after include Mike Yastrzemski, Adolis Garcia, Max Kepler, Mike Tauchman, Lane Thomas and JJ Bleday. The Angels are hunting for help in their rotation.

Latest Mets News

Jeff Kent, who hit 67 of his 377 career home runs with the Mets from 1992-1996, was elected to the Hall of Fame Sunday with 14 of 16 votes from the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee. Twelve votes were needed for election.

Carlos Delgado fell three votes shy of the Hall and received the second-most support of the eight players up for election. MMO’s Evan Mazza made the case for Delgado’s induction here. Don Mattingly and Dale Murphy each earned six votes. Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Gary Sheffield and Fernando Valenzuela each received fewer than five votes. MMO’s James Villani has more here.

Ronny Mauricio belted a two-run, walk-off home run Sunday to lift Tigres del Licey to a 6-5 victory in Dominican Winter League play. In Venezuelan Winter League play, Luisangel Acuña hit his sixth homer in 30 games and stole two bases.

Latest MLB News

Former Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks died Saturday in Dallas at the age of 79. Hicks bought the club in 1998 and was the majority owner until August 2010. The team won division titles in his first two years of ownership and credited his hires of general manager Jon Daniels, manager Ron Washington and president Nolan Ryan with helping the Rangers make back-to-back World Series appearances in 2010-11.

Latest on MMO

James Villani covered it all from a Mets perspective in a winter meetings mega preview, complete with a payroll forecast and a look at potential moves. His prediction: The Mets add Freddy Peralta and Cody Bellinger and re-sign Edwin Díaz. But Pete Alonso is gone, replaced by Willson Contreras.

John Wilson focused his statistical spotlight on the curveball of Nolan McLean. It had an average of 26 inches of total movement, which led the league. Batters hit .074 against it. Wow.

Michael Mayer details how the Mets’ farm system is deep enough to trade for an ace.

On This Date in Mets History

1961: The Mets bought Richie Ashburn from the Cubs. The Hall of Famer’s salary for the 1962 Mets: $29,000. He earned $339,339 for his 15-year career.

1977: Jon Matlack and John Milner are traded to the Rangers for Willie Montanez, Ken Henderson and Tom Grieve.

1978: Jerry Koosman is traded to the Twins for Jesse Orosco and Greg Field. I was unaware that the pitcher who got the last out in the 1969 World Series was traded for the pitcher who would record the last out in the 1986 World Series.

2024: Reports broke that Juan Soto was signing with the Mets for a few dollars more than Ashburn did 63 years prior – $765 million over 15 years.

Born on This Date: Alex Torres (1987), Tim Foli (1950).

The post Morning Briefing: Pirates ‘Hanging Around’ Alonso Market appeared first on Metsmerized.

Making up the ballot, in addition to Kent, was Barry Bonds, Roger Clemons, Carlos Delgado, Don Mattingly, Dale Murphy, Garry Sheffield, and Fernando Valenzuela. Kent was the only inductee.

Kent received 14 of the 16 votes while Delgado received nine while Mattingly and Murphy received six each. Delgado, a former Mets first baseman, was only three votes shy. Each remaining individual on the ballot received five or fewer votes.

Kent, an infielder, spent five seasons with the New York Mets from 1992-1996. In total, he played 17 seasons in the major leagues with six different teams. He had 2,461 hits and collected a MVP award in 2000, four Silver Sluggers, and was a five-time All-Star. His 55.4 bWAR ranks 19th all-time among second baseman.

According to the National Baseball Hall Of Fame website, “the Eras Committee considers retired major league players no longer eligible for election by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, along with managers, umpires and executives whose greatest contributions to the game were realized either prior to 1980 or after 1980.”

The post Former Met Jeff Kent Elected To Hall Of Fame Via Contemporary Ballot appeared first on Metsmerized.

He had been part of the Mets organization since 1991, began with the major league club in 1993, was an Opening Day starter in the mid-90s, and an All-Star in 1997. By the time they reached the postseason in 1999, Jones was one of the longest-tenured players.

But when it came time to make up the playoff roster, Jones — who had a 5.61 ERA in just 12 appearances — was left off. Getting the chance to appear in the postseason is a once-in-a-career opportunity for some. And while the Mets were on track for a second straight October trip in 2000, Jones’ effectiveness was continuing a serious downturn. He was sent to the minors at mid-season, only to work his way back into the big league rotation by the time the Division Series arrived.

Following two thrilling wins against the Giants that put the Mets one victory from the League Championship Series, little did anyone believe Bobby Jones was on the verge of an all-time performance. But his wife had a premonition.

“You won’t be sorry,” she supposedly told manager Bobby Valentine. “He’ll pitch the game of his life.”

Jones had steadily improved since returning from that demotion — going 8-2 with a 3.98 ERA during the second half after a 1-3 record over his first eight starts and a dreadful 10.19 ERA in 32⅔ innings.

Still, there was no earthly reason to believe what was ahead. Forget past personal history, he was facing a lineup no pitcher would envy: with MVPs Jeff Kent and Barry Bonds smack in the middle of it.

Jones, though, set them down in order over four innings. But in the fifth, Kent led off with a tracer just above the outstretched reach of third baseman Robin Ventura, who had provided the early offense with a first-inning two-run homer.

Kent’s double was followed by two walks and two outs. With Jones’ opposite number, Mark Gardner, due up, Giants manager Dusty Baker chose to have his pitcher bat for himself instead of sending up a pinch-hitter.

Gardner was retired and promptly allowed New York to add to its lead in the bottom of the fifth. Jones then asserted his dominance even more.

With pinpoint control and changing speeds, San Francisco batters were methodically retired — rendered helpless by a pitcher who just four months ago didn’t know if he’d be a major leaguer again, let alone a postseason pitcher.

The finishing touch on this masterpiece came against Barry Bonds, a meager 3-for-17 in the series, who lifted the first pitch he saw into center field. Jay Payton raced over to his right and made the catch.

Jubilant teammates mobbed the pitcher with the common name who had achieved an uncommon feat — what was then just the sixth one-hitter in playoff history.

It was a performance nobody saw coming. Nobody, except for Kristi Jones.

The post OTD 2000: Bobby Jones Tosses One-Hitter in NLDS Clincher appeared first on Metsmerized.

In an SNY interview, Mets new manager Carlos Mendoza gave an update on his ace who will be sidelined through 2024 opening day. When asked about Kodai Senga‘s rehab, Mendoza commented “so far, so good” as he continues his limited activity in the early stages of nursing his shoulder injury. 

While mentioning that the club will learn more once he starts playing catch, he mentioned that “he is moving in the right direction.” 

Missing Senga to start the season without a doubt hampers the Mets’ early season success, but getting him back while preventing further injury is even more valuable to the club.

Kodai Senga. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

The New York City Planning Commission unanimously voted to approve NYCFC’s Willets Point stadium. Click here to learn more about the approval and the renderings that NYCFC released. 

Mets radio announcer Howie Rose plans to continue to cut back the amount of games he will be announcing, per Neil Best of Newsday. Rose, who announced 124 games last season, is planning on only announcing 101 games during the 2024 season.

The Mets are reportedly one of three teams that are “in the mix” for DH J.D. Martinez, Jon Heyman announced in a Bleacher Report live stream. 

The Mets game planned for Wednesday against the Houston Astros was cancelled due to weather. The Mets will play the Nationals on Thursday at 6:05 P.M. EST and will be on SNY.

Latest MLB News

Mike Zunino announced that he is retiring from the game of baseball after 11 seasons in the major leagues. The former Guardian, Mariner, and Ray, Zunino finishes his career with 149 home runs and one All-Star game appearance. 

The Washington Nationals signed former Braves outfielder Eddie Rosario, per Daniel Álvarez-Montes of El Extrabase. The deal is a split contract in which he could reach up to $4 million with incentives. 

Long-time Dodger and former MVP Steve Garvey advanced to the general election for U.S. Senate in California, per The AP.

Andy McCullough of The Athletic produced an article that went in depth on the peculiar world of MLB real estate. 

The Red Sox and Brayan Bello are reportedly deep in talks about a long-term deal that would keep him in Boston beyond 2028, per Alex Speier of Boston Globe. 

Pirates reliever Dauri Moreta is dealing with a ligament injury and it “is going to have him out for an extended period of time.” according to Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk, per Alex Stumpf of MLB.com. 

Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto struggled in his second spring training start, allowing five runs in three innings. 

Latest on MMO

MMO fan Tom Sokol proposed the idea of the Mets going with a 6-man rotation, despite Senga’s absence.

Elliot Teichman previews 2024 non-roster invitee Yolmer Sánchez.

Tylor Megill continues to shine while featuring his new-fashioned splitter.

On This Date in Mets History

2019: The Mets sign outfielder Carlos Gómez 12 years after he made his debut with the club. Gómez hit three home-runs in his short time with the club in the 2019 season.

2010: Omir Santos hits an inside-the-park grand slam in the Mets’ spring training game against the Washington Nationals.

Birthdays: Jeff Kent (56), Mauro Gozzo (58), Galen Cisco (88)

The post Morning Briefing: Kodai Senga ‘Moving in the Right Direction’ appeared first on Metsmerized.

Here are a few who suited up in blue, orange, and black.

Willie Mays – Giants (1951-72), Mets (1972-73)

For six seasons, Willie Mays‘ diversified skill set established him as a New York legend. Fans were enamored with the hitting, running, and fielding ability of the ‘Say Hey Kid. Among them was Joan Payson—a shareholder in the Giants organization when they occupied the Polo Grounds. Mays continued to build his exemplary resume out west, surpassing 600 homers and 3,000 hits while collecting All-Star appearances, Gold Gloves, and MVPs.

At age 41, with his days as a Giants starter limited, the Mets’ original owner brought him home. A trade made in May ’72 turned Willie into a Met. He homered in his debut at Shea, ironically against San Francisco. He was more of an old Willie Mays than the Willie Mays of old, but there was something appropriate about him finishing where he started.

Kevin Mitchell – Mets (1984-86), Giants (1987-91)

He was in New York for a good time, but not a long time. Kevin Mitchell was a versatile piece on the 1986 club (playing six different positions) showing flashes of his ability. Traded to San Diego not too long after the championship celebration for Kevin McReynolds, it was a deal that, in retrospect, chipped away at the swagger and personality of the title-winning club.

It wasn’t long before Mitchell went from his hometown team to San Francisco, where he got a chance to truly showcase his talents. His 1989 season was among the best of the decade: 47 home runs, 125 RBIs, a 1.023 OPS, and a 192 OPS+. All of those stats led the National League and he deservedly earned the MVP Award.

Gary Carter – Mets (1985-89), Giants (1990)

‘Kid’ is in the Hall of Fame as a Montreal Expo and is a World Series champion as a New York Met. While his career ended back where it started in Canada, he spent two twilight seasons in his home state (beginning with the Giants and then with the Dodgers).

Gary Carter arrived in New York in an unexpected blockbuster deal. The Mets suddenly had the game’s best catcher, a player who could nurture a pitching staff and provide power at the plate. He did both right away, with an emerging young staff led by Dwight Gooden while surpassing the 100-RBI mark in ’85 and ’86. The wear and tear of a grueling position started to become apparent, and with his contract expiring after the 1989 season, he said farewell to Queens and hello to San Francisco, where he set the National League mark for games caught.

Darryl Strawberry – Mets (1983-90), Giants (1994)

The first eight years of a career loaded with expectations showed plenty of promise and fulfillment but still left fans wanting more. Darryl Strawberry expressed displeasure several times with the details of his contract, especially once it was nearing its end after 1990 and Strawberry expressed great interest in playing closer to home in Los Angeles.

When granted free agency, Strawberry did just that—signing with the Dodgers. Strawberry’s tenure in L.A. went downhill and as he moved up the coast for ’94, his off-field troubles only got worse. Darryl played a mere 29 games as a Giant, hitting just four homers and driving in 17.

Jeff Kent – Mets (1992-96), Giants (1997-02)

He’s the most prolific home run hitter among second basemen. Jeff Kent deserves more Hall of Fame consideration, and his performance in San Francisco is the main reason why. He was hard to get along with (just ask Barry Bonds) but his numbers were more than worth any trouble—averaging 25 homers and 115 RBIs with a 136 OPS+ over six seasons. It would’ve been hard to believe during his days in New York that the 2000 NL MVP would rise to that level.

Arriving from Toronto in a trade that sent David Cone north of the border, Kent was a solid contributor to a terrible team. In 1993, his first full season, he tallied 21 homers and drove in 80 runs. A slightly better-than-league-average player, Kent eventually made it to the bay via Cleveland—where he part of an infamous deal for Carlos Baerga.

Edgardo Alfonzo – Mets (1995-02), Giants (2003-05)

“Fonzie” went from undrafted free agent to Mets Hall of Famer. He became an established regular by 1997, an overlooked star by 1999—the year he hit 27 homers, drove in 108 runs, and batted over .300, and a clutch postseason performer by 2000—after several key home runs and an October hit streak that reached 13.

By 2002, Edgardo Alfonzo‘s back problems took a toll on his production. He slahshed .308/.391/.459 but barely showing much in the way of power. He departed New York on good terms but still without a fully healthy body. That was more apparent as a Giant. In three years with San Francisco, his OPS+ dropped to 88 and he managed just 26 home runs.

Armando Benitez – Mets (1999-03), Giants (2005-07)

A look at Armando Benitez‘s regular-season statistics with the Mets indicates he was an elite reliever. A review of his postseason performance shows why evaluating a closer on the regular season alone is misleading. Benitez was among the best bullpen arms during the years in which New York was in contention—including 84 over a two-year span (2000-01). But the consequence of being a closer is that it’s not how many you save, it’s when you save them. Or don’t.

Once Benitez wore out his welcome in Queens, he headed to Florida for a year before joining the Giants. The Mets got a small measure of satisfaction in June 2006 their old friend came in to protect a two-run lead at Shea and gave up a tying homer by promising outfielder Lastings Milledge.

Carlos Beltrán – Mets (2005-11), Giants (2011)

He averaged 30 homers, 108 RBIs, and 39 doubles per 162 games over six full seasons complimented Carlos Beltrán‘s outstanding outfield range that resulted in three Gold Gloves. If he ever makes the Hall of Fame with one team, it would be as a Met. His Giants career, on the other hand, was almost forgettable. Not because it was bad, but because it was short: 44 regular-season games in which he slashed .323/.359/.551.

If anything, Mets fans remember his time in San Francisco for the simple fact that he was traded there near the 2011 trade deadline. Also, too, because of who he was traded for. The return on Beltrán turned out to be pretty good even if he’s thriving in a rival town: Zack Wheeler.

Wilmer Flores – Mets (2013-18), Giants (2020-present)

Even when he’s not a Met, Wilmer Flores still feels like one. Any hit against his first team still doesn’t sting too bad. That speaks highly to Wilmer’s likability. It was clearly apparent in July 2015, when an apparent trade caused him to shed tears on the field and the game-winning home run against the Nationals kickstarted the team’s run through October.

Flores became the team’s all-time walk-off king before he was off to Arizona for a year and then ended up at his current home. His numbers with the Giants are pretty similar to what they were in New York. Knowing how badly they needed a right-handed designated hitter last year, his presence would have been useful. And as far as emotional ties go, Wilmer is very much missed.

The post New York/Giants: Players Wearing the Same Shade of Orange appeared first on Metsmerized.

Good morning, Mets fans!

Former St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Scott Rolen has entered baseball infamy as he has accumulated enough votes to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame. Rolen enters as the lone ballot Hall of Famer this year and will join Fred McGriff, who was inducted by the Contemporary Baseball Era committee in December.

Several players with Mets connections have missed the 75% cut-off this year, including Jeff Kent, who was in his last year of eligibility. Carlos Beltran, Gary Sheffield and Francisco Rodriguez are among the other notable players with Mets connections to miss the cut. Beltrán and Rodríguez were on the HOF ballots for the first time this year.

Former Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey only received 0.3% of the HOF votes and has been kicked off the ballot for not receiving at least 5%.

Latest Mets News

The Mets have officially announced the signing of outfielder Tommy Pham to a one-year deal. Formerly with the Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds this past season, Pham will facilitate a role as the team’s fourth outfielder and may even see time in the designated hitter spot if needed. To make room for Pham on the 40-man roster, the team designated left-handed Tayler Saucedo for assignment.

We’ve signed Tommy Pham to a one-year deal.

Welcome to the squad, @TphamLV! pic.twitter.com/oNvsL8jzLZ

— New York Mets (@Mets) January 24, 2023

The New York Post‘s Andrew Marchand is reporting the Mets may have found the next sidekick to legendary radio announcer Howie Rose. Long Island native and voice for the Single-A Brooklyn Cyclones Keith Raad has emerged as the favorite to be hired for the position as he apparently “wowed” his interview with Audacy, the parent company of WCBS Radio, and Rose himself. The role could one day lead to being the main radio voice of the Mets with Rose cutting down on radio time this past season.

Latest MLB News

Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger is under investigation by MLB following allegations of domestic violence involving the mother of his 10-month-old daughter and child abuse, according to The Athletic‘s Britt Ghiroli and Katie Strang. The report says the mother of Clevinger’s child had been in contact with MLB officials since June about physical, verbal and emotional abuse towards her and their 10-month-old child.

After the Los Angeles Angels’ ownership decided to take the team off the market, the Miami Marlins ownership has reiterated the team is not for sale. In a statement to the LA Times, Bruce Sherman said, “The Miami Marlins are not for sale, have not been for sale under my ownership, and will not be for sale in my lifetime. It is irresponsible to report otherwise. It is and will continue to be a privilege to own this great organization. I look forward to seeing our loyal fans at Opening Day on March 30th.”

Kansas City Royals infielder Adalberto Mondesi is being traded to the Red Sox, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The Royals will receive Josh Taylor in exchange, while Boston will also receive a player to be named later. The move comes with Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story having elbow surgery that will sideline him for most of the 2023 season.

Former Marlins and Baltimore Orioles first baseman Jesus Aguilar and the Oakland Athletics are in agreement on a contract, pending physical, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle and Robert Murray of Fansided. The deal will give Aguilar an average of about $3 million.

The New York Yankees and catching coach Tanner Swanson agreed to a new deal to keep the coach in the Bronx, according to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. The deal is for three years with a team option for a fourth year. Yankees catchers ranked as some of the best defensively in MLB last season and much of that is attributed to Swanson’s coaching.

Pitcher Jordan Yamamoto has signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers, according to MMO‘s Michael Mayer. Yamamoto had a 6.00 ERA across three different levels in the Mets minor league system in 2022.

Latest on MMO

Rich Sparago talks about possible locations for MLB expansion teams.

On This Date in Mets History

2006: Angel Pagan is purchased by the Chicago Cubs from the New York Mets.

2010: “Melody Queen of Shea Stadium” organist Jane Jarvis passes away at 94.

The post Morning Briefing: Several Former Mets Fall Short of Hall of Fame appeared first on Metsmerized.

Photo Credit: Jason Bridge of USA Today

It was revealed Tuesday the Baseball Writers of America Association (BBWAA) voted Scott Rolen into the Hall of Fame as part of its 2023 class. Rolen will join Fred McGriff, who was inducted by the Contemporary Baseball Era committee in December.

Rolen received 76.3% of the vote, crossing the 75% threshold needed for induction. Todd Helton narrowly missed with 72.2% and Billy Wagner had the third most votes at 68.1%.

Rolen’s defensive prowess at third base pushed him over the top. Rolen ranks 10th all-time in WAR for third basemen (70.1), and he’s viewed as one of the better Hall-of-Fame defenders at third along with the likes of Brooks Robinson and Adrian Beltre (who will likely get in on his first ballot next year or second ballot in 2025).

Some notable players who missed induction include:

• Billy Wagner (68.1) – 8th year
• Carlos Beltran (46.5) – 1st year
• Jeff Kent (46.5) – final year on the ballot
• Andrew Jones (58.1) – 6th year
• Gary Sheffield (55.0) – 9th year
• Alex Rodriguez (37.5) – 2nd year
• Bobby Abreu (15.4) – 4th year
• Jimmy Rollins (12.9) – 2nd year
• Francisco Rodriguez (10.8) – 1st year

Players have 10 years of eligibility on the BBWAA ballot. Once players fall off the ballot, their fate rests with the Era Committees. (The three Era Committees rotate every three years, and players have to be placed on the ballot via an overview committee.)

Some players who were knocked of the ballot due to not receiving at last 5% of the vote include: R.A. Dickey (0.3), Matt Cain (0) and John Lackey (0.3).

The post Scott Rolen Voted into Hall of Fame appeared first on Metsmerized.

Postseason baseball has a way of shining the spotlight on the unheralded—those who happen to be in the right place at the right time.

The Division Series match-up between the Wild Card Mets against the 97-win San Francisco Giants offered up the usual headliners: New York’s duo of Mike Piazza and Edgardo Alfonzo along with San Francisco’s odd couple of Barry Bonds and former Met Jeff Kent, the soon-to-be MVP of the National League.

But the Mets’ four-game victory was made possible thanks to several unlikely stars—each with their own journey to the October stage—and was the difference in New York’s ascension into the League Championship Series. There was 27-year-old rookie Jay Payton and one-hit wonder Bobby Jones who twirled a masterpiece pitching performance in the clincher.

Then there was Benny Agbayani, who wasn’t even supposed to make the Mets’ roster out of spring training and was on the verge of being sent to the minors early in the season. In April, he had requested a trade from the organization. In October, he cemented his name in Mets postseason lore with a walk-off home run to cap a five-hour, 13-inning Game 3 thriller.

Just like it did in a harrowing extra-inning Game 2 win in San Francisco, New York once again strode perilously close to defeat, down 2-1 with two outs in the eighth and Lenny Harris on second.

Luckily, they had a man at the plate who had a penchant for coming through in the clutch. Edgardo Alfonzo had delivered many big hits during last year’s playoffs, and he did it once again—a double to left field that scored Harris and helped send it into extras.

The game lasted into the 13th, more than five hours old, before Agbayani faced Aaron Fultz. The Hawaii native had already established himself as a cult hero in his brief time with the Mets.

Fans embraced his underdog story of making it to the big leagues without resembling the prototypical baseball player physique.

They had pretty much forgiven his gaffe on August 12 against these same Giants, when he momentarily thought an inning was over after making a catch with a runner at third and handed the ball off to a youngster in the stands. He was about to completely eradicate that memory and provide a more lasting one.

Agbayani blasted Fultz’s pitch into the crowded stands in left-center field, flipping his bat and taking a most satisfying stroll around the bases before plunging into a sea of teammates around home plate and then being lifted on their shoulders.

He was more than a cult hero. He was a postseason hero.

”Bobby Valentine told me things have a way of working out. I didn’t understand that,” Agbayani said. “Now I do.”

The post OTD 2000: Benny’s Walk-Off Blast Beats Giants appeared first on Metsmerized.

People have been asking us all winter what we’ve been doing to pass the time during the MLB lockout. I’ll tell you what we do here at MMO — we come up with ideas that not only help us stay busy, but will help you all stay busy, too.

Talking about the best teams and/or players in New York Mets history is always a good debate to have — especially during the cold winter months — but what if we created our own teams with players from different eras? That’d be fun, right? Well, we thought it was, and we think you’ll agree. We’ve created eight different Mets teams, all of which consist of a catcher, first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, third baseman, three outfielders, two starting pitchers, one relief pitcher, and a manager. We took the top eight at each position (as well as the top 24 for outfielders and top 16 for starting pitchers) with the goal of splitting them up across eight teams and making them as evenly matched as possible.

We used four players twice, given their multi-positionality: Edgardo Alfonzo (2B/3B), Jeff McNeil (2B/OF), John Milner (1B/OF) and Dave Magadan (1B/3B).

What we’ll be doing over the next eight days is introducing each of the squads and taking a look at their perceived strengths and weaknesses. Once that’s complete, the fun will start with some good ol’ fashioned Twitter polls so you can decide which ones would be victorious if they faced one another. We’ll open up the voting on February 8th, so mark your calendars accordingly.

The Squad: Team 1

OK, I’ll stop stalling and introduce the first of MMO’s Great 8 Mets teams. Check them out below.

Catcher: Jerry Grote

First Base: John Olerud

Second Base: Jeff Kent

Shortstop: Asdrúbal Cabrera

Third Base: Bobby Bonilla

Outfielders: Carlos Beltrán, Art Shamsky, Brandon Nimmo

Starting Pitchers: Tom Seaver, Bob Ojeda

Relief Pitcher: Roger McDowell

Manager: Jerry Manuel

Not a bad way to kick this off.

Strengths

Phew, where do we begin? I suppose a good place to start is the fact that this squad has two of the franchise’s best players at their respective positions in Beltrán and Seaver. If someone had to pick any hurler in history to build a team around while in their prime, you have to believe Seaver would be a popular answer, right? Yea, I think so, too. For The Franchise’s case, it’s also helpful to have Grote behind the dish calling the game for him, too.

I’d be remiss to not mention that in Olerud and Nimmo, this team also has the two best players in franchise history regarding on-base percentage. Having these dudes on base so often would be beneficial for others to drive them home, like Kent, Bonilla (during his first tenure in New York, people), and Beltrán.

Once the runs come pouring in, it’s good to have someone dependable like McDowell ready to close the door. During his four full seasons with the Mets, he posted an ERA below 3.00 twice, and missed doing it a third time by a slim margin (3.02 ERA in 1986). He racked up at least 85 innings in each of these four seasons, going over 100 frames twice. He probably wouldn’t have to toe the slab nearly that often with Seaver and Ojeda taking the ball to start, but it’s good to know there’s a reliever capable of doing so if necessary.

Weaknesses

There are a lot of things to like about this team, but what are some potential weaknesses? One thing that jumps out to me is some holes on defense. While having Kent and Olerud on the right side of the infield is solid, as well as Beltrán out in center, having Bonilla and Cabrera on the left side of second base probably isn’t optimal.

Another area that could be a problem — when compared to the other seven teams — is Jerry Manuel. Sure, he’s ninth all-time in franchise history with 204 wins over two-plus years as manager, but he never put together a full winning season while in charge. The bulk of his success came in 2008 after taking over for Willie Randolph, steering the Mets to a 55-38 record the rest of the way. He followed that with a 70-92 record in 2009 and a 79-83 mark in 2010 before getting the axe. Manuel was obviously a victim of his situation a little — I wouldn’t have wanted to manage that 2009 club — but when looking at the other managers in this competition, I’d rather have someone else steering the ship.

So what do you think, Mets fans? How is this club looking? What are the potential strengths and weaknesses? We’ll be rolling out Team No. 2 on Tuesday.

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In winning their first National League pennant in 14 years, the 2000 Mets gave their fans a wealth of memories. But on an evening at Shea Stadium, outfielder Benny Agbayani gave one fan more than he should.

With Mike Hampton working on a shutout and protecting a one-run advantage, the San Francisco Giants had runners on second and third with one out in the top of the fourth. Reminder — one out.

Bobby Estalella hit a fly ball in the general direction of Agbayani in left field. Benny drifted over to his right and made the catch. Jeff Kent tagged from third. But thinking his grab ended the inning, Agbayani ran by the stands and handed the ball to a youngster.

He quickly realized his mistake, but it was too late. The gaffe was costly at the time. Kent scored, and so did Ellis Burks — who was able to take two extra bases.

“I looked at the scoreboard and I guess I saw the strike count instead of the outs,” Agbayani said to the New York Times. “I just glanced at it. It could have cost us the game and that would have been especially tough for Mike Hampton, the way he pitched.”

“My teammates kept telling me not to worry about it, that it was already done.”

It was easy to forgive Benny. For one, he had established himself a fan favorite thanks to his unlikely rise to the majors and narrowly avoiding being released earlier in the season. The Mets also had his back in more ways than just words. Although Agbayani compounded his rough night in the field with a bad night at the plate, the other hitters — namely Todd Zeile — picked up their downtrodden teammate. Zeile’s two-run double off Felix Rodriguez in the seventh flipped the contest in favor of New York, which went on to win for the 19th time in its last 25 games and saved Agbayani from further embarrassment.

Benny truly got the last laugh in October when he offered another ball into the stands — not with his hand, but rather with his bat — as a home run in the 13th inning of Game 3 of the National League Division Series defeated the Giants and helped the Mets on their way to the World Series.

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