What a win! The Mets looked lifeless for the first eight innings of the rubber game against the Blue Jays on Wednesday afternoon, going into the ninth with no hits. However, Bowden Francis, who was looking to complete his no-hit bid, was rudely greeted by the potential NL MVP Francisco Lindor. Lindor ripped a fastball into the right field bleachers to tie the game at one apiece. Francisco Alvarez would give the Mets some much needed insurance with a three-run bomb, leading the Mets to a 6-2 win. Click here for the full game recap.

Lindor, who has come up aces seemingly every time the Mets have needed him, continues to do so in a pivotal playoff push. The Mets star shortstop came into this game with only two hits in his last five games, but after his 0-for-3 start, he was ready to turn the game around. Lindor’s ability to contribute with his glove on an everyday basis, plus his continued clutch play at the dish, have put him in a serious race for the National League MVP.

After an exciting win in Canada, the Mets will have an off day in Philadelphia as they prepare to face the Phillies for a three-game weekend set. Jose Quintana (8-9, 4.09 ERA) is lined up to face Aaron Nola (12-7, 3.41 ERA) in the opening game of the series in Philly on Friday.

Photo by Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Wild Card Update 

With their win over Toronto and the Braves losing in Washington on Wednesday night, the Mets are now a full game up on Atlanta for the third and final Wild Card spot.

The Diamondbacks thrashed the Rangers by a score of 14-4, keeping their lead over the Mets at two games. The Padres lost to the Mariners, 5-2, so Arizona leapfrogged a half-game ahead of them for the first Wild Card spot.

Latest Mets News

With some key matchups coming up, the Mets are manipulating their pitching staff in order to have Luis Severino, David Peterson and Sean Manaea lined up to face the Braves in the penultimate series of the season, per Tim Britton of The Athletic.

The Mets wore first responder hats on Wednesday to honor all of the lives lost and effected by 9/11. 

Honoring and remembering the heroes 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/4sjw0QXDmi

— New York Mets (@Mets) September 11, 2024

With his game-tying home run on Wednesday, Lindor became the fourth player this season to break a no-hit bid with a home run in the ninth inning or later, per Sarah Langs of MLB.com. This is the first time this has ever happened four times or more in a season on record.

Latest MLB News

Dave Roberts told reporters that former Mets and current Dodgers LHP Anthony Banda fractured his pitching hand by punching a “solid object” after another frustrating outing, per David Vassegh of SportsNetLA. Banda has struggled as of late, allowing seven runs and 10 hits in his last four outings, and is now on the IL with slim hope that he will be able to return this season. 

The Atlanta Braves placed starting pitcher Reynaldo López on the 15-day IL with right shoulder inflammation, per Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. This move effectively ends Lopez’s breakout regular season, where he had posted a 2.03 ERA in 128 2/3 IP.

Tampa Bay Rays RHP Edwin Uceta was given a three-game suspension and fined for intentionally throwing at Nick Castellanos of the Phillies on Tuesday night, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Rays manager Kevin Cash was suspended for Wednesday night’s game as well.

Current Red Sox and former Mariners, Yankees, and Dodgers southpaw starting pitcher James Paxton plans to retire at the end of the 2024 season, per Rob Bradford of Baseball Isn’t Boring. Paxton, who has spent 11 years in the big leagues, was placed on the 60-day IL last month and would likely only return if the Red Sox made the postseason. 

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington told reporters that current manager Derek Shelton is “the right person to manage this team in 2025,” confirming Shelton’s return to the club next season, per Kevin Gorman of Tribune-Review Sports. The Pirates were in the Wild Card race prior to August, where they went 8-19, subsequently falling out of the postseason race.

White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, who rarely speaks publicly, told the media that “solutions won’t happen overnight” in the midst of Chicago’s historically bad season, per Jesse Rogers of ABC 7.

Latest on MMO

Brandon Nimmo gives his thoughts on being moved down in the lineup.

The Mets’ offense could use a September wake-up call!

A Canadian comeback brought the Mets back into the final Wild Card spot.

On This Date in Mets History

2021: Francisco Lindor hits three home runs and drives in five runs in a Mets win over the Yankees. With this performance, Lindor became the first player to hit three home runs in a Subway Series bout.

2019: The Mets set a franchise record by hitting six home runs in a home game. Juan Lagares homered twice while Todd Frazier, Tomás Nido, Robinson Canó and Michael Conforto all hit long balls in a 11-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2009: The Mets complete a roaring comeback against the Phillies by scoring six runs in the last three innings at Citizens Bank Park. David Wright led the charge with two home runs, the second giving the Mets the lead with two outs in the ninth inning.

1984: Dwight Gooden breaks Herb Score‘s rookie strikeout record by throwing his 246th strikeout of the season. Gooden finished his rookie season with 276 strikeouts.

Born On This Date: Luis Castillo (1975), Tito Navarro (1970), Keith Hughes (1963), Mario Ramirez (1957), Mickey Lolich (1940).

The post Morning Briefing: Francisco Lindor’s MVP Bid Continues appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

On March 29, 2018 (Opening Day of the baseball season), Rusty Staub, one of the most popular players ever to wear the orange and blue of the New York Mets, passed away in a West Palm Beach, Florida hospital from multiple organ failure just three days shy of his 74th birthday. He had spent eight weeks in the hospital prior to his death.

The Mets had obtained Daniel Joseph Staub before the 1972 season, trading Tim Foli, Mike Jorgensen, and Ken Singleton to the Expos in return. Staub, a New Orleans native who began his career with the Houston Colt 45s, was a very good player with Montreal, accumulating an 18.5  bWAR over three seasons. The Mets had acquired a five-time all-star in his prime. Staub did not disappoint in New York.

He was limited to 66 games in 1972, and put up a slash line of .293/.372/.452 with 9 home runs and 38 RBIs. In the pennant-winning season of 1973, Staub played in 152 games (.279/.361/.421 15 HR, 76 RBIs). He was injured in May of that season, and played through the pain for much of the year. In the NLCS, he separated his shoulder in game four making a catch while crashing into the wall. He missed game five, yet played in the World Series and was able to hit .423 with one home run.

You can see the catch on which Staub was injured in the video below. It’s the second one of two excellent catches in the video. Staub was an outstanding outfielder in his early years, with a very strong throwing arm.

Ask a Mets fan about the darkest days in franchise history. Many will have June 15, 1977, listed somewhere, the day the Mets traded Tom Seaver to the Reds. Some might point to November 1, 2015 (World Series loss to the Royals), October 21, 1973 (WS loss to Oakland), or, gasp, October 26, 2000 (WS loss to the Yankees). I’ll put December 12, 1975, near the top of the list.

On that day, the Mets dealt “Le Grand Orange” to the Tigers for pitcher Mickey Lolich as headliners in a four-player trade. Why would they trade Staub? After becoming a Met in 1972, he had led the Mets offensively to the 1973 World Series, hitting three home runs in the NLCS, and posting the .423 BA in the World Series noted above. In 1975, Staub had set a franchise record for RBIs in a single season with 105, becoming the first Met to drive in more than 100 runs in a season.

Again, why did they trade him?  The answer is that Staub was one year away from becoming a 10/5 player, and with 10 years in the majors and five with one team, he could have vetoed trades. So, the Mets dealt him while they could (and before he could seek a higher payday).

Let’s talk about the return. Lolich had some very good years in Detroit, with 25 wins in 1971 and 21 wins in 1972. However, he had not had an above .500 record since 1972, and his ERA had gone from 2.50 in 1972, to 3.82, 4.15, and 3.78 in the next three seasons (keep in mind, offense in baseball was not as it is in current day). Lolich was also a 10/5 player, and initially delayed the finalization of the trade by contemplating exercising his veto power.

Lolich agreed to become a Met, and was in Queens for one season. He went 8-13 that year, and to be fair, was victimized by the Mets weak offense in 1976. He had a 3.22 ERA that year, and had a respectable WHIP of 1.22. He allowed less than a hit per inning that season, posting a K/9 rate of 8.6.

In Detroit over four seasons, Staub, 31 at the time of the trade, slashed .277/.353/.434 with 70 home runs and 358 RBIs. It’s fair to say that the Tigers got the better end of that deal.

After returning to Montreal from Detroit during the 1979 season, Staub played for the Texas Rangers in 1980 before coming back to the Mets in 1981, where he remained through the 1985 season, his last. He became an outstanding pinch hitter in his later years in Flushing. In 1983, he had hits in eight consecutive pinch hitting appearances, tying a National League record, and tied a Major League record with 25 pinch-hit RBIs.

Staub ended his playing career with a slash line of .279/.362/.431, along with 292 home runs and 1466 RBIs over 23 seasons. Staub was enshrined in the Mets Hall of Fame in 1986. He worked in the Mets television booth from 1986-1995.

Staub owned a popular restaurant in New York (Rusty’s), and opened a second restaurant of the same name to build upon the success of the first. One thing that differentiates Rusty from most other players is the depth of his philanthropic work. He founded The New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund in 1985, whose work provides for families of police officers and firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Looking at Staub’s Mets legacy, particularly the charity work, a case can be made that Staub deserves some type of acknowledgment at Citi Field. Now that the Mets, under new owner Steve Cohen, are doing a better job of honoring their past, perhaps Rusty can be in line for a statue at the Mets’ home park.

Here’s a Mesmerized hat-tip to the late Rusty Staub, a very good player and a better man.

The post OTD 2018: Mets Icon Rusty Staub Passes Away appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

In between the regretful trades of Nolan Ryan to Anaheim in 1972 and Tom Seaver to Cincinnati in 1977 was the departure of one of the most beloved players in franchise history.

Months before that infamous Ryan-for-Fregosi deal with the Angels, the Mets were on the receiving end of a great trade for Montreal’s Rusty Staub. It was a move that broke the hearts of a city that had fallen in love with Le Grand Orange.

Mets fans also became enamored with the five-time All-Star. He had a scintillating start to the ’72 season before being victimized by injuries. In 1973, he played through pain to help New York get to the World Series. And in 1975, he established a club record with 105 runs driven in.

Staub was close to becoming a “10/5” player (10 years of big-league experience and five with his current team), which meant he could veto trades. But on a club bereft of offense, it stood to reason that Staub would be a valuable piece of their future. Team chairman M. Donald Grant, though, didn’t know better.

Planting the seeds of public discontent that would grow in the years ahead, a four-player swap was in place, with Staub (along with minor leaguer Bill Laxton) off to Detroit. Now Mets fans got to feel Montreal’s anguish — not simply because Staub was a Tiger, but also because of what they got in return.

Mickey Lolich was a World Series MVP in 1968, a 25-game winner in 1971, and a 22-game winner in ’72. His best years were behind him by December 1975, but the Mets weren’t dissuaded by a decline. They were also buying the stock of Mike Vail as a replacement for Staub in right field after he finished up his rookie season with a .302 average and a 23-game September hitting streak.

Seller’s remorse set in quickly. Vail ravaged his knee while playing basketball during the winter, which cost him a bulk of the 1976 campaign, and he never returned to optimal playing condition. Lolich went 8-13 in his only season as a Met. But with a 3.22 ERA and a WHIP of 1.22, he clearly didn’t get much support from a lineup that clearly missed Staub. The minor leaguer the Mets received, Bill Baldwin, only played nine games for them.

New York could’ve used a three-season total of .277/.353/.434 with 70 home runs and 358 RBIs in its lineup, which Staub had with Detroit. He would return in 1981 as part of the Mets’ efforts to regain respectability after crash-landing at the end of the decade. Staub completely remade himself as his long career wound down, becoming the game’s premiere pinch-hitter. Since his retirement in 1985 and his passing in 2018, his status as one of the best and most beloved Mets is secure.

The post OTD 1975: Rusty Staub Dealt to Detroit appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Here’s an Amazin’ Moment I won’t soon forget because it involves one of my favorite Mets of bygone days, Rusty Staub.

On Dec. 16, 1980, New York resigned Le Grand Orange for his second tour of duty with the team. He would spend the next five seasons with the Mets and retire in blue and orange.

In 1983, Staub tied the National League record for most consecutive pinch hits in a season with eight, and tied the record for most pinch hit RBI in a season with 25.

During his first go-round with the Mets, Rusty provided more in the way of consistent offense and heady play than fans had come to expect from a Mets team that relied primarily on the arms of Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Jon Matlack, Tug McGraw and whatever offense could be scrounged from the day’s lineup.

In 1973, two years into their second decade of existence, the Mets had still not had a player produce a 100 RBI season. The team would make its second trip to the World Series that year, but would wind up second to last in the NL in runs scored with a paltry 608.

As a result, defense was a key component to go along with that vaunted pitching staff. In June of that year, the Mets were playing a series at Shea against the Dodgers. The Saturday game of that set (on June 9) was Old Timers’ Day and a good crowd was on hand. The offensive heroes for the day were Staub, with two doubles and three RBI, and Willie Mays who homered for the other run in what would be a 4-2 complete game win for Jon Matlack.

However, it wasn’t Rusty’s offense that made this game memorable for me, but his defense- specifically, his role in a play that took place in the top of the seventh inning.

By virtue of a pinch-hit double by future Met Tom Paciorek and a bunt single by Davey Lopes, the Dodgers had runners at the corners with no one out and Bill Buckner (of all people) coming to the plate. The Mets were clinging to a 3-2 lead at this point that looked to be in jeopardy.

Buckner was an up-and-coming young batsman of 24 at this time, but was coming off a season where he had hit .319 and shown a penchant for making contact. With Lopes dancing off first, Matlack made a successful pickoff throw and a rundown ensued.

Rundowns always make me nervous if it’s my team trying to execute one. We’ve all heard how, if properly done, only one or two throws should be needed to nail the runner. Invariably, as the number of throws involved in the play increases, so does the percentage that one will ultimately wind up in the stands, the dugout, or the outfield while the runner advances.

On this particular play the infielders involved, Bud Harrelson, Felix Millan, and John Milner, were no slouches with the glove  but Lopes was fleet and managed to elude a tag. A number of throws were made, back and forth, with Paciorek looking for a chance to score from third.

Ultimately, with the middle infielders out of position, Lopes dashed for second, seemingly uncovered until…Rusty Staub, having run in from his position in Right Field, took the throw at second, slapped a tag on Lopes diving for the base, then fired a strike to the plate to catch Paciorek trying to sneak in with the tying run. Double play! Buckner flied out to center and the inning ended with no damage done.

As a mere 16 year-old at the time, my depth of baseball knowledge was not substantial, but I had been bitten by the bug at a young age and had read more about the game’s history than many of my peers. Nowhere had I come across an account of a similar play, which, while not the weirdest thing to happen on a baseball field, was without a doubt the most heads-up piece of fielding I had ever witnessed.

Rusty went on to play heroically in the LCS (three HR and a great catch where he badly injured his shoulder), and World Series that year (hitting .423 with a five RBI game while playing hurt). In 1975, he became the first Met to reach the century mark in RBI while setting a club record with 105. Management rewarded this by trading him to Detroit for a washed-up Mickey Lolich and fans were left to pin their hopes on Mike Vail. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work out too well.

Regardless, Rusty’s place in the annals of Metsdom is assured, but is just that much more deserved, in my opinion, because of that nifty double play.

The post Amazin’ Moments: Rusty and the Rundown appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Here’s an Amazin’ Moment I won’t soon forget because it involves one of my favorite Mets of bygone days, Rusty Staub.

On Dec. 16, 1980, New York resigned Le Grand Orange for his second tour of duty with the team. He would spend the next five seasons with the Mets and retire in blue and orange.

In 1983, Staub tied the National League record for most consecutive pinch hits in a season with eight, and tied the record for most pinch hit RBI in a season with 25.

During his first go-round with the Mets, Rusty provided more in the way of consistent offense and heady play than fans had come to expect from a Mets team that relied primarily on the arms of Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Jon Matlack, Tug McGraw and whatever offense could be scrounged from the day’s lineup.

In 1973, two years into their second decade of existence, the Mets had still not had a player produce a 100 RBI season. The team would make its second trip to the World Series that year, but would wind up second to last in the NL in runs scored with a paltry 608.

As a result, defense was a key component to go along with that vaunted pitching staff. In June of that year, the Mets were playing a series at Shea against the Dodgers. The Saturday game of that set (on June 9) was Old Timers’ Day and a good crowd was on hand. The offensive heroes for the day were Staub, with two doubles and three RBI, and Willie Mays who homered for the other run in what would be a 4-2 complete game win for Jon Matlack.

However, it wasn’t Rusty’s offense that made this game memorable for me, but his defense- specifically, his role in a play that took place in the top of the seventh inning.

By virtue of a pinch-hit double by future Met Tom Paciorek and a bunt single by Davey Lopes, the Dodgers had runners at the corners with no one out and Bill Buckner (of all people) coming to the plate. The Mets were clinging to a 3-2 lead at this point that looked to be in jeopardy.

Buckner was an up-and-coming young batsman of 24 at this time, but was coming off a season where he had hit .319 and shown a penchant for making contact. With Lopes dancing off first, Matlack made a successful pickoff throw and a rundown ensued.

Rundowns always make me nervous if it’s my team trying to execute one. We’ve all heard how, if properly done, only one or two throws should be needed to nail the runner. Invariably, as the number of throws involved in the play increases, so does the percentage that one will ultimately wind up in the stands, the dugout, or the outfield while the runner advances.

On this particular play the infielders involved, Bud Harrelson, Felix Millan, and John Milner, were no slouches with the glove  but Lopes was fleet and managed to elude a tag. A number of throws were made, back and forth, with Paciorek looking for a chance to score from third.

Ultimately, with the middle infielders out of position, Lopes dashed for second, seemingly uncovered until…Rusty Staub, having run in from his position in Right Field, took the throw at second, slapped a tag on Lopes diving for the base, then fired a strike to the plate to catch Paciorek trying to sneak in with the tying run. Double play! Buckner flied out to center and the inning ended with no damage done.

As a mere 16 year-old at the time, my depth of baseball knowledge was not substantial, but I had been bitten by the bug at a young age and had read more about the game’s history than many of my peers. Nowhere had I come across an account of a similar play, which, while not the weirdest thing to happen on a baseball field, was without a doubt the most heads-up piece of fielding I had ever witnessed.

Rusty went on to play heroically in the LCS (three HR and a great catch where he badly injured his shoulder), and World Series that year (hitting .423 with a five RBI game while playing hurt). In 1975, he became the first Met to reach the century mark in RBI while setting a club record with 105. Management rewarded this by trading him to Detroit for a washed-up Mickey Lolich and fans were left to pin their hopes on Mike Vail. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work out too well.

Regardless, Rusty’s place in the annals of Metsdom is assured, but is just that much more deserved, in my opinion, because of that nifty double play.

The post This Day In Mets History: Return of Le Grand Orange appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

On Tuesday night at Citi Field, a meaningless matchup between two teams far removed from post season play had special significance for a rookie trying to make his mark with the Mets.

The struggling Travis Taijeron collected his first career walk-off hit – a single on a line drive to left field in the Mets 4-3 win over the Braves.

Rafael Montero, in his first quality start in September, limited the damage to three early runs before settling down after the second inning. Relief was not reliable in Josh Smoker who had to be bailed out by Hansel Robles after surrendering back-to-back singles in the sixth.

Luckily for the Mets an old familiar friend stayed a little too late at the fair, allowing his former team to come from behind after he had them in the palm of his knuckleball hand.

For six innings, 42 year-old R.A. Dickey dominated the Mets with the signature pitch that earned him a Cy Young Award when he played for New York in 2012.

Cruising along tossing shut out ball on a total of 62 pitches, he entered the seventh with his 11^th victory seemingly secure until the prolific platooning Kevin Plawecki drilled a two-run shot into center field bringing home his buddy Brandon Nimmo, who also had Dickey’s number with his second hit of the game.

Clinging to a 3-2 lead, Dickey was done for the night when Amed Rosario’s line drive eluded Ender Inciarte for a triple. With two outs and Rosario 90 feet from a tie game, Braves reliever Dan Winkler got Taijeron to strike out swinging.

The Mets got some good fortune in the bottom of the eighth off the Brave’s bad defense. After Norichika Aoki drew a one out walk, Johan Camargo’s errant throw to nab Jose Reyes out at first gifted NY runners on second and third. Inciarte then robbed Asdrubal Cabrera of a couple of RBI’s with a dazzling diving catch in center field that resulted in a game tying sacrifice fly.

Jeurys Familia did due diligence in the top of the ninth with the four batters he faced. In the bottom frame, the Braves brought in A.J. Minter, who Keith Hernandez keenly pointed out, resembled a young, leaner Mickey Lolich. Plawecki greeted him with a leadoff single, Dominic Smith eked out Minter’s first walk in the majors, Taijeron laced a line drive walk-off to left field, and then was mauled by his teammates for the first of what hopes to be many more times.

The post Youngsters Lift Mets To Comeback Victory Over R.A. Dickey appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Yesterday another piece of my childhood faded away.

While I was at work I received a email from the Mets announcing the passing of Hall Of Fame ballplayer and original Mets announcer, Ralph Kiner. At first it didn’t sink in. I don’t know if this was because I was so caught up with my work – or I was just aloof. But upon driving in my car on my way home from the office I started to cry – and cry hard. I am not really the emotional type. I didn’t cry when my grandfather passed away six years ago , and I certainly didn’t cry when I got the news that my father had passed almost two years ago. But for some reason whether it was with Tug McGraw, Bob Murphy or Gary Carter before him I cried.

My best guess is because the aforementioned men were like my babysitters. I was barely old enough to remember McGraw as a Met – but for some reason I gravitated to his infectious source of positivity. With Murph and the Kid along with Ralph that was the era that I was truly aware of baseball – when I truly understood the game.

I had the honor being in Ralph’s presence twice in my lifetime. The first was around 1983 at a charity stickball event. I met the likes of Tom Seaver and Jake LaMotta that day – but Ralph was the nicest and warmest of the celebrities at that event. He even signed my autograph book without having to beg.

Fast forward to August of 2010. My wife and I are in attendance for the Mets Hall Of Fame induction ceremonies for Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Frank Cashen and Davey Johnson. Towards the end of the game my wife and I caught up with my sister, brother in law and two nephews in the Caesars Club. We all decided to leave just before the end of the game and we took the club elevator to leave the building. And then it happened…

The elevator stopped at one of the private floors and who happened to get on but Ralph Kiner and a woman who I guess was his wife being wheeled into the elevator car by their attendants’. My nephews who must’ve been about 5 at the time were acting precocious as most 5 year olds do, and Ralph just looked at them and smiled. I didn’t utter a word to Ralph in that elevator because I respected his privacy and he looked extremely tired. But Ralph looked at me and nodded. I smiled back and wanted to thank him but I was just basking in the aura of this man.

Technically Ralph wasn’t a Met – but in many respects he truly was. No he never played one game as a Met, but he will always be tethered to the tapestry of this team. He will always be an original Met.

Even in his latter years with his speech impaired by Bell’s Palsy and often sounding tired, he could still inspire me with stories from his days of old with the Pirates – or even regale you with tales of Choo Choo Coleman, Casey Stengel or Dwight Gooden.

My innocence was lost many years ago – but I always felt that as long as I heard Ralph’s voice I still could hold onto a childhood that left me many years ago. I will miss you Ralph – and as I shed a tear, I also raise a glass of whiskey in your honor.

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

Mets alumni celebrating a birthday today include:

• Reserve outfielder from ’74-’76, Benny Ayala is 63 (1951).
• One of the better starting pitchers from the “oh so bad early ’80’s teams“, Charlie Puleo is 59 (1955). Puleo was the main cog in the trade with the Cincinnati Reds that brought Tom Seaver  back to Flushing.
• The man responsible for one of the most amazing catches in the history of the baseball postseason,  Endy Chavez is 36 (1978).

Other notable transactions include:

• The  New York Mets traded spot starter/middle reliever,  Hank Webb and minor league pitching prospect, Rich Sanders to the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor league shortstop, Rick Auerbach on February 7, 1977.
• One time Cy Young Mets pitcher, Mickey Lolich announced his retirement on February 7, 1977. Lolich would come out of retirement a year later to pitch for the San Diego Padres.
• The New York Mets released utility infielder, Ross Jones on February 7, 1986.
• The New York Mets claimed reserve infielder, David Lamb on waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays on February 7, 2000.
• The Seattle Mariners  signed backup catcher,  Kelly Shoppach of the New York Mets as a free agent on February 7, 2013.

“Mo Vaughn was so fat he couldn’t bend over!!!”  Ralph Kiner, August 10th 2010

The post This Day In Mets Infamy: My Brush With Ralph Kiner appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Last night as I was getting comfortable on my couch, I was scanning the twitterverse and lo and behold what breaking news did I see but the unofficial announcement that the Mets had signed veteran starting pitcher, Bartolo Colon to a 2-year/$20 million dollar contract pending a physical. Obviously this set Mets Twitter on the verge of nuclear meltdown, the likes that no one has seen since Jason Bay agreed to that fateful 3-year/$66 million dollar contract.

Then I got to thinking: What does this mean to the average Mets fan and how does this affect the Mets over the course of the next 2 years? So here are some random thoughts on the signing of Bartolo – or as the newly signed outfielder, Chris Young refers to him as – ToeLo.

Bartolo’s uniform number should be the same as his waist size (50).

Part of Colon’s contract is that he gets his own show on SNY called Bartolo vs Food.

I wonder who would win in a Sumo wrestling match in a ring filled with Jell-O, him or Mo Vaughn ?

With Bartolo on the mound there is no need for infielders – because he is the infield.

Bartolo makes me look svelte.

He gets his own personal “Shake Shack!”

I bet he doesn’t find salmon tasty.

And lastly, and in all seriousness, this is a good signing that hopefully will help the Mets compete in 2014.

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

Sadly on this date in 1992, Rube Walker – the Mets pitching coach/guru from ’68-’81 – passed away.

The New York Mets traded reserve outfielder, Jim Gosger and utility infielder, Bob Heise to the San Francisco Giants for middle reliever, Ray Sadecki and reserve outfielder, Dave Marshall on December 12, 1969.

In what can and should be considered one of the worst trades in Mets history, the New York Mets traded outfielder, Rusty Staub and minor league pitcher, Bill Laxton to the Detroit Tigers for starting pitcher,  Mickey Lolich and reserve outfielder,  Billy Baldwin on December 12, 1975.

Lolich was supposed to help strengthen the Mets pitching rotation but finished his lone season with a record of 8-13. He retired after the season ended so that he could open a doughnut shop, but then he unretired in ’78 to pitch for the San Diego Padres !!!

The New York Mets traded reserve outfielder, Gene Clines to the Texas Rangers for outfielder, Joe Lovitto on December 12, 1975.

Lovitto ended up being released by the Mets during spring training.

The New York Mets traded middle reliever,  Roy Lee Jackson to the Toronto Blue Jays for utility infielder,  Bob Bailor on December 12, 1980.

The New York Mets signed free agent back up catcher,  Orlando Mercado of the Minnesota Twins on December 12, 1989.

The New York Mets traded reserve outfielder,  Alex Ochoa to the Minnesota Twins for reserve outfielder, Rich Becker on December 12, 1997.

The New York Mets signed free agent José Valentin of the Los Angeles Dodgers on December 12, 2005. This was one of then General Manager ,Omar Minaya’s best under the radar signings

The New York Mets traded middle reliever,  Scott Schoeneweis to the Arizona Diamondbacks for minor league pitcher, Connor Robertson on December 12, 2008. After the way Scho pitched that last game of the season everybody knew he wouldn’t ever return to the Mets.

The New York Mets granted  reliever and alleged murderer, Ambiorix Burgos granted free agency on December 12, 2008.

The New York Mets claimed starting pitcher, Jeremy Hefner on waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates on December 12, 2011.

Hefner pitched admirably if not uneven the last two seasons for the Mets in a limited role. Lets hope his surgically repaired pitching arm is ready for the ’15 season .

Mo Vaughn is looking forward to chewing the fat with Bartolo Colon!!!

If you want to hear the rebroadcast of last night’s “Shouts From Shea” podcast featuring myself as well as Steven Keane from “The Kranepool Society” please click here. Our guests include Joe D of this fine blog as well as Danny Abriano from the “Rising Apple” blog.

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

With the loss in game one of yesterday’s doubleheader with the Miami Marlins, the Mets clinched their 5th straight losing season. This shouldn’t come as a shock since it has happened many times in the past – from the newly minted team of the ’60’s to the “Franchiseless” Mets of the late ’70’s and early ’80’s. Hell even the teams from the Mid ’90s as well as the ’02-’04 seasons were exercises in futility. So I figured I would try to compile the All Scrub Mets Team that encompasses players from all these eras – except from the ’60’s because lets face it 99% of the men that played for those Mets teams were either past their prime – or never had a prime to go past.

So without further ado…

My All Time Mets Scrub Team 

Manager: Jeff Torborg – He was a winning manager during his tenure with the Chicago White Sox, but  I don’t know if it was the expensive payroll of stars ( one of the most expensive payrolls at the time ) or that he melted under the bright lights of New York, but he barely lasted one and a half seasons as the skipper of a sinking ship.

Catcher: Alex Trevino – He was a both offensively and defensively challenged behind and at the plate.

First Base: Mike Jorgenson – Before returning to the Mets in the early ’80’s Mike had been a serviceable reserve outfielder/ first baseman.

Second Base: Luis Castillo – If you find yourself asking why he is on this list you are obviously not a Mets fan.

Shortstop: Frank Taveras – He was your prototypical no hit/all glove infielder. He had speed ( leading the Mets with triples in ’80 ) but he really never got on base enough to flash it.

Third Base: Jim Fregosi – We traded Nolan Ryan for him. He sucked. ‘Nuff Said !

Outfield: Jason Bay – See Luis Castillo.

Outfield: Juan Samuel  – For some reasons not known to man nor beast, then Mets General Manager, Frank Cashen traded Lenny Dykstra and Roger McDowell to the Phillies for second baseman, Samuel. The Mets tried to convert him to an everyday centerfielder. Guess what – they failed.

Outfield: Vince Coleman – File him under “Never sign a player that is a Mets killer” because they will continue to kill the Mets – from the inside!

Starting Rotation:

The luckless Anthony Young…

The Charismatic Jose Lima – too bad he concentrated more on his ” Lima Time” slogan than actually pitching effectively.

The Past his prime Mike Torrez.

The pitcher that obviously didn’t want to be here, Mickey Lolich.

And rounding out the starting rotation – Oliver Perez (See Luis Castillo)

Bullpen:

The ineffective Doug Sisk.

The lead blower, Rich Rodriguez – I still maintain that the only reason why he wasn’t released by the Mets is because he was a friend of then G.M, Steve Phillips from their minor league days.

Ineffective reliever from the early ’80’s. Mark “Bombs Away” Bomback.

Another man who couldn’t hold a lead – even if it was glued to his hand – Ryota Igarashi.

Two words that should send a shiver down your spine Guillermo Mota.

And lest we forget, Luis Ayala.

The closer spot is a tough one since the Mets had many men who were not able to put out the fire and save the game, so by default I went with Braden Looper. Yes Looper was playing through injuries in his last season with the Mets, but he still blew the lead in important games when he was healthy – he didn’t have the killer instinct.

Bench:

The light hitting David Newhan.

The light hitting Dan Norman.

The couldn’t get a hit to save his life Ron Hodges.

And the weak hitting Gary Rajsich

So there is my list… Do you agree/disagree? Who would you add or omit ? Please give your lists in the comments section below.

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

Mets alumni celebrating a birthday today include:

Charley Smith would have been 76 (1937) today

One of the most ineffective middle relievers ever to wear a Mets uniform, John Pacella is 57  (1956). In Pacella’s 3 seasons with the Mets he compiled a 3-6 record with a ERA of 4.83 in 104.1 innings.

Middle reliever from the ’02 season, Satoru Komiyama is 48 (1965).

Middle reliever from the ’91 season, Doug Simons turns 47 (1966).

Utility infielder from ’96-’97, Jason Hardtke is 42 (1971).

Some other notables include:

The  New York Mets traded  minor league pitching prospects, Shane Young and Jeff Richardson to the California Angels for  reliever, John Candelaria on September 15, 1987. The Brooklyn born “Candy Man” was once one of the most dominant closers in the game. But by the time he was obtained by the Mets he was well past his prime.

The movie character that Mo Vaughn wishes he could be  is Pizza the Hut from “Spaceballs” !!!!

The post This Day In Mets Infamy With Rusty: The “All Time Mets Scrub Team” Edition appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

But in the midst of this we have one bright spot… A young and very talented pitcher that we are pinning our hopes on. He will become the ace of our staff. He will become our new Tom Seaver.

My question is this: Am I referring to the 2013 Mets or the Mets of the late seventies? Am I talking about Matt Harvey or Craig Swan?

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Craig Steven Swan was born in California (just like Seaver) on November 30, 1950. He was the Mets third round pick in the 1972 draft. After Swannie pitched in the ’72 College World Series and allowed just one earned run in 18.0 innings pitched, fans saw a dynasty coming. A guy like this would be joining Seaver, Koosman and Matlack. Wow!

From 73 through 75, Swan battled inconsistency. He was regularly shuffled back and forth between New York and Tidewater – the Mets AAA affiliate at the time. By 1976, however, Swan became our number five starter behind our Big Three and Mickey Lolich. He was finally here to stay.

However, his inconsistency rattled the nerves of fans. His first four starts were downright awful. Then, over his next three, he allowed just one earned run and 13 hits in 26 innings. The Mets won 86 games that season and Swan went 6-9 with a respectable 3.54 ERA.

In 1977, M. Donald Grant traded away “The Franchise” and ripped out the hearts of Mets fans. Losses went up, attendance went down. The Mets finished in last place, 37 games back. Our 98 losses were the most in a decade. Swan finished with a 9-10 record and posted a disappointing 4.23 ERA. However, his nine victories were more than both Koosman and Matlack that season.

By 1978, the Mets had sunk to new lows and were downright terrible. And although we still had Kooz, it was becoming clear that #36 was disgruntled and wanted to get the hell out of New York. Craig Swan assumed the role of de-facto ace. He was a good pitcher on a bad team. (Matt Harvey anyone?)

Swan’s first start of the year was a complete game shutout, allowing just five hits. On July 4^th, 1978, the Mets’ brightest star fanned 13 but took a 3-2 loss. He dropped to 1-5, yet his ERA was a Seaver-esque 2.66. On September 16^th, in spite of allowing just three hits and one earned run over none innings, the Mets’ bats were quiet as usual. Swan failed to secure the “W.”

When the curtain came down on the 78 season, Craig Swan led the National League with a 2.43 ERA had the league’s second best WHIP. At Shea his ERA was 1.67. His record, however, was 9-6. Good pitcher. Bad team. On a good team, with stats like these, Swan would have probably been a 20 game winner.

By 79, Koosman was now gone and Swan found himself the Mets ace. He made 35 starts, tossed 251 innings, racked up ten complete games – three of them shutouts. His 3.29 ERA was led the team and remarkably his 11 wins were more than any two other Mets combined.

Perhaps he really was our new Seaver as the young righthander was now our lone beacon of hope. Management forked over $3.25 million for five years and made Craig the highest paid pitcher in team history.

He was well worth it and 1980 saw Swan yet again pitch masterfully. Although the Mets were still awful and providing him with no run support, Swan was 5-4 with a superb 2.21 ERA through mid-June.

And then, just like that, he fell apart.

His velocity dropped and suddenly his command became uncharacteristically erratic. He couldn’t get anyone out. One month later it was determined that the Mets ace had torn his rotator cuff. Back then, surgery was not yet an option as it is today, and it appeared that Swan’s career was most likely at an end. But Swan did what most pitchers at that time did; he rested. After a month off he returned to make two more terrible starts before we landed back on the DL and was lost for the season.

In spite of the torn rotator, Swan was back on the mound the following April. In his second start of the season, he walked leadoff man Tim Raines on four pitches. On his fifth pitch, also a ball, Raines broke for second base and Mets catcher Ron Hodges attempted to nail the speedy Raines. However, Swan had his back to the plate and Hodges’ throw slammed right into Swan’s back resulting in a fractured rib. A Metsian moment to be sure.

Swan returned to the DL yet again. He was now dealing with the fractured rib as well as coming back from the torn rotator cuff. He made two ineffective relief appearances later that spring… And then the baseball strike of 1981 happened. Swan came back after the strike, continued struggling and spent the remainder of the season on the DL. The Mets ace, the highest paid pitcher on our staff, tossed 13.2 innings that season.

By 1982, we were beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel. The long dark days appeared to be coming to an end as a couple of kids named Mookie Wilson and Hubie Brooks brought some excitement back to Shea. We were also hearing great things about a couple prospects in the minors named Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry. Lo and behold the Mets, now under new ownership and a new GM, acquired RBI machine and a legitimate home run threat – former MVP George Foster.

And in the middle of all this, Craig Swan bounced back big time. Although the Mets still struggled, going 65-97, Swan again found himself the ace on a bad team. He was the Mets leader in ERA (3.35) and wins (11). and was the only starter to post a winning record. For his efforts he finished second to Joe Morgan for NL Comeback Player of the Year. Swan was also used out of the bullpen that season and compiled a solid 1.30 ERA working out of the pen.

It was during Spring Training in 1983 when the 32-year old Swan felt “something pop.” His myo-fascial tissue had been ripped from his triceps. He again attempted to pitch through this new injury. The battler and bulldog that he was, realized he was.the ace and that his team needed him. However, it was to no avail as he went 2-8 with a 5.51 ERA, and ultimately he was shut down again.

It was a devastating blow, but fans were distracted because the Mets acquired a new pitcher – Tom Seaver was back in a Mets uniform and Swan’s career-ending injury was just a mere footnote. Swan was overshadowed by the very man he was supposed to become.

By 1984, the Mets seemed poised to compete. There was something different in the air. Hope? Promise? Craig Swan who spent years being a very good pitcher mired on a very bad team would finally get to be on a competitor. However, it was not meant to be.

It was obvious the injuries had finally taken taken a toll and gotten the better of him. In 18.2 IP he allowed 17 ER and five home runs. The Mets ace, the man who was destined to replace Seaver, the man who landed that record $3.25 million contract, was sadly released on May 7, 1984.

He was picked up by the Angels but after getting knocked around twice, they released him as well. The promising kid from California who was going to lead the Mets to glory, was now out of Major League Baseball at the age of 33.

After spending his career dealing with and learning about injuries, Craig Swan became a huge believer and follower of Rolfing. It’s described as a holistic system of soft tissue manipulation that organizes the whole body in gravity. He currently lives in Stamford, CT where he operates a physical therapy facility that specializes in Rolfing.

On September 28, 2008, the Mets brought down the curtain on Shea Stadium after 45 seasons. A handful of former Mets were invited to be on hand and 57 year old Craig Swan was one of them. As he scanned the stadium and glanced at the same pitching mound where he once was the ace of the Mets, who did he see? Tom Seaver, on the rubber, throwing the ceremonial “Final Pitch” to another beloved Met, Mike Piazza. Craig Swan was once again in Seaver’s shadow.

Days later, Swan was at work at his Rolfing practice in Connecticut when he looked up to see none other than his good friend and former teammate walk in. It was Tom Seaver. The Hall of Famer had spent fourteen days in traction in nearby Greenwich and was still in pain. His back was messed up and he seeked out Swan of all people for help. Craig explained to Tom the theory behind Rolfing and how it works. It was now Swan doing the teaching. He educated his former teammate on how to “soften” his toes while walking and how this would help to alleviate his back pain.

Seaver jokingly asked, “Swannie, how am I supposed to see what my toes are doing? They’re inside my shoes.”

Craig Swan smiled, affectionately put his arm around his friend and replied, “You’ve got three Cy Young Awards. I’m sure you can figure it out.”

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