On Wednesday, the Mets announced that lefty reliever Danny Young will be placed on the 15-day IL, retroactive to April 27, with a left elbow strain. Along with that move, righty Chris Devenski was selected from Triple-A Syracuse and the recently signed lefty Brooks Raley was transferred to the 60-day IL. Unfortunately, this does not seem like a short-term stint, as Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters that the southpaw may need Tommy John Surgery.

On the field, the Mets came up short against the Arizona Diamondbacks last night. Despite getting 4 1/3 scoreless innings of relief from Brandon Waddell pitching in the big leagues for the first time since 2021, a ninth-inning rally from the Mets offense came up shy, resulting in a 4-3 loss. Click here for a full-game recap of Wednesday night’s loss at Citi. 

The Amazin’s will look to take the rubber match against Arizona on Thursday as Kodai Senga (1.26 ERA, 3-1) will face Zac Gallen (5.57 ERA, 1-4) at 1:10 PM EST. New York will look to get back in the win column before hitting the road for a 6-game road trip in St. Louis and Arizona.

Latest Mets News

Francisco Lindor stopped by St. John’s University to speak with the school’s baseball and softball teams.

Chris Majkowski was the producer-engineer for his 5,000th consecutive Mets game on radio on Wednesday night. Jay Horwitz went in-depth on the man behind the Mets radio broadcast. 

Latest MLB News

The Cubs called up veteran RHP Chris Flexen from the minors, per Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Flexen had a 1.16 ERA in 5 starts at Triple-A Iowa. 

Bo Bichette intends to join his brother and play for Brazil at the WBC, per Ayako Oikawa of MLB.com. Bo Bichette on the matter, “It means a lot to our whole family. We want to do our best to contribute to the team’s victory and draw some attention to Brazilian baseball.”

A fan fell onto the field from the Clemente Wall bleachers (21 feet in height) in right field during the Pirates game at PNC park last night. The latest update from the Pirates was that Pittsburgh EMS, along with both clubs’ athletic training teams, responded immediately, and he was taken to Allegheny General Hospital.

Mike Trout left Wednesday night’s Angels game with precautionary knee soreness, per Jeff Fletcher of SoCal News Group. Trout is already feeling better and will try to play on Thursday.

Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough announced that outfielder Griffin Conine will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after undergoing shoulder surgery on Tuesday. He is expected to be a full-go for 2026 spring training. 

The Seattle Mariners selected the contract of former Mets draft pick OF Rhylan Thomas and will make his MLB debut when he first appears in a game. 

Former Met Jake Diekman signed with the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association.

The Miami Marlins released their new City Connect uniforms.

Latest On MMO

Brandon Waddell sparkled in his MLB return. 

Mark Vientos was the subject of MMO’s Weekly Statistical Spotlight.

Mets ninth-inning rally came up short.

On This Date In Mets History

2011: The crowd erupts in “U-S-A” chants during the ninth inning of a Mets-Phillies game after news of Osama Bin Laden’s death breaks.

1987: Tim Tuefel hits a walk-off pinch-hit solo homer to beat the Expos 7-6.

Born On This Date: Marcus Stroman (1991), Manny Acosta (1981), Joe Hietpas (1979), Armando Reynoso (1966), Charlie O’Brien (1960), Ray Searage (1955), Roy Lee Jackson (1954)

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The Mets came into Saturday night’s matchup against the Angels with their eyes set on a series-clinching win to kick off their west coast trip. However, the Mets’ offense was stifled for the first six innings as Angels pitcher José Soriano shut them out, putting the Amazin’s in a 2-0 deficit going into the seventh.

Having Soriano in the rearview mirror, the bats came alive as J.D. Martinez followed up a pair of walks and a Francisco Lindor base hit with a grand slam to put the Mets ahead. But, after a questionable replacement of David Peterson after only throwing 82 pitches, Huascar Brazobán gave the lead right back up in the bottom of the frame. Brazobán gave up back-to-back baserunners before conceding a three-run blast to Zach Neto, which would be the decisive blow. The Mets are now 0.5 GB of the third Wild Card spot, which is held by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Amazin’s look to bounce back from Saturday night’s 5-4 loss with Josè Quintana (6-6, 3.89 ERA) on the mound, going up against Griffin Canning (3-10, 5.25 ERA) of the Angels at 4:07 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

After striking out 11 batters in a row, while striking out 13 total in five innings, the Mets promoted RHP Brandon Sproat to Triple-A Syracuse, per Chase Ford of MiLB Central. To learn more about the promotion, click here.

Reed Garrett has joined the Binghamton Rumble Ponies as he plans to start his rehab assignment. Garrett was placed on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation on July 10. Click here for more information on his comeback attempt.

The Mets officially released LHP Jake Diekman, who was recently DFA’d after finishing his Mets tenure with a 5.63 ERA. 

Shintaro Fujinami looked good in Syracuse on Saturday: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 25 pitches/16 strikes.

Latest MLB News

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters that Max Fried will be activated off the IL and will pitch for the Braves on Sunday, per Gabriel Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Fried had been on the IL since late last month with forearm neuritis.

The Chicago White Sox released former Phillies and Brewers closer Corey Knebel, per James Fegan of Sox Machine. 

The Los Angeles Angels announced prior to Saturday night’s game that they are placing utility man Luis Rengifo on the 10-day IL with right wrist inflammation. 

The White Sox lost yet again on Saturday. With their 6-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins, they have now lost 19 consecutive games, the longest streak in MLB since the Orioles lost 19 in a row in 2021.

The Detroit Tigers put together comebacks in the ninth, 10th and 11th innings to win on Jim Leyland Day.

The @Tigers score two in the bottom of the 11th to win it! pic.twitter.com/y8v1mB3lWT

— MLB (@MLB) August 4, 2024

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Metsmerized Online is giving away a Harrison Bader signed card on Twitter/X.

Pete Alonso has been on fire in the second half.

Brandon Sproat is rocketing his way up the Mets system.

On This Date in Mets History

2016: Bartolo Colón becomes the first pitcher to win a Subway Series game as both a Yankee and Met, throwing 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball in the Mets’ 4-1 victory against the Yankees.

2012: Mike Baxter ties the Mets’ franchise record for walks in a game, walking five times against the Padres.

1982: Joel Youngblood makes history, becoming the first player to tally a hit for two different teams in different cities on the same day. Youngblood got a hit for the Mets in Chicago and was then traded to the Montreal Expos that same day. He flew to Philadelphia right away and got a base hit for the Expos.

Birthdays: Steve Bieser (57), Cleon Jones (82)

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Save for the many games in Montreal against the Expos plus several in Toronto, New York has previously played in two other countries as well as a U.S. territory.

Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports

August 16-18, 1996 vs. San Diego Padres: Monterrey, Mexico

This was a historic series south of the border as the Mets and Padres squared off in the first regular season series ever played outside North America. Fittingly, native hero Fernando Valenzuela took the mound first for San Diego in what amounted to a three-game slugfest at the elevated grounds inside Estadio Monterrey — nestled below the Cerro de la Silla mountain range.

The two teams combined for 43 runs and nine homers, most of which came during a wild opener in which the Mets spotted San Diego a 15-0 lead before finally coming to life. They recorded three runs in the seventh against Valenzuela before putting up a seven spot in the ninth, though it ultimately wasn’t enough as the Padres escaped with a 15-10 victory.

It was New York that jumped out to a 5-0 lead the next night, courtesy of hits from Edgardo Alfonzo, Todd Hundley, Bernard Gilkey and others. The Mets later secured their only win in this series by a score of 7-3 with two insurance runs in the ninth inning.

The only bats that were alive in the finale were those of the Padres, as Ken Caminiti’s two home runs and Joey Hamilton’s strong pitching (plus a homer of his own) bolstered San Diego’s 8-0 win.

March 29-30, 2000 vs. Chicago Cubs: Tokyo, Japan

The Mets went international again as MLB stretched its borders once more with the first official games outside North America at the Tokyo Dome in Japan during the 2000 campaign. Joining New York on this long maiden voyage were the Cubs.

Starting pitcher Mike Hampton, New York’s new acquisition from Houston, was unusually wild as he permitted a staggering nine walks and 14 baserunners over five innings in what would become a 5-3 loss in the series opener. Adding to the unusual occurrences, Rey Ordoñez misplayed a grounder, putting an end to the sure-handed shortstop’s major league record errorless streak of 101 games.

The second and final game was much more satisfying and capped with a storybook finish.  The contest moved into extras tied at one when in the top of the 11th, the Mets loaded the bases with two outs and the pitcher’s spot due up. Manager Bobby Valentine’s pinch-hitter of choice was Benny Agbayani, who at this point was uncertain if he’d be on the major league roster much longer.

With a pre-swing leg hike patterned after Japanese home run king Sadaharu Oh, Agbayani connected on Danny Young‘s 1-0 pitch over the heart of the plate. It not only broke the tie, but it also went over the center field wall for a grand slam that became the defining moment of this series in a 5-1 victory and helped him remain a big leaguer for the entirety of the year.

April 11-14, 2003 vs. Montreal Expos: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Major League Baseball’s hopes of increasing attendance for Montreal Expos home games led to temporary stays in Puerto Rico. Once more, the Mets were one side of this experiment’s initiation, and based on the results, they were far too accommodating.

The opener was a 10-0 blowout in favor of Montreal. The next game was closer, but had the same ultimate result: a 5-4 Expos win. The Mets let the final two slip away as well as Armando Benítez couldn’t protect the shutout furnished by Al Leiter and company during the penultimate contest, leading to a 2-1 Montreal walk-off win in the 10th. That was followed the next night by two runs for the Expos in the bottom of the eighth inning that broke a 3-3 tie and set up a four-game Montreal sweep with a 5-3 victory.

April 9-11, 2004 vs. Expos: San Juan, Puerto Rico

(Almost) same time, same place but different results. New York took two of three in this set, bookending the series with victories. It did feel like deja vu, though, when Mets relievers failed to protect a 2-0 lead in the eighth of the first game. They were reprieved, however, when Todd Zeile’s 11th-inning RBI double delivered what would be the deciding run in a 3-2 win. Other standout moments from the game included Tyler Yates pitching six shoutout innings and former Expo Cliff Floyd homering to open the scoring.

The Mets took the series behind Tom Glavine’s outstanding start (seven innings, no earned runs, no walks) and Eric Valent’s two-run homer in the sixth.

June 28-30, 2010 vs. Florida Marlins: San Juan, Puerto Rico

By definition, these were neutral site games. By designation, the Marlins were the home team. And by proximity, the Marlins were the “closer to home” team.

Florida took two of three, scoring a combined 22 runs. The Fish got five home runs in their wins, coming from the likes of Giancarlo (then known as Mike) Stanton, Dan Uggla, and Hanley Ramírez. While the first Mets loss wasn’t close, losing 10-3, the second was in the balance until the end. New York held a 3-0 lead before Florida struck for six in the third. The Mets clawed back to tie with two ninth-inning runs before Uggla won it with a walk-off single in the bottom half as part of a 7-6 Marlins victory.

David Wright recorded two hits and two RBIs in the Mets’ lone W as they avoided a sweep. A 6-5 advantage was protected, shakily, by Francisco Rodríguez — who allowed two runners to reach base before getting the last two outs.

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On Wednesday, it was reported that Justin Verlander will be making his first rehab start of the season as he works his way back to the big league roster. Just like in 2023, Verlander started the season on the shelf. This time, it was due to shoulder inflammation that he was feeling early on in spring training. 

However, Verlander’s return seems to be right around the corner, as Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reported that he will be making his first rehab start for the triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys on Sunday. The plan is for the 41-year-old ace to throw 70-75 pitches in Sunday’s start and then to make one more rehab start prior to his return to the major league club.

It is important to note that the Mets would be liable for $17.5 million of Verlander’s 2025 contract if he were to reach 140 innings pitched this season, kicking in a vesting option for the 2025 season.

Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

The game between the Mets and Tigers on Wednesday was postponed, for the second day in a row. A single admission doubleheader is planned to start at 12:10 p.m. on Thursday, weather permitting.

The Tigers’ probable starters for the doubleheader are Casey Mize and Matt Manning. For the Mets, it will be Adrian Houser and Jose Buttó.

Steve Cohen talked about all things Mets in a sit-down interview with CNBC. For a summary of his comments, click here.

The Mets signed former All-Star Julio Teheran to a major league deal. Click here more information on the signing!

Keith Hernandez sat down with Neil Best of Newsday to talk about his beloved cat Hadji, who is turning 21.5 next week.

Latest MLB News

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed outfielder Jason Heyward on the injured list with lower back tightness and added OF Taylor Trammell to the active roster.

The Milwaukee Brewers placed Trevor Megill on the 7-day concussion list, retroactive to March 31. Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Megill contracted food poisoning, started feeling faint and fell back and hit his head on the ground. 

The Miami Marlins made history! Unfortunately, for them, not the good type. They became the first team in MLB history to start a season 0-7 after making the postseason the season before, per Christina de Nicola of MLB.com.

The Kansas City Monarchs of the American Association signed former Chicago White Sox slugger Yermín Mercedes.

Rangers third baseman Josh Jung is expected to miss 8-10 weeks after undergoing surgery on his fractured wrist, per Evan Grant of Dallas Morning News. He fractured the wrist by being hit by a pitch earlier in the week.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ and Royals’ futures in Kansas City are in jeopardy after voters in Jackson County, Missouri, overpoweringly voted against a sales tax that would have helped finance new stadiums, per Dave Skretta of The AP.

Latest on MMO

Tyler Antonelle previewed the Binghamton Mets’ 2024 season. 

Steve Cohen is unphased by the Mets’ bad start. 

The Mets make an addition following Tylor Megill‘s injury.

On This Date in Mets History

1988: On opening day, Darryl Strawberry, Kevin Elster, Lenny Dykstra, and Kevin McReynolds combine for six home runs in a win against the Montreal Expos. Strawberry put a blast into his second dinger of the day, hitting the top of Olympic Stadium and going an estimated 525 feet.

Birthdays: Ronny Mauricio (23), Cameron Maybin (37), Eric Valent (47), Tom Herr (68), Ron Locke (82)

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In his media availability on Wednesday, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters that the team will be having certain guest instructors during spring training. The three that he mentioned are Mets legends Carlos Beltrán, Edgardo Alfonzo and Darryl Strawberry. Mendoza said that the three former big league All-Stars will have lockers and uniforms available to them just like the rest of the coaching staff.

Carlos Beltrán. USA Today

The new Mets manager mentioned how he is excited to have guys like them around as they can share experiences with the younger players. Having veterans who have “been around the block” could be especially beneficial for the Mets as they continue to embrace their latest youth movement. 

Latest Mets News

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told the media that Kodai Senga did not work out on Wednesday as he has been dealing with arm fatigue. On SNY‘s Hot Stove, the Mets manager said, “Early reports, seems like we’re not too concerned.” Click here for the full story.

Mendoza also mentioned how he and the Mets coaching and training staff have been conscious of telling Edwin Díaz to pull it back a bit after being out for almost a full year, per Pat Ragazzo of SI.com.

Tylor Megill, José Butto, and Max Kranick are expected to pitch the first three games for the Mets in the Grapefruit League, per Mike Puma of the NY Post. Click here for more on the report!

Latest MLB News

Free agent relief pitcher Derek Law and the Washington Nationals came to an agreement on a minor league deal, per Robert Murray of FanSided. The deal includes an invite to spring training and pays $1.5 million with the opportunity to make $500k in incentives. 

Netflix announced that they are working on a documentary that will detail the happenings around the Expos’ abandonment of Montreal. 

Former White Sox and now free agent shortstop Tim Anderson has reportedly received an offer from the Miami Marlins to be their primary shortstop, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network. 

Eric Hosmer officially announced his retirement from the game of baseball as well as the launch of his new media company, Moonball Media. 

Stephen Nesbitt and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic published an article detailing how the Pirates’ chronically frugal owner is hamstringing their ability to succeed. 

The Red Sox have reportedly shown interest in free agent third baseman Gio Urshela, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Boston lost third baseman Justin Turner to the Blue Jays this offseason. 

The Milwaukee Brewers officially announced the signings of Brandon Woodruff and Gary Sánchez. In a corresponding move they DFA’d Jahmai Jones to make room on the 40-man roster. 

Brayan Bello and the Boston Red Sox are reportedly working on a contract extension that would keep the 24-year old in Boston for the foreseeable future, per Chris Cotillo. 

Latest on MMO

Take a look at 71-75 in Mike Mayer’s “Top 75 Mets Prospects.”

See the Mets’ pitching plan for the start of their Grapefruit League games.

Mets and Francisco Álvarez not discussing extension, despite erroneous report. 

On This Date in Mets History

Birthdays: Tim Peterson (33), Chris Bassitt (35), Kelly Johnson (42), J.J. Putz (47)

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Even if his plaque isn’t in the Hall, the home run should be. The result of the at-bat in 2016 at Petco Park against James Shields was Bartolo Colón’s career moment, becoming the oldest player to hit his first homer, it didn’t make his career by no means—a career that crossed centuries and spanned generations.

Colón began as a relatively slender fireballer and ended as a rotund craftsman. He was an All-Star in 1998 and an All-Star 18 years later. Colón’s longevity is a testament to his physical prowess and his ability to adapt and evolve. He pitched for 11 different teams, starting with Cleveland in 1997, tossing 3,461.2 innings and tallying 2,535 strikeouts until his final stop in Texas in 2018.

His peak from the late 90s to the mid-2000s culminated in the AL Cy Young Award in 2005. The ace of the Los Angeles Angels, he had a 3.48 ERA and 157 strikeouts while going 21-8.

He struggled through the rest of the decade before finding success with the Yankees and A’s. The Mets acquired Colón before the 2014 season having already surpassed age 40.

For three years in New York, Colón was a veteran leader on a young rotation—eating up innings and often putting them in a place to win games.

And, oh yeah, this day was pretty fun too. Colón was a good pitcher, but also entertaining—one of the most interesting figures in baseball. ‘Unique’ is thrown around loosely, but it was appropriate for Bart. 

Longevity isn’t a significant factor when weighing Hall of Fame credentials. Colón’s, though, is especially impressive when considering how he changed his style over the years. His statistics, while given the amount of time it took to achieve them, are more impressive when compared to others throughout history and compared to the time in which he did them.

Of all the hurlers born in the 1970s, nobody threw more innings, and only one had more wins. Colón is second among that group in strikeouts. Like all pitchers on the mound in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Colón’s prime came in a time slanted heavily toward offense. Another disadvantage was the rash of injuries pitchers encountered trying to keep up, and modern medicine hadn’t figured out how to fully address them.

As advanced metrics have taken over justifiably, traditional statistics like wins and strikeouts don’t carry the same weight they once did. However, Colón’s achievements become more impressive when viewed in the context of his contemporaries. Wins, especially, are more a reflection of the longevity he displayed than the success he had. His 247 wins rank him among the top 50 in major league history and the most among all Dominican-born players.

The Case Against

The big mark on Bartolo’s resume is his 50-game performance-enhancing suspension in 2012. He also was suspected of PED use after surgery two years before. The trend appears to be a little favorable in terms of steroid use, but known users are still on the outside looking in. That’s especially the case if you’re a borderline candidate at best.

Colón’s 4.12 career ERA is significantly worse than any modern pitcher in the Hall (Jack Morris is the highest at 3.90). A better judge is ERA+, which levels out time periods. But even with that, 106 is slightly above average. However, that’s better than Morris and fellow Cooperstown member Catfish Hunter.

His pitching WAR ranks 113th all-time, just ahead of Dwight Gooden and higher than four Hall of Famers: Morris, Hunter, Bob Lemon, and Dizzy Dean. But while that might seem like a case in Colón’s corner, Morris and Fisher’s resumes are enhanced by postseason performances, while Dean and Lemon had far shorter careers.

Final Thoughts

If the Hall of Fame was for uniqueness and recognition that athletes of this sport come in all shapes and sizes, then Bartolo Colón must be included. If being inducted is a measure of excellence, which it is, then that’s a different story. Watching Bartolo pitch, field, and hit was a joy. He is unlike anyone in baseball history, and he has historic merit. He’s also one of the better pitchers of this century for a career that somehow began even before this century. But by the standards, this is for the museum in Cooperstown, he falls short.

The post Hall of Fame Case: Bartolo Colón appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The passion exuded by redhead Daniel Joseph Staub was not outward. He was a gentle soul with a quiet intensity underneath. He ensured each season, each game, and each at-bat had his utmost attention.

Staub didn’t become the first player to tally at least 500 hits with four clubs by accident. He totaled 11,229 plate appearances over the course of a career that encompassed 2,951 games. The 1973 season was not Staub’s best, but it was the closest he ever got to a World Series title. Despite a key injury during that postseason, he nearly willed his team to the ring.

Staub came to New York from Montreal, where he was embraced, unlike any player in that franchise’s history. “Le Grand Orange” represented the Expos’ early years. However, the locals were forced to deal with the news of a trade to Queens in April 1972. Gil Hodges, shortly before his death, insisted on getting Staub to strengthen a weak Mets offense. The Expos agreed to part with Rusty in exchange for three youngsters.

Just as the trade was devastating to Montreal’s fan base, New York reveled in getting someone of Staub’s caliber—someone who could add spice to a lineup that was getting rather bland.

Staub, who had played well for perennial second-division clubs, fed off the talent around him and the Mets benefited from Rusty’s arrival. New York jumped out by winning 25 of its first 32. Staub’s insertion in the cleanup spot expanded the possibilities of the offense and lessened pressure on Tommie Agee and Cleon Jones. Combined with their usual supply of great pitching, the Mets were six games up on Pittsburgh by May 21.

The good times, though, would end abruptly. Staub, hitting .315 with eight homers and 31 RBIs, was plunked on the right hand by a pitch from soon-to-be teammate George Stone of Atlanta on June 3. Although he tried to fight through the pain, the soreness was too much. X-rays disclosed a fractured hamate bone. It was part of an epidemic that engulfed the Mets, as Agee, Jones, and others were also set back by injuries. When Rusty went on the disabled list, the

Mets were perched in first place. When he came back on September 18, the Mets were 16.5 games out. The start of the 1973 season charted an all-too-familiar and unwelcome pattern. Staub couldn’t shake the injury that derailed his ’72 campaign, while other vital members of the Mets succumbed to similar fates.

He missed only 10 games but couldn’t get the Mets out of last place. With a little more than a month left in the regular season, they were still in the NL East cellar. A grand slam on August 27 against San Diego helped to forge New York’s resurgence.

Staub stayed at the forefront by batting .321 with five homers, 21 RBIs, and 24 runs scored over the final 33 games. He ended on a 15-game hitting streak, going 4-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI in a 6–4 NL East clincher in Chicago.

His scorching bat kept blazing in the third game of the NLCS. Two home runs in two at-bats gave him three for the series and jump-started the Mets to a 9–2 victory that put them on the precipice of an unlikely pennant. Staub’s offense decidedly won Game 3 and his defense almost won Game 4.

Rusty made an over-the-shoulder grab in the top of the sixth to preserve the Mets’ slim 1–0 lead. In the 11th, Dan Driessen had what appeared to be a tie-breaking extra-base hit, but Staub raced back to the warning track and hauled it in.

This valiant effort, though, came with a price. As Staub secured the catch, he careened into the right-center-field wall. Though he pressed on through the Reds’ 12-inning victory, a separated shoulder made him unavailable for the deciding Game 5.

Staub’s status remained in doubt heading into the World Series. The designated hitter, introduced during that regular season, was not implemented for the Fall Classic. Manager Yogi Berra chose to sacrifice Rusty’s limitations in the field for what he could do at the plate.

Though he toughed it out, Staub’s shoulder pain forced him to throw submarine-style. It had no effect on his hitting, though. Staub batted .423 against Oakland, hitting safely in each of the six games he played. He drove in five of the Mets’ six runs while belting a pair of homers in a Game 4 victory that helped New York draw even with the A’s.

But Staub’s weary body could only take the Mets so far. Despite going 2-for-4 in the seventh game, driving in one of his team’s two runs, New York produced little else in a 5–2 defeat that gave Oakland the title.

Both the Mets and their outfielder regressed in 1974, but Staub rebounded the next year to have his best performance yet—becoming the first player in team history to surpass 100 RBIs in a single season.

A year like 1975 should’ve made him an indispensable piece to a team lacking in run-producing hitters. But team chairman M. Donald Grant had a fondness for bad ideas. Planting seeds of public discontent that would grow in the coming years, he sent Staub to Detroit for a prospect and a washed-up Mickey Lolich.

Staub returned in the early 80s to finish his lengthy career. From there, his popularity and impact in New York only got bigger.

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With a winning percentage of .656 over 61 openers, no major-league team is better at making a first impression than the New York Mets. And this after losing their first eight. The start of the regular season is cause for fans to celebrate, and Mets fans have celebrated more often than others. With 40 wins in the last 53 years, the only thing we can usually count on is a Mets victory. Then, we can worry about the rest of the schedule tomorrow. Here are the top moments from the Mets’ rich history of Opening Day success.

10. 2015: Buddy Saves the Day

The Mets began their most recent World Series season with their annual win, but not in the ordinary way. At age 41, Bartolo Colón became the oldest Opening Day starter in club history. He was up against the Washington Nationals’ newest ace, once enemy turned current ally, Max Scherzer. New York couldn’t muster a hit for more than five innings until Lucas Duda was helped out by a Washington fielding miscue. The Mets went up 2-1 that inning and added another run before calling on 37-year-old Buddy Carlyle to record the final two outs and notch his only save in the orange and blue.

9. 2013: Need More Cowgill

Opening Day is that chance to elevate yourself above a performance in any ordinary regular-season game. Just ask Collin Cowgill. The 26-year old outfielder acquired from Arizona, who earned a spot in the starting lineup thanks to a solid spring training, made just 61 at-bats as a Met and played in only 23 games with an OPS+ of 45. Yet, he’s remembered better than most thanks to his seventh-inning grand slam over the left-field wall — punctuating a terrific team hitting display in a 11-2 demolition of the San Diego Padres.

8. 1992: Bonilla Cashes In

Sometimes a game one win is a precursor to later success. Other times, it’s 1992. A 3-2 extra-inning victory in St. Louis was not a signal of would lie ahead for the 92 Mets. It was just a lie. The initiation of our ongoing saga with Bobby Bonilla actually began well: a tenth-inning homer down the right-field line at Busch Stadium against Lee Smith that capped a 3-for-5 evening. David Cone went eight innings, struck out nine, allowed two hits, and two runs. He would’ve a tough-luck loser if the Mets hadn’t pushed across a score in the top of the ninth, narrowly avoiding a game-ending double play.

7. 1975: A Pair of Aces

The Hall of Fame pair of Tom Seaver and Steve Carlton combined for 640 wins, 7,700-plus strikeouts, and seven Cy Youngs. The two met on Opening Day five times and on three straight occasions beginning in 1973. Lefty-Seaver III lived up to their standards: trading K’s and scoreless innings. Only a Dave Cash third-inning RBI double and a Dave Kingman fourth-inning solo homer accounted for the entirety of the scoring heading into the ninth. Neither starter would let a reliever settle this 1-1 tie. Seaver held up his end and the Mets offense did not waste any time (or outs) in the bottom half. Félix Millán singled, John Milner walked, and Joe Torre’s base hit to left scored Millán — chalking up another W in Seaver’s column.

6. 1970: Breaking the O-fer

As the Mets basked in the glow of a championship, they still were trying to figure out how to get their season off right. As insignificant as it may seem, the Mets had been 0-for-8 in openers up to that point. The drought ended once they had a World Series ring in hand. Neither Tom Seaver nor Pirates ace Steve Blass factored into the decision as a 3-3 tie lasted into the eleventh, when the Mets were beneficiaries of shoddy Pittsburgh defense. A sacrifice and an intentional walk let World Series MVP Donn Clendenon show he had another big hit to spare. The former Pirate singled to bring in the deciding runs. From there, the Mets were off and winning — taking 18 of their next 20.

5. 1998: Castillo the Unlikely Hero

The old saying goes that the baseball season is a marathon, not a sprint. But it took one game into the ’98 season for the Mets to feel like they had already gone the full route. At least they could celebrate when it ended. In a 1-0 win over the Phillies that took 14 innings and more than four hours to finish, a Mets catcher supplied the necessary offense. Not Mike Piazza — he was two months away. Not Todd Hundley, with 71 homers over the previous two seasons. He was sidelined while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The starting lineup had Tim Spehr behind the plate. He had two of the seven hits, but neither produced the run. After nobody else could, Alberto Castillo did. The pinch-hitter delivered the game-winning single and ended the seemingly endless string of goose eggs.

4. 1988: Strawberry Almost Leaves Olympic

Talk about a flying start. Mets bats slugged what was an Opening Day record six home runs against the Expos, the most prodigious coming from Darryl Strawberry — challenging the confines of Olympic Stadium. Strawberry went deep twice. So did fellow outfielder Kevin McReynolds. Kevin Elster and Lenny Dykstra supplied the rest of the power in a 10-6 win. Strawberry led off the top of the second against Dennis Martínez for his third Opening Day home run in five years. This was a pedestrian 400-foot shot compared to what would come later. In the seventh inning with the Mets now ahead by three, Darryl sent Randy St. Claire‘s pitch out of the yard — almost literally. The mammoth blast hit the top of the stadium and might have cleared customs if not for the roof.

3. 1996: Rey’s Amazin’ Play

It’s rare a comeback becomes forgotten, but the defensive wizardry by Rey Ordóñez in his major league debut is still what’s most remembered. The Mets had sliced a 6-0 deficit in half by the time the Cardinals were at bat with two outs in the seventh and Royce Clayton on first. Ray Lankford went down the left field line — a hit that could have extended St. Louis’ lead. Soon after Bernard Gilkey fielded the ball near the side wall, Clayton rounded third. Gilkey’s throw to Ordóñez — the cutoff man — was low, but Rey got down and fielded the short hop. Then, from his knees on the outfield grass, he fired it some 150 feet home to Todd Hundley before Clayton reached the plate. Ordóñez complemented his extraordinary defense minutes later with a single to right field that set up the Mets’ game-winning four-run rally, but Rey, the rookie, truly saved the day with his glove and arm.

2. 1983: Tom’s Return

With 16, no pitcher has more Opening Day starts than Tom Seaver. Of the five meetings he had with Carlton, none were more memorable than when “The Franchise” returned to the team he’s forever tied to. “Welcome Home, Tom” was a sign draped over the stands down the left field line and it was the message echoed by an anticipatory Shea Stadium crowd that roared as Seaver walked from the bullpen to the dugout. At age 38, by baseball standards, he was an old Tom Seaver. But when he took the mound against Carlton and his Phillies — a glorious sun-drenched afternoon — a packed house got to witness something resembling the Tom Seaver of old. He shut out Philadelphia for six innings in a vintage performance despite a no-decision.

1. 1985: Welcome to New York, Gary Carter

The only opener that could top the return of The Franchise occurred two years later. This wasn’t a reunion, but instead an introduction. The arrival of Carter, once the face of the Montreal Expos, headlined the most anticipated season in Mets history. It began with another storybook ending, and their new catcher offered the heroics. On a cold, blustery afternoon at Shea, Carter came up in the bottom of the tenth against former Met Neil Allen. “Kid” swung and connected on a sharp curveball that cut through the biting wind and snuck its way over the left-field fence. Chants of “Gary…Gary” rang through stands and made the chilly temperature more than bearable.

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This offseason, we’re looking at the Mets’ history with free agency. We’ve highlighted four pitchers so far, one of which is heading for Cooperstown and another who’s already there. Next is another pitcher who also has a Hall plaque who was one of the greatest pitchers of his era before arriving in New York.

It’s not about what he did, it’s about what came after him.

Pedro Martínez was, in many ways, a precursor, to Max Scherzer: a three-time Cy Young winner and Hall of Fame-bound pitcher on the back end of his career who portends future significant acquisitions.

Martínez was 33 and coming off a curse-breaking World Series title with the Boston Red Sox. The best days, at times historically great, were clearly in his past. But Mets fans were definitely granted glimpses of vintage Pedro, especially in 2005 — which turned out to be his only great season in New York.

The most significant effect of the signing was that it rejuvenated a fan base that had seen three dreadful seasons in a row and created an influx of talent that followed him, most notably Carlos Beltrán later that offseason. It’s a guarantee that without Pedro, there would be no Beltrán.

The first major deal for general manager Omar Minaya, at four years and $53 million, brought instant credibility for an organization devoid of such credit. And Martínez’s presence on the mound created a buzz around his starts, especially at Shea Stadium.

Even though he had yet to reach his mid-30s, Martínez — with a slight frame that belied his overpowering stuff — had logged 200 or more regular season innings in six of the past eight years (not counting his multiple playoff appearances). Yet he was able to throw 217 more in 2005, the name number he tallied in ’04.

In another All-Star season, Martínez had a league-leading 0.95 WHIP — the sixth time he led his league in that category and the fifth time he led the majors. Martínez won 15 games with a 2.82 ERA and 208 strikeouts. He tossed four complete games, the most for him since 2000, and topped all Mets in WAR. At 7.0, that number ranks tenth all-time in franchise history for pitchers.

His outing on September 16 at Shea Stadium may have been his best of the year, one in which Pedro fanned struck out 10 Atlanta Braves to highlight a complete-game shutout.

As the Mets improved their roster for 2006, acquiring Carlos Delgado in a trade with the Marlins, Martínez wasn’t able to maintain the zip on his fastball as the year progressed. The disparity between his heater and his curveball lessened and making him less effective than in his heyday.

He was again an All-Star but he soon was not the same Pedro from even a year ago. Injuries, to his right calf and his shoulder, were the main culprit. By the end of May, he had 88 strikeouts and a 2.50 ERA. After that, his ERA was 7.10. As the Mets cruised to the NL East crown, his presence in the rotation as October would have still been invaluable, especially if he was healthy. Unfortunately, he wasn’t. Martínez’s shoulder kept him out the postseason. It would be almost a year until he returned to the mound.

He made five starts at the tail end of the 2007 season and pitched to a 2.57 ERA, giving hope he could sustain this level the following year. But a strained hamstring in April put him out for over two months. He would finish out his Mets career with a 5.61 ERA over 20 starts before joining the Phillies for 2009.

Pedro Martínez initiated a new era for the Mets. Even if it wasn’t the pitcher who dominated with the Expos or Red Sox, his charisma brought about a certain excitement, not to mention other players who wanted to be part of the fun. Some signings wind up being more about the player’s appeal than the player’s performance. And that was certainly the case here. 

The post Mets Best Free-Agent Signing No. 4: Pedro Martínez appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

By the end of the 1984 season, the New York Mets had crawled out from their cellar-dwelling. They improved by 22 wins from the 1983 season and finished second in the NL East. New York was strong at first base with Keith Hernandez, powerful in the outfield with a young Darryl Strawberry, and potent in the rotation with an even younger Dwight Gooden. The glaring weakness of this team was production from the catching position.

Gary Carter was the best in the majors at that position: a seven-time All-Star, Gold Glover, power bat and a natural leader. In other words, he checked every box.

Even if it took dispatching the popular Hubie Brooks, plus 1984 backstop Mike Fitzgerald, Herm Winningham, and Floyd Youmans, it was a no-brainer. Suddenly, the Mets went from having a catching void to having the best catcher. And with it came anticipation for a season unlike any in more than a decade. Although the deal was more than validated with Carter producing two stellar seasons, the ultimate goal of a World Series title— which the franchise hadn’t had in 17 years and Carter hadn’t enjoyed in 13 seasons—was reached.

Carter had become the toast of Montreal. Merging defensive instincts and a power bat, he led the league in throwing out potential base stealers three times and posted six seasons of 20 or more home runs all while raising the stature of the Expos franchise. But disenchantment within the organization and failed attempts to reach the World Series led some to believe Carter may be expendable. Count Mets general manager Frank Cashen among them. When the Mets’ general manager got word the Expos were dismantling, he made his move.

Seven years before, the Mets dealt away their very identity. Tom Seaver went to the Reds for four nondescript players who collectively had less impact than the man they relinquished. Now, it was the Expos parting with their symbol and the Mets giving up four players who couldn’t measure up to Carter’s value. “This is a banner day for the New York Mets,” Cashen proclaimed.

The return on investment had remarkable potential for a team whose stock was ascending. With Carter, the Mets possessed the most potent lineup in its history. The quartet of Hernandez, Strawberry, George Foster, and now Carter combined for 92 home runs and 383 RBIs in ’84.

The perceived reputation of Carter’s fixation for the camera and unabashed enthusiasm quickly took a back seat soon after he joined the Mets. He gained favor with the public and his new teammates. A walk-off homer on Opening Day followed by a career-high 32 home runs, 100 RBIs, guiding an inexperienced starting rotation to success, and a blistering September on damaged knees led the Mets to 98 wins.

The 1986 season was his truly last peak year, but it couldn’t have ended better. He set a franchise record with 105 RBIs. More importantly, the Mets got their championship ring. Carter delivered crucial hits in October — none more than the single to keep Game 6 of the World Series alive.

Carter was one of four catchers to reach 300 homers, 2,000 hits, 1,000 runs batted in, and 1,000 runs scored. He remains second among all backstops with a 26.1 defensive WAR and fourth with a 56.3 offensive WAR. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003 to become the first—and to this date, only—member of the last Mets championship team to be inducted.

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