Original Met Choo Choo Coleman,,,The Deleted Version

Earlier this week we posted an article on the original Mets catcher from 1962, Choo Choo Coleman. As with ALL OF OUR POSTS, we gave full credit to our source(s) and in no way tried to pass the article off as ours. We do use quotes and CERTAIN information from articles, but all recollections and opinions are solely those of longislandmetfan and yours truly.

My partner and I have been scribing for this blog, which we are extremely proud of, for almost four years. We blog out of our passion for the NY Mets, and we believe we offer a different spin than most Mets blog sites.We use the entire history of this team, not just the present.

As for our original post, we were asked by the columnist to remove the article. His claim was that we copied the entire article. We didn't. We did use some information and quotes, but did accurately list the writer as the first source via a hyperlink to HIS article. In no way did I nor my partner try and discredit nor plagiarize the work of the originator. In fact, just the opposite.

Out of respect for our fellow Mets bloggers out there and the author of the article, we have removed our post titled: Original Met Choo-Choo Coleman Strolls Down Memory Lane.

We apologize that it had to come to this, but we aren't doing this for fame and fortune. This blog site is our passion, not our occupation.

We look forward to continue providing story's experiences,  and our opinions. We hope you continue to visit.

Respectfully -

metsfan73

Mets interest in Cody Ross? All the Best to the Kid.

Baseball will probably be more near the front of what’s going on in the sports world until we get closer to the Super Bowl in 13 days.  With that being said…(  Omar?  Anyone? )    The Mets still probably need another outfielder to complement the Likes of Mr Torres and Mr Duda .  The Mets are interested in Cody Ross.  Not a bad signing since coming off a down year they probably can get him for cheap .  Other teams are interested as well and I am sure Ross will go with a team that might have some potential to win before giving up hope and signing with the Mets.   

In other free agent news the Mets could have taken a flier on journey man pitcher Kevin Millwood but he signed a deal with the Mariners the other day.  I am not a big fan of Millwood but he couldn’t be much worse then Pelfrey at this point .   

Prince Fielder has not landed with a new yet and there is less then 30 days for pitchers and catchers reporting to camp.  Of course the Mets are not in on him since they have Ike Davis but a division rival is still in the hunt with the Nats looking to score the big guy.  Some other unknown teams are involved as well  He is more suited in a long term deal in the Al since he can move to the Dh spot .  

All our best to the Kid – Gary Carter.  What he is going through has to be incredibly tough.  He was diagnosed with brain cancer and is just so weak from the treatment. He was not able to make it up to NY to receive his award this past weekend.  Carter latest MRi revealed new spots on his brain.

Our hearts go out to the Mets former Catcher.  Who helped bring the Mets over the top when he came to the team in ’85.  

MLB rumors

Gary Carterskids accepting his award

1 month to Pitchers and Catchers …Hello ? Anyone?

Yes it has come to this. An off season that is silent as one can remember. The Mets are only a couple of years into their new home and already you can feel the irrelevance of the 2012 season. Just watch a couple of the SNY hot stoves. Chats with Pelfrey and Gee.. Updates on Santana. Did you nod off yet?

This off season and the 2012 season was defined in 1 moment. The minute we Mets fans saw Jose Reyes put on a stupid Fish Jersey and Cap. What excitement will we see in 2012? Some of it will be in the spring when we get to see Mets# 1 pick pitcher Matt Harvey and that outfielder who is making a name for himself named den Decker. Will they see Citi Field? Probably in the fall when the Mets are far out of it and already looking ahead to 2013.

It has been sometime since I have come into the spring with enthusiasm for the season at a bare minimum. It can be reflected in the amount of posts we have had lately. After the Mets made it to the World Series in 2000 the Mets added a couple of bums like Mo Vaughn and a future HOF in Alomar who was done. That was a rough time. When the Mets brought up Wright and Reyes you figure we would be jazzed to watch home grown talent for a long time. Well one is gone and the other we still hope can be the player that he was once was.

As we enter spring the 2012 Mets off season limps along. Hopefully there will be some things to cheer about come summer..

Dickey Enshrined In Vol Hall Of Fame

Mets knuckleballer RA Dickey has been inducted into the Tennessee Vol Baseball Hall Of Fame. Dickey is one of 18 members of the Vol Hall of Fame.

Said the Mets starter:

"I have mixed emotions about (being inducted) because it's real nice to be recognized as a great player at Tennessee, but at the same time, I'm certainly aware that I'm no more than the product of people that poured into me well and loved on me well while I was here, two of them being Bill Mosiello and Dave Serrano. I think whatever level of talent I brought into UT from high school, they cultivated it into this honor. It's as much their award as it is mine."

Dickey, who recently returned from reaching the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and raising over $100,000 for his charity, Bombay Teen Challenge, reminisced about his time at Tennessee and learning how to throw the knuckleball after losing much velocity of his once blazing fastball:

"I think one of the things that I learned (at Tennessee) is that there are more ways to skin a cat than just one, and that has helped me," Dickey said. "Having the aptitude to own the things you don't do well and try to recognize that and get better from them has been a big deal in my career. Self-awareness has been a part in that, being able to realize that being a conventional pitcher no longer was going to work for me, so I really had to embrace the knuckleball completely. To that end, I went and worked with Charlie Hough, Phil Neikro and Tim Wakefield, three of the best knuckleballers to ever walk the planet, and tried to gain any wisdom I could from those guys and they were very generous with it. It's another situation where guys leveraged themselves to help me, and I'm incredibly grateful for that."

While at Tennessee Dickey was the all time leader in wins, innings pitched, appearances and games started. New York’s knuckleballer also holds single season records in wins, innings pitched, and ranks third in strikeouts.

Upon his enshrinement Dickey was presented with a granite plaque, as well as a unique piece of art, created by current Tennessee junior pitcher Samuel Davis, entitled "Through the Years." The drawing featured Dickey's various journeys in baseball, including his time at UT, with Team USA and in professional baseball.

Let’s hope Dickey’s productive off-season will translate in to productive 2012.

Source: WBIR

As Mets Plummet, Dickey Reaches Summit

As the Mets off season appears to be on crash course with obscurity, Mets starting pitcher RA Dickey has reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

In ignoring Mets threats and requests that Dickey cancel his fund-raising trip to Africa, Dickey, Mets bullpen catcher Dave Racainiello, and Rockies pitcher Kevin Slowey reached the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The trip was planned last off-season to raise money and awareness for Bombay Teen Challenge, which fights against human trafficking in the red light district in Mumbai.

According to reports, Dickey had to battle fatigue and nausea in the final hours of the ascent. After reaching the top, Dickey exclaimed in a letter to a friend, "God is good!"

Congratulations to Dickey on the accomplishment of this great feat.

Source: NY Daily News

Even Fred Wilpons expectations are low for the Mets in 2012

Nothing like having the owner cashing in his chips on the 2012 season.  We all know as fans that the Mets 2012 season will be tough to stomach at best. No matter how they spin it this team is not ready to compete in the division with the likes of the Phillies and re vamp Nats pitching staff.  Of course you would thing the owner would keep positive not dear 75 year old Fred. When asked about attendance in the upcoming year this is his direct quote.

"Given how low the expectations are for the team this year, it will be difficult to reverse that trend soon."

Thanks Fred for at least admitting the obvious. Of course the Mets hope that Bay will find his swing,Wright will love the new dimensions and Santana will be pretty to pitch every 5 days.  Fred though for once feels like all us met fans do. Is it 2013 yet?

Source - WSJ

Mets Continue To Break Free From Minaya Regime: FMart Signs With Astros

As we reported three days ago, the Mets put much maligned outfielder Fernando Martinez on waivers, and yesterday FMart was quickly scooped up by the dreadful Houston Astros.

Martinez, who seems to have been around for a dozen years, is actually 23 years old, and has had a very underwhelming career that has been marred by injuries.

When Omar Minaya signed the 16 year old Martinez on July 11, 2005, it was heralded as a tremendous signing. Martinez was alleged to have power, speed, arm, and good baseball instincts. Unfortunately, none of this has proven true. Martinez has been an oft injured huge disappointment. I have likened Martinez to another Mets "can't miss" prospect, Alex Escobar.

Astros GM Jeff Lunhow says about FMart:

"I have been scouting [Martinez] since he was 16 years old before he signed with the Mets as a free agent from the Dominican and watched him extensively over the years,. I was always interested in him, and our scouts here liked him. I was at the Caribbean Series a few years back when he was the MVP. "The kid has some big league tools and he's very young, and I think a change of scenery may be exactly what he needs to blossom into full potential. For a club like ourselves who could take a chance on something like this, it makes sense."

It's a shame the FMart experiment didn't work out, but his fragile body and arthritic knee greatly hindered him. A change of scenery might be exactly what is needed for the "young" outfielder, but the Mets releasing him is a move that should have happened three years ago.

This is yet another move by Elvis to erase the deals and transactions that his predecessor made; making a break from the Mets recent past. Fortunately, unlike Reyes, this move cannot be argued. It needed to be done.

Sources: MLB.com, Baseball Reference

Mets News: FMart To Apply At KMart?

It is being reported that the New York Mets have finally decided to part ways with this generations Alex Escobar.

The Mets reportedly have place Fernando FMart Marinez and Daniel Herrera on waivers. Martinez, signed as a 16 year old out of the Dominican Republic, was highly touted by scouts and former Mets GM Omar Minaya. Unfortunately like Escobar, Martinez has been unable to live up to expectations. The oft injured 23 year old has an arthritic knee that renders him useless even when he isn't injured.

Herrera, whom the Mets acquired from Milwaukee in the Francisco Rodriguez trade, is not highly regarded by Mets brass. The thought is that once the league gets used to Herrera, they will hit him hard.

If either players passes through waivers, they can be returned to the Mets minor league.

Source: Adam Rubin, Baseball Reference

Mets sign Omar : Talk about a snooze fest off season.

If your in the Northeast yesterday and today we get a little dose of what winter is really like with highs in the mid 20’s,  Ok that might be balmy for some from the central plains but for us hey its frigid.  So we see the calendar has reset itself again and we are looking at less then 50 days before pitchers and catchers report down on the farm in St Lucie for the 2012 season.   Remember the slogan the magic is back?  Yeah ok no magic here unless you call it a disappearing act.  This off season has by far been the worst in a long time for the Mutts. 

Even in years when we signed losers like Moe Vaughn and Roberto Alomar at least we had something to chat about.  They were horrible signings yes but this year hey we signed another Omar.  Quintanillala is his name and jumping from the minors to majors is his game. Also of course a 50 game ped supension Ugh.  This off season has nothing to get Met fans excited about.  They signed 2 closers who blew more saves then most teams!

They still need to fill out the team with another outfielder and a pitcher in case Johan isn’t ready.  Even then will it bring excitement?  No of course not. The air left this team the minute the Mets let Jose sign with the freaking Marlins.   

The calendar might have changed to 2012 but most fans probably cant wait until the calendar turns to 2013  . 

Happy New Year

Does Alderson Believe In Anyone But Himself?

Sandy Alderson has been Mets General Manager for 14 months, and one thing has become abundantly clear: Elvis doesn’t like what isn’t his.

More to the point, if you’ve been paying special attention to what Elvis has done since his hiring, he isn’t just trying to change the attitude of the Mets, he is also trying to change everything about the Mets, and to me, this isn’t necessary.

Yes, there are players that need/needed to go. Although I am a huge fan of Carlos Beltran, the Mets had to make that trade. At first glance, it was a terrific trade, with the Mets acquiring Zach Wheeler. Wheeler right now is the highest ranking prospect in the Mets system.

Francisco Rodriguez also had to go. Not just from his anger management issues, but also for his easily acquired option kicking in which would have paid him $17M for 2013.

Alderson also did a respectable job biopsying the cancers on the Mets; most notably Luis Castillo and Oliver Perez. Although it was a huge financial hit for the financially strapped Mets, ridding the Mets of these two tumors was essential for the growth of the organization.

Where Alderson is concerning me, is his treatment of players that deserve more respect. I have read volumes from reporters, bloggers, and pundits about the treatment of Jose Reyes. I have no qualms with Elvis not wanting to go to a 6 year deal, but to sit idly by while the Marlins and Brewers were showing not only money, but more importantly, interest in the Mets former Mets superstar Shortstop is unconscionable. Jose Reyes is the best homegrown talent the Mets have developed not named Seaver or Strawberry, and Elvis let him walk without so much as an offer. He had last off-season to approach Reyes and did not. Reyes very clearly said he wouldn’t accept an offer during the baseball season, and he honored his word. Alderson didn’t use his window of exclusivity at seasons’ end to negotiate with Reyes, and once Jose was free to talk to other teams, the Mets GM still didn’t’ show any interest. Reyes deserved more than that, especially after putting together an MVP type season.

Although Alderson did sign RA Dickey to a two year deal last off season, he doesn’t seem to be in Dickey’s corner. It was known last winter that Dickey was looking to hike Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for the Bombay Teen Challenge, a charity that helps victims of sex trafficking.

The Mets sent a form letter to Dickey’s agent, Bo Mckinniss, voicing their opposition to Dickey’s charity excursion. According to the Wall Street Journal Alderson said, “If we thought it was a good idea, we wouldn’t have sent the letter. Beyond that, have we tried to dissuade him from going? It seems to me that the letter is enough of an effort to dissuade him, and he intends to go on nonetheless.”

Makes me wonder if Elvis and the Mets are hoping Dickey sustains some sort of injury so that he can void his $4.5M contract.

Then there are the rumors and suppositions: Will he trade Daniel Murphy? Will he trade Jon Niese? Both players have been rumored in possible Mets trades. What about David Wright? He is entering his last year (option not included), and is due to earn $15M this year. If his option is exercised, he will earn $16M in 2013. I think Elvis will try and move Wright by the trading deadline.

Think about it: Niese – signed by Minaya; Wright – signed by Duquette; Reyes – signed by Duquette; Murphy – signed by Minaya; Beltran – signed by Minaya.

Trading Niese would be foolish. He is young and a lefty. Many have written about his poor conditioning, but no one is complaining about Pelfrey’s insufferable pitching. Why?

Much of my reasoning might be able to be explained away, but I have the awful feeling that Elvis doesn’t want anything to do with his predecessor’s players, and want his own players, regardless of the cost. Look how many Blue Jays have been brought on since JP Ricciardi was hired. Brad “Are You Kidding Me” Emaus. Another wasted Rule 5 pick.

Ultimately we all want a winner, and I understand the old adage that “you cheer for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back”, but it’s the name on the back of the jersey that made us fans to begin with. Fans need not only a team, but players they can follow. No one wants a revolving door. What’s more exciting than watching one of your home-grown players doing well for your team? It’s all about loyalty, and loyalty can’t be a one way street.

Sources: Cot's Baseball Contracts, NY Daily News

Today in Mets history: Who will be Howie’s side kick?

As we lumber ever so close to The jolly fat man making a appearance just a couple of little tidbits on this rather mild late December afternoon.

Today in Mets history the Mets signed free agent and fan favorite for his 2006 catch Endy Chavez back in 2005.  Endy was recently reported on the Mets radar but was signed by the Orioles.  The Mets also signed Seth Green and Ramon Castro as free agents on this day. 

The Mets recently announced they are not bringing back Wayne Hagan in the Radio booth . Good !   Hagan at times can be insufferable. This means Mets die hard Howie Rose needs a side kick.  I created a poll with some names of guys that have been mentioned. Ralphie gets honorable mention just for the fact its Ralphie. Who doesn’t love his stories and his remembrance of players names.   I think the job should go to Eddie C but they might not want to have 2 Met lifers in the booth. 

There was some chatter about the Wilpon’s and Saul buying $20M shares.  Can the clowns please stop with their madness already. 

Mets database

All I want for Xmas is a competitive Met team.

Good news for the Mets as we head into the Holidays .  No one on the team has smashed there head or leg into the coffee table trying to get the last mini hot dog appetizer.    No Mets has bashed his leg as he cuts down the holiday tree. Mr Met has not got his big head caught in the door delivery holiday 5 packs to dazed Met fans.    See  it’s not that bad of a off season.  

The Mets added there closer yesterday after a 2 week physical it seemed and now have a complete 40 man roster.  So unless they bring in people on minor league deals , the likes of DJ Carasco might be shown the door.  Nothing like some holiday cheer for his family come Jan or some of the minor league Mets that would have to be moved off the roster to accommodate a outfielder, back up shortstop or pray tell a Pitcher since we all know Johan will not be ready.  

The Mets have shown interest in Jack Wilson who of course has begged his agent to find another team for him to play on.   This is not the time for players to be running to play for the Mets.  It is sad that its come to this.   Our big NY team is what is left of the party when all the good stuff is taken.

To be competitive in the NL East the Mets will have to inquire with the guy in red about some miracles.  Not sure we have that under the tree this year.

Mets- Wilpons: Living a life of fantasy.

It is one thing to be a optimist.  Most Met fans gave the Mets a sliver of respect up until the time Reyes was lost to the freaking Marlins.  Then all optimism and respect were gone.  The Wilpon’s have done their best job running this Ny franchise to the ground. What is just icing on the cake is they really think fans are stupid.  No one who is a fan has any optimism for this mostly assembled Mets team in 2012. Yes fans will show up to see the likes or Wright .Davis and Murphy play but the expectations are 0.  Like we have with the Wilpons to do the right thing and sell the team. 

What I find funny is for the last couple of months we are thrown this BS about Johan Santana being ready for 2012.  Yeah ok  who believes that?   The Mets are big on spin. Why because they need to sell tickets.  That is why it’s no shocker that now it comes out that he might not be ready.  Really?  wow a eye opener.  Santana had the same surgery as  Mark Prior.  Who might you ask?  The guy who was lights out for the cubs it seems years ago and is still try to come back.  What about the Nats Chin Mo mi mum Wang.  He had same surgery and it’s taken him 2 years . So Santana being the determined guy he is will be back in 1?  Please just stop.  We know better than that. 

Now we hear that through the Daily News that Wilpons are nearing the end of their rope with the banks.  Really?  another shocker.  Like most companies banks let them leverage the franchise to the hilt in the hopes that things turn around.   Why because better to be mortgage to the hilt then go bankrupt.

The Wilpons are banking on these 20M shares in the Mets to save them while the team tanks .  Of course what does all those shares give them a year before there in the same boat? Nothing like long range planning!  If the Mets lost 70M with a budget of 140M and over 2M fans how many fans do they need to break even with a 100M payroll?  3 Million?  That makes me want to go to see the Mets  in 2012 with a .220 hitter leading off .  Can you feel the excitement?

Mets fans know it is time for the Wilpons to call it a day and sell the team but hey they will try to keep spinning that everything is ok with Selig at their side.  Too bad the Wilpons and Selig  live in a fantasy world and don’t get it and us fans have to suffer.

Side note-  Title is from a song going back a bit?  Any takers on the group?

Daily News - John Harper

Daniel Murphy Tears ACL Pivoting Child Off His Knee At Mets Christmas Party

Daniel Murphy has been moved to the 60 day DL in injuring his left knee while trying to make the pivot in removing a small boy from his knee.

Murphy, who is this year's Santa Claus at the Mets Christmas party, was talking to reporters that he has worked hard on his double play pivot, and should be "flawless" in his pivot on the double play. Murphy was injured (knee both times) at second base in both 2010 and 2011. The injuries were caused by Murphy's sloppy foot work around second.

While being Santa today, Murphy was telling reporters that his knee is healthy, and he has been working on his fundamentals in 'turning two" - especially working on the pivot. Just then, a young boy who had been on Murph's lap asking Santa for an XBox, was due to leave Santa. Murphy, showing off his improved pivot, turned to his right, displaying his pivot and to remove the small boy, screamed in agony and crumbled to the ground as the youngster ran to his mother. Santa Murph was carted off with an initial diagnosis of a torn ACL. ***

Justin Turner, who was also at the party with Jon Niese, had a difficult time holding back a smirk. Sources:

Picture: Adam Rubin, Bitter Bill

*** Murphy was indeed the Mets Santa this year, but did not injure himself. Just a running joke started by Bitter Bill.

Mets To Make Move On Ronny Paulino Today

The Mets must make a decision as to whether to tender catcher Ronny Paulino a contract by today's non-tender deadline.

As we reported back on November 28th, the Mets are quite displeased with Paulino's poor work ethic and lack of preparation, along with his laziness. If the Mets non-tender Paulino, the Mets catching tandem would most likely be Mike Nickeas and Josh Thole. Nickeas the superb defensive catcher lacks a bat the Mets will need, but with Thole and his defense, you might be able to live with Nickeas' bat and his defensive prowess, as opposed to Thole's poor defense and powerless bat. My guess would be to platoon the two.

There is no guarantee that the Mets will non-tender Paulino, although that is the likely route. Mike Pelfrey, newly acquired Andres Torres and Ramon Ramirez are arbitration eligible. It is not believed that either will be non-tendered since they were acquired in the Angel Pagan trade.

Pelfrey will probably stick around because he is considered a cheap option while logging 200 innings. With a lack of funds for any sort of upgrade, the Mets are stuck with Pelfrey for the time being.

By process of elimination, it is believe Paulino will be given his walking papers. The Mets might non-tender Torres, but they don't have anyone Major League ready to patrol centerfield. Fernando Martinez had been horrible this winter and Kirk Nieuwenhaus and Matt den Dekker might not yet be ready.

The Mets decision on whom they non-tender will be made sometime today. Stay tuned...

Rodney Dangerfield Got No Respect? Gil Hodges Overlooked For Hall Of Fame (Again)

What has seemed to be an event every few years, once again Dodger and Mets (Manager) great Gil Hodges is denied election into the National Baseball Hall Of Fame.

On Monday (December 5th) the Golden Era Committee announced that Hodges did not receive the required votes. The Committee votes on players no longer on the ballot who played between 1947 and 1972.

Cubs 3B Ron Santo did finally gain enshrinement by the committee. Santo won 5 Gold Gloves and hit 342 HR's and 1331 RBI for his career.

Hodges won 3 Gold Glove awards, hit 370 HR's, and 1274 RBI. Hodges lifetime batting average was .273 while Santo's was .277.

The Dodger great had more RBI in the 1950's than any other National League player, and was an All Star 8 times.

Santo was an All Star 9 times.

As a member of the Dodgers he was on 2 World Series Championship teams (1955 Brooklyn Dodgers & 1959 Los Angeles Dodgers) and was the skipper of the 1969 Miracle Mets.

Hodges was always well respected by his teammates and well as his players. He was considered a silent giant.

The problem with these committees is that they base Hodges stats on today's game. HR's were not as prevalent in the 1940's through the 1960's as it is today. As for the Gold Gloves, the award didn't exist before 1957, when Hodges won it for 1B. He had been playing for 10 years at that point.

As we all should know by now, I am a card carrying member for the Enshrinement Of Gil Hodges Club. Hopefully before his widow Joan passes on, she will be able to experience the election of her husband to the Hall Of Fame.

...And Rodney Dangerfield felt he got no respect.

Sources: The Brooklyn Paper, Bloomberg, Wikipedia, MLB

Mets morning slog- New Bullpen and Angel Pagan sent packing.

The Mets had a flurry of excitement last night that had the twitter world a buzz.  Ok so maybe no excitement but a lot of multitasking was done.  J P Ricciardi used his gift of gab I am sure to help the Mets sign 2 relievers that were on the Blue Jays last year.  Big guy Jon Rauch who Daniel Murphy had mentioned looked like he was handing the ball to the catcher and Francisco.  The Mets wanted to have a bullpen that wouldn’t give up leads like they did after K Rod departed.  That means Parnell will be at most a 7^th inning pitcher. Good ..I am tired of Parnell. 

The Mets also shipped out Angel Pagan.  Pagan wasn’t a favorite of the brass with how he whined about batting 1^st last  year when Reyes was down. He heads to the Giants for Andres Torres and Ramon Ramirez. Yeah ok for a team that was throwing around “getting younger is key” in our face we now have a guy who is turning 34 in January to play CF.  He is a superior defensive player compared to Pagan but how long will he be able to lead off if he is batting .210?    Already the morning airwaves were whining about the deals.  Of course I am glad that Pagan is gone and Ramirez ERA over the last 6 years has been under 3.00 but we cant score runs if you don’t get on base. 

The other issue is that  this team now is a base to base team without Pagan and of course Reyes.  Mets cried about how there was no taking the extra base and they need to be more aggressive on the base paths.  Yeah well you know Murphy will be thrown out 5-6 times at 3^rd for trying foolishly to take the extra base but who has speed on this team now?   Bay?  Wright?   Ahhhhhh  help help!!!!

Met trades

Mets Busy Day Two After Reyes Fiasco: Deflecting Fans Ire?

After being hammered by fans, the press, as well as TV and radio sportscasters, the NY Mets have been quite active this evening.

Things started off when the Mets announced that they had reached a one year $3.5M contract agreement with 6'10" reliever Jon Rauch.

No sooner had that been announced when we started hearing that Pagan might be on his way out (Thank God!). It was later confirmed that Pagan was sent to the San Francisco Giants for OF Andreas Torres and Relief Pitcher Ramon Ramirez. Torres, who will replace Pagan and play CF, is going to be 34 in January. According to what Steve Popper responded to my partner, Torres will lead off.

Before tweets could die down, news broke that the Mets had signed reliever Frank Francisco to a 2 year $12M deal. Francisco will most likely be the closer.

Let's not get too carried away with all the deals that have been made tonight. Not one of these players will replace Jose Reyes, and although Torres is older than I would like, he might just be a stop-gap until Nieuwenhuis or den Dekker are ready.

Elvis' moves tonight remind me of when US troops began Operation Desert Fox while former President Clinton was being impeached for the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Doesn't change what happened.

As usual, all these deals are pending the players passing physicals.