On the Mets beat
Mets beat writer David Lennon offers breaking news, commentary, and musings from his perch at Citi Field.
Valentine talks fake mustache, Rickey and front office meddling on MLB Network
Photo credit: AP/ESPN
From MLB Network:
Secaucus, NJ, February 8, 2012 – Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine will be featured in a new episode of MLB Network’s Studio 42 with Bob Costas on Monday, February 13 at 9:00 p.m. ET.
Taped at Fenway Park last month, Valentine speaks with Costas about the Red Sox failing to make the 2011 Postseason saying, “I wasn’t here. I don’t know what happened, and you know...
Banner Day returns Sunday, May 27 vs. Padres
Photo credit: Photo by Audrey C Tiernan
Banner Day, a Mets tradition that was discontinued in 1996, returns to Flushing this season with festivities scheduled for May 27 before the 1:10 p.m. game against the Padres at Citi Field.
The team said Wednesday that the revival is part of the Mets' season-long 50th Anniversary celebration and “banners should illustrate fans’ favorite memories and moments in franchise history.’’
The...
Backman excited about chance to manage in Triple-A
Photo credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
Wally Backman spoke to Newsday about his anticipation for his new job opportunity, taking over the managerial post at Triple-A Buffalo.
“I really am excited,” Backman said at a MAB-Celebrity Services Event at Citi Field Sunday. “It’s a great city. The ownership up there has taken great care of me so far in the times I’ve had to go up there. I think we’re going to have a good product on the...
Mets add catcher Rob Johnson
Photo credit: Getty Images
The Mets, concerned about their catching depth, on Thursday signed veteran Rob Johnson to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.
Johnson, 28, spent 2011 with the San Diego Padres, batting .190 with three home runs and 16 RBI in 67 games.
He will compete with Mike Nickeas to back up Josh Thole. The Mets non-tendered Ronny Paulino earlier this month.
Johnson...
Mets sign LHP Chuck James
Here's the release from the team:
The New York Mets today announced the club has signed lefthanded pitcher Chuck James to a minor league contract and invited him to major league Spring Training. James, 30, split last season between Minnesota and Rochester (AAA) of the International League. The 6-0, 190-pound native of Atlanta, GA began the year with the Red Wings before the Twins purchased...
Mets look to 2012 without Jose Reyes
Photo credit: AP
The Mets are excited about the 2012 season despite losing All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes to the Miami Marlins.
Watch the embedded video above....
Mets make Rauch signing official
Eight days after Jon Rauch agreed to a one-year, $3.5-million contract with the Mets, the team made the official announcement late Wednesday. Here's a few pertinent details:
The New York Mets today announced the club has signed free agent righthanded pitcher Jon Rauch to a one-year contract. Rauch, 33, appeared in 53 games with the Toronto Blue Jays last season, finishing 5-4 with 11 saves....
Meet the new-look Mets
Photo credit: Getty Images
Projected lineup
*Andres Torres - CF Daniel Murphy - 2B David Wright - 3B Ike Davis - 1B Jason Bay - LF Lucas Duda - RF Josh Thole - C Ruben Tejada - SS
Rotation
Johan Santana R.A. Dickey Jon Niese Mike Pelfrey Dillon Gee
Bullpen
*Frank Francisco *Jon Rauch *Ramon Ramirez Bobby Parnell Tim Byrdak D.J. Carrasco
*New additions...
Alderson's son, Bryn, among changes to scouting, development departments
The New York Mets today announced the following promotions and additions to the club’s amateur scouting, professional scouting and player development departments. Chris Becerra was promoted to Director, International Scouting after working as an Area Supervisor in 2011. Jim D’Aloia was promoted to Director, Professional Scouting after joining the organization in 2011 as a professional scout. Doug...
My National League MVP ballot
Seems like I had a difference of opinion on the top spot. But I figured that if a team had two worthy MVP candidates in the top 5, it would preclude one from a No. 1 vote by definition of "most valuable." I also had Braun at No. 2, so it's not like he didn't deserve the award, obviously.
1. Matt Kemp 2. Ryan Braun 3. Justin Upton 4. Albert Pujols 5. Prince Fielder 6. Troy Tulowitzki...
