Mets lineup a tribute to farm system

Terry Collins took particular pride in his lineup Monday night -- a list comprised strictly of homegrown talent.

Eight of his nine starters, including pitcher Mike Pelfrey, grew up in the Mets' minor- league system. Collins also pointed out that Jason Bay, who did not begin his career with the organization, played in its minor-league system.

"The Mets should be pretty proud of this lineup tonight," Collins said. "It's really quite a tribute to the organization."

The last time the Mets had eight of nine homegrown starters (excluding September or October) was April 19, 1990, vs. the Cubs, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

No longer is their farm system a source of derision. And that, said Collins, is a testament to their scouting and player development. "And I think there's more to come," he said. "Not every No. 1 pick's gonna make it. But what you do is, you don't ever give up on any of the kids you draft and sign and try to develop. This organization was ridiculed for not having a very good minor-league system. Well, we're running a pretty good lineup out there tonight and they're all Mets."