Backman's Found a Home in Binghamton

According to Adam Rubin, Wally Backman has landed himself the managerial gig at Double-A Binghamton.

Tim Teufel, Binghamton's manager this past season is expected to be named the manager of Triple-A Buffalo. He will be succeeding Ken Oberkfell who is joining the big club as the new bench coach.  

Backman last managed at the Double-A level with Birmingham in the Chicago White Sox organization in 2002 and '03.

The Triple-A staff also is expected to include Ricky Bones as pitching coach and Luis Natera as hitting coach. Natera was the Bisons' hitting coach during the first half of the 2009 season, before being sent to Binghamton.

Buffalo's hitting coach for the '10 season, Jack Voigt, will take over for Mookie Wilson and his role as minor league outfield and baserunning coordinator.

Wilson is returning to the Mets as first base coach.

Mets Acquire Who?

The Mets got who? Hu, that's who.

The Mets got shortstop Chin-lung Hu from the Dodgers for left-handed pitcher Mike Antonini.

Hu, 26, hit .317 with four homers with Triple-A Albuquerque last season, and .130 in 23 at-bats for the Dodgers. Hu is a .299 career hitter over eight Minor League seasons, while hitting a whopping .191 as a big league hitter in 173 at-bats spread throughout four seasons.

Antonini, 25, had a 4.32 ERA in 23 starts for Double-A Binghamton last year and a 5.11 ERA in six starts for Triple-A Buffalo.

Hu was placed on the 40-man roster. It's a long shot he makes the team, but if he does, be prepared for a long season of Abbott and Costello skits.

Oh 1999, How I miss Thee

Found this photo today. SI's cover of the Mets infield from 1999. This was my favorite Mets team of all time.