Happy New Year!

Well, we did it everybody. Curious Case of Sidd Finch has made it through its first year of existence.

This blog technically started in October of 2010 and averaged just a few page views a day (Thanks, mom).

Since those early days, the site has become a part of Aerys Sports, I was interviewed on the Kult of Mets Personalities (Although, I haven't been asked back, so I'm not sure how well it went), I've added contributors, some of our stories have been linked to on Metsblog, and we've been invited to Mets events.

What a difference a year makes.

I'd like to thank Zach Petersel and Evan Schwartz for their contributions to the site. Both provided opinion and analysis that helped to keep this site alive.

Finally, I'd like to thank the thousands of readers who stopped by to check us out this past year.

Happy New Year, everyone. Let's Go Mets.

Mets Fans, What Do You Want To See In 2012?

It's a slow news day, and therefore, I've decided to post a question.

What do you want to see from the Mets in 2012?

Don't be lazy and give me responses like, "New owners," or "Winning the World Series." Those are givens. Get creative.

SHOCKING (Not Really): Mets Don't Want Dickey Climbing Kilimanjaro

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Mets have asked R.A. Dickey to not go ahead with his climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The Mets also informed Dickey's agents that if the knuckleballer is injured during his climb, they reserve the right to void the final year of his contract.

None of this should come as a surprise. Any other ball club would do the same.

The 37-year-old is climbing the tallest free-standing mountain on the planet to raise money and awareness for Bombay Teen Challenge, an organization that seeks to end sex trafficking in India.

Dickey, along with Mets bullpen catcher Dave Racaniello and Colorado Rockies pitcher Kevin Slowey, will leave on January 4 to begin the trek up the mountain.

Dickey and Co. will be hiking up a mountain which, according to the Wall Street Journal article, is considered to be relatively safe (as safe as a mountain can be to climb, I guess).

Best of luck to all of them.

Happy Holidays From The Mets

Here's a holiday greeting from the Mets.



From all of us here at Curious Case of Sidd Finch, we wish you a happy holiday season.

Merry Christmas, Mets Fans

When I think about the Mets and Christmas this year, I'm reminded of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

There's a scene toward the end where Clark Griswald, expecting a large Christmas bonus, only receives a one-year membership to the Jelly of the Month Club.

I imagine that is what it will be like for many Mets employees this holiday season, and their reaction may look a little like this:

http://youtu.be/TQXuazYI_YU

(Warning: There is some inappropriate language used. Nothing that I'm sure you haven't used, however, while watching the Mets.)

Happy holidays, everyone.

Mets Offer Everything But The Kitchen Sink To Bring In Investors

Have $20 million laying around? Want to spend some quality time with Mr. Met? Well then the Mets have a deal for you.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times got a hold of the document stating the terms of any potential deal with investors.

What are the perks being offered by the Mets? Feast your eyes on these:

• A business card that will have "Owner" on it.


• One parking space. If you're lucky, maybe two.


• One opportunity each season to throw out the first pitch (So you better make it good).


• Access to Mr. Met.


• Chance to attend a road trip and stay in the team hotel. Don't think you have a choice in which city you go to, however. The Mets will choose that for you.


• Chance to buy tickets to the All-Star game.


• Discounted MLB merchandise.

Ready to write that check yet?

Mets: Two Months Until All The Fun Starts

Pitchers and catchers will report to Spring Training on February 20. Position players are scheduled to report February 25.

I know many fans are not excited about the 2012 season, but having an official date makes me happy.

With winter starting tomorrow, I don't really care what the team looks like at this point. I just want to see some baseball.

Baseball = summer and warm weather.

Mets Give GCL Team The Boot

The Mets announced today that they are getting rid of their Gulf Coast League team in St. Lucie in 2012. There was speculation that the team would be cutting ties with Kingsport.

The move was made in an effort to save the team money.

Now, before you start huffing and puffing about how horrible this is, and how it's all the Wilpons fault, calm yourself.

The Mets now have eight minor league affiliates, which is the standard number of affiliates across MLB. There are now only two other teams in MLB who have nine affiliates (Mariners and Rays).

Mets Officially Sign Francisco

Frank Francisco is officially a Met. Poor guy (I kid, sort of...).

The right-hander signed a two-year deal with the Mets. The 32-year-old was 1-4 with 17 saves and a 3.55 ERA with the Toronto Blue Jays last season.

Here's a fun fact: According to the Mets press release, "He ranks fifth among American League relievers with 302 strikeouts over the last five years (2007-2011)."

Rest Easy, Mets Fans. Mike Baxter Is Back!

Welcome back, Mike Baxter. It's been a whopping three days since the Mets non-tendered you.

The Mets have re-signed Baxter to a minor league deal and he is invited to big-league camp this spring.

Mets Sign Tallest Player In MLB

Small victories, I guess.

The Mets announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Jon Rauch to a one-year deal.

Last season, Rauch pitched in 53 games with the Blue Jays, going 5-4 with 11 saves and a 4.85 ERA. The Louisville, KY native was drafted in 1999 by the White Sox. In eight major league seasons, which included stints with the White Sox, Expos/Nationals, and Diamondbacks, he has gone 39-31 with 58 saves and a 3.82 ERA.

As for the whole height thing, he's 6' 11".

Mets Kids Holiday Party

The Mets hosted 100 kids from public schools all across Queens at Citi Field on Tuesday for their annual Kids Holiday Party. Daniel Murphy played the role of Santa this year, and with the help of his "elves," Jon Niese and Justin Turner, he delivered toys to all in attendance.

Santa and his elves.

While all of the kids finished their lunch and participated in performances, all of the beat writers and bloggers were hidden behind a curtain. All was relatively calm until the screaming started. That was our cue that Santa had arrived.

Between the kids and the Christmas music blasting, I couldn't hear a thing. Luckily, my recorder was able to pick up audio. Here's a little summary from interviews with Niese and general manager Sandy Alderson.

Jon Niese

• His goal is to get over 200 innings this year.

• The new additions to bullpen are good. They filled holes where they needed to be filled.

• Facing Jose Reyes: "It's gonna be fun...I can't wait. Watching him hit for a while, hopefully I picked up something to get him out."

• The changes at Citi Field are good. It will give hitters peace of mind and pitchers more confidence. The changes will not cause him to change his approach on the mound.

Sandy Alderson

• Changes to the field: "More scoring makes more sense...it's more entertaining. Even a purist wouldn't want 1-0 games every night."

• Losing Jose Reyes: "Criticism that we never made an offer... what's interesting about that is that from the very outset we didn't want to make an offer that would be shot...and I don't think it's a coincidence that the price went way up from the time on Friday that I described a conceptual puzzle to Saturday to Sunday morning when the apparent offer from Miami went from point a to point z...I don't think we had a shot at signing Jose if we had made the first offer."

• Bullpen: "All three additions are an upgrade...better shot at more consistency in 7th, 8th, and 9th innings...What was once a weakness is now a modest strength for us."

• Catchers: "We don't have a lot of depth in the system...for the time being our catching situation is going to be a year to year proposition" The team looked at some free agents decided none worth additional expense. "Given the resources we have available, we'd rather spend the money some place else on more significant upgrades...We're aware of catching situation within organization."

• Angel Pagan trade: The Giants were interested in Pagan. He believes Andres Torres was going to be a possible non-tender candidate and the Mets were in a similar position with Pagan.

I would have added video of the Alderson interview, but after watching it, it was a  little too Blair Witch Project for me. I took a peak at the outfield walls while I was there and to be honest, I didn't notice anything worth reporting as of yet. Stay tuned.

Mets Turn To Bank Of America For Help

According to the New York Times, the Mets have received a $40 million loan from Bank of America.

The loan marks the second time in a year that the Mets have received an infusion of cash. A year ago, the team’s owners, Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz, received a $25 million loan from Major League Baseball, but they have not been able to repay it. Meanwhile, Sandy Alderson, the club’s general manager, said last week that the organization had lost $70 million in 2011 alone.

The Mets have been attempting to raise $200 million by bringing in potential investors to pay back other bank loans and the $25 million MLB loan.

People familiar with the team’s situation have said the owners had firm commitments from at least seven investors interested in buying a small share of the team for $20 million apiece. Still, until all are sold, none of the investors have had to turn over cash.

Adam Ruben of ESPN New York tweeted that MLB approved the Bank of America loan.

I may be wrong here, but isn't this how the banks got into trouble; handing out loans that can't be re-paid?

Mets Expected To Offer Pelfrey Arbitration

Don't expect to see Mike Pelfrey go anywhere any time soon.

Despite stinkin' up Citi Field and just about every other stadium he pitched in last season, the Mets still plan to keep him.

According to Dan Martin of the NY Post:

As general manager Sandy Alderson and manager Terry Collins have said repeatedly, despite Pelfrey’s regression in 2011, he still has value to the Mets, since he tossed 193 2/3 innings a year ago and that workload isn’t easily replaced.

He could throw 300 innings a year, I still don't care. What does it matter how many innings he throws if he is ineffective in 90 percent of them?

I haven't heard any good options for who could replace Pelfrey in the rotation, and I'll admit, I'm guilty of this myself. Fact of the matter is, Pelfrey is just not good.

Some argue that he has all of this potential talent and that he needs time. My response: How many years does a guy have to play in the big leagues before those excuses can no longer be applied? If he has all of this "talent" why have we hardly seen it during his years in New York?

All I know is that he needs to go...somewhere. It will make watching games a little less stressful with him not on the mound, and I can guarantee it will be a much healthier game without all of that hand licking.

How Valuable Is David Wright To The Mets?

If you're asking me, I'd say not very. But then again, I'm not the biggest David Wright fan.

Jon Morosi of Fox Sports tweeted that a baseball executive said, "The Mets won’t trade him [Wright]. He’s more valuable to them than he would be to any other team."

While the Mets, and many Mets fans, still view Wright as a star, I have the feeling that the rest of the league probably sees him as just an ordinary player.

The Mets need at least one "star" on the team is order to give the fans a reason to go to the ballpark. Stars are hard to come by these days at Citi Field, and when you have a team made up of mostly Triple-A players, an average player such as Wright becomes a star.

At this point, with the loss of Jose Reyes to the Marlins, Wright is probably only valuable in the fact that he is the only thing that will probably help generate money for the team.

If the Mets highly value Wright as a player, we must not have been watching the same player for the past three years.

Wright has struggled tremendously the past few seasons, and the 2011 season is arguably his worst as a professional.

I've heard all of the excuses...he never got over getting hit in the head by Matt Cain, Citi Field dimensions are wreaking havoc on his approach at the plate, Howard Johnson screwed him up, maybe his dog died...blah, blah, blah.

When will it be acceptable to just admit that Wright is an average player?

Mets Lose Out In Rule 5 Draft

Today's Rule 5 Draft was pretty uneventful for the Mets. They made no selections and lost Rhiner Cruz to the Astros.  I have to be honest with you, I have never even heard of Cruz, but supposedly the reliever can hit triple digits.

According to Mets.com, "A hard-throwing reliever whose fastball has been clocked in the triple digits in the Dominican this winter, Cruz posted a 3.89 ERA over two levels last season, striking out 69 batters and walking 45 in 71 2/3 innings."

The Mets also lost Luis Rojas and Hector Alvarez.

Manager Terry Collins didn't even bother to stick around for today's Draft after Cruz was selected by Houston (The Astros had the first pick).

With Rule 5 Draft picks, those selected by a team must remain on that team's active roster or disabled list for an entire season, or they must be returned to their original team.

In Cruz's case, the Astros can send him back to the Mets, but it will cost New York $25,000.  With the Mets saving their pennies these days, they're probably fine with not getting him back. But let's be real, Cruz will probably be making his way back to New York at some point this season.

How does one become eligible to be selected in the Rule 5 Draft? This is how:

Any unprotected player who signed at age 19 or older and has been in his current organization for at least four years, or who signed at age 18 or younger and has been in his organization for at least five years, is eligible to be selected in the Rule 5 Draft.

Some recent Rule 5 Draft picks by the Mets include Pedro Beato and Brad Emaus.

Mets Do Some Wheelin' And Dealin', Trade Pagan

According to Jim Duquette of MLB Network Radio, Jon Rauch and the Mets have agreed to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million plus performance bonuses. This is all assuming he passes his physical.

Rauch was 5-4 with a 4.85 ERA last season with the Blue Jays.

Steve Popper has reported that the Mets and Giants have agreed to the following deal: Angel Pagan to the Giants for Andres Torres and Ramon Ramirez.

Ken Davidoff of Newsday reported that the Mets have also signed a two-year deal with Frank Francisco. According to Davidoff, Francisco will serve as the team's closer and Rauch will be the set-up man. According to Adam Ruben, Francisco's two-year deal is worth $12 million.

Realistic Approach On Free Agency For The New York Mets - StartingPitching

Much like with the free agent hitters, the Mets do not have the financial wherewithal to bring in the top free agent pitchers.

What will happen, much akin to last year’s process with Chris Capuano and Chris Young, is that Sandy Alderson will look for the high upside guys, no matter their risk. With questions surrounding everyone in the Mets starting rotation outside of R.A Dickey, the Mets will try to add as much depth as possible.

Here are some guys I think they Mets could and should go after:

-          Erik Bedard

• While Bedard’s price will most likely place him outside of the Mets range, on a one year, incentive laden contract, the Mets may have the money he is looking for. The reason Bedard is not cashing in like the C.J. Wilson and Mark Buehrles of the world is not lack of success, but rather lack of durability. In 951 innings in the American League, he has a 3.70 ERA and 3.65 FIP, while Buehrle has a career 3.88 ERA and 4.13 FIP. The difference is Buehrle is a lock for 200+ innings and 10+ wins and Bedard is a lock for the DL and that is why Buehrle will fetch around $45 million and Bedard will be lucky to get $5 million. If the Mets could sign Bedard to the type of deal Capuano signed last year, with low guarantees starting around two or three million with incentives up to seven million, this could be a match. After all, this off-season Capuano turned a one year deal for $1.5M guaranteed into a two year deal for $10 million guaranteed, so Sandy can always use that as a reference point.

Jose Reyes Taking His Talents To South Beach

Jose Reyes agreed to sign with the Miami Marlins for six years, $106 million.

He chased the money.

I don't blame the Mets ownership. I don't blame Sandy Alderson. At the end of the day, Reyes had complete control over the situation. If he really wanted to stay in New York, he would have. Instead, he went where the money is. That's baseball.

The Mets never made an offer to Reyes. They had to have known early on that they had no chance of re-signing Reyes. I have no problem with the team for not making an offer. Why waste anybody's time, and why bother making an offer that will be guaranteed to be rejected.

I know Mets fans are depressed, but get over it. It's not the end of the world. Life will go on. Remember, the Mets have won nothing, NOTHING, with Reyes during his nine years here.

Also, I don't know about you, but I'll be glad that I'll no longer have to hold my breath every time Reyes runs around the bases wondering if his hamstring is going to explode.

While Mets fans are quick to hand over the World Series trophy to the Marlins on this deal alone, take a step back and remember that they've won nothing yet. In fact, they're already losers with those new uniforms.

A Few Holiday Gifts Courtesy Of The New York Mets

The countdown to Christmas (and Hanukkah) has begun. As you rush around trying to find the perfect gifts for your friends and family, check out some of the lovely items offered from the New York Mets.



I'm not quite sure what this is, or why you'd get it. The New York Mets Forest Face is like the Mr. Potato Head for trees. If you are interested, you can find the real Mets Mr. Potato Head here. Who wouldn't want this thing staring back at them as they look out their window? It's going for $24.99.






Next up is the New York Mets Garden Gnome. Standing at 11.5" tall, this little guy looks a lot like some of our Mets do during the season, like a deer in the headlights. Perfect accessory to any Mets fans lawn. Also going for $24.99.


New York Mets Comfy Throw. Yup. It's a Snuggie. $19.97 for one of these bad boys.







Then there's the Topperscot New York Mets Elite Nutcracker. These things are just creepy looking. I'd give this one to a family member you're not real fond of. $24.99.






Haha. Yes, this is a John Maine bobblehead. Why would anyone want this? I don't know, but it's there and it's only $11.97.

As GM Of The New York Mets, These Are Free Agents I Would Look Into

As much as I would love to see Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, and C. J. Wilson in a Mets uniform next season, I am going to take a more realistic approach. With a limited budget, the Mets’ top targets are not going to be the players who set the market, but rather those players who have upside. I believe that Sandy and his crew will be looking into incentive laden contracts, much like the Chris Capuano and Chris Young deals they signed last season, just hoping for more results like Capuano, and less like Young.

After scanning the free agent list, these are some guys I would target that will be within the Mets budget.

-          Pudge Rodriguez

• The Mets need a back-up catcher. I know many of you would have preferred Ramon Hernandez, but I think Pudge is better for the Mets in both the short term, and long term. Seems confusing right? He is 40 years old and in an obvious decline as a ballplayer. However, despite those two seemingly very important things, Pudge might be the best leader of any free agent available. He would be a great mentor for Josh Thole, and an even better leader, and teacher for the Mets young pitching staff. Maybe Pudge is the cure that Mike Pelfrey has always needed. With Niese, Gee in the rotation and Wheeler, Harvey, Familia and Mejia all so young and on the way, Rodriguez would be a tremendous source of experience and knowledge, to aid in their development. While I don’t know how much money he is looking for, he may not find a better situation to find some playing time, sitting only 156 hits away from 3,000. He hit only .218 last year, but he still generated 0.4 WAR in only 137 at-bats. Current Mets backup Mike Nickeas hit .189, and Thole hit a solid .268 but only generated 1.0 WAR in 386 at bats, so Pudge adds value here. In addition, with the Mets looking for a catcher who hits lefties well, throughout his career, Pudge has been more productive hitting against left handed pitchers, hitting .289 against them over the past five seasons. On a one year deal, there is very limited downside, with great long term upside potential.

Bobby V Is Heading Up To Boston

According to ESPN Boston, the Red Sox and former Mets manager Bobby Valentine have reached an agreement, making Valentine the team's new manager.



That means Bobby V and his fake mustache are heading up to beantown.

Mets: A Whole Lot Of Nothing Happening Here

No news is good news, right? 

There has been absolutely nothing, zilch, nada happening with the Mets the past few days. Until something fantastic comes along to share with you, I'll just fill you in on a little gift I received this weekend.

My aunt and uncle have been going through all of the stuff in their attic and my uncle ran across a few Mets goodies.

One of the items was the New York Mets 1986 Yearbook. The second was the book, If At First...A Season With the Mets, by Keith Hernandez and Mike Bryan.

I'll be sitting down to read Hernandez's and Bryan's book in the next few days. I have to be honest with you, I haven't read too many books regarding the Mets.

With that, I ask you this question: What is the best book you have ever read about the Mets?

Happy Thanksgiving, Mets Fans

On this Thanksgiving morning, I'd like to take a minute and reflect on five things I am thankful for.

I am thankful for the fact that...

5. Jose Reyes is still a Met...for now.

4. I'm not a Dodgers fan. The Mets have found themselves in a financial mess this season, but it wasn't close to the disaster that occurred out in Los Angeles.

3. Johan Santana is coming back this year...hopefully.

2. The Mets are lucky enough to have a guy like R.A. Dickey on the team. Let's just hope that plantar fascia stays intact during his trip up Mt. Kilimanjaro.

1. Baseball is unpredictable. The 2012 season could be just as awful as the past few seasons, but who knows. We could be surprised. Ya gotta believe!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Mets To Reyes: Happy Thanksgiving, Here's Arbitration

This is not breaking news. By offering Jose Reyes arbitration, the Mets are guaranteed to receive two draft picks should he walk (He's a Type-A free agent).

Why Jonathan Papelbon Signing With The Phillies Is Good News For MetsFans

Think about the great closers over the past ten or twenty years.

Now, think about how many years they were great.

What you will find is that outside of a select few, even the best closers were not able to maintain a high level of success for a long period of time.

Take a look at this list:

CLOSER	YEARS OF “GREATNESS”
Joe Nathan	7
Jason Isringhausen	8
Chad Cordero	4
B.J. Ryan	5
Armando Benitez	8
Robb Nen	9
Keith Foulke	6
Francisco Rodriguez	9
Eric Gagne	3
Francisco Cordero	10
Antonio Alfonseca	4
Jeff Shaw	6

*To qualify for a “great” year, you had to  have one of 20+ saves, a sub three ERA or a K/9 greater than nine in a particular season.

Mets 40-Man Roster Now Up To 38

The Mets added seven players to the 40-man roster today, ensuring that these players can not be snatched up by another team in the Rule 5 Draft during the Winter Meetings in a few weeks.

Those seven players include pitchers Robert Carson and Jeurys Familia, outfielders Juan Lagares, Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Cesar Puello, and infielders Wilmer Flores and Reese Havens.

Mets News Galore

A bunch of things happened in Metsland today.

• Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported on Tuesday that the Marlins offered Jose Reyes a 6-year, $90 million. Rosenthal also wrote, "Obviously, the offer was not tempting enough for Reyes to accept immediately." Obviously.

• Nick Evans declared free agency. According to Andy Martino of the Daily News, Evans will look to play elsewhere. That's for the best. He never stood a chance in New York.

• According to SI.com's Jon Heyman, the Mets will tender Mike Pelfrey and Angel Pagan.

• Adam Rubin tweeted that Jason Pridie signed a minor league deal with the Oakland A's.

• Ken Davidoff of Newsday reported that the Mets are looking at Jason Marquis as a possible replacement for Chris Capuano. Capuano is seeking a two-year deal, and the Mets will not offer that.

• Davidoff also reported that the Mets' medical staff will look a little different next season. Assistant trainer, Mike Herbst, will now oversee health and conditioning of the Mets' minor-league players in Port St. Lucie. Brian Chicklo will now serve as the assistant trainer with the big league squad.

That's all for now.

Mets Show Off Their New Threads

While announcing all of the events taking place throughout the season, the Mets also released what their uniforms will look like this season. The Mets added their 50th season logo on the sleeve and also took away the black shadow under the lettering, because, ya know, that makes all the difference.

Here's the 50th anniversary logo:

Courtesy: New York Mets

Here are the new uniforms for the 2012 season. Home is on the left, and the road uniforms are on the right.

Courtesy: New York Mets

Mets: 50 Years, Let's Celebrate

The Mets announced their plans for 2012,  which will be celebrating the team's 50th anniversary. Here is the press release. Enjoy.

METS ANNOUNCE 50^TH ANNIVERSARY PLANS FOR 2012

New Logo, Redesigned Uniforms to Celebrate Mets History

Banner Day to Highlight Mets 50^th Anniversary Themed Promotions

Fans Can Share Photos at Mets50.com and Enter to Win a Pair of 2012 Season Tickets

FLUSHING, N.Y., November 16, 2011 – The New York Mets today announced plans to celebrate their 50^th Anniversary next season unveiling a commemorative logo, introducing redesigned uniforms, revealing a series of promotional giveaways, and launching an interactive online campaign focused on Mets fans and their memories.

The Mets played their first game on April 11, 1962 and six Season Ticket Holders from the club’s inaugural season joined the Mets in making today’s announcement in the Caesars Club at Citi Field.  Mets third baseman David Wright, first baseman Ike Davis and outfielder Lucas Duda were also present and each modeled the uniforms during the event, which was emceed by Howie Rose, the radio voice of the Mets.

Mets Spring Training Schedule Announced

The Mets announced their 2012 Spring Training schedule today. Play begins on Monday, March 5 against Washington at Digital Domain Park in Port St. Lucie.

For the first time since 1996, the Mets and Yankees will play each other. The Mets will host the Yankees at Digital Domain Park on April 3. The two teams then head up to Tampa to play again on April 4.

Season tickets for Spring Training are on sale now. If you want to buy individual game tickets, you'll have to wait. Those go on sale on January 4.

For more information, visit Mets.com, Digitaldomainpark.com, or by calling 772-871-2115.

Jose Reyes To The Marlins?

According to Dino Costa of SiriusXM Radio, Jose Reyes is going to be a Miami Marlin.

This has not been confirmed by anyone, so before you freak out, just wait for an official announcement.

If true, I question whether Reyes knows what "shop around" means. It means you don't sign with the one and only team you talk to.

At this point, I'm indifferent to Reyes leaving. They couldn't win anything with him, surely they can continue to lose without him.

Personally, I'm a little tired of seeing Reyes try and stretch a double into a triple and then wondering if his hamstring is still in tact.

If Reyes goes simply for the big payday, I won't be blaming the Mets.

If the Mets don't have the money, why bother hurting the team even more financially just to sign a player who is demanding a ridiculous amount of money?

Maybe the Marlins feel like going on a shopping spree, dishing out millions to players, but don't expect the Mets to do the same.

The whole argument from Mets fans that the Mets are a big market team means nothing to me. If they're broke, they're broke. Signing players to outrageously large contracts will not improve their situation.

Also, if you think that re-signing Reyes will turn the Mets into a winning team, I'm going to go ahead and guess that you have not watched the last five seasons.

If playing like a small market team will help the team turn itself around financially and put itself in a better situation a year or two from now, then that's the direction they need to head in.

Mets Outright Evans And Pridie To Buffalo

According to Steve Popper of the Bergen Record, the Mets have outrighted Nick Evans and Jason Pridie to Triple-A Buffalo.

Having gone through all of this before, both are now allowed to elect for free agency.

I don't understand this move. I guess we'll find out the method to Sandy Alderson's madness soon enough.

If Mets Want To Know Reyes' Thoughts On Free Agency, They Should JustListen To His Song

God bless America. The land where newspapers can make up the wackiest headlines, and get away with it.

Curious as to what I'm referring to? Check out this gem from the NY Post titled, "Rap song reveals Reyes' free-agent feelings."

Really? This song has been out for months and now it has this deep meaning behind it?

I've listened to Jose Reyes' song, and not once did I stop and think, "Wow, so this is what Jose thinks about his upcoming free agency." If you haven't seen this masterpiece from Reyes yet, go ahead and watch it.

http://youtu.be/VorzKV5g498

I guess when there is no real news to report, you still have to find a way to get people to visit your site. Well done, NY Post.

To Jose, Or Not To Jose: For The Mets, That Is The Question

For months now, I have been going back and forth.

Is it a good investment for the Mets to sign Reyes? Or should they let him go, and invest the money elsewhere.

From a fan’s perspective, it is an easy answer. Sign him, no matter the cost. I mean, why not right? They technically don’t have to pay for it (except for higher ticket prices).

From a business perspective however, things get a lot more complicated.

Say what you want about David Wright, good or bad, Jose Reyes has become the face of the franchise, and people pay a lot of money just to Jose play.

Think about it, every aspect of his game is exciting, even when he is not on the field.

Brace Youselves Mets Fans, Wright Could Be Traded

According to Joel Sherman of the NY Post, the Mets will be listening to offers for the golden boy, David Wright.

“We will listen on Wright for sure...We know we are not going to win it all in 2012. We have to hope the Phillies get old and we are in position to take advantage of that in 2013-14, and we have to figure out ways to speed the process to get there.”

At this point, everybody is fair game when it comes to trades.

As the old quote goes, "We finished last with you, we can finish last without you."

Yeah, David Wright was a part of the 2006 NL East Mets, the last Mets team to make the playoffs. But who cares? That team didn't win the World Series, and at the end of the day, that's what counts. Not NL East titles.

The idea of hanging on to a player because he is homegrown is not enough of a reason.

Wright has been with the Mets for eight years now. In eight years he has failed to lead the team to the promised land.

So, time's up. If the Mets get an offer they like, they should take it.

No more hanging on to players because of the nostalgia. The 2006 Mets are long gone.

Let Wright go.

Mets Announce Layoffs

No word on whether or not Mr. Met's a part of the 10 percent. 

According to the NY Post, the Mets announced that they will be laying off 10 percent of their workforce.

Of the 180 non-baseball player employees in the organization, 15 have been laid off.

The news just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?

Reyes Won't Take Hometown Discount To Stay With Mets

As of 12:01 this morning, Jose Reyes entered the free agent market.

According to Mike Puma of the NY Post, Reyes will not accept a hometown discount to remain with the Mets.

A person close to Reyes told The Post there is almost no chance the shortstop will accept a hometown discount to remain with the Mets. A second person, who regularly spends time with Reyes, indicated the fact the Mets probably aren’t on the cusp of playoff contention may kill the team’s chances of re-signing Reyes.

Well that doesn't sound like good news for the Mets, seeing as how they probably won't present Reyes with the best offer.

Let the Jose sweepstakes begin!

Don't Expect Mets To Make A Big Offer In Jose Sweepstakes

According to the Daily News, the Mets don't plan on offering Jose Reyes a six or seven year contract, and they might not even give him a five year deal.

I see no problem with this. Long term contracts tend to not always work out, so why tie yourself down to a player, especially a player who has had leg issues in the past.

The writer of this story, Andy Martino, threw in this little gem:

It appears unlikely that the Mets will make the highest offer — and while it would seem difficult for the team to compete in the National League East next year without him, Alderson conceded nothing.

Really? Because the Mets were just dominating the NL East with Reyes, right?

I didn't think so.

I still have no clue as to how this is all going to work out. The only thing I can guarantee is that the Mets will not be handing Reyes the best offer.

As I've stated before, if Reyes is sincere in his claim that he wants to be a Met, the two parties will find a way to make it work. Only time will tell.

Mets Pitchers Were Lazy? Don't Blame Warthen

Pitching coach Dan Warthen was quoted in the Wall Street Journal, saying that the Mets pitching staff became lazy in 2011.

"We got into being a little bit mentally lazy and overly secure," Warthen said. "I think that caused a lot of the homers this year. I really do." The new dimensions, Warthen added, "will help us focus and concentrate and not be so ready to go out there and throw a fastball away and hope they hit it to center field."

I know many fans can't stand the fact that Warthen is still the pitching coach. At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter who the pitching coach is. If you have a group of pitchers who lack talent, guess what, you're going to give up home runs.

Sure, Warthen can spend his time motivating his pitchers, but let's be realistic. This is not Little League, high school, or college ball. At this level, players should not need to be constantly checked on to see if they are motivated to still play. If they do, they don't belong on the field to begin with.

Knowing that you can get the boot from the rotation, or the big league team all together, should be enough motivation for a Major League ball player.

Personally, if I had noticed any of my players becoming lazy, they would have found themselves a seat on the bench. If the Mets were to do that, however, they would have had nobody to fill those spots. The talent is just not there.

This all brings me to a previous post from months back, where I asked: When do the fans stop blaming everyone else, and start holding players accountable?

Mets Make It Easier To Hit Home Runs With Wall Changes

The Mets are making changes to Citi Field.

According to a press release, the Mets are:

"Moving in portions of the outfield wall at Citi Field as much as 12 feet and lowering the height of the home run line to 8 feet throughout the outfield. The outfield wall will become blue in 2012 concurrent with the Mets 50^thAnniversary season. The home run line and distance markers will remain orange.

The Mets will erect a new wall in leftfield starting between the New Era and Caesars signs and angled to the Citi sign in left-centerfield (see attached renderings).  The new wall will be closer to home plate by approximately 4 feet in leftfield and up to approximately 12 feet in deep left-centerfield.

A new wall will start in right-centerfield and extend toward the bullpen, and be as much as approximately 11 feet closer to home plate.  The fence in front of the Mo’s Zone/Modell’s Clubhouse will move in approximately 10 feet.  The distances from home plate to centerfield and the foul poles in leftfield and rightfield will remain the same."

Let's be realistic, these wall changes will probably make it easier for the other teams playing in Citi Field hit home runs, not the Mets.

Fans are finally seeing their team's colors displayed for all to see, and the walls are finally being moved in.

I don't want to hear or see a single fan complain the first time an opposing team benefits from any of these changes.

You wanted 'em, and now you got 'em.

Scouting Out The New York Mets Competition Moving Forward: PhiladelphiaPhillies

This was the year for the Phillies.

Adding Cliff Lee to a team that had won six straight division titles, made three straight NLCS appearances and won a World Series title in 2008 had to be unstoppable right?

Wrong.

The Phillies rotation of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, and Roy Oswalt was heralded as the greatest rotation ever assembled. They were being compared to the Braves of the 90’s, the Orioles of the early 70’s, even the Mets of the mid 80’s (that was a stretch). To stick to the point, to say they were hyped, would be an understatement.

Mets Morning News: ReyesWatch Has Begun, Carter Coaches Again, Possible1B Coach

ReyesWatch

With the Cardinals winning the World Series last night, and another Molina guaranteed a ring, the Mets must now begin their push to hopefully re-sign Jose Reyes.

The Mets have exclusive negotiating rights until Thursday at 12:01 a.m. Then it turns into a free-for-all, and all 29 teams may begin pursuing the shortstop.

Coach Carter Back At It

Gary Carter's daughter, Kimmy Bloemers, wrote in a recent online journal entry that Carter helped coach the Palm Beach Atlantic University baseball team this past week.

"Later in the day, my husband and my dad drove down to Miami so dad could coach his guys for a fall game. Dad's body did not allow him to coach at 100% but his mind was sharp and he enjoyed calling the plays. Dad absolutely loves to be THE SKIPPER. After many hours coaching, dad was exhausted but we were all proud of him for being there for his team."

First Base Coach

According to Adam Rubin, the Mets plan to announce the hiring of a new first base coach on Monday. Rubin's sources believe the Mets have picked former Major League outfielder Tom Goodwin. Goodwin has been working with the Boston Red Sox as their minor league baserunning and outfield coordinator.

Egyptian Prisoner Told Mets Won World Series

So cruel.

Hasn't the guy been through enough?

According to the NY Post, Ilan Grapel, a Queens native being held as a prisoner in Egypt, was told upon his release that the Mets had won the 2011 World Series.

Grapel, expected to fly home to Queens today from Israel, was celebrating his release at a press conference in Tel Aviv, flanked by his mother Irene and Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Queens), when he was pranked.

He said it would be hard to express his deep appreciation to everyone who helped free him.

“There’s so many people to thank,” he said, “and after being cut off for the past five months ...”

Ackerman quickly interjected, “We told him the Mets won the World Series.”

Grapel, a sports fan, shot Ackerman a big smile -- only to quickly feel the let-down most Mets fans are all too familiar with when he quickly figured out that the team had tanked -- again.

Why would Grapel believe this hoax for even a second? Turns out when he was arrested on June 12, the Mets were 32-33 and still had a chance.

Feliz Cumpleaños To Some Current Mets

It's a slow news day. Therefore, all I've got for you is that three current Mets are celebrating birthdays today.  I apologize for my poor graphic design skills.



Pedro Beato, Ruben Tejada, and Jon Niese are all another year older today.

25 Years Ago Today, The Ball Got By Buckner

In case you've been living under a rock, today marks the 25th anniversary of Game 6 of the 1986 World Series between the Mets and Red Sox.

As some of you may know, I'm a little tired of hearing about 1986. Yes, it was the last time the Mets won a World Series. Wonderful.

Move on.

Maybe it's because I was only eight months old at the time, but I don't have a deep connection to that team, or the series in general.

If I've learned anything from seeing the clip of the ground ball getting past Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner, it's that sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.

Am I glad they won? Sure. Do I need to relive the series every single day of my life? No.

But because the series, and Game 6, mean so much to so many fans out there, go ahead and enjoy the day. I'll even toss in a video so you can relive the glory days. Enjoy.

MLB.com

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Daughter Of Former Mets GM Battling Kidney Disease

Next time you want to complain about players, coaches, managers, etc. not ding their job, think about Lindsay Duquette. The 9-year-old daughter of former Mets GM Jim Duquette has been battling a rare kidney disease since 2004.

Her story is featured in today's NY Daily News.

There are bigger things in life than baseball sometimes. Remember that.

Big Changes Are Coming To Citi Field

Changes are coming to Citi Field next season. According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, the changes will be drastic.

The 16-foot wall in left field will remain because it is structural, but a new 8-foot wall will be erected in front of it, a team source said.

The new left-field wall will not be constructed exactly parallel to the old wall. That would make it too close down the left-field line. Instead, a more modest reduction in depth will occur at the left-field foul pole, with a wider gap between the new and old walls in left-center.

Additional seating is expected to be added between the new and old walls, although there cannot be the same number of rows added throughout that area because of the different space between the walls in the corner versus in left-center.

In right field, where the "Mo's Zone" nook currently exists, the fencing will be moved closer to eradicate that crevice.

A dramatic change will occur in right-center, which had measured 415 feet from home plate. The new depth is expected to be 390 feet -- a 25-foot reduction.

Great. Now if only they could find players who can make contact with the ball. Then they might be on to something.

According to Baseball-Reference.com, the Mets were 13th with 1,085 strike outs in 2011. Of course the biggest culprits were Jason Bay with 109, and David Wright with 97 strike outs.

Only time will tell what effect this will have on the Mets' offense.

Mets Release Igarashi

According to ESPN New York, the Mets have released pitcher Ryota Igarashi.

Mets.com

I'm not surprised. Igarashi stunk this season, and over his two years with New York, he went 5-2 with a 5.74 ERA. He also spent time in the minors and on the disabled list.

Later, Iggy.

Nats To Mets: No Thanks, You Can Keep Him, Ramirez Returned To New York

According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Washington Nationals have returned Rule 5 draft pick Elvin Ramirez to the Mets.

Ramirez, 24, spent time on the 60-day disabled list this past season after having surgery on his throwing shoulder. He never even made it into a game for Washington.

Prior to his time with Washington, Ramirez had a 4.16 ERA in 80 innings with two of the Mets minor league affiliates.

Mets' Tejada Ready At Short If Needed

Adam Rubin of ESPN New York talked with former bench coach, Chip Hale, and got his thoughts on Ruben Tejada. Here are some bits and pieces from the interview:

"Whether he plays second every day next year or short, he's going to be a big contributor to that team...and they need it."

"I think he definitely can be an everyday shortstop. The thing we always worried about was, a guy gets up there and hits .200, you can't have that in the major leagues anymore. You can't have the guy who fields everything but only hits .200, .210. I think he can hit at .250 in a bad year and maybe hit .270, .280. We know he can occupy the eight hole, which is a tough place to hit. And he was really doing the job in the two hole behind Jose."

According to Rubin, Hale also added that Tejada, "Is actually more advanced in the field than [Jose] Reyes in terms of the mental side of the game, even though Reyes is now a veteran of nine major league seasons. Whereas Reyes relies on his superior athletic ability, Tejada has displayed a superior mental aptitude, such as shading batters based on what pitch is about to be thrown and its location."

Tejada may not be as spectacular to watch in the field or at the plate the way Jose Reyes is, but I don't need spectacular. I just need a player who can get on base and make things happen. At the end of the day, if the team wins, I'm happy. I don't really care who was playing shortstop when they won.

Mets Morning News: Wally Backman Says He's Staying With Team in 2012

Wally Backman was on WFAN Saturday, and told host Ed Randall that he will be returning to the Mets in 2012.

"You know, there was some thought, there was a long thought process Ed, and you know what, I started at 17 years old with the Mets, and I'm gonna stay with the Mets...Not only did the Wilpons give me another chance to get back into baseball,  but there's some unfinished business, so to speak, and I really believe the  organization is going in the right direction. I think there are some prospects that are coming, there's some real good  pitching prospects. We're a  little short in middle infield. I think with the new regime, I think we're heading in right direction and I want to be a part of it."

Listening to a caller during the interview, there are some fans who are ecstatic about Wally Backman staying with the team, because their dream is for him to one day be the manager of the Mets. Why? Because of 1986 and a few Youtube clips?

No thanks.

Mets Announce Geren As New Bench Coach

The Mets announced this afternoon that Bob Geren has been named the team's new bench coach.

Geren, 50, spent four season's as the Oakland A's manager before being let go last season.

In a press release, manager Terry Collins said, "Bob Geren’s experience as a former manager and bench coach will be a great fit for us. Adding a former major league catcher like Bob to our staff will be ideal."

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the Mets are now in the process of searching for a new first base coach. So far, the team has interviewed Minor League infield coordinator Kevin Morgan and outfield coordinator Jack Voigt.

2012 Breakout candidate: Brad Holt

This is a name many Mets fans have given up on.

Heading into next season however, I think that is about to change.

After being selected in the first round, 33^rd overall in the 2008 draft, the Mets sent Holt to join the Brooklyn Cyclones. He did not disappoint.

In 72 innings, he went 5-3 with a sparkling 1.87 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. His most impressive statistic, were his 96 strike outs in those 72 innings, giving him a K/9 ratio of 11.94, tops in the NYPL. The only issue, which would rear its ugly head later, was that he walked 4.11 batters per nine innings. It was still early in his professional career, so because of his great ERA, WHIP and K/9, the high walk rate was ignored.

After being drafted in the first round and dominating the NYPL the way he did, the Mets sent Holt directly to High A-Ball, skipping over Low A and to see what he would do.

Again, Holt did not disappoint.

Rejoice Backman Fans, He's Not Going Anywhere...Yet

According to William Ladson, Wally Backman will not be joining the Washington Nationals coaching staff in 2012.



That means some of your hopes and dreams of Backman joining the Mets are still alive.

Mike Puma of the NY Post wrote on Tuesday that Backman was considering joining the Nationals as a third base coach.

The source said 68-year-old [Davey] Johnson may look to groom Backman for the managerial job, much in the same manner Bobby Cox took Fredi Gonzalez under his wing with the Braves before retiring.

A few of the coaching positions still available for the Mets are bench coach and first base coach.

Puma also suggests in The Post that Backman taking a job with the Nationals would have meant he was looking for the fastest route to becoming a big league manager.

Well, you know how I feel about Backman becoming a manager, or at least manager of the Mets. If not, click here.

A Look Back At The Greatest Grand Slam...Grand Slam Single That Is

With the hiring of Robin Ventura as the new Chicago White Sox manager, and the walk-off grand slam from Nelson Cruz in Monday night's game between the Rangers and Tigers, I was feeling a little nostalgic and decided to google the greatest grand slam I ever saw.

Granted it was technically ruled a single, but who cares. Click on the picture to watch the video. Enjoy.

Selig Not Worrying About Mets

According to ESPN New York, MLB Commissioner, Bud Selig, is not concerned over the Mets financial siutation.

Really? Do you know something the rest of the world doesn't, Bud? Unless I missed a story, the Mets finances were not the finest.

As for that $25 million loan MLB provided the Mets last season, Selig told reporters, "It will be paid back."

I have no doubt that the loan will be paid back eventually, but just out of curiosity, what if it's not? What exactly is MLB going to do?

Nobody Likes a Quitter...Well Maybe The Mets Do

According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, former Washington Nationals skipper Jim Riggleman and former Oakland A's manager Bob Geren, will be interviewing for the Mets' bench coach job this week. Rubin reports that interviews could begin Wednesday.

Riggleman resigned 75 games into the 2011 season. Geren, who managed the A's from 2007 to 2011, was fired just 65 games into last season.

I wonder...was this what Riggleman was hoping for when he dropped his team like a bad habit last season? Not so easy to find a managing gig these days is it Jimmy.

I have to say, based on the way Riggleman handled his problems with the Nationals last season, he's not my favorite pick.

I also wonder if his feelings toward one-year deals has changed. After all, he did say last year, "I promise you I’ll never do a one-year deal again."

No Hard Feelings Between K-Rod And Mets

Francisco Rodriguez isn't pitching in his dream role, but he's on a playoff team, and could be on his way to winning a World Series ring. Can't complain too much.

Still, K-Rod would like to get back to being a full-time closer. According to David Lennon of Newsday, that could mean that K-Rod, who is heading for free agency once the season ends, could wind up with the Mets again.

"I don't have no hard feelings for nobody. They did what they had to do. They needed to unload a lot of money and I was making too much money. But you never know what's going to happen one year from now, two years from now."

So not only will K-Rod be looking for a closing role, the Mets are looking for a closer. How convenient.

He also says he's past all of the negativity that surrounded him during his days in New York.

"After the storm, the sun came out for me, finally," he said. "That's what I was waiting for, to put behind me a lot of the negative stuff and be able to enjoy the game once again."

I have to say, I wasn't all that choked up when the Mets shipped K-Rod off to Milwaukee, but I'd rather watch him try and close out a game than Bobby Parnell.

Follow McHugh Through The AFL

Mets minor leaguer, Collin McHugh, has been chronicling his life as a player trying to work his way up to the Majors. Recently he has taken to writing about his time in the Arizona Fall League.

Take a look: A Day Older, A Day Wiser

Braun Wants Reyes In Milwaukee

According to Mike Puma of the NY Post, Milwaukee's Ryan Braun would like Jose Reyes to join the Brewers, and he thinks his team has a good shot at making that happen. Here are some quotes from Braun:

"I think there's a better chance we sign [Reyes] than we re-sign Prince [Fielder]."

"[Reyes] is dynamic, man -- he is one of the most exciting players in the game," Braun said. "He plays with a lot of energy and a lot of emotion and I enjoy watching him play. He's one of my favorite players to watch. Whenever their games are on, I love watching him, man. He always plays the game the right way. He always plays hard. He runs everything out."

Milwaukee shortstop, Yuniesky Betancourt's contract expires at the end of this season, therefore leaving a possible gap at short for the Brewers to fill.

According to the story in the Post, Braun has been trying to recruit Reyes since the two played together in on the National League All-Star team this year.

As for the whole "Buntgate" in which Reyes bunted for a single in the final game of the season, left the game after the first inning, and eventually beat Braun for the NL batting title:

"Honestly, I respect whatever Jose decided to do," Braun said. "I personally would have played, regardless. I'm not judging him in any way. I don't necessarily disagree with what he chose to do -- to each his own. But for me, personally, I would have played."

Reyes, don't let Braun's sweet talking sway you. Stay in New York.

A Few Choice Words For Mr. Reyes

According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, the Mets have not begun negotiations with Jose Reyes. Reyes told reporters that he expects negotiations to start in the next few days.

Reyes maintains that he wishes to remain a Met.

"I've always said that I wanted to stay here. But at the same time, I understand that this is a business, and we just need to wait and see what happens."

Now let's make something clear. Jose Reyes has control of this whole situation. He either accepts the Mets' offer and stays, or he chases the money and signs on with another team.

I have a few things I'd like to say to Mr. Reyes.

I'm tired of hearing about how much you want to continue to be a Met. If you are serious about it, quit dishing out the cliche responses, end this whole game, and re-sign.

If you decide to go out and test the market, I don't want to hear that sentence come out of your mouth again.

I've written on this site many times before that I lose respect for players who go after the money. 

The Mets are most likely not going to make you the best offer. I'm sure whatever the team offers, it will be worth a couple million and a few years. 

If that's not enough for you, then you can leave. 

You wouldn't be the first star to ditch his beloved team, the one he wanted to remain with his entire career, and I'm sure you wouldn't be the last.

To those who would argue that your leaving would be a disaster for the team, they'll get over it. Life goes on.

If you really want to stay, then accept what the Mets offer you and be happy. 

I know it sounds like I'm anti-Reyes with this post, but I'm not. You're one of my favorite players. I hope you return. What I can't stand, however, is the yearly cat and mouse game between players and organizations once free agency hits.

With that, Mr. Reyes, put your money where your mouth is and re-sign with the Mets. Ya know, since you want to stay here so bad. 

Santana To Finish Rehab This Weekend

Johan Santana's rehab will end this Saturday, October 8.

From now until Saturday, Santana will participate in long toss and a light game of catch before heading home for the winter to rest.

In a press release, general manager Sandy Alderson said, "Johan feels very good and is looking forward to 2012. We are optimistic that Johan will be able to begin and maintain a Spring Training schedule with all other Mets pitchers next February and will be ready for the start of the 2012 season."

In his last rehab start on September 30, Santana went four innings.

Mets Make Coaching Changes

If you're like me and the past few days have been hectic, allow me to catch you up on all the happenings in Mets land.

WHO STAYS, WHO GOES

Mets announced today the changes to the 2012 coaching staff. Hitting Coach Dave Hudgens and Pitching Coach Dan Warthen will both be back next season.

So who is not coming back? Well, everyone else. Bench Coach Ken Oberkfell, Third Base Coach Chip Hale, First Base Coach Mookie Wilson and Bullpen Coach Jon Debus will not be returning in 2012.

According to Adam Rubin, Hale has officially been named the Oakland A's bench coach. Wilson and Debus will most likely be given another role within the organization.

Tim Teufel will take over as the Third Base Coach, and Ricky Bones will become the newest Bullpen Coach.

Teufel served as the Buffalo Bisons manager last season, and Bones was the team's pitching coach.

CHEAP SEATS

On Tuesday, the Mets announced that it will be a little cheaper to go to Citi Field.

The team rescaled ticket pricing which will lead to cheaper tickets for season ticket holders in 2012.

Pricing for season ticket holders will change as follows:

·         80% of seats will have a reduction of approximately 5% or greater

·         57% of seats will have a reduction of 10% or greater

·         35% will have a cut of 20% or more

·         18% will have a drop of 30% or more

·         More than 15,000 seats will cost less than $25 per game

As for non-season ticket holders, you'll find out prices for single game tickets in March. Sit tight.

Young Mets Get Set To Start Arizona Fall League

The Arizona Fall League begins today, and there are quite a few Mets participating this year.

According to Adam Rubin, Class A St. Lucie manager Pedro Lopez will managing all of the Mets players on the Peoria Javelinas. Mets players include:

Robert Carson - LHP
Collin McHugh - RHP
Erik Turgeon - RHP
Taylor Whitenton - RHP
Juan Centeno - C
Wilfredo Tovar - 2B
Jefry Marte - 3B
Juan Lagares - OF

Reyes Nominated For 2011 Hank Aaron Award

Major League Baseball announced today that Jose Reyes is the Mets nominee for the 2011 Hank Aaron Award. The award recognizes the most outstanding offensive player from the American and National Leagues.

Reyes finished the season with a .337 batting average and walked away with the 2011 National League batting title.  He also tied the Major League lead in triples with 16, and the National League lead with 57 multi-hit games.

Through a press release from the Mets, Reyes said:

"It’s an honor to be nominated for the Hank Aaron Award. He is an all-time great who all the players look up to no matter where you grew up. He was, and continues to be, a true gentleman of the game and I think everyone should try to be like him on and off the field."

A panel of Hall of Fame players, including Roberto Alomar, Joe Morgan, Tony Gwynn, Paul Molitor, Willie McCovey, Billy Williams and Robin Yount, will join with fans to pick this year's award recipients.

Voting begins today, and ends October 9. The winner will be announced during the World Series.

To vote, go to MLB.com.

Mets To Get 12th Pick In 2012 Draft

According to ESPN  New York, the Mets will have the 12th pick in next June's first year player draft.

Want to know who the last player was to be picked 12th overall by the Mets? That would be our old friend, Lastings Milledge.

In case you're wondering, there is one positive about the Mets' record this season. Due to the fact that the Mets finished in the bottom half of the overall standings, the first round pick is protected. That means the Mets can go out and sign a Type A free agent this offseason without worrying about losing that pick in the 2012 draft.

If Jose Reyes was to leave and sign with another team this winter, the Mets would also gain two additional draft picks.

Whoever the Mets sign next year, I  hope they make that young man well aware of the no high-fiving fans rule.

Mets Morning News: Attendance, Minor League Free Agents

According to Adam Rubin, attendance for Mets games was down 8 percent this season.

Mets attendance declined for a third straight season, with the team drawing a total announced crowd of 2,352,596 in 2011. That figure was the team's lowest in seven years, since Art Howe's final season as manager.

Mike O'Connor and Pat Misch are now minor league  free agents.

Misch, 30, appeared in six games in relief for the Mets this season and allowed eight earned runs on 11 hits and four walks in seven innings. With Triple-A Buffalo, he was 8-9 with a 4.00 ERA in 22 starts spanning 141 2/3 innings.

O'Connor, 31, appeared in nine games in relief for the Mets and had a 2.70 ERA. He was 5-5 with a 5.22 ERA in 39 relief appearances for the Bisons. With Buffalo, lefty batters hit .207 and righty batters hit .333.

Mets Morning News: Rollins' Thoughts On Reyes

Of course the New York media needed to ask Philadelphia's Jimmy Rollins what he thought about the whole Jose Reyes "bunt and bail" situation. It's not like there's anything else going on in baseball to talk about right now, especially with the Phillies. Rollins told the New York Times:

"I would have bunted, too. I probably wouldn’t have come out of the game, though...I fought this hard to be in this position, and I’m going to see it to the end. Me, personally, I’m going to ride it out. I would have played the whole game. That’s me, though."

Rollins then added this additional insight:

"In previous years, you just didn’t quite get that feeling from him, being in the other dugout," Rollins said. "This year you really did. It was like, 'This man is doing everything he can.'"

No kidding. The man wants to get paid. If there was ever a year to go all out, this would be it.

In regard to free agency:

"He had a great year," Rollins said of Reyes. "But in free agency, you take the year and a career all into consideration. Then on top of that, you take the things they don’t see on the field, the intangibles in the clubhouse, leading the team. Is this guy a winning player? What type of team player is he?"

Mets Morning News: 2012 Payroll, Keeping Reyes, & Where Will MurphyPlay?

General manager Sandy Alderson met with reporters yesterday to talk payroll and Jose Reyes, along with a myriad of other things.

Payroll is expected to be between $100 million and $110 million next season. Thanks to Andy McCullough of The Star-Ledger, here is part of the transcript from the interview with Alderson:

You told writers in Buffalo that the payroll for next year would be between $100 million to $110 million. Was that hypothetical or reality?

I think we’re going to be somewhere in that range. I don’t see us going below $100 million. But as is pretty well-documented, I don’t see us being where we are today, either.

So $100 million to $110 million?

Well, somewhere in that range. I wouldn’t say that $110 million is a cap.

Sandy & Co. must now begin working to re-sign Jose Reyes who is a free agent this offseason. Don't expect anything big to happen any time soon though.

"If history is any guide, most players who get to this point don't see any reason to make a decision in the next 30 days -- they are that close to free agency," Alderson said. "You wouldn't want people to expect something is going to happen -- it certainly could -- but we just have to wait and see how it develops."

Alderson also praised Daniel Murphy. What will Murphy's position on the team be next season? Depends on who comes back next season, and who doesn't.

"Where (Murphy) fits will in part be a function of where everyone else fits. And from whom we have to choose to fit at those positions," Alderson said. "But I do think he'll be a very important part of our team. And whether that's at one position, all the time, as a starter, or at different positions off the bench, we'll just have to see based on the other personnel that we have."

2012 Breakout Candidate: Reese Havens

What a way to end the season.

To start the day with Jose Reyes winning the batting title, and ending it with two of the greatest comebacks in baseball history! Wow. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

As for the Mets, the 2011 season has finally come to a close.

Injuries to key players: Davis, Reyes, Wright, Murphy, Santana, Pagan, Bay, Niese, Chris Young to name a few, derailed the Mets this season. While that should not be an excuse, as the Cardinals made the playoffs despite DL stints to Pujols, Berkman, Holliday, and Wainwright, the Mets simply did not have the depth to keep afloat.

That is where the excitement about next season begins.

Please Stay, Jose

Last night the Mets were simultaneously wiped from the history books as the biggest chokers of all time, and entered the record book with their first ever batting champ.  In typical Mets fashion, both moves left a bit of a sour taste.

First things first: Yes, Jose Reyes sat to preserve his lead in the batting title.  No, he wasn't the first, as others astutely pointed out. No, he won't be the last either.  Maybe he's no Jeter, but I'd rather watch him flying around the bases, hair braids bouncing while he dives headfirst into second than watch Jeter adjust his batting gloves and try to sell me a Ford Focus for three hours.  If this was Reyes' last game as a Met, and I have a terrible feeling it is, it is somewhat bittersweet to see a player we've all watched since he was 19 reach his peak just as he is about to walk out the door.

But batting average is overrated anyway, so who cares.

Jose Reyes Is Your 2011 NL Batting Title Champ

Following the bunt heard 'round the world, Jose Reyes finished his season with a .337 batting average, beating out the Milwaukee Brewers' Ryan Braun.

After winning the title, Reyes released the following statement:

"I just want to say I’m humbled and honored to win the batting title. It means so much to my family and my country, the Dominican Republic. I have been through a lot over the past few years so this really means a lot to me. It’s also very special to be the first Mets player to win a batting title. There have been so many great players throughout our history. I want to thank Terry Collins, my coaches and all my teammates and of course all the Mets fans who have always supported me and been behind me 100 percent."

Of course nothing could be as simple for the Mets as just winning something. No, there had to be a little controversy. Once Reyes laid down his first inning bunt, Terry Collins pulled him out of the game so that he would finish the day 1-1, and hold onto that .337 average.

Many fans have been up in arms over the move, which Reyes admitted after the game was his plan all along. Fans feel he should have remained in the game.

There have even been other baseball players chiming in on the situation. I'm looking at you C.J. Wilson.

Wilson, who pitches for the Texas Rangers, couldn't believe that Reyes would leave the game to prevent his average from dropping. He went on to call it a "bush league" move.

Do yourself a favor, Mr. Wilson, and shut it. You have never, and just like 99.9 percent of the fans complaining, will never be competing for a Major League Baseball batting title.

You do not know what you would do in that situation. So quit acting all high and mighty. Reyes isn't the first player to pull themselves out of a game to win a batting title, and I an guarantee he won't be the last.

For those of you comparing the way Reyes ended his season to the way Ted Williams ended his season all those years ago to win the batting title, playing both games of a doubleheader, give it a rest.

And one last thing. To some of the fans who are upset that they only got to see their favorite player for just a few brief minutes, guess what. There were about 80 other games you could have gone to this season to see him.

Jose Reyes brought the New York Mets their very first batting title. It's something that Reyes can be proud of for the rest of his life. It's something the fans should be happy about as well.

Quit dwelling over how this all ended, and enjoy the fact that someone on this team won SOMETHING this year.

What Better Way To End The Season Than With a Bunt

Miguel Batista threw a gem, and Jose Reyes may have bunted his way to a batting title, as the Mets won their season finale, 3-0.

• Miguel Batista was brilliant this afternoon, throwing a complete game shut out. He allowed just two hits, a single to Edgar Renteria in the first inning, and a double to Chris Heisey in the second inning.

• Jose Reyes. Imagine you're playing your very last game as a New York Met. What would you do? Try for a home run, or maybe leg out a triple? Reyes decided to...bunt. In the first inning Reyes laid down a bunt single to finish the 2011 season going 1-1 and batting .337. Reyes then pulled himself out of the game. Some fans were up in arms over the fact that he left the game, but to be honest, I couldn't get over the fact that someone on this team was finally able to successfully bunt.

• Nick Evans got the Mets on the board in the fourth inning with an RBI single to center field.

• Mike Baxter hit his first Major League home run in the sixth inning.

Next Up: With this win, the Mets end their 2011 season going 77-85. See everyone in 2012.

Mets Morning News: Good News For Carter, Collins To Stay Through 2013,Reyes To Play In Finale, Madoff Ruling

Gary Carter received some good news yesterday. The spots found around his right temple were determined by doctors to be benign. His daughter, Kimmy Bloemers, gave an update on her Hall of Fame father in the family's online journal:

"Dad has been extremely tired during these days of chemo, which has been expected," Bloemers wrote. "After he finishes his last pill tonight, he will start to do more activity for his body. The doctor has emphasized exercise, healthy food intake and rest when needed. Dad will start to do physical therapy to get his joints and muscles moving as he pushes through the exhaustion."

General manager Sandy Alderson announced Tuesday that the Mets were going to exercise Terry Collins' option for 2013, meaning he won't go into next season as a lame duck.

"We're very pleased with the job Terry has done," Alderson said before Tuesday night's game against the Reds. "He's just done a terrific job of leading our team under sometimes difficult circumstances. In all of those circumstances, he has not used injuries or trades or anything else as an excuse for the team's performance.

"This is something we feel he's earned as the result of this season. We've made every effort to change the perception of the New York Mets, and Terry's gone a long way toward that."

Today could possibly be the last time Jose Reyes plays in a Mets uniform, and manager Terry Collins will allow Reyes to play in the season finale. Collins did indicate, however, that if Reyes were to get a few early hits and remain ahead of Ryan Braun in the batting title race, he would likely pull the shortstop to protect his hamstring.

"He deserves to have the attention that (today) may bring on him," Collins said. "I hope it’s just the beginning of many more years here. But he needs to be recognized for the kind of player he’s been in this uniform. If we can do that, in the right situation, I think it’s a must that you do it."

In case you missed it yesterday, Judge Jed S. Rakoff ruled that madoff trustee Irving Picard's lawsuit may go forward, but the amount of money he may be able to recover from the Mets could be significantly lower than the $1 billion.

In a statement, Sterling Equities, the family-run business behind the Mets, said it was "pleased that the court today dismissed 9 of the 11 counts in the Trustee’s complaint, and that the lone remaining count in which the Trustee seeks to recover payments from the Sterling Partners is limited to a two-year period."

Mets Fall To Reds In 13 Innings

The Mets lost to the Reds in 13 innings Tuesday night, 5-4.

• Chris Capuano went six innings, giving up three runs on five hits, while striking out nine and walking one. Despite what could be described as a strong final outing of the season, Capuano once again fell victim to the long ball. All three runs allowed by Capuano were scored on home runs.

• Jose Reyes was outstanding tonight. He was putting on a show for those in attendance at Citi Field. Reyes was 3-6 with two home runs, an infield single, and a stolen base. He finished the night with a .336 batting average.

• Manny Acosts pithed 1.2 innings of relief. After pitching a scoreless eighth inning, he was brought back out to close out the ninth. With two outs and two runners on, however, manager Terry Collins decided to bring in Bobby Parnell. Guess how that went. Parnell proceeded to give up a double to Juan Francisco to blow the save and tie the game.

• It wasn't exactly pretty to watch, but Ryota Igarashi had another successful outing, and by successful, I mean a run wasn't given up. Igarashi pitched 1.2 scoreless innings, despite giving up three walks (two were intentional), a triple, and hitting Ramon Hernandez with a  pitch.

• Francisco scored the go-ahead run for the Reds in the 13th inning on a suicide squeeze.

• In the bottom of the 13th with the game tied 4-4, the Mets drew four walks and a balk, and were still unable to score a run. With the bases loaded, Justin Turner hit into a game-ending double play.

Next Up: The Mets play their final game of the 2011 season this afternoon against the Reds. Miguel Batists gets the start for the Mets. Game time is 1:10 p.m.