Mets And Las Vegas 51's Sign Player Development Contract

The Mets announced this evening that they have signed a player development contract with the Las Vegas 51's. Here's the press release.

FLUSHING, N.Y., September 17, 2012 – The New York Mets today announced they have signed a two-year player development contract with the Las Vegas 51s, which will be the club’s new Triple-A affiliate.  The 51s play in the Pacific Coast League and have Cashman Field as their home stadium.  

"We are excited about our new partnership with the Las Vegas 51s and the city of Las Vegas, one which values equally player development, winning and community involvement," said Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson.

 “We are familiar with many of the front office personnel with the Mets,” said 51s Executive Director Don Logan. “I’ve known Sandy Alderson for 20 years to go along with J.P. Ricciardi, Paul DePodesta, Dick Scott and Terry Collins.  These individuals are all very familiar with Las Vegas from the time they spent here with other organizations. We are excited to welcome the Mets as our new Triple-A affiliate.”

The Las Vegas franchise, most recently associated with the Toronto Blue Jays, has topped 300,000 in attendance for all its 30 seasons (1983-2012).   The team has been affiliated with the Blue Jays (2009-2012), Dodgers (2001-2008) and Padres (1983-2000).

Yes, this is inconvenient, but it is what it is. With the Mets having played the way they have the last few years, and the fact that this is the team's third (fourth? I lost track...) triple-A affiliate in the last few years, let's be happy anybody wanted to house this team.

Besides, if faced with the decision of going to check out the Mets' triple-A team, where would you rather go, Vegas or Buffalo?

Pictures From Mets vs. Braves 9.9.12

Farewell, Chipper Jones

I learned early on in life that there are only three certainties in life: death, taxes, and Chipper Jones will kill the Mets.

Jones is making his final appearance as a player in New York this afternoon before continuing his farewell tour.

There is not a doubt in my mind that Jones was just a straight up awesome baseball player. Unfortunately, as a Mets fan, every memory I have of him makes me cringe.

So just how good was Jones against the Mets? He's hit .314 with 49 homes runs and 158 runs batted in during his long career.

When you look up his stats, he's actually beat up on the Phillies just a tad more than the Mets, but nobody cares about Philly.

The numbers don't lie. The guy was good and he's most likely going to be heading to Cooperstown in a few years. 

This may sound weird, but I'll actually miss Jones when he's gone. I've never known a single Braves team that Jones hasn't been a part of. Don't worry, I'll quickly get over it.

Despite the fact that he had his way with the Mets, treating them as his own personal punching bag, he is one of the last connections to what I consider to be one of the best rivalries in the NL East, and to some of my favorite years since I became a fan. 

While I hated the Braves, I always respected them. Let's face it, they were a good team who dominated the NL East for 14 consecutive years. 

Then came that sweet, sweet day back in 2006 (Ah, finally some good memories of a winning Mets team).

But I digress. This post isn't supposed to be about the Mets. It's about Chipper, or as we love to call him, Larry.

Jones and Mets fans have had a love-hate relationship going on for many years now. He's the player we've always loved to hate, and we've been the fan base that he's loved to rile up.

He always knew how to push our buttons, but was never disrespectful about it. 

I mean, the guy named his kid Shea for crying out loud.

Chipper's been quiet so far in this series. He's gone 0-7 at the plate in the first two games, but he still has nine more innings today to do something awful to the Mets.

So on this Sunday afternoon, if you're at the game, take a moment to recognize Jones for the great player he was. Then for old times sake, follow that with a "LAAARRRRRY" chant.  

Mets, Once Again, Not Allowed To Wear First-Responder Hats On 9/11

Here we go again.

For the second year in a row, MLB is not allowing the Mets to wear first-responder hats during their game against the Nationals on September 11.

They will be allowed to wear the hats during batting practice and during the National Anthem, but that's it.

I didn't understand it last year, and I still don't understand it this year. Why can't the team wear the hats on this one day?

I assume it has to do with money. Baseball's a business and I'm sure when a team doesn't wear something developed by MLB, money is not made.

Oh well. Get over it, MLB. It's one day.

I'm not outraged by this. I just think it's stupid.

Last year, David Wright decided to be a rebel and wear the hat while sitting on the bench during the game (scandalous!).

This year I say the players ignore the MLB order and wear them during the game. What is MLB going to do? Fine, eject, or suspend all of them? I'd like to see MLB even try it.

Bottom line? Wear the hats and whatever the fine is, turn it into a donation to a 9/11 charity.

Reminder: A Night With Ike Davis Sept. 9

Just a reminder that Ike Davis will be holding his annual charity event, "A Night With Ike Davis," on Sunday, September 9 to raise money for Solving Kids' Cancer (SKC) and the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative.

All proceeds from the event will go to SKC and the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative.

There are still some tickets available. So if you are interested and able to attend, why not buy a ticket, meet some players, and help out a good cause.  

The event, which will be held at City Winery, will feature a benefit concert starring country music artist Lee Brice, along with Ike and his teammates serving as celebrity bartenders.

Also featured will be an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, a raffle, auction, and VIP Clubhouse (The clubhouse includes access to the VIP area with Mets teammates, an autographed item, 2 tickets for a VIP-only premium raffle item, and a limited edition event poster).

Evan Roberts from WFAN will be emceeing the event. 

If you are unable to attend, you can still donate by "Tipping your bartender," which allows you to donate to individual players and celebrities participating in the event. The bartenders include Ike Davis, Justin Turner, and Lee Brice. Donations of $25 or more qualify you for some cool prizes.

You can also text "IKE" to 32020 to donate $10.

ICYMI: The Week In Review

This week's record: 5-1

Terry Collins clarified that the team's goal is to finish the season at .500, not to finish the season in third place.

Matt Harvey will be shut down before the season ends due to an innings limit. Sandy Alderson has indicated that that limit may be around 170 innings. To date, he has thrown 152.1 innings. That means Harvey may only get two or three more starts.

Scott Hairston was claimed off waivers, but it was just another MLB team playing games. This team, who has not been identified, had no interest in acquiring Hairston, and simply blocked him from being traded to another team with a better record.

Mike Nickeas and Zach Lutz were the first of the September call-ups. They joined the team on Saturday. According to ESPN New York, Collin McHugh will be called up for a start against St. Louis. Other potential call-ups include Jenrry Mejia, Jeurys Familia, Jordany Valdespin, Fred Lewis, Elvin Ramirez, and Matt Tuiasosopo. Wally Backman is also expected to join the coaching staff for the remainder of the season.

The Mets double-A affiliate will remain in Binghamton for the next four years. The two agreed to terms that would keep the Mets there through 2016.

If you're interested in following the Arizona Fall League, the Mets will be sending seven players. Those players include pitchers Ryan Fraser, Greg Peavey, Adam Kolarek, and Chase Huchingson, infielder Danny Muno, and outfielders Darrell Ceciliani and Cesar Puello.

On the injury front...

The Mets seemed to stay relatively healthy this week.

Daniel Murphy did get an MRI on his shoulder earlier in the week after he was diagnosed with rotator-cuff tightness. The MRI revealed that nothing was wrong.

Justin Turner was hit in the head by Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon. The ball appeared to just graze Turner's helmet. He was fine and proceeded to first base.

Dillon Gee underwent an angiogram in St. Louis. The angiogram revealed that there are no issues following his surgery to repair a damaged artery. Gee is expected to begin throwing a baseball sometime this week.

Pictures From Wednesday's Cyclones Game

I went to check out the Brooklyn Cyclones as they took on the Hudson Valley Renegades Wednesday night.

The Cyclones trailed early, but rallied to beat the Renegades 7-4.

Here are some photos...

Brandon Nimmo went 0-3 at the plate with two walks. In 63 games with Brooklyn this season, Nimmo is hitting .260 with 5 home runs and 37 RBIs.