New York Mets News

Mookie Wilson rejoins NY Mets as minor-league coordinator
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February 9
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Mookie Wilson is returning to the Mets as their minor-league outfield and baserunning coordinator, the team announced Monday. The 53-year-old former Mets player has worked in the organization as a coach and minor-league manager, most recently managing the Class-A Brooklyn Cyclones in 2005. Guy Conti, formerly their rehabilitation pitching coordinator, will become a senior advisor in the minor-league department. Conti will be replaced by Frank Fultz, who was the Braves' strength and conditioning coach from 1992 to 2008. Also, the Mets announced that they have hired former major-league manager Bob Melvin as a professional scout."
Mets lowering height of center field wall at Citi Field
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February 9
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"The Mets are making a minor adjustment to the center-field wall at Citi Field, lowering the height from 16 feet to eight feet in front of the Home Run Apple. But the change, which was first reported Tuesday by the Daily News, is unlikely to have much impact on the number of home runs hit at the ballpark. A Mets spokesman said the area of the wall being lowered spans only the width of the Apple, where the height of the wall briefly went from 10 feet, 10 inches to 16 feet last season. And the park's spacious dimensions will remain unchanged."
Mets bring back Mookie Wilson, add Bob Melvin as scout
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February 9
Bergen Record
 
"The Mets added another tie to their last championship team as Mookie Wilson returned to the organization as the minor league outfield and base-running coordinator. Wilson, who was the sparkplug of the 1986 Mets, last served with the Mets as manager of Class A affiliate Brooklyn Cyclones in 2005. "It's good to be back," said Wilson, 53, who makes his home in Eastover, S.C. "This is where I started and I'm anxious to do whatever I can for the young kids in our system.""
Mookie back in Mets' fold
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February 9
New York Post
 
"Mookie Wilson is back in the Mets' family. The team said yesterday that the 1986 World Series hero is rejoining the organization as a minor-league outfield and base-running coordinator. Wilson was last employed by the Mets in 2005, managing Single-A Brooklyn. "It's good to be back," Wilson said in a statement. "This is where I started, and I'm anxious to do whatever I can for the young kids in our system.""
Pelfrey drops weight, not expectations
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February 9
New York Post
 
"One week until Fat Tuesday, but Mike Pelfrey won't be participating. The Mets pitcher is prepared to arrive in camp next week some 25 pounds lighter than last season and believes that will propel him to new heights after a disappointing 2009. "I was pretty upset with not only how the team played, but with how I played last year, knowing that's not me," Pelfrey told The Post yesterday. "I had a lost year. I had a terrible year." The right-hander finished 10-12 with a 5.03 ERA, leaving the Mets to wonder if they have a legitimate No. 2 starter behind Johan Santana. Pelfrey doesn't blame his weight for last season's troubles — he says he got to 257 pounds at one point last summer and will ..."
Omar can salvage offseason with series of moves
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February 9
New York Post
 columnist Joel Sherman
"With the Mets, it is difficult to determine whether they are trying to spin the news or are just delusional. Consider the state of the roster: For most of this offseason, they acknowledged a desire to upgrade at catcher, second base, slugging (even beyond Jason Bay) and the rotation. Now, with spring training nine days away, Mets officials are suddenly pleased with a group that has Omir Santos catching, Luis Castillo still at second, little lefty power and the same rotation that so disappointed last year. Here is what Mets officials are trying to sell either to you and/or themselves:"
Citi Field to become more homer-friendly next season; CF wall to get chopped 8 feet
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February 9
New York Daily News
 
"Broadcaster Gary Cohen may be able to proclaim, "It's outta here!" a little more often in 2010. And David Wright may not be as inclined to frustratingly fling his Great Gazoo helmet, or whatever protective wear he uses, during the upcoming season. The height of Citi Field's center-field wall will be sliced in half, making the ballpark more homer-friendly, the Daily News has learned. Last season, the wall measured 16 feet in front of the sparsely used Home Run Apple. Now, with the second level of padding being removed, it will measure eight feet in the middle of the outfield. Still, as the Daily News exclusively reported in September, the stadium's spacious dimensions won't be altered. The ..."
Steve Phillips admits 'mistakes'
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February 8
ESPN.com
 
"Steve Phillips, the former ESPN baseball analyst and New York Mets general manager, said Monday that he knew he had a sex addiction problem in August -- two months before he was fired from his role with the network. "What I want to do is take ownership," he said in an interview with Matt Lauer on NBC's Today Show. "I made some mistakes ... I'm fully responsible for what I did." Phillips spoke publicly for the first time since he left the Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services clinic in Hattiesburg, Miss., the same clinic golfer Tiger Woods reportedly attended. Phillips didn't talk extensively about his time at Pine Grove, but did say that it is a place for people who are ..."
Mets prospect Fernando Martinez named Caribbean Series MVP
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February 8
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Mets prospect Fernando Martinez was named MVP of the Caribbean Series on Sunday in Venezuela after leading the Dominican Republic to the series title. In six tournament games, the 21-year-old Martinez hit .348 with two home runs and four RBI. Mets pitcher Nelson Figueroa and outfield prospect Jesus Feliciano were also named to the all-tournament team, and the D.R. team was managed by Ken Oberkfell, the manager at Triple-A Buffalo. That's where Martinez seems likely to start the season. He could make a case to be on the Opening Day roster during spring training. But there isn't a permanent spot for him right now, assuming Carlos Beltran returns, with Jason Bay in left field and Jeff ..."
Mets' failure to sign bargain players goes beyond Minaya
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February 7
New York Post
 columnist Joel Sherman
"It is easy to demonize Omar Minaya for the Mets' ills, and I am not here to praise him. I do think the job of Mets GM is too big for Minaya; that his deficits in areas of communication, organization and ability to creatively multi-task — in particular — outweigh his assets. But I think it is fair to question now if any person from Pat Gillick to Billy Beane to the clone of Branch Rickey could succeed in the Mets' current structure. To further this thought, let's play a game. Let's act like we can travel back to Nov. 1 before free agency has even begun. If we were sitting with Minaya, we certainly would have learned he badly wanted Bengie Molina for Molina's power and ability to work with a ..."
Mets invite 11 to spring training, including son of NY Yankees bench coach Tony Pena
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February 5
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"The Mets Thursday announced that they signed infielder/outfielder Jolbert Cabrera, infielder Luis Hernandez and left-handed pitchers Bobby Livingston and Travis Blackley to minor league contracts and invited all four to major league Spring Training camp in Port St. Lucie, Fla. later this month. Additionally, the team extended major league Spring Training invites to right-handed pitchers Jenrry Mejia and Carlos Muniz, left-handed pitcher Eric Niesen, catcher Francisco Peña, infielders Ike Davis and Ruben Tejada and outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis. Cabrera, 37, spent last season in Baltimore's system, appearing in 78 games for Norfolk (AAA) of the International League. A .257 career hitter, ..."
Former Mets GM, ESPN analyst Steve Phillips to talk about sex scandal on NBC's 'Today' show
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February 5
New York Daily News
 
"Steve Phillips, fired late last October from ESPN over an embarrassing extramarital affair with a young staffer at the network, will go public with his story for the first time Monday during a "Today" show interview with Matt Lauer. Sources said the Phillips interview is expected to air during the early portion of the show. Phillips was fired by ESPN a few days after he took a leave of absence following published reports of his fling with 22-year-old Brooke Hundley."
Report: Torrealba on verge of deal with Padres, not Mets
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February 4
New York Post
 
"Free-agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba is likely to sign with the Padres, not the Mets, according to ESPN. ESPN reporter Buster Olney writes on his Twitter page, "Heard this: The Padres are on the verge of a deal with catcher Yorvit Torrealba on a one-year (contract)." Olney previously reported that Torrealba wanted to get the Mets to negotiate, but the team claimed it didn't have the money to sign him."
Top prospect not sure he'll make it with Mets
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February 4
New York Post
 
"Heralded Mets prospect Fernando Martinez says he might have to play for someone else if he wants to make the major leagues. Martinez, an outfielder who got major-league playing time last season as a 20-year-old, now has his path to the bigs blocked by Jason Bay and Gary Mathews Jr., two offseason acquisitions. "When [Carlos] Beltran had surgery, I thought I had a chance, and maybe they would give me a chance at center," Martinez told MLB.com. "But they get Matthews Jr., and now I'm not sure where I am. I just can't give up." Martinez has been on the Mets' horizon for years, signing as a 16-year-old. But a string of injuries derailed his progress, and he's likely to start this seaon looking ..."
Darryl Strawberry says New York Mets, Omar Minaya could have done more to improve club
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February 3
New York Daily News
 
"Darryl Strawberry was asked for his assessment of the Mets' offseason changes Tuesday night, and he gave an answer that will be hard for anyone to argue. "I'll put it like this: It could've been better," Strawberry said before he was among the honorees at the 30th annual Thurman Munson awards dinner in Manhattan. "You could've put a couple more pieces into that puzzle for them. I know they signed Jason Bay, but the big loss was the (Carlos) Beltran (injury) situation." Beltran is slated to start the 2010 season on the disabled list after having arthroscopic knee surgery last month. Strawberry, who has served as an SNY analyst in recent years, added that he believes the Mets need "a little ..."
Mets' Empty Pockets Means Players Like Perez Need to Step Up
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February 2
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"The unpredictability of Oliver Perez remains the best chance for the Mets' rotation to rebound in 2010. ESPN's Buster Olney claimed via Twitter yesterday and reiterated in a blog post today that the Mets have no cash left to spend this offseason. Olney fails to clarify if the Mets are broke or if the team feels that the free agents still available aren't worth the investment. The latter point would seem to agree with Omar Minaya's recent comments on SNY's Hot Stove about the questionable productivity of the available free agents this offseason. Minaya claimed that, with the exception of John Lackey, no available pitcher's potential greatly improved over the Mets' current lot. And he's ..."
Like it or not, Mets' ownership tightened the purse strings
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February 2
Bergen Record
 
"The day after the 2009 season finally - and mercifully - came to an end, Mets COO Jeff Wilpon and GM Omar Minaya stood before the media and pledged to do whatever it took to put that season behind them and bring the Mets back into contention. So why are the Mets, about two weeks from the start of spring training, now finding their fans skeptical of the moves that Minaya made and dubious of the Wilpons' true intentions of spending to win. The e-mails have been plenty, but I received one last week from a 23-year season-ticket holder who said he had had enough. And it's hard to argue with him. Since the day Minaya and Wilpon made their promises, the Mets spent for Jason Bay. Still, it's easy ..."
Phillies to observe workout of former Giants lefty Lowry
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February 2
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Ruben Amaro Jr. confirmed that the Phillies plan to watch Noah Lowry, who hasn't pitched since 2007 because of a series of arm injuries, when he auditions for scouts in Arizona. That was supposed to happen today, but the session was postponed to give the 29-year-old lefthander more time to prepare. The Phillies general manager last night characterized the team's interest as "moderate." The Astros, Mets, Rangers and Red Sox also are reportedly interested. About half the teams are expected to be represented when he has his open bullpen session. Lowry's agent, Damon Lapa, told the Associated Press that the former Giants No. 1 draft choice hasn't had a setback, but decided it would be to his ..."
Rehabbing Reyes '100 percent,' ready to roar
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February 2
New York Post
 columnist Kevin Kernan
"Jose Reyes ran like the wind yesterday. Then ran some more. For two hours, I watched the Mets shortstop work, testing his surgically repaired right leg time and again during the strenuous workout. There were 90-foot dashes; explosive 10-yard sprints, on which Reyes would grab a tennis ball on one bounce; ground balls hit to his left and right; high choppers where he had to fly across the diamond; weight-lifting; dynamic stretching; core exercises and hitting. Test after test, and each time Reyes came through with a huge smile. That smile was all you had to see to know this was not the same Reyes who suffered through an injury-plagued season last year. In mid-October he had surgery to ..."
Former New York Met Putz pitcher blames team for arm woes, poor treatment
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February 2
New York Daily News
 
"Just like their players, the Mets are taking longer than expected to recover from last year's problems diagnosing and treating injuries. On the heels of the recent controversial Carlos Beltran knee surgery, J.J. Putz is now publicly questioning the way the Mets handled his elbow injury. And that wasn't just when he had pain during the season. Even though Putz had a bone spur in his elbow discovered by Mariners doctors during the 2008 season, the reliever told Comcast Chicago that he wasn't given a physical examination when the Mets acquired him in an 11-player deal in December 2008. "It was a mess from the beginning," Putz said. "When the trade went down, I never really had a physical with ..."
Reliever Putz Faults Mets' Handling of His Elbow Injury
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February 2
New York Times
 
"The Mets want nothing more than to forget their injury-filled 2009 season, but their players will not let them. Reliever J. J. Putz, one of the many Mets to spend more time on the disabled list than on the field, has questioned the team's handling of an existing elbow injury that eventually required surgery. Speaking to a Chicago-based Web site, Putz, who now is with the White Sox, called last season "a mess from the beginning." He told csnchicago.com that Mets doctors did not examine a bone spur in his right elbow until he got to spring training in February, two months after he arrived from the Seattle Mariners in a trade. He said he pitched in discomfort throughout his two disappointing ..."
'Spur'-ned Putz says Mets never gave him physical
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February 2
New York Post
 
"The Mets now have more medical controversies this offseason than significant additions to the roster. J.J. Putz is the latest dissatisfied customer, claiming he did not receive a physical after the Mets traded for him last winter, even though the Mariners had previously detected a bone spur in the reliever's right elbow. Putz, who recently signed with the White Sox, made the comments during a recent interview with Comcast SportsNet in Chicago. "[The bone spur] was discovered the previous year in Seattle, and it never got checked out by any other doctors until I got to spring training [with the Mets], and the spring training physical is kind of a formality," Putz told the network. "It was ..."
Mets passed over truly Amazin' baseball exec
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February 1
New York Post
 columnist Joel Sherman
"Early in the fall of 1997, at the outset of his first offseason as Mets' general manager, Steve Phillips restructured his front office. He lured Omar Minaya from Texas to be his assistant GM and hired a friend, Jim Duquette, as the director of pro personnel. Because he was good with computers and had ties to Sandy Koufax -- a real bonus in the Dodger-centric world of Koufax pal Fred Wilpon -- Gary LaRocque was named the director of amateur scouting. That was the job Jack Zduriencik deserved. Instead -- despite being employed significantly longer with the Mets than even Phillips -- he was shuffled from farm director to special assistant to the general manager. So at that moment Phillips, ..."
NY Mets sign Frank Catalanotto to minor league deal
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January 31
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"The Mets signed 35-year-old utilityman Frank Catalanotto on Saturday to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Catalanotto, a Smithtown, N.Y. native, hit .278 with a homer and nine RBIs in 77 games last season for the Brewers."
Mets ink Catalanotto
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January 31
New York Post
 
"Long Island native Frank Catalanotto will get a shot with the Mets this spring. The team announced yesterday that it signed the 35-year-old utilityman to a minor-league contract and will invite him to spring training."
Mets sign Frank Catalanotto to minor-league contract with spring training invitation
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January 31
New York Daily News
 
"The Mets looked closer to home to add another potential bat for their bench, signing Long Island's Frank Catalanotto, 35, Saturday to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. The Smithtown product hit .278 with one homer and nine RBI over 144 at-bats last season with Milwaukee."
NY Mets sign deals with Fernando Tatis, Josh Fogg
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January 30
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"The Mets re-signed utility man Fernando Tatis to a one-year contract on Friday. Also, the team signed right-handed pitcher Josh Fogg to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Tatis was a super utilityman in 125 games for the Mets last season, hitting .282 with eight homers and 48 RBIs, while playing all over the infield and in both corner outfield spots. The 35-year old won comeback player of the year honors in 2008. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, though the New York Post reported that he will be paid slightly less than $1.7 million."
Report: Mets watching Wang
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January 30
New York Post
 
"Chien-Ming Wang is being watched closely by the Mets, according to ESPN Insider. Wang's agent told the Web site that four or five teams are interested in the 29-year-old right-hander who had elbow surgery in July and is not expected to be major-league ready until May. The report says the Mets also are looking at John Smoltz and Braden Looper, and are stopping short with Wang because he will not be available for the entire season."
Mets Add Josh Fogg
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January 30
New York Times
 
"The Mets added the journeyman pitcher Josh Fogg, although it is not clear if he will be on the team when the season begins. Fogg, 33, has been with four teams in his major league career, mostly as a starter, although he pitched almost exclusively in relief for Colorado in 2009, compiling an 0-2 record with a 3.74 earned run average."
General manager Omar Minaya: I'm in charge of New York Mets' moves
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January 29
New York Daily News
 
"Omar Minaya tried to lay to rest scuttlebutt that he's not calling all the shots in the Mets' baseball operations department, saying on SNY's "Hot Stove" show Thursday night that he has "full autonomy." "Yes, I do," Minaya told host Kevin Burkhardt. "I know there's been some talk about that, but I have full autonomy." He added, "We feel good about working together and we'll continue to work together (in the front office)." The general manager added that the Mets have not had financial restrictions this winter."
Tatis' deal dooms Delgado
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January 29
New York Post
 
"The Mets will have a familiar face returning to first base on a part-time basis next season, and it won't be Carlos Delgado. Fernando Tatis agreed to a one-year deal with the team yesterday, according to an industry source, giving the Mets a tandem of Daniel Murphy and Tatis at first base heading into spring training. The deal won't be official until Tatis passes a physical. The Post first reported on Wednesday that the two sides were close to a deal. Tatis' addition all but closes the door on Delgado returning to the team. The Mets scouted Delgado in the Puerto Rican winter league, but didn't see enough to convince them he could handle first base on even a part-time basis after undergoing ..."
Hitting coach plans to get Mets' Wright back in swing
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January 29
New York Post
 
"David Wright's swing was all wrong last season. Here's the plan to make it right. Hitting coach Howard Johnson says the Mets' key hitter can overcome his batting woes from 2009 with several adjustments. "The foundation is laid this offseason," Johnson told The Post. Johnson and Wright spent time together in early December trying to correct the third baseman's swing. The theories about Citi Field affecting Wright can be thrown out the window. It comes down to two things -- timing and Wright not trying to carry the offensive burden on his shoulders. And it all starts with Wright's set-up. "I want him to be ready earlier," said Johnson, who has a strong working relationship with Wright. "I ..."
Tatis re-signs with Mets; Delgado won't be back
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January 29
New York Post
 
"Fernando Tatis is back with the Mets. The veteran utilityman agreed to a one-year deal today with the team, contingent upon his passing a physical. The Post first reported yesterday that the two sides were close to a deal. Tatis' return all but signals the end of Carlos Delgado's Mets career. Tatis is expected to platoon at first base with Daniel Murphy, but could see action in the outfield, if needed. According to a baseball source, Tatis agreed to a deal that will pay him less than the $1.7 million he earned last season, but he could approach that figure if he reaches certain incentives. The 35-year-old hit .282 with eight homers and 48 RBIs last season as a part-time player. The Rockies ..."
Tatis close to returning to Mets
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January 28
MLB.com
 
"The Mets are close to bringing back Fernando Tatis to possibly serve in a platoon with current first baseman Daniel Murphy, according to published reports. Mets general manager Omar Minaya is "deep into negotiations" with Tatis and "wants an answer soon" from his agent, Gary Goodman, the New York Post reported late Wednesday night. The New York Daily News, meanwhile, said that Tatis "will return" to the Mets. A deal with the free agent is expected to be finalized within days, according to both outlets, and it could eliminate any chance of the Mets re-signing Carlos Delgado, who is recovering from hip surgery and recently finished a stint in the Puerto Rican Winter League."
Murphy Mets' first option ... for now
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January 28
The Journal News
 
"Daniel Murphy is the first option at first base for the Mets. For now, anyway. Murphy was the only position player to attend minicamp this week, giving the Mets' staff a good look at what he might offer this season. The 14-player session ended Wednesday. "I think Daniel Murphy can do enough that we can survive," manager Jerry Manuel said. "He has some range at first base," Manuel said. "There are some things he can do, but I think the other pieces we have in place are going to have to perform to their offensive capabilities for us to get away with not relying solely on say what a Carlos Delgado would have brought." Mets general manager Omar Minaya said this week the organization had been ..."
Mets need to give Murphy 'first' shot
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January 28
New York Post
 columnist Kevin Kernan
"The Mets need to cut the Carlos Delgado cord and allow Daniel Murphy to play first base with Ike Davis just around the corner in the minor leagues. Murphy was the only "regular" to show up for the Mets' three-day voluntary mini-camp. He has re-invented himself as a player. He is quicker and stronger. He knew he had to do something to improve his skills. The left-handed hitting Murphy, who could wind up sharing the position with Fernando Tatis, always has been about doing extra work in the batting cage in the offseason. As a result, he didn't put the time in to improve defensively, but this offseason Murphy made a major change in his workout program. He knew he had to get quicker and ..."
Tatis talk closing door on Delgado
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January 28
New York Post
 
"Who's on first? The answer to that question for the Mets is Daniel Murphy, but another name might soon be added to the mix. According to an industry source, general manager Omar Minaya is deep into negotiations with Fernando Tatis for a return engagement — and could have a deal complete within a matter of days. That development would seem to eliminate the possibility of Carlos Delgado returning to the Mets next season, as Tatis has been told by Minaya that he is wanted as part of a first-base platoon with Murphy. Tatis made $1.7 million last season for the Mets and seeks a comparable 2010 contract. The Rockies and Mariners also have expressed interest. The source said Minaya spoke to ..."
Mets' need for set-up man keeps Bobby Parnell out of rotation
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January 28
New York Daily News
 
"Bobby Parnell won't get a chance to audition for the Mets' fifth starter's role during spring training. The team's dire need to identify a setup man for Francisco Rodriguez, and to a lesser extent Parnell's underwhelming eight-start audition last season when he had a 7.93 ERA, have led the Mets to consider Parnell only as a reliever. "He's not a starting candidate," Jerry Manuel said as the Mets minicamp wrapped up. "Not at all. (Fernando) Nieve is the guy we're looking at right now as we speak to be that (No. 5) guy." Parnell set a Mets rookie record last season with 68 appearances. He had a 3.46 ERA and one save as a reliever. "I don't have a burning desire to be a starter, but it ..."
Sources: Fernando Tatis re-signs with Mets, returns for third season
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January 28
New York Daily News
 
"The Mets have found the righty-hitting complement to spell Daniel Murphy at first base. And it's a familiar face. Fernando Tatis will return for a third season, according to a source. The deal should become official within days. Tatis, 35, hit .282 with eight homers and 48 RBI in 340 at-bats last season. He started 32 games at first base, 22 in left field, 20 at third base and five at second base."
In effort to stay fresh for New York Mets, Daniel Murphy eases up workouts
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January 28
New York Daily News
 
"Daniel Murphy may have been one of only three position players at the Mets' voluntary three-day minicamp that concluded Wednesday, but the team's projected 2010 first baseman insisted he had good reasons and really has scaled back his workaholic tendencies. Murphy wanted to get to know Chip Hale, the team's new infield and third base coach. After not playing winter ball for the first time as a pro, Murphy was getting stir crazy at home and wanted a brief change of scenery. And the drive from his home in Jacksonville, Fla., to the Mets' complex was only three hours. "I could have biked it and got down here faster than some people," Murphy said. Yes, the always-intense Murphy does say he's ..."
The Mets Play Hard to Get, This Time With Smoltz
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January 28
New York Times
 
"John Smoltz, who turns 43 in May and would like to extend his Hall of Fame career, has received 2010 contract offers from several teams, his agent, Lonnie Cooper, said Wednesday. The Mets, however, are not among those clubs, Cooper added, even though they have expressed some interest in Smoltz, a pitcher who often stymied them as a member of the Atlanta Braves. "We've had dialogue with the Mets," said Cooper, who is the chief executive of Career Sports Entertainment. "It's a team that John definitely would consider." But for the moment, at least, it is not a team that has put a deal on the table. The lack of an offer does not necessarily mean the Mets have only passing interest in Smoltz. ..."
Mets close to re-signing Tatis
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January 28
New York Post
 
"Omar Minaya is deep into negotiations with Fernando Tatis for a return engagement, and could have a deal complete within a matter of days, according to a baseball source. That development would seem to eliminate the possibility of Carlos Delgado returning to the Mets next season, because Tatis has been told by Minaya that he is wanted as part of a first-base platoon with Murphy. Tatis made $1.7 million last season for the Mets and seeks a comparable 2010 contract. The Rockies and Mariners have also expressed interest. The source said Minaya spoke to Tatis' agent, Gary Goodman, on Wednesday and wants an answer soon. Tatis, who has a long history with Minaya, recently told friends his ..."
Same old Mets even with Johan Santana
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January 27
Bergen Record
 columnist Bob Klapisch
"In the most narrow sense, it was a good day for the Mets, who watched Johan Santana throw off a mound for the first time since last September's elbow surgery. The great ace, attending the Mets' minicamp in Port St. Lucie, Fla., also played catch with Oliver Perez, who appears leaner and more motivated than a year ago. The Mets understandably are relieved, given that Santana's precious left arm had been cut for the second time in his career. And Perez, who all but stole the first installment of his three-year, $36 million contract in 2009, might just be growing up. But while Jeff Wilpon and Omar Minaya were looking inward Tuesday, the rest of the industry was busy. The backwash was not ..."
Davey: Mets should 'manage' to do better
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January 27
New York Post
 
"Former Mets manager Davey Johnson said it saddens him to see what has happened to the franchise he led to its last World Series title. "I don't like to see them on hard times," Johnson said before last night's Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) dinner. "Losing 90-some games -- I thought we changed all that." Johnson said he believes it's time for this group of Mets to finally realize its potential. "It's getting time to put it all together," Johnson said. "I know their division's tough and I know they're up against a pretty good ballclub in Philly, but I think they've got it and I'd like to see them do much better." Another Mets great, Ed Kranepool, questioned why center fielder Carlos ..."
'Excited' Santana re-armed and ready
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January 27
New York Post
 
"Groundhog Day arrived a week early for the Mets, with Johan Santana proclaiming yesterday from a bullpen mound that just maybe his team isn't headed for six more weeks of hell. For the first time in five months, since Santana underwent surgery to remove bone chips from his left elbow, Mets brass saw its $137-million ace back on a mound, unleashing pitches. The lefty threw 24 pitches and called it a day, saying he's ready for the start of spring training in three weeks. "I was very excited about today," Santana said after the six-minute session, which highlighted the second day of mini-camp. "The ball was coming out pretty good. I don't feel anything in my arm, so I think everything should ..."
Fernando Nieve could take the fifth spot in rotation for New York Mets
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January 27
New York Daily News
 
"At this rate, Fernando Nieve may really be the front-runner for the final slot in the Mets' rotation, with Jon Niese and a couple of players brought in on minor-league contracts competing. Free agent Ben Sheets signed with Oakland for one year at $10 million Tuesday. Then, hours later, the Padres reportedly reached an agreement with Jon Garland. The best remaining free-agent option appears to be John Smoltz. Asked if Sheets and Garland coming off the board meant something imminently would happen with the Mets, too, a team official replied: "No. Not now.""
Santana feels great in return to mound with New York Mets
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January 27
New York Daily News
 
"Johan Santana expects to skip at least the first turn through the Grapefruit League rotation. Not to worry. Nearly five months after surgery to remove bone chips from his left elbow, the ace returned to a mound Tuesday morning during the team's voluntary minicamp. He immediately noticed how good he felt during the follow-through of his delivery compared with last season. "Once they took those things out, I felt relieved right away," Santana said about the Sept. 1 surgery. "I felt good. I felt brand new because everything was cleaned up. To get that out of the way and be able to move your arm was big for me. I'm feeling good." Santana threw 25 pitches - fastballs and changeups - to ..."
Chris Carter, ex-Red Sox prospect who came in Billy Wagner trade, springs ahead for New York Mets
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January 27
New York Daily News
 
"After GM Theo Epstein claimed Billy Wagner off waivers last August, the ex-Met made 15 appearances with the Red Sox. Yet while Boston may have seemed to pay a hefty price for Wagner's limited contribution, the Sox received something else valuable, too. Boston, and not the Mets, ultimately added two high-round draft picks once Wagner signed with the Braves. What did the Mets receive, aside from the $3.2 million salary savings? Two prospects not in the Red Sox's plans: Eddie Lora and, eventually, Chris Carter. Carter, like Daniel Murphy, is one of the few position players at this week's minicamp. Also like Murphy, Carter is billed as a good hitter in need of a position. "He's a major-league ..."
Mets Are Hoping Perez Will Continue to Follow Santana's Lead
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January 27
New York Times
 
"Johan Santana and Oliver Perez were in the waiting room together at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan early last September, two left-handed starters taking their turns on the operating table rather than in the rotation. Santana was the first one to go in; he had bone chips removed from his left elbow by Dr. David Altchek, the Mets' medical director. Just minutes later, Perez was wheeled in to have his right knee fixed. Not long after, the two went their separate ways - Santana to Florida and Perez to Arizona, each to do his physical rehabilitation. They spoke a few times during the off-season and then reunited at the Mets' spring training facility, where they threw in tandem ..."
Sheets to A's; only Smoltz left for Mets
Comment
January 27
New York Post
 
"Two more starters are gone from the free-agent pool, and there is still a big question mark at the back of the Mets' starting rotation. Ben Sheets and Jon Garland became the latest high-profile pitchers to sign elsewhere, yesterday agreeing to terms with the Athletics and Padres, respectively. That leaves John Smoltz as perhaps the last man standing if the Mets intend to address their rotation through the free-agent market. A club insider yesterday indicated GM Omar Minaya has been in contact with Smoltz, but the Mets will only sign the 42-year-old right-hander if they can do it cheaply. After watching Johan Santana's bullpen session at mini-camp, Minaya didn't sound as if he's counting on ..."