Poll Results: How Many Home Runs will Ike Davis have this year?

Poll Results: How Many Home Runs will Ike Davis have this year?

Selection Votes

Below 25 HR's  - 26% -  22

26-30 HR's - 43% - 37

31-35 HR's - 23% - 20

36-40 HR's - 5% - 4
41-45 HR's - 2% - 2
46-50 HR's - 1% - 1

Please Continue to vote on our right sidebar!

86 votes total
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My Tour of Citi Field (Photos)

I Took a Tour of Citi Field Today.. I must say the building looks like it's starting to fall apart, especially in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. The Marble Floors looked cracked and some even were filled in..  The weather has taken a toll in the rotunda.

Enough of the negativity,  as far as the rest of the tour it was pretty cool. They take you everywhere average fans don't see.. Like the Clubhouse, which I was not able to take pictures (sorry).. The Mets rep told me the Mets Players respect their privacy of their lockers.. The only problem I had with that is none of the lockers were occupied except Mr. Wright's Locker which had a NY Giants Helmet Hanging from it (Good Mets PR).

The rest of the tour was pretty much captured on film below..  I got to take a look at the Caesars' Club, Delta Club, Pressbox, Citi Field Operations Booth,  On Field, In Dugout and last but not least, The Mets Hall of Fame which was a real treat since I never was there since it's opening..

If you would like to reserve you own tour Click Here

Take a look at my pictures and enjoy the slide show!

Mets looking to add lefty outfielder bat for their bench

Andy Martino of the Ny Daily News reports with Spring training is three weeks away, the Mets off-season work might not be complete.

According to two team insiders, the club is looking for a veteran left-handed bat for the bench, and is shopping in the aisle that includes Rick Ankiel, Kosuke Fukudome, Raul Ibanez and Johnny Damon.

Ankiel or Fukudome could provide Terry Collins with a lefty pinch-hitter, occasional platoon partner for Jason Bay, and insurance against an injury to, or disappointing performance from, Bay, Lucas Duda, or Andres Torres.

After Willie Harris signed with Cincinnati, the Mets were left with two unproven players, Mike Baxter and Adam Loewen, as their options for the lefty off the bench.

Most major league managers prefer veterans in that role, because those players are accustomed to the unique challenges of irregular play and pinch-hitting — and because developing players are best served playing every day in Triple-A.

FUKUDOME'S STATS

	GP	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
2011 Regular Season	146	530	59	139	27	3	8	35	61	110	4	6	.262	.342	.370	.712
Career	572	1888	262	491	110	13	42	191	299	393	29	28	.260	.361	.399	.760

ANKIEL'S STATS

	GP	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
2011 Regular Season	122	380	46	91	20	0	9	37	29	96	10	3	.239	.296	.363	.659
Career	540	1635	232	402	84	7	64	218	142	436	20	8	.246	.309	.423	.732

Poll Results: How many wins do you think the Mets will have in 2012?

Here is how the votes are coming in to our Poll:

How many wins do you think the Mets will have in 2012?

Selection Votes 

• Under 60 Wins - 9% -  15
• 61-70 Wins -  29%  - 50
• 71-80 Wins - 40% - 70
• 81-90 Wins -  20% - 34
• 91-100 Wins - 3% - 5
• Over 100 Wins - 0% - 0

174 votes total
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Please Vote on our right side bar - Thanks for the support!

Glimpse of Spring, Take Look at Mets 40 Man Roster and Non Roster Invitees

Take a look at the Mets 40 Man Roster and Non Roster invitees going into Spring Training, which is fast approaching!

New York Mets 40-Man Roster

New York Mets 40-man Roster

#	Pitchers	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
46	Manny Acosta	R-R	6'4"	215	May 1, 1981
27	Pedro Beato	R-R	6'4"	220	Oct 27, 1986
40	Tim Byrdak	L-L	5'11"	190	Oct 31, 1973
77	D.J. Carrasco	R-R	6'4"	215	Apr 12, 1977
	Robert Carson	L-L	6'3"	220	Jan 23, 1989
43	R.A. Dickey	R-R	6'2"	220	Oct 29, 1974
	Jeurys Familia	R-R	6'3"	185	Oct 10, 1989
	Frank Francisco	R-R	6'2"	250	Sep 11, 1979
35	Dillon Gee	R-R	6'1"	205	Apr 28, 1986
	Jeremy Hefner	R-R	6'4"	215	Mar 11, 1986
32	Jenrry Mejia	R-R	6'0"	205	Oct 11, 1989
49	Jon Niese	L-L	6'4"	215	Oct 27, 1986
39	Bobby Parnell	R-R	6'4"	200	Sep 8, 1984
34	Mike Pelfrey	R-R	6'7"	250	Jan 14, 1984
	Ramon Ramirez	R-R	5'11"	200	Aug 31, 1981
	Jon Rauch	R-R	6'10"	290	Sep 27, 1978
66	Armando Rodriguez	R-R	6'3"	250	Jan 28, 1988
57	Johan Santana	L-L	6'0"	210	Mar 13, 1979
63	Chris Schwinden	R-R	6'3"	215	Sep 22, 1986
64	Josh Stinson	R-R	6'4"	210	Mar 14, 1988
#	Catchers	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
13	Mike Nickeas	R-R	6'0"	215	Feb 13, 1983
30	Josh Thole	L-R	6'1"	215	Oct 28, 1986
#	Infielders	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
	Ronny Cedeno	R-R	6'0"	190	Feb 2, 1983
29	Ike Davis	L-L	6'4"	230	Mar 22, 1987
	Wilmer Flores	R-R	6'3"	175	Aug 6, 1991
	Reese Havens	L-R	6'1"	195	Oct 20, 1986
65	Zach Lutz	R-R	6'1"	222	Jun 3, 1986
28	Daniel Murphy	L-R	6'2"	205	Apr 1, 1985
3	Josh Satin	R-R	6'2"	200	Dec 23, 1984
11	Ruben Tejada	R-R	5'11"	185	Oct 27, 1989
2	Justin Turner	R-R	6'0"	210	Nov 23, 1984
63	Jordany Valdespin	L-R	6'0"	190	Dec 23, 1987
5	David Wright	R-R	6'0"	210	Dec 20, 1982
#	Outfielders	B/T	Ht	Wt	DOB
44	Jason Bay	R-R	6'2"	210	Sep 20, 1978
21	Lucas Duda	L-R	6'4"	255	Feb 3, 1986
12	Scott Hairston	R-R	6'0"	205	May 25, 1980
	Juan Lagares	R-R	6'1"	175	Mar 17, 1989
	Kirk Nieuwenhuis	L-R	6'3"	215	Aug 7, 1987
	Cesar Puello	R-R	6'2"	195	Apr 1, 1991
	Andres Torres	S-R	5'9"	200	Jan 26, 1978

Mets sign INF Matt Tuiasosopo to a minor league deal

Infielder Matt Tuiasosopo, whose father and brother played in the NFL, has agreed to a minor league contract with the New York Mets.

The 25-year-old hit .226 with 14 homers and 77 RBIs in 439 at-bats last season with Seattle’s Triple-A Tacoma farm team. He has a .176 average with five homers and 15 RBIs with the Mariners from 2008-10.

His father, Manu, was with the Seattle Seahawks for three seasons. His brother, Marques, was with the Oakland Raiders and New York Jets for eight seasons.

Mets Owners ask Judge to dismiss Madoff Trustee's Case

The New York Mets’ owners asked a judge to dismiss $386 million in remaining claims brought by the trustee liquidating Bernard Madoff’s firm, saying their “early faith” in Madoff was well-founded because of his reputation.

U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff threw out most of trustee Irving Picard’s $1 billion in claims against the team owners. The judge said Picard must prove they were willfully blind to the convicted Ponzi schemer’s crimes if he wants to recoup money they withdrew from their Madoff accounts, the Mets owners noted. Since Picard hasn’t proved that, he has no case against them, they argued.

“Defendants trusted their broker, Bernard L. Madoff, and never suspected him of any fraud, let alone a Ponzi scheme,” team owners Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz said in a court filing yesterday. Picard can’t show they believed there was “a high probability” that Madoff was running a Ponzi scheme or that they took “deliberate action” to avoid seeing what was going on, they said.

The Mets owners, after losing money in the Ponzi scheme and an income stream from Madoff, have said they are trying to sell stakes in the Major League Baseball team. Picard’s claims remain a threat to their finances.

Jeff Francis signs a minor-league contract with the Cincinnati Reds

Jeff Francis was a pitcher the Mets had on their radar, but he has decided to go to Cincinnati instead.

Free agent pitcher Jeff Francis signed a minor-league contract with the Cincinnati Reds, CBSSports.com insider Jon Heyman has learned.

Francis, a 31-year-old left-hander, was 6-16 with a 4.82 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 91 strikeouts in 183 innings for the Royals last season. He was once an effective starter, but that was back in 2006-07 with the Rockies.

Not only that, but the Reds have plenty of starting pitching. Mat Latos and Johnny Cueto are the top two in the rotation, with Bronson Arroyo, Mike Leake and Homer Bailey in tow as well. Plus, left-handed fireballer Aroldis Chapman is being converted to a starter this spring as well. So even if Francis gets a nod in the rotation before long reliever Sam LeCure, he is the seventh option.

On the other hand, Latos, Cueto, Arroyo, Leake and Bailey are all right handed. If Chapman doesn't cut it as a starter, it's entirely possible Francis gets a look as the fifth starter at some point, just to have a lefty in there.

The Mets might still turn their attention to RHP Chris Young , who is coming off an arm injury.. 

Video: Mets Paul DePodesta on Clubhouse Confidential

Paul DePodesta Talks about Moneyball, Scouting and his experiences in his various roles in the MLB.

Mets Monitoring left-handed hitting outfielder market

The Mets are "diligently monitoring" the market for left-handed-hitting outfielders such as Johnny Damon, Kosuke Fukudome, Rick Ankiel, Raul Ibanez and Juan Pierre, according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com. Crasnick adds that the surplus of players who fit that bill affords the cash-strapped Mets with some much-needed negotiating leverage (Twitter links).

Andres Torres is the Mets' projected starting center fielder, and he'll be flanked by Jason Bay in left and perhaps a platoon of Scott Hairston and Lucas Duda in right, so it's unclear as to what role one of the above-mentioned players would fill.

Video: John Franco will be entered in the Mets Hall of Fame

Mets sign Venezuelan Pitcher

The Mets have signed left-handed pitcher Adrián Almeida, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN NY .

Diario Meridiano journalist Carlos Daniel Carrasco graciously provides these additional details:

Almeida was born in Tucacas, a little town in Falcón's coast. He is 16 years old and is a left-handed pitcher. He was invited to the Red Sox's team in the Liga Paralela, where he threw 2.0 innings against Bravos de Margarita, the Venezuelan team who signed him one week ago. Today the Mets signed him for $170,000.

Mets open to bringing back RHP Chris Young

Sandy Alderson tells ESPN's Jerry Crasnick that the Mets are open to bringing back right-hander Chris Young, likely on a minor league contract.  Young made just four starts for the Mets last year before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery, but he tells Crasnick that he hopes to be pitching by April and his "arm feels the best it has felt in quite some time" (both Twitter links).

Cody Ross agrees to sign with Red Sox

Cody Ross agreed to sign with the Boston Red Sox, giving them an experienced hitter with postseason success on his resume to help replace J.D. Drew in right field.

Foxsports.com and ESPN.com reported the contract is for one year and $3 million. Ross told The Associated Press in a text message late Monday that the deal won't be finalized until he takes a physical.

The 31-year-old Ross batted .240 with 14 home runs and 52 RBIs for the San Francisco Giants last season while playing at least 22 games at every outfield position.

Ross was the 2010 NL championship series MVP for the Giants and helped them win the World Series that year after they picked him up off waivers in August. He expressed his thanks on Twitter to San Francisco fans and wrote: "Looking fwd to meeting the (hash)redsoxnation fans!!"

Mets appear to be the only serious suitor for Cody Ross, Nothing appears imminent

Andy Martino of the New York Daily News gets "a sense" that the Mets' interest in outfielder Cody Ross "is not very strong right now." "Certainly nothing imminent," writes Martino.


New York appears to be Ross' most serious suitor at the moment, but it's likely that the Mets are waiting for his asking price to drop even lower. Ross was looking for a three-year contract when this offseason began, but he has since lowered those demands significantly.

Perhaps the Mets could snag him on a one-year deal with performance incentives. The 31-year-old batted just .240/.325/.405 last season for the Giants, but he slugged 14 home runs in 121 games and holds a shiny .912 career OPS against left-handed pitchers. Sounds like a nice platoon option for the Mets.

Video: Mike Piazza Wants to go in the Hall of Fame in a Mets Uniform

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Link: Seaver Talks About Alderson , Rebuilding, and Pitching

In a Q&A with Joe Brescia in the New York Times, Tom Seaver had the following to say about: Click here for more

Jose Reyes cheered by Mets Fans at Baseball Writer's dinner

He is no longer a Met, but Jose Reyes was still a Mets fan favorite at the Baseball Writers of America New York chapter awards dinner Saturday night.

Making his first public appearance since he bolted for the Marlins as a free agent, Reyes was cheered by fans in the audience when he was introduced.

Reyes was honored with the Good Guy Award and lived up to the honor by making it a point to thank Mets fans.
“I know I am not going to be here no more, but I appreciate all the support you gave me all these years,” Reyes said.

Read more: New York Daily News

Gary Carter sends message to Mets Fans

Gary Carter is too ill to travel, but the former Mets catcher received a standing ovation when his name was mentioned last night.

Carter, who is fighting an uphill battle against brain cancer, sent a message via his children at an awards dinner.

“I’ll always have a special place in my heart for the city and people of New York,” said Carter, in a message read by his son, D.J. “I’ll never forget my first game in a Mets uniform on Opening Day in 1985 when I had the fortune of leading the team to victory with a walkoff home run.

“The fans were always supportive of me on the baseball field and continue to support me and my family since I was diagnosed with brain cancer in May.”

Carter was honored with the Arthur and Milton Richman “You Gotta Have Heart” Award at the Baseball Writers Association New York chapter’s annual dinner at the Hilton in Midtown.


Source: NY Post

Odds to win the 2012 World Series, Mets among the bottom feeders in the league

Just when you thought the local papers and some bloggers were in agreement that the Mets will have a terrible season, Vegas has come up with the latest odds to win the 2012 World Series. The Mets are a 100/1 shot to win the whole thing along with the White Sox, Pirates, and Orioles.. The only teams to have worse odds are the Padres, A's (150/1) and Astros, who are 300/1.

Now that we know who are at the bottom, looking at the top are the Phillies, Red Sox, Yanks, Rangers, and Angels with the acquisitions of  Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson.

If you were wondering, the New Miami Marlins with the great Jose Reyes are 30/1 odds to win it all..


Here is the total list of odds to Win the 2012 World Series:

Team Odds

1. Philadelphia Phillies 9/2
2. Boston Red Sox 7/1
3. New York Yankees 7/1
4. Texas Rangers 8/1
5. Los Angeles Angels 8/1
6. Detroit Tigers 12/1
7. Tampa Bay Rays 15/1

Red Sox trade INF Marco Scutaro to Rockies, No need to trade for Justin Turner

According to ESPN,  the Boston Red Sox looking to free up money to pursue either starting pitcher Roy Oswalt or outfielder Cody Ross, have traded shortstop Marco Scutaro to the Colorado Rockies.

The Red Sox received right-handed pitcher Clayton Mortensen in return. Mortensen, 26, is a former first-round sandwich pick in 2007 by St. Louis, who sent Mortensen to Oakland in the deal for outfielder Matt Holliday. The Rockies acquired Mortensen for a minor league player last January; the Red Sox become his fourth big league organization.

Last season, he was 2-4 with a 3.86 ERA in 16 games, six of them starts.

Scutaro was projected as Boston's starting shortstop but will play second base and bat second in Colorado, where the Rockies also have added Michael Cuddyer and Ramon Hernandez in an offseason makeover following last year's disappointing slide.

Mets are trying to sign OF Cody Ross

From ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick comes word that the Mets “have an interest” in free agent outfielder Cody Ross and “are making a run at signing him.”

Ross went into this off-season in search of a three-year contract, but he has scaled back those expectations in recent weeks and might be resigned to accepting a one-year deal with a fairly low base salary if no other teams get seriously involved.

The Mets aren’t exactly the best fit given that they’re trying to rebuild and already have a host of mediocre outfielders, but Ross can be effective when used correctly.

The 31-year-old has averaged 21 home runs per 162 games in his eight-year major league career and holds a .912 career OPS against left-handed pitchers.

CODY ROSS' STATS

	GP	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
2011 Regular Season	121	405	54	97	25	0	14	52	49	96	5	2	.240	.325	.405	.730
Career	757	2436	328	636	152	11	100	371	197	571	28	8	.261	.323	.456	.779

Mets Prospect OF Matt Den Dekker ( Video and Scouting Report)

The Mets have invited 23 year old, OF Matt Den Dekker to spring training camp along with RHP Matt Harvey. Many Mets fans do not know who he is, so here is a good chance to take a look at some footage that I came across along with a scouting report.

Den Dekker is  Best known for his version of “The Catch” in the 2010 College World Series, Den Dekker had a stellar career at the University of Florida prior to signing for a considerable bonus given his status as a fourth year senior. Click here for Footage of "The Catch"




OF Matt Den Dekker Scouting Report From Scouting the Sally:

Physical Projection: Listed at 6’1″, 205 lbs., Den Dekker is well-proportioned and looks the part of a college athlete who has benefited from a major college strength and conditioning program. As an athlete, he’s certainly not bursting with tools, but he makes the most out of his physical attributes and they play up due to his being a “grinder” who understands his strengths well.

Rockies strongly interested in Justin Turner for 2B

According the Denver Post, the Rockies turned their attention to adding another second baseman. They talked with the Red Sox about Marco Scutaro, but the deal fizzled given the Rockies' lack of financial flexibility and Boston's reluctance to part with the veteran without another everyday shortstop option.

The Rockies remain strongly interested in the Mets' Justin Turner, a more attainable target.

As it stands, Chris Nelson, D.J. LeMahieu and Jonathan Herrera will compete for the second base job.

The Mets were interested in Eric Young Jr., who has been a hot commodity for the Mets lately..

Mets one of four teams interested in Jeff Francis

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN says the Mets are among four teams “keeping tabs” on LHP Jeff Francis.


Francis, 31, went 6-16 with a 4.82 ERA 183 innings over 31 starts for the Royals last season. Although he allowed 224 hits, he allowed just 39 walks while striking out 91.

It was the first time he had made more than 30 starts in a season since 2007, when he went 17-9 and a 4.22 ERA with the Rockies.

JEFF FRANCIS' STATS

	GP	GS	CG	SHO	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	W	L	P/GS	WHIP	BAA	ERA
2011 Regular Season	31	31	1	0	183.0	224	102	98	19	39	91	6	16	95.3	1.44	.301	4.82
Career	181	180	3	2	1065.2	1198	592	566	128	326	694	61	66	96.8	1.43	.286	4.78

Pieces of Citi Field's Walls are on Auction

Pieces of Citi Field history (all three years of it) are on sale to the highest bidder.

In a decidedly odd online auction, the cash-strapped Mets are hawking seven separate chunks of the padded left-field wall, that’s been guarded by such “old-time” Amazin’s legends as Daniel Murphy and Jason Bay.

Flushing faithful with a few thousand bucks in their pockets can get their hands on markers celebrating their favorite corporate sponsors and championship teams.

Mets VP Jay Horwitz insisted the sale isn’t a cash grab, just a routine auction prompted by the team’s left-field redesign.

Video: R.A. Dickey talks about his Climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro on CNN

Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey talks about his climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro in support of the fight against human trafficking.

David Wright stops by Citi Field to check out the new dimensions (Photos)

Wright: "I'm excited about the changes...I can't wait until April"

Wright and Jeff Wilpon

R.A. Dickey and Daniel Murphy will be honored at the Thurman Munson Award Dinner

Daniel Murphy and R.A. Dickey will join former Yankees and Mets Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra, Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, and newly-inducted NBA Hall of Famer guard Chris Mullin as the honorees at the 32nd Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner on Tuesday night, January 31, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.

Proceeds benefit The AHRC New York City Foundation which is a not-for-profit organization that supports programs enabling children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead richer, more productive lives.

For tickets and information on the Munson Awards Dinner call 212-249-6188.

Mets invite RHP Matt Harvey and OF Matt den Dekker to Spring Camp

The Mets have invited Prospects RHP Matt Harvey and OF Matt den Dekker to Spring Training Camp, Adam Rubin reports.

However, Zack Wheeler the young right-hander acquired in the Carlos Beltran deal was not invited.

Wheeler only finished the year in A-ball so he is not as polished. Plus,as one team outsider put it, the Mets would have to spend more on meal money and accommodations. St. Lucie can be quite pricey that time of year.

Doctors find more brain tumors on Gary Carter

Gary Carter’s battle against brain cancer took another turn for the worse Thursday, when the former Mets catcher received more bad news in an MRI result.

The test revealed that the amount of tumors had increased and the family will meet with more doctors soon to discuss what comes next.

“Just a few moments ago, my mom received a phone call from [the doctor] at Duke,” Carter’s daughter, Kimmy Bloemers, wrote on a family website Thursday. “I wish I could say that the results were good ...”

The MRI exam, taken Friday, showed there “are now several new spots/tumors on my dad's brain,” according to Bloemers. “I write these words with tears because I am so sad for my dad. Dr. Jimmy Harris will be coming to my parent's house [Thursday] evening to talk to the family about the next step.”

Fans will Pay More this year at Digital Domain Park

Fans attending baseball games at Digital Domain Park this season will find they are paying higher prices than years past.


On Tuesday, the St. Lucie County Board of Commissioners approved Sterling Facility Services' proposed price increases for tickets and concessions at New York Mets spring training and St. Lucie Mets Florida State League games.

HERE ARE THE DIGITAL DOMAIN PARK PRICES:

SPRING TRAINING TICKETS

Section  - 2011 -  2012 -   % Increase
Premium Box -  $25 - $25 -  0%
Lower-Level Reserve -  $18 - $20 - 11%
Field Level Terrace  - $20 - $20 - 0%
Upper-Level Reserved -  $12 - $15 - 25%
General Admission  - $6 - $8 - 33%

ST. LUCIE METS TICKETS
Section -  2011 -  2012 -  Increase
Premium seating  - $8 -  $8 -  0%
Adult General Admission - $6 -  $6 -  0%
Children General Admission  - $4 - $5 - 25%
Season tickets - $200 - $210 -  5%

Good News for Freddy Wilpon, Judge denies appeal from Trustee in Mets Madoff Trial

A U.S. District Judge denied an appeal Tuesday from the trustee seeking to recover funds from Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme, limiting the potential liability of Mets owners at trial to no more than $386 million.

Judge Jed Rakoff stood firm on his September ruling, keeping trustee Irving Picard from recovering more than the $386 million in principal and fictitious profits that Mets owners Fred and Jeff Wilpon and Saul Katz made in the two years prior to Madoff's exposure as a fraud. Picard had been seeking $1 billion on the standard that as longtime investors, Wilpon and Katz should have known about Madoff's fraud.

Even after Tuesday's ruling, Picard will need to prove that Wilpon and Katz knew of Madoff's fraud before his conviction in order to collect more than $83.3 million in fictitious profits from the Mets owners.

The Mets have not officially commented on the ruling.

A trial date is set for March 19. Rakoff said he did not want to grant Picard's appeal, because it would delay that trial date and slow the case's resolution.

The Mets are currently working to close on the sale of multiple $20 million minority ownership stakes. Parent company Sterling Equities holds an outstanding $25 million loan from Major League Baseball and a $40 million bridge loan from Bank of America.

Right Field Wall Construction Update (Photo)

Right Field is getting a New Look

Mets GM Alderson Part of International Talent Committee

Major League Baseball's International Talent Committee, which is discussing the possibility of a worldwide draft and includes Mets general manager Sandy Alderson, met for the first time on Jan. 9, a person familiar with the schedule told the Daily News on Wednesday.

MLB and the Players' Association later issued a joint news release confirming that the committee — which, in addition to Alderson, includes MLB executives Rob Manfred and Kim Ng, Tampa Bay exec Andrew Friedman, and union officials Michael Weiner, Stan Javier,Tony Clark and Rick Schapiro — had begun its work.

Although it was created in November by the new Collective Bargaining Agreement to discuss myriad issues, the committee will be watched most closely for its treatment of the draft. The concept inspires vehement opposition in many parts of Latin America, and its opponents point to Puerto Rico as an example of why a draft can cripple a country's baseball economy.

"The concern is, countries do not want to be Puerto Rico," former Mets GM Minaya told the News in November, referring to the oft-cited example of the U.S. territory that became subject to the amateur draft in 1990.

Seattle Mariners Take a Chance, Sign Oliver Perez to Minor League Contract

Left-handed pitcher Oliver Perez, who won 15 games for the New York Mets in 2007 before hitting hard times, signed a minor-league contract with the Mariners on Wednesday. Perez, 30, was invited to major-league spring training.

Perez followed his breakthrough '07 season by going 10-7 in 34 starts for the Mets in 2008, earning a three-year, $36 million contract from the Mets.

But he was hampered by knee problems, eventually requiring surgery, in 2009, and went 3-4 with a 6.82 earned-run average in 14 starts. That was followed by a disastrous 2010 season, in which Perez went 0-5 with a 6.80 ERA in 17 games (seven starts).

Construction at Digital Domain Park is "On-Schedule"

Construction crews renovating Digital Domain Park — the New York Mets' spring training stadium are on a tight time schedule to complete their work by the start of Grapefruit League play.

The project to replace the right-field line bleachers with premium stadium seating began the second week of November, and with just over six weeks before the March 5 opener, much work remains to be done.

Workers from Straticon Construction began pouring concrete into the brick walls last week, and only the wooden framework for the new seating area was in place.

The Mets and St. Lucie County officials overseeing the project say they are confident it will be ready in time.

"It's extremely tight, but every day I'm on site, the foreman tells me we are on schedule," St. Lucie County Parks Manager for the North Division, Guy Medor said Friday. "There have been no major setbacks, and without a doubt it will be complete.

Ike Davis should have break out season for the Mets, But what will his numbers look like?

From what I read Ike Davis will have the green light going into 2012. Ike Davis should be healthy enough to play a entire season for the New York Mets. (Let's Pray)

So I looked at Ike Davis' numbers and tried to project what he could do in a full season with the New York Mets this year.

Let's take a look at Ike's Stats:

IKE DAVIS' STATS

	GP	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
2011 Regular Season	36	129	20	39	8	1	7	25	17	31	0	0	.302	.383	.543	.925
Career	183	652	93	177	41	2	26	96	89	169	3	2	.271	.357	.460	.817

I seriously think that Ike Davis will have break-out season. I hope at least for Mets Fans to have something to cheer for. I think when Ike is on the field, the Mets are at their best.. He gives you great defense and has awesome power with the ability to hit for average.

Mets avoid arbitration with Mike Pelfrey and Other Players

The Mets avoided arbitration with Mike Pelfrey on Tuesday.

According to CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman, Pelfrey has signed for $5.68M, an increase from $3.925M.

Pelfrey can earn a bonus of $35,000 to $42,500 for 195, 200, 205, 210 and 215 innings pitched and can become a free agent after the 2013 season.

The big right-hander struggled in 2011, going 7-13 with a 4.74 ERA. This coming after a 15-win season in 2010. While Pelfrey has a career 4.40 ERA, he has gone at least 184 innings the last four seasons.

Note: Mets have avoided Arbitration with Ramon Ramirez, Andres Torres, and Manny Acosta as well.

MIKE PELFREY'S STATS

	GP	GS	CG	SHO	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	W	L	P/GS	WHIP	BAA	ERA
2011 Regular Season	34	33	2	0	193.2	220	111	102	21	65	105	7	13	97.2	1.47	.286	4.74
Career	150	146	4	0	876.2	965	458	429	70	314	493	50	54	100.6	1.46	.283	4.40

Mets payroll only reaches $90.05 Million, Lowest since 2000

The Mets payroll in 2012 will only reach the $90 Million plateau. This is the lowest payroll the Mets have had since the 2000 season where the Mets payroll only reached $79.8 Million.

• 2011: $142,797,166 
• 2010: $126,498,096
  
• 2009: $149,373,987
  
• 2008: $137,793,376
  
• 2007: $115,231,663
  
• 2006: $101,084,963
• 2005: $101,305,821
• 2004: $ 96,660,970
• 2003: $117,476,429
• 2002: $ 94,633,593
• 2001: $ 93,674,429
• 2000: $ 79,800,000

The Mets 2000 season is the last season where the Mets were in the World Series verses the New York Yankees and we all know how it ended.. Not Good!

Should this give us Mets Fans reason for a optimistic outlook for the 2012 Season?  We should all keep in mind that anything in the Majors can happen.. Did anyone think the Cards were going to really win it all?
 

San Francisco Giants and Angel Pagan Agree on 1 Year Deal

According to ESPN, the San Francisco Giants and outfielder Angel Pagan agreed to a $4.85 million, one-year contract that avoided arbitration.

Pagan was acquired during last month's winter meetings from the New York Mets for outfielder Andres Torres and reliever Ramon Ramirez.

The 30-year-old Pagan, who replaced mentor Carlos Beltran in center field while with New York, is a switch-hitter with speed. He batted .262 with seven home runs and 56 RBIs last season, down from .290 with 11 homers and 69 RBIs in 2010. Beltran moved to right field for the Mets in spring training before he was traded to the Giants in late July. After an injury-plagued stint in the Bay Area that saw the 2010 World Series champions miss the playoffs, Beltran departed to the St. Louis Cardinals on a two-year contract.

Pagan's deal includes $150,000 in performance bonuses: $50,000 each for 550, 600 and 650 plate appearances.

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Enemy Watch: Phillies' Ryan Howard to be Out till May?

Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro spoke to Fox Sports and said it will be “great” if first baseman Ryan Howard is able to return to the team in May after undergoing surgery for a ruptured left Achilles.

Amaro said Howard was recently cleared to resume strength-building exercises and some weight-bearing activities. “We’re still being very cautious with him,” Amaro said.

In the meantime, Amaro is content with the internal options to fill in for Howard: John Mayberry Jr., Ty Wigginton, Laynce Nix, and Jim Thome. “We’re covered,” Amaro said.

Amaro is very satisfied with reports on Thome, as he prepares to play in the field on a limited basis. Thome, 41, has played just four games at first base since 2005 – and none since 2007. “Our medical people are surprised at the shape he’s in,” Amaro said. “They think he might be better now than he was when we first signed him in 2002.” Amaro said it’s conceivable that Thome could play first base as often as four or five times per month.

Players that have a outside shot at making the Mets Opening Day Roster

With the Start of Spring Training about a month away, here are some of the players that have a outside shot on the 25-Man Roster.

Players in Blue Bold Have Better Shot!
 

Satin could get a bench spot

Position Players 
C Kai Gronauer
C Rob Johnson
C Lucas May
UTL Vinny Rottino
1B/3B Zach Lutz
1B/OF Val Pascucci
2B Reese Havens BA#9 BP#8
SS Wilmer Flores BA#10 BP#16
IF Sean Kazmar
IF Omar Quintanilla*
IF Josh Satin
IF Jordany Valdespin* BP#6
IF/OF Corey Wimberly** 
OF Matt Den Dekker*
OF Juan Lagares BP#5
OF Adam Loewen*
OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis* BA#7 BP#11
OF Cesar Puello BA#5 BP#9

Starting Pitchers 

Familia

RHP Jeurys Familia BA #4 BP#3
RHP Matt Harvey BA#2 BP#1
RHP Jeremy Hefner
RHP Collin McHugh
RHP Jenrry Mejia BA#6 BP#7 + underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2011
RHP Dylan Owen
RHP Armando Rodriguez
RHP Chris Schwinden BP#19
RHP Zack Wheeler BA#1 BP#2
LHP Mark Cohoon

Relievers 
RHP Miguel Batista
RHP Pedro Beato
RHP Fernando Cabrera
RHP Brad Holt

Beato

RHP Elvin Ramirez
RHP Jeff Stevens
RHP Josh Stinson
RHP Erik Turgeon
LHP Robert Carson
LHP Danny Ray Herrera 
LHP Chuck James
LHP Eric Niesen
LHP Garrett Olson