Any coincidence the Mets’ fortunes reversed at around the same time that Tsuyoshi Shinjo 5 returned? Mr. Sparkle returned from the DL and the disappointing Timo Perez 6 was optioned to Norfolk Somewhere in there, Jerrod Riggan 38 bounced back from Norfolk whileDonna Wall 33 was sentenced to an International League tour.
We’re Back
MBTN is back from a two-week break, during which we missed some moves, but not much fun. Here’s a quick chronological rundown.
June 24: Optioned Dicky Gonzalez 39 to Norfolk; recalled Jerrod Riggan 38.
June 25: Optioned Riggan; recalled Grant Roberts 36.
June 26: Optioned Alex Escobar 25 to Norfolk; activated Jay Payton 44 from the DL.
June 30: Designated Darryl Hamilton 18 for assignment (See ya!); recalled Vance Wilson 3 from Norfolk.
July 3: Activated Edgardo Alfonzo 13 from the DL; placed Jorge Velandia 11 on the DL.
July 4: Activated Donne Wall 33 from the DL; optioned Roberts to Norfolk.
Broken
The bleakest All-Star break in recent memory arrives today with the Mets’ continuing to struggle. It’s getting to be one of those years when uni-number tracking will become the most exciting thing about following this team, so stick with us.
Shinjo-Oh
Mets action figure Tsuyoshi Shinjo 5 hustled his way onto the disabled list today, becoming the 5th Mets outfielder to do so this year. Back from Norfolk to take his place is uberphenom Alex Escobar 25.
Uncool
It’s not looking good in Metville, where Edgardo Alfonzo 13 and his achin’ back are off to the Disabled List. The Mets called up infield backup Jorge Velandia 11 to take his place. Velandia wore No. 11 in a brief appearance last season.
Triple A Terror
In a curious move, the Mets have recalled Triple A terror Mark Johnson 20 to the big club and designated Darren Bragg 56 for assignment. This news comes just moments after our friends at the Ultimate Mets Database passed along this nugget: Bragg, a Connecticut native and big-time NY Giants fan, wore 56 in honor of Lawrence Taylor. LT hit for more power. Bragg wound up on the Yankees. Loser.
Maydays
The Mets have sent ineffective relief pitcher Donne Wall 33 to the DL and recalled Jerrod Riggan 38.
(May 22): Disgusted with another revolting effort from Steve Traschel 29, the Mets demoted him to Norfolk and welcomed back ace Al Leiter 22. They also made a minor trade with Cleveland resulting in a brief uniformed pass-through for Justin Spier, who wore 46 for a few hours en route to Norfork. Raw but talented rookie reliever Jerrod Riggan 38 is also back in Norfolk these days.
Dicky-Thon
The Mets have called up young Dicky Gonzalez to take Al Leiter’s turn in the rotation while No. 22 rests his sore elbow. Gonzalez wears No. 39 and easily has the best name in a Mets 39 jersey since Nino Espinosa. Jerrod Riggan 38 was sent to Norfolk, but came right back May 2 when the Mets disabled Rick White 51 for the second time this year.
Miller Time
The Mets have swapped Timo Perez 6 and Darryl Hamilton 18 with disabled list assignments. Brent Hinchliffe was sent back to Norfolk to lick his wounds.
(April 26): The Mets’ disastrous visit to Milwaukee this week featured forgettable debuts by new Met hurlers Brent Hinchliffe 32 and Tom Martin 34. All very despressing even considering the return a few days earlier of Benny Agbayani and Rick White to the roster at Nos. 50 and 51, respectively. In the inbetween, say goodbye to Brian Rose 23, lost on waivers to Tampa Bay; and at least temporarily, to Mark Johnson 20, who had few good words to say on his way back to Virginia Beach. Like he’s got room to talk.
Bragging Rights
The Mets today called up outfielder Darren Bragg from Norfolk, and returned phenom Alex Escobar 25. Bragg, a former Red Sox, Mariner, Rockie and Cardinal, was tearing it up down there and hopefully will provide relief for an injury-battered outfield. We only hope he plays better than the last No. 56, Brian “Baseball Tonight” McRae.
Over the weekend, the Mets disabled ineffective lefty reliever Tom Martin 34, and briefly, called up AA catcher Jason Phillips. Phillips, like Jerry Moses in 1975, was issued a number — 3 — but did not appear in a game. Darry Hamilton has also returned from the disabled list and will wear No. 18.