With big-league roster spots suddenly available, the Mets began the second half of the season tonight in Atlanta by adding AAA outfielder Prentice Redman and infielder Jorge Velandia to the roster. Redman looks to make his big-league debut in the No. 20 jersey recently left behind by Jeromy Burnitz; Velandia, who was up briefly in 2000 and 2001 wearing No. 11, is now wearing No. 13, which until last year looked like it might eventually have been retired for Edgardo Alfonzo. The Mets in the meantime may have seen the last of charismatic outfielder Tsuyoshi Shinjo 5, who was designated for assignment. Shinjo was banished to Norfolk late last month.
Burnoutz
The Mets today sent Jeromy Burnitz, his gigantic swing, and his team-leading 18 home runs, to the LA Dodgers for three minor leaguers. It’s a bittersweet parting considering Burnitz for all his desperate struggles managed in his second go-round to elevate No. 20 past No. 18 in the Mets’ all-time home-run-by-uniform-number battle (it now stands 350-338 for 20). While it’s possible the prospects he commanded work out, the short-term violence it does to the 2003 Met offense is best not to consider without a few beers. Good luck, Nitz!
Over the weekend, the Mets activated Mike Stanton 32 and demoted Jaime Cerda 43.
Duncan Back
The Mets recalled outfielder Jeff Duncan from AA Bingo today and returned Jason Roach 57 to Norfolk. Duncan was up earlier this season when he became the first Met ever to wear No. 61.
A.L. to D. L.
The Mets got around to placing rapidly aging lefty Al Leiter 22 on the disabled list. To take his place on the roster, they have called Edwin Almonte from Norfolk and, dressed him in No. 56. Almonte, acquired last week in the Roberto Alomar trade, is expected to last only a night as the team plans to recall Jason Roach 57 to make Leiter’s start on Tuesday. We’ll see whether Roach keeps No. 57.
Alomar Traded
The Mets ended one of the most dysfunctional relationships in team history today by sending aloof second baseman Smilin’ Robbie Alomar 12 to the White Sox for three minor leaguers including promising AA reliever Royce Ring, about whom headline writers are already drooling. Alomar, whose attitude was never sterling even before he was acquired by Steve Phillips, was poorly prepared to deal with declining skills — as were Mets fans, not surprisingly — and no doubt welcomes the divorce. We wind up with custody of the two disappointing years and he the memory of New York writers when it comes time to fill out that Hall of Fame ballot. Sorry, Robbie: It wasn’t us, it was you.
Deck Chairs Rearranged
The Mets swapped outfielders with Norfolk on Saturday, demoting Tsuyoshi Shinjo 5 and recalling Raul Gonzalez 21. On Sunday, they called back Jaime Cerda 43 and returned Jeremy Griffiths to Norfolk, yet another casualty of the dreaded No. 46.
Heilman Up
The Mets on Thursday welcomed 2001’s top draft pick, Aaron Heilman to the Big Leagues and he made his debut in No. 48. Mike Bascik 33 was demoted to make room
Wheeler Dealers
The Mets today called up pitcher Dan Wheeler, late of the Devil Ray and Atlanta organizations, and dressed him in the unremarkable No. 39 (If Art Howe had a sense of humor, he’d surrender his uni number so we could have an 18 WHEELER — thanks gf!). To make room they demoted pitcher Jason Roach 57, who was uh, smoked in his only appearance.
Bugged Out
The Mets debuted Jason Roach unsuccessfully on Saturday in Anaheim. Roach was issued No. 57, making him the first player ever to wear that number in a regular-season game. Pointlessly acquired X-Yankee reliever Mike Stanton 32 was meanwhile scheduled to hit the operating table.
MBTN is pleased in the meantime to welcome new GM Jim Duquette to the mix, and wish his contributions to the All-Time Roster are good ones.
Jose Reyes Era Begins
With Rey Sanchez 10 onto the disabled yet again, the Jose Reyes era is getting an early start. The heralded Met shortstop prospect will make his Major League debut tonight, a day before his 20th birthday, wearing No. 7. The Mets also also welcomed back Timo Perez 6 and returned Raul Gonzalez 21 to Norfork.