Once again, the December press conference proves an unreliable barometer. From a Spring Training workout, here’s some obvious hint David Weathers will wear No. 35, the same jersey issued to Mark Guthrie in December. Well, they worked it out: Guthrie is wearing 53 — the first since Eric Hillman all those years ago.
Sayonara!
The Mets pulled yet another trade Sunday (and promised more), sending Tsuyoshi Shinjo 5 andDesi Relaford 8 to San Francisco in exchange for lefty starter Shawn Estes. This trade hurts, since we’ll miss Shinjo-san’s flair, style and gigantic orange sweatbands. Estes by the way wore No. 55 with the Giants — should he remain with the Mets through the end of the week (no sure bet anymore) the number would be available, having not been worn since Orel Hershiser in 1999.
Product 19
The Mets Thursday signed X-Met Roger Cedeno to a four-year contract, creating not only a logjam in the outfield but a potential controversy over No. 19. That jersey currently belongs to Lenny Harris,himself as two time Met. Harris occupied No. 19 before Cedeno (1998) and after him (2000-present). On Friday, the Mets traded David Justice to Oakland for Mark Guthrie — who wore No. 19 with the A’s! We’ll keep you updated on this breaking controversy.
Also on Thursday, the Mets created another possible conflict by signing David Weathers to a contract. The ex-Cub, ex-Yankee and ex-Brewer is most often seen wearing No. 49, digits currently belonging to Armando Benitez.
Trader Steve Strikes Again
The Mets today pulled a shocking trade for Tribe second baseman Roberto Alomar, giving up outfielders Matt Lawton 23, Alex Escobar 25 and pitcher Jerrod Riggan 38. Alomar’s familiar No. 12 is available. The Mets also received a minor league outfielder and lefty pitcher Mike Bascik, who wore 51 briefly with the Indians last year. Those digits currently belong to Rick White.
Goodbye, Robin. Hello Batman?
In a move showing mucho cojones, the Mets swapped Robin Ventura to the Yankees today forDave Justice. We’ll miss No. 4 who was a tough guy fallen on hard times. Should Justice actually suit up for the Mets, the No. 28 he wore with the cross-town bums is available. Most likely, this is only the first domino falling for the Mets — stay tuned!
Komiyama Over
The Mets signed Japanese League veteran righthander Satoru Komiyama, late of the Yokohama BayStars and Bobby Valentine’s former Chiba Lotte team. After some dogged Internet research, we’ve determined that Komiyama favors No. 27, most recently worn by Mark Corey. In other news, the Mets have re-upped No. 47, Super Joe McEwing, and picked up the option on No. 5, Tsuyoshi Shinjo.
Corey, End of Story
Mark Corey made his Major League debut tonight in Dennis Cook’s old No. 27 jersey. He became the 44th and probably last Met to play on this strange, ill-fated 2001 Mets team.
(More) Tides Roll In
Norfolk’s dismissal in the International League playoffs results in 4 additional call-ups. Returning are Alex Escobar 25 and Dicky Gonzalez 39. New to the squad are catcher Jason Phillips 26 and reliever Mark Corey 27.
Tides Roll In
The Mets made their first September call to Norfolk, bringing back brief vistors Jorge Toca 30 and Tom Martin 34, as well as Pete Walker. Walker first appeared in a Met uni six years ago wearing No. 49; Now, he wears 43. Also, the Mets recalled Timo Perez 6 after Benny Agbayani 50 went down with a busted hamhock. More Tides may be on their way after the AAA playoffs — stay tuned.
In a different deal Saturday, the Mets acqured local lefty and erstwhile Website operator C.J. Nitkowski for the ever-popular Player To Be Named Later. Nikowski wears No. 40.Nitkowski, by my records, became the 666th career Met. Cool!
Ricky Done Lose That Number
The Mets at the deadline traded good-guy righty Rick Reed 35 to the Twins (yes, the Twins) for outfielder Matt Lawton. Lawton, perhaps the outfielder the Mets needed all along, will wear No. 23, most recently occupied by Brian Rose.
Also, Gary Bennett 7 was sent to Norfolk (and subsequently traded to the Rockies for a player to be named) and Donne Wall 33 returned.