Thanks to MBTN reader Pete for finding and identifying this rare photo of Cleon Jones. As he notes: It shows Cleon Jones looking to be wearing the #12 Jersey with the World’s Fair patch which would be from 1965. The picture is taken at Wrigley Field. The Mets were there In late July and Mid-September of ’65 after Jesse Gonder who had been wearing #12 was traded on July 21st of that year. It is probably from the September trip because Ron Hunt (#33) is in the picture and he was on the disabled list from May 11th until August 5th of ’65. That confirms our suspicions that Jones did indeed wear No. 12 that year (after his recall Sept. 1, precisely) and officially qualifies him among three-numbered Mets (he wore 34 prior to ’65 and 21 after). Thanks, Pete!
United Hairlines
Just as Carlos Beltran 15 returned to the lineup, looking remarkably healthy despite a broken face bone, we learned that catcher Mike Piazza 31 will take at least a few days off with a hairline fracture of his own (he fractured his hand, not his hairline). To be certain we’re in catchers, the Mets did a cool thing and recalled slugging, lefthanded-hitting AAer Mike Jacobs, who arrived at the park tonight wearing No. 27. To make room for him, the Mets designated reliever Jose Santiago 33, who failed to distinguish himself over a few weeks as the team’s 6th or 7th reliever.
Injury Update
The Mets have recalled Victor Diaz 20 to fill Cameron’s spot. Earlier this week, Kaz Matsui 25returned from the disabled list while Doug Mientkiewicz 16 took his place.
Catching Up
Jae Seo 26 was recalled from Norfolk to replace Kaz Ishii 23 on Saturday, and for the second time this year, pitched considerably better than him. As with his first recall, whether Seo stays in the rotation depends in part on what the Mets intend to do when an injured starter makes an expected return to the rotation: In May, it was Kris Benson; this time, it’s Steve Trachsel, expected back shortly and whose injury led to acquiring the frustrating Ishii in the first place: He was sent to the minors for the first time in his MLB career. The Mets are also expecting a return from Kaz Matsui 25 any day now. Thankfully, they’re on the road.
Santiago Up, Bell Down
The Mets arrived in Denver tonight with journeyman righthander Jose Santiago wearing No. 33.Santiago was recalled from Norfolk Sunday when Heath Bell 19 was demoted and informed he needs to develop a change-up. No. 33 was issued earlier this year to backup catcher Mike DiFelice.
The Mets announced Friday that first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz 16 has returned from a rehab stint and that cobwebby pinch-hitter Brian Daubach 13 was returned to Norfolk. They also promoted Norfolk closer Juan Padilla and returned lefty Royce Ring 22 to the farm. Padilla comes to the Mets having had an excellent half-season at Norfolk and Ring’s demotion seems to suggest that infuriating starter Kaz Ishii 23 will get a look in the pen. Padilla was assigned No. 28, which for two years sat patiently awaiting the return of Scott Strickland.
Cairo Returns; Diaz Sent Down
Miguel Cairo 3, out for a few weeks with hammy issues, returns to the Mets today while outfielderVictor Diaz 20 is sent back to Norfolk.
Mientkiewicz to DL; Jose Offerman Arrives
When Doug Mientkiewicz’ attempt to revive his season was interrupted Saturday by a hamstring tear, the Mets fished the Norfolk waters and reeled in fossilized utilityman Jose Offerman.Offernman, just .167 in 36 turns at bat for the Tides, suited up Sunday night in No. 35, recently cashiered by Mike DeJean. Truth be told, the elderly switch-hitting Offerman wasn’t that bad as a pinch-hitter for the Twins last year.
DeIceman Coming; DeJean Going
Still smarting form an embarrassing whupping out West, the puzzling Mets announced a series of roster moves Monday. As brittle second baseman Kaz Matsui 25 hit the disabled list for the 15th time, the Mets promoted Gerald Williams, the elderly outfielder from Norfolk. And while oddball lefty Dae Sung Koo 17 was recalled from the disabled list, Mike DeJean 35 was DeSignated For Assignment, ultimately failing to make a Met career any more distinguished than that of the man he was acquired for, Karim Garcia. Williams, by the way, toiled for the Mets last season wearing Nos. 6 and 21. So much for The New Mets…
Daubach: No Drawback
Brian Daubach, whom the Mets drafted back in 1990, finally made a appearance for his orignal team yesterday. The former Red Sox first baseman, who was tearing it up at Tidewater, was called up when the Mets sent Miguel Cairo 3 to the disabled list with a leg injury. Superstitous? Take note: Daubach becomes the 13th player to wear No. 13 in team history.
Graves for Aybar
Danny Graves, the disgraced former Cincinnati closer, officially became a Met Saturday as battered mop-up man Manny Aybar 36 was designated for assignment. Graves will wear his familiar No. 32at Shea, most recently belonging to embedded Yankee Mike Stanton, which appears to be the only cause for worry in an arrangement that promises to improve the Met relief corps. Now if we could only improve the offense…
Ramon Castro 11 returned from the disabled list June 2, while Mike DiFelice 33 was returned to Norfolk without incident. Also on June 2, Mister Koo 17 went to the DL and Royce Ring 22 was recalled. Meanwhile Eric Valent 57 withstood the waiver wire and accepted a demotion to Norfolk.