Darren Oliver: Emerging From Baseball's Graveyard With The Angels in the ALCS

In 2005, Darren Oliver couldn't find a Major League team. Fast forward 4 seasons later; Oliver played a prominent role for the Angels in the 2009 ALCS, appearing in 5 of the 6 games. Oliver pitched 2 2/3rd's innings of scoreless relief in Game 6, showing tremendous resilience after giving up 3 runs in Game 5 without retiring any batters. In 2009, Oliver lead the Angels staff in ERA (2.71) and was third in appearances with 63 games pitched. Oliver even started a game for the Halos.
After being released by the Cubs in 2005, Oliver found salvation with the Mets, signing with them for the 2006 season. Oliver became a mainstay in their bullpen, providing effective long and short relief. During the 2006 NLCS, he turned in arguably the most memorable performance by a Mets pitcher, when he relieved Steve Traschel in Game 3 to shut down the Cardinals for 6 innings. That would be Oliver's last appearance in a Mets uniform. The Mets did not resign Oliver, and he was swooped up by the Angels that off-season. He has since made three consecutive playoff appearances (2007-2009) and posted a combined record of 15-3. While fans may remember Oliver's bases clearing double he surrendered to Mark Teixeira in Game 5, don't let that overshadow Oliver's otherwise consistent production for the Angels. Not bad for a guy teams left for dead a short while ago.

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Former New York Mets Pitcher Jerry Koosman Gets 6 Months For Tax Evasion

The Associated Press reports that former New York Mets pitcher Jerry Koosman has been sentenced to 6 months in prison for tax evasion after not federal income taxes between 2002 and 2004. Koosman pitched 19 seasons in Major League Baseball, including winning two games for the Mets during the 1969 World Series. Koosman has filed returns for the missing years, but according to prosecutors, he owes approximately $65,000. He will begin serving his sentence on November 3rd.

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Braves Recall Reid Gorecki, Will Make His Debut Against His Hometown New York Mets

The Atlanta Braves recalled outfielder Reid Gorecki to replace Nate McLouth who was placed on the 15-day disabled list. While Gorecki made his official debut on August 17th as a defensive replacement, he should get his first Major League at-bat against his hometown New York Mets. Gorecki, a native of Queens, played his high school baseball at Kellenberg Memorial in Long Island before going on to a letter-winning career at the University of Delaware. Gorecki spent 8 seasons in the minor leagues before the Braves called him up this week. This blogger has a special place for Gorecki, as I competed against him in high school and college, and I am glad to see him make the big leagues after "beating the bushes" since 2002. His father Ron is the head baseball coach at Benjamin Cardozo High School in Queens.

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Mets fire Tony Bernazard

According to the New York Daily News, the Mets have fired controversial VP of Player Development Tony Bernazard. A press conference was held at Citi Field Monday, where Omar Minaya announced the firing. Bernazard found himself under the microscope after recent flare-ups where he allegedly challenged the Binghamton Mets to a fight, cursed out a Mets official over a seating dispute at Citi Field, and had to be separated from Francisco Rodriguez on the team bus after an 11-0 loss to the Braves. Bernazard played 10 seasons in the Majors, as well as 3 in Japan. He had held his current position since December, 2004.

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Carl Willey, 78, 1931-2009 Pitched For Milwaukee Braves and New York Mets

Former Milwaukee Braves and New York Mets pitcher Carlton "Carl" Willey died July 20, 2009 at the age of 78 in his hometown of Cherryfield, Maine after a long battle with lung cancer. Willey was a member of the 1958 Braves team that won the National League Pennant, and recorded two strikeouts in his only inning of pitching during the World Series against the Yankees. Willey was signed by the Braves in 1951, and missed the 1953 and 1954 seasons due to his service in the Korean War. He rose to prominence in their farm system after earning MVP honors at AAA Wichita in 1957. Willey debuted for the Braves in 1958 and pitched 8 seasons in the Major Leagues before finishing up his career in 1965 with the Mets. After his baseball career, he scouted for the Philadelphia Phillies and ran a house painting business.

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Where does Gary Sheffield fit in the Mets plans?

The New York Mets announced on Friday that they have signed outfielder Gary Sheffield to a one-year $400,000 contract, with the Detroit Tigers having to pay the remaining $14 million due to giving him his release last week. One homer shy of five hundred for his career, Sheffield looks to make history in a Mets uniform early this season. A few questions surround Sheffield's signing to the Mets. Will he be healthy enough to play the outfield consistently? Will he be a positive or negative influence in the clubhouse? Which outfielder will be affected the most by Sheffield's signing?

Currently, the Mets are carrying outfielder Nick Evans until Livan Hernandez makes his debut on April 11th. The Mets could send Evans down to the Minors to make room for Sheffield for opening day, however, that will lead to another roster move when Hernandez is activated for his scheduled start. Possible casualties when Hernandez returns include utility player Marlon Anderson and outfielder Ryan Church. Anderson provides a valuable left-handed bat off of the bench, and the ability to play both the infield and outfield. Church was envisioned to be platooned with Fernando Tatis in right field, but there are doubts that Church can hit left-handed pitching and whispers that he is not fully recovered from the multiple concussions he had last year. Tatis was expected to provide a right-handed power bat for the corner outfield positions, but that role will be greatly impacted with Sheffield's arrival.

Sheffield batted .225 in 114 games for Detroit in 2008, and .178 in Spring Training before his release. During the 2008 season, he only played 6 games in the outfield. How long will it take for Sheffield to get in shape to play the outfield regularly? With Sheffield expected to play alongside Daniel Murphy, that gives the Mets two below average defenders in the starting corner outfield positions.

Sheffield comes with a reputation for being outspoken and at times a polarizing figure in the clubhouse, suggesting that Joe Torre treated black and white players differently on the Yankees. A few Mets that were interviewed though, have positive remarks about Sheffield's presence.

"He's a great guy," said Hernandez, who played with Sheffield on the Marlins. "He's a great person. He plays hard every day. That's what I know."

"I've heard great things," third baseman David Wright said. "All the players that have played with him speak very highly of him. I'm sure we're going to welcome him. He's going to be a tremendous addition. He's a guy that just has a presence to him."

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Suitors For Pedro Martinez?

While Pedro Martinez's audition at the World Baseball Classic was unexpectedly cut short by the Dominican Republic's elimination at the hands of the Netherlands, hopefully his six scoreless innings of relief piqued the interest of a GM willing to take a flyer on the three-time Cy Young Award winner. His former Mets manager Jerry Manuel has already went on record saying that he is not interested in bringing Martinez back to the New York, however, Dodgers GM Ned Colletti expressed some interest in a recent LA Times interview. Colletti said, "He's someone we're curious about." If and when that curiosity turns into courtship, only time will tell.
Martinez still has the guile and tenacity to make himself effective against Major League hitters, but he has to prove that he is fully recovered from his arm injury and can withstand the rigors of an entire Major League season. Martinez has said that he is looking for much more than what Tom Glavine accepted, which was $1 million for the upcoming season. With rosters and payrolls close to being set, Martinez will likely have to come down on his asking price for teams to take a chance on him for 2009.

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Ex-Yankee Pitcher Tom Sturdivant Dies at 78

Ten year Major League veteran pitcher Tom Sturdivant died in Oklahoma City at 78 on February 28th. Sturdivant initally was signed as an infielder by the Yankees in 1948. After returning from Military service in 1952, he converted to a pitcher while playing for Beaumont in the Texas League. Sturdivant pitched in three World Series for the Yankees (1956-58), and is also a member of the select club of players who appeared in games with both the Yankees and the Mets. Nicknamed "Snake" for his devastating curveball, Sturdivant posted a record of 59-51 with an ERA of 3.74.
For an excellent interview with Sturdivant from 2006, check out Todd's Baseball Dugout.

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Manuel Names Daniel Murphy Mets Left Fielder

New York Newsday reports that Jerry Manuel has named Daniel Murphy at his starting left-fielder for the 2009 season. Murphy batted .313 in 49 games last season after his August 2nd call up. Murphy meteorically rose to the Mets last season, spending most of 2008 in AA, playing only one game in AAA before being summoned to the big show.
"I don't want him to get into a strictly platoon situation," Manuel said. "I think he's a little better player than that. Also, with Church being a lefthanded hitter, I kind of see Murphy being a better hitter right now at this time, so Tatis could go that way [in rightfield]. It all depends on how well they're doing. If they're not getting hits, they're not going to play. Development or whatever, they've got to perform."
While Murphy has shown that he can hit well, there are concerns surrounding his shaky outfield defense. The Mets even attempted to convert Murphy to second base in the Arizona Fall League to supplant Luis Castillo, but that experiment was unsuccessful. He spent the remainder of the off-season working out at his alma mater, Jacksonville University, with his brother Jonathan who is a freshman outfielder. He has also been receiving assistance from Carlos Beltran.
While Manuel's move may seem premature as the Mets have yet to play a Spring Training game, Manuel is sure about the young player's abilities. "I'm confident. The way he swings the bat, I'm confident that he can handle that. I don't have a problem with that."

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Mets sign Livan Hernandez to a Minor League deal

MLB.com reports the New York Mets have signed pitcher Livan Hernandez to a Minor League contract that could earn him up to $1 million if he makes the Major League roster. Hernandez will vie for the 5th starting spot in the rotation with Freddy Garcia, Jon Niese and Tim Redding. The soon-to-be 34 year old Hernandez produced a 13-11 record with a 6.05 ERA in 31 starts with the Rockies and Twins.

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NY Daily News Reports Roberto Alomar Allegedly has AIDS

The February 10th, 2009 edition of the New York Daily News reports that former All-Star Second Baseman Roberto Alomar allegedly has full-blown AIDS after allegedly testing positive for HIV in 2006. He is being sued by his former live-in girlfriend, Ilya Dall for $15 million for potentially exposing her and her children to the virus. Further updates will come as this story develops, as Alomar was unavailable for comment and his lawyer would not give specifics on the status of his health. Look for the Mets to have a smaller version of the Spring Training media circus that their Bronx counterparts are experiencing as Alomar's father and brother are both coaches for the Mets. Alomar is eligible for election to the Hall of Fame in 2009.

UPDATE
Roberto Alomar tells ESPN that he is in good health, and asks that "people respect his privacy at this time."

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Ed Kranepool recalls the sparse teachings of Rogers Hornsby with the 1962 Mets

Ed Kranepool briefly discusses in the video below, his interactions with Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby as an 18-year-old rookie with the New York Mets in 1962. Hornsby was a coach on the Mets inaugural team, and passed away shortly after the season in January 1963.

Ed Kranepool listening to Casey Stengel in 1962

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Ron Swoboda Recalls Casey, Duke and the 69 Mets

I recently caught up with former outfielder Ron Swoboda at the Thurman Munson Dinner in New York City. Swoboda best known for his acrobatic diving catch in game 4 of the 1969 World Series, spent 9 seasons in the Majors with the Mets, Yankees and Expos. Ron speaks on his experiences playing with Duke Snider, Casey Stengel, his "place" in baseball history, as well as his observations on current ballplayers from his view as a broadcaster for the New Orleans Zephyrs.

Ron Swoboda Interview

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Johnny Damon and Carlos Beltran Honored at 29th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner

Tuesday evening at the Grand Hyatt New York City brought us the 29th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner, benefiting the AHRC. Among the honorees for their charity work were New York Yankee Outfielder, Johnny Damon and New York Met Outfielder, Carlos Beltran.

Johnny Damon, Ron Swoboda, Carlos Beltran / N. Diunte

Damon received the Thurman Munson Award as a result of his involvement with the Wounded Warrior Project. Damon was glowing in his praise of Munson, describing him as a "gamer, great family guy, great competitor and a champion."

As much as he tried during the press conference, he could not escape the repeated questions about Joe Torre's new book which had been released the same day. Damon took a little jab at the reporters.

"I'm not sure I am going to need to read the book as I am going to hear every little bit about it every single day."

Beltran was honored for his charitable donations to create sports education programs in his native Puerto Rico. He was proud to be recognized for his efforts.

"It's about doing things right off of the field, being able to give back to the people who really need it the most," Beltran said. "When I give, I don't expect to receive awards, but when you do, it lets you know you are doing the right thing."

Beltran also tried to sidestep the Torre questions, after a reporter found the two sentences where Beltran was mentioned in the book.

"When I met with the Yankees, he wasn't there, he didn't know what we talked about," Beltran said. "He said what he said, and that's his opinion. I don't have a comment on it. I am happy where I am."

Also honored were: 1969 Mets players Ron Swoboda, Bud Harrelson, Art Shamsky, Ed Kranepool, NY Giants Wide Receiver David Tyree, former NY Knick Allan Houston and Olympic Gold Medalist Dara Torres. On hand at the event to present awards were former Yankee Bernie Williams, and 1986 Mets pitcher and SNY analyst Ron Darling.

Johnny Damon










David Tyree, Diana Munson, Allan Houston, Dara Torres, Bernie Williams

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