While many people who follow the Mets might consider Francoeur to be an asset, a look at his stats reveal that this is simply not the case. According to fangraphs.com, Francoeur swings at a mind-boggling 44% of the pitches that are thrown out of the strike zone. To put that another way, Francoeur turns half of the pitches that he sees which aren’t in the strike zone into strikes. Francoeur also swings at an incredible 60% of the total pitches he sees. With statistics like these, it’s not surprising that he is unable to have successful at-bats. After Francoeur’s successful rookie season, it is clear that pitchers around Major League Baseball quickly realized that throwing Francoeur a strike was not necessary in order to get him out. Francoeur has done nothing but confirm that impression, as he continuously swings at pitches that are well out of the strike zone. As if to make matters worse, Francoeur has an uncanny ability to make contact with pitches out of the strike zone has led to a parade of weakly-hit popups. Until Francoeur displays the ability to work pitch counts and swing at hittable pitches within the strike zone, it’s unlikely that he will ever develop into a productive Major League Hitter.

Although Francoeur is, by all accounts, a great guy and an even better teammate, the fact that he is nearly an automatic out who longer serves as a serious power threat outweighs any of the benefits that his personality might bring.

by Nathan Eagan at the Sports Fan Blog Network

New York Mets T-Shirts
and other Mets Apparel

New York Mets Womens In the Dust V-Neck Fashion Top Shirt

New York Mets Cooperstown Classic Ringer T-Shirt

New York Mets Momentum authentic childrens onfield tee

Rodriguez had been told to stay away from the team until the pink eye cleared, but the contagious infection took longer than expected to improve. He was sick when he reported to New York’s spring facility, but it went undiagnosed until just before full-squad workouts began Feb. 25.

The right-hander said he went to the doctor on Friday and was cleared to return Monday, although he still is infected. He continues to take eye drops and isn’t allowed to wear contacts yet.

“It feels much better,” Rodriguez said. “It’s still a little uncomfortable, but it’s good to be around. I was cleared to be around the guys, so it’s fine.”

While away from the team, Rodriguez was limited to playing catch with his brother, Edward, in the driveway of the closer’s home. But Rodriguez is not worried about his progress. He said he probably only needs one bullpen session before pitching in a game, and is looking forward to getting back into a regular routine.

Rodriguez last stepped on a mound about a week ago when he emerged from hiding for a light bullpen session.

Click here to read the full article – By Associated Press of ESPN.com

New York’s first official workout for pitchers and catchers is a little more than five weeks away, on Feb. 20. The Mets open the season April 5 against Florida.

“The doctor said eight weeks, possibly, and a window to 12 weeks to resume baseball activities. With elite athletes, the timetable is sometimes shorter than the original prognosis,” Beltran’s agent, Scott Boras said.

Click here to read the full article – By of ESPN.com

Jason Bay’s departure from the Red Sox to the Mets, benefits which club, the Yankees, Mets or Red Sox the most? Let me know what you think…

Either way it’s irrelevant, at least for now.

The Mets did the right thing in bringing Backman back to the organization after all these years, giving him a chance to make everyone forget the off-field indiscretions that got him fired as Diamondbacks manager before he ever signed the contract.

Click here to read the full article – By John Harper of NY Daily News

New York Mets Sports Memorabilia
and other New York Mets Gifts and Collectibles

Ralph Terry 1962 WS MVP Upcoming Signing – 12/12/2009 Here are the details: Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel When: 12/12/2009 Phone: (908) 258-7228 All Orders and Mail-Order need to be received by: 12/7/2009 Prices: Any Item – $30 Inscriptions – $10
Place a presale order for the Ralph Terry Signing or check out a full list of Upcoming Memorabilia Signings.

New York Mets Sports Memorabilia
and other New York Mets Autographs
Below are links to memorabilia available for Ralph Terry.

When I picked my team, I only considered their contributions while a member of the Mets. If they played longer for the Mets, I gave them a slight bump in rankings since their impact on the Mets should be greater than someone playing only a couple seasons. As a general note, I started watching the Mets around 1985-86 so my choices will be biased towards Mets who have played in the 80s or later.

My squad contains one player at each position, five starters and a relief pitcher/closer. I listed other people I considered in the running for each position. I also added a link to some of our sports memorabilia by each of my choices..

OK.. Here is my all-time Mets squad.

Catcher – Mike Piazza
Also in the running: Gary Carter, Todd Hundley

1B – Keith Hernandez
Also in the running: Carlos Delgado, John Olerud

2B – Edgardo Alfonso
Also in the running: Jeff Kent, Wally Backman

SS – Jose Reyes (No Mets shortstop was even close)

3B – David Wright (He has only scratched the surface of his potential)
Also in the running: Howard Johnson, Robin Ventura

LF – Kevin McReynolds (This was a tough one.. There was not a clear favorite in my mind)
Also in the running: Cleon Jones, Cliff Floyd

CF – Carlos Beltran
Also in the running: Lenny Dykstra, Tommie Agee, Mookie Wilson, Lee Mazzilli

RF – Darryl Strawberry
Also in the running: Rusty Staub

Starting Pitchers –
1. Tom Seaver (Top 2 were obvious but I am somewhat biased towards players who played after 1986 and probably would have chosen a few older pitchers had I actually seen them pitch a little more)
2. Doc Gooden
3. Johan Santana
4. David Cone
5. Al Leiter
Also in the running: Jerry Koosman, Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine, Jon Matlack

RELIEF PITCHER – John Franco (Captain and long time Met.. got the benefit of the doubt even though I remember a few rough spots for him in his last year or two. The other ones I listed are dominating pitchers but had less actual time with the Mets than John Franco. I like KROD so far, and can see him moving up here if he does well for the Mets for the next couple seasons)
2. Francisco Rodriguez
3. Billy Wagner
Also in the running: Armando Benitez, Jesse Orosco, Roger McDowell, Jeff Reardon, Randy Myers, Tug McGraw

– Now that I went out on a limb.. anyone else want to try..?

Written by Evan Kanter of the Sports Fan Blog Network

So, with Wright showing modest improvement in his last three games — 5-for-12 with three doubles and three RBIs — Manuel didn’t want to risk his star getting drilled by errant Yorman Bazardo (19 BB in 27 1/3 innings pitched).


Click here to read the full article – By BRIAN LEWIS of New YorkPost

New York Mets Sports Memorabilia
and other New York Mets Gifts and Collectibles
Below are links to memorabilia available for David Wright.