Rick Ankiel Headed to the Big Apple

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

NEW YORK – In an attempt to improve one of the worst outfields in Major League Baseball, the Mets have agreed to terms with veteran Rick Ankiel on a Major League contract.

To clear a roster spot for Ankiel, New York optioned outfielder Andrew Brown to AAA Las Vegas. Ankiel is slated to start in center field against one of his former teams when the Mets begin their series with the Cardinals this evening.

The 33-year old outfielder began the season with the Astros but was cut by the team after batting .194 with five home runs and 35 strikeouts in just 65 plate appearances.

Ankiel holds a career batting average of .243 split between time spent with the Cardinals, Nationals, Royals, Braves and Astros.

Ankiel figures to be more of a defensive upgrade for the Mets though, who envision a platoon in center field between the veteran outfielder and right-handed rookie Juan Lagares. With runs coming at a premium lately, the defense has to play that much tighter and Ankiel has a strong arm the Mets believe can help save some runs.

“Because offense is something that we certainly covet a lot, we’ve tried to put some offensive players in the game,” manager Terry Collins said. “And right now, nobody’s hitting. So we’ve got to go catch the baseball.”

Two-Week Recap: Offensively Challenged Mets Drop to 14-20

By ZACH DOLEIDEN 

NEW YORK – Two more weeks have gone by and the Mets still find themselves struggling to get anything going offensively. In the team’s four series against the Marlins, Braves, White Sox and Pirates, New York was outscored 55-36 and fell to 14-20 on the season as they remain locked in fourth place in the NL East.

After salvaging game three of their first series versus the Marlins in what was Miami’s first series victory of the season, the Mets split a rain-shortened tilt with the Braves.

Against the White Sox, the Metropolitans could only scratch off a meager four runs in two games, the first of which saw New York’s ace Matt Harvey toss nine shutout innings of one-hit ball and still receive a no-decision as the go-ahead run didn’t score until the tenth inning in a 1-0 victory.

From there, they dropped four of their last five contests with their only victory coming in Thursday’s 3-2 win in the series opener with the Pirates.

For a team that ranked amongst the highest scoring teams in the National League just a few weeks ago, the frustrations have continued piling on for the Mets as the bats of several key players have grown quiet.

First baseman Ike Davis has gotten off to another dreadful start for his second straight season, batting a disappointing .169 with only four home runs and nine RBI. Davis was able to turn it around last season and ended the year with 32 homers, but there are no signs of improvement at the plate that signal a rapid turnaround on the horizon.

Catcher John Buck, who carried the team for the first two weeks, has also cooled off at the dish. Buck has just seven hits in his last 36 at bats and has seen his season average slide to .228.

Left fielder Lucas Duda has been a symbol of inconsistency thus far as his average has fluctuated between the mid .280’s and the .213 mark that it stands at right now.

If just these three bats are able to heat up and perform at a consistent level long enough for the rest of the team to find its stroke at the plate, the Mets may be able to get on a small winning streak.

As long as the whole team remains in a slump however, the wins may prove hard to come by.

Two-Week Recap: Mets' Bats Go Cold as Team Falls to 10-13

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

NEW YORK – After a hot start to their 2013 campaign, the Mets have suddenly hit a wall, losing five of their last six contests while falling to 10-13 on the season. The free-fall leaves New York in fourth place in the National League East and 4.5 games behind the first-place Atlanta Braves.

On the surface, it is easy to blame the Mets’ schedule during week three of the season for a cluster of losses to the Rockies in snowy Colorado for throwing the Mets off track, and understandably so: the poor weather conditions forced two postponements and a day-night doubleheader. This undoubtedly made things tough on a pitching staff trying to retain proper rest between starts.

But when push comes to shove, the Rockies took the field and captured victories in a snow-shortened three game series (game three was postponed with no makeup date set yet).

More likely to be responsible for the struggles experienced by the Mets is the team’s recent power outage and lack of execution offensively.

Coming into week four of the season, the Mets offense ranked as the third-highest scoring team in the National League. The big swings have begun to grow quiet in the Big Apple however, as the team has scored four runs or fewer in five of their last six games.

This prompted manager Terry Collins to rearrange his lineup in a weekend series versus the Phillies in order to try and ignite a spark of some sort in the last three games of week four. Instead, the move appeared to backfire as the Metropolitans were swept and outscored 18-5 in the three games.

Part of the Mets’ offensive woes are a result of catcher John Buck falling back to Earth. After a red-hot start to his first season as a Met, Buck has since cooled off, batting just .167 in his last eight games.

It was assumed that Buck, a career .236 hitter, wasn’t going to be the one to carry the team offensively for the entire season. If nothing else, the recent lack of offense is a sign that the time has come for other players in the lineup to step up and earn their keep by contributing at the plate.

Two-Week Recap: Harvey and Buck Lead Mets to 7-4 Record

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

NEW YORK – Two weeks into the 2013 regular season, the Mets are quietly making some noise in the National League. While the team’s record of 7-4 is not as impressive as that of other teams (the 11-1 Braves certainly come to mind), New York finds itself in second place in the NL East, just 3.5 games behind those Braves and a half-game up on the reigning Division Champion Nationals.

While some may argue that the Mets have had a fairly easy schedule over the first 11 games of the year (Padres, Marlins, Phillies and Twins), the simple fact remains that the team has taken the field and competed in every game. This has resulted in the Mets taking three of their first four series, dropping their first of the campaign to the Phillies.

There are several key factors involved in the Mets’ early successes this season.

First off is the strong pitching of rookie right-hander Matt Harvey. Thrust into the number two spot in the starting rotation after Johan Santana’s season-ending surgery, Harvey (3-0) has shown he has what it takes to excel at this level. Over his first three starts, he has pitched to a 0.82 ERA while striking out 25 batters in 22 innings of work.

Harvey’s dominant performance throughout his first 12 Major League starts, dating back to last season, has even warranted comparisons to former Mets’ aces Nolan Ryan, Dwight Gooden and Tom Seaver.

The second major reason behind the early-season success of the Mets has been their propensity to hit the long ball. The team that some experts said had a noticeable lack of power within the lineup has launched at least one home run in each of its first 11 games.

And bear in mind that this is with David Wright and Ike Davis hitting just one homer between the two of them to this point.

On the contrary and almost unbelievably, the offensive catalyst thus far has been John Buck, who batted just .192 last season with the Marlins before being acquired in the trade that shipped R.A. Dickey to Toronto this offseason. Buck is batting .317 and has swatted a team-leading six home runs with 19 RBI to lead the offensive attack.

I know that Buck’s torrid pace probably will not continue the entire season. I also know that the starting rotation as well as the bullpen will have their ups and downs and experience some growing pains during the course of a 162 game season as well.

But as for right now, these first two weeks have provided Mets’ fans with something to be excited about.  

Santana Retears Shoulder Capsule, May Need Surgery

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

VIERA, Fla. — The Mets were dealt a fairly serious blow when they learned that two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana tore his left shoulder capsule for the second time in three years.

While nothing is set in stone at this point in time, a second surgery on Santana’s throwing shoulder is “a strong possibility” according to Mets general manager Sandy Alderson. Another shoulder surgery would almost certainly bring an end to Santana’s tenure in New York and could threaten to bring his career to an abrupt end as well.

The 34-year old left-hander missed the entire 2011 season after undergoing surgery to repair his torn left shoulder capsule for the first time in 2010.

After a long and arduous journey back to the majors, Santana appeared to be back to his old form, going 3-2 with a 2.38 ERA from Opening Day of the 2012 season through his 134-pitch no-hitter against the Cardinals on June 1. After that, he struggled mightily, posting a 3-7 record and an 8.27 ERA over his final 10 starts.

Santana has been one of the most gifted pitchers of his time, going 111-51 with a 2.88 ERA from 2003-2009 with the Twins and Mets before his body began to show signs of wear.

Once regarded as one of former general manager Omar Minaya’s best acquisitions, Santana never really lived up to his mountainous expectations, undergoing knee surgery in 2008 and elbow surgery in 2009 prior to his shoulder operation in 2010.

With Santana out, the Mets will look to right-hander Jeremy Hefner to fill his spot in the rotation…that is, until prospect Zack Wheeler, one of the most talented pitchers in the Minor Leagues, gets the call.

Niese Named Opening Day Starter

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — With New York ace Johan Santana set to begin the season on the disabled list with what is being described as shoulder weakness, skipper Terry Collins has decided to give the Opening Day nod to left-hander Jon Niese.

Niese’s development continued along nicely last season as he posted career highs in just about every statistical category, finishing the year with a 3.40 ERA while registering 155 punch outs in 190 1/3 innings pitched.

Also factoring in the decision is the strong Spring Training that Niese has put together thus far. Up to this point, he has pitched to a 0.71 ERA, the best mark in baseball.

“I’m really excited, obviously, for getting this opportunity,” Niese said. “I want to thank the Mets for putting the trust in me to have this opportunity. But I’m going to treat it as any other start.”

The game will mark the first Opening Day start of Niese’s career. If Niese is able to seize the opportunity and put together another solid season this year, it may not be his last Opening Day start either.

David Wright Named Team Captain

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Just a few days after earning the nickname “Captain America” from his colleagues on the team representing the United States in the World Baseball Classic, Mets’ third baseman David Wright was named just the fourth team captain in franchise history by team management and his teammates.

“This is probably one of the proudest days of my career so far,” Wright said. “I’m honored and very proud to be on that short list of guys that have been considered captain of this franchise. For me, it’s a dream come true, to say the least.”

It was a forgone conclusion that Wright would eventually be named captain after he signed an eight-year, $138 million contract that will keep him in a Mets’ uniform through 2020.

In a true display of personal character however, Wright would not accept the title without the consent of his fellow players. As a result, Wright went up to each and every one of his peers in the clubhouse and personally asked them if they would accept him as their captain.

“There’s nobody better to choose as a captain,” first baseman Ike Davis said. “He’s a professional on and off the field.”

The six-time All-Star, who also claimed two Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers during his career, joins Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter and John Franco as the only captains in team history.

Wright also joins Derek Jeter of the Yankees and Paul Konerko of the White Sox as the only active captains in baseball and, like them, will not wear the large “C” that signifies captain status on his uniform.

“David is not a guy who wears it on his sleeve, which probably relates to the ‘C’ on the uniform and the fact that it won’t be there,” general manager Sandy Alderson said. “He’s not somebody who is a captain in title alone. It’s really about the substance underneath the title.”   

Mets' Interest in Valverde on the Decline

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Despite the latest medical setback for incumbent Mets’ closer Frank Francisco, the team does not appear any closer to bringing in reliever Jose Valverde.

Francisco, who struggled at times to close out games last year, underwent surgery in December to remove a bone spur from his throwing elbow and reported to Spring Training with inflammation in the joint and now questions surround his Opening Day status.

Not happy with Francisco’s conditioning, rumors swirled earlier this offseason that the 34-year-old Valverde was drawing serious interest from the Mets to become the team’s new closer.

The veteran right hander finished 3-4 with 35 saves in 40 chances last season for the Tigers before losing his role as closer during the playoffs.

At this point, Terry Collins and the Mets’ brass seem content heading into Spring Training with Bobby Parnell holding the closer role while Josh Edgin and Brandon Lyon will be the primary setup options.

If Parnell struggles in this role as he has when given similar opportunities in the past, or if the bullpen suffers any significant injuries during camp, Valverde could receive more serious consideration.

Brandon Lyon Comes South of the Border

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

NEW YORK — The Mets further improved the back end of the bullpen when the team agreed to terms with right-hander Brandon Lyon on a one-year contract that could be worth up to $2.4 million if the veteran reaches a few incentives throughout the year.

The 33-year-old Lyon pitched to a 3.10 ERA with 9.3 K/9 in 61 innings of relief last season for the Astros and Blue Jays. He showed that he still has good stuff, averaging about 90 mph with his fastball.

With the signing of Lyon, the Mets’ bullpen is starting to take shape. Veterans LaTroy Hawkins, Scott Atchison and Pedro Feliciano are favorites to make the team while Bobby Parnell and Lyon will look to bridge the gap to Frank Francisco in the ninth.

The final spot in the pen will most likely come down to Josh Edgin or Jeremy Hefner.

GM Sandy Alderson said that the acquisition of Lyon signals the end of additions to the Mets’ major league roster for the upcoming season. That is, unless they are able to strike a deal with free agent centerfielder Michael Bourn, which seems increasingly possible as the days go by.

New York Signs Draft Bust Patterson

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

NEW YORK — The Mets made two small additions by signing outfielders Corey Patterson and Mike Wilson to minor league contracts on Wednesday. The duo is likely to begin the season in AAA Las Vegas.

Wilson, 29, batted .269 during four seasons at the Triple-A level. The second-round pick of the Mariners in the 2001 Draft has yet to make his big league debut.

The more interesting of the signings though is the 33-year-old Patterson. The veteran lefty spent last season with the AAA affiliate of the Brewers where he posted a .251 batting average with ten home runs. 

Patterson, who was selected with the third-overall pick by the Cubs in the 1998 Draft, was once regarded as one of baseball’s top prospects.

He had a few decent seasons highlighted by a 2004 campaign in which he hit .263 with 24 homers and 72 RBI, but never really lived up to expectations due to injury problems.

Patterson struggled at the plate in 2005 and was later demoted to AAA. He was then traded to the Orioles in 2006 and has since bounced around. New York will mark the tenth organization he has played for.

If Patterson can remain healthy this season, look for him to get a shot in Citi Field should the need for his promotion arise.

Amazins' Sign Marlon Byrd

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

NEW YORK — In an effort to add some balance to their outfield, the Mets reached an agreement with 11-year veteran Marlon Byrd on a minor league contract that includes an invitation to Spring Training.

With an outfield that is set to have three left-handed starters in Lucas Duda, Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Mike Baxter, the 35-year-old right hander will compete with Andrew Brown for the fifth outfielder spot.

Another capable righty, Collin Cowgill, is thought to already have a bench spot locked up after hitting .269 with nine RBI in 116 plate appearances for Oakland last season.

Byrd posted a .210 batting average with one homer and nine RBI last year, splitting time between the Cubs and Red Sox. His season was cut short after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs, resulting in a 50-game suspension.

“I made an inexcusable mistake,” Byrd was quoted as saying at the time. “I will serve my suspension, continue to work hard and hope that I am given an opportunity to help a club win later this season.”

With the addition of Byrd, the possibility of a potential deal with Michael Bourn getting done has decreased drastically as the Mets are unwilling to relinquish their first-round pick in the Draft to sign him.

Byrd has been given the opportunity to help a club win he had hoped for. It is now up to him to do something with it.     

Veteran Hawkins Joins Mets

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

NEW YORK — The Mets continued adding to their bullpen depth when they inked veteran right-hander LaTroy Hawkins to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training on Thursday.

New York will be the tenth team Hawkins has played for during a career that began in 1995.

Hawkins, 40, pitched effectively last season for the Los Angeles Angels, going 2-3 with a 3.64 ERA in 48 appearances out of the bullpen.

The addition of Hawkins marks the third relief pitcher the Mets have signed this offseason over the age of 35.

New York signed Scott Atchison, 36, to a minor league deal two days ago that includes a trip to camp. Atchison posted a career-best 1.58 ERA in 42 appearances for the Boston Red Sox last year.

Pedro Feliciano, 36, rejoined his former team by signing a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training early last week. The veteran lefty missed the better part of two seasons with the Yankees due to a shoulder injury after appearing in 92 games for the Metropolitans in 2010. He owns a record of 22-19 with a 3.31 ERA in his career.

Mets Dine with Bourn in Houston

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

NEW YORK — The Amazins’ search for an established outfielder has once again brought them to Michael Bourn, considered by many to be the best free agent centerfielder on the market this offseason.

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Mets GM Sandy Alderson and assistant GM John Ricco met with Bourn and his agent Scott Boras over dinner last week in Houston. It is not believed that intense negotiations took place between the two sides.

Boras is thought to be seeking a 5-year deal worth about $75 million for his client. Bourn hit .274 with nine home runs and 57 RBI last season with Atlanta.

Although the addition of Bourn would seem to be a no-brainer, two key roadblocks stand in the way of a deal getting done.

First off, the Mets are reluctant to give the 30-year-old Bourn a contract that would exceed three years. They are still a few seasons away from contending in the NL East so Bourn is viewed more as a stopgap player than a long-term solution.

Secondly, signing Bourn, who turned down a qualifying offer from the Braves earlier this offseason, means the Mets would have to surrender their 11th overall pick in the first round of this year’s Draft.

Since taking over as GM, Alderson has done a nice job returning legitimacy to New York’s farm system through the Draft and various trades but there is still work to be done. Therefore, Alderson believes that losing a first-round pick would be out of the question.

While the likelihood of Bourn starting out in center field on opening day does not appear great, neither did that of a Metropolitan tossing a no-hitter.  

Mets Do Not Fear the Beard

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

NEW YORK — Always looking to make some additions to a bullpen that was one of the worst in the Major Leagues last season, the Mets are showing interest in one of the biggest characters in baseball: former Giants closer Brian Wilson.

The two sides have yet to sit down to discuss any details of a potential deal, but the Mets are the only team known to have watched the 30-year-old throw on his way back from a second career Tommy John surgery that limited his 2012 season to just two appearances.

This type of low-risk, high-reward free agent has been a staple of the Mets' plans the past few years and any deal between the two parties would be contingent on Wilson accepting a minor league deal with potential incentives based on his level of performance. 

Wilson has been one of the most consistent closers over the past five seasons, picking up 164 saves from 2008-2012. The pitcher also referred to simply as “The Beard” due to his popular jet-black facial hair is 20-20 with a 3.21 ERA in his seven-year stint in the majors.

If the Mets are able to convince Wilson that his next uniform should predominantly feature blue and orange, he could be a strong addition to the bullpen in terms of both skill and clubhouse leadership, provided he is able to return to his previous All-Star form.

Wilson is one of the best when it comes to keeping inherited runners from scoring, which can’t be said for Frank Francisco and Bobby Parnell, who are seen as the go-to combination to finish games at this point. Wilson’s quirky personality would also bring a much needed shot in the arm to the normally stoic likes of Francisco and Parnell, who looked a bit indifferent at certain times last season and utterly shell-shocked at others.

For the right price, the Mets could be the next club to ask whether or not other teams “Fear the Beard.”