Mets Fans Forever

Mets Minor League Rafael Castro Dies Of Heart Attack

Author: Will Sommer

Rafael Castro died suddenly at the Mets' academy in Carabobo, Venezuela on Friday of an apparent hear attack. He was 18.

"On behalf of the entire Mets organization, our thoughts and prayers are with the Castro family,” said Jeff Wilpon.

That's too young to die. Way too young. I echo what Jeff Wilpon said, my thoughts and prayers are with the Castro family.

News: Maine Throws Simulated Game

Author: Will Sommer

A couple of hours ago John Maine threw a simulated game at Citi Field. The plan has not changed for Maine, he is set to face off against the Phillies on Sunday. According to Adam Rubin of the Daily News Maine was hitting 91-94 MPH on the radar gun. Tobi Stoner will be piggybacking the start.

If you remember, a couple of weeks ago J.J. Putz threw a simulated game and told reporters right after he was fine. The next day it was announced he was shutdown for the season. So we'll see how things play out tomorrow.

Quick Exchange: Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News

Author: Will Sommer

I asked Mike Harrington who covers the Bisons for the Buffalo News about Tobi Stoner and how he thinks Stoner will do at the major league level. Here is what he said: 

"Stoner got better as the year went on. Got healthier. Gave length. But MLB ready? Iffy at best. We'll have to wait and see."

Well at least Harrington didn't say he'll stink from the get-go. Who knows maybe Stoner turns out to be a quality number 5 starter or a fine long reliever. Mets fans please don't get your hopes up that this kid is a hidden treasure.

Game Preview: Marlins @ Mets game 1; Beltran Returns

Author: Will Sommer

The Mets (62-75) open up a three game series tonight against the Florida Marlins (72-65) at 7:10 PM.

Tim Redding will be start for the Mets. He will be opposed by Rick VandenHurk. Before the game the Mets officially announced the promotion of 24 year old Tobi Stoner. He will be wearing number 29. Stoner will be the fourth player this year wearing 29. The others being Robinson Cancel, Andy Green and Emil Brown.

The big news tonight is that Carlos Beltran will be making his long awaited return to the Mets. Oh, how I wish he was returning in a middle of a pennant race.

Anyway he is tonight's starting lineup:

Angel Pagan, LF
Luis Castillo, 2B
David Wright, 3B
Carlos Beltran, CF
Daniel Murphy, 1B
Jeff Francoeur, RF
Josh Thole, C
Anderson Hernandez, SS
Tim Redding, RHP

Tobi Stoner Promoted to the majors

Author: Will Sommer

According to Adam Rubin of the NY Daily News, the Mets have promoted 24 year old, German born RHP Tobi Stoner. If he wasn't put on the 40 man roster this year, Stoner would be eligible for the Rule V draft. This year in AAA Stoner has went 7-7 with a 3.96 ERA in 16 starts for the Bisons.

Stoner is a guy no one has talked about. He's never been dominant, but he has retired batters at every level. Since he had to be added to the 40 man roster, and the Bisons' season concluding today it made perfect sense in promoting him. Stoner throws in the mid to high 80's. He doesn't have overpowering stuff by any means. Hopefully though he gets some starts in place of Figgy and/or Redding. I know that both pitchers are doing well this month, but with this season over, and both pitchers (hopefully) not in the rotation next year, the Mets might as well see if he can retire batters at the major league level.

Is Armark a Curse for the Mets?

 Author: Will Sommer

I got an e-mail the other day attached with this press release. Does it have some truth to it? You'll have to read and decide.

Mets Call up Josh Thole

Author: Will Sommer

As expected the Mets have call up top catching prospect Josh Thole this according to Joel Sherman.

Obviously I am very excited to see him. Jerry Manuel said the other day that Thole might be limited to facing right handed pitchers. I am not sure I agree with that. I know that Jerry wants Thole to gain confidence and have success immediately, but Thole did have dead even splits in AA. Also this September call up is a tryout for 2010. Omar Minaya and Co. have to see if they have a catcher in Thole for next year. So if Thole doesn't get regular AB's against LHP, how will Minaya, and Manuel know if Thole can hit lefties at the major league level?  Hopefully though, he gets the start tomorrow in Colorado.

If you haven't already be sure to read the Q & A I had with Thole last week by clicking Here. 

Also Thole will be wearing number 30.

Q & A With Josh Thole, Catcher of the Binghamton Mets

Author: Will Sommer

After the game in Binghamton I had the chance to interview Josh Thole, who is expected to get the call up to the majors when rosters expand September 1st. Thole has struggled with the bat in August but still has a .324 batting average, with 32 XBH. Even though he lacks power, my belief while watching him take his AB's, is that he will be a quality everyday catcher in the majors.

Will Sommer: Have any coaches in Binghamton told you that you will indeed be called up to the majors September 1st?

Josh Thole: No, nothing I'm just trying to finish the season strong with Binghamton, and that's all I'm focused on.

Will Sommer: So as to Adam Rubin's report you haven't heard anything about you getting the call?

Josh Thole: Nothing, I'm just trying to win here in Binghamton. And that's all I'm focused on.

Q & A With Mako Oliveras, Manager of the Binghamton Mets

Author: Will Sommer

While on my trip to Binghamton I had the chance to interview Mako Oliveras manager of the B-Mets. He was a great guy to talk to,  and based on what players have to say about him he's a great manager.

Will Sommer: How did you begin your coaching career in minor league baseball?

Mako Oliveras: I signed in 1968 with the Red Sox and ever since then I've been in baseball

Will Sommer: For how many years have you been coaching with the Mets organization?

Mako Oliveras: This is my 3rd year. I have been the manager of the B-Mets since 2007.

Will Sommer: What are your thoughts on how the season has gone so far?

Mako Oliveras: Well you know record-wise it's not what we'd like to have but with developing players we've done a good job.  (Jonathan) Malo, Tejada, Holt, Mejias, (Emmanuel) Garcia are guys who are al ot better now than when they started the season.

Will Sommer: Ruben Tejada is 19 years old and struggled somewhat last year in advanced A ball, how do you think he's held up this year physically and mentally?

Mako Oliveras:  I think with better players he's turned it up a notch. He's been doing outstanding. He's hitting close to .280, and he's been a very solid player all year.

Oliver Perez Out for season

Author: Will Sommer

According to multiple reports Oliver Perez has been diagnosed with patella tendonosis. He will need season ending surgery.

OK then who's next? Who they going to call up, Stephen Matz? I don't know what to say anymore. Is anyone surprised at this most recent news? Omar and Ollie better not use this injury as an excuse for his terrible season.

Who knows maybe next year he'll have a 6 ERA instead of a 6.82. As Ted Berg points out the Mets rotation is as follows--Mike Pelfrey, Bobby Parnell, Nelson Figueroa, Pat Misch and Tim Redding...This rotation will scare any team. I don't see how the Mets can lose.