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Cowtipper

By Cowtipper
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Cowtipper Draft Eligible

Cowtipper

Old-Timey Member
Posted
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Posted


That picture isn't Jose Santiago, it's another, but Jose is in fact one of the Mets Santiagos.



Hint for this guy:



https://i.imgur.com/1uNxO4t.png>



This individual, born November 14, 1991, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is a left-handed professional baseball pitcher and current free agent. Over the course of his career, this player has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams—including the Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox—as well as in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Chunichi Dragons.



This player began his professional journey when he signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2009. After several seasons progressing through their minor league system, he was traded to the Phillies in 2014. He made his MLB debut with Philadelphia in 2016 but struggled to maintain consistency at the major league level. After a brief stint with the Texas Rangers, he signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 2017 but opted out of his contract in 2018.



Seeking to rejuvenate his career, This player joined Japan's Chunichi Dragons mid-2018. There, he found success, setting a velocity record for left-handers and delivering a standout 2019 season with a 1.64 ERA. He returned to MLB in 2020, signing a two-year deal with the Rangers, and later played for the Yankees and Mets, contributing to a combined no-hitter in 2022.



In late 2022, This player signed with the Boston Red Sox, though injuries limited his playing time. After struggling in limited appearances during the 2023 and early 2024 seasons, he was designated for assignment twice and ultimately elected free agency.



This player's career has been marked by international experience, moments of dominance, injury setbacks, and resilience as a journeyman left-handed reliever across two continents.



Hint for this guy:



https://i.imgur.com/qeoGeKy.jpg>



This player, born March 1, 1963, in Downey, California, is a former left-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who played from 1990 to 2003. Drafted originally by the Kansas City Royals in 1981 (but did not sign), he went on to play at the University of Tennessee before being selected in the 9th round of the 1984 draft by the New York Mets.



This player's MLB career began with the San Diego Padres, making his debut in 1990. He played for several teams over his 13-year career: the Padres, Marlins, Cardinals, Giants, Mets, Indians, Rangers, and Angels. He was part of a notable 1993 trade that sent Gary Sheffield to the Marlins and brought Trevor Hoffman to the Padres. Despite longevity in the league, this player was often remembered more for his ineffectiveness than his contributions.



His tenure with the New York Mets in 2000 is especially infamous. Used frequently by manager Bobby Valentine despite poor performances, this player posted a 7.78 ERA over 32 games, a stretch many Mets fans recall with frustration and disbelief. Fans mocked his inability to throw strikes, his tendency to give up hits with two strikes, and the inexplicable frequency with which he was used in games despite poor results. Some speculated his continued presence was due to a personal connection with Mets executive Steve Phillips.



Though this player occasionally found brief success (e.g., a strong start with the Indians in 2001), fans saw this as a cosmic fluke. The contrast between his record against the Mets (5-0, 3.75 ERA) and his performance for them (0-1, 7.78 ERA) became a point of ironic trivia.



In hindsight, despite compiling a long career and even finishing with a winning record, this player is widely remembered—especially by Mets fans—as one of the least effective relief pitchers in team history. Yet, his story underscores baseball's enduring affection for left-handed pitchers and the curious persistence of underwhelming players in the league due to quirks in roster needs and managerial decisions.


Cowtipper Draft Eligible

Cowtipper

Old-Timey Member
Posted
  • Author
Posted


Joely Rodriguez is correct!



https://i.imgur.com/R1ZIr1D.png>


Hint for this guy:



This player, born December 16, 1987, in Newark, New Jersey, is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Acereros de Monclova in the Mexican League and representing the Puerto Rico national team. A left-handed pitcher known for his diverse pitch selection—including a rare screwball—this player was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 30th round of the 2006 MLB Draft. After working his way through the minor leagues, he made his MLB debut in 2011 with Chicago, eventually earning a role as both a reliever and starter. This player later played for the Los Angeles Angels, where he enjoyed his best season in 2015, followed by stints with the Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, and Seattle Mariners. His career has been marked by perseverance, versatility, and controversy, including a suspension in 2021 for violating MLB's grip-enhancing substance policy and a subsequent ban for a positive PED test. This player also gained attention for sending a heartfelt cover letter to MLB teams in 2020, expressing willingness to pitch in any role. Internationally, he helped Puerto Rico win silver in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Despite ups and downs, including injuries and disciplinary setbacks, this player has remained committed to the game, continuing his career in Mexico while staying true to his roots. He was a Met in 2019.


Cowtipper Draft Eligible

Cowtipper

Old-Timey Member
Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)


Hector Santiago is correct!



It's a Hall of Fame name



Now, can the esteemed members of this fine institution name the six players surnamed Martinez in Mets history?



1. Pedro Martinez, 2005-2008

2. Pedro Martinez, 1996

3. Ted Martinez, 1970-1974

4. J.D. Martinez, 2024

5. Fernando Martinez, 2009-2011

6. Ramon Martinez, 2008-2009



Surname pairs



How about the two players that share the surname...



A. Short?



1. Bill Short, 1968

2. Zack Short, 2024



B. Springer?



1. Steve Springer, 1992

2. Dennis Springer, 2000



C. Stanton?



1. Leroy Stanton, 1970-1971

2. Mike Stanton, 2003-2004



D. Strickland?



1. Hunter Strickland, 2020

2. Scott Strickland, 2002-2003



E. Sullivan?



1. John Sullivan, 1967

2. Cory Sullivan, 2009


Edited by Guest
Edgy MD FCL Mets

Edgy MD

Site Manager
Posted
Posted


Bill and Zack

Went forth and back

Representing the name of Short

But not one All-Star

Nor a positive WAR

Can that very brief name report



In '68, Bill

Did climb the Shea hill

But he clambered back down in disgrace

In '24, Zack

Went and set the Mets back

'Til Iglesias came forth to replace


Cowtipper Draft Eligible

Cowtipper

Old-Timey Member
Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)


Pedro, Pedro, Ted, J.D., Fernando, John, Cory, Ramon, Scott, Hunter, Leroy, Mike, Steve, Dennis, Bill & Zack are all correct!



Chris Short never played for the Mets.



They didn't all play first base



Can the esteemed members of this fine institution name the seven Mets players with the surname Hernandez?



1. Anderson Hernandez, 2005-2007 & 2009

2. Orlando Hernandez, 2006-2007

3. Livan Hernandez, 2009

4. Roberto Hernandez, 2007

5. Keith Hernandez, 1983-1989

6. Manny Hernandez, 1989

7. Luis Hernandez, 2010



Surname pairs



How about the players who share the surname...



A. Ramos?



1. Wilson Ramos, 2019-2020

2. AJ Ramos, 2017-2018



B. Rauch?



1. Jon Rauch, 2012

2. Bob Rauch, 1972



C. Roberts?



1. Grant Roberts, 2000-2004

2. Dave Roberts, 1981



D. Rose?



1. Don Rose, 1971

2. Brian Rose, 2001



E. Parker?



1. Harry Parker, 1973-1975

2. Rick Parker, 1994


Edited by Guest
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