Spring Fluff

[Guest Edgy DC]

I'll launch the first, which I'll copy and paste, since the TC Palm is not on everybody's registration list.

Mets getting to work early By LISA RIDDLE lisa.riddle@scripps.com January 9, 2006 Area fans can get an early look at some of the New York Mets today when the team comes to town for a mini-camp. Select major league players are expected to arrive at the minor league complex behind Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie today. At camp, team officials expect returning third baseman David Wright and starting pitcher Kris Benson, as well as newly acquired hurler Chad Bradford. Manager Willie Randolph also will make the trip. Bradford, 6-5, was 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA in 21 games with the Red Sox in 2005. After lower-back surgery sidelined him with the Oakland A's to start the season last year, he was traded to Boston on July 13. The Mets signed him last month. He has pitched with the White Sox, A's and Red Sox and has a combined 23-16 record and seven saves with a 3.49 ERA in 325 games. Wright, a former St. Lucie Mets player, is a young, athletic player who has quickly become a fan favorite. He made an over-the-shoulder catch last season that fans voted the "Play of the Year" in MLB.com's year-end awards. Benson, who was rumored a potential off-season trade, went 10-8 with a 4.13 ERA last year in his first full season with the Mets. The Mets had a busy off-season, snatching up some of the biggest names available. New to the team this year are closer Billy Wagner and former Marlins Carlos Delgado and Paul Lo Duca. It will be the second-straight season the Mets have added an attractive collection of marquee players. Last season under new general manager Omar Minaya, former Cy Young-winning pitcher Pedro Martinez and center fielder Carlos Beltran joined the squad. The Mets had their first winning season since 2001 last year with an 83-79 finish. After the mini-camp, which finishes Wednesday, the New York Mets return to Port St. Lucie in February for their official spring training camp. The Mets' first exhibition game is March 2 at Roger Dean Stadium against the St. Louis Cardinals. Important dates Tuesday: Hall of Fame voting announced. Feb. 16: Voluntary reporting date for pitchers, catchers and injured players. Feb. 21: Voluntary reporting date for other players. Feb. 28: Mandatory reporting date.

Not perhaps riveting, but I'll take what I can get.

[metirish]

In other St. Lucie news....

] Carter Moves Up to Manager of St. Lucie PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Hall of Famer Gary Carter was promoted Monday to manager of the Class-A St. Lucie Mets after managing New York's Gulf Coast League team last year. An 11-time All-Star catcher, Carter hopes to become a major league manager. "The Mets have given me the opportunity, and I'm doing everything I can to get there," Carter said. "If it doesn't happen in a couple years, then fine. If it does happen, it will be a great day." Carter managed the Gulf Coast Mets to a 37-16 record and the league playoffs. "I think it's a great opportunity for Gary," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said. "He did a great job with the Gulf Coast team." Carter replaces Tim Teufel, who managed the St. Lucie Mets for two years. He has left the organization.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/sns-ap-bbn-mets-carter,0,3466996.story?coll=ny-sports-headlines

[MFS62]

]Wright, a former St. Lucie Mets player, is a young, athletic player who has quickly become a fan favorite.

D'oh!

Later

[Elster88]

Fluffers.

[metirish]

Who's the prospect in the orange top?,that's Jeff Keppinger out front.




who's that with Strawberry?

[Guest Edgy DC]

Sure looks like Piazza's hair, doesn't it?

Maybe it's his brother.

Interesting to see Straw back. Maybe I should dig up the reunion thread.

[Gwreck]

="metirish"]who's that with Strawberry?

LoDuca, I think.

[Guest Iubitul]

Seeing this was a pleasant surprise...

[Farmer Ted]

I can live with those practice jerseys. Blue is dominate and the all-orange is finally friggin gone.

[Centerfield]

Is that pic from last year? I remember reading Timmy Tuff is no longer with the organization.

[Guest Edgy DC]

I think he's taking the year off, but not breaking with the organization.

Spring instruction is a good way to stay active.

[Elster88]

"In his continuing successful efforts to dupe the fucking brainless Met fans, Omar invites four retreads to training camp."

[Guest SI Metman]

="Gwreck"] ="metirish"]who's that with Strawberry? LoDuca, I think.

It's Brett Harper.