Cowtipper

Longtime Mets reliever Carl Edwards Jr. has been signed by the Detroit Tigers. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2026/05/08/carl-edwards-jr-was-signed-by-the-tigers-to-a-minor-league-deal/90002345007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=false&gca-epti=z116047p119050l003250c119050u115347e1106xxv116047&gca-ft=88&gca-ds=sophi I remember when they first signed him thinking that he was actually a pretty solid acquisition. Then I remember his very scraggly facial hair. Then I remember when they, for reasons we small-minded peons can never understand, got rid of him -- despite his excellent performance with the Mets.

Nick Burdi has retired.

This is the most loosely I've followed the Mets in years. I probably haven't followed them this loosely since the weirdo years of 2017-2019. Did those years even happen? The 2026 version is just so 'meh' right now.

The Mets signed pitchers Xzavion Curry and Guillo Zuniga. They also signed minor league hurler Brady Miller, who spent six (!!) years in college ball and later played in Mexico and the indy leagues. They also signed a fella named Josbel Torrez. They also signed a minor league pitcher named Jack Weisenburger, who was assigned to Triple-A Syracuse; that's his first taste of Triple-A. He's a good strikeout guy, at least.

The Mets signed pitcher Guillo Zuniga, who played briefly in the majors in 2023 and 2024, with limited success. He has 17 big league appearances under his belt. https://www.milb.com/player/guillo-zuniga-670871 The Mets signed pitcher Xzavion Curry to a minor league deal. He had some minor success a couple years ago with Cleveland. His career record is 5-8 with a 4.38 ERA in 62 games (16 starts). https://www.fantasypros.com/mlb/news/585075/xzavion-curry-signs-minor-league-deal-with-mets-.php

Billy Ray Barnes was an American football halfback who starred at Wake Forest before going on to a successful NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, and Minnesota Vikings, earning three Pro Bowl selections and winning the 1960 NFL Championship. In addition to football, he also played college baseball at Wake Forest, where he contributed as a third baseman and helped the school win the 1955 national baseball championship before later transitioning into coaching after his playing career. Bill Christine was an American journalist and author whose career focused heavily on baseball and horse racing, including long tenures at major newspapers such as the Los Angeles Times and earlier roles as both a sportswriter and publicist. He later became a nationally syndicated columnist and award-winning racing writer, continuing to publish books and articles on sports until his death in 2025 at age 87. Bob Davis was an American play-by-play broadcaster best known for his long-time coverage of the Kansas Jayhawks in football and men’s basketball, as well as Kansas City Royals baseball. He was widely respected in Kansas sports media for his dramatic announcing style and called multiple championship runs before retiring in 2016 and passing away in 2025 at age 80. Greg Hoard was an American sports journalist and broadcaster who worked for outlets including The Cincinnati Post, The Cincinnati Enquirer, WLWT-TV, and WXIX-TV, primarily covering Cincinnati sports. He also authored a biography of baseball player Joe Nuxhall and later left television journalism to focus on writing before his death in 2025 at age 73. Mike Patrick was an American television sportscaster best known for his long career at ESPN, where he called Sunday Night Football, college football, and major college basketball events for decades. In addition to his extensive football and basketball work, he also contributed to baseball coverage through assignments such as NCAA baseball video games and the College World Series broadcasts, before retiring in 2018 and passing away in 2025 at age 80. Al Trautwig was a longtime American sports commentator known for his work with MSG Network, NBC, ABC, and other outlets covering major events like the Olympics, NHL, Yankees, Knicks, and Rangers, as well as auto racing, cycling, tennis, and gymnastics. His career ended after controversy over his Olympic gymnastics commentary in 2016 and declining health in later years, and he died in 2025 at age 68 from cancer complications.

Dick Hughes died. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/richard-hughes-obituary?id=61431231 Who was Dick Hughes? Dick Hughes was an American right-handed pitcher who played briefly in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1966 to 1968. Born in 1938 in Stephens, Arkansas, he grew up in Louisiana, where he developed as a standout high school pitcher before playing college baseball at the University of Arkansas and beginning his professional career in 1958. Hughes reached the majors late, debuting in 1966, but broke out in 1967 when he became a key member of the Cardinals’ pitching staff. That season, he went 16–6 with a strong 2.67 ERA, led the National League in WHIP, and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting behind Tom Seaver. He also helped the Cardinals win the 1967 World Series and even started two games in the Fall Classic against the Boston Red Sox. His career peaked quickly and ended just as fast. In spring training of 1968, he suffered a torn rotator cuff—an injury that could not be surgically repaired at the time. Although he attempted to continue pitching that season, his effectiveness declined, and he threw his final major league innings in 1968. After a brief stint in the minors, he retired from professional baseball. Hughes died in 2026 at the age of 88, remembered as a late-blooming pitcher whose career was highlighted by a standout rookie season and a World Series championship before injury cut it short. Also, who was Bobby Cox? Bobby Cox was a Hall of Fame Major League Baseball player, coach, general manager, and one of the most successful managers in baseball history. Born in 1941 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he played briefly as a third baseman for the New York Yankees from 1968 to 1969 before transitioning into coaching and front-office roles. His managerial career began in the Yankees’ minor league system in the early 1970s, followed by his first MLB managerial job with the Atlanta Braves from 1978 to 1981. He then managed the Toronto Blue Jays from 1982 to 1985, helping turn them into a competitive team and leading them to their first division title in 1985. Cox returned to the Braves in the mid-1980s, initially as general manager, where he helped build the foundation of a dominant roster featuring players like Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Chipper Jones. He returned to the dugout as manager in 1990 and led one of the most successful eras in modern baseball history. Under Cox, the Braves became perennial contenders, winning 14 straight division titles from 1991 to 2005 (excluding the strike-shortened 1994 season). They won the World Series in 1995 and reached the postseason repeatedly throughout the 1990s and 2000s, though they often fell short in later playoff rounds. Cox became known for his leadership style, consistent success, and record-setting 162 career ejections. He retired after the 2010 season with over 2,500 managerial wins, one of the highest totals in MLB history. Cox was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. He died in 2026 at age 84, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential managers in baseball history. And who was John Sterling? John Sterling was a longtime American sportscaster best known for being the radio play-by-play voice of the New York Yankees from 1989 to 2024. Born in 1938 in New York City, he had a long and varied broadcasting career before joining the Yankees, including work covering NBA, NHL, and other MLB teams such as the Atlanta Braves. Sterling became one of the most recognizable voices in baseball due to his highly distinctive announcing style, including signature home run calls tailored to individual players and his famous postgame line, “Theeeee Yankees win!” He also became known for his strong identification with the Yankees, often celebrating their successes in an enthusiastic, unmistakable style. During his Yankees tenure, he called over 5,000 consecutive games for decades, only briefly stepping away once in 2019 before continuing his streak. He worked alongside several partners over the years, most notably Suzyn Waldman, with whom he formed a long-running radio duo starting in 2005. Sterling announced his retirement in 2024 after more than three decades with the team but briefly returned later that year for select postseason broadcasts. He fully retired afterward. Outside of baseball, he also hosted television and radio programs, including Yankees-related features and occasional sports broadcasts. He was widely recognized in the industry, winning multiple Sports Emmy Awards. Sterling died in 2026 at the age of 87 from heart failure in New Jersey. He is remembered as one of the most distinctive and enduring voices in baseball broadcasting history, closely associated with the Yankees for an entire generation of fans. Also... Pat Caputo was a Detroit-based sportswriter and talk radio personality best known for his long tenure at WXYT-FM, where he hosted sports talk programs and contributed to coverage of local teams like the Tigers, Lions, Pistons, and Red Wings. After decades as a columnist for The Oakland Press and various radio and TV sports roles, he continued broadcasting into the 2020s before being diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and dying in 2026 at age 67.

Ronny Mauricio: The Mets placed Mauricio (thumb) on the 10-day injured list Sunday. According to Laura Albanese of Newsday, manager Carlos Mendoza said that Mauricio is headed for a CT scan and is facing an initial recovery timeline of 6-to-8 weeks. The Mets called up Vidal Brujan to provide another option at shortstop while Mauricio and Francisco Lindor (calf) are on the shelf, but Bo Bichette will start at the position Sunday in Anaheim and will likely see the bulk of the playing time at that spot. Injury Thumb. Est. Return 6/15/2026. AJ Minter: The Mets pulled Minter (lat) from his rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday due to left hip discomfort, Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News reports. Minter was cleared to embark on a rehab assignment in early April, less than a year after undergoing surgery on his left lat. He has tossed 8.2 innings across nine minor-league games while posting a 1.04 ERA and 0.69 WHIP. Mike Puma of the New York Post reports that Minter will be reevaluated in a few days, but the Mets aren't overly concerned about the 32-year-old southpaw, who could be with the big club by mid-May depending on the severity of his latest injury. Injury Lat. Est. Return 5/12/2026. Kodai Senga: Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters that Senga (back) played catch Wednesday, and the right-hander is progressing in his recovery, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports. "[Senga's] feeling a lot better, so now we've got to build him back up," Mendoza relayed Wednesday. Senga is working through lumbar spine inflammation that caused him to land on the 15-day injured list in late April. He'll struggled to a 9.00 ERA and 1.95 WHIP across 20 innings prior to landing on the IL, and he may need a lengthy rehab assignment before being cleared to return to the big leagues. Injury Back. Est. Return 6/1/2026.

RIP. It's been a million years, but I still think of him as THE Braves manager, despite the success of Snitker and Fredi Gonzalez being around a while. Snitker could have forged himself a Hall of Fame career, too, based on his success to date, had he decided not to quit.

I had huge expectations. They bring aboard Semien, Bichette, Peralta, Williams. They have All-Stars, potential All-Stars (supposedly in the Baby Mets) ,Gold Glovers, Silver Sluggers, MVPS and future Hall of Famers up and down the lineup. The team on paper is stacked. I think this site just has a lot of really jaded Mets fans.

Usually for me, the season really starts in May for that reason. I don't wanna pay the full amount, so all I have to get me by until it goes on sale are clips on Mets.com.

It's 2023 all over again. HUUUUUUUUUUUGE expectations (we had Verlander and Scherzer and Alonso and Diaz and Lindor and Robertson) yet by the break Verlander was gone. I actually have fond memories of the 2023 season. I think that was my first year on this website and the first time in a long, long time that I bought MLB.tv and was able to consistently watch Mets games again. There was just something endearing about that team, what with Rafael Ortega and Jonathan Arauz and all that.

I think Kimbrel just lost his spot on the team.

It's about time for it to go on sale for $69.99 if anyone is interested. Last year it went on sale on 5/11.

Bob Skinner died. https://nypost.com/2026/05/05/sports/bob-skinner-three-time-world-series-champion-dead-at-94/ Who was Bob Skinner? Bob Skinner was an American professional baseball player, manager, coach, and scout whose career in the sport spanned more than five decades. Born in 1931 in La Jolla, California, he showed early promise as a hitter and signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates after a brief stint in junior college. His development was interrupted by service in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, but he returned to baseball and reached the major leagues in 1954. Skinner played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Pirates, and later with the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals. Originally a first baseman, he found greater success after transitioning to left field. Known for his smooth “pretty swing,” he became a consistent hitter, highlighted by a standout 1958 season when he batted .321 and earned All-Star honors. He was also an All-Star in 1960, the same year he helped the Pirates win the World Series. Later, he contributed to another championship with the Cardinals in 1964. Over his playing career, he compiled a .277 batting average with 103 home runs. After retiring as a player in 1966, Skinner moved into managing and coaching. He found early success managing in the minor leagues, winning a championship and Manager of the Year honors in 1967. He then managed the Philadelphia Phillies from 1968 to 1969, though his tenure was marked by internal conflicts and inconsistent team performance, leading to his resignation. He later briefly managed the San Diego Padres and spent many years as a hitting coach and assistant with multiple teams, including long stints with the Pirates. He also managed in the minors again before transitioning into scouting. Beyond the field, Skinner worked as a broadcaster and held various offseason jobs earlier in his life. He was part of a baseball family, with his son Joel also becoming a major league player and manager. Skinner was honored for his contributions to sports in San Diego and remained involved in baseball well into later life. He died in 2026 at the age of 94, remembered as a respected figure in baseball for both his playing career and his long service to the game in many roles. Ted Turner died. https://apnews.com/article/ted-turner-cnn-death-obit-4ec07d2aecea43aa86f92b294d32e410 Who was Ted Turner? Ted Turner (1938–2026) was an influential American media entrepreneur, businessman, and philanthropist best known for transforming television and cable news. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and raised in the South, Turner took over his father’s struggling billboard business after his father’s death and expanded it into a successful media enterprise. His bold, risk-taking approach led him into broadcasting, where he built a communications empire. Turner’s most significant achievement was founding CNN in 1980, the world’s first 24-hour cable news network, which revolutionized how news was delivered and consumed globally. He also launched WTBS, pioneering the “superstation” concept by broadcasting a local Atlanta station nationwide via satellite, and later created TNT and Cartoon Network. His ventures helped shape modern cable television and expanded the reach of sports and entertainment programming. Beyond media, Turner owned several professional sports teams, including the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks, using his networks to boost their national visibility. He also had a long-running rivalry with media mogul Rupert Murdoch. In 1996, Turner merged his company with Time Warner, marking a major turning point in the media industry and reducing his direct control over his empire. Turner was also known for his outspoken personality and controversial remarks, particularly on politics, religion, and population control. At the same time, he became a major philanthropist, co-founding the Nuclear Threat Initiative and donating large portions of his wealth to global causes. He was also involved in environmental efforts and business ventures like Ted’s Montana Grill. In his personal life, Turner was married three times, including to actress Jane Fonda, and had five children. He was also an accomplished sailor, winning major competitions including the America’s Cup. Ted Turner died in 2026 at the age of 87. He is remembered as a pioneering figure who reshaped global media, introduced continuous news coverage, and combined business ambition with a strong commitment to philanthropy and environmental advocacy.

That's not allowed here.

I think that's reason to be optimistic, because there's no way that is going to last. The team is loaded with All-Stars. I just don't see them struggling this badly forever.

Hells yeah he is. Future Hall of Famer Craig Kimbrel is tearing it up for NY! (Not really, but it's good to have him around).

Well, after Edwards struck out 11 batters in 6 innings, while posting an excellent 1.50 ERA and 1.167 WHIP, David Stearns decided he was far too talented and skilled to keep around. Horribly insulted by that horrible insult, Carl Edwards has elected free agency, probably seeking a team that actually appreciates and respects his abilities. Meanwhile, I hear David Stearns is currently looking to sign a Pecos League pitcher with a 12.96 ERA to put on the major league roster. I hear Justin Garza is still a free agent.

Didn't realize he was so old! Never a huge fan of his style, but you can't say he wasn't iconic.

Joey Gerber: Gerber (finger) struck out two and allowed two hits over a scoreless inning during his rehab appearance Tuesday at Triple-A Syracuse. The right-hander took the hill for the second appearance of his assignment after he previously tossed a scoreless frame for Single-A St. Lucie on Saturday. Gerber shouldn't require much more additional time in the minors to prove his health after landing on the injured list April 14 due to a blister, but his activation could be delayed nonetheless if the Mets don't have a spot available for him in the big-league bullpen. Injury Finger. Est. Return 5/3/2026. Jorge Polanco: Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said last Friday that Polanco (wrist/Achilles) has resumed performing baseball activities but is considered week-to-week in his recovery from a pair of injuries, SNY.tv reports. New York placed Polanco on the 10-day injured list April 18 due to a right wrist bone bruise and left Achilles bursitis. The Achilles issue has been something that Polanco has been managing throughout the season, while the wrist injury is a newer concern. While Polanco's ability to take part in baseball work is a positive sign, a target date for his return from the IL likely won't become clear until he resumes playing in simulated games or minor-league rehab games. Polanco started at first base in the Mets' first two games of the season, but he was deployed exclusively as a designated hitter in his subsequent 12 starts before hitting the IL. Injury Wrist. Est. Return 5/8/2026. Luis Robert: The Mets placed Robert on the 10-day injured list Thursday with a lumbar spine disc herniation. Robert hasn't played in a few days and an MRI revealed the herniation in his back. He will be shut down for 7-to-10 days after being given an injection Thursday, per Max Goodman of NJ.com. While a minimum stay on the IL is unlikely, the Mets are hopeful Robert's absence won't be a lengthy one. Tyrone Taylor and MJ Melendez will see more action in the outfield for the Mets while Robert is shelved. Injury Back. Est. Return 5/18/2026. Kodai Senga: The Mets placed Senga on the 15-day injured list Tuesday due to lumbar spine inflammation. The right-hander has begun the season 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA through his first five starts, and he lasted just 2.2 frames during his most recent outing Sunday versus Colorado. According to Laura Albanese of Newsday, Senga received an epidural and will be shut down from throwing for at least 7-to-10 days. Once healthy and built back up, the Mets are likely to send Senga on what could be a lengthy rehab assignment to try and get him back on track. Christian Scott is poised to claim the open rotation spot after being recalled from Triple-A Syracuse. Injury Back. Est. Return 6/1/2026.

Conrad "Randy" Cardinal died. https://www.metcalfbonzomortuary.com/obituaries/conrad-cardinal Who was Conrad Cardinal? Conrad Cardinal, also known as Randy Cardinal, was an American professional baseball pitcher who had a brief Major League Baseball career with the Houston Colt .45s in 1963. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he began his professional career in 1962 in the Detroit Tigers’ minor league system, where he showed promise with a strong debut season. Selected by Houston in the Rule V Draft, Cardinal made the major league roster and appeared in six games early in the 1963 season. His most notable moment came in his debut, when he struck out Hall of Famer Willie Mays. However, his overall MLB performance was modest, finishing with a 0–1 record and a 6.08 ERA. After a short stint in the majors, he was sent back to the minor leagues, where he continued playing until 1965 but never returned to the big leagues. Cardinal’s professional career spanned four years, mostly in the minors, and he remained a relatively obscure figure in baseball history. He passed away in 2026 at the age of 84. Also... Billy Cork (1954–2026) was an American high school and college baseball coach, serving as head coach at Birch Run High School and later at Delta College, where he progressed from assistant coach in 2021 to head coach from 2022 to 2025. Beyond baseball, he was active in youth sports coaching for basketball and football, bowled regularly, and remained involved in his church throughout his life.

We'll get to see what Vidal Brujan can do, as he's been selected to replace Mauricio. Wagaman was DFA'd, so the Eric Wagaman era might be over.

Actually not a bad move. He's been a rarely impressive piece all things considered. Hard to believe he's been with the Mets three years now.

Ibanez is just more of that genius David Stearns 9-D chess that hasn't worked yet, but maybe one day it will.